Dynasty

(EAW intro plays…)

(Friday Night Dynasty intro plays. Various highlights from Pain for Pride and the Draft Show plays. After each big moment is highlighted, the intro ends, and the camera takes the viewers over to a live look of the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. Pyro goes off, with graphics commemorating the twentieth season of EAW being showcased on the titantron and LED aprons. The crowd cheers, and then, the shot switches over to the commentary team.)

Stew-O: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to FRIDAY NIGHT DYNASTY—AND THE START OF SZN 20! WE! ARE! HERE! ALMOST 20 FULL YEARS OF EAW BEING THE STANDARD OF PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING, AND WE ARE NOT SLOWING DOWN FOR A SINGLE SECOND!

Jake Mercer: Yessir! Who would’ve thought, huh!? It is an honor being here, and I cannot wait to be here for even more seasons!

Flannery McCoy: Neither can I. It truly is a blessing. Not many promotions can say they have been around for three decades, but we can—and we’re getting bigger and better each and every week.

Stew-O: Absolutely. The first episode from us this season means that we are setting the pace, and– oh, hang on. I’m getting word there is something going on backstage?

(All three commentators raise their eyebrows as they are spoken to through earpieces.)

Jake Mercer: … huh. Guess we’ll see what’s happening, won’t we?

(The camera switches away from ringside, and the shot traverses backstage to where Michael Belfort is seen. He treks through the corridor, microphone in hand while bringing the fingers of the other one up to his earpiece.)

Michael Belfort: And then, I just make a right, yes? … Okay, I think we’re there. Thank you.

(Michael nods and glances toward one of the camera operators.)

Michael Belfort: He’s nearby. Just a little longer.

(They come up with another part on the right, as instructed. They turn, making their way down. The lights become dimmer. Eventually, they arrive at a closed door, along with a sign hanging off of it: The Wondrous Sanctum of God.)

Michael Belfort: Huh. Definitely made himself right at home.

(Michael doesn’t think much of it, however; a job has to be done, and personal opinions aside, that’s what he aims to do. A few sturdy knocks, and he takes a step back, patiently waiting.)

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???: Who is there?

Michael Belfort: Hello, it’s me: Michael Belfort, senior interviewer for EAW. I came to ask a few questions to Drake King, if that is alright? I understand he may be a busy man, so–

???: God.

Michael Belfort: I, I’m sorry?

???: He is no mere man. He is the Grand Savior of this World, and you shall address him properly if you truly do desire to speak with him.

Michael Belfort: O-oh, right. My apologies, then.

(Michael clears his throat, already beginning to sweat.)

Michael Belfort: Then allow me to start over: I wish to speak with God and inquire him briefly about his prior statements.

(For a moment, there’s nothing but silence from the other end. Michael remains standing, gaze uncertain as he continues to stare at the door. He could’ve sworn he heard the makings of some hushed whispers, as though a group were deliberating on what to do—or, if Michael’s redo was acceptable.)

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(… eventually, the door cracks open.)

???: Enter.

Michael Belfort: Thank you.

(Upon entering, Michael looks around, and his eyes widen slightly. The locker room space has transformed drastically, with a low lightning to exemplify the gentle glow of candles, along with an altar, and four chairs. Three before the altar, and one somewhat to the side of it. Almost like a throne.)

(Seated in that proverbial throne is none other than Drake King himself.)

(Sister Annabelle is seated, a familiar face. Two people, however, remain standing, looking right at the interviewer: Father Abraham, and Minister Boveri, who Michael is able to quickly surmise as the one who he was speaking to from behind the door. He gives everyone a nod of quiet acknowledgement before approaching Drake.)

Michael Belfort: Drake, I–

(Almost immediately, he raises his hand, stopping him in his tracks.)

Drake King: No further than that, please.

(Michael blinks, but does not question it.)

Michael Belfort: Alright, that is fine. I came to ask some questions.

Drake King: I’ve heard. Go ahead. I need to get ready soon.

Michael Belfort: Yes, I understand.

(He takes a glance over his shoulder. Father Abraham and Minister Boveri continue to stare. There’s an uneasiness to it, but Michael quickly snaps his head back to Drake, who doesn’t look the little bit amused.)

Michael Belfort: Drake, of course, you were able to vindicate yourself at Pain for Pride and claim the World Heavyweight Championship—a title you’re more than familiar with as it was the first of the now-four world titles that you have to your name. What is the feeling like for you to be back at the top of the brand most would say saw you really take off and set the standard for what was to come with you?

Drake King: Such a childish question, but I suppose I can answer. In a way, it’s almost poetic. You point out the gilded history behind it, and it’s almost as if it’s like the universe–or I, rather–intended this to be the end game. However, this is not about the earthly idea of getting to sift for the archives and bring back an old book for a chapter. This is about evolution; progress; improvement, and of course, saving this world. I am back in my rightful spot, yes—but it is just because I alone am the only one who can create seismic change in this landscape. Everyone else is too selfish and incompetent to think beyond themselves, and I had to endure what happens when said incompetence is allowed to fester.

(Drake shakes his head.)

Drake King: At least that is finally done with. I don’t wish to bring it up anymore. My mission is clear. Every aspect of this promotion will be changed for the better thanks to me, and I do not care if others may disagree with it. It is not for them to accept. They have sullied any bit of good that used to be present. Now, I wish to bring it back, and after that? My statement will carry far and wide into the world as a whole.

Michael Belfort: Right. On that subject: what exactly did you mean when you said you would save the world? Many have interpreted your goals as… well, if I must be frank, vague and are looking for more direct answers from you.

(That makes Drake lift a brow. Sister Annabelle bows her head slightly. Father Abraham and Minister Boveri’s eyes narrowed furthermore; pursed lips stretching further across their taut faces. Michael senses the atmosphere, nerves frying underneath the composed front he dons.)

(Drake then lowers the brow, and a sigh emerges.)

Drake King: Everyone certainly is impatient. Well, if you must know, I need for these people to understand that I alone am fit for this. No one else. They are so blinded by Elitists who mirror their abhorrent ways. They’ll chalk it up to things like ‘relatability’ or ‘personality’ or find some manner of commonality, because then, they can delude themselves into becoming greater than they actually are, and that is how ego develops, Michael. Vanity, or pride, is a sin so many are guilty of committing. With the eradication of it, that brick wall will no longer be in the way, and everyone will be more exposed to the truth without attempting to stifle it. And I know, you must be thinking, “how can you do that?” Well, it would be through the same manner I was able to succeed two weeks ago… I go after the talent here, all of the false idols that prop themselves up, and bring them back down from their disgusting self-made heights. Then, everyone who has ever been fooled into believing in them will go back to being far more humble. With that, the hope is that people will do some much-needed self reflection—and with enough of them doing that, no one will have to get caught up in the material needs this world has disguised as wants ever again.

Michael Belfort: Material?

Drake King: Money. Fashion. Cars. Titles. The sort. Everything that is meant to bolster their status and lull their minds into a sheep-like mentality.

(He glances at the title, which has been placed within a case on a table.)

Drake King: … there is nothing wrong with wishing to succeed in life. After all, who are we without ambition? Even I possess it, despite how righteous mine is. A mission is a mission through and through, and we all should want to strive to achieve something. But… when said ambition blooms into arrogance? It no longer becomes a noble wish—it is a destructive vice, and that is why so many people have yet to reach the level that I have.

Drake King: At times, I have lost sight of that, but that is precisely why I can speak the way that I do. I have gone through it all. Seen it all. Been through everything you can imagine. I ascended to Godhood not because it was something I declared, but because my actions have showcased my growth. It is not a right but a role I wholly embody. It’s to the point that I don’t even have any true desires to take the title with me whenever I go out to the ring, but since we are in the era of iconography, I do it so that it can remind everyone of how I was able to get it: by not sullying myself to their decrepit levels.

Michael Belfort: I-I see. Still, if you do not feel the need to carry the title, then… why were you so intent on chasing after it for an entire year? We’ve seen you become maddened with frustration after what transpired at Pain for Pride last year, and now—

Minister Boveri: I believe that is enough.

(Michael’s words crumple to the back of his throat as the minister speaks out. However, Drake raises a hand, chuckling lightly.)

Drake King: It is alright. I understand his logic, even if it is so small-minded and misaligned.

(Minister Boveri eases, only for the sake of her God.)

Drake King: … yes. I was obsessed with capturing this title—but it goes back to what I was saying, Michael, and if you open your ears rather than allow for your mouth to overtake all senses, you would connect the dots. I was an angry thing. Said anger even bled all the way through up until a few weeks ago. I did get carried away with comparing worth, resumes and legacies, but after winning the title… I became at ease once more, because the simple fact is that I did what I needed to do. I went far above and beyond what people like Cy and Machina thought, and in the end, they just couldn’t stop me.

Drake King: I am anointed. I am God. I am the rightful savior of the World, and I no longer remain angry. Everything has been settled.

(Drake leans forward slightly.)

Drake King: So, let us leave it at that. Thank you.

Michael Belfort: Okay. Okay. Well, uh, thank you for answering me, Drake. May you have a good rest of your night, and good luck.

Drake King: Luck?

(Drake guffaws.)

Drake King: God does not require luck. Just faith.

(Michael nods, hesitantly. The eyes of the others return on him, and that’s when the interviewer quickly takes his leave along with the camera crew. From there, Friday Night Dynasty fades to ringside, where Stephie Love is seen in the ring.)

Stephie Love: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!

Crowd: ONE FALL!

(‘Memory’ by Mercy Drive starts playing and Delaney Rhodes runs out from the back with a big smile on her face. She tags the fans as she skips down the ramp. Delaney runs up the steps and climbs up the middle rope, throwing her arms out to a sizable amount of cheers from the unfamiliar crowd.)

Stephie Love: Introducing first, weighing in at 118 pounds, from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, “THE SHARPSHOOTER” … DELLAANNEEEYYY! RHOOODDDEEESSSSSS!!

(‘Queen Leech’ by Grim Salvo & Witchouse 40k hits the speakers and Rei Oboro makes her way out from the back, spinning with her arms outstretched. She shuffles down the ramp, staring a hole through every fan with an uncomfortable demeanor. She runs up the steps and swings into the ring, crawling to the bottom rope, slithering to the apron and posing.)

Stephie Love: Her opponent, weighing in at 175 pounds, from Aomori, Japan, she is “THE BEAUTIFUL RAIN” … REIIIII! OOBBBOOORRRROOOOO!!!

(DING DING DING!)

Stew-O: We’re off to the races and here comes Delaney Rhodes who is looking to make an impact in her debut against Rei Oboro! Both women engage in a lock up, to which Rei swivels behind Delaney. She tries to bully her down, but Delaney with a drop toe hold! She spins into a front headlock, and Oboro runs her back-first into the turnbuckles!

Flannery McCoy: She starts beating down on her with body shots in the corner! Rei grabs Delaney by the wrist for an irish whip, but Rhodes counters it! She charges in, but Oboro ducks underneath! She hooks the waist for a back suplex, but Delaney presses her feet onto the top turnbuckle and backflips behind her. Rei turns around, and Rhodes with an armdrag!

Jake Mercer: Bad start for Oboro, who bounces up and runs in. Another armdrag! Delaney kips up to her feet and takes the arm, transitioning to an arm wringer. She then goes into a wrist lock, but Rei stomps the foot and elbows her jaw! She swivels behind, and this time, Rei gets Delaney with the back suplex! First cover of the match!

ONE–

Stew-O: Kick out from Delaney! Rei drags her up and sends an elbow to the back of the head. She nails her with a chop, and then she takes the wrist. Rei wants an irish whip, but Delaney slaps her hand down, and then an enzuigiri! Rei is on wobbly legs, and Delaney rises, quickly running off the ropes! Dropkick to the knee! Down goes Oboro!

Flannery McCoy: Delaney quickly rises to her feet and she grabs the head of Rei, gator rolling the both of them to their feet. Delaney heaves Oboro up for a snap suplex, and Rei holds at her back in pain. Delaney rises up to her feet and Rei takes the ropes as well. She runs off the ropes, looking for a clothesline… but Oboro is quick on her feet with a drop toe hold into the middle rope!

Jake Mercer: Rei rises and she bounces off the ropes! Delaney has no clue where she’s at, as Oboro throws her entire body forward with a senton to the back of Rhodes! She nearly crushed her spine there! Rei drags Delaney up and lifts her with a scoop slam. She points down and leaps into another senton!

Stew-O: Oboro is up to her feet and she drags Delaney up. She throws her into the turnbuckles and stalks her, following through with repeated corner clotheslines! Oboro keeps at it, and Delaney is dazed. Rei takes the wrist for an irish whip, but Delaney counters it! Rei is caught off guard, and here comes Rhodes with a flying corner splash!

Jake Mercer: Oboro staggers out, and Delaney runs off the ropes. She tilt-a-whirl’s around the body, throwing her with a headscissors takedown! Delaney is digging deep into her bag right now, and she’s feeling it! Rei rises, and another dropkick from Delaney!

Flannery McCoy: As Rei rises, she swings for Delaney, who ducks underneath! She traps the arms and lifts her up for a cross-arm olympic slam! Delaney quickly goes into the cover afterwards!

