(EAW intro plays…)
(Friday Night Dynasty intro plays. Afterwards, we come to the live look of the arena, inside and out. The sold-out crowd are on their feet in New Zealand as pyro goes off. Then, the shot switches over to commentary.)
Stew-O: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WELCOME TO FRIDAY NIGHT DYNASTY! I am Stew-O, and as always, I am here with Jake Mercer and Flannery McCoy!
Jake Mercer: The War of the Brands is coming soon. The teams are set, everyone is ready to go, and even the non-tribrand matches are shaping up to be just as crazy! On our side, we have Cy Henderson defending the world heavyweight championship against Michael Machina! The Specialists match between Mia Santoro, KASAI and Holly Arrow! And it seems like we got another one on the horizon based on a shocking return last week!
Flannery McCoy: Absolutely. Speaking of which, I guess the man of the hour will let it be known from his side why he did what he did…
(‘Faneto’ by Chief Keef hits, the familiar beats and thumping notes of the Chiraq drill classic permeating all throughout the Wolfbrook Arena. The fans are mixed; many are happy to see SOSA Henderson back, but the boos that are just as present stem from his return coming at the expense of Brian Daniels, who had been attacked on last week’s edition.)
(Either way, SOSA himself struts on out, shades and coat on as per usual, back like he never left.)
Stephie Love: EAW Universe, please welcome at this time, and BACK on Friday Night Dynasty… SOOOOOOOSAAAAAAA HEEEEEEENDEEEEERSOOOOOOOON!!!
Stew-O: It’s a loud reaction here tonight! SOSA came back in the main event tag team last show, and he let his presence be known as he took down Brian Daniels, clearly targeting him! We still don’t know the exact reason why he did that, but we’ll be getting our answers shortly!
Jake Mercer: SOSA does what he SOSA wants to do. It’s as simple as that! People can take issue with it, as some of the fans clearly do, but at this point… he doesn’t give a shit.
Flannery McCoy: It was a statement made for sure. What else can be added on to that tonight as SOSA makes his way to the ring?
(SOSA takes a microphone up before getting into the ring. He rolls the mic around, head bobbing subtly to the music before ‘Faneto’ fades off gradually… and that gives him the floor to speak.)
SOSA Henderson: Well, well, well… did y’all miss me?
(The crowd, once again, is mixed. SOSA chortles.)
SOSA Henderson: Well, aye, either way, it doesn’t affect me. I’m in the business of myself. It’s been a hot minute since I wrestled, and frankly, I know it wasn’t the best reflection. However, y’all also know that by now, I don’t let anything weight me down. Embarrassing, humiliating, I don’t give a damn. The hustle doesn’t stop ‘cause of a misstep, and when I got the call from Tyrone, I knew it was time. I wasn’t gonna sit my ass out for long. The goal was always gonna be to come back, and since Mr. Montgomery offered up a spot? I took it. So now…
(He grins, raising an arm out to his side, as if taking in the magnitude of the space surrounding him.)
SOSA Henderson: I’m back!
(He smirks.)
SOSA Henderson: And I ain’t leavin’. Only way I’m getting gone and out for good is if there are some hating-ass niggas out here who wanna target me, and of course, ain’t no doubt about it imma have someone try and come after me in a bit…
(The fans begin to cheer, realizing who he’s referencing. SOSA cocks a brow at this.)
SOSA Henderson: Oh? So y’all felt I wronged Brian Daniels, huh? Want him to swing by over and give it to me as payback?
(The crowd cheers more. SOSA laughs and shakes his head.)
SOSA Henderson: Well, it ain’t happening! Because I’m not about to let anyone bitch me out, and I’m certainly not in the camp of letting someone pumpfake themselves into believing they about to get any measure of ‘revenge’ on me.
(More of the fans boo for that. However, SOSA shrugs.)
SOSA Henderson: It is what it is. However, imma say it from the get-go that it ain’t nothing personal on my end. I have no ill will to the guy. I just wanna let it be known that I’m back, I’m reinvigorated, but if people got an issue with it, then oh well. I do what I want. Y’all ain’t gotta gel with it, but y’all are gonna understand that no one is gonna sway me into thinking I’m the bad guy. Brian was just a necessary casualty, in a way, and—
(Suddenly, ‘Dragonborn’ by Jeremy Soule hits, and the fans come alive! SOSA’s attention snaps to the stage as Brian Daniels storms out, and he is NOT happy!)
(With his own mic, he speaks up, cutting right through the theme.)
Brian Daniels: Seriously? It’s nothing personal? You do what you want, SOSA? Is that all you have to say for yourself?
SOSA Henderson: I mean, I was gonna say more before your salty ass came on out and interuppted me.
Brain Daniels: Oh, right, right, sorry, because SOSA Henderson can never do anything wrong, right?
SOSA Hendersom: :wtf: And when did I imply that, motherfucker? Yo, don’t start talking crazy just because you wanna feel some type of way, bruh.
Brian Daniels: Really? Because I’m well within my right to feel how I want to feel seeing as how you can do whatever you want and not care. So, why don’t I do the same?
(Brian enters the ring, staring daggers right into him.)
Brian Daniels: Look, I get it. You wanted a grand re-introduction. You wanted a statement made. However, things could’ve been approached differently, because you can’t exactly shrug off attacking someone who was already having to deal with some bullcrap out of the blue and now want to act as if you’re some tough, indomitable force we have to be intimidated by. I mean, do you think anyone even cares you’re ‘reinvigorated’ when this is the same song and dance from you we’ve seen and heard before? Yet, each time you came back from a little break, where has any of that led you?
SOSA Henderson: Oh, nice! Homeboy got jokes now! I guess since you’re wrestling consistently again that’s allowed you to further flesh things out, but aye, check this: if you’re all zooted up, why don’t you go ahead and do something about?
(SOSA smirks. Brian purses his lips.)
Brian Daniels: No need to try and goad me on, SOSA; I have all the intentions in the world of doing that. I’m not the guy to take things lightly.
SOSA Henderson: Ha! But you wanna talk about folks doing the same song and dance? Bro, you preached the same thing to Cy, and he beat your ass.
Crowd: :lupe:
Brian Daniels: Yeah? Well, it’s nice to see you keep up with the product while you stayed at home being scared of no longer being able to keep up with any of us.
Crowd: :lupe: :lupe:
SOSA Henderson: Oh, come on, man! You can do better than that! That was weak!
Brian Daniels: And you know all about being weak, wouldn’t you? Considering you were deadweight for a tag team, deadweight for a relationship, and deadweight for an entire brand.
Crowd: !!!
(SOSA’s eyes narrow.)
SOSA Henderson: You ain’t in no position to try and punch down on me, man. I mean, I ain’t gotta repeat the same jokes people be cracking about you; they’re so commonly used anyhow that you got them memorized by heart. But you know what, Brian? I ain’t in it with the back and forth with you. You clearly feel some type of way, and you clearly stormed down the ramp with intent on doing something, so…
(He steps up.)
SOSA Henderson: Do something. Lil bitch.
Brian Daniels: …
(Brian takes one more step.)
Brian Daniels: Gladly.
(CRACK!)
Stew-O: OH! AND BRIAN DANIELS STRIKES SOSA HENDERSON DOWN WITH A STIFF LEFT! SOSA BACKPEDALS, AND BRIAN IS GOING CRAZY WITH FISTS AFTER FISTS! IT’S A STRAIGHT UP FIGHT HAPPENING!
Jake Mercer: IT IS, BECAUSE SOSA AIN’T BACKING DOWN! BOTH MEN ARE SCRAPING LIKE CRAZY, BATTERING EACH OTHER IN!
Flannery McCoy: AND HERE COMES SECURITY TO BREAK IT ALL UP! ONE AFTER THE OTHER, GUARDS SWARM THE RING AND SEPARATE THE TWO!
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Stew-O: THE FANS AREN’T HAPPY, BUT SOME SEMBLANCE OF ORDER IS BEING RESTORED! SOSA! BRIAN! THIS IS GOING TO GET UGLY, AND FAST IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS!
(The final shot shows SOSA and Brian being restrained, yelling at one another, before Dynasty fades to its first set of commercials…)
(A commercial plays for Factor Meals.)
Stephie Love: The following is scheduled for one fall!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(‘Altair’ by INUWASI hits the speakers and Anna Wautier emerges from the back with a massive smile on her face. She wastes no time by running down the ramp, tagging the fans on her way. Anna slides in, climbing the middle rope and posing to the cheers of the audience.)
Stephie Love: Introducing first, weighing in at 142 pounds, from Yokohama, Japan, she is “THE THORN PRINCESS” … ANNNNAAAAA! WAUUTTTIIIEERRRRRR!!!
(‘Just a Phase’ by Incubus is next to play and the crowd erupts at the appearance of Milli Banks. While Milli hears their reactions, her eyes are set on Anna and the ring. She strides down the ramp, making her way up the steps and swinging in. No time for theatrics, especially not when she’s ready to go.)
Stephie Love: Her opponent, weighing in at 142 pounds, from Brooklyn, New York, she is “THE SUPERNOVA” … MIILLLLIIIII! BBBAANNNKKKSSSSS!!!
(DING DING DING!)
Stew-O: The bell rings and we’re off to a start! Milli and Anna circle around the ring, taking a good look at the other. Anna Wautier is very quick and explosive on her feet right now, meanwhile Milli is trying to find her footing in her first match since Pain For Pride… Milli steps in for a collar and elbow tie-up, but wisely, Anna ducks underneath and grabs her in a waistlock instead! That caught Milli off guard, and Anna heaves her up in the air for a rear takedown—
Jake Mercer: But Milli is privy to that! She captures the wrist of Anna and tosses her over her shoulder, floating both women up to their feet! A dropkick from Milli, and Anna rolls to her feet. Milli captures her with an armdrag, planting her in the center of the ring! She tries to lock in that kneeling armbar, but Anna quickly pushes upwards. Milli transitions to a wristlock, but Anna runs to the ropes! She leaps up the top rope, back handspringing off into an armdrag of her own! Milli rolls through, and Anna with a dropkick! Milli hits the canvas hard and rolls over, grabbing the ropes and rising to her feet.
Flannery McCoy: Anna looks for a clothesline out, but instead, Milli ducks underneath and grabs the waist. She pushes her against the ropes, O’Connor Roll—nope! Anna hangs on! Milli backrolls off and Anna leaps up to the middle rope, flying into a springboard crossbody! But Milli beautifully rolls through, pinning the shoulders to the canvas!
ONE—
Stew-O: Nope! Anna kicks out! Both women rise and Milli hooks her into a side headlock. Anna takes her to the ropes and sends her off! She drops down and Milli floats over, here comes Milli off the ropes with a shoulder block! Anna hits the canvas hard and Milli hits off the ropes now! She’s ready to follow up—NO! ANNA TRIPS HER! Milli tried to jump but she just didn’t have that extra bounce that she usually does! Milli falls to her knees, caught completely off guard.
Jake Mercer: And because of that, it allows Wautier to push up to her feet. She charges towards Milli and captures the arm, spinning into a La Magistral cradle! Shoulders pressed to the canvas and Milli is flailing her legs out in the air!
ONE!
TW—
Flannery McCoy: Milli kicks out! She rolls to her feet, and Anna leaps onto her shoulders and sends her flying with a hurricanrana! Milli rolls through, slipping underneath the bottom rope. Anna pushes up to her feet and quickly runs off the ropes! Milli looks up—AND HERE COMES ANNA WITH A WRECKING BALL DROPKICK! Milli goes down, and Anna is feeling it now! Wautier drags Banks up and throws her into the ring!
Stew-O: Wautier slides in and calls Milli up. She cracks her with a forearm, and then a spinning sole kick to the body! Milli’s head leans down, and Anna kicks her in the jaw! Anna falls backwards into the ropes, and then Anna swings a lariat—no! Milli captures the arm and spins around, hooking the arms. Backslide incoming, nope! Anna saw it coming and she flips over the back of Milli, now tucking her head into her thighs. She double underhooks the arms, ready to float her up in the air with a tiger driver—
Jake Mercer: BUT IT’S MILLI WHO COUNTERS IT WITH A HURRICANRANA THIS TIME! I’ve never seen such a thing! And Anna rises to her feet, Milli captures the wrist and runs up the ropes, throwing her overhead with a Lucha-esque armdrag! Anna bounces off of the impact, and now here comes Milli! She leaps at Anna, rotating her body, and Anna holds her in wheelbarrow position, only for Milli to kick her legs in the air and use that momentum to propel herself into a bulldog in the center of the ring! Wautier gets planted face-first on the canvas and Milli rises to her feet, and these fans are feeling it as well!
Crowd: MILLI! MILLI! MILLI!
Flannery McCoy: Anna slowly rises and Milli nails her with a forearm to the jaw! Anna fires back one of her own! And Milli responds! These two are trading shots, and Anna swings another, but Milli blocks it! She gets Anna with a stomp to the toe! Anna reaches down to reach for her toe, leaving her head open! Snap suplex from Milli, and she floats over!
Jake Mercer: Upon floating over, she holds onto Anna’s leg and heaves her up to her feet! Milli hooks the leg and spins into a SWINGING FISHERMAN’S NECKBREAKER! LEG HOOKED FOR THE COVER! BEAUTIFUL BRIDGE FROM MILLI!
ONE!
TWO!
Stew-O: KICK OUT FROM ANNA! Milli rises to her feet, shaking her head. She looks to the ropes and approaches the turnbuckles, slowly climbing up! Is Milli about to dive off the top! She has her back turned to Anna, contemplating a moonsault! But it’s been awhile since Milli has truly done a massive dive off the top. She did that armdrag earlier—but she had the assistance of Anna’s arm!
