Showdown

(EAW intro plays)

(Showdown opens up with a recap of the show last week. Silas World is absolutely furious at their losses at Road to Redemption, but Silas promises to everyone that moving up to King of Elite, their mission is to get back up to the top, no matter what. Akari Kiyoko defeats Damien Kutcher to advance in the KOE tournament. Clayton Golde celebrates winning the New Breed Championship, the whole crowd booing down at him, and even worst, Diego Montana makes his presence known, as he celebrates along with him, he asks for a championship shot and Clayton graciously gives it to him, as the two assholes keep having a fun time. Kennedy Street welcomes the new additions to Showdown in Christian Miyazaki and Cynthia Valice, as well as Grace de Luca making her return to the brand. Caroline defeats Mia Santoro to advance in the EOE tournament. Auburn Ware celebrates winning the Specialists Championship, as BOA later challenges her for that title at King of Elite and Auburn accepts. Ryan Wilson defeats Matthew Kazama to advance in the KOE tournament. Vincent Mondrian defeats Joso thanks to help from Caroline to advance in the KOE tournament. Daryl Kinkade takes in winning the National Elite Championship, but the work doesn’t stop there, as he challenges the whole locker room to see who fights him next. In the main event, Donovan Duke defeats Impact thanks to Silas World to advance in the KOE tournament. And finally, Veena Adams celebrates her win at Road to Redemption, showing why she is the world champion for a reason, but of course, she is not done yet. Bea Valentine appears, wanting a shot, with Harper doing the same. A brawl breaks out between her and Bea, and from behind, Impact attacks and takes Veena down, where he stands over as the brawl continues.)

(The recap ends, and it is replaced with the song “Brick Wall” by a Day to Remember, as the camera pans around the inside of the Xiaomi Arena in Riga, Latvia. Fireworks are shooting out of the stage and the whole crowd can be seen cheering and being excited for the show. The camera ends up panning over to the commentary table with Deadprez, Eve and Gavin Kirkland as the commentators start talking.)

Deadprez: WELCOME EVERYONE… TO SATURDAY NIGHT SHOWDOWN! WE HAVE A STACKED SHOW FOR YOU TONIGHT AS THE FINALIST OF THE KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT WILL BE DECIDED, RIGHT HERE AND NOW!

Eve: We will see as well Pandora Paisley in action and the debut of Cynthia Valice, but our quarterfinals will be Donovan Duke against Ryan Wilson, as well as Akari Kiyoko against Vincent Mondrian! As the two winners of that will face in the semifinals in the MAIN EVENT!

Gavin Kirkland: Let’s not waste time now, WE ARE STARTING OFF HOT!

(The camera shots transitions from the commentary table to the entrance ramp where “We’re All Mad Here” by Aberdeen is Dead starts to play. Seconds later, Impact enters the arena. The crowd is cheering for the Hall of Famer as he heads to the ring.)

Gina Romano: Ladies and gentlemen! At this time, please welcome “THE QUINTESSENTIAL CHAMPION” IMPACT!

Deadprez: Here comes the Hall of Famer heading to the ring and he certainly had a lot going on last week and he is no doubt going to talk about everything that happened.

Gavin Kirkland: For people who missed last week, Impact was eliminated from the King of Elite tournament by Donovan Duke. Later on that night, we saw Impact again and that time he took down the Answers World Champion Veena Adams and left her out in the ring.

Eve: Impact said before that he was going to become World Champion again by any means necessary and last week proved it. Let’s hear what Impact has to say.

(Impact grabs a microphone from Gina Romano before entering the ring. Impact is standing front and center as his entrance music fades off and he begins to speak.)

Impact: Alright, people. I am gonna just cut right to the chase. I am out here to talk about one thing and one thing only. No it’s not about the King of Elite tournament because I sure as hell am not going to give that crazy ass benchwarmer any extra publicity.

Impact: What I am out here to talk about is that little attack I did on Veena Adams. I told everyone that one way or another that I was going to be a World Champion again this season and I meant it.

Impact: Over the last few years I have had to watch person after person become World Champion when we all know that none of them were deserving of the honor of being called World Champion.

Impact: As for me? I am so sick and so tired of waiting my turn and allowing for all these other losers to gang up on me because they are either jealous of me or scared of me. Either way works and I am here to tell you tha–

(Before Impact could finish his sentence, ‘Sweet Dreams’ by Eurythmics starts playing as the crowd immediately starts to boo as loudly as they can as Harper Lee enters the arena with Silas Mason following behind. She looks amused as she heads to the ring.)

Gavin Kirkland: Well speaking of the crazy ass benchwarmer, here comes his girlfriend Harper Lee. I am so glad to see Harper, but why in the hell did she have to bring Silas Mason with her.

Deadprez: Dawg, you know that nobody in Silas World travels alone. Not as long as Silas Mason has a say in it. 

Eve: Last week, Harper Lee was also in the ring last week when everyone was trying to stake their claims as the next challenger for the Answers World Championship. Harper doesn’t like anybody who she believes is stopping her from title glory.

(Silas grabs a microphone from Gina before he opens the ropes for Harper to enter the ring. Harper gets right up to Impact as her entrance music fades off.)

Impact: What in the hell do you think you’re doing he–

Harper Lee: SHUT UP!!

(Impact is glaring at Harper as she has interrupted Impact twice in about two minutes. He is mad, but Harper doesn’t care as she continues talking.)

Harper Lee: The last thing any of us wanna hear is a fossil like you flapping your dentures around like you still matter.

Harper Lee: Turn up your hearing aids and listen to what I have to say. You suck, Impact, and last week proved that exact point. Not only do you suck, you are old, decrepit, and as ancient can be. Nobody wants you here anymore.

Harper Lee: You don’t deserve a thing and you haven’t for a long time. What you need to do is saddle up your horse and carriage, ride off into the sunset, and just simply retire.

Harper Lee: This company doesn’t need the likes of Impact anymore. There are other Elitists around here who can do your job better… like me. With that being said, I don’t care what you say, I am the next in line.

(Harper barely finishes her sentence as “Gloria” by the London Symphony Orchestra starts playing as the crowd goes crazy for the appearance of Bea Valentine. She doesn’t waste any time as she heads to the ring.)

Eve: Speaking of a line, here comes Bea Valentine. Last week, it was Bea who came out to the ring first to be next in line for the Answers World Championship.

Gavin Kirkland: Bea is so beautiful. I vote Bea to be next in line.

Deadprez: Of course you would, dawg. But with what went down at Road to Redemption, she certainly has a case about being the number one contender. 

(Bea grabs a microphone and rolls into the ring. Bea joins the fray as her entrance music fades off and she begins to speak.)

Bea Valentine: Harper, just shut up for once in your life and listen to what I have to say. I want to make it clear to everyone that nobody was able to eliminate me from the Extreme Elimination Chamber. The only reason I was taken out of the Chamber is because of HARPER’S PSYCHO MIDGET BOYFRIEND!!

Bea Valentine: And before Harper came out to the ring last week, I was about to be the next in line and get my rightful shot at the Answers World Championship. You two just need to get in line.

(After Bea finishes, “7 Rings” by Ariana Grande starts playing and the crowd continues to cheer as the Answers World Champion Veena Adams enters the arena. With the title on her shoulder, she heads right to the ring to confront what could be her future challengers.)

Deadprez: Well here comes the champ. She’s the one that everyone is wanting right now.

Gavin Kirkland: I don’t blame them because I want Veena too.

Deadprez: You know that’s not what I meant.

Eve: Veena had a hell of a title defense at Road to Redemption even with the extra assault that came her way. Veena continuously proves she is more than just a pretty face with every match. Let’s hear what she has to say.

(Veena grabs a microphone and rolls into the ring. She interjects herself into the situation as her entrance music fades off.)

Veena Adams: I hope that all three of you are done talking. Not that I care because I am going to speak anyway.

(Veena then turns her attention to Impact.)

Veena Adams: Oh, Impact. I am so disappointed in what you did to me last week. I thought you had enough respect for me as the World Champion that wouldn’t use such devious tactics against me.

Veena Adams: But if you are deadset in wanting to disrespect me. Disrespect the Answers World Champion then that’s fine with me because I will have NOOOOOO issue doing the same to you. As for who will challenge me for the Answers World Championship, how about y–

????: WAIT A MINUTE! WAIT A MINUTE! HOLD THAT THOUGHT?

(Everyone in the ring wonders who just interrupted. Seconds later, General Manager Kennedy street enters the arena with a microphone as she stands on the entrance ramp.)

Deadprez: Business is picking up, dawg. Here comes the General Manager! Kennedy getting down to business early tonight. Let’s hear what she has to say.

(Kennedy is still at the top of the ramp as she looks down at the ring before she begins to speak.)

Kennedy Street: Veena. Kennie is very sorry to interrupt you, but whatever you think is going to happen in that ring right now is NOT going to happen. If you all wanna fight so badly, then I will give you all a chance to fight.

Kennedy Street: That’s why I am making two matches for King of Elite. At King of Elite, Harper Lee will face Bea Valentine, and the winner will face the Answers World Champion at Reasonable Doubt.

(Bea and Harper don’t look too pleased that neither of them are next in line for the title, but the crowd is cheering for the match.)

Kennedy Street: And Veena! You will be competing at King of Elite because you will be defending the Answers World Championship… AGAINST IMPACT! Have a good night, honeys.

(Kennedy smiles as she leaves the entrance ramp and goes backstage. Impact is pleased as Veena watches on.)

Eve: Well, there you have it. Impact get the next title shot as Bea and Harper battle it out to be next in line at King of Elite. 

(Harper is completely pissed off that she doesn’t get the title shot so she clobbers Bea from behind.)

Deadprez: OH COME ON!! HARPER LEE FROM BEHIND! Bea turns around AND BEA WITH A DOUBLE LEG ON HARPER AND THESE TWO ARE BEATING THE HELL OUT OF EACH OTHER!

Gavin Kirkland: THIS MIGHT BE THE HOTTEST FIGHT OF THE NIGHT! I LOVE IT!

Eve: Harper and Bea are brawling, and Veena is content with just watching the fight go on–

Gavin Kirkland: BUT IMPACT TURNS VEENA AROUND AS HE GOES FOR THE FIST OF FURY AGAIN ON VEENA–

Deadprez: VEENA PUTS THE TITLE UP TO BLOCK AND IMPACT PUNCHES THE TITLE! IMPACT HOLDS HIS HAND IN PAIN AS VEENA HITS THE ROPES AND TAKES IMPACT DOWN WITH A SPEAR!

Eve: But Veena isn’t done, she quickly goes up to the top rope AND HITS THE FATAL VOW!! FOOT STOMP BY THE ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPION!

(Security is running down to break up Bea and Harper as Veena gets to her feet and picks up her title before she stands over her fallen future challenger and raises the title in the air.

Gavin Kirkland: Turnabout is fair play. Impact stood tall last week and now it’s the Answers World Champion being triumphant.

Eve: Now we have two more matches for King of Elite. Bea and Harper will battle for a World Title match at Reasonable Doubt while Impact gets his one on one shot against Veena. 

Deadprez: Two high profile matches on tap for King of Elite and what battles they are going to be. Things are only going to be getting more intense from here.

(The final shot shows security still trying to break up Harper and Bea before cutting to a triumphant Veena in the ring as the camera fades into a commercial.)

Gina Romano: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS THE QUARTER FINALS OF THE KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT…

(‘The Birth of Fused Zamasu’ by Friedrich Habetler hits. The lights cut to crimson as Vincent Mondrian emerges, Silas Mason flanking him like a shadow. Vincent rolls his neck, eyes locked on Joso, murder in his gaze.)

Gina Romano: INTRODUCING FIRST! ACCOMPANIED BY SILAS MASON! FROM LAREN, NETHERLANDS! WEIGHING IN AT 220 POUNDS! THE SOUL REAPER! VINCENTTTTT MONDRIANNNNNNN! 

( ‘chain’ by BACK ON hits to cheers from the crowd as Akari Kiyoko emerges. Along with Damien Kutcher behind him, patting his back and hyping him up before walking down the ring.)

Gina Romano: AND HIS OPPONENT ACCOMPANIED BY DAMIEN KUTCHER! REPRESENTING SHOWTIME! WEIGHTING IN AT 216 POUNDS… HE IS “THE NEW HEART OF SHOWDOW” AKARIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII KIYOKOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

( DING! DING! DING! )

Gavin Kirkland: And we are underway in the King of Elite Quarterfinals! Vincent Mondrian with Silas Mason at ringside, Akari Kiyoko accompanied by Damien Kutcher and Vincent Mondrian wastes no time at all!

Eve: Mondrian shoots forward immediately! He’s here to take this away from Akari Kiyoko! Mondrian crashes into Akari with a collar-and-elbow, driving him backward with startling force before snapping his hips and dumping him with a SNAP OVERHEAD SUPLEX that rattles the ring! Akari rolls through instinctively, trying to scramble up—

Deadprez: NOPE! Mondrian is already there, club forearm to the back, folding Akari forward! Vincent hooks the arm and wrenches, twisting Akari down into a standing hammerlock, cranking the shoulder hard enough that Akari immediately grimaces! 

Gavin Kirkland: Look at the torque! Mondrian isn’t just trying to control him, he’s trying to damage him! Akari tries to roll through—

Eve: Mondrian drops his weight and yanks him right back down! He’s targeting that shoulder immediately! Vincent shifts his grip, steps through, and rips Akari up into a FLOAT-OVER SITOUT POWERBOMB, planting him flat on his back! Rolling seamlessly into a FUJIWARA ARMBAR, sitting deep and pulling the arm tight against his chest!

Deadprez: That’s nasty! He’s isolating the arm already! Akari’s flexibility might save him, but this is rough! Akari kicks and twists, managing to scoot toward the ropes but Mondrian releases just before the break, pops to his feet, and STOMPS the shoulder as she tries to rise!

Gavin Kirkland: Akari pushes up on one knee! OPEN-HANDED SLAP from Mondrian cracks across his chest! A SECOND ONE! A THIRD! Each one louder than the last as Akari staggers backward!