OONNNEEEE!!

TW—

Jake Mercer: But Rei kicks out! Delaney shakes her head and drags her up. She wraps her arms around the waist, trying for a belly to belly, but Rei stalls it! She starts to rain down vicious headbutts to the forehead of Delaney, and then runs them backwards into the turnbuckle! Rhodes wheezes out in pain, and then Rei kicks her legs out from underneath her!

Stew-O: She turns around and runs off the turnbuckles, bouncing off as she soars into a CANNONBALL SENTON! Delaney’s body gets squished by the turnbuckles, and Rei drags her up off of the canvas. She heaves her up into a fireman’s carry, marching to the center of the ring as she slams her down with a samoan drop!

Flannery McCoy: That certainly knocked all of the wind out of Rhodes! Oboro isn’t done, though. She drags Delaney up to her feet and tucks her head in. She quickly lifts her up off of the canvas, marching to the center of the ring with a sit-out powerbomb! Down for the cover!

OOOONNNNNEEEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOOOO-

Stew-O: But Delaney thrusts a shoulder up in time! Rei shakes her head, but she marches up to her feet. She drags Delaney up and wraps her arms around her waist, placing her up the top rope. She sends an elbow to the back of the neck, and slowly pulls her down into a tree of woe. What the hell is Rei thinking right now?!

Jake Mercer: I have no clue, but Oboro turns around and runs across the ring, bouncing off the turnbuckles! SPEAR TO DELANEY WHILE SHE’S IN TREE OF WOE POSITION–

Flannery McCoy: NO! DELANEY ROLLS OFF OF THE TURNBUCKLES IN TIME! SHE FREED HERSELF, AND SHE LANDS RIGHT BEHIND OBORO! She grabs her by the waist and she throws her with a GERMAN SUPLEX! Delaney pops up to her feet and she’s fired up now! Rei has no clue what just happened!

Stew-O: She slowly rises and swings for Delaney, who ducks underneath! Right jab! Left cross! She backs up for steam, and wants a front dropkick, but Oboro moves out of the way, and Delaney once again crashes hard! Rei bounces off the ropes and she throws her body into a FLIP SENTON! You’ve gotta be kidding me!

Jake Mercer: Oboro’s agility should not be taken lightly! She pulls Delaney up by the hair, and then transitions to grabbing her by the wrist. Delaney does all that she can to break free, but it’s no use as she gets yanked forward into ‘FINAL AGREEMENT!’ THE SHORT-ARM LARIAT BRINGS HER DOWN! Oboro hooks the legs and this one could be over!

OOOONNNNNEEEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!

Flannery McCoy: NOT YET! Delaney kicks out! Rei looks up at the referee, and we are getting an absolute treat in our first match of the night, as Delaney Rhodes is showing everyone what she’s made of! Rei looks up in disappointment, and she pulls Delaney up to her feet.

Stew-O: Front headlock from Oboro. She’s looking to heave her up off of the canvas for ‘Shattered Pillar’, but Delaney floats behind her! She grabs the waist and runs the ropes, wanting an O’Connor Roll, but Rei hangs onto the ropes! Delaney forcefully backrolls off of Oboro, stumbling up to her feet. She turns around to Rei who is already looking for a lariat–

Jake Mercer: ONLY TO BE INTERCEPTED WITH A SNAP OVERHEAD BELLY TO BELLY SUPLEX! Delaney caught Rei off guard, and now she swings this match back into HER favor! Delaney is up to her feet and she staggers towards the turnbuckles! Rei is down and out, and Rhodes makes her way up!

Flannery McCoy: Delaney is slow to climb, but she gets all the way to the top rope! She’s perched up top, and she leaps off! ‘SKYWAY!’ THE MOONSAULT CONNECTS! REI HOLDS AT HER RIBS IN AGONY! DELANEY HOOKS THE LEGS! CAN SHE GET THE WIN?!

OOOONNNNNEEEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!

Jake Mercer: NOPE! OBORO KICKS OUT! Delaney sits up, and she knows that could’ve been her shot to win this match! Rei rolls underneath the bottom rope, holding at her ribs in pain. Delaney slowly rises as well, knowing that it’s going to take a lot more to get this win.

Stew-O: She pulls Rei back into the ring and wraps her arms around her waist, applying a bearhug. Oboro wheezes out in pain, and Delaney continues to wear her down! Rei reaches for the ropes, but it’s no use, as Delaney looks to spin into a belly to belly—NO! Rei sends an elbow to the back of the head! Another one!

Flannery McCoy: She drops down to her feet and hooks the head of Delaney! She drops her head-first with a DDT! Vicious! Rei hangs onto the head of Rhodes and rolls through with her in grasp. She throws her up in the air, and this time she catches her with ‘SHATTERED PILLAR!’ THE SUPLEX POWERBOMB CONNECTS!

Jake Mercer: But Rei can’t get to the cover! She falls back from the energy she had to expend just to throw Delaney up for that! Rei clutches at her ribs in pain, meanwhile Delaney lies motionless in the center of the ring. Rei rolls over, coughing out in agony. Rhodes is down and out, and Oboro takes the ropes, slowly rising.

Stew-O: She’s going to have to move quick to wrap this one up! I think Oboro isn’t comfortable with the amount of time wasted and she pulls Delaney up to her feet. She heaves her up into a fireman’s carry, rotating her off the shoulders for ‘A PALE HORIZON!’

Jake Mercer: NO! AS SHE TRIES TO TRANSITION INTO THE CHOKESLAM, DELANEY COUNTERS WITH ‘DEAD END!’ THE FLYING ARMBAR! SHE’S GOT HER ARMS WRAPPED AROUND THE HEAD *AND* ARM! IT’S LIKE A TRIANGLE ARMBAR! REI THRASHES AROUND HELPLESSLY, BUT DELANEY PULLS BACK ON THAT ARM!

Flannery McCoy: Delaney is going to rip that thing off! Rei is slapping at the canvas and trying to get free, but Rhodes is relentless! She gets her legs from around the head and just to the arm! Oboro has nowhere to go! She’s trying to fight the ankle…

Stew-O: But Delaney rolls to her side, pressing down on that shoulder! She continues to bend back, and Oboro yells out in agony! She reaches for the ropes… but she’s got no choice! REI TAPS OUT! THIS ONE’S OVER!

(DING DING DING!)

Stephie Love: Here is your winner of this match, DEELLANNNEEYYY! RHOOODDDEESSSS!!!

(Delaney releases the arm of Oboro and rolls over, breathing heavily. She receives an applause from the crowd, who are impressed by her performance tonight. The referee helps Delaney up and raises her arm up. Oboro, on the other hand, is leaning against the bottom rope, seething at the loss as she clutches her arm in pain, and she punches the mat repeatedly.)

Jake Mercer: WHAT A WIN! Rei Oboro looked to being very close to having it in the bag, but Delaney stole victory from the jaws of defeat and forced a stunning submission victory!

Stew-O: A tough loss for Oboro, who clearly is still not over it as we take a look back at ringside!

(The camera is focused on Oboro, who now kicks the steel steps. She shakes her head, shouting out in anger. As she heads up the ramp, she directs her anger towards the fans, getting a couple to flinch. Back in the ring, Delaney looks both confused and concerned at Oboro’s reaction, but focuses back on her celebration.)

Flannery McCoy: I understand that Rei is fired up because of how close she was to winning, but there is certainly a better way to go about things! Nonetheless, Delaney has a lot to be proud of as she makes a very strong impression in her debut tonight.

(A commercial plays for Reckless Wiring.)

(The Friday Night Dynasty video feed fades to a panning view of the CFG Bank Arena before stopping when none other than Chris Elite enters the frame; he takes a deep breath as he takes in the scenery, until he simply says…)

Chris Elite: Dynasty.

Chris Elite: It’s been a while… too bad I couldn’t close things off better with Voltage, though. King Bozo still out there acting like hot shit because he got a win over me, and I can’t do shit about it since he’s over on Showdown. Wish I could change that, but what’s done is done and I’m gonna make it Dynasty’s problem now.

Chris Elite: Won’t be the first time I took the red brand over, and I know a bunch of dweebs are gonna be chomping at the bit to disrespect me to make a statement over a hall of famer, but that’ll be the biggest mistake they’ll ever make. I showed last season that I’ve still got it, I showed them that I’m still Elite; even without the crown, I’m gonna show them all again.

Chris Elite: Show them that nobody bounces back from defeat better than Elite. They say new year new me, but this is a new season and they’re going to be seeing a hungrier and more desperate Chris Elite than they’ve seen in a long time. Good luck to anyone that tries to start shit with me, it’s not gonna end well for them. As for me? Only one thing I’m looking for.)

(He makes the title gesture around his waist.)

Chris Elite: Last time was the Interwire Championship, and maybe I’ll repeat that history, maybe I’ll go for the big gold, only thing for sure is that they’ll be calling me champ.

(Chris begins making his way into the arena as audible cheers from the live audience can be heard as they watch this take place on the screen; as Chris walks through the doors, he bumps into the former National Elite Champion, Daryl Kinkade, who’s looking just as motivated to be on the red brand.)

Daryl Kinkade: Well look at that… we’re on the same brand again bruv.

Chris Elite: Ah shit.

(Chris doesn’t exactly look happy to see Daryl as he turns to face him.)

Chris Elite: Now I gotta deal with this dickeater, huh? Must suck that you spent all that time fighting people for years and years until you finally got that fluke ass Cinderella run with the National Elite Championship just to lose it before the new season started. What’s it gonna be now? Back to the same ol’ Daryl Kinkade bullshit where you start ganging up with people better than you? Before you ask, I’m not interested.

Daryl Kinkade: Yeah, yeah, Chris Elite being a provocative cunt, same as usual. You’re not going to get a rise out of me, bruv; everything you were saying about showing you’ve still got what it takes to rise and succeed in the new era applies just as much to me. You said it yourself; you know how many people counted me out as someone who was forever destined to middle around with no further achievements to my name? Almost every single person spat on my name, but I made them eat their words when I broke free from my own self-imposed limits and got the National Elite Championship as proof.

Daryl Kinkade: I may not have the gold around my waist anymore, but my reign is proof that I’ve got what it takes to reign yet again. Hell, I’ll say that it proves that I’ve got what it takes to do what I’ve never done before… become THE world champion. So if you’ve got your eyes on the World Heavyweight Championship, sorry, but you’re going to have to wait another season.

Chris Elite: You’re talking mad shit for someone that came to EAW around the same time I did; what’s the difference? People like to be dickeaters but no matter what they say, I got this hall of fame ring around my finger and I’ve had world championship gold around my waist; when I say I’m going to fight my way back to that status, that means something. Sure as hell means more than when you say it.

Chris Elite: Spent all this time and effort just to come up to my waist; lil Daryl finally got some momentum after four years of being a flop and now you’re right back to where you started.

Daryl Kinkade: If all you’ve got to say is how much I’ve lost in the past, then you’ve got nothing worth saying at all. It’s just the same old trash talk that I invalidated when I proved the world wrong. I proved them wrong THIS YEAR, and I’m going to keep proving them wrong when I make season 20 the season of Kinkade and the Dynasty brand my new throne.

Chris Elite: And how do you plan on doing that?

Daryl Kinkade: Running through every last person that tries to get in my way of finally fulfilling my promise to myself.

Chris Elite: And that’s supposed to include me, huh? You gonna ‘run through’ me to get that World Heavyweight Championship?

Daryl Kinkade: You heard me.

Chris Elite: I’d like to see you try.

Daryl Kinkade: Keep testing my patience and you won’t need to ask.

(Tensions were rising and it looked like the two elitists may be on the verge of coming to blows, but ultimately, Chris is the one who takes a deep breath and creates some distance between the two.)

Chris Elite: Don’t have time for this shit right now. All you’ve got to think about is this, Daryl; I’ve already made my legacy and immortalized myself in EAW. You’re still trying to do that after all these years; you should be careful about popping off, you may end up getting sent to retirement without earning your way into the Hall of Fame at all.

(The two stare each other down as Chris’ parting words echo between them, before Chris continues making his way into the arena, leaving the video feed to linger on Daryl narrowing his eyes at Chris before fading to black.)

(The camera lands back on the ring.)

Stephie Love: The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!

(‘Dangerous Woman’ by Ariana Grande plays. Kendall Von comes out, smug and confident, as she makes her entrance and enters the ring.)

Stephie Love: Introducing first, from the The Executive Suite in Manhattan, New York, she is the Jewel of Wall Street, KEEEEENDAAAAAAALLLLLL VOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!

(‘Steel Haze (Where Truth Meets)’ by Kota Hoshino plays. AKIZA stalks on out, not at all impressed with the conceited flamboyance Kendall shows as she’s in the ring, looking her up and down.)

Stephie Love: Next, from Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, she is ‘Queen Vermillion’, AAAAKIIIIIIZAAAAAAAA!

(As Akiza gets into the ring and heads into her corner, ‘Kendrick, Clae & Cole’ by Marqus Clae plays. The fans cheer as NICK comes out, fired up and ready to go.)

Stephie Love: And lastly, from Detroit, Michigan, he is ‘El Castigador’… NIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICK!!!!

(DING DING DING!)

