(EAW intro plays.)
(The camera opens up as usual and a recap of the Hawaiian Christmas Show Spectacle begins to play from Voltage’s side. Various Voltage Elitists won awards in the show such as Dr. Bethany Blue, Sheridan Muller, Minerva, Myles and Drake King. As for the matches, in a brutal looking fatal four way match Hikari Kanno was able to beat Daryl Kinkade, Theron Nikolas and Charlie Marr to become the new Hardcore Champion. Sheridan Müller ended up unsuccessful at beating Sienna Jade and capturing the Universal Women’s Championship. And finally, in an amazing main event, Limmy Monaghan was able to beat Rex McAllister.)
(As the recap ends, Sunday Night Voltage fades away to show a shot of the Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California. An edited version of ‘33rd Blakk Glass’ by ZilaKami & SosMula is playing through the speakers as spotlights are panning around and golden pyro is shooting out from the stage. The crowd cheers incredibly loud while the camera then goes over to show the broadcasting team of Rich Russillo, James Peters, and Persephone.)
Rich Russillo: Welcome ladies and gentlemen…TO THE FIRST SUNDAY NIGHT VOLTAGE OF 2023! I hope all of you are having a Happy New Year as we kick off 2023 with tonight’s show!
James Peters: 2023 is looking to be an incredible year for EAW and all of the Elitists that are a part of it, especially for all of the people here on Voltage as we are officially at the start of the road to Pain for Pride and our first destination is none other than King of Elite 2023. But before that, we have an amazing show planned for everybody!
Rich Russillo: Exactly James! New faces and old are here as we look forward to Trish Edwardson going up against Sal Dorado, Justin Thorson fighting Mercer Mckay in the King of Elite tournament while Voltage’s Halsey Neel faces off against Dynasty’s Mei Sasaki in the Empress of Elite tournament!
James Peters: We also have Kylie Grace versus Usagi Senshi as well in the first round of the Empress of Elite, a Champion vs Champion Showcase with the Specialists Champion ARIA fighting the Hardcore Champion Hikari Kanno, and finally, a main event which is nothing short of incredible, in the first round of the King of Elite, Drake King against Myles!
(The camera then pans over to Persephone, but she is looking dejected and sad, obviously because of Rex losing his match at the Christmas Show.)
Persephone: I don’t even have a super happy comment to say this time, I am sure the show will be cool and exciting, let’s just get on with it :saddrake:
(“Pinky! Pinky!” by The Idol Formerly Known as LADYBABY hits the speakers and the crowd cheers incredibly loud, knowing who was coming out after hearing that song. First of all, it was Ayu Megumi who came out with an incredibly bright smile on her face while she waved hello to the people in the crowd. The second person to come out was Usagi Senshi, a confident smile was on her face as she stood next to her girlfriend, definitely feeling a lot better after the past few weeks that she had to go through. And finally, it was the last member of the Ice Aces to come out, as ARIA slowly walked out feeling a bit nervous seeing so many people supporting them, but she pushed through with a smile as well, standing between her friends and raising the Specialists Championship up in the air for everybody to see as the crowd cheered louder than before. She lowered it and put it on her shoulder as the three teammates got ready and began walking down the ramp.)
James Peters: We are starting off this incredibly hot episode of Voltage with none other than the Ice Aces! They are coming off an incredibly successful event for them at Road to Redemption, as Ayu Megumi and Usagi Senshi were able to beat Candice Blair and Sierra Everett, and ARIA successfully won the Specialists Chamber and became the new Specialists Champion!
Rich Russillo: A night that was nothing short of incredible for them James! They must be on an all time high after what happened at Road to Redemption, these ladies had a rough end to the last season and a rough start as well having to deal with various problems, but it seems it is finally looking up for them in 2023!
Persephone: Hmph! The only reason it went so bad for them was because they were traitors to Disney! They refused Eden’s offer and brought themselves the wrath of Team Eden, but they got off scotfree and they even win a title? The injustice in this world! 😤 But ARIA did bring the Specialists Championship back to Voltage so I guess a broken clock is right twice a day!
(The three of them quickly entered the ring after grabbing some microphones, they each stood next to each other with ARIA putting herself in the middle being the first to talk. As their music died down and ARIA quickly raised up her microphone, she began talking into it.)
ARIA: San Diego, Californiaaaa! How are all of you doing?
(The crowd cheered as a response to ARIA as she nodded happily when hearing them.)
ARIA: Makes me very happy to hear all of you are well! Me, Ayu and Usagi have been over the moon the past few weeks, and really, where do I even start? It felt like Lady Luck finally shined over us and gave us the chance to turn the tables around and make the journey that we were going through finally worth it. Ayu was able to succeed, Usagi was able to succeed, I was able to succeed, and well, the Ice Aces were able to succeed together! And it makes me very happy too be able to say that and be able to hold the title that I have been fighting for all this time, it still feels unreal. It still feels like I am stuck in a dream of sorts that I don’t want to wake up from, but here I am, in the flesh as your new Specialists Champion! I have already talked about my thoughts and feelings on this win a few days ago, but out of the people I wanted to thank, I left out somebody to address directly and thank them, and it was to thank every single one of you standing here and cheering us on. To thank you for believing in us and believing in me every step of the way, and to promise you as well that I won’t let you down at all as your Specialists Champion.
(The crowd cheered even louder than before hearing ARIA thank them, as a bright smile appeared on her face from their support before she began speaking again.)
ARIA: Now let’s not dwell too much on the past, it is the present and we are looking towards the future! What am I looking forward to doing in the new year as Specialists Champion? Well, it is simple really, my goal for this reign is to show how much of a fighting champion I can be, to keep it up at 100 percent and never let down from there, to make the Specialists Championship one of the greatest championships around. So to do that I want to make sure the people who deserve a chance to fight for the title get it, and while I expect for people to step up and challenge me, I actually have a list with a few names I want to challenge and face myself, as I think they are worthy challengers and they can really test my resolve now that I am a champion. Either way, the journey ahead of us after our massive wins looks brighter than ever, and I am not afraid of saying that 2023 will be the year of the Ice Aces!
(ARIA lowers her microphone after saying her piece and it is now Usagi’s turn to talk as she raises her own microphone and begins talking.)
Usagi Senshi: Exactly what ARIA said, me and Ayu are incredibly joyous for being able to see our friend become the Specialists Champion and it is a sign that 2023 will be considered the year of the Ice Aces. After everything that we had to go through at the start of season, dealing with Eden and her lackeys having to torment us and make our life worse than it needed to be, we didn’t let them walk over for us another time. That is why me and Ayu were able to fight through and succeed at Road to Redemption, beating Team Eden at their stupid game and finally being able to prove them wrong in everything they have said. You really can’t imagine how glad I am being able to get that weight off my shoulders and being done with them, and now we want to make the most out of the new year, we want to keep that momentum we have gained at Road to Redemption with me and Ayu looking back at one simple objective.
(Usagi looked over to Ayu and she nodded with a smile as she raised the microphone herself to begin speaking.)
Ayu Megumi: It fills me with absolute joy after being able to win at Road to Redemption with Usagi and seeing ARIA become the Specialists Champion. But even though we were able to get Team Eden off our backs, there is still that thought that us two have in the back of our heads that we have been looking to accomplish this whole time. We still want to win the Unified Tag Team Championships, we still want to accomplish that and be called champions, so now that we are done with Team Eden, our sights are set on Soul Food Sunday and-
(“It Follows” by Cane Hill played through the speakers and the crowd explodes in a mixed reaction, with cheers being heard more due to the sudden surprise as Xander Payne calmly strolled out with a calm but serious expression on his face, and following him was obviously Ryan Wilson, being more happy than normal and with a confident grin on his face as the two men walked down to the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Xander Payne and Ryan Wilson are here on Voltage! But what is their reason to be here, and why are they interrupting the Ice Aces?
James Peters: Well, yesterday Xander and Ryan made a similar statement on Showdown wanting to go for the Unified Tag Team Championships, so it seems they heard what The Ice Aces’s current objective was and they couldn’t resist from coming out, I assume that is what is happening.
Persephone: (whispering) Must… not… make… fat jokes…
Rich Russillo: What did you say Persephone?
Persephone: Uh- What I said was that I am so happy to see Ryan Wilson and Xander Payne visiting Voltage and making their presence known, I think they are incredible wrestlers with one of them having very large…accomplishments! So seeing them be here on Voltage brings a gigantic…smile to my face! 😃
(Xander and Ryan grabbed some microphones as well and calmly entered inside of the ring as the Ice Aces were a bit shocked to see the two make their sudden appearance. As the music died down Ryan quickly began talking.)
Ryan Wilson: Hello there ladies! Sorry for interrupting your speech and ruining the mood, that is why to start I want to give congratulations from me and my partner to all of you winning at Road to Redemption!
(Ryan began clapping with a few people in the crowd clapping as well to not make it awkward, as the Ice Aces looked at him with a lot of doubt shown in their expressions.)
Ryan Wilson: Especially after seeing ARIA be able to become the Specialists Champion! I am sure you must be elated-
Xander Payne: Ryan, get to the point.
Ryan Wilson: Right, I’ll stop stalling. See, we couldn’t stop ourselves from hearing what you two, Ayu and Usagi, had to say. We were just coincidentally around and after hearing you wanting to challenge for the Unified Tag Team Championships, me and Xander just had to come out here and interrupt you considering that-
Usagi Senshi: So you two are wanting to challenge for the Unified Tag Team Championships. Yeah, we figured that out easily, but you two exactly? You two out of everyone? After what you two went through the past few weeks yourself? When you, Ryan, eliminated Xander all of the sudden in that Elimination Chamber and Xander has said he still doesn’t trust you? And seriously, do you two even have a team name?
Xander Payne: We have a team name, don’t we, Ryan?
Ryan Wilson: Yeah, of course my good partner!…We are still working on the details though, but me and Xander have been working night and day as well for our secret tag team handshake, we can show it right now!
(Xander simply stares at Ryan in silence without saying a word and Ryan quickly gets what Xander is trying to say as he nodded slowly.)
Ryan Wilson: Well, Xander isn’t in the best of moods to do it at this moment, but with or without a team name or secret handshake, me and Xander are stronger than before! Because after what happened at Road to Redemption, we were able to get on the same page. It was just a simple lesson that Xander has taught me, to always seize every opportunity that was given to me! He would have done the same thing as I did at that moment and he perfectly understood, the fact that we were able to reconcile so quickly shows our development as a team, and we are just getting started as well! We even showed that at the Christmas Show when we beat the Off-Brand Amphetamines, former tag team champions! While you…
Ayu Megumi: Stop already Ryan, I am doing you a favor before you do something wrong yet again. Yes, me and Usagi were unsuccessful the first time when going up against the Off-Brand Amphetamines, but we went up against them a second time and succeeded. We beat them and we redeemed ourselves. We proved where we could really go if we wanted to, we could be able to finally win those Unified Tag Team Championships if we wanted to, we just need another chance to succeed, another chance to prove ourselves and finally be able to succeed.
Xander Payne: Beggars can’t be choosers. The fact that you are asking for another chance after failing various other times shows that maybe you aren’t up to this, the two of you have been so close yet so far when it matters, when all of the lights are shining down on you, you fail and you aren’t able to succeed. It sucks but hey, sometimes, people aren’t able to succeed. We are best fit to face Soul Food Sunday, especially since you two already have experience with them in losing efforts, so with Ryan Wilson and The Best in the World together? We won’t need second tries, we will get a home run on the first try.
Usagi Senshi: You are only the best in the world at eating buffets, you can’t call out someone for being so close yet so far, for messing up at the moments when it matters most when you have famously messed up when it mattered most a few times. Me and Ayu have grown from our failures, we as a team have taken those losses, a few sometimes to the heart, and that pushed us to get better every single time, to grow as a team and as an unit so that at the end we are able to finally conquer all of those fears and obstacles and finally succeed! And there is no way we will let the two of you or Soul Food Sunday stop us!
ARIA: Hmmm…me personally, I wanted to see what that secret handshake was about but anyway! It is clear we aren’t going to go anywhere arguing so…how about the four of you have a match?
(The crowd cheered loudly in support of ARIA’s idea as both Ayu and Usagi smiled and nodded.)
Usagi Senshi: Yeah, what ARIA says is right, how about this? The Ice Aces against Ryan Wilson and Xander Payne at King of Elite, as a way to prove who is the superior team and who deserves the title match. Do you take the deal?
(Xander and Ryan began whispering between each other, looking at their options before Xander spoke up.)
Xander Payne: We accept.
(The crowd cheered loudly once again hearing Xander and Ryan accept and the two teams stared at each other in silence, a staredown happening between them.)
Rich Russillo: You heard it here ladies and gentlemen! One of the matches in King of Elite has been made, Ryan Wilson and Xander Payne against the Ice Aces!
James Peters: An incredible match between two incredible teams, one team who is looking to prove themselves as the best team in the world and another who is looking for their journey to have a happy ending! Who will win out of these two? We will just have to wait and see!
(The staredown continued for a few more seconds before Ryan and Xander turned their backs on them, and they left the ring. They went on their way and up the ramp, with the Ice Aces continuing to stare at them as they left with Voltage fading off to commercials in the process.)
(Commercial for Avatar: The Way of Water featuring Ronan Malosi. In theaters now!)
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: The following contest is scheduled for…
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
( ‘Falling Apart’ by Zebrahead hits. Sal Dorado makes his way to the ring looking annoyed with the boos from the crowd as he struts into the ring with a cocky look on his face.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first from San Diego, California he is “The Mirror Image” SALLLLLLLLLLLLLL DORRRRRRRRRRADOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
James Peters: We have had the fortune of seeing Sal Dorado on Fight Grid in the past but tonight he is going to appear on Voltage. He has had basically no success at all in his EAW career so far but maybe that will change this time.
Rich Russillo: It is possible but I just don’t get how he can have that kind of arrogance despite the way things have gone so far. For his sake he better be prepared…
( DMX – Who We Be hits to a huge pop from the crowd. Trish Edwardson comes to the ring slapping hands with the fans as she appears to already have a large following despite this being her first match in EAW. Once Trish makes it to ringside, and she becomes more focused as she stares at her opponent inside of the ring.)
Bella Braxton: And his opponent from Worthing, United Kingdom she is “Le Petit Serpent” TRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRISH EDWARDSON!!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Peters: From what we know Trish Edwardson-Gutierrez is the daughter of a luchador. Wrestling flows through her blood! She could very well be the future of this brand, but it might just depend on what happens tonight.
Rich Russillo: Honestly you might be right James. Anything could happen tonight.
James Peters: This week Trish claimed that pro wrestling was bigger than just one British wrestler. I respect the humility but tonight Trish is going to have to show the world why she is the true incarnation of pro wrestling into a human being if she is to even stand a chance against someone like Sal Dorado. Let’s see if she can do it…
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: We are underway as these two competitors Trish Edwardson and Sal Dorado are set to lock up in the ring. They are feeling each other out now. Trish yanks hard on Sal’s arm and pulls him right into a headlock. Trish got him but Sal with the arms around the waist of Trish as he begins to squeeze and eventually throws her off him and off the ropes. Trish comes charging back but Sal falls to his belly on the mat forcing her to leap over him. Trish runs off the ropes with a charging Lariat! But Sal catches her with a Running Shoulder Thrust sending her to her back on the mat before the Lariat can connect! Sal looks real pleased with himself as he waits for Trish to get back up and then tosses her down with a quick arm drag! Trish rolls through back to her feet! Sal charges in with a running Lariat of his own-
James Peters: But Trish Edwardson ducks beneath! Sal Dorado grabbed from behind and Edwardson pulls Dorado down into a Backslide Pinning Combination! But Dorado immediately flips out of it back up to his feet! Edwardson with a Spinning Back Fist catches him on the side of the head as he crumples to the ground from the impact! Dorado just got rocked and he just got dropped. Edwardson defiant now as Dorado pulls himself back up in the corner. Edwardson showing sportswomanship by waiting in the ring and not charging the corner as some wrestlers might do. Dorado back up and he is not happy.
Rich Russillo: Sal Dorado with a hard running fist to the face of Trish Edwardson! No! She easily blocks it and sidesteps before lighting up the face of Dorado with a fist of her own! And another! And another! Edwardson on fire now and she is pummeling into Dorado and unleashing her fury! Could this be the true power and potential of The Next-Gen Superstar?!?!? Edwardson with a hard uppercut sending Dorado flying back into the ropes! But Dorado uses the momentum to come flying back towards Edwardson with a Charging Forearm!
James Peters: Sal Dorado pummeling Trish Edwardson now back up against the ropes! Hard back chops from Edwardson send Dorado staggering back but he connects with a kick to the gut! Dorado hooks the arms of Edwardson! He lifts her up into a Double Underhook Side Suplex! No! She flips out of it! Edwardson lands on her feet as Dorado whirls around and charges in! But she ducks and tosses him back sending him high into the air with a Back Body Drop! He comes crashing down as she slides into the cover and may have this thing over and done with!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-
Persephone: Kickout! The match continues! YES! YES! YES!
Rich Russillo: :usure: It does indeed continue as both competitors are back to their feet. Sal Dorado immediately slips behind Trish Edwardson and hooks the arms! He falls forward looking to plant her face first into the mat! But Edwardson manages to break free just in time and roll out of it! Dorado charges in but Edwardson grabs him by the neck and whips him around into a Snapmare Takedown and captures Dorado with a headlock. Finally a break to rest as Edwardson has stopped Dorado from moving and has him tight on the ground in a rest hold.
Persephone: THIS IS AWESOME! 👏 👏 👏
James Peters: Sal Dorado is fading and Trish Edwardson releases the hold as he begins to pull himself up on hands and knees. Edwardson rushes in with a Curb Stomp! No! Dorado moves out of the way just in time and Edwardson nearly twisted her ankle from the impact as she stomps down hard on the mat instead. Dorado off the ropes as he connects with a Running Dropkick to Edwardson taking her down. Edwardson rolls back up to her feet as Dorado kicks her in the gut and hooks the arm. Suplex incoming!-
Rich Russillo: No! Trish Edwardson manages to sandbag on the suplex not allowing Sal Dorado to get her up and over! She counters into a Suplex of her own! Wait no! Watch out!—
James Peters: Trish Edwardson was too close to the ropes! She lifts Sal Dorado up and Suplexes him over the top rope to the outside! But Dorado manages to land on the apron! He pulls Edwardson by the hair from behind! Dorado yanks her over the top rope hooking the skull! But Edwardson swings her legs around over the top rope and grabs the head of Dorado yanking him down! Edwardson with a modified Swinging Suplex from the apron drops Dorado back first on the outside of the ring right in front of our commentary table.
Persephone: Wow! They are so close! It’s wild I actually feel like I am watching the match!
Rich Russillo: You are supposed to be watching it anyway. :mjpls:
Persephone: Really? Nobody told me I had to do that…
Rich Russillo: :comeagain:
James Peters: Both Trish Edwardson and Sal Dorado down on the outside and slowly getting back up after that impact falling out of the ring. The referee is counting them out hardcore.
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN!
Persephone: COUNT SLOWER PLEASE! NO! DON’T LET IT END! NOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Rich Russillo: Sal Dorado grabs Trish Edwardson and slams her head into the apron! No! Edwardson spins around and gores Dorado back first into the apron instead! Dorado screams out in pain as his spine has been injured by being driven right into a part of the ring I hear is quite hard indeed.
Persephone: Some even claim it is the hardest part there is. :wow:
Referee: EIGHT!
James Peters: Sal Dorado tries to slide away but Trish Edwardson grabs his arm and throws it hard into the ring post. Dorado screams in pain as he is taking a lot of damage in this match and can’t seem to catch a break. He thumbs the eye of Edwardson and slides back into the ring!
Referee: NINE!
Rich Russillo: Trish Edwardson quickly throws herself back into the ring to defeat the ten count. Sal Dorado picks himself up and tries to distance himself from Edwardson. But she stays on him with repeated punches to the gut not even allowing him to breathe. Dorado crumples down in the corner heaving from the blows to his gut possibly suffering damage to his internal organs from the strikes of Edwardson. The serpent is indeed striking and Dorado has been poisoned!
James Peters: Sal Dorado pulls himself up in the corner as Trish Edwardson is lighting up his chest with hard chops. Edwardson grabs the arm of Dorado and slams it down hard over the top rope violently. It bounces off as Dorado bounces back aggressively into the ring. Edwardson grabs his arm and uses the momentum to twist him down and flips Dorado to the mat into a Cross Armbreaker! Dorado just may indeed tap out! Edwardson focusing hard on the wrist twisting it around. Trying to rip that arm right off! Dorado reaching out and reaching within! But he just may be screwed all up in here! Gotta give it up real quick you know that Dorado just don’t have it in him none.
Rich Russillo: Sal Dorado manages to sit up and throw Trish Edwardson off him! The writing it on the wall as Edwardson allows Dorado to get back up and throws him off the ropes! Irish Whip with Edwardson holding onto the arm to yank Dorado back and further do that damage. But Dorado pulls Edwardson in instead! SMALL PACKAGE!!! DORADO IS GONNA STEAL THIS THING!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
James Peters: The kickout! Trish Edwardson nearly lost the match so suddenly considering her dominance throughout the majority of this contest thus far! Sal Dorado immediately grabs the arm of Edwardson keeping her grounded with an armbar. But Edwardson flips backwards rolling up to her feet and out of the hold nearly pinning Dorado’s shoulders to the mat before he breaks it up. Both competitors back to their feet. Edwardson grabs the arm of Dorado wrenching it behind his head but Edwardson now pummeling at Dorado with repeated strikes. Edwardson breaks free and darts behind Dorado and locks her arms around him tightly as Dorado charges the ropes throwing Edwardson off him from the momentum. Dorado whips around but Edwardson grabs him and yanks Dorado downwards with a devastating Codebreaker! Edwardson slides into the cover looking to start out 2023 with a win!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Referee: THRE-
Rich Russillo: Kickout yet again by Sal Dorado! Trish Edwardson back up and grabs Dorado tossing him out of the ring! But at the very last moment Dorado turns things around and sends Edwardson over instead! But he grabs onto her hair as she falls! Damn that looks painful as he yanks her back up to the apron by the hair with a whole handful of it! But Edwardson manages to plant her feet on the apron and punches Dorado hard in the face with a closed fist punch.
Persephone: Quite illegal indeed. Disqualification worthy some might say. Not me tho.
James Peters: Trish Edwardson pulls Sal Dorado over the top rope and flips him to the floor with a Suplex! Wow that was a long way to fall as Dorado just looks straight up wrecked! She wrecked him Perse!
Persephone: She sure did! This might even result in a countout! Don’t you think so? You guys agree right?
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE!