Eve: Vincent Mondrian is setting the tone early. This is aggressive and punishing! Akari tries to fire back with a kick— Mondrian CATCHES IT, SPINS HIM AROUND, AND DRIVES HIM DOWN WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX, holding the waist and rolling straight through!

Deadprez: He’s not letting go! Mondrian deadlifts him again— BRIDGING GERMAN SUPLEX! The bridge is deep!

ONE!

TWO!!

Gavin Kirkland: Akari kicks out, but the damage is immediate! Mondrian releases, rises, and grabs Akari by the wrist, twisting it outward and stepping in— PUMPHANDLE BACKBREAKER! Akari’s spine bends across Mondrian’s knee before he shoves him down to the mat!

Eve: That’s the second joint he’s attacked already, the shoulder and back, he’s systematically tearing him apart! Damien Kutcher shouts encouragement from ringside, pounding the apron as Akari crawls toward the corner! Mondrian follows, RUNNING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT TO THE CORNER, snapping his head back before he can brace himself!

Deadprez: He’s relentless! Mondrian pulls him out, hooks both arms— DOUBLE UNDERHOOK BACKBREAKER! Dropping him again! Akari crying out, clutching at his spine as Vincent immediately transitions, stepping over—

Gavin Kirkland: BOSTON CRAB! Mondrian sits back hard, dragging Akari away from the ropes, wrenching the lower back while pushing down between the shoulders!

Eve: Akari claws at the mat, finally managing to twist his hips and kick free! He rolls to his feet— HEADBUTT!

Deadprez: GOOD LORD! Akari collapses forward, and Mondrian catches him, lifting— FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Slamming him down and rolling into another pin attempt!

ONE!

TWO!!

Gavin Kirkland: Akari gets the shoulder up again but barely! Mondrian sits up slowly, eyes cold as he looks down at Akari! This has been all Vincent Mondrian from the opening bell!

Eve: Akari Kiyoko hasn’t had a single moment to establish rhythm. Mondrian is ripping that away from him piece by piece! 

( Silas Mason steps closer to the apron, murmuring something inaudible as Mondrian reaches down and grabs Akari by the arm again, twisting the shoulder back toward its limit! )

Deadprez: If this keeps up, this match might not last much longer. Mondrian is trying to tear him apart from the inside out! Vincent drags Akari up to his feet once more, tightening his grip, clearly not finished and this King of Elite Quarterfinal has turned brutal in a hurry! 

Gavin Kirkland: Vincent Mondrian is like a shark that smells blood in the water! He’s not giving him a second to breathe! Mondrian yanks Akari up by the arm he’s already brutalized, twisting it high behind his back and DRIVING HIM DOWN WITH A BELLY-TO-BACK BACKBREAKER! Folding Akari across his knee before shoving him face-first into the mat!

Eve: Vincent isn’t even hiding it anymore! He’s dismantling Akari piece by piece! That shoulder, that back, he’s trying to take Akari out of this company entirely! Mondrian hauls him up again, snapping off a KASIGIRI CHOP! Akari staggers into the ropes— Mondrian charges and RUNS THROUGH HIM WITH A YAKUZA KICK! 

Deadprez: That kick nearly took his head off! Mondrian doesn’t cover! He drags Akari toward the center, traps the arm again and rolls through into a ROMERO SPECIAL, stretching Akari’s spine while wrenching the shoulder at a brutal angle! Akari kicking desperately, twisting his torso! Damien Kutcher pounds the apron, shouting for him to keep moving!

Gavin Kirkland: Mondrian releases the hold only to STOMP the shoulder again, then grabs Akari by the hair and snaps his head back with an OVERHEAD SLAP!

Eve: This is oppressive. Akari hasn’t been able to string together anything. Mondrian hooks the waist and DEADLIFTS HIM INTO A GERMAN SUPLEX! Then rolls through again— HALF-AND-HALF SUPLEX! Dumping Akari high on his neck and shoulders!

Deadprez: Akari lies motionless for a split second as Mondrian looms over him! Vincent pulls him up one more time, setting his grip; this could be it! Mondrian steps through, looking for another powerbomb—

Gavin Kirkland:  WAIT A SECOND! Akari suddenly ROLLS THROUGH THE LIFT, using Mondrian’s momentum! Akari snaps Vincent forward into a SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB COUNTER! Mondrian crashes down hard!

ONE!

TWO!!

Eve: Mondrian kicks out! Akari rolls through to his knees! THAT might be the opening he needed! Mondrian rises quickly! Akari beats him to the punch— DISCUSS FOREARM! Vincent stumbles! Akari fires again— ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE BODY! Then another to the leg!

Deadprez: Akari’s throwing everything he’s got now! Akari grabs Mondrian’s arm! Twist around him and snap him over with a SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! A bridging pin!

ONE!

TWO!!

Gavin Kirkland: Mondrian kicks out, but he’s finally forced to roll away! For the first time in this match, Vincent Mondrian looks rattled! Akari pushes himself up, wincing as he favors his shoulder, but there’s fire in his eyes now! He steps in and BLASTS Mondrian with a RUNNING FOREARM SMASH, backing him into the corner! Akari follows with a RUNNING HIGH KNEE, then hooks the waist—

Eve: EXPLODER INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! Mondrian crashes into the corner and tumbling  forward! Akari collapses to one knee, exhausted but very much alive!

Deadprez: Akari Kiyoko just flipped the script but how long can he keep this up after that beating? Akari pulls himself back to his feet! 

Gavin Kirkland: Akari is feeding off this opening now, he’s stepping into every strike, refusing to let Vincent reset! Akari surges forward and CRACKS Mondrian with a forearm, then another, and another each one snapping Vincent’s head back as he’s forced to give ground!

Eve: Akari’s planting his feet and hitting with intent! Mondrian swings back with a heavy chop— Akari EATS IT, and fires right back with a STIFF OPEN-HANDED SLAP of his own! 

Deadprez: That woke the building up! Akari grabs Vincent by the arm and YANKS HIM INTO A BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX, sending Mondrian skidding across the canvas! Vincent rolls to a knee, Akari charges and DRILLS HIM WITH A RUNNING DROPKICK, knocking him through the ropes! Mondrian spills to the floor!

Gavin Kirkland: Vincent Mondrian sent to the outside! Akari doesn’t hesitate. He turns, climbs the ropes! He steadies himself on the top rope, eyes locked on Mondrian below!

Eve: He’s thinking big here, this could be a game changer! Akari launches himself— DIVE FROM THE TOP ROPE! He crashes into Mondrian on the outside, wiping him out and sending both men tumbling near the barricade!

Deadprez: HOLY HELL! Akari just flattened Vincent Mondrian! Akari rolls to his knees! Mondrian is down, leaning against the barricade! 

Gavin Kirkland: That’s the most damage Vincent Mondrian has taken in this entire match! Akari pushes himself back to his feet, eyes locked on his opponent!

Eve: Akari’s turning this into a fight now and Vincent Mondrian might finally be feeling pressure. Akari reaches down, grabbing Mondrian by the arm, dragging him away from the barricade as the referee begins his count!

Deadprez: Akari’s not letting up he knows he’s got to keep Vincent from resetting! Akari keeps his hands on Mondrian, DRIVING HIM FACE-FIRST INTO THE ANNOUNCE TABLE, our desk rattling as Vincent staggers!

Gavin Kirkland: That’s payback for everything Vincent’s done so far! Akari is taking the fight right to him! Akari grabs Mondrian by the wrist and the back of the neck, DRAGGING HIM TOWARD THE RING APRON, intent on keeping this fight inside where he can win it! He rears back, looking to shove Vincent under the bottom rope—

Deadprez: WAIT! MONDRIAN COUNTERS! Vincent suddenly WHIPS AKARI FORWARD— AKARI’S HEAD CRACKS INTO THE STEEL RING POST! Akari collapses, dropping to the floor as Mondrian stumbles back, zero hesitation in his follow-up!

Eve: That could change everything! Mondrian snatches Akari up and SPIKES HIM WITH A DDT ON THE FLOOR! Akari’s head and shoulders smashing against the unforgiving mat! Vincent rolls back into the ring, rising to his feet as the referee’s count begins!

Gavin Kirkland: We’ve seen this before! Vincent Mondrian is perfectly willing to win by countout just ask Joso!

( Silas Mason circles outside, eyes glued to Akari, clearly ready to intervene if needed. Akari is barely moving, one hand clutching at the base of his skull as the count climbs. )

FOUR…

FIVE…

( Silas takes a step closer— )

Eve: DAMIEN KUTCHER STEPS IN FRONT OF AKARI! Damien’s not letting anything happen to Akari! Kutcher plants himself between Silas Mason and Akari, daring Silas to try something! He can’t get around Damien without drawing the referee’s attention!

SIX… 

SEVEN…

EIGHT…

Deadprez: Akari forcing himself up, using the apron to pull his weight! Every movement looks agonizing, but the urgency is undeniable! Akari’s running out of time!

NINE…

Gavin Kirkland: Silas forced to watch as Akari ROLLS UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE AT THE LAST POSSIBLE MOMENT, breaking the count! HE’S IN! Akari collapses inside the ring, chest heaving, barely avoiding disaster! 

Eve: That was way too close! Akari’s still alive in this match, and thanks to Damien Kutcher, Vincent Mondrian is going to have to finish this the hard way! Vincent doesn’t give Akari even a second to breathe after the count is broken. He’s on him immediately, dragging Akari up by the wrist and CRACKING HIM WITH A FOREARM TO THE JAW! Akari stumbles, but fires back with one of his own— FOREARM FOR FOREARM, neither man willing to give an inch!

Deadprez: This has turned into a straight-up war now! Akari steps in with a HARD MID-KICK TO THE RIBS, backing Vincent toward the corner! He grabs a front headlock, looking to snap Vincent down, but Mondrian shoves him off and BLASTS HIM WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT, snapping Akari’s head back!

Eve: Every strike means something at this stage both of these men are fighting for control! Akari staggers but rebounds, ducking a lariat attempt and SLAMMING VINCENT DOWN WITH A SNAP GERMAN SUPLEX! Holding on and rolling through— only for Vincent to immediately scramble back up and DROP AKARI WITH A BACK ELBOW before he can chain anything together!

Deadprez: Akari explodes forward with a RUNNING KNEE STRIKE! Driving Vincent into the ropes! He tries to capitalize, hooking the arms perhaps thinking about something big— but Vincent plants his feet and MUSCLES AKARI BACKWARD, breaking free! Akari tries to re-engage! WAIT A MINUTE—

Gavin Kirkland: Vincent suddenly SNATCHES AKARI UP AND SPIKES HIM WITH THE ‘TOXIC SPIKES’ URANAGE BACKBREAKER! Akari’s spine bends across Vincent’s knee as he crashes down to the mat, clutching his lower back!  That backbreaker came out of nowhere!

Eve: Vincent doesn’t hesitate! He hooks the leg deep, pressing his weight down, eyes locked on the referee!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREEEEE—

Deadprez: AKARI KICKS OUT! He got him but not enough! Vincent drags himself up first, sheer malice etched across his face as he HAULS AKARI UP BY THE HAIR AND SLAMS HIM DOWN WITH A CLUBBING FOREARM TO THE BACK! Akari crumples, but Vincent isn’t finished— STOMP TO THE RIBS, another to the shoulder, and then a KASIGIRI CHOP!

Gavin Kirkland: Mondrian is dissecting Akari right now! Vincent keeps him grounded, dragging Akari into position and CRANKING BACK ON THE ARM, wrenching at the shoulder as if he’s trying to tear it out of the socket! Akari screams, rolling desperately— but Vincent transitions seamlessly, driving a DOUBLE KNEE BACKBREAKER across Akari’s spine and folding him in half!

Eve: Vincent isn’t just trying to win he’s trying to break Akari! Mondrian yanks Akari up again, lining him up for another strike—

Deadprez: WAIT! AKARI SHOVES MONDARIAN BACK! BOUNCING OFF THE ROPES! AKARI EXPLODES FORWARD— “PEACH DREAM”! A HUGE SINGLE LEG KICK OUT OF ABSOLUTELY NOWHERE!

Gavin Kirkland: Vincent is FLATTENED, turned inside out as Akari collapses forward, adrenaline surging through him! Akari crawls into the cover, throwing his arm over Vincent’s chest!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREEEEEEEEER!!!

( Silas Mason darts to the apron and PURS VINCENT’S FOOT ONTO THE BOTTOM ROPE! )

Eve : NO! SILAS FORCING A ROPE BREAK!

( The referee immediately halts the count, pointing out the foot on the rope as Akari looks up in disbelief, hands on his head! )

Deadprez: That was it! That had to be it!

( Akari spins toward the apron, fury in his eyes but before he can even take a step, DAMIEN KUTCHER IS RIGHT THERE, stepping between Silas and the ring, staring him down! Silas smirks for a moment…then slowly backs away, raising his hands as the official warns him off. )

Damien Kutcher (off mic): I dare you to try that shit again, I swear to god I’ll smack the shit out of you! Try it again!

Silas Mason (off mic): Calm down, no need to get physical.

Deadprez: Silas just got neutralized, and that might save this match from falling apart any further! The referee is still barking warnings at ringside, trying to keep Damien Kutcher and Silas Mason separated as their shouting match escalates— WAIT A SECOND!

Gavin Kirkland: Vincent Mondrian DRIVES A LOW BLOW STRAIGHT INTO AKARI’S GROIN! Akari folds, crashing down to his knees! Vincent uses the distraction to turn the tides! That was disgusting! Mondrian just stole his opening! Vincent doesn’t waste a single second! Taking a step back, glaring at the kneeling Akari!

Eve: This is it! He’s looking for the “Malevolent Shrine”! Vincent charges forward CURB STOMP— 

Deadprez: NO! AKARI MOVES! At the last possible moment, Akari ROLLS THROUGH, yanking Vincent’s leg forward and SNAPPING HIM INTO A TIGHT CRADLE, folding him up with every ounce of strength he has left! The referee turns back just in time and dives into position!

ONE!

TWO!!

THREEEEEEEEE!!!

( DING! DING! DING! )

Gina Romano: HERE IS YOUR WINNER…AKARI KIYOKO!