Stew-O: And here we go! NICK, who was traded from Voltage, looks to make a strong impression, but AKIZA and Kendall Von are rookies itching to gain a win for themselves and start off their SZN 20 on the right foot! All three Elitists look down at each other, ready to go. It had been a thrilling week with their promos, making it evident how important this bout was for them, and now, we get to see who will be the one to come out on top!

Jake Mercer: You gotta love the energy! This is what Dynasty is all about—AND RIGHT OUT THE GATE COMES AKIZA WHO KICKS NICK IN THE GUT! Kendall comes on by, but SHE GETS ROCKED WITH A BACK ELBOW! WOW! Queen Vermillion is the first to strike, and she goes a step further by sending Nick down with an arm drag! He goes tumbling into the nearest corner! Von tries to storm in, but is sent down with another arm drag as well! She pops up, and AKIZA takes hold of her! She lifts her up for a suplex!

Flannery McCoy: NO! Nick has come back up and whirls her around, smashing her in the face with a forearm! She wobbles, and Kendall is there to hook her legs, going for a backslide pin!

ONEEEEEEEE—

Stew-O: NICK breaks it up with a stomp! He grabs Kendall, shifting her into a quick roll-up!

ONEEEEEEEEE–

Stew-O: And she kicks out of it! He takes her up through the movement however, able to avoid allowing her to get back up, but AKIZA RUSHES IN WITH HER LEGS WRAPPING HIS MIDSECTION AND TAKES HIM DOWN WITH ANOTHER PIN!

ONEEEEEEEEE—

Jake Mercer: Kick out! Whew! Fast and furious offense thus far! NICK and AKIZA come up, with the latter intent on striking! NICK avoids the slap, and FLIPS HER DOWN ONTO HER BACK WITH THE SLAM! Meanwhile, Kendall has come up and leaps up, going for a choke! Good moment there as she is taking advantage of NICK’s focus having switched away from her!

Flannery McCoy: Yeah—but that doesn’t mean he’s completely unaware! Instincts guide him to stumble backwards, and Kendall gets FLATTENED in the corner! Her arms fall! The choke is broken up, but now, NICK is punishing her for the attempt with a series of back elbows connecting right at her! Left and right!

Jake Mercer: AKIZA has managed to come back to a stand and see what’s going on. She gets a charge going, running right at NICK! SHE’S COMING IN HOT WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT—

Stew-O: BUT NICK MOVES, AND SHE HITS KENDALL INSTEAD! The blitz stuns the Jewel of Wall Street who might be blinded by the lights, and NICK grabs AKIZA, SENDING HER CRASHING DOWN WITH A SUPLEX! What an emphatic slam that was! He floats into a cover!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOO—

Jake Mercer: Shoulder up! No breaks thus far! NICK transitions into a mount, where he begins to tee off with some punches! We know how heavy-handed his blows can be. It is NOT a fun experience, and AKIZA is getting a direct lesson in that! At least she has the wherewithal to attempt to block them, but some of those hits are slipping in and hitting her face!

Flannery McCoy: Yeah; NICK has found his zone. He takes her up after a few more and hoists her up onto his shoulders. Looks like he’s intent on doing some added damage—yet, AKIZA is firing off with pointed elbows to the side of his head! She’s looking to thwart him from executing whatever it is he has planned!

Stew-O: It’s enough to daze him! She slips off! AKIZA shifts behind and SENDS HIM DOWN WITH THE BACKSTABBER! WOW! What a counter!

Jake Mercer: It is—WHOA! KENDALL VON CAME RUSHING IN WITH A BICYCLE KNEE TO THE BACK OF HER HEAD! HOLY HELL! SHE JUST EXPLODED OUT OF NOWHERE WITH THAT!

Flannery McCoy: That, she did! AKIZA collapses to her knees, and Kendall hurries on over, knowing that there is little time to waste! Not with how frenetic the pace has been! She tracks down AKIZA–AND THERE IS THE BUZZSAW KICK SHE LIKES TO CALL ‘ON THE DOTTED LINE!’

Jake Mercer: :damn: !! YOU WOULDN’T EXPECT SOMEONE LIKE HER TO NAIL SUCH A VISCIOUS KICK, BUT SHE DID! EVEN SOME OF THE FANS ARE SHOOK! AKIZA SINKS DOWN, AND KENDALL MAY HAVE A CLEAR PATHWAY TOWARDS VICTORY! THE COVER IS MADE!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

THRE—

Stew-O: KICK OUT! Wow! And Kendall looks shocked! She thought she had it right there!

Flannery McCoy: I think many people did! I mean, AKIZA looked like she was knocked out! However, she was able to raise the shoulder from the mat, and while Kendall may not be happy with the result, she’s going to have to deal with the fact that this match is continuing!

Jake Mercer: Yeesh. Might give her a heart attack worse than the stock market crashing.

Stew-O: She’s at least getting a move on, not wasting time to jaw-jack at the official any longer. She has hold of her by the back of her neck, and takes her into the corner, where she begins to lay in a series of stomps! Kendall backs up, and she’s all the way across the ring! Corner to corner, he handsprings in— WAIT! AKIZA! AKIZA MANAGES TO GRAB HER WAIST WHILE SHE WAS IN THE AIR AND WHIRLS AROUND, DROPPING HER WITH THE BRIDING GERMAN SUPLEX! I BELIEVE THAT IS A VARIANT OF THE ‘ARCANA ARCADIA’!!

Jake Mercer: THAT IS WAS! COVER HERE, THIS TIME IN HER FAVOR! WILL THIS BE IT!?

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

THRE—

Flannery McCoy: NO, BECAUSE NICK BROKE IT UP! AKIZA WAS STOMPED ON, AND NOW, NICK IS LOOKING TO MOVE QUICKLY! HE COULD VERY WELL REDEEM A DISAPPOINTING PERFORMANCE AT PAIN FOR PRIDE AS HE HOISTS HER UP ONCE AGAIN!

Stew-O: … BUT JUST LIKE BEFORE, SHE IS FIGHTING BACK! AKIZA FLAILS, AND IS ABLE TO LAND IN FRONT OF HIM! SHE SHOOTS IN, GOING FOR A ROUNDHOUSE KICK—HE DODGES IT!

Jake Mercer: AKIZA, HOWEVER, STEPS UP WITH A KNEE, PUSHING NICK BACK INTO THE ROPES—AND HE COMES BACK WITH THE REBOUND LARIAT!! WHAT THE HELL!?!?!

Flannery McCoy: WOW! NICK TOOK HER HEAD CLEAN OFF WITH THAT! HE HURRIES, PULLING HER UP FOR THE THIRD AND POSSIBLY FINAL TIME! HE STORMS TOWARDS THE CENTER, AND DOWN SHE GOES! ‘BITCH MADE’!!!!

Stew-O: HE NAILS IT! NICK HOOKS THE LEG!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

(…)

(…)

(…)

Jake Mercer: CARTHWEEL ELBOW DROP FROM KENDALL VON!!! HOLY HELL!!! NICK ROLLS AWAY, CLUTCHING HIS ABDOMEN, AND KENDALL GOES AHEAD WITH THE COVER ON AKIZA!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

(DING DING DING!)

(‘Dangerous Woman’ by Arianna Grande plays, and Kendall Von rolls off of AKIZA, smirking from ear to ear. She raises her arm as she stands, looking mighty proud of herself and dusts off her shoulders.)

Stephie Love: Here is your winner…. KEEEEEEEEEEEENDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALL VOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!

Stew-O: Wow! What a showcase! All three competitors really brought the fight to each other with not a single slow period anywhere to be found. All of them made due on their promise to give this bout everything they had, but in the end, Kendall Von gets the win in her debut!

Jake Mercer: She sure knows how to pick her spots! She’s gonna be a problem for the rest of the locker room if this persists!

Flannery McCoy: NICK and AKIZA were just as impressive. Unfortunately for them, tonight just wasn’t their night. The night belongs to Kendall, and with that, all congratulations in the world for her!

(The final shot shows Kendall maintaining her smirk while AKIZA recovers and NICK shakes his head in disappointment before Dynasty transitions elsewhere.)

(A commercial plays for Obsession.)

(Friday Night Dynasty returns to show the backstage area of the CFG Bank Arena. The camera focuses on a pair of feet walking through the halls. As it begins to pan up, the crowd erupts into thunderous cheers for the New Breed Champion as Anna Wautier is seen making an appearance. She has a confident expression on her face as she heads down toward Gorilla Position, but before she can completely make her way there…)

AKIZA: …

(She stops, as she’s met face-to-face with AKIZA, someone who just made her EAW debut right before this. She has a towel over her neck, visibly in pain, but her determination quickly kicks in as soon as she stands across from the Champion. The two of them have a tense staredown as, after a brief moment, Anna begins to speak.)

Anna Wautier: AKIZA, is it? It is very nice to meet you. I saw what you just did out there, and I commend your performance. Welcome to Dynasty.

(AKIZA tilts her head, glaring at Anna for a brief moment before speaking.)

AKIZA: I don’t need your validation. What I need…

(Her eyes wander toward the New Breed Championship over her shoulder, before looking back up at her.)

AKIZA: … is right there.

Anna Wautier: Well then, it would be in your best interest to be at your very peak, Ms. AKIZA. For I do not intend on backing down from a challenge, especially when this New Breed Championship needs the rebuilding that I desire to obtain. I will be more than happy to put more of my blood, sweat, and tears into making sure that this is legitimized… even if that may be at your expense.

(AKIZA chuckles at this, nursing the back of her neck.)

AKIZA: Don’t be so certain.

(She wipes loose strands of hair before pushing forward, shoulder checking Anna Wautier as she makes her way out of the scene. Anna is taken aback by the gesture, but she smirks at this, continuing to walk through the hallway, before she encounters yet another person…)

Yanni Killebrew: Quite the target on your back, huh, Anna?

(The camera pans over to show Yanni Killebrew, who is stretching himself out with a resistance band, having been watching the interaction between the two.)

Anna Wautier: I assume you’re after my title as well?

Yanni Killebrew: I suppose it would be proper for someone of my status. It might be something you roll your eyes at, but it’s something that is of utmost importance to me.

Anna Wautier: Why is that, sir? Might you show me the passion that you have?

Yanni Killebrew: Well… isn’t it obvious?

(Yanni puts the resistance band down on a nearby production crate, shifting his entire body toward her.)

Yanni Killebrew: With death looming around the corner, time is always of the essence. But that is nothing to be afraid of, Anna. It must be something that we welcome with open arms. Do you understand where I am coming from?

Anna Wautier: … Interesting.

(Yanni chuckles, knowing that Anna is visibly weirded out by this.)

Yanni Killebrew: I would suggest… that you watch what happens out there. Maybe there you will see the true challenge that stands in front of you…

???: Tama na ‘yan! Haven’t you spoken enough, Mr. Killebrew???

(The crowd inside of the arena is heard reacting loudly as the camera goes over to show TFK, who makes his way into the scene. He has his wrestling gear on as he glares directly at Yanni, who is unwavering.)

TFK: Instead of disrupting other people’s peace, how about you focus on what is going to happen out there? Because if you don’t, then Anna Wautier is going to see a sight that you’re not going to be ready for.

Yanni Killebrew: I take great amusement in your threats, TFK. It appears these hypotheticals that you mistake as absolutes continue to bear down on you. I don’t imagine that you truly are facing this reality that you speak of, merely because it does not exist.

TFK: I mean no offense to you, Mr. Killebrew, but I do not care for any of what you have to say at this point. We settle this inside of the ring, and I will use you to forge my path in EAW one way or another.

Yanni Killebrew: I do not think that you do a good job convincing me, TFK. I have seen it from your viewpoint, listening to your talks about honor and tadhana. But you… you just don’t seem to understand. And that is okay. Just know it will not do you any good against me, it will only lead to embarassment… I don’t imagine that you want that, would I be correct in thinking that?

TFK: If you wish to start problems, then-

Anna Wautier: ENOUGH!

(Both Yanni and TFK stop, glancing over at Anna who is clearly annoyed after this pointless bickering.)

Anna Wautier: TFK is right, if the two of you wish to settle this, then you may do so in the ring. I am not stupid, I understand that both of you along with all the other new talent on the roster are coming after me, and I welcome that challenge. But you either show me inside the ring that you deserve it, or else you get to the back of the line.

(Yanni glances at Anna before looking at TFK, scoffing and shaking his head.)

Yanni Killebrew: Quite the interesting introduction to this place, might I say.

(He turns and makes his way out of the scene, as TFK turns to look at Anna.)

TFK: I apologize for the disruption, Ms. Wautier. I will not lie to you, I have my eye on the title as well.

(He thinks for a moment, before smiling.)

TFK: I hope I show you what a true Champion looks like tonight.

Anna Wautier: I anticipate as much.

(TFK turns around and begins to make his way toward Gorilla Position as well, leaving Anna completely by herself. She takes a moment to process what just happened as she adjusts her title over her shoulder, turning around and walking the opposite direction as it’s the very last shot seen before the camera begins to fade out.)

Stephie Love: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!

Crowd: ONE FALL!

