(EAW intro plays…)
(RECAP – The logo of “Road To Redemption 15” appears on the video that is followed by clips of various Showdown elitists competing to “Hold the Line” by Tom Morello ft. grandson at the event. It highlights Donovan Duke successfully retaining his 24/7 Contract against Ronan Malosi, Limmy Monaghan keeping the EAW Hardcore Champion on Showdown against Sierra, and Kassidy Heart continuing her historically dominant EAW Answers World Championship reign in an extremely unpredictable Extreme Elimination Chamber main event. It then transitions to “Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano with a brief recap of EAW Presents: An Aussie Summer Christmas Spectacular. Amir Yusuf brings home the bragging rights by beating Alex Myers and Justin Wyndgate’s in an epic triple threat match. One of the longest feuds plaguing Saturday nights is settled in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match. Aria grabs the briefcase and earns the infamous Unique Opportunity. The clips showcase more Showdown elitists before the screen completely blacks out.)
(After the highlight video, it reveals the destination that will be hosting the first Showdown episode of 2022. The camera pans around the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The crowd is as loud and explosive as expected as their screams are further amplified by the blue-toned pyrotechnics shooting up and down from the rafters and stage. The camera continues to fade between various shots of the live audience of them chanting “WE WRESTLE” in unison until it stops at the announce table. Deadprez stands in the middle with Eve by his left to report, while Gavin Kirkland is sitting down holding up a #WeDeserveBetter cardboard sign that has “WRESTLE” blacked out.)
Deadprez: We are live from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to bring to you the first Showdown of 2022! We ended the year with a bang and we are here to bring more for your buck! On the road to King Of Elite, the landscape is brought back into pandemonium! Two of the Empress of Elite first round matches will take place with Usagi Senshi going against Voltage’s Holly Arrow, and Dr. Bethany Blue squaring off against Dynasty’s Lisa Wren. Two King Of Elite first round matches will be determined with Ronan Malosi vs. Roberto De La Rosa, and Jonny Airhart vs. Adam Lucas in the main event! Seeds are to be planted for the new year and my excitement is just off the charts!
Eve: Not only are we going to see the tournament unravel for the next few weeks, but we will establish what exactly the future will tell for the likes of Kassidy Heart, Cameron Ella Ava, and Amir Yusuf! We promised you two months ago that we are going to bring you nothing more than premiere wrestling content and 2022 will be Showdown’s year! And that is just the truth!
Gavin Kirkland: Showdown is at an all-time low! We Wrestle? More like WE SUCK! It was impossible for Kassidy Heart to walk out of Road To Redemption still the queen of the fucking mountain, and she was somehow able to do the impossible! It is crazy! It is nuts! WE DESERVE BETTER!
Deadprez: Well, life is unfair sometimes for people, but you have to accept it and move on! So, let’s just move on from things and see how it unfolds! First, let us indulge in what Cameron Ella Ava has to say!
(“ULTRAnumb” by Blue Stahli begins to blast through the speakers of the PPG Paints Arena as the crowd erupts on their feet at Cameron Ella Ava, who comes out with a huge smile on her face. She extends her arms right out, embracing the electricity of the crowd, taking in the entire scenery before making her way towards the ring.)
Gina Romano: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN…PLEASE WELCOME AT THIS TIME… “THE GODDESS”… CAMERON ELLA AVA!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: We are beginning this off with our “Mother Goddess,” the mother of the future Ace, the wife of Jamie O’Hara, the former Answers World Champion, Cameron Ella Ava! I was certainly not expecting her, but it’s so amazing to see a smile on her face! Perhaps, she’s still reeling in on Road to Redemption and basically beating the shit out of Myles.
Eve: We haven’t seen much of Cameron in the last month, but she made herself a bit comfortable on Voltage as she had her issues with Myles, who was one of the men responsible for taking Jamie O’Hara out of action, but at Road to Redemption, you could see that Cameron had to avenge her husband in her mind as she took a weapon that her husband made infamous back in 2016/2017, encrusted with diamonds and begin to pulverize Myles with it. It was such a beautiful sight. ;wow:
Deadprez: There’s no doubt that Cameron Ella Ava found some satisfaction from that, but I’m wondering what’s next for ‘The Goddess?’ I think that’s the question that everyone has in their minds, but I don’t think that people were expecting her to open the first Showdown of 2022 like that. I’m always happy to see her, so let’s see what she has to say!
(“ULTRAnumb” dies down, but the crowd’s reception of the former World Champion has not. Cameron Ella Ava smiles as she moves her head to the small chanting of her name before beginning her promo.)
Cameron Ella Ava: Happy New Year, EAW!
(The EAW Universe pops as Cameron Ella Ava stands still in the middle of the ring. A small smile on her face appears as she moves on with her promo.)
Cameron Ella Ava: I hope that all of you had a wonderful holiday. I know that I and my family did. It was the perfect time and place for me to sit back, rewind and think about the last nine months. For me, returning to Grand Rampage was a surreal moment. To have gotten all of the love from all of you was something that I didn’t envision. I was expecting crickets to be quite honest. I had figured that not many of y’all would remember me and the impact that I had in this company and in the world of professional wrestling. I understand with EAW and wrestling as a whole, it’s constantly moving, evolving, so it has no time to wait for anyone to catch up. I didn’t want anyone to wait for the small possibility that I could return because as my pregnancy progressed, I didn’t see myself returning to the ring. I figured that the moment Hathaway entered the world, it would be it for me. I would have to let those ring boots collect dust in our closet next to Jamie’s so that we would begin a new chapter in our lives with each other. We would get rid of that silly dream of being each other’s last match before we transition to being parents to Hathaway and any future children that we decide to have. And before your ask, this isn’t a pregnancy announcement.
(Cameron Ella Ava slightly chuckles. There’s no denying that more children have always been the talk with her and her husband. There is going to come a time where they give Hathaway a sibling, but Cameron believes that there’s more that she needs to accomplish before she calls it a day and on her terms.)
Cameron Ella Ava: But it wasn’t until the birth of my son back in December 2020, where I realized that I could do both. I can be a mother AND a professional wrestler AND a businesswoman AND completely kill it in any endeavor that I have in my mind. Now, this is a controversial move because I am stepping out of the idealistic roles that women have been placed in for so long. I know that my aunts and uncles in Mexico have looked down on this decision because they believe that I should be at home with Hathaway. They believe that Jamie should be the one to provide, but it’s 2022 and if he wants to be at home with my son, he can do that. If I want to be here, who the hell is going to stop me from doing that? I am so blessed to have a husband who can see things from my perspective and is able to help me grow as a person. I think that we all deserve a support system like that and no matter what his future looks like, I will support him no matter what. But being here seems to be such a controversial topic and there are people in the back who are always like: “Cameron doesn’t care about her kid if she’s here!” Or “Cameron’s neglecting her son!” like my husband didn’t text me that he just put my son to bed and has been constantly updating me every half an hour or so, but apparently, I’m a terrible mother for wanting to inspire my son to chase his dreams no matter what stage in his life he may be in. Although I wouldn’t expect anyone who doesn’t have kids to understand and for those that don’t understand, I hope they don’t ever have children.
Cameron Ella Ava: These last nine months, it’s been truly amazing to step back inside the ring. I’ve faced a tremendous crop of talents such as Limmy Monaghan and Adam Lucas — both of them are tremendous wrestlers and future World Champions. Two workhorses that the Showdown brand should be carrying their brand around. I’ve taken down former World Champions in Rex McAllister, Ahren Fournier, and Lethal Consequences. I’ve ignited some rivalries with both Veena Adams and Charlie Marr. I’ve also beat the shit out of Myles at Road to Redemption, so it wasn’t all too bad. While people like to think that I haven’t done anything special since I’ve returned, I think that returning and stepping foot inside the ring is doing something special and inspirational at the same time.
(The crowd gives a round of applause to Cameron Ella Ava, who stops talking to take in the reception from the crowd. To her, stepping foot inside the ring was something that she never expected to happen and to her, that was the biggest accomplishment out of 2021 for her. Her career is something that she’s never going to take for granted.)
Cameron Ella Ava: While people call my return a waste of time, I call it showing people that Cameron Ella Ava hasn’t missed a step. In fact, I am in the best shape of my entire career. I feel so damn good despite pushing a baby out of my uterus, battling postpartum depression, and making sure that nothing was going to stop me from making my return at Grand Rampage. I loved how these past several months have been with me and that’s because I’ve begun to put myself first. While my son and family are always the first priority, when it comes to my career, it’s always been about me. I’m more than tired of sitting back and letting constant flops take the opportunities from people who deserve them the most, the same people, who will do everything in their power to overcome the setbacks they come across and grow as human beings rather than put on facades because they are so worried about their own image. For me, I don’t care how I’m perceived. I don’t care about the opinions of people who have spent the majority of their pointless lives trying to put me down to raise their favorites. I don’t care about the opinions of people who really aren’t determining factors for my greatness. I know I’m great. I don’t need to constantly validation in my greatness. Each time I step inside the ring, I show everyone that I’m great. The moment that I talk on this mic, I prove that there is no one that can outtalk me. I am a bona fide star no matter where I go. I am a motherfucking star that this company is fortunate to have because other than my sisters, who the fuck does it better than us?
(The crowd pops a bit for that, but Cameron Ella Ava continues on.)
Cameron Ella Ava: Sorry, I needed to toot our horns there for a second, but as I said at the beginning of this promo, the holidays were a wonderful time for me to reflect on what I want out of my 2022 and while I strive to be a better wife and mother, I want to get something fulfilling career-wise. I want to be able to look back on December 2022 and feel like I did something meaningful. There’s Grand Rampage. There’s headlining Pain for Pride. There are so many options that I could go for, but on the Showdown before Reasonable Doubt, I made the intentions of going after the Answers World Championship clear, but is that what I truly want? I’ve also looked towards Camille and the Universal Women’s Championship, but do I want that? The Hardcore Championship is something intriguing as well. Honestly, it doesn’t matter the path where I’m headed because the goal is going to end the same and that’s with Cameron Ella Ava as champion. But, as I have since I’ve returned, I’ve always wanted to go up against the best out of the best. I always wanted to challenge myself against some of the greatest wrestlers in the world. I wanted to go up against people who always want to create change and make some impact in wrestling. So, I welcome anyone to step up to me, but I can assure them that they will be taken down as I continue my path to greatness once again.
(Suddenly a familiar voice interrupts…)
Voice: BLAH BLAH BLAH AND MORE BLAH.
(The crowd begins to boo as Veena Adams slowly walks out with a mic in hand looking fabulous as ever. She looks around as the crowd continue to give her a cold reaction.)
Deadprez: AND IT LOOKS LIKE VEENA ADAMS HAS DECIDED TO JOIN US!
Eve: And I know that she is not too happy about last night, being eliminated in the first round in the Empress of Elite Tournament to Serenity Valdez in what many call an upset. She definitely looks ready to spit venom.
Gavin Kirkland: FINALLY, WE ARE GRACED BY A REAL KWEEN!
(Veena doesn’t go to the ring, instead she stands at the entranceway, looking at a very annoyed Cameron Ella Ava…)
Veena Adams: Why are you out here? Why does Hurricane Hawk give you mic time? Honestly for the last month or so it has been nice that you were over on Voltage parading around as a legend and not have anything to do with here and waste anyone’s time because truth be told, you are exactly what you hate, Cameron.
(Cameron tilts her head a little….)
Veena Adam: The waste of space around here is you. How many times have the rest of the locker room must be exposed to this bullshit you’re peddling? “Oh, Jamie and I this…. Oh, I want my chance at that….”, when all you are is like the rest of these never-was that continue to block our opportunities. I’m listening to everything that you have to say in the back, and I think to myself, oh here is Cam always so self-entitled, trying to plant her flag on the Showdown brand, when you were basically exposed the last month to end the year.
Cameron Ella Ava: Or maybe you are so full of piss and vinegar considering you flopped in the Empress of Elite tournament and was ousted in the very first round by a rookie? Veena, how many opportunities have you been given already and failed at every one of them? Sad too considering your family is in charge of this place, so it even begs me to wonder if you are really cut out for this. We already did this, both you and Charlie failed at defeating TLA and I, why are you out here, seriously? To get more undeserved attention?
Veena Adams: Flopped? Please, that was a fluke, but I guess you pretty much lost to Myles and got a moral victory when in the end he ends up a World Champion and NO ONE is talking about what you did at Road to Redemption, top that off with walking out a loser in Australia? I don’t think you have much room to talk. No, see Cameron, while I want it all eventually I’m not really much of a greedy woman. I don’t want the whole pie, I just want your slice. What happened last night doesn’t make a difference, I don’t need an Empress of Elite tournament to crown me a queen. I already KNOW I’m The Princess of Professional Wrestling and I’d like to share my New Year’s Resolution. See, Dynasty was so 2021, but this is 2022 and why not start the New Year right? Since I can’t be the Empress of Elite? I’ll start proving moving forward that I am the best damn woman in this company. Stop living in the past Cameron, start looking into the future….. her name is Veena Adams.
(Cracking a smirk, her eyes fixated on Cameron….)
Veena Adams: And the only crown I need? Is your pretty head in my hands so the whole world can see that your time? IS OVER! Happy New Year bitch.
(Veena drops the mic as “7 Rings by Ariana Grande” starts to play, Cameron’s eyes narrow some as Adams starts to back away and smirk before fading to commercials.)
(As Showdown fades back from a commercial break, “Warriors of Hope” by Masafumi Takada beings to blast through the speakers as the crowd gives a negative reception to Holly Arrow, who walks out with a bit of a swagger to her. She is donning her new makeover, which looks super kewt, but she pays no attention to the booing of the crowd.)
Gina Romano: THE FOLLOWING MATCH IS A FIRST-ROUND MATCH IN THE 2022 EMPRESS OF ELITE TOURNAMENT AND IT SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL WITH A TWENTY MINUTE TIME LIMIT!…INTRODUCING FIRST…FROM CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND…SHE IS ‘THE MIDAS TOUCH’…HOLLY ARROW!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: One of the many Voltage representatives in this year’s Empress of Elite tournament. Someone who came to her own this season, finding herself in starstudded performances such as the Women’s Divide and Conquer Match at Clash of Kingdoms, where she defeated former World Champion, Andrea Valentine. She had a great showing against Ms. Extreme back in October for the Universal Women’s Champion and an excellent performance where she made it to the final three in the Extreme Elimination Chamber for the Universal Women’s Championship.
Eve: Holly Arrow rubbed a lot of people the wrong way by turning her back on her former partner, Mary S. Atlas, but she doesn’t see anything wrong with that. In her defense, she was looking out for her future and since then, she’s been able to evolve and come to her own.
Deadprez: This woman should be one of the favorites to win. She has all the potential in the world and I’m quite optimistic that 2022 will be the year that people realize what a star she is. If they haven’t realized the future World Champion they have in their hands, this tournament is going to do a great job at making people realize that.
(“A Cruel Angel’s Thesis” by Yoko Tanahashi replaces “Warriors of Hope” as Usagi Senshi, one-half of The Ice Aces comes out with a fully focused look on her face. She almost looks like she’s ready to kick Holly Arrow’s ass, which could be a bad thing for Holly.)
Gina Romano: INTRODUCING HER OPPONENT…FROM FUKUOKA, JAPAN… SHE IS ‘THE CRYPTIC ACE’…USAGI SENSHI!!!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: Last night on Dynasty, Ayu Megumi, her tag team partner, failed to advance to the next round of the Empress of Elite tournament. Perhaps, Usagi Senshi will have better luck in defeating Holly Arrow.
Eve: We don’t know much about Usagi Senshi, but we’ve seen the close relationship that she has with Ayu Megumi on social media and whatnot. In a way, I do feel like Usagi is going out here to avenge Ayu a bit. If she wasn’t able to advance, maybe, Usagi will be able too?
Deadprez: Honestly, I think that Usagi Senshi could be a dark horse in this tournament. I don’t think that there are many people who are expecting much from her, but being in the ring with someone like Holly Arrow could shed some light on her! I’m excited to see how all of this goes down!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Eve: It seems like Showdown’s Usagi Senshi is initiating a test of strength with Voltage’s Holly Arrow! Slowly, Holly begins to go hand-to-hand with Usagi, but Usagi goes for a kick to the stomach of Holly, but Holly catches Usagi’s foot before pushing it away from her! Holly gets Usagi by her hair before slamming the smaller woman against the mat! Usagi begins to hold the back of her head in pain as Holly quickly goes for the cover!
ONE!
Deadprez: Usagi Senshi with a kick out as Holly Arrow sits Usagi up before getting herself and her opponent to her feet! Holly gets control of the wrist before whipping Usagi to the corner! As Holly begins to charge towards Usagi at the corner, Usagi jumps on top of the turnbuckle as she manages to get Holly in a headscissors before connecting with a headscissors takedown! Holly falls to her knees as her face gets planted against the turnbuckle! Usagi races towards Holly at the corner with a boot to the back of Holly’s head! Now, she gets control of Holly’s waist, using her strength to get her to her feet before throwing her behind the back of her head with a high-angle German suplex!