Gavin Kirkland: HE GOT HIM! AKARI KIYOKO JUST BEAT VINCENT MONDRIAN!

( Akari releases the hold and rolls away, eyes wide, disbelief washing over his face as he clutches his ribs and laughs breathlessly on the mat. Vincent sits up slowly, hands on his head, staring at the referee in shock realizing too late what just happened. Silas Mason pounds the apron in fury, screaming that it wasn’t fair! )

Eve: Vincent tried to steal it, and Akari turned it against him! What  a MASSIVE upset in the King of Elite tournament for Silas World!

( Damien joins Akari’s side as they walk up the ramp, raising his arm high as the crowd roars. Akari, battered and exhausted. King of Elite continues, and Akari Kiyoko is moving on!)

(The camera cuts to Gina Romano in the ring.)

Gina Romano: The following contest is sched-

( ‘LIKE WEEZY’ by Playboi Carti hits as the crowd erupts into cheers. )

Eve: Well I guess whatever match Gina was planning on announcing is going to have to wait. Because that is Joso and he is making a beeline to the ring!

(A pissed off Joso is shown storming the ring with an angry look on his face. He demands the microphone from Gina Romano who gives it to him before quickly leaving the ring to give him some space.)

Deadprez: This is definitely a different side of Joso than we usually see. He is usually in a pretty good mood but understandably he is not happy tonight after what happened.

Gavin Kirkland: Why he mad tho?

Eve: Well you see Gavin you would actually have to watch the show to know that.

Gavin Kirkland: Ah I see. I guess I wouldn’t know then.

Eve: :francis:

Crowd: JOSO! JOSO! JO-SO! JO-SO! JOOOOOOO-SOOOOOOOO!!!!

(Joso waits impatiently for the crowd to stop chanting his name before he is finally able to speak.)

Joso: Look I am not here to have fun or waste time and words. Last week you saw what that ignorant bitch Caroline did to Joso. She cost Joso the first round match in the King of Elite tournament by count out. Joso does not fuck with that. Caroline is an idiot and a coward because this is not the first time she has fucked with me. But it will be the last because I am not going to let it happen again. I am out here right now to call her bitch ass out!

(Joso waits but Caroline does not appear as the crowd boos loudly.)

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Gavin Kirkland: I understand crowd. I wanted to see Caroline too. Instead we have to see… ugh… Joso…

Joso: Well I am not surprised. Looks like Caroline is every bit the cowardly ass hoe that everyone knows her to be. Myself most of all. Get your cowardly ass out here Caroline because I am going to slap the shit out of you. I am going to teach you exactly what happens when you fuck with Joso!

Crowd: JO-SO! JO-SO! JO-SO!

Joso: Really? Still not coming to the ring? Well maybe I am going to have to go backstage and find you. Because I am not leaving this arena until you get got! I am going to take care of you once and for all so you can never interfere in one of my matches ever again you raggedy ass skank! Get the fuck out here right no-

( ‘Stop Breathing’ by Playboi Carti hits to extremely loud deafening boos from the crowd. )

Eve: Well that is not Caroline unfortunately. It is someone far worse that we are probably going to have to listen to.

Deadprez: The crowd is definitely not excited about this. I think they would have rather nobody come out than this.

Gavin Kirkland: I too am disappointed Caroline didn’t come out. I will have to head backstage to check on her and make sure she is alright.

Eve: Sit back down you do not need to do that…

( Jake Smith steps out onto the stage with a microphone and a shit eating grin on his face as he slowly begins to saunter down to the ring. )

Jake Smith: Really Joso? You think you are worthy of facing Caroline? You aren’t. You are not even in her league!

Joso: Oh yeah? Maybe you will come down here and face me then you punk ass bitch!

Jake Smith: Umm no. That is not going to happen. You see you are definitely far far away from being worthy to face me as well. You don’t deserve to face me or Caroline. In fact I don’t even know why you are allowed to be in EAW you are not an “elite” talent.

Joso: I think I should remind you that I already beat you. If I am not an “elite” talent then what does that make you.

(Jake Smith suddenly has an angry look on his face as he is reminded of the loss. He slides into the ring to confront Joso face to face. )

Joso: Oh did that make you mad? You don’t like it when Joso spits facts?

Jake Smith: I AM THE MOTHERFUCKING GOAT YOU IDIOT! GET IT THROUGH YOUR HEAD!!!

(An enraged Jake Smith lunges at Joso and slams the microphone against his skull knocking him to the mat. Jake Smith jumps on top of Joso and begins laying into him with punches but Joso throws Jake off him.)

Eve: OH SHIT! WE GOT A BRAWL OUT HERE!!

Gavin Kirkland: SECURITY! SECURITY! THESE VIOLENT MENACES ARE TERRORIZING THOSE OF US AT RINGSIDE!!! AHHHH!!

Deadprez: Joso is back up and Jake punches him in the fac-

Eve: No! Joso went low and grabbed the legs of Jake Smith taking him down! Joso now on top of Jake and he is laying into him with punches!!!

(Jake throws Joso off him as he gets back up!-)

Deadprez: Wait look out from behind!!!

(*CLANG*)

Eve: It’s Caroline! Caroline just rushed the ring with a steel chair and nailed Joso from behind! Joso just got laid out in a surprise attack from Caroline!

Deadprez: What a disgusting cheap shot! She chose the most cowardly way to take out Joso! An absolute disgrace!

Gavin Kirkland: YES! MY BELOVED CAROLINE! GAVVIE WAS WORRIED ABOUT YOU BABY! I AM SO GLAD YOU ARE ALRIGHT!!! <3 <3 <3

(Caroline and Jake Smith are shown celebrating over Joso’s body as the camera zooms in on Joso’s face which has been covered red in blood from the chair shot by Caroline.)

Eve: Caroline and Jake look so proud of their actions! But this was absolutely disgusting to witness. What poor sportsmanship! I sure as shit hope that the EAW code of conduct administrators fine their asses for this blatant violation of ethical standards!

(Officials are shown entering the ring and checking on Joso as Jake Smith and Caroline leave the ring laughing.)

(The camera cuts to a commercial for AI generated graphic design. The future of EAW.)

(The camera cuts to Gina Romano in the ring.)

Gina Romano: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!

Crowd: ONE FALL!!!

Gina Romano: Introducing first… making her EAW debut!!!…

(“I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by Kiss hits!!!)

Gina Romano: From Kansas City, Missouri weighing in at 134 pounds… she is “The Girl Next Door” CYNTTTTTTTTTTTTTHIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA VALLLLLLLLLLLICEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

(Cynthia Valice comes running out to the stage looking nervous before the crowd starts to cheer for her giving her the confidence to make her way down the aisle for her debut match. She high fives a small child in the front row before entering the ring.)

Eve: Cynthia Valice is making her debut here tonight and it is always exciting to see new talent emerge here in EAW! I look forward to seeing what she will bring to this company and to Showdown!

Gavin Kirkland: Hmm she does appear to have a lot of promise. Could this be my latest bad beautiful blonde goddess?

Eve: She just got her! She’s an innocent rookie! Leave her alone!

Deadprez: Well we don’t know what to expect from Cynthia but she definitely looks like she is athletic enough. Hopefully we will have a better idea of what to expect from her here soon!

Gina Romano: And her opponent…

(“Big Guy” by Ice Spice plays across the speakers.)

Gina Romano: And her opponent from Bessemer, Alabama weighing in at 500 pounds… he is “The Locker Room Bully” BRADSHAW HOLLYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!

(Bradshaw Holly lumbers his way down to the ring with a Doritos bag in hand which he finishes as he reaches the bottom of the ramp. He throws it at a fan at ringside before entering the ring and laughing at Cynthia Valice.)

Eve: Oh god this guy looks horrible. He looks and smells like he just came out of a meth den.

Deadprez: This guy has been causing problems backstage here in EAW for a long time now. He thrives on picking on the newcomers to EAW and despite having no success in the business himself seems to think that he is defending “his turf” from invaders like Cynthia Valice!

Gavin Kirkland: He better not hurt my Cynthia… Or else…

(DING! DING! DING!)

Gavin Kirkland: Well we are underway and there is a definite size disadvantage here. As well as an age difference as Cynthia Valice is going up against a longtime veteran of this sport.

Eve: Is he really a veteran? I swear I have never seen him before. But you are right he looks like he’s about 50 years old and can barely walk.

Bradshaw Holly: (off-mic) Get that sweet ass over here! It’s time for your Showdown initiation ritual!

Cynthia Valice: (off-mic) Eeew!

Deadprez: Bradshaw Holly just lunged at Cynthia Valice grabbing her with both hands but she does a cartwheel to evade him! Cynthia off the ropes as she nails her opponent with a Bicycle Knee Strike to the face! Her opponent just went flying back into the corner looking completely dazed and confused from that strike!

Bradshaw Holly: (off-mic) Fuckin’ bitch!

Eve: But the Locker Room Bully is not going to take that kind of disrespect from a rookie lying down! He rushes out of the corner as fast as he can. Which is kind of like a slight jog and runs in to punch Cynthia in the face!-

Deadprez: But Cynthia moves out of the way and goes around behind Bradshaw and throws him backwards with a German Suplex!!!-

Eve: That was a bad call however as this man is over 500 pounds. He looks even bigger than Xander Payne if that is possible! Cynthia is trying but she can’t get him up!

Deadprez: Bradshaw grabs the arms of Cynthia and whips her down to the mat. He then runs the ropes nearly falling over them as he comes back. He runs in and dives at Cynthia with a Running Splash!!!-

Gavin Kirkland: Yes! Cleopatra 2.0 just moved out of the way! You go girl!

Eve: What did you call her… Nevermind… She has a big advantage now as she has grounded her massive opponent. What will Cynthia Valice do now?

Crowd: CYN-THIA! CYN-THIA! CYN-THIA!

Deadprez: Cynthia Valice is feeding off the energy from the crowd here and now as she waits for her opponent to get back up to his feet! Bradshaw Holly is making his way up to his feet now as Cynthia lies in wait for him!!!-

Eve: SPINNING HEEL KICK CONNECTS TO THE SKULL! I believe she told me backstage that move is called the Shy Flash! She just obliterated her opponent with that maneuver!!! Cynthia to the cover!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

Referee: THRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

Gavin Kirkland: SHE WON! I NEVER DOUBTED HER! WHEN YOU MAKE IT BIG BABY GIRL DON’T FORGET YOUR FIRST FAN EVER! ME!

Deadprez: No wait! Bradshaw Holly’s leg was under the bottom rope! Well it is more like one of the fat rolls on his ankles was slightly under the bottom rope. But that is technically part of his leg so it counts! I am not even sure he was aware of that!

Eve: Cynthia Valice looks disappointed as she thought she had the match won. But she can’t let it get her down! Unfortunately her opponent is somehow getting back up which is not good for her!

Bradshaw Holly: (off-mic) Do you know who the hell I am? You better watch your back backstage! I am going to make your life a living hell. You need to lay down on the mat and pay your fucking dues!!!

Cynthia Valice: (off-mic) Hmmm… no I don’t think that I will.

Deadprez: Cynthia Valice rushes in and grabs the leg of Bradshaw Holly twisting it with immense strength!!! Holly immediately falls down to the mat causing the entire ring to shake from his landing!

Gavin Kirkland: Damn the ring almost broke on that one!

Eve: But Cynthia Valice has the leg of Bradshaw Holly in hand and she is twisting him over onto his back and applying pressure to the leg!!! Cynthia has the Quiet Desperation applied! Bradshaw Holly is screaming out in pain! He may have no choice but to tap out here tonight!!!

Deadprez: And he does! TAP TAP TAP!!!

(DING! DING! DING!)

Gina Romano: Here is your winner… CYNTHIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA VALICEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Eve: Wow! An incredibly successful debut here tonight from Cynthia Valice! She definitely has all of the pieces needed to become a success here in EAW!

Deadprez: Definitely an impressive debut and I am excited to see her continue to take on opponents of more talent and rise up the ranks here in EAW. It definitely won’t be an easy journey but it looks like she has already won over the support of the fans all the way from day one!

(Gina Romano is shown entering the ring with a microphone as Cynthia Valice celebrates her victory.)

Gina Romano: Cynthia how does it feel to make your EAW debut and to pick up a win in your very first EAW match?

Cynthia Valice: It feels great Gina! I want to thank my coaches and trainers and all of the great EAW fans who came out to see me tonight!!

Crowd: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Cynthia Valice: It wasn’t easy to make it to this point. It took a lot of hard work and many sacrifices. But after tonight I can say it was all worth it!

Gina Romano: So I think it is safe to say this will not be your only EAW appearance?

Cynthia Valice: Absolutely not Gina! You are all stuck with me and you are going to be seeing a lot more of Cynthia Valice from now on! Because I am only here to prove myself and I plan to get better and better with each match! This is only the beginning!

(“I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by Kiss hits to cheers from the crowd as Cynthia Valice celebrates her victory on the top rope.)

Gavin Kirkland: Let’s party Cynthia! I can help coach you to become the next great EAW Elitist!

Eve: I really hope she doesn’t take you up on that offer…

Gavin Kirkland: ???

(The camera fades away from ringside and to a commercial featuring Stew-O promoting EAW’s new video game console the StEAW Machine costing only $6900!)

(Showdown comes back from commercials, the camera panning towards the entrance as then ‘Legendary’ by Skillex blasts through the sound system of the venue, immediately the fans erupt in cheers knowing who that song belongs to. Ryan quickly makes his presence known and he shoots out of backstage, an intense glare upon his face with an inferno in his eyes as he hypes the crowd while making his way to the ring.)

Gina Romano: From Montréal, Québec, Canada. Weighing in at 230 pounds… RYAN! JOSEEEEEEEEEPH!! WILLLLL-SOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!

Eve: Ryan has had a hell of a return after being out for all those months, he has a great chance here in the King of Elite to be able to follow it up in the best way possible!

Deadprez: You can see the fire in his eyes as he goes down here, this man has a lot to prove right now, despite the thousands of matches that he has had, he always fights with a chip in his shoulder and tonight, with none other than one of the most hated men in this brand, he will have to prove himself to everyone else that he can succeed, right here and now!

Gavin Kirkland: KICK DONOVAN’S ASS, RYAN!