Rich Russillo: The referee is indeed preparing for the countout as the competitors slowly get back up on the outside and begin to brawl! Edwardson grabs Dorado and lifts him up over her head and going for a Scoop Slam on the outside! But Dorado slides off behind Trish Edwardson and pushes her real hard! Edwardson goes flying across the floor and right on into the steel steps! She got all of them! Edwardson at full speed goes head first into the steel steps at ringside knocking them the hell over and knocking her the hell out! Dorado now slipping back on into the ring!
Referee: SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NINE!-
Persephone: :lupe: !!!!!!!!!!!!! 🤞
Referee: TEN!
Persephone: :blessed:
James Peters: NO! Trish Edwardson manages to get up and slide back into the ring just in time!
Persephone: Yay…
James Peters: And this match will indeed continue on as Trish Edwardson managed to find the will within to survive!
Rich Russillo: But as soon as Trish Edwardson slides her way back on up into the ring Sal Dorado begins to stomp away at her. He is big mad that she has survived in this match! He pulls Edwardson up and Dorado connects with a Snap DDT in the middle of the ring! He is signalling to the crowd he is going to put her away!
James Peters: SAL DORADO YANKS TRISH EDWARDSON IN WITH THE RIPCORD SLAP!!!
Rich Russillo: No! Trish Edwardson dodged it! Edwardson punching back Sal Dorado rocking him up against the ropes as she is giving all that she has left into beating back her opponent who can’t seem to find a way to counter her onslaught!
James Peters: Sal Dorado collapses in the ring after eating an Edwardson Kick! Trish Edwardson with a Curb Stomp planting Dorado’s head on the mat in the ring before applying the Camel Clutch! THE EDWARDSON CODE IS LOCKED IN AND DORADO IS OUT OF IT!!! THE REFEREE IS CHECKING!
Rich Russillo: SAL DORADO IS OUT! THE REFEREE CALLS FOR THE BELL!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner… TRRRRRRRRRRRISHHHHHHHHHHHHH EDWARDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSONNN!!!
(DMX – Who We Be hits to cheers from the crowd as Trish Edwardson has her arm raised by the referee jumping in joy at her happiness for winning.)
Rich Russillo: SHE DID IT! TRISH EDWARDSON HAS WON THIS MATCH! I KNEW SHE COULD DO IT!
James Peters: I’m so happy to see Trish Edwardson pick up a big win here tonight on Voltage. I personally predict she will be the future face of this whole brand and her potential is literally limitless.
Rich Russillo: Good effort from Sal Dorado. But tonight belongs to The Next-Gen Superstar who just indeed may represent everything that the next generation of Voltage is going to be about! You just have to love to see it! Hopefully we will see many more appearances of this great athlete in the coming weeks as she continues to dominate the competition!
(The camera cuts to a commercial for the EAW Smartwatch. Featuring built-in audio reminders from Ronn Banks telling you to watch the shows. And no you can’t disable them.)
(Sunday Night Voltage fades back in to show a shot of EAW Headquarters located in Newark, New Jersey. The camera panned over to reveal that the show was now airing on the Fight Grid set, with of course, the host Molly Waters who was standing by behind her desk. She waved hello to everyone before then beginning to speak.)
Molly Waters: Welcome everyone, happy new year! I hope all of you watching enjoy 2023 and all of your wishes come true! I know you don’t see me usually appearing here in the shows on the Fight Grid set, but tonight is a very special occasion! This is something out of the ordinary and something we want to try out as I want to spend the next few minutes showing you the Elitists to watch for in 2023! We want to start the year off giving a chance for all of the amazing Voltage Elitists to give their opinion on what their 2022 experience and what they are looking forward to in this new year. So during the next few minutes we will highlight some of the major names and heavy hitters Voltage has on the roster, talking about their accomplishments and how 2023 will be a good chance for them to add more accomplishments to their resumes. Tonight we have four amazing Elitists who will have their chance to prove that 2023 will be their year, so without further ado, let’s get right to it!
(The feed then quickly cut to another room where the interviews were taking place. The first person to be interviewed was none other than TLA! He sat down and got comfortable on the chair, he quickly put the microphone on and looked over to Molly with a bright grin as she sat across from him.)
TLA: Epale mami, how are you doing? :wow:
Molly Waters: Hey there TLA! I am doing pretty great. Ready for the questions?
TLA: Of course, shoot away.
Molly Waters: What are your thoughts on what you have been able to accomplish in 2022?
TLA: The past year was simply a total locura for me, mija. It started off red hot at King of Elite last year coincidentally when I went up against that bit-nice woman :mjgrin: in Kassidy and she gave me an absolute pelea, the fans blew up in cheers at every moment and she blew up literally alongside them, it was like Infinity War and Endgame both combined in that fight. She even said the line everybody knows, someone was surely going to die after that so with cero miedo, I grabbed her and jumped off that stage like I was Iron Man doing that ultimate sacrifice, except I survived and won the Answers World Championship at the end. After that I went off on anybody who wanted a piece of me, being that fighting campeon, doing more death defying stunts along the way and defying everything that went up against me, sadly though at Pain for Pride, El Diez Impact ended up catching up with me and taking me down, Diez for the championship reigns and for the hamburgers he ate everyday for the past decade. Seriously though, he earned it fairly, we went mano a mano and he won that fight, I took a world championship from him, he took a world championship from me, we good now. So when I thought the year wouldn’t get any crazier than that, the next few months I have a target en mi espalda and I am suddenly being forced to grab my bags and leave, I even tried to play nice the first time but this loca couldn’t handle all of TLA, I genuinely thought I would have to leave the TLArmy behind and go back to Mexico, but nah, I stayed for all of them, Eden wanted to fight with fire so I fought back with a tank, she even tried to make the Ice Aces do el trabajo sucio for her, but thanks to them, Samael and Kylie, we exposed the heck out of Eden and they brought my job back. I then went back to fighting for siempre with Drake and gave him that Disney phobia, and finally I tried to redeem that road again at Road to Redemption and take the EAW Championship, but sadly, ninguna suerte ahí, either way, it is what it is and we take the wins where we get them.
Molly Waters: What are you looking forward to doing in 2023?
TLA: Try my luck at bypassing the swear rule by speaking Español. Ok, sin bromear, it is a new year, año nuevo, vida nueva as they say, I plan to put 2023 in a headlock, have a five star match with it and then pin it with an uno, dos, tres with that Mexican Destroyer. My main focus at the moment is the King of Elite, another chance to become Rey TLA, Rey Pantera, I came so close a few years back and now that I have another opportunity at it, I ain’t letting it off my sight, I ain’t throwing the opportunity at that tercer world championship. No matter what happens, we continue to stay beasting, stay feasting, put in that hard work and make that lucha dream continue to shine, TLA forever, TLA out. Gracias por la entrevista Molly.
(TLA then takes off the microphone as he gets up, gives a fist bump to Molly and leaves. It then cuts to the next interview that took place as Daryl Kinkade walked over and sat down in the chair, a stagehand quickly put the microphone on him and as the cameras started rolling, he put on an optimistic smile.)
Molly Waters: Hello Daryl, it is good to see you once more!
Daryl Kinkade: It is good to see you as well Molly, thanks for inviting me.
Molly Waters: Let’s not waste any time and cut right to it, what are your thoughts on what you have been able to accomplish in 2022?
(Daryl put a hand to his chin taking his time to think about this one before he began talking about what happened.)
Daryl Kinkade: I think you can argue on my performance in 2022, either you can say it has gone very well for me, or it ended up going very bad, what do I think of it? I say a few good things happened and a few bad things as well, nothing will be completely perfect after all but at least I can say I am satisfied with what I have been able to do. Returning last year at Grand Rampage, hearing everyone cheer me on after I made my surprise return, it was definitely a moment I will cherish. It made me believe that it was indeed a good decision to come back, too bad that it didn’t last long and would you look at that? I was eliminated by my former tag team partner, and somehow, someway, it came right back to him, so when I had that chance to finally get back at him, and the opportunity to be able to crown myself the Hardcore Champion, I went all in for it and…well, sadly, it didn’t work out. It was almost like a slap to the face to bring me back to reality. So when Season 16 rolled around, and I now had the chance to fight for the EAW Championship, I knew I had to go for it too. I knew I couldn’t miss this kind of shot, so when it came to it…and I lost…yeah. It was good being able to win at Territorial Invasion and then consecutively beat Ronan into oblivion. But then at the last few matches of my year, not being able to win the Extreme Enigma Memorial Match and failing my second shot at the Hardcore Championship…yeah, I think you can see a pattern here.
Molly Waters: I see…well, what are you looking forward to doing in 2023?
Daryl Kinkade: See, for 2023, I am trying to be a lot more positive, the past few weeks I haven’t been in the best mindset, in the best mental state. So I am looking forward to pushing myself out of it as best as I can. I am not a wizard, I can’t really see into the future and figure out what is in my future for 2023, but I am looking at where my first stop is, and that is the King of Elite. If I am able to beat everyone and get to the finals of the King of Elite, where then I can crown myself as King. This is my shot at finding myself in the world title picture again and finally winning my first world title. In 2022 I went through my ups and downs, more downs than I can talk about, but with another opportunity right at my grasp, to finally make come true what I said I would do? I am not willing to back down. Thank you for having me Molly.
(Molly gave a reassuring smile and a nod to Daryl as he got up his chair and got ready to leave. At that moment, a cut happened to another interview and this time it was Samael. Well, it was actually Michael in control, the scared stagehand carefully put the microphone on Michael as he looked over with a bright smile and sat still after Dr. Doyle told him to. The stagehand finished and quickly walked away as Molly took a deep breath and began talking.)
Molly Waters: Hi, Michael, right?
Michael: Yep, that is me! Hi nice lady!
Molly Waters: Pleasure to meet you, my name is Molly. Now, I am going to ask you a few questions and you will respond to them, alright?
Michael: Okie dokie!
Molly Waters: Alright, what do you think of everything that happened for you in 2022?
Michael: Oh, oh! I had a lot of fun last year. I met sooo many cool people that I thought were nice and kind, and I was able to make my first friend as well with Kylie. She teached me how to skate, and she gave me a toy, she was super super nice! I did meet a few mean people, like that scary bearded man who didn’t like being a dad, or the very mean doctor woman, but at the end I really enjoyed last year, I hope this next one is even better than before!
Molly Waters: Then if so, what are you looking forward to doing in 2023?
Michael: Hmmmmmmm…make a lot more friends and learn how to do tricks with a skateboard!
Molly Waters: …Well, that was the shortest interview I had-
???: Oh come on, at least I won’t let you leave without anything interesting.
(Molly immediately grew nervous as she looked over again and she saw Caine take control this time. He had a simple grin on his face as Molly looked at him, she wasn’t sure if it was safe to be around him but as she saw Dr. Doyle and security guards were on standby, she took another deep breath and tried calming down.)
Caine: Let’s start this off again, shall we?
Molly Waters: Uh…alright, how-
Caine: I heard your questions. You don’t need to repeat yourself. 2022? Meh, who cares about talking about the little effort you put into doing the bare minimum or completely messing up and ruining what you still have with you for the past year? They always talk about a new year, new me, but those promises are always underdelivered, it is always the same person with the same problems, not being able to get out of the hole they put themselves in. People won’t put the blame on themselves and become a better person, one little mistake, one little problem and they will just continue to grow worse and worse each day. Nothing good will come out of anything if you just hope, so I am not going to give you some tired rundown, the past year was simply a year to learn, it was the first year HE arrived after all, and he took in everything that could help him out, everyone that could help us out. Sadly, there were some good candidates but sadly nobody wanted to accept HIM and stand by his side. Maybe we will finally find someone this year. Either way, nothing much was lost because we still have the bargaining chip of the 24/7 contract. We still have that very much in our grasp and who knows when it will be used? Who knows what we actually have planned? Because what is he looking forward to in 2023? I will not tell you at all. Only thing I can say is that he will not falter so easily in the King of Elite tournament for when he goes for that crown, he will not call himself King, kingdoms never last, he will show he is THE DEVIL.
(Caine quickly pulled away the microphone and threw it to the ground as he got up and simply walked away. Molly could only sit there in silence, feeling nervous, before he left. It then cut to the final interview as Sheridan Muller sat there with a calm and neutral expression on her face as she put the microphone on herself and waited for the interview to start. Molly took a moment to regain herself after what happened with Caine before she began talking.)
Molly Waters: Hi, sorry Sheridan, something happened a few minutes ago, thanks for coming to the interview though!
Sheridan Muller: No problem, it is a pleasure to be here.
Molly Waters: Right, so what are your thoughts on the accomplishments you did in 2022?
Sheridan Muller: 2022, it was a very special year for me in my life and my wrestling career, it is where I made my return here to Elite Answers Wrestling after all. A return to where I have left a lot to be desired the last time I was here and I wanted to redeem myself, but the start that I had, I will say it was kind of rough. Having all of those opportunities for the Universal Women’s Championship, fighting Dr. Bethany Blue for the first time? They all sadly ended in failure and when I had that match at Pain for Pride, when it ended without a winner, without a loser, in no contest? I felt lost for a moment, that I wasn’t able to beat the woman across for me so trying to figure out what to do next, trying to figure out what was the next step, I went against the woman who gave me one of the best fights when I came back, Bethany…we both focused on one objective, and we succeeded in flying colors, The Prescription was one of the best things to happen to me and my career, being able to become the Unified Tag Team Champion, being able to grow a friendship with someone I consider my best friend, traveling along with her every step of the way and pushing through everything that was in our path, showing how The Prescription was one of the best teams in EAW history. So when we ended up losing the titles to Soul Food Sunday? It was nothing short of heartbreaking, how after that issues between me and Bethany started to appear and show a lot more? It is worrying, I just simply wanted things to end correctly for both of us, so now that this is happening? I am not sure. I didn’t think The Prescription would enter 2023 like this and I obviously want to put all of this to rest, one way or another, I will make sure to fix this.
Molly Waters: And what are you also looking forward to doing in 2023?
(Sheridan surprisingly didn’t have an answer for that. She sat there for a few seconds wondering what to say but nothing came up so she slowly shook her head and spoke up.)
Sheridan Muller: Truly being honest here Molly, I don’t know. I am not sure what is the next step I will take here. Everything is up in the air for me and right now, I can’t give you an answer, my apologies.
Molly Waters: Of course Sheridan, no worries! So then, if you don’t mind me making an extra question, what was that about when Harper approached you after your match with Sienna?
Sheridan Muller: I really don’t need to explain myself for that one either, I said everything that I needed to Harper, she would be better off just minding her own business and not mess with mine.
Molly Waters: Alright, that is all, thank you so much Sheridan!
(Sheridan gave a nod in response and got ready to leave. Finally, after the last interview was finished, the show faded away back to the Fight Grid set as Molly sat there with her usual smile.)
Molly Waters: There you have it everyone! Four different people each one with their own ambitions and goals for this new year! The first half of the season was already eventful for all four Elitists, and 2023 could be a very big year for them. I have been Molly Waters, I hope you enjoy the rest of the show!
(Molly then gave a quick goodbye to the camera, as Voltage faded away from the Fight Grid set and back to the show.)
(The camera cuts backstage to the office of Eden Sinclair, who sat down on her desk, replaying the Ice Aces’ win over Sierra and Candice on her TV monitor, which is mounted on the wall, before pausing the footage, stopping at a frame of the two girls hugging. The camera pans out, which shows that Eden was showing this footage to Sierra Everett, Candice Blair, and Ronan Malosi, who look to be embarrassed, having to watch it back. Meanwhile, Eden has a look of complete and utter disdain on her face, obviously not over what happened at Road to Redemption, and plans to voice that as she stands up to address all three competitors.)
Eden Sinclair: So, can anyone offer an explanation as to why the three of you failed me at Road to Redemption? Can anyone PLEASE offer an explanation? …Ronan? Sierra? Candice? Anyone!
Candice Blair: Road to Redemption could have gone a bit better-
Eden Sinclair: Ya think?
Sierra Everett: Alright, Road to Redemption could’ve gone a lot better, but it just serves as proof that the better team doesn’t always win.
Ronan Malosi: Yeah, if anything, Ice Aces aren’t the best team, they’re the luckiest team, possibly in the world. They’re lucky to have won that match, and lucky to have survived my girls over here. I mean, anybody can win when there’s weapons involved, right?
(Ronan raises his hand for a high five, which both Sierra and Candice neglect.)
Ronan Malosi: …right?
(Ronan awkwardly puts his hand down once receiving no acknowledgment, and Eden crosses both arms, her face forming a grimace, not particularly impressed with any of their answers.)
Eden Sinclair: I didn’t ask for excuses, I asked for an explanation, but since- once again, you three can’t follow simple instructions like you had at Road to Redemption, which was to beat and purge Ice Aces from Voltage… you know what? I’m out!
(Eden throws her hands up in frustration.)
Ronan, Candice, and Sierra: :comeagain:
Candice Blair: Wait, what do you mean you’re out?
Eden Sinclair: I’m out, meaning: I’m going on vacation, AND turning my phone off, so I don’t need to deal with the rest of you, and your nonsense. Hopefully when I’m back you three will have cleaned up your act, and don’t somehow manage to disappoint me again.
(Eden storms out of the office, leaving all three competitors in an awkward position, realizing they might’ve royally screwed up this time.)
Sierra Everett: You- you don’t think she really means that, do you?
Candice Blair: I don’t know, she seemed pretty serious.
(While the other two take Eden’s exit pretty hard, feeling as if they severely let her down. Ronan manages to shrug it off, and wraps one of his arms around both their shoulders, which breaks both women’s thoughts, questioning what Ronan has to interject with.)
Ronan Malosi: Eh, maybe a vacation is what she needs, yelling at us like that. I mean, you’re the ones who lost at Road to Redemption, not me, amirite? :mjgrin:
(Candice and Sierra both give each other a “can you believe this guy” look before scoffing, removing Ronan’s arm from around their shoulders, and turning to face him, annoyed by his comments, and possibly taking out some frustration thanks to being chewed out by Eden.)
Candice Blair: ARE YOU FOR REAL RIGHT NOW?! SERIOUSLY, ARE YOU FOR REAL RIGHT NOW?!
(Ronan spreads his arms out, confused as to why Candice is snapping at him, not realizing what it is he said wrong.)
Sierra Everett: Yeah, I got pinned, but don’t act like you’re innocent in this matter either, Ronan.
Candice Blair: You failed not only Eden, but us also.
Sierra Everett: You were ringside to aid us in victory, but couldn’t even do that, despite a three-on-two advantage.
Candice Blair: If anything, Sierra, he added to the embarrassment of losing to those two, especially the abuser. I mean, what’d they do? Kick him in the nuts?
Sierra Everett: No, I distinctly remember him getting kicked in the head by Ayu.
Candice Blair: You’re right, I do too. Didn’t he also get a table thrown at his head?
Sierra Everett: That too. Ronan, you deserved to get yelled at more than any of us.
Candice Blair: I’m just- ugh! I can’t believe we lost at Road to Redemption!
(Candice begins to pace back-and-forth, biting her nails nervously.)
Candice Blair: What if- what if Eden doesn’t want to associate with us anymore?
(Sierra places her hands on Candice’s shoulders, stopping her from pacing.)
Sierra Everett: Say, you’re not looking so hot right now, Candice. In fact, neither am I, which- believe me, is a rarity for both of us. I think once Eden gets back from her vacation, she’ll see that we’re both loyal to the Disney cause, despite what our loss at Road to Redemption may have entailed. We’re still here, and we’re inevitably gonna bounce back from our loss to those two jerks.
(Candice cools down, and takes a deep breath, regaining her composure.)
Candice Blair: You’re right, you’re absolutely right. Here we are, getting riled up, faces turning red, which isn’t good for us in the slightest. That could lead to things like hair loss, headaches, or worse… becoming like Usagi Senshi.
(Candice shivers at the thought.)
Sierra Everett: No one wants to follow the trails of an abuser, but! I think we need to take a page out of Eden’s playbook, and go clear our heads elsewhere… presumably in a Ronan free zone.
Ronan Malosi: Ronan free zone? Come on, you guys can’t think that. Think about all the times I saved you! Think about-
(Together, Sierra and Candice give a final stern glance toward Ronan, shutting him up, and both women exit Eden’s office, going to clear their heads, and hopefully get their emotions back under control, which are running high at the moment. The camera pans back to Ronan, who has been left speechless, and to think, having just gotten berated by those he deems friends. But shortly after Sierra and Candice leave, in walks Halsey Neel, presumably having walked past them, and she carries a look of :yikes: almost as she heads over towards Ronan, who isn’t in much of a mood to deal with her or anyone else following what just happened. Not that Halsey cares, almost having some slight amusement from what just transpired.)
Halsey Neel: I just passed by Sierra, and Candice in the hallway. Safe to say, those two didn’t look happy. Is there some trouble in paradise going on? :mjgrin:
(Ronan rolls his eyes briefly before turning to face Halsey.)
Ronan Malosi: Look, what do you want? Are you trying to find Eden? If so, you just missed her, so I don’t know why you’re in here bothering me, unless this is your weird way of flirting, of course. But I recommend-
Halsey Neel: I recommend you let me explain. See, I overheard everything that went on in here.
Ronan Malosi: Okay, good for you. You’re a creep eavesdropping on conversations that have nothing to do with you. Is that what you came in here to talk about?
Halsey Neel: Funny, but no. I’m actually a woman looking to prove herself after, well, my loss at Road to Redemption. Going forward, I feel the best case of action to do that would be to wipe smiles off certain people’s faces. Therefore, I’ve found the perfect opportunity to do so.
Ronan Malosi: Oh yeah, and what’s that?
Halsey Neel: I see that things aren’t going too well for Team Eden, so would like to offer my assistance, because you clearly could use the help.
Ronan Malosi: “Clearly could use the help.”
(Ronan finds some amusement in this statement by Halsey, and chuckles to himself briefly as a result before regaining his composure.)
Ronan Malosi: I’m sorry, but what could you possibly offer in terms of help? :mjgrin:
Halsey Neel: Hmmm…More than you.
(Halsey flips the script on Ronan, being the one to laugh now, as his anger slowly builds up, which isn’t helped by the fact our audience in San Diego, California can be heard laughing themselves, always finding enjoyment to see an insufferable person like Ronan get dunked on, and somewhat put in his place.)
Halsey Neel: Ya know what? I’m sorry, perhaps I shouldn’t have said that… at least not out loud. Why don’t you prove your usefulness, and next time you see either Candice or Sierra, let them know to come find me later.
(Halsey sarcastically pats Ronan on the shoulder before flashing a smug smile on her face, and walking out of the office. Meanwhile, Ronan just looks on, his fists balling in anger thanks to the comments from Halsey, which just served to add more fuel to his fire.)
Ronan Malosi: …whatever.