Gavin Kirkland: Not exactly, DP! USAGI SENSHI STILL HAS CONTROL OF HOLLY ARROW’S WAIST AS SHE USES HER STRENGTH AGAIN TO PICK UP THE BIGGER WOMAN OUT OF THE TWO AND CONNECTS WITH ANOTHER HIGH-ANGLE GERMAN SUPLEX! THIS TIME, IT SEEMS LIKE SHE’S GOING FOR WHAT SHE CALLS THE ‘ACE-PLEX’ AS SHE CONNECTS WITH A HIGH-ANGLE RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX, OFFICIALLY THROWING HOLLY BEHIND HER HEAD! Holly manages to roll herself to her knees as Usagi turns herself around! Usagi charges towards Holly with a forearm, but that only seems to knock Holly back! She totally felt the stiffness of that punch, but she throws a punch back to Usagi!
Eve: Usagi Senshi throws another punch to Holly Arrow; Holly throws another punch to Usagi! With that small opening, Holly is looking to recollect herself to her feet, but Usagi nails a dropkick to the ankles of Holly, making sure that she stays down! She falls to her knees as Usagi connects with a superkick, which takes the woman who just competed for the Universal Women’s Championship at Road to Redemption down! Usagi is gesturing for Holly to get back to her feet as Holly turns to a crawling position, but Usagi follows up that superkick with a switchblade kick as that takes Holly down! Usagi rolls Holly to her back and goes for the cover!
OOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTTTT–
Deadprez: A kick out from ‘The Midas Touch!’ Usagi Senshi gets a fist full of Holly Arrow’s hair as the referee is warning her not to be so aggressive, but you can see that mean streak from Usagi coming out and why wouldn’t it? The opportunity to advance in the Empress of Elite tournament can bring the best or worst out of people! Usagi looks back at the referee with a glare before pushing Holly into the corner! Usagi takes a step back before connecting with a spinning back fist, nailing Holly in the face! Damn, I think that Holly totally felt that as Usagi underhooks Holly by her chin and connects with a snapmare! Usagi with a sharp penalty kick to the back of Holly! I think that you could hear the sharpness from that kick from the nosebleed seats! If that didn’t wake you up, consider yourself woken up!
Gavin Kirkland: Who wouldn’t be awake for this match? I’ve been awake and alert since this match was announced for the card! You have two beautiful and foreign women competing to add significance to a tournament that’s equivalent to the King of Elite! Winning this tournament could propel the careers of both of these women! This could be a perfect opportunity to make the next Universal Women’s Champion!
Eve: Holly Arrow is cringing her back in pain while trying to find her way back to her feet! Usagi Senshi looks to go for a backbreaker from the double knees, but Holly could sense what Usagi had in mind as she turns herself around, causing Usagi to land on her back, failing to connect with the move! Now, Holly now gets Usagi on one of her shoulders before looking for any corner! She points to a corner before she throws Usagi face-first like a damn lawn dart as her face gets nailed with the turnbuckle! This causes Usagi to stumble back as Holly picks up Usagi and throws her over the top of her head!
Deadprez: Usagi Senshi lands on her feet as Holly Arrow turns herself around! Usagi bolts towards her with a clothesline, but Holly picks up the smaller woman and it seems like she’s going for an sto, but Usagi manages to counter with a DDT, which causes Holly to flip to her back! Usagi with the cover attempt!
OOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTTTTTTTWWWW—
Gavin Kirkland: Omg, Holly Arrow has survived. My beautiful kiwi kween.
Deadprez: Add another ‘k’ to that alliteration and we were going to have a problem, Gavin.
Eve: :lupe:
Gavin Kirkland: I had to watch myself there.
Eve: As we focus on the match inside of the ring, we see that Usagi Senshi was able to turn the match back on her! It seems like Usagi has really been taking advantage of her smaller frame, which is causing Holly Arrow to be thrown off her game! Usagi starts to get to her feet as she gets gestures for Holly to get back to her feet! Usagi gets Holly by her wrist and goes to whip her towards the ropes, BUT HOLLY COUNTERS USAGI’S MOMENTUM AND USES IT AGAINST HER! USAGI IS THE ONE THAT GETS THROWN INTO THE PERPENDICULAR SET OF ROPES! SHE REBOUNDS HERSELF IN THE PROCESS AS SHE RUNS AFTER HOLLY, BUT HOLLY CATCHES USAGI IN A BEAR HUG POSITION!
Deadprez: But, Usagi Senshi is trying to fight her without the hold with a combination of punches and whatnot! She could sense that she wasn’t in the most ideal position, but you can see that Holly Arrow hasn’t been moved one bit! Instead, she hoists Usagi up and battery rams her against the turnbuckle! Holly begins to connect with a series of turnbuckles to the ribs of ‘The Cryptic Ace.’ Holly hoists Usagi up on top of the turnbuckle. Usagi finds herself in a seated position in the process and it seems like Holly is going to meet Usagi at the top rope! BUT, USAGI THROWS A PUNCH TO HOLLY, ALMOST STUMBLING HER BACK, BUT HOLLY THROWS A PUNCH BACK, WHICH CAUSES FOR USAGI TO STAY DOWN! WHAT IN THE WORLD IS HOLLY ARROW GOING TO DO NOW??!?!
Gavin Kirkland: HOLLY ARROW HAS ONE OF USAGI SENSHI’S ARMS OVER HER AS BOTH WOMEN GO FLYING FROM THE TOP ROPE AFTER A SUPERPLEX FROM ‘THE MIDAS TOUCH’ HERSELF! I THINK THAT THE SHOWDOWN CROWD CAN COMMEND BOTH WOMEN ON THAT! Usagi took the most out of the move, but that doesn’t mean that Holly isn’t feeling some sort of pain at the moment! She is clutching her lower back as she finds her way to roll Usagi to her back and go for the cover! Is Holly going to walk away with the victory here?!?!?
OOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!!!!
TTTTTTWWWWWWWOOOOOO!!!!!
Eve: Usagi Senshi powers out! Holly Arrow sits Usagi up and applies a chin lock on the smaller woman! While there’s not much of a difference in weight, Usagi does tend to be skinner while Holly happens to be all muscle. While Usagi prides herself on being a high-flyer, Holly needs to do what she can to ground her. Meanwhile, Usagi needs to do everything in her power to outmatch Holly when it comes to speed! That’s a scenario that she thrives in clearly! Holly begins to wrap her legs around the waist of Usagi before transitioning to a dragon sleeper hold! That places Usagi in a compromising position as she is trying to clutch to the bottom ropes closest to her! Meanwhile, Holly wrenches in the submission move, which causes Usagi to yelp out in pain!
Deadprez: There is a part about Holly Arrow, who would love to get a victory via submission! Remember the good ole days where the Empress of Elite had a point system. I think it was three points for submission, two for a pinfall, and one for DQ and you got points taken away if you were the one disqualified?
Eve: That concept gave me anxiety and if you didn’t know how to do the math, it made your brain hurt.
Gavin Kirkland: I’m glad that EAW moved on from that system with the Empress of Elite because I think that not a lot of people here know math. Have you seen the education system in the United States? Scotland could never!
Eve: It seems like Usagi Senshi is trying to find a way to escape this submission held by Holly Arrow! She is rolling Holly onto her back as –
OOOOOONNNNNEEEEEE!!!!!!
Deadprez: That was a smart approach from Usagi Senshi, who was able to catch Holly Arrow off guard in that way! This causes Holly to lift her shoulders up, but Usagi sees a tiny open window of opportunity as she throws an elbow to Holly’s face! And another elbow to Holly’s face! Usagi finds a way to separate herself and Holly, but Holly rushes towards Usagi before she can recollect herself to her feet before kicking her in the stomach, causing Usagi to roll herself to her back! The referee is separating Holly from Usagi as Usagi uses the ropes as a way to help herself to her feet!
Gavin Kirkland: At the smallest sign of Usagi Senshi on her feet, Holly Arrow rushes towards the smaller woman with a boot kick as that knocks her down! Holly begins to unload on Usagi! I don’t think that the Showdown crowd is all too happy about that! Holly gets a hold of Usagi by her hair as she throws her to the outside through the middle row of ropes! Usagi drops at ringside, but it seems like Holly is exiting the ring herself! What in the world is Holly planning to do?
Eve: Whatever she is, Usagi Senshi could be in some serious trouble.
Deadprez: Holly Arrow’s eyes haven’t left Usagi Senshi as she stalks the Japanese woman up to her feet as Holly from the apron –
Gavin Kirkland: A CORKSCREW SENTON FROM THE APRON AS HOLLY ARROW LANDS ON USAGI SENSHI! HOLLY ARROW STILL FINDS A WAY TO LAND ON HER FEET! SHE HOLDS HER HANDS UP IN CONFIDENCE AS SHE SOAKS IN THE NEGATIVE RECEPTION THAT THE CROWD HAS FOR HER, BUT SHE’S NOT PHASED BY IT! IT SEEMS LIKE SHE’S EMBRACING THE CROWD LIKE SHE THINKS THE CROWD IS EMBRACING HER!
Eve: Holly Arrow sees herself as a woman who could never do anything wrong. She’ll find a way to justify anything that she does. Holly gets Usagi Senshi up to her feet by her hair! HOLLY HAS HER EYES TOWARDS THE RING POST, BUT SHE PLACES HER BOOT IN FRONT OF THE RING POST, EXTENDING HER LEG, AND THROWS USAGI HEADFIRST AGAINST IT! YOU CAN SEE THAT USAGI IS CLUTCHING HER FOREHEAD AS SHE PICKS UP USAGI IN A POWERBOMB POSITION BEFORE CONNECTING WITH AN INVERTED POWERBOMB TO THE APRON!
Deadprez: BUT, USAGI SENSHI LANDS ON THE APRON! HOLLY ARROW TURNS HERSELF AROUND, BUT USAGI CONNECTS WITH AN APRON KICK ON HOLLY, WHICH CAUSES HER TO STUMBLE BACK FOR A BIT! SHE TURNS TOWARDS HOLLY BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A FLYING SHOULDER BLOCK AS SHE TAKES DOWN HOLLY! THE SHOWDOWN CROWD IS ROOTING ON ONE-HALF OF THE ICE ACES! Usagi is stalking Holly up to her feet before connecting with ‘The Elite Combo!’ First, Usagi hits Holly with the forearm smash. Second, she nails Holly with a European uppercut. Third, she connects with that spinning back fist before topping it off with the roundhouse kick! My god, she just took Holly’s head off with the roundhouse kick!
Gavin Kirkland: I think that Usagi Senshi realizes what she has in front of her and that’s Holly Arrow out cold! She needs to capitalize on that as soon as possible! Usagi lifts Holly up and places her on the apron before rolling her back inside the ring! But, instead of sliding back inside the ring afterward, she is heading for the top rope! What in the world is Usagi doing? Holly seems like she’s done for at this point! Why not just pin her?
Eve: Usagi Senshi wants to prove herself to the Showdown crowd and EAW Universe! If that means getting a victory over a name that had just competed for the Universal Women’s Championship, she needs to capitalize things in the best way that she possibly can! What in the world is Usagi planning to do?
Deadprez: Usagi Senshi has her eyes on Holly Arrow as she flies off the top rope–
Gavin Kirkland: SENTON FROM THE TOP ROPE AS SHE LANDS ON HOLLY ARROW! IS THIS GOING TO BE WHAT PUTS AWAY HOLLY?!?
OOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTTTTTTWWWWWWW–
Eve: Not quite yet! Holly Arrow powers through, but Usagi Senshi stays on the attack with some punches to the face of ‘The Midas Touch!’ She begins to blast the top of Holly’s head with some elbows, hoping that it can knock her out a bit more for her to collect the victory! Only one of them is going to advance to the next round of the Empress of Elite tournament! Only one of them will walk away as the winner of this match! Usagi would love that to be her!
Deadprez: Usagi Senshi backs away from Holly Arrow just a little bit, allowing her opponent to find herself back to her feet! Usagi rebounds herself off the parallel set of ropes before going for the tilt-a-whirl! She spins around for a good moment or two before connecting with a DDT! Holly finds herself on her back, but Usagi knows that she needs to think of a good way to keep Holly down! Keeping Holly Arrow down is a difficult concept! This woman had added quite a few things to her resume in the last few months on Voltage! She has spectators saying that she could be Universal Women’s Champion at some point in 2022, but is it going to be through Empress of Elite?
Gavin Kirkland: I have no idea! This side of the tournament has some of the most amazing women on the roster! However, one woman that you should be on the lookout for is Usagi Senshi! I do believe that she has all the potential and capabilities to blow the competition out of the water! She has Holly by her arm and it seems like she’s going to apply an armbar on Holly! You can see the look of panic forming on Holly’s face as she’s scrambling around, trying to prevent Usagi from connecting that armbar!
Eve: Holly Arrow manages to hook one of her legs on the bottom rope, forcing Usagi Senshi to release whatever hold that she had on Holly! Usagi just releases the hold before backing away as the referee steps in between them! Holly uses the opportunity to pick herself up, but she gets nailed in the face with a dropkick from Usagi! This causes her to fall back into the set of ropes! Usagi gets Holly up to her feet before following up that dropkick and placing her opponent in a hammerlock position!
Deadprez: NO! HOLLY ARROW MANAGES TO TURN HERSELF AROUND BEFORE KICKING USAGI SENSHI IN THE STOMACH! HOLLY GETS USAGI IN POSITION BEFORE SHE TRIES TO GO FOR THE TORNADO DDT! BUT, USAGI MANAGES TO SHOVE HOLLY OFF OF HER AT THE LAST SECOND! HOLLY FALLS ONTO THE APRON, BUT SHE BARELY CATCHES HERSELF WITH ONE FOOT! Usagi sees that Holly is still balancing on the apron as she goes to knock her off of it, but Holly ducks the punch and rams her in the ribs with her shoulder! This causes Usagi to stumble back as Holly rejoins her inside the ring! But, Usagi runs towards her, but – Holly stops Usagi with a side hand chop to her chest!
Gavin Kirkland: THIS CAUSES USAGI SENSHI TO RELATE AND DELIVER A SIDE-HAND CHOP TO HOLLY ARROW’S CHEST! HOLLY PROCEEDS TO THROW A PUNCH AT USAGI, WHICH CAUSES HER TO STUMBLE BACK, BUT USAGI CONNECTS WITH A PUNCH THAT CAUSES HOLLY TO STUMBLE BACK! HOLLY TAKES THAT STEP BACK BEFORE RAMMING HER KNEE AGAINST THE RIBS OF USAGI! This causes Usagi to bend forward, clutching her stomach in response! Holly gets a hold of Usagi’s waist before whipping her towards the perpendicular set of ropes! Holly looks to go for a clothesline, but Usagi ducks that clothesline before rebounding off the other set of perpendicular rope! She’s looking to go for a headscissors on Holly, but no! No! She manages to get to the back of Holly and she has the sleeper hold applied! She has the sleeper hold applied!
Eve: But, Holly Arrow rams backward, trying to get Usagi Senshi off her back, but that doesn’t seem to worry! Now, it seems like Holly is getting Usagi by a fistful of her hair, trying to pull her off her back by over her head! Holly is trying to clutch onto Usagi’s hair and pull her over and in front of her, but Usagi is not letting go whatsoever!
Gavin Kirkland: Look at this, Eve! Holly Arrow counters with a sit-out jawbreaker, which causes Usagi Senshi to release her hold on her! Holly is trying to get herself to her feet as she tries to get Usagi up to her feet as well! HOLLY GETS USAGI INTO POSITION ON HER SHOULDERS AS – ‘LOVE LOCKDOWN’ –THE BELLY-TO-BACK FIREMAN’S CARRY SLAM INTO A KNEE STRIKE, BUT USAGI MANAGES TO GET HOLLY BY THAT ONE KNEE THAT SHE WAS PLANNING TO STRIKE USAGI IN THE FACE WITH! USAGI HAS HOLLY BY THAT SAME KNEE! WHAT IN THE WORLD IS USAGI TRYING TO DO?!?
Eve: It seems like Usagi Senshi is trying to connect with a single-leg Boston crab! That was a counter by Usagi, who looks to have Holly Arrow in a position that she doesn’t want to be! Could this be what takes Holly down and has Usagi advance to the next round of the Empress of Elite tournament?
Deadprez: Holly Arrow is not allowing Usagi Senshi to rotate her body so that she’s laying down in her stomach! She is using her other foot to kick Usagi away from her, but Usagi gets Holly’s other foot as she’s now struggling to move around! Usagi moves so that she has her back facing the turnbuckle as –
Gavin Kirkland: –CATAPULT BY USAGI SENSHI AS SHE SENDS HOLLY ARROW FACE FIRST ONTO IT! NO! HOLLY JUMPS ON THE SECOND ROW OF THE TURNBUCKLE BEFORE SHE SPRINGBOARDS HERSELF OFF THE SET OF ROPES AND CONNECTS WITH A SPRINGBOARD ROUNDHOUSE KICK ONTO USAGI SENSHI! HOLLY GETS HERSELF TO HER FEET AS SHE’S STALKING FOR USAGI TO HER FEET – ‘KIDS SEE GHOSTS,’ THE SUPERKICK RIGHT INTO THE FACE OF USAGI!
Eve: NO! USAGI SENSHI DUCKS ‘KIDS SEE GHOST,’ BUT SHE NAILS HOLLY ARROW WITH ‘FATALITY,’ THE RUNNING BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE!