Flannery McCoy: And that hesitation allows Wautier to rise and throw an enzuigiri to the back! And she climbs the middle rope, throwing forearms to the back of Milli! She wraps her arm around the back of her head, and SCOOPS HER UP WITH AN AVALANCHE BACK SUPLEX! Milli’s body goes crashing into the canvas, and Anna finds it in her to pull herself back up to her feet! She clutches the back of her head, staggering towards the ropes!
Jake Mercer: Wautier ascends up the middle rope, and then climbs the top! She steadies herself atop the ropes, and GOES FLYING OFF WITH A MOONSAULT! BIT OF AN INSULT TO INJURY, BUT WAUTIER SCORES! SHE HOOKS THE LEGS!
ONE!
TWO!
Stew-O: MILLI KICKS OUT! Milli rolls over, holding her body in agony! Anna slaps the canvas, looking around. She rises to her feet and pulls Milli up to her feet! She ducks underneath, trying to get that wrist clutch grip in, but Milli starts fighting it! She sends an elbow to Anna! Another elbow from Milli, and she drops down, floating Anna over her back! Milli is up to her feet and here comes Anna! She swings a roundhouse, but Milli ducks her head in time!
Flannery McCoy: Anna’s leg gets trapped over the shoulder of Milli. Milli scoops her other leg and lifts her in an electric chair! Milli tries to take her down, but Anna brings Milli forward with a victory roll! Milli rolls through before the ref can count though, and she grabs the wrist of Anna! ‘MEGIDOLADYNE!’ THE LEFT KNEE GOES RIGHT INTO THE JAW OF WAUTIER! SHE’S OUT OF IT! And Milli drops down, hooking the legs for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
Jake Mercer: WAUTIER GETS HER SHOULDER UP JUST IN TIME! That was an extremely close one! Milli kneels up, shaking her head. She’s feeling the wear and tear as this one goes on, but clearly the control is still in her favor! Anna rolls to the turnbuckles and Milli rises, following her up. Anna holds her mouth in agony, trying to regain her bearings.
Stew-O: She grabs the wrist of Anna and sends her across the ring with an irish whip! Anna runs up the ropes, though! Milli tries to stop herself but it’s too late, Wautier with a dropkick right to the skull of Milli! She tried to get her hands up but her boot went right into her head! Milli ragdolls across the canvas, trying to follow up. Anna is up to her feet and she claps her hands, looking around.
Flannery McCoy: Milli slowly rises and Anna leaps onto her knees, tossing her with a monkey flip—no! Milli cartwheels through! Anna sees this and she flies into a dropkick, but Milli catches the legs! She floats into a jackknife pinfall, pressing the shoulders to the canvas!
OOOONNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!
Stew-O: BUT ANNA PUSHES FORWARD, WITH A SEATED PINFALL! Milli’s shoulders are pressed to the canvas!
OOOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!!
Jake Mercer: ONLY FOR MILLI TO ROLL INTO A PINFALL OF HER OWN!
OOOOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!
TTTTTTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Flannery McCoy: Wautier kicks out! Milli stumbles forward! She swings a roundhouse kick, but Anna blocks it! She superkicks out the legs of Milli! Milli falls to her knees and Anna runs to the turnbuckles, bouncing off! Anna with a rolling thunder, soaring into a SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB! THE BACK OF MILLI’S HEAD BOUNCING OFF THE CANVAS!
Stew-O: Anna has Milli exactly where she wants her! She rolls to her feet and wastes no time, quickly running off of the ropes! Milli is still laid out—BUT WAUTIER IS READY! ‘TRUENO DESTRODA!’ THE RUNNING DOUBLE FOOT STOMP! PIERCES RIGHT INTO THE CHEST OF BANKS! AND THAT COULD BE IT! ANNA TURNS AND HOOKS THE LEGS FOR THE COVER!
OOOOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!
TTTTTTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTHHHHHHHHHH—
Jake Mercer: NO! MILLI GETS A SHOULDER UP IN TIME! Anna falls to her side, and these two women are both back at ground zero! Milli grimaces, looking up at the ceiling. She rolls over and tries her hardest to get up, but Anna is up with her and she’s ready to follow through! Anna starts throwing kicks to the chest of Banks as she’s getting up! Anna is hurting her with these kicks to the chest!
Stew-O: She tries to rise, but Anna throws another—Milli catches it! AND SHE SLAPS HER! Anna staggers back, but she comes off the ropes with a boot to the side of the head! Milli stumbles, and now Anna turns around and hits off the ropes! Milli frontrolls past Anna, she leaps to the middle rope, and she soars into a hurricanrana—NO! MILLI GETS CAUGHT UP ON THE ROPES, AND ANNA CATCHES HER AS A RESULT! That rust continuing to get to her, as Anna scoops her up for a POWERBOMB-
Jake Mercer: BUT MILLI LEAPS OFF JUST IN TIME! She may be rusty but she hasn’t lost her instincts or mind whatsoever! A shaky landing for Milli, but Wautier is slow to turn around and grab her! She spins into a sweep, and gets the seated Wautier with a low-angle penalty kick, and then a double foot stomp afterwards! She didn’t get that running jump that Anna did, so a pinfall isn’t imminent.
Flannery McCoy: Instead, she drags Anna back up and she swings behind. Milli ripcords Anna out for the slap—NO! Anna captures the arm and spins them both around! She cups her hand around the back of Milli’s head and leaps into a SHIRANUI! I’M SURE THAT WAS FAMILIAR WITH BANKS! WAUTIER HOLDS ONTO MILLI AND ROLLS HER TO HER FEET!
Stew-O: Anna runs forward, taking the top rope and leaping to the middle rope! She springboards up! ‘BELLE PAPILLION!’ THE REVERSE HURRICANRANA SPIKES MILLI ON THE BACK OF HER HEAD! ANNA ONCE AGAIN WITH THE ADVANTAGE! SHE ROLLS HER OVER FOR THE COVER!
OOOOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!
TTTTTTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR—
Jake Mercer: BUT BANKS KICKS OUT! AGAIN! Anna sits up, slapping the canvas! Milli rolls away, and she’s breathing heavily. Both of these women are taking each other to their limit! Milli is now on the apron and Anna slowly rises, limping towards her.
Stew-O: She reaches out to grab her, pulling Milli up. Anna climbs the middle rope, and hooks Milli in a front facelock. She tries to lift her up with a superplex back in the ring, but Milli stalls it! Anna just doesn’t have enough power to deadlift Milli right now! Milli starts throwing punches to the body, and Anna is doing everything in her power to stop her! She tries to scoop Milli up again—but Milli drops down!
Flannery McCoy: Wautier tries one more time, but Milli starts throwing punches to the liver of Anna! And she shoves her off! Wautier loses her grip and falls right onto her back! Milli quickly runs to the corner and begins to climb up! She turns herself, and this time, it’s no stalling! MOONSAULT! MILLI GETS WAUTIER WITH THE MOONSAULT! AND SHE HOOKS THE LEGS!
OOOOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!
TTTTTTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEE—
Jake Mercer: ONLY FOR WAUTIER TO KICK OUT! How close that was, though! Milli slaps the mat. But again, she is getting closer to the victory and she knows that! Milli pulls Anna up, and once again, she turns her around. Ripcord position, she was going for Crossfaded earlier, but will she get it this time—
Stew-O: MILLI SLAPS ANNA! AND THEN THE BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE—NO! Anna evades it and leaps up! She presses forward, hooking her legs underneath the armpits of Milli and rolling into a JAPANESE LEG ROLL CLUTCH! THE PINFALL! MILLI IS FLAILING DESPERATELY, TRYING TO KICK OUT!
OOOOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!
TTTTTTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEE—
Flannery McCoy: KICK OUT FROM MILLI! Anna staggers forward and Milli rolls to her feet! Both women are up and Banks charges in! ‘PARADISE KISS!’ WAUTIER GOT HER! THE HEADBUTT SENDS MILLI DOWN! AND WAUTIER FALLS TO THE ROPES! AWAY FROM THE PINFALL, WHICH ISN’T CLOSE TO WHAT SHE WANTED!
Stew-O: But she can still capitalize! Milli is clearly out of it! Anna staggers towards Milli and she grabs her by the hair. She slowly pulls her up to her feet, and she grabs her in a wristclutch. Anna plants her feet, hoisting her up for ‘MODERN TRAGEDY!’! NO! MILLI SLAMS DOWN AN ELBOW TO THE BACK OF ANNA’S HEAD, AND SHE DROPS TO HER FEET! She spins around, grabbing the waist! O’CONNOR ROLL FROM MILLI!
Jake Mercer: INSTEAD OF THE PIN THOUGH, SHE ROLLS THROUGH WITH ANNA, DEADLIFTING HER UP! RIPCORD OUT! SLAP! AND THEN THE BICYCLE KNEE! THAT TURNS ANNA! AND SHE LEAPS ONTO THE SHOULDERS! POISON FRANKENSTEINER! ‘CROSSFADED’ CONNECTS! WHAT A COMBO FROM MILLI, USING THAT O’CONNOR ROLL TO FINALLY EVADE COUNTER FROM WAUTIER!
Stew-O: Wautier is down and out, but Milli isn’t finished! She pulls Anna up and hooks the arms, hoisting her up onto her back! Milli holds Wautier tight, and she spins her from the gory special position! ‘NORTHSTAR!’ THAT DDT PLANTED HER RIGHT INTO THE CANVAS! MILLI HOOKS THE LEGS, WAUTIER ISN’T MOVING!
OOOOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!
TTTTTTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!
(DING DING DING!)
Stephie Love: HERE IS YOUR WINNER OF THIS MATCH, MILLI BANNKKSSSS!!!
(‘Just a Phase’ hits the speakers and Milli rolls off of Anna, nodding her head. The crowd goes wild as Milli notches off the victory and the referee offers her assistance, but Milli insists that she rise on her own. The referee takes her arm and raises it up. Milli backs away and turns, stepping to the ropes and out of the ring, content with not milking the moment tonight.)
Jake Mercer: What a return for Milli Banks! And with Territorial Invasion creeping around, she has set one hell of an act for everyone else to follow up! I know that a message was especially sent to both Showdown and Voltage…
Flannery McCoy: How could it not be? Anna Wautier obviously put her best foot out there for Milli, but it simply wasn’t enough to win this match—and unfortunately, that’s just how it goes. Anna shouldn’t count herself out though, she could have a bright future with a showing like that.
Stew-O: Absolutely, but the focus is now on Milli Banks, who happily looks forth to what awaits her next in just a few weeks time.
(A commercial plays for Perkins.)
(Coming back from commercials, Milli Banks is seated on a bench, taking a glance over at her knee brace. She winces slightly when she moves her knee.)
Milli Banks: Well, could be worse…
(After making sure she was good in the aftermath of her return match, Banks stands. She’s already changed from her ring attire, now sporting a simple black sweatsuit set. She grabs her luggage and leaves the locker room—)
???: There you are.
(Milli stops. Raven Roberts, Rex McAllister, Effy McAvoy and Limmy Monaghan are all together, approaching their Brand Warfare teammate. The captains in particular greet her with warm smiles.)
Milli Banks: Hey gang! We gonna be some busy bees tonight, huh?
Rex McAllister: Certainly. Just about all of us except for Raven got matches, and most importantly, wins to score. Gonna be a huge boost for us heading into Territorial Invasion.
Limmy Monaghan: Absolutely, and once again, thank you for letting me join along. I must admit, I had some reservations because of everything that happened last year and, well, my recent history at this very show, but I am determined and certain we can bring home the win.
Raven Roberts: Of course. If anything, we would’ve been idiots to turn two blind eyes to you, Limmy. Your experience is exactly why we wanted you to tag along.
Limmy Monaghan: Well, that’s reassuring.
Raven Roberts: And it wouldn’t hurt to have a wildcard either.
(Raven gestures toward Effy.)
Effy McAvoy: I guess I am that, huh? Least I have been in this kind of match before. Brand pride isn’t my thing; I just want Ahren to be proud of me, and of course, be proud of myself. I’m not gonna let this go to waste.
Rex McAllister: Who knew you could be so spirited, Effy?
(She rolls her eyes as the others chuckle, but she decides to play nice.)
Raven Roberts: And with that… well, we’re all set to go! Wouldn’t you agree, Rex?
(He smiles and nods.)
Rex McAllister: Mhm. We got quite the team. Voltage and Showdown aren’t slacking, but with the crew we got, we’re definitely gonna put up one hell of a fight.
Milli Banks: Oh, we will. I’m gonna do the best I can. I may not be where I wanna be at physically, but ain’t no way I’m gonna fail. Last thing I wanna do is let this show or you guys down.
(Milli looks at Raven.)
Milli Banks: May not exactly get the Milli you faced months back, but you’re still gonna get the best outta me.
(And that brings a smirk to Raven’s face.)
Raven Roberts: That’s all I ask for.
Limmy Monaghan: All anyone can do, really. Some things may not have gone our way for all of us recently, but we aren’t quitters.
Effy McAvoy: That’s something we can agree on… even though I’m not much for the campfire-like huddle. I gotta get ready anyways.
Raven Roberts: Oh, right! Your match is coming up, actually, yeah?
Effy McAvoy: Mhm!
(Effy turns and goes to leave… but then, she stops.)
Effy McAvoy: … and, I’m gonna do my best, too. Don’t worry.
(She departs.)
(Everyone watches on, impressed with her resolve, even if it was subtle. Limmy looks at the clock and realizes he needs to get ready as well.)
Limmy Monaghan: So too will I. I’ll catch you guys some other time?
Rex McAllister: Absolutely — in fact, if you aren’t too tuckered out after dealing with David, how about you meet back with us for a quick chat? Everyone, in fact? We got some… plans we wanna discuss with you all.
