(EAW intro plays.)
(Highlights are shown of last week’s Voltage, showing the events that transpired before the recap fades out. The camera opens up to the Antel Arena in Montevideo, Uruguay, as tonight’s Voltage kicks off with the opening pyro as always. The camera pans around the crowd as the fans cheer, before cutting to the commentary table, where Rich Russillo, Thadd Blazevich and Persephone are seen.)
Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Sunday Night Voltage! We’re back on the road to Shock Value, which we are very close to as we look to keep up the streak of incredible shows leading up to it!
Thadd Blazevich: Dudez tonight’s show is stacked. We gave the EAW World Champ, the King of Elite and the Tag Champs all in action, and that’s not even everything!
Persephone: I still have yet to hear anything good, but whatever. At least we’ll learn more stipulations for Shock Value.
(“’Ambitionz az a Ridah” by Tupac starts playing inside the Antel Arena as the fans of Uruguay erupt in cheers! The temporary General Manager of Voltage TLA walks out on the stage in his fanciest yellow suit, representing the colors of Voltage, along with a pair of Versace sunglasses then takes a moment to hype up the crowd. Then, “Invincible” by Pop Smoke replaces TLA’s song in the audio feed as the fans keep cheering on. His assistant Chris Elite joins TLA on the stage, donning a suit matching TLA’s.)
(The two bump fists, and then make their way down to the ring while interacting with the fans.)
Rich Russillo: As I’m aware many of our fans know by now via social media announcements — TLA & Chris Elite are supposed to settle the stipulation for the EAW World Championship match at Shock Value, though what’s unique here is… they’re not walking out with the Wheel of Death!
Persephone: I think they both know what the best possible stipulation they can do here, which is High Voltage, obviously.
Thadd Blazevich: Well, TLA & Chris have been unpredictable enough so far, so maybe they have something else up their sleeves. 👀
Persephone: Look, Thadd, these two buffoons have made enough idiotic decisions so far; the least they could do to make up for everything is give us High Voltage.
Rich Russillo: I thought you liked chaos, Persephone?
Persephone: I like chaos when people’s lives are on the line, not when they book whatever they want.
Thadd Blazevich: I dunno, I’ve been having a lotta fun with these two running the show! Cap and Eden were just a little too rigid sometimes!
(The two GMs enter the ring, and both get microphones.)
TLA: What’s good, y’all? We back out here again whether you like it or not, cuz shit is getting real here on the yellow brand. We gettin’ all dat electricity heading into Shock Value, and it’s a gran responsabilidad for the two hombres in charge to get shit sorted round here. But I think we been doing a good job. Shit, who’s gonna tell us no? When we first came out here, we made a promise that this was gonna be a month that you’ll never forget. And amigo, I think we did just that with the type of shit that we doing. Swinging our dicks around and shit, Captain Charisma would be proud of us.
Chris Elite: It was pretty difficult moving all these pieces around and giving y’all the best Shock Value we could… a lotta folks got scores to settle, everybody wants some opportunities, others are demanding and annoying as hell, you know how it goes. This job ain’t easy, and it doesn’t come with any thanks either. It’s been an interesting experience so far as we get to learn what it’s like to be in this position as well, and though I don’t like the suits like that or speaking to a shit ton of people as much as I like stepping in the ring, I can’t deny it’s been fun so far!
TLA: Si, forsure. Me and the homie been putting in dat trabajo to make sure y’all get the best show ever. But there’s an elephant in the room that we’ve failed to address. Something coming from one of our top stars, tryna bitch and moan about something that he feels we shouldn’t have done. All the complaints coming from El Campeon Drake Armstrong and the unsettled stipulation for his title match against Cody Maverick. You been hearing what he’s saying?
Chris Elite: I don’t really pay attention to outside noise like that, but someone like Drake Armstrong is sure to make his damn opinion is heard! Shawty be blowing up my phone to constantly arrange things on MULTIPLE numbers! I blocked 3-4 of them already but my guy has an infinite supply of phone numbers. Fair enough, I guess, so here’s what we decided we’ll do: we won’t leave ANY questions unanswered, and we’ll give both you, the audience, and the two competitors in Shock Value’s main event the answers y’all been waiting for.
TLA: This ain’t just any other match. Nah, this is a big Clash of Kings match happening again, this time in the main event of Shock Value for the big one. It’s special because the challenger is the King of Elite, and we only got the best for el rey. We got the biggest, baddest stipulation we could get our hands on. So let’s get right to it-
(“Pride and Arrogance” by Takeru Kanazaki hits to ruin the fun as the EAW World Champion, Drake Armstrong, marches down to the ring with the boos from the audience being left behind in his path.)
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, the EAW World Champion is looking livid here!
Rich Russillo: I’m sure it’s been a long few weeks. Drake has been expressing his frustrations with the way Voltage is run and the alleged corruption from TLA and Chris, but this is the first time we’re actually seeing them share the ring to address this!
Persephone: It feels like long weeks with Drake as the EAW World Champion. He gets what he deserves.
(Armstrong enters the ring, and doesn’t even hesitate for the crowd to calm down before making his voice heard.)
Drake Armstrong: Have you two not done enough?
TLA: Homie, you ain’t gonna let us finish or nothin? C’mon, holmes.
Drake Armstrong: Stop playing dumb. This is serious.
Chris Elite: Hard to take you seriously with that cowlick, man.
Drake Armstrong: ENOUGH.
(Chris’ eyes grow wider as he’s taken aback by Drake’s anger. TLA steps in front of Chris to defend him in case of a fight, but Chris lets him know it’s cool.)
Drake Armstrong: Is this all a game to you two? Is NOTHING happening on this brand serious to you? This responsibility isn’t fun times, it’s an ACTUAL responsibility and it’s about time you two start acting like it instead of pushing the agenda you have against me. Christ’s sakes, I had a better working relationship with The Fireheart of all people than I did you two! And I’m noticing something here, you two are decent enough to anybody else, but it seems something about me just riles you up. You two may not show it — but there’s tensions unaddressed, and I’m professional enough to come here and want to address them right here, right NOW.
Chris Elite: Hey man, you ain’t that special. I mean yeah, you’re our EAW World Champion and everything unfortunately, but we don’t have an issue with you. You do you, bro, it’s equal treatment on this brand.
TLA: If that wasn’t the case, I’d have a lot of receipts to hand out to the perras on this brand. :troll: But nah, we ain’t fuck around like that. Besides, we already knew that you was gonna shoot yourself in the foot anyway.
(TLA shrugs his shoulders with a smile, but Drake isn’t buying it.)
Drake Armstrong: You cannot tell me there’s nothing to say yet talk to me so backhandedly. You’ve shown me constant disrespect, and damn it all, **I** am the EAW World Champion, **I** I am THE King of Elite. I RUN this place. It’s about time you two catch up to your own program. It’s a slap in the face to give the Junior a free title opportunity after Hans Grayson interfered in our match. He didn’t earn ANYTHING. This is NOT the land of opportunity that you may be used to on other brands, this is MY land, MY domain, and FREEBIES are NOT acceptable. You keep showing your ignorance and your corruption. You refuse my calls to make business. You book me to defend the prestigious EAW World Championship against a man I may soon have reason to adopt as my son!! Yes, TLA & Chris Elite, this IS blatant disrespect.
(TLA & Chris would actually let Drake pour out all of his frustrations. The EAW World Champion, meanwhile, was catching his breath for a little, and right as he began talking again—)
(The crowd explodes as “Kostas” by Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine & Benny the Butcher blasts through the speakers with Cody Maverick walking out to the ring to pair with it. He claps some of the audience’s hands, and then quickly enters the ring through the middle rope.)
Cody Maverick: Now hold on a second, Drake, I’d love to let you finish, but considering you interrupted these two gentlemen, it seems you had this one coming too. :troll: Unlike you though, I’m actually interested in seeing what crazy stipulation they prepared for us, which is actually the reason I’m out here, to remind everybody what the point of this entire ordeal was to begin with: **to announce the stipulation they’re gonna throw at us!!**
Drake Armstrong: I am not letting that happen. As a matter of fact, I am NOT contractually obligated to face you at King of Elite, little “Codester”, not unless, of course, you use the King of Elite stipulation… but we both know you’re too scared to waste it on somebody you KNOW you can’t beat, right?
Cody Maverick: Here you go again. Hell no, I’m not gonna use the King of Elite here, but that’s not because I’m scared of you or whatever; if anything, I wanna get my hands on you after the unresolved business between us earlier in the season. But it’d be stupid of me to do that when the General Managers have crowned me as the Number One Contender to your title after I pinned your shoulders to the mat, right? I know you got a high sense of self, Drake, but your word isn’t above the actual suits on this brand, so whether you like it or not, you WILL have to defend the EAW World Championship against me, and like I said it last week, you better be ready to accept it and start preparing for Shock Value before I become both the active King of Elite AND the EAW World Champion!
Drake Armstrong: Enough of that. You had your chance to resolve anything left between us two weeks ago, but Hans Grayson got himself involved, so if there’s anybody you should have a problem with, it’s him.
Cody Maverick: Well he’s got your goon on his plate, so I’ll leave him to that. Here’s the thing Drake, this is a lot deeper than you pretend it is, especially after last week. You leave me laying with blood falling from my head. You gimme that disadvantage, and still try to cost me against Kai. You get in a fist fight with me, and you get me busted open for the second time that night — I’m done playing games with you, Drake, I’m ready to put you through the ringer at Shock Value and take that title you’ve made a symbol of senseless violence and corruption. I’m ready to ruin your whole life like you’ve kept trying to do to me by minimizing me this whole season, and frankly, it’s fuckin’ poetic if after all this talk, it’s me dethroning you so soon, leaving you without any purpose, because we both know, Drake, without that title, your pride, your self-esteem, your confidence, **it’s done for.**
Drake Armstrong: …
Cody Maverick: Exactly. Got nothing to say. Let’s get this over with and find out the stipulation for Shock Value. I’m ready for anything, and no matter what type of fight we’ll be having at Shock Value, it won’t change the end result because I’m ready to put you down no matter what.
TLA: Aye so we can finally talk?
Cody Maverick: Go on.
Drake Armstrong: …
Chris Elite: Well, that’s great. Y’all have bickered enough. Me and my guy TLA, we thought long and hard. We thought of many stipulations that could fit this type of personal battle. We actually spun the wheel a few times too but we never got any ideas fitting enough. We was like “what’ll truly drive these competitors to the edge?!” We can’t do the usual Deathmatch stipulation or whatever, y’all been through that before. Drake was in a fight with Chainsaws. He left Adam Lucas all bloody at King of Elite. I fought Cody in the Cage of Death sometime ago. Y’all shown you got the extreme in you, so we thought we’d spice things up.
TLA: Si, si. Shit is about to get real around here, just like we promised it would be. None of that weak shit y’all expected, nah, we wanna see some real muerte around here. Something that the Wheel couldn’t give you. Something real dangerous, real disgusting, all that stuff that makes shit like this muy interesante. So without further ado, the match that y’all will be competing in is…
(TLA pauses, building suspense before he turns to Chris, both of them nodding.)
TLA & Chris Elite: ELECTRIC EEL DEATHMATCH!!!
Crowd: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Drake Armstrong: …
Cody Maverick: Sounds good.
Drake Armstrong: …
(Drake is left practically seething, his mood made no better by the disgusting stipulation, but Cody’s amped and nodding along as the audience cheers on. He couldn’t care less what he’s gotta fight through as long as he gets his hands on that World Title.)
TLA: Well I’m glad that settles it.
Chris Elite: Have fun y’all— OH!!
(Just as TLA & Chris Elite were about to leave, Cody Maverick takes his opportunity and lays out Drake Armstrong with a lariat!)
Persephone: FINALLY SOME ACTION!!
Thadd Blazevich: Drake’s been caught off guard here and he was big mad earlier, and Cody’s laying a beating on him!! Drake’s trying his best to keep his hands up in defense, but the damage may be done!! The General Managers are watching on, lowkey enjoying seeing the champ get beat up!!
Rich Russillo: Kick to the gut— SIN CITY STUNNER!!!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT DRAKE SHOVES CODY OUT OF THE WAY AND RETREATS RIGHT OUT OF THE RING!! CODY STILL TRIED GOING FOR BRO BUT IT WAS TOO LATE!
(Drake Armstrong snaps on the outside, pointing fingers and yelling at both Cody Maverick and the pair of Chris Elite & TLA for allowing that beatdown to happen. Cody leans on the ropes and stares a hole into the champion while matching the trash talk, and the GM’s are left to figure out the rest of this mess as the feed goes to commercial.)
(Promotional ad for Shock Value, where Drake Armstrong defends the EAW World Championship against Cody Maverick in an Electric Eel Deathmatch.)
(Sunday Night Voltage continues forward as we hear ‘REVIVER’ by MY FIRST STORY begin to blast through the P.A System. From there, we see Sayuri Himura as she emerges on the stage for our opening match of the evening to a positive reaction from the crowd. She looks focused and determined as she continues her way down the aisle.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… Please welcome at this time…. SAYURI HIMURA!!!
Rich Russillo: Sayuri is making her way down to the ring as she has a match with Saori Aizen in just a few moments. But you can imagine she has not been in the best of moods as of late, stemming from her recent issues with the current EAW New Breed Champion, Clayton Golde! Sayuri, who follows a strong code of honor, has had to combat the antics from our New Breed Champion, and I don’t think anyone can blame her for bringing the force to an individual like him!
Thadd Blazevich: Absolutely, Rich. We saw Sayuri hit Clayton with a surprise attack last week on Showdown. Questioned by our own Sofia Clarke, she stated Clayton is the lowest of the low and is being treated as such. Thinking someone like him can say the things he has said and get away with it is the biggest mistake he could have made! Clayton, of course, retaliated against Sayuri not only last week on Voltage, but last night on Showdown, laying her out as they now approach their Championship bout at Reasonable Doubt.
Persephone: That incel is so disgusting. Sayuri better beat him, or else.
Thadd Blazevich: Or else what? You ain’t doing anything, broski.
Persephone: Shut up, Thadd!
(Sayuri continues her way down the ramp as she makes her way up the steps and enters through the ropes. She gets tossed a microphone by a ringside official as her music fades away. Sayuri, then, begins speaking, addressing everything surrounding her.)
Sayuri Himura: To tell everyone the truth, I have gotten quite sick and tired of the constant back-and-forth battles I’ve found myself having with Clayton Golde these past couple of weeks. As you all know, I live by a code of honor and respect that I carried with me to this company, but the Champion I am challenging has no semblance of that code. I am facing a bottom-of-the-barrel scum who thinks his words don’t have consequences. Thinking his actions have no repercussions, leaving me lying in my own blood last week on Voltage. I am tired of these back-and-forths. The games need to stop, Clayton!
(The cheers for Sayuri continue as she speaks…)
Sayuri Himura: This is not what I came to EAW for. I did not come here to find myself engaging in pointless back-and-forths with a man who doesn’t think he’s afraid of me, but has the attributes of a complete coward. A Champion who automatically assumes just because he’s a man that he’s much stronger than me, when he knows deep down, a woman who fights like me, who has travelled the world, learning various arts from different reigns, preparing for fights just like this, will bring everything to the table. It scares a man like Clayton Golde, and the Championship that validates his own mindset and his own thinking will soon no longer be his. I have no desire to keep continuing on this path with him.
Sayuri Himura: From laying me out last night on Showdown, last week on Voltage, to the words that you have spoken toward me… trust it will be repaid properly at Reasonable Doubt when I challenge for that Championship and walk out of New York City as Champion. When I take your prize home with me and shut you up for good. So–
???: WOOOOP WOOOOP!! LOOK AT THE SCREEN IDIOT!!!
(Sayuri looks at the titantron and is greeted by Clayton Golde, who is not in the arena tonight on Voltage, instead appearing via satellite, looking like he is at some sort of resort. He is seen wearing an obnoxious shirt and sunglasses as he begins speaking to Sayuri and to everyone else in the arena who is booing him right now.)
Clayton Golde: That was some nice words you said there, Sayuri, real inspiring stuff, and I would have LOVED to have been there tonight to face you man to woman, but fortunately for you… I’m at an influencer retreat in Búzios, Brazil! You know, where only the elite level content creators are, as I’m networking with people who actually appreciate what I do. Like, this is way better than being in “Montevideo” of all places.
(The crowd begins to boo at this comment from Clayton as he continues.)
Clayton Golde: But I am a generous New Breed Champion, and I’m taking the time out of my day to appear via video whilst at this retreat to respond to what you just said about me. As much as I find it inspiring that you have travelled to all these different regions and whatever, and you’re going to repay ME the proper way when we fight in New York City… I thought it was best to let you know that you have NO CHANCE at beating me at Reasonable Doubt!!!
(Clayton begins laughing as those in the arena continue to boo him as he continues with what he is saying…)
Clayton Golde: Like, I’m sorry, Sayuri… after what I did to you on Showdown, I think you would be better off just backing out of our match at Reasonable Doubt while you still can! You’re standing there talking about already being tired of these back-and-forth games we’re having, whether it’s me leaving you lying in a pool of your own blood, or you interfering in my matches and sneaking up on me like some ghost… save your troubles, save the travel time, and don’t come to New York City. A woman like you was never going to beat a man like me. The advantages I have are just too much for you to handle, Sayuri.
(Sayuri stares a dagger over what Clayton just said to her as she responds by saying…)
Sayuri Himura: Of course, someone like you would retreat to where you are after what you did to me last night on Showdown. While I am not 100% at this very moment for my match against Saori Aizen tonight, you best believe that no matter what condition I’m in, Clayton Golde, you will reap the consequences of your actions through the fight I will bring at Reasonable Doubt. If you really think what you did was going to be enough for me to just walk away from this great opportunity I have, then you must be even more afraid than I imagined. I have learned from the very best I know, a style of which you won’t even be able to handle, and as much as you think your insults have any merit towards me… it will only end in a disaster for a man like you.
(Clayton hears everything Sayuri had to say and responds to her by saying…)
Clayton Golde: What consequences are there for me, Saori? That I’m going to get my ass kicked by you? Please don’t flatter yourself. I’m sure some beta would love that, but not me. I am the New Breed Champion for a reason. This is my prized possession, something so valuable that I obtained after leaving Bridget Bridget in the dust many months ago. She was hot, but not as hot as the piece of gold I wear around my waist. It doesn’t matter the type of training you have conducted yourself, Sayuri; none of it really matters when you’re in the ring with me because I have the smarts. I have the experience that you just don’t have right now. Sure, it will be a little difficult, but the advantages speak for themselves, and sometimes you have to accept the line in the sand of who’s better than who. You’re just simply not the threat you think you are.
(Sayuri listens to what Clayton said and responds to him.)
Sayuri Himura: This dismissal of my looming challenge will only serve as a reminder for you once that bell rings to never do that again. You think your words and actions would develop hatred from me, but I know that once I’m in that ring, my fight will speak for itself. My skills will be too much for even an influencer like yourself to be able to match. You’re simply the lowest form of human that can be, and everything will come back around for you, Clayton Golde, one way or another. Reasonable Doubt will be that day, Reasonable Doubt will see a new champion crowned as you are sliced by the sword that I hold. I will take away that Championship from you; that is a promise.
(Clayton rolls his eyes over Sayuri’s response and turns the video off as he goes away from the titantron, and the crowd cheers Sayuri. Her music continues to play as she waits in the ring as we transition to our first match of the night.)
(Commercial for Reasonable Doubt.)
(Voltage returns to ringside. ‘REVIVER’ by MY FIRST STORY is already heard playing as Sayuri Himura remains in the ring following the events before the break. Eris Morti and Ashlynn Quinn have made their way out to ringside since then, and both watch on, ready to watch the following match. Sayuri keeps a focused look on her face, not allowing herself to be bothered by those at ringside as she waits for her opponent.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
Bella Braxton: ALREADY IN THE RING…RESIDING IN YOKOHAMA, JAPAN…WEIGHING IN AT 125 POUNDS…SHE IS ‘THE YUREI’…SAAAAYYUUURRRIII HIMMUURRRAAAA!
Rich Russillo: And this is a competitor with something to prove tonight! She was brutally attacked by Clayton Golde last week, and again last night! A win tonight could send a message to him!
Persephone: As long as she pays attention to the match. It looks like both Ashlynn Quinn and Eris Morti are here at ringside for this match. Although…I have a feeling they’re not here for her.
(‘Let Me Hear’ by Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas begins to play as the crowd turns to roaring boos. Saori Aizen, completely unbothered, makes her way out onto the stage. She stares at all the individuals by the ring without remorse or fear. Instead she just appears amused, turning her attention to her opponent as she walks to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: AND HER OPPONENT…FROM TOKYO, JAPAN…WEIGHING IN AT 130 POUNDS…SHE IS ‘THE REAPER’…SAAAOOORRRIII AIIIZEEEENNNN!
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, she is coming off a massive win last week! Her partners were of course Morti and Ashlynn who she ambushed after the match! Can she stay focused here?
Rich Russillo: Sayuri is the number one contender to the New Breed Championship, having defeated one of Saori’s own Shock Value opponents. A win here could be very good for the returning Saori.
(She gets down to the ring, gazing at Eris and Ashlynn for a moment before entering. Her focus shifts completely towards Himura as the referee calls for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: There’s the bell and this match is getting away here! And Saori Aizen moves across that ring like a lightning bolt! SHE TAKES SAYURI HIMURA DOWN WITH A HURRICARANA! It sends Himura rolling right into the corner turnbuckles! Before she can react, Aizen is on her with a boot to the stomach! She stomps her down, showing no mercy in the opening moments of this contest! AND THEN GETS HER WITH THAT CORNER HANDSTAND METEORA! Some devastating athleticism being shown off early on here! She drags Himura back towards the center of the ring…and tries to lock in a kneebar!
