(EAW intro plays.)
(Friday Night Dynasty opens up to a recap of last week’s show, before the camera transitions over to a shot of the BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia as pyro is seen erupting out of the stage with thunderous cheers eliciting from the crowd. The shot goes over to show the energetic fans in the stands here tonight, before then panning over to show the broadcasting booth, as Stew-O, Flannery McCoy, and Jake Mercer are all seen standing by before then beginning to speak.)
Stew-O: We are four weeks away from the Dynasty exclusive Marquee Event, Reckless Wiring, welcoming you all tonight to another jam-packed episode of… FRIDAY NIGHT DYNASTY!!!
Flannery McCoy: And what a show we have for you tonight! Michael Machina faces SORN! Kirk Redwood faces Nikki Kimura! Raven Roberts faces Grace De Luca! Our main event consists of Brian Daniels facing Effy McAvoy, and so much more! This is one that you’re just not going to want to miss!
Jake Mercer: But right now, we’re about to hear from a DAWG, as Michael Machina is kicking off the show! Let’s get right to it!
(Friday Night Dynasty then transitions away from the commentary area and toward the stage, as ‘Apostle’s Warning’ by Mobb Deep begins to play through the speakers of the arena. The crowd gives a loud reaction as a result, and as smoke begins to billow out from the stage, a spotlight shines down on Michael Machina as he’s seen making his way out. He has a serious expression on his face as he takes a look around, breathing heavily as he then begins to focus his full attention on the ring, starting to make his way down the ramp.)
Stephie Love: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… MICHAEL MACHINA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Stew-O: Last week, we saw an emphatic ending to the very first Friday Night Dynasty of the season, with Michael Machina attacking both Limmy Monaghan and Drake King during their main event match and forcing a no contest. Machina was looking to do some real damage off the bat on his return to the red brand, and he did just that.
Flannery McCoy: He got the attention of two former World Champions, and if that’s the type of trouble that he wants to cause, then so be it, but we know, considering the season that he’s had, that Michael Machina is fully up to the challenge. The question is, despite all of that, has he bitten off more than he can chew? Especially with talents of the caliber of Limmy and Drake? I guess that’s something we’ll have to see for sure.
Jake Mercer: But right now, we’re boutta hear the DAWG get on the microphone. He’s been keen on ruffling feathers, and I’m sure that this is going to be no exception. Let’s see what he has to say!
(Machina makes his way up the steps and onto the apron as he enters through the ropes. He heads over and takes a microphone from the ringside area as ‘Apostle’s Warning’ then begins to fade out to elsewhere. Then, making his way toward the center of the ring, Machina takes a moment to compose himself before beginning to speak.)
Michael Machina: Well, I hope I got your attention.
(The crowd once again roars as Machina pauses, nodding his head slowly before continuing what he has to say.)
Michael Machina: Making my return to the Dynasty brand, there was one thing that was established, and that was the fact that I am not the same person that this brand last saw. I am not the Michael Machina that made his debut on the Dynasty brand, who dipped his toes into the business and was just beginning to figure everything out, absolutely not, Voltage made me a made man, and I’ve paid it back in full by elevating it’s top title for the latter half of the season, defeating the very best that not only that brand, but this company has to offer. This season, regardless of whether I returned there or if I packed my bags to another brand, it was never just about sustaining that, it was about taking my game to the next level and establishing that there’s a DEFINITIVE pecking order on Friday Night Dynasty. I’m the only one at the top, and everyone else is beneath me. So, I think that should help put into perspective why I did what I did to Drake King and Limmy Monaghan. Again, I damn sure hope that I have your attention.
Michael Machina: I’m not just establishing the pecking order; I’m here to change the company as a whole, because if I’m going to be honest with you, this business is stuck in a cycle. It’s stuck in a loop of nostalgia and fear, and when I look at Limmy and Drake, I don’t see people who are the exception to that; I see them as the prime examples. Drake, you’re the one clinging to a legacy that’s long dead. Limmy, you’re the one who’s caught between who you were and the shadow of who you refuse to become. If there’s one thing I can say for certain, it’s the fact that NEITHER of you is moving this industry forward, nor are you going to be doing so in the future. The only thing you’re doing is holding it hostage. But when you see someone like Michael Machina, the only thing you see is someone who is here to break that chain. I’m going to set Friday Night Dynasty on fire with a new reign, a reign built not on past glory, but on undeniable dominance. So if I have to take out those two sons of a bitches to do it, then that’s something that I will have absolutely no problem accomplishing.
(Machina lowers his microphone as he takes a moment to scan around at the hot crowd here tonight. Before he can continue, though… ‘When Darkness Falls’ by Killswitch Engage begins to play through the speakers of the arena, as the crowd gives a loud negative reaction in response. The camera then goes over to the stage as Drake King is seen storming out from the backstage area. He has a furious expression on his face as he eyes Machina in the ring, shaking his head rapidly before then making his way down the ramp.)
Stew-O: Well, here comes Drake King, who’s certainly had an interesting past couple of weeks. From losing an opportunity at the World Heavyweight Championship to finding himself in the crosshairs of Michael Machina, this is certainly not the ideal situation for the EAW Hall of Famer.
Flannery McCoy: Well if he can get through someone who was just World Champion at the end of last season and the potential threat of Limmy Monaghan looming as well who remains to be seen, I’m sure the former Grand Rampage winner can set himself on the right track to get back toward Cy Henderson and the World Heavyweight Championship.
Jake Mercer: Well, Drake and Machina are about to meet in the ring, and this is a dynamic that we haven’t seen before, considering these two have been on Dynasty and Voltage, respectively, up until now, where both of them finally have the chance to cross paths. Let’s see what comes of this and what we’re about to see.
(Drake makes his way up the steps and onto the apron as he enters through the ropes and into the ring. He then makes his way over as he snatches a microphone toward him, all while ‘When Darkness Falls’ begins to fade out. He turns himself around as he gets into the face of Machina. The two of them have a tense stare off, before Drake then raises his microphone and wastes no time saying what he needs to say.)
Drake King: I don’t know who you think you are, but the last thing I need to concern myself with is running in circles with someone who is going to get me nowhere near the EAW World Heavyweight Championship. You didn’t make any statement or get anyone’s attention with what you did on Dynasty; the only thing you proved to be was an annoying nuisance who isn’t as confident in himself as he claims to be. You’re just a man desperate to prove that you belong, and I don’t know if you realized this, but I’m far past the point of babysitting others and coddling them. I’m just not interested in feeding you the same lies that everyone else has been telling you about how you’re this future star who’s going to burn the house down around here, because, if you want me to be honest with you, I have never seen that to be the case.
Michael Machina: Oh, is that so?
Drake King: Yes, it is. You’re not breaking the chain, and you’re certainly not about to dominate anything, and that’s because of one reason and one reason only, and that’s because you’re on the same brand as me. We’ve finally managed to meet, and that’s not going to do you any good because everything that you’re trying to get was already claimed to be mine from the get-go. You think tearing down legends makes you a king? The only thing it does is make you loud and forgettable. I’m the man who’s built this industry, who fought through every setback, who’s still standing when others like you fold under pressure. You don’t get to lecture me on legacy. You don’t get to walk in here and pretend you’re the future when you’re just the interruption.
Michael Machina: Well, it seems like you’ve taken my words to heart if you’ve personally come out here and decided to get in my face with this bullshit. If you felt so inclined to back up your own words, then you would’ve moved along, you would’ve gone on your way. But your pride couldn’t allow that, couldn’t you? Your ego couldn’t take the hit. You didn’t want the masses, these people, to believe that even the slightest of what I was saying was true, and that ate you alive. That’s why you’re out here, not to dismiss me, not to try and run me down, but because I struck you where it hurt the most.
(Drake has a pissed off look on his face, but before he can open his mouth, inevitably, ‘Number One’ by Shirō Sagisu & Hazel Fernandes begins to play up. The crowd begins to give a sour reaction as the camera goes over to show Limmy Monaghan, who’s seen as the last person making his way out, eyeing the two of them inside the ring, as he has a look of disdain on his face. He takes a good moment before then beginning to make his way to the ring.)
Stew-O: And here comes the last person. We know that Limmy Monaghan has been through some struggles of his own, fighting a losing battle to Dr. Bethany Blue at Pain For Pride and failing to capture the Hardcore Championship. Limmy has had a strong battle with his morality considering everything that he’s done this past season.
Flannery McCoy: Good or bad, Limmy Monaghan is certainly a changed person, and that certainly must fuel what compelled him to make his way out to the ring and get in the face of Drake and Machina here tonight. This is beginning to become a chaotic situation, and I guess we’re going to have to see what comes of it in due time.
Jake Mercer: It’s getting crowded in there! This is certainly bound to implode into one helluva brawl, isn’t it???
(Limmy makes his way up the steps and onto the apron as he enters through the ropes and into the ring. He then makes his way over and takes a microphone from the ringside area. ‘Number One’ then begins to come to a close from there as he glances over at the two of them, taking a good moment before then raising his microphone and beginning to speak.)
Limmy Monaghan: Save your sermons, both of you. It’s insane to me how both of you seem to act like you know everything but miss the point. This isn’t about who yells the loudest or who flails around trying to force change; what this is about is authenticity. It’s about fighting through the pain, the doubt, the fall, and what I see right now is none of you git that mold. Machina can talk about tearing down a stale past, but that’s not at all what you’re doing. What you’re doing in reality is running scared from a legacy that you just can’t comprehend. You talk about why Drake came out to confront you, but you wouldn’t have done what you did last week if you weren’t scared of us lapping you and debunking your points.
Drake King: I don’t need you to speak for me-
Limmy Monaghan: I’m not, because I have just as many gripes with you as I do him, if not more. You don’t own this place, and I’ve certainly been keen on saying that you’re no God, you’re just as trapped as the rest of us. You’re trapped in a fantasy that’s long since faded. But it’s been a long time since I’ve cared about legacy, it’s been a long time since I’ve frankly cared about what others think, and that’s what’s compelled me to make the decisions that I’ve made over the past couple of months. All I care about right here and right now is proving who I am.
Michael Machina: You want authenticity? Is that what you want? I’ve spent an entire season, one World Title reign worth sacrificing everything I have to this business. I’ve bled in this ring, I’ve fought demons you wouldn’t dare face. But while I watched you two get busy over the past week arguing about what was and what should be, all I was doing leading up to my interference in the main event was preparing to bury the past and take what’s mine. I’m not here to relieve old wars or coddle fragile egos; I’m here to take Friday Night Dynasty to a level you two will never reach, and the only way that I can do that is by taking the two of you out.
Drake King: You’re delusional if you think that you can outrun your past. Every Champion falls, the difference is what you do after, and it’s clear that you don’t know what in the world you’re doing since failing the title that I put on the map on Voltage. You’re here to make a statement? Here’s mine: You don’t intimidate me, you don’t shake the foundation that I built, what you have become is a problem, and I have no problem ridding myself of said problem to make my way back up to the top and get the World Heavyweight Championship that I should’ve had around my waist walking into this season.
Limmy Monaghan: And I’m here to remind you both that this game isn’t about trash talk or bravado, it’s about the heart. It’s about who has the guts to stand tall when the world is trying to knock you down. Both of you are going to realize soon enough the crushing reality that you just don’t compare, and maybe that’s something that not only you, but everyone else has forgotten this past season, but I am very glad that this circumstance just so happened to fall into the palm of my hand, because it gives me the chance to show that for certain.
Michael Machina: Well, then let’s make this simple.
(Machina steps up and gets into the face of both Limmy and Drake, staying composed, not looking to incite anything but rather create pressure.)
Michael Machina: One of you will learn what it means to face the future without crutches. And the other? Well, maybe this time, you’ll learn what it means to fall without a legacy to catch you. I don’t care when, I don’t care where, if you really feel inclined to get your pound of flesh, then you know where the hell to find me.
(Limmy crosses his arms as he glares at him, meanwhile, the only thing that Drake can do is roll his eyes.)
Drake King: Idiots, all of them.