(Limmy lifts a brow at this.)
Limmy Monaghan: Sure. It’s the spirit of war, after all. Have to come up with us to cement ourselves, right?
(He grins, making Rex and Raven smirk.)
Raven Roberts: You know it. See you around.
(Limmy nods, and walks off. Milli looks intrigued.)
Milli Banks: Plans, huh? Can count me in on that. Sounds like y’all know what y’all wanna do, too.
Raven Roberts: Having be in these situations, Rex and I know how to get on the jump on people. So do you too, Miss War Games Winner.
Milli Banks: Why, thank you, Fellow Miss War Games Winner! I won’t stray too far. Let me know when the gang’s all back.
Rex McAllister: Absolutely.
(Milli smiles, and offers a wave before heading off. Rex and Raven watch on, seemingly content with everything.)
Raven Roberts: Guess listening to our hunches did us well, huh?
Rex McAllister: It did. Now, it’s all about making it all worth it…
(And with that, the shot dissolves elsewhere.)
(Friday Night Dynasty returns as the camera focuses on the backstage area of the Wolfbrook Arena, more specifically, the office of Dynasty General Manager Tyrone Montgomery. He’s seen behind his desk, doing some paperwork with a casual demeanor, but as it usually goes around here, he doesn’t get many moments of peace. Before long, a knock is heard at the door, which perks Tyrone up as he clears his throat.)
Tyrone Montgomery: Come in!
(The camera goes over to show the door open, with Kirk Redwood beginning to make his way into the scene. The Dog of War is seen with a serious expression on his face, taking a brief look around before his gaze completely focuses on Tyrone.)
Tyrone Montgomery: Kirk, I’m glad that you could join me. Please, take a seat.
(Kirk looks reluctant for a brief moment, not really looking to stay for long, but regardless, makes his way over as he sits across from Tyrone.)
Kirk Redwood: I hope this is worth my time.
Tyrone Montgomery: I know your time is valuable, Kirk, so let me get straight to the point. As we all know, Territorial Invasion is right around the corner, and I think it’s safe to say that every Elitist on my brand wants a spot on the show, especially if it means representing Dynasty. Now, when it comes to you specifically, your performances are not lost on me. Especially seeing you and your performance against BRAE for the Interwire Championship, if there’s one thing that really stands out to me, it’s your fight, your grit. I can tell that you’re hungry.
(Kirk gives a light chuckle, as he looks away for a brief moment before leaning forward in his seat.)
Kirk Redwood: Hungry? Tyrone, I’m starving. I’ve been clawing for an opportunity, and I thought maybe tonight was when you’d finally pull the trigger. So let me help you take me to the place where I want to be. I do want to represent Dynasty, and I think that I have what it takes to make a valuable contribution. You’ve got a Brand Warfare team set up? Put me in. Simple as that.
(Tyrone thinks on this for a moment before sighing as he shakes his head.)
Tyrone Montgomery: That’s not my decision to make; you’d have to talk to the Team Captains. If Rex McAllister and Raven Roberts decide they want you, then they’ll reach out. But I didn’t call you in here just to leave you empty-handed.
(Kirk doesn’t seem very happy with Tyrone’s response, but regardless, he crosses his arms as he lets him continue.)
Tyrone Montgomery: I’ve got something concrete for you, a spot in the Divide & Conquer match. You’d be representing Dynasty alongside Grace De Luca and someone else. Is that something that interests you?
(Of course, it’s not really something that interests Kirk. He scowls for a brief moment before glaring at the General Manager.)
Kirk Redwood: You’ve gotta be kidding me.
Tyrone Montgomery: I think that’s a pretty good offer, Kirk, if you ask me. You want an opportunity, and I gave you that.
Kirk Redwood: I don’t know, I seem kinda disrespected.
(Kirk shakes his head briefly, as Tyrone is confused by what is happening right now.)
Kirk Redwood: You talk me up big time and say that I have what it takes to make a difference around here… Just to say that your grandiose idea is putting me in Divide & Conquer. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I don’t understand the logic behind that. I just pushed a War Games representative to the absolute limit. If things had gone even slightly differently, then I’d be sitting across from you right now with the Interwire Championship over my shoulder. All of that and the “reward” is a maybe? A “go make a name for yourself” throwaway match? No offense to you, Tyrone, I’m sure you think that this is a good idea in your head, and you’re entitled to be that way, but the last thing that I need right now is scraps, because that’s what I’ve gotten already for the duration of my career. What I need is a chance.
Tyrone Montgomery: Kirk, if you think that I’m underestimating you after giving you well-deserved praise, then we must have reached some sort of misunderstanding. Let me tell you, Fire & Ice would be fools not to at least consider your name, but an offer to join their Brand Warfare team isn’t guaranteed either, so let’s not try and deal in hypotheticals. Right here, right now, I am offering you something real. Divide & Conquer has elevated people before; it’s put them on the map. You go in there, survive, win the whole thing, and suddenly nobody can deny you. Not me, not anyone else. I’d be a fool not to have your best interests in mind, you know that. All I need you to do now is trust me.
(Kirk narrows his eyes, as he looks visibly conflicted, with the idea of swallowing his pride being too much at the moment. He briefly clenches his jaw before speaking.)
Kirk Redwood: You think I care about following in someone else’s footsteps? I don’t want their story, I want mine. But… I can’t keep standing still while everyone else gets their shot.
Tyrone Montgomery: Exactly, that’s how I feel. You said it yourself that you’re starving, right? Then take the meal that’s in front of you and show the world why you deserve more.
(Kirk exhales through his nose, shaking his head, before finally giving in with a smirk that doesn’t hide his frustration.)
Kirk Redwood: You know what? Fine. Put me in Divide & Conquer. But understand this, I don’t plan on being a name in a footnote. I plan on being the last man standing.
Tyrone Montgomery: Can’t wait to see what you do.
(Tyrone smiles, Kirk not exactly reciprocating the gesture, but regardless, he stands up and turns around, making his way out of the office as he shuts the door completely. Tyrone sighs as he rubs his temple, shaking his head as he goes back to his work, with that being the very last shot seen before Friday Night Dynasty begins to fade to elsewhere.)
(‘Ballad of a Prodigal Son’ by Lincoln Durham begins to play through the speakers of Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch, New Zealand. Kirk comes out with a lazer-focused look on his face. It seems like he’s out for blood as he surveys the crowd around him before making his way down the ramp.)
Stephie Love: THE FOLLOWING MATCH IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!!
Stephie Love: INTRODUCING FIRST…FROM BOSTON MASSACHUSETTS…WEIGHING IN AT 210 POUNDS… HE IS ‘UNKILLABLE’…KIRK REDWOOD!!!!!!
Stew-O: Kirk Redwood and David Gideon Smith managed to pick up a huge victory over Holly Arrow and KASAI on Dynasty last week! This week, he finds himself in one-on-one action as he takes on a former New Breed Champion in Effy McAvoy!
Flannery McCoy: Now, Kirk Redwood has no spot on the Territorial Invasion card, yet. This match could be a way to shift some focus onto him and possibly find himself on the card. But, this match is not going to be easy.
Jake Mercer: Kirk Redwood is a tremendous athlete. He is a killer inside the ring and if there is someone to represent the Dynasty brand in any capacity, it’s going to be him. We’ll see that in this match.
(‘Psycho’ by That’s Outrageous begins to play as Effy McAvoy comes out from behind the commentator’s desk in a Team Dynasty crop top that has a couple of rips scattered around, which may or may not be from Jennipurr. She is sneaky like a cat as she surrounds the ring.)
Stephie Love: INTRODUCING HIS OPPONENT…FROM WATCH HILL, RHODE ISLAND…SHE IS ‘THE OMEN…’ EFFY MCAVOY!!!!!
Jake Mercer: She was the first Elitist picked to be part of Fire & Ice’s Brand Warfare team at Territorial Invasion. Probably the wildcard in the whole group. She’s as unpredictable as they come, but if there is someone who looks to redeem herself from last year’s performance in this match, it’s her.
Stew-O: Effy McAvoy is a former New Breed Champion. She put on a spectacular performance against Mia Santoro at Reckless Wiring. When it comes to performing at a big stage, Effy is more than willing to rise to the occasion and prove to be an asset for Team Dynasty.
Flannery McCoy: This woman is not afraid of anything. She will charge right at anyone who gives her a problem. Now, Fire & Ice are watching this match backstage, so it should be interesting to see how Effy does with that added pressure!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Jake Mercer: AND, LET’S GO! Effy McAvoy and Kirk Redwood circle around each other before they go for a lock up! But, Kirk spins behind Effy, grabbing her by the waist! He lifts her up, looking for a body mat slam, but Effy lands to her feet! She connects with an elbow to the face of Kirk, knocking him back! He holds onto his jaw as Effy turns around, looking to continue the offense! Kirk goes right after her, looking to beat her to the punch, BUT EFFY DUCKS AS SHE GRABS KIRK BY THE ARM! SHE LIFTS HER ENTIRE BODY WEIGHT UP, HOOKING HIS OTHER ARM WITH HER LEGS AND ROLLING HIM BACK WITH A CRUCIFIX PIN!
OOOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTTWW–
Stew-O: Kirk Redwood rolls forward and to his knees! Effy McAvoy gets to her feet as Kirk looks to get to his feet, but Effy manages to kick him in the stomach! But, Kirk manages to grab onto her foot! Effy has a look of regret on her face as she tries to get Kirk to put her foot down, BUT KIRK CONNECTS WITH A DRAGON SCREW LEG WHIP AS THAT SPINS EFFY TO THE GROUND! KIRK GETS ON TOP OF EFFY BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A SERIES OF BOXING-LIKE PUNCHES TO THE FACE OF EFFY! HE IS RAINING DOWN ON THOSE PUNCHES, NOT ALLOWING EFFY A TIME TO COMPOSE AND BE PREPARED FOR IT!
Flannery McCoy: The referee is screaming for Kirk Redwood to get himself to his feet! Effy McAvoy is down as Kirk begins to stomp on the body of the former New Breed Champion! The crowd does not seem to like this whatsoever! He grabs Effy by the back of her head, lifting her up to a vertical base before connecting with a knee strike to her gut! Then, he begins to apply a series of cravate knee strikes to Effy’s gut! He pushes her to the horizontal set of ropes as she rebounds off of it! He hooks her by the arm and connects with a hip toss as that causes Effy to land in a seated position! Kirk runs right after her, nailing a penalty kick to the spine!
Jake Mercer: Kirk Redwood gets Effy McAvoy up to her feet! He gets her into position before lifting her up for an inverted DDT! No! Effy manages to break free of the grasp of the former Unified Tag Team Champion! Effy manages to create some distance for herself! EFFY MANAGES TO NAIL A SUPERKICK THAT TAKES KIRK BACK! THEN, EFFY TURNS HERSELF AROUND BEFORE CHARGING AT KIRK AND CONNECTING WITH A LOU THESZ PRESS! SHE TAKES THE BIGGER MAN DOWN, PINNING HIM THERE! SHE BEGINS TO POUND KIRK WITH A SERIES OF SCRATCHES AND PUNCHES TO HIS FACE!
Stew-O: The crowd totally loves that! Effy McAvoy manages to get off of Kirk Redwood! She picks up Kirk by the nape of his neck, getting him to his feet! Then, she has her eyes on one of the corners as she runs towards that corner and throws Kirk’s head to the turnbuckle! Kirk turns himself around as Effy connects with some shoulder thrusts to the abdomen of Kirk! THEN, SHE TAKES A COUPLE OF STEPS BACK! HER EYES DON’T LEAVE THE SIGHT OF KIRK BEFORE SHE RUNS AND CONNECTS WITH A RUNNING CROSSBODY TO KIRK, WHICH NAILS HIM IN THE STOMACH! THEN, SHE APPLIES A RIB SQUEEZE AS HE BEGINS TO YELL IN PAIN! I THINK THAT THE REFEREE IS GOING TO BEGIN HIS COUNT!
Referee: (off-mic) ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! BACK AWAY, EFFY!
Flannery McCoy: Effy McAvoy releases the squeeze that he has on Kirk Redwood! She doesn’t want to risk a disqualification! She knows that she must do everything in her power to prove that Fire & Ice did not make a mistake by asking her to be part of the Brand Warfare team! Effy gets to her two feet before she throws a forearm to the face of Kirk! She grabs Kirk by his arm, looking to whip him to the corner diagonally from them! Midway, Kirk stops himself as he throws Effy to that corner! Kirk runs to Effy with a giant clothesline as that causes Effy to stumble forward! Kirk lifts her up in a fireman’s carry position before connecting with a swinging death valley driver! Effy is slammed to the mat as Kirk goes for the cover!
OOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTTWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Jake Mercer: Effy McAvoy kicks out! Kirk Redwood pulls Effy closer to him and applies a guillotine choke! He’s looking to make Effy submit here!
Stew-O: BUT, EFFY MCAVOY REACHES HER LEG BACK AND GETS HER FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE, FORCING A ROPE BREAK!
Referee: (off-mic) ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! LET GO, KIRK!
Flannery McCoy: Kirk Redwood has no other choice, but to release the hold! He finds himself to a vertical base as he could see that Effy McAvoy is looking to do the same thing, but Kirk runs right after her, nailing her with a knee strike and stopping her in her tracks! This causes the young woman to fall down to her knees as Kirk grabs her by the arm and pulls her back up to her feet! Kirk gets Effy into position before connecting with an arm trapped back suplex! He calls that the ‘Bastard Plex!’