(Ronan shakes his head as the camera slowly zooms in on his unhappy face before cutting elsewhere, leaving the viewers to question what Halsey could possibly say to both Sierra and Candice.)
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: The following contest is scheduled for one fall and it is a Round One match for the 2023 King of Elite Tournament!!!
(A King of Elite graphic is shown as well as the tournament brackets.)
( Run by Zeal & Ardor hits. There’s a mixed, but overall negative reaction coming from the crowd once they see the man who the music belongs to. Mercer McKay comes to the ring looking almost terrifyingly focused, with a lot of dark lights and smoke. The fans appear to be afraid of him.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first from The Black Cabin weighing in at 265 pounds he is “The Seed of Evil” MERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRCER MCKAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!
Rich Russillo: Mercer McKay is a literal evil being and he is going to put his opponent through a world of hurt.
James Peters: Mercer McKay was seen previously on Fight Grid and now he is stepping into the ring on Voltage. This is going to be his chance to really make an impact on the EAW landscape in 2023.
Rich Russillo: He can spend his time out in the woods with his creepy cabin and campfires. I’ll just focus on what he can do in the ring.
Persephone: Probably a good plan. I am tired of being the only one doing their job on this brand.
James Peters: :comeagain:
( “Do What I Want” by Lil Uzi Vert hits to cheers from the crowd. Justin Thorson comes out to the ring doing stretches as he eyes his opponent. He seems focused enough, possibly even thinking about potential submission moves to perform throughout this match as he makes his way down the ramp.)
Bella Braxton: And his opponent weighing in at 212 pounds from Chicago, Illinois he is the “Windy City Warrior” JUSSSSSSTIN THORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRSON!!!!
James Peters: Tonight should be a real treat as we get to see the technical wizard Justin Thorson in action!!!
Persephone: Is he actually the son of Thor? Like the guy from the Marvel movies?
James Peters: No… why would you even ask that..?
Rich Russillo: :lupe: Come on this is going to be a great match between two Elitists looking to prove to be the best young talents that Voltage has to offer.
James Peters: Justin has also been seen on Fight Grid and now he is an official member of the Voltage roster. Imagine if he started out his entire career by becoming King of Elite. That would be an unparalleled rise.
Rich Russillo: Well he has a mastery of submission holds that should serve him well.
Persephone: It’s nice to see someone who respects the art of professional wrestling and isn’t some carny hardcore mudshow wrestler like Voltage used to have. Hopefully we see a lot of rest holds during this match.
Rich Russillo: I respect Justin a lot he was able to admit his opponent who beat him last time was the better man. But he isn’t stopping the fight. So you know that kind of attitude will pay off for him in the long run. But will it be tonight! Time to see if his hard work pays off!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: Justin Thorson and Mercer McKay lock up in the ring! It is time to find out who the next King of Elite is going to be! Or at least who is going to win this first round match of the tournament. Wait no! As soon as they go to lock up Mercer slaps Justin! Mercer yanks Justin in and connects with a huge Exploder Suplex right out the gate! Mercer crushes Justin to the mat with a Running Splash and goes for the cover! This thing could be over already!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
James Peters: Kickout by Justin Thorson! Mercer McKay helps him back up to his feet and lifts Justin up on high over his head in a rack like position! This could be really bad for Justin! BURNING HAMMER CONNECTS!!! No! Justin flips out of it, flipping off the top of Mercer and landing on his feet in the ring behind his opponent. Mercer whips around as Justin grabs him around the neck and drives Mercer forward onto his back with a leaping attack sidestepping and swiping the leg to force his opponent down to the mat. Justin off the ropes and connects with a rolling Knee Drop across the forehead of Mercer and then slides into the cover!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: Kickout from Mercer McKay with authority sending Justin Thorson flying into the air dramatically nearly sending him off up into the stratosphere. Justin with a look of horror and shock on his face clearly not thinking that Mercer would be as powerful as all of that. But have I got news for him! Mercer slaps the mat aggressively and stands back up to his feet and he looks pissed off! Mercer comes charging in wildly at Justin who slides between the middle ropes forcing the referee to intervene to force Mercer back. Justin slides under the apron back into the ring as Mercer grabs him and yanks Justin up to his feet and connects with a devastating back chop that sent an echo throughout this entire arena! That one is gonna leave a mark for sure!
James Peters: Hard kick to the chest of Justin Thorson from Mercer McKay! But suddenly Justin connects with a Leaping Enzuigiri out of nowhere as Mercer drops face first on the mat! He just might be out cold! But Justin isn’t going for the cover! He is putting boots to hide! Justin stomping away at Mercer trying to keep him grounded but Mercer grabs the leg of Justin in hand and throws him backwards! Justin manages to maintain his balance as he stumbles back towards the ropes! He charges towards Mercer with a Leaping Elbow Drop-
Rich Russillo: But Mercer McKay moves out of the way! Justin Thorson drops his elbow to the canvas and missed! Mercer grabs the arm of Justin as he falls and yanks him into a Cross Armbreaker but Justin immediately gets his foot on the rope not even allowing Mercer to keep it locked in for more than a couple seconds. That means there is no risk of him tapping out at all.
Persephone: Definitely not a risk I would hope they would take. Please avoid tapping out whenever possible. Imagine if wrestlers were to tap out in the first submission hold they got put into in each match. What a terrible world that would be. :wow:
Rich Russillo: As soon as the hold is broken up Mercer McKay yanks Justin Thorson away from the ropes back into the middle of the ring and begins to stomp away on him relentlessly. Mercer off the ropes… Guillotine Leg Drop to Justin connects! Mercer slides into the cover! It’s over!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Peters: Kickout by Justin Thorson at two! Mercer McKay immediately stays on him with a big time elbow drop to the chest of Justin just straight crushing him. Mercer goes in to grab Justin who immediately rolls him into a Small Package!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: But Mercer McKay kicks out! Justin Thorson nearly stealing it there as Mercer looks shook by how quickly the tides almost turned right there. Mercer back up and frantically confronting the referee to ensure that it was just two before turning back to his opponent. But Justin is back up and catches Mercer with a kick to the gut he goes for a Suplex! However, he isn’t going to get Mercer up! So Mercer punches him hard in the gut breaking it up. But Justin with another kick to the gut before grabbing the head of Mercer and pulling him down into a Snap DDT and this time he gets all of it! Mercer’s skull spiked down hard into the mat as Justin falls down next to him finally getting a breather in the match.
James Peters: Both men slowly back up in the ring as they trade punches. Justin Thorson eventually gets the advantage over Mercer McKay with repeated punches to the head. Justin kicks Mercer hard, sending him back against the ropes before catching him around the waist. Belly to Belly Suplex! But he can’t get Mercer up! I admire Justin’s determination but this strategy of overpowering Mercer is just not working in his favor! Double Handed Chops to the ears of Justin forces him to release his arms. Mercer grabs Justin around the waist and connects with a Belly to Belly Suplex of his own! Justin back up as Mercer kicks him in the gut and lifts him up into a Suplex! No wait! Mercer transitions into a Brainbuster in midair dropping Justin right on his head! Justin is out as Mercer goes into the cover! What a devastating maneuver!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Persephone: NO! IT’S OVER! IT’S ALL OVER!!! :mjcry: !!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: But it’s not over! Justin Thorson kicks out! Somehow! Someway! Mercer McKay looks annoyed as if he really wanted to end this match quickly and is starting to get a bit tired and winded. But he realizes that he can’t give up and has to deliver more damage. Mercer now slowly lumbering up to the top rope. Oh god this could be bad. Mercer looking to flatten Justin like a pancake! But Mercer isn’t climbing up to the top rope very quickly. He makes it though as Justin is still laying down below him on the mat! Mercer throws himself backwards off the top rope with a Falling Senton! Mercer comes crushing down on Justin!
James Peters: No! Justin Thorson moved out the way! Mercer McKay crashes down into the ring nearly breaking it as I think the ring just moved about five feet from the impact! We really need to reinforce it better! Somebody fire the Voltage ring crew this is straight up unacceptable the hell y’all even doing? Justin immediately takes advantage! He pulls himself back up and climbs atop the back of Mercer and hooks the arm! He is yanking the hell out of that arm and just trying to rip it all up and out the socket with all kinds of aggression. Justin screaming out with the force that he is applying that torque to that arm. Just trying to dislocate his arm and unfortunately this is the only arm Mercer gets he can’t make it grow back like Piccolo. Mercer screaming out in pain real pain he is screaming. But screaming is not a good tactic for escaping a submission hold and Mercer is going to have to find another way.
Rich Russillo: Mercer McKay is using his strength to try and break out of this predicament! But Justin Thorson keeps himself seated putting as much of his weight as possible down on Mercer in order to prevent him from throwing him off. Mercer might be stuck. He might have no choice but to tap out here tonight and start off 2023 with an L! He will have to acknowledge Justin as the one true King of Elite… well assuming he wins the rest of the tournament of course.
Persephone: I mean I wouldn’t complain if we just changed this up to be the finals and cancelled the rest of the tournament. It would save some time. Wait I was just joking obviously we should double the size of the tournament. 😃
James Peters: Mercer McKay spins around in a circle 360 degrees as he is unable to throw Justin Thorson off him. But by spinning around he got his legs to the ropes and forces the break!
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! OKAY ALRIGHT BREAK IT UP! I WILL DISQUALIFY YOU! DON’T TEST ME!
Persephone: Noooo don’t do that. Don’t disqualify him. Nooo.
Rich Russillo: Justin Thorson reluctantly releases the hold. That was his chance to defeat Mercer McKay but unfortunately it did not pay off and he will have to find another way. But suddenly Mercer McKay grabs the ankle of Justin and yanks him down! Mercer slips into an Ankle Lock! Mercer has the Ankle Lock locked in tightly! But Justin flips over onto his back and kicks away at Mercer sending him into the ropes still holding onto the ankle. Mercer staggers back as Justin uses the momentum to roll him up into a Small Package! Justin going for that W!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
James Peters: No! Mercer McKay is okay! He survives and forces Justin Thorson off him aggressively. Both men back up as Justin charges in wildly flailing and throwing shots but Mercer with one arm shoves him away. Justin charges back in… BUT HE EATS A BIG BOOT FROM MERCER!!! MERCER JUST TOOK HIS HEAD RIGHT OFF HIS SHOULDERS!!! Mercer yanks Justin back up and kicks him hard in the gut. Mercer lifts Justin up on high onto his shoulders before throwing him backwards with a falling slam right onto the back of his neck. Justin pulls himself back up but Mercer runs up behind him and drops him with a Running Bulldog. Justin holds his face in pain as he crawls into the corner to recover.
Rich Russillo: But Mercer McKay comes charging in with a Stinger Splash!!! No! Justin moved out of the way and crashed belly first into the turnbuckle paddings in the corner! Justin taking advantage now of the opening and is throwing all kinds of strikes at all kinds of body parts of Mercer! Mercer kicks at Justin sending him back across the ring but Mercer runs the ring and connects with a Running Splash of his own into the corner! Mercer grabs him and throws him forward with a standard wrestling throw but Justin lands on his feet. Justin is going off. He charges in with a running Spear into the corner taking Mercer in half. But Mercer grabs Justin and aggressively ragdolls him over the top rope and onto the apron! Mercer kicks at Justin trying to throw him out of the ring.
James Peters: But Justin Thorson swings around the ropes and pulls himself up! He uses the ropes to kick the head of Mercer McKay with an Enzuigiri staggering the big man back. Justin back in the ring now as Mercer falls to one knee. Mercer in trouble now as Justin runs the ropes with a knee strike maneuver… THE BOOK OF VISHANTI CONNECTS!!! No! Mercer moved out of the way! Justin crashed into the ropes as Mercer drives his forearm hard into his spine causing him to crumple down to the middle rope! And now Mercer is mercilessly choking him out on the middle rope and the referee is counting him down!
Rich Russillo: MERCER MCKAY CONNECTS WITH THE HIERARCHY!!! THE MIDDLE ROPE TIGER DRIVER 98 JUST DESTROYED JUSTIN THORSON!!! AND NOW THE COVER!!!
Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner and moving on in the King of Elite Tournament… MERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRCER MCKAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!
(Run by Zeal & Ardor hits as Mercer McKay has his arm raised in victory.)
James Peters: Wow what a great back and forth match!
Rich Russillo: Mercer McKay has qualified to continue on in the King of Elite tournament. He is a dominant force to be reckoned with and may indeed just go all the way!
James Peters: He is a newcomer to EAW but has already made a dynamic impact. 2023 could very well be the year of Mercer McKay!
Rich Russillo: Could we be looking at the rise of King McKay?!?!?
(The camera cuts to a commercial for the EAW Christmas Show in December. Because it is never too early to get in the Christmas spirit. 🎄)
(Voltage returns and ‘As Long As I Love’ by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure plays as Hikari Kanno walks out with a t-shirt over her wrestling attire for later tonight, she unstraps the Hardcore Championship from her waist and holds it up to a loud roar from the crowd showing their appreciation. She is scarred from the battles she went through both at Road to Redemption and the Christmas Special. She steps through the ropes and grabs the microphone while adjusting the Hardcore Championship on her shoulder.)
Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN PLEASE WELCOME THE NEWWWWW EAW HARDCORE CHAMPION….HIKKARRIII KAANNNOOO!!!!
(Hikari takes a few seconds to soak in the Hardcore title on her shoulder.)
Crowd: YOU DESERVE IT! 👏
(Hikari just nods before looking back at the title and back at the camera.)
Hikari Kanno: Well, that was quite a few weeks for me. Not just that, quite the year for me as well. At first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to make Road to Redemption because of what Cameron did to my knee, but at the end of it all, I stand here the new Hardcore Champion. To get to this point was just a wild ride for me. First I had to bust my butt rehabbing in order to get back while also trying to recover from the most humiliating moment of my career by getting my head shaved. While I was out on the shelf, I watched as it looked like Miku was the breakout star of IDOL-GUN and I seemed to be forgotten about. I always knew I had this in me, and I always knew I would reach this moment, but nobody ever saw it until a few months ago when everything finally fell into place for me. I had to make the extremely hard decision to take my best friend Miku out in order to truly focus on myself and my goals. At Pain for Pride, I hit a huge roadblock in my journey when I came up short in the Iconic Cup. I was written off after that loss hearing all the noise that I could never get the job done. After that, I was searching for answers and it was back to the drawing board for me and looking back on it, that loss was something I needed, because I’ve grown from it going on to defeat the likes of Cameron, Theron, and several others to winning my first singles championship. It’s quite crazy just how much you can evolve over a short period of time. We had both Sierra and Cameron brutally attack me trying to take me out by throwing me down stairs or attacking my knee with a chair, only for it to blow up in their faces when it was time to step in the ring sending the message to the rest of the locker room that I’m the wrong person you wanna pick a fight with. I’ve outgrown the Elitist I used to be, as I explained to ARIA this week to the point of exhaustion, the last time I was a champion in this company, and I want to make this reign mean something…
(Hikari takes a second to reflect about her long journey to this point, before putting the microphone back up to her lips.)
Hikari Kanno: Which brings me to my next point, it’s about this Championship and all of the limitations put on it. This Disney thing is really getting old, respectfully of course, and it sucks this title and its lineage has to pay the price for it. I’m telling everybody right now that I don’t plan on spending my first singles title reign being restricted by the garbage Disney rules. It’s ridiculous that they were even a thing and even more ridiculous it’s gotten this far without anybody doing anything about it. I refuse to be robbed of an opportunity to be the greatest champion possible. If Disney was merging and wanted to water down the title, it would have just been easier to replace it, right? I can’t stand to watch what it has turned into. The first sign of blood and it’s over? Are you actually kidding me with this? Like what is the point of the Hardcore name on it? I want to have a memorable reign and in order to accomplish that, I need to restore it to how it’s supposed to be. I want to make a difference, and in order to do that, I’m going to need Captain Charisma out here right now.
(After a few seconds, “Self Help Tape” begins to play and the crowd erupts in cheers. A few seconds later, Captain Charisma walks out with a microphone in hand and steps through the ropes once he gets into the ring.)
Captain Charisma: First off Hikari, congratulations on your success the past few weeks with your victory over Cameron and becoming the new Hardcore Champion. Secondly, I hear your frustrations, I really do because the Hardcore title means a lot to me, but my hands are tied as I’ve told several others. The Hardcore rules returning is just not on the table right no-
Hikari Kanno: I don’t think you understand me, this isn’t a request. Going forward, I want the Hardcore Championship to actually mean something again. I’m not going to have a bunch of asterisks next to my title defenses. I want all of the restrictions gone. The first blood rule, time limits, and weekly show restrictions, and everything else gone, all of it. I can’t show how good of a champion I can be with all of that holding me down and you, of all people, should understand that.
Captain Charisma: Look, as I just said, the Hardcore Championship means a lot to me just as much as it does to you and all our fans and I want nothing more than to free it from it’s restrictions. I want to give you the chance to defend it properly, but things just don’t work like that right now with everything going on with the Disney merger and everything happening behind the scenes. I’m sorry Hikari but as much as I want to help you restore the title’s glory, there is just nothing I can do at the moment, you’re just going to have to make the best of what you can out of a bad situation and defend the title to the best of your abilities and run with what you’re given like you have all season long.
(Captain Charisma goes to take his leave, but it stopped halfway through exiting the ring by Hikari clearing her throat.)
Hikari Kanno: What about everything going on with the other brands?
(Captain Charisma turns around to face Hikari again not knowing what to say, as if Hikari caught him off guard with that question.)
Hikari Kanno: Yeah that’s right, what about all the other chaos that’s been happening on Showdown and Dynasty? Why can’t I just defend my title the way it’s supposed to be defended? It seems a little hypocritical of Disney if they’re willing to turn a blind eye to all that’s happening and ignore my request to defend this title the way it’s supposed to be. It’s the Hardcore Championship for a reason; just get over this experiment and let it thrive again.
(Captain Charisma bites his lip, not knowing how to respond.)
Captain Charisma: You got me there, although I don’t think they are turning a complete blind eye. You do have a good point about the chaos going on everywhere else in the company. I’ll tell you what, because you make some good points and my own personal love for the title, I’ll see what I can do to get this overturned and restore the original Hardcore rules. I’m actually very pleased that you see the exact same vision that I do for the Hardcore title. I’ll give everybody an update as soon as I can.
(Captain Charisma exits the ring, leaving Hikari alone in the ring. She puts the mic to her lips once more as the crowd cheers.)
Hikari Kanno: That’s exactly what I want to hear. That better be the case, because I didn’t come this far to be held back. I want absolutely no excuses and when this reign is over, I want zero doubt on who made this championship relevant again. When these rules are lifted, I’m gonna take on every single person who dares step up to me. I went through absolute hell to get this title, and it’s going to be twice as hard to pry it away from me. Everybody who has made the mistake of wanting to pick a fight with me this season has regretted it in the end. Theron Nikolas, Sierra Everett, Cameron Ella Ava, and the list goes on and will carry over into the new year. This is a message to everybody in that locker room that if you thought 2022 was an impressive year for Hikari Kanno, then you haven’t seen anything yet. The best is still yet to come for Hikari Kanno.
(Hikari drops the microphone before posing with the Hardcore Championship on the middle rope before exiting the ring holding it up while walking back up the stage.)
(Voltage fades to commercial break.)
(Voltage fades to a commercial promoting the Empress of Elite tournament, showing the bracket as well as the upcoming match.)
(Voltage returns to ringside, and ‘Hikarunara’ by Goose House plays as the Voltage crowd gives a mixed reaction to Mei Sasaki, who walks out, takes a deep breath and makes her way to the ring with a look of determination on her face. Mei obviously wants to move forward in the Empress of Elite tournament, especially after the other two members of the Queen Bees have already done the same. She knows she can’t afford to lose here.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS AN EMPRESS OF ELITE FIRST ROUND MATCH SET FOR ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST….RESIDING IN ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO…WEIGHING IN AT 126 POUNDS….SHE IS “THE DARK KITSUNE”…..MEEEEIIIIII SASSAAKKIIII!!!
James Peters: Visiting from Dynasty, we all know the year didn’t close how she and her girls would have thought. But as we saw, they all made a vow that one of them would win this Empress of Elite tournament, and I think Mei is dangerous enough to do just that. I can’t wait to see her in action.
(‘Seek and Destroy’ by Metallica plays as Halsey gets a negative reaction from the crowd as she walks out, and she pays no attention to the booing, with her eyes focused on Mei inside the ring. Halsey looks ready for this match even after her loss back at Road to Redemption, not intimidated at all by her opponent as she makes her way down the ramp.)
Bella Braxton: AND HER OPPONENT…FROM BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND…WEIGHING IN AT 140 POUNDS…SHE IS “THE RIPPER”……HAAALLSEEYYYY NEEELLLLL!!!
James Peters: She had a bit of a rocky year, but this tournament and the new year could be exactly what she needs to get some momentum building for herself. She has shown so many flashes and she can easily have the best run of her career, and it could all start tonight for Halsey. She may be my dark horse to win it.
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
James Peters: And this round one match-up is underway, as both Halsey and Mei slowly circle the ring waiting for the other to make the first move, and they look like they’re gonna do a test of strength as they have the hands up. And that doesn’t last long as they back up from one another. After several seconds, Halsey and Mei finally lock up in the center of the ring! Halsey looks to have the upper hand early as she backs Mei up into the corner, AND THEN HALSEY GOES RIGHT TO WORK WITH SEVERAL SHOULDER THRUSTS TO THE RIBS! Halsey then begins delivering several body blows to the ribs and face! Halsey follows it up, AND THEN USES HER STRENGTH AND TOSSES MEI TO THE OPPOSITE END OF THE RING! Halsey has all the momentum in the early goings as Mei pulls herself up in the corner.
Persephone: And here comes Halsey with a full head of steam charging at her in the corner – BUT MEI STOPS HER IN HER TRACKS WITH AN ELBOW TO THE FACE! Mei looks to capitalize here as she launches herself off the second rope into a sunset flip….BUT HALSEY ROLLS THROUGH IT TO HER FEET AND GOES TO KICK MEI IN THE FACE, BUT MEI DUCKS DOWN BEFORE TAKING HALSEY DOWN FACE FIRST WITH A DROP TOE HOLD! The action is fast and furious in the early goings, and Halsey looks to regroup as she rolls out of the ring. And what is Mei thinking?
Rich Russillo: MEI RUNS OFF THE ROPES AND THEN TAKES OUT HALSEY WITH A SUICIDE DIVE! That drove Halsey right into our announcement table, and Mei wastes no time in going on the attack, and then takes out Halsey with a Lou Thesz press, and she drives the elbow into her face as Halsey tries her best to cover up. Mei looks to keep the momentum going for herself as she picks Halsey up and – HALSEY DRIVES HER SPINE FIRST INTO THE RING APRON! Halsey backs up a few feet before Mei steps up to her – AND THEN HALSEY DELIVERS A HIP TOSS ON TOP OF THE SPANISH ANNOUNCE TABLE! The table didn’t break though as now Halsey delivers repetitive right hands to the face! Halsey now…she hangs Mei’s upper body off the announce table ad she hops on top of it – AND THEN LEAPS WITH AN ELBOW DROP TO THE TOP HALF OF MEI’S BODY AS SHE DROPS OFF THE TABLE TO THE FLOOR!