(Ryan arrives towards the ring, posing over in the top corner and getting more cheers before dropping down, waiting. At that moment, “Enemy” by From Ashes to New plays on the speakers to an incredible negative reception. Donovan Duke walks out of the curtains with an annoyed expression on his face, there is a focus in his eyes that you usually don’t see, as he walks forward and down the ramp, Silas Mason following right behind him and hyping him up instead.)

Gina Romano: AND HIS OPPONENT, FROM STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA! WEIGHING IN AT 212 POUNDS, HE IS “DEVIOUS & DEBOUNAIR”, DONOVAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNN DUUUUKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Eve: And speaking of the King of Rome, here he comes again, after being able to beat none other than Impact, through the usual means that he always employs, and I do very much dislike that he is close to reaching the semifinals.

Gavin Kirkland: Same.

Deadprez: Stay on that side, dawg, you do not hate him for the same reasons as us.

Gavin Kirkland: Look guys, I went through my character development, let me have this one!

Eve: Ugh, either way, he better not underestimate Ryan like everyone else at this point, I hope that with the way that he looks right now, he will actually show up and show out or else he will end up having to swallow his own medicine yet again. 

(Donovan enters inside of the ring, he gets towards his corner without stalling, he waits there and warms up. Ryan does the same. The referee checks on them both before…)

(DING! DING! DING!)

Gavin Kirkland: AND WE ARE OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY! COME ON FRENCH CANADIAN MAN, SEND THIS FRAUD BACK DOWN THE LADDER!

Eve: At least we know who Gavin is cheering for in this one, as Ryan pushes himself off of the corner and tries to go forward-

Deadprez: AND ALREADY DONOVAN IS ABLE TO GET TO HIM FIRST! He takes him down with a double leg takedown and tries to grab onto that foot, he is already trying to apply one of his submissions on Ryan before the match can even properly start!

Eve: Ryan is able to struggle successfully though and then push Donovan back with his legs! He falls onto the mat and the two of them end up rushing back up to their feet at the same time! THEY JUMP AND THINK OF THE SAME, A DROPKICK FROM EACH SIDE MAKES THEM COLLIDE IN THE RING!

Gavin Kirkland: Only a collision here from the two of them, they land hard, but they end up rolling forward and up towards their feet in response, Ryan with a running knee here! Donovan catches it with both of his hands, he throws it down! “FORCE OF WILL!!!”

Deadprez: RYAN LIFTS UP BOTH OF HIS ARMS AND BLOCKS THE PUNCH FROM CONNECTING IT! He grabs onto his head and tries to lift him up in the air! He throws too much force here and Donovan is able to struggle, he lands right behind him, grabs him by the waist- GERMAN SUPLEX!

Eve: Ryan ends up going around him right before he can hold on, he gets right behind him and tries for his own German here!

Gavin Kirkland: As the devil himself is able to find a way to escape, he ducks down and grabs onto Ryan’s legs, tripping him up and- TRYING TO TURN HIM OVER FOR THAT ANKLE LOCK! THE ANKLE LOOOCKKKKK!!!

Deadprez: RYAN PULLS HIS BODY FORWARD AND IS ABLE TO THROW DONOVAN WITH HIM! HE AVOIDS IT AND IS ABLE TO ROLL THROUGH! Donovan ends up getting sent towards the ropes here, bouncing off-

Gavin Kirkland: TRIES TO HIT RYAN DOWN WITH A CLOTHESLINE!

Eve: WITH RYAN ROLLING THROUGH WITH A CLOTHESLINE OF HIS OWN! DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE FROM EACH MAN TAKES THEM BOTH DOWN!!! The crowd claps in response at the sequence seen and what a way to start off this bout!

Deadprez: These men have had plenty of matches already, I think they know each other like the back of their own hands by this point! No wonder they were able to find an opportunity to counterattack no matter what they threw at each other!

Gavin Kirkland: Well, I am personally rooting for the fact that there is a possibility that we will see Donovan Duke lose yet again, so hey, as long as the match is good and he can lose, I am totally fine here! 

Eve: I can’t believe that we are finally on the same page on something and you are still as annoying as ever.

Gavin Kirkland: Guess it is just part of my charm, huh?

Deadprez: I would say it’s creepiness.

Eve: Anyway, Ryan and Donovan are rising up now yet again, Donovan grabbing onto the ropes here while Ryan is trying to keep away some distance here- but then he changes his mind and he ends up taking the opportunity seeing Donovan weakened, sadly though, Donovan cracks him right across the jaw with a back elbow! Ryan falls back again from the strike and Donovan turns here with an idea in his mind, he runs forward, Ryan tries to take him down with a second clothesline- DONOVAN DUCKS!

Gavin Kirkland: AND HE BOUNCES OFF THE ROPES LIKE NOTHING! HE IS ABLE TO HIT A HUGE HANDSPRING STUNNER, SENDING RYAN DOWN TO THE MAT! DAMN IT, HE IS COLD WITH IT!

Deadprez: DONOVAN COVERS!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-

Eve: Ryan is able to kick out right before the two count but he kicks out right into a headlock from Donovan here! Donovan keeps him here down in the mat and then he starts to wrench on that neck of Ryan’s, making sure to wear him down while he has the chance.

Deadprez: Not a good place to be when you have to deal with a man by the name of Donovan Duke, high grade asshole but at least he knows a hold or two! And Ryan knows himself how dangerous he can get! He is pushing up slowly despite the pain around his neck and Donovan continuing to put pressure on him! The crowd is clapping along as Ryan gets higher and higher to a standing position!

Eve: He is able to achieve it! He tries to throw elbows towards Donovan’s gut to make him let go- AND DONOVAN COUNTERS BACK WITH A HUGE KNEE TO THE CHEST! And trying to reposition-

Gavin Kirkland: ENDS UP TURNING AGAINST HIM! RYAN LIFTS HIM UP HIGH IN THE AIR AND HE IS ABLE TO THROW HIM ACROSS THE RING WITH A HUGE EXPLODER SUPLEX! Ryan turns and tries to go for a pinfall attempt here but Donovan has those sharp instincts, that damn weasel, and is able to roll out of the ring at the last possible moment.

Deadprez: Ryan slams his hand in frustration but he rises in response, he sees some of the crowd do as well and he starts hyping himself up, waiting and seeing Donovan getting up to both of his feet, Ryan is feeling himself, he sees an opening in front of him… AND HE RUSHES TO TAKE IT, BOUNCING OFF THE ROPES HERE!

Eve: HE TRIES TO FLY AND GO FOR A SUICIDE DIVE HERE AGAINST DONOVAN-

Gavin Kirkland: NO! NO WAY! DONOVAN CATCHES HIM BEFORE HE CAN BRING HIM DOWN! HE HAS HIM IN A BELLY-TO-BELLY POSITION AND NOW HE STARTS BACKING UP!

Deadprez: DONOVAN IS CLOSE TOWARDS THE RING POST, LAST TIME DONOVAN THREW HIM BACK FIRST AGAINST IT AND HURT RYAN’S BACK IN A BAD WAY! IS HE GOING TO DO IT AGAIN?!

Eve: NO! RYAN IS ABLE TO SEND AN ELBOW RIGHT ON THE TOP OF DONOVAN’S HEAD! A good one right over the noggin’ as he is able to grab instead to Donovan’s arms- SENDING HIM BACK FIRST AGAINST THE BARRICADE WITH AN IRISH WHIP, AND THEN SENDING HIM BACK INSIDE WITH ANOTHER ONE! Ryan’s fate was almost sealed right there but he was able to survive!

Deadprez: Now he is scaling up to the top of the corner here, I think he hasn’t had his fair share of risking his body here yet, he is waiting for Donovan to get up here and he- SENDS HIMSELF OVER TOWARDS THE ROPES INSTEAD! RIGHT ONTO THE SECOND ROPE!

Gavin Kirkland: SPRINGBOARD TORNADO DDT OUT OF NOWHERE! HE PLANTS DONOVAN RIGHT ONTO THE DOME OF HIS HEAD! THAT IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT, BABY! Ryan pushes Donovan down to the mat and then he moves to cover him, can he get it?!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEE!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Referee: THR-

Eve: Donovan kicks out right before the referee can reach three and Ryan ends up rolling away, letting out a deep sigh. He was hoping for the smallest of moments but, even though impressive looking, it is going to take a lot more to deal with Donovan Duke here.

Gavin Kirkland: As resistant as a cockroach you could say! Ryan grabs him by his head and pulls him up, throwing him over towards the ropes- AND THEN RECEIVING HIM WITH A CHOP RIGHT AT HIS CHEST!

Ryan Wilson: (off-mic) Come on, Donovan! Fight me like you actually mean it for once!

Deadprez: Ryan trying to provoke Donovan and make him fight without holding back, the smallest of grins appears on his face- BEFORE HE ENDS UP RETORTING BACK AGAINST RYAN, THROWING THAT CHOP RIGHT AT HIS CHEST AS WELL! That will leave a mark right there!

Gavin Kirkland: Now Ryan, I can’t be telling you here how to wrestle, but I think you should stop playing hero here and just focus on beating his ass! THERE WE GO, HE GOT HIM GOOD RIGHT THERE ON THE FACE WITH A HOOK! 

Eve: AND DONOVAN ENDS UP RETALIATING BACK WITH A FOREARM RIGHT AT RYAN’S HEAD INSTEAD! Ryan falters for a moment and that gives Donovan the chance to start teeing off at him- HE GOES FOR A COMBO OF CHOPS RIGHT TOWARDS HIS CHEST, ANGER SHOWN IN EVERY SINGLE ONE THROWN AS RYAN STARTS TO BACK UP OVER TOWARDS THE OTHER SIDE OF THE RING!

Deadprez: Ryan’s chest is looking a bit red now as he drops against the ropes behind him and Donovan turns, moving towards the other side to bounce off them and pick up speed here! RYAN SHOTS OFF THE ROPES, TRYING TO BRING HIM DOWN WITH A RUNNING LARIAT!

Eve: Donovan ducks down right in time before he can hit him! He jumps up high onto the second rope- DONOVAN FLYING HERE IN HIS OWN! RYAN ENDS UP GETTING WIPED HERE WITH A SPRINGBOARD ELBOW RIGHT ONTO HIS JAW! Ryan goes down and Donovan scurries over, pinning him down!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEE!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Referee: THRRRRRRRRRRRR-

Deadprez: RYAN ENDS UP KICKING OUT!

Eve: AS DONOVAN TRANSITIONS INTO THE TRIANGLE CHOKE AS SOON AS HE DOES! He has his legs wrapped around his head and is pulling hard here! He is trying to pull on Ryan’s arm at the same time as he has that submission locked in, he wants to make sure no matter what Ryan can’t escape at all!

Deadprez: Ryan is struggling with every bit of himself that he has! He knows that if he is stuck here in this submission, there is a good chance he might give up, as well as Donovan doing everything he can to grab onto that arm too… RYAN DOES NOT GIVE IN! His arm moves around wildly- AS HE SWINGS DOWN, SLAMMING HIS FIST REPEATEDLY AT DONOVAN’S CHEST!

Gavin Kirkland: YEAAAAH! THAT IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT, RYAN! KEEP SLAMMING ON THAT CHEST LIKE IT IS A DRUM! SHOW HIM WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT!

Eve: DONOVAN FINALLY IS ABLE TO STABILIZE AND FULLY GRASP ONTO IT WITH BOTH ARMS! He tries to pull back!

Deadprez: And Ryan ends up moving forward himself! HE REVERSES THE TRIANGLE CHOKE INTO A ROLL-UP! BOTH OF DONOVAN’S SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-

Eve: BUT IT CAN’T EVEN REACH TWO AS RYAN WITH ALL OF HIS STRENGTH LIFTS UP DONOVAN HERE! Donovan can not believe it at all as Ryan is able to move his other arm and properly get him in position! He moves him over- AND THEN HE REVERSES HIM RIGHT INTO A POWERSLAM POSITION! HERE HE COMES!

Deadprez: RYAN WITH A HUGE RUNNING POWERSLAM GETS DONOVAN DOWN ONTO THE MAT! Now Ryan grabs onto his arms, lifting him back up again! GETS HIM DOWN WITH A HUGE HAMMERLOCK SLAM, KEEPING HOLD OF THOSE ARMS AND THEN ROLLING ONTO DONOVAN!

Gavin Kirkland: AND NOW RYAN SHOWING SOME OF HIS TECHNICAL SKILLS HERE AGAINST DONOVAN, HE IS ABLE TO GET A CROSSFACE ON DONOVAN HERE! He pulls hard along to the cheers of the crowd, Donovan doing everything that he can to struggle out of here, trying to push himself forward to get to the ropes here and break it up! NOW SEE WHEN KARMA IS TURNED AROUND AGAINST YOU, DONOVAN? THAT IS WHAT YOU GET!

Eve: The whole crowd is cheering and supporting Ryan here, he is not letting Donovan escape, he is not letting him go so easily! He pulls further back-

Deadprez: AND DONOVAN IS ABLE TO REVERSE IT HERE, HE GRABS HIM BY HIS WAIST AND LEGS! ROLL-UP HERE!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEE!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-

Eve: Ryan is able to kick out right before he can get to three, Donovan tries to move here but Ryan moves right over, locking up his arms! AND THEN REVERSING RIGHT INTO THE MAGISTRAL CRADLE! NOW RYAN HAS HIM DOWN!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEE!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-

Gavin Kirkland: Donovan ends up kicking out yet again, Ryan grabs him by his head and tries to bring him up here! Yet again tries to lift for a suplex of his own! Donovan struggles and lands back on the mat, now trying to lift up Ryan here with his own strength… Ryan is struggling as well and trying to prevent Donovan here! He ends up backing away with Ryan in tow, wobbling and letting him slip!

Deadprez: The two end up falling towards the ropes and Ryan is able to land on the ring apron! He hits Donovan right in the side of the head with an elbow and pulls him along through the ropes, this is the hardest part of the ring right here, this two gotta be careful!

Eve: I think Ryan isn’t caring right now about what he has to do to his body to deal with Donovan here! He is throwing every strike that he can to somehow wear him down here, he finally grabs him tightly and tries to lift him up high here! No way- NO WAY THAT HE IS ACTUALLY GOING TO TRY THIS!