Persephone: Emphasis on try. Himura has enough awareness to break free before it’s applied, getting Aizen with a boot to the face! She then scrambles to her feet…BUT AIZEN WANTS TO KEEP CONTROL! She lunges forward for the running wheelbarrow…BUT HIMURA HOLDS ON TIGHT! With a little change of her grip, she moves Aizen into position and gets her with a massive german suplex!
Thadd Blazevich: A gnarly launch there dude! Aizen lands on her head and neck there, definitely surprised by that maneuver as well! She scrambles up to her feet, hoping to not leave an opening for long but Himura lets loose a knife-edge chop right across her chest! AND ANOTHER! And another one in return! Looks like she’s about to pay Aizen back here bro! SHE LIFTS HER UP, GETTING HER IN POSITION FOR A FALCON ARROW!
Rich Russillo: BUT AS SHE LIFTS HER UP AIZEN MANAGES TO SLIP OUT OF IT! She finds herself behind Himura now…and she grabs her from behind, hoping for her own german suplex! Unfortunately for her, Himura is able to flip the position here! SHE LOOKS FOR HER SECOND ONE OF THE NIGHT! But Aizen lunges forward and grabs onto the ropes, preventing herself from being launched here! Soon after the referee comes around to call for the rope break!
Persephone: Of course she lets Aizen go…AND OF COURSE AIZEN GETS HER WITH A SUCKER PUNCH! She drills her in the face with the shotei and almost knocks her off her feet! Himura is stunned for a moment which is all Aizen needs! SHE GETS HER WITH A RUNNING DROPKICK! Himura is caught square in the chest and knocked down to the mat!
Thadd Blazevich: And now here comes the real pain bro! Aizen stomps down on the knee of her opponent! She then pins it down but drives her knees into the leg with a handstand double knee drop legbreaker! That’s a wise move targeting the leg dude! It’s going to cut a lot of options out for Himura later on in the match! And now Aizen continues on with her diabolical work, grabbing that leg and bending it over her back with the kneeling stretch muffler! This is vicious!
Rich Russillo: Himura is definitely hurting now as she tries to crawl towards the ropes for a way out of this maneuver! She manages to get her bottom hand on the rope! The referee calls for the break and that definitely draws the ire of Aizen! She pulls Himura away from those ropes and back onto her feet! She hooks her arms, hoping to lift her up here! BUT HIMURA IS ABLE TO TWIRL OUT OF IT! SHE THEN DRILLS HER OPPONENT WITH A ROLLING ELBOW! Aizen is nearly taken off her feet here! Her opponent sends her across the room with an irish whip! HIMURA GETS HER WITH A RUNNING LARIAT!
Persephone: Damn, that one hit hard. It nearly took her head off! Himura looks to be getting back in the zone now! She drags her opponent back up to her feet…AND THEN GETS HER UP FOR THE EXPLODER SUPLEX!
Thadd Blazevich: But it doesn’t exactly work out for her dude! Aizen catches her with an elbow right to the side of the head and then shoves her away! Himura fires back with another running lariat except this time, Aizen ducks right underneath it! SHE GETS BEHIND HER AND THEN CUTS HER DOWN WITH A SNAP GERMAN SUPLEX! She hit it so fast that Himura didn’t even have time to react! She now scrambles back up to her feet, using the ropes to pull herself up! AND SHE’S MET BY A SPINNING BACKFIST! She folds onto the floor bro and Aizen goes for the first cover of the match!
ONE!
TW-
Rich Russillo: But Himura is able to get that shoulder up early! Looks like she’s far from being done here! But Aizen wants to cross that finish line as fast as she can! SHE PLACES HER OPPONENT IN A GUILLOTINE CHOKE! She wraps around her opponent like a constrictor, attempting to suffocate her opponent into submission here! This is a dire position for Himura to be in now!
Persephone: Another submission hold here and maybe this would spell the end for her! BUT HIMURA BEGINS TO RALLY! Holy crap. She digs down deep here, lifting her opponent up and driving her back down to the ground! She breaks the hold with that and scrambles to the corner to recover!
Thadd Blazevich: AND HER OPPONENT GOES TO MEET HER THERE BUT HIMURA LIFTS HER KNEES UP! She manages to catch Aizen in the face with that, repelling for the moment! But Himura then comes in close again and gets her with a massive European uppercut! And she picks her opponent up bro…AND TAKES HER DOWN WITH A SAITO SUPLEX! SHE SPIKES AIZEN DOWN THEN SHE ROLLS ON TOP OF HER AND GOES FOR THE COVER!
ONE!
TW-
Rich Russillo: But Aizen is able to get her shoulder up before the two count! She’s still going strong here but to the chagrin of Sayuri Himura! She knows that she has to step up her game here! She yoinks Aizen back to a vertical base! She then drives into her with another European uppercut! She seems to love that move tonight! She draws her in once again…AND THEN GETS HER UP FOR THE BRAINBUSTER!
Persephone: But Aizen is able to bring a knee down into her head…AND THEN SHE TRANSLATES THIS RIGHT INTO A DDT! Himura’s head is planted right in the mat and it’s hard to believe that she’s not knocked out from that one.
Thadd Blazevich: But bro, Aizen is far from done with her opponent! She brings her back up to feet and gets her with a nasty kick to the ribs! She then hoists her into the sky, crossing her legs and getting ready for the falcon arrow! BUT AS SHE DOES, HIMURA MANAGES TO ESCAPE IT BRO! She lands on her feet…AND THEN SENDS HER OPPONENT ACROSS THE RING WITH THE IRISH WHIP! OFF THE REBOUND SHE LOOKS FOR A SHOTGUN DROPKICK DUDE! SHE GETS HER IN THE CHEST!
Rich Russillo: That launches Aizen and sends her rolling right on out of this ring! Himura wants to capitalize on that momentum and heads to the outside! Himura brings her back up to her feet and goes to throw her back inside! BUT AIZEN CATCHES HER OFF-GUARD! SHE SLAMS HER HEAD RIGHT INTO THE STEEL APRON! She follows that cheap shot up with an exploder suplex! Her opponent lands hard on the floor here!
Persephone: And now Aizen wants to make her suffer…she grabs that leg that she was attacking earlier and slams it right into the barricade! And now she drags her towards that steel post with cruel intentions in mind!
Thadd Blazevich: SHE WRAPS HIMURA’S LEG AROUND THE POST…AND LOCKS IN A FIGURE FOUR LOCK! She’s just pressing her opponents legs into the metal and it just looks excruciating! She eventually releases the hold and brings this match back into the ring! Himura is struggling to get back up onto her feet bro…AND AIZEN TAKES ADVANTAGE WITH A MICHINOKU DRIVER! She hooks the leg and looks for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
Rich Russillo: But Sayuri Himura kicks out right at the two count! She’s still in this in spite of that brutality! Aizen doesn’t like that at all! She goes right back after that leg with some vicious stomps! AND THEN SHE BRINGS HER OVER TO THE CORNER…AND SNAPS THAT LEG ON HER SHOULDER! Just relentless punishment here! Saori Aizen looks for another stomp but her opponent caught her leg! HIMURA FIGHTS BACK WITH ANOTHER UPPERCUT, BREAKING FREE FROM THE CORNER!
Persephone: She limps back towards her opponent and gets her with a knife-edge chop! SHE THEN LIFTS SAORI UP AND GETS HER WITH AN EXPLODER SUPLEX! She pulls it off but it clearly tweaked her leg even further! She pulls herself together and goes back after Aizen!
Thadd Blazevich: She drags her back to a vertical base bro! SHE THEN TAKES HER DOWN WITH A SAITO SUPLEX! Another big move there and she might be able to flip this match in her favor completely! Himura hooks the arms of his opponent and lifts her up with the Tiger Driver ’98! HERE COMES THE BLACK MEMORY BRO!
Rich Russillo: BUT SAORI MANAGES TO LAND ON HER FEET HERE! Aizen then hooks the arm of her opponent and lifts her up! BUT HER OPPONENT SLIPS OUT OF IT! Himura keeps this momentum going with another big knife-edge chop! It sends her opponent reeling backwards! She limps towards her opponent but gets caught with a headbutt! AIZEN PULLS HER IN FOR ANOTHER ONE! SHE KEEPS GOING UNTIL HIMURA IS IN THE GROUND HERE!
Persephone: And now, thankfully comes the finale! Saori Aizen hooks the arms once again…but this time she’s looking for the tiger bomb! HERE COMES THE HYOKINDAMA! BUT HER OPPONENT LANDS ON HER FEET! That definitely hurts Himura’s leg even further here…BUT SHE STILL GETS OFF THE IZANAMI! THE SPINNING BACKFIST NEARLY TAKES AIZEN’S HEAD OFF! She then falls on top of her for a cover!
ONE!
TWO!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT AIZEN KICKS OUT OF IT! Right at the two as well! Sayuri Himura still has to endure more of this match bro! She knows that she needs a swift ending to this story…so she brings her opponent up to her feet! SHE TRIES FOR THE NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB BRO! MAKANJYO COMES IN HOT!
Rich Russillo: BUT AIZEN IS ABLE TO MANEUVER HER WAY OUT OF IT! She manages to get behind her opponent and takes her down with a snap dragon suplex! She’s dropped right on her head…but Aizen looks to follow this up! She drags her opponent over to the corner and lays into her with some stomps! SAORI THEN LIFTS HER UP AND PLACES HER ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! She then crawls up there and gives her opponent some punches to soften her up!
Persephone: AND NOW SHE GETS HER IN POSITION FOR THE AVALANCHE SPANISH FLY! IT IS A LONG FALL FROM UP TOP! But Himura doesn’t think that’s a fun idea at all! She begins fighting back here and gets some uppercuts in! SHE THEN SHOVES HER OPPONENT OFF THE TOP ROPE! She falls backwards and hits the ground all the way from the top rope!
Thadd Blazevich: Sayuri Himura gets down off the top rope, her opponent is right where she wants her! She drags her opponent up off the ground…AND LOOKS FOR THAT TSUKUYOMI! IT MIGHT END RIGHT HERE WITH THIS BRIDGING DRAGON SUPLEX BRO!
Rich Russillo: But Aizen, even after that fall, isn’t about to be taken down! She frees one of her arms and drives an elbow back right into his opponent’s face! She manages to free herself from that maneuver and rolls her forward with the snapmare! AIZEN FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A BRUTAL BASEMENT DROPKICK CATCHING HER OPPONENT ON HER FACE! Himura nearly had her face caved in there from that one!
Persephone: Saori Aizen lifts Himura back up to her feet now! She then loosens a brutal kick to her chest! AND THEN ANOTHER TO HER LEGS! That’s two bullets down, four to go as Aizen unleashes this combination! SHE GETS HER WITH NUMBERS THREE, FOUR AND FIVE BRINGING HIMURA DOWN TO HER KNEES! AND THEN SHE LOOKS THE FINAL HOLY BULLET!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT HIMURA DUCKS UNDERNEATH THE LAST KICK! SHE GETS BACK UP TO HER FEET AND GETS HER WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX! She puts all of her strength behind it, launching Aizen! She lets out a roar now and lines up her target as Aizen slowly rises back to her feet! HERE IT COMES! THE KNEE LIFT! SAYONARA!
Rich Russillo: BUT AIZEN AVOIDS IT WITH EASE! SHE GETS BEHIND HER OPPONENT AND TAKES HER DOWN WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX! She rolls with it though, dragging Himura back to her feet for another! AND THEN SHE LOOKS FOR THE THIRD RIGHT AFTER THAT! THE MIRROR, THE WATER, & THE MOON! SHE GOES FOR THE COVER AND THIS MIGHT REALLY BE OVER!
ONE!
TWO!
T-
Persephone: But Himura was still able to kick out of it, and that’s annoying! That was close enough to three, can’t we just pretend that was enough and call for the match? Whatever. Thankfully, Saori doesn’t want to play around with her food anymore! She wants to put this one away! She makes her way up onto that top rope…this can only mean one thing. HORIZON OF THE CAPTIVATING SKANDHA!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT THAT DIVING MOONSAULT MISSES! HER OPPONENT GETS BACK TO HER FEET BRO! Saori Aizen is barely able to stagger back to her own, clearly being dazed by landing face-first on the mat! SAYURI HIMURA TAKES ADVANTAGE WITH THE BLACK MEMORY! SHE GETS THE TIGER DRIVER ’98! And just like that, she goes for another cover! Could this be the end right here!
ONE!
TWO!
T-
Rich Russillo: BUT NO! Once again, Saori Aizen is able to get that shoulder up before the three! Sayuri Himura has to be getting frustrated with all the effort she’s putting in! She takes a breather for a minute here, trying to calculate exactly what she needs to do next! And I think she’s figured it out here folks! Himura forces Aizen back to her feet here! SHE LAYS INTO HER WITH SOME HARSH UPPERCUTS… AND THEN LOOKS FOR THE SAYONARA ONCE AGAIN!
Persephone: AND SAORI AIZEN IS ABLE TO AVOID IT AGAIN! That would have been the end right there! She gets behind her opponent and immediately takes her to the mat with the rear-naked choke! Look at that, trying to get her opponent to submit once again in this match.
Thadd Blazevich: With how much punishment Himura has taken during this match, you have to consider that tapping might be a real possibility dude! She’s reaching out for the ropes but she’s too far away from them at the moment! Bro, there is no chance that’s going to be able to get there! And you can see her strength beginning to fade as Aizen holds on as tight as she can! This might just be over right here and right now!
Rich Russillo: But Sayuri Himura begins to rally! She’s not going to give up here! Not when she could get this massive win! She manages to get on her hands and knees, slowly crawling towards the ropes! I CAN’T BELIEVE IT AND NEITHER CAN AIZEN! HIMURA GETS HER HAND ON THE ROPES! The referee is now calling for the rope break!
Persephone: Aizen has no choice but to release her opponent here! Himura gets a moment to breathe before Aizen relaunches her offense! She takes her down with a short-arm lariat but Himura gets back on her feet… ONLY TO RUN RIGHT INTO A MASSIVE SHOTEI!
Thadd Blazevich: And that definitely seems to knock the sense right back out of Himura! She stumbles around for a moment before Aizen tries to get her with the Northern Lights Suplex! But Himura is able to find it in her to shove her opponent away! Aizen stays on her…BUT IS MET WITH A ROLLING ELBOW! That was a lethal blow there and Aizen stumbles back towards the ropes before bouncing back towards her opponent! AND BRO! SHE’S TAKEN DOWN WITH THE RUNNING LARIAT!
Rich Russillo: Sayuri has Aizen right where she needs her at this current moment! She lifts Aizen back up to her feet and tries to lift her up for that Mukanjyo! BUT AS SHE DOES, AIZEN IS ABLE TO ROLL HER UP WITH THE SMALL PACKAGE! WHAT A COUNTER!
ONE!
TWO!
TH-
Persephone: And that was so close to being stolen from right underneath Himura! She looks shocked as she kicks out of it! Aizen immediately looks for a submission hold, trying to get the scissor lock in! But Himura knows these tricks by now and slides out of it before it can take hold! She gets back up to her feet…and gets Aizen with another uppercut! BUT AIZEN FIRES BACK WITH HER OWN! And now these two are just straight up exchanging blows, each trying to topple the other!
Thadd Blazevich: AND FINALLY AIZEN BREAKS THROUGH WITH THAT THUNDERCLAP NOVA! She knocks her opponent down and this could be her opportunity!
(During the action, Ashlynn Quinn could be seen shaking her head as she argues with Eris Morti at ringside. The camera doesn’t pick up what the two are saying, however.)
Rich Russillo: Wait a second here folks, something is going on ringside! It looks like Eris Morti and Ashlynn Quinn are getting into some sort of argument! I don’t think now is the time to focus on that though, as Saori Aizen has Sayuri ready to end this one! She waits as Sayuri slowly gets to a knee, AND NOW SAORI GOES TO RUN THE ROPES-
Thadd Blazevich: BUT BRO, ASHLYNN QUINN JUST JUMPED ONTO THE APRON, AND IT LOOKS LIKE SHE AND ERIS TURNED THEIR ATTENTION TO SAORI! Eris follows Ashlynn onto the apron, and what’s going on here, bro!? Saori is arguing with Ashlynn and Eris and telling them to back off, knowing she had Sayuri in position to end this!
Persephone: She should really, really consider paying attention to what’s going on inside the ring instead though.
Thadd Blazevich: INDEED SHE SHOULD BRO! Sayuri Himura is getting back to her feet as we speak! Saori Aizen finally breaks free of this shouting match and turns back around towards Himura…
Rich Russillo: AND SHE GETS WRECKED BY THE SAYANORA! THAT KNEE LIFT FINALLY CONNECTS AND HIMURA LOOKS FOR THE PIN!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(‘REVIVER’ by MY FIRST STORY begins to play as Himura rolls off of her opponent with a look of relief. She looks over at Ashlynn Quinn and Eris Morti, and she doesn’t look pleased knowing that they got involved in this match. However, she pushes herself up, having her hand raised by the referee.)
Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER…SAAAYUUUURRIIII HIMMMURRRAAA!
Rich Russillo: I cannot believe what just happened here folks! That was an incredible back and forth between Saori Aizen and Sayuri Himura! Both of them were putting all they could into this encounter! Aizen was able to avoid that knee lift on multiple occasions tonight but one distraction was all it took!
Thadd Blazevich: Indeed dude! Aizen could have finished her opponent off if it wasn’t for that argument at ringside! She took her eye off the ball for one moment too long! In the end, it cost her this match! A huge congratulations should go to Himura bro!
Persephone: Did you hear the way the Specialists match participants were talking this week? I’m glad something like this happened. They were way too friendly for people who just fought a week ago.
Rich Russillo: Well when you have two people who enjoy chaos and an Elitist who’s no stranger to contributing to it, stuff like this is bound to happen no matter how “friendly” they sound. This is getting serious, and in the end Sayuri leaves Voltage with a huge win ahead of Reasonable Doubt.
(The camera zooms in Sayuri Himura who is celebrating her victory as the fans cheer on. It then shifts to Saori Aizen, who holds her jaw in the corner of the ring. She is staring at Ashlynn Quinn and Eris Morti, and she now has a frustrated look on her face knowing that she was just cost her match. With this enraged look on Saori’s face, the camera fades from ringside.)
(Sunday Night Voltage continues as we see NICK backstage just minding his own business. He’s wearing a black hoodie and sweatpants, as he doesn’t have a match for tonight’s show, while scrolling through his phone, sitting on top of the production crate. He looks as calm and collected as one can be, but all of a sudden, someone shouts at him…)
???: HEY!
(NICK looks up in the direction where the noise came from as his demeanor is immediately soured, as the camera pans over to reveal Cosmo Goldworthy who quickly storms into the scene. The two of them, alongside Diamond Dixon, were teaming together last week in six-person tag action, but ultimately they weren’t successful in defeating the team of Ashlynn Quinn, Eris Morti, and Saori Aizen. Cosmo is dressed in street attire, as he approaches NICK, pointing an accusatory finger toward him as he tells him…)
Cosmo Goldworthy: You know, I’m still not happy with how that match turned out.
NICK: Well, you should have just stayed on the apron and minded your business instead of taking me out and costing us the match.
Cosmo Goldworthy: That wasn’t on purpose. I was trying to win the match just as much as you and Diamond were. If I stayed on the apron and did nothing, that would have been even worse. Going for that with the potential of shit hitting the fan was a risk, and even though risks don’t work out, sometimes I gotta take those risks, NICK. Ashlynn had more awareness than I expected, and you unfortunately took the hit for it. That’s all there is to it.
NICK: Again, whose fault is that? Thanks to you, Ashlynn secured an undeserved pinfall victory over me. I beat her at King of Elite, I ended things, but now she got her “get back” over an issue she started, and I have to be the one who lives with that. Not you. So I’m sorry that you have to be the fall guy for that, but it’s true.
(Cosmo starts getting a little angry as he responds to NICK by saying….)
Cosmo Goldworthy: Nah, nah, don’t try to pin this loss on me. You tried doing that last week, but I’m not gonna let you get away with that again. Diamond and I were working together just fine; we were working like an absolute unit out there, so maybe if you weren’t in the way, maybe if you had some awareness, you wouldn’t have gotten hit with the Coldest Winter. So again, don’t even try to blame me for what happened last week, YOU let yourself get pinned by Ashlynn Quinn.
(Now NICK looks pissed off as he responds to Cosmo Goldworthy by saying…)
NICK: You got some fucking nerve to come tell me that it’s actually my fault, I didn’t hit you with one of my finishers, did I? I didn’t “accidently” cost you our match, did I? No it was you coming into the ring, thinking you were going to handle things yourself and instead you shot yourself in the foot, and I had to be the one who faced the consequences for that. You screwed everything up in our match, a match that we could have won if you just stayed on the apron, and guess what? You could have broken up the pin even if I went down, but instead you did a risk that only cost me a pinfall loss.
Cosmo Goldworthy: It’s the nature of this sport, NICK, again maybe you should have been in a better position instead of trying to blame me for what went wrong!
NICK: I’m done trying to argue with you about this shit. I know who’s right and who’s wrong, but if you still have a problem with that, we can always handle it…
(NICK gets up from the production crate and stands right in front of Cosmo, who looks madder as he responds to him by saying…)
Cosmo Goldworthy: If you wanna handle it, I wouldn’t mind that one bit.
(Soon enough, both Cosmo and NICK are arguing amongst each other, still very much heated from what occurred in their tag match last week. They continue to talk over each other until another voice enters the conversation and interrupts them…)
???: WOAH WOAH! Fellas, I think you both need to relax!
(Cosmo and NICK stop as they turn around, and they see Diego Montana approaching them! He looks to have a relaxed demeanor as the fans in the arena begin to boo his appearance. Cosmo and NICK look over at him as he begins to speak to them…)
Diego Montana: I see the two of you perros are arguing amongst each other, and as much as I am a sucker for a fight to break out between the two of you, I just felt the need to come to interject myself into this debate on who’s right and who’s wrong.
NICK: This has nothing to do with you, Diego; nobody cares about your opinion on all of this.