James Peters: Halsey holds her elbow in some discomfort, trying to perhaps shake some feeling back into it after landing a bit awkwardly. Halsey owly picks up Mei amd tosses her back inside the ring now, and then stalks Mei from behind as she slowly crawls in behind her, and she turns around…AND HALSEY TAKES HER OUT WITH A VICIOUS RUNNING BIG BOOT! And then Halsey drops down and hooks the leg for the first cover of this match!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
Rich Russillo: And Mei gets the shoulder up, and Halsey goes right back on the attack, not giving Mei any room to breathe, and grabs the leg and applies the heel hook submission! Mei screams in some pain as Halsey applies as much pressure as she can! Mei we know is going to fight as she begins to crawl her way over to the ropes! Mei tries to swing on Halsey but can’t quite reach her. Mei is inches from the bottom rope now…IS SHE GOING TO MAKE IT?!
James Peters: But Halsey lets go of it and brings Mei back to the center of the ring saving herself the time knowing she was gonna reach the ropes. But before we could know what she has planned, Mei kicks her away with her free foot, and delivers a stiff kick straight to the face which causes Halsey to stumble backwards a few feet while checking her nose for blood. Halsey a few seconds later runs at Mei – BUT MEI COUNTERS WITH A FLAPJACK THAT ENDS WITH HALSEY LANDING HARD FACE FIRST ON THE TURNBUCKLE! Mei measuring up Halsey…
Persephone: Mei runs off the ropes and then delivers a spinning headscissors takedown! Halsey is up quick and turns around to walk right into a high knee strike across the bridge of the nose that drops her down to the mat! Halsey looks to fully capitalize on this momentum she’s built for herself. Mei isn’t stopping there as she runs to the corner and quickly ascends up to the top rope…AND THEN FLIES OFF THE TOP AND TAKES OUT HALSEY WITH A DIVING CROSSBODY! AND SHE FOLLOWS THAT WITH THE COVER!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
Rich Russillo: And the kickout from Halsey! What a flurry of moves that was from Mei as Mei bears her to her feet and then runs off the ropes once more and then she goes for a shining wizard to the back of Halsey’s head – BUT HALSEY MUST HAVE EYES AT THE BACK OF HER HEAD AS SHE DUCKED IT! Halsey runs up behind Mei and underhooks both of her arms, but Mei reverses it and faces Halsey’s back, and then hits a backstabber! The backstabber takes Halsey down and now has the momentum back as it just seems to be going back and forth between the two.
James Peters: AND MEI LOCKS IN A SUBMISSION OF HER OWN! MEI LOCKS IN THE TRIANGLE CHOKE SQUEEZING THE LIFE OUT OF HALSEY! Halsey has nowhere to go, but that isn’t stopping her as she scoots her way over, just stretching her lower body out just desperate to reach the ropes, she can’t really see too well where they are, and she looks to be fading out as Mei is relentless with this submission hold!! And look! Halsey uses what strength she has and picks Mei up – AND THEN SLAMS HER AS HARD AS SHE CAN ON THE BACK OF HER HEAD! It worked as Mei let go of the chokehold, and we’re back at square one again.
Rich Russillo: Both of them crawl away from the other slowly and pull themselves up using the ropes before turning to face the other in the middle of the ring – A STIFF ELBOW STRIKE FROM HALSEY! AND THEN A PALM STRIKE FROM MEI! Both women are going back and forth exchanging shots with the other,and then Mei takes a swing…but Halsey ducked it AND THEN HITS A SNAP GERMAN SUPLEX WITH MEI LANDING ON HER HAND BEFORE STANDING IN THE CORNER! AND HERE COMES HALSEY WHICH DELIVERS A RUNNING SPLASH IN THE CORNER! HALSEY THEN GETS HER IN POSITION…”BLOOD ON THE LEAVES!!” THE FIREMAN’S CARRY ROUNDHOUSE KICK AS HALSEY GOES FOR THE COVER ONCE MORE!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEE!!!!
Rich Russillo: BUT MEI STILL GETS THE SHOULDER UP! Halsey looks annoyed but doesn’t show any frustration yet picking her up looking to go back to work, but Mei is trying her best to fight back and out of Halsey’s grip with repetitive shots to the ribcage! AND MEI OUT OF NOWHERE TRIES TO LOCK THE TRIANGLE CHOKE IN FOR THE SECOND TIME…BUT HALSEY IS PREPARED THIS TIME AS SHE QUICKLY SQUIRMS TO THE ROPES AND USING IT TO PULL HERSELF UNDER THE RING ON THE APRON! Great ring awareness from Halsey there as Mei tries to stir back to her feet as Halsey measures her up while standing on the outside apron!
James Peters: AND THEN HALSEY GOES FOR THE SLINGSHOT SPEAR, BUT MEI WITH A SOCCER STYLE KICK TO THE FACE! MEI GRABS THE HEAD AND BALANCES HER ON THE SECOND ROPE – THE ROPE HUNG DDT SPIKING HALSEY RIGHT ON HER HEAD! And now what does she have in mind? She doesn’t go for the cover as she goes up top. Mei gingerly makes her way up top, BUT HALSEY LIKE A BAT OUT OF HELL RUNS UP MEETING MEI ON THE TOP ROPE! BOTH OF THEN EXCHANGE BLOWS TRYING TO GET THE UPPER HAND ON THE TOP ROPE! And uh oh…
Persephone: MEI GRABS HER HEAD AND THEN REPEATEDLY DRIVES THE KNEE INTO THE FACE!! AND THEN – SHE FOLLOWS THAT WITH A SUNSET FLIP BOMB FROM THE TOP SMASHING HALSEY ON THE BACK OF HER HEAD, AND THEN FOLLOWS IT WITH THE COVER!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
James Peters: HALSEY KICKS OUT! BUT WAIT! I THINK MEI WAS EXPECTING THAT AS SHE IMMEDIATELY TRANSITIONS INTO HER CROSSFACE CHICKENWING SUBMISSION!!! HALSEY IS PANICKING NOW IN THE HOLD WITH NOWHERE TO GO, US SHE GOING TO TAP OUT HERE?! Halsey tries to use her strength to get to the ropes, but Mei isn’t making it easy in the slightest. SHE MIGHT HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO LIVE TO FIGHT ANOTHER DAY!!
Rich Russillo: Halsey has enough to get to the ropes and avoids disaster. Mei is forced to let go, and she wastes no time in picking Halsey up off the mat, but Halsey picks her up and drives her back first into the corner! More shoulder thrusts from Halsey, and nowHamsey begins to deliver body blow after body blow to the upper and lower body! And now, Mei steps out from the corner…AND HALSEY DRILLS MEI WITH A SPINEBUSTER!! Mei landed hard on the back of her head there. That buys Halsey a little bit of time as both of them are down, as Halsey slowly gets back up.
James Peters: Halsey pulls herself back up and measures up Mei from behind and then puts her in position….”OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!!!” THE BICYCLE KICK FOLLOWED WITH A YAKUZA KICK!! AND THEN HALSEY FLIPS HER OVER FOR THE COVER, WILL THIS BE ENOUGH TO PUT MEI AWAY AND MOVE ON TO THE SECOND ROUND?
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEE!!!
Rich Russillo: NO NOT YET! Mei is still in the match, and now Halsey thinks of what to do next, and Halsey begins to slowly lift her up…AND THEN MEI DELIVERS A BACK BODY DROP! Mei buys herself some valuable time to recover still looking a bit doozy after that “Off With Your Head.”Mei and Halsey turns around to face each other at the same time…A RIGHT HAND FROM MEI! AND THEN A KNIFE EDGE CHOP FROM HALSEY! AND THEN BOTH OF THEN ARE GOING BACK AND FORTH WITH THE OTHER UNTIL –
Persephone: Halsey drives the knee into the midsection and she gains the upper hand. Halsey runs off the ropes now AND THEN MEI FLIPS THE MOMENTUM AROUND WITH A LEAPING HURRICANRANA! Halsey stands herself up in the corner…AND HERE COMES MEI WITH A FULL HEAD OF STEAM AND SHE DRIVES BOTH OF THE KNEES INTO THE CHEST OF HALSEY, AND THEN FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A RUNNING BULLDOG! MEI CAN POSSIBLY SENSE VICTORY IS NEAR AS SHE DROPKICKS HALSEY FROM THE BACK AND HALSEY IS ON THE SECOBD ROPE! MEI US GOING FOR IT – SHE RUNS OFF THE ROPES AND DELIVERS THE TIGER FEINT KICK!!! AND THEN SHE FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A SPRINGBOARD SPLASH THROUGH THE SECOND ROPE! AND MEI HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE COVER!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEE!!!
James Peters: AND HALSEY STILL STAYS ALIVE!! Mei is a bit shocked that flurry wasn’t enough. But she doesn’t let it get to her as she measures up Halsey from behind who slowly stirs to her feet – SHE TRIES TO LOCK IN THE CHICKEN WING CROSSFACE FOR A SECOND TIME, BUT HALSEY IS TRYING HER BEST TO FIGHT OUT OF IT!! AND HALSEY ROLLS DOWNWARD CAUSING MEI TO ROLL THROUGH TO HER FEET – AND THEN HALSEY ALMOST SLICES MEI IN HALF WITH A VICIOUS SPEAR!
Rich Russillo: She doesn’t cover though? Halsey scoots to the corner and then pulls herself back up. She wants to make sure this match is in the bag, and she begins to stalk Mei from behind…AND THE. HALSEY SETS HER UP FOR “THE FALL!!!”….BUT MEI DESPERATION SPINS OUT OF IT….AND THEN DELIVERS A ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!! Halsey stumbles back and bounces off the ropes eight back into the arms of Mei – AND MEI GOES FOR “DISINTEGRATION”!!!! THE BLACK MASS KICK FROM MEI! BUT NO!!! HALSEY CATCHES THE FOOT! HALSEY FLIPS HER BACKWARDS BUT MEI LANDS ON HER FEET…BUT HALSEY ALMOST TURNS HER INSIDE OUT WITH A SPINNING LARIAT!!! AND HALSEY FLIPS HER ON THE BACK AND GOES FOR ANOTHER COVER!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEE!!!
James Peters: AND MEI STILL STAYS ALIVE! Am exhausted Halsey stands and then pucks Mei up and puts her in position…BUT MEI PUSHES HER BACK…AND THEN TAKES HER OUT WITH A SPINNING DOUBLE LEG LARIAT!! BUT HALSEY SIDESTEPS AND THEN HOOKS BOTH OF THE ARMS, AND SHE LOCKS IN THE CATTLE MUTILATION SUBMISSION! MEI LOOKS TO BE IN SOME SERIOUS TROUBLE HERE AS SHE IS TRAPPED WITH NOWHERE TO GO! IS SHE GOING TO TAP OUT?
Rich Russillo: MEI IS REFUSING TO TAP, BUT SHE MAY NOT HAVE A CHOICE, I DON’T THINK SHE HAS THE ENERGY TO GET OUT….BUT OH MAYBE SHE DOES! SHE USES SOME FLEXIBILITY…AND STRETCHES HER LEG OUT AND GETS IT UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE! ARE YOU KIDDING?! Halsey is forced to let go and think of something else, and she goes to pick Mei up off of the mat – LOOK! MEI WITH THE INSIDE CRADLE FROM OUT OF NOWHERE!! SHE’S GOT IT!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEE!!!
James Peters: DID SHE GET HER?! The referee says no as it was only two and a half, as both women race to their feet…AND THEN RUN INTO A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE ON ONE ANOTHER! What a first round match this has been, each woman making the other earn everything they get. It’s just a matter of who wants it more at this point. Both of them now slowly crawl away from the other, and then slowly pull themselves up with the ropes on opposite ends of the ring..
Rich Russillo: They both turn around d to five the other once more – AND A BIG BOOT RIGHT TO THE FACE FROM HALSEY!! Halsey can feel that victory is near as she quickly picks Mei up – “BLOOD ON THE THRONE!!!” THE FISHERMAN SWINGING NECKBREAKER CONNECTS AS HALSEY SLOWLY HOOKS THE INSIDE LEG! WILL THIS FINALLY BE ENOUGH TO MOVE ON?!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!
Persephone: NO!! MEI IS STILL ALIVE!! DARN IT!!!……. Uhhhhh. I mean….you mean this great match gets to continue? 😁
Rich Russillo: :skip: But anyways, not it is not enough as Mei still has a little bit more left in the tank. The big question is if that was Halsey’s best shot? We’re about to find out as an frustrated Holly pounds the mat before standing back up looking to go back on the attack.
James Peters: Halsey slowly picks her back up by the head, and again Mei is trying to fight out of her grip with several shots to the rib cage…AND THEN AN UPPERCUT! The uppercut drives Halsey back a few feet…AND THEN MEI RUNS UP AND DELIVERS A HIGH KNEE ACROSS THE BRIDGE OF THE NOSE! Halsey drops down to a knee and looks to be in some serious trouble here, as Mei runs off the ropes and THEN HITS A SHINING WIZARD TO THE BACK OF HALSEY’S HEAD! Halsey saw it coming the first time but not the same luck this time as that sounded almost like a gunshot. And then Mei goes up high to the top rope, what does she have in mind here? THE PICTURE PERFECT FROG SPLASH RIGHT ON TOP OF HALSEY AS MEI GOES FOR ANOTHER COVER!!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEE!!!
Rich Russillo: AND HALSEY STILL KICKS OUT! What’s it going to take? Each one out here throwing haymakers at each other. Mei is in a little bit of pain holding her ribs as they have taken quite a beating in this match, and they both stand up, AND MEI DELIVERS A PALM STRIKE! A KNIFE EDGE CHOP NOW FROM HALSEY!! AND THEN ANOTHER PALM STRIKE! KNIFE EDGE CHOP! BOTH OF THEM ARE GOING BACK AND FORTH AGAIN, WHO IS GONNA GAIN CONTROL?
James Peters: HALSEY LOOKS TO GAIN IT AS SHE HOOKS THE ARM GOING FOR PERHAPS A SIDE SLAM! BUT MEI THROWS SEVERAL ELBOW SHOTS TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD…AND THEN MEI HITS A REVERSE STO PLANTING HALSEY FACE FIRST INTO THE MAT…AND SHE GOES TO LOCK IN THE CHICKEN WING AGAIN, BUT HALSEY IS FIGHTING WITH EVERYTHING SHE’S GOT TO PREVENT IT, AND SHE ROLLS TO HER KNEES, AND THEN LIFTS UP MEI…AND THEN RUNS AND SLAMS HER BACK FIRST INTO THE CORNER! HALSEY LOOKS TO HAVE GOTTEN CONTROL BACK AS SHE RUNS OFF OF THE ROPES AGAIN –
Rich Russillo: HALSEY GOES FOR A RUNNING BICYCLE KICK IN THE CORNER – BUT MEI MOVES OUT OF THE WAY AT THE LAST POSSIBLE SECOND! Halsey looks to be a sitting duck in the corner. Halsey makes a huge mistake and it coukd end up costing her – AND HERE COMES MEI WHO DRIVES BOTH KNEES INTO HER BACK IN THE CORNER! Halsey stumbles back around…AND “DISINTEGRATION!!!” THE SPINNING HEEL KICK RIGHT TO THE FACE AS MEI FALLS DOWN ON TOP OF HALSEY FOR THE COVER! IS THIS HOING TO BE ENOUGH TO SEND HER TO THE NEXT ROUND?!
OOOOOONNNNNNEEEEEEE!!!!
TTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!!!
TTTHHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEEEE!!!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
(‘Hikarunara’ by Goose House plays as Mei slowly stands up and gets her hand raised.)
Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER AND MOVING ON TO ROUND TWO….MEEEEIIIIII SASSSAKKIIIIII!!!!
James Peters: What a battle that was between two warriors. Mei comes over to Voltage and knocks off Voltage’s own Halsey.
Rich Russillo: The Queen Bees are all dominating this tournament so far, but at this rate.. What if they have to face each other after all? Either way, congratulations to Mei on the huge victory here tonight.
(The final shot is of Mei celebrating her win on the ramp while Halsey is still down and out inside of the ring. Voltage fades away from ringside from there.)
(Voltage opens up backstage where we see Theron Nikolas standing beside EAW interviewer, Sofia Clarke. There are a ton of questions that need to be answered after the events that happened at the Hawaiian Christmas Show, but luckily we have Sofia here to get all of the details from the man himself, Theron Nikolas.)
Sofia Clarke: Hello Voltage fans, and Happy New Year! Hopefully your 2022 came to a beautiful ending and the start of 2023 has been nothing less than great! I know that some people aren’t able to claim that they had the happy ending that they were hoping for to end the year 2022. But beside me right now is someone who I believe finished the year the way that he wanted. I am standing next to none other than Theron Nikolas. He’s someone who competed in one of the most grueling matches at the Christmas show to end the year, and although he isn’t standing before us as the New Hardcore Champion, the look on his face tells me that he’s content and satisfied with what went down. So Theron, could you explain to me and the rest of the world why and what exactly happened at the Christmas show regarding both you and Charlie Marr.
(A smirk grows onto Theron’s face as he hears Sofia’s question. She brings the mic close to his lips, as he speaks into it confidently.)
Theron Nikolas: What happened at the Christmas show? I got exactly what I wanted out of the Christmas show. That’s what happened. I came into that match with the intention of ending Charlie Marr, and that’s what I did. Both Charlie and I have created quite the history with one another, and many people thought that the climax of our rivalry happened at Road to Redemption when I threw him through the glass pod in the Elimination Chamber, and forced him to be medically unable to continue.. I took away the opportunity for him to become the EAW World Champion that night. It’s an accomplishment and achievement that he has been chasing throughout this season, but we all know that even without the EAW World title, he still had that Hardcore Championship to fall back on. Using that title and the reign he managed to achieve for himself as a way to tell the world that he sits on a pedestal higher than everyone else. He held that belt for so long that he eventually became synonymous with the title itself.. No.. No more. I was tired of it. Tired of the reign. Tired of him. So I did what I needed to do. I put an end to him, and let Hikari Kanno pick up the pieces I left behind. Everything I did to him was intentional… From bashing that steel chair into his head over and over again to dissecting his knee to the point where he could no longer walk.. And then to put the cherry on top, the last time he got in contact with that belt, it was smashed right across his face. I have no regrets because that pedestal that he stood on has crumbled into dust by my own doing.. I did what I had to do, and walked up that entrance ramp knowing that there was nothing Charlie could do to prevent the inevitable. He left the Christmas Show exactly how he should have.. On a stretcher and without that Hardcore Championship. I couldn’t have hoped to do a better job than I did that night. I’m proud of my work. Proud of what I’ve done.. Because at the end of the day, Charlie Marr is no more.. And it’s all because of me. And with Charlie Marr finally behind me, I-
???: THERON!! THERON!! I NEED TO SPEAK WITH YOU!!!
(Suddenly, both Sofia Clarke and Theron Nikolas turn their heads off to the side where they see the returning Natasha Agnello. She doesn’t have the brightest look on her face. Actually, if anything she looks pretty concerned, and this catches Theron’s attention. This eventually brings Theron to step away from the interview to speak directly to Natasha Agnello.)
Theron Nikolas: Hey, what’s up? What’s going on?
Natasha Agnello: :lupe: These aren’t the circumstances I was hoping to reunite with you under, but I’m afraid I can’t ignore what I’ve been seeing much longer…
(The former Soothsayer Hamasa had a look on her face that immediately had Theron putting up his guard. Natasha saw visions, and while she typically kept those to herself these days, clearly she saw something that she couldn’t ignore. Theron excuses himself from the interview, takes Natasha by the arm, and the two walk a little ways.)
Theron Nikolas: Well?
Natasha Agnello: Someone’s coming…
(Theron took a deep breath, but remained stoic in his expression.)
Theron Nikolas: Alright…
(Natasha stares up at Theron with a look of concern in her eyes.)
Natasha Agnello: I have a warning for you..
(The concerned look begins to transfer over to Theron Nikolas now, as he does not like the sound of this.)
Theron Nikolas: Okay…
Natasha Agnello: Yes. I saw something involving your future a few nights ago. We both know that with Charlie Marr behind us, that gives you the opportunity to move forward and advance your career, but let me tell you this… Charlie Marr is not the only person who is seeking you out. No, not at all.. There’s someone else out there, and that person is someone who you know. It’s someone from your past, and you desperately need to watch your back, because Charlie Marr was nothing but a mere obstacle compared to what you are set to endure next. The roadblock that this person will present to you will be far greater than anything Charlie did..
(Theron Nikolas’ concern grows even more. For Natasha to tell him that this roadblock is even greater worries him, because Charlie himself was one hell of a roadblock on its own. Curiosity begins to grow in the mind of Nikolas, as he looks towards Natasha and expresses the elephant in the room.)
Theron Nikolas: Who..
(While Nikolas is wondering what name from his past Natasha is going to bring up, a moment passes, and Natasha does not respond. Instead she shuts her eyes and faces the floor.)
Theron Nikolas: Who, Natasha? Who is this person that you speak of? Who am I supposed to be looking out for?
(Again, Natasha Agnello has no response, as she remains with her head down and eyes shut.)
Theron Nikolas: Natasha…
(Natasha raises her head up, and looks directly into Theron Nikolas’ eyes. She is visibly upset with a disappointed look on her face.)
Natasha Agnello: I can’t tell you..
Theron Nikolas: Why not?
Natasha Agnello: Because it isn’t clear to me yet.. Even I don’t know who this individual is.. I’m sorry, Theron. I wish that I could give you all of the information needed for you to be fully prepared, but unfortunately I don’t. So my advice to you is to stay on your toes and constantly watch your back.. Try to keep yourself safe, and when the time comes where that person is finally revealed, you can’t hold back for a single second..
(Theron Nikolas accepts the information given to him by Natasha Agnello. He nods his head with a serious look on his face. Theron has no idea what is in store for him, but whatever it is, he is going to be as prepared and ready as he can be with the information that he has. When one door closes, another one opens.. The question is.. Will Theron make it to the other side of the room when all is said and done? He never anticipated an obstacle greater than Charlie Marr to be on the horizon so soon after the events from the Christmas Show, but he’s more than ready to accept what the future holds for him. Eventually, Voltage fades to commercial break.)
(Commercial for the game Dead By Daylight featuring Jon Kelton as he desperately encourages the EAW roster to buy the game.)