Gavin Kirkland: HE TRIES TO HIT A BRAINBUSTER RIGHT ON THE EDGE OF THE RING APRON!!!!!!!

Deadprez: NO! DONOVAN RAKES RYAN’S EYES JUST BEFORE HE CAN PULL IT OFF, Donovan lands back on the ring apron and a kick forces him to lean forward, he has him in a powerbomb position here… but I don’t think he is going to try and go for a powerbomb! DONOVAN NOW LIFTS RYAN HERE ONTO HIS SHOULDERS!

Eve: AND WITH A HUGE TOSS- “FALL FROM GRACE” RIGHT ONTO THE RING APROOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!

Deadprez: THE ALLEY OOP FACEBUSTER MAKES RYAN CRASH FACE FIRST AGAINST THE RING APRON AND THEN FALL HARD AGAINST THE OUTSIDE! JESUS H. CHRISSSTTTTT!!!

Eve: Donovan rests in the ring apron after pulling off that move, and then rolls back inside of the ring, taking the time that he has to be able to rest up! Ryan has just been dealt a bad hand here and the referee is beginning to count here!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Deadprez: Silas Mason is walking over and then begins to talk trash towards Ryan’s way, come on man, you are just putting salt on the wound at this point!

Referee: FOUUUUUUUUUUUR!!!

Referee: FIVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Eve: But you best believe that Ryan is trying either way, he is shaking his head and finding it within himself to get up to his feet despite the words thrown his way!

Referee: SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIXXXXXXXXXXXX!!!!

Referee: SEVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!

Gavin Kirkland: 67.

Deadprez: You are not safe at all when this show is over, you know that?

Eve: RYAN IS ABLE TO PULL UP TO HIS FEET WITH THE HELP OF THE RING APRON, HE ALMOST IS THERE!

Referee: EIIIIIIIIGHTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!

Deadprez: HE TURNS AT THE LAST SECOND AND HE CLOCKS SILAS RIGHT IN THE JAW FOR GOOD MEASURE!!!!

Referee: NINEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Eve: AND HE LEAPS IN RIGHT AT THE LAST SECOND! HE IS GOOD!

Deadprez: I don’t think it was necessary to waste one second on decking the bald bastard but it worked out!

Gavin Kirkland: DONOVAN SUDDENLY LEAPS ONTO THE WEAKENED RYAN WILSON! “SHADOW OF EYES”!!! HE TRIES TO APPLY THE GOGOPLATA AS SOON AS HE CAN!

Eve: RYAN STRUGGLES AND REVERSES IT AT THE LAST SECOND, HE CATCHES DONOVAN OFF GUARD AND THEN PULLS HARD ON HIS ARM! AN IMPROMPTU ARMBREAKER ON HIM AS HE PULLS, A DESPERATE MOVE BUT ANYTHING TO BE ABLE TO WIN!

Deadprez: TOO DESPERATE IT SEEMS THOUGH, DONOVAN SHIFTS HIS WEIGHT FROM RYAN PULLING TOO HARD AND HE PRESSES HIS SHOULDERS DOWN! ROLL-UP HERE!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Eve: Ryan lets go at the last moment of the armbreaker and the two of them roll up to their feet at the same time! HERE WE GO!

Gavin Kirkland: DONOVAN TRIES TO POP UP RYAN AS SOON AS HE GETS CLOSE! HE TRIES TO HIT A MICHINOKU DRIVER OUT OF NOWHERE!

Deadprez: RYAN IS ABLE TO SPIN OUT OF DONOVAN’S GRASP HERE AND LAND RIGHT NEXT TO HIM! RYAN IS ABLE TO GET HIM RIGHT IN THE JAW WITH HIS OWN SPINNING BACK FIST! He grabs onto him and tries to lift him up here for a high DDT! 

Eve: DONOVAN’S LEGS WRAP AROUND RYAN’S! HE PULLS HIM DOWN AND THEN HE ROLLS THROUGH! HE ENDS UP REVERSING IT AND THEN HE GRABS HIM ONCE MORE BY THE LEG, HE TRIES TO LOCK IN THAT ANKLE LOCK NO MATTER WHAT!

Gavin Kirkland: RYAN PULLS FORWARD WITH ALL OF HIS MIGHT AND THROWS DONOVAN TO THE CORNER CHEST FIRST! Donovan ends up slamming hard into it and he clutches his chest, he turns over trying to push through the pain…

Deadprez: Ryan rises up here and then he starts running, he goes to the opposite corner all while Donovan is still loopy from that! Just when he has him on his sights! Just when everyone else in the crowd is beginning to get up and then cheer loudly for him! HERE WE GO!

Eve: RYAN ALMOST TAKES DONOVAN’S HEAD OFF WITH THAT HELLUVA KICK! GOT HIM RIGHT ON HIS JAW! HE QUICKLY GRABS HIM AND THEN TAKES HIM OFF THE CORNER, THROWING HIM TOWARDS THE ROPES IN FRONT OF HIM!

Deadprez: AS HE POPS HIM UP AT THE LAST MOMENT!

Gavin Kirkland: “WILSON CRUSHER!!!”

Eve: AS DONOVAN SUDDENLY HITS RYAN RIGHT ACROSS THE HEAD WITH THOSE GOLDEN BRASS KNUCKLES AS HE COMES DOWN?! WHAT?????

Deadprez: THE REFEREE DID NOT SEE ANYTHING AT ALL IN THOSE FEW SECONDS! Donovan puts the brass knuckles in his singlet and he turns over the loopy Ryan! COME ON!

Gavin Kirkland: AS HE HITS HIM DOWN WITH “RUIN AND DEMISE”! GODDAMNIT!!!!

Eve: That damn weasel has a huge evil grin on his face as he turns Ryan over and then pins him down, UGH!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

(DING! DING! DING!)

(“Enemy” plays on the speakers to some incredibly huge boos, Donovan raises up with both his arms raised up in the sky, the referee tries to grab onto it but he pulls his arm back and quickly rolls out of there to go check on Silas.)

Eve: What the hell just happened there?! Where did Donovan find those brass knuckles?

(REPLAY: The replay shows right before Ryan decked Silas in the face, Silas hiding the brass knuckles next to the steel steps. And in the next replay, just before Ryan can hit the Helluva Kick on him, Donovan ducks down and takes the brass knuckles, hiding them.)

Gavin Kirkland: Okay, that was very clever, Silas! BUT WHY DID YOU HAVE TO GIVE THAT IDEA TO DONOVAN DUKE?! COME ON!

Deadprez: Somehow, someway, Donovan pulls it off and reaches the semifinals of the King of Elite! By hook and crook, every single damn time!

Eve: When will they ever be stopped?!

(Donovan helps Silas and the two of them rush out of there, they get up to the ramp and Silas raises Donovan’s hand in victory, Donovan taking in all the boos like they are nothing, all while Ryan tries to come to and lays there in the ring hurt, but definitely pissed off. Showdown then fades to commercials…) 

(The camera has cut from the arena to the backstage area where we see the Specialists Champion Auburn Ware walking down the hall with her title on her shoulder until she stops at the door that says Kennedy Street’s name. She knocks on the door and is answered by Kennedy Street.)

Kennedy Street: Come in, honey!

(Auburn opens the door and sees General Manager Kennedy Street sitting at her desk with a smile on her face. Assistant General Manager Alana Starr is sitting next to Kennedy by her desk and nods towards Auburn.)

Kennedy Street: There’s my Specialists Champion. Kennie appreciates you being able to join me right now. 

Auburn Ware: I am glad to be here. Thank you.

Kennedy Street: My pleasure, honey. Now how about you have a seat. 

(Kennedy uses the pen in her hand to point at one of the chairs for where she wants Auburn to sit. She looks over and then sees that next to the chair is BOA, who is already sitting in their chair ready for what Kennedy wants them both here for. Auburn nods and acknowledges BOA.)

Auburn Ware: BOA.

(BOA returns the favor and they nod back and acknowledge Auburn.)

BOA: Champ.

(Auburn takes her seat and both competitors look at Kennedy who has a portfolio folder on her desk. Kennedy takes a look at the two competitors before she addresses them both.)

Kennedy Street: Before we get down to business, I want to say this really quick. As we are conducting this meeting, Kennie wants no trouble from either one of you. No fighting. No breaking Kennie’s office furniture. NOTHING! Or else this conversation is over. Is that understood?

(BOA and Auburn nod in the affirmative as Kennedy smiles before she continues with what she has to say.)

Kennedy Street: Let me go ahead and get all the facts straight. Last week, Auburn was in the middle of an interview before being interrupted by BOA, correct?

Auburn Ware: Correct.

Kennedy Street: Then BOA talked to Auburn about getting a rematch with her and putting her Specialists Championship on the line, right?

BOA: Right.

Kennedy Street: Auburn accepted the challenge for the title match and Auburn suggested the match be at the King of Elite event with the title on the line.

BOA: You got it.

Auburn Ware: That’s right.

Kennedy Street: About time we have a challenge laid out without a fight being started. 

Alana Starr: You can say that again.

(Alana and Kennedy shake their heads as BOA and Auburn look on before they both look back 

Alana Starr: Well I am glad to know that we have all the facts straight and that brings us to why we brought you both into the office.

(Kennedy lifts up the portfolio and shows it to BOA and Auburn.)

Kennedy Street: Now the reason we brought you two into the office today is because we decided to have the contract signing here in my office to make your match official.

(Kennedy puts the portfolio back on the desk and looks at it for a second before looking back up at BOA and Auburn before looking over at Alana. Alana nods before she starts to speak.)

Alana Starr: That’s right. This contract signing will make your match official for the Specialists Championship official, but there is a little caveat attached to the match. 

(BOA and Auburn look over at Alana and wonder what she is talking about.)

BOA: Caveat?

Auburn Ware: What do you mean?

Alana Starr: What I mean is that while the challenge was issued and accepted for the match to happen at King of Elite, there is a possibility that you might not be able to have the match at the event. 

(BOA and Auburn are both a little shocked at the revelation because both competitors were ready, willing, and preparing to compete at the King of Elite event.)

BOA: Wait. What?

Auburn Ware: You’re joking right? I mean are you both sure?

(Alana and Kennedy knew that they probably wouldn’t take that news very well. So Kennedy puts her hands up in a silent effort to keep the peace.)

Kennedy Street: Now Auburn and BOA. There is no need to get frustrated with myself or Alana about all of this. You need to remember that King of Elite is a tri branded event with Elitists from all three brands fighting for a spot on the card. Unfortunately, that means some of Kennie’s high profile matches won’t be seen at the event. 

Alana Starr: Now remember that while we can not guarantee that your title match will be at King of Elite, we assure you both that this Specialists Championship match WILL happen. But it’s more than likely going to be on a future show. 

Kennedy Street: Now contrary to what people have been saying about me, Kennie is not the type of General Manager to dangle a carrot in front of your face and snatch it away for my amusement. 

(Kennedy offers BOA and Auburn a smile before she continues with what she has to say.)

Kennedy Street: Kennie is all about giving deserving Elitists their opportunities at championship gold and spotlight matches and Kennie wants to make sure that when you have your match, that all eyes are on you. Remember that.

(BOA and Auburn look at Kennedy for a moment. They stay silent but they both nod in understanding.)

BOA: Understandable.

Auburn Ware: I see what you mean.

Kennedy Street: I am glad you both understand our reasoning. Now before we get down to the actual signing of the contract, I bet you both have a little something to say about this upcoming title match. So how about we start things off with BOA. BOA, if you would.

(BOA nods as they turn to Auburn and begin to speak.)

BOA: Auburn. Champ. What I told you last week was the absolute truth about how I felt about the situation that was our last match. Whether you considered it disrespectful or not is not of  any relevance right now.

(BOA stops for a moment as Auburn has an expressionless look on her face as she listens to what BOA has to say.)

BOA: I still believe that when you defeated me in our last match that it was nothing but luck that you were able to accomplish that feat. That’s why I wanted the rematch against you. I wanted to show that luck will not be able to save you twice in a row. It’s going to be a physical battle where I will show without a shadow of a doubt that when we meet again, I will be the winner and I will become the new Specialists Champion in the process.

(BOA looks at Kennedy, Alana, and Auburn with Auburn still having an emotionless expression on her face.)

Alana Starr: Thank you, BOA. Auburn, do you have anything to say in return.

Auburn Ware: You bet I do.

(Auburn adjusts the Specialists Championship on her shoulder before turning to face BOA and starting to speak.)

Auburn Ware: BOA, I know that you believe that it was nothing but luck when I was able to defeat you in our first match and we are going to be on opposite sides of that argument. I am here to let you know that everything I have done has been one build up moment after another as I worked hard to get the first title of my career.

(Auburn then pats the Specialists Championship belt.)

Auburn Ware: This title is the representation of my hard work and all the time I have put into this business and all the setbacks I have faced to reach this moment. You might try and interpret our first match, but our next match will leave nothing to interpretation. I have worked too hard to get this title and I am not ready to let it go. I am going to win this match and stay the Specialists Champion. 

Kennedy Street: Thank you, Auburn. Now let’s sign the contract. BOA, would you please sign first?

(BOA steps up to Kennedy’s desk and reads the contract before they sign the contract and take their seat again.)

Alana Starr: Thank you. Now, Auburn. Would you now step up and sign the contract?

(Auburn nods and steps up to the desk and reads the contract before she signs the contract. Kennedy takes the folder and smiles before addressing champion and challenger.)

Kennedy Street: It is official. Auburn Ware will defend the Specialists Championship against BOA at a to be determined date. May the best competitor win.

(BOA and Auburn stand up and face each other for a moment before BOA extends their hand. Auburn looks at BOA for a moment before returning the handshake. The handshake doesn’t last for long as BOA pulls Auburn in and stares Auburn down. BOA starts to squeeze her hand before letting go and leaving the office. The final shot shows Auburn looking towards the door that BOA just walked out of with determination on her face as the camera shot cuts elsewhere….)

(The camera pans to Gina Romano in the ring ready to announce the next match.)

Gina Romano: The Following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!