Deadprez: BUT, HOLLY ARROW DUCKS ‘FATALITY’ AT THE LAST SECOND! BOTH OF THESE WOMEN TRIED TO HIT THE OTHER WITH THE OUT OF NOWHERE FINISHERS, BUT WILL NOT ALLOW EACH OTHER’S FINISHERS TO CONNECT! HOLLY ATTEMPTS TO GO FOR A BACK KICK TO USAGI’S STOMACH! She pulls Usagi closer to her before going for a snap suplex, but Usagi manages to land on her feet, preventing the suplex from connecting! She manages to get Holly by the neck before taking her down with a neckbreaker! Holly is clutching the back of her neck as Usagi looks like she’s on her way to wrap up this match and possibly advance to the next round of the tournament! She gets Holly up to her feet and carries her on her shoulders! Are we going to be seeing the Samoan driver? Usagi calls this move ‘Critical Darling!’
Gavin Kirkland: WHEN USAGI SENSHI HIT THE MOVE, HOLLY ARROW LANDS ON HER FEET AS SHE GETS USAGI BY HER LEFT ARM! I THINK THAT HOLLY FOUND A WAY TO CONNECT WITH THE FUJIWARA ARMBAR! I THINK THAT SHE CALLS THAT THE ‘AFTER SCHOOL LESSON!’ BUT, USAGI MANAGES TO ROLL HOLLY OVER TO HER SIDE, PINNING HER SHOULDERS WHILE HAVING THE ARMBAR SITCHED IN!
OOOOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
TTTTTTTTWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
TTTTTT–
Eve: HOLLY ARROW GETS HER SHOULDERS UP AND MANAGES TO MAINTAIN HOLD OF ‘AFTER SCHOOL LESSON!’ BUT, SHE FINDS A WAY TO APPLY THE ‘ULTRALIGHT BEAM!’ THE OMOPLATA CROSSFACE! ‘ULTRALIGHT BEAM’ IS LOCKED IN! USAGI SENSHI HAS NOWHERE TO GO! She is trying to reach for the bottom rope, but Holly has the move totally secure! You can see the look of pain on Usagi’s face! She’s really trying to keep it together and think of her next move! This is a spot in the Empress of Elite tournament! This could totally propel her career to the next level! This is an opportunity that doesn’t come every day to a lot of the women in the back! She only gets one shot to make an impression!
Deadprez: SHE IS FIGHTING TO NOT SUBMIT! WAIT, WON’T YOU LOOK AT THAT! SHE ROLLS OVER HOLLY ARROW, PINNING HER SHOULDERS TO THE MAT!
OOOOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!!!
TTTTTTTT—
Gavin Kirkland: HOLLY ARROW ROLLS HERSELF OUT OF THE MOVE, RELEASING THE MOVE IN THE PROCESS AS USAGI SENSHI IS UP TO HER FEET AS WELL! HOLLY WITH ‘KIDS SEE GHOST!’ THE SUPERKICK LANDS ON USAGI AS SHE FALLS BACK! HOLLY WITH THE COVER!
OOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
TTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Gavin Kirkland: HOLLY ARROW HAS DONE IT! HOLLY ARROW ADVANCES!!!!
(“Warriors of Hope” blasts through the speakers again as the crowd boos at Holly Arrow. Holly sees nothing wrong with what she did, but she is in enemy territory tonight.)
Gina Romano: THE WINNER AND ADVANCING TO THE NEXT ROUND OF THE 2022 EMPRESS OF ELITE TOURNAMENT…HOLLY ARROW!!!!!!
Eve: Holly Arrow caught Usagi Senshi by surprise with that ‘Kids See Ghost.’ I honestly thought that Usagi was going to submit there, but it was the quick thinking that kept Usagi going for as long as she did. As for Holly, it was amazing to see her up Usagi’s game as Usagi did with her!
Deadprez: I’m bummed that a Showdown representative is eliminated from the tournament, but man, that was a killer match! If these are the types of matches that we get to look out for in this tournament, then, I don’t know who is going to win, but that woman standing in the ring has a fair shot in impressing a lot of people and winning the damn thing!
Gavin Kirkland: My precious Japanese roll brought the fight into this match. I thought this was one of these matches, where we could have seen it go either way. Usagi should be proud of the performance that she put out there, but there is tough competition in this tournament. Usagi will learn from this loss, get better and then, watch out because we could be looking at a freaking star. But congratulations to Holly Arrow on advancing!
(‘Warriors of Hope’ by Masafumi Takada continues to play as the victorious Holly Arrow makes her way to the back, Usagi Senshi is now sitting up and on one knee as the Pittsburgh crowd gives her a standing ovation for her efforts.)
Deadprez: This crowd is showing love for Usagi Senshi, putting on a hell of an effort tonight and even though both Ice Aces were eliminated in the first round, I see big things from both of these young ladies! We will be right….. wait a second….
(Usagi is back up to her feet and bows when the crowd starts to scream. When suddenly Pandora Paisley is standing behind her, sliding in from behind, she takes out something from behind her back tucked in the ripped jeans she is wearing…..)
Eve: PANDORA PAISLEY SLID INTO THE RING AND WHAT IS THAT IN HER HAND!? IT’S AN EXPANDABLE BATON! PANDORA EXTENDS IT AND USAGI TURNS AROUND…..
CRACK!!!
Eve: PANDORA PAISLEY CRACKED THE BATON BETWEEN THE EYES OF USAGI SENSHI! THE BLOOD ALREADY FLOWING FROM HER FOREHEAD AND NOSE! USAGI DROPS LIKE A TON OF BRICKS AND LOOK AT PANDORA!
(Pandora spins around with her arms stretched screaming like a banshee before sticking out her tongue and laughing. The boos rain down on Pandora as she flips the fans the bird, crouches down on the fallen Usagi, reaching over to grab a mic, glaring down at Usagi who is barely moving….)
Pandora Paisley: Ello’ love. Did you think that I forgot what happened at the Aussie Christmas Summer Spectacular? When you decided to throw me through a stack of tables and even sacrifice yourself to take out the biggest threat in the bloody match? I told you and everyone when heading into that match that everyone was going to pay a price and tonight? You become me Sacrificial Lamb!
(Pandora starts to cackle, before screaming again and brandishing her Cheshire smile, sticking out her tongue, picking up Usagi Senshi by the hair, hooking her in a headlock…..)
Deadprez: DON’T DO IT PANDORA! DON’T…. CATastrophe!!!!! THE HEADLOCK DRIVER AND USAGI SENSHI IS FACE DOWN!
Gavin Kirkland: I LOVE THIS GIRL AND LOOK! SHE ISN’T DONE! PANDORA ROLLS OUT OF THE RING AND SHE GRABS THE BELL! SHE GRABS THE RING BELL! YES SHOW HER! SHE EMBARRASSED SHOWDOWN TONIGHT!
Eve: REALLY, GAVIN!? PANDORA IS BACK IN THE RING AND SHE PLACES THE BELL ON THE BACK OF USAGI’S HEAD! OH, COME ON STOP THIS! STOP THIS!
(The referee gets in the way, and he tries to take the bell from Pandora, but she strikes him with a forearm and throws the official out of the ring as the crowd continues to boo….)
Deadprez: PANDORA PAISLEY JUST STRUCK THE REFEREE AND THREW HIM OUT OF THE RING! THAT IS GONNA COST HER BUT SHE PLACES THE BELL ON USAGI’S HEAD! WHAT IS SHE DOING!? CLIMBING THE TOP ROPE…. NO DON’T PANDORA! DON’T!
DING!!!!!!!!!!!
Gavin Kirkland: SHE JUMPS OFF THE TOP WITH A DOUBLE FOOT STOMP ON THE RING BELL TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD TOI USAGI AND WE HAVE A TWITCHER!
(Referees, officials and EMT’s suddenly come running out as Pandora grabs the baton and starts skipping around the ring screaming, then laughing. She starts swinging the baton as the officials try to get in the ring when suddenly the crowd erupts in cheers….)
Eve: HERE COMES AYU MEGUMI AND ARIA!!!! PANDORA QUICKLY JUMPS OUT OF THE RING AND RUNS AROUND AS THEY BOTH SLIDE IN TRYING TO CHECK ON USAGI! AYU IS IN TEARS CHECKING ON HER PARTNER AND LOVE INTEREST! LOOK AT THE FACE OF ARIA AND PANDORA IS LAUGHING! SHE IS SCREAMING AND STICKING OUT HER TONGUE AT THEM PROUID OF WHAT SHE DID!
(Pandora slowly peddles to the backstage area with a huge Cheshire Cat smile on her face…..)
Pandora Paisley: (Off Mic) YOU KNOW WHAT THAT WAS, CUNTS!? CATastic!
(She starts to cackle as ARIA is seething in anger while Ayu is holding an unconscious Usagi while the EMT’s and officials try to get close to her.)
Eve: I can’t believe this, she repeated what ARIA said on Social Media…. This woman is a Hellcat, she has shown her true colors here tonight!
Gavin Kirkland: I am in love! I mean total love!
Deadprez: THERE IS NO ROOM FOR THAT HERE AND….. wait a second…..
(As Pandora continues to mock the Elitists in the ring, the camera pans to one of the sky boxes where a man in a suit watches, he is a familiar face in the wrestling circles outside of the EAW, with a smirk on his face taking a sip of his whiskey….)
Eve: Is that…. Lucas Knight? What the hell is he doing here? He isn’t signed with EAW or is he?
Deadprez: I don’t know…. We need to cut to commercial and be right back!
(The camera cuts to a commercial as the medics continue to work on Usagi and start placing her on a gurney. A commercial plays for King of Elite and the Empress of Elite Tournament.)
(As Showdown comes back from commercial it shows the EMT’s loading up the stretcher with an unconscious Usagi Senshi, Ayu Megumi gets in the ambulance with her as ARIA and others look on. The ambulance sirens come on and drive off as the camera pans to ringside for the next match with Gina Romano on the ring.)
Gina Romano: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
Gina Romano: AND IT IS A FIRST ROUND MATCH IN THE KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT!!! INTRODUCING FIRST, HAILING FROM HIDALGO, MEXICO! WEIGHING IN AT 245 POUNDS! ACCOMPANIED TO THE RING BY ESMERALDA…… ROBERTO DE LA ROSA!!!
(Roberto De La Rosa coming out with a custom-made designer suit, wearing luxurious jewelry, and puffing a cigar as his beautiful valet Esmeralda follows him and begins to slowly remove his clothing as his ring gear is revealed. As she finishes, De La Rosa throws his cigar to the floor and stomps it as pyro starts shooting wildly and a Mexican Flag is suspended behind him….)
Deadprez: King of Elite time and De La Rosa was very impressive in Australia and showed what he could do, tonight he has the chance to walk out of the first round with a huge win over Ronan Malosi who we understand is not at one hundred percent.
Gavin Kirkland: He was hurt, his jaw was injured, this is not fair to Ronan at all!
Eve: Ronan did this to himself, and Hurricane Hawk told him from the very beginning that he would be in the King of Elite tournament. Maybe he shouldn’t have tried to stack the deck on Cage in Australia, not to mention his match against Donovan Duke at Road to Redemption.
(Roberto De La Rosa gets in the ring and poses with Esmeralda before she steps out of the ring, he then turns to the entranceway as his theme fades and is replaced by “Mo Money” by Ben McClusky. The crowd starts to boo as Ronan Malosi slowly walks out with his Dogs of War.)
Gina Romano: AND HIS OPPONENT MAKING HIS WINTER RESIDENCE IN PALM SPRINGS, FLORIDA! WEIGHING IN AT 285 POUNDS, ACCOMPANIED TO THE RING BY THE DOGS OF WAR…. “THE MILLION DOLLAR MEGASTAR” RONAN MALOSI!!!
(As Ronan makes his way to the ring, he looks rather upset and even not at 100% physically. Still sporting bandages on his cuts and bruises, he makes it to the ring where Westin Scott and Ashton Hale hand him a mic….)
Deadprez: Looks like Ronan has something to say, we didn’t see this coming.
Eve: I know that was all sarcasm Prez, Ronan not only always has something to say most of the time it is all nonsense.
(Ronan has the mic….)
Ronan Malosi: Roberto…. It’s a New Year and you seem like the type of guy that would never take advantage of a hurt man like myself, now look, I know that you know I hire a lot of your brothers and sisters keeping them in this country illegal, I probably shouldn’t say that and out myself, but I wanted you to know what kind of a giving man I am, that everyone deserves a shot at the American Dream, even me coming from South Africa, so I get it. So how about we make a little deal…. I keep them employed, you go enjoy the rest of your New Year’s Day with Esmeralda there, take the forfeit and let me advance to the next round of the tourney?
(Roberto smiles, extending his hand for the mic, Ronan hands it over….)
Roberto De La Rosa: Ronan, while I appreciate what you do with the familia, we all know that is a bunch of mierda. You don’t help anyone, number one, number two, none of my brothers and sisters are illegal and three? This is the King of Elite cabron, it means one thing…..
(Roberto smiles…..)
Deadprez: ROBERTO CLOTHESLINED RONAN ALMOST OFF HIS BOOTS AND THE REFEREE IS CALLING FOR THE BELL AND THE START OF THIS MATCH!
(DING!!!!!!!!!!!! DING!!!!!!!!!!!!! DING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Deadprez: ROBERTO IS POUNDING ON RONAN AS HE PEPPERS HIM WITH LEFTS AND RIGHTS! RONAN IS BACKED UP TO THE ROPES AND HE WHIPS HIM INTO THE ROPES, A HUGE CLOTHESLINE! HE JUST TOOK DOWN RONAN AND HE ROLLS OUT OF THE RING…. NO! ROBERTO STANDS ON HIS HAND, CRUSHING IT AND RONAN IS SCREAMING IN PAIN!
Eve: He tried to roll out of the ring! Ronan couldn’t get out in time though as Roberto was too fast! He catches his hand and picks him back up, a few forearms on Ronan as he gets backed up into the ropes and an Irish Whip, HUGE BACK BODY DROP ON RONAN! AND DE LA ROSA IS LOOKING TO ENBD THIS QUICKLY! RONAN IS BACK UP AND A BODY SLAM! RONAN IS BACK UP AGAIN AND ANOTHER BODY SLAM! WESTIN IS UP ON THE APRON ROBERTO TAKES A SWIPE AT HIM, NO SCOTT DROPS TO THE FLOOR!
(Roberto turns around and is clotheslined by Ronan, he quickly goes down and Ronan runs against the ropes, bouncing off….)
Gavin Kirkland: RONAN SHOULDN’T EVEN BE WRESTLING RIGHT NOW! HE IS NOT 100% AND ROBERTO DE LA ROSA KIPS UP AND TAKES RONAN’S HEAD OFF! RONAN! HE WAS BASICALLY DECAPITATED! SOMEBODY HELP HIM PLEASE!
Eve: HE DESERVES NOTHING AND RONAN IS DOWN, ROBERTO PICKS HIM UP, HE WHIPS HIM INTO THE TURNBUCKLE, CHARGING IN, RONAN GETS OUT OF THE WAY, SLAMMING CHEST FIRST INTO THE BUCKLE! RONAN FROM BEHIND WITH A RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX! DE LA ROSA IS DOWN AND RONAN QUICKLY SCURRIES FOR THE PINFALL!
ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: ROBERTO KICKS OUT! Ronan tried to get De La Rosa out quickly, but he hasn’t been able to establish himself in this match since it started! De La Rosa came to fight and caught Ronan by surprise. He didn’t know what hit him, but Ronan seems to be taking some sort of control! He sits Roberto up and gives him a stiff kick to the back and now drops a knee into the middle back! Ronan with a chin lock now, stretching Roberto back, a good strategy by Ronan, trying to slow the pace of the match down, giving him a chance to wrestle his match.
Gavin Kirkland: No! Ronan shouldn’t even be in this! He went through hell at Road to Redemption and the Aussie Summer Christmas Spectacular! This is a conspiracy by Hurricane Hawk!
Eve: Are you really going to peddle that theory, Gavin against our boss just so you can get a hand me down from Ronan!? Really?
Gavin Kirkland: Well… yeah.
(Ronan continues the chin lock, wrenching back as Roberto is grounded, Ronan trying to wear him down fast as he can to take advantage, but De La Rosa is fighting it. Esmeralda looks on from the outside cheering her man on, as he continues to fight through the pain. Slowly powering out, he tries to get on one knee, Ronan though holds on, still trying to stretch back but Roberto is on his feet….)
Eve: An elbow to the midsection of Ronan! And another! He let’s go and De La Rosa runs against the ropes, shoulder tackle! Ronan goes down! De La Rosa runs against the other side of the ropes and hip toss by Ronan, NO! ROBERTO REVERSES AND HIP TOSSES RONAN INSTEAD BUT HE LANDS ON HIS FEET! TURNING AROUND WITH A CLOSTHESLINE BUT NO! ROBERTO DUCKS AND LANDS A REVERSE NECKBREAKER! DE LA ROSA GOES FOR THE COVER!
ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: RONAN KICKS OUT! De La Rosa is not wasting any time, grabbing Ronan, and lifting him up over his shoulder, he is going to ram him into the turnbuckle, NO! Ronan escapes from behind, pushing Roberto into the corner! He stumbles back and Ronan grabs him from behind, NO! an elbow to the face of Ronan and he let’s go, CUERNO DE CHIVO! THE FURY OF ELBOWS AND HUGE DROPKICK AND RONAN IS DOWN! ASHTON HALE IS ON THE APRON AND ROBERTO RNS AT HIM, ELBOW KNOCKING HIM TO THE FLOOR, HE TURNS AND RONAN IS SLOWLY TRYING TO GET UP, RUNNING AT HIM AND VERTIGO! RONAN HIT THE VERTIGO AND THIS ONE COULD BEAT HIM RIGHT HERE!
ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THREE……
Gavin Kirkland: SLOW COUNT COME ON! MY GRANNY CAN COUNT FASTER THAN THAT AND SHE IS DEAD! RONAN IS LOOKING AT YHAT REFEREE WONDCERING WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN FOR THEM TO GIVE HIM A FASTER COUNT, I MEAN COME ON!
(Ronan slams on the mat and tries to argue with the referee but he doesn’t want to hear it. He then sits up Roberto and locks in a deep headlock, forcing him down to the mat trying to wear him out.)
Deadprez: Ronan going back to the wear down holds, he wants to weaken Roberto and then take his shot and put him down, again it is a sound strategy, but I also think Ronan is already gassed, he must’ve stuffed himself with all the fixin’s during the Holiday Break!
(Ronan continues to wear down Roberto, driving him down to the mat, holding him while he tries to break out but looks to start tiring, the referee tries to check and make sure that it is not a choke hold. Ronan can hear the fans booing…)
Ronan Malosi: (Off Mic) SHUT UP!
(Ronan tightens the headlock now as Roberto stomps his feet, trying to get some elevation and traction so that he can get out of the move. Ronan though has it locked in and he continues to apply the pressure.)
Eve: While this might now be exciting it is sound wrestling from Ronan even though I think all of us agree that he is stalling. He might really be hurt so Ronan who usually likes to use a more ground and power attack is trying to submit him possibly.
(The crowd starts getting restless, Ronan doesn’t care though, keeping that side headlock in, trying to wear down Roberto who seems to have worn down some, the referee checks him, but he continues to move….)
Crowd: BORING! BORING! BORING!
Gavin Kirkland: Boring!? This is wrestling at its best with a master like Ronan Malosi! How could they be giving him this kind of reaction!? The fans do not appreciate the WE WRESTLE tag for Showdown!
Eve: Your boy is stalling! Why don’t you go give him oxygen, he looks ready to pass out!
Gavin Kirkland: Please, Ronan is in the absolute best shape of his life!
(Ronan continues with the head lock, but Roberto is showing signs of life, slamming the mats Roberto starts to power out, as Ronan screams, he is right back up to his feet, Ronan though is not letting go of the headlock…..)
Deadprez: ROBERTO DE LA ROSA WITH A SIDEWALK SLAM ON RONAN AND HE LETS GO OF THE SIDE HEADLOCK! DE LA ROSA IS BACK UP SLOWLY TO HIS FEET AND RONAN IS WOBBLY ON HIS FEET, HE IS GETTING BACK UP, ROBERTO RUNS AGAINST THE ROPES…. WHITE ROSE! WHAT A BEAUTIFUL HURRICARANA AND HE DROVE RONAN’S HEAD INTO THE MAT! HE PULLS HIM OVER FOR THE COVER!
ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THREE……
Eve: RONAN GETS A SHOULDER UP AND ROBERTO LOOKS A LITTLE SHOCKED! BUT THIS IS TAKING IT’S TOLL ON RONAN! DE LA ROSA HAS RONAN BACK ON HIS FEET, FOREARM! AFTER FOREARM! AND ANOTHER FOREARM! HE STUMBLES BACK AND ROBERTO CLOTHESLINES HIM DOWN! HE HOPS ON THE SECOND ROPE, KNEE TO THE CHEST OF RONAN AND MALOSI IS IN A LOT OF TROUBLE!
Gavin Kirkland: Again, this is so unfair for Ronan! It isn’t right at all! The referee should call a timeout! Let Ronan rest some!
Eve: Are you kidding me!? Roberto De La Rosa sees this as a golden opportunity, and he is ready to do whatever it takes to win! He wants to be part of that King of Elite final! Ronan has been struggling this entire time and we can call it what it is, but I think that he simply ignored and didn’t take this challenge very seriously! Ronan is picked back up and Roberto throws him into the turnbuckle, he picks up Ronan sitting him on the top rope, now he is climbing, Roberto going for a Superplex…. No! Ronan counters, some stiff punches to the liver and De La Rosa let’s go, Ronan wrapping his arms around him and…. BELLY TO BELLY OFF THE ROPES AND ON THE MATS! RONAN HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE COVER!
ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THREE……
Deadprez: NO! ROBERTO DE LA ROSA IN TRHE LAST SECOND WAS ABLE TO GET HIS SHOUDLER UP! RONAN AGAIN IS SHOCKED! HE WASTES NO TIME…. PICKES UP DE LA ROSA…. DEATH RO….. NO! DE LA ROSA GRABBED RONAN’S ARM AND FELL INTO THE ARMBREAKER! AND NOW HE TWISTS RONAN MALOSI INTO THE CARTEL EXECUTIION! THE REAR NAKED CHOKE, THAT IS HIS FINISHER AND HE IS ABOUT TO CHOKE RONAN OUT! RONAN IS FADING AND LOOK AT THE FANS CHEERING!
(Suddenly, Westin Scott and Ashton Hale start to approach Esmeralda as she tries to back up, the are both in front and behind her, they have her cornered as Roberto sees this, he has the choke on and Ronan is fading….)
Eve: WHAT THE HELL ARE THE DOGS OF WAR TRYING TO DO HERE!? THEY ARE NOW TRYING TO GET TO ESMERALDA AND ROBERTO DE LA ROSA HAS RONAN LOCKED IN! THEY GRAB ESMERALDA AND ROBERTO BREAKS THE HOLD, HE SLIDES OUTSIDE THE RING AND CHASES THEM OFF, CHECKING ON ESMERALDA….
(Roberto slides back in the ring after she nods to be okay, and Ronan quickly is there with a small package….)
Gavin Kirkland: RONAN WITH A SMALL PACKAGE AND HE CAUGHT HIM WITH THE INSIDE CRADLE!
Deadprez: RONAN HAS A HANDFUL OF TIGHTS! COME ON NOT LIKE THIS!
ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(DING!!!!!!!!!!!!! DING!!!!!!!!!!!! DING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Gina Romano: HERE IS YOUR WINNER AND ADVANCING TO ROUND 2 IN THE KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT…. RONAN MALOSI!!!!!!
(Ronan quickly rolls out of the ring and is flanked by the Dogs of War who grab him and escort their boss to the back as Roberto gets up slamming the ropes and grabbing his tights trying to explain to the referee that Ronan had a handful of tights in defeating him. Esmeralda is in the ring too now and she is trying to plead her case about her man, but the referee is explaining he didn’t see anything.)
Deadprez: THAT WAS HIGHWAY ROBBERY, ROBERTO DE LA ROSA ON A FEW OCCASIONS SHOULD HAVE WON THIS MATCH AND GONE ON TO THE SECOND ROUND OF THE TOURNAMENT BUT RONAN MALOSI’S DOGS OF WAR USED THE DISTRACTION OF SURROUNDING ESMERALDA OUTSIDE THE RING AND THAT CAUSED THE DISTRACTION! RONAN STEALS ONE TONIGHT!
Eve: Again showing his true colors and Ronan for half the match tried to make it about rest holds, he barely even tried to let Roberto up, all he cared about was trying to get by as he could and pissed this entire arena off! Ronan Malosi is a damn disgrace!
Gavin Kirkland: HE is good for business and showed why he deserves to be King Ronan!
(Ronan smirks as he continues the beeline to the back while Roberto looks on angrily as Esmeralda tries to calm him down. The camera cuts backstage to Hurricane Hawk’s office.)
(We cut to the back, where ARIA is clearly distraught after what happened to her friend Usagi Senshi earlier in the evening. After being attacked by Pandora Paisley, Usagi is sent to the hospital, and the situation is troubling ARIA. As she mumbles under her breath, trying to figure out what to do, Hurricane Hawk walks into shot.)
Hurricane Hawk: Hey ARIA, I’ve been looking for you…
(He realizes that she is clearly miserable.)
Hurricane Hawk: Sorry, are you ok?
(ARIA shakes her head, confirming Hawk’s suspicions.)
ARIA: No, Usagi is my friend and what happened to her was wrong.
Hurricane Hawk: Of course, I understand the two of you are friends, how remiss of me. Usagi is in the best place right now ARIA, they will look after her.
ARIA: And Pandora?
Hurricane Hawk: Don’t you worry, I’ll look after that. There will be repercussions for what she did, I will admit she caught me by surprise with her actions. As I’ve said countless times, on Showdown we wrestle and there is no place for what she did.
ARIA: Ok, I appreciate that because Usagi and Ayu are good people and great wrestlers who are an intricate part to this brand and the EAW.
(It doesn’t really change much for ARIA, her friend still hurt whether there would be repercussions or not. But she accepts Hawk’s words.)
Hurricane Hawk: Look ARIA, you are preaching to the choir. I know you don’t feel great right now, but I reckon I can cheer you up at least a little bit. Or at least enable you to look forward to something rather, “special”.
ARIA: How?
Hurricane Hawk: Well, you did win the Unique Opportunity match, and that’s why I wanted to see you. To tell you what that opportunity is. I thought you might like to know what you’ll be doing at the next Tri-Brand Free-Per-View.
(ARIA raises her eyebrows a little, at least partially intrigued.)
Hurricane Hawk: See, what you did was no easy feat, and as such it deserves an opportunity that reflects your efforts. I’m a man who believes that hard work deserves recognition, and so therefore YOU deserve that said recognition. So, your Unique Opportunity is going to take place at King of Elite, and it will see you challenge Harper Lee for the Specialist Championship!
(ARIA’s interest has now totally peaked, and she even seems a little excited by the prospect.)
ARIA: Thank you, this means so much!
Hurricane Hawk: You earned it.
ARIA: This is amazing. I’m going to shock Harper and win the belt. And I’m going to do it in honor of my friend Usagi. Then, I’m going to defend that belt with honor, and with integrity, unlike the current champion… this is just what I needed.
Hurricane Hawk: Well good luck, Harper doesn’t play games.
ARIA: I know, but it doesn’t matter, I’m ready for this, and…
Voice: PAH!!!
(The camera shot widens to reveal Harper Lee, who looks ARIA up and down and is obviously not impressed. She then turns to Hawk, rolling her eyes at him.)
Harper Lee: Really? This is the best that you could come up with after how easily I decimated your last challenger?
Hurricane Hawk: Decimated Harper, you were impressive yes, but it wasn’t the cakewalk you suggest. Anyway. ARIA has more than earned the right to challenge you.
Harper Lee: By winning ONE match… are you sure?
(The presence of sarcasm in her voice irritates ARIA.)
ARIA: I should have known that the almighty Harper Lee would be unable to give me respect.
Harper Lee: Respect for what Sherlock? Winning one match? A nobody getting lucky against other nobodies. Do you know the hoops I had to jump through to claim Championship Gold? The people that I had to defeat. I wasn’t handed ‘Unique Opportunities’ on a plate, I had to earn them, by facing and defeating the very best. And you expect me to give YOU respect for being Hawk’s new bright young thing. Per-Lees. Let me make one thing clear for you, something that you won’t have to investigate. Put the magnifying glass away. You are the very last person that will ever take this title away from me. You’re not an Elitist, you’re nothing more than a poser detective who had to Google who the hell Nancy Drew was.
ARIA: Is that right?
(Hawk bites his bottom lip, knowing what Harper was like and how this could very soon escalate out of hand.)
Hurricane Hawk: Come on now, let’s save all the good stuff for the ring huh?
Harper Lee: Oh, don’t worry boss, I’m more than happy to show ARIA here just how far she is out of her depth in the ring. It serves no purpose for me to do what Pandora did to her little friend…
(ARIA looks like she is about to lunge forwards, Hawk placing a hand on her shoulder and holding her back.)
Harper Lee: Oh, a feisty one… I like that. But save it for King of Elite. I’d hate for you to be like so many others that have faced me and end up embarrassed.
ARIA: I’m not the one who will be embarrassed Harper
(Harper chuckles to herself, shifting the belt on her shoulder.)
Harper Lee: I’ve heard that one before.
ARIA: Well perhaps this time, you’d do well to listen
Harper Lee: You know what…
(She shakes her head.)
Harper Lee: I don’t think so. My advice to you?
ARIA: Go on.
Harper Lee: You’d be better advised concentrating on your friend than this belt. From what I’ve heard, she needs a shoulder to cry on as she may never wrestle again.
(She hangs on that sentence, almost begging for a reaction from ARIA, ARIA doing well to hold herself back.)
Harper Lee: No matter, she was a waste of space anyways. Pandora did us ALL a favor.
(Harper walks off laughing, ARIA having to stop herself from retaliating. Hawk turns to her.)
Hurricane Hawk: It’s what Harper does. Stay focused and keep your eye on the prize. Don’t rise to her…ok?
ARIA: I won’t. One thing I will say though.
Hurricane Hawk: Yeah?
ARIA: Come King of Elite, EAW WILL have a new Specialist Champion. I’m going to shut Harper Lee up for good.
(ARIA walks off down the corridor, leaving Hawk alone as the camera pans to ringside for the next match and Gina Romano standing in the ring.)
( DING! DING! DING! )
Gina Romano: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and has a twenty minute time limit! INTRODUCING FIRST!
( “Madness” by KSI echoes throughout the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as his appearance is immediately accompanied with monstrous boos. Abel Atami jerks the curtain and gradually makes his way down the entranceway and into the squared circle.)
Gina Romano: INTRODUCING FIRST! From Upolu, Samoa, weighing in at 227 pounds… HE IS ”THE SAMOAN CRUSADER” ABBBEEELLL ATTTAAMIIII!!
Deadprez: Abel Atami has promised to usher in the new year the era of the Samoan Crusader and what a better opportunity to get himself right back on track after the Christmas show is to knock off the former EAW New Breed Champion. This is what he needs.
Gavin Kirkland: The fuck is this man going to do? CRUSADE? Get this gimmicky man out of here! He doesn’t deserve to be here.
(While Abel Atami leans against the ropes and trashtalks front row members, his theme song is eventually overlapped by “Elevate” by DJ Khalil as the crowd gets a huge change in moral and loudly cheers for Amir Yusuf. Yusuf happily walks onto the stage, momentarily poses, and comes out to the ring.)
Gina Romano: AND HIS OPPONENT! From Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 182 pounds… HE IS “THE HEART OF EAW” AMIRRRR YUUUSUUUUF!!!!!!!!
Eve: Many thought that it was over for Amir Yusuf after being unable to successfully retain the EAW New Breed Championship against Jon Kelton many weeks ago, but he proved that he is here to stay and continue to evolve and adapt when he won that inter-branded triple threat against Justin Windgate and Alex Myers.
Deadprez: He has a way to continue his winning ways against the aspiring Abel Atami! We will see if he can or not!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Deadprez: This match is underway as Amir Yusuf and Abel Atami immediately engage in a collar-and-elbow tie-up. Atami is able to slightly overpower Yusuf and back him up into the corner until the referee nearly closes in on that five count, for where he lets go and IRISH WHIPS YUSUF TOWARDS THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RING!! Yusuf holds onto the ropes, and slaps his wrist away! Yusuf ducks his clothesline, comes off the ropes and goes for a forearm smash! Abel Atami ducks the forearm, rebounds off the ropes and takes him with the side of his shoulder! Atami hovers over and puts him in a grounded headlock!
Eve: Atami quickly loses control of the headlock as Yusuf traps his head in the leg scissors. He attempts to escape out of that position, but Yusuf tightens the scissors and arches up to add more torque! Atami is able to maneuver his body in a way that frees himself of the leg scissors and pushes Yusuf over onto his back and rolling onto his knees! Atami immediately runs for the ropes, Yusuf rolls backwards and Atami jumps over him. Both men get up to their feet! Yusuf swings first, Atami goes around the waist, Yusuf grabs his foot through the legs, and uses it to take him down! Yusuf turns around and Atami uses both of his legs to thrust him down to the ground! Both men get back up to their feet and charge into each other once more!
Deadprez: Atami runs past him and comes closing in off the ropes! AND HE JUMPS UP FOR THE LEAPFROG!! BUT AMIR YUSUF CATCHES HIM IN MID-AIR AND INTERCEPTS THE LEAPFROG WITH A PICTURE-PERFECT DROPKICK!! AND NOW YUSUF FOLLOWS IT UP!! WITH A SENSATIONAL HURRICANRANA THAT SENDS ATAMI PACKING AND SPLATTERING ONTO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR!! THIS IS THE TYPE OF WAVELENGTH THAT YOU NEED TO MAKE SURE AMIR YUSUF STAYS AWAY FROM!! THIS IS WHERE AMIR YUSUF EXCELS AS HE NOW RUNS THE ROPES!! AND FLOORS ABEL ATAMI WITH A TOPE SUICIDA AT RINGSIDE!!