(As ‘Roadhouse Blues’ by The Doors kicks in, Yanni Killebrew storms out from the back to a mostly negative reception from the crowd. He extends his arms out, spinning down the ramp and making his way down into the ring. He swings in, spinning around to his turnbuckle, awaiting his opponent.)

Stephie Love: Introducing first, weighing in at 220 pounds, from Woodstock, New York, he is “THE BASILISK KING” … YANNNIIII! KILLLEEBBRREEEWWWWW!!!

(The negative air in the building quickly dies out the moment that ‘Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time’ by Panic! At The Disco hits the speakers. TFK shines brightly underneath the spotlight, smiling to the crowd. He makes his way down, tagging the fans and embracing their energy.)

Stephie Love: His opponent, weighing in at 165 pounds, from Manila, Philippines, he is…. TTTTTTT!!!! FFFFFFFF!!! KKKKKKKKKKK!!!

(DING DING DING!)

Jake Mercer: Big opportunities on the horizon for both Yanni Killebrew and TFK, who look to make good on their promises to go for the New Breed Championship—but only one of these two men can actually leave with the victory in their Dynasty debut.

Stew-O: They circle the ring, looking to get a feel for each other. Killebrew is quick with an ankle pick, trying to drive TFK down to the mat! He does exactly that, and transitions to an ankle crank. He twists at the ankle, putting TFK in an uncomfortable position. TFK slowly rolls to his fours, now taking his free leg and wrapping it around the head of Killebrew. He throws him forward with a headscissors takedown, and both men rise.

Flannery McCoy: TFK snags him into a side headlock, wrenching it in. Killebrew brings both men to the ropes and he sends TFK off. He comes off the ropes and Killebrew brings him down with a shoulder tackle. He runs off the ropes, but TFK rolls to the side, forcing Killebrew to leap over him. TFK is up to his feet and he goes up with a leapfrog! A drop down from TFK afterwards…

Jake Mercer: And he comes in with a dropkick! Nope! Killebrew catches the legs! He’s already a step ahead of TFK, as he then transitions into a jackknife pinfall, pressing the shoulders down to the mat for the cover.

OOONNNNEEEEEE!!!

Stew-O: TFK takes the waist and slowly bridges up with Yanni in his grasp! He turns the both of them over and he hooks the arms, bringing him down with a backslide!

OOONNNNNNEEEEE!!

Flannery McCoy: Killebrew rolls out of it! He stops TFK from getting off of his fours and he wraps his arm around his ankle. He rolls forward and brings TFK down into a La Magistral cradle!

OOOOONNNNNEEEEEE!!!

TTTWWWWWOOOO–

Jake Mercer: TFK was a little slower to kick out that time, but he gets the shoulder up! TFK rolls to his knees and Killebrew smirks, pinching his fingers to show how close that was. TFK is starting to feel the pressure, but he doesn’t give in so easily. Both men rise and step in for a collar & elbow tie-up…

Stew-O: Only for TFK to fake Killebrew out! He ducks under and grabs him into a waistlock instead. TFK heaves him up off the canvas into a big mat return. TFK grinds the hold in, wrenching tight on the waist of Killebrew and trying to squeeze his ribs. Yanni can feel the discomfort and he sits up, trying to mount a momentum shift.

Flannery McCoy: TFK won’t let it come easy though, as he sends a forearm to the back! He rolls Killebrew back onto his stomach, then transitions into a grounded headlock. Now, TFK just uses his body weight to keep Killebrew pressed down to the canvas, which is even more uncomfortable.

Jake Mercer: Nonetheless, Yanni begins to rise, as TFK keeps that headlock in… He sends an elbow to the ribs, and then another one! Yanni spins out, shoving TFK face-first into the turnbuckles! Killebrew runs in, but TFK with a back kick to the ribs! He leaps up the middle rope and soars over Killebrew, bringing him down with a sunset flip!

OOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOOOOOO–

Stew-O: Killebrew rolls out of the pinfall, and he gets TFK with a front dropkick to the chest, and the back of TFK’s head bounces off the bottom turnbuckle! Goodness! TFK rolls away, writhing around in pain as he clutches at the back of his head! Killebrew doesn’t care about his pain, he pulls him away from the ropes and hooks the legs!

OOOOONNNNNEEEEEE!!!

TTTWWWWWOOOO–

Flannery McCoy: Kick out from TFK! Killebrew drags TFK up and cracks him with a forearm smash to the jaw. TFK wobbles, but he responds with a palm strike! Killebrew throws another forearm, but TFK with another palm strike! He throws another palm strike! And then a body kick! Killebrew staggers forward, and TFK runs off the ropes!

Jake Mercer: TFK leaps up with a dropkick to the back of the head! An eye for an eye, as Killebrew goes down. TFK rises to his feet and he runs off the ropes. Sliding dropkick this time, and Killebrew rolls out of the ring for cover. TFK pops up to his feet, and he’s feeling the crowd’s energy now!

Stew-O: Now TFK runs off the ropes, and he flies out the middle rope with a SUICIDE DIVE! KILLEBREW GETS SENT RATTLING INTO THE BARRICADES! TFK drags him up and he throws him into the ring! Killebrew scrambles up to his feet, and he has no clue of what just hit him!

Flannery McCoy: Behind him, TFK is in the ring. Yanni turns around, and TFK leaps up! ‘LODI DDT!’ THE JUMPING DDT DRIVES YANNI HEAD FIRST INTO THE CANVAS! TFK ROLLS HIM OVER AND HE HOOKS THE LEGS!

OOOOONNNNNEEEEEE!!!

TTTWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Stew-O: ONLY FOR KILLEBREW TO KICK OUT! TFK sits up, shaking his head. Yanni holds the top of his head in pain, and TFK is feeling good about himself right now. He pulls Yanni up off of the canvas and clobbers him with a forearm, then a punch to the body. Then a chop!

Jake Mercer: Big kick to the abdomen from TFK, who runs off the ropes, only for Killebrew to fire off with a LARIAT! HE COULD’VE TAKEN TFK’S HEAD OFF WITH THAT ONE! Yanni drags TFK up from the canvas and he grabs him into a wristclutch position!

Flannery McCoy: TFK is trying to fight out of it, but he’s dazed! Yanni ripcords TFK out! ‘GHOST NOTE!’ THE RIPCORD ELBOW BRINGS HIM DOWN! AND KILLEBREW GOES STRAIGHT TO THE COVER! COULD BE IT HERE!

OOOOONNNNNEEEEEE!!!

TTTWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Stew-O: NOPE! IT’S TFK WHO GETS A SHOULDER UP THIS TIME! These two men have been going tit for tat since the bell rang, and it’s not changing whatsoever! This is going to be a tough battle to see who can emerge in the New Breed division, and it’s been one hell of a treat for us who get to commentate this match!

Jake Mercer: Killebrew pulls TFK up to his feet, and slaps the back of his head. TFK falls to a kneel, and I’m sure he’s not in the right mindspace right now after that elbow. Killebrew caught him good. Another slap to the back of the head, and TFK slowly rises—only to fall into the ropes.

Flannery McCoy: Yanni smirks, and he turns TFK around, sending a lariat to the chest! TFK falls against the ropes, and Killebrew throws another one! He’s just playing with his food right now… Killebrew sees TFK tied up against the ropes and he turns around, running off the ropes!

Stew-O: KILLEBREW LEAPS TO ‘AFTERIMAGE!’ THE BOOT WHILE TFK IS ON THE ROPES—NO! TFK MOVES! KILLEBREW’S LEG GETS CAUGHT OVER THE TOP ROPE! AND TFK LEAPS INTO A NECKBREAKER! KILLEBREW GETS SLAMMED HARD TO THE CANVAS!

Jake Mercer: THERE YOU GO! TFK is starting to feel it now, and he calls for the fans to rally behind him! They’re beginning to clap, and that’s all the fuel that TFK needs to take control of this one!

Crowd: CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!

Flannery McCoy: Yanni staggers up, and TFK brings him down with a clothesline! Another clothesline! Yanni swings for TFK, who ducks underneath, grabbing the waist! He runs him to the ropes for an O’Connor Roll!

OOOOONNNNNEEEEEE!!!

TTTWWWWWOOOO–

Jake Mercer: Killebrew is quick to shove TFK off, but I think that was part of TFK’s plan! Because as Killebrew is rising, TFK HANDSPRINGS OFF THE ROPES AND HE SPINS INTO A LARIAT! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! TFK is up and these fans are truly going crazy now!

Stew-O: Yanni gasps for air, and he rolls over. TFK calls him up to his feet! He claps his hands, and Killebrew hears it this time! He turns around and tries to rush a kick to the gut, but TFK catches his leg instead!

Flannery McCoy: TFK parades Killebrew around as he hobbles on one leg for a moment, then he swivels into a DRAGONSCREW LEGWHIP! A SECOND DRAGONSCREW LEGWHIP! AND A THIRD CONSECUTIVE ONE! HE CALLS THAT ‘L-V-M!’ AND KILLEBREW’S LEG HAS TO BE KILLING HIM RIGHT NOW!

Jake Mercer: He’s calling for the end here! TFK grabs Killebrew by that same leg, looking for ‘THAT THING CALLED TADHANA’, BUT KILLEBREW IMMEDIATELY STARTS CRAWLING TO THE ROPES AND HE GRABS THE BOTTOM ROPE JUST IN TIME!

Referee: (off-mic) Come on, TFK! Off the ropes! ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Stew-O: Reluctantly, TFK lets go of the leg, and Killebrew rolls to the apron, holding at his leg in pain. TFK marches over towards him, grabbing him by his hair—

Flannery McCoy: But Killebrew yanks him forward with a hotshot over the top rope! TFK falls backwards, holding at his throat in pain! TFK falls to a kneeling position, coughing out. Killebrew slowly takes the ropes, grimacing. He slowly makes his way up to the top rope…

Jake Mercer: TFK is still reeling, and Killebrew dives off the top rope! ‘LEAP OF FAITH!’ THE DOUBLE KNEE DROP FROM THE TOP ROPE! AND HE FLATTENS TFK! BUT AT WHAT COST?! BECAUSE HE GOES DOWN RIGHT ON THAT BAD LEG!

Yanni Killebrew: (off-mic) AAHHHH! MY LEG!

Referee: (off-mic) Yanni, are you gonna be able to continue?!

(As Yanni hugs that hurt leg, he waves the referee off. He refuses to have his first match end due to injury, and he slowly pushes around to TFK, looking for the cover…)

Stew-O: Say what you want about Killebrew, but he’s showing some heart right now, as he hooks the legs of TFK! Could this be it?!

OOOOONNNNNEEEEEE!!!

TTTWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

TTTHHHHHHRRRRR—

Jake Mercer: NOOO! TFK KICKS OUT! YANNI TOOK TOO MUCH TIME DUE TO THAT HURT LEG, AND LOST WHAT COULD’VE BEEN HIS CHANCE TO WIN! TFK is still out of it, and Killebrew rolls over, limping up to his feet. He staggers around the ring, and TFK stares up at the ceiling in pain.

Stew-O: Yanni drags TFK up off of the canvas, and he wraps his arms around his waist. He’s got him in a gutwrench position, looking to heave him up for ‘THRESHOLD HYMN’ — BUT TFK LANDS BEHIND HIM! CHOP BLOCK! DOWN GOES YANNI! AGAIN, TFK IS LOOKING FOR THAT LEG!

Flannery McCoy: HE HOOKS THE ANKLE FOR ‘THAT THING CALLED TADHANA’, BUT YANNI WIGGLES FREE! HE ROLLS TFK FORWARD, AND TRANSITIONS TO A VICTORY ROLL PINFALL! THE REFEREE IS THERE!

OOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Jake Mercer: YANNI GRABS THE ROPES!!!

TTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

TTTTTTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

(DING DING DING!)

Stephie Love: Here is your winner of this match, YANNNIIII! KILLLEEBBRRREEEEWWWWW!!!

(The moment that the bell rings, Yanni releases the pinfall and rolls out of the ring, holding at his ankle in pain. He crawls away, laughing his ass off, as the fans start booing him. TFK sits up, in disbelief that he got played like that, and looks to the referee, who was none the wiser about what Killebrew pulled to get the win.)

Stew-O: You’ve gotta be kidding me! Killebrew and TFK were having a phenomenal back and forth matchup right there, until Killebrew decided to take the cheap way out and use the ropes to secure himself the victory!

Jake Mercer: He knew when to abort the mission! Killebrew knew that his leg wasn’t going to carry him to the finish line, and so he made a very wise business decision that secured him the victory!

Flannery McCoy: There’s a lot of questions as to what this new New Breed division is going to look like here on Dynasty, but Killebrew has put his name on a lot of people’s lists to look out for if he wasn’t already there in the first place.

(With a disappointed TFK looking on while Yanni raises his arm up, Friday Night Dynasty fades elsewhere)

(Backstage, Kirk Redwood is seen performing warm-ups in lieu of his main event contest later on in the evening. He rolls his shoulders, lightly hops on his feet, and cranes his neck from side to side. He double-checks himself, ensuring that everything is up to par—then, Michael Belfort approaches.)

Michael Belfort: Kirk Redwood, is it okay if I can get a moment of your time?

(Kirk stops. He takes a glance over.)

Kirk Redwood: Nah, I don’t mind, but why th’hell it look like you’ve seen a ghost?