Jake Mercer: EFFY MCAVOY GETS SLAMMED TO HER SPINE AS KIRK REDWOOD FOLLOWS THAT UP AND CONNECTS WITH A ‘LETHAL ROUND’ – A STANDING WESTERN LARIAT THAT CAUSES EFFY TO FLIP AROUND DUE TO THE IMPACT! EFFY GOES BACK DOWN AS KIRK LOOKS TOWARDS THE ROPES! THIS COULD MEAN THAT KIRK WANTS TO END THIS MATCH AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! HE IS LOOKING FOR THE ‘.50 CAL PUNCH’ – THE SPRINGBOARD SUPERMAN PUNCH THAT HE LIKES TO END HIS MATCHES WITH! HE JUMPS ON AND OFF THE SECOND ROPE, TWISTING HIMSELF IN MIDAIR AND LANDING THE SUPERMAN PUNCH TO EFFY –
Stew-O: NO! EFFY MCAVOY MOVES OUT OF THE WAY BEFORE KIRK REDWOOD COULD CONNECT WITH THE PUNCH! KIRK FALLS FLAT TO THE GROUND AS EFFY GRABS A HOLD OF KIRK LIFTING HIM UP AND SLAMMING HIM TO THE MAT WITH A BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX! EFFY TURNS THE TIDES OF THE MATCH AROUND, BUT SHE KNOWS THE LEVEL OF COMPETITOR THAT KIRK REDWOOD IS! SHE NEEDS TO PUT AWAY KIRK NOW!
Flannery McCoy: EFFY MCAVOY BEGINS TO BACK AWAY! HER EYES LOOKED AT KIRK REDWOOD WITH INTENSITY! KIRK BEGINS TO ROLL TO A CRAWLING POSITION AS EFFY TAKES THAT AS HER CUE TO CHARGE TOWARDS HIM WITH ‘STORYBOOK ENDING’ – THE CURB STOMP! SHADES OF HER MENTOR, AHREN FOURNIER!
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
Jake Mercer: Kirk Redwood rolls out of the ring before Effy McAvoy could connect with ‘Storybook Ending!’ Effy can’t seem to believe it! She looks at Kirk, who has a smirk on her face, knowing that this move was going to piss her off!
Stew-O: Effy McAvoy realizes that she cannot waist any time before rebound off the horizontal set of ropes behind her and launching herself through the middle rope with a suicide dive – NO! KIRK REDWOOD CONNECTS WITH AN UPPERCUT THAT INSTANTLY DROPS DOWN EFFY! THAT WAS AN AMAZING COUNTER THERE AS KIRK GETS EFFY BY HER HAIR AS HE LOOKS AT THE STEEL RING POST WITH A SICK SMIRK ON HIS FACE! HE THROWS EFFY SKULL FIRST TO THE RING POST! EFFY’S SKULL MADE A CLANKING NOISE AS SOON AS IT COLLIDED WITH THE RING POST! IT DROPS HER TO THE GROUND!
Flannery McCoy: If I were Kirk Redwood, this would be a perfect moment to possibly go for his finisher! If he wants to make this match as short as possible, he needs to go for the ‘.50 Cal Punch’ now!
Jake Mercer: But, it seems like Kirk Redwood is not done with inflicting more pain on Effy McAvoy, who is more than likely knocked out thanks to her skull colliding with the ring post! He begins to back away with his eyes still on Effy! He sees that Effy is slowly regaining consciousness as she begins to pick herself up! Kirk runs right towards her with a knee strike to the back of her head! HE CALLS THAT ‘BLITZKREG BOP!’ THIS CAUSES EFFY TO DROP TO THE GROUND ONCE MORE AS KIRK GRABS THE FORMER NEW BREED CHAMPION AND ROLLS HER UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE AND BACK INSIDE THE RING! HE SLIDES BACK INSIDE THE RING! HE GOES FOR THE COVER ON EFFY! LOOKING TO GET A VICTORY HERE?!?!
OOOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTTWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
TTT–
Stew-O: Effy McAvoy gets a shoulder up from the mat! Kirk Redwood does not look to be amused with the situation whatsoever! He gets on top of Effy and begins to batter her with a series of elbows to the skull, hoping that he can knock her out again! But, it seems like it’s no use! He changes his approach on the spot! I think that he may be looking to apply the kimura lock on Effy!
Flannery McCoy: But, Effy McAvoy is still alert! Somehow, she is still alert as she tries to pry her arm away from Kirk Redwood, who seems keen on applying the kimura lock! SHE NAILS HIM WITH A NASTY PUNCH TO THE MOUTH! KIRK IS LOOKING AT EFFY LIKE SHE MADE A MISTAKE BY DOING THAT! BUT, EFFY CONNECTS WITH A HEADBUTT TO THE MOUTH OF KIRK AS THAT RELEASES WHATEVER HOLD THAT HE HAD ON HER! KIRK STUMBLES BACK IN THE PROCESS AS HE CHECKS HIS MOUTH TO SEE IF THERE’S ANY BLOOD!
(The camera pans to Kirk Redwood who sees the blood on his fingers. Instead of shying away, it seems like Kirk is more than welcoming the blood. He forms a huge sinister smirk on his face.)
Jake Mercer: Kirk Redwood and Effy McAvoy are staring at each other with intense looks on their faces! The two of them charge at each other and begin to trade each other with rapid punches to the face! Both are looking to knock the other down! Kirk nails Effy in the gut with a knee once more! He follows that up with a ‘Lethal Round!’ BUT, EFFY MANAGES TO DUCK THE CLOTHESLINE! SHE CONNECTS WITH A SUPERKICK TO THE BACK OF KIRK’S HEAD! BEFORE PULLING HIM BY THE ARM, LOOKING FOR ‘THE CLIMAX’ – THE RIPCORD KNEE STRIKE! BUT, KIRK DUCKS, BUT HE HAS EFFY BY HER ARM AS HE LOOKS TO TAKE HER DOWN TO THE GROUND! HE’S LOOKING TO APPLY AN ARM BAR!
Stew-O: BUT, EFFY MCAVOY MOVES HER FORWARD, ROLLING UP KIRK REDWOOD IN THE PROCESS! IS SHE GOING TO STEAL THE VICTORY HERE?!?!
OOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTTTWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!!
Flannery McCoy: KIRK REDWOOD KICKS OUT AS THAT CAUSES EFFY MCAVOY TO FALL BACK! KIRK LOOKS TO GET HIMSELF BACK TO HIS FEET, BUT EFFY BEATS HIM TO THE PUNCH BEFORE TAKING HIM DOWN WITH ‘PROTECT YA NECK’ – THE GIANT DISCUS CLOTHESLINE! ANOTHER FINISHER OF AHREN FOURNIER’S AS EFFY HAS MADE IT HER OWN! KIRK FALLS HARD TO HIS BACK AS HE DID NOT SEE THAT COMING! EFFY WITH THE COVER! IS THIS GOING TO BE IT HERE?!?!
OOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTTTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
TTTTHHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(‘Psycho’ plays once more as Effy McAvoy gets off of Kirk Redwood, who is clearly still unconsouss due to the clothesline. Effy is more than happy about the outcome of the match as she finds herself jumping of joy.)
Stephie Love: THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH…EFFY MCAVOY!!!!!
Jake Mercer: Effy McAvoy picks up the victory over Kirk Redwood! If there was any doubt on if Effy will be able to rise up to the occasion and redeem herself from Brand Warfare last year, there shouldn’t be. I look at her as an absolute favorite to watch in this match!
Stew-O: Kirk Redwood was all game! There were a few occasions in this match where I thought he was going to walk away with the victory, but Effy McAvoy thought fast and she knew that she needed to take down Kirk as soon as she had an opening.
(A commercial plays for The Conjuring: Last Rites, featuring EAW Hall of Famers Kassidy Heart and Sienna Jade as Ed and Lorraine.)
(Friday Night Dynasty returns to show a panaround shot of the Wolfbrook Arena, as the crowd is murmuring in anticipation for what is to come in an already jampacked show. And they get exactly what they’re asking for, as ‘Apostle’s Warning’ by Mobb Deep begins to blare through the speakers, eliciting a loud reaction. The camera then goes over to the stage as Michael Machina is seen making his way out from the backstage area. He has a stern expression on his face as he takes a moment to scan around at the crowd in attendance tonight. He jumps in place, psyching himself up, before then beginning to make his way down the ramp and toward the ring.)
Stephie Love: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… ‘THE NEW LEGEND’… MICHAEL MACHINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stew-O: Last week, we saw Michael Machina make an appearance in the main event, as his future opponent at Territorial Invasion, Cy Henderson, was teaming with Brian Daniels to face the team of BRAE and Drake King. After the War Games duo would get the victory over Cy and Brian, Machina would end up attacking the World Heavyweight Champion, spiraling into a brawl that spilled into the crowd.
Flannery McCoy: It certainly was a chaotic way to end the show, and heading to the ring now, Machina doesn’t seem to have a lot of remorse when it comes to the situation. He’s got some thoughts on his mind before his match against Rex McAllister tonight, so let’s see what he has to say.
Jake Mercer: And better yet, let’s see if he can do it uninterrupted, because if we know one thing, Cy Henderson definitely isn’t going to take what’s happened these past couple of weeks lightly; he most definitely is going to try and get his pound of flesh.
(Machina makes his way up the steps and onto the apron as he enters through the ropes and into the ring. He makes his way over and takes a microphone from the ringside area while ‘Apostle’s Warning’ then begins to come to a close. Heading toward the center of the ring, he takes a good moment before raising his microphone and beginning to speak.)
Michael Machina: You want me to explain last week? There’s not a damn thing to explain. It’s pretty simple if you ask me. Cy Henderson didn’t take my warning seriously… so I made sure he felt it. That wasn’t “random.” What that was is foretold. What it will be is a message. I really thought that we were past the introduction part of this, but Cy just doesn’t seem to understand, so allow me to give him a refresher. Cy, you hold something that I’m coming to take, and I don’t care which washed-up relic plants his feet in my lane; what matters is the fact that they’ve got a Bullet From Hell with their name on it, and I’m running straight through ‘em if it means ushering the next era with me at the forefront. Do I make myself clear?
(Machina paces around, as the crowd continues to react loudly while he speaks. After a brief pause, he then begins to continue.)
Michael Machina: Desperate measures are exactly where I plan to take your reign, Cy. I don’t mean to toy with you, I mean to unmake it. Last week was a warning shot, not an apology, and if you didn’t read the message then, consider this the blueprint. I’m coming for everything that you’ve built here, and one thing’s for certain: I’ll do whatever it takes if it means prying that damn title off of your shoulders. I’m not like any other opponent that you’ve faced; I haven’t been wandering. From last season to now, I’ve been stacking wins, beating names that thought they could slow me down, leaving no question that when I step into something important, I show up and finish the job. Reckless Wiring was a statement, Territorial Invasion will be the exclamation mark. Momentum isn’t luck; it’s work, and I’ve been putting in the hours while others pat themselves on the back.
(Machina pauses as he looks at the hard camera, a serious expression marked on his face while he does.)
Michael Machina: Cy, you hold the gold, and you’ve earned every second of it. But don’t get comfortable. I’ve already seen the blueprint of this division; you’re not immune. That tiny doubt in the back of your head? That’s the sound of the clock I’m winding. Territorial Invasion is coming, and I’m not showing up to be another notch on your resume; what I’m doing is showing up to take the thing you call your identity. And there’s nothing that you can do about it.
(Machina lowers his microphone for a brief moment, but before he can continue, ‘Saint Pablo’ by Kanye West begins to blast through the speakers of the arena, as the crowd begins to erupt. The camera then goes over to show the World Heavyweight Champion, as Cy Henderson is seen beginning to make his way out from the backstage area and toward the stage. He bears a serious expression as he focuses on the ring, not wasting any time making a beeline down the ramp.)
Stew-O: Well, it was only a matter of time before the World Heavyweight Champion made his way out here tonight, and he certainly does not look happy. Both of them have been embroiled in a heated back-and-forth with one another for weeks at this point, and tensions are certainly rising. I’m sure Cy can’t wait to nip it in the bud by beating him.
Flannery McCoy: But that’s not a guarantee, and I think he knows that. He might very well be walking into the biggest challenge of his title reign, but we know him well enough to know that this is not something that he is going to back down from. Right now, though, let’s see what he has to say.
Jake Mercer: Oh man, shit just hit the fan!
(Cy makes his way up the steps and onto the apron as he enters through the ropes and into the ring. He makes his way over and takes a microphone from the ringside area, while ‘Saint Pablo’ then begins to come to a close. He then turns around and approaches Machina, not wasting any time as he begins to speak.)
Cy Henderson: You think your attack last week made you look dangerous, Machina? You think, even for a moment, that it made you look clever? I don’t think you and I are on the same wavelength. Let me break it down for you. It didn’t make you look like some unstoppable force; all it did was make you look the same as you always have been. It made you look desperate. All you did was show your hand; you showed me how badly you need that little advantage, how much you’re second-guessing yourself going into Territorial Invasion. You want me to believe that you’re the man who’s going to be taking the World Heavyweight Championship off of my shoulders, and this is something that I am meant to take seriously? I know it offends you for me to say this, but there is no reason for me to buy into any of this at the moment, and I think you know that. Not when the only way you can get people talking is by jumping me when my back is turned and I’m at my weakest.
(The crowd continues to react loudly as both men have cold looks on their faces. Cy exhales for a brief moment before continuing.)
Cy Henderson: See, I know exactly what you’re trying to do, you’re trying to build this idea that you’re inevitable, that you’re undeniable. But the reality is, the only thing you proved last week is that you don’t even believe in yourself enough to wait for Territorial Invasion. That’s why you needed to swing first, that’s why you’re pacing around here like a man begging to be taken seriously. So tell me something, Machina, do you even believe you’re ready for this? Or are you just hoping that I’ll start believing it for you?