Gavin Kirkland: Amir Yusuf continues to showcase that overrated showcase of athletic ability as he now brings Abel Atami back into the ring! He slides in behind him and runs to the side! AND HE DROPS ATAMI WITH A JUMPING NECKBREAKER!! YUSUF GOES FOR THE FIRST COVER OF THIS MATCH!! BOTH SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TW-
Deadprez: KICK-OUT!! Amir Yusuf immediately puts him in a chinlock. This match is between two competitors who are hoping to start the new years with a splash. Yusuf has done adequately well when it comes to the recovery period after one losing their championship belt. Yusuf continues to apply pressure in the game and apply pressure to his back as he digs his knee into his tailbone. Abel is beginning to fight out of the chin lock! BUT YUSUF SWEEPS THE LEGS!! AND HE DROPS DOWN ONTO HIM WITH A STANDING MOONSAULT!!! NO!! ABEL GETS BOTH KNEES UP!! AND HE CRADLES THE FORMER NEW BREED CHAMPION!! THIS MATCH COULD END LIKE THIS!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO-
Eve: KICK-OUT!! Abel Atami looks to take advantage of that failed standing moonsault attempt as he gets him up to his feet! HE IRISH WHIPS HIM INTO THE CORNER!! AND HE FOLLOWS HIM FROM BEHIND!! AND EXPLODES ONTO HIM IN THE CORNER WITH A RUNNING SHOULDER THRUST!! AND HE PULLS HIM INTO THE CENTER OF THE RING!! AND ATAMI HOISTS HIM UP!! INTO A BELLY TO BACK NECKBREAKER!! ATAMI GOES FOR THE COVER AND HOOKS BOTH LEGS!! COME ON!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-
Gavin Kirkland: KICK-OUT!! Abel Atami returns to the headlock that he implemented at the beginning of the match after that cruel belly-to-belly neckbreaker in this cruel match so far. Atami seems to be talking trash right into his ear as it seems to awaken Yusuf! It motivates Yusuf to start to show some resistance to the headlock! Yusuf has his feet planted as he starts to send elbows into his midsection! A second elbow! A third elbow! AND AMIR GOES FOR A FOURTH!! BUT ATAMI LETS GO AT THE LAST SECOND!! AND HITS A KNEE STRIKE TO THE MIDSECTION!!
Deadprez: BUT YUSUF SIDESTEPS THE KNEE AND ROLLS HIM UP INTO THE SCHOOL-BOY!! HE GIVES NO TIME FOR THE REFEREE AS HE CARTWHEELS OFF LETTING GO!! AND HE CONNECTS WITH A FLUSH SUPERKICK STRAIGHT TO THE FACE!! ONE-HUNDRED PERCENT AND ZERO ERROR PRECISION FROM THE FORMER NEW BREED CHAMPION AS YUSUF IS STARTING TO POWER UP!! YUSUF IS HYPING HIMSELF UP AS HE WAITS FOR ABEL ATAMI TO GET UP TO HIS FEET IN THE CORNER!
Eve: AMIR YUSUF CHARGES ATAMI!! AND GOES FOR THE HELLUVA KICK!! BUT YUSUF MISSES IT!! HE SMASHES HIS FOOT INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!! AND ATAMI NOW TAKES ADVANTAGE!! AND HE CONNECTS WITH A SUPERKICK TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!! Yusuf is stunned in an extremely uncomfortable situation whereas Atami brings him into the center of the ring! HE HOOKS THE KNEE!! AND HE HOISTS HIM UP FOR A FISHERMAN DRIVER!! THERE IT IS!! NO!! AMIR HOVERS OVER HIS SHOULDERS AND ESCAPES THE FISHERMAN CLUTCH!! AND HE SPIKES HIM DOWN WITH AN INVERTED HURRICANRANA!! ABEL ATAMI GOT SPIKED ONTO THE TOP OF HIS HEAD AS YUSUF NOW RUNS INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!!
Deadprez: AND AMIR SOARS OFF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!! AND GRABS ATAMI’S HEAD ON HIS WAY DOWN!! AND DROPS HIM WITH A TORNADO DDT!! BUT AMIR ISN’T DONE YET!! AMIR ROLLS HIM OFF THE TORNADO DDT INTO A SUPLEX!! AND HOISTS HIM UP!! AND DROPS HIM ONTO THE KNEE WITH THE KNEECAP BRAINBUSTER!! AMIR YUSUF GOT HIM WITH THE KNEECAP BRAINBUSTER AS HE GOES FOR THE COVER!!! THIS HAS TO BE IT!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THR-
Gavin Kirkland: DAMNIT!! ABEL GETS HIS SHOULDER UP!! Abel Atami remains alive in this match as Amir Yusuf now steps through the ropes and climbs the turnbuckles! He has back facing towards his opponent as he is going for the inverted 450 splash off the top turnbuckle! BUT HERE COMES ATAMI!! HE SUPERKICKS HIS LEFT LEG!! AND HE SUPERKICKS HIS HEAD IN THE TREE-OF-WOE POSITION!! ATAMI IS SHOWING SOME LIFE HERE AS HE PULLS HIM OFF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!! AND HE DRILLS HIM DOWN WITH THE FISHERMAN DRIVER!! IT IS ACADEMIC FROM HERE!! COUNT TO ONE TRILLION AND A BILLION!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-
Deadprez: KICK-OUT!! The Fisherman Driver that Atami was trying to hit at the beginning of the match was not enough to put away the former EAW New Breed Champion! Atami is ready to hit his finishing maneuver as Amir Yusuf is absolutely bewildered by that fisherman driver! Yusuf is gingerly getting up to his feet! Atami is seething in the corner! HE IS READY TO POUNCE!! AND HE EXITS THE CORNER AND CHARGES TOWARDS YUSUF!! FOR THE SPEAR! THE PENTAGRAM’S WRATH!
Eve: NO!! THE SAMOAN CRUSADER MISSES THE SPEAR!! AMIR YUSUF DOES A WHOLE FLIP OVER HIM AND ATAMI GOES FACE-FIRST INTO THE SECOND TURNBUCKLE!! AND YUSUF GRABS HIM FROM BEHIND!! AND HE SPINS HIM AROUND!! AND HIS HEAD SPLATTERS ONTO THE GROUND WITH THE ROLLING CUTTER!! AMIR YUSUF CUTTER CONNECTS!! AYC IN THE CENTER OF THE RING AS HE HOOKS BOTH LETS!! THE LATERAL PRESS!!
ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“Elevate” by DJ Khalil echoes throughout the speakers to a huge pop. Amir Yusuf gets off of Abel Atami and gets his hand raised by the referee in the center of the ring.)
Gina Romano: HERE IS YOUR WINNER…. AAAAAMIRRRRR YUSUUUF!!
Deadprez: Amir Yusuf continues his winning ways with a victory over the aspiring Abel Atami! Atami nearly had this match one, but Yusuf pulls out all the stops and beats adversity tonight!
Eve: Congratulations to Amir Yusuf on a well-fought victory!!
(Amir continues to celebrate while Abel Atami tries to recover, the scene fades into a commercial break.)
(As we return from commercial, Adam Lucas is pictured walking down the corridor, a roar accompanying his appearance. He is stopped in his tracks by Kyra Phillips who greets him with a smile.)
Kyra Phillips: Adam, do you have time for a few words?
Adam Lucas: Always for you Kyra.
(Kyra blushes a little and lifts her microphone.)
Kyra Phillips: Adam, we are now a few weeks removed from Road to Redemption, are you able to now sum up that event?
Adam Lucas: It was a barnstormer, everything that was promised and more.
Kyra Phillips: And for you personally, what did you take away from the Extreme Elimination Chamber?
(Adam chuckles a little.)
Adam Lucas: Other than the cuts and bruises?
Kyra Phillips: Well… yes.
Adam Lucas: You know Kyra, there are those that say I should be disappointed being eliminated second, but you know what, I started that Chamber and as far as I’m concerned, I did myself proud. Once again, Kassidy showed precisely why she is top of the pile, and the Chamber was a reminder of how far I still have to go. But I think anyone who says I embarrassed myself at Road to Redemption needs to look again. It may have been my first World Championship opportunity, but I promise it won’t be my last. And next time, I’ll be a far different Adam Lucas. A BETTER Adam Lucas
Kyra Phillips: Of course, we also had the Aussie Spectacular, in which you made a surprise appearance during the Cage and Ronan Malosi match. I’m sure the fans would like to know what made you step forwards to equal out the three-on-one?
Adam Lucas: Simple Kyra, I’m sick of Ronan Malosi disrespecting this company by constantly trying to buck the system to his own advantage. Ducking matches due to bullshit injuries, that isn’t what an Elitist is supposed to be. He had no intention of fighting Cage one-on-one, and I wasn’t about to let him screw Showdown over yet again. So, I got involved, and got creative. And if Malosi doesn’t like it, he knows where I am.
Kyra Phillips: But surely you know Ronan will never let this lie?
Adam Lucas: I’m counting on it Kyra. In fact, I’ll be disappointed if he doesn’t come looking for me. It could well be tonight, or further down the line, but I have no doubt he’ll get his shot at revenge. Will he take it? We’ll have to wait and see. But I won’t be looking over my shoulder waiting for that jackass to strike. I got more important matters to attend to. Namely King of Elite.
Kyra Phillips: A tournament which could indeed see you face Ronan Malosi in the final
Adam Lucas: Yeah, that’s right. But there’s a long way to go till either of us can be thinking about that. Right now, I’m just focused on Jonny Airhart, who had quite a few disparaging things to say about me in his promos this week. Like I said though, Airhart is just the first step toward becoming King, and claiming my shot at Kassidy Heart. Everything else, isn’t even on my radar. Not only that, but tonight is extra special as I have her with me here tonight…
(Adam holds out his hand and brings Dr. Bethany Blue into shot.)
Adam Lucas: So, neither of us have to wait for celebrations when Beth advances in the Empress of Elite tournament, and I move forwards in the King of Elite. Gonna be quite a night, I can feel it. I can taste that Sirloin Steak already.
(Kyra moves the microphone to the Good Doctor, as Adam kisses her on the cheek.)
Kyra Phillips: And Dr. Bethany Blue, you make your return to Showdown this evening, how does it feel to be back.
Dr. Bethany Blue: Well, with all due respect for Adam here, I’d rather not feel very comfortable to be on this show, but needs are a must and he definitely softens the blow.
(Adam smirks, his girl never one to mince her words.)
Kyra Phillips: That’s right, because whilst Adam will be facing Jonny Airhart, you have a match with Lisa Wren, as you also attempt to reach the second round of the Empress of Elite.
Dr. Bethany Blue: That I do, and just like Adam, my only focus is running through this tournament all the way to the finals and claiming the prize which is rightfully mine.
Kyra Phillips: Lisa Wren would probably say the same.
Dr. Bethany Blue: Yeah, probably… but she isn’t Dr. Bethany Blue…
(Bethany pauses, leaning closer towards the camera moving her index finger up and down…)
Dr. Bethany Blue: THE M…D!!! Ever since I left this brand and traded to Dynasty, my career has been on an upward curve. Yes, my momentum was curtailed a little at Road to Redemption, but that was a mere bump in the road. This tournament gives me what I want, a shot at the Universal Women’s Championship, and I will stop at nothing in ensuring that is the way this all pans out. Lisa can take some comfort in the fact that she won’t be the only one falling by my hand, though she will be the first of many. She’s talented, no question. But not quite talented enough.
Kyra Phillips: Adam has already spoken of his thoughts, but what does it mean for you to be here with him by your side?
Dr. Bethany Blue: It’s everything. See, I didn’t believe that a relationship with another member of the roster was possible. I always thought that egos got in the way, but I’d not found the right person. Our relationship doesn’t hinder us, it drives us forwards. And with each other, we are capable of anything. And believe me, by the time the show ends tonight, there’s going to be a few more subscribing to that fact. In fact, I prescribe all the success for us both.
Kyra Phillips: And finally, Bethany, are we looking at the rise of a new power couple here in EAW?
(Adam laughs at the mere suggestion, Bethany turning to him and flashing a smile.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: I think we both know the answer to that Kyra, but Adam and I will let the public decide…
(She pauses, and another huge roar comes from the arena, Adam smiling, then looking at Beth and shrugging his shoulders.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: I think the prognosis on that looks pretty good Kyra, don’t you?
Voice: Ah, Dr. Bethany Blue, how good it is to see you!
(Bethany turns her attention from Kyra, and to Hurricane Hawk who has walked up to her.)
Hurricane Hawk: Welcome back to Showdown, it’s such a pleasure to have you back! Welcome!
(Hawk holds out his hand, and Bethany just takes one look at it, before rolling her eyes and walking away to head out to the ring for her match. Hawk stands there shocked, with his hand still held out, as Adam pats him a few times on the shoulder.)
Adam Lucas: Too soon bro… too soon.
(Adam then walks off chuckling to himself, as the scene fades to ringside.)
(The camera cuts to Gina Romano in the ring.)
Gina Romano: THE FOLLOWING IS AN EMPRESS OF ELITE FIRST ROUND MATCH SCHEDULED FOR…ONE FALL!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
Gina Romano: WITH A TWENTY MINUTE TIME LIMIT!
(“Somebody Get Me A Doctor” by Van Halen plays to a mixed, yet mostly positive reaction for the Doctor as Bethany Blue makes her way down to the ring, both focused and determined from the looks of it.)
Gina Romano: Introducing first! Residing out of Boca Raton, Florida, weighing in at 125 pounds…DOCTOR BETHANY BLUE!!
Eve: Bethany Blue had a great 2021, but now she looks to have an even greater 2022, and if there’s one way to start that off, it’s with a win.
Gavin Kirkland: My 2022’s already great by seeing her back on this brand! :mjlit:
Deadprez: I’m sure it is, but while your focused on her “assets,” Bethany’s focused on advancing in the Empress of Elite tournament, but in her way, stands this woman…
(“Somebody Get Me A Doctor” by Van Halen is soon cut off and replaced with “On and On” by Missy Elliott [instrumental], which is accompanied with a similar reaction to Bethany as Lisa Wren makes her way out from the back, carrying that same determination.)
Gina Romano: And her opponent! Hailing out of British Columbia, Canada, weighing in at 130 pounds…LISA WREN!!
Eve: Lisa Wren scored a huge victory over Kensi at Road to Redemption, and she looks to keep the momentum rolling here.
Deadprez: To be honest, I wouldn’t be surprised if she does, this Lisa Wren, you can tell something’s different, something’s new, and it’s gotta be her attitude.
Eve: Yeah, and you can attribute that to the aforementioned Kensi, who brought out this new vicious side of Lisa Wren, which I’m sure will be on display tonight.
(The two meet each other from across the ring as Lisa’s theme fades out in the background.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Eve: Well, the bell has rung, and this match is officially underway. Bethany Blue and Lisa Wren, both battling for a chance to advance in Empress of Elite, however, as we know, there can be only one to advance here tonight. But in the ring, neither competitor has touched one another, both opting to circle the ring before locking up in the center! But Bethany quickly turns Lisa around for a SCHOOL BOY!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!!
T-
Deadprez: Oh, Blue with a pin this early on, you can definitely see some initiative on her end, showing how determined she is to make it far in this tournament, but Lisa isn’t gonna go down easy as the two lock up again, this time with Wren getting the advantage through a standing side headlock, which causes Bethany to throw some shots to the rib cage of Wren to help loosen up the grip, allowing Blue to rebound her off the ropes to escape! BUT LISA COMES BACK WITH A SHOULDER TACKLE, IMMEDIATELY POUNCING INTO A PIN ON BLUE!
ONNNNNEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!
Eve: As you can see, Lisa’s sharing that same air of focus, which has manifested into the aggression we’ve come to see out of her as of late on the Dynasty brand. But as of right now, Lisa notices Blue get up to all fours, and tacks on a side headlock, looking to stifle any momentum her opponent can build this early on, but regardless, Bethany fights back to her feet. Lisa drops some elbows to the back of her opponent’s head, and as I mentioned, that aggression starting to come out here.
Deadprez: But Bethany pushes forward, rebounding Wren off the ropes again to escape that same side headlock predicament, this time dropping down, forcing Lisa to leap right over, AND TAKES WREN DOWN WITH A BACK ELBOW ON HER SECOND RUN OFF THE ROPES! BLUE’S ON A ROLL RIGHT NOW AS SHE SCAMPERS HER WAY UP TO THE TOP, STALKING LISA WHILE SHE GETS BACK TO HER FEET, CLUTCHING AT HER NOSE, TURNING AROUND RIGHT INTO A MISSILE DROPKICK! BLUE’S QUICK INTO THE COVER!
ONNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!
Gavin Kirkland: Once again, another kickout in this match, and if that means I get to see more of these woman going back-and-forth with each other, I’m not mad about that. :mjlit:
Eve: For once, I can agree, but for entirely different reasons, because unlike you, I’m enjoying the action it’s presented thus far, and not staring at their asses.
Gavin Kirkland: HEY! ..I’m staring at their titties to-
(Eve knocks Gavin’s drink over onto his outfit, and while he scrambles to clean it up with napkins, she takes back over for commentary.)