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS AN EMPRESS OF ELITE FIRST ROUND MATCH SCHEDULED FOR…ONE FALL!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
(‘Catch Me If You Can’ by BABYMETAL blares throughout the arena, garnering positive feedback from the audience, who continue to cheer on Usagi as she saunters down to the ring, focused upon the task at hand, which is advancing in the tournament.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first! Hailing out of Fukuoka, Japan, weighing in at 130 pounds…SHE IS THE MASTER OF EXCELLENCE…USAGI SENSHI!!
James Peters: You heard Bella right, round one in the Empress of Elite, this match has some high stakes, and each woman would kill for the opportunity to advance.
Rich Russillo: We’ve seen what Empress of Elite can do for certain careers, and after ARIA’s title win at Road to Redemption, I imagine that lit a fire under Usagi to get some accomplishments of her own.
Persephone: Winning Empress of Elite, or better yet, a championship is nice. But just remember, it does not define your importance as a person! 😊
James Peters: :wow:
(Usagi poses on the middle rope before dropping down, and bouncing up and down, awaiting the arrival of her opponent, who doesn’t make her wait long. ‘Unbreakable’ by Fireflight plays, and Kylie Grace is out next. While realizing the opportunity she has ahead of her, Kylie’s demeanor is a stark difference to Usagi’s as Grace takes the time to interact with fans.)
Bella Braxton: And her opponent! Hailing out of San Diego, California, weighing in at 125 pounds…KYLIE GRACE!!
Rich Russillo: This isn’t our first time seeing Kylie Grace square off against Usagi, and last time these two did, it was Usagi who had walked out victorious. Do you feel as if history will repeat itself?
James Peters: Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Kylie Grace continues to evolve as a performer, and a person here on Voltage, so I’m sure she has been watching the tape, finding the best route to take tonight.
Rich Russillo: Yeah, but let’s see if watching the tape will be enough to crack the code for Kylie that is Usagi Senshi, or if she still has ways to go.
(Both competitors stare each other down from opposite corners.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
James Peters: The bell has rung, and round one in the Empress of Elite tournament has begun. Both competitors circle one another, and proceed to lock up in the center of the ring. Kylie Grace manages to get the early advantage, backing Usagi up against the ropes. However, Senshi shifts the momentum, pinning Kylie up against the ropes now before Grace battles back, pinning Usagi up against the corner.
Rich Russillo: You can see they’re jockeying for position early, and Kylie might’ve got the best of this exchange as she’s getting pulled out the corner by the referee, creating some separation between both women. Kylie backs up to the center of the ring, and the two circle each other once again before locking up a second time, except Kylie fakes Usagi out, slipping behind her for a rear waistlock.
James Peters: That was smart on Grace’s end to keep her opponent guessing, and now tightens her grip around the waist of Usagi, trying to squeeze the life out of her opponent. But Usagi pries the hands of Kylie apart, successfully breaking free, so she can perform a standing switch, and it’s Usagi with the rear waistlock on now.
Rich Russillo: Kylie isolates the arm of Senshi, grabbing her by the wrist, and forming a figure four, reminiscent of a kimura, and slips behind Usagi, transitioning into a hammerlock. Usagi ducks underneath the arm of Kylie, and transitions into a hammerlock of her own, but transitions that into a standing side headlock. Kylie shoves Usagi towards the ropes, and she rebounds off into a- wait!
Persephone: Usagi slides between the legs of Kylie, successfully avoiding whatever she planned there. Kylie spins around, and Usagi runs at her for a VICTORY ROLL!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
James Peters: Usagi nearly stole one there, but Kylie manages to kick out! Both competitors scramble back to their feet, and Kylie grabs Usagi in a standing side headlock. Quickly, Usagi bounces Kylie off the ropes to escape, and leapfrogs over as her opponent rebounds back! Kylie halts her momentum, so she doesn’t go running off the ropes a second time! Usagi realizes this once turning around, and makes a beeline toward Kylie, WHO ROLLS HER UP WITH A SCHOOL GIRL!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
Rich Russillo: Kylie doesn’t hold the cover, and instead, rolls Usagi through to a knee! GRACE SPINS AROUND FOR THE KY-KICK! BUT USAGI CATCHES THE BOOT! Senshi gets to a vertical base, keeping the foot of Usagi firmly in her grasp, so she’s forced to hop on one foot. Usagi shoves the boot of Kylie back, forcing her to do a backwards roll, and once getting to her feet, Usagi runs full steam ahead towards Grace! OOH! Arm drag by Kylie catches Usagi off guard, and both competitors rush back to their feet!
James Peters: Usagi almost runs into another piece of offense by Kylie, but blocks the hip toss, keeping her weight down, and counters into a standing guillotine choke! But Kylie sprawls down to the canvas, and slithers out underneath the bottom rope, successfully escaping.
Rich Russillo: I don’t blame her, the guillotine choke can do some serious damage, it could go as far to crush someone’s windpipe.
Persephone: Aw man, I’d hate for that to happen! Thank heavens Kylie is okay!
James Peters: :mjpls: Speaking of, Kylie leans up against the barricade, clutching at her throat. The guillotine was in for a short time, but already did a fair bit of damage. Usagi is like a shark smelling blood in the water, realizing she can’t let Kylie recover too much out there, and proceeds to baseball slide out of the ring. But as she does that, Kylie rolls back inside, switching position with Senshi, and possibly having baited her opponent. Kylie beckons Usagi to get in the ring, which she does slowly, not gonna rush into battle. That’s how you can get a bit sloppy.
Rich Russillo: Kylie meets Usagi in the center of the ring for another lock up. Dueling chants can be heard, this crowd is split 50/50, unsure who to root for. Kylie turns Usagi around for a rear waistlock, but Senshi elbows Grace square in the jaw, loosening her grip by a great deal, and Usagi goes for a second elbow, but Kylie ducks down! Usagi spins around as a result, and gets double legged to the canvas by Kylie!
James Peters: GRACE LEAPS IN THE AIR FOR A DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO THE CHEST! BUT USAGI EVADES IT AT THE LAST SECOND, CAUSING KYLIE TO HAVE TO ROLL THROUGH TO HER FEET! Usagi tags Kylie with a stiff forearm shot, knocking her back into the corner! Senshi follows that up with a knife edge chop, which rings throughout the arena, garnering a reaction from the crowd.
Rich Russillo: Usagi brings Kylie to the center of the ring for a body slam, and she runs off the ropes for a JUMPING KNEE DROP! Kylie favors her head as a result, but Usagi makes the cover, hooking the leg of Grace!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
James Peters: Barely a two count as Kylie gets the shoulder up! Both competitors get back to a vertical base, Usagi making it there slightly before Grace. KYLIE NAILS HER WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP! BUT USAGI FIRES BACK WITH ONE OF HER OWN! KYLIE RETURNS FIRE! AND USAGI SWITCHES GAMEPLAN WITH A FOREARM STRIKE TO THE FACE! Things are getting ugly between these two as Kylie begins to repeatedly hammer Usagi with forearm shots!
Rich Russillo: This stuns Senshi long enough to be irish whipped off the ropes, but Usagi reverses at the last minute, sending Kylie toward the ropes instead! A SHOOT KICK TO THE CHEST STOPS KYLIE IN HER TRACKS AS SHE FALLS BACK DOWN TO THE CANVAS! Kylie favors her chest, but Usagi grabs the back of her head, pulling Kylie up, and sending her up and over the top rope!
James Peters: No! Kylie landed on the apron, grabbing hold of the top rope for leverage. Usagi doesn’t realize this as she turnt around, taking the time to catch her breathe. Kylie quickly scales to the top rope, and stalks Usagi, waiting for her to turn back around. Once she does, Usagi has no room to counter a DIVING BACK ELBOW DELIVERED BY KYLIE GRACE!
Rich Russillo: Kylie watches as Usagi slowly gets to a knee, and runs off the ropes in front of her! BUT USAGI EXPLODES WITH A DROPKICK, CUTTING KYLIE OFF!
Persephone: Did I just see a tooth fly out?
Rich Russillo: Possibly. That dropkick caught Kylie pretty flush. Usagi may not look like it, but she is lethal within that ring. Her strikes make her a force to be reckoned with, and if that Fatality knee strike connects, I have it on good authority she’ll be advancing in the Empress of Elite tournament.
James Peters: Usagi gets back to a knee, and looks down at Kylie while she gets to all fours, still trying to shake the cobwebs out of her head from that dropkick. Usagi brings Kylie back to her feet, and hooks her up for a SNAP suplex! Kylie sits up, grimacing in pain, and favoring her back. Usagi continues the attack, lifting Kylie up, and knocking her back into the corner with a knife edge chop!
Rich Russillo: Kylie is stunned, and gets irish whipped to the opposite corner by Usagi! Wait! Kylie counters the irish whip with one of her own, sending Usagi to the opposite corner! Wait! These two have counters for counters as Usagi goes up and over Kylie in the corner! Grace collides chest first into the top turnbuckle, but shrugs it off, having managed to halt her momentum for the most part, so it couldn’t do some serious damage to her sternum.
James Peters: Senshi runs off the ropes behind Kylie, who turns out of the corner! BUT USAGI RUNS RIGHT INTO A SNAP OVERHEAD BELLY-TO-BELLY SUPLEX BY KYLIE! Usagi can be seen wincing as she uses the ropes to pull herself back to her feet. Kylie sees her opponent leaning up against the ropes, and wheels begin turning in her head as she charges at Usagi for a STEP-UP KNEE STRIKE, UTILIZING THE BOTTOM ROPE TO HER ADVANTAGE!
Persephone: :yikes:
Rich Russillo: Usagi plops to the canvas prone, and rolls out underneath the bottom rope! She lands on all fours, and is clearly discombobulated on the outside as she uses the apron for assistance now in getting back to her feet. Meanwhile, Kylie is lining her up for a BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK! Usagi goes down to a knee, and Kylie grabs hold of her wrist for an IRISH WHIP INTO A CORNER OF THE BARRICADE! Usagi collided face, and shoulder first before collapsing down on the outside.
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE!
James Peters: The referee’s count has begun, and while Kylie can opt to take a count out victory, I think she prefers that of a pinfall or submission as she rolls Senshi back into the ring.
Persephone: How st- noble of Kylie here. No one wants to see a match end in a count out.
James Peters: Kylie climbs to the top rope, and watches as a groggy Senshi turns around. …DIVING CROSSBODY! HOOK OF THE LEG! FOR THE VICTORY!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
TH-
Rich Russillo: KICKOUT! Usagi manages to sit up, and gets locked in a rear chinlock by Kylie, who continues to tighten the hold, attempting to wear her opponent down. Usagi powers back to vertical positioning, and drives the back of her elbow into the abdomen of Kylie repeatedly, weakening her grip. Kylie maintains the advantage with a knee to the gut, and irish whips Usagi into the corner! KYLIE CHARGES IN! BUT GETS SENT UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPE BY USAGI! KYLIE HIT HARD ON THE OUTSIDE, LANDING ON HER SIDE!
Persephone: You could hear the splat!
James Peters: Usagi staggers briefly before dropping to a knee, and begins catching her breath. Meanwhile, Kylie lies on the outside, writhing in pain as the referee begins his ten count.
Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE!
Rich Russillo: Kylie used the barricade for assistance, but is back to her feet, and wants back in the ring. But USAGI SLINGSHOTS OVER THE TOP ROPE FOR A CROSSBO- NO! KYLIE CAUGHT HER IN MID AIR FOR A DROPKICK TO THE ABDOMINAL AREA! Usagi holds her midsection in agony. Kylie didn’t come out completely unscathed either, nursing her knee, which she landed on to hit the dropkick.
James Peters: Kylie gingerly gets to her feet, and pulls Usagi back to hers as she sits up, clutching at her stomach. Usagi gets rolled into the ring by Kylie, who gets up onto the apron, AND SLINGSHOTS OVER THE TOP ROPE WITH A SENTON! The cover is made by Grace, hooking the leg on Senshi!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
Rich Russillo: Wow, only a one count as Usagi gets the shoulder up! Kylie might be showing a hint of frustration as she sits Usagi up, trapping her in another rear chinlock, perhaps contemplating her next case of action. If so, making sure to do damage to the opponent at the same time.
Persephone: Holds like this may wear the opponent down, but it doesn’t wear me down, of course! It’s so intriguing to watch as Usagi continues to have that chinlock tacked on!
James Peters: Riiight. Kylie continues to put more and more pressure as she tightens the hold, wanting to completely wear out her opponent. But Usagi grits through, powering back to her feet, and scoring back elbows to the midsection. Kylie can sense her grip is weakening, and delivers a knee to the sternum, reminiscent of earlier when she kept control over Usagi, despite her showing signs of life. Senshi gets whipped off the ropes by Grace!
Rich Russillo: OOF! FLYING FOREARM SMASH BY USAGI TAKES KYLIE DOWN, ALBEIT BRIEFLY! Kylie is back to her feet, and a running lariat knocks her down to the canvas once again! Kylie is up to her feet a third time, and Usagi charges into her with a running bicycle kick to the chest, knocking her back into the corner! RUNNING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT IN THE CORNER PERFORMED BY USAGI, JACKING THE JAW OF HER OPPONENT!
James Peters: Usagi snapmares Kylie down to a seated position in the center of the ring! SENSHI RUNS OFF THE ROPES, AND CRASHES INTO GRACE WITH A SLIDING ELBOW SMASH! Usagi gets to both knees, and lets out an intense scream, showing that she is firing up. Now, Usagi stands herself up once noticing that Kylie is beginning to stir, and brings her back to a vertical base.
Rich Russillo: Usagi places Kylie on her shoulders for a fireman’s carry. But Kylie is able to battle back with elbows to the jaw, and slips off the shoulders behind her. Usagi gets grabbed in a rear waistlock, and Kylie tries bouncing her chest first off the ropes for an o’connor roll! But Usagi wraps both arms around the top rope, bringing her momentum to a screeching halt! However, Kylie backward rolls to her feet, and runs right into a back elbow from Usagi, staggering her back a bit!
James Peters: AND USAGI SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE FOR A SOMERSAULT SENTON! Usagi rushes into the cover!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHH-
James Peters: Kickout at two! Usagi came close there, having got Kylie off guard, but Kylie managed to get her wits about her just in the nick of time. Although, Kylie’s lights may not be on for long as Usagi brings her up to a knee. Senshi signals the beginning of the end, and runs off the ropes in front of Grace for a FATALITY!
Rich Russillo: KYLIE SIDESTEPS THE MANEUVER, WHICH COULD HAVE VERY WELL PUT THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON THIS ENTIRE THING! USAGI SPINS AROUND INTO A POWER PUNCH! NO! USAGI AVOIDS THE SUPERMAN PUNCH BY TRAPPING THE ARM! BUT KYLIE DRILLS HER WITH A SUPERKICK! THE KNEES OF USAGI BUCKLE AS SHE COLLAPSES TO THE CANVAS! COVER IS MADE!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHRRRRRR-
Persephone: No, not yet! The match continues on! Kylie gets to her feet, and yells at Usagi to get up, which she does shortly. Kylie wants a DDT, BUT USAGI COUNTERS WITH A NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX, BRIDGING FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEE-
James Peters: ALMOST! Usagi gets to her feet, and watches as Kylie gets to both knees! ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO THE SHOULDER CONNECTS! Usagi runs off the ropes in front of Kylie, BUT KYLIE POPS BACK TO HER FEET FOR A BACK ELBOW ON SENSHI! Kylie staggers back, and looks as if she’s gonna rebound off the ropes! Usagi wants a dropkick, but lands on her back, having been successfully faked out by Kylie, who hangs on the top rope!
Rich Russillo: JUMPING DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO THE CHEST! AND ALMOST OFF INSTINCT, USAGI GETS TO HER FEET, CLUTCHING AT SAID CHEST WHICH ALMOST GOT CAVED IN! POWER PUNCH! POWER PUNCH BY GRACE! COVER IS MADE!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEE-
James Peters: KICKOUT! Kylie sits up, believing to have had Usagi dead to rights there, but no. She still got the shoulder up! Kylie stands herself up, and picks Usagi up by the air, beginning to get a bit more aggressive as time goes. Both competitors must be exhausted, beating lumps out of one another. Knife edge chop to the chest stuns Usagi, who gets irish whipped into the corner for a running step-up knee strike by Kylie!
Rich Russillo: Usagi gets lifted to the top rope for a superplex by Kylie, BUT USAGI SLIPS OUT UNDERNEATH THE LEGS OF KYLIE, AND PULLS ONE OUT FROM UNDER HER! GRACE LANDS FACE FIRST ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! Usagi staggers to the opposite corner as Kylie picks herself up in hers. USAGI CHARGES IN!
James Peters: KYLIE SENDS USAGI UP AND OVER HER SHOULDER! BUT USAGI CATCHES HERSELF ON THE APRON! KYLIE TURNS AROUND INTO A FOREARM STRIKE, STAGGERING HER BACK! USAGI SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE TOP ROPE- KYLIE! KYLIE TRIPPED UP USAGI WITH HER ARM, AND USAGI HIT GUT FIRST ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE BEFORE BOUNCING OFF TO THE CANVAS!
Rich Russillo: All the wind has been taken out of her sails as Usagi writhes on the ground, gasping for air! Kylie senses an opportunity, and crawls into the cover, hooking both legs!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
James Peters: The referee can only muster a two count! Kylie pulls Usagi up by the head, and hooks her up for a suplex! But Usagi hooks her leg on the inside of Kylie’s, successfully warding off the attempt! Kylie tries again, but we get a repeat of the same events with Usagi hooking that leg. Senshi begins delivering shots to the rib cage, and explodes out the clutches of Kylie with a HARD forearm strike that knocks her back into the corner!
Persephone: Right when you think this match is close to ending, it keeps going on and on! 😀 I’m impressed by the resilience of these two competitors!
Rich Russillo: Usagi pursues Kylie in the corner, but walks right into a big boot! USAGI SHRUGS IT OFF, AND LANDS A JUMPING FOREARM STRIKE! Kylie gets lifted to the top turnbuckle, and Usagi climbs to the middle, but gets caught with a forearm strike by Kylie, knocking her off! Usagi staggers back slightly, and Kylie perches herself on the top rope!
James Peters: DIVING CROSSBODY! BUT USAGI SAW IT COMING THIS TIME, AND ROLLS THROUGH TO HER FEET, HAVING KYLIE IN A CRADLE! GRACE GETS POPPED UP TO A FIREMAN’S CARRY POSITION, AND USAGI TRIES FOR CRITICAL DARLING! BUT KYLIE AVOIDS THE SAMOAN DRIVER BY FLIPPING ON HER FEET IN FRONT OF USAGI!
Rich Russillo: KYLIE TRIES RUNNING OFF THE ROPES IN FRONT OF SENSHI, BUT USAGI PULLS HER IN BY THE REAR OF HER TRUNKS! OH NO! KYLIE CAUGHT USAGI WITH A BACK ELBOW, AND RUNS OFF THE ROPES IN FRONT OF HER NOW!
James Peters: FATALITY! USAGI SCORED WITH THE FATALITY AS KYLIE CAME REBOUNDING BACK! Grace gets spun around off the impact before collapsing supine on the mat! Cover is made, hooking the leg!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: HERE’S YOUR WINNER AND MOVING ON TO ROUND TWO…USAGI SENSHI!
(‘Catch Me If You Can’ by BABYMETAL plays to a thunderous ovation, the audience having gotten their money’s worth with the performance these two just put on. The reaction only grows louder as Usagi Senshi rises off the canvas, and has her hand raised in victory.)
James Peters: Usagi Senshi is advancing in Empress of Elite, and you have to imagine it feels good.
Rich Russillo: Especially after a hard fought match like that. You’re dang right it feels good.
Persephone: These two impressed me tremendously tonight!
James Peters: They both showed exactly how much they wanted to advance, but as we know, in the end, there can only be one, and that one was Usagi. Although, take nothing away from Kylie, it just wasn’t her night.
(Usagi notices Kylie seated down in the corner, attempting to recover. As a result, Usagi extends her hand, helping Kylie up, and the two shake hands while Senshi says something to her that isn’t quite picked up on camera. Kylie smiles, and nods before exiting the ring allowing Usagi to have her moment with the fans.)
Persephone: Yay! Sportsmanship!
James Peters: You love to see it. Both competitors showed an immense amount of respect for one another, Kylie Grace, even in defeat.
Rich Russillo: My congrats go out to Usagi!
(Usagi poses on the middle rope as the camera fades elsewhere.)
(Sunday Night Voltage returns and fades back in to show the backstage area of the Pechanga Arena, where Voltage Backstage Interviewer Sofia Clarke is seen standing by. She holds a microphone in her hand, standing in front of a generic EAW backdrop, before then beginning to speak into the camera from there.)
Sofia Clarke: We are back, and what a match that we’ve just witnessed between Usagi Senshi and Kylie Grace! The Empress of Elite tournament is heating up, and while that may be the end of the Round 1 matches for this week, I’m excited to see what each of our female Elitists have to offer next! Speaking of the tournament though, two weeks ago we saw last year’s holder cash in her opportunity on the current Universal Women’s Champion Sienna Jade. On Dynasty this week we saw Sienna respond to the attack, and she had some not so kind words to say toward her future challenger. Tonight I have the opportunity to speak to said challenger, so ladies and gentlemen please welcome at this time, the 2022 Empress of Elite… Dr. Bethany Blue!
(The crowd in attendance tonight roars in applause while the camera goes over to reveal none other than the Empress of Elite herself Dr. Bethany Blue entering the scene. She has a smug look on her face looking off in the distance, before greeting Sofia with a nod. Sofia lets everyone get settled in, before then continuing to speak from there.)
Sofia Clarke: Bethany, thank you for your time tonight.
Dr. Bethany Blue: No problem at all.
Sofia Clarke: Well, as previously mentioned, Sienna Jade had a response to your attack at A Hawaiian Christmas Show Spectacle. One thing that she talked about was that you were a coward for attacking her from behind.
(Bethany smirks before shaking her head.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: How else was I going to send a message to her? How boring does it sound just to walk out there and make it known that I was coming after her title, then I’d just be like everyone else. I had to make sure that her full attention from that day forward was on me, and that she needs to come to this understanding that I’m not just any other challenger fighting for her title. I’m someone who has won the Empress of Elite tournament, and furthermore beat the best that EAW has to offer. The fact that I have to prove myself of anything is ridiculous, and I am more than deserving of this Universal Women’s Title shot contrary to what Sienna has been trying to say to me. I’ve been dismissed so many times in my career, especially by people just like Sienna, and they’re going to come to an understanding that in those situations specifically is when you see the best Dr. Bethany Blue. To say I’m not ready for this is just fooling yourself, because I’ve had one year to prepare myself to face whoever was going to be the Champion once I decided the time was right, I am not letting this go to waste.