(There’s an ooh heard as Machina shakes his head in annoyance for a brief moment. He looks over at Cy before raising his microphone and beginning to respond.)
Michael Machina: You can keep telling yourself that, Cy. You can paint my actions as desperation if it helps you sleep at night, but the truth is a lot simpler than that, and it’s that you just refuse to acknowledge what’s standing in front of you. You’ve convinced yourself that you’re the immovable object, that this title is safe in your hands, and maybe that’s why you don’t see me for what I am, a real challenge. Not another name for your highlight reel, not another warm body to pad out your reign, you can question if I believe in myself all you want… but I know exactly who the hell I am. And when the time comes, you’re going to find out too.
(Machina begins to step forward further, getting into Cy’s face, neither man backing down.)
Michael Machina: Unlike most, I’m not just talking. I’ve been backing it up every damn time. You’ve watched it, you’ve felt it, from Reckless Wiring to every name I’ve put down on Dynasty, I’ve left no doubt. The only one who doubts? You. And deep down, you know that doubt isn’t about me. It’s about you.
(Machina pauses, thinking to himself for a moment before chuckling.)
Michael Machina: Be honest, Cy: you feel a way because I’m essentially you if you had gotten your shit together the first time around.
(The crowd reacts loudly to this as Cy scrunches his face and nods his head. He takes a brief step back, before…)
Stew-O: AND WE’RE NOT WASTING ANYMORE TIME! CY JUST CONNECTED WITH A STRIKE DIRECTLY TO THE FACE THAT SENDS MACHINA BACK, AND NOW HE’S HITTING HIM WITH A BARRAGE OF ATTACKS THAT BEGIN TO OVERWHELM HIS FUTURE CHALLENGER!
Flannery McCoy: THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION IS BRINGING THE FIGHT AS MACHINA IS BACKED AGAINST THE ROPES! CY THEN TURNS AROUND AND RUNS TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE AND BACK-
Jake Mercer: BUT MACHINA JUST SNATCHED HIM OFF THE GROUND AND CONNECTS WITH A HUGE SPINEBUSTER TO DROP HIM DOWN TO THE MAT! Cy is hurt as he clutches his abdomen, trying his best to make his way back up to his feet!
Stew-O: AS MACHINA GRABS A HOLD OF HIM AND LIFTS HIM OFF THE GROUND, TRYING TO DROP HIM DIRECTLY ONTO THE MAT WITH A MASSIVE ‘.50 CAL’!
Flannery McCoy: BUT CY JUMPS OVER HIS SHOULDERS! HE RUNS THE ROPES AND BACK!
Jake Mercer: AS HE GOES FOR A ‘CALAMITY’! THE GORE-
Stew-O: ‘BULLET FROM HELL’!
Flannery McCoy: MACHINA STRIKES FIRST AS THE SPEAR DROPS CY DOWN TO THE MAT! OFFICIALS ARE IMMEDIATELY SCRAMBLING IN HERE AS CY HENDERSON IS DOWN ON THE MAT, CLUTCHING HIS ABDOMEN! AND MACHINA IS WASTING NO TIME MAKING A STATEMENT!
Jake Mercer: HE’S TAKING THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP AND RAISING IT INTO THE AIR! COULD THIS BE THE SIGHT THAT WE SEE AT TERRITORIAL INVASION?!
(Machina picks up the title and raises it high over the body of Cy, a smirk on his face, while officials are quick to shoo him away before he can do any more damage. ‘Apostle’s Warning’ begins to play through the speakers again as Machina drops down and rolls out of the ring, looking quite satisfied with his work here tonight, as it’s the very last shot seen before Friday Night Dynasty begins to fade to elsewhere.)
(The camera cuts to Stephie Love in the ring.)
Stephie Love: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(‘Razorface’ by Celldweller can be heard across the speakers as the audience allows for their mixed reactions to be heard, with David Gideon Smith emerging from the back. His face remains obstructed from view with his cloak, as he methodically paces down the ramp with his gaze set toward the ring.)
Stephie Love: Introducing first! From Omaha, Nebraska, weighing in at 245 pounds… ‘THE SOVEREIGN’, DAVID GIDEOOOOOOOOOOOON SMITH!!!
Stew-O: David Gideon Smith has been quickly becoming an elitist to watch out for in this business, as he has been frequenting competition against all kinds of facets across EAW, from fellow newcomers to World Champions as he only continues to evolve the further along he resides within the competitive landscape.
Flannery McCoy: That much is certain, David has kept himself busy in this realm of competition & he does not intend on slowing down, as he’s up against immense competition tonight!
(‘Number One’ by Shirō Sagisu & Hazel Fernandez can be heard throughout the speakers as the audience responds loudly for the arrival of Limmy Monaghan. The former World Champion looks ahead to the ring, focused on his match tonight as he proceeds to step himself down the ramp, prepared for his outing with David.)
Stephie Love: And introducing his opponent! Residing from Golden Beach, Florida, weighing in at 227 pounds… LIMMYYYYYYYYYY MONAGHAN!!!
Stew-O: Limmy Monaghan will be looking to bolster all of the setbacks that have occurred so far & compound much of that into greater momentum to be reached, which can proceed accordingly as he steps into the ring with an elitist who wants nothing more than to make a statement tonight.
Flannery McCoy: With that all being said, we know that this will be an immense match for David Gideon Smith to garner victory for, but also a crucial match for Limmy as well, as he looks to keep to his winning ways as an immensely accomplished performer!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stew-O: And we’re off!!! David Gideon Smith is getting an immense match here against Limmy Monaghan right here on Dynasty! This should pose to be an increasingly interesting matchup as Limmy & David find themselves going one on one against one another here, and this can mean a great deal in terms of momentum being built ahead of Territorial Invasion which may become all the more important as the weeks move closer to the event! David & Limmy emerge from their corners as they pace themselves around the ring accordingly, serving to usher in a bit more of a methodical pace in the beginnings of this match!
Flannery McCoy: As both men proceed to move toward one another to initiate a collar and elbow tie-up!! These elitists are looking to push the other back as this is always a mark for how the beginning stretch of a match ends up going, with David managing to garner enough of a pushback against Monaghan as Smith is now shoving Limmy back into the ropes! The referee is counting down now, as David is keeping this control maintained just before the count of five as he lets go of the hold, his hands raised with a brief smirk on his face too!
Jake Mercer: ‘Cause David is now AIMING FOR A SWING—BUT LIMMY DUCKS UNDER AND DAVID TURNS DIRECTLY INTO A KNIFE EDGE CHOP!!! Monaghan is keeping David at bay as his opponent is now motioning along the side of the ring while trying to keep himself away from Limmy briefly, but Monaghan sends ANOTHER CHOP across his chest for good measure there! Gideon is left struggling now as Limmy is keeping David at bay with a THIRD CHOP across the chest, all the while the referee is back to counting down! Limmy now keeps a grasp of Gideon’s wrist, as he’s looking to irish whip his opponent toward the opposite corner!
Stew-O: But Gideon is keeping a strong hold of Limmy’s wrist while also grasping onto the ropes!!! Limmy tries to yank David off—BUT GIDEON PULLS MONAGHAN FORWARD & LOOKS TO SEND LIMMY OVERHEAD & OUT OF THE RING AS WELL!!! BUT LIMMY HOLDS ON! Monaghan maintains a clutch of the ropes as he’s stood over the apron, with David quickly turning himself right around as he takes note of Monaghan being able to maintain his footing, looking for a FOREARM HERE TO KNOCK HIM DOWN—
Flannery McCoy: BUT MONAGHAN BLOCKS THE FOREARM WITH AN ELBOW TO HIS OWN TEMPLE—AND SENDS A BLISTERING BACK ELBOW ACROSS THE TEMPLE OF SMITH!! Limmy is able to keep himself in all of the control necessary as David is motioning downward, leaning forward as Limmy now finds himself in the best position possible to take Gideon Smith in for the whirlwind of hurt! Limmy proceeds to hop over the top rope & right onto David here… AS HE’S ABLE TO TURN GIDEON INTO THE SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB!!! DAVID IS IN TROUBLE HERE!!! Limmy maintains the pin here as well!!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO—
Jake Mercer: NOT ENOUGH! David is able to kick out as he’s rolling himself away from Limmy, shaking his head as this may become an issue for Gideon Smith if he allows the former World Champion to affect him further! Limmy is rising upward, as he’s motioning toward David while he’s dragging himself upward with the ropes, as Monaghan is sending a knee across the abdomen to keep Gideon at bay! David is left in the driver’s seat as Limmy is now rolling David forward and into the seated position, as he’s rushing past Gideon and toward the ropes, before running back and NAILING THE LOW DROPKICK AGAINST THE JAW OF DAVID!!!
Stew-O: Which becomes just enough for David to find himself rolling out of the ring and bringing himself to the outside! David is clutching onto his jaw, as Limmy is able to sit himself upward before rolling himself out of the ring as well!! He looks to maintain all of the momentum that he has in this match as David has been unable to find the most suitable answer for Monaghan—’TILL GIDEON SMITH SENDS A KNEE OF HIS OWN INTO THE ABDOMEN OF LIMMY!!! Limmy is temporarily stunned for the moment as David is now lifting Limmy upward into a fireman’s carry—
Flannery McCoy: BEFORE DROPPING RIGHT OVER THE BRUNT OF THE BARRICADE ABDOMEN FIRST!!! Limmy is left reeling as he’s keeping an arm draped over the barricade, with a hand to his abdomen as David is trying to control his breath here, after Monaghan is managing to uphold the control that he had in this match! David now finds himself focused on keeping this control for himself, as he’s taking a sharp grip of Limmy’s wrist before aiming for a STRENGTHENED IRISH WHIP TOWARD THE STEEL STEPS HERE!!!
Jake Mercer: AS LIMMY CRASHES DIRECTLY INTO THE STEEL STEPS FROM THERE!!!! THE TOP HALF OF THE STEPS BOLSTER OFF DUE TO THE IMPACT!! This is not going well for Limmy here as David is ensuring that he can take advantage in every capacity available to him here as well!! Monaghan is struggling to a substantial deal as this is becoming a troubling spot for him to be, with David now dragging Limmy away from the steps and tossing him back into the ring in a quick fashion! Monaghan is finding himself in deep waters as David rolls himself back into the ring!
Stew-O: Which cannot be turning out all too well from here, as David is eyeing toward Limmy Monaghan is heightened focus here, not looking to spare Monaghan any of the leeway that he can be given by recovering further! Limmy is rising to a knee, with a hand over his own abdomen as he is looking to rise here despite the pressure placed on him—AS GIDEON RUSHES TOWARD HIM WITH A ROLLING ELBOW TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!!! Limmy is down on the canvas Gideon is quickly rolling him over and hooking the leg for the cover!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Flannery McCoy: NOT THERE YET! Limmy with the kick out!!! David is sitting himself upward, as he’s nodding to himself while situating up onto a knee, taking a hold of Limmy’s head as he’s looking for repeated rights across his skull while Limmy is shielding for the moment! Gideon does not want to give any leeway to Monaghan as he’s now rising back up to his own two feet, with his eyes set on Smith as he’s now looking to come closer to putting an end to the match here as he’s lifting Limmy over his shoulders once more, motioning toward the turnbuckle to DROP HIM HEAD FIRST ONTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE—
Jake Mercer: BUT LIMMY WITH AN ELBOW TO THE TEMPLE! AND ANOTHER ONE!!! David is forced to drop Monaghan as Limmy lands on his feet behind Gideon Smith while he is remaining vulnerable—AS LIMMY IS ABLE TO SEND DAVID SPIRALLING DOWN WITH A SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX!!! David is left for the ringer as the back of his neck is sent crashing onto the canvas, with Gideon Smith wide-eyed as he finds himself stunned for the moment! Limmy is finding another realm to take control here, as David is shaking his own head through the daze currently being felt!
Stew-O: With David trying to clutch onto the ropes, willing himself upward as he’s struggling an ample amount while Monaghan is rushing toward him as he’s on the rise—SENDING A STIFF RUNNING FOREARM SMASH INTO THE CORNER AS DAVID GIDEON SMITH IS DAZED!! David is stumbling forward and dropping to a knee, with Limmy keeping his focus placed directly on Smith while he is struggling to rise back up to his feet.. ‘TILL LIMMY TAKES HOLD WITH A JUMPING TORNADO DDT TO SPIKE DAVID INTO THE MAT!! Limmy hooks the leg as the referee is now counting down!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
THR—
Flannery McCoy: NO! DAVID IS ABLE TO KICK OUT!! Limmy is sitting up afterward with a nod, feeling the energy of this match truly emerge here as he’s not wasting another moment to drag David over to the corner, leaning him against the corner as Monaghan is looking to maintain the pressure—WITH A KICK ACROSS HIS CHEST THAT KEEPS HIM AT BAY! Smith is suppressed to a substantial degree as Limmy is maintaining this control with repeated kicks sprawling across the chest while the referee is counting down on Limmy!!!
Jake Mercer: ‘Till Limmy is now stepping back, the word of the referee being met as the former World Champion is now motioning away from the corner and over to the opposite corner, as he’s maintaining his target on David Gideon Smith while looking to keep David down with all of the momentum that he is able to withhold for himself! Monaghan is now rushing forward as ANOTHER DROPKICK CAN TAKE SHAPE HERE—
Stew-O: ‘ERGO SUM’!!!!! SPINNING KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE NECK OF LIMMY AS DAVID EMERGES IN A SUDDEN SPRAWL TO CONNECT WITH THE CHOP!!! Limmy is grasping onto his own throat as he’s coughing up a sizable storm here as the referee keeps a keen eye on him, while David is bringing himself upward and taking notice of the debilitated state that Limmy is finding himself in right now! Gideon Smith proceeds to drag Limmy over & into place, with his gaze fixated on his opponent as he is not looking to restrain himself from delivering on taking down an acclaimed elitist in this company!