Eve: Meanwhile in the ring, Bethany doesn’t waste any time pulling Lisa back to her feet off that kickout, cracking her right in the face with a forearm smash that stuns her opponent a bit. Bethany attempts a back Suplex, but Lisa flips out of it, shoving Blue into the ropes! Bethany rebounds back into a leapfrog, and a drop down on the second go round, but LISA FLOORS HER WITH A DROPKICK ON THEIR THIRD!
Deadprez: Blue regroups over by the ropes, resting her arm on the middle, but Lisa walks over, only to get tugged to the outside, Blue using the waistband of her tights as leverage. But Lisa lands on her feet once tumbling through the middle rope, and leaps up on the apron, BUT BETHANY CHARGES INTO HER WITH A FOREARM, KNOCKING LISA RIB FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE! However, fighting through the pain, Wren tries to stagger her way back into the ring, clutching at her ribs, BUT BETHANY STOPS THAT FROM HAPPENING WITH A SUICIDE DIVE!
Eve: Bethany rolls her back into the ring, and is quick to move into a seated side headlock. We saw at the start that Bethany wants this win, and wearing down her opponent like this will certainly be the way to do so, but unfortunately for Blue, Lisa begins to fight her way back to a vertical position, RAKING THE EYES OF BLUE TO ESCAPE! A shortcut being taken by Wren here, who runs off the ropes in front of a momentarily blinded Blue, WHO HAS ENOUGH WHEREWITHAL TO DUCK UNDERNEATH THE CLOTHESLINE ATTEMPT FROM WREN!
Deadprez: Lisa turns right around into a back kick from Blue, who spins herself around to hoist her opponent up for a stalling Suplex, the Doctor’s strength on full display. BUT LISA SLIPS OUT THE BACK, PULLING BLUE DOWN INTO A FALLING INVERTED DDT! Blue clutches the back of her head, yet smartly rolls herself away from Wren, preventing an opportunity for herself to be pinned, now clawing her way up in that corner, looking to resume a vertical stance. But the moment she does, THERE’S WREN TO CAPITALIZE WITH VICIOUS STOMPS!
Eve: Bethany started to sink down into that corner, but Lisa opted to perch her onto the top rope, and look at this! LISA WREN WITH A TOP ROPE HURRICANRANA!! Takes her a moment to capitalize, but she soon does with a cover!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
TH-
Eve: NO! Another kickout from Blue!
Gavin Kirkland: Lisa’s gonna look to make her regret it, mounting Blue with punches, something I wish she’d do to me, bar the punches :shaq:
Deadprez: Bethany’s doing her best to cover up here as Lisa Wren’s unrelenting in her offense, only now starting to stand Bethany back up, having a handful of hair, which she keeps a grasp onto while reigning down with punches, beating Bethany like she stole something here tonight. Lisa tries to differentiate with a European uppercut, BUT BETHANY AVOIDS IT, COUNTERING WITH A BACKSLIDE!
ONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!
Eve: KICKOUT! Both competitors are up at the same time, Lisa making the first move with more punches to the face of Blue, backing her up against the ropes, and allowing Wren to whip her off! BUT BETHANY REVERSES, SENDING LISA OFF THE ROPES INSTEAD! Blue ducks down for a possible back body drop attempt, BUT LISA STOPS HERSELF SHORT, LANDING A PENALTY KICK RIGHT ON THE MONEY OF BETHANY, WHO JOLTS BACK UP TO AN UPRIGHT STANCE, ALLOWING LISA TO BOUNCE OFF THE ROPES IN FRONT OF BLUE FOR A SECOND TIME, LANDING A SLINGBLADE!
Deadprez: But almost running off instinct at this point, Bethany rushes back to her feet, getting caught in an almost flatliner like position, but Blue elbows her way out of it, and picks up Wren for a FALLAWAY SLAM! Wren writhes in pain on the mat while Bethany moves into the cover!
ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!
THH-
Eve: OOH! ANOTHER KICKOUT! Bethany starts to pound on mat in frustration, but quickly puts herself back in check, now looking to stalk Wren as she slowly gets back to her feet. Bethany starts to grow impatient as Wren gets up to a knee, opting to rush the process, and stand Lisa back up herself. BUT WREN EXPLODES OUT THE GRASPS OF BETHANY WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK THAT PUTS THE DOCTOR ON WOBBLY LEGS! Lisa stilts herself a bit here, having some momentary hesitation before pursuing Blue again.
Deadprez: BUT SHE LEFT THE WINDOW OPEN TOO LONG AS BETHANY CRACKS HER WITH A ROLLING ELBOW! AND SHE FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A KNEECAP BRAINBUSTER! ANOTHER PIN IS MADE ON LISA!
ONNNNNNEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!
Deadprez: WREN GETS THE SHOULDER UP, and it’s now that Bethany starts to get that look in her eye, climbing to the middle rope, focusing in on the downed Lisa, who hasn’t moved a muscle since kicking out. DIVING KNEE DRO- NO! Lisa Wren narrowly moves out of the way, and a kneeling Bethany clutches at her knee, which leaves her open to a GOGOPLATA! LISA WREN TRAPPED HER INTO A GOGOPLATA!
Eve: BETHANY SQUIRMS IN THE HOLD BEFORE FINDING HER FEET UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE, THE REFEREE GONNA INTERVENE WITH A FIVE COUNT!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! F-
Eve: Lisa finally let’s go, ensuring to have gotten use out of all her seconds, which has Blue gasping for air as she rolls out onto the apron. The referee blocks Lisa’s path to Blue, looking to give her a stern reprimanding, but I don’t think Lisa cares much about what he has to say, just pushing past him, and pulling Bethany up on that apron by her head! BUT BETHANY BLUE COUNTERS WITH A HOTSHOT, DROPPING LISA THROAT-FIRST ACROSS THE TOP ROPE!
Deadprez: BUT ONCE REENTERING THE RING, LISA WREN CAUGHT HER WITH A KICK TO THE STERNUM, AND FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A HAIR-PULL MAT SLAM, THE HEAD OF BLUE BOUNCING OFF THE CANVAS! Lisa takes advantage of this by dragging Bethany to the center of the ring, turning her over, and attempting the full Nelson camel clutch, which put Kensi away at Road to Redemption!
Gavin Kirkland: BUT JUST LIKE THAT FINE PIECE OF ASS IN KENSI, BETHANY SLIDES UNDERNEATH THE LEGS OF LISA BEFORE SHE COULD HOOK THE ARMS, AND WREN TURNS RIGHT AROUND INTO A SUPERKICK! TJD CONNECTS AS LISA FALLS DOWN TO THE MAT! BETHANY WASTES NO TIME IN MOVING IN ON A COVER!
ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHRRRRRREEEEE-
Eve: KICKOUT, and you gotta think, maybe that’s on Bethany Blue for not hooking both legs in that pin. However, you gotta give her some credit in that they’re both fatigued in this matchup, and probably wasn’t thinking strategically as she could’ve, which becomes a thing in matches like this, you tire out, and as a result, start to make mistakes, which your opponent can capitalize on. But as of right now, Bethany beats Lisa back to her feet, and stands Wren up, ONLY TO GET BLASTED WITH A BACK ELBOW!
Deadprez: But Lisa doesn’t capitalize, staggering back into the corner instead, and once recovering, BETHANY LOOKS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE THROUGH CHARGING HER! BUT WREN GETS OUT OF THE WAY WITH AN AERIAL CARTWHEEL! BETHANY CRASHED SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE RINGPOST, AND WREN TAKES ADVANTAGE WITH A SCHOOL BOY, PUTTING BOTH FEET UP ON THE ROPES!
ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
TH-
Eve: BUT BETHANY STILL FINDS A WAY TO KICKOUT! Throughout this match, Lisa has shown a lack of care for the rules, looking to do anything and everything in order to advance herself.
Deadprez: And you can’t blame Lisa for doing so, I mean, not only is this Empress of Elite she’s competing for, Lisa’s also in the ring with a former Interwire, not to mention, Specialists Champion. A win here is vital for mounting momentum.
Eve: Bethany gets up to all fours, but Lisa seems to have had a lightbulb go off in her head, grabbing the hand of Blue to bend those fingers back, joint manipulation on full display, which may come in handy, no pun intended, for Lisa later on in this match, because as we know, Bethany does like to put her opponents away with that mandible claw maneuver. BUT BEFORE ANY REAL DAMAGE CAN BE DONE, BLUE DOUBLES WREN OVER WITH A KICK TO THE ABDOMEN! BETHANY REACHES INTO HER TRUNKS FOR THAT GLOVE, WHICH SHE PLACES ON HER HAND!
Deadprez: Wren stands herself upright, BUT ALMOST GETS A MOUTHFUL OF FINGERS FROM BLUE, WHO HAS HAND GRABBED BY LISA, REFUSING TO LET THAT HAND COME ANY CLOSER TO HER MOUTH! BETHANY LOOKS TO TRY WHAT WORKED FOR HER PREVIOUSLY WITH A KICK TO THE GUT, BUT WREN CAUGHT IT THIS TIME, TRIPPING BETHANY DOWN TO THE MAT FOR A REVERSE BOSTON CRAB! INNOVATIVE SUBMISSION MOVE ON DISPLAY HERE AS BETHANY SCREAMS IN AGONY, HER BODY BEING CONTORTED IN WAYS ITS NOT TO!
Eve: BLUE TRIES TO CRAWL HER WAY TO THE BOTTOM ROPE, BUT WREN MAKES SURE TO CINCH THAT HOLD IN TIGHTER, MOMENTARILY HALTING HER FROM DOING SO AS BETHANY RAISES HER HAND, CONTEMPLATING A TAPOUT HERE! …BUT ALMOST IN A FINAL ACT OF DESPERATION, BETHANY BLUE MANAGES TO WRAP BOTH ARMS ON THE BOTTOM ROPE, FORCING LISA TO RELEASE THE HOLD! But Wren is smart, grabbing onto that rope for assistance in stomping the back of Blue!
Deadprez: The referee pulls Lisa away, letting Bethany use the ropes to pull herself back up, but there’s Lisa right back on the attack, whipping Bethany into the corner HARD! LISA RUNS IN, BUT BETHANY GETS BOTH FEET UP, KNOCKING LISA DOWN, AND CAUSING WREN TO ROLL OVER THE MIDDLE OF THE RING, CREATING SEPARATION FROM BLUE, WHO SCALES UP TO THE MIDDLE ROPE, DIVING DOWN WITH A KNEE TO THE CHEST!
Eve: BUT BETHANY DOESNT GO FOR THE COVER, PULLING WREN BACK TO HER FEET FOR AN AIR RAID CRASH, AKA GRADE C2! BUT LISA SHIMMIES DOWN THE BODY OF BETHANY FOR A SCHOOL BOY, BUT SHE DOESN’T HOLD THE PIN, INSTEAD ROLLING BLUE TO ONE KNEE FOR A LITERAL KNEE RIGHT TO THE FACE OF BETHANY! LISA WITH A COVER!
ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHRRRRRREEEEEE-
Deadprez: BETHANY BARELY INCHES HER SHOULDER OFF THE MAT IN TIME AS LISA SITS TO WONDER WHAT SHE HAS TO DO NEXT AGAINST HER OPPOSITION! BUT LISA PUSHES FORWARD, PULLING BETHANY BACK TO HER FEET FOR A ROUNDHOUSE, AND LISA LOOKS TO FOLLOW THAT UP WITH THE FINISHING TOUCHES IN AN AXE KICK!
Eve: BUT BETHANY BLUE AVOIDS IT, CATCHING LISA WREN WITH SAY AHHH AS SHE TURNED AROUND!! BUT LISA WREN TRIED TO BRING HER HANDS CLOSE TO THE EYES OF BETHANY IN ORDER TO RAKE HER, BUT BETHANY POKES LISA IN THE EYE INSTEAD WITH HER FREE HAND! BETHANY RELEASES THE HOLD, CAUSING LISA TO DOUBLE OVER, BLINDED! BUT BETHANY TAKES ADVANTAGE WITH A CONCUSSION PROTOCOL CURB STOMP!
Gavin Kirkland: OH GOD! THE FACE OF LISA MIGHT NOT EVER BE THE SAME AGAIN! :will:
Deadprez: BLUE QUICKLY MOVES INTO SAY AHHH!: THE SECOND DOSE! THAT RINGS OF SATURN VARIATION IS IN NOW AS LISA WREN HAS NO CHOICE, BUT TO FEINTLY TAP OUT!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“Somebody Get Me A Doctor” by Van Halen plays to a mixed reaction as Bethany stands up off the mat to have her hand raised in victory by the referee.)
Eve: What a match between these two women, both showcasing just how bad they wanted it.
Deadprez: But what’s that line you said in the beginning? In the end, there can be only one who advances here tonight.
Eve: You got that right as now Lisa must find a way to come back from such a devastating loss here, but as for Bethany, she must find a way to make it through all the other hungry women in this tournament herself and I wouldn’t bet against her as she will face Holly Arrow next!.
Gavin Kirkland: Speaking of, BETHANY! DON’T LEAVE! TAKE ME WITH YO-
(Eve pulls Gavin back into his seat as the camera fades to a commercial with the last shot of a proud Bethany Blue heading to the back, with her arms stretched smirking.)
(Upon returning from a commercial break following the previous match, the Showdown broadcast begins to fade into a long, moving shot of the PPG Paints Arena, with the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania audience all awaiting the next part of the show. As it all begins to settle down, the camera pans over to ringside, and just a few moments after the silence had begun, a brief set of cheers would be audible. Walter Bivens is seen standing on the top of the stage, holding a chair, and an EAW-branded microphone; a microphone he would hold up to his mouth.)
Gavin Kirkland: YES! You know what this means, guys; the current EAW Hardcore Champion is going to be out here any time soon! I just cannot wait!
(Walter Bivens has a smug grin on his face, as he looks around the arena, almost as if they know what he’s about to say next.)
Walter Bivens: It brings me great pleasure to say this… Ladies and Gentlemen… *AND STILL* EAW Hardcore Champion… LIMMY! MONAGHAN!!!!!!!!!
(Suddenly, a flash of blue and white would appear on the titantron, as ‘King’s Dead’ by Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Future, James Blake would blare through the speaker systems around the arena. The crowd would begin to let out a large chorus of cheers, easy on the ears, as Limmy Monaghan, fitted in an all-black suit, walks out holding the EAW Hardcore Championship in his hand. The camera would zoom in on the title, also displaying the bandage around the finger that Sierra had ripped the nail off of. Limmy places the EAW Hardcore Championship over his shoulder, before removing the chair from Walter’s hands. The two begin to walk down the ramp, their direction being the blue, Showdown-branded ring, that sits in the very center of the large arena.)
Gavin Kirkland: And here comes Limmy, about to talk for the first time since defeating Sierra, and the first time overall in this brand new year! It’s wild to think I haven’t seen that man in a whole year. :troll:
Eve: Stop.
Gavin Kirkland: :mjlol2:!!! All jokes aside, this is going to be a historic moment, as all moments featuring Limmy are, and ever since he and Goatdam Lucas fought? That’s just become expected from the both of them! Boy, I cannot wait to hear what he has to say tonight. I hope he says something about the Limommy trend.
(Limmy Monaghan slides the chair into the ring, before momentarily stopping at the very end of the ramp. Taking a second to grab ahold of the microphone, he removes it from Walter Biven’s grasp, prior to making his way over to the steel steps, and walking up them one by one. His theme song would fade out as he enters the ring, and a few seconds later, the lights would follow; darkening the arena, with the spotlight cast in the ring. Limmy places the chair down, in a seated position, facing the rampway. He then sits on it, placing the microphone up to his lips.)
Limmy Monaghan: Quite frankly, I am not here to talk much about what had transpired at Road To Redemption. Simply put, I don’t need to. I did what I said I was going to. I wasn’t wrong, anything but. I promised I would walk in, show what the idea of being a Champion truly meant to me, and I fulfilled those desires. Now, I hear Sierra disregarding what I said to her in order to drive this narrative that she gave me a tougher fight than ever expected, but realistically, every bit of pain and torment I had been put through just for the sake of a wrestling match is exactly what I craved out of that match, and it was something I received, something I had overcome. She can live out that proverbial high of believing she put my reign in jeopardy, and in all transparency, I hope that ‘copium’ drug is a fine one to smoke. She once again means very little in my overarching story in Elite Answers Wrestling. Just a thing in the past. Soon, something to be recounted as a battle of yore, in view of the fact that I now look ahead to the future, and what it has in store for the EAW Hardcore Championship. And believe me; *I’m not going to accept it being anything but up from here.*
(Walter Bivens, barely visible behind Limmy, would start to clap as the audience would raise their voices in a rage of cheers. Once they die down, Limmy continues.)
Limmy Monaghan: Though, despite my respect, and idolization of what the legacy of this Championship may be; time and time again I’ve noted that the concept of being “Hardcore Champion” means very little to me, rather, I only care about the “Championship” aspect of this gold. I’ve said that it doesn’t bother me what stipulation I have to defend in, I’m an adaptable Elitist. It doesn’t bother me what the rules of this Championship are. It doesn’t bother me who I face under those dangerous stipulations. Whether it be those in starvation for attention, names like Jonny Airhart – a man who so desperately wishes the PURE Championship was back – or the creme of the crop, names like Lethal Consequences – a man who was my initial challenge before his knee became the physical embodiment of old age – I would lay my life on the line in order to call myself “better.” Because what matters to me about this Championship is the importance. What it truly means to this company, not just to me. What the symbol of “Hardcore” truly means to those who tune in for the first time. I don’t seek success with this thing, I seek prestige. And the way I gather such a thing is by taking shit from no one, running down everyone, and carrying this Championship like a true fucking Champion, and by the end of my reign, that will be less of a goal, more an undeniable fact.