(Diego scoffs at NICK’s comment towards him and responds by saying…)
Diego Montana: Everyone cares about what the high-key New Breeder has to say! They all care about my thoughts and opinions, including the two of you. I’m the only real ese on this brand, so Ima keep it 100% on this situation, and the truth of the matter is…
(Diego dramatically pauses before cracking a huge grin.)
Diego Montana: Both of you are losers!!
(Cosmo and NICK look more annoyed than they were arguing with each other as Diego continues to talk, the fans in the arena continuing to boo.)
Diego Montana: There is no point in arguing with each other, because either way you’re both losers! So no one else actually cares whose fault it is, what people care about is who won the match, and it wasn’t you two nor Diamond. I told the world last week that I’m not going to leave the season empty handed, and that’s true. I have my mind on bigger things, issues that actually matter, while you two bark like a bunch of puppies.
(Cosmo responds quickly to Diego as he tells him…)
Cosmo Goldworthy: Nah, everyone saw how your last opportunity went, Diego. It didn’t go well for you; in fact, you’re the biggest loser of them all. Don’t try to insult me while you have your own problems to deal with. Look in the mirror, Diego.
Diego Montana: I look in the mirror every morning, and I feel great! I have my ambitions clear as day unlike either of you.
NICK: Ambitions? Come on, we saw how you were towards Chris Elite, practically begging him to give you another opportunity after not being able to beat Clayton Golde at King of Elite. You had the opportunity to win the New Breed Title and unlike me, you didn’t have to deal with outside interferences. What did you have to deal with Diego? Oh, right, it was nothing, and you still lost.
(Now, Diego appears more pissed at what NICK just said as he replies to him by saying…)
Diego Montana: What have you done since Ashlynn cost you your opportunity at the title, cabron? You dealt with her at King of Elite, and now, last week, she got one over you. Again, it doesn’t really matter if Cosmo accidentally hit you with his finisher or whatever, you were still lying down on the mat and looking at the stars.
(All three Elitists then start to argue with each other, talking over one another as another argument ensues. Diego trash-talks both Cosmo and NICK, as they continue to insult one another, but then another person sees this commotion and steps in…)
???: WOAH WOAH! Y’all need to settle down.
(The camera pans over to see Chris Elite, who notices the argument between all three competitors and immediately begins talking to all of them as he says…)
Chris Elite: You folks need to calm down, tryna pull shit like this on my brand. I’ll be damned. Look, I see you guys have some issues here, tensions brewing and whatnot, and fortunately for you three this is something that I can solve. Now, I don’t really give a damn what you’re angry about, but that doesn’t mean shit. So if you fine gentlemen will listen for a couple seconds, I got you covered.
(Diego, Cosmo, and NICK listen closely to what Chris Elite is about as he tells them…)
Chris Elite: I considered what you were about last week, Diego, that you wanted an opportunity at Shock Value, that you wanted a great spot on this show, so therefore I’m making a triple threat match between the three of you at Shock Value. The winner will get a Hardcore Championship match at Grand Rampage. Is that good enough for you, beloved? A cool little opportunity for any of you to snatch?
Diego Montana: Sounds good to Big Papi!
Cosmo Goldworthy: Works for me.
NICK: Same.
Chris Elite: Iight then, another match added to the card. Make the most of that shit.
(Chris then walks away from the scene as Diego says…)
Diego Montana: I guess I’ll see you losers at Shock Value, we already know who won that match anyway.
Cosmo Goldworthy: It certainly ain’t going to be you, homie.
(Diego just ignores that comment from Cosmo as he walks away. Cosmo himself also walks out of the scene as we see NICK sitting back down on the production crate while Voltage continues forward.)
(Voltage returns to the ringside area.)
Bella Braxton: The following tag team contest is scheduled for… ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(“All of the Lights (Interlude)” by Kanye West hits the speakers as Jon Kelton makes his way out onto the ramp, he looks as though he’s already agitated but trying to focus on what’s ahead.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first! From Dallas, Texas by way of Toronto, Ontario, Canada! Weighing in at 205 pounds! “THE LAST HOPE” JOOOOOOOON KELTON!
(Kelton begins making his way down the ramp towards the ring, his eyes locked forward as he walks.)
Rich Russillo: This next match has been simmering all week! The Unified Tag Team Champions in action, but first we’re going to see two individuals who can barely stand each other try to function as a unit!
Thadd Blazevich: That’s locked-in Kelton right there, dude! No distractions! No theatrics! Just business! Emotions aside, this is still a man who has been in arms reach of the world title on several occasions!
Persephone: He’d better be focused. He’s teaming with a person who enjoys embarrassing him.
(Kelton slides into the ring and immediately heads to his corner. He paces, eyes fixed forward, jaw clenched. No smile. No acknowledgment of the crowd.)
(“Lowlife Princess” by BIBI hits as Miku Sakai steps out onto the stage. She pauses at the top of the ramp, already visibly annoyed, rolling her eyes before exhaling sharply.)
Bella Braxton: And his partner! From Fukui, Japan! Weighing in at 110 pounds! “THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE” MIIIIIIIKU SAKAI!
(Miku starts down the ramp with quick, impatient steps, occasionally muttering to herself as she walks.)
Rich Russillo: And here comes the wildcard in this situation. We saw what happened last week when tensions boiled over between these two. A cheap shot, a statement made, and no apology offered.
Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, bro, and that’s not exactly the kind of foundation you build a tag team off of! You can say what you want about Miku, but she plays by her own rules, dude!
Persephone: She plays by no rules. That’s the problem.
(Miku reaches ringside and hops up onto the apron before stepping through the ropes. She walks directly past Kelton in their corner, brushing his shoulder intentionally before turning back toward him.)
Rich Russillo: And there it is! That tension is not subtle! Miku just made sure Kelton knew she hasn’t forgotten last week!
(Kelton says something under his breath. Miku fires back immediately. The referee steps in between them and gestures toward their corner, trying to keep things from escalating before the bell.)
Thadd Blazevich: They haven’t even started yet, bro!
Persephone: This is going to implode. I can feel it. And I can’t wait.
(The arena lights suddenly drop. A red glow washes over the stage as “Duel” by JINJER hits. Daniella Atlas steps forward into the red light first. Selina Reyes follows at her side. No theatrics. No wasted movement. The EAW Unified Tag Team Championships glinting under the glow of the red light.)
Bella Braxton: And their opponents! Representing ToXXXin! They are the reigning EAW Unified Tag Team Champions! “THE BLADE OF HERMES” DANIELLA ATLAS, AND “THE ORYX QUEEN” SELINA REYES!
Rich Russillo: And the temperature just changed in this arena! The champions are here, and you can feel the difference immediately!
Thadd Blazevich: Look at that body language, bro! No arguing! No distractions! Just walking straight down to the ring like they own the place!
Persephone: They do. That’s what the titles mean.
(Daniella and Selina walk in sync down the ramp. Daniella climbs onto the apron without breaking eye contact with the ring. Selina slides under the bottom rope and rises smoothly to her feet. Both women step forward, holding their championships high for all to see, their eyes fixed on their opponents. Miku and Kelton look back at the champions, a sideways glance shared between them.)
(After a moment the music dies down and the official takes the title belts, handing them out to the timekeepers area. Once that’s done, he settles both teams in their corners and calls for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: And this one is officially underway here LIVE from the Antel Arena in Montevideo! The reigning Unified Tag Team Champions Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes representing ToXXXin, and across the ring from them the volatile pairing of Jon Kelton and Miku Sakai! There is tension on one side and absolute cohesion on the other, and that is going to matter as this match unfolds!
Thadd Blazevich: You can feel it already, bro! Kelton stepped forward the second that bell rang and Miku didn’t even argue it! She just let him go, and that is not teamwork, that is two people who both think they’re the better option!
Persephone: I am personally rooting for dysfunction. It’s more entertaining.
Rich Russillo: Selina Reyes steps in for the champions and Kelton meets her in the center of the ring! They circle slowly, no rush at all, just studying each other! Collar and elbow tie-up, and Selina immediately slips into a tight side headlock! She’s wrenching it in, trying to control the pace right out of the gate!
Thadd Blazevich: Kelton plants his feet and tries to push her toward the ropes, but Selina rolls her hips and takes him down with a clean headlock takeover! That was crisp!
Persephone: And notice there’s no panic. Just control.
Rich Russillo: Kelton bridges up, threads his legs around her head, and applies the headscissors! Selina rolls through and pops back to her feet quickly! Kelton’s right up with her! Quick exchange there and neither competitor was able to hold the advantage for long!
Thadd Blazevich: They lock up again and this time Kelton drives her back a step! Selina turns it around into a waistlock, but Kelton fires a sharp elbow into the side of her head! He spins and plants her with a snap suplex! Clean! Efficient!
Persephone: He’s trying to make this a wrestling match. She’s trying to make it a dismantling.
Rich Russillo: Selina gets back to her feet and Kelton looks like he might be thinking about the Galick Gun early! He swings for it, but Selina ducks underneath and sweeps out the leg with a dragon screw! Kelton drops and grabs at that knee immediately!
Thadd Blazevich: That’s smart, bro! You take away the base and suddenly that spear doesn’t hit the same! Selina drags Kelton toward the corner and makes the tag to Daniella Atlas! Daniella steps in with purpose and immediately stomps down on that same leg! She pulls Kelton up and drives a knife-edge chop across his chest that echoes through this arena!
Rich Russillo: Kelton answers with a forearm! Daniella doesn’t flinch! She fires back with a spinning back elbow that rocks him and then backs him into the corner with a knee lift to the ribs! Another knee! She is systematically breaking him down!
Thadd Blazevich: Tag to Selina again! Quick tag, bro! They’re cutting the ring in half already! Double whip into the opposite corner! Daniella charges in with a forearm smash and steps aside! Selina follows in with Knockout Smash! The running hip attack connects flush and Kelton drops to a seated position!
Persephone: That looked painful. Good.
Rich Russillo: Selina pulls Kelton out and hooks the leg for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
Thadd Blazevich: Kelton kicks out, but he’s already feeling that damage to the leg and ribs!
Rich Russillo: Selina pulls him up and looks for a snap dragon suplex! Kelton blocks it and drives a back elbow into her jaw! He shoves her away and makes a lunge toward the corner!
Thadd Blazevich: Miku’s hand is out, bro! Kelton hesitates for just a second, and that’s interesting!
Persephone: Trust issues. Delicious.
Rich Russillo: Kelton makes the tag! Miku springboards into the ring with a forearm that catches Selina clean across the jaw! She follows with a running dropkick that sends Selina into the ropes! Monkey flip on the rebound and Selina hits hard!
Thadd Blazevich: Miku is moving fast now, bro! Jumping snapmare from Miku and she hits the ropes! Basement dropkick to the side of the head! She hooks the leg quickly!
ONE!
TWO!
Persephone: Kick out. Boo. I guess it continues…
Rich Russillo: Miku scrapes her nails across Selina’s face and the referee immediately warns her! Miku throws her hands up but she’s grinning! She drags Selina toward the corner and lines up for Mustache Ride!
Thadd Blazevich: Daniella steps in and drives a forearm into Miku’s back before she can connect! What a save, bro! Selina rolls out of the corner and Daniella makes the tag! Daniella storms in and levels Miku with a spinning heel kick to the jaw! Miku drops to a knee and Daniella does not waste a second! She pulls her up and plants her with a Falcon Arrow!
ONE!
TWO!
Thadd Blazevich: Miku kicks out, but Daniella is firmly in control right now, bro!
Persephone: Daniella doesn’t even look impressed by that kick out. She just stares down at Miku like she expected it and then immediately grabs a fistful of hair to drag her back up. No wasted movement. No arguing with the referee. Just control. She drives a knee straight into Miku’s midsection and follows it with a forearm across the back of the neck that drops her flat to the canvas again.
Rich Russillo: Daniella is relentless right now! She hooks the arm and flips Miku over into a grounded headlock, grinding her down against the mat! That is veteran composure from a reigning champion! She is not rushing this. She is forcing Miku to feel every second of it!
Thadd Blazevich: And you can see Selina on the apron watching everything, bro! They’re not panicking! They’re not yelling! They’re just waiting for the moment to rotate back in and keep this pressure going! That’s tag team chemistry!
Persephone: It’s also what happens when two people actually want to work together instead of trying to outshine each other.
Rich Russillo: Daniella releases the hold and drives her boot into Miku’s ribs! Another stomp! And another! She hauls Miku up and sends her into the ropes! Bicycle kick on the rebound connects flush to the jaw! Miku drops hard and Daniella immediately rolls her onto her stomach!
Thadd Blazevich: Daniella is thinking of a submission here, bro! She’s stepping through! She might be looking for Hermès Law early!
Rich Russillo: She’s got the legs! She’s turning her over!
Persephone: Miku is scrambling. That’s the smartest thing she’s done all match. She claws toward the ropes instead of trying to power out, and that tells you she knows she’s not winning a strength contest with Atlas.
Rich Russillo: Miku reaches! She stretches out and gets her fingertips on the bottom rope! The referee forces the break and Daniella steps back, hands raised, no argument there!
Thadd Blazevich: But look at the damage already, dude! Daniella made her carry her own weight and now she made her crawl! That drains you fast!
Rich Russillo: Daniella pulls Miku back to her feet and whips her toward the corner! Miku hits chest first and staggers back out! Daniella charges in and drives a knee lift into the spine! She hooks from behind and launches Miku overhead with a powerful German suplex!
Persephone: And she held that bridge for a moment just to prove she could.
Rich Russillo: Daniella rolls through, keeps control of the wrist, and drags Miku back up! Ripcord! She swings for Inamorata—
Thadd Blazevich: Miku ducks it, bro! She ducks it!
Rich Russillo: Miku slips behind! Sunset flip powerbomb! She plants Daniella into the mat!
ONE!
TWO!
Persephone: That was opportunistic. I guess I can respect that, if she wasn’t a dumb bitch every other time something presents itself. Daniella got a little too confident.
Rich Russillo: Daniella kicks out and rolls through quickly, but Miku is already back on her feet! Running knee to the side of the head! Daniella drops to a knee! Miku hits the ropes again and comes flying in with a slingshot somersault senton across the chest!
Thadd Blazevich: That’s the spark she needed, bro! You give Miku even a sliver of momentum and she turns into a problem!
Rich Russillo: Miku pops back up and looks over at Kelton for a split second! She doesn’t tag! Instead she grabs Daniella by the arm and drags her toward the corner! She climbs to the second rope!
Persephone: That hesitation was interesting. She thought about tagging and decided she’d rather prove something instead.
Rich Russillo: Miku leaps! Tornado DDT!
Thadd Blazevich: No! Daniella blocks it, bro! She shoves her off!
Rich Russillo: Miku lands on her feet but staggers! Daniella charges and levels her with a brutal spinning back elbow! That one echoed!
Persephone: That’s what happens when you try to showboat against someone stronger than you. Fucking moron.
Rich Russillo: Daniella doesn’t waste time! She pulls Miku up and lifts her into powerbomb position! She drives her down hard into the canvas!
ONE!
TWO!
Thadd Blazevich: Kelton in to break it up, bro!
Rich Russillo: Kelton dives in and stomps down across Daniella’s back to break the count! Selina immediately enters the ring and shoves Kelton back toward his corner!
Persephone: And there’s the referee finally pretending to have authority. He’s forcing Selina back to the apron while Kelton argues that he never touched her first. Of course he did. He always does. But notice Daniella is not wasting time complaining. She’s already dragging Miku up again by the wrist.
Rich Russillo: Daniella yanks Miku to her feet and drives a forearm straight into the jaw! Another! And a third! She backs her into the ToXXXin corner and makes the tag to Selina Reyes! That was quick and deliberate! The champions are rotating with purpose right now!
Thadd Blazevich: That’s the difference, bro! That tag was clean and controlled! They didn’t lose their cool for a second! Selina steps in and immediately snaps Miku down with a tilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown! She rolls through and pops back up like nothing happened!
Persephone: That’s fluid. Annoyingly fluid.
Rich Russillo: Selina grabs Miku and drags her toward the center of the ring! She hooks the arm and looks for a German suplex! Miku fights it! Elbows to the side of the head! Selina holds on and transitions! Snap dragon suplex connects! Miku folds on impact!
Thadd Blazevich: That was nasty, bro! She spiked her!
Rich Russillo: Selina keeps wrist control and drags Miku up again! She shoots her toward the ropes! Miku rebounds and Selina catches her with a running meteora that drives her flat to the mat!
Persephone: Miku is getting overwhelmed now. She gambled earlier and it didn’t pay off.
Rich Russillo: Selina pulls her up and tags Daniella back in! Quick tag again! Daniella steps through the ropes and they double whip Miku into the corner! Daniella charges in with a knee lift! She steps aside and Selina follows with a running forearm! Daniella back in with a knife-edge chop that echoes through the arena!
Thadd Blazevich: They are suffocating her, bro! Miku cannot breathe in that corner right now!
Rich Russillo: Daniella pulls Miku out of the corner and hoists her up into position! She might be thinking South of Heaven here!
Persephone: If she hits that clean this is over.
Rich Russillo: Daniella lifts! Miku shifts her weight! She slips behind and shoves Daniella forward into Selina on the apron! Selina drops to the floor outside!
Thadd Blazevich: That was chaos, bro!
Rich Russillo: Daniella turns around into a running dropkick from Miku! Daniella stumbles back! Miku lunges and dives toward her corner!
Thadd Blazevich: Kelton’s reaching, bro! He’s reaching!
Rich Russillo: TAG TO KELTON!
Persephone: And here comes the ego.
Rich Russillo: Kelton explodes into the ring with a springboard clothesline that wipes Daniella out! Daniella rolls to her knees and Kelton follows with a snap suplex! He pops back up and hits the ropes! Lionsault connects across the chest!
Thadd Blazevich: Kelton is rolling now, dude! This is that pressure version of him!
Rich Russillo: Daniella sits up and Kelton blasts her with the Galick Gun superkick! Daniella drops to a knee!
Persephone: That actually stunned her.
Rich Russillo: Kelton backs up into the corner! He is measuring her!
Thadd Blazevich: He’s thinking Final Atonement, bro! He’s lining it up!
Rich Russillo: Kelton charges forward—
Persephone: Selina yanks Daniella out of the path of the spear! Kelton crashes shoulder-first into the turnbuckles!
Thadd Blazevich: That was ring awareness, bro! She saved the match! Kelton stumbles out holding his shoulder! Daniella spins him around! Inamorata connects! The ripcord lariat drops him hard!
Persephone: That’s what happens when you telegraph.
Rich Russillo: Daniella hooks the leg!
ONE!
TWO!
Thadd Blazevich: Miku in to break it up this time, bro!
Rich Russillo: Miku stomps down across Daniella’s back to save her partner! Selina storms back into the ring! Now all four competitors are inside!
Persephone: There it is. The structure is breaking down.
Rich Russillo: The referee is shouting for control! Kelton and Selina trading forearms! Daniella shoves Miku into the ropes! Miku rebounds with a running knee to the jaw!
Thadd Blazevich: This is turning into a fight, bro! Not a tag match!
Rich Russillo: Daniella ducks a follow-up and lifts Miku into a powerbomb position again! Selina intercepts Kelton with a dropkick that sends him through the ropes to the floor! Daniella drives Miku down with a thunderous powerbomb! She doesn’t cover! She drags Miku toward the corner and tags Selina in!
Thadd Blazevich: They’re thinking something bigger now, bro! You can see it!
Rich Russillo: Selina climbs to the top rope! Daniella positions Miku at center ring!
Persephone: If they hit something clean here, this might be the opening that ends it.
Rich Russillo: Selina launches—
Thadd Blazevich: BUT KELTON BLASTS DANIELLA! HE KNOCKS HER OUT OF POSITION AND MIKU WITH HER, BRO! SELINA CRASHES AND BURNS ON THE MAT! BUT SHE CAUGHT KELTON A BIT ON THE BACK TOO! ALL FOUR COMPETITORS ARE DOWN AND OUT IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!!!
Rich Russillo: All four competitors are down in the center of the ring after that chaotic collision and the referee is checking on everyone! Daniella is being directed back to the apron, Selina Reyes is the legal competitor, and this match is hanging in the balance!
Thadd Blazevich: And look at Miku, bro! She’s moving first! She rolls onto her knees and shakes her head like she’s trying to snap herself back into it!
Persephone: Selina is pulling herself up using the ropes, but Miku charges in! Running forearm to the jaw! Selina staggers backward into the ropes! Miku fires another forearm! And another! She whips Selina across the ring!
Thadd Blazevich: Selina rebounds—
Rich Russillo: And Miku meets her with a spinning heel kick to the side of the head! That dropped her to a knee! Miku hits the ropes again! Basement dropkick to the face! She hooks the leg!
ONE!
TWO!
Rich Russillo: Selina kicks out, but that was a strong cover! Miku drags Selina up and snaps her over with a high-angle German suplex! Selina lands hard on her shoulders! Miku pops back to her feet immediately and pulls Selina into a seated position!
Thadd Blazevich: She’s not letting her breathe, bro!
Rich Russillo: Miku charges— RUNNING METEORA! Selina falls flat and Miku rolls her over for another cover!
ONE!
TWO!
Persephone: Selina kicks out again! Miku slams her hand into the mat in frustration but stays on her opponent! She hooks Selina by the arms and looks to lift—
Thadd Blazevich: SELINA FIGHTS BACK BRO! ELBOWS TO THE RIBS TO COUNTER!
Rich Russillo: But Miku transitions! She holds her grip through it and moves away from the elbows! Snap DDT! She plants Selina in the center of the ring! Cover again!
ONE!
TWO!
Rich Russillo: Daniella steps through the ropes— but she is forced back to the apron by the referee! Selina rolls to her side, still shaking off the impact! Miku rises and looks toward her corner briefly!
Thadd Blazevich: Kelton’s reaching!