Flannery McCoy: AS HE ROCKS LIMMY WITH A TWISTING BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX THERE! Limmy Monaghan finds himself in a troublesome spot here as David is now looking to hook the leg, as the referee slides to the count!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
THR—
Jake Mercer: NO! LIMMY KICKS OUT!! David is now feeling the frustration begin to seep through, as he sits himself upward while trying to maintain all of the control that he can garner further while Limmy is still down—AS HE SITUATES HIMSELF OVER LIMMY WITH A CAMEL CLUTCH!!! The submission is applied as Limmy is now finding all of the pressure being placed over him as Gideon has clasped his own hands together to ensure that Monaghan does not have a facet to escape here! This is a very bad spot for Limmy to be in, and this can surely spell the end for him if he isn’t careful!
Stew-O: But David has done more than enough of a critical effort in suppressing Monaghan, as Limmy is finding himself in the most unfavorable position possible here where the referee is now maintaining an increased inspection of this submission! BUT LIMMY IS LOOKING TO CRAWL! Monaghan is dragging the bodyweight of his opponent AND himself here as David Gideon Smith seems rather perplexed by the willpower of Limmy here while trying to employ a stronger grip around his face! But Limmy is motioning toward the ropes and he’s inching closer & closer here—
Flannery McCoy: ‘TILL DAVID QUICKLY MOTIONS HIMSELF RIGHT AGAINST LIMMY’S SIDE—AS HE APPLIES THE FUJIWARA ARMBAR ONTO THE ARM THAT MONAGHAN FREED TO REACH FOR THE ROPE!! Quick thinking from David Gideon Smith allows for Limmy to be placed in another troubling spot in this match, where this can translate either way as this match continues to become a heated contest! David is shaking his own head here as he is trying to wrench back the arm of Limmy for everything that this potential victory is worth! The referee is maintaining a very close look of Monaghan as he’s assessing the matter!
Jake Mercer: But Limmy is refusing to give in!!! He may be unable to reach for those ropes in the moment but this match can turn into a very troubling one for him if he doesn’t find his way through the rut while this is going down! David is keeping this held for as long as he can—TILL LIMMY SHIFTS HIS WEIGHT AROUND IN A BRIEF REPRIEVE AND CAUSES DAVID TO ROLL BACKWARD AND TO HIS FEET! David is wide-eyed as he’s rushing back toward Limmy LOOKING FOR THE BICYCLE KNEE—BUT LIMMY DUCKS UNDER AS HE RUSHES PAST SMITH, WHO TURNS AROUND—
Stew-O: INTO ‘DIABLE JAMBE’!!!! THE V-TRIGGER NAILS DAVID ACROSS THE JAW AS HE IS DROPPED WITHOUT AVAIL!!! An immense counter against the offense of David Gideon Smith as Limmy’s opponent drops down to the canvas, with Limmy rushing himself over to David and hooking the leg as the referee rushes to the count!!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
THREEEEE—
Flannery McCoy: NOTHING THERE! David is able to lift the shoulder as now Limmy is sitting himself upward, understanding that there is much more to David Gideon Smith who is looking to keep this match going from here! Monaghan now brings himself upward with a grasp of the ropes, as he’s motioning toward the corner while David is trying to pull himself back together as he rises to a knee, remaining in a daze as Monaghan is looking ahead and seems to have the proper idea of where this can go from here! LIMMY IS RUSHING FORWARD—
Jake Mercer: FOR THE ‘DIVINE DEPARTURE’ ACROSS HIS SKULL—BUT DAVID WITH A BLITZ INTO LIMMY WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT THAT BOLSTERS THROUGH HIS OPPONENT!!! David Gideon Smith is able to halt Limmy’s momentum before he could swing the arm as the European uppercut becomes enough to evade the disaster with Limmy dazed beyond belief!!! David is nodding to himself as he’s finding his footing again, glaring toward Limmy!
Stew-O: As David is now stepping himself toward the former World Heavyweight Champion who is stumbling up to his feet, his back turned away from Smith in what can be seen as an unlikely spot to be in—’CAUSE DAVID CATCHES LIMMY WITH THE ‘ARCHDRAGON SUPLEX’!!! Returning the sentiments in full as he’s now rolling him over and hooking the leg here!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
THREEEEE—
Flannery McCoy: NOT ENOUGH!!! Limmy is able to kick out as Gideon Smith is now rising to his feet, shaking his own head as keeps a tight grip of Limmy’s hair to pull him up to a knee, refusing to allow him the necessary time here as this match continues! David proceeds to set Limmy into position, before committing to HOISTING HIM UPWARD AND OFF THE MAT AS WE COULD BE SEEING ‘ORISON DARK’ RIGHT HERE—
Jake Mercer: BUT LIMMY WITH A KNEE TO THE SKULL OF DAVID WHILE HOISTED IN THE AIR! AND ANOTHER ONE!!! David is forced to drop Monaghan back to the canvas, as Limmy lands on his feet and A TEEP KICK across the torso of David that leaves them both staggering backward to the ropes, each moving forward to one another from here as DAVID LOOKS TO RETORT WITH THE ‘THE BLACK BLADE’!!!!
Stew-O: ‘DIVINE DEPARTURE’ ACROSS THE JAW OF DAVID GIDEON SMITH!!! LIMMY FINDS HIS OPENING AS HE SMASHES ACROSS THE JAW AND DROPS SMITH DOWN TO THE CANVAS!!! LIMMY RUSHES OVER, BREATHING HEAVILY AS HE HOOKS THE LEG!!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stephie Love: HERE IS YOUR WINNER… LIMMYYYYYYYY MONAGHAN!!!!
Flannery McCoy: Wow, David Gideon Smith was truly putting up an immense challenge to Limmy in that match, dishing out all of the offense against him and looking to suppress him with each chance that he had to garner control in the match!
Jake Mercer: This became a true battle between these two elitists as David was looking to remain one step ahead in this match, but the experience & prowess of the former World Champion allowed him to find the proper openings to ultimately get ahead here. Congratulations to Limmy Monaghan…
(Limmy Monaghan rises to his feet, as the referee raises his hand in victory while David Gideon Smith recovers on the apron, sitting himself upward against the ropes with a hand over his jaw as he grimaces silently. Limmy breathes deeply as he nods to himself, hands to his hips as the scene fades.)
(A commercial for Silent Hill can be seen, releasing on September 25th, with Drake Armstrong running away from several monsters as he wonders how he got himself caught up in this mess.)
(Backstage, Michael Belfort stands with Mia Santoro, the reigning EAW Specialists Champion. Mia doesn’t look as enthused as usual as the title rests along her shoulder. Her frown is present, even with Michael speaking up.)
Michael Belfort: EAW Universe, thank you for tuning in to Friday Night Dynasty, and what an incredible night of action it has been. However, last week, we saw things escalate between Holly Arrow, KASAI and Mia Santoro, who are set to collide at Territorial Invasion in three weeks for one of the richest prizes in all of women’s wrestling: the EAW Specialists Championship.
(A scoff and an eyeroll could not be hidden. Mia’s scowl deppens, remembering all of the chaos that unfolded that she got caught up on.)
Michael Belfort: Now, Mia—
Mia Santoro: No, no, no, Michael. You don’t need to waste my time or yours asking me the same, monotone, rudimentary questions, ‘cause I damn sure got some stuff I wanna get off my chest.
Michael Belfort: :roman: !!
(SNATCH!)
(The microphone is yoinked from the interviewer, and he looks slightly nervous. Mia signals with her hand for him to back up. Not wanting any issues, he obliges.)
(Her eyes narrow, and her gaze fixes itself sharply at the camera as she rants.)
Mia Santoro: Ya know, I am sick and tired of all of these stupid little girls thinking they are so better than me, as if I haven’t already proven that I am ahead of them, and as if I haven’t been every bit of the champion I have said I am! Last week was an absolute clown show, and a complete embarrassment to the division I lead! I am the head queen here, yet here I am having to deal with these peasants in denial, and why? Because I backed up my words and they want to be bitter? They want to continue to act as if I’m easy pickings!? Ha! Enough with the horsecrap!
Mia Santoro: I had a slow start, but I made sure that the finish was gonna be just as notable, and here we are three months later with me continuing to be at the top of my game. However, it seems that Holly and KASAI want to make everything about themselves so that people can buy into the BS of one of them inevitably beating me. However, it ain’t gonna happen — and I certainly am not gonna be forgiving.
Mia Santoro: I let those two skanks brawl and what not. Vie over who ‘deserved’ to face me. Really, Holly earned her shot, fair enough, but KASAI wanted to be a busybee, and you know what? Who was I to shoot the girlie down?
(She shakes her head.)
Mia Santoro: However, I was better off knocking both of those stupid, silly bitches out instead, ‘cause not only did their drama literally spill over and cost me last week, BUT now they want to focus on each other when —
(Maniacally, she pats at the title.)
Mia Santoro: — it should be ME they’re focused on! Me, me, me! I’M the star! I’M the CHAMPION! This division is MINE, AND I AM NOT GOING TO BE TREATED LIKE A FREAKIN’ AFTERTHOUGHT!
(Mia takes in a much needed breath, almost shaking in rage. However, she closes her eyes… and lets out a chuckle.)
Mia Santoro: … you know what? No. I’m not gonna let them get to me. I mean, they’re only like this ‘cause they couldn’t beat me. They let someone they saw lowly get the better of them and they can’t stomach it! Ahahaha! Why am I the one gettin’ all flustered and worked up when they’re the ones worked up over lil ol’ me…?
Mia Santoro: Yeah… yeah… I don’t need to get upset. At the end of the day, I’m the center of the universe, and I have the one thing all of these destitute broads absolutely need…
(That’s when Santoro raises up the Specialists Championship up in the air. She glances at it with a widening grin.)
Mia Santoro: Oh, yes — I have what they need. But they’re never gonna get it…
(She chuckles, looking back at the camera.)
Mia Santoro: Because I am the Specialists division, and there’s nothing they can do about it. At Territorial Invasion, Holly and KASAI? You two are gonna go home licking your wounds, forced to reconcile with the thought that you are not on my level.
(She laughs. Backing up to Michael, she hands off the microphone to him.)
Mia Santoro: Report on that, Michael.
(She giggles, admiring the title. With a little more pep in her step, Mia saunters off. Michael blinks several times, still trying to adjust to the sudden shifts he bore witness to. However, a job has to be done. So, he clears his throat, straightens out his tie, and looks back to the camera.)
Michael Belfort: Right then. Mia has made it known loud and clear that this division is hers, and Holly and KASAI are gonna have to deal with failure come Territorial Invasion. Stew-O, Jake, and Flannery — sending it back to you three.
Stephie Love: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FOLLOWING MATCH IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(“Apostle’s Warning” by Mobb Deep began blaring loudly through the arena’s speakers to a tremendous reaction as Michael Machina, the challenger to Cy Henderson’s World Heavyweight Championship reign, stormed out from behind the stage curtains with a confident, intense expression on his face. Pyrotechnics went off behind him as he marched down the ramp, commanding the attention of every fan in the audience.)
Stephie Love: INTRODUCING FIRST! Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, weighing in at 250 pounds… he is THE NEW LEGEND, MICHAEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEL! MAAAAAAAAAAACHINAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Stew-O: We’re in for one hell of a main event tonight, ladies and gentlemen, as we have the challenger for the World Heavyweight Championship going up against one half of the current reigning tag team champions, who himself is a former world champion and legend!
Flannery McCoy: Knowing Machina, though, that isn’t going to introduce even a bit of doubt in his head; in his incredible career thus far, Machina has faced some of the greatest of all time and persevered with victories, so going up against another legend is just another day in the life of the New Legend!
Jake Mercer: He’s going to have to be careful, though, because his opponent this week is at the top of his game right now, and he’s been known to be the brick wall that some of the greatest in the industry just aren’t able to get past!
(“In My Blood” by The Score began blaring through the speakers to deafening cheers as Rex McAllister, flanked by his partner and wife Raven Roberts, made his way out to the center of the stage. He basked in the positive reception by the audience before hoisting up his tag team championship title alongside Raven, before they began to walk down the ramp side by side.)
Stephie Love: AND HIS OPPONENT! Accompanied by one half of the EAW Unified Tag Team Champions, Raven Roberts, hailing from Sea Isle, NJ, weighing in at 238 pounds… HE IS ONE HALF OF THE EAW UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, THE LIONHEART, REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEX! MCAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLISTERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!
Stew-O: Not just a tag team champion, but one of the co-captains for Dynasty’s team at Brand Warfare this year! Our Brand Warfare team is incredibly stacked this year with the likes of Fire and Ice at the helm, as well as the Ace of EAW, Limmy Monaghan, taking part in it!
Flannery McCoy: Without a doubt, the team will be watching to see how one of their captains does against a force to be reckoned with like Michael Machina, but just as Machina has gone through some incredibly intense fights in his career, Rex McAllister has made a legendary career with toppling foes like that!
Jake Mercer: This is what a main event is made out of, and now we’ll get to see which one of these two elite competitors are able to walk away with the victory!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Stew-O: And the match is underway! Michael Machina versus Rex McAllister, the Machine versus the Lionheart! Both wrestlers step out of their respective corners and begin circling the ring; Machina is as confident as ever, but you can nevertheless see that he’s approaching the Lionheart with caution.
Flannery McCoy: That’s for the best; Machina is a one of a kind powerhouse here in EAW, but Rex McAllister has such incredible technical expertise that he can wrestle even the strongest of enemies into a pretzel!