Sofia Clarke: What about her saying that you’re jealous of her?
Dr. Bethany Blue: I have no reason to be, do I? I’m one of the best that this women’s division has to offer, and while management will never look at me on the same level as someone like Sienna Jade, I know that I am capable of facing her inside that ring and furthermore getting the better of her. I’ve never been one to criticize Sienna, I have a whole lot of respect for her and what she’s done, but when it comes down to it I am 100% up for the challenge. While it may have seemed that way in the eyes of many, and has been used as a talking point in multiple videos, I did not win this crown for nothing. I was going to make good use of it and finally take my career to the next level, having the benefit of calling myself a World Champion. 2022 was a great year for me, despite the ups and downs, and that was shown with all of those awards that I walked away with, as a constant reminder of who I am as an Elitist. But I know that I can make 2023 better, and I can’t really think of a better way than heading into the new year as the Universal Women’s Champion. While Sienna might be in the way of that, she isn’t going to stop me from reaching my goals.
Sofia Clarke: Well she also had a lot to say regarding The Prescription. Talking about the dissension and even going as far as saying that you’ve been surpassed by Sheridan, correlating that to her defeat at the Christmas show.
Dr. Bethany Blue: A lot of people have been questioning my words toward Sheridan, saying that it’s not right for me to say considering it’s my own tag team partner. But just because that’s the case, doesn’t mean I’m not going to tell her straight when she’s talking out of her butt. She hasn’t stopped flapping her gums about that stupid Wicked Games win, and along with that I could very much so argue compromised our Unified Tag Team Championship reign by challenging for the Universal Women’s Championship. Sheridan is the perfect Elitist to have by your side, but do I not have the right to defend myself? I’ve been pushed down to the ground so many times, do you think I was just going to take that backhand by Sheridan lying down? Absolutely not, just because everyone has done everything in their power to disregard and underestimate me does not mean that I’m just going to stay silent while it happens, remember that.
Sofia Clarke: Not only that, she also called out your Empress of Elite crown win, saying that she’s not impressed for a variety of reasons. She said that the crown is tainted and also that you don’t deserve the right to cash it in, seeing as though you waited this long.
Dr. Bethany Blue: I don’t regret it either, she can cry all she wants because I took my sweet time. She will never understand how hard I’ve worked to get this opportunity, to have the chance to call myself the Empress of Elite. It’s beyond the journey through the tournament, but a journey that has lasted all throughout my career, persevering through the struggles and rising up in the face of adversity. I know that this crown would be the one opportunity I need to complete myself, to be the Universal Women’s Champion, why would I even try to be all willy nilly and cash in immediately? Sure it worked for Harper Lee, but you can never be certain, that’s why I’ve made sure to play my cards right, I KNOW this is going to be the biggest match of my career. Even when she usurped Harper and took her place at the top of the women’s division, I was up for the challenge, and was going to make sure that when the time came to face Sienna, I was ready and there were absolutely zero excuses. I need the right to call myself a World Champion, beyond anything else that I’ve done in my career, and I’m going to make sure it happens, and if it helps her sleep at night, I’m not going to wait any longer. This is going to be my moment, and she’s just not ready for what I have to bring to the table when the time comes for her and I to face one another. She can say all she wants, but just like the rest of them she will be proven wrong courtesy of Dr. Bethany Blue… E… O… E.
Sofia Clarke: :wow: Bold words from the Empress of Elite. Bethany, once again, we thank you for joining us tonight.
Dr. Bethany Blue: Pleasures all mine.
(Bethany turns and begins to make her way out of the scene…)
Rich Russillo: FROM BEHIND! SOMEONE JUST STRUCK BETHANY!
James Peters: SIENNA JADE! THE UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPION IS HERE AND SHE LOOKS TO GET SOME PAYBACK FROM WHAT HAPPENED IN HAWAII! SHE’S BEATING DOWN BETHANY WHILE THE EMPRESS OF ELITE IS DEFENSELESS THANKS TO BEING STRUCK UNEXPECTEDLY! A SURPRISE ATTACK THAT MIGHT’VE VERY WELL SUCCEEDED!
(Bethany is trying her best to defend herself, but Sienna has her number at the moment, beating her down repeatedly before slamming her head down onto the concrete flooring! That leaves Bethany stunned long enough for Sienna to get back up to her feet with a pissed off look on her face, taking her boot and pressing it up against Bethany’s face while holding her Universal Women’s Title in her hands.)
Sienna Jade: YOU WILL NEVER BE WORLD TITLE MATERIAL!
(Sienna takes the title and raises it high into the air, a smirk on her face while she looks up at the ceiling, proud of her attack. She finally relents and leaves the scene before security can file in, with a downed and stunned Bethany being the last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage then begins to transition to another commercial break.)
(Commercial for NBA 2K23 featuring Jake Smith, who promotes the games features and showcases the MyTeam mode.)
(Voltage returns to ringside, and Bella Braxton is seen with a microphone in her hand.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… The following contest is a CHAMPION VERSUS CHAMPION MATCH and it is scheduled for ONE FALL!!!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!!
(‘DESTINY’ by Saori Yoshida hits, and the crowd explodes with cheers. Before long, the new Specialists Champion ARIA begins to make her first match entrance as a Champion, walking out to the stage with a smile on her face. She has the Specialists Championship around her waist, and she takes some time to look around at the thousands of cheering fans in the arena before finally beginning to make her way down the ramp. She unhooks her title before raising it up on her way towards the ring, and Bella Braxton begins to speak afterwards.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first… From Chandler, Arizona… Weighing in at 110 pounds… SHE IS THE EAW SPECIALISTS CHAMPION, AAAAARRRIIIIAAAAAA!!!!!!!!
James Peters: ARIA is out here, ready for her first match since Road to Redemption! She’s about to take part in a Champion versus Champion match, and this is the type of match anybody would want to start their title reign winning. The only problem is that her opponent has also only just started her reign, which begs the question: Who will win?
Rich Russillo: I could see this one going either way. Hikari is the more aggressive competitor but ARIA utilizes a variety of high flying and striking moves that I could see countering Hikari’s more calculated style. Either way, I think this is going to be a fantastic match.
(‘As Long As I Love’ TK from Ling Tosite Sigure hits, and this time there is a more mixed but also pretty positive reaction for the new Hardcore Champion, who’s also making her first match entrance since winning the title. Hikari Kanno walks out carrying the Hardcore Championship, and she raises the title on the stage. Hikari has a focused look on her face as she looks ready for this match, and both the Hardcore Champion and the Specialists Champion stare directly at each other as Hikari makes her way down the ramp for her first match since A Hawaiian Christmas Show Spectacle.)
Bella Braxton: And her opponent… From Okinawa, Japan… Weighing in at 121 pounds… SHE IS THE EAW HARDCORE CHAMPION, HIIIIIIKKAARRIIIIIII KAAAANNNNNNNOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
James Peters: Hikari Kanno won her Hardcore Championship at A Hawaiian Christmas Show Spectacle, and now she has the chance to kick off her reign with a win against a fellow Champion. We’ve already addressed why this will be so interesting, but both ARIA and Hikari knew what they’d be getting themselves into this week. I’m sure their mindsets haven’t changed after what they’ve had to say this week.
Rich Russillo: Hikari has made it clear that she’s changed throughout her time in EAW, and I think now is her chance to show how far she’s come inside of the ring as well by facing such an impressive Elitist like ARIA. A Champion versus Champion match, I can’t wait to see this get started!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
James Peters: HERE WE GO! This Champion versus Champion match is underway as both Elitists circle each other quickly! They lock up, but that doesn’t last long as Hikari aims to get ARIA in a headlock! ARIA is able to slip out of it before doing the same to Hikari, but Hikari rushes into the ropes, using them to force ARIA off of her as the Specialists Champion bounces off towards the opposite pair! Both Elitists now running towards each other, BUT ARIA JUMPS OVER HIKARI AS HIKARI NOW BOUNCES OFF OF THE ROPES! ARM DRAG BY ARIA, WHO QUICKLY FOLLOWS UP WITH A DROPKICK!
Rich Russillo: Hikari stumbles into the corner and now ARIA charges in, BUT HIKARI MOVES OUT OF THE WAY AS ARIA COLLIDES WITH THE TURNBUCKLES! ARIA PULLS HERSELF OUT OF THE CORNER, BUT HIKARI RUNS IN AND KICKS ARIA’S LEGS OUT FROM UNDER HER, TRIPPING ARIA AND DROPPING HER ONTO HER FACE! ARIA now making an attempt to get back to her feet, BUT HIKARI DOESN’T MAKE THAT EASY FOR HER AS SHE DROPS DOWN WITH AN ELBOW TO THE BACK OF ARIA’S HEAD! Hikari pulls Aria up by her waist, AND THROWS ARIA OVER HER HEAD WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX!
Persephone: ARIA FLIPPED OVER AND LANDED ON HER FEET! ARIA JUMPS ONTO HIKARI’S SHOULDERS NOW AND GOES FOR A REVERSE FRANKENSTEINER, BUT HIKARI USES HER HANDS TO STOP HER HEAD FROM HITTING THE MAT! Both women are back on their feet now and ARIA goes for a roundhouse kick, BUT HIKARI DUCKS IT BEFORE GOING FOR A THRUST KICK- NO! ARIA CAUGHT HIKARI’S FOOT, AND NOW SHE SPINS HIKARI AROUND BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A JUMPING ENZUIGIRI! Hikari is barely standing, AND NOW ARIA JUMPS UP AND FOR A DOUBLE KNEE FACEBREAKER!
James Peters: BUT IT LOOKS LIKE THAT MAY HAVE BEEN A MISTAKE, AS HIKARI JUST CAUGHT ARIA!! HIKARI IS HOLDING ONTO ARIA, AND NOW QUICKLY DROPS HER BACK FIRST ONTO THE MAT!! ARIA definitely felt the effects of that one as she starts rolling away, but I don’t think Hikari is going to be merciful enough to allow ARIA any time to recover! Hikari gets on top of ARIA’s back before holding her by the arm, and now she starts delivering some side elbows to ARIA’s jaw and the side of her head! Those are some nasty strikes, but this is the kind of offense that got Hikari where she is today!
Rich Russillo: I think Hikari is actually looking to transition into a dragon sleeper, BUT ARIA IS ABLE TO FINALLY POWER THROUGH, GETTING TO ONE FOOT WHICH IS ALL SHE NEEDS TO PUSH HERSELF OFF THE MAT AND ROLL OVER HIKARI INTO A PIN!
ONE!
Rich Russillo: Hikari quickly kicks out but I think ARIA’s main intention there was simply getting out of the hold, which she accomplished! Both Elitists get back to their feet, AND NOW HIKARI SWINGS AT ARIA BUT ARIA DUCKS UNDER IT BEFORE GRABBING HIKARI FROM BEHIND! BLUE THUNDER POWERBOMB!!!
Persephone: NO! ARIA DOESN’T CONNECT AS HIKARI IS THE ONE LANDING ON HER FEET THIS TIME, AND HIKARI IS QUICK TO HOOK ARIA’S ARMS FROM BEHIND! SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX BY HIKARI KANNO, AND SHE DOESN’T STOP AT JUST ONE! HIKARI GETS BACK TO HER FEET WHILE STILL HOLDING ONTO ARIA, AND SHE DELIVERS A SECOND DRAGON SUPLEX!! Hikari gets back up once again, and she is still holding onto ARIA, she still isn’t finished even after two in a row! HIKARI DELIVERS A THIRD DRAGON SUPLEX, AND THIS TIME HIKARI BRIDGES TO PIN THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION!
ONE!
TWO-
James Peters: ARIA KICKS OUT!! Hikari Kanno has been in control for a significant portion of this match so far as she’s been known to utilize more aggressive forms of offense, but we saw just a few weeks ago at Road to Redemption what ARIA is capable of. ARIA is grabbing onto the ropes in order to try and get back up, but Hikari grabs ARIA by the head and pulls ARIA’s face right into her knee! Hikari now pulling ARIA into a front facelock, and it looks like Hikari isn’t aiming to make the mistake of underestimating ARIA! She’s looking to finish this match while she still can! HIKARI LIFTS ARIA UP-
Rich Russillo: BUT ARIA PULLS HERSELF OVER THE TOP ROPE, LANDING ON HER FEET OUT ON THE RING APRON! HIKARI NOTICES AND QUICKLY SWINGS AT ARIA, BUT ARIA DUCKS UNDER BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A ROPE ASSISTED ENZUIGIRI! That caused Hikari to stumble away, giving ARIA the chance to make her way to the top rope- WAIT NO! HIKARI RUNS IN- BUT ARIA JUMPS OVER HER AND ROLLS BACK TO HER FEET! ARIA NOW TURNING AROUND AND RUNNING IN AS HIKARI TURNS TO THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION! SHOTGUN DROPKICK BY ARIA!!!
Persephone: Hikari was just sent crashing into the turnbuckles, and now ARIA hops onto the middle rope as Hikari rolls out of the corner! ARIA NOW JUMPS ONTO THE TOP ROPE, BOUNCING OFF OF IT AND GOING FOR A MOONSAULT, BUT HIKARI ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY!! ARIA LANDED ON HER FEET THOUGH, AND NOW SHE DELIVERS A STANDING MOONSAULT!! ARIA GOING FOR THE COVER NOW, AND I THINK THIS IS IT GUYS! THE MATCH IS OVER!
ONE!
TWO-
Persephone: Oh. Hikari kicked out. I mean- uh, WOOOOOO!!! THE MATCH ISN’T OVER YET AS HIKARI KICKED OUT BEFORE TWO!
James Peters: ARIA gets back to her feet, and now it’s Hikari that’s slowly struggling to get back up to her feet! ARIA grabs Hikari, putting her in a front facelock before backing towards the turnbuckles! ARIA NOW TURNING AND RUNNING UP THE TURNBUCKLES, AND IT LOOKS LIKE SHE’S GOING FOR A TORNADO DDT- BUT HIKARI MANAGES TO PUSH ARIA OFF OF HER BEFORE STUMBLING BACK INTO THE ROPES, HOLDING ONTO THEM TO KEEP HERSELF UP! ARIA RUNS IN- BUT HIKARI LIFTS HER OVER THE TOP ROPE BEFORE STUMBLING AWAY FROM HER! Hikari catching her breath before turning around- RIGHT TO ARIA GOING FOR A SPRINGBOARD-
Rich Russillo: THRUST KICK!!! HIKARI JUST TOOK ARIA OUT OF THE AIR WITH A THRUST KICK!!! Hikari dropped to a knee after that as she was never given time to recover from the moves she’s taken so far, but ARIA was sent rolling out of the ring from that kick, which hit her right in the face! Hikari begins to roll out as well, looking to limit the amount of time ARIA has to recover and get back into this! ARIA is using the ring apron to try and get back up, BUT HIKARI RUNS IN BEFORE DELIVERING A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT, DROPPING ARIA TO THE GROUND AS THE HARDCORE CHAMPION HAS THE UPPER HAND!
Persephone: Hikari pulls ARIA back up before putting her in a hammerlock, AND HIKARI SENDS ARIA BACK FIRST INTO THE RING POST, CAUSING ARIA’S ARM TO BE CRUSHED IN THE PROCESS! Hikari now with a knee to the midsection, AND NOW HIKARI LOOKS TO SEND ARIA INTO THE BARRICADE- BUT ARIA TURNS IT AROUND, SENDING HIKARI INTO THE BARRICADE INSTEAD!! ARIA NOW JUMPING ONTO THE APRON AS HIKARI RECOVERS, AND ARIA SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE ROPES BEFORE DROPPING HIKARI WITH A CROSSBODY!!
James Peters: ARIA SENDS HIKARI BACK INTO THE RING BEFORE FOLLOWING BEHIND, AND ARIA QUICKLY RUNS THE ROPES AS SHE SEEMS TO BE SETTING UP FOR SOMETHING BIG!! WAIT A SECOND!! ARIA GOES FOR THE HANDSPRING, AND THERE SHE GOES!! ZIRCON INJECTION- WAIT NO!! SLEEPER HOLD BY HIKARI!!!! ARIA WENT FOR THE HANDSPRING CUTTER, BUT AS SOON AS ARIA JUMPED FOR THE CUTTER HIKARI WAS ABLE TO GRAB ONTO HER AND LOCK IN THE SLEEPER HOLD!! BOTH WOMEN ARE ON THE MAT NOW, ALLOWING HIKARI TO WRAP HER LEGS AROUND ARIA!! This isn’t good for ARIA!
Rich Russillo: A counter like that isn’t easy! Had Hikari messed that up at all she would’ve been driven face first into the mat, but now she’s the one in control as ARIA needs to find a way to fight out of this submission! I’m not sure whether or not she’ll be able to escape this, but I will say this! ARIA has proven to be very resilient, and no matter the outcome here I don’t think it’ll be easy for Hikari to put ARIA away with this submission! ARIA seems to have every intention of fighting out of this, I’m just not too sure how!
James Peters: Wait a second, I think I know! ARIA just managed to turn herself over to her stomach, and now she is somehow pushing herself back to her feet! ARIA is looking to power out of this submission with Hikari still on her back! So far she seems to be successful as she manages to get to a knee and planting one foot onto the mat, AND NOW ARIA MAKES IT BACK TO HER FEET! ARIA IS STANDING, AND NOW SHE QUICKLY BACKPEDALS INTO THE CORNER, LOOKING TO SEND HIKARI INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!
Rich Russillo: HIKARI STOPS HERSELF THOUGH, PUTTING HER FEET DOWN ON THE MAT BEFORE SHE COULD HIT THE TURNBUCKLES! She’s in the corner though, and this is all ARIA needs to grab onto the ropes and force the rope break! ARIA now looking for a back elbow with Hikari trapped in the corner, but Hikari blocks it before using her boots to push ARIA away! Hikari now running in, AND SHE SURPRISINGLY GOES FOR A DROPKICK TO THE LEGS, BUT ARIA WAS ABLE TO JUMP OVER IT JUST IN TIME! ARIA was clearly caught off guard knowing that Hikari’s been known to target the upper half of the body, but she narrowly managed to avoid that dropkick!
Persephone: ARIA NOW RUNS THE ROPES AS HIKARI TRIES TO GET BACK UP, AND SHE GOES FOR J4A- BUT HIKARI GETS OUT OF THE WAY BEFORE GRABBING THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION! BRIGHTSTAR- WAIT NO! ARIA TAKES HIKARI DOWN WITH AN ARM DRAG BEFORE QUICKLY TURNING AND GETTING HIKARI IN A HEADLOCK! IT’S RAINING DOGS AND CATS-
Rich Russillo: Cats and Dogs!
Persephone: YEAH THAT! SHE JUST CONNECTED WITH IT, AND NOW HIKARI IS DOWN AND OUT!! ARIA HOOKS THE LEGS, I THINK THAT’S IT!!!
ONE!
TWO!!
THRE-
Persephone: Or not…
James Peters: HIKARI GOT THE SHOULDER UP, KEEPING THIS MATCH ALIVE!!! ARIA slowly gets back up, and I think she’s just as surprised as the fans in the arena tonight! Hikari is super resilient in her own right, but that headlock driver is no joke! ARIA is slowly making her way to the top rope, and I have to say we shouldn’t even be surprised that she’s already making her next move! If there’s anybody who’d be able to think of something quickly in a situation like this, it’s ARIA!
Rich Russillo: You may just be right about that one! Hikari Kanno is down and out, giving ARIA all the time she needs to make her way up top and do what she needs to do! ARIA is looking for a big win here following her first Championship victory in EAW, and I think she might just get that right now! ARIA DIVES AT HIKARI KANNO, GOING FOR 2TF- BUT NO!!! IT DOESN’T CONNECT!!! HIKARI ROLLED AWAY CLOSER TO THE TURNBUCKLES, AND UNLIKE WITH THE MOONSAULT THERE’S NOTHING ARIA COULD HAVE DONE TO SAVE THAT!! ARIA just crashed and burned, giving Hikari a chance to recover!
James Peters: They don’t call it high risk for nothing! Hikari hasn’t gotten up yet so she’s clearly still feeling the effects of the headlock driver, so I think she used everything she had left to roll out of the way there! ARIA is hurting badly, and I have to say if that spiral tap connected there’s a good chance this match would be over right now! Hikari Kanno pushes herself off of the mat before grabbing ARIA, AND SHE DELIVERS A SNAP SAITO SUPLEX, DROPPING ARIA ONTO THE MAT BEFORE GOING FOR THE COVER!
ONE!
TWO!!
T-
Rich Russillo: ARIA GETS THE SHOULDER UP, but you can see the wear and tear of these two by this point! ARIA clearly struggled to get out of that, and now Hikari pulls ARIA up into a hammerlock hold, looking to make things even worse as she SENDS ARIA BACK AND ARM FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLES, JUST LIKE SHE DID WITH THE RINGPOST EARLIER! ARIA is hurt, AND NOW HIKARI KICKS ARIA IN THE MIDSECTION, DROPPING ARIA INTO A SEATED POSITION AS HIKARI FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A BOOT TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! Hikari now running the ropes, AND SHE GOES FOR A RUNNING KNEE-
Persephone: BUT ARIA JUMPS OUT OF THE WAY AND HIKARI HITS HER KNEE ON THE TURNBUCKLES INSTEAD!! ARIA uses the ropes to pull herself back to her feet, AND SHE HITS HIKARI WITH A KICK TO THE MIDSECTION! ARIA now hitting Hikari with forearm strikes over and over before grabbing her by the arm and- WAIT NO! ARIA was looking for an Irish whip, but Hikari turned it around and sent ARIA into the ropes! ARIA held onto them though to stop herself from bouncing off, and now Hikari runs in to attack- BUT ARIA AVOIDS HIKARI’S STRIKE BEFORE DELIVERING A SUPERKICK! ARIA NOW RUNNING THE ROPES-
James Peters: BUT HIKARI INTERCEPTS WITH A KNEE STRIKE, FOLLOWING IT UP BY KICKING ARIA’S LEG OUT FROM UNDER HER! HIKARI NOW WITH A SECOND KNEE, AND SHE LIFTS ARIA UP BY THE WAIST BEFORE DROPPING HER WITH THE KANNO SUPER BUSTER!!! THE GUTWRENCH SITOUT POWERBOMB CONNECTS AND THIS MAY VERY WELL BE HIKARI’S BEST SHOT AT WINNING THIS MATCH!! HIKARI HOLDS ARIA IN PLACE FOR THE PIN!!!
ONE!
TWO!!
THRE-
James Peters: BUT ARIA STAYS ALIVE!!!! ARIA KICKED OUT ONLY JUST BEFORE THREE, ANY CLOSER AND THIS MATCH WOULD HAVE BEEN OVER!!!