(Drake drops his microphone down to the ground as he turns around and makes his way out of the ring. He begins to storm up the ramp as ‘When Darkness Falls’ begins to play up once more. Machina and Limmy are both inside of the ring, staring at Drake leaving before glaring at one another. It’s the very last shot seen before Friday Night Dynasty then ebgins to fade to elsewhere.)
(A commercial plays for Reckless Wiring.)
Stephie Love: The following is scheduled for one fall!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(‘Rain’ by VKL hits the speakers and Sorn rushes down from behind the curtains. He’s determined to pick up the win tonight and redeem himself. Sorn tags some fans on his way down.)
Stephie Love: Introducing first, weighing in at 167 pounds, from Osaka, Japan, he is “THE FUTURE ACE” … SOORRRNNNN!!!
Stew-O: Last week, Sorn was unable to make a big splash in his Dynasty debut against Kirk Redwood. His work is definitely cut out for him tonight… but if he wishes to live by the moniker of the “Future Ace”, then he’s going to have to step it up.
Jake Mercer: Hey! Nothing says that he can’t do that! But right now, it’s not exactly looking good. I would love to say I have faith, but it’s debatable. I would like to be proven wrong. Win or lose, a strong showing against Michael Machina is all that Sorn needs.
(The menacing tune of “Apostle’s Warning” by Mobb Deep sits with everyone in the building as Michael Machina slowly emerges through the smoke. He stares around at the fans, and slams his arms down, shooting pyro to the skies. Machina marches down the ring, not bothering to tag or interact with anyone. Tonight, he’s all business, and he’s got a point to prove.)
Stephie Love: His opponent, weighing in at 250 pounds, from Brooklyn, New York, he is “THE NEW LEGEND” … MMMIIIICCCHHAEEELLL! MMACCCHHHIIINNAAAAA!!!
Flannery McCoy: When Michael Machina was surprisingly brought BACK to Dynasty, the brand where he truly blew up as an Elitist, all of us were left in shock. What wasn’t surprising though was how naturally he’d fit into the mold here on Dynasty, given his fantastic reign as EAW World Champion.
Jake Mercer: Choosing Drake King and Limmy Monaghan as targets was completely unexpected, though. Machina is out to make statements, and that’s not going to bode well for Sorn’s chances of winning tonight. It’s his first match as a member of the Dynasty roster since last year’s Pain For Pride, and well, this is going to be a bout you don’t wanna keep your eyes off of.
(DING DING DING!)
Stew-O: That’s the sound of the bell and Sorn wastes no time, throwing shots at Machina! Machina covers up to the best of his ability, and Sorn is desperately throwing forearms with every fiber of his being! Machina is blocking most of them, but the persistence of Sorn! I think he’s slipped one in there! Machina doesn’t stagger, but he does back up against the ropes—
Flannery McCoy: He’s finally had enough! Machina presses two hands onto the chest of Sorn and with all of his might, he SHOVES him down! Sorn falls onto his ass and he looks up to Michael in shock! He staggers up and Machina runs right through him with a powerful shoulder block! Sorn is turned inside out from that! Machina marches around the ring, and the former World Champion has already taken complete control of this match! Sorn holds at his back, desperately struggling up to his feet…
Jake Mercer: But Machina scoops him into a fallaway slam position! Sorn with an elbow to the side of the head! Another elbow, and Machina drops him, holding at his forehead. Sorn swings a kick to the gut, but Machina catches his leg! Step-up enzuigiri from Sorn! No! Machina ducks it and Sorn falls flat onto his waist! He pushes up to his fours, clutching at his jaw after hitting the mat so hard… but what he doesn’t realize until it’s too late is Machina’s arms wrapping around his waist, with the grip of a bear, and he scoops him up from the canvas!
Stew-O: Sorn desperately reaches out but it means nothing! MACHINA TOSSES HIM ACROSS THE RING WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX! GOODNESS! A loud ovation from the fans, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a human being get tossed like that! Sorn desperately scrambles up against the turnbuckles, but Machina is already up to his feet and running at mach speed! A shoulder block, sending it right into the ribs! Machina follows up with REPEATED shoulder blocks! He’s trying to break Sorn’s ribs! He wraps his arm under his armpit, and he tosses him to the center of the ring with a biel toss!
Flannery McCoy: Sorn rolls over, grimacing out in pain. He rises up, and Machina scoops him into a fireman’s carry. He runs forward, slamming the side of his head into the turnbuckle! Machina holds onto Sorn and he runs to the other side of the ring, once again slamming the side of his head into the turnbuckle! Machina isn’t done there either! He runs to the third turnbuckle, slamming the side of—somehow Sorn slips off! AND HE SHOVES MACHINA FORWARD!
(BANG!)
Jake Mercer: Machina goes shoulder-first into the ring post! He holds his arm, shaking it out. Sorn pulls him down for a school boy rollup!
(The referee slides down for the count!)
OOOOOOO—
Stew-O: MACHINA KICKS OUT BEFORE THE REFEREE CAN EVEN GET DOWN FOR A ONE COUNT! Sorn scrambles up to his feet, but Machina is up and HE LARIATS HIS HEAD OFF! Despite the discomfort of his shoulder being ran into the steel post, Michael Machina does not care whatsoever! He has shifted this match right back into his favor, and everything that Sorn has tried has been thwarted! Sorn wheezes on the mat, holding his neck in pain. Machina drags him up by the hair, aggressively yanking him into gutwrench position. He hoists him up off of the canvas!
Jake Mercer: And he scoops him up onto his shoulder in Canadian rack position! Machina leaps up and down, digging his shoulder blades into the spine of Sorn. Sorn wheezes out in agony, and then Machina runs forward with an INVERTED POWERSLAM INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! Sorn’s entire body gets sprawled out against the corner! Machina holds on to Sorn, and he places him in seated position on the top turnbuckle. Machina nails him with a right hand to the jaw, and Sorn nearly falls off the top.
Flannery McCoy: Machina makes his way up to the middle rope and he starts clubbing the back of Sorn! I’d wager this is a complete insult to injury, because Sorn isn’t even offering up any kind of attack! Machina does not have to go as hard as he is, yet that’s exactly what’s happening! Machina pushes up to the top rope, and he presses his hands onto the shoulders of Sorn. Sorn is completely dazed…
Stew-O: AS MACHINA DIVES OFF THE TOP ROPE WITH AN AVALANCHE HURRICANRANA! DOWN GOES SORN!!! HIS ENTIRE BODY CRASHING INTO THE CANVAS! Machina crawls over, hooking the legs! This has gotta be it!
OOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
TTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Jake Mercer: SORN BARELY KICKS OUT! But at what cost?! Machina has been killing him so far! Sorn rolls over, holding at his back in pain. Machina pushes up to the canvas, staring down at Sorn. Machina grabs Sorn back up to his feet and he hooks him into a front facelock. Sorn falls to a knee, completely out of it. But Machina forces him back up to a standing position! He refuses to let him have this one!
Stew-O: Michael scoops Sorn up in vertical position! HERE WE GO! ‘SKULLPIERCER!’ WAIT—NO! Sorn flails his legs and brings him back down! HE PULLS MACHINA INTO AN INSIDE CRADLE! COULD THIS BE THE UPSET?!
OOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEE—
Flannery McCoy: Machina’s shoulders aren’t even on the canvas for long! Sorn is right back up and Machina is there with him! Machina swings for his head—but Sorn ducks underneath! PELE KICK! Machina falls to a kneel! He holds the back of his head! Here comes Sorn’s chance to wrap this one up! He hits off the ropes, leaping to the middle rope. THAT PATENTED SPRINGBOARD CUTTER, FLYING RIGHT FOR MACHINA!
Stew-O: BUT HE CATCHES HIM OUT OF THE AIR! Machina wraps his arms around the waist of Sorn! ANOTHER GERMAN SUPLEX! WAIT!!!
Jake Mercer: SORN LANDS ONTO HIS FEET! WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?!
Flannery McCoy: Michael scrambles up and charges into Sorn! A superkick cracks him! Machina is on wobbly legs now! ANOTHER SUPERKICK! And Machina falls to a kneel! Sorn is readying up for one last superkick! TO SEND HIM DOWN! BUT MACHINA CATCHES THE ANKLE! JUST IN THE NICK OF TIME!
Jake Mercer: Machina slowly rises, and he’s incensed! He goes to throw Sorn’s arm down… but SORN FLIES INTO AN ENZUIGIRI! MACHINA LOSES HIS BALANCE AND HE FALLS TO HIS FOURS! SORN HAS FINALLY GOTTEN MACHINA SOMEWHAT DOWN! He just needs to capitalize! Sorn desperately rises to his feet, looking around! He claps his hands!
Crowd: CLAP! CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
Flannery McCoy: Sorn hits off the ropes behind him, and Machina slowly rises. A HANDSPRING OFF THE ROPES FROM SORN! INTO A—’MONEY SHOT!!!’
Stew-O: MACHINA CAUGHT HIM OUT OF THE AIR WITH A CLOTHESLINE TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD! HE MAY HAVE KNOCKED SORN’S HEAD OFF OF HIS SHOULDERS! SORN COLLAPSES TO THE CANVAS, AND HE’S UNMOVING! JESUS CHRIST!
Flannery McCoy: Michael isn’t even done there! He marches towards Sorn and pulls him up off of the canvas! He jams his head into his thighs and he scoops him up in the air! .50 CAL! THE SIT-OUT POWERBOMB SEALS THE DEAL!
OOOOOOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
TTTTTTTWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTTTHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
(DING DING DING!)
Stephie Love: Here is your winner of this match, MMMMIIIICCCHHHAAEEEELLLL! MMMAACCCHHHIIINNNAAAAAAA!!!
(‘Apostle’s Warning’ hits the speakers again and Machina throws Sorn’s legs out of his face, rising from the sit-out pin position and to his feet. He stares down at Sorn, not enthused by his opponent tonight. The referee takes his wrist and raises it up high. Machina shakes his head, making his way to the ropes. He steps out of the ring and stands on the apron for a moment, embracing the loud reception from the crowd.)
Stew-O: If there was ever any doubt, Michael Machina is your winner tonight. He continues with an already strong Season 19. His second win of the season and his first on Dynasty. Sorn gave it his all tonight…
Jake Mercer: But it was never going to be enough. Not under these terms. That’s a former world champion he’s going up against, and an especially fired up Michael Machina.
Flannery McCoy: Machina’s taking no prisoners in his return to Dynasty, and unfortunately, Sorn had to be the very first demonstration of that. I am sure Drake King and Limmy Monaghan were watching that one very closely.)
(Returning from commercial break, a disappointed SORN sits in the locker room, hand clutching at his ribs. He lets out a sigh and shakes his head.)
SORN: Time to really get things going…
(He says to himself, of course. He winces as he shifts in his seat, but then, his gaze flickers upward as the door opens and someone comes in.)
???: Damn. Tough luck, huh, kid?
(SORN raises a brow. The shot pans over to reveal Shio Corn entering the frame. He shakes his head and smirks.)
Shio Corn: Can’t lie, you were way over your head thinking that you stood a chance against a dude who was just world champion last month.
(SORN rolls his eyes.)
SORN: So what, was I supposed to grovel? No. I came to be the best. Some nights may not go the way I want them to, but that doesn’t mean I can’t continue to learn and get better.
Shio Corn: Get better? Look at you, man! You look like you tried to scrap with a freight train and got ran over! You’re gonna have to do way more than learn if you even wanna come close to being considered the best. However, me?
(He points to himself.)
Shio Corn: I don’t need any of that. I just need one shot to prove myself, and that’s it!
SORN: Yeah?
Shio Corn: Of course! I’m gonna be the best here, and way sooner than you, that’s for sure.
SORN: Well, I just see another egomaniac that’s all talk and hardly any action. Maybe you’d do well to learn some things along the way too considering you’ve hardly done anything to to be seen as impressive.
(Shio’s eyes widen.)
Shio Corn: Excuse me!? Aye, watch your mouth! You’re talking to a future champ here!
SORN: And what makes you think you’re even capable of reaching that sort of level?