Rich Russillo: But Miku turns away! She’s staying in and waves Kelton off! She drags Selina toward the corner and whips her chest-first into the turnbuckles! Miku charges in with a knee lift to the midsection! Selina doubles over! Miku climbs to the second rope! She leaps off — Tornado DDT connects! Selina is driven headfirst into the canvas! Miku hooks the leg deep!
ONE!
TWO!
Rich Russillo: Selina kicks out!
Persephone: That was close. I almost got to be done with this crap. Miku sits up and exhales sharply. She pulls Selina up again and looks to send her into the ropes—
(TAG!)
Thadd Blazevich: Kelton just reached over as Miku moved and blind tagged himself in, bro!
Rich Russillo: Kelton slingshots into the ring and spins Selina around! He hooks her at the waist—
Persephone: And there it is. He couldn’t help himself. Miku grabs Kelton by the shoulder and spins him around! She’s shouting at him! Kelton fires back immediately! He points toward the corner and shouts something back at her!
Thadd Blazevich: This is breaking down, bro!
Rich Russillo: Miku steps forward— AND SLAPS KELTON ACROSS THE FACE!! Kelton’s head snaps to the side! He stands there for a split second before shoving Miku back! Miku fires a forearm in response! Kelton answers with one of his own! They’re trading shots in the middle of the ring!
Thadd Blazevich: They’ve completely forgotten about the match, bro!
Rich Russillo: The referee is trying to get between them but they won’t separate! And ToXXXin see the opening! Daniella Atlas storms in and cracks Kelton from behind with a forearm to the back of the head! Kelton stumbles forward!
Persephone: That’s what happens when you lose focus like an idiot! But hey, I asked for drama and it delivered!
Rich Russillo: Miku turns and Daniella drives a spinning back elbow into her jaw! Miku falls through the ropes and spills to the floor outside!
Thadd Blazevich: Miku just got knocked out of the ring, bro!
Rich Russillo: Selina Reyes grabs Kelton from behind! Snap German suplex! Kelton lands high on his shoulders and rolls to his knees, dazed!
Persephone: And now it’s two-on-one. Exactly how the champions want it.
Rich Russillo: Daniella pulls Kelton up by the wrist and shoves him toward center ring! Selina positions herself behind him as Daniella steps in front! They don’t rush it — they reset their footing!
Thadd Blazevich: They’re lining it up, bro! This is that tag precision!
Rich Russillo: Daniella hooks Kelton and pulls him into position! Selina takes him by the head! And Daniella has the legs!!
Thadd Blazevich: THEY’RE SETTING UP FOR THE OUTBREAK BRO!!!
Rich Russillo: Kelton is trapped! THEY HAVE HIM IN POSITION!
…
Rich Russillo: WAIT, HOLD ON A SECOND!!
Thadd Blazevich: CHRIS ELITE JUST SLID INTO THE RING AND CONNECTED WITH A HUGE DROPKICK TO THE FACE OF SELINA REYES!! SELINA DROPS AND DANIELLA LOSES CONTROL OF KELTON! DANIELLA LOOKS AT CHRIS IN DISBELIEF AFTER GETTING CAUGHT OFF GUARD LIKE THIS, AND—
Rich Russillo: SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE!!! TLA JUST DOVE AT DANIELLA AND LANDED THE SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE!! SELINA AND DANIELLA WERE JUST CAUGHT OFF GUARD, AND NOW AS THEY START TO GET BACK UP, CHAOS HAS BROKEN OUT!!
Thadd Blazevich: KELTON ROLLS OUT OF THE RING- AND NOW LOOK, BRO! MIKU GRABS KELTON, SENDING BRO INTO THE APRON! THE REF DOESN’T EVEN HAVE A CHOICE HERE, DUDE! HE CALLS FOR THE BELL!!
(DING! DING! DING! DING! DING! DING!)
Persephone: BOOOO! It was just getting fun!
Rich Russillo: The official has no choice but to ring for the no contest as this match can’t continue after all this! Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes are fighting back against TLA and Chris Elite—
Thadd Blazevich: BUT LOOK! MIKU AND KELTON ARE BRAWLING ON THE OUTSIDE, AND IT LOOKS LIKE WE HAVE TWO DIFFERENT BRAWLS GOING ON RIGHT NOW!
Persephone: Of course they are.
Rich Russillo: MIKU AND KELTON HAVE BEEN FIGHTING EVER SINCE THEY REALIZED THIS ONE WAS GETTING THROWN OUT, AND NOW LOOK! THEY MAKE THEIR WAY OVER TOWARDS THE BARRICADE, AS KELTON SENDS MIKU’S FACE INTO IT! MIKU RESPONDS WITH AN ELBOW THOUGH!
(TLA and Chris Elite continue to brawl with Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes, not letting up during all of this as the action remains inside of the ring. Kelton and Miku continue to scrap, even stumbling over the barricade and into the crowd. However, as Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes continue to fight with TLA and Chris, the crowd reaction rises.)
Rich Russillo: LOOK WHO’S JOINING THE FRAY!
(The crowd roars at the incitement of even more chaos, as the camera quickly goes over to the stage to catch ARIA and Candice Blair as they rush out.)
Thadd Blazevich: ARIA AND CANDICE SLIDE IN, AND THEY’RE ATTACKING THE TWO OTHER TEAMS THEY’LL BE FACING AT SHOCK VALUE!
Persephone: I’m praying they hurt each other so badly that there isn’t a match in the first place.
Rich Russillo: ARIA HAS RIPPED DANIELLA OFF OF CHRIS AND IS BEGINNING TO UNLOAD WITH REPEATED STRIKES TO THE FACE, LEAVING ONE-HALF OF THE CHAMPIONS ON THE FENCE!
Thadd Blazevich: MEANWHILE, CANDICE HAS LEAPED OFF THE TOP ROPE AND NAILED TLA WITH A MISSILE DROPKICK DIRECTLY TO THE CHEST TO SEND HIM BACK! CANDICE RISES BACK UP AND IS IMMEDIATELY MET WITH SELINA, WHO RUSHES TO ATTACK HIM! BEGINNING TO MOUNT ON TOP OF HIM AND UNLOAD WITH STRIKES TO THE FACE! WHERE’S SECURITY AT, DUDE?!
Persephone: Well, in case you didn’t realize, the two people who are meant to facilitate that are in the middle of the brawl, too. And I don’t think they’re looking to call security out anytime soon.
(TLA rolls out of the ring as he clutches his chest, quickly reaching out and grabbing a hold of the ankle of Chris and pulling him out of the ring and to safety as well. Both of them recover on the outside, watching for a moment the scene that has unfolded. ToXXXin, ARIA, and Candice Blair are still going at it, while the brawl between Kelton and Miku has spiraled into the crowd area and out of view.)
Persephone: I swear, these two are way too prideful. Why the hell are they grabbing a microphone?!
(TLA quickly takes a microphone from ringside, quickly beginning to speak up as the fight continues inside of the ring.)
TLA: AY! AY! TRANQUILO! CALM YOUR ASSES DOWN!
Chris Elite: WE’LL FIRE YOUR ASSES RIGHT NOW!
TLA: :whoa:!!!
(Daniella shoves ARIA off of her, while Selina slithers away toward an adjacent corner away from Candice. Both of them take notice of the General Managers on the microphone.)
TLA: Shit, that worked? Iight then. Look, I know we’re all worked up right now, mb on that. Sometimes you get caught in the heat of the moment, and you wanna settle your issues in the ring. But that ain’t the type of game we’re here to play. Nah, if we got problems, we have the power to handle it now, on dat big dog shit. So I’ve decided something.
(Both ToXXXin and ARIA & Candice look visibly confused in the ring, and the crowd murmurs in anticipation, knowing that this could mean a multitude of things, especially with these two in charge. TLA looks at Chris, who seems to be in agreement of this before he even says anything, and the General Manager continues on.)
TLA: Now, our asses could come out here and spin the Wheel to see what stipulation we’re gonna be competing in, but I’m not gonna lie to you, I’m not feeling like it. I’m thinking since we out here right now, already fighting and shit, we can do much more. So that’s what we’re gonna do. I’m gonna spice things up for the Tag Title match myself, and the best way to do that is with some good ass lucha where I know the best team is gonna win. So you know what I’m gonna do, Chris?
Chris Elite: What’s up?
(TLA thinks for a moment, before sarcastically getting an idea in his head. Raising his microphone as he looks at the two other teams inside the ring.)
TLA: We fightin’ in an ELECTRIFIED TLC MATCH!!!
(The crowd erupts in response to this, and as expected, the teams inside the ring look pretty satisfied with this, and the potential violence that could ensue from it as well.)
Rich Russillo: That’s certainly a way to up the ante. Electrified TLC has always been one hell of a match to watch, and it’s certainly going to be interesting to watch with three teams in play at Shock Value. TLA and Chris certainly aren’t using their power to make things easier for themselves; if they want to win this one, they want to win it by earning it.
Persephone: I could only imagine what would happen if he did all of this just to lose. It would be pretty fucking embarrassing, wouldn’t it?
Thadd Blazevich: Don’t be such a doomer, bro. In fact, I think I’m happy that they’re thinking of ways to make sure things are interesting around here! It would be too easy to just make everything be in your favor.
Persephone: Well then, you would most definitely not want me running this brand.
(TLA lowers his microphone, hyping up the crowd as they continue to get louder for the match stipulation announcement. But as this happens, Chris turns his attention to something else that is happening in the background.)
Chris Elite: Hollon, TLA… If your bitchasses don’t stop fighting imma come up there and smack the shit out of you.
(The camera goes over to show Miku Sakai and Jon Kelton continuing to throw hands in the crowd area. Miku has Kelton’s head pressed against a guardrail as she screams, trying to knock him completely unconscious. But as she hears Chris’ voice, she pauses, and it’s enough of a distraction for Kelton to manage to slip away and stagger away from her, as both of them listen to what he has to say.)
Chris Elite: Thank you. 🙂Now, y’all obviously shit the bed as a tag team, not gonna sugarcoat that. But that’s okay, because I don’t think either of us expected otherwise in the first place. You two have had your issues these past couple of weeks, and since we’re great, hardworking, handsome men in charge, I think we can both agree that you deserve an opportunity to finally put this all to rest.
(Kelton and Miku stare at Chris from the crowd area, and for the first time, it seems like both of them appear to be in agreement.)
Chris Elite: So let’s make it official, shall we? At Shock Value, it will be Jon Kelton facing Miku Sakai in a one-on-one match!
(The crowd erupts once again for the match announcement, both watching on as they hear the announcement with a sinister smirk on their faces. After a moment, Chris continues on with what he has to say.)
Chris Eite: But you’re not gonna get that luxury of us deciding the stipulation for you, nah, none of that shit. Y’all are gonna be spinning the Wheel of Death next week to find out the stipulation that you’ll be competing in. And I’ll be damned if y’all tear each other apart before you get there, you better be there in one piece.
TLA: That’s a hard thing to do in this company, amigo.
Chris Elite: You right. For now, get them out of here, dawg.
(Before security can even rush out here, Daniella and Selina rush ARIA and Candice inside of the ring, trying to attack them, while Kelton and Miku try to continue their brawl in the crowd area. The crowd is getting loud, but it’s soured as it’s revealed that security is on standby, quickly coming in and making sure that they’re all broken up, de-escalating the situation entirely.)
TLA: I’m sure we got more interesting announcements for y’all, so stay tuned for that. But right now, we gonna get our asses out of here before we start another fight.
(Both TLA and Chris begin to make their way around the ringside area, taking their leave from the area after a hectic situation. Everyone involved in the ring and in the crowd area is trying their best to break free and continue their brawl, only to no avail.)
Persephone: Wow, I can’t believe making surface-level decisions is being complimented nowadays. Look at the crowd getting ruckus for something like that, I truly can’t believe my eyes right now.
Rich Russillo: It is a huge announcement. Not only did we get a stipulation confirmed for the Unified Tag Team Championships triple threat, but now we have a NEW match to look forward to for Shock Value.
Persephone: Who the fuck is excited for a Jon Kelton match nowadays?!
Rich Russillo: If there’s one thing I know, after everything that has gone down, Miku Sakai is going to be more than thrilled to get her hands on Kelton.
Thadd Blazevich: But what is the stipulation going to be?! I guess we’re just going to have to wait and see to find out. All I can say right now is that, while TLA and Chris have certainly had their work cut out for them, they’ve certainly been up to the challenge, and this is just another example of that.
(ToXXXin, Candice, Aria, Miku, and Kelton are all being escorted toward different areas of the arena. They all continue to shout and spew profanities as it’s the very last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage begins to fade to elsewhere.)
(Promotional ad for Shock Value, where the Unified Tag Team Championships will be defended in an Electrified TLC match.)
(“Nice To Meet Yah” by Asian Doll plays and the crowd erupts into cheers as Diamond Dixon steps onto the stage. She motions for them to get even louder before heading down the ramp. Despite what happened last week, Dixon appears to be in high spirits. She is not letting Minerva get under her skin that easily, but there is clearly a lot on her mind. Even so, she walks with confidence, high fiving fans on the way to the ring with the swagger and charisma of a true star.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… DIAMOND DIXON!
Rich Russillo: It is always a treat to see Diamond Dixon. She has this crowd in the palm of her hand every single week, whether she is competing or just coming out here to speak. And the reactions keep getting louder.
Thadd Blazevich: That is because her fanbase keeps growing. And from what I understand, Diamond already had plenty of supporters before her hiatus.
Rich Russillo: You are right. There has always been a belief that she is destined for big things. Of course, setbacks slowed that rise. But since coming back, it feels like the sky is the limit. She looks more focused than ever. She wants real competition. She wants to earn everything.
Thadd Blazevich: I respect that. Diamond has been very clear about her Championship goals. A win over Minerva would be a huge step.
Persephone: Imagine if she actually pulls it off. Jon Kelton would never hear the end of it after losing at King of Elite.
Thadd Blazevich: Kelton has nothing to be ashamed of losing to Minerva. And neither would Diamond. But let’s be honest. She is the underdog going into Shock Value.
Rich Russillo: It sounds strange to say when she is six foot and one hundred seventy six pounds. But when you look at Minerva’s resume, it makes sense. I am very interested to see how that match plays out. For now though, we are about to hear from Diamond Dixon.
(Diamond walks up the steel steps and enters through the middle rope before moving to the right side of the ring. A stagehand passes her a microphone through the ropes. She walks to the center as “Nice To Meet Yah” fades out. Diamond takes a moment to soak in the chants from the crowd.)
Crowd: DIAMOND DIXON! 👏 DIAMOND DIXON! 👏 DIAMOND DIXON! 👏
(After letting the moment breathe, she raises the microphone as the crowd settles down, ready to hear what she has to say.)
Diamond Dixon: Sooo, things have been getting pretty serious between Minerva and I, haven’t they? First, I beat Selina Reyes in a match, and I thought that would earn me a Tag Team Title shot. But I guess not. Minerva had other plans and offered me a different kind of opportunity instead, but one that carries just as much weight. Because while I am not in the Tag Team Title match at Shock Value, I am stepping into the ring with an EAW Hall of Famer. And if I beat Minerva, I can gain far more than a Tag Team Title shot against ToXXXin. I can put my name right into the conversation for a World Title opportunity. Maybe that means facing Milli Banks down the line. Or maybe I find myself in the mix for the New Breed Championship… or the Specialists Championship. Hell, maybe even Drake Armstrong’s World Championship. That is IF he is still Champion after Cody gets through with him. :mjgrin:
(The crowd cheers loudly, fully behind the idea of Maverick becoming the new World Champion.)
Diamond Dixon: Oh, the possibilities are endless. But I do not want to get too far ahead of myself and make it seem like I am overlooking Minerva in any way. Because after last week, I am definitely not. In fact, I learned the hard way what happens when I lose focus. Because right on that very floor…
(Diamond points toward the ringside area at the end of the ramp.)
Diamond Dixon: Minerva dumped me right on my head.
(The crowd boos.)
Diamond Dixon: And that happened while I was distracted by the arguing between my teammates, NICK and Cosmo. On top of that, I was still trying to clear my head after everything that went down in the match. I was not at one hundred percent. But that is fine. Because now I see the kind of game you are playing, Minerva. And if that is how you want to do this, I can play too. I know last week was meant to send a message. Maybe you thought it would make me second guess facing you at Shock Value. But all it did was make me even hungrier. It made me want this challenge more. It made me want to step up and beat another EAW Hall of Famer.
Diamond Dixon: Minerva, at Shock Value, you are going to get exactly what is coming to you. And that is a humbling, courtesy of Diamond Dixon. You have built an incredible legacy on Voltage. That cannot be denied. But someone has to knock you off that throne. Someone has to prove they are the next big star of this brand.
Diamond Dixon: And that someone is me.
(“Blood, Milk & Sky” by White Zombie hits and Diamond Dixon turns her attention toward the stage as Minerva steps out with a microphone in hand. She claps slowly with a dismissive grin on her face. After a moment, the music fades out and Minerva raises the microphone to her lips while making her way down the ramp.)
Minerva: Diamond, I understand that you believe you’re on the verge of something great, but do you understand how many times I have heard this same story in the past? Everyone believes that they’ll be the one to finally get the better of me and have their moment at my expense, and maybe on some level I could respect the tenacity, no matter how foolish. However, why should I show respect towards individuals who allow their delusions to put them in harm’s way, because they couldn’t help but try to get in my way while lacking the ability to back up their own confidence? You may think you’re being bold, but you don’t have to look far to see what happened to the last person who thought they could silence me. You can easily look back at Jon Kelton, who I personally victimized at King of Elite, making sure he couldn’t leave the arena on his two feet, but rather on a stretcher.
(Minerva sadistically chuckles to herself before walking up the steps, and onto the apron, leaning forward on the ropes as she continues to address Diamond.)
Minerva: Diamond, that was a regular match. There was no stipulation involved. Instead, there were rules in place to attempt to limit the damage I could inflict, only for my opponent’s face to still end the match covered in a crimson mask. You have to imagine what someone with my history would be capable of at an event like Shock Value, where every match is designed for the sole purpose of putting our lives at risk in the cruelest ways possible. There’s no telling what you may be put through, and as we know, it already doesn’t take much to send you away.
(Minerva flashes a smirk as the crowd gasps before entering the ring to stand across from Diamond face-to-face.)
Minerva: But you mentioned last week and I find that funny, as what occurred last week was nothing of note. Not compared to what’ll come at Shock Value. Though, I can tell it’s been stuck in your head. You clearly haven’t forgotten what I did to you last week, but since it means so much to you I feel I should let it be known, Diamond, I didn’t do what I did for the sake of merely sending a message ahead of Shock Value. What occurred last week was a warning. A warning that this can, and will get much worse for as long as the two of us cross paths. I can’t say it is surprising that it has come to this. You have a tendency to get yourself into trouble, and I’m sure you know this yourself. It has worked for you many times throughout your career so perhaps you felt it was never a flaw worth looking into, but this is not one of those occasions. You’ve finally dug yourself a ditch you can’t get your way out of, and it’s going to be a pleasure of mine to watch you squirm at Shock Value. You dug your own grave, so what happens next will be entirely your own doi-
Diamond Dixon: Blah, blah, blah.
(Minerva gets taken aback slightly from the audacity, growing irritated as Diamond Dixon cuts her off to a loud pop.)
Diamond Dixon: Send out all the empty threats you want, Minerva, I know fully what I’m getting myself into. Remember, it was I that accepted your challenge for Shock Value. Not anybody else. Me. I didn’t hesitate either, because I know that I can beat you. Even if you don’t know it yourself either.
(Minerva looks down briefly before retorting back.)
Minerva: Very well. If you really wish to play the fool, it’s your funeral. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you when-
(Suddenly, both women cock their heads toward the stage area as ‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ by Tupac plays with TLA and Chris Elite make their way onto the stage. In the background, two stagehands can be seen carrying the Wheel of Death with various stipulations on them and plops it down behind them. Soon, the song dies out and TLA is the first to speak in a microphone.)
TLA: Apologies for interrupting, homies.
Chris Elite: But TLA and I couldn’t help but overhear you mention a funeral.
TLA: And I’m just wondering what kind of funeral we’re talking. :lick:
Chris Elite: Now, ladies, if you don’t mind coming down here to please take a spin on the wheel.
(Diamond and Minerva exchange a look before exiting the ring together and heading up the ramp. They stand on opposite sides of the wheel. Minerva winks at Chris Elite, who smirks back, before both women place their hands on the wheel and spin it. The wheel spins and spins before finally landing on…)
(High Voltage!)
(The crowd reacts loudly. Chris Elite and TLA look pleased. Minerva shows no concern while Diamond crosses her arms and stares back at her.)
Chris Elite: Wow, uhm… can’t say I expected that but—
TLA: There you have it! At King of Elite, it’s a High Voltage between Minerva and Diamond Dixon! Best of luck, hombres!
(The crowd cheers with TLA and Chris Elite clapping.)
Rich Russillo: Wow, that’s huge! Diamond Dixon versus Minerva in High Voltage?!
Thadd Blazevich: Talk about something you didn’t see coming! But it should be a great match between both women!
Persephone: One where they hopefully tear each other to shreds!
(Diamond seems okay with the stipulation, not showing any signs of fear even knowing that this is the stipulation that has always been used for the World Championship match of the event due to how dangerous it is. She glances at Minerva for a moment, looking to potentially take her leave before finally…)
Thadd Blazevich: WOAH!! DIAMOND JUST THREW HER MIC AT MINERVA, BRO!
Rich Russillo: WELL THAT’S ONE WAY TO CATCH SOMEONE OFF GUARD! THAT MICROPHONE HIT MINERVA RIGHT IN THE HEAD!! MINERVA TAKES A STEP BACK AND GRABS HER HEAD, GIVING DIAMOND JUST ENOUGH TIME TO RUSH IN AS SHE TAKES THE FIGHT TO MINERVA!!! MINERVA LAID DIAMOND OUT LAST WEEK, AND IT LOOKS LIKE DIAMOND IS LOOKING TO GET SOME PAYBACK HERE TONIGHT!!!