Michael Belfort: Hm? Oh, uh, nothing! Nothing to worry about, I assure you. I’m just a bit flustered, for a lack of better words.

Kirk Redwood: Uh-huh. Always are, but you know what, whatever. Go ahead and shoot.

(Kirk gets a little closer, and Michael jumps right in.)

Michael Belfort: Kirk Redwood, it couldn’t be any clearer: you are on the roll of a lifetime. In the past two months, you have defeated two EAW Hall of Famers: Brian Daniels, and Limmy Monaghan. You have shown you are on your way to the top after performances in season nineteen that, while impressive, didn’t garner you the results you sought. However, you have been able to rack up wins that have opened the world’s eyes to what has always been there. It just took a while for everything to be realized. How do you feel as you are entering this monumental twentieth season on the highest note possible?

(Kirk allows for the words to settle, nodding his head. A smirk surfaces.)

Kirk Redwood: Well, what can I say? It pays to be a stubborn mule. Can’t let the chatter and noise anchor you down, but I’m not even tryin’ to play up some sorry-ass underdog role, ‘cause that ain’t me. I’m not here to garner sympathy or make anyone feel like they gotta root for me. I already got a few people outside of this place who believe in me, and I damn sure know I got a lot to give at this stage. I’ve been hungry for so long that I just wasn’t gonna be waitin’ for my seat at the table anymore. Now that I’m there? I gotta admit, Mike: it feels damn good.

(Kirk nods.)

Kirk Redwood: But of course, the job’s not done. Far from it. I showed that beating Brian wasn’t a fluke. Now we got the newly-christened Hall of Famer Limmy Monagan outta commission for a bit, and he damn sure gave me a fight—but like I told him, I wasn’t gonna accept any other kind of outcome. Respect be damned, it’s about the win, and he had his time winning and winning and winning until everyone got sick of ‘im. It’s my time now, and having to work hard both in and outta the ring has helped me get to this point. I definitely am proud. I just gotta make it count for somethin’. And it will.

Michael Belfort: You could make it count tonight as you are set to go up against Drake King. You get to see the World Heavyweight Championship again after almost three months, and beating him could be just what you need to earn another world championship match.

Kirk Redwood: Heh. Damn right. Can’t stand that cocky, maniacal, fake-God bastard, but I can chop him down to size real good. ‘Sides, I got the momentum on my side. I never had to have a damn breakdown and suddenly preach calmness as if it’s a virtue that’s been instilled in me all this time. He’s a cosplayer; I’m the real deal. Michael and Cy couldn’t put him down in the dirt, but I will, and when it’s all said and done, I—

???: Sorry?

(Michael and Kirk whip their heads, seeing Cy Henderson approach.)

Cy Henderson: Couldn’t put him down in the dirt, you say?

(Kirk chortles.)

Kirk Redwood: Yeah. That’s right, unless that mace affected your hearing.

(Cy glowers, and sensing that things could hit the fan real soon, Michael exits the area.)

Cy Henderson: Funny. However, the last thing you’re gonna want to do is paint me out as if I was incompetent or incapable of beating him. He squeaked out of Toronto with the title, but I was the one who made him spiral in the first place. You would do well to remember that.

Kirk Redwood: Oof. Someone’s certainly touchy. Didn’t even think I said shit in a way that could be interpreted as demeaning or a slight ‘gainst ya. It’s just the truth: neither of you could beat him, and we won. Why are we gettin’ frazzled over facts?

Cy Henderson: Because a serial career loser has no right to talk to someone who exceeds him in every manner possible.

(Kirk cackles. He throws his hands up in mock surrender.)

Kirk Redwood: Damn! Y’got me good, Cy! I definitely haven’t heard that before!

Cy Henderson: You can take that sarcasm and shove it up your ass, Kirk. I’m being serious here. Don’t bring my name up in your mouth ever again, because you aren’t going to like what I do to you.

Kirk Redwood: Yeesh. Didn’t know cyclones could be so chippy.

(Cy shakes his head out of disgust.)

Cy Henderson: You are beyond pathetic. Then again, I suppose the best way to lessen the sting of being viewed as a joke is by cracking jokes yourself.

Kirk Redwood: Really? At least give me some new material to work with here—not shit that can easily be countered. Don’t think I can be considered a joke when I’m the one out of the two of us who actually got to walk outta Pain for Pride with a win under my belt.

Cy Henderson: Yeah? You want to prop up luck?

(Kirk’s eyes narrow slightly.)

Kirk Redwood: Luck?

Cy Henderson: Yes, Kirk: I think you have gotten really lucky the past few months, and luck has an expiration date. You had your fun with the mini Cinderella run, but it’s not going to stretch itself into this season. You have been here for five years now, and… well, I’ll be courteous just this once and not delve into the obvious.

Kirk Redwood: Wow. How benevolent of ya, jackass.

Cy Henderson: Rich, coming from the likes of you. But nice to know you get exactly what I meant. That should be indicative of how, even with the luck that’s been afforded to you, not many people see you as a serious threat. You beat a guy who was already one foot out the door and another who has been going through an identity crisis with which ace he wanted to be. Neither of them were truly as hungry or desperate as they usually would’ve been for a big fight.

(Cy intensifies his stare.)

Cy Henderson: That’s not something any self-respecting person would display pride in.

(Kirk snorts.)

Kirk Redwood: Oh, please. This is a damn sport. Not everythin’ can work out perfectly. Besides, both of them were mighty eager to face me—enough to decide to walk down the ramp and get walked down by me in the ring. You just wanna dredge up bullshit because you feel raw and hurt about failin’ on the biggest stage while I got the shine on it. Ain’t nothin’ else to this.

Cy Henderson: Raw? Sure. I can admit that. However, you’re stupid if you really think I’m lashing out in order to make the proverbial sting lessen. Trust and believe me when I say that while Pain for Pride could’ve gone better for me, I’ve had losses far more demoralizing than that one—and I have been able to redeem myself from some of them. I plan on keeping things moving and doing just that: redeem.

Kirk Redwood: Yeah? Funny, ‘cause that word has been a bit of a motto for myself lately, too. Think I’ve done a mighty good job o’ that.

(Kirk takes a step closer.)

Kirk Redwood: But if you got your doubts, then you’re more than welcomed to step up to me and be the third hall of famer I put to sleep.

(Kirk then leaves—but not before intentionally bumping his shoulder into Cy’s. Henderson’s frown deepens, and from there, the shot fades…)

(A commercial plays for the WNBA.)

(Friday Night Dynasty returns to a shot of the CFG Bank Arena, as the sounds of ‘Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics is heard playing through the speakers of the arena. Immediately, the crowd begins to erupt into thunderous boos, as the camera goes over to reveal none other than Harper Lee as she’s seen making her way out from the backstage area. She has a smirk on her face, in her hands the Cash in the Vault briefcase which she is keen to show off to anyone that is looking. After a moment, she then begins to make her way down the ramp and toward the ring.)

Stephie Love: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… the 2026 MS. CASH IN THE VAULT… HARPER LEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stew-O: Two weeks ago, Harper Lee became your 2026 Cash in the Vault holder, getting herself closer than ever to becoming a two-time World Champion in EAW. But that didn’t come without its caveat. Because at the Draft last week, she found herself separated from Silas World, drafted away from Silas World to this brand!

Flannery McCoy: And we have absolutely no idea what’s running through the mind of Harper right now as she makes her way to the ring, but she’s certainly pleased to know that she has a guaranteed shot at a World Championship right in the palm of her hands. I guess we’re just going to have to see what she has to say about it.

Jake Mercer: I for one welcome Harper Lee to our brand! I feel as though she is going to be a valuable asset with her wise knowledge of the game as a whole!

Flannery McCoy: :usure:

(Harper makes her way up the steps and onto the apron as she enters through the ropes and into the ring. ‘Sweet Dreams’ begins to come to a close as she heads over and takes a microphone from the ringside area, heading toward the center of the ring before beginning to speak.)

Harper Lee: Friday Night Dynasty, I feel as though I need no introduction.

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Harper Lee: Thank you. :wow: You know what? You should be *honored* to have someone of my caliber on your brand, you know why? Because for too long now, Dynasty has been devoid of actual talent. You have people who claim to be that, you know who you are, while you have people who won’t even come close themselves. It was only a matter of time before someone finally came around and showed all of you exactly who that type of person can be, and you’re looking at her. And I mean, no real point debating that, right? I got the proof right here.

(Harper takes the Cash in the Vault briefcase and raises it up, a smirk on her face.)

Harper Lee: To be honest with you, it feels like this was only an inevitability. After a season of struggle I finally made it worth it, and I reminded all of you that I am still as great as I say that I am. And what next? Well, you should already know that. I am going to waltz my way directly into the World Championship scene and take one of them… doesn’t matter what if you want me to be honest with you… for myself. Now, I know that there’s a lot of debate surrounding how I feel about recent circumstances pertaining to myself. “Harper, why aren’t you frustrated?! Silas World just got broken up!” And I’ll get to that. But you know what? If I could get something off of my chest…

(Harper pauses, closing her eyes for a moment.)

Harper Lee: It kinda feels good being free.

(She shrugs her shoulders.)

Harper Lee: I mean, I think I’ve gone in depth about Kennedy Street’s treatment toward me and the rest of my Silas World teammates. I’m not gonna lie to you, at some point it got tiring, completely overplayed to an obnoxious degree, and I’ve got a temper to me, so of course I was never gonna be the type of person to handle that so well. I got into the Cash in the Vault match no thanks to her, and as a matter of fact, no thanks to anyone else either. Silas Mason clearly didn’t have my best interests in mind near the end of my Showdown run. I felt like I was being pushed to the side when that was *never* the role I deserved to be in. So thanks for everything, dude, but Donovan Duke is still missing and maybe once you give a damn and finally find him is when I’ll find it in my cold, brittle heart to forgive you.

(The crowd, surprisingly, ends up cheering for this. While they don’t like Harper Lee, it is clear that they hate Silas Mason more for obvious reasons.)

Harper Lee: See?! Now all of you are truly thinking like winners! You see it from my perspective. How it was never a matter of me whining about anything, rather I was MORE than justified considering everything that they tried to do to keep greatness down. But no longer. Because they cannot deny me anymore, they’re not going to be able to, I’m not going to give them a choice. And it’s only going to be a matter of time before Harper Lee gets back to exactly where she needs to be, and that’s at the very top of EAW as a whole. And if you have a problem with that, well, you’re just going to have to deal with it on your own time. Because I do NOT care.

(Harper laughs at this, taking a moment to sigh before she continues with what she has to say.)

Harper Lee: But you know what? Enough talking about me, even though I could go all day. This is a new brand for Harper Lee, with fresh faces and opportunities, so consider this my opportunity. I wanna call out someone to the ring, someone that I’m very familiar with, and most importantly, someone who knows how it feels to be in my shoes. This may seem very un-Harper-like for a lot of people, but being on Dynasty has allowed me to see things from a new perspective, and I’m going to open my mind up to an idea that is truly going to benefit everyone, not just myself!

(Harper shifts her attention toward the stage, making a gesture.)

Harper Lee: So if you don’t mind, I would like for the Empress of Elite, KASAI, to meet me out here in this ring.

(Harper smiles, the crowd murmuring in confusion about whatever in the world she might have in mind. After a brief, lingering moment, ‘NAKAMURA’ by Lil Uzi Vert begins to play through the speakers of the arena. After a moment, the camera goes over to the stage to show the Empress of Elite as KASAI makes her way out from the backstage area. She has a serious, almost annoyed expression on her face as she makes her way down the ramp.)

Stew-O: Here comes the Empress of Elite, and it’s certainly going to be interesting to hear the proposal that Harper has for her, I can only imagine that this benefits one person and one person only… and it’s certainly not KASAI.

Jake Mercer: Wrong! It benefits everyone! Harper Lee is smart and she knows exactly what to do! That’s the woman with a plan that you’re trash talking.

Flannery McCoy: You have to stop.

Jake Mercer: Sorry.

Flannery McCoy: I don’t believe KASAI is going to take kindly to this, but I guess we’re just going to have to see what happens.

(KASAI makes her way up the steps and onto the apron as she enters into the ring. She makes her way over and takes a microphone from the ringside area as ‘NAKAMURA’ begins to come to a close. But, before she can say anything, Harper speaks up.)

Harper Lee: Look, KASAI, I know we have our history. Back when you first debuted, we crossed paths a couple of times, and I’ll be the first to admit that I may have rubbed you the wrong way. But things change! I mean, look how far the two of us have gone from that point. You’re the Empress of Elite, I’m the Cash in the Vault, and I understand what people are going to say now. They’re going to say that we can’t be nice to each other simply because we’re both after the same thing. But I say why can’t we??? I believe, wholeheartedly, that the two of us can coexist on this brand with each other.

(KASAI’s expression hasn’t changed since entering into the ring, and while Harper expected a response out of her, she didn’t get it.)

Harper Lee: Okay… okay… I understand. But you just have to hear me out here. Imagine the partnership that we would have, KASAI! The two-woman power trip that would come hit Dynasty like a truck. We’d be unstoppable, nobody would be able to go against us! Look, my time in Silas World… It was crushing. In fact, it was enough to stray me away from the tag team aspect of wrestling *permanently.* But when I truly see an opportunity to make some true magic in this company, I can’t just let it pass me by, no! I’m gonna take it. So what do you say?