Shio Corn: What makes YOU think you can get there before me!? If you couldn’t hack it against Michael, you aren’t gonna hack it against BRAE, Cy, and whoever else is a champ here.
SORN: In my current state? Perhaps not. However, I guarantee that I would be able to hold my own against them a lot longer than you.
(That gets Shio all flared up. He storms up to SORN, who rises to his feet, ready to defend himself—)
???: Heh.
(But their heads whip to the doorway that was still ajar… and right there standing is David Gideon Smith.)
David Gideon Smith: Is this what we’re doing? Two worthless worms bickering over who’s deeper in the dirt? Ha! Don’t make me laugh.
Shio Corn: Aye, what are you doing here!?
David Gideon Smith: Well, this is a shared locker room. I personally preferred having some space, and in that case…
(He stalks in. He heads off to a corner of the room to grab a black backpack, slinging it over his shoulder. He talks cooly.)
David Gideon Smith: I’ll be taking my leave. I don’t really care to hear the two of you play ping-pong over which one of you is better than the other.
SORN: And yet, you found our little spat to be comical.
(He shrugs.)
David Gideon Smith: Fools with no true awareness of where they stand are always going to be amusing to see. What can I say?
(David goes to leave, but Shio blocks him.)
Shio Corn: Oh, no you don’t, wise guy! I ain’t a worm or a fool! You’re not gonna come here and give me your unsolicited-ass critiques as if your own shit doesn’t stink!
(David stops. He raises a brow.)
David Gideon Smith: I wouldn’t go so far as to phrase it that way, but… yes, it does. Considering you were a determinant of a tag team partner last week, it’s fitting.
Shio Corn: Oh, yeah!? Well, you were USELESS! I should—
(Having had enough, David shoves Shio away, causing him to stumble back and drop onto the bench on his rear. Shio looks stunned by this, as does SORN. David, however, doesn’t pay either man any more attention. He departs, closing the door behind him.)
(The camera cuts to Shio, who is fuming. He shakes his head.)
Shio Corn: I’m gonna get that bastard back…
(He shoots up, and storms out. However, as he stops by the door, he glances back at SORN.)
Shio Corn: And you too.
(SORN is unphased. He meets Shio’s glare with a quiet intensity of his own.)
SORN: Go ahead. You aren’t going to scare me.
(Shio contemplates responding, but he doesn’t. He just scoffs, and leaves. The final shot shows SORN remaining seated as his gaze travels elsewhere, mind running with thoughts, before Dynasty dissolves elsewhere.)
(Friday Night Dynasty returns to show the backstage area, more specifically focusing on the entrance to the locker room. The door quickly kicks open as the camera pans over to focus on Kirk Redwood, who makes his way out to the hallway, followed by a loud reception from the crowd inside the arena. He’s wrapping his wrist tape as he’s preparing for his match against Nikki Kimura coming up next, all while walking to Gorilla Position with a determined expression on his face, as he eyes the camera, he takes a moment before then beginning to speak, saying what’s on his mind.)
Kirk Redwood: These past couple of years have been hard on me, and after I confronted BRAE last week and put him and his title reign on notice, it allowed me to reflect on everything that I’ve gone through since arriving at Elite Answers Wrestling. Yes, I’ve had my bright spots, and yes, everyone has just been so keen on telling me how things have been going better, but that’s not enough for me, that’s not enough to satisfy the hunger that I have, the fire in my belly. Yes, I’ve worked my ass off to get to where I need to be, but knowing that I have only been fingertips away from bringing a title into my possession only means that I have to work harder, that I have to get off my ass and make sure that I get to the places that I truly desire to be in, because nobody is going to hand it to me.
(Kirk has a snarl on his face as he takes a moment to compose himself, clearly speaking from the heart as he always has whenever he has the chance to say something. After a little bit, he then continues with what he has to say.)
Kirk Redwood: Nobody is going to hand it to me like everyone else has been handed everything. I’ve never had it easy, and while some people might take offense to that, personally, I like it that way. I like scratching and clawing for what I feel like I owe, and even though people don’t give me credit where credit is due, I’m going to make sure that one way or another, I don’t give them a choice. I don’t give them an option but to look at Kirk Redwood and see him as a serious threat. The only way that I can do that is by getting a match against BRAE, facing him for the Interwire Championship in his first defense, and ending his ambitions before it can even begin. Is it something that I choose to do? No. I don’t have any problem with BRAE. He’s bold, he doesn’t back down from his ambitions, and it’s something that I admire. But at the same time, I think it’s been made clear that there’s not much of a choice on my end anymore; there has never been a choice.
Kirk Redwood: BRAE and I have shared the same brand since his arrival, and I have watched the climb that he has made in order to get himself to where he is right now. I watched him pry the New Breed Championship out of the hands of Michael Machina two Pain For Pride’s ago, I watched him win the Interwire Championship from Chris Elite two weeks ago, we’ve crossed paths one too many times, he and I have told eachother how we feel, and a part of me is wondering whether or not I did something wrong. Whether or not I’m the person to blame for all my struggles, all my shortcomings, all my fights with the constant demons in my mind. Is there a reason why I’ve been shackled and BRAE has been allowed to flourish on this brand? I don’t know for certain, but I hope that it’ll be able to be put into perspective when the time comes for us to face in the ring.
(Kirk takes a moment as he ponders to himself, continuing to make his way down the hallway. He then looks back up and goes on.)
Kirk Redwood: Which leads me to my next point, and that’s when I want my title shot. I told BRAE that if he’s half the man that I think he is, he accepts my challenge, and if BRAE is even a quarter of who I believe him to be, then he’ll let me pick the date as well. I want this to be immediate, I don’t want to beat around the bush, I don’t want to waste any time, I have done a whole lot of that already throughout my career, I’ll be damned if I waste my career doing exactly that again. I call the shots, and I want to be the very first in line for BRAE’s Interwire Championship so I can make sure that I end it before it even begins. I want my title match at Reckless Wiring.
(The crowd inside the arena cheers for this announcement as Kirk makes his way toward the Gorilla Position, about to head through the curtain… Before he’s stopped by someone leaning against a wall, eyeing him as he walks.)
BRAE: Reckless Wiring, huh?
(BRAE crosses his arms, title around his waist as he glares at him. Kirk stops himself as he turns to face him.)
Kirk Redwood: Damn right, and I think you know better than to decline it. That’s not who you are.
(BRAE smirks as he nods his head.)
BRAE: Then you have me correct. I’ll see you at Reckless Wiring, but you better be careful what you’re wishing for, all of this talk could suddenly end up being null and void if it all comes crashing down or you yet again in yet another opportunity. Do not blame me for what happens next. All I can truly say for certain is that I will still be the Interwire Champion.
(BRAE has a straight look as he turns around and makes his way out of the scene. Krik takes a moment, giving a deep breath, before focusing back in on the match, it’s the very last shot seen before Friday Night Dynasty then begins to fade to elsewhere.)
Stephie Love: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FOLLOWING MATCH IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(‘Vroom’ by Hoodie Allen & Connor Price began blaring through the arena speakers to loud cheers as Nikki Kimura, full of energy, burst out from behind the stage curtains and made her way to the center of the stage. She beckoned to the fans in the audience before making her way down the ramp, tagging them as she went.)
Stephie Love: INTRODUCING FIRST! Hailing from Kyoto, Japan, weighing in at 120 pounds… she is THE ANCHOR, NIKKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII! KIIIIIIIIIIIIIMUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Stew-O: Here comes the ever-energetic Nikki Kimura, clearly a favorite with the fans as we can see from the positive reception she’s receiving here tonight! She had an opportunity last week to earn herself a title shot but, unfortunately, came up just a bit short after a commendable showing; evidently, that hasn’t deterred her at all as she looks as determined as ever to make her mark here in EAW’s newest season!
Flannery McCoy: She’s got a tough challenge ahead of her considering the height and weight disadvantage she’s at, but that hasn’t stopped Nikki Kimura from earning victories before! Her high speed offense is able to overcome disadvantages like that by implementing some powerful striking and even using her opponent’s weight against them with maneuvers like the DDT!
Jake Mercer: If she’s able to beat her opponent this week, who is a prospective title challenger at the moment in his own right, that’ll definitely set her back on the path towards title gold early on in Friday Night Dynasty!
(Suddenly, the music changed to Ballad of a Prodigal Son by Lincoln Durham causing a loud mixed reaction as Kirk Redwood stormed out from behind the stage curtains with a slow, menacing stride. He gave himself two slaps to the face, awakening his fighting spirit, before marching down the ramp with an intense, determined expression on his face.)
Stephie Love: AND HER OPPONENT! Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, weighing in at 210 pounds… he is THE UNKILLABLE, KIIIIIIIIIIIIIRK! REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!
Stew-O: And now the menacing Kirk Redwood, the Dog of War, entering the fray with championship pursuit on the mind! We saw last week the tension rising between himself and the Interwire Champion, BRAE!
Flannery McCoy: We’ve already seen that match in the past when BRAE was still New Breed Champion, and now it looks like we may be getting it again with the Interwire Title on the line! Last time, Kirk managed to beat BRAE and secure the King of Elite Semi Finals!
Jake Mercer: If he’s able to repeat history with the title on the line, then he’ll secure the Interwire Championship for himself and prove that his transformation is legitimate with the gold to match! With Kirk and Nikki both looking to gather momentum for their goals, only one will be able to come out on top tonight! Which one will it be! It’s time to find out!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Stew-O: And the match is underway! Kirk Redwood and Nikki Kimura step out of their respective corners, and Kirk Redwood is looking to take full advantage of his size difference here as he’s storming straight towards Nikki Kimura with an aggressive stride! In contrast, Nikki is skirting around Kirk looking to use her superior agility to her advantage and pick her shots carefully; with a ruthless opponent like Kirk, that’s the best approach that she can take!
Flannery McCoy: Kirk Redwood goes to deliver quite the haymaker towards Nikki, but the Anchor is able to evade the maneuver, ducking out of the way and even managing to get the first strike of the match by connecting with a quick leg kick to the outer side of Kirk’s right knee! Before Kirk could turn around and get his hands on her, Nikki quickly jumped back and continued circling around her opponent!
Jake Mercer: This is a clever approach to the match, we’ll see if it pays dividends! Going to cut Kirk Redwood down at the base is the best way to limit what he’ll be able to do in terms of catching up to somebody as agile as Nikki, but you have to imagine that the moment Kirk gets his hands on her, he’s going to make her pay for each and every strike that she managed to connect with!
Stew-O: At the moment, though, Nikki’s continuing circling Kirk, ducking and weaving every attempt that Kirk makes at catching her or connecting with a strike, and continues to get in a strike for every evasion she manages to do! Kirk Redwood, direct fighter that he is, looks to be getting rather frustrated by this game of cat and mouse, but he’s showing his own endurance here as he gives his own knee a hardy punch before wiggling it around, showing Nikki just how much abuse he’s able to take!
Flannery McCoy: Kirk launches a thrust kick towards Nikki Kimura out of nowhere, and Nikki had no choice but to leap up into the air in an attempt to dodge it, instead of side stepping! In that position, she leapt towards Kirk and caught his head as she tried to drop him with a jumping DDT, aiming to topple the Dog of War with some head trauma to boot!
Jake Mercer: BUT KIRK HAS HAD ENOUGH! He catches her in mid-air and holds her up, not allowing her to drop him head-first into the canvas of the squared circle! The Dog of War is showing off some of that impressive brutish strength as he keeps Nikki held in mid-air for a few seconds before SNAPPING, dropping her behind him with a very intense Northern Lights suplex!
Stew-O: That’s the opening that Kirk Redwood was waiting for, and now he’s taking FULL advantage and capitalizing on this opportunity! He mounts Nikki Kimura and begins raining down on her with a fiery hellstorm of punches and elbow smashes, using his body weight to trap her in a supine position laid out on the canvas!
Flannery McCoy: He’s able to land a couple of heavy strikes to the head of Nikki Kimura, even in spite of her attempts to guard against them, before suddenly scrambling back to his feet with Nikki still laid out! He isn’t giving her a moment of respite with getting up, though, he’s looking to make it worse, much to her chagrin!