Thadd Blazevich: DIAMOND HAS BEEN ABLE TO GET THE BETTER OF MINERVA THANKS TO THAT OPENING SHE MADE WITH THE MIC, BUT MINERVA FIGHTS BACK WITH PUNCHES TO THE RIBS!!! DIAMOND STUMBLES BACK- BUT WAIT A SECOND!
Persephone: DIAMOND GRABS MINERVA, TURNING AND SENDING MINERVA INTO THE WHEEL!
Rich Russillo: MINERVA AND THE WHEEL BOTH FALL, BUT MINERVA DOESN’T STAY DOWN FOR LONG! SHE QUICKLY RUSHES TO GET BACK UP- BUT DIAMOND IS ABLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CONFUSION! KICK TO THE GUT… AND DIAMOND PLANTS MINERVA WITH A “FACELIFT” ONTO THE STAGE AREA!
(Diamond returns to her feet and hurls trash talk down at Minerva, who lies motionless on the stage area as Chris Elite kneels down to check on her.)
Thadd Blazevich: WHOA! DIAMOND DIXON GETTING A LITTLE BIT OF REVENGE AFTER LAST WEEK!
Persephone: Welp. You can’t say Minerva didn’t have it coming.
Rich Russillo: I guess not. Diamond Dixon did say two can play at that game, and tonight, she sends a message in a big way! Could this be the scene we see at Shock Value?!
Persephone: It won’t be long before we find out! Ouuuui, I can’t wait! :blessed:
(Diamond raises both fists to the crowd as “Nice To Meet Yah” by Asian Doll plays again. The crowd erupts in cheers. Diamond gives one last look at Minerva before heading to the back. Chris Elite remains kneeling beside Minerva, who still lies motionless on the stage as the camera fades elsewhere.)
(Promotional ad for Shock Value, where Minerva and Diamond Dixon face off in High Voltage.)
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR…ONE FALL!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
(‘Tears’ by Sabrina Carpenter plays to a loud negative reaction from the fans as Ashlynn Quinn steps onto the stage. She looks around at the crowd with a smirk before striking a confident pose at the top of the ramp. Moments later, ‘Deathbed Companion’ by Chelsea Grin hits. Ashlynn’s smile fades slightly as Eris walks out onto the stage. The two exchange a brief look. Eris does not wait and starts marching down the ramp on her own, with Ashlynn following a few steps behind.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first! At a combined weight of 240 pounds… THE TEAM OF ASHLYNN QUINN AND ERIS MORTI!!
Thadd Blazevich: This is not the first time we’ve seen Ashlynn and Eris tonight. Earlier, they stuck their noses in Saori’s business and made their presence felt.
Rich Russillo: You have to imagine Saori is not happy about that. If anything, she would love to see one of them come up short in this match tonight.
Thadd Blazevich: And with the chemistry that ARIA and Candice have been building as a team, that is very possible.
(“So Far So Fake” by Pierce the Veil plays to a strong positive reaction from the crowd as Candice Blair steps out onto the stage for her match tonight. She takes a moment to look around at the fans before confidently making her way down the ramp. Candice stops at the bottom, soaking in the support, when suddenly “God Shattering Star” by Takashi Baba blasts through the arena. ARIA steps out next, focused and intense as she heads down the ramp. She meets Candice at ringside and the two bump fists before turning their attention toward the ring.)
Bella Braxton: And their opponents! At a combined weight of 260 pounds… THE TEAM OF CANDICE BLAIR AND ARIA!!
Persephone: God, I cannot think of a more insufferable tag team.
Rich Russillo: You might feel that way, but you are in the minority. These fans have really taken to ARIA and Candice teaming up. A lot of them believe they could walk out of Shock Value as the new Tag Team Champions.
Thadd Blazevich: That would be massive. It would mark the first Championship reign in Elite Answers Wrestling for Candice Blair if they can pull it off.
(The referee signals to the bell as both ARIA and Eris start things off.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: Okay, it’s ARIA and Eris Morti starting things off for their respective teams. Both women circling each other to begin before initiating a collar and elbow tie-up in the center! Eris gets the upper hand, barring the arm of ARIA before transitioning into an arm wringer!
Thadd Blazevich: But ARIA quickly turns it around with an arm wringer of her own, transitioning into a hammerlock! That’s putting tons of pressure on the arm and shoulder joint— but Morti escapes it with a snapmare! Sending ARIA down to a seated position where she goes for a rear chinlock!
Rich Russillo: But ARIA slips out of it and quickly grounds Eris Morti with another hammerlock! Eris reaches toward the ropes as she pushes back to her feet, but instead she ducks behind ARIA and scores a takedown! She tries to trap the arm and transition into a Fujiwara armbar— BUT ARIA ROLLS THROUGH!
Thadd Blazevich: She forward rolls back to her feet before Eris can fully lock it in, narrowly avoiding having her shoulder torn apart! Eris was seconds away from ripping that arm right out of the socket!
Persephone: God, I would have loved to see that.
Rich Russillo: Somehow your sick mind never stops surprising me.
Persephone: Just wait until Shock Value. :mjlit:
Rich Russillo: Both ARIA and Eris Morti remain at a standstill, staring each other down before stepping forward and locking up once again in a collar and elbow tie up!
Thadd Blazevich: Eris Morti slips behind ARIA and locks in a rear waistlock, but ARIA quickly counters with an arm wringer! She twists the arm and shifts into a hammerlock before transitioning smoothly into a standing side headlock! Wrenching it tight, but Eris shoves her off into the ropes to break free! ARIA rebounds and goes for a SHOULDER TACKLE— BUT THE OPPONENT DOESN’T GO DOWN YET!
Rich Russillo: They collide in the center of the ring and neither woman goes down! The two start jawing at each other after that collision— AND ERIS FIRES THE FIRST SHOT WITH A FOREARM RIGHT TO THE FACE OF ARIA!
Thadd Blazevich: ARIA FIRES BACK WITH A FOREARM OF HER OWN! BUT ERIS ANSWERS RIGHT BACK WITH ANOTHER SHOT TO THE FACE! THAT IS ALL IT TAKES FOR ARIA TO TURN IT UP A LEVEL, UNLOADING WITH A FLURRY OF FOREARMS THAT DRIVE ERIS BACK AGAINST THE ROPES!
Rich Russillo: IRISH WHIP BY LESTRADE! BUT ERIS REVERSES IT AND SENDS ARIA TO THE ROPES INSTEAD! ERIS DROPS DOWN! ARIA HURDLES OVER HER AND KEEPS RUNNING! OFF THE ROPES AGAIN AS ERIS POPS BACK UP! LEAPFROG BY MORTI! AND NOW SHE ROLLS THROUGH ONTO HER BACK FOR A REVERSE MONKEY FLIP!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT ARIA DIVES THROUGH THE LEGS! SHE TUCKS AND ROLLS BACK TO HER FEET! ERIS SCRAMBLES UP AS WELL! ARIA CHARGES AND SWINGS FOR A CLOTHESLINE! BUT ERIS DUCKS! ARIA SPINS AROUND AND ERIS SHOOTS IN FOR “ANOXIA!” LOOKING FOR THAT KATAHAJIME!
Rich Russillo: NO! ARIA DROPS TO ALL FOURS AND FLINGS ERIS OVER HER SHOULDER! MORTI HITS THE MAT BUT SCRAMBLES RIGHT BACK UP! ARIA RUSHES IN AGAIN AND SWINGS WITH ANOTHER CLOTHESLINE!
Thadd Blazevich: ERIS SLIPS BEHIND HER AGAIN! ANOTHER “ANOXIA” ATTEMPT! THIS TIME SHE DRAGS ARIA DOWN TO THE MAT!
Rich Russillo: BUT ARIA ROLLS THROUGH AND POPS RIGHT BACK TO HER FEET! ERIS IS ON HER JUST AS FAST, SHOOTING IN FOR A SINGLE LEG TAKEDOWN! BUT ARIA HOLDS HER BALANCE! SHE KEEPS HER BASE AND SWINGS THE FREE LEG OVER ERIS’ HEAD, TRANSITIONING INTO A SCHOOL GIRL ROLL UP!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWW-
Thadd Blazevich: ONLY A ONE COUNT! BOTH WOMEN BACK TO THEIR FEET, AND ERIS GETS CAUGHT WITH AN ARM DRAG THAT ARIA SMOOTHLY TRANSITIONS INTO AN ARMBAR!
Persephone: I was hoping Eris could end this fast with those “Anorexia” attempts, but I guess that was wishful thinking.
Thadd Blazevich: Wait, what? Dude, it’s “Anoxia.” 🤦♂️
Persephone: Whatever.
Rich Russillo: Eris powers back to her feet, but ARIA rolls through and turns that armbar into a tight arm wringer! She twists the wrist, torquing the shoulder, and guides Eris toward her corner for the tag to Candice Blair!
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: Tag made! Candice Blair steps through the ropes—but Eris yanks her arm free at the last second before Blair can fully enter! Eris shaking out that wrist, trying to get the feeling back—
(TAG!)
Thadd Blazevich: And there’s the tag to Ashlynn Quinn! Ashlynn’s in! Candice Blair’s in! First time we’re seeing these two collide tonight. These two have history. Ashlynn defended the New Breed Championship against Candice in the past, and you know Blair has not forgotten that.
Rich Russillo: That loss has been lingering in the back of Blair’s mind ever since. Tonight might be her chance to even the score.
Thadd Blazevich: Oh, absolutely. Candice has not forgotten that night. If there is ever a moment for payback, it is right here, and you can see it in her eyes. She has been waiting for this.
Persephone: Well, I haven’t. Two insufferable cunts squaring off… I’ll pass.
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn and Candice start off much like Eris and ARIA did, circling one another before engaging in a collar and elbow tie up. They jockey for position, but Candice manages to back Ashlynn Quinn against the ropes.
Thadd Blazevich: As expected, the referee steps in, calling for a clean break between the two. It looks like we are getting one as both women begin to separate, Ashlynn Quinn holding her hands up to show there is no contact. Candice does the same… BUT SHE SLAPS QUINN ACROSS THE FACE! TAKING THE FREE SHOT!
Rich Russillo: ASHLYNN CANNOT BELIEVE THE AUDACITY! IF THERE IS ONE THING WE KNOW SHE VALUES, IT IS HER FACE! SHE TAKES A LOT OF PRIDE IN HER LOOKS!
Persephone: More than her wrestling, that is for sure. 😒
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn takes a moment to register that slap as Candice beckons her forward in the center of the ring. Quinn is in no rush to engage and circles around her before locking up in another collar and elbow tie up. Candice begins backing Ashlynn toward the ropes again, but Ashlynn pivots at the last second and turns it around, pinning Candice up against the ropes instead.
Thadd Blazevich: Once again the referee steps in, demanding a clean break between the two. Ashlynn hooks both of Candice’s arms over the top rope and raises her hands to show there is no contact… BEFORE SHE SLAPS CANDICE ACROSS THE FACE! PAYBACK DELIVERED!
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn Quinn points to her face, reminding Candice exactly what that slap was about! Candice shoves her back, and Ashlynn shoves her right back! FOREARM FROM CANDICE! BUT ASHLYNN FIRES BACK WITH ONE OF HER OWN!
Thadd Blazevich: SLAP ACROSS THE FACE FROM CANDICE! ASHLYNN RETURNS THE FAVOR! NOW IT IS BREAKING DOWN INTO A STRIKEFEST! SLAP FROM CANDICE! SLAP FROM ASHLYNN! CANDICE AGAIN! ASHLYNN AGAIN! CANDICE WITH A FOREARM! THEN A SHOOT KICK TO THE LEG! AND A SPINNING BACK FIST!
Rich Russillo: CANDICE LOOKS TO END IT WITH THE DISCUS CLOTHESLINE! THE “GOLD RUSH” LARIAT! BUT ASHLYNN DUCKS UNDER! CANDICE HITS THE ROPES! ASHLYNN GOES FOR A LEAPFROG— BUT CANDICE CATCHES HER IN MID AIR WITH A SPINNING WHEEL KICK! “SPINNING WHEEL” CONNECTS AND ASHLYNN GOES DOWN HARD!
Persephone: About time this match started to speed up.
Thadd Blazevich: The strikes are flying now and Ashlynn Quinn is clearly rocked as she tries to get back to her feet. Candice Blair does not wait, she pulls Quinn up herself and FIRES A FOREARM—BUT ASHLYNN PANICS AND SNATCHES A STANDING SIDE HEADLOCK! Trying to steal back control any way she can!
Rich Russillo: CANDICE SHOVES HER OFF INTO THE ROPES TO BREAK FREE! ASHLYNN COMES BACK WITH A SHOULDER TACKLE THAT TAKES BLAIR DOWN! AND QUINN DROPS INTO THE COVER RIGHT AWAY!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: TWO COUNT! Candice kicks out, but Ashlynn is right on her! She immediately grabs a grounded side headlock, wrapping it tight around Blair’s head and squeezing to keep her down on the mat!
Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn trying to slow the pace and stay in control, but Candice uses those long legs to her advantage! She snakes them around Quinn’s head and pulls her into a headscissors to counter!
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn bridges up onto her head to relieve the pressure! She balances there for a moment before popping back to her feet to slip free! AND SHE DRILLS THE SEATED CANDICE WITH A DROPKICK RIGHT TO THE FACE!
Thadd Blazevich: Candice rolls onto all fours, trying to shake the cobwebs out of her head, but Ashlynn is right there to pull her up! Quinn drives Candice into the corner and slams her face first off the top turnbuckle! Ashlynn keeps her trapped there before reaching back to tag in Eris Morti!
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: The tag is made and Eris steps into the ring while Ashlynn holds Candice in place with an arm wrapped around her throat! That leaves Candice wide open for a KNIFE EDGE CHOP from Eris that echoes through the arena!
Thadd Blazevich: That sounded like a gunshot!
Persephone: Watching Candice wrestle makes me wish one would go off in my head.
Rich Russillo: I am not touching that. Candice is doubled over in the corner, but Eris is not done! She pulls her back up and directs her out of the corner before planting her with a body slam! Eris hooks the leg for the cover!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!
Thadd Blazevich: Shoulder up by Candice!
Rich Russillo: Eris stays on her, dragging Candice up and lighting her up with ANOTHER knife edge chop across the chest! Candice folds from the impact, but Eris clubs her hard across the back!
Thadd Blazevich: That shot jolted her upright!
Rich Russillo: CANDICE FIRES BACK WITH A SPINNING BACK KICK! Eris doubles over and Candice follows with a punt kick to the chest! That snaps Eris upright for a STEP UP ENZIGURI! Eris stumbles back into Candice’s corner and drops to a knee against the middle turnbuckle!
(TAG!)
Thadd Blazevich: Candice makes the tag to ARIA, and ARIA steps into the ring, grabbing Eris by the wrist and pulling her out of the corner! Arm wringer in the center of the ring, and ARIA cracks her across the chest with a KNIFE EDGE CHOP! ERIS’ BALANCE STARTS TO FADE, BUT SHE IS STILL ON HER FEET! ARIA KEEPS HOLD OF THE WRIST AND WINDS UP FOR ANOTHER CHOP!
Rich Russillo: ARIA swings again, but Eris ducks under it! She counters with an arm wringer of her own and pulls ARIA into a standing side headlock! ARIA shoves her off the ropes to break free—
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: ASHLYNN BLIND TAGS HERSELF IN! ARIA DOES NOT EVEN REALIZE IT AS ERIS COMES BACK WITH A SHOULDER TACKLE! ARIA BRACES FOR IMPACT AND THEY COLLIDE IN THE CENTER OF THE RING! ERIS STAGGERS BACK INTO THE ROPES!
Thadd Blazevich: SHE REBOUNDS— BUT ARIA LEAPFROGS OVER HER! ARIA DROPS DOWN TO TRIP HER, BUT ERIS SLIPS OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE! AND HERE COMES ASHLYNN! SLINGSHOT SOMERSAULT SENTON ONTO ARIA’S BACK!
Rich Russillo: I ALMOST FORGOT ASHLYNN WAS LEGAL! SHE PICKED HER MOMENT PERFECTLY! Ashlynn rolls through to a knee, soaking in the reaction as ARIA rolls onto her back, clutching it in pain! Ashlynn runs toward the ropes— LIONSAULT!
Thadd Blazevich: SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT CONNECTS! ASHLYNN HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: KICKOUT!
Persephone: Ugh.
Rich Russillo: ARIA immediately reaches toward Candice Blair on the apron. She needs that tag right now, but she has a long way to go with Ashlynn all over her. Quinn drags ARIA back to her feet and drives her straight into the corner!
Thadd Blazevich: That is the last place ARIA wants to be in a tag match. Some people call that No Man’s Land for a reason.
Persephone: Some people?
Thadd Blazevich: You know. People.
Persephone: So just you.
Thadd Blazevich: I will neither confirm nor deny that, bro.
Persephone: You just did.
Thadd Blazevich: 🤨
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: Tag made! Eris is back in and Ashlynn steps aside. They grab ARIA for a double Irish whip into the ropes! DROPDOWN BY ASHLYNN AND ARIA LEAPS OVER— RIGHT INTO A VICIOUS DROPKICK FROM ERIS! ARIA GETS CAUGHT CLEAN AND GOES DOWN! ERIS DROPS INTO THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Thadd Blazevich: ARIA STAYS IN IT! But Eris drags her up and backs her into the ropes for a CRUEL KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST! ARIA has been getting lit up all match and she staggers to another set of ropes before dropping down to a knee!
Rich Russillo: Eris follows and pulls ARIA back to her feet—
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: Tag to Ashlynn Quinn! Eris double legs ARIA to the mat and hooks both legs for a slingshot catapult— RIGHT INTO A FOREARM FROM ASHLYNN! ARIA FALLS BACK AND GETS DRAPED OVER ERIS’ KNEES! ASHLYNN SPRINGBOARDS OVER THE TOP ROPE AND DRIVES AN ELBOW DROP INTO ARIA’S CHEST!
Thadd Blazevich: THAT ONE CONNECTS CLEAN! ARIA ROLLS AWAY AFTER THE IMPACT, CLUTCHING HER MIDSECTION AS ASHLYNN SCRAMBLES OVER FOR THE COVER! HOOKING THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THH—
Rich Russillo: JUST A TWO!
Persephone: Which means this match continues. Yay, I guess.
Rich Russillo: ARIA tries crawling toward Candice in the corner, but Ashlynn cuts her off! Quinn drops in front of her and locks in a grounded front facelock! ARIA refuses to stop reaching though! She fights back to her feet with that hold still applied, desperate for the tag as Candice stretches her arm out on the apron!
Thadd Blazevich: Candice is reaching as far as she can, but ARIA still has ground to cover— ERIS! ERIS STORMS INTO THE RING AND BLASTS CANDICE OFF THE APRON WITH A RUNNING FOREARM! Eris quickly slips back out to the apron as ARIA backs Ashlynn into the corner, but it does not matter now! Candice has been knocked down!
Persephone: If she moved faster than a damn snail, maybe she would have made it.
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn still has the front facelock and drags ARIA back toward the center of the ring! ARIA is reaching for a tag that is not even there right now, and Ashlynn takes full advantage! GOURDBUSTER! She drops to both knees and transitions straight into a LAST CHANCERY!
Thadd Blazevich: ASHLYNN IS CRANKING BACK ON IT! TRYING TO FORCE THE TAP OUT! ARIA IS FADING— BUT SHE DOES NOT TAP! Ashlynn finally lets it go, but the damage is done as ARIA gasps for air on the mat!
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn pulls ARIA back up in a front facelock and backs into her corner!
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: Eris is in and CLUBS ARIA across the back while Ashlynn holds her in place! ARIA jolts from the shot and Eris throws her into the corner! Eris winds up for a KNIFE EDGE CHOP— BUT ARIA FIRES BACK WITH A FOREARM!
Thadd Blazevich: ERIS ANSWERS WITH A FOREARM OF HER OWN THAT ROCKS ARIA! AND THEN A THUNDEROUS KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST!
Rich Russillo: ARIA DROPS TO ALL FOURS! Eris grabs her by the hair and drags her to the corner!
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn is back in! They go for a double back suplex— BUT ARIA FLIPS OUT AND LANDS ON HER FEET! SHE DIVES TOWARD THE CORNER!
(TAG!)
Persephone: Finally. That took forever.
Thadd Blazevich: CANDICE IS IN! SHOOT KICK TO THE CHEST OF ASHLYNN AS SHE RUNS RIGHT INTO IT! ERIS CHARGES— BUT SHE GETS TURNED INSIDE OUT WITH A “GOLD RUSH!” DISCUS LARIAT! ERIS STUMBLES INTO THE CORNER AND PULLS HERSELF UP!
Rich Russillo: CANDICE KEEPS THE PRESSURE ON! She leans Eris against the ropes for an Irish whip! BUT ERIS REVERSES IT, SENDING CANDICE INTO THE ROPES INSTEAD! Ashlynn pulls herself up on the apron and DRIVES A KNEE INTO THE BACK OF CANDICE!
Thadd Blazevich: Candice doubles over and Ashlynn steps back into the ring! She and Eris hit a double Irish whip into the ropes! THEY BOTH SWING FOR A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE— BUT CANDICE STOPS THEM WITH A BIG BOOT! She breaks their grip and catches Eris with a spinning back kick to the gut as she turns around!
Rich Russillo: CANDICE WITH A KICK TO THE GUT OF ASHLYNN AS WELL! Both women are doubled over as Candice runs off the ropes! Eris and Ashlynn try for a double back body drop— BUT CANDICE COUNTERS WITH A DOUBLE DDT! SPIKING BOTH OF THEM ON THEIR HEADS!
Thadd Blazevich: Eris uses the ropes to pull herself up while Candice drags Ashlynn to her feet! CASTLES CRUMBLING SET UP! Candice has her hooked for the Canadian Destroyer— BUT ERIS STEPS IN WITH A BIG BOOT TO THE SIDE OF CANDICE’S HEAD!