(Harper holds out her hand, having the audacity to try and offer a handshake between the two.)

Harper Lee: Cash in the Vault and Empress of Elite. We could take over the world.

(The crowd boos loudly as Harper gestures for them to shut up. KASAI pauses for a moment, allowing her the generosity of pondering this.)

KASAI: Interesting proposal, Harper. But…

(A beat.)

KASAI: I’m good.

Harper Lee: Huh?

KASAI: I said I’m good.

Harper Lee: No, no. I’ll give you an opportunity to rethink your answer.

KASAI: Hmmmm, okay. I’m good.

Harper Lee: Are you sure?

KASAI: Yes.

Harper Lee: Like, reallyyyyyyyyy sure?

KASAI: Did I stutter?

Harper Lee: Ugh! Annoying!

(Harper throws her hands up in the air, as KASAI crosses her arms, looking unamused considering her time was completely wasted.)

KASAI: Do you know what this sounds like to me, blonde idiot? This sounds to me like you are scared of me. We both have two objects that give us a lot of power on this brand, you have the briefcase, and I have the crown. You don’t believe that as long as I’m in your way… you’ll be able to use it successfully.

Harper Lee: Blasphemous accusations going on here, I don’t like it. I can’t believe you would do this to me, KASAI. After all that I’ve done to you. The nerve. Look, I gave you a chance to enter the new season with your Empress of Elite opportunity still intact. If you scratched my back, I would’ve scratched yours, and maybe I wouldn’t have gotten in your way! But it’s clear that you didn’t want that. You’re just asking to fail at this point, and you know what? So be it. Deal rescinded.

KASAI: Oh no. What am I going to do?

Harper Lee: Don’t pull that with me! You’re not going to come out here and demean me after I held my hand out for you, trying to show you how an actual World Championship level competitor *should* act instead of being like… this. You had your chance, and you threw it away, and now you’re going to pay for it.

(For the first time, KASAI actually chuckles at this, continuing to look at Harper, who is clearly just weirded out by what’s happening right now.)

KASAI: You talk too much. But I will leave you with one thing, Harper…

(KASAI steps toward her, getting in her face with a glare.)

KASAI: It would be in your best interest to get out of my way. Or else your Empress is going to make sure that she has NO competition left to challenge her. Including YOU.

(She slams her microphone down to the ground, as ‘NAKAMURA’ begins to play up once more. KASAI shoulder checks Harper as she makes her way out of the ring, heading up the ramp briskly without a second glance.)

Stew-O: Certainly an interesting interaction between one of Dynasty’s newest roster members and another recurring face. I think KASAI made the right decision going against whatever gesture Harper Lee was trying to suggest.

Jake Mercer: Oh, c’mon! It’s not *that* bad. Sure, Harper has almost ALWAYS stabbed her partners in the back, but really we should open our minds to this new personality that she’s showing!

Flannery McCoy: New…?

Jake Mercer: Yes!

Flannery McCoy: I guess…

(Harper looks visibly annoyed inside of the ring, closing her eyes and taking a couple of deep breaths before finally allowing herself to leave the ring as well. The very last shot seen is KASAI taking her leave toward the backstage area, as Friday Night Dynasty begins to fade to elsewhere.)

(A commercial plays for Jolibee’s.)

Stephie Love: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FOLLOWING MATCH IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!

Crowd: ONE FALL!

(Human Nature by Michael Jackson began blaring through the speakers to loud cheers as Hanako Nanami emerged from the stage curtains with a focused and determined expression on her face; she made her way down the ramp towards the squared circle, tagging the fans as she did.)

Stephie Love: INTRODUCING FIRST! Hailing from Kyoto, Japan, weighing in at 110 pounds… she is PINK VENOM, HANAKOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! NAAAAAANAMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!

(‘Cassie’ by Flyleaf begins playing loudly to big cheers as Winona Hendrickson marches out onto the center of the stage, striking her signature pose before storming down the ramp towards the squared circle, locking eyes with Hanako as she did.)

Stephie Love: AND HER OPPONENT! Hailing from Washington DC, weighing in at 150 pounds… she is WONDER WOMAN, WINONAAAAAAAAA! HENDRICKSOOOOOOOOOOOON!

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

Stew-O: And the match is underway! Hanako Nanami in her debut match going up against Winona Hendrickson!

Flannery McCoy: We saw Winona Hendrickson at Pain for Pride when she competed in the 24/7 Battle Royal, looking for that coveted 24/7 contract that would allow you to cash in at any time for a championship of your choosing!

Jake Mercer: She wasn’t able to get the job done at Pain for Pride, but we heard how determined she was to make this season HER season during her video this week, and we’ll be seeing how she fares in that goal as she goes against a very game Hanako Nanami, who was born and raised in the industry!

Stew-O: There’s a clear size difference here that gives Winona a big advantage; we’ll see how that plays out for the two of them as they begin circling the ring, keeping their eyes locked on each other!

Flannery McCoy: Winona Hendrickson shows that fire that she was talking about in her video, though, as she lunges forward and immediately connects with a HEAVY European uppercut to the smaller Hanako Nanami, knocking her back as she staggers right back into the corner she started from!

Jake Mercer: And that leaves Winona Hendrickson to double down on the offense as she rushes to the corner where Hanako was leaning and connects with a leaping back elbow! If Hanako wasn’t already dazed, she sure as hell is now!

Stew-O: That gives Wonder Woman the opportunity to really lay in with the offense as she begins unleashing chop after chop after chop, reddening the chest of Pink Venom as a result!

Flannery McCoy: Before she gasses herself out, Winona quickly changes tactics, turning Hanako around to have her facing the corner before latching on a rear waist lock and LAUNCHING her overhead with a massive release German suplex!

Jake Mercer: BUT WAIT! Hanako managed to land on her feet, unbeknownst to Wonder Woman who thinks she’s showing unfettered dominance!

Stew-O: CHERRY CRASH! Hanako starts turning the tables as she rushes forward and connects with the back of Winona Hendrickson with a spectacular rolling wheel kick! That causes Winona to crash right into the corner where she was dominating earlier before Winona falls down to a kneeling position!

Flannery McCoy: There’s the wrestling acumen that Hanako Nanami is known for, and she starts following it up by returning fire! After those repeated chops, now Hanako is firing off shoot kicks to the chest of Winona!

Jake Mercer: And after all those shoot kicks, she connects with a hook kick for good measure, looking to daze Winona Hendrickson as she does! She takes a few steps back before rushing towards Winona, firing off the Natural Born Knee, her shining wizard knee smash– ONLY FOR WINONA TO FLATTEN HERSELF TO EVADE IT!

Stew-O: Hanako’s knee goes right into the turnbuckle, and that definitely couldn’t have felt good, even if the turnbuckle is padded! She clutches her leg in pain, but Winona rises up from behind her, looking to follow through on what she attempted before as she once again latches on that rear waist lock and launches Hanako overhead with that German suplex!

Flannery McCoy: This time, Hanako isn’t able to land on her feet, causing her to crash with a loud thud onto the canvas! Winona Hendrickson rises up from the canvas, narrowing her eyes with focus at Hanako Nanami before plucking her off the canvas and body slamming her right near the corner!

Jake Mercer: Winona takes to the skies and plants herself violently on top of Hanako Nanami with a classic yet perfectly executed frog splash! It doesn’t look like she’s done yet, though, as she rises right off of Hanako and begins measuring her up, preparing for something bigger…!

Stew-O: Hanako Nanami slowly staggers her way back up to a standing position before Winona attempts to connect with SKYFALL, AN EVEN MIGHTIER FROG SPLASH– BUT HANAKO MANAGES TO GET OUT OF THE WAY!

Flannery McCoy: That may have turned the tables onto Winona who is reeling from the self-sustained damage; that gives Hanako Nanami the chance to land some more strikes of her own, as she fires off alternated knife-edge chops and open-palm strikes, targeting both the chest and the head of Winona Hendrickson as a result!

Jake Mercer: Some great technique being shown by the new breed here, and she caps off the sequence with a meteora that knocks Winona Hendrickson down to the canvas! Is Hanako Nanami about to get a big win over Winona for her debut match?!

Stew-O: Hanako is measuring Winona up before sprinting to the ropes and springboarding off of them– LOOKING FOR LOVE DELUXE, THAT DEVASTATING SIGNATURE SPRINGBOARD CUTTER OF HERS– BUT NO, WINONA CATCHES HER MID-AIR AND JUST HURLS HER ONTO THE CANVAS WITH IMPUNITY!

Flannery McCoy: ROUGH landing for Hanako right there, and it’s made even rougher as Winona Hendrickson drags her up off of the canvas and hoists her up just to PLANT her down with WH-103, the dreaded signature lifting DDT that Winona Hendrickson busts out when she’s really looking to hammer away at the heads of her opponents! She hooks the leg!

ONEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Jake Mercer: WOW! HANAKO NANAMI KICKED OUT OF IT! Winona Hendrickson looks with some respect at the resilience on display by Hanako, but it looks like she’s not about to let Hanako power through to a victory as she immediately transitions to make things even worse for Pink Venom!

Stew-O: She forces Hanako off of the canvas before connecting with a knee smash to the gut to make Pink Venom double over!

Flannery McCoy: And Winona takes her from that position up onto her shoulders in a powerbomb lift! This definitely isn’t good, we know what’s coming next– WINONA HOISTS HER UP EVEN FURTHER BEFORE CONNECTING WITH AN ELEVATED VERSION OF HEAVEN SENT, HER FINISHING POWERBOMB!

Jake Mercer: HANAKO LITERALLY BOUNCES OFF THE CANVAS WITH HOW HARD WINONA LAUNCHED HER INTO IT! WONDER WOMAN GOES FOR THE PIN AS SHE HOOKS BOTH LEGS!

ONEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

Stephie Love: HERE IS YOUR WINNER… WINONAAAAAAAAAAAA! HEEEEEENDRICKSOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!

Stew-O: A great showing by both elitists here and a great debut from Hanako!

Flannery McCoy: Ultimately, Winona followed through on her ambition to start the season off strong and now she heads into season 20 with a victory and momentum after how Pain for Pride went!

Jake Mercer: Hanako may not have won her debut, but with some impressive moments in the match, I’m sure there’s more in store for the EAW Universe to see from her going forward!

(The video feed lingers on the victorious Winona celebrating her triumphant victory before fading to black.)

(Backstage, Michael Machina sits on top of a production crate. Hands clasp into each other, resting within his lap. The title is obviously out of his grasp, a sight that almost seems surreal given how long Michael reigned as World Heavyweight Champion—and for him, it’s something he’s still having to come to terms with.)

(Bruises and scars remain. A sigh unfurls from him, and a moue of disappointment follows suit. Thoughts take up his mind, space roaring with all sorts of scenarios and replaying the events that led to his downfall.)

Michael Machina: … nah. It ain’t gonna go down like that.

(Michael shakes his head.)

Michael Machina: I can’t. I just can’t. Stupid delusional bastard thinks he’s in the right when he’s never been right a day in his damn right. Fuck this God shit.

(And his lips form more severely. Fingers curl tightly. He huffs and comes down from the crate. He turns, and it looks as though he is intent on going somewhere—)

???: You sure are mopey this evening.

(—before a voice, all-too familiar, speaks out. Michael turns.)

Michael Machina: Tch. Not gonna tolerate mockin’ from you of all people.

(The camera pans over, and BRAE is captured in frame. His own battle scars are on display despite their active healing process they’ve undertaken. BRAE scans Michael up and down. A faint frown of his own blossoms.)

BRAE: Not attempting to mock. I wouldn’t dare to do that. You’re no brat—but you seem as though you are seconds away from snapping. That is unlike you.

Michael Machina: Yeah? ‘Cause you just know me so well, huh?

BRAE: I know enough to determine this is uncharacteristic of you. Losses may be few and far between for you, but you do not let them get underneath your skin.

Michael Machina: Yeah? Well, maybe it’s because most of those losses didn’t come at the hands of a madman who took every desperate measure possible to even scrape by with a win. All so that he could ‘redeem’ himself at my expense.

(BRAE shrugs.)

BRAE: I do not blame you for being upset. I wasn’t all that pleased when I lost to him at Fighting Spirit and even before then when he cost me the Grand Rampage. However, it is par for the course.

Michael Machina: Par for the course?

BRAE: Challenges are inevitable, Michael. You ought to know this. You just happen to have been better than other people who would’ve sunken if they were in the same position as you. Some may be unfair, but—

Michael Machina: Alright, man; respectfully, it’s been a good year now. Stop the Jedi master horsehit, ‘specially ‘cause you couldn’t net a damn win yourself at the show.

(BRAE’s brows knit together.)

BRAE: That I did not, but I do not believe that should nullify the worth of my words.

(Michael scoffs, rolling his eyes. BRAE takes a step closer.)

BRAE: Look: I am not saying you do not possess the right to be angry. I am sympathizing with you on that end.

Michael Machina: I don’t give a rat’s ass about your sympathy.