Crowd: ONE FALL!

Gina Romano: Introducing first, already ibn the ring, from…. RIGA, LATVIA!!!!

(The crowd explodes in cheers.)

Gina Romano: Weighing in at 129 Pounds…. SOFIJA MARKS!!!!!

(The crowd cheers as the brunette looks out into the crowd and smirks before screaming and raising her arms in the air trying to get the crowd pumped up.)

Gina Romano: And her opponent! She Hai –

(Suddenly Gina Romano is cut off as the boos start to rain out loudly was Silas Mason walks out with a mic in hand.)

Silas Mason: Gina Romano…..I will take it from here! Ladies and Gentlemen of Latvia! Let me introduce to you at this time! From Blackpool, England…. She comes in at a rock solid 126 lbs.! She is the Baroness, The Duchess! The Baddest Bitch On The Block! HERE IS THE HELLCAT…. PAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA PAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!

(“Just Stop” by Disturbed starts to play throughout the arena as the Latvian crowd starts to boo loudly as Pandora Paisley walks out in gold and black gear. She looks ready for war and heads down to the ring with purpose followed by Silas Mason.)

 Deadprez: That was an obnoxious intro, but what do we expect from Silas Mason. There is no denying that this woman is ready to break through the ceiling and become a champion again.

Eve: Pandora is a bitch, and while she is talented, she has always fallen trap to being managed by people like Silas Mason. She can’t think for herself.

Gavin Kirkland: Don’t ever besmirch The Hellcat. She is beautiful and she is dangerous, arguably the most dangerous on Showdown!

(Pandora gets in the ring and takes off her jacket, she then hands her hat and glasses to Silas as she stretches and glares at Sofija Marks. The referee calls for the bell and the start of the match.)

(DING!!! DING!!! DING!!!)

Deadprez: Sofija Marks and Pandora Paisley circle the ring, they lock up and Pandora with a quick knee strike to the midsection! She whips her into the ropes, goes for a clothesline, Marks ducks, Pandora turns –

Eve: Marks with a huge body press and the fans love it! She goes for the cover but doesn’t even get a one count! Marks is back up, Pandora to her feet, she charges Marks who ducks, she turns and –

Gavin Kirkland: LOVE TAP! That running knee took Marks out completely and she is down! Pandora is not getting paid by the hour and she picks up Marks and throws her into the turnbuckle! She runs at her… CANNONBALL!

(Marks falls out of the corner and to the mat. Pandora climbs the top rope; she stands there balanced just looking down at her opponent before letting out a scream.)

Eve: THE PRICE TAG! That flying heatseeking elbow she does I must admit is one of the best in the business and she landed that flush on the chest of Marks! She positions herself as Marks slowly is trying to rise to her feet and here comes Paisley!

Deadprez: PANDORUM! THE TORNADO FIST TOOK HER OUT AND PANDORA PAISLEY PUTS HER FOOT ON THE CHEST OF MARKS WITH HER ARM RAISED HIGH AS THE REFEREE MAKES THE COUNT!

ONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TWO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(DING!!! DING!!! DING!!!)

Gina Romano: HERE IS YOUR WINNER…. PANDORA PAISLEY!!!!

(The crowd boos as Pandora just stares at the fallen Marks, she then quickly picks her up by the hair and throws her out of the ring as she goes crashing to the floor. Pandora then turns to see Silas Mason in the ring with a mic in hand.)

Silas Mason: THAT WAS DOMINANCE! Now what I need from all of you Latvians is to shut up and listen to what The Hellcat has to say!

(The crowd boos as Pandora takes the mic, she waits for a moment before speaking.)

Pandora Paisley: If that is the best Latvia has, then I pity this bloody country.

(The jeers continue to get louder.)

Pandora Paisley: When I came here to Showdown as part of The British Invasion, I had this picture in me head that all of us would stand tall as champions one day together. Daryl would have his gold; Halsey and I would have ours. Halsey is still not medically cleared, and Daryl is now the National Elite Champion and I blame Brianna Hill for that, but right now there is nothing that I can do about it because she and not ME was picked to be in the Empress of Elite. I AM SICK AND TIRED OF BEING OVERLOOKED!

(The anger is seething from her pores. Pandora has a scowl painted all over her face.)

Pandora Paisley: I WAS LEFT OUT OF TERRITORIAL INVASION! SCREWED OUT AT ROAD TO REDEMPTION! I BROUGHT THE BLOODY VICTORY HOME FOR SILAS WORLD AND THIS IS WHAT I GET!? I SHOULD HAVE A NATIONAL ELITE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH AGAINST DARYL KINKADE! AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I AM GOING TO GET!

(She pauses though, her green eyes looking directly into the camera.)

Pandora Paisley: And if I don’t, I am forced to miss another hug Marquee Live Event because of Kennedy Street and Showdown. I promise you love, that I will make this brand a Scorched Earth until I do get what I want. One more thing, think I’m bluffing? Try me.

(She drops the mic as “Just Stop” starts to play throughout the arena. The fans boo as Silas Mason looks on with a huge smile on his face. She walks past him and he holds the ropes as she hops out of the ring and heads to the back.)

Deadprez: Did you see her face? Demeanor? I think this young woman means business and I wouldn’t doubt that she will go scorched earth.

Eve: You know, I admire her talent, but she is full of hot air. Every single wrestler comes here demanding this and that,. Well guess what, EARN IT.

Gavin Kirkland: My Hellcat… meow.

(Pandora continues to walk to the back with Silas Mason as the scene fades backstage.)

(The camera shot cuts from the ring where Pandora has cut her promo to the backstage area where the National Elite Champion Daryl Kinkade has been watching everything go down on a monitor. He continues to watch everything unfold as he simply nods to the monitor.)

Daryl Kinkade: Well, Pandora. If that’s what you bloody well want, then that’s what you’re bloody well gonna get. You’re on.

(Daryl adjusts the National Elite Championship on his shoulder and starts to head to the ring. He is storming towards the arena before he is cut off by somebody.)

????: Uh uh uh, Daryl. You stop right there and don’t take another step.

(Daryl does stop and looks over to see Alana Starr walking towards him. She does not look very amused as she gets face to face with Daryl.)

Alana Starr: Now you just hold on for just a second, Daryl. What the hell do you think you’re doing?

Daryl Kinkade: What the hell does it look like I am doing? I am going out to the ring to accept Pandora’s challenge, bruv.

Alana Starr: Now why in the world are you going to go and do something like that?

Daryl Kinkade: What? Did you like not hear what Pandora just said out in the ring not two minutes ago? I’m sick of this bloody garbage. I am going out there to put this all to rest because me and Pandora bloody well need to settle this once and for all.

(Alana nods in understanding as Daryl tries to walk towards the ring again and Alana steps in front of him to stop him again.)

Daryl Kinkade: Did you not hear what I just said? Me and Pandora need to settle this once and for all. I am not going to let her just run her mouth without any sort of response. So get out of my way.

(Daryl tries to keep going towards the ring, but Alana keeps getting in his way and stopping him in his tracks.)

Daryl Kinkade: Bloody hell, Alana. Just get out of the way and let me handle business. 

Alana Starr: Look, I completely understand that you wanna respond to what Pandora had to say, but I can’t let you go out there.

Daryl Kinkade: Are you telling me that I can’t go out there right now and handle business with Pandora after everything she has done?

(Alana locks eyes with Daryl and simply nods her head.)

Alana Starr: That’s exactly what I am telling you. No. You can’t.

Daryl Kinkade: Oh, this has got to be good. Why can’t I go out there? And what’s stopping me from going out there right now?

Alana Starr: Look, Daryl. I understand that there is some animosity between you and Pandora—

Daryl Kinkade: SOME?!

Alana Starr: Alright. There’s a lot of animosity between you and Pandora. There is plenty of time for you and Pandora to settle your differences in the ring. 

Daryl Kinkade: Alana, you are talking a lot, but you haven’t answered my question. Why in the bloody hell are you stopping me from beating Pandora’s skull in. 

Alana Starr: Alright. You made your point. You can’t go out there because your next opponents have already been chosen.

(That certainly caught Daryl off guard because he certainly didn’t know that his next opponents were already decided.)

Daryl Kinkade: Oh really? What do you mean?

Alana Starr: I mean that we have already chosen who will be the next competitors you will face. Simple as that.

Daryl Kinkade: Alright then, Alana. Who exactly will I be facing?

Alana Starr: As you probably already know, we started the night with four Showdown Elitists still in the King of Elite tournament. Ryan Wilson, Donovan Duke, Akari Kiyoko, and Vincent Mondrian. 

Daryl Kinkade: Yeah. So what’s your point?

Alana Starr: My point is, Daryl, is that you will be defending your National Elite Championship against the three men who don’t advance into the King of Elite finals… IN A FATAL FOUR WAY ELIMINATION MATCH!!

(The crowd is cheering loudly at that match announcement. Even Daryl has a look of intrigue on his face.)

Daryl Kinkade: Go on. 

Alana Starr: You already know two of your challengers due thanks to the quarterfinal matches that took place earlier tonight. By the end of Showdown tonight, you will know your third and final challenger for the National Elite Championship. 

(Alana looks again at Daryl, whose look of intrigue has faded into an expressionless look as he takes in what Alana has been saying.)

Alana Starr: I know you want Pandora in the ring, but right now, your next challenge is the three King of Elite tournament eliminations in the elimination match. So what do you think about that?

(Daryl still has the expressionless look on his face as he thinks about what Alana has said before he simply shrugs in indifference.)

Daryl Kinkade: Alright. Fine with me. Okay. Whatever. 

(Alana gets a smile on her face and goes to pat Daryl on the shoulder, but he steps away in annoyance. Alana rolls her eyes, but still has the smile on her face because Daryl went with the match.)

Alana Starr: I knew you would see it my way. Glad you are on board. So you will be defending the National Elite Championship in a fatal four way elimination match at–

????: ARE YOU JOKING ME RIGHT NOW?? 

(Alana looks around after being cut off in the middle of what she had to say. She looks for a few seconds before she sees an absolutely irate Pandora Paisley making a beeline for her and Daryl. Following closely behind is Silas Mason, who doesn’t look amused either. Pandora and Silas reach Alana and Daryl and Pandora gets right in Alana’s face.)

Alana Starr: Pandora… Silas. What can I help you with?

Pandora Paisley: Are you serious with me right now? I was out there in the ring letting the world know that I was wanting a match with Daryl Kinkade. Then I come back here and I am forced to hear this entire conversation back here with you telling Daryl that a match with me will have to wait.

Silas Mason: Seriously! What in the world is your problem? You had to have heard what Pandora said not five minutes ago in the ring and you go and pull this stunt? You have been hanging out with Kennedy Street way too long.

Alana Starr: What’s that supposed to mean?

(Silas looks at Pandora, who is absolutely seething with anger. She is trying to control her anger and her temper… and it looks like she is failing so Silas continues the talking.)

Silas Mason: What I mean is that Pandora is out there in the ring and telling the world that she wants a match with the National Elite Champion and you go and completely ignore what she said and make a completely different match. Is Pandora’s mental health just a sick game to you or something.

Alana Starr: I seriously have no idea what you are talking about. 

(At that point, something has snapped inside Pandora and she is done being silent. Silas tries to calm her down, but Pandora moves him out of the way.)

Pandora Paisley: Do not play dumb, Alana. You know damn well what we are talking about. Because this isn’t the first time you have pulled this crap. 

Alana Starr: Meaning?

Pandora Paisley: Meaning that I was at the ready for War Games and I was skipped over for Impact. Meaning that I was ready for the Extreme Elimination Chamber and Kennedy forced Silas to skip me over. Now you are trying to do it again. 

Alana Starr: I swear, Pandora, that was never my intention. 

Pandora Paisley: If it was never your intention, postpone the elimination match and give me my match with Daryl.

(Alana looks at a very angry Pandora who has fire in her eyes. Alana stays silent for a moment before shaking her head no.)

Alana Starr: I’m sorry but the elimination match is official. But you will get your match with Daryl Kinkade soon. 

(That’s NOT the answer that Pandora wanted. If she didn’t lose it before, she certainly has now.)

Pandora Paisley: OH THAT’S IT! I’VE HAD IT! 

(Pandora goes to take a swing at Alana and security grabs Pandora before she could throw the punch. Now Pandora is kicking and flailing trying to get free and get her hands on Alana.) 

Pandora Paisley: NO! LET ME GO! LET ME GET MY HANDS ON HER! I AM SICK OF THESE GAMES! I WANNA MANGLE HER!! LET ME GO!!

(Pandora is still kicking and screaming as security is dragging her away as she is being drug away and she yells one final thing.)

Pandora Paisley: ALANA!! YOU WILL REGRET THIS!!

(Security has Pandora and Silas looks at Alana with disgust as the final shot shows Alana wondering what in the hell just happened as the camera shot cuts elsewhere….)

(Showdown returns from a commercial break as the semifinal round of Showdown’s King of Elite tournament is set to begin, with Gina Romano standing at the center of the ring.)

Gina Romano: YOUR MAIN EVENT OF THE EVENING IS THE SEMIFINAL ROUND OF SHOWDOWN’S KING OF ELITE, AND IT IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!

Crowd: ONE FALL!

(‘Chain’ by BACK-ON hits as Akari Kiyoko steps onto the stage, dressed in his grand entrance coat. He looks every bit as focused as he did in the quarterfinals, heading straight for the ring with the same strong confidence.)

Gina Romano: INTRODUCING FIRST…. FROM AOMORI, JAPAN!… WEIGHING IN AT 216 POUNDS!… THE NEW HEART OF SHOWDOWN!… AKARI!!!!!…. KIYOKOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Eve: Progress through the opening round has carried him here, and this is the crucible that determines whether momentum becomes legacy. 

Gavin Kirkland: Think about the bodies he had to step over to reach this point, former allies, bitter rivals, all chewed up on the way here, and now only one blockade stands in his path!

(Akari pauses on the apron, taking a brief moment to gather himself, then steps through the ropes and moves into his corner. He leans back against the turnbuckles, closes his eyes, and breathes deeply as he waits.)

Deadprez: This is the moment that defines the man who always came close but never quite shattered the ceiling, so what does this round represent to you, Gavin?