Jake Mercer: With that in mind, Machina is going to want to focus on the power game and land impactful blows to the Lionheart while trying to avoid getting caught in a grappling match with Rex; no matter how good Machina is in that ring, when someone tries to grapple up with the Lionheart, it never ends well!
Stew-O: It looks like Machina is thinking the exact same thing, because the Lionheart attempted to catch Machina in a collar and elbow tie up, but Machina quickly backstepped and avoided it; that’s not cowardice from the Machine, that’s intelligent tactics from a man that knows how to play to his strengths!
Flannery McCoy: Rex McAllister is keeping his cool nevertheless; there’s a reason why he’s called the Ice in Fire and Ice, after all! Usually, Machina is able to just bulldoze his way through his problems, but he needs to be careful with a man like the Lionheart!
Jake Mercer: Rex once again looks to catch Machina in a lock up, but this time Machina ducked underneath and immediately broke out into a blistering sprint across the ring, rebounding off the ropes by the time Rex manages to turn around!
Stew-O: He’s not able to stop Machina, though, who sprints back towards Rex McAllister with added velocity from the rebound before COLLIDING with a massive shoulder tackle to the Lionheart, knocking him down to the canvas and scoring Machina the first strike of the match!
Flannery McCoy: Not just the first strike, though, because now that he has Rex on the canvas of the squared circle, he’s fully capitalizing by reigning down on the Lionheart with a hellish barrage of stomps that forces Rex to roll away towards the corner, with Machina in pursuit continuing to pepper him with stomps!
Jake Mercer: Rex does make it close to the corner as Machina continues wearing him down with stomps, but- OH! Rex catches one of the stomps before it could connect and sweeps Machina’s legs, forcing him to fall forward and land face-first on the middle turnbuckle!
Stew-O: Intelligent use of the environment by Rex McAllister there, who immediately slips out of the way from between the legs of the New Legend before scrambling up behind Machina! He staggers for a second, feeling the brunt of the tremendous force that Michael Machina employs, before latching on with a rear waist lock as Machina staggers to his own feet with his face clutched in his hands!
Flannery McCoy: I’m sure that drop onto the middle turnbuckle hurt like hell, but Machina hardly has a chance to worry about that with him getting caught in the clutches of the Lionheart! Rex McAllister immediately yanks him away from the corner, making sure that he can’t grab a hold of the ropes, before hoisting Machina a foot into the air and dropping him with a rear waist lock takedown!
Jake Mercer: Perfect execution by Rex McAllister, using one of his legs to sweep Machina’s legs in mid-air to make sure he doesn’t plant his legs to prevent the takedown! Now Machina is face-down on the canvas in a prone position, with Rex McAllister immediately maneuvering himself on top of Machina’s back!
Stew-O: Machina is one of the strongest men in EAW, but even he would have difficulty with the full body weight of Rex McAllister pressed on his back while he’s down in a prone position! That’s exactly what Rex has in mind as he reaches over and grabs the right arm of Machina and pulls it behind his back, applying a grounded hammer lock!
Flannery McCoy: The Lionheart continues this technical ambush as he keeps that hammer lock applied by pressing his knee onto the wrist of the locked arm, keeping it set in place as he looks to continue his machinations here!
Jake Mercer: And what a brilliant strategy he has here, looking to begin attacking the right arm while it’s locked, specifically focusing on the right shoulder of the New Legend by bashing it with a merciless flurry of hammer fists! Rex knows exactly what he’s doing here; so much of Machina’s offense relies on his arm strength and his shoulder, including essentially all of Machina’s signature and finishing maneuvers!
Stew-O: Machina’s in a tough spot here as Rex is doing everything he can to just take that dominant arm apart, and he knows it! But look at this! Machina uses his free hand to press against the canvas and push up the left side of his body, destabilizing Rex’s mounted position and causing him to fall off!
Flannery McCoy: It caused some recoil damage, though, because the way Rex fell off Machina’s back just twisted that right arm even harder before releasing it! Machina rolls away, clutching at that right arm in pain while Rex McAllister shakes his head, having landed roughly upon being pushed off of Machina’s back!
Jake Mercer: Machina staggers to a standing position and quickly makes his way to Rex McAllister, who himself is rising up from the canvas, before grabbing him by the wrist! Rex barely has a chance to react before Machina pulls him in for a heavy short-arm clothesline that knocks the Lionheart down; Machina, on the other hand, felt as much pain from that move as Rex did!
Stew-O: It looks like Machina was looking to test the damage done to his arm, and to Rex’s credit, it does seem to be quite damaged from Rex’s grounded hammerlock assault! Machina has his teeth gritted in frustration, but nevertheless looks to continue the match with the handicap that Rex placed on him!
Flannery McCoy: Raven is clapping from ringside for her partner and husband for the work he’s done in the match so far, but Machina isn’t looking to allow his damaged arm to prevent him from seizing victory! Rex is brought back to a standing position before Machina connects with a heavy knee smash to the midsection of the Lionheart, causing Rex to double over in pain!
Jake Mercer: Machina grabs him by the head and forces his face back up before connecting with an elbow smash from his undamaged arm! He won’t be able to get quite as much force by using his non-dominant arm, but that’s the price he’ll have to pay in order to stop hurting himself!
Stew-O: Machina connects with yet another elbow smash before turning himself and maneuvering Rex onto his undamaged shoulder; the Lionheart is being carried up into the air, and this is definitely not a place you want to be when you’re facing up against Machina! This can only mean–
Flannery McCoy: POWERSLAM! POWERSLAM CONNECTS! Rex is brought back down to the canvas with overwhelming force, and Machina is perfectly adapting to using his left side in order to combat Rex the best way he can! Rex has been planted to the canvas, and Machina glares down at him as he grabs his own right arm, once again testing it for soreness; the wince indicates it’s still hurting, but Machina is trying to overcome it, even striking his arm to try to get the blood flowing for recovery!
Jake Mercer: He does get an idea, and suddenly turns his back to the fallen body of Rex McAllister… BEFORE LEAPING UP INTO THE AIR AND EXECUTING A BACKFLIP! THE POWERHOUSE SHOWING OFF HIS ACROBATIC SKILLS HERE AS HE EXECUTES A STANDING MOONSAULT ONTO REX–
Stew-O: BUT MCALLISTER GETS THE KNEES UP! MACHINA JUST PLUMMETTED DOWN ONTO THE KNEES OF REX, TURNING THAT MANEUVER AGAINST HIM! Now Machina rolls off of Rex, clutching at his ribs in pain! Rex has been taking quite the beating this match, but he found the perfect opening to turn things around here, and now he rolls over and narrows his eyes at Machina, aiming to follow up on this sudden turning of the tables!
Flannery McCoy: The Lionheart staggers up to a standing position, definitely looking worse for wear after enduring the brunt of Machina’s overwhelming offense, but he’s found himself in a favorable position and immediately springs to taking advantage of it!
Jake Mercer: Take advantage he does, as he begins a harrowing assault on the New Legend, immediately going for a knee drop onto the back of Machina’s head! That’s gotta rock the mind of the Machine, and Michael barely even gets a chance to hold his head in pain before Rex drops an elbow drop on him!
Stew-O: And Rex follows up by grabbing the waist of Michael Machina and dragging him up to a standing position; from there, he arches back and connects with a bridging German suplex to the New Legend, holding him there for the referee to count the pin!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOO-
Flannery McCoy: Machina, indomitable as ever, gives an emphatic kick out! It looks like Rex accounted for that, though, as he still has the waist lock applied; he follows Machina’s movements and brings him back up to a standing position before shoving him forward into the nearby corner!
Jake Mercer: Machina has his back to the turnbuckles and doesn’t get a chance to react before Rex rushes in and connects with a corner clothesline to daze the New Legend! Immediately afterwards, he wraps his arm around the head of Machina and rushes out of the corner, planting the New Legend face-first with a running bulldog!
Stew-O: He doesn’t go for the pin off of that, however! Instead, he wraps his arm around the opposite side of Machina’s head, this time going for the front of the throat and wrenching Machina’s head back with a DRAGON SLEEPER! He’s wrenching it back so vigorously with that chokehold that it causes Machina to be brought up to a kneeling position, allowing for Rex to apply even more leverage!
Flannery McCoy: Rex is really looking to force Machina to either tap out or pass out right here, and Machina is struggling against the hold! This is what we mentioned in the beginning; if you allow Rex to apply his technical mastery, the match will quickly turn sideways for you! Machina looks like he might be fading… is this the end for the New Legend?!
Jake Mercer: NO! Machina is fighting back, forcing his right leg up so he can plant his foot on the ground and slowly force himself up! He grabs the waist of Rex McAllister and fights through the pain to hoist him up into the air, dropping the Lionheart with a side suplex with his damaged arm! The roar from Machina shows you just how much that hurt him as well, but he had to do it in order to stay in the match!
Stew-O: He staggers up to his feet while Rex arches his back in pain… AND NOW MACHINA JUMPS UP INTO THE AIR! A BACKFLIP! THAT STANDING MOONSAULT CONNECTS, AND REX ISN’T ABLE TO GET HIS KNEES UP THIS TIME! MACHINA HOOKS THE LEG!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-
Flannery McCoy: But Rex McAllister kicked out as well! He is the tag team champion, after all, he didn’t get that gold by being an easy opponent to put down for the three count! Machina is feeling the brunt of this match now, slowly staggering up to a standing position with a grunt while Rex McAllister rolls away, looking to create some distance in order to recuperate!
Jake Mercer: Machina is crouching down, looking to measure up the Lionheart for something big… I think he’s aiming to drop Rex with the dreaded Bullet from Hell! That’s going to hurt Machina like crazy after his shoulder was targeted, but if it’s able to put Rex down for the three count, then it’ll be worth it for this match; if Rex is able to kick out, though, Machina is going to be in trouble!
Stew-O: The referee is checking on Rex who is starting to stagger up to a kneeling position… WAIT, WHAT THE HELL?! A HOODED MAN JUST JUMPED THE BARRICADE AND RUSHED OVER TO THE APRON, RIGHT BY WHERE MACHINA IS MEASURING REX UP! MACHINA JUST BARELY MANAGES TO TURN AROUND TO SEE HIM BEFORE HE GETS HIT IN THE JAW WITH A PAIR OF BRASS KNUCKLES!
Flannery McCoy: The hooded man jumps off the apron and crouches down out of sight… wait, that hood just flipped over when he jumped down– IT’S CY! CY HENDERSON JUST AMBUSHED MACHINA! PAYBACK FOR MACHINA’S AMBUSH EARLIER IN THE NIGHT! THE REFEREE AND REX DIDN’T SEE IT!
Jake Mercer: Machina is down, and Rex has gotten back up to a standing position! Rex staggers over to where Machina is, dragging Machina up to a standing position before shoving him over to the center of the ring– AND HE RUSHES UP TO MACHINA, FLOATING OVER AND PLANTING HIM WITH THE REX EFFECT! IT’S OVER! IT’S OVER! HE’S GOING FOR THE PIN!
ONEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Stephie Love: Ladies and gentlemen, your winner… THE LIONHEART, REX MCALLISTER!
Stew-O: Rex didn’t see what happened with Cy, but he nevertheless managed to capitalize and get the win over the New Legend! There’s no way of knowing how that match would have ended without Cy’s interference, and we were just robbed of that outcome!
Flannery McCoy: You can argue that turnabout is fair play, though; Machina asked for it when he laid Cy out, and now he got laid out in return! Of course, in this case it interfered with Machina’s match and caused him to lose, so it’s definitely disproportionate…
Jake Mercer: Whatever the case, Rex didn’t see it and appears to be happy with the win! Raven rolls into the ring, and now they’re both celebrating! Meanwhile, Machina is still laid out, with Cy sneaking away, glaring at the New Legend’s fallen body as he does so!
(The video feed lingers on Rex’s celebration with Raven, while Machina slowly returns to consciousness, seemingly realizing what happened and glaring furiously into the audience as he clutches his head in pain; the feed then fades to black.)
(A commercial plays for Petco.)
(The Friday Night Dynasty video feed shifts away from the arena entirely and to a recorded video of a massive gated mansion; the video appears to be taking place early in the morning. The video feed pans around the mansion before fading inside of it, right by a dark bedroom with multiple beds in it; everything is silent and peaceful, until…)
Methuselah: ARISE! ARISE ARISE!
Methuselah: AWAKEN! AWAKEN! AWAKEN!
(The clanging of metal against metal tears through the silence and eradicates any semblance of peace; the lights in the room suddenly turn on, to reveal Methuselah standing in the doorway with a trash can held in one hand and a short pole in the other, which he is using to bang on it. On the other side, BRAE can be seen opening his eyes in one of the beds with the Interwire Championship laid out on the side table. The other bed contains a furious looking Drake King sitting up in the bed.)
Methuselah: Prithee, do not tell me that you expected peace within the confines of my lofty abode; o stringed soldiers, o marionette martyrs, pray recall that your presence within these walls is an act of disciplining for your recalcitrant insubordination. There is no discussion to be had; I am the captain of this team.
Methuselah: THEREFORE, I have sought to live in accordance with the Law of Mentalism, prescribed by the Hermetic teachings of the Kybalion as its first law.
Methuselah: THEREFORE, I have demonstrated by speech and by acts my mastery over the governance of the self.
Methuselah: THEREFORE, I have applied the deliberately crafted incantations to entrench my power over the self, over the very mind.
Methuselah: THEREFORE, I expand that power from the SELF to the OTHERS, namely my comrades-in-arms.
Methuselah: THEREFORE, I COMMAND respect and obedience out of my comrades, and punish disobedience with the intent to sculpt a victorious team from the raw material I have been given.
Methuselah: THEREFORE, the Master Builder’s divine design is transmuted from the cognitive to the material.