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn drops to a knee and Eris helps her up— BUT ARIA SPRINGBOARDS IN WITH A DROPKICK TO ASHLYNN’S BACK! SENDING HER CRASHING INTO ERIS! ERIS ROLLS OUT UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE AND THE REFEREE GETS IN ARIA’S FACE, TELLING HER TO GET BACK TO THE APRON!
Thadd Blazevich: Eris pulls herself up with help from the apron and— WAIT! SAORI AIZEN COMES RUSHING DOWN THE RAMP! SHE THROWS ERIS SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS! PAYBACK FROM EARLIER! ERIS IS DOWN AND CLUTCHING HER SHOULDER!
Rich Russillo: ASHLYNN IS TRYING TO GET THE REFEREE’S ATTENTION, BUT HE IS TOO FOCUSED ON ARIA! ASHLYNN REACHES OVER THE TOP ROPE AND GRABS A HANDFUL OF SAORI’S HAIR! BUT SAORI FIRES BACK WITH AN APRON ASSISTED ENZUIGIRI!
Thadd Blazevich: ASHLYNN GETS ROCKED AND STUMBLES BACK INTO THE RING— RIGHT INTO A GOLD RUSH! THE DISCUS LARIAT CONNECTS! CANDICE SIGNALS THAT THIS IS OVER! SHE DRAGS ARIA BACK TO HER FEET FOR CASTLES CRUMBLING!
Rich Russillo: NO ONE THERE TO SAVE HER THIS TIME! CANDICE PLANTS IT AND ROLLS INTO THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: HERE ARE YOUR WINNERS… CANDICE BLAIR AND ARIA!!
(ARIA enters the ring as Candice rises to her feet with ‘So Far So Fake’ by Pierce the Veil playing in the background. ARIA raises Candice’s hand in victory and the two share a hug afterwards, standing tall over Quinn and Eris while Saori watches from the ramp with a smug grin, slowly clapping.)
Rich Russillo: And just like that, Candice Blair capitalizes and secures the win!
Thadd Blazevich: You cannot say Quinn and Eris did not have that coming after earlier. As they say, F.A.F.O.
Persephone: That sounds dumb. Just say fuck around and find out.
Thadd Blazevich: Well, you just said it for me.
Persephone: You’re welcome.
(ARIA and Candice step out of the ring and head up the ramp. They pass Saori, locking eyes with her as the tension is obvious given their history. For a moment it feels like something could happen, but Candice and ARIA keep moving, choosing to focus on their upcoming Tag Team Title match. Saori turns her attention back to Eris at ringside.)
Rich Russillo: OH! AND SAORI POUNCES ON ERIS AT RINGSIDE WITH MOUNTED RIGHT HANDS! SHE IS UNLOADING ON HER!
Thadd Blazevich: SAORI DRAGS ERIS BACK TO HER FEET AND ROLLS HER INTO THE RING! NOW SHE IS HEADING UP TOP! SHE IS LOOKING FOR THE “HORIZON OF THE CAPTIVATING SKANDHA!”
Rich Russillo: WAIT! ASHLYNN SHOVES SAORI OFF THE TOP ROPE AT THE LAST SECOND! SAORI GOES FACE FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE!
Persephone: Did not see that coming. And clearly neither did Saori.
Thadd Blazevich: ASHLYNN TURNS RIGHT BACK TO ERIS AND PULLS HER UP! “RED BOTTOMS” IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!
(Ashlynn crawls over Eris and grabs her by the jaw, yelling down at her before rising to her feet as “Tears” by Sabrina Carpenter plays. Ashlynn stares straight into the hard cam, full of focus and fire. The camera cuts to Saori at ringside, holding her face in pain after crashing into the barricade. The scene lingers for a moment, leaving the crowd wondering if this could be what we see at Shock Value as we fade elsewhere.)
(Commercial for Dynasty’s Operation: Doomsday.)
(The camera pans to ringside, fading towards the stage as ‘Everybody Knows (Unstoppable)’ by Royal Deluxe hits. After a moment, Adam Lucas could be seen beginning to walk out to the stage, carrying a microphone in his hand. He has a calm look on his face, ready for Shock Value despite having learned that his match against Dr. Bethany Blue will be an Electrified Iron Man match.)
Rich Russillo: Adam Lucas is on his way to the ring, and as we know, he has a huge match coming up as he and Dr. Bethany Blue will face off in an Electrified Iron Man match for the Hardcore Championship. Needless to say, this won’t be an easy one for either competitor.
Thadd Blazevich: I know dude, and not gonna lie, I’m a little surprised. Things have gotten pretty heated between husband and wife, haven’t they?
Persephone: Well look who we’re talking about. Adam and Bethany clearly have something wrong with their heads.
(Adam Lucas walks down the ramp, reaching ringside as he climbs onto the apron. Adam enters the ring, and as his entrance music begins to fade out, he begins to speak.)
Adam Lucas: So, Electrified Iron Man match, huh?
(Adam just shakes his head, keeping the calm look on his face as he continues, seemingly not concerned by the stipulation revealed for the Hardcore Championship match.)
Adam Lucas: I’ve been in a ton of tough matches throughout my career. So many of them have been life threatening that at this point I’m used to it, but truth be told, there’s no greater challenge out there than Bethany. She’s been holding the Hardcore Championship for so long because that’s just how good she is. Nobody on this roster has been able to measure up to her greatness, and all of this is precisely why I’m so ready to face her. We’re going to have an incredible match, the kind of match that nobody on this roster will ever be able to measure up to, so I want to make something clear about the stipulation that was added to this. I never cared what the stipulation was, and I never had any intentions of allowing that stipulation to get in the way of me winning the Hardcore Championship. This is my time, and there’s nothing that’s going to stop me from leaving Shock Value with gold around my waist again. I was ready for everything that wheel could throw at me, and it turns out it happened to be an Electrified Iron Man match. Well Beth, you know I’m built to go the distance.
(Saying this, a smirk briefly forms on the face of Adam.)
Adam Lucas: A stipulation like this isn’t going to bother me as long as I have the chance to walk out of it as Champion. I’ve been through it all in this company, and this isn’t going to be any different. I know you’re going to give me everything you have Beth, but I’m not walking out of this empty handed. Pain for Pride is getting close, and the last thing I’m going to do is miss out on my best chance to spend my second year in a row walking into it with gold around my waist. Sorry Beth, but that title is mi-
(Before Adam could finish speaking, ‘Somebody Get Me A Doctor’ by Van Halen hits. Adam turns towards the stage, and he doesn’t look too surprised. He waits, as Dr. Bethany Blue begins to walk out to the stage with a microphone in her hand. She doesn’t look too happy hearing what Adam has said, and she wastes no time walking down the ramp, looking to meet him in the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Well, Dr. Bethany Blue is here and it doesn’t look like the Hardcore Champion is all too happy. Given everything that happened, I can’t say it’s all too shocking that she isn’t happy.
Thadd Blazevich: I agree. She definitely isn’t happy that Adam’s going after her title, but she’s gonna have to get ready, bro. Like it or not, she’s defending that title in an Electrified Iron Man match.
Persephone: Right, which thankfully gives me something to look forward to with these two.
(Dr. Bethany Blue walks up the steel steps, and as she enters the ring, she begins to speak.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: I don’t know why you seem to think that this is the time for jokes. You keep coming out here making promises about Shock Value and *my* Championship, and I just don’t see how you could see any of this as some laughing matter knowing what you’re trying to do. Do you know how long it took for me to win this Championship after my last Championship loss?
(Adam doesn’t answer this, noticing how frustrated the Champion is as she continues.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: I lost the Universal Women’s Championship in 2023, way back at Pain for Pride. You know how much that Championship meant to me, and you know just how much I wanted to end Kassidy Heart, so much so that you decided to stay out of it. You didn’t interfere with my business. You didn’t get in the way of me handling my business at Pain for Pride, and when I lost the Universal Women’s Championship, you were there. You were in full support of me getting right back to the top. You went and called Kassidy out at the Draft when I never asked you to and I appreciated that, but you did it because back then, you actually wanted to see me succeed. Back then you had no problem letting me find my success, and I guess it’s because I was still fighting in a division you couldn’t find your way into, but do you know what I watched you accomplish while I lost the Universal Women’s Championship?
(The Champion takes a few steps forward, standing directly in front of Adam before she continues.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: I watched you main event Pain for Pride just like I did, except you actually walked out of it as World Champion.
(Adam remains silent, following Bethany’s reminder of his Answers World Championship victory in 2023, occurring at the same event where she would lose her own Universal Women’s Championship.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: You eventually did it again too, and who knows if you would’ve gotten that much if I didn’t go out of my way to help pull out the side of you that wouldn’t allow Michael Machina to do to you what the Visual Prophet did. I saw you reign as World Champion on two different occasions, both times after doing what I didn’t in the main event of Pain for Pride, and I never went after your title. I never tried to challenge you. I never went out of my way to ruin what you had going and instead went out of my way to help you find more of that success. I gave you the push you needed. I even helped you against TLA back at Wicked Games. I did everything that I could for you even though it took me nearly two years just to hold another Championship, and now you’re trying to ruin my history making reign before I can walk into another Pain for Pride as Champion and you’re not even taking it seriously?
(There is a brief staredown between the two, as the ring is filled with tension. Both Elitists have serious looks on their faces, as Adam slowly raises his microphone to finally begin speaking.)
Adam Lucas: You think I’m not taking this seriously? I chose to go after my own wife’s Championship right after you made history knowing just how much you wanted to spend back to back Pain for Prides with that title, and you think I’m treating this as some kind of joke? I think you’re forgetting a lot of details when it comes to the last few years Beth, especially when it comes to what it took for you to help me back at Pain for Pride two years ago. That match was Hell, and sure you can say you had the right intentions and I’d even agree. It all paid off in the end, but what did it take to get there? It took the two of us nearly killing each other, only so I could come back to this brand and be treated to an entire season full of being disrespected and screwed over at every turn. I endured everything you had to offer, that Jake Smith had to offer, that Captain Charisma had to offer, all so I could become Champion again, and after everything it took for me to get back there I lost it through the exact same nonsense that constantly screwed me over to begin with. I’m taking what I deserve because that’s what you wanted me to do, and now you’re saying I’m not taking it seriously after spending the last two weeks complaining that I’m coming for your title?
Dr. Bethany Blue: What are you expecting, Adam? Am I supposed to be happy that you’re coming for my Championship? I’ve never been one to turn down challengers. I faced everyone that set their sights on my title and beat them and this won’t be any different, but this would’ve been much easier if it didn’t have to be you. You put yourself in a position you didn’t need to, knowing that you’ll have opportunities to try to get back to the World Championship picture. Grand Rampage isn’t that far away, and you remember how close you got last year. What is this for, bragging rights? So you can be so proud of yourself for killing your own wife’s Championship reign and completely destroying the rest of her season? Did you really want to ruin my reign that badly?
Adam Lucas: It’s not about trying to ruin your reign, it’s about getting what I deserve and doing so by beating the best this brand has to offer. When we last faced each other you had no problem doing whatever it took for you to get the victory. You were able to treat me like an opponent rather than your husband, because you knew that doing so was the only way you were ever going to leave Pain for Pride with that win. All I’m doing is what you prepared me for, Beth. I’m taking my shot, and I didn’t pick you because you’re my wife and I wanted to destroy my own marriage. I picked you because I know you’re better than everyone else on this brand, and when I become Champion again at Shock Value, it’ll be because I defeated the greatest Hardcore Champion of all time. I’m not going to let you stop me from achieving that, Beth. This time, I’ll be the one that pulls out all the stops to have their hand raised.
Dr. Bethany Blue: No, no that’s not going to happen. You think that you have the whole situation figured out, and it’s because you’re the challenger here. You don’t have anything to lose. To you this is just an opportunity. If you lose then nothing changed, and if you win you get to potentially walk into Pain for Pride as Champion. To you this is just a match, but this means so much more to me than that, and that’s the part you’re still not getting. This is not like our last match because our last match did not have a year’s worth of work put on the line. However, you keep talking about our last match and I think there’s a very important detail you’re forgetting in all this, Adam. You couldn’t beat me back then, and I know that because you’ve grown since then that you think the result is guaranteed to be different this time, but it’s not, because as much as this won’t be like last time, I am still the Hardcore Champion for a reason. You’re right, I *am* the best this brand has to offer, and that includes you.
(This gets a loud reaction from the crowd, as while neither of these two Elitists are fan favorites on Voltage and have become hated for their actions towards other members of the roster, they can’t help but wait to see what’ll happen between the two.)
Dr. Bethany Blue: You know what it took for me to have this reign. I didn’t just have some easy path, so sure, you were screwed over many times on your road to the EAW World Championship, but why should I accept that as an excuse for you to try and interfere with my own reign? Defend it however you want Adam, you know what you’re doing. I’m just not going to let it work.
Adam Lucas: Seriously, how long are you going to be upset about this? I never told you to stay away from my Championships. You had every opportunity to go after me if you wanted to-
Dr. Bethany Blue: And I didn’t.
Adam Lucas: No, not when there was actually any gold involved. You instead just interfered with my contendership matches for it and attacked me once I didn’t do things how you wanted me to. You made your choices back then, and in the end I respected them. Now I’m making mine, and you don’t have to be happy with what I did, but I knew you were never going to take this easy on me. I knew you were going to give everything you had to keep your Hardcore Championship, and that’s what I was ready for, so this isn’t a matter of you respecting my choice anymore. You can feel how you want to feel, but if this is going to be a problem for you, the only thing you can do about it is win at Shock Value. There’s no other way you’ll get your way, and unfortunately for you, you know as well as I do that I’m not just anybody on the roster. I’m not someone you can walk over for the entire duration of the time limit. If there is anyone on this roster who can bring you down, you know that it’s me.
Dr. Bethany Blue: “If”. “If”, that’s the problem right there, Adam. There is no “if” in this Adam, because there is nobody on this roster that can defeat me. I have been unstoppable for as long as I have held this Championship, and I’m not going to have that taken away from me just because you lost yours. I’m sure you remember how I must’ve felt back then. Back when you were able to walk around with the Answers World Championship while I was still fresh off of a loss in what was my biggest match of my career at that point. You know what it was like when you were able to have everything go your way while I had to watch from afar. If you’re going to be stubborn about this then you’re just going to have to deal with it too, because I’m going to walk into Pain for Pride as Champion one way or another. It doesn’t matter if it’s you, or anyone else on the roster.
(Hearing this, Adam just nods.)
Adam Lucas: Yeah, I never expected anything less. So tell me Beth, what was last week about? Was that just you being petty, or is there anything else you still need to get off your chest? I said it myself heading into that tag match. I was ready for this. I wasn’t even mad after you laid me out, because why wouldn’t you? I dropped you a few weeks ago, and you’re not the type to accept something like that without getting some revenge. I thought that you and I both knew what was going on here and that Shock Value was just going to be about that Championship, but here you are still with a chip on your shoulder. You’re the longest reigning Hardcore Champion. You’ve been undefeated for ages, you’ve had a guaranteed Hall of Fame career, and yet even after everything you’ve accomplished, being challenged by me was enough to make you think you still have something to prove?
Adam Lucas: Beth, I think you know as well as I do that Shock Value isn’t going to be the guaranteed victory you say it’ll be. You’ve had an incredible run, but as great as you’ve been there was always one name that was never on your radar, and that’s me. I’m the last person you wanted to come after you because I’m the only one capable of actually ending this all for you, and you know that. That’s why you’ve been so upset. That’s why you’ve been acting like this. Well it’s not going to work, because at Shock Value it’s not going to be as simple as throwing everything you have for the sake of scoring a single pinfall against me.
Dr. Bethany Blue: Yeah, I get it. I know how this goes, Adam. You don’t intend to stay down, that’s fine. I’m going to keep taking you down, as many times as I need to until the time runs out and I leave with my Championship. I’ve heard it so many times over the past year, and this is no different. I don’t care how tough you think you are, or how tough you really are. Everyone can be broken down and dismantled. Everyone can be torn apart, and I don’t need to keep going back and forth with you on this, because you already know how far I’ll go to keep my Championship. The last thing you need to do is keep testing me on this.
(The two stared at each other after these words, until eventually, Adam just took a small step back, attempting to briefly lower the tension.)
Adam Lucas: Good. Clearly we’re on the same page then, because I won’t be the one to go back home empty handed. If you want to stop me, you’ll need to kill me.
(Those words were the last thing he said, as Adam dropped his microphone. He began to walk away, walking directly past Bethany as he headed towards the ropes. However, just before he could step through them…)
Rich Russillo: WOAH! DR. BETHANY BLUE JUST ATTACKED ADAM LUCAS FROM BEHIND, BEFORE GRABBING HIM AND PULLING HIM BACK INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE RING! BETHANY IS JUST WAILING AWAY AT HER SHOCK VALUE OPPONENT, AND HER OWN HUSBAND AS THE CHALLENGER WAS CLEARLY CAUGHT OFF GUARD HERE! ADAM KNEW THAT THINGS WERE GETTING PERSONAL BETWEEN THESE TWO, BUT I DON’T THINK HE EXPECTED THINGS TO GET PHYSICAL AGAIN!
Thadd Blazevich: BETHANY JUST NAILED BRO WITH A NASTY KNEE TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD, AND THAT DROPPED ADAM DOWN TO ALL FOURS! Bethany isn’t wasting any time right now, bro! She runs the ropes, AND SHE JUMPS UP TO NAIL ADAM WITH THE CONCUSSION PROTOCOL!!!!
Persephone: But it doesn’t connect because Adam was able to get out of the way!
Rich Russillo: Adam avoids the Concussion Protocol, AND NOW THERE’S A FOREARM TO THE CHAMPION JUST AS SHE TURNED AROUND! BETHANY DELIVERS A KNEE TO THE MIDSECTION IN RESPONSE THAT DROPS ADAM TO A KNEE, BUT THE CHALLENGER IS ABLE TO BEGIN FIGHTING BACK! BETHANY TRIED TO GRAB ADAM, AND HE BEGAN THROWING PUNCHES TO THE RIBS, KNOCKING BETHANY OFF OF HIM!!
Thadd Blazevich: Bethany hits Adam with an elbow, BUT ADAM RESPONDS WITH HIS DISCUS PUNCH, AND THIS DAZES BETHANY LONG ENOUGH FOR ADAM TO SEND HER TOWARDS THE ROPES! Bethany grabs onto them to save herself from the rebound, AND NOW ADAM RUNS IN- RIGHT INTO A BOOT TO THE JAW! Adam stumbles back, AND NOW BETHANY KICKS DUDE IN THE STOMACH, DROPPING HIM TO A KNEE!
(After dropping Adam, Bethany removes her Hardcore Championship from around her waist.)
Persephone: OH, THAT WAS A GOOD ONE! Bethany just hit Adam in the face with her Championship!
(Adam drops to the mat, though only temporarily. Bethany knew that wouldn’t keep him down, so she waited as he slowly rose to a knee once again, looking to put him down definitively this time.)
Rich Russillo: Adam Lucas doesn’t even know where he is right now, and it’s clear this attack has definitely gotten to him! Adam slowly gets back up, and I think this is exactly what Bethany wants. BETHANY NOW RUNNING THE ROPES, POSSIBLY LOOKING TO TRY ONCE MORE WITH THAT NASTY STOMP TO THE HEAD-
Thadd Blazevich: BUT ADAM LUCAS GETS BACK TO HIS FEET AND POPS BETHANY UP IN THE AIR, DRIVING HER DOWN INTO THE MAT WITH LEVEL UP!!!!!
(Adam Lucas stumbles back, holding his head after the shot to the face with the Championship. He looks down at Bethany for a moment, thinking about everything that occurred tonight, knowing that this was different from either of the last two occasions of things getting physical between them, and that this had gotten far more heated than in the past.)
Rich Russillo: Things have really gotten serious between Adam Lucas and Dr. Bethany Blue, and I’m not sure what’s to come after this, but one thing is for sure. That match at Shock Value is going to be serious, and neither Elitist is going to hold anything back.
Thadd Blazevich: I know, bro. You can tell this match really means a lot to these two, and that’s exactly what’s making this so heated. We shoulda known this woulda happened sooner or later.
Persephone: We did. Again, look who we’re talking about. It was always going to turn out like this.
(Adam Lucas stands over Dr. Bethany Blue for a moment, before finally he turns and just begins to back into the corner, shaking his head and waiting for his match. He turns and looks back at Bethany one more time before finally beginning to shift his focus. From there, Voltage fades away from ringside.)
(Promotional ad for Shock Value, where Dr. Bethany Blue defends the Hardcore Championship against Adam Lucas in an Electrified Iron Man match.)
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the center of the ring. Standing beside her is Adam Lucas with a stern expression on his face ahead of his upcoming match. At ringside, Dr. Bethany Blue can be seen, having recovered from the events before the break. She remains at ringside, choosing to wait and see how this match turns out.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS A SCHEDULED FOR… ONE FALL!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
Bella Braxton: Introducing first! Already in the ring! Hailing out of New York City, New York, weighing in at 231…HE IS THE NEXT LEVEL…ADAM LUCAS!!
(Adam raises a single arm in the air to loud boos from the crowd. Moments later, “Kostas” by Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine, and Benny the Butcher blasts through the arena, drawing a much louder and more positive reaction. Cody steps out and wastes no time heading down the ramp, jawing at Adam and talking trash off mic as he makes his way toward the ring.)
Bella Braxton: And his opponent! Hailing out of Las Vegas, Nevada, weighing in at 235 pounds… THE SIN CITY SUPERSTAR… CODY MAVERICK!!
Rich Russillo: Maverick is fired up ahead of his match with Adam, and it is easy to see why. He wants to build as much momentum as possible heading into Shock Value.
Thadd Blazevich: Momentum matters for everyone on this roster, and Maverick knows that. The thing is, it already feels like he has it on his side after winning the King of Elite tournament.