Gavin Kirkland: Validation. The right to finally scream that he is the heartbeat of this brand and not just another pretty face with nice hair!

Eve: Triumph here would not merely advance him, it would anoint him as someone who earned every inch through discipline, and now… THIS MAN! 

(‘Enemy’ by From Ashes to New hits.)

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

(Akari opens his eyes and looks toward the stage as Donovan Duke steps through the curtain, walking out into a thunderstorm of boos. Donovan shows no fear, his focus locked entirely on Akari. His goal is simple, to win this tournament, and he ignores the crowd as he arrogantly makes his way toward the ring.)

Gina Romano: INTRODUCING HIS OPPONENT!… FROM STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA!… WEIGHING IN AT 212 POUNDS!… DEVIOUS & DEBONAIR!… DONOVANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!… DUKEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Deadprez: With Vincent Mondrian falling earlier, this might be last stand for Silas World tonight. :lupes: 

Gavin Kirkland: Everything is riding on this for him, the redemption arc, the crown, the ego, and yes I hate admitting it but the man looks annoyingly immaculate doing it. 

Eve: Victory would place him back on a direct trajectory toward the world title, while defeating Akari would reassert his claim as the face of Showdown.

(Donovan Duke steps into the ring and walks straight into Akari Kiyoko’s corner, locking eyes with him for a long, tense moment. Donovan understands exactly what Akari represents tonight. After seeing how far he has come in this tournament, he begins to realize that this is no joke of a match, that one careless mistake could cost him his chance to reach the finals. Yet, for all that, Donovan’s trademark cockiness and confidence refuse to fade. With the talent and credibility he carries as one of Showdown’s finest, he believes he can take Akari out with ease and clear his path to the finals. Akari does not look back at him the same way. His eyes never leave Donovan, and in his mind, he sees nothing more than a man protected by Silas World, a coward who got lucky enough to stand here so for Akari, this is his opportunity to expose Donovan as a false prophet to the brand and to purge the corruption standing in the way of his rightful place in the King of Elite finals. Two men with completely different convictions stand ready to wage war for Showdown’s future but only one can advance. Donovan finally steps back, his music fading out, as both competitors wait in silence for the sound of the opening bell.)

(DING DING DING!) 

Gavin Kirkland: This is the match that will define who marches into the final round of this year’s King of Elite tournament for our brand, and the stakes could not be higher for both competitors, this is about to be one to remember!

Eve: A Semi Finals berth means etching your name onto the front page of Elite Answers Wrestling history, and right now, we are moments away from discovering who will represent Showdown as this year’s finalist!

Deadprez: Oh yeah, I am completely locked in for this right now!

Gavin Kirkland: Duke and Kiyoko are cautiously closing the distance, eyes locked and minds racing, neither willing to reveal true intent yet, but both understanding the pressure is about to squeeze every ounce of resolve out of them.

Eve: Methodical approach is coming from Donovan Duke, reaching out to initiate contact and establish the tempo, trying to control the early rhythm of this match.

Deadprez: That idea is not being welcomed by Akari Kiyoko, swatting the hands away and circling, clearly suspicious of any strategy being laid out and resetting the distance.

Gavin Kirkland: Absolute focus is required here because any lapse in awareness could swing this entire contest in a heartbeat.

Eve: A second attempt to engage now from Akari Kiyoko, hands rising as Donovan Duke mirrors with a guarded stance, both of them measuring the risk before committing.

Gavin Kirkland: Finally, they collide in a tie-up, both competitors driving forward with everything they have, Donovan Duke trying to overpower while Akari Kiyoko digs in and pushes back with raw resistance.

Deadprez: This is the classic opening exchange for these two. No reckless blitzing or whatever blind charges, because they both understand that one careless misstep in a match like this could cost everything!

Eve: Akari Kiyoko digs deep and manages to force separation, taking advantage of Donovan Duke getting a little too confident in the push!

Gavin Kirkland: Momentum keeps building as Donovan Duke is driven back inch by inch until the ropes are finally within reach, and now the referee has no choice but to step in and start the count!

Referee: (Off-Mic) ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!-

(Akari abruptly releases the tie up, backing away as Donovan raises both hands and flicks them aside near the ropes, stealing a brief glance back at the opponent who returns it with a cold stare.)

Deadprez: Quick disengagement there, and that is smart because one wrong grip in a match like this could be the difference between advancing and going home!

Gavin Kirkland: That was a shrewd tactical reset from Akari Kiyoko to open things up-

(SLAP!)

Eve: Oh wow, patience is gone as Donovan Duke fires off a sharp slap and immediately springs off the ropes, cinching in a side headlock to seize control!

Deadprez: That tells you everything about the mindset here because even the smallest lapse can spiral into total loss of momentum!

Gavin Kirkland: Control is being asserted early with that headlock, grinding it in while Akari Kiyoko is reaching for any kind of escape route!

Eve: And Donovan Duke drops the weight into a headlock takeover, looking to immobilize Akari Kiyoko and exhaust from the mat rather than rush into chaos!

Deadprez: At the same time, resistance is there as Akari Kiyoko wraps the headscissors, refusing to surrender leverage and trying to trap the head in retaliation-

Gavin Kirkland: WOW! Look at that! You do not see this cerebral exchange from many elitists, but Akari Kiyoko is doubling down on that headscissors to ensnare Donovan Duke’s skull. Savvy response by Akari Kiyoko!

Eve: This field has a way of elevating everyone’s ring intelligence, and you can feel the match shifting into a more cerebral phase now that it is in full effect.

Deadprez: A second escape attempt is made by Donovan Duke, but it goes nowhere as that headscissors from Akari Kiyoko cinches tighter, constricting the air and making every movement more labored!

Gavin Kirkland: Actually, the wiggle was not about breaking free. Donovan Duke is just inching closer to salvation, sliding and grinding until a leg could find the rope.

Deadprez: Oh, now I see it.

Eve: Final surge is summoned by Donovan Duke, straining toward the rope with that headscissors still clamped on… AND DONOVAN’S FOOT FINALLY GRAZES THE BOTTOM ROPE!

Deadprez: That has to count as an escape, right?

Gavin Kirkland: Almost! So close to freedom as Akari Kiyoko realizes it and rolls away, trying to drag Donovan Duke off the ropes to keep control-

Eve: Counter comes through as Donovan Duke spins with the motion, yanks the head free, and clamps onto the leg instead…. SLAMMING AKARI’S LEG DOWN HARD ON THE MAT!

Gavin Kirkland: The assault from Donovan Duke does not stop there, flipping him over, prying the leg wide, and STOMPING straight down toward Akari Kiyoko’s groin to start carving out that limb. Just imagine having your leg spread like that-

Eve: Focus, Gavin.

Deadprez: Thanks for handling that one.

Gavin Kirkland: Hey, I’m just saying it must be hurt?

Eve: Trouble is mounting after that groin strike, and now Donovan Duke yanks the head forward before snaring the ankle, torquing it viciously to start bending the joint in ways it should not go.

Deadprez: Dawg… this is pure grappling warfare. Stakes dragging both elitists into a methodical chess match where pressure forces precision to seize control before hitting that finale.

Gavin Kirkland: Some calculated work is unfolding as Donovan Duke keeps to the limb work, manipulating that ankle already trapped, wrenching and contorting it while Akari Kiyoko may not have much endurance left.

Eve: Looks like the plan is shifting as Donovan Duke rises while keeping hold of the leg, maybe setting something else up-

Gavin Kirkland: OH! AN ELBOW DROP FROM DONOVAN CRASHES STRAIGHT INTO THE SAME GROIN THAT WAS TARGETED EARLIER ON!

Eve: Back to the feet comes Donovan Duke and he goes for another elbow to that exact spot, maintaining that methodical focus while Akari Kiyoko is being battered where it hurts most!

Deadprez: The barrage finally stops as he gets up… A LEG DDT PLANTS AKARI’S FOOT INTO THE MAT, TURNING THAT LIMB INTO LITTLE MORE THAN SPAGHETTI LEG AT THIS POINT!

Gavin Kirkland: Donovan Duke sees how the opportunities present for him, a hook to the leg!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Gavin Kirkland: TWO! That kickout has to leave Akari Kiyoko in pure misery after absorbing all that punishment!

Eve: With the sustained limb manipulation so far, you can see Donovan Duke capitalizing on the opening created when Akari Kiyoko tried that roll through earlier, only to be met by that reckless counterattack instead!

Deadprez: Now Kiyoko is scrambling toward the ropes just to get upright, and the look in Duke’s eyes says it all, patiently stalking the moment to strike again-

(CRACK!)

Gavin Kirkland: A SAVAGE ELBOW SMASH DRILLS INTO THE CHEST AND NEARLY FOLDS KIYOKO IN HALF, THAT COMPROMISED GROIN STILL SCREAMING FOR MERCY!

Eve: Donovan Duke stands tall for a second and looks down with authority, but moments like that can swing either way depending on how that confidence is exploited!

Gavin Kirkland: It was all bait, waiting for him to rise now, and as Akari Kiyoko uses the ropes to stand… AND THAT SAME BLISTERING ELBOW FROM AKARI IS FIRED STRAIGHT BACK INTO THE CHEST OF DONOVAN DUKE WITH EQUAL VENOM!

Deadprez: Balance is still fragile for Akari Kiyoko though; that earlier limb damage refuses to let a solid base settle in-

Gavin Kirkland: THE OPENING IS SEIZED AS DUKE UNLOADS WITH RAPID ELBOWS AND A JOLTING SHOT TO THE JAW, EACH BLOW GROWING STIFFER AND THREATENING TO SAP THE LIFE RIGHT OUT OF AKARI!

(CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!)

Gavin Kirkland: Donovan Duke yanks him back down and sends him toward the ropes, firing himself off for another surge of offense!

Deadprez: Dropping low at the last second, Akari Kiyoko slides underneath the oncoming rush, and as Donovan Duke rebounds off the ropes… HE GETS CAUGHT CLEAN WITH A BEAUTIFUL ARM DRAG FROM KIYOKO!

Eve: Even with the leg clearly compromised, there is still enough awareness to adapt, Akari Kiyoko staying on the knees and using upper body leverage to snatch the staggered Donovan Duke with a second arm drag!

Gavin Kirkland: But the takedown does not fully land as the arm is trapped… A SUDDEN KICK SNAPS INTO THE DAMAGED LEG, BUCKLING AKARI DOWN TO ONE KNEE AND NEARLY WIPING HIM OUT!

Deadprez: Capitalizing immediately, the lift comes next and the intent is clear for Donovan Duke, looking to drive Akari Kiyoko into the mat with a suplex attempt-

Gavin Kirkland: The hoist does not finish as Akari Kiyoko slips free, lands on his feet, and shoves him away, sending Donovan Duke into the ropes again… BEFORE DUKE EXPLODING BACK WITH A FLYING FOREARM SMASH THAT FLATTENS AKARI!

Eve: Capitalizing on the opening, Donovan Duke steadies himself and rises with purpose, already ascending to the top rope to press the advantage!

Gavin Kirkland: Balanced at the summit and peering down, Donovan Duke launches… 450 SPLASH ON AKARI! VELVET RODEO CONNECTS! That is a MASSIVE momentum swing!

Deadprez: No hesitation whatsoever, the leg is hooked immediately as the cover is applied on Akari!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Deadprez: The shoulder jolts off the canvas, pure defiance from Akari Kiyoko to stay alive!

Gavin Kirkland: Already rising again after the splash, Donovan Duke grabs a fistful of hair and drags him up, possibly lining up a crushing lariat-

Deadprez: But a last ditch counter almost materializes as the lift is attempted for a German Suplex, but those battered legs simply refuse to cooperate!

Eve: Anticipation pays off as the weight is dropped and a sharp elbow snaps into the face of Akari Kiyoko, halting that rally!

Gavin Kirkland: Seizing the moment, the lift comes again onto the shoulders and the charge is on… RUNNING DEATH VALLEY DRIVER FROM DONOVAN SENDS AKARI INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!

Deadprez: Damn, Donovan just keeps compounding the advantage like this, I am tellin’ ya, that man can seize the crown to represent Showdown! Do we need that?????

Eve: A cover comes again as Donovan drags Akari away from the ropes, clearly hunting the three count!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Eve: TWO! Once more, sheer willpower allows Akari to break the count and keep the fight alive!

Gavin Kirkland: You can practically see the next scheme forming, the back is wrecked, the legs have been tortured, and now both limbs are being scooped up, Donovan Duke could this be the Boston Crab on Akari Kiyoko!

Eve: Everything is being thrown into resistance, Akari Kiyoko trying to fend it off before that hold is fully secured!

(STOMP!)

Deadprez: AH MAN! That is a vicious stomp driven straight into Kiyoko’s abdomen, the foot comes off only to twist those legs inward… AND THE BOSTON CRAB IS FULLY APPLIED BY DONOVAN!

Gavin Kirkland: You can see all that meticulous work on the legs and spine of Akari Kiyoko finally paying dividends as Donovan Duke bends the back and torques those limbs at the same time!

Eve: Everything is being poured into this attempt to force the submission, but you have to wonder if this is truly the finish.

Deadprez: With stakes this high, certainty is a luxury, but at least you are witnessing Akari Kiyoko refuse to fold.

Gavin Kirkland: EAW Universe is roaring for Akari as the struggle intensifies, and you can see he is clawing desperately toward the ropes!

Eve: The overextension is becoming a factor now, one leg has to be released and the hold morphs into a single leg variation! Akari Kiyoko is still in trouble!

Deadprez: Still a punishing grip capable of forcing a tap, Donovan Duke is investing everything while Akari Kiyoko is trying to match it!

Gavin Kirkland: Scratching and crawling despite the vicious torque being applied, Akari is battling with every remaining ounce of resolve to reach those ropes….

Eve: …. HE MADE IT! Kiyoko’s hand finally finds the bottom rope and Akari Kiyoko escapes a dire predicament!

Gavin Kirkland: No no, there is no mercy as Donovan Duke tries to keep the torment going, twisting and dragging him away from the ropes again!