Limmy Monaghan: Because I no longer want this thing to be viewed as a second-rate Championship, an inconvenience, “just Hardcore”, incapable of ever headlining any event, and I’m well aware the former Champion would agree with me here. Despite his efforts, people still consider this thing what I described. “Midcard.” “Unessential.” “Insignificant.” And whilst that is no knock on Adam, that is certainly a hurdle I seek to overcome, just like the rest of them. I’m here to shed light on what this Championship can be. Adam Lucas set the blueprints of making this Championship less of a tool to make wrestlers bleed, and more of a tool to make wrestlers legendary – and I will hereby finish those blueprints and make it a reality. When I accepted Lethal Consequences’ challenge, I heard the term “deathwish” thrown around. By the time I’m done with my goal, that’s going to be a regularity. I *want* these Hall of Famers, and World Champions, to step up in order to get a shot at the Hardcore Champion. I *want* those Elitists take time out of their day and risk it all just to beat Limmy Monaghan, and best of all, I want them to fail. I want them all to line up so they can get knocked back down, so the whole world realizes the “Hardcore Champion” tagline means you’re in the upper echelon of Elite Answers Wrestling.
Limmy Monaghan: And to do so; I’m issuing a challenge. I’m giving everyone a chance to go big or go home. I’m throwing you all a ball. Whether you’re sitting in the locker room, catering, or anywhere else – albeit in this arena – I want you to walk down this ramp, and show you can wrestle in any environment, against the best this company has to offer. I want you to show you can stand there, speak with your chest, and give zero fucks, and help make what is currently a bucket list an undeniable fact when it comes to this place. Whether it’s the aforementioned Hall of Famers, World Champions, or simply a hungry challenger desperate for Championship Gold, I want you to walk down here and meet what could be the toughest beginning to any year that you’ve had in the entirety of your career. Until then, I’m waiting. I’m not moving. More importantly, I’m not backing down. Because this Championship means more than that. I mean more than that. We, as Elitists, mean more than that. From this moment, second-rate is not a word to describe me.
(Limmy Monaghan drops the microphone, before standing up from the chair. Walter Bivens would drag it away from the ring, into the corner, as the lighting would fade back to normal. The entire audience waits in anticipation, knowing full well that absolutely anybody could walk down that ramp, as the challenge literally appealed to EVERYONE in the arena. Though, they would be left in that feeling of anticipation, for just a few more moments…)
Deadprez: :lupe: I wonder who it is that will answer Limmy Monaghan’s challenge?
Eve: Surely someone will come out!
Gavin Kirkland: Maybe….. And……
(Limmy continues to wait as does the rest of the crowd, but after a few moments no one comes out. Limmy shakes his head in disappointment.)
Limmy Monaghan: Then I guess? I’ll go find someone!
(Upon hearing that the crowd cheers as Limmy drops the mic and heads out of the ring, holding up the title proud with Bivens as he heads to the back. An ad for EAW 2K 2022 plays before it comes back to ringside and Gina Romano for the next match of the night.)
(As the EAW broadcast returns to ringside, we get a camera shot of Gina Romano, who is standing in the center of the ring, holding an EAW-branded microphone.)
Gina Romano: The following contest is the MAIN EVENT of the evening with a Twenty Minute Time Limit, and is scheduled… FOR ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(‘Act a Fool’ by Ludacris hits the speakers, and almost instantly, the EAW audience lets out a fit of boos. They know the match. They know his opponent. They know *that music;* and thus, they can’t help but boo. They aren’t a bunch who would cheer a man like Jonny. A man who is more talented, gifted, and wealthy for sure – but a man with less honor. That is why they relate to his opponent. Which is something Jonny Airhart does not crave – respect. Relatability. He craves success. Tonight is his chance, and as he walks through the curtains, his facial expression only shows confidence in his ability to earn it.)
Gina Romano: Introducing first… weighing in at 205 pounds… hailing from Atherton, California… JOOOONNNYYYYYY AAAIRRHAAAAAART!!!
Eve: And here comes Jonny Airhart! This opportunity is something he cannot afford to pass up, and he knows it. He can’t allow himself to be bettered, bruised, or beaten, as tonight could be the moment where he proves that doubting him is a concept that shouldn’t have ever been fictionalized in the first place. Tonight could be the moment where the entire course of his career gets put into full gear, for better, or for worse. This moment could define him as a wrestler, and THAT is what he has wanted since day one. He doesn’t want a Hardcore Title, nor those stipulations, and thus, he is going to be putting 110% into earning the top prize, instead of something he deems disgusting.
(Jonny Airhart takes a walk up the steel steps that rest beside the ring post, before he slips through the ropes, and makes his way up to the top rope. He pulls an ace out of his sleeve, before throwing it into the crowd, and removing his jacket. He finishes posing before his theme song would fade out to silence… until ‘You Know My Name’ by Chris Cornell replaces it. And, in a juxtaposition towards Jonny Airhart’s introduction, the entire crowd would begin to boom with cheers, and all-around positive reactions, as this song they ALSO know blares through the speakers. Adam Lucas takes a step through he curtains, and almost instantly the crowd gets louder, as loud as they possibly can get, and this can’t help but make Adam Lucas smile – proud of the fanbase he has accumulated over the past year and a half.)
Gina Romano: And his opponent… weighing in at 231 pounds… hailing from New York City, New York… THE NEXT LEVEL… ADAAAAAAAAAM LUUUUUCAAAAAAAS!!!!!!!!!!
Eve: As for his opponent, Adam Lucas, he too needs the same thing that Jonny does! Adam has got to put 110% in, or else he would be doing an injustice to himself, and those who have been openly cheering him throughout that entire entrance. If he doesn’t, and he allows himself to fail, that’s a spit in the face to himself, and that’s my take on why Adam Lucas needs to win. Between the two of them, there are high stakes believe me on that one – but the question is, which one of them will have the ability to turn those stakes into success, whereas the other has to deal with what those stakes truly mean – failure?
(Adam Lucas slowly begins to walk up the steps, before slipping through the cracks of the ropes. He stands in the center of the ring momentarily, basking in the warm welcome, before he heads to the top rope, and quickly allows every bit of intensity to exit his lips, with a battlecry that would make spartans weep. He poses on the very top rope, before his theme song fades out. He and Jonny enter their corners, in preparation, as the referee approaches them, to ask if they’re ready. To which, they both respond yes.
(DING! DING! DING!)
Eve: And now, here they go! Adam Lucas, Jonny Airhart, both intend to move on in the King of Elite tournament! Going one-on-one in the center of the ring, they enter a lock-up, before Adam is quick to lock in a headlock! He tightens the grip, but Jonny doesn’t allow him to have control for too long! He pushes Adam back into the ropes, before throwing him forward – forcing Lucas to hit the ropes! Jonny Airhart leapfrogs Adam Lucas, before going for a quick attempt at an arm drag, looking to slam Adam straight into the center of the ring – but Adam plants his hips and uses the weight advantage to keep himself grounded!
Deadprez: A nice reversal from Adam Lucas allows him to enter the arm-trap position, spinning him out, before going for a huge DDT! Jonny Airhart is able to act quickly before it’s nailed, however, as he sprints forward and drives Adam into the turnbuckles! His grip is quickly let loose, as Jonny now performs a backward roll in order to gain some distance and recover to his feet… before he nails a huge running chop to the left pectoral muscle! That looks like it stung Adam Lucas, though, it’s not enough to keep him down as he grabs Jonny from behind the ear… AND SLAPS HIM ACROSS THE CHEST!
Gavin Kirkland: Adam Lucas just made that titty slap sound like a gunshot, as Jonny Airhart stumbles back! It’s very obvious that Adam Lucas’ 6’3” 231-pound figure is a lot stronger than Airhart’s 5’9” 205-pound figure, in both strength, and durability! Adam Lucas throws another titty slap, chopping him straight across the chest, which forces Jonny Airhart to stumble right back into the ropes! Adam sprints in his direction, looking to send him over the top rope with a huge clothesline to the throat, but Jonny Airhart is able to get two boots up, drilling them straight into his head! Adam Lucas is stunned this time around, as Jonny Airhart now bounces toward him!
Eve: Jonny Airhart now with knuckle arrows right to the head, punching Adam over and over, one, after another, every few seconds those pull-back punches land right into his forehead! Adam Lucas stumbles to the center before Jonny Airhart connects with a soccer kick to the shin! Adam Lucas falls forward, landing on his stomach, before hitting the mat with a pretty rough landing! Adam holds onto his jaw, as Jonny Airhart hits the ropes… before connecting with a- NO! Adam rolls out of the way before Jonny can do anything, and he instead performs a somersault to get back to his feet, just after leaping! Adam turns around… LARIAT!
Gavin Kirkland: MISSES! Jonny ducks under, BEFORE LEAPING INTO THE AIR FOR A QUICK ‘CARD MAKER’ – but Adam also ducks, and Jonny’s arms miss! Adam Lucas pushes Jonny by his back, straight into the ropes, BEFORE LIFTING HIM UP AND CONNECTING WITH THE ‘LEVEL UP’ POP UP POWERBOMB FINISHING MOVE!
Deadprez: BUT JONNY AIRHART COUNTERS WITH A SHOTGUN DROPKICK TO THE HEAD, SENDING ADAM LUCAS BACK DOWN TO THE GROUND! What an amazing counter from Jonny Airhart, and I know damn well that he knows it too – as he slides into the cover almost instantly, trying to gain a win!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
Deadprez: However, Adam Lucas quickly powers out! It’s not enough to keep him down whatsoever, and whilst that may have been expected, Jonny Airhart *disagrees* this time, as he appears frustrated! He wanted a victory from that, and it’s very obvious, as he now lifts him up from his feet, and throws him into the corner!
Eve: Jonny Airhart lays in some jabs to the stomach, trying to lay out Adam Lucas and move on in this prestigious tournament, and if there’s anything Jonny Airhart can do, it’s take out a man miles taller, and larger, by any means necessary! He locks Adam Lucas in a headlock, but wraps his arms around the top rope, in order to get that extra leverage; now this, however, is something I can’t support, and neither can the ref! The ref attempts to pull Jonny back, but it isn’t successful, so he begins counting!
Gavin Kirkland: One! Two! Three! Four! Jonny lets go, as if he had waited one more second, he’d have lost! Adam holds onto his jaw, as it was pushed up against the ropes – ropes that are NOT soft, may I add – as Jonny Airhart takes a few steps back! Jonny then sprints forward, looking to collide with Adam, however, Adam lifts him up by the legs– only for Jonny to hang onto the top rope! Oh wait! WAIT! WAIT A SECOND YOU IGNORANT FUCKING BASTARDS, LOOK WHAT HE’S DOING!
Eve: No one was talking…
Gavin Kirkland: HE’S UNBUCKLING THE TURNBUCKLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deadprez: We see that Gavin, and yeah; that’s bad! The referee thankfully notices before he can use it to his advantage, and as the two slip away from the corner, the referee moves in to patch it back up, making sure that it’s tight and secure, and not a danger hazard for future moves in the match… WAIT! HANG ON! IT WAS A DISTRACTION, AS JONNY NOW POKES ADAM IN THE EYE JUST AS HE WAS ABOUT TO HIT THE DISCUS PUNCH! ADAM STUMBLES BACK, AS JONNY THEN CONNECTS WITH THE RIPCORD LARIAT, KNOCKING HIM DOWN! THE REF TURNS AROUND, AND SLIDES INTO THE COVER! NOT LIKE THIS!
OOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-
Eve: KICK OUT! Adam Lucas throws the shoulder off the mat, and the match continues; Jonny growing more and more frustrated, whereas Adam is just trying to recover! Jonny has been sneakily finding counters to everything Adam has done, and the second he tried to adapt, Jonny bent the rules in order to do so! Luckily for Adam, this time won’t be so easy for Jonny, as both of them slowly push themselves off the mat; Adam due to the damage, Jonny due to the rapid succession of moves tiring him out!
Deadprez: But somehow, Jonny still is able to gain control- No! Nevermind! Adam Lucas escapes another attempt at a Ripcord Lariat, as he hits the Discus Punch that drops Airhart onto his back! Adam stumbles forward, before hitting the ropes… AND HE KILLS AIRHART WITH A BIG BOOT! ADAM GRABS HIM BY THE TIGHTS AND IS QUICK TO PULL HIM OFF THE MAT, BEFORE HE DELIVERS A VENGEFUL GERMAN SUPLEX, SPIKING HIM ON THE TOP OF HIS HEAD! JONNY AIRHART JUST GOT FUCKING MURDERED, AND SADLY ENOUGH FOR HIM, ADAM LUCAS IS ABSOLUTELY NOT DONE RIGHT NOW!
Eve: JONNY AIRHART BOUNCES OVER ONTO HIS BACK, AND NOW ADAM LUCAS SLIDES OVER AND GRABS HIM BY THE BOOT! HE ROLLS AIRHART, FORCING HIM UP ONTO HIS FEET, AND THE WHIPLASH IS ENOUGH TO SEND HIM CRASHING INTO THE ROPES! AIRHART BOUNCES FORWARD BEFORE HE’S EVENTUALLY MET WITH A HUGE SPINEBUSTER! ADAM LUCAS JUST FLATTENED HIUS OPPONENT, DRILLING HIM INTO THE CENTER OF THE RING, TAKING HIM OUT OF THE EQUATION FOR THE TIMEBEING! IT SEEMS HE DEEMS THIS ENOUGH DAMAGE FOR NOW, AS HE ROLLS FORWARD INTO A COVER!
OOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
TTTTTWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Eve: BUT JONNY AIRHART QUICKLY KICKS OUT!
Gavin Kirkland: Jonny was able to escape momentarily, but that won’t stop Adam Lucas from continuing his offense! Adam crawls over and grabs him by the hair, before the two get right back up to their feet! Adam Lucas connects with a huge forearm to the jaw, and that drops Jonny like a sack of bricks! Though, he isn’t done refurbishing his house – so he pulls those bricks back up… AND BAM! Another forearm right to the fucking jaw! Jonny Airhart is getting taken apart with these forearms, but it doesn’t seem like Adam Lucas is just going to stop at strikes!
Deadprez: You may be right here for once, Gavin, as Adam Lucas does seem like he’s going to expand his horizons when it comes to methods of taking Jonny Airhart out in the next few minutes – and by grabbing him in between the legs, and dragging him over to the corner, that’s exactly what he’s looking to do, undoubtedly at this point! Adam places him in position for an exploder suplex, but he’s not yet done… AS HE CONNECTS WITH THE EXPLODER, ONLY THIS TIME SENDING HIM CRASHING INTO THE TURNBUCKLES, IN A TERRIBLE DAMN LANDING!
Eve: ADAM LUCAS COULD HAVE JUST SHIFTED THIS MATCH ENTIRELY, AS HE WAS ABLE TO COMPLETELY LAY JONNY AIRHART OUT WITH THAT HUGE EXPLODER SUPLEX! HE COLLIDED WITH THE TURNBUCKLES, WHICH ARE NOWHERE NEAR SOFT, BUT NOW ADAM LUCAS IS ABOUT TO GO EVEN FURTHER WITH IT! JONNY AIRHART USES THE BOTTOM ROPE TO PULL HIMSELF UP, AND NOW ADAM LUCAS SPRINTS ACROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RING! HE REBOUNDS FROM THE TURNBUCKLES, BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A HUGE DOUBLE LEG DROPKICK! ADAM THEN CLOSES THE COMBO, AS HE LIFTS HIM UP… AND HITS THE HONOR BOMB! HIP TOSS INTO A CRADLE PILEDRIVER, BEFORE HE COVERS!
OOOOOONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
TTTTWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
TTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
Eve: BUT A KICKOUT! Jonny Airhart again is able to escape, after being brutalized with those damaging strikes, damaging slams, and damaging piledriver! Adam Lucas’ offense so far has been miles superior to what Jonny has been doing, and right now, he could be going for the finish! Adam Lucas grabs Airhart by the wrist, before pulling him off the ground! It could be time for him to end it, as he looks to connect with a wrist-clutch Pop Up Powerbomb… WHICH CONNECTS, AS HE THROWS HIM INTO THE AIR- NO! BLOCKBUSTER!
Deadprez: JONNY AIRHART CONNECTS WITH THE BLOCKBUSTER, AS HE FLIPS OVER ADAM LUCAS, AND HITS THAT NECKBREAKER RIGHT AGAINST THE MAT IN ORDER TO COUNTER THAT FINISHING MOVE! WHAT A MANEUVER RIGHT THERE, BUT HE’S NOT DONE! HE GRABS ADAM LUCAS BY THE HAIR, AS HE LIFTS HIM TO HIS KNEES… TWISTING DDT, SPIKING HIM RIGHT ONTO THE DOME OF HIS HEAD! ADAM LUCAS APPEARS TO BE OUT OF IT, AS JONNY AIRHART HAS HIM IN PRIME POSITION FOR THE FINISH! HE CLIMBS THE TURNBUCKLES!