(The referee signals for the bell as both competitors stand in opposing corners.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: Alright, it’s time! Cody Maverick versus Adam Lucas! We are officially underway as both men step out of their respective corners and stand on opposite sides of the ring, Cody on the right, Lucas on the left, staring each other down from across the canvas! They slowly close the distance and meet in the center for a collar and elbow tie up!
Thadd Blazevich: Cody quickly transitions into a standing side headlock, wrenching it in tight before spinning through and scoring a tiger spin drop toe hold! Adam goes face first into the mat and pops up to all fours, but Maverick is right on top of him! Cody mounts his back and slaps him across the head! That is pure disrespect!
Rich Russillo: Maverick dismounts now and steps right in front of Lucas as he rises to a knee, talking trash and waving him on!
Thadd Blazevich: The Sin City Superstar taunting him to his face! Adam Lucas does not look amused at all as he pushes himself all the way back to his feet, staring Cody down once again!
Persephone: Imagine getting outwrestled by Cody Maverick of all people.
Thadd Blazevich: Hey, cut the King of Elite some slack. He might not be known for his technical wrestling ability per se, but he can hold his own when he needs to. Where Cody really shines is in a fight, and if this turns into a brawl, Adam Lucas might be the one who is outmatched against a Golden Gloves boxer.
Rich Russillo: Adam and Cody stare each other down once again, standing across from each other before locking up in another collar and elbow tie up! This time Adam takes control with a standing side headlock, wrenching it in tight, but Maverick backs him into the ropes to force the break and sends him off!
Thadd Blazevich: Adam rebounds right into a LEAPFROG by Maverick! Cody keeps his back turned as Lucas hits the ropes again and Maverick answers with a REVERSE LEAPFROG! Great athleticism on display as Adam rebounds a third time but CODY MAVERICK SLIDES UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE! GRABBING LUCAS BY THE ANKLE AND TRIPS HIM DOWN TO THE CANVAS!
Rich Russillo: And Maverick is not done! He drags Adam out of the ring by the legs and pulls him to the floor before lifting him up into position for a WHEELBARROW SUPLEX! He plants Lucas hard right in front of us at ringside!
Thadd Blazevich: Oh man! Lucas hit HARD out there and he is writhing in pain! But he manages to push himself up to a knee before Maverick rolls him back inside the ring! Adam tries to rise but Cody grabs him and locks in a standing side headlock again, wrenching it tight! Lucas shoves him off into the ropes to escape!
Rich Russillo: Adam leapfrogs over Cody and tries for a reverse leapfrog of his own but CODY STOPS SHORT! Adam lands on his feet and gets caught with a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Lucas grabs the back of his head as Maverick rolls through to his feet, licking his finger and getting the crowd behind him!
Crowd: CO-DY MAVERICK!
Thadd Blazevich: CODY HITS THE ROPES AND COMES BACK WITH A JUMPING ELBOW DROP! INTO THE COVER NOW! HOOKING THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: KICKOUT! Maverick does not usually go for that move this early, but you can tell there is urgency tonight! He knows Shock Value is coming and he wants momentum! He wants to send a message to the Champion, Drake Armstrong, and we know Drake is watching this match closely!
Persephone: Watching for what? He does not need to scout anything. If I were Drake, I would have turned this off already.
Thadd Blazevich: And that is exactly how you lose. You have to study your opponent. You need to know what you are walking into at Shock Value.
Persephone: We already know what he does. Punch, kick, elbow, repeat. It is the same thing every match with this guy.
Thadd Blazevich: Not exactly. He is King of Elite now. That changes things.
Persephone: You think I care about a crown?
Rich Russillo: That crown has changed careers around here. It has raised the level of competition. And Cody Maverick might be the next man to take that leap.
Persephone: I hope not. But then again, Drake Armstrong is our current World Champion. Can it really get any worse?
Thadd Blazevich: According to most people… no.
Rich Russillo: Back to the action now as Maverick gets to his feet first and grabs Adam by the hair. BUT ADAM EXPLODES WITH A KICK TO THE GUT! He drives Cody back into the corner with right hands! Punch after punch, mixing in stomps as Maverick sinks down to the second turnbuckle trying to cover up!
Thadd Blazevich: Adam is turning up the aggression now! He pulls Cody up and goes for an Irish whip into the opposite corner but CODY SLIDES UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE! That frustrates Lucas even more as they lock eyes at ringside! Adam slides out after him and gives chase!
Rich Russillo: But Cody slides back into the ring on the opposite side of the ringpost! Adam tries to slide in on his side to cut him off but Maverick fakes him out and slips right back out to ringside!
Thadd Blazevich: Adam slides back out and runs towards him around the corner but Maverick uses that momentum and launches him with a BACK BODY DROP AT RINGSIDE! Adam crashes hard and jolts up to a seated position as Maverick climbs onto the apron!
Rich Russillo: Adam is getting back to his feet and has no idea what is coming next as MAVERICK DIVES OFF THE APRON WITH A RUNNING CLOTHESLINE! BOTH MEN WIPED OUT AT RINGSIDE! Maverick rolls back into the ring and takes a moment to play to the crowd!
Persephone: Oh come on. There is no need for that. Just win the match. I am not trying to be here any longer than I have to be.
Thadd Blazevich: Cody Maverick finally turns his attention back to Adam Lucas and heads out to ringside, rolling him back into the ring! Into the cover now! Hooking the leg!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: KICKOUT! Adam Lucas powers out again! He shoots up to a seated position but Maverick is right there, grabbing him in a side headlock while kneeling beside him! Lucas works his way from seated to a knee as Cody keeps that hold locked in tight! Adam makes it back to his feet and RAKE TO THE EYES! He rakes the eyes to break free!
Thadd Blazevich: Maverick is blinded and Adam wastes no time! RUNNING CLOTHESLINE TAKES HIM DOWN! Adam Lucas steadies himself for a second, but you can see the frustration all over his face after being outwrestled early! He dives right back on top of Maverick and starts raining down RIGHT HANDS!
Rich Russillo: THOSE SHOTS ARE LANDING CLEAN! Adam is unloading everything he has! The referee steps in to warn him before Lucas finally backs off, and now there’s a grin on his face! He is starting to feel himself again as the official checks on Cody!
Thadd Blazevich: Adam notices the referee kneeling and does not like it one bit. Cody is on his side trying to recover but Adam steps in and DRIVES A BOOT INTO THE SIDE OF HIS HEAD! That sends Maverick rolling away and crawling toward the nearest corner!
Rich Russillo: But Adam will not let him escape! He grabs Cody by the head from behind, drags him up, and SLAMS HIM FACE FIRST INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! Adam wastes no time, whipping Cody into the opposite corner and charging in with a RUNNING CLOTHESLINE! The impact is huge and Cody’s legs fly up from the force!
Thadd Blazevich: He nearly knocked him out of his boots! Adam pulls Cody out of the corner and connects with a FALLAWAY SLAM that sends him halfway across the ring! That is strength and control on full display! And look at this, Lucas kips right back up to his feet!
Rich Russillo: Adam soaks in the boos for a moment, letting the crowd know he hears every bit of it before diving into the cover! Hook of the leg!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Thadd Blazevich: SHOULDER UP!
Persephone: Ugh. Of course.
Rich Russillo: Adam does not waste a second. He sits Cody up and locks in a rear chinlock! It will not finish the match, but it will drain Maverick’s energy. Every kickout, every escape, it all adds up. Lucas is trying to wear him down before going for something bigger. Maybe the Iconic. Maybe Level Up. Maybe The Next Level.
Persephone: Wow. So many dramatic names for the same basic stuff. And do not even get me started on the Lucas Lock.
Thadd Blazevich: I am not going to debate the former Champion’s move names, but I will say this. They work. Those moves have won Adam Lucas a lot of matches. And against someone like Cody Maverick, it only takes one perfectly timed shot. But right now, Lucas is focused on grinding him down with that rear chinlock.
Rich Russillo: You can hear this crowd rallying behind Cody. They want him out of this hold.
Persephone: For once, I agree with them. Please get out of it and speed this up.
Rich Russillo: Cody is feeding off that energy now. He is fighting his way back to his feet— BUT ADAM SHUTS IT DOWN WITH A MAT SLAM! Driving him straight back to the canvas! The back of Cody’s head hits hard and Adam rolls him over into a cover!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Thadd Blazevich: Kickout!
Rich Russillo: And Adam goes right back to the rear chinlock! He is not letting Cody build any momentum. Just grinding him down again as the boos rain in.
Thadd Blazevich: Adam stopped caring about that a long time ago.
Rich Russillo: Listen to this place though. They are trying again. Trying to will Cody back into this!
Persephone: After that last attempt? I would not get your hopes up.
Thadd Blazevich: You might have to! Cody is back to his feet! He is firing shots into the ribs! Over and over! Now forearms to the face! He is throwing everything he has to swing this match around!
Rich Russillo: Adam is rocked! Maverick sends him into the corner with an Irish whip! Cody charges in— NO! DROP TOE HOLD! Adam sends him face first into the middle turnbuckle!
Thadd Blazevich: Cody drops to both knees on impact and falls forward into the middle turnbuckle! That had to rattle him!
Persephone: Good. Maybe he will stay there.
Rich Russillo: Cody slowly peels himself off the turnbuckle and begins crawling toward the center of the ring, holding his mouth and nose! Meanwhile Adam rolls out onto the apron, watching him closely.
Thadd Blazevich: Lucas is stalking from the apron now. He sees his opening…
Rich Russillo: SLINGSHOT OVER THE TOP— “THE EQUALIZER!” BUCKSHOT LARIAT CONNECTS! CODY IS TURNED INSIDE OUT! ADAM HOOKS BOTH LEGS! THIS COULD BE IT!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRR—
Rich Russillo: NO! THE KING OF ELITE STAYS IN IT! But what is it going to take for Adam Lucas to put him away? Cody is on his side, trying to clear his head!
Thadd Blazevich: Adam is not giving him any time! He grabs the wrist and starts stomping down on the head! STOMPS TO THE HEAD! Cody tries to shield himself with his free arm, but some of those are getting through!
Persephone: That is what happens when you leave your head wide open.
Rich Russillo: Adam finally backs up and lets out a shout! He is fired up now! Those stomps were nasty!
Thadd Blazevich: Cody is curled up on the mat, holding his head, and here comes Adam again!
Rich Russillo: Lucas drags him up and goes for a suplex—NO! Cody blocks it! He drops his weight! Adam tries again! Still blocked! A third attempt—still nothing!
Persephone: Maybe try something else?
Thadd Blazevich: Adam was determined, but Cody fires short jabs to the body to break free! Adam answers with a right hand that rocks him though! And now Lucas drives him back first into the corner!
Rich Russillo: Adam climbs to the middle rope and hooks Cody up for a superplex! This could be bad!
Thadd Blazevich: Cody fights back with body shots! He breaks free and HEADBUTTS Adam!
Rich Russillo: Adam drops off the ropes but stays on his feet, just barely! Cody tries to adjust on the top rope—
Persephone: Too slow.
Rich Russillo: Adam shoves the top rope forward! Cody gets crotched hard on the turnbuckle!
Thadd Blazevich: Lucas climbs back to the middle rope and goes for the superplex again—NO! Cody hangs onto the top rope and counters with a GOURDBUSTER! Adam crashes down to the mat!
Rich Russillo: That bought Maverick an opening! He steadies himself on the middle rope!
Thadd Blazevich: Look at his eyes. He has taken a beating. He might be running on instinct right now!
Rich Russillo: Adam is getting back to his feet, holding his ribs— DIVING BULLDOG FROM THE MIDDLE ROPE! Adam gets planted face first! Cody shoots the half and hooks the leg!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHH—
Persephone: Dammit.
Thadd Blazevich: Adam Lucas stays in the match, and Cody Maverick pounds the mat in slight frustration before rising to his feet. Cody marches toward the ropes and leans up against them, eyeing Adam as he crawls to the opposite set of ropes, using them for assistance to stand back up… Cody Maverick’s got that look in his eye and charges in for a CLOTHESLINE!
Rich Russillo: ADAM RAN RIGHT INTO IT, TRYING TO GET THE JUMP ON CODY MAVERICK! WHO KEEPS HIS MOMENTUM ROLLING, RUNNING OFF THE ROPES AS ADAM LUCAS RUSHES BACK TO GET HIS FEET! GETTING DROPPED WITH ANOTHER RUNNING CLOTHESLINE!
Thadd Blazevich: ADAM SCRAMBLES BACK TO HIS FEET ONCE AGAIN, AND TRIES FOR A RUNNING CLOTHESLINE OF HIS OWN ON MAVERICK! BUT CODY DUCKS UNDERNEATH AND ADAM BOUNCES OFF THE ROPES INTO A TWISTING SPINEBUSTER! “DEEP END” FROM CODY MAVERICK!
Rich Russillo: MAVERICK HOOKS BOTH LEGS! ONE WITH HIS ARM, ONE WITH HIS LEG!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHRRRRRRRRR-
Rich Russillo: KICKOUT! BUT CODY MAVERICK IS INSTANTLY BACK TO HIS FEET AS ADAM BEGINS STIRRING TO HIS! USING THOSE ROPES TO PICK HIMSELF BACK UP! ADAM LUCAS GROGGILY WANDERS INTO A KICK TO THE GUT, AND CODY TRIES FOR A “SIN CITY STUNNER!”
Persephone: YES— NO!
Thadd Blazevich: MAVERICK WENT FOR THE STUNNER, BUT ADAM COUNTERS WITH A SCHOOL BOY! HOWEVER, DOESNT HOLD IT FOR A COVER! CODY ROLLS THROUGH TO HIS FEET AND ADAM DUCKS UNDERNEATH A RIGHT HAND ATTEMPT! CATCHING CODY WITH A BACK ELBOW INSTEAD! DAZING HIM LONG ENOUGH FOR ADAM TO THROW CODY INTO THE ROPES FOR A “LEVEL UP!”
Rich Russillo: BUT CODY DOESNT COME REBOUNDING BACK AS HE HOOKS BOTH ARMS ONTO THE TOP ROPE! ADAM LUCAS RUSHES IN— BUT CODY MAVERICK SENDS HIM UP AND OVER HIS SHOULDER TO THE OUTSIDE! NO! CODY HAS NO IDEA THAT ADAM LUCAS CAUGHT HIMSELF ON THE APRON BEHIND HIM AND SMASHES CODY ONTO THE BACK OF HIS NECK WITH A FOREARM!
Thadd Blazevich: AND CONTINUES TO APPLY PRESSURE, SNAPPING CODY’S NECK BACK ACROSS THE TOP ROPE WITH A REVERSE HOT SHOT! ADAM FALLS DOWN FACE FIRST TO THE MAT AND CRAWLS TO THE CENTER AS CODY CRAWLS BACK ONTO THE APRON! STALKING HIM ONCE AGAIN, SIMILAR TO EARLIER! MAVERICK IN HIS SIGHTS FOR THAT “EQUALIZER!”
Rich Russillo: ADAM SLINGSHOTS OVER THE TOP ROPE— BUT GETS DROPPED WITH THAT SUPERMAN PUNCH! “LIGHTS OUT” FROM CODY MAVERICK! ADAM GOES DOWN AND CODY DROPS INTO THE COVER! HOOKING THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEE-
Thadd Blazevich: BARELY! ADAM LUCAS BARELY HANGS IN IT! GETTING THE SHOULDER UP ON MAVERICK! BUT CODY MAKES IT BACK TO HIS FEET, RALLYING THE CROWD BEHIND HIM AS HE STALKS ADAM LUCAS FROM BEHIND! LUCAS IS STIRRING BACK TO HIS FEET WITH CRUEL INTENTIONS IN THE MIND OF MAVERICK! LOOKING TO WRAP THIS THIN UP! STALKING HIS OPPONENT FROM BEHIND!
Rich Russillo: ADAM GROGGILY WANDERS BACK TO HIS FEET AND GETS GRABBED IN A SLEEPER HOLD FROM BEHIND BY MAVERICK! HE’S TRYING FOR THE “DEAD MAN’S HAND!” BUT ADAM DROPS TO BOTH KNEES AND FLINGS CODY OVER HIS SHOULDERS! CODY SCRAMBLES TO HIS FEET IN THE CORNER AND ADAM DASHES IN TO LAUNCH HIM WITH A MONKEY FLIP!
Persephon: Huh? :comeagain:
Thadd Blazevich: MAVERICK LANDS ON HIS FEET! MAVERICK SHOWCASES HIS ATHLETICISM, LANDING ON HIS FEET AND TAUNTING ADAM LUCAS IN THE CENTER OF THE RING! LUCAS ANGRILY RETURNS TO HIS FEET AND TAKES THE BAIT! CHARGING IN TO DELIVER A CLOTHESLINE! BUT CODY DUCKS UNDERNEATH AND GRABS HIM IN ANOTHER SLEEPER HOLD!
Rich Russillo: ADAM’S DESPERATE NOT TO GET DRAGGED DOWN INTO THAT REAR NAKED CHOKE BECAUSE THAT’S WHEN CODY TRULY HAS THE “DEAD MAN’S HAND” CINCHED IN! THEREFORE, DRIVES CODY BACKWARDS INTO THE CORNER! SQUISHING HIM BETWEEN HIS OWN BODY WEIGHT AND THE TURNBUCKLES!
Thadd Blazevich: ADAM DROPS TO HIS KNEES AGAIN, LAUNCHING CODY FORWARD OVER HIS SHOULDERS! ADAM STICKS CLOSE TO THE ROPES, STAGGERING OUT OF THE CORNER AS CODY COMES MARCHING BACK IN FOR A— OH, WAIT! ADAM DOUBLE LEGS CODY DOWN TO THE CANVAS! STACKING HIM UP FOR A COVER WITH BOTH FEET ON THE MIDDLE ROPE!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEE-
Rich Russillo: ADAM ALMOST HAD HIM, BUT HE’S SPOTTED BY THE OFFICIAL! ADAM STARTS ARGUING WITH THE REF, BUT CODY COMES FROM BEHIND WITH AN O’CONNOR ROLL! LOOKING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHRRRRRRR-
Thadd Blazevich: KICKOUT! CODY GOES FACE FIRST INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE AND STUMBLES INTO ANOTHER “LEVEL UP” ATTEMPT! BUT CODY JUMPS OVER HIS HEAD, LANDING ON HIS FEET BEHIND ADAM WHO TURNS AROUND INTO A KICK TO THE GUT! FOLLOWED UP BY A “SIN CITY STUNNER!”
Rich Russillo: ADAM CRUMPLES OVER AND CODY MAVERICK CRAWLS INTO A COVER! HOOKING THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: HERES YOUR WINNER… CODY MAVERICK!!
(‘Kostas’ by Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine & Benny the Butcher plays as Cody Maverick releases the cover, rising to his feet to get his hand raised in victory! Cody has a focused look on his face, not letting up ahead of his Championship match at Shock Value.)
Rich Russillo: And Cody Maverick picks up the win over Adam Lucas!
Persephone: Thank God. It’s finally over between these two.
Thadd Blazevich: Maverick builds the momentum heading into Shock Value and I know Drake Armstrong can’t be too happy.
Rich Russillo: Well, speaking of unhappy…
(Cody finishes getting his hand raised by the referee and climbs up onto the middle rope in the corner, continuing to celebrate as the crowd showers him with cheers. Meanwhile, Adam Lucas sits on the apron, looking over his shoulder at Maverick before slowly lowering his head in frustration over the loss tonight. The camera pans out, showing Dr. Bethany Blue at ringside. The camera cuts to her, and she looks disgusted witnessing a clean loss for Adam. Adam briefly turns towards Bethany, who stares at him, not pleased whatsoever.)
Rich Russillo: Dr. Bethany Blue doesn’t look thrilled at all seeing Adam lose. Seeing how things escalated tonight, I can’t say I’m surprised.
Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, dude. This has not been a good night for these two, that’s for sure. Still, congratulations to Cody Maverick!
(Dr. Bethany Blue just shakes her head, beginning to walk up the ramp as Adam remains seated in the ring. With this final shot, Voltage fades away from ringside.)
(Commercial for Resident Evil: Requiem with Daniella Atlas.)
(Voltage returns to ringside as Cody Maverick and Damon Lazarus could both be seen at ringside, ready to watch the following match. After this, Bella Braxton can be seen with a microphone.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
(‘Thoughts of a Dying Atheist’ by Muse hits, causing the fans in attendance to cheer as Jay Jerry Johnson begins to walk out to the stage. Once there, he sets his sights on Damon Lazarus for a moment, not amused to see him at ringside, but not allowing this to get to him for long as he simply shakes his head. Jay begins to walk down the ramp after this, sporting a focused look on his face as he knows he is up against the EAW World Champion.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first!… From Chicago, Illinois… Weighing in at 223 pounds… “THE ARTIST”, JAAAAYYYY JEEERRRYYYYY JOOOOOHHHNNNSSSOOOONNNNNNNN!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: Jay Jerry Johnson is here, and I imagine it won’t be easy competing tonight knowing that someone as sinister as Damon Lazarus is lurking at ringside. Still, he’ll need to focus, as he is facing the World Champion tonight.
Thadd Blazevich: Good point. If Triple J can win this, imagine what that’d do for bros chances of getting a World Championship match soon! It won’t be easy, though. Drake is a wicked dude in his own right.
Persephone: And just like Damon, he’s boring as hell to watch wrestle. I can’t believe I have to sit through this right now.
(‘Pride and Arrogance’ by Takeru Kanazaki follows, bringing about nothing but boos from the fans as Drake Armstrong begins to walk out to the stage. Cody Maverick stares at Drake with a focused look on his face, but Drake doesn’t bother worrying about him. Instead, he has a confident look on his face, ignoring the reception from the crowd as he walks down the ramp, focusing only on his upcoming match.)
Bella Braxton: And his opponent… From Scarsdale, New York… Weighing in at 235 pounds… THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION, “HIS IMMACULACY”, DRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAKKEEEEE AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRMMMMMMSSSSTTTRRRRRROOOOOOOOOONNNNGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: The EAW World Champion is here, and it’s not only Jay who has to worry about potential distractions, as Drake’s Shock Value opponent Cody Maverick is also out here. We already remember what happened last time Drake suffered from ringside interference. It’s exactly what caused that Shock Value match to be set up!