Rich Russillo: Hikari falls backwards, no doubt exhausted after the damage she’s taken so far. This has been a heavy hitting match as both Elitists have pulled out all the stops in hopes of winning tonight. Hikari is slowly finding her way back up, and somehow she’s going to have to find a way to top all of the offense she’s had up to this point. She’s slowly dragging ARIA up by her hair, and whatever it is she’s thinking about here will somehow have to be enough to end this match!
Persephone: Hikari just hit ARIA with an uppercut, before kneeing her in the midsection! Hikari now is elbowing ARIA over and over, and I’m not too sure why. She can’t win just by beating her up, right?
James Peters: She’s not inflicting damage for no reason, she’s trying to wear ARIA down! She clearly has something planned, and if ARIA keeps taking hits like this it’ll just be even easier for Hikari to deliver whatever move she’s thinking about!
Rich Russillo: Hikari grabs ARIA by the arm, BUT ARIA FINALLY FIGHTS BACK, USING THAT ARM TO PULL HIKARI RIGHT INTO A FOREARM!
James Peters: ARIA immediately grabs her arm after that, as she had to pull Hikari using the same arm that was driven into both the ring post and the turnbuckles! It looks like she’s feeling the effects of it more than she thought. Hikari in the meantime is able to recover, AND RESPOND TO THAT FOREARM WITH A RIGHT HAND! ARIA is on spaghetti legs, BUT SHE HITS HIKARI WITH A CHOP, BEFORE FOLLOWING IT UP WITH A RIGHT HAND USING THE SAME HAND! HIKARI NOW WITH A FOREARM! NOW ARIA WITH ANOTHER RIGHT- EXCEPT HIKARI WAS ABLE TO CATCH IT THIS TIME AS SHE KNEW ARIA WAS STUCK USING THE GOOD ARM!
Rich Russillo: Hikari Kanno was able to hit ARIA with a kick to the midsection thanks to that, and now Hikari sends ARIA into the- WAIT NO! NOW IT’S ARIA SENDING HIKARI INTO THE ROPES BEFORE IMMEDIATELY CHARGING IN! J4A!!!! J4A CONNECTS….. BUT THAT KNEE STRIKE SENT HIKARI KANNO OUT OF THE RING IN BETWEEN THE TOP AND MIDDLE ROPE! ARIA TRIED USING HER GOOD ARM TO CATCH HIKARI IN TIME BUT SHE WAS TOO LATE! ARIA’s best bet was grabbing Hikari with the left arm, but she couldn’t do that after all the damage!
Persephone: Wow, how awful. Now this match will never end.. I mean, ARIA just lost her chance of winning!
James Peters: ARIA was very smart there as she went for the move as soon as Hikari started bouncing off the ropes, not giving her any time to react. I think we’ve all underestimated how much damage has been done to that arm though. Not only will shots to the ring post and turnbuckles hurt badly, but she’s also had to exhaust that arm through kickouts and other moves. ARIA is shaking off the pain now and rolling out of the ring, hopefully she’s able to capitalize despite what just happened.
Rich Russillo: ARIA grabs Hikari before rolling her back into the ring, and now ARIA rolls into the ring after her. ARIA now looking for the cover- BUT HIKARI IS ABLE TO TURN OVER ONTO HER STOMACH! All that time wasted gave Hikari enough time to recover after all, even if it’s only enough to stop ARIA from pinning her! ARIA can’t seem to believe everything that just happened in the past few moments, and while I couldn’t personally explain everything she’s feeling right now, I can say this. If I were in her shoes I’d both be furious and impressed by the way Hikari saved herself.
Persephone: Well, I think you’re speaking a bit too soon. It’s not like the match is over! ARIA is heading up to the top rope, and it’s not like Hikari is gonna be able to avoid- nevermind…. Hikari is actually getting up right now using the ropes, and ARIA doesn’t even realize it because she was climbing up facing the crowd! Hikari Kanno runs in, and she hits ARIA with a forearm to the back! Hikari hits another forearm, and now she pulls ARIA down by her head, dropping her into a tree of woe position!
James Peters: Hikari Kanno not wasting any time backing up, BEFORE RUNNING IN AND HITTING ARIA WITH A DROPKICK TO THE FACE!!! ARIA slowly crumbles down onto the mat, but Hikari is struggling to even get back up after all the damage WE taken in this match! Her and ARIA are somehow getting up at the same time even after all that, BUT HIKARI LOOKS TO STRIKE FIRST AS SHE RUNS IN FOR A BIG BOOT- NO! ARIA DUCKS UNDER IT BEFORE HITTING HIKARI WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK, AND BOTH WOMEN ARE ON SPAGHETTI LEGS NOW DESPITE ARIA BEING THE ONE DELIVERING THE MOVE!
Rich Russillo: That just goes to show how much these two have taken out of each other! ARIA pulls Hikari into a front facelock, but Hikari lands a punch to the midsection before hitting ARIA with a spinning back fist, dropping ARIA to a knee! Hikari not bothering running the ropes this time after what happened moments ago, INSTEAD JUST LOOKING FOR A STANDING KNEE STRIKE- BUT ARIA IS ABLE TO CATCH HIKARI’S LEG! ARIA slowly gets back to her feet, AND SHE STARTS HITTING HIKARI WITH BOTH RIGHTS AND LEFTS!! ARIA FIGHTING THROUGH THE PAIN, KNOWING THAT SHE COST HERSELF THE CHANCE TO WIN BY NOT DOING SO EARLIER!
Persephone: HIKARI CAUGHT ARIA WITH AN UPPERCUT, BUT ARIA SPINS AND KICKS HIKARI IN THE MIDSECTION BEFORE KNEEING HER IN THE FACE, CAUSING HIKARI TO STUMBLE BACKWARDS! ARIA QUICKLY GRABS HIKARI BEFORE LIFTING HER, AND SHE’S GOING FOR THE GLITCH IN THE MATRIX- BUT HIKARI KANNO ROLLS THROUGH INTO A SUNSET FLIP PIN! ARIA SOMEHOW KICKED OUT INSTANTLY AND ROLLED BACK TO HER FEET, BUT HIKARI ROLLED TO HER FEET BEFORE ARIA COULD DO ANYTHING!
James Peters: ARIA CHARGES AT HIKARI, LOOKING FOR A LARIAT WITH HER GOOD ARM, BUT HIKARI DUCKS UNDER IT! ARIA LOOKS TO MAKE UP FOR IT BY SPINNING AND GOING FOR A DISCUS ELBOW WITH THE LEFT ARM, BUT HIKARI KICKS THAT ARM AWAY, CAUSING ARIA TO SPIN THE OPPOSITE WAY RIGHT INTO HIKARI’S GRASP! ALLELUIA- NO!! ARIA ELBOWS HIKARI BEFORE HIKARI COULD DELIVER THE MOVE, AND NOW ARIA KICKS HIKARI’S LEG OUT, DROPPING HIKARI TO A KNEE AS ARIA STARTS RUNNING THE ROPES!! THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION NOW LOOKING FOR A-
Rich Russillo: BRIGHTSTAR!!! HIKARI KANNO RAN IN AND GRABBED ARIA BEFORE QUICKLY LIFTING HER UP, PLANTING THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION WITH BRIGHTSTAR!!! Hikari Kanno is down as well, but she is quickly pushing herself off of the mat to not make the same mistake ARIA did earlier in giving her opponent even the slightest chance to recover! Hikari pulls ARIA up, and it seems she knows the Alleluia won’t work this time around as ARIA has already scouted it before! Instead she’s setting up that hammerlock once more, BEFORE LIFTING ARIA UP AND PLANTING HER WITH BOOK OF THE END!!! HIKARI KANNO HOOKS THE LEGS!!!!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner…. THE EAW HARDCORE CHAMPION… HHHHIIIIIIIIIKAAARRIIIIIIIIIIIII KKAAAANNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
(‘As Long As I Love’ hits once more, and the crowd cheers following such a competitive match. Both Elitists are down on the mat, and Hikari remains on the mat for a while, needing a bit to recover following ARIA’s great efforts in that match.)
James Peters: Wow, there’s living up to expectations and there’s exceeding them. I think it’s safe to say that these two did the latter, because that match definitely stole the show! If there’s anything to take away from this match, it’s the fact that both of these women deserve the Championships that they’re holding right now!
Rich Russillo: ARIA put up an amazing fight, and had Hikari not targeted the arms earlier on she honestly may have won! Somehow decisions Hikari made so early on ended up saving her in the end, but seeing the move she used to end this match, I think she may have known what she was doing from the start!
James Peters: ARIA will definitely have a great Specialists Championship reign and this match proved it, even if she didn’t win. She pushed Hikari to her limit. As for Hikari? Well this win said everything that needed to be said. Hikari has had a very impressive run this season, and if you want to bring an end to that you’re going to have a very hard time.
Persephone: I for one am glad that this match is over. So we can get to the rest of this great show of course! I sure enjoyed this match and can’t wait to see what else tonight has to offer. :wow:
James Peters: Congratulations to the Hardcore Champion, Hikari Kanno!
(While ‘As Long As I Love’ continues to play, Hikari is slowly able to get back to her feet on her own. She has the Hardcore Championship handed to her, and the referee raises her hand. After this Hikari raises her Hardcore Championship, before the camera pans to ARIA who has rolled out of the ring. Much like Hikari she is exhausted, and is seated by the barricade to try and recover. From there Hikari is seen celebrating her victory, and Voltage fades away from ringside.)
(Voltage fades to a promotional ad for the King of Elite tournament, showing a look at the Voltage bracket.)
(As Voltage returns to ringside, the camera fades to the stage. After a few seconds, ‘Blood, Milk & Sky’ by White Zombie hits. This causes a huge burst of cheers from the crowd, even louder than usual following the successful title defense of the EAW World Champion in the Elimination Chamber. Before too long, Minerva begins to make her first Voltage entrance since Road to Redemption, and she has a smile on her face as she walks out to the stage. The EAW World Championship is around her waist, but she takes it before raising it up in the air, causing even louder cheers from the fans.)
James Peters: Minerva has a lot to be proud of right now. Not everybody manages to defend their title in an Elimination Chamber, and Road to Redemption proved that as THREE out of the four Champions in the chambers lost their titles either inside of or directly after the chamber. The last one standing? The EAW World Champion herself, Minerva.
Rich Russillo: Minerva was surrounded by accomplished Elitists, most of them being former World Champions themselves, but one way or another Minerva managed to retain her Championship in her FOURTH successful title defense!
Persephone: Yes. It sure was an entertaining match. I am soooo glad I got to see an Elimination Chamber without any weapons of any kind!
(Minerva walks around ringside, towards the timekeepers area. On her way there all of the fans in the front row cheer loudly, and the EAW World Champion gets a microphone from the timekeepers area. Minerva gets back into the ring, and she waits a little while as the fans continue to cheer loudly for her, beginning to applaud her after her match at Road to Redemption.)
James Peters: Minerva is here to speak, and after what she went through back at Road to Redemption I’m sure she has a lot to get off her chest. The fans are clearly happy about what she accomplished too, as they’re giving her a round of applause!
Rich Russillo: It’s not often that we see ovations like this even for the fan favorites in EAW, but Minerva has had an incredible run with the EAW World Championship and thanks to what she accomplished in the Elimination Chamber, it won’t be ending anytime soon. Now we’re heading towards King of Elite, and I’m really interested to see what’s next!
(Minerva still has a smile on her face as she looks at the crowd full of cheering fans. After a while, the fans finally begin to quiet down, giving Minerva the opportunity to speak.)
Minerva: I did it.
(This causes even more cheers from the crowd. Minerva continues to watch on at the cheering fans after winning her first Elimination Chamber. They all know that this is a huge victory for Minerva and are glad to see her gain such an accomplishment, and Minerva is obviously proud of her victory.)
Minerva: I kept my promise and did exactly what I said I would. I told five men that the Elimination Chamber would end with me holding up the EAW World Championship, and that I’d do whatever it takes to hold onto this title and continue my reign as Champion. I told them that no matter what I would find a way to win and continue the streak of victories I’ve managed to maintain. I have history with all five of those men and I know what they’re all capable of. I know how big of threats they can be, and I also know just how delusional they really are. They were never going to defeat me, I’m sure of that. I defeated all but one of them just this season and the last? Well he’s the man I had the pleasure of putting down at the very end of the match, just as I promised. After the hell that I went through at 2021’s Road to Redemption I wanted nothing more than to get back at Drake King and take what I rightfully deserve, and now heading into 2023 I’ve accomplished that and more. I won the EAW World Championship. I’ve spent this entire season undefeated. I became the face of this brand and I don’t plan to lose my spot at the top of this mountain anytime soon. At the very start of this season I said how this Championship reign would go and since then I have kept EVERY promise. I have kept my word week after week and that’s not going to change for as long as I’m holding this title. This has been the best run of my entire career and Road to Redemption solidified that. We all know just how dangerous the Elimination Chamber structure is, but I turned out to be the ONLY defending Champion to walk out of that structure with their title. That’s not an achievement to take lightly, and it’s far from the last thing I’ll be achieving in this title reign because heading into 2023 I know a lot of you will be looking to step up and I want you to know this. I’m ready.
(Minerva has a determined look on her face as the crowd continues showering her with cheers and applause, the same look on her face that she’s had throughout her title reign as she prepared to defend her title against various members of the Voltage roster.)
Minerva: I always knew that I’d eventually reach this position. My journey to the EAW World Championship started years ago and I promised that I’d one day win this title, and now here I am today having defended this title four times. I’ve become a far greater Elitist than I was back when I first joined the Voltage roster and I plan to only go uphill from here, because you all have had all season to see what kind of Champion I am. You all know exactly what my plan for this Championship was and I may have gotten what I wanted but that doesn’t mean I plan to slow down at any point, not when I have the chance to keep pushing myself forward until I’m undoubtedly the greatest EAW World Champion of all time. When I set my sights on the EAW Championship years ago I did it because I wanted to be at the top of this brand and I didn’t care who or what would stand in the way of me doing so. I did it because I wanted to go down as the greatest of all time and now’s my opportunity to do exactly that. I was never going to let this go to waste and the biggest mistake every single one of my challengers have made was assuming that I wouldn’t pull out all the stops in order to have a title reign that’ll never be matched. Out of every single World Champion to start the season I’m the only one still holding their title, and I plan to outlast as many other Champions as I possibly can. This title reign won’t end until I’ve officially gone down as the best to ever hold this title. That’s the promise I made, and it’s the promise I’ve fought as hard as I possibly could in order to keep. It’s the promise I’ve overcome every single opponent I’ve had since I won this title in order to keep. It didn’t matter if they were looking to end my title reign or add a single loss to my record, I defeated them and I’ll keep defeating them because I’M the best this brand has to offer.
(The fans continue cheering as Minerva starts to slowly walk around the ring, continuing to speak.)
Minerva: I understand how cliche it sounds spending my time out here to share new year’s resolutions, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have any goals for this year. There’s nothing wrong with looking to make the new year greater than the last and I know exactly how I plan to do that. My goals for this year are very simple. I’m going to continue being the face of the brand I’ve spent most of my EAW career on. I’m going to continue being the face of Voltage, and the one Elitist on top of the mountain no matter who wants to try and take that spot from me. I’m going to keep defending this title no matter who my opponent is, no matter how many opponents I have, and no matter what match I’ll be defending my title in. My goal is to keep holding this EAW World Championship as long as I possibly can, walking into Pain for Pride with this title and walking out of it the exact same way that I did last year. My goal is to make sure this title reign goes down in history and that it’s never forgotten, and if anybody on the EAW roster is interested in trying to shut me up or stop me from reaching my goal then I’d be glad to give them the opportunity to do so. Until then I’ll be waiting, and I’ll be ready to prove once again that I’m not the EAW World Champion for no reason. There’s no greater fit for this title than me, and there never will be.
Minerva: I’m going to keep defending this title as many times as I can. That’s what I do, and what I’ve always done. It doesn’t matter if it’s Ronan Malosi, Daryl Kinkade, or people who’ve held this title before me. I’ll defend my Championship against you and I’ll defeat every single one of you. It’s very simple, it always has been. Every time I come out here I put out a challenge to the entire EAW roster. Every time I get the opportunity I agree to defend my Championship against whoever’s willing to step up, and it’s for that reason that I managed to accomplish all that I have. I wasn’t afraid to fight, even if anybody else in my position would have lost the battles I’ve won. 2022 may have been the biggest year of my career with all I’ve gone through and what I’ve been able to accomplish, but if you think this year was great? Just wait, because I’m going to make sure 2023 surpasses it.
(Minerva finished speaking as the crowd explodes with cheers once more, and Minerva raises her EAW World Championship one more time.)
James Peters: Minerva’s spent this entire season as Champion so far, and there’s not many people who can say the same for themselves right now. This has been such an impressive title reign and it honestly might not end anytime soon, not when Minerva is in such an amazing state. She seems more determined than ever to remain Champion, which will make the future of her title reign that much more interesting!
Rich Russillo: I don’t know who’s next for Minerva to defend her title against, but I hope whoever it is understands that it won’t be easy at all to overcome an Elitist like her. She said it herself, she has yet to be defeated this season and an accomplishment like that doesn’t come out of nowhere. She’s been in the ring frequently, she just hasn’t been losing!
Persephone: Yes, and I sure do love her for it! I for one hope this title reign never ends. :wow:
James Peters: Minerva spent her entire title reign up to this point proving to be one of the best EAW has to day. If you want to knock her off her game, you’re in for one hell of an uphill battle.
(As Minerva holds up her title, ‘Blood, Milk & Sky begins to play one more time. Minerva begins to make her way out of the ring, raising her title on her way up the ramp as the fans continue to cheer as loud as they can. As Minerva makes her way to the back, Voltage begins to fade away from ringside.)
(Commercial for The Batman featuring Limmy Monaghan. It may have released nearly an entire year ago, but he demands that you see it now!)
(Voltage returns to ringside for the final time, and ‘Cold War’ by Hans Zimmer hits, as the crowd boos heavily. After a moment, Drake King steps out onto the stage. He isn’t paying attention to the fans at all, and instead his mind is only focused on one person: His opponent tonight. With all the history he has with Myles he knows that this will be a very personal match, and Drake has a look of focus on his face as he makes his way down the ramp and towards the ring.)
Bella Braxton: The following contest is your main event!! And it is the King of Elite first round!! Introducing first!! From the Dead Sea, Israel!!! Weighing in at 220 pounds!!! DRAKE KING!!
James Peters: And here comes Drake King who apparently has changed up his mindset in recent months, no longer concerned with saving EAW and instead only looking at this tournament as his opportunity to start destroying it.
Rich Russillo: If there’s any time to start it’s now, I guess. He’ll be up against someone he knows very well though, so if I were Drake I wouldn’t get too confident.
(‘Enemy Strike’ by Yuki Hayashi hits, as the crowd gives off a loud reaction to Myles stepping out on stage. Despite the loud reaction that’s completely positive, Myles doesn’t pay any attention to the crowd either. Much like his opponent, Myles is only concerned with what’s to come in a few moments, as he has a huge look of focus on his face. Both Myles and Drake lock eyes with one another, before Myles makes his way down the entrance ramp and towards the ring.)
Bella Braxton: And his opponent! From Melbourne, Australia!!! Weighing in at 215 pounds!! MYLES!!!!!!
Persephone: Myles was really digging into Drake this week by telling him it was foolish of him to still believe in the New Eden ideas.
James Peters: Myles has just returned not too long ago, but even while he was gone, he never reverted back to the ways of his former stable, New Eden. He’s using that as a reason why Drake can’t beat him. Stuck in the old ways trying to accomplish something that hasn’t changed a single thing for this company. Myles finds it foolish, and tonight he plans on proving why that is.
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: There’s the bell and now this one is underway! We have two former world champions competing in this first round matchup for the King of Elite Tournament, so you know this one is going to be good!
James Peters: You have got that right, Rich! When you look at this match, on paper, it’s a King of Elite Finals level match. These two have gone through so much during their careers, and have quite the history between one another. I can’t wait to see how this one unfolds! Both of these men have been partners, enemies, friends, foes… All of the above. They have seen each other at their worst. And been together during their best.. Right now, they don’t share the same ideas and motives that they once did. Drake still pushes the New Edenlike agenda and ideology, however, Myles has grown past that, and these two do not see eye to eye.
Rich Russillo: Well, fasten your seatbelts everyone, because both Drake King and Myles are stepping towards one another here in the center of the ring!
James Peters: And they tie up!! Both Elitists try forcing the other person back. They are testing each other’s strength right now, and it doesn’t look like either person is budging!
Persephone: Both men hold a tight grip on the other. They try working their arms towards the inside, as they pummel back and forth until it’s Drake who creates a wide enough opening to deliver a strong knee strike to the abdomen that causes Myles to lose his breath and hunch over!
Rich Russillo: Myles is clutching at his stomach after that knee to the stomach, and this leaves Drake with the opening to grab Myles by the back of his head with his right hand. Drake then takes a few steps towards the side ropes before shoving Myles towards them!
James Peters: Myles hits the side ropes, then rebounds back towards Drake King!
Persephone: Lariat by Drake!!
James Peters: NO!! Myles ducks underneath the arm and continues running towards the side ropes at the other end!! He rebounds back towards Drake who is just now turning around..
Rich Russillo: AND THAT’S A STIFF FOREARM SMASH TO THE FACE OF DRAKE KING BY MYLES!!! Drake begins to fall back, as he ends up stumbling against the side ropes! He rebounds back towards Myles who hunches over to set up for a back body drop!!
Persephone: BUT DRAKE BLASTS HIM WITH A KICK TO THE CHEST INSTEAD!! That kick pops Myles up into an upright position!!
James Peters: Drake loads up.. ROUNDHOUSE KICK!!!
Rich Russillo: NO!!! Myles ducks the leg, and gets from behind Drake! He locks his arms around his waist and lifts him up for a high angle german su-
Persephone: WAIT! Drake just popped Myles in the jaw with a back elbow!!! Myles sets Drake back down, as he was unable to commit to the suplex after taking that elbow!!
James Peters: BUT IT’S DRAKE WITH ANOTHER BACK ELBOW!! AND ANOTHER!!
Persephone: And now it’s Myles who shoves Drake forward, as he isn’t trying to continue taking these hard elbow strikes from Drake.
Rich Russillo: BUT DRAKE SHUFFLE STEPS BACK TOWARDS MYLES WITH A SUPERKICK THAT CATCHES HIM RIGHT AT THE BOTTOM OF HIS JAW!!!
James Peters: And that superkick makes Myles groggy, as he stumbles back a few steps. Eventually he finds himself leaning up against the side ropes, and this is exactly where Drake wants him!! Drake charges right at Myles! LARIAT!!!!