Gavin Kirkland: AND IT REALLY COULD BE THE END! JONNY AIRHART STANDS ON THE VERY TOP, LOOKING DOWN AT ADAM… BEFORE HE CONNECTS WITH ‘MAKING THE MONEY’!!! THE MODIFIED 630 SENTON TAKES HIM OUT COLD, AS HE SLIDES INTO THE JACKKNIFE COVER! WAIT! FEET ON THE ROPES! JONNY WITH THE FEET ON THE ROPES!!
OOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTTTHREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
…
Gavin Kirkland: BUT ADAM STILL POWERS OUT OF IT! HE WAS ABLE TO HIT THAT FINISHER OUT OF FUCKING NOWHERE, SO QUICKLY, THAT NOBODY EVEN EXPECTED IT; HE USED THE ROPES TO HIS ADVANTAGE, AND STILL, ADAM LUCAS IS ABLE TO POWER OUT! I DON’T KNOW WHAT IT’S GOING TO TAKE IF *THAT* WASN’T ENOUGH, BUT AIRHART NEEDS TO FIGURE IT OUT!
(Jonny Airhart slowly pushes himself off the mat. He holds onto his ribs, along with his jaw, whilst moving over towards Adam Lucas. He again grabs him by the hair, refusing to show any sign of respect… before he slaps him!)
Jonny Airhart: (off-mic) You hear that sweet sensation which graces your ears right now? I know I do!
*SLAP!*
Jonny Airhart: (off-mic) That is the sound of YOUR followers feeling despair, BOOING ME, because YOU are letting them down!
*SLAP!*
Jonny Airhart: (off-mic) That is the sound of YOUR followers feeling FAILURE… and now?
*SLAP!*
Jonny Airhart: (off-mic) I’M GOING TO SOLIDIFY IT!
Eve: OH GOD! JONNY AIRHART PULLS ADAM LUCAS UP TO HIS FEET, AS HE TWIRLS HIM AROUND, AND PREPARES TO HIT A SECOND FINISHER! THIS TIME, ‘CARD MAKER’, AS HE TWIRLS HIS HIPS, SHOWING OFF AND FORCING THE WHOLE EAW AUDIENCE TO WATCH AS HE MOCKS HIS OPPONENT BEFORE ENDING HIM! HE THEN LEAPS IN THE AIR… REVERSE BULLDOG!
Deadprez: NO! HE ACCIDENTALLY GAVE ADAM LUCAS TIME TO RECOVER, AND ADAM LUCAS GRABS THE ARM, BEFORE FLIPPING HIM OVER! AIRHART IS ABLE TO ROLL ONCE AGAIN, AS HE MAKES HIS WAY BACK OVER TO ADAM- NO! POP UP CUTTER! POP UP CUTTER! ADAM LUCAS HAD TO ADJUST THE POP UP POWERBOMB, GIVEN THE CONSTANT COUNTERS, AS HE HITS ‘THE NEXT LEVEL’, TRANSITIONING IT INTO A CUTTER! AIRHART APPEARS TO BE OUT OF IT, AS ADAM HOOKS THE LEG, AND PULLS IN THE ARM MAKING HIM UNABLE TO GRAB THE ROPES!!!
OOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
TTTWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
TTTTTTTTHRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Gina Romano: HERE IS YOUR WINNER, AND ADVANCING ONTO ROUND 2 OF THE KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT… ADAAAM LUUUUUCAAAAAS!!!
(‘You Know My Name’ by Chris Cornell hits the speakers, as the successful and triumphant Adam Lucas rolls away from the blacked-out Jonny Airhart – a man slowly beginning to recover, unable to process what is happening. Not metaphorically, literally. He has no idea where he is right now, which is a common theme with unconsciousness. Adam had to knock him out in order to get what he wanted. Adam slowly pushes himself off the mat, as the referee is quick to raise his hands. Along with this, the EAW audience lets out a bellowing cheer, almost blowing the roof off the building. Adam embraces this as he heads to the top rope.)
Eve: Oh my! Adam Lucas has done it, he’s advanced in the King of Elite tournament, and if things go his way, he could advance to the finals! Adam Lucas was a heavy favorite from the get-go, and despite all of that pressure, he delivered as he always would, and was able to come out on top! It’s not easy being advocated as a future King of Elite, there’s no way one man could process all of that, but my God, he was able to outshine all of those worries, outshine all of that weight, and return to winning ways. He lost to Limmy, lost in the Extreme Elimination Chamber, but now, starts 2022 off with a bang, ending his first day in this year as a winner!
Gavin Kirkland: You’re damn right, Eve, Goatdam Lucas started off his happy new years, not drunk, but successful! He could’ve just stuck to drinking, as most people have, but he was about drive, he was about power, he stayed hungry, he devoured, he put in the work, put in the hours, and took what’s ours! There is success in his veins, and what’s his name? ADAM! That’s a catchy tune. I wonder if I could get a record deal for that? I might need to give Adam a cut, since his success inspired it!
Deadprez: It’s… nevermind. Congratulations to Adam Lucas for advancing, but more importantly, good luck for his future rounds. Given the circumstances of his challengers, he’ll certainly need it, and of all people in this tournament, he’s one of the few who is known to eat that luck up and produce results. We can’t expect anything else!
(As Adam Lucas slides out of the ring, he begins to walk up the ramp, with his arm raised high. Though, momentarily, the Showdown broadcast would fade out to commercial break.)
(A commercial break for Cowboy Bebop starring Limmy Monaghan as Spike Spiegel begins to play. What a goated show. :100:)
(As the camera pans from commercial break to the final segment of the night, it finds Hurricane Hawk in the middle of the ring with a contract in hand standing in front of a table. He has a mic in hand….)
Hurricane Hawk: It has been a pretty rough few weeks for me here as the General Manager of Showdown. I don’t think I really need to remind everyone of how the Extreme Elimination Chamber went for our brand that honestly saw a lot of fuckery which led to some controversy and a finish that many people voiced their dissatisfaction for. But before I get to that, I want to commend Charlie Marr, Adam Lucas, Theron Nikolas, TLA, Impact and our Answers World Champion, Kassidy Heart for putting their bodies on the line in that structure which is so relenting. Now, with what has happened inside the chamber, it is my duty to announce who will contend for the Answers World Championship at the King of Elite in Houston, Texas. ANY of the five challengers would be considered, but I need to be very diplomatic about this. There is a locker room full of talented Elitists that also could step up and get a shot at the Answers World Championship, but before I make that decision, I need to air out my feelings in public.
(Hawk pauses for a moment, looking out at the crowd who cheers, some boo.)
Deadprez: All of us here know what Hurricane Hawk has been going through, there has been a lot of criticism after the Chamber, we know that certain talent was not happy with the result and how everything went down.
Eve: It has been a very trying time for the General Manager and we all know that whatever decision he made was a very difficult one.
Gavin Kirkland: Just say it!
(He finally starts to speak….)
Hurricane Hawk: Charlie Marr is not here tonight; he is still resting some injuries, but he will be here next week to compete in the King of Elite tournament against Abel Atami. Since he is in the tournament that rules him out of contention, same with Adam Lucas who has already advanced to round 2. TLA and Impact have an argument, they were both in a way both directly and indirectly cost their opportunities thanks to Theron Nikolas. I could go with either one of those three men. Theron on the other hand, would I be awarding someone that caused chaos in the chamber? All of these men want their shots, they feel like they earned it, but what have I said about Showdown? WE WRESTLE! So, what I have decided is that…..
(Suddenly “Monster” by Kanye West starts to play throughout the arena as the crowd stand to their feet. Kassidy Heart with evil intent, the Answers World Championship over her shoulder, decked out in a blue tight body suit and Louboutin heels slowly walks out to the ring, Hurricane Hawk doesn’t take his eyes off her as she stops and looks around taking up the boos, holding up the title, the pyro shoots off behind her.)
Gavin Kirkland: Oh, this bitch. Why couldn’t we have our New Year’s Day cunt free!?
Deadprez: The Champ is here and look at her face, she has something going on in that brain of hers and she is so damn unpredictable, unhinged, and the most dangerous woman on this brand and arguably the company!
Eve: Business is about to pick up and Kassidy doesn’t look to be in the mood!
(Kassidy gets up on the apron and steps through the ropes, reaching over and being handed a mic by Gina Romano….)
Hurricane Hawk: Happy New Year, Kassidy.
Kassidy Heart: Fuck you. Go ahead, sensor me, call Pittsburgh finest to come and taser me again like you did at the last Showdown of 2021! GO AHEAD!
Hurricane Hawk: Kassidy, you gave me no choice in the matter, and I am sorry that it came to that but what I need you to do is allow me to finish my statement and name your next opponent at King of Elite for the Answers World Championship and….
(But before he could finish Kassidy yanks the contract from his hands….)
Kassidy Heart: What? You’re going to award one of those losers a shot at my title? I beat Charlie Marr TWICE; I beat Adam Lucas TWICE! I beat TLA TWICE! I beat Impact TWICE! I beat Theron Nikolas TWICE ALL in the SAME Season. The last three names do not deserve shit! I look at the back locker room, there is Limmy Monaghan, who I already defeated. There is Cameron Ella Ava who I beat already. Even guests from other brands here tonight like Dr. Bethany Blue, who I beat already and none and I mean NONE of the rest of that roster can even come close to me, but see, Hawk? This is a New Year, a fresh beginning, and I am willing to give anyone out in the Showdown locker room a chance to face me for the Answers World Championship. I hold the contract…. Matter of fact?
(Kassidy turns and yanks the pen from the pocket of Hurricane Hawk, placing the contract on the table and signing her name….)
Kassidy Heart: My name is already signed to it. I even left the stipulation open for whatever you want! But those that were in the chamber? Please, I think everyone including myself are sick and tired of seeing any of them fail time and time again. I mean do you really want Hurricane Hawk and me to have to go through the entire insufferable Internet Community again after what happened at Road to Redemption!? NONE OF YOU WERE HAPPY THAT I WON! NONE OF YOU COULD EVEN FATHOM THAT I AM THE GREATEST WRESTLER IN THE COMPANY AND NO ONE COULD EVEN COMPARE TO WHAT I HAVE ACCOMPLISHED IN THE LAST YEAR! That’s the problem with all these trolls, they hate success. See, every single one of you and those watching at home try to dictate what the EAW does, just like any other swamp of a company in the world that doesn’t even compare to US. Everything is fine until your favorites fail and are NOT good enough to take this title from me, suddenly I am Public Enemy Number One, and you try to SHIT on what I have accomplished and minimize it to satisfy your own pathetic lives that you live vicariously through the EAW Elitists. The rest of them though? The boys and girls in the back that are supposed to support one another are the first to stab each other in the back for a shot at this title.
(The crowd erupts in boos, as Kassidy smirks….)
Kassidy Heart: The truth hurts and …..
(“Stigmata” by Grandson starts to play throughout the arena, an annoyed Kassidy turns to the rampway as Theron Nikolas walks out to a mixed reaction. The two stare at one another as he slowly makes his way to the ring….)
Deadprez: Theron Nikolas has heard enough, and he is making his way down to the ring!
Eve: Look at the glare between both wrestlers! Theron Nikolas wants that World Championship bad, but he wants to be the one to dethrone Kassidy Heart as we saw inside the Chamber!
Gavin Kirkland: Finally! Someone here to shut her up!
(Theron Nikolas makes his way into the ring, Hurricane Hawk hands him the mic at the request of Theron.)
Kassidy Heart: What are you even doing here? You have no place here Theron. When will you stop embarrassing yourself?
Theron Nikolas: Are you done? Because I only came out here to tell you that there is no one else that will sign that contract except for me. Allow me to explain what happened at Road to Redemption. When a man like myself loses in a match that he is destined to win, there are two options, either accept it or do something to change it and make sure that when the time comes again? It is mine. You can call it whatever you like, but the truth is, there isn’t a person in this company that is going to take the Answers World Championship from you, Kassidy Heart other than me. I don’t care what anyone else thinks, I made my decisions, and whether the narrative is I helped you retain, or I am a sore loser, or you took advantage of my “meltdown”, well I could really not be bothered by it.
Kassidy Heart: Then maybe you need to come to terms with a little reality that you will NEVER defeat me for the Answers World Championship. How does that sound for a narrative, Theron?
(The two get nose to nose, face to face….)
Theron Nikolas: Then prove and give me the contract to sign.
(Reaching into his pocket, Theron brandishes a pen and clicks it ready to sign the papers, Hurricane Hawk stands to the side watching all of this unfold. Kassidy smirks and she is about to hand him the contract when…..)
Deadprez: Oh boy, here we go!
(“M3tamorphosis” by Playboi Carti ft. Kid Cudi starts to blast throughout the arena, the crowd boos, some cheer as Impact walks out with a mic in hand, shaking his head….)
Impact: Cut the music! You two need to shut the hell up right now and understand that there is only ONE man that is going to sign the contract and that is Impact. Maybe all of you forgot what really happened inside the Chamber where I had Kassidy Heart ready for her finally give it up and I would have been crowned the World Champion, but this little wallflower right here was all mad because he was pinned earlier and couldn’t stand the face he didn’t even reach the final three, but all of a sudden I am almost killed from a 20-pound chain that falls on my head thanks to this ass right here. Come on Hawk, you used to have balls when you wrestled, man up to this clown, he has absolutely no right to challenge this bitch, I was the one that had her beaten….
(Kassidy cuts him off brushing past Theron….)
Kassidy Heart: That is the story you want to tell everyone!? You didn’t win, you wouldn’t have won and are still in the same exact spot as Theron now, neither one of you are worthy of facing me again, but if I must upset the IWC again and hurt the feelings of so many others walking out the champion!? Then so be it! Why…..
(But suddenly Theron yanks the contract from her, slamming it on the table, he goes to sign it but Impact rushes the ring, grabbing Theron from behind and swinging him around the two are face to face as Kassidy backs up amused at the confrontation. Glaring at one another, Hawk is about to get in between both men, when Impact….
Deadprez: TAKES A SWING AT THERON! HE CLOCKS HIM IN THE FACE AND THERON NOW RETALIATES AS BOTH MEN ARE PUNCHING EACH OTHER! KASSIDY IS STANDING BACK WATCHING ALL OF THIS AS THERON BACKS IMPACT TO THE ROPE, HE GOES FOR A CLOTHESLINE, NO IMPACT DUCKS AND BOTH MEN GO OVER THE TOP ROPE! THEY TUMBLE TO THE FLOOR!
Eve: BOTH MEN ARE TEARING EACH OTHER APART ON THE OUTSIDE! KASSIDY IS JUST WATCHIN, LEANING IN AGAINST THE ROPES COMPLETELY AMUSED BY WHAT IS HAPPENING IN FRONT OF HER. HURRICANE HAWK DOESN’T SEEM TO CARE, HE WILL ALLOW THESE TWO ELITTSTS TO GET IT ALL OFF THEIR CHEST!
(As Kassidy and Hurricane Hawk watch Impact and Theron beat the shit out of each other on the outside to their backs turned, the contract sits on the table as the crowd begins to cheer….)
Gavin Kirkland: THERON AND IMPACT ARE GOING TO TEAR THIS PLACE APART AND….. wait….. LOOK IN THE RING!
(The crowd roars as Kassidy feels someone behind her, she quickly turns around and there is a man holding the signed contract with his name on it and a huge smile on his face…..)
Eve: TLA SNUCK INTO THE RING WHILE THERON AND IMPACT WERE FIGHTING! BOTH HAWK AND KASSIDY HAD THEIR BACK TURNED TO THE CONTRACT AND TLA JUST SLID IN UNANNOUNCED AND SIGNED THE CONTRACT!
(TLA holds the contract up and shoves it right into Hurricane Hawk’s face before jumping out of the ring and heading up the rampway. Theron and Impact suddenly realize what is happening as Hawk glares down at the contract, he then looks up at an angry wide-eyed Kassidy who hasn’t taken her eyes off TLA…)
Gavin Kirkland: WE HAVE A MATCH SIGNED! I DON’T KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT WEEK BUT IT LOOKS LIKE TLA SNUCK IN AND SIGNED THYE CONTRACT! THERON AND IMPACT ARE SHOCKED AND LOOK AT KASSIDY! HER BEING ANGRY MAKES MY NIGHT!
(TLA smiles, then turns to Theron and Impact, shrugging his shoulders, the rest are incensed as the crowd starts to cheer loudly. “Ambitionz az a Ridah” by Tupac.)
Deadprez: TLA AND KASSIDY HEART WILL MEET AT KING OF ELITE ONE ON ONE FOR THE ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AND WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NOW WITH THERON AND IMPACT! WE DON’T KNOW BUT WHAT I DO KNOW IS WE HAVE A WORLD TITLE MATCH SIGNED! OUR TIME IS UP! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE AND WE WILL SEE YOU NEXT WEEK! OH, I LIKE THIS…. I LIKE THIS A LOT!
(The final scene is Kassidy glaring at TLA who winks, while Impact and Theron Nikolas look on still in shock, and Hurricane Hawk cracking a smirk.)
(EAW Logo Buzzes)