Jake Mercer: He reaches down and grabs her by the wrist, yanking her back up to a standing position before giving her a stiff knee smash to the midsection in order to force her to double over in pain! From that position, he’s able to tuck her head under his arm and snap back, dropping her once more with a snap vertical suplex! He turns around to follow up on the maneuver, but Nikki is able to roll away under the bottom rope!
Stew-O: Kirk Redwood makes chase, looking to step out to the apron where Nikki has rolled out to, but Nikki is able to land a well-placed shot to the right knee of Kirk Redwood, the very knee that she’s been targeting since the start of the match! That shot was enough to knock Kirk Redwood forward, dropping neck first on the middle rope, leading to a competitive grin on Nikki’s pained face at a strategy well executed!
Flannery McCoy: She pushes Kirk Redwood’s head off the middle rope and grabs a hold of it, dragging his head under the bottom rope while she, herself, hops down to ringside! Kirk is still very dazed after the impact of getting dropped throat-first on the rope, leaving him wide open to whatever Nikki has planned here! She continues dragging him out further and further, getting a front face lock applied to cement her grip on Kirk’s head, before…
Jake Mercer: OH! WHAT A MANEUVER BY THE ANCHOR! Nikki Kimura just dropped Kirk Redwood with a DDT from the apron to the ringside floor, using her environment to overcome that size disadvantage to land a HUGE blow to Kirk Redwood, who is undoubtedly in a lot of pain after that attack! Nikki Kimura understands the importance of landing that as she takes this time to even the playing field, landing just as many strikes to the laid out Kirk Redwood as she is able to land without gassing herself out!
Stew-O: Considering how great Nikki’s conditioning is, she’s able to land quite the barrage on Kirk Redwood there, definitely managing to wear him down before she takes a few steps back, partially appreciating her handiwork while also measuring him up for something else! She takes a look back and sees the steps, prompting her to quickly jump up and make her way onto the apron again, aiming down towards Kirk Redwood while he begins to stagger up with his head clutched in pain!
Flannery McCoy: From the apron, Nikki Kimura continues measuring Kirk Redwood up until the moment of truth, as she suddenly sprints across the apron and launches herself at him! Nikki using her own body as a human weapon as she hurtles towards Kirk Redwood, connecting with a missile dropkick that knocks Kirk back-first into the nearby steel steps! Another great use of the environment by the anchor, who does her best to force Kirk back to his feet in order to roll him back into the ring from underneath the bottom rope!
Jake Mercer: She manages to get him back into the ring before sliding back into the ring herself! She looks to take advantage of the damage she’s done, hooking both of his legs and going for the pinfall victory right here and now! Does she have it?!
ONEEEEEEEE
TWOOO-
Stew-O: AND A KICK OUT BY KIRK REDWOOD! The Dog of War has taken harder beatings than that, and despite Nikki’s efforts so far, she’s still not able to kill the Unkillable! There’s a look of expression on her face, but that frustration doesn’t seem to be deterring her as she slaps the mat and immediately pushes herself back to her feet, glaring at the Dog of War with a look of determination on her face!
Flannery McCoy: Kirk Redwood may be the one directly aiming for the Interwire Championship, but Nikki Kimura is nevertheless dead set on returning to the championship status she previously had despite last week’s defeat! She takes aim at the Dog of War as he slowly staggers to his feet before rushing at him, once again looking to weaponize herself as she fires off a running crossbody at him!
Jake Mercer: BUT KIRK IS ABLE TO CATCH HER IN MID AIR ONCE AGAIN! Kirk’s ferocious strength is at play once again as he hoists her up in a body slam position before throwing her up in the air at an angle! BOOM, Nikki lands neck first on the rope as Kirk is able to execute a stun gun from an unorthodox position, and that leaves Nikki – as the name of the maneuver suggests – stunned and vulnerable!
Stew-O: That’s all the cue that Kirk Redwood needed as he immediately latches on a rear waist lock on his adversary and hurls her back with a German suplex, driving her into the canvas with a deafening thud! He doesn’t stop there, though, as he quickly slithers over and forcefully drags her back up to a standing position! With how evasive Nikki has been in this match, intelligently picking her spots as she finds them, she’s managed to avoid the wrath of the Dog of War, and that’s not something Kirk is letting her do anymore!
Flannery McCoy: He’s running roughshod on the Anchor here, giving her a barrage of suplexes it seems! From behind, he applies a double overhook on both of the arms of the Anchor before launching her back with a TIGER suplex, employing even more damage to the back of Nikki’s head and back, doubling up on all of the suplex damage he’s already unleashed on her!
Jake Mercer: BUT EVEN THAT IS NOT ENOUGH! He continues this merciless onslaught as he once again drags her back to her feet, this time applying a full Nelson hold on Nikki Kimura before dropping her with one more suplex, this time unleashing a DRAGON SUPLEX ON THE ANCHOR! THIS ONE WITH A BRIDGE FOR THE PIN ATTEMPT, HE MAY HAVE IT HERE!
ONEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOO!
Stew-O: WHAT RESILIENCE! NIKKI WAS STILL ABLE TO KICK OUT OF IT! Kirk Redwood is genuinely shocked at the amount of endurance that Nikki is putting on display, kicking out after all of the punishment that he has delivered to her! With narrowed eyes, Kirk Redwood grits his teeth as he staggers to his feet, feeling the brunt of the match and looking to take her out!
Flannery McCoy: He drags Nikki up alongside him as he clenches his fist, winding his arm back BEFORE HE GOES FOR HIS SIGNATURE STRIKE, THE LETHAL ROUND BEING LAUNCHED AT NIKKI KIMURA WITH THE INTENT TO KNOCK HER OUT COLD!
Jake Mercer: BUT NIKKI DODGED IT!! SHE DUCKED UNDERNEATH! KIRK QUICKLY TURNS AROUND AS HE LOOKS TO LAUNCH IT AGAIN, BUT NIKKI FIGHTS BACK, CONNECTING WITH HER SIGNATURE SUPERKICK, KNOCKING KIRK REDWOOD DOWN TO A KNEELING POSITION!
Stew-O: THIS IS A PRIME POSITION FOR NIKKI AS SHE TAKES A FEW STEPS BACK, AIMING AT THE JAW OF KIRK REDWOOD BEFORE LAUNCHING THE KAMIGOYE, HER FINISHING MANEUVER!!
Flannery McCoy: NO! KIRK CAUGHT HER LEG AND HOISTS HER UP WITH IT, TURNING HER UPSIDE DOWN! HE’S GOT HER IN POSITION AS HE RUSHES FORWARD WITH HER BEFORE LEAPING UP AND— DOWN TO HELL! THE FINISHING TOMBSTONE OF THE DOG OF WAR LANDS, AND HE HOOKS THE LEG!
ONEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOO!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
(Ballad of a Prodigal Son by Lincoln Durham began blaring once again to a huge mixed reaction as Kirk Redwood slowly staggers to his feet with gritted teeth, nodding down at Nikki before raising his arm up high in triumph.)
Stephie Love: HERE IS YOUR WINNER… KIRK! REDWOOOOOOOD!
Stew-O: A great effort from both elitists in this battle, and Nikki definitely managed to get a lot of damage in on the Dog of War, but Kirk Redwood proved his nickname tonight as he was simply Unkillable!
Flannery McCoy: With the Interwire Champion surely watching on, Kirk Redwood scores some momentum tonight as he gets the win over a former specialists champion!
Jake Mercer: Congratulations to the Dog of War, who is dead set on making Dynasty his brand this season as he looks to complete his labor of love with the utmost intensity and brutality!
(The video feed lingers on Kirk’s victory celebration before slowly fading to black on the image of his arms raised.)
(Backstage, Michael Belfort is on standby. However, he is not alone. A familiar figure, with dark hair cascading down along the side and two dolls in her hands, stands with her black-stained lips curled faintly into a smile.)
Michael Belfort: EAW Universe, thank you for tuning in, and what an incredible night of action it has been! However, later on, we have our main event, featuring Brian Daniels and none other than the current number one contender to the Specialists Championship, Effy McAvoy.
(Effy lets out a pleased hum and giggle. Michael turns to her.)
Michael Belfort: First off, Effy—congratulations on a well-earned victory last week to start the first Dynasty of the new season with a bang for yourself. You did lose the New Breed Championship at Pain for Pride, but were able to turn things around pretty much instantly. You said in one of your promos this week that, admittedly, you were disappointed, but that the win helped reaffirm that you weren’t bound to be directionless. How are you feeling exactly?
Effy McAvoy: Thank you, Michael, and oh, yes—it was heartbreaking for me at Pain for Pride. I wanted to make myself and, of course, Ahren proud, and while I went further than anyone could have likely anticipated for me to, I feel like I could’ve done just a bit more. I don’t know. It’s a strange feeling. Still, I knew from the moment my name was involved in that match that it was my chance to return to that spot, and lo and behold, I did! Now, I can be a multi-time champion, just like Ahren was!
(She radiates pride as she looks at Michael.)
Effy McAvoy: Ahren has helped to pick me back up and realize how grand the opportunity is. After all, how many Elitists can say they were able to win a title almost immediately after losing one?
Michael Belfort: It is a slim number, I must admit. Still, with Mia Santoro just winning the Specialists Championship herself, I imagine she wouldn’t want the infamy of losing in her first defense, which is an even rarer occasion here in EAW. How are you preparing to deal with a possibly hungry Mia at Reckless Wiring?
(Effy purses her lips in thought for a moment before answering.)
Effy McAvoy: Well, she can be as motivated as she wants to be, but I have my motivations too! Ahren is, of course, helping me, but he isn’t as hands-on as before, like how he was when I was getting ready to face BRAE. He reminded me that I was the one who won a title before Mia did in her career. That, and…
(Her gaze falls to the floor. Fingers run through the dolls’ hair.)
Effy McAvoy: Some people still don’t seem to take me seriously.
(The thought alone quickly changes her look. Her gaze returns to Michael, a bit more pointed, but not at him.)
Effy McAvoy: Like Brian. He tried to be honorable and give a few compliments, but he also ridiculed me, saying I was creepy for having my dolls and everything. And it made me think… even with me proving my worth here, are there people in this promotion who see me as some child? Fangirl? Someone who doesn’t understand what it means to be the best? Why? Because I don’t care to be some drab, boring, no-nonsense Elitist? Because I’m not loud in how I talk and how I look? It was the same thing I had to deal with when I first debuted here, and yet for a hall of famer and former world champion of his caliber to bring that up… I will admit, it did frustrate me.
(A pause.)
Effy McAvoy: It does frustrate me.
(She sighs. Closes her eyes. And for a moment, Effy stills herself before she opens her eyes again, looking at Michael. Her smile returns.)
Effy McAvoy: But Ahren said it is best to use that frustration to fuel you, and so, that is what I am going to do.
Michael Belfort: Makes sense. Now, my last question: if you were to defeat Mia Santoro at Reckless Wiring, how would you make this reign different from—
???: If?
(That’s when Mia Santoro herself steps into view, the Specialists Championship on her shoulder. She looks almost insulted as she overhears that question. Effy, meanwhile, narrows her eyes at her.)
Effy McAvoy: Hey! Rude! We were talking.
Mia Santoro: Aww, and isn’t that sweet? You even got your idol’s whiny sense of entitlement down pat.
(That makes Effy’s cheek flare up into a burning red. However, Mia doesn’t back down.)
Mia Santoro: A temper, too, if I had to guess. However, Effy, I’m really not here to insult you. I think you’re a fine competitor in your own right. You were good enough to become the New Breed champion and defeated the current Interwire champion to do that. However, you aren’t the only one here with something to prove, dear.
(Mia taps the title.)
Mia Santoro: You want to talk about frustration? You’re looking at the poster girl for that. I had been working hard for so long, and my efforts finally got me to where I wanted to be. After being heartbroken, humiliated, betrayed, and treated like I was less than trash here, I got to have the last laugh… but that doesn’t mean I’m finished.