Deadprez: But look at this, a little wriggle while both legs are trapped and suddenly Donovan Duke is tipped into a small package! Brilliant presence of mind in desperation!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Deadprez: So close, but Donovan Duke powers free at two!

Gavin Kirkland: Shock flashes across the face before a European uppercut from Donovan Duke cracks straight into Akari Kiyoko to snuff out that hope!

Eve: No wild swings, just efficiency as the grip tightens again as Donovan Duke pulls him back in and lining up a Uranage!

Deadprez: The escape comes at the last instant, landing beside him and spinning through with one arm… INTO A DISCUS LARIAT THAT DROPS DONOVAN!-

Gavin Kirkland: OH MY GOD, how did he!-

Eve: Somehow Duke absorbs it and stays upright, roaring in defiance while charging the ropes again-

Deadprez: POWWWWWW, another stiff discus lariat from Akari Kiyoko smashes into him on the rebound, even more ferocious than the first!

Gavin Kirkland: The leg is hooked in a heartbeat from Akari!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Gavin Kirkland: STILL A KICK OUT AT TWO, and now this match is exploding into a war of attrition between these two!

Eve: You can feel how badly Akari wants this victory, he is fighting to prove he belongs here and the crowd absolutely understands that!

(Arena erupts for that breakup as the camera zooms in on the fire in Akari’s eyes, pounding the canvas and drawing strength from the thunderous reaction.)

Gavin Kirkland: This win is everything, a ticket to the finals and a message that he is not about to become Donovan Duke’s stepping stone to glory tonight!

Deadprez: The arm is thrown over the head and suddenly Donovan is in peril, AKARI IS HUNTING FOR HEAVY IN THE HEART!

Eve: But can he lift him, those legs are still trembling, the foundation just is not there yet!

Gavin Kirkland: He has to try, this is the window to victory and he is forcing it!

Deadprez: NO! A razor sharp elbow is buried into the crown of his head, dropping Akari to his feet as Donovan spins him around… INTO A HEADLOCK LARIAT FOLLOWED BY A BACKBREAKER!

Eve: That rattled him again, consciousness slipping before Donovan hauls him back up….

Gavin Kirkland: MAN! Look at the brute force here, size means nothing when that athletic monster is throwing everything into it, the lift is secured… CLIFFHANGER DDT CRUSHES AKARI!

Deadprez: The arm is thrown over for the cover on Akari, desperation flooding through every movement!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

THREEEEEEEEEEEE-

Deadprez: NO, AKARI KICKS OUT AGAIN! THE FINALS REMAIN OUT OF REACH FOR DONOVAN!

(Crowd explodes even louder, the camera catching Donovan Duke seething in pure frustration.)

Crowd: AKARI! 👏 AKARI! 👏 AKARI! 👏 AKARI! 👏

Gavin Kirkland: You can tell Donovan Duke hates every second of this, but he is still stalking for the kill, crouched in the corner and waiting to explode!

Deadprez: Akari is struggling back up and the whole arena is rallying behind this kid, come on Akari, I am all in on this, everybody get behind him!

Eve: There is only one man in this building who does not care about that roar, the charge is on… and DONOVAN IS LOOKING FOR THE SPEAR.

Gavin Kirkland: OH MY GOD, WHAT A CATCH, that spear is snared in mid sprint and spun straight into a backslide pin on Donovan!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-

Gavin Kirkland: The shoulder blasts off the mat and he rolls through onto his knees-

Eve: UNITED STATES OF SMASH, KIYOKO UNLEASHES THAT ELBOW WITH DEVASTATING FORCE INTO DONOVAN’S FACE AND DROPS HIM COLD!

Deadprez: That is the shot of a lifetime!

Eve: NOW IS THE MOMENT, THE COVER IS MADE!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-

Gavin Kirkland: DONOVAN DUKE KICKS OUT AGAIN! 

Eve: There is no release though as both arms are hauled back and the trap is sprung… THE LOTUS LOCK IS CINCHED IN ON DONOVAN! 

Deadprez: That kid is channeling pure mastery to put a former world champion away and seize his destiny, this is a star being forged!

Gavin Kirkland: Only real question now is how Donovan is supposed to escape this nightmare!

Eve: Both legs are threading around the arms from behind, seated and smothered, Akari is using every ounce of submission expertise to leave him nowhere to go!

Eve: There is a frantic scramble toward the ropes, every kick from Donovan is an act of survival!

Gavin Kirkland: That body language is pure panic, you can see it, Akari might finally have him!

Deadprez: A quick glance to the side tells Akari the danger is not over, he is already plotting a transition!

Gavin Kirkland: The roll comes through, dragging Donovan away from safety with both legs… AND THEN TURNING THE LOTUS LOCK INTO AN IMPRESSIVE BRIDGING CRADLE, BOTH HANDS POSTED AS HE CONVERTS DONOVAN’S MOMENTUM INTO A TRAP!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Eve: DONOVAN KICKS OUT BUT THE RELEASE SENDS AKARI TUMBLING STRAIGHT INTO A SLEEPER HOLD!

Deadprez: The trap is on again but Akari is fighting through it, kicking and twisting… BEFORE SUDDENLY OVERSHOOTING THE GRIP AND ROLLING DONOVAN UP ONCE MORE WHILE THAT SLEEPER IS STILL CLAMPED ON!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Deadprez: And again, Donovan kicks out!

Gavin Kirkland: The shove sends Akari crashing into the corner, but the aim is instant as he charges back in… A KNEE OF DEATH!

Eve: That knee is caught and the roll through is seamless… INTO A STANDING ANKLE LOCK BY DONOVAN! This is disastrous!

Deadprez: The leg damage from earlier is screaming back into the narrative, this is exactly where he is most vulnerable!

(The entire arena recognizes the story unfolding and erupts with relentless support.)

Crowd: AKARI! 👏 AKARI! 👏 AKARI! 👏 AKARI! 👏

Gavin Kirkland: No matter how gifted Donovan is, nobody in this building wants him to take this, come on Akari!

Eve: The ankle is trapped and Donovan is doing everything possible to keep him away from the ropes!

Gavin Kirkland: There is movement though, something is shifting-

Deadprez: Akari is trying to get upright on one leg!

Eve: Balance is barely there as Akari fights to a vertical base, still snared in that ankle lock and inching toward the ropes!

Gavin Kirkland: The pull comes again from Donovan, dragging him away, but he refuses to go down-

Eve: ENZUIGIRI! THE INSTANT HE TURNS, A KICK SNAPS INTO DONOVAN’S FACE AND SENDS HIM REELING!

Deadprez: Control is slipping but the damage remains, Akari is hurting badly and needs the ropes just to stay standing!

Gavin Kirkland: Donovan is down on his knees and that familiar motion follows… THE KNEE PAD IS SLIDING DOWN! 

Deadprez: This is about to get ugly!-

Gavin Kirkland: A KNEE OF DEATH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(…)

Eve: OH NO… THE LEGS BETRAY HIM, THE BASE COLLAPSES AND DONOVAN SURVIVES AGAIN!

Deadprez: THE DIZZINESS IS SHAKEN OFF IN A HEARTBEAT AS BOTH ARMS HOOK IN TIGHT… RUINS AND DEMISE BY DONOVAN! 

Gavin Kirkland: NO, NO, NOT LIKE THIS!

Eve: THE COVER IS COMING BUT AKARI TUMBLES UNDER THE ROPES TO THE FLOOR, SLIPPING AWAY AT THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND!

(Donovan’s face is seething again as he storms toward the referee to argue, only to be waved off while Akari lies nearly motionless outside the ring.)

Donovan Duke: (Off-Mic) Playtime is OVER.

Gavin Kirkland: We all thought the end was near but Akari just refuses to die out there!

Deadprez: This main event is still alive, baby!

Eve: The rage is boiling over as Donovan drags Akari back toward the ring with pure malice. This is getting ugly fast, the referee wants to check him and that could end everything…..

Gavin Kirkland: I’m scared…. 

(Crowd grows uneasy as Donovan paces and shouts.)

Donovan Duke: (Off-Mic) Throw the X and end this fucking shit! I am the only rightful king of this brand! FUCK HIM!

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Gavin Kirkland: :lupes:

Eve: :lupes:

Deadprez: :lupes:

(The camera finds Akari barely stirring as the referee leans in.)

Referee: (Off-Mic) Akari Kiyoko is not—

(An iron grip snaps around the referee’s arm and the arena erupts again!)

Akari Kiyoko: (Off-Mic) — Not giving up. くそくらえ, DONOVAN!

Crowd: :blessed: !!!!!!!!!!!

Gavin Kirkland: OH MY GOD, HE IS STILL ALIVE!

Deadprez: The referee lets it go on but Akari can barely stand, this is unreal!

Eve: Total disbelief on that face and the referee gets shoved aside as Donovan hooks the arms again-

Gavin Kirkland: DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN INTO A JACKKNIFE PIN, THE FINISH WAS COMING BUT THIS CAUGHT HIM!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-

Gavin Kirkland: SO CLOSE, A KICK OUT AT TWO!

Eve: The scramble to the feet and Donovan is swinging for Force of Will!

Deadprez: The block comes in time and the waistlock, pushing Donovan towards the ropes… AKARI SENDS DONOVAN THROUGH THE AIR INTO A ROLLING GERMAN!

Eve: BUT DONOVAN LANDS ON HIS FEET AND CHARGES BACK IN FOR THE SPEAR-

Gavin Kirkland: A KNEE OF DEATH WITH NO PADS PROTECTED SMASHES THE JAW!!!!! DONOVAN LEAPS RIGHT INTO IT!!!!!!!!

Eve: AKARI ISN’T DONE AND PICKS HIM UP AGAIN… THEN ANOTHER KNEE OF DEATH TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!!!!!!!!

Deadprez: Bad legs and all, Akari hits the ropes again, the crowd is willing him forward!

Crowd: AKARI! 👏 AKARI! 👏AKARI! 👏 AKARI! 👏

Gavin Kirkland: Donovan is being hoisted up, Akari with teeth gritted… AND ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES CONNECTS!!!!!!!! AKARI DROPS HIM WITH THE BUTTERFLY TWISTING CUTTER!!!!!!!!

Eve: That is IT! DONOVAN IS OUT! TO THE FINALS HE GOESSSSSSSS!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

(….)

(DING DING DING!)

(Crowd is in pandemonium as Donovan Duke is finally outclassed at the three count, a result nobody foresaw, and ‘chain’ by BACK-ON hits as Akari Kiyoko keeps his promise.)

Gina Romano: HERE IS YOUR WINNER AND ADVANCING TO THE FINALS ROUND OF THE KING OF ELITE TOURNAMENT AS SHOWDOWN’S REPRESENTATIVE… AKARI KIYOKO!

Gavin Kirkland: OH MY GOD I CANNOT EVEN FORM WORDS, MY BRAIN IS MELTING, THIS IS INSANITY!

Eve: HE HAS DONE IT! AKARI KIYOKO IS A FINALIST AND HE IS COMING FOR THAT CROWN THIS YEAR!

Deadprez: This is the catharsis this arena has been craving, the culmination of belief and attrition, Akari Kiyoko just fought his way into the finals! Fight for your dream!

Gavin Kirkland: Am I crying or hallucinating, because AKARI KIYOKO IS GOING TO MAIN EVENT KING OF ELITE 2026! THE FUTURE IS NOW! 

(Camera cuts to the ring, where Akari Kiyoko is being attended to by the referee while Donovan Duke stares up at the lights motionless beside him in shock after that brutal conclusion. Taking down an opponent of Duke’s caliber is no small feat, and what just transpired shows that Akari was willing to give everything he had for this tournament, a throne meant only for the very best. Now he has defeated arguably the finest that Showdown had to offer and is set to advance to the final round. Akari may be gasping for breath, drenched in sweat, and barely able to stand by the end of the night, but he has proven that anything can be achieved, and he has earned every ounce of the respect being shown to him.)

Gavin Kirkland: Credit where it is due though, Donovan wanted this and fought like a true wrestler to represent Showdown.

Eve: Ask the thousands in this arena what they think about that, Gavin. 

Deadprez: There is merit in the struggle though, he pushed Akari to the brink and forced something transcendent out of him, but tonight the narrative ends with him simply being outlasted.

(As Akari is slowly helped back to his feet by the referee, more officials rush in from the outside to escort Donovan to the back. Donovan angrily shoves a few of them away, insisting on walking out under his own power. He nearly stumbles, but steadies himself, gathering what strength he has left before finally making his way up the ramp. What truly infuriates Donovan is the realization that he was supposed to be the best. Yet the lesson of the night cuts far deeper. Being the best does not always mean being the one who outlasts everyone, and in this world, there is always someone better waiting to take your place. Tonight, that person was Akari Kiyoko. All week long, Donovan had talked down to Akari, tearing into his credibility as an elitist in this tournament, only to be proven completely wrong. He did not want to accept it. He tried everything to secure his place as Showdown’s representative, but in the end, it simply did not work. Now all he can do is face reality and head to the back alone, left with nothing but the reminder that sometimes, it is just not your night.)

Gavin Kirkland: Congratulations to Akari Kiyoko, a monumental upset, but this saga is only beginning from here!

Eve: Precisely, the finals will demand even more acuity and composure, and this young man is about to face the most exacting test of his career.

Deadprez: Watching this ascent is a privilege, world champion in the making, but first he has to conquer the King of Elite. Way to go! 

(Akari Kiyoko’s hand is raised by the referee as he continues to gasp for breath, nearly collapsing before throwing himself back against the ropes to steady himself. He wipes the sweat from his face, slicks his hair back, and looks around while the crowd erupts in cheers, applauding and celebrating with him. Kiyoko surveys the arena and gives a small nod to himself. Emotion surges deep within him. This victory means everything, not only to him but to all the people he promised he would not let down. Yet he does not show it outwardly, because his mission is not complete. In truth, it has only just begun, and this is where things start to become real. Akari exhales deeply and raises both arms once more, the roar of the crowd swelling in response. Slowly, he turns toward the hard cam and stands alone at the center of the ring, posing under the lights where he shines the brightest, as Showdown comes to a close and Akari Kiyoko steps triumphantly into the next chapter of his career.)

(EAW Logo buzzes.)