BRAE: And you’re free not to. But, my whole point is that sulking around will not bring you back to the top of this promotion. Drake is a nasty, slimy creature whose own arrogance has only been further accentuated, and if you wish to cut him down, then you shall need to pursue him…

Michael Machina: …? Sounds like there’s gonna be a ‘but’ in there.

BRAE: Well—you can handle him without targeting the title.

(BRAE then points to himself.)

BRAE: Because I will be the one to take it from him.

(Michael lifts a brow. Then, a laugh—clipped and incredulous—rushes out.)

Michael Machina: Okay! Hang on for a sec: you came along and did all of this rah-rah, ‘don’t be a gloomer’ bit just to only come up to my face and tell me that you’re gonna be the one to beat me to the punch when it comes to the world heavyweight championship? What kind of half-assed propping up is that?

BRAE: Is it? Because I do not believe so.

Michael Machina: It is, yeah. EAW doesn’t exactly hand out rematches freely like candy, but at least I have a more plausible clause to go after him and get back *my* championship than you. I mean, no offense, BRAE—but for as great as you are, you have shown you don’t have what it takes to be a world champion yet.

(That makes BRAE narrow his eyes.)

BRAE: Really? And you’re comfortable with making such a claim because of what, exactly?

Michael Machina: You’re asking me why?

BRAE: Is it not obvious?

Michael Machina: Well, the reason should be obvious. Road to Redemption, King of Elite, Fighting Spirit—and I’m at least being nice with not including Grand Rampage given the circumstances surrounding that loss—you just haven’t pushed past that ceiling. Hell, this isn’t even the first season where people were tryna run the whole ‘BRAE could be a double champ!!!’ gimmick with you. You had many, many chances to definitively break from the pack. You’ve got a steady career, yeah, and one day you can be the guy. But… you do not have the facilities to beat Drake King.

(A pause.)

Michael Machina: … or me, for that matter.

(A chuckle of BRAE’s own emerges. His hands settle on his hips, mind taking in the words that just left the other.)

BRAE: Wow. Well, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. The instant gratification of your successes has skewed your mindset entirely, and now you wish to throw such a baseless assumption upon me. Or, perhaps the bitterness is getting to you far more deeply than I initially thought…

Michael Machina: Yeah, sure. Bitterness. Guess you can go ahead and chalk it up t’that, but it doesn’t make my words any less true. I hate stooping to that kind of level too—

BRAE: No, no, Michael: don’t try to backpedal. You meant every word you said.

Michael Machina: Alright, fine: I did. But you ain’t gotta sound like some scorned, prickly bastard highlighting that.

BRAE: Scorned? If I sound that way, it is because you have decided to disrespect me with no plausible reason, and for what? We have always been cordial, have we not?

Michael Machina: We have. But when it comes to me and mine, I ain’t about to entertain the idea that someone’s itchin’ to jump ahead of me and take MY championship for themself. Simple. Drake was a pussy that had to fuck shit up from the jump with mace, and here we are. I gotta be the one to correct that shit, BRAE.

(BRAE folds his arms.)

BRAE: And why do you believe that?

(Michael blinks, once more raising a brow.)

Michael Machina: Fuck you mean ‘why?’ It’s pretty clear why.

(BRAE’s frown deepens.)

BRAE: I think the only thing that’s clear is how eerily similar you are to Drake.

(Silence.)

(Michaels stares at him. At first, he slowly shakes his head. Then, he snickers. More blinking; more lines of disbelief setting rigidly against his skin; stare becoming more sharpened.)

Michael Machina: Similar… to Drake King…?

BRAE: Yes.

(BRAE nods, and adjusts his stance, standing his ground.)

BRAE: You believe yourself as the only capable of taking down another person. You believe you are entitled to the championship; that the physical embodiment of sacrifice, blood, and tears is your property and your property alone. You—or your hubris, rather—views it not as the reward that is earned, but a right bestowed onto you and you alone, and the parallels are so striking that it almost makes me want to shiver in disgust.

Michael Machina: Alright, now you’re reaching far more than you trying to lock on that shitty excuse for a submission on Kassidy a few weeks ago.

BRAE: As if you’re one to talk—but I do not indulge in *petty* games myself, Mr. Machina. I only deal in reality, and right now? That reality is a clear-cut mirror with our ‘lovely’ champion serving as the reflection looking back at you.

(Michael takes a few, long strides. The distance is immediately closed.)

Michael Machina: Shut the fuck up. Don’t you ever compare me to that psycho. Do you understand me?

(BRAE slowly looks him up and down. A scoff melds into a short, unamused chuckle.)

BRAE: Right down to the threats and demands. One and the same.

(Both men glare at each other—)

???: Really now?

(—but their heads snap towards Brianna Hill, who is seen walking by.)

Brianna Hill: Wow. I didn’t think the dick measuring contests could’ve gotten any more obnoxious than the ones on Showdown, but maybe I’ve forgotten what that’s like seeing as how it’s been a while since I’ve been on this brand—and even then, it was only for a cup of coffee.

BRAE: Brianna? What are you doing here?

Brianna Hill: I was passing by. Then, I heard some cursing, a bit of ‘what makes you more worthy to go over the title than me?’, and I figured I’d come over to see what the ruckus is about.

(She shrugs.)

Brianna Hill: Sure enough, it’s two Elitists who think their motives are somehow better or more realistic than the other, and it couldn’t be any further than reality.

Michael Machina: Yeah? So, what, you think yours is? Don’t tell me you got some self-servicing crusade you’re tryna drum up, ‘cause we all saw for ourselves how that ultimately worked out for you.

(Brianna snorts, letting the pointed jab roll off.)

Brianna Hill: Yeah, Showdown was hell for me for a while. Between Silas World betraying me and having my own struggles, I didn’t exactly light the world on fire like I did when I was Specialists Champion. However, I’m definitely the most driven I’ve been in my career. I know I have a lot to prove now, and while this is a new landscape in a new period in my life, I’m ready all the same.

BRAE: Well, that mindset is, admittedly, admirable. But what does this have to do with us.

Brianna Hill: I mean, do you two really believe you’re the only ones with World Heavyweight Championship aspirations?

(Brianna quirks a brow, arms folded to her chest. BRAE and Michael look at her with equal parts confusion and frustration.)

Michael Machina: Oh, great. Now everyone wants the piece of the same pie.

Brianna Hill: Congrats: you just figured out how pro wrestling works.

Michael Machina: You don’t gotta get smart with me.

Brianna Hill: I will, actually! Because BRAE was at least right about one thing: that championship isn’t yours. You’re not entitled to it.

Michael Machina: Never acted like I did. I said I had more of a reason to go after it than him, or anyone for that matter.

Brianna Hill: Right—because I’m supposed to believe that the two of you want this more than me, let alone you. You know, for a guy who is already heralded as someone with a hall of fame resume, you sure are coming across as insecure…

(Brianna tilts her head at the former champion before her attention lands on BRAE.)

Brianna Hill: … and even you, somewhat.

BRAE: Me? I am not. Don’t throw words at me in the hopes that they can stick. You know nothing.

Brianna Hill: No? Because I dedicated to and ultimately wasted a good chunk of my career on a group who cared too much about what people were saying, how they were viewed and the like. They couldn’t accept failure—especially when they were quick to cast blame on anyone to avoid taking full responsibility for the fact that they just simply couldn’t get the job done on their own at times.

Michael Machina: Can agree on that, but I ain’t nothin’ like ‘em. I can actually give people a fair fight.

Brianna Hill: I don’t doubt that for a second. You’re already better than Silas World and their bullshit. But that doesn’t mean you and BRAE are without your faults, and you definitely aren’t without your own delusions of grandeur.

(BRAE barks.)

BRAE: You REALLY do not know what it is you speak of!

Brianna Hill: Hey. If you want to refuse, then that’s on you. However, people like me will be able to be realistic far sooner than either of you. Both of you think that you can be the leader this brand supposedly needs—much like a certain someone—and want to correct the other, or others around you. However, you don’t truly care for the title. At least I can be honest about my goals and wants; it’s just you two trying to justify your path being further above than the other, and it’s ridiculous to me.

Michael Machina: Right—and why should anyone give a shit?

Brianna Hill: Because if you keep this up, I’m going to have a more concentrated path towards the championship. Not like I’d be complaining.

(She shrugs. She moves forward, intending to leave.)

Brianna Hill: Maybe I can get everyone to see me as someone more than deserving of that by proving that my head isn’t far up my ass like you two.

(And she goes.)

(BRAE and Michael frown, but when they look at each other again, their gaze shifts into glares.)

BRAE: Just know neither you nor her will get in my way.

(He takes his leave.)

(Michael remains there, eyes falling shut.)

Michael Machina: Everyone wants to be a smart ass on this brand…

(He shakes his head and heads off, allowing for the show to fade elsewhere.)

(The camera cuts to Stephie Love in the ring.)

Stephie Love: The following main event contest is scheduled for one fall!

Crowd: ONE FALL!

(‘Ballad of a Prodigal Son’ by Lincoln Durham can be heard blaring throughout the speakers as the audience reacts loudly in unison. Kirk Redwood makes his way from the back and to the entrance ramp, keeping his eyes set directly on the ring as he doesn’t linger too much before heading down the ramp.)

Stephie Love: Introducing his opponent! From Boston, Massachusetts, weighing in at 210 pounds… KIRRRRRK REDWOOD!!!

Stew-O: Kirk Redwood is experiencing quite the roll from an immense Pain for Pride, looking to be achieving victory in a big way all the more as he is surely focused on upholding his momentum. He has competition in the form of the new World Heavyweight Champion himself, as he will get to continue to challenge himself all the more.

Flannery McCoy: Kirk will surely make room for as much of a war as he would like to tonight, especially with such a figure as Drake King who does not shy away from blitzing into these battle tested waters. A competitive landscape for both elitists to undergo just ahead!

(‘When Darkness Falls’ by Killswitch Engage is still heard blaring throughout the speakers, with Drake King making his way out from the back & standing at the entrance ramp with a mediated expression on his face. Drake looks outward with his focus intact, the newly minted title around his waist, and the crowd continuing to let their reactions be heard as he would proceed to walk down the ramp.)

Stephie Love: Introducing his opponent! From Heaven’s Gate, weighing in at 220 pounds… EAW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION… OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN, DRAAAAAAKE, KINGGGGGG!!!

Stew-O: Drake King will be venturing into yet another battle against a battle-tested Redwood, as this match tonight will be embroiled with enough confidence from his own end due to how grand his Pain for Pride was. Drake has hit an increasingly higher plateau for himself as he looks to make all of it prosper.

Jake Mercer: Lo’ & behold, Drake King is one of the most decorated elitists possible stepping into the fray as a World Champion again, and the two elitists tonight will be looking to establish any prominent base of momentum possible ahead, and having that victory over the other so close to the show can do just that!

(DING! DING! DING!)

Stew-O: And we’re off!!! The very first Dynasty main event of the new season is underway! Kirk takes on Drake King right where in this Dynasty main event as we are sure to watch a barn burner of a match here! Drake & Kirk don’t waste another moment as they are pacing themselves around the ring, looking to kick this match off without having to spend another second away from gaining control as they soon engage in this collar and elbow tie-up! Kirk & Drake are looking to push one another back, as these are the very crucial beginnings of a match where you have to garner all of the control that you can while looking to have the most sizable start!

Flannery McCoy: But Drake is able to push the former Tag Team Champion back, being able to send him into the ropes that are behind him and keep him at bay! The referee is counting away, not looking to give Drake too much control here as he risks a disqualification the longer that this continues! Drake King slowly begins to let go of Kirk, nodding to the referee as Kirk gives his own nod here as he’s not looking to also disparage from here–BUT DRAKE IMMEDIATELY REACHES & MAINTAINS A HEADLOCK AROUND THE HEAD OF Kirk! Redwood is left in a difficult spot right here as this match persists!

Jake Mercer: Definitely not the spot that Kirk wants to find himself in as Drake King is looking to maintain as much of this control as he possibly can, shaking his own head as he is refusing any leeway while Kirk drops to a knee! The former Tag Team Champion is left in a very difficult spot at the moment as Drake is refusing all of the control from his opponent, making this a tough task for Kirk as—HE SUDDENLY HOISTS DRAKE UPWARDS AND DROPS HIM WITH A BACK SUPLEX TO BREAK THE CONTROL! Kirk Redwood frees himself as Drake is looking to return back to his feet—

Stew-O: BUT HE’S CAUGHT BY A VICIOUS SPINNING PALM STRIKE ACROSS HIS CHEST!!!! Kirk is now looking to push all of the offense forward as the chop sends Drake King into the corner, trying to emerge away from the corner as quickly as possible–BUT A CHOP ACROSS HIS CHEST KEEPS DRAKE AT BAY!!! Kirk is refusing to let up as he is continuing to maintain all of the pressure with each chop while the referee is proceeding to count down from here as well! This is not panning out all too well for Drake here as this will have to cause some kind of turning point!

Flannery McCoy: As Kirk has to halt the pressure to prevent the five count, backing away from his opponent while still keeping a keen eye on Drake, nodding to himself as he does not want to hold himself back before rushing toward Drake King and LOOKING FOR A BOOT IN THE CORNER–BUT DRAKE SIDESTEPS AND TOSSES KIRK OVERHEAD OUT OF THE RING IN RETURN! Drake does not want to be caught in any of those crosshairs!