(She shakes her head, reaffirming this.)
Mia Santoro: Absolutely not. I’ve just begun, and I’m not about to lose to you. You can take it the wrong way and find some offense, but again, at least you got to prove yourself already. I’ve shown I am capable of winning a championship, but I wanna be a champion that’s remembered as well. In fact? Overhearing you whining and crying about how people don’t take you seriously was hilarious. Sugar, that’s life. This is how wrestling has been and always will be. However, it seems like Ahren may not have done a good enough job teaching you how to have a thick skin, because if you’re worried about what the gossip folks are spreading?
(Mia takes a step forward.)
Mia Santoro: Then you may not last as long as you want to. Not in comparison to me.
(She gestures toward herself.)
Mia Santoro: Again, I got called every name under the sun. I was a joke. Treated like one. This, that, and the third. Yet, I didn’t let it get to me, and it paid off. So, if you’re that mentally weak to where you’re letting what other people say trip you up, then maybe you just don’t have it in you to be a champion again, hon.
(Effy scowls.)
Effy McAvoy: I don’t need a pep talk from the likes of you. I’m not weak! The last thing I need is for you to come on in and give me these backhanded words of advice.
Mia Santoro: Oh, I ain’t giving you advice. I’m just telling you that you may not be as far along as you may think.
Effy McAvoy: Ha! And you are? You said it yourself, people treated you like a joke, but why? You simply weren’t good for the longest, Mia. If anything, many people saw your title win as an upset! People were placing their bets on either Auburn or Nikki if a new champion was going to be crowned.
(Mia doesn’t take offense at her words, however. She merely nods.)
Mia Santoro: And you know what? You’re right. I wasn’t the betting favorite.
(That admittance makes Effy blink. Mia sees this reaction but, once again, remains nonchalant.)
Mia Santoro: I mean, you aren’t shaking up the conversation, dear. I already know how I was viewed. Yet, I didn’t let the odds get to me. Everyone has their favorites, or those they believe have worked harder than others. However, bets can be wrong. Popular opinion means nothing. Either you have it in you to get the job done in that moment, or you don’t, and, well… I did.
(She smirks.)
Mia Santoro: You can start with a deck that looks great, but as the game gets longer, and you use up your best cards, all that shines fades. That’s when the real players step up. Not the ones who talk the loudest or have all the buzz, but the ones who can adapt. That’s what I did.
(Mia chuckles.)
Mia Santoro: And trust me, Effy—at Reckless Wiring? I’m gonna adapt even more to make sure I’m leaving with this.
(She grabs the Specialists Championship and raises it into the air. Effy eyes the title.)
Effy McAvoy: Well, Mia… who says I can’t adapt, either?
(She smirks. Mia raises a brow at this, but before anything else can be said, Effy stalks away. Mia watches on, as does Michael, and from there, the shot fades back to ringside for the next match of the show.)
(‘Genie in a Bottle’ by Christina Aguilera begins to sound through the speakers. The crowd showers Grace De Luca in boos as she poses on top of the ramp. She surveys the crowd in total disgust as she walks down the ramp with confidence.)
Stephie Love: THE FOLLOWING MATCH IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!!!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!!
Stephie Love: INTRODUCING FIRST…FROM LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA…SHE IS ‘THE PARADIGM OF PERFECTION’…GRACE DE LUCA!!!!!!
Stew-O: At Pain for Pride, she came short in winning the New Breed Championship that was won by Ashlynn Quinn. Last week on Dynasty, she came short in winning the number one contenders match for the Specialists Championship that was won by Effy McAvoy! This week, she would love nothing more than to bounce back from those failures!
Flannery McCoy: On Showdown, she was in the process of building herself up, trying to establish herself as a threat! On Dynasty, she looks to continue that! It’s a whole different environment with different competition, but if there is someone who is more than capable of having a ‘Daniella Atlas’ breakout season, it’s Grace De Luca!
Jake Mercer: She claims to have all the tools to become a future champion here! She has the looks of a star, so I’m curious to see how she does against one of the biggest stars on the Dynasty brand!
(‘Ghost Myself’ by DIAMANTE replaces ‘Genie in a Bottle’ as Raven Roberts comes out from the back. Rex McAllister is right behind her as he claps for Raven, who poses on the ramp. Raven surveys the crowd as Rex takes place right next to her, talking to her.)
Stephie Love: INTRODUCING HER OPPONENT…FROM ATLANTA, GEORGIA…SHE IS ONE HALF OF THE EAW UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS…’THE BIRD OF PREY’…RAVEN ROBERTS!!!!!!
Stew-O: At Pain for Pride, Raven Roberts won the Unified Tag Team Championships for the second time in her career with Rex McAllister! Last week, Fire & Ice would get the victory over David Gideon Smith and Shio Corin! This week, Raven finds herself in one-on-one action as she looks to keep up this momentum, not only for herself, but for Fire & Ice!
Flannery McCoy: As a solo star, Raven Roberts is a tremendous wrestler! A former New Breed Champion, Universal Women’s Champion, Ms. Cash in the Vault – all the makings of being a future Hall of Famer! She currently looks at a woman, who is looking to use her to make a name for herself!
Jake Mercer: In this match, Raven Roberts would have to use that veteran experience to get the upper hand on Grace De Luca! It won’t be easy since Grace is out here with something to prove, but it should be interesting to see how all of this goes down!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(The crowd boos loudly as Grace De Luca rolls out of the ring. She holds a finger up, almost like she’s telling Raven Roberts to give her a moment.)
Stew-O: Grace De Luca rolled herself out of the ring to begin this match off! It seems like she may be strategizing here –
Flannery McCoy: BUT, IT SEEMS LIKE RAVEN ROBERTS IS NOT GOING TO BE WASTING ANY TIME AS SHE REBOUNDS OFF THE ROPES AND SENDS HERSELF THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE WITH A ‘FLYING DESTROYER’ — THE SUICIDE DIVE INTO A CANADIAN DESTROYER TO GRACE DE LUCA! THE BACK OF GRACE’S HEAD COLLIDES WITH THE FRONT OF OUR DESK!
Jake Mercer: The crowd popped for that as Raven Roberts grabs Grace De Luca and rolls her out of the ring! Then, Raven slides back inside the ring! She manages to get to her feet before Grace! Grace goes after the Unified Tag Team Champion, but Raven gets a knee up and drives it to the gut of Grace! Raven grabs Grace by the arm before whipping her to the horizontal set of ropes! Grace rebounds off of them as Raven looks to go for a clothesline, BUT GRACE SLIDES UNDERNEATH THE LEGS OF ‘THE BIRD OF PREY!’ SHE GETS UP RIGHT BEHIND RAVEN! RAVEN TURNS HERSELF AROUND AS GRACE CONNECTS WITH A SLAP ACROSS RAVEN’S FACE!
Stew-O: Raven Roberts doesn’t move from it! Maybe, just her face a bit, but she remains perfectly still! In response, Raven connects with a headbutt as that sends Grace De Luca back! But, Grace goes right back at Raven, but Raven connects with a drop toe hold as Grace’s face collides with the mat! There, Raven does a whole spin on top of a face down Grace before applying a front headlock! Slowly, Raven begins to rise up back to her feet before getting Grace up with her! Raven proceeds to lift up Grace, showing some tremendous strength before taking her back with a vertical suplex as Raven floats over for a pin fall attempt!
OOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TTT–
Flannery McCoy: Grace De Luca manages to bridge out of the pin fall attempt! Raven Roberts gets to her feet before getting a fist full of Grace’s hair and connecting with a biel throw that sends her to the corner! Grace tries to pick herself up while clutching onto the ropes! Raven runs towards her, looking for the big boot as that nails Grace in the face! She stumbles forward, BUT RAVEN CONNECTS WITH A POWERSLAM AS THAT SENDS HER CRASHING DOWN! RAVEN MANAGES TO CONNECT WITH A FULL NELSON AS SHE SCOOPS GRACE UP TO HER FEET! SHE GETS GRACE IN A WHEELBARROW POSITION AS SHE LOOKS FOR A WHEELBARROW SUPLEX!
Jake Mercer: BUT, GRACE DE LUCA MANAGES TO ROLL UP THE UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPION! SHE’S TRYING TO END THIS MATCH AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!
OOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
TTTTWW–
Stew-O: Raven Roberts rolls out of the way! But, Grace De Luca beats her to the punch! She connects with a basement dropkick that sends the former Universal Women’s Champion back! THEN, GRACE RUNS TO RAVEN AS SHE CONNECTS WITH A SERIES OF STOMPS TO THE FACE AND CHEST! THE REFEREE TRIES TO TELL HER TO EASE UP A BIT! GRACE STOPS AS SHE MANAGES TO GET RAVEN AND APPLY A MIDDLE ROPE CHOKE! AND, IT SEEMS LIKE SHE’S DOING THAT IN FRONT OF REX MCALLISTER!
(Grace De Luca proceeds to talk some smack to Rex McAllister. Rex remains calm, believing that Raven Roberts will find a way out of this situation. But, he says something that causes Grace to roll her eyes and shift her focus back at Raven.)
Flannery McCoy: It’s difficult to get under Rex McAllister’s skin, honestly. Constantly, he remains cool as a cucumber, so knocking him off his game is always a rare thing. Grace De Luca begins to back away from Raven Roberts! I’m not sure what she’s looking to do, but Grace connects with a meteora to the back of Raven’s head! Then, she throws Raven behind her before stalking Raven up to her feet! GRACE IS LOOKING FOR THE ABSOLUTE BEST TIMING POSSIBLE BEFORE PULLING RAVEN TOWARDS HER AND CONNECTING WITH A ‘TWISTING MAKEOVER’ – THE SWINGING NECKBREAKER! NO! RAVEN CONTINUES TO SPIN HERSELF AROUND BEFORE PULLING GRACE BY HER WRIST AND CONNECTING WITH A SHORT-ARM CLOTHESLINE!
Jake Mercer: But, it seems like Raven Roberts is not done here! She pulls up Grace De Luca once more and connects with another short-arm clothesline! And then, another one! And then another one! And then another one! This clearly doesn’t help Grace since she has those long limbs, which make the pull feel so much more awful! Raven pulls Grace to her feet and now, you can see that Grace is begging for Raven not to go for that short-arm clothesline again!
Stew-O: It seems like Raven Roberts might cool down from all of that!
Flannery McCoy: NO! RAVEN ROBERTS MANAGES TO GET GRACE DE LUCA’S ARM AND CONNECT WITH AN O GOSHI JUDO THROW! I can’t imagine how that arm must be feeling, but then, Grace goes right after Raven, but Raven takes Grace down with a headlock takeover! She keeps that headlock applied as she slowly gets to one of her knees! Grace is trying to push Raven away from her! You can see a bit of struggle on the face of ‘The Paradigm of Perfection!’
Jake Mercer: Grace De Luca is battling with the experience that Raven Roberts has! Grace is going to need to figure out what she’s going to need to do! Grace tries to get herself on some proper footing. It seems like she’s getting a good hold of one of Raven’s legs before proceeding to lift up the former World Champion! But, Raven drops down, still maintaining possession of the headlock!
Stew-O: Still, it seems like Grace De Luca is not looking to give it up! She begins to push Raven Roberts to the horizontal set of ropes in front of her! BUT, THAT DOESN’T SEEM TO BE WORKING AS WELL! NOW, IT SEEMS LIKE GRACE IS GOING FOR RAVEN’S HAIR AS SHE YANKS IT DOWN! THIS CAUSES THE REFEREE TO YELL AT HER! GRACE USES THE OPPORTUNITY THAT SHE CREATED FOR HERSELF BEFORE LIFTING UP RAVEN AND CONNECTING WITH A SPINNING BACK SUPLEX!
Flannery McCoy: Then, Grace De Luca manages to get Raven Roberts and lifts her up with a twisting brainbuster! She calls that ‘Perfection Plex’ as she goes for the cover!
OOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTTTWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Jake Mercer: Raven Roberts with a kick out! Grace De Luca gets Raven Roberts and throws her through the middle rope! She realizes that she needs to keep this up! She begins to exit out of the ring! SHE SEES SIGNS OF RAVEN FINDING HER WAY BACK TO HER FEET AS SHE JUMPS FROM THE APRON AND TAKES HER DOWN WITH A METEORA! Grace has her arms out in confidence and the crowd doesn’t seem to like that too much! Grace gets Raven, grabbing her by her arm and whipping her to the steel steps! Raven’s spine collides with the steel steps! STILL, SHE TRIES TO FIND A WAY BACK TO HER FEET, BUT GRACE MANAGES TO DELIVER A NASTY BIG BOOT THAT SENDS THE FORMER WORLD CHAMPION TOPPLING OVER THE STEEL STEPS!
Stew-O: You can see a concerned look on Rex McAllister’s face! He is doing what he can to rally Raven Roberts into making a grand comeback in this match! Grace De Luca approaches Raven, grabbing her by the hair! She looks at Rex and tells him to stay out of her business before throwing Raven to the barricade! Then, she presses her foot against the throat of the Unified Tag Team Champion! She is talking smack to Rex at the same time!
Referee: (off-mic) ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! GET HER BACK IN THE RING, GRACE!
Flannery McCoy: The referee is trying to regain control of this match up! Grace De Luca yells back at the referee before grabbing Raven Roberts and rolling her back inside the ring! Then, she slides underneath the ring! She begins to position Raven where she needs to before heading for the top turnbuckle! She positions her body with her back turned to Raven! SHE JUMPS FROM THE TOP ROPE AND LANDS A BEAUTIFUL MOONSAULT ON RAVEN! SHE LANDS ON RAVEN AS SHE GOES FOR THE COVER!
OOOOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTTTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
TT–
Jake Mercer: Raven Roberts with a kick out! Grace De Luca does her best not to let her emotions show! She takes Raven to the corner and holds her arms back! Then, she connects with an arm-trapped stomp into the corner! Raven’s face colliding with the bottom turnbuckle! Then, she gets Raven’s arms and sets her up for the inverted double underhook facebuster! She calls that ‘Im-Prettiest!’
Stew-O: BUT, RAVEN ROBERTS MANAGES TO TAKE GRACE DE LUCA BACK WITH A DEADLIFT GERMAN SUPLEX! What a surprise there! Grace got caught off guard! She proceeds to back away from the corner! Raven turns around as she goes right after Grace with a clothesline! BUT, GRACE GETS HER FOOT UP! RAVEN MANAGES TO STOP HERSELF BEFORE COLLIDING WITH THAT FOOT! SHE MANAGES TO GRAB THAT FOOT AND CONNECT WITH A KNEE JAMMER AS THAT KNOCKS GRACE DOWN!
Flannery McCoy: Raven Roberts follows that up with a ‘Huntress Bomb’ – the sitout spinebuster as she has Grace De Luca there for the cover!
OOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTTTWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Jake Mercer: Grace De Luca with a kick out! Raven Roberts realizes what she needs to do now! She begins to back away to one of the corners as she faces Grace! Rex McAllister is hyping up Raven to end this match! Raven is waiting for Grace to get up just a bit before – ‘TALON!’ THE SINGLE LEG DROPKICK TO GRACE!
Stew-O: GRACE DE LUCA MANAGES TO GET HERSELF OUT OF THE WAY AT THE LAST SECOND! RAVEN ROBERTS SLIPS FOR THE LANDING! STILL, RAVEN FINDS A WAY BACK UP! SHE TURNS AROUND AS GRACE MANAGES TO RUN TOWARDS HER – ‘SWEET CHIN MUSIC!’ HER VARIATION OF THE SUPERKICK! BUT, RAVEN MANAGES TO DUCK THAT! SHE CONNECTS WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP TO GRACE’S CHEST AS THAT CAUSES HER TO STAGGER BACK! BUT, SHE GETS RIGHT BACK UP AND CONNECTS WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP TO THE CHEST OF RAVEN! RAVEN STAGGERS BACK AS SHE CONNECTS WITH ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP! THEN, GRACE CONNECTS WITH ANOTHER ONE! THESE TWO WOMEN ARE TRADING KNIFE EDGE CHOPS TO EACH OTHER! THE CROWD IS RISING UP TO THEIR FEET!
Flannery McCoy: Now, these two are trading forearm shots, looking to knock down the other! These women are throwing everything they can knock the other one down first! OUT OF NOWHERE, RAVEN ROBERTS CONNECTS WITH A CLOTHESLINE AS THAT TAKES GRACE DE LUCA DOWN! RAVEN IS FEELING GOOD ABOUT HERSELF! SHE WAITS FOR GRACE TO BE AT A PERFECT HEIGHT BEFORE JUMPING OFF AND CONNECTING WITH A ‘BEAK BREAKER’ – THE TILT-A-WHIRL INTO A STUNNER AS THAT CAUSES GRACE TO POP BACK!
Jake Mercer: RAVEN ROBERTS RUNS AFTER HER BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A ‘TALON!’ THIS TIME, IT CONNECTS AS RAVEN QUICKLY GOES FOR THE COVER!
OOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
TTTTTWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
TTTTTHHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(‘Ghost Myself’ plays once more as Raven Roberts rolls off Grace De Luca, who is more than knocked out from the ‘Talon!’ Rex McAllister joins Raven inside the ring, helping her up to her feet and raising her arm up.)
Stephie Love: THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH… THE EAW UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPION…RAVEN ROBERTS!!!!!
Stew-O: Raven Roberts with a victory over a rising star in Grace De Luca! Things seemed a bit unclear! Personally, I felt like both of them could have walked out with the win until Grace gained control of the match! Things seemed impossible for Raven to bounce back, but Raven sure did prove me wrong!
Flannery McCoy: Raven Roberts showing the resilience that helped Fire & Ice win those Unified Tag Team Championships at Pain for Pride!
Jake Mercer: Grace De Luca was impressive! When it came to facing someone as established as Raven Roberts, she rose to the occasion! This is most definitely a woman that we ought to keep a look out for this season!
Stew-O: As for Raven Roberts, she and Rex McAllister are looking forward to defending those Unified Tag Team Championships! As for right now, congratulations to Raven Roberts on the win!
(Raven continues to stand proud, whereas Grace is arguing with the referee, even within her doozy state. Apparently, she’s telling them she wasn’t completely ready, but the official…)
Refere: :francis:
(Just gives her a look.)
(Grace stumbles, and drops to the outside floor, barely recovering. However, the camera pans back over to Raven and Rex embracing, and that is the final shot before Friday Night Dynasty fades to commercials.)
(A commercial plays for Midsummer Massacre.)
( It pans into Nikki Kimura walking through a backstage corridor fresh after her match against Kirk Redwood. It was an intensive bout, therefore she is ready to hit her hotel room and call it a night, but she inadvertendly bumps into Grace De Luca, another fellow elitist who is also coming out of her match after her own loss. She has her hand to her head, still walking a bit gingerly, even if she was checked out by medical during the break. )
Grace De Luca: Walk much?
Nikki Kimura: How much space do you need back here? I was walking on the si–
Grace De Luca: Hush! That doesn’t matter because when you’re within walking distance of THE Paradigm of Perfection, THE 8th Heavenly Virtue, La Belissima, and not to mention the one next in line to be the beautiful face of this women’s division, Grace De Luca, you best know to stay in your lane and out of my way.
Nikki Kimura: Okay, I’m goin–
( Nikki Kimura tries to keep walking, but Grace stands right in front of her. )
Grace De Luca: And most importantly, you oughta know that I don’t like being rudely interrupted, especially with a damp on this outfit, by someone, who quite frankly, has gotten compensated an unfair amount for how many seasons to just basically.. drop the ball?
Nikki Kimura: If you’re so ready to take the mantle of being the face of this division, then wouldn’t you think that you would be talking to me as the number one contender for the EAW Specialist Championship instead of Effy?
Grace De Luca: Well, she got luck–
Nikki Kimura: I don’t want to hear it. You, along with everyone else can run with the same stupid narrative all they want, but I am not what you say I am. I am not a one-trick pony; I have a burning ember within me and people like you are too daft to understand that?
Grace De Luca: Who said anything about being a one-trick pony? And who are you to call me daft? Have you looked at yourself in the mirror lately? Daft… Daft… DAFT?
( Just as it was about to escalate between Grace De Luca and Nikki Kimura, Kasai comes into frame. )
KASAI: Take it from me, as an elitist who has once held that EAW Specialist Championship that you covet, being the face of our division is no foreign concept to me. The responsibility behind that mantle is something that neither of you two are ready to take on. You are too ignorant to really understand what it takes, as Nikki has evidently lost her way and become attached Silas, while Grace is too occupied in the clouds like an entitled dumbass.
Grace De Luca: Dumbass???
KASAI: Nevertheless, maybe if you two put in the effort and work hard enough, you won’t have to worry about being in the same exact position next June, about pissing your entire season away, just like Holly Arrow–
( Holly Arrow suddenly appears and finishes Kasai’s sentence. )
Holly Arrow: Holly Arrow? That’s what you were going to say, right? All of this bickering and shade throwing is sad and pathetic, something that I’d believe we would have left behind in grade school, but it seems like the three of you are so acclimated to engaging in gossip beneath you, but at the same time, am I surprised? Not Really. All three of you can say and think whatever you want about me, but I refuse to waste my breath on this any more.
Holly Arrow: The desire within me is hungrier than ever. It yearns to win, it years to be a champion, so I guess we’re all looking for the same thing, huh? Too bad, I’ve played these games before. I may not be speaking to you as a former EAW Specialist Champion, but if I can leave you with some advice. Don’t let what you think you may know about me cloud your senses, because it might just blow back in your face.
( Holly Arrow walks away after she leaves the three women in a combination of confusion and disgust. )
(The camera cuts to Stephie Love in the ring.)
Stephie Love: The following main event contest is scheduled for one fall!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(Psycho’ by That’s Outrageous can be heard throughout the speakers as the crowd allows their reactions to be heard. Effy McCoy emerges from the back as the former New Breed Champion nods to herself in the wake of the main event to come. The waves of elation can be felt throughout the audience as Effy sports a smirk on her face.)
Stephie Love: Introducing first! From Watch Hill, Rhode Island! Weighing in at 125 pounds… EFFYYYYYYYYY MCAVOY!!!
Stew-O: Effy McCoy has been able to weather the storm of Voltage while maintaining all of what makes her an elitist to look forward to. This match against the EAW Legend will become quite the test, as there will be a great deal to prove while we are joined by another EAW Hall of Famer in Charlie Marr.
Charlie Marr: Two-time World Champion, having held several championships in my career as well, Hall of Famer is just the tip of the iceberg.
Flannery McCoy: After everything that Effy has experienced throughout her season, she has remained battle tested as ever, and she will be sure to have an amazing season ahead if she can build upon her efforts as New Breed Champion!
(‘Dragonborn’ by Jeremy Soule can be heard blaring throughout the speakers as the audience reacts loudly for the return of Brian Daniels. Daniels emerges from the back with a grin on his face, gazing outward to the crowd before making his way down the ramp as he’s prepared for the match to come.)
Stephie Love: Introducing his opponent! From New York City, New York, weighing in at 195 pounds… BRIAAAAAAAAAAAN DANIELS!!!
Stew-O: And here we have the multi-time World Champion here in EAW, as Brian Daniels has arrived. Brian Daniels is looking to make a sizable amount of momentum appear here against the former New Breed Champion, must be an interesting match for you to witness here, Charlie!
Charlie Marr: A palette cleanse of sorts when you’ve had to get rid of the Ronan Malosi’s of the world.
Jake Mercer: No doubt that Brian Daniels is looking to have a great match with Effy McAvoy, who I don’t doubt will be looking to return those sentiments as this match is about to go underway—momemtum will be all the more important for each elitist after the events of Pain for Pride!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Stew-O: And we’re off! Effy McAvoy has quite the opportunity tonight as she is getting an immense match against Brian Daniels on the main event of Dynasty! This will not be a match that Effy wants to hold herself back from emphasizing as much offense as possible, as a win over the EAW Hall of Famer can catapult her toward having a standout season here can eclipse what she has done from the season prior! Effy will have to maintain as much focus in this match as she possibly can, as Daniels will not hold back in the face of any challenge that approaches him as he is remaining headstrong when it comes to all of his aspirations that he can have foe the future!