Thadd Blazevich: True, so you know bro doesn’t want to make the same mistakes now. He’s totally gonna be taking this one seriously. Last thing he wants is another loss before his big Championship defense
Persephone: Yeah, I guess. I don’t really care if Drake wins or loses, he just needs to do it quickly.
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Rich Russillo: The main event is now underway as Drake Armstrong and Jay Jerry Johnson circle the ring! The two Elitists begin to lock up, and you have to wonder how these two are going to maneuver this match knowing that their enemies are right outside of the ring! Jay is able to pull Drake’s arm, but before he’s able to apply the arm wrench Drake is able to turn and grabs onto Jay’s, transitioning into a hammerlock! Jay stays in the hammerlock for a moment before slowly beginning to find his way out of it, rolling out of the hold before pulling Drake to the mat with an arm drag! Jay now following up with a rear chinlock- but Drake is quickly able to turn this around as he turns and sweeps Jay’s legs!
Thadd Blazevich: Drake quickly pushes himself up- ONLY TO DELIVER A KNEE DROP ONTO THE RIBS OF JAY! We know that Drake is the methodical type bro, so this pace might just benefit the Champ as long as he’s able to find these little opportunities to deal some serious damage like that! Triple J sits up in pain as bro grabs his ribs, and Drake quickly grabs him in a waistlock!
Persephone: Drake gets back to his feet while holding onto Jay, and he delivers a forearm to Jay’s back. He tries lifting Jay up for a German suplex, but Jay is able to pull himself down before following up with the standing switch, getting the better of Drake as he pulls Drake’s legs out from under him, dropping Drake onto his face. I don’t know how our World Champion is struggling against “Jay Jerry Johnson”, but I already know better by now than to expect good wrestling to come from this brand. Anyways, Jay graphs Drake by the leg- but Drake turns onto his back before kicking Jay away.
Rich Russillo: Both Elitists rush back to their feet, AND JAY WENT FOR A KICK TO THE MIDSECTION, BUT DRAKE WAS ABLE TO CATCH IT! Drake now gearing up for that dragon screw leg whip- but Jay had that scouted, and was able to pull his leg back! Jay now following up with a roundhouse kick attempt, but Drake ducks under this before grabbing Jay from behind, AND THIS TIME DELIVERING A DRAGON SUPLEX, WISELY TAKING AWAY JAY’S ABILITY TO COUNTER LIKE HE DID WITH THE GERMAN SUPLEX!
Thadd Blazevich: Drake quickly turns and grabs Triple J by the arm, BEFORE APPLYING AN ARMBAR! This has been a real interesting match so far dude, as these two surprisingly seem deadset on trying to outwrestle each other, not getting too flashy and instead just focusing on finding whatever advantage they can! The Champ has the upper hand right now though, and Triple J is gonna need to hurry and find some way to get out of this armbar before his arm is totally wrecked!
Persephone: I know an easy way he can get out of this. All he needs to do is tap out.
Rich Russillo: I don’t think that’s going to happen! Jay is pulling himself over towards the ropes, slowly powering his way over towards them as he refuses to let this match reach such an early end! Jay Jerry Johnson, ABLE TO GET HIS LEG ON THE BOTTOM ROPE! JAY IS ABLE TO PUT HIS HEIGHT TO GOOD USE RIGHT THERE, AS HE WAS ABLE TO GET THE ROPE BREAK!
Referee: (off-mic) ONE!… TWO!… THREE!… FOUR!… FIVE-
Rich Russillo: And Drake Armstrong lets go of the hold, doing all the damage he can! He gets back up- AND IMMEDIATELY HE PULLS JAY AWAY FROM THE ROPES BY THE SAME ARM, POSSIBLY LOOKING TO ATTACK THE SAME ARM-
Thadd Blazevich: BUT JAY IS ABLE TO SURPRISE DRAKE WITH A KICK TO THE HEAD, SENDING DRAKE STUMBLING BACKWARDS! This gives Triple J enough time to push himself back up and stumble into the corner, AND DRAKE LOOKED TO RUN IN WITH A CLOTHESLINE- BUT JAY AVOIDS IT, SENSING DRAKE CRASHING INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! Drake turns around- AND GETS CAUGHT WITH THE EUROPEAN UPPERCUT!!! These two are doing a fantastic job of going back and forth, bro!
Persephone: Fantastic? I don’t know about all that.
Rich Russillo: Jay pulls Drake out of the corner following that uppercut, AND NOW JAY LOOKS FOR A BACK SUPLEX- BUT BEFORE HE COULD EVEN LIFT DRAKE UP, THE CHAMPION BEGINS TO REPEATEDLY DROP ELBOWS ON TOP OF JAY JERRY JOHNSON’S HEAD!! DRAKE CONTINUES TO DELIVER THE ELBOWS UNTIL JAY DROPS TO A KNEE, AND NOW DRAKE ARMSTRONG PULLS JAY INTO POSITION, LIFTING JAY UP BEFORE DROPPING HIM WITH A POWERBOMB!!! Huge move by Armstrong, who is quick to go for the cover to end this one!
ONE!
TWO!!
THR-
Thadd Blazevich: AND TRIPLE J IS OUTTA THAT ONE, BRO! Drake Armstrong sits up, and dude, these two have been pretty focused despite Cody and Damon lurking at ringside. Then again, they haven’t even left the ring in this match. Guess it might be safer to just not get close to the problems.
Persephone: Well yeah, obviously. It’s just a lot more boring, too. Do you think I actually want to watch a match between Drake Armstrong and Jay Jerry Johnson? No! Neither of these two are actually entertaining wrestlers. Damon and Cody just need to hurry up and get involved.
Rich Russillo: Drake Armstrong returns to his feet, and he turns Jay onto his stomach, pulling Jay’s arm back before STOMPING ON JAY’S BACK! That’s a nasty move to hit right after powerbombing Jay onto that same area, but this is what Drake does. He is a very methodical Elitist, and while Jay possesses great technical ability, those few openings are all Drake needs to capitalize and inflict some punishment. Drake Armstrong drags Jay Jerry Johnson back up, and it looks like he might be trying to set up for “Natural Talent”, which is the last thing Jay needs!
Thadd Blazevich: Triple J isn’t going down that easily, bro! He starts to repeatedly throw back elbows before Drake could even set up the move, and this forces Drake to let go- BUT NOT BEFORE HITTING DUDE WITH AN ELBOW TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD! Jay drops down to all fours, and Drake Armstrong is just not letting up on Jay! Drake Armstrong pulls Triple J back up to his feet, and bro sends Jay over towards the ropes! I don’t know what he’s thinking, but he waits as Jay rebounds off the ropes! DRAKE CATCHES JAY, POPPING HIM UP FOR A-
Rich Russillo: PRETTY VISITOR!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: BRO, NO WAY!!!!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE WAS TRYING TO HIT SOMETHING BIG ON JAY JERRY JOHNSON, BUT WHATEVER HIS PLAN WAS, IT WAS COMPLETELY FOILED! JAY JERRY JOHNSON JUST HIT A HUGE PRETTY VISITOR ON THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION, AND AS DRAKE ARMSTRONG GOES DOWN, I THINK IT’S SAFE TO SAY THIS MATCH HAS TURNED AROUND IN A HUGE WAY!
Thadd Blazevich: TRIPLE J QUICKLY TURNS THE CHAMP OVER, AND HE HOOKS THE LEG!!! IS BRO ABOUT TO GET A WIN OVER THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION!?!?
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE-
Persephone: UGH! Of course he isn’t! Drake Armstrong just HAD to kick out before the match could end. Unbelievable.
Rich Russillo: Jay Jerry Johnson sits up, and he just shakes his head knowing that it’s going to take more than that to take down the EAW World Champion. Jay takes a moment and looks outside of the ring, glaring at Damon Lazarus at ringside, who just looks at Jay with a cold look on his face. Jay begins pushing himself back to his feet, and he backs into the corner of the ring. It looks like he has something in mind here!
Thadd Blazevich: Drake Armstrong slowly starts to turn over, getting to all fours, AND NOW TRIPLE J STARTS RUNNING IN, LOOKING FOR A PUNT KICK TO THE HEAD!!!
Persephone: BUT THAT WAS A USELESS ATTEMPT, BECAUSE DRAKE JUST GOT OUT OF THE WAY! JAY TURNS AROUND- RIGHT INTO A BIG BOOT FROM DRAKE!
Rich Russillo: Jay goes down, and Drake stumbles against the ropes, using them to keep his balance as he holds his head following that cutter. I think Jay was looking to send Damon a message using his own moves against him, but notice that the one time Jay found himself thinking about the Elitists at ringside, it cost him. That’s a mistake I’m sure he won’t want to make again.
Thadd Blazevich: Jay starts to stumble back to his feet and Drake Armstrong goes right on the offensive- BUT JAY CATCHES HIM WITH A PUNCH TO THE RIBS! A SECOND ONE NOW! A THIRD, AND DRAKE DEFINITELY FELT THAT ONE, BRO! He takes a few steps back, AND JAY GETS BACK UP BEFORE DELIVERING A DISCUS FOREARM! Drake stumbles again, BUT HE RESPONDS WITH A KICK TO THE GUT! Triple J drops to a knee, and now Drake grabs him by the head as he gears up for a punch to the face!
Rich Russillo: Jay catches the arm though, AND NOW JAY GOES LOW AND GRABS THE LEG OF ARMSTRONG, PULLING IT OUT FROM UNDER HIM AS HE LOOKS TO APPLY AN ANKLE LOCK! DRAKE QUICKLY TURNS OVER ONTO HIS BACK TO COUNTER- BUT JAY QUICKLY LETS GO OF THE SUBMISSION BEFORE GRABBING DRAKE’S ARM, PULLING DRAKE INTO A TRIANGLE CHOKE! EXCELLENT WORK FROM JAY JERRY JOHNSON RIGHT THERE, AS DRAKE ARMSTRONG IS IN A LOT OF TROUBLE RIGHT NOW! THIS ISN’T GOOD FOR THE CHAMPION! COULD JAY MAKE HIM TAP OUT RIGHT NOW!?
Thadd Blazevich: DRAKE ARMSTRONG IS STRUGGLING RIGHT NOW, BRO! HE’S TRYING TO REACH OUT TO THE ROPES, BUT THEY’RE NOWHERE NEAR CLOSE ENOUGH FOR ALL THAT, DUDE! DRAKE ARMSTRONG IS EITHER GONNA HAVE TO PULL HIMSELF ALL THE WAY OVER TO THE ROPES, OR FIND SOME WAY TO FIGHT YOUR WAY OUTTA THIS ONE! IT’S NOT GONNA BE EASY FOR BRO TO GET OUT OF THIS, THAT’S FOR SURE! TRIPLE J PLAYED THIS WONDERFULLY, AND NOW BRO MIGHT ACTUALLY BE ABLE TO PUT THE CHAMP TO SLEEP IF HE DOESN’T TAP OUT RIGHT HERE!
Persephone: And I REALLY hope he taps out, because I’m not trying to wait for this guy to pass out.
Rich Russillo: Drake Armstrong slowly plants his foot onto the mat, and he pushes himself up to his feet! Jay is still holding onto the submission, causing Drake to continue to struggle, BUT HE BEGINS TO SLOWLY POWER JAY UP! DRAKE ARMSTRONG WITH AN IMPRESSIVE FEAT OF STRENGTH AS HE LIFTS JAY UP FOR THE DEADLIFT-
Thadd Blazevich: BUT JAY DOESN’T ALLOW DRAKE TO FOLLOW UP WITH THE POWERBOMB, LETTING GO OF THE SUBMISSION BEFORE DRAKE COULD GET BRO ALL THE WAY UP! Jay quickly pushes himself up before getting behind Drake, AND HE LIFTS DRAKE UP BEFORE CONNECTING WITH THE GERMAN SUPLEX!
Persephone: Unbelievable. That was supposed to be where this match ended, so why are they still going!?
Rich Russillo: Because we’re dealing with two very talented competitors! Jay Jerry Johnson pushes himself back to his feet as Drake Armstrong holds the back of his head, and Jay lines him up as Drake stumbles back to his feet! DRAKE GOES FOR THE DRAGONSLAYER- BUT DRAKE DUCKS UNDER IT, BEFORE RUNNING INTO JAY AND RAMMING HIM BACK FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! Drake pulls back after this, following it up with a European uppercut of his own!
Thadd Blazevich: Drake lifts Jay up after this, AND I THINK BRO MAY HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A POWERSLAM, BUT JAY LANDS AN ELBOW TO DRAKE’S HEAD! Jay is able to land back on his feet, and he pulls Drake in before lifting him up for a suplex- WHICH DRAKE IS ABLE TO COUNTER THIS TIME! DRAKE SLIPS OUT OF TRIPLE J’S GRASP- BUT JAY LANDS A BACK ELBOW BEFORE DRAKE COULD TRY TO CAPITALIZE! These two are moving at a quicker pace, bro! Jay is doing everything he can to avoid letting Drake find opportunities to attack!
Persephone: Yeah, which is annoying.
Rich Russillo: Jay goes and grabs Drake before sending him into the corner. Jay rushes in before connecting with a forearm, and now he climbs onto the middle rope, standing over Drake as he starts to drop punches down onto his head!
Crowd: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE! SIX! SEVEN! EIGHT! NIN-
Thadd Blazevich: WAIT, BRO! JAY WAS GEARING UP FOR A TENTH PUNCH, BUT DRAKE DUCKED OUT OF THE WAY, GETTING OUT OF THE CORNER BEFORE PULLING JAY’S LEG OUT FROM UNDER HIM, SENDING JAY FACE FIRST INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! Jay holds his face in pain and turns around- RIGHT INTO A SERIES OF SHOULDER THRUSTS FROM THE CHAMP!
Persephone: Drake continues the shoulder thrusts until the referee starts to count, but as soon as the count starts, Drake steps back. This doesn’t last long though, as he quickly scoops Jay’s leg after that, before delivering the dragon screw that he wasn’t able to earlier. I hope he broke Jay’s leg with that or something. Maybe then the referee could call this off.
Rich Russillo: Drake Armstrong looks to follow this up with a single leg crab- BUT JAY SITS UP AND GRABS ARMSTRONG, PULLING DRAKE DOWN FOR A ROLL UP!
ONE!
TWO!!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE ARMSTRONG KICKS OUT!!! Drake Armstrong was able to save himself after that surprise pin from Jay Jerry Johnson- BUT I THINK THAT PIN WAS JUST TO THROW DRAKE OFF, AND JAY DEFINITELY ACHIEVED THAT AS HE SURPRISES DRAKE WITH AN ELBOW! Jay is able to get back to his feet, and Drake is able to do the same, but at a slower pace as he holds his jaw in pain. Jay shakes off the pain in his leg, before quickly going after Armstrong!
Thadd Blazevich: Jay rushes in, AND HE WENT FOR A ROLLING ELBOW, BUT DRAKE WASN’T LETTING THAT ONE HAPPEN, BRO! DRAKE CAUGHT THE ARM BEFORE PULLING TRIPLE J INTO A KNEE TO THE GUT, AND JAY DROPS DOWN TO A KNEE, ALLOWING DRAKE TO BEGIN POUNDING AWAY ON BRO’S BACK WITH CLUBBING BLOWS! Drake Armstrong takes a moment to point on Cody Maverick with a smirk on his face, BEFORE LANDING ANOTHER NASTY CLUBBING BLOW TO THE BACK! I think he’s warning Cody that this is gonna be him at Shock Value!
Persephone: Well if that’s all Cody has to worry about, he probably has some pretty good chances of winning the Championship.
Rich Russillo: Drake Armstrong now looking to set Jay up for- HEY, WAIT A SECOND!
Thadd Blazevich: JAY QUICKLY PUSHED HIMSELF UP, AND NOW HE’S TRYING TO LIFT DRAKE ARMSTRONG UP FOR HEAVEN’S FEEL!!!
Rich Russillo: HE DOESN’T LET THAT HAPPEN, THOUGH! DRAKE PULLS HIMSELF DOWN AND CONNECTS WITH MORE CLUBBING BLOWS TO THE BACK BEFORE JAY COULD GET HIM IN POSITION! DRAKE PUSHES JAY OFF OF HIM AFTER THIS, AND HE BEGINS TO NAIL JAY WITH RIGHT HANDS! DRAKE NOW LOOKING TO THROW JAY INTO THE ROPES-
Thadd Blazevich: BUT JAY IS ABLE TO TURN IT AROUND-
Persephone: AND THIS IDIOT JUST SENT DRAKE CRASHING INTO THE REFEREE! You can’t be serious. How are these guys so incompetent????
Rich Russillo: Come on, it clearly wasn’t intentional! Jay was in a bad spot and didn’t have a clear target in mind when he was trying to get Drake off of him! He’s realizing his mistake now, as unfortunately we’re now without a referee! Drake Armstrong turns around- AND JAY QUICKLY GOES AFTER HIM!
Thadd Blazevich: DRAKE AVOIDS JAY’S STRIKE AND SENDS HIM BOUNCING INTO THE ROPES! DRAKE WAITS AS JAY REBOUNDS OFF THE ROPES- AND DRAKE WENT FOR POSSIBLY A SPINEBUSTER, BUT JAY WAS ABLE TO DROP AN ELBOW DOWN ON TOP OF DRAKE’S HEAD! TRIPLE J SPINS AND KICKS DRAKE IN THE MIDSECTION NOW TO DROP HIM TO A KNEE, AND HE RUNS THE ROPES! DRAKE NOW BOUNCING OFF OF THE ROPES- AND BRO DROPS DRAKE ARMSTRONG WITH A HUGE LARIAT!!!! BOTH MEN ARE DOWN, AND DUDE, I THINK THAT TOOK EVERYTHING JAY HAD LEFT IN HIM!
Persephone: Jay is crawling towards the ropes, using them to try and pull himself up. He leans on the middle rope for a moment, and-
(DING!)
Persephone: Oh.
Rich Russillo: WHAT THE HELL????
(Suddenly, Jay Jerry Johnson falls backwards, and the fans in attendance boo loudly as the camera pans over towards Damon Lazarus, standing right next to the ring with the ring bell. Damon still has a cold look on his face as he simply tosses the bell away, watching as blood slowly drips down the forehead of Jay.)
Thadd Blazevich: AW, NOT COOL DUDE! DAMON LAZARUS JUST HIT JAY WITH THE RING BELL, AND I THINK THAT JUST KNOCKED JAY’S LIGHTS OUT!
Rich Russillo: Damon Lazarus was biding his time, waiting for this opportunity right here! Cody Maverick doesn’t look thrilled about what just happened, but the referee is stirring, and he’s not the only one getting back up! Drake Armstrong has had time to recover following that lariat, and seeing Jay Jerry Johnson laid out like this, I don’t think he plans to question what happened to Jay! He couldn’t care less about the circumstances, not when he has Cody Maverick at ringside likely itching to get involved after everything that has happened!
Thadd Blazevich: DRAKE ARMSTRONG PULLS TRIPLE J’S LIFELESS BODY OFF OF THE MAT, LIFTING HIM UP BEFORE DRIVING HIS HEAD INTO THE MAT WITH THE DEATH PENALTY!!!! OH COME ON, DUDE! DRAKE SAW THAT JAY’S HEAD WAS BUSTED OPEN, AND IMMEDIATELY TARGETED THE AREA HE FIGURED MUST’VE BEEN ATTACKED! DRAKE TAKES ADVANTAGE OF DAMON’S INTERFERENCE, AND I DON’T EVEN THINK BRO KNOWS IT HAPPENED!
Rich Russillo: JAY JERRY JOHNSON IS DOWN AND OUT, AND NOW DRAKE ARMSTRONG GOES IN FOR THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEGS AS BOTH CODY MAVERICK AND DAMON LAZARUS JUST WATCH ON!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… Here is your winner… THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION… DRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKKEE AAARRRRRRRMMMMMMMSSSTTRRROOOONNNNNGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!
(The crowd explodes with boos as ‘Pride and Arrogance’ begins to play once more. Drake Armstrong rolls off of Jay Jerry Johnson, and he seemingly couldn’t care less about whatever led to Jay being incapacitated. He waits as the referee retrieves his Championship while returning to his feet, snatching the title from the referee’s hands before demanding to have his hand raised.)
Rich Russillo: Wow… That match was a great display of what Jay Jerry Johnson and the EAW World Champion are capable of, but unfortunately it’s been tainted by Damon Lazarus, who found the perfect opportunity to completely screw over Jay!
Thadd Blazevich: That ring bell did the damage bro, and unfortunately there was nothing Jay could do after an unexpected shot like that.
Persephone: Who cares?? For once I’m glad this fossil is here. Even he knew this match needed to hurry up and end.
(Drake Armstrong stands on the middle rope, celebrating his victory as Cody Maverick watches on, not amused by what occurred. However, during all of this… Damon Lazarus creeps towards the ring, right where Jay Jerry Johnson is.)
Rich Russillo: WOAH!!! DAMON LAZARUS JUST PULLED JAY JERRY JOHNSON OUT OF THE RING, AND NOW THERE’S A BACK SUPLEX DROP ONTO THE APRON!!! I THINK THAT ONE JUST WOKE JAY UP, AS HE SCREAMS OUT IN PAIN! DAMON LAZARUS ISN’T GIVING JAY ANY TIME TO RECOVER HERE!
Thadd Blazevich: DAMON IMMEDIATELY RIPS TRIPLE J OFF OF THE APRON, BEFORE SENDING BRO CRASHING INTO THE BARRICADE! Jay falls to the floor, and now Damon pulls him up, hitting Jay with an uppercut that sends bro stumbling! I guess we shoulda known it was gonna come to this!
Rich Russillo: Damon connects with a punch that makes