Jake Mercer: BUT LOOK! KIRK IS HOLDING ON! Drake doesn’t seem to immediately notice as Kirk is clutching onto the ropes with both hands, looking to get himself back into the swing of things while Drake is turning himself around, taking immediate notice as he seeks out a quick clothesline—BUT KIRK DUCKS UNDER & IMMEDIATELY RETORTS WITH AN STIFF FACE SLAP TO ROCK DRAKE KING!! Drake is stunned as Kirk is now looking to make the most out of this opportunity while the World Heavyweight Champion is vulnerable! Kirk is motioning himself toward the top, quickly on the climb to the top of the turnbuckle as he can aim for a TOP ROPE CLOTHESLINE—

Stew-O: DRAKE WITH A JUMPING KNEE THAT SENDS KIRK COLLAPSING DOWN TO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR!!! Redwood is down! Kirk is visibly struggling for himself now, as he is finding the come up very difficult to do with immediate effect after being nailed by that dropkick! The referee is looking to count away, but it seems that Drake King is taking a very sizable look toward that possibility as he now finds himself rolling out of the ring to the disagreement of the referee! Drake has focus etched across his face!

Flannery McCoy: As Kirk is trying to rise back up to his feet, even after taking such a bad fall to the ringside floor he is still remaining resilient as ever while Drake King is refusing to slow down here—AS DRAKE SENDS A ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO STUN KIRK!!! Kirk drops to a knee, with the World Champion now keeping a close hold of the former Tag Team Champion and proceeding to hoist him UPWARD AS KIRK IS LEFT IN A VERY TROUBLING STATE IN THE MOMENT HERE—

Jake Mercer: AS HE’S DROPPED WITH A FALCOLN ARROW ONTO THE APRON!!! KIRK BACK TAKING THE FULL BRUNT OF THE ROUGH APRON AS ‘GOD’ IS MAINTAINING CONTROL! Drake is truly looking to put Kirk through the ringer here, as he proceeds to drag Kirk upward as he doesn’t want to slow himself down, rolling Redwood back into the ring without another thought! Drake finds himself motioning back inside the ring as well, Kirk is still reeling as Drake is now hooking the leg while the referee rushes himself to count the pin!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

T–

Stew-O: NOT QUITE THERE! THE TWO COUNT!!! Drake is rising upward, as he refuses to see his efforts be for nothing as he’s now taking a hold of Kirk, dragging his opponent toward the ropes as he sets him directly against the ropes in this troubling position! Drake King is looking to maintain as much of this control as possible while Kirk is vulnerable–AS HE’S PRESSING HIS KNEE AGAINST THE BACK OF KIRK’S NECK TO KEEP HIM FROM ESCAPING!!! UP AGAINST THE MIDDLE ROPE AS HE’S BEING CHOKED HERE! The referee is counting down, and Drake King is refusing to let this go and wants to take this further from here as well!!!

Flannery McCoy: AND DRAKE WITH A BOOT TO THE BACK OF KIRK’S HEAD BEFORE BACKING AWAY!! A little bit of disrespect from the World Heavyweight Champion as the audience is now booing loudly with the referee scolding Drake King! Drake remains poised as he’s returning back to Kirk, who’s coughing up a storm as Drake is rushing forward and looking for a knee of his own directly into Kirk–

Jake Mercer: BUT KIRK BURSTS OUT OF NOWHERE WITH A ‘LETHAL ROUND’ THAT TURNS DRAKE KING INSIDE OUT!!! DRAKE KING IS DOWN!!! This is absolutely everything that Kirk needs right now as Drake is wide-eyed, absolutely dazed by the lariat as Kirk is now looking to rise back up to his feet, feeling all of the energy return to him as he is seeing Drake set onto his own rise as well! Kirk is refusing to see that through, as his focus is emphasized entirely on Drake King while the two-time Grand Rampage Winner is trying to bring himself upward here!

Stew-O: AS KIRK ALLOWS FOR A TEEP KICK TO KNOCK DRAKE INTO THE ROPES, WITH DRAKE RETURNING BACK TOWARD REDWOOD–AS KIRK IS ABLE TO SEND DRAKE SPIRALLING BACK DOWN WITH A NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX TO PUT HIM INTO THE CANVAS!!! Drake has been driven into the mat as Kirk is now able to garner that control, maintaining the hold for the pin to be made from here!!!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

T–

Flannery McCoy: KICK OUT!!! DRAKE KING IS ALL GOOD!!! This match continues as Kirk is constantly nodding, feeling the intensity within himself only continue to rise as he’s now dragging Drake King over to the corner once more, not allowing for any slowing down to happen as he just continues to lay into the World Champion with chop after chop!!! REDWOOD IS REFUSING TO LET UP AS THE REFEREE IS COUNTING DOWN!!! Kirk is not giving any quarter with how he is able to unleash as much of this deliberate control as possible for himself!

Jake Mercer: As the referee is always forced to count down & now forcing Kirk to halt the control of the blistering palm strikes that drop Drake King to slumping down in the corner! Kirk backs away, nodding to the referee as he seems to be backing off from his opponent–TILL HE RETURNS BACK AND PROCEEDS TO SEND REPEATED KICKS ACROSS THE JAW OF DRAKE KING! The referee is back to counting down again as Kirk Redwood is sending each stomp with deliberate intent, increasing the pressure as he continues without letting up on any of the momentum that he has been able to garner!

Stew-O: ‘Till he doesn’t have much of a choice other than backing himself away as the referee is stepping before him, scolding Kirk yet Kirk is nodding off as he does not take kindly to any measure of disrespect! Drake is dormant in the corner as Kirk finds himself focusing back on Drake King, shaking his head as he RUSHES FORWARD WITHOUT ANOTHER THOUGHT AS HE SEEKS OUT THIS FIERCE LEG KICK—

Flannery McCoy: SLINGBLADE TAKES KIRK REDWOOD DOWN WITH AUTHORITY!!! Drake subsides all of the control that he lost in the extended period to bring it all back with a slingblade, leaving Kirk to clutch onto the back of his own neck after the impact! Kirk is trying to rise back to his feet, disoriented as Drake is able to maintain the momentum while Redwood is in this constant struggle the longer that this match continues to stretch on!

Jake Mercer: As Drake sends a knee across the abdomen of Kirk to suppress him much further!! Kirk is halted even more so as he drops downward, with Drake pulling him upward and into position as he has been able to regain much of his own control in this match in order to bring himself closer to putting Kirk down! Drake King doesn’t waste another second by HOISTING REDWOOD UPWARD–AND SENDS HIM BACK DOWN WITH A BUTTERFLY SUPLEX!!! He garners the pin!!!!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

THREE—

Stew-O: NO! KIRK KICKS OUT!!! Drake is remaining in this seated position as Kirk is refusing to stay down for long, trying to crawl himself around as this match is simply continuing at a pace that Drake wants to make comfortable for his own victory to come around! Kirk is motioning around, with Drake shaking his head again as he steps himself toward Kirk, sending a stomp down over the back of Kirk’s neck to deny him the necessary comeback from here! Drake begins to hook the arms, no time wasted when looking for the ‘ASCENSION’ PEDIGREE’ HERE—

Flannery McCoy: BUT REDWOOD FREES HIS OWN ARMS AND IMMEDIATELY TAKES HOLD OF DRAKE—AS HE HOISTS HIM WITH A BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX!!! Drake King was just sent downward onto the canvas by the sudden suplex from Kirk as he has more than enough wherewithal to react with the urgency of the former Tag Team Champion with all the more to prove! Drake is in trouble–AS KIRK REELS DRAKE BACK OVER WITH A PULL OF HIS WRIST—

Jake Mercer: AS A ‘BASTARD-PLEX’ SENDS DRAKE KING DOWN AFTER KIRK REFUSED TO SLOW DOWN FOR EVEN A SECOND!! Drake King is in trouble as he finds himself in the works here, with Kirk hooking the leg once more while Drake King remains on the verge of defeat!!!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

THREE—

Stew-O: NOT ENOUGH! DRAKE KICKS OUT!!! Kirk Redwood is maintaining his focus as this main event is still continuing, which leads to Kirk taking hold of Drake’s hair while standing himself upward–AS HE’S LOOKING TO LEAD DRAKE KING INTO THE END HERE, LEAPING TOWARD THE ROPES BEFORE RUSHING BACK FOR THE ‘PAROLE VIOLATION’—

Flannery McCoy: AS DRAKE FINDS A SUPERKICK THAT CATCHES REDWOOD OFF GUARD IMMENSELY! Kirk is backed into the ropes, holding on as Drake is looking to find ground again as Kirk is not looking to keep himself at bay here, now rushing forward and looking for another ‘LETHAL ROUND’–BUT DRAKE DUCKS AS KIRK TURNS TO A SUDDEN SIDE KICK ACROSS HIS ABDOMEN! Kirk is left in a very debilitating stance here as Drake is now pulling Kirk into position, hooking the arms and he has Kirk exactly in the position that he needs to be here—

Jake Mercer: AS DRAKE PUTS REDWOOD DOWN WITH THE ‘ASCENSION’ PEDIGREE!!!! The pedigree puts the former Tag Team Champion down as he turns Kirk over and hooks the leg with great urgency!!! The referee counts away!!!!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

THREEEEEEEE—

Stew-O: REDWOOD WITH THE KICK-OUT!!! The former Tag Team Champion stays in this match as Drake King is absolutely feeling the wear and tear of going toe to toe with an elitist as intense as Kirk Redwood! Drake now finds himself backing away into the corner, shaking his own head as he is refusing to keep this match at bay for long, with no holding himself back from here as Kirk is looking to make the crawl, with Drake laying in wait while he has the end of this match primed… MOTIONING FORWARD FOR ‘JUDGMENT DAY’ HERE—

Flannery McCoy: KIRK EMERGES WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT THAT HALTS DRAKE KING IN HIS TRACKS IMMEDIATELY!!! DRAKE KING IS IN TROUBLE!!! The World Heavyweight Champion is left in a daze while Kirk is able to rise back up, not allowing Drake King another moment to recover here as he’s now itching to RUSH FORWARD AND LEAP INTO DRAKE KING—

Jake Mercer: INTO ‘SOLITARY CONFINEMENT’!!!! DRAKE KING IS TRAPPED IN THE GROUNDED ARM TRIANGLE! Kirk is holding out for dear life as now Drake King is in a world of trouble here! Drake is trying to keep himself upright, refusing to be completely succumbing to this submission but he’s in immense trouble right now! Kirk is refusing to let go of this submission for everything that he’s possibly got! Redwood is holding on for about as long as he possibly can!

Stew-O: BUT DRAKE IS CLUTCHING ONTO THE ROPE! The referee is counting down yet Kirk is refusing to give in! He’s not letting go as the count is itching closer to five—WHILE KIRK IS NOW KICKING UPWARD TO KNOCK DRAKE KING BACK! And now Drake’s backed immediately into the referee! Drake quickly turns and the referee is now rather heated by the brief exchange there! Redwood looks to pull himself upward from the ropes—

(POW!!!!)

Flannery McCoy: WHAT THE—BRASS KNUCKLES FROM CY HENDERSON BLASTS KIRK ACROSS THE SKULL!!!! OH NO!!! Kirk is absolutely dazed as Cy immediately sits against the apron, out of sight as Drake now takes notice to Kirk stirring! He knows now’s a better time than ever to take advantage—AND HE MOTIONS AHEAD!

Jake Mercer: ‘JUDGMENT DAY’!!!! THE CURB STOMP DOES THE TRICK AS KIRK REDWOOD IS SPIKED INTO THE CANVAS! The World Heavyweight Champion hooks the leg!!!!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

(DING! DING! DING!)

Stephie Love: HERE IS YOUR WINNER….. EAW WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION… DRAAAAAAAAKE KING!!!!

Stew-O: Controversy plagues our first main event of the new season tonight as Drake King takes full advantage of Cy’s dirty work! Henderson certainly sends the message to Kirk after their exchange earlier on in the event, and that must be a very frustrating result for Kirk Redwood!

Flannery McCoy: Has to be! Kirk was truly putting up quite the match against Drake for everything that he had there, and Cy sticking his nose into this match does not serve Redwood any further as he looks to make the most out of his momentum!

(As Kirk is leaned against the ropes, with a palm on his own head due to crimson forming from the brass knuckles, Drake King is given his title—‘till his eyes meet Cy’s gaze, as he stands within the ringside area, looking up toward him as Drake’s eyes squint while clutching his championship closely, while Kirk in his delirium, is able to glare daggers toward Cy from afar… The scene fading…)

(……………..)

(……………………….)

(……Into a dimly lit section of the venue, where a television’s screen is all that is left to give any light to the setting, with the live broadcast of tonight’s Dynasty having been displayed through the screen for one sole presence within this very room.)

(As the figure, obscured by the shadows & faint glimmers of radiance from the screen, is watching intently, keeping a straight-forward perspective on the show—fully aware of the event they have witnessed, before providing one simple click along the television.)

(Pitch black.)

(EAW logo buzzes.)