Flannery McCoy: That will certainly be everything to question for the imminent future as these elitists are set to do battle, now beginning to motion themselves away from the corner & circle the canvas as they are about to bolster into this match truly kicking off! Daniels & McAvoy motion for the collar-and-elbow–NO! Effy ducks under Daniels notion forward and immediately leaps herself onto Daniels, looking for a sleeper hold as Brian is refusing to be brought down despite Effy’s attempts to choke Daniels out this early into the match! Daniels drops to a knee and forces Effy to be propelled over himself and land in a seated position on the canvas–AS DANIELS TAKE HOLD WITH A HEADLOCK TAKEDOWN!! You can see the grin on Brian’s face as he maintains control!
Charlie Marr: Nothing to smile about here, he’s being real childish and this match just got started.
Jake Mercer: Well, Daniels may simply be confident about this main event tonight, as he has this headlock takedown maintained while Effy is trying to wrestle herself out of this predicament that she is trapped within! Effy is able to muster herself upward, as Daniels has to motion himself to a stance while McAvoy is up to a knee before now being able to bring herself back up to a proper stance as well! Brian Daniels can’t suppress her for too much longer as Effy is now able to shove Brian off of herself when using the ropes behind them to rebound Daniels away! McAvoy is free for the moment as she asserts herself forward–TILL DANIELS TACKLES HER WITH A CLUTCH OF HER LEG!
Stew-O: AS HE NOW TURNS EFFY AROUND! McAvoy is trying to bring herself back out of this but Daniels doesn’t seem all too interested as he presses each boot behind her knees, and now taking grasp of Effy as she can’t seem to find any semblance of escape here–AS BRIAN DANIELS SHIFTS EFFY INTO A SURFBOARD SUBMISSION!! Daniels has Effy hoisted upward & off of the canvas as this is not the dilemma for McAvoy to be trapped within when Brian thrives in these scenarios! Effy is shaking her own head vigorously as she is refusing to be held in this hold & give up so quickly! The referee is keeping a close eye on Effy as she can truly give way at any moment!
Flannery McCoy: Not good at all for Effy! Daniels eventually shifts position once more as there is no holding out for Effy to quit, as he then turns right around & seems to be looking for the grasp of her arm, ‘cause this can end up going sideways for Effy McAvoy if this persists–AS DANIELS IS LOOKING FOR THE FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Effy is continuously shaking her head in defiance as she drags herself away from Daniels with all of her energy as she rolls under the bottom rope for safety! Daniels can’t maintain any hold as Effy is on the apron, and he sees that McAvoy is willing to undergo any lengths in order to see herself go far in this match!
Jake Mercer: Which we all know is easier said than done, but the former New Breed Champion is looking to prove as much for herself as she can against a multi-time World Champion like brian Daniels! Daniels is now motioning himself upward, as he sees that Effy seems to be in trouble with how she is grasping onto her own arm. This may be deja vu playing a rule on the behalf of Daniels with how Pain for Pride shaped out, as McAvoy is trying to recover on the apron! Brian brings himself over as he is much more interested in ensuring that Effy returns to the ring as he motions through the ropes to take hold–
Charlie Marr: But he’s clocked with a BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE across his temple! Beautiful knee if I do say so myself, not quite like how I’d do it but not everybody can be like me.
Stew-O: That was quite the knee indeed! Effy managed to evade further control from Daniels as the EAW Hall of Famer now finds himself teetering over the ropes and onto the apron! Brian is trying to recover as quickly as he can, but he was just rattled by an immense knee from Effy that gives the former New Breed Champion plenty of room to find some greater ground for herself after this. Effy glares toward Daniels as she motions for a kick across his abdomen–BUT DANIELS WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS HER CHEST!! Effy staggers back!!! Brian is fighting back against the pressure being mounted!
Flannery McCoy: This can go entirely wrong for either elitist right now, as Daniels is trying to recover from the daze in his own right while Effy is doing everything that she can to ensure she stays in this–AS SHE SENDS A KICK ACROSS THE ABDOMEN OF DANIELS TO KEEP HIM AT BAY AS WELL!! Daniels holds onto the rope to keep himself from falling off the apron as Effy is refusing to slow herself down! That doesn’t seem to be stopping Daniels however… AS A FOREARM ACROSS THE TEMPLE OF EFFY KEEPS HER SUPPRESSED!!!
Charlie Marr: C’mon now, are we really gonna see any more of this back & forth when they’re wasting their energy here? I’m wasting my own energy speaking on it.
Jake Mercer: AS DANIELS MOTIONS FOR THE KICK—BUT EFFY WITH A BOOT ACROSS HIS TEMPLE TO CAUSE DANIELS TO STAGGER! Brian Daniels is in trouble here as he’s trying to find his own way out of this, clutching onto the rope as Effy is now climbing upward & to the middle turnbuckle on the outside, as Daniels is in trouble here if he can’t muster up the wherewithal to see this coming AS EFFY DOESN’T APPEAR TO BE SLOWING DOWN—
Stew-O: DOUBLE FOOT STOMP FROM THE SECOND TURNBUCKLE ONTO THE CHEST OF BRIAN DANIELS!!! Daniels is driven onto the apron as he has to collapse from the apron and onto the ringside floor as Effy does the same!!! An immense maneuver from Effy as this match may have shifted to her advantage after what was an immense foot stomp there! This can truly go either way from here, as McAvoy is trying to recover as quickly as she can while Daniels remains laid out on the floor!
Flannery McCoy: As Effy is now bringing herself upward by dragging herself up to her feet with help of the apron, while Daniels is still remaining laid out on the ringside floor as McAvoy is trying to do all that she can to keep herself in this match! McAvoy begins to take a hold of Brian, dragging him up and trying to push him back into the ring as this match is not motioning as smoothly as it could for both of these elitists right now, as Effy is slowly moving Brian—
Charlie Marr: SUDDEN SPINNING BACK FIST CATCHES EFFY ACROSS THE JAW. Well, it took way too much trying to get him back in there, I hate that this guy’s got a damn good back fist.
Stew-O: Effy is clocked by the back fist as she finds herself struggling to maintain any strong ground for herself right now, trying to remain leaning against the apron as Daniels is looking to bring himself back into the ring as he’s got a hold of the ropes! McAvoy is trying to do the same, but remaining fixating on Daniels as Effy is now motioning toward Daniels AND REFUSING TO STAY PUT AS SHE AIMS FOR ANOTHER KICK—
Flannery McCoy: OPEN PALM FROM DANIELS OVER HER LOWER NECK!!! Effy is staggered once more as Brian is able to find some valuable ground for himself while the former New Breed Champion is struggling, as McAvoy is in trouble with Daniels pulling her & now HOISTING HER UPWARD—AS A GOURDBUSTER OVER THE TOP ROPE CAUSES EFFY TO COLLAPSE BACK INTO THE RING!
Jake Mercer: Effy collapses onto the canvas as Brian Daniels is now bringing himself back into the ring as well, waiting for McAvoy to bring herself upward as he’s looking to ensure that he can put her back down while he’s still able to! As Effy is rising upward and turning to Daniels—AS A DISCUS ELBOW TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD SENDS EFFY CRASHING DOWN! Effy is laid out as Daniels is now rushing to hook the leg from here!
ONEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
T—
Charlie Marr: Well, that wasn’t gonna be enough regardless. An elbow won’t do that—mine would’ve.
Stew-O: I suppose you’re correct in this matter as Effy remains in this match, with Daniels nodding to himself now as he has to emphasize all of the focus, now bringing himself upward as he’s pulling Effy over to the middle of the ring & managing to apply a swift GUILLOTINE CHOKE that holds out with Effy in the struggle! McAvoy will have to find a way out of this submission as Brian Daniels is doing all that she can to muster up the necessary energy to keep Effy out of any control! McAvoy needs to think quickly if she wants to remain in this match!
Flannery McCoy: As Effy is trying to bolster herself upward, refusing to give in as she keeps herself conscious despite all that she’s being placed through in this moment! McAvoy is reaching around for any ropes that may be within reach but Daniels has done quite the immense job of making sure there is no holding back from doing what needs to be done here! The choke is being maintained as this may go wrong with Effy—
Jake Mercer: BUT EFFY SOON SHIFTS HER WEIGHT BACKWARDS & FLIPS OVER TO KEEP BRIAN’S SHOULDERS DOWN ON THE MAT!!! THE REFEREE COUNTS AWAY!!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
T—
Charlie Marr: And that’s another obvious one, there was no way that was gonna work for anybody there.
Stew-O: Daniels escapes the pin as he pushes Effy away to bolster himself back up!! Brian is quickly looking to get himself back onto the saddle & maintain all of the control that he possibly muster for himself as—EFFY RETORTS WITH A KICK ACROSS HIS CHEST!! Daniels is being sent back into the corner as Effy is garnering all of the wherewithal here to return as much of the efforts back at Daniels as possible! Brian is remaining in the corner as Effy is rushing forward TO SEND A SUDDEN RUNNING DROPKICK INTO THE CORNER!
Flannery McCoy: BRIAN DANIELS IN TROUBLE! Effy is nodding to herself as she is looking to continue making the absolute most out of this match while she can, rushing herself toward the corner and now coming right back to Brian as ANOTHER RUNNING DROPKICK LAUNCHES ACROSS THE JAW OF DANIELS TO KEEP HIM AT BAY! This is turning out about as well as it can for Effy as this match continues! Daniels remains kept within the corner as Effy is now emerging upward to rush toward the opposite corner once again before turning back around–
Charlie Marr: INTO A RUNNING DROPKICK FROM THAT QUICK BASTARD INSTEAD!! She should’ve resorted to something different there, that was just amounting to a whole lot of wiggle room for Brian Daniels there.
Jake Mercer: The running dropkick does catch Effy in tremendous fashion!!! Daniels is now emerging upward on his own accord, fighting through the offense that has been employed against him as he’s now rushing to the opposite corner while Effy is remaining prone at the corner–AS SHE IS CAUGHT BY ‘STARKILLER’!!! RUNNING BOOT CAUSES EFFY TO SLUMP DOWN AS DANIELS HOOKS THE LEG!!!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
THREE–
Stew-O: NOT ENOUGH! KICK-OUT FROM EFFY MCAVOY!!! Daniels is nodding to himself as his breathing is becoming heavy, now looking to take further advantage while he still can as he finds himself moving upward with McAvoy trying to move to her own pace! Effy is teetering, motioning up to a knee as Daniels sees that there is no time to be wasted with how McAvoy is now bringing herself upward!! Brian has the former New Breed Champion scouted here… FOR THE ‘CAUSTIC ECHO’ ACROSS HER JAW–
Flannery McCoy: EFFY DUCKS UNDER WITH A HOLD OF DANIELS WRIST–BEFORE YANKING BRIAN DANIELS INTO A HIGH KNEE ACROSS HIS JAW!!! Daniels drops to his knees, but Effy is holding on as she refuses to let go of his wrist while she has all of the room to maneuver herself around here, with Brian Daniels left struggling an ample amount here while trying to keep himself together before anything else transpires as well… EFFY PULLS DANIELS FORWARD!