Methuselah: THEREFORE, you MUST endure this day of rigorous training by my command, in order to inject obeisance for your Elevated Sensei into your minds. Such is the will of the Overman, your Ascended Mahatma.
(After that “rousing speech”, both BRAE and Drake King look dumbfounded, still blinking the sleep out of their eyes, with Drake King displaying far more irritation at the antics of Methuselah.)
Drake King: Whatever. Let’s just get on with this already.
Methuselah: I will train that nonchalance out of you and replace it with a mind so finely tuned with my own that your movements will be akin to an extension of my own. Salachya, but you have no choice in this matter, and no contrary opinions will be entertained. Get up and meet me in the Hallowed Chamber of Physical Ascension at 0400 hours.
(BRAE blinked and looked to the side table, realizing that Methuselah had awakened them at 3:30 AM. Drake King realized the same, only seeming to get more frustrated; BRAE, however, did not seem too bothered by this, since he already puts himself through ludicrous training regiments on a regular basis.)
(The pair of BRAE and Drake King were left alone as Methuselah left a map of the mansion on the side table before exiting the room. BRAE grabbed a hold of the map and took a look, while Drake King rose from his bed, cranky as can be.)
Drake King: This is completely ridiculous. Every bit of work I put into saving this brand and this company gets thrown back into my face. And now I’m left dealing with a problem that I already solved in 2023. What kind of thanks is this for all of the work I’ve put into fixing this broken industry?
BRAE: Being angry about it isn’t going to solve anything. This is the situation we’ve found ourselves in, like it or not; the best thing we can do is to work through it all and persevere with the victory. I’m no stranger to early morning training, so this will just be an extension of my standard routine.
Drake King: You don’t know Methuselah like I do. This is standard for him, and what is standard for him is a detriment to us and the company as a whole. All I’m realizing from this is that my work is far from finished… Dynasty still needs saving, and nobody seems to care besides me. What a disaster.
(Drake King shook his head as he left the room, still seething; BRAE sighed as he got out of bed himself and began doing some dynamic stretches to warm himself up and get him out of the sleepy daze that he’s in. The video feed faded away and into the training room, with BRAE and Drake King both walking in; the opulent clock hung up on the wall indicated that it was 4:00 AM. The room was filled with bizarre, custom-made exercise equipment, with a wrestling ring as the room’s centerpiece. Three large chambers could be seen in the corner of the room.)
Methuselah: Pray observe your surroundings; this will be your first of many arenas of the day. In order to train your mind for obedience, the body itself must be broken down as a prerequisite; THEREFORE, through exhaustion you shall understand the importance of rendering obeisance unto your humbly chosen and newly awoken sensei.
(Methuselah pointed to the two papers laid out on the apron of the wrestling ring. BRAE and Drake both walked over and took a look, realizing that the papers outlined the training regiment that Methuselah expected them to complete.)
Drake King: Are you serious? Some of these exercises are ridiculous.
Methuselah: Have you ever known me not to be serious? ‘Ridiculous’ is but the feeble cry echoing from your mortal vessel, which wishes to succumb to the throes of mediocrity; what I command is not ‘ridiculous’, it is precisely as strenuous as what War Games necessitates.
Methuselah: We are on a strict schedule. You have until 0530 hours to conclude the training. I will be watching your every move to ensure strict adherence to the Master Builder’s design. Do not question my methods; all that I do has been observed through countless iterations spanning centuries.
(Drake and BRAE watched as Methuselah stepped aside and crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes at the two of them.)
Methuselah: What, are you waiting for me to say ‘start’? Prithee, do not tarry in one spot; you will require every second between the present moment and my deadline to complete this circuit. Begin. NOW.
(Drake King glared daggers into Methuselah; on the other hand, BRAE shook his head and made his way to the first of the eccentric training machines, beginning his first set. Drake looked incredulously at BRAE, then back at Methuselah, who was looking back at him with an indiscernible expression. Drake sighed and made his way to his own starting machine.)
(The minutes passed as the video feed turned into a training montage of BRAE and Drake going through the circuit of the strange training machines; the clock continued turning, and finally it reached 5:30 AM, just as Drake and BRAE concluded their circuit, panting heavily as they finally made it through.)
Methuselah: Magnificent! Prithee, observe the chambers in the northwestern corner of the Hallowed Chamber of Physical Ascension; these are cryogenic recovery chambers, in which you must reside for the purpose of accelerating your biological muscular repair mechanisms. Pray enter the chambers for 0.5 minutes at -60 degrees Celsius, followed by 2.0 minutes at -135 degrees Celsius.
Drake King: Are you out of your MIND?
Methuselah: Aht aht, withhold your aspersions; the purpose of this day is to beat obedience into you, and that requires you to nurture your faith in my words. I have told you that all of today’s plans are in accordance with the latest exercise science literature, peer-reviewed and reproduced in multitudes of mimic studies. Enter the chambers, endure the frigidity, and then make your way to the Gawdcast recording studio section of my estate. I have taught you through physicality here, and now I shall teach you with my words; be the good pupils I require you to be and heed my words.
(Methuselah immediately turned around and walked away, not even bothering to field any further comments from Drake King, who grows increasingly frustrated with Methuselah’s leadership. He turns to say something to BRAE, but the Interwire Champion actually speaks first.)
BRAE: Well, this isn’t too different from when I do low-temp training in the Arctic. It actually does help, so I have no problems with this. Those machines were really weird, though, never seen anything like them.
(He shrugs as he walks past Drake, taking a look at the pre-programmed cryogenic recovery session before stepping into the chamber and shutting the door. Drake looks on incredulously, blinking a few times as he tries to fight away the migraine he feels coming, before heading into the chamber himself, grumbling under his breath as he does.)
(The pair resided in the cryogenic chambers for the prescribed period of time before the video feed faded to Methuselah’s Gawdcast studio. The camera pans across the dimly lit studio revealing a cluttered desk with microphones and podcast equipment. The walls are adorned with different esoteric and occult images, such as a framed print of the Tree of Life from Kabbalah, a tapestry of the Flower of Life, and an illustration of the alchemical symbols for the four elements, among others. The table is adorned with, in addition to the required podcast equipment, other artifacts such as tarot cards, mystical tomes, and a self-revolving titanium hourglass in the form of a Metatron’s Cube.)
(Drake King and BRAE were seated in the corner of the room, forced to watch as Methuselah began his newest Gawdcast episode.)
Methuselah: You’re listening to The Ryan Adams GAWDCAST™ and I am your host; the newly awoken, humbly chosen, your Ascended Mahatma, your Elevated Sensei, the Overman himself… Methuselah Elevation. We find ourselves on the fifth day of September, in 2025 anno domini Methuselah Elevation. I implore all members of the auditory audience to listen carefully…
Methuselah: Today, we will be speaking not on leadership, but on the significance of being a FOLLOWER; this instruction goes out to everyone that is not fit to be a leader. Do you understand?
(BRAE rolled his eyes, while Drake King had to stifle a groan upon hearing that slight from Methuselah.)
Methuselah: The source of this instruction is derived from the Hypostatic Properties, the essence of which I apply to myself and the inherent separation I have from all mankind. Walk with me. The purest essence of being a FOLLOWER is to act in such strict adherence with the mind of one’s governor that you, in turn, become an extension of his very limbs. THEREFORE…
(Drake King slumped over in his chair, clutching his head in pain as Methuselah continued to speak at length about how important obedience is. His words gradually faded until they were muted, because only paying members of the Gawdsquad are permitted to listen to the entirety of his speech.)
(The video feed faded back in after the episode concluded; Methuselah snapped his fingers, gesturing to his two comrades to follow him. They began walking down a long hallway; the walls of the hallway are lined with posters and achievements, with a seemingly endless set of trophy pedestals lining the room, all topped with championships he has won in the past.)
BRAE: What is this, your achievements room?
Methuselah: This, my pupil, is but a fraction; should you desire to bear witness to the full extent of my splendor, you must visit the Mount Adams Observatory. Only there can one even begin to approximate the extent of what Methuselah Elevation has manifested of his divine design.
(Drake King stopped walking when he saw a poster of Pain for Pride 16, where he defeated Methuselah. He and BRAE both glance at Methuselah, who himself fell silent; the paternalistic expression on his face was suddenly replaced with a far more venomous expression, narrowing his eyes at the visage of his former adversary plastered on his wall. He blinked the resentment out of his eyes, though, and continued walking as though nothing happened. Drake King and BRAE both noticed, though, with Drake quietly smirking to himself and BRAE having a bit of worry on his face about the tension.)
(The video feed then faded back to a training montage in the Hallowed Chamber of Physical Ascension, where Methuselah was running drills for BRAE and Drake King in the wrestling ring that stood in the center. The time flew by as he relentlessly trained them in what felt like a series of iron man matches, one after another.)
(Eventually, it was 6:00 PM, and BRAE and Drake both looked positively exhausted. Methuselah clapped his hands with amusement after the training session concluded.)
Methuselah: FINISH HIM. OVER FOR THOU. My commendations have been earned by your effort; if I were to allow your present muscular damage to fester without proper nutrition and recovery, I would merely be crippling our team. I summon thee, housekeepers!
(Several maids and butlers marched into the room, with towels, bottles of water, and protein shakes in hand. They provided all of the materials to the three members of Dynasty’s war games team. BRAE and Drake used the towels to dry away their sweat; Methuselah, however, felt one of the water bottles and immediately grew furious.)
Methuselah: Is it too much to ask for?
Maid: Ask for what, sir?
Methuselah: ‘Ask for what, sir?’ she says. I explicitly commanded you to provide water at 61 degrees Fahrenheit. This is AT LEAST 62 degrees. What do you have to say for yourself?
Maid: I-
Methuselah: SILENCE. OVER FOR THOU. You will receive your final paycheck in the mail; prithee, pack your belongings immediately. You have until 1805 hours; after that, you will be considered a trespasser that I shall prosecute to the fullest extent of the law.
(The maid’s face grew pale at that threat; she quickly ran away. BRAE and Drake were utterly dumbfounded at that cruel display; Methuselah, however, shrugged it off.)
Methuselah: Bathe. You have both been afflicted with the putrid stench of a hard day’s work. At 1830 hours, join me in the spa; our muscular recovery will begin there, followed by dinner.
(Methuselah walked away again, barely giving BRAE and Drake a chance to think about what he said. This time, though, they didn’t have any objections, immediately going to shower off as a lovely spa session awaited them.)
(The video feed faded away before fading back into the spa Methuselah had built into his mansion; it had all of the highest quality amenities, with masseuses giving massages to all three wrestlers while other attendants were simultaneously providing both hair and facial skincare. For once in the day, all three of the elitists looked to truly be enjoying themselves. Until…)
Methuselah: Hm?
(Methuselah suddenly rose up from his prone position, raising his head and shoulders to glare daggers at the masseuse.)
Methuselah: I pay you to provide the perfect pressure for my massages as dictated in your contract. You went several pascals beyond the designated level of pressure.
Masseuse: Sir, I apologize, I–
Methuselah: FINISH HIM. Get out of my sight right now if you know what is good for you. To fail a massage session is an atrocity worthy of prosecution at the Hague.
(The masseuse ran away, stifling tears at Methuselah’s admonishment.)
Methuselah: Prithee, send in the next masseuse in my reserve corps. I demand competence from this one.
(The video feed lingered on the spa session as another masseuse sprinted in and immediately began massaging Methuselah, before the feed faded away once more.)
(Finally, the feed faded back, this time in the mansion’s dining room, where Methuselah, BRAE, and Drake King were all seated and eating.)
Methuselah: I expect that your experience today has provided you with the respect for my authority that I command out of my team. This training will provide us with lucrative dividends come Territorial Invasion.
Drake King: You think these sessions changed anything?
BRAE: Hold on–
Drake King: You are–
Methuselah: Shut your mouths. I am done tolerating your dissent. Refusal to obey will spur graver consequences; instead, you ought to feel gratitude for your Ascended Mahatma, who went out of His way to treat you with such delicacies. No more dissent. No more disobedience. No more insubordination. You will listen to what I say, heed my words – each and every one of them – and you will act in accordance with my teachings. Nothing else will happen. Nothing else CAN happen. End of discussion, and end of session. Finish your meals and go to sleep; such is your Elevated Sensei’s final commandment of the day.
(Methuselah, who had already finished his plate, rose from his seat and walked away, snapping his fingers to have one of the housekeeping staff take his plate to be washed. The two remaining elitists ate in silence, taking in the events of the day.)
(The video feed fades one last time, back to the bedroom, where BRAE and Drake were seated on their respective beds.)
Drake King: Listen to me, BRAE.
BRAE: What is it?
Drake King: I didn’t say anything back there because I refused to give Methuselah any more leeway to mess with our lives. What happened today, though? Unacceptable. Completely unacceptable.
BRAE: …
Drake King: I am not going to allow Methuselah to do whatever he wants. You saw the way he looked at that poster in his hall of achievements, right? I’m willing to bet that all of this is just a way to get back at me for saving the company from his tyranny back in 2023.
BRAE: What are you suggesting, then?
Drake King: When the time comes, I am not going to mindlessly obey him. He doesn’t deserve that from me, and he doesn’t deserve it from you either. I am going to put myself first, and I recommend that you do the same. He doesn’t deserve our loyalty or our ‘obeisance’. I would tell him that to his face, but a person like him never learns. Today was the perfect example of that. Ugh, I’ve had enough for one day… I’m going to sleep.
(Drake King walked over and turned off the lights before slumping into his bed and rolling over to go to sleep.)
BRAE: Put ourselves first…
(BRAE silently pondered Drake’s words as he laid back in his bed, staring at the ceiling above him. The video feed lingered on him as he continued thinking on the events of the day, before fading to black.)