Persephone: NO!!! Myles dips his shoulder and launches Drake over the top rope!! Drake lands on the ring apron behind Myles, however, since he managed to grab a hold of the top rope as he was getting tossed over!!
Rich Russillo: And from behind, it’s Drake with a forearm to the back of Myles’ head!! Myles clutches at his head after that one, but then turns around to strike Drake with a forearm of his own!! That one nearly drops King down to the ringside floor, but Drake grips onto that top rope tightly!!
James Peters: And actually, Drake pulls on that top rope, and fires back with another forearm to Myles face!!!
Persephone: MYLES GETS ROCKED BY THAT ONE!! Wow!! Drake hit him hard there!!
Rich Russillo: Myles got blasted moments ago, but he responds with his own forearm strike once more!!
James Peters: BUT DRAKE BLOCKS IT WITH HIS ARM!!! Drake then lowers his level, then blasts his shoulder right into the midsection of Myles!! Myles clutches at his stomach in pain, and takes a few steps back. From here, it’s Drake who steps back into the ring, and grabs Myles. He walks his former teammate over to the corner and tosses him up against the turnbuckles!!
Persephone: Knee to the stomach by Drake! Now a forearm to the face!! Myles is leaned up and hurting against the turnbuckles, as Drake takes a few steps back. Drake positions himself, as he’s ready to deliver something huge here! Drake rushes in..
James Peters: BUT MYLES GRABS A HOLD OF DRAKE WHILE HE WAS CHARGING RIGHT AT HIM, POPS HIM UP, AND BASHES DRAKE’S FACE INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE WITH WHAT LOOKED LIKE AN INVERTED SNAKE EYES!!!!
Rich Russillo: Yeah, Drake really ate that one right there. That was not a good feeling at all, and now it’s Drake who is clutching at his head in pain against the corner. King slowly turns around so that he can lean back first against the corner turnbuckles..
James Peters: BUT MYLES TAGS HIM WITH A SUPERKICK!!!! Drake’s head snaps back, as he slowly stumbles his way out of the corner.. KICK TO THE MIDSECTION BY MYLES!!! He then pulls Drake King in!!! He lifts him up and faces the center of the ring!!! RUNNING SITOUT POWERBOMB BY MYLES!!!!
Persephone: IT CONNECTS!! MYLES JUST SLAMMED DRAKE DOWN ONTO THE MAT SO HARD THAT THE ENTIRE RING WAS RATTLING!! He really erupted with that one, and I believe he intends on putting this one away early if possible..
Rich Russillo: Yep!! He surely is, because Myles stays on top of Drake for the pin!!! Will he advance to the next round after this one?!?
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWW-
James Peters: But there’s the kick out by Drake! King is not allowing himself to lose so easily against a former companion. The resilience of Drake King is still strong, as he manages to keep this match and his King of Elite chances alive!
Rich Russillo: Well this match has surely started out hot! Both of these men have so much history as friends and enemies, so this is no surprise. Myles works his way up to his feet and brushes his hair back with his fingertips, as he looks down at Drake who has gotten up to his hands and knees.
James Peters: Myles grabs Drake.. AND HITS HIM WITH A HARD CLUB DOWN ONTO THE CENTER OF HIS BACK!!! Smacking his forearm and fist down onto Drake’s back and forcing his former New Eden stablemate to fall flat against the canvas of the ring!!
Persephone: There was definitely a lot of built up anger and aggression in that strike. Myles really wants to keep Drake down here, and with powerful shots like that, he can definitely make it happen.
Rich Russillo: Drake rises back up to his hands and knees, and.. ANOTHER STRIKE TO THE CENTER OF HIS BACK BY MYLES!! This time however, Myles grabs Drake from the ground after he collapses, and pulls him in!! SNAP SPIKE DDT BY MYLES!!!!
James Peters: NO!!! DRAKE SHOVES MYLES OFF, AS MYLES FALLS FLAT AGAINST THE RING MAT!!! Drake grabs a hold of Myles’ leg, wraps around, and… HEEL HOOK!!!! DRAKE KING HAS THE HEEL HOOK LOCKED IN ON MYLES!!!!
Rich Russillo: Myles begins to yell out in pain, as the two are dead center in the middle of the ring. Drake elevates his hip, forces pressure down onto the mcl and meniscus of Myles, and twists at the ankle to not only put pressure on it, but to put the knee in a more vulnerable position!!!
Persephone: Myles is clutching at his head, hair, face, and anything that he can get a hold of!! We can all see the concern and frustration growing on Myles’ face, as he reaches out towards the far ropes!
Rich Russillo: Meanwhile, Drake is in the driver’s seat and controlling this match with this heel hook!!!
James Peters: But it looks like Myles has finally come to his senses. He’s enduring a tremendous amount of pain right now, however, he’s managed to dial in and focus on what he needs to do in order to get out, and that’s to crawl his way over to the side ropes!!
Rich Russillo: It’s actually great how you said he’s coming to his senses, because I don’t think all of the viewers understand that when you are placed in a hold like this one, the feeling of your ankle or mcl being on the verge of snapping is so excruciating. It’s like a sharp and dense pain that you have to fight against with your own strength and will. Right now, that’s exactly what Myles is doing, as he scoots himself closer and closer to those side ropes!!
Persephone: Myles continues to reach, however, Drake elevates himself and Myles’ hip in order to make this journey to the side ropes that much more painful for Myles!!
Rich Russillo: But I believe Drake has forgotten that he is up against the Warlord!! Myles’ can battle through the pain, and that’s exactly what he is doing right now!!! Myles reaches out and… HE GRABS IT!!! HE GRABS THE BOTTOM ROPE!!!
James Peters: Frustrated as ever, Drake unhooks his legs from Myles, and gets up to his feet. Meanwhile, Myles is still holding onto that bottom rope. He uses it to pull himself in, then grabs the middle rope to pull himself up. Myles eventually gets up to his feet, but the damage from that heel hook is showing, as both Myles’ right ankle and knee buckle for a brief moment!!
Rich Russillo: And it’s at that exact same moment where Drake King kicks Myles in the stomach, and pulls him in!!! Drake then lifts Myles up into a powerbomb position then faces the turnbuckles!! Oh no!! This is not going to go well for Myles!!!
James Peters: Drake rushes towards the corner!!! BUCKLE BOMB!!!!
Persephone: NO!! MYLES SLIPPED OUT THE BACK, AND LANDED ON HIS FEET BEHIND DRAKE!!
Rich Russillo: That landing was definitely affected by that injured leg of Myles, as he drops down onto his hands and knees behind Drake. Myles slowly works up to his feet..
James Peters: BUT IT’S DRAKE WITH A SUPERKICK TO THE BACK OF MYLES’ HEAD!!!
Persephone: Myles clutches at his head in pain, but doesn’t fall to the ring mat. He’s wobbly, and can barely stand, but he can’t afford to allow Drake to take him down once more, because that’ll put Drake back in a better position where he can really begin to break Myles down.
James Peters: But i believe Drake has other plans, as he runs to the ropes, then rebounds back towards Myles!!! JUMPING NECKBREAKER BY DRAKE!!!!
Rich Russillo: NO!!! MYLES SHOVES DRAKE OFF, AS DRAKE CRASHES DOWN ONTO THE RING MAT HARD!!!
James Peters: Drake rushes back up to his feet, then charges back at Myles!!!
Persephone: BUT HE RUNS RIGHT INTO A BACK BODY DROP BY THE WARLORD!!! KING CRASHES DOWN ONTO THE RING MAT!!!
Rich Russillo: And the momentum from that landing pops Drake up!! He rushes back towards Myles once again… BUT MYLES DIPS HIS SHOULDER AND TAKES DRAKE FOR A RIDE!!!! SNAP SAMOAN DROP BY MYLES!!!! DRAKE GETS FLATTENED UP AGAINST THE RING MAT!!!
James Peters: Myles gets up to his feet once again. He knows the damage is not enough to put someone like Drake away, so he’s planning something huge right now. He grabs Drake from off of the ground, and brings him up to his feet. Myles then whips Drake towards the side ropes!! Drake then rebounds back!!!
Rich Russillo: VICTORIA!!! POP UP KNEE STRIKE BY-
Persephone: NO!!!! AS DRAKE GOT POPPED UP AND MYLES WAS GOING TO DELIVER THE KNEE, DRAKE DELIVERED A JUMPING KNEE STRIKE!!! DRAKE USED THE MOMENTUM FROM THE POP UP TO BLAST MYLES IN THE JAW WITH HIS KNEE!!!! MYLES INSTANTLY FALLS DOWN TO THE CANVAS OF THE RING!!!!
Rich Russillo: That was quite the counter by Drake. He really needed that, and now he is back in control of this highly competitive first round match in the King of Elite Tournament.
Persephone: Myles looks like he is hurting so much right now, however, he manages to battle through the pain, and eventually works up to his hands and knees. Drake likes this though, as he pulls Myles between his legs and hooks both of his arms!!
James Peters: We all know what’s coming next!!! ASCENSION!!!! PEDIGREE BY DRAKE KING!!!!
Rich Russillo: NO!!! MYLES SPINS OUT OF IT!!! Drake keeps a hold of Myles’ arm!! But Myles uses that to go for a Pull-Through Lariat!!!
James Peters: DRAKE DUCKS THE ARM HOWEVER, TWISTS AROUND, KEEPS THE ARM, AND GOES FOR A RIPCORD LARIAT!!!!
Persephone: BUT MYLES DUCKS THAT ONE, KEEPS DRAKE’S ARM, TRIPS HIM UP, AND.. ARMBAR!!!! MYLES LANDS ON THE MAT WITH AN ARMBAR LOCKED IN ON DRAKE KING!!!!
James Peters: MYLES BEGINS WRENCHING ON THAT ARM!! HE EXTENDS HIMSELF OUT, AS THE SHOULDER AND ELBOW JOINTS OF DRAKE BEGIN TO REALLY FEEL THE PAIN!!!
Rich Russillo: Drake begins yelling out!! Screaming in pain right now, as Myles is putting everything into this right now! If you told me that Myles was plotting to snap Drake’s arm, then I wouldn’t doubt those words!! This is the King of Elite!! This is a broken friendship and partnership that has all of the hurt and emotions being some of the biggest driving motivators for both men in the ring!!! Myles told Drake just this week that Drake was the forgotten child. The child that was left behind.
James Peters: So he just told Drake he’s basically Meg from Family Guy?
Rich Russillo: Yeah!
James Peters: So with that said, Myles really doesn’t care if he snaps Drake’s arm!!! He’s pulling!!! He’s tugging!! He’s applying pressure!! He’s… He’s.. HE’S GOT DRAKE’S SHOULDERS PINNED AGAINST THE RING MAT!!!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!
THHHHHHHHH-
Rich Russillo: But Drake gets his shoulder up!!!
James Peters: His shoulder is up, but he’s still trapped in this extremely painful armbar by Myles. Myles isn’t letting up at all, as he knows that he can put this one away right here. Imagine how great it would feel to not only eliminate Drake from this tournament, but to make him tap out and quit!!! Myles is sending a message to everyone in the back right now, and…
Persephone: WAIT A SECOND!!! DRAKE JUST DID A BACKWARDS ROLL, ROLLED THROUGH, AND.. NOW HE’S MOUNTED ON TOP OF MYLES!!! Myles releases Drake’s arm.. BUT DRAKE DROPS DOWN ONTO HIM WITH A FOREARM STRIKE!!! ANOTHER!!! AND ANOTHER!!! AND ANOTHER!!! HE’S RAINING THESE FOREARM STRIKES RIGHT DOWN INTO MYLES’ FACE!!! MYLES HAS NO WAY TO DEFEND AGAINST THIS!!!
Rich Russillo: Drake eventually gets up to his feet, then looks down at Myles. Drake begins shaking his arm out, clutches at his elbow and shoulder in pain, then out of frustration, he stomps down hard onto Myles’ elbow!!! ANOTHER STOMP BY DRAKE!! ANOTHER!!! AND ANOTHER!!!!
James Peters: Myles is in so much pain, but that’s Drake’s sole intention here. He wants to break down Myles to the point where Myles can’t answer the three count or have the strength to break out of another submission hold. These two men know each other so well. Fighting with and against each other for years now, these two warriors know they need to keep the pressure on the other if they intend on coming out victorious here tonight!!
Rich Russillo: Drake King stomps down once more, then brushes his hair back. However, it looks like Myles is rolling himself under the bottom rope, and out to the ringside floor. The Warlord clutches at his arm in pain, and takes a moment to regain his thoughts…
Persephone: BUT LOOK!! IT’S DRAKE FROM INSIDE OF THE RING!!! SUICIDE DIVE!!!!
James Peters: DRAKE JUST LAUNCHED HIMSELF THROUGH THE ROPES AND TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE RING WHERE HE COLLIDED WITH MYLES AND SHOVED HIM BACK TOWARDS THE THINLY PADDED BARRICADE THAT SURROUNDS THE RING!!! MYLES IS LEANED AGAINST THE BARRICADE, AS DRAKE IS DOWN ON THE RINGSIDE FLOOR!!!
Rich Russillo: That suicide dive definitely took a lot out of Myles, but it also took quite a bit out of Drake as well. This was more like a double edged sword seeing how Drake dove from so far away and landed here at ringside.
Persephone: Drake King slowly rises up to his feet, and begins to approach Myles. As he steps over to him, Myles meets him with a boot to the face!!!
Rich Russillo: It seems like that boot was really only used to defend against Drake and to keep him back. That one caught Drake right at the mouth, as he begins to clutch at it. King then makes his way back towards Myles… ANOTHER BOOT TO THE FACE BY MY-
James Peters: NO!!! DRAKE KING CATCHES THE BOOT THIS TIME!!! HE KEEPS A HOLD OF MYLES’ LEG… THEN DRIVES HIS ELBOW RIGHT INTO HIS QUAD!!! MYLES YELPS OUT IN PAIN, AS THAT ONE SURELY SHOULD LEAVE SOME BRUISES IN THE MORNING TOMORROW!!!
Referee: One.. Two.. Three..
Rich Russillo: Myles is still against the barricade, however, he is still hunched over and clutching at his leg in pain. This leaves Drake an opening to kick Myles in the head and pop him up into a standing position where he is now leaned against the barricade fully!!! FOREARM SMASH TO THE FACE BY DRAKE!!! ANOTHER!! AND ANOTHER!!! Myles is getting rocked right now, and Drake isn’t slowing down!!! Knee to the abdomen by Drake!!
Referee: Four..
James Peters: Drake takes a few steps back, as he awaits his opponent. Myles is very groggy, and eventually begins to step towards Drake King.. BUT HE WALKS RIGHT INTO A DISCUS LARIAT!!!
Rich Russillo: NO!!! MYLES DUCKED UNDERNEATH THE ARM, AND GOT FROM BEHIND DRAKE!!! He wraps his arms around Drake’s body, and.. HIGH ANGLE GERMAN SUPLEX!!! HE JUST SLAMMED DRAKE DOWN ONTO HIS HEAD AND NECK ON THAT THINLY PADDED RINGSIDE FLOOR!!! HE MAY HAVE JUST BROKEN DRAKE’S NECK RIGHT THEN AND THERE!!!
Referee: Five…
Persephone: Both of these guys are hurting and are absolutely exhausted. Myles lifts his head up, and sees Drake clutches at his head and neck in pain. From here, Myles works his way up onto his hands and knees, and begins crawling his way towards the ring!!!
James Peters: Remember, Myles’ leg is not in the best shape right now. While Drake King is down at ringside, it’s wise for Myles to stay off of that leg, and try to get back into the ring without further damaging or fatiguing his leg! Eventually Myles gets to the side of the ring. He reaches up, grabs the ring apron, and pulls himself up and into the ring!!!
Referee: Six.. Seven…
Rich Russillo: And here comes Drake! He finally sits up, then works his way up to his feet while still clutching at the back of his head. Drake slowly makes his way over to the ring before sliding inside. Drake then gets to his feet..
Persephone: KICK TO THE STOMACH BY MYLES!!! He grabs Drake by the arms and lifts him up into a Canadian rack on his back!!! He might be trying to finish this one here, as he goes for.. WRATH OF PANDOR-
James Peters: NO!!! DRAKE SLIPS OUT FROM THE BACK OF MYLES!!! KING THEN RUSHES TOWARDS THE FAR ROPES!!! HE HITS THE ROPES, THEN REBOUNDS BACK TOWARDS MYLES!!! DISCUS LARIAT BY DRAKE KING!!!
Rich Russillo: BUT MYLES DUCKS UNDERNEATH THE ARM!!!!
Persephone: AND DRAKE COLLIDES WITH THE REFEREE INSTEAD!!! THE REFEREE GETS KNOCKED OUT, AS HE IS SENT STRAIGHT DOWN TO THE CANVAS OF THE RING!!!! DRAKE CAN’T BELIEVE WHAT JUST HAPPENED!!!
Rich Russillo: BUT HE GETS SPUN AROUND BY MYLES!!! KICK TO THE MIDSECTION!!!
James Peters: DE FACTO!!!! SPINNING PUMPHANDLE SAMOAN DROP BY MYLES!!! HE JUST SLAMMED DRAKE RIGHT INTO THE CANVAS OF THE RING WITH TREMENDOUS FORCE!! DRAKE KING IS OUT OF IT!! THIS MATCH IS DONE!!! MYLES FOR THE PIN!!!!!
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Rich Russillo: THE REFEREE!!! HE’S STILL OUT COLD!!! THE REFEREE IS KNOCKED OUT, AND MYLES HAS HAD DRAKE DOWN FOR MUCH LONGER THAN THREE SECONDS!!!
James Peters: Exhausted as ever, Myles lifts his head up to see that the referee is out cold. In that moment, a look of disappointment forms on Myles’ face, as he head drops right back down onto Drake. He begins banging his fist hard onto the ring mat in frustration, because he knows that if the referee were awake, he would have already won and advanced to the next round. However, that isn’t the case here. With no referee, there is no way to call a pin or submission!!!
Persephone: Myles gets himself off of Drake, and crawls his way over to the downed referee. He grabs the referee by his shirt, and begins shaking him with the hopes that the referee will snap out of it, and wake up!! Myles wants this victory so bad, and will do anything to wake up the referee, however, it doesn’t look like the referee is conscious at all after taking that lariat from Drake moments ago!
Myles: (Off-Mic) COME ON!! WAKE UP!! YOU HAVE A MATCH TO WORK!! LETS GO!!!
James Peters: Myles begins shaking the referee more vigorously, but eventually it’s quite obvious that the referee isn’t waking up anytime soon. Myles eventually shoves the referee back down to the canvas after releasing his grip on him.. Myles then turns around to face Drake who is struggling to get himself up to his hands and knees.
Rich Russillo: Myles best bet is to keep Drake down until the referee can wake up. That’s the only strategy that I can think of.
James Peters: And I believe that Myles has that same exact mindset, as he begins to approach Drake, and.. No way!!! HE’S GOING FOR IT AGAIN!! HE LIFTS DRAKE UP!! DE FACTO!!! SPINNING PUMPHANDLE SAMO-
Persephone: WAIT NO!!! DRAKE SPINS OUT OF IT, AND… RIPCORD KNEE STRIKE!!!! DRAKE JUST BLASTED MYLES IN THE FACE WITH THAT KNEE STRIKE!!! MYLES INSTANTLY FALLS FACE DOWN ONTO THE CANVAS OF THE RING!!!!
Rich Russillo: JUDGMENT DAY!!! CURB STOMP BY DRAKE KING!!! HE JUST DRILLED MYLES’ FACE RIGHT INTO THE RING MAT!!!!!!
James Peters: MYLES IS OUT COLD!!! MYLES IS OUT COLD!!! DRAKE DROPS DOWN FOR THE PIN!!!!!!!
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James Peters: THE REFEREE!!! HE’S STILL OUT OF IT!!!!
Rich Russillo: WAIT NO!!! The referee is just groggy!! He has no idea where he’s at, but he’s got his head off of the mat!!! WAIT, NO, THE REFEREE JUST NOTICED THAT THERE IS A PINFALL GOING ON, AND HE’S CRAWLING OVER!!! The referee still doesn’t understand what’s going on, but seeing that there’s a pinfall going on it looks like he’s planning to try and keep doing his job!
…………………………………………………………………………………………
James Peters: LOOOOK!!! THE REFEREE RAISES HIS ARM UP AND SLAMS IT DOWN TO THE MAT!!!!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
…………………………………………………………………………………………
Rich Russillo: HE DOES IT AGAIN!!! THIS IS ONE OF THE SLOWEST COUNTS I’VE SEEN, BUT THE REFEREE IS GETTING THE JOB DONE!!!!
TWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!
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Persephone: ONE MORE AND WE CAN GO HOME !!!
James Peters: BUT MYLES GETS HIS FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!!!!!!
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
THHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: THE GROGGY REFEREE DIDN’T SEE THE ROPE BREAK!!! NO WAY!!! THIS MATCH IS OVER!!!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(‘Cold War’ by Hans Zimmer hits, as Drake King instantly rolls out of the ring. The crowd boos instantly, as everyone saw the corrupted outcome that this match had. However, Drake doesn’t care a single bit because he did what he set out to do, and that’s stop another individual from winning this King of Elite Tournament. Drake stumbles his way up the entrance ramp.)
Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER!!! DRAKE KING!!!!!
James Peters: What a match that was! However, I can’t help but think that we got jipped out of more intense wrestling. This match should still be going on, however, the referee missed a huge call.
(A replay of the final moments of the match begins to play over and over again, and when it is clear that Myles in fact had the rope break, the crowd begins to boo louder. Eventually, Myles wakes up, sits up, and watches the replay for himself. After realizing the mis-call from the referee, he instantly rises to his feet and approaches the referee who is leaned up against the corner turnbuckles.)
Myles: (Off-Mic) You see that?!? Reverse the call right now!! This match is not over!!
Referee: (Off-Mic) I’m sorry. There’s nothing that I can do about it now. Drake is no longer here. I messed up.
Myles: (Off-Mic) That’s it? I get screwed out of the King of Elite and the best that you can do is tell me that you messed up???
(Myles turns away for a brief moment, but his frustration gets the best of him.)
Rich Russillo: AND MYLES TURNS BACK AROUND AND GRABS THE REFEREE!!! DE FACTO!!! PUMPHANDLE SAMOAN DROP BY MYLES ONTO THE REFEREE!!!! MYLES JUST LAID THE REFEREE OUT!!!!
Persephone: :oh:
Rich Russillo: What is he thinking!? Why would Myles go and assault a referee!? I get that he’s frustrated, but that’s too far!
James Peters: I don’t know what to think of all of this, but surely we will find out more next week!! What a sequence of events that just unfolded!!
(The screen shows Myles pissed off and frustrated as he towers over the EAW referee. Eventually Voltage fades to black.)
(EAW logo buzzes.)