Jake Mercer: ‘THE CLIMAX’ ACROSS THE JAW OF DANIELS!!! FULL BLOWN RIPCORD KNEE STRIKE AS EFFY IS ABLE TO PUT BRIAN DANIELS BACK DOWN!!! Daniels is dropped downward as Effy McCoy now finds herself crawling over and onto Brian Daniels, looking to hook the leg!!!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
THREE–
Charlie Marr: NOPE! Brian gets the shoulder up, that wasn’t the best pin to make as he shoots the arm up–
Stew-O: FOR EFFY TO TAKE & PLACE INTO THE ‘CALL TO ARMS’!!! CROSS ARMBREAKER IS APPLIED AS BRIAN DANIELS IS TRYING TO KEEP HIS HANDS INTERLOCKED TO PREVENT THE ARM FROM BEING EXTENDED!! EFFY IS DOING EVERYTHING THAT SHE CAN TO MAKE SURE THAT SHE CAN APPLY THIS SUBMISSION TO THE FULLEST BUT DANIELS IS REFUSING TO GIVE IN TO THIS SUBMISSION WITH HOW THIS HAS TURNED INTO A STRANGEHOLD TO MAINTAIN! DANIELS IS–
Flannery McCoy: TRYING TO LIFT EFFY UPWARD–AND IS ABLE TO SLAM HER DOWN ONTO THE CANVAS AS EFFY’S GRIP WEAKENS!! DANIELS IS ABLE TO FREE HIMSELF IN THE MOMENT AS HE CAN NOW SHIFT ACCORDINGLY… INTO THE ‘FOURTH SEAL’!!! BRIAN DANIELS IS TRYING TO MAINTAIN THE CROSSFACE BUT EFFY IS KEEPING A HAND IN FRONT OF HER FACE TO TRY AND HALT THE SUBMISSION FROM MAINTAINING!!!
Charlie Marr: EVERYONE’S YELLING! THE CROWD IS ON THEIR FEET!!! WOW THIS MATCH MAY FALL INTO THE FAVOR OF BRIAN DANIELS!!! I NEED TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK FOR MYSELF!!!
Jake Mercer: LOOKS LIKE CHARLIE IS COMMITTING TO THAT SENTIMENT AS BRIAN DANIELS IS INCHING CLOSER AND CLOSER TO SECURING VICTORY, AS EFFY’S LOSING SIGHT OF–
Stew-O: WHAT THE–CHARLIE JUST SENT A BOOT SPRAWLING ACROSS THE TEMPLE OF BRIAN DANIELS!!!! THIS MATCH IS CALLED OFF!!!
(DING! DING! DING! DING! DING! DING!)
Stephie Love: HERE IS YOUR WINNER BY DISQUALIFICATION… BRIANNNNN DANIELS!!!
Flannery McCoy: HE JUST RUINED THE MAIN EVENT TONIGHT! IT SEEMS NO ONE CAN CATCH A BREAK THIS SEASON SO FAR AS CHARLIE MARR IS DRAGGING BRIAN UP TO HIS FEET WHILE HE REMAINS VULNERABLE TO FURTHER ATTACK–
Jake Mercer: ‘THE QUEEN IS DEAD’!!! BRIAN DANIELS IS PLANTED DOWN ONTO THE CANVAS AS CHARLIE MARR HAS LAID BRIAN OUT AFTER THE MAIN EVENT OF DYNASTY!!!
(Charlie Marr rises back up to his feet after intruding on the match to attack Brian Daniels without avail. Charlie stands tall with a slight smirk as the boos begin to shower the arena, as Effy recovers on the apron, visibly upset while Brian remains laid out as the scene soon fades.)
(A commercial plays for Bloodsport.)
Stephie Love: Please welcome at this time… METHUSELAH!
(The crowd erupted with a tremendous mixed reaction, mostly leaning on boos, as “Vent (Original Version)” by Baby Keem featuring Kendrick Lamar began blaring loudly through the speakers. Methuselah emerged from the billowing smoke with flame pyrotechnics pulsing across the length of the stage; he made his way down the ramp with an eerie expression on his face before entering the ring with a microphone in his hand.)
Stew-O: Ladies and gentlemen, one of Dynasty’s most significant draftings from the draft show, we have the EAW chairman himself in Methuselah! Or rather, Methuselah Elevation as he has now taken to calling himself! It doesn’t take a genius to consider what he is here to talk about, especially considering what we’ve seen from him in the past two weeks of EAW’s newest season! When you are an elitist of Methuselah’s success, you’re always just one step away from reconquering the industry and getting the world championship at a moment’s notice!
Flannery McCoy: In this case, that would be the World Heavyweight Championship, currently held by fellow legend Cy Henderson! We saw last week as Methuselah, in his typical fashion, talked the World Heavyweight Champion down and declared his intentions to go after him to win the title. That was apparent when he interrupted the main event of the draft show to cost Cy Henderson the match against Methuselah’s Liquid Swordz partner, Impact, but it was made explicit when Methuselah spoke last week!
Jake Mercer: That’s right, and Cy Henderson certainly can’t be happy about how it’s turning out so far! You have to imagine that he’s going to be watching very closely, if not lurking in the shadows somewhere! Later in last week’s show, he was assaulted yet again by Methuselah, who was wielding a lead pipe to attack the world champion! I mean, who’s going to stop him? Who’s going to hand out the consequences? He’s the chairman, for Pete’s sake! He’s ready to speak again with impunity after assaulting Cy multiple weeks in a row!
(Methuselah brought the microphone up to his mouth and began to speak.)
Methuselah: Disciples of your Ascended Mahatma, your Elevated Sensei, your newly awoken, humbly chosen, preeminent force of the Land of Elite, Extreme, Merchants, Beasts, I invite you to join me in gracious recitation in preparation for a most necessary lesson. With me, now.
Methuselah: ARISE.
Crowd: AWAKEN!
Methuselah: AWAKEN.
Crowd: ARISE!
Methuselah and crowd: METHUSELAH ELEVATION.
Methuselah: Walk with me. Those who intently hang upon my every word will recall several moments in time in which I imparted upon you all the concepts of the Hermetic Principles. They are the Principles of Mentalism, Correspondence, Vibration, Polarity, Rhythm, Cause and Effect, and Gender. An understanding of the Hermetic Principles will bring one closer to a deep comprehension of the world, its occurrences, and its inhabitants.
Methuselah: Each of the principles holds immense importance. “Elevated Sensei!” Ah, a question? “What do these principles have to do with wrestling? Isn’t it just beating each other up?” Foolish disciple, this was already covered in previous coursework. Alas, humble and ascended master that I am, I am willing to broach the subject again. Disparaging professional wrestling as ‘just grappling’ is as insulting as it is mindless; I spoke of this to one Drake King, and I will reiterate it as many times as it takes to get the concept across.
Methuselah: Professional wrestling is not an escape from the world; it is a MICROCOSM of the world. A highly concentrated, unbelievably intense MICROCOSM. Those seeking a medium of escapism will find themselves woefully disappointed when you find yourself confronted with the very agonies that have plagued you in every other avenue of your life. Be it the fans who seek an escape from the realities of professional life and its hierarchies, only to find those hierarchies present in professional wrestling, or those elitists who embroil themselves in the heat of combat as a distraction from their own mental turmoil, only to find that turmoil exacerbated every second they spend in my company, you do not escape life and life’s most significant principles in this realm.
Methuselah: Of the Hermetic Principles, the Principle of Mentalism continues to be the one that confounds the masses the most. “The ALL is Mind; the Universe is Mental”; this lies at the core of the Principle of Mentalism and, indeed, at the core of the human experience. Every sensation you experience, everything you perceive, it is born of and remains in the mind; walk with me, the strength of the mind and the sturdiness of your self-perception will have a direct, tangible, significant impact on your efficacy as a gladiator in this arena.
Methuselah: It follows, then, that the very notion that a man like Cy Henderson being the world champion in 2025 Gregorian is an indictment on all who allowed this travesty to occur. FINISH HIM. OVER FOR THOU. How is it that a man whose self-perception is so irrevocably bound by the chains of the past can remain champion since Grand Rampage?
Methuselah: Cy Henderson’s perception is distorted; everywhere he looks, he sees in equal parts the present day as well as the shadows of his past. Every time he opens his mouth, his drive is torn betwixt two poles; it cannot be that he is purely focused on domination in the present day, for he is just as focused on escaping his past, such that his present identity is centered around producing a new legacy that can overshadow what has already been done in the past.
Methuselah: So divided is his perception that he is forced to lash out at his formerly ardent supporters who still see CYCLONE – and all the baggage that entails – whenever Cy Henderson walks out. He returned as a nostalgia act and felt bound by the perception of others to conform to their former image of what he represents. And even when he, in a misbegotten attempt to turn things around after his fruitless first arc in 2023 anno Domini Methuselah Elevation, drove a knife in Mona_han’s back, he REMAINED bound by those same shackles. Now he rebukes you all, admonishes your preconceived notions, and spits upon the idea that he is a nostalgia act.
Methuselah: What is this manner of controversy, if not another manifestation of the nostalgia we all have of the notorious Cyclone? “Force of Nature”, he calls himself; he leads himself t’wards his own damnation with a blindfold affixed to his eyes because he is BOUND TO HIS NATURE. What the fuck is that force of nature going to do someone with complete mastery over his self perception? I was hunted down by each and every elitist looking to make a name off of being “Gawd Slayer”, “New Gawd”, and whatever other moniker they could think of; at the end of the day, the only one that could kill Gawd was myself, because I, with all of my control over my own mentality, shed it like a cocoon to ascend – ahem, ELEVATE – further beyond.
Methuselah: Another of the Hermetic Principles, cause and effect: Cy Henderson has forced us to endure his prolonged midlife crisis, cause. Methuselah Elevation has, thus, struck him down in two consecutive weeks, effect. It does not stop there, though; Cy Henderson continues to hold hostage the World Heavyweight Championship, thrusting my company into a perpetual state of danger if his infamous whims cause the windstorm to fly off, and that is the cause that produces this effect: Cy Henderson! It is OVER FOR THOU COME RECKLESS WIRING!
Methuselah: The World Heavyweight Championship will return to a familiar place, the shoulder of Methuselah Elevation, when I demonstrate that my pursuit of Domination has never faltered—
Stew-O: OH! CUT OFF MID-SENTENCE, METHUSELAH HAS JUST BEEN AMBUSHED FROM BEHIND BY AN IRATE CY HENDERSON! THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION IS STOMPING A MUDHOLE IN THE EAW CHAIRMAN AFTER CONNECTING WITH A CYCLONE LARIAT TO THE BACK OF HIS CHALLENGER’S HEAD!
Flannery McCoy: CY HENDERSON IS GETTING PAYBACK FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS OF ATTACKS! HOW’S THAT FOR CAUSE AND EFFECT?!
Jake Mercer: CY’S STOMPING CAUSES METHUSELAH TO ROLL OUT OF THE RING, LANDING IN A HEAP AT RINGSIDE, AND NOW CY HENDERSON IS MAKING CHASE AS HE STEPS OUT OF THE RING AND HOPS DOWN TO WHERE METHUSELAH IS LAID OUT-
Stew-O: OH MY GAWD! LOW BLOW! METHUSELAH JUST CAUGHT CY HENDERSON OFF GUARD WITH A LOW BLOW FROM BELOW, AND CY HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY NEUTRALIZED AS METHUSELAH RISES UP FROM THE FLOOR!
Flannery McCoy: AND METHUSELAH HAS A SMIRK ON HIS FACE AS HE LOOKS DOWN AT THE FALLEN CY HENDERSON! HE REACHES DOWN BELOW THE RING TO FIND… NONE OTHER THAN THE SAME TYPE OF LEAD PIPE THAT HE ATTACKED CY WITH LAST WEEK! HE’S MEASURING UP THE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION WITH MALICIOUS INTENT!
Jake Mercer: AND… SWING A MISS! CY HAD IT SCOUTED AND MANAGED TO DUCK, AND CY IS TAKING ADVANTAGE! HE’S LIFTING THE CHAIRMAN UP IN AN ARGENTINE BACKBREAKER RACK AND— OH NO-
(Rising Tide connected, with Cy driving Methuselah head-first through the commentator’s desk, destroying it and leaving the chairman unconscious at the feet of the shocked commentators. Cy looked down at Methuselah with an immensely menacing expression on his face as he picked up the fallen microphone and spoke a few words at his enemy.)
Cy Henderson: You want a title shot at Reckless Wiring? You’ve got it.
(The crowd erupts as Cy throws the microphone down at Methuselah before lifting his title above his fallen body. The video feed fades to black on that image.)
(EAW logo buzzes…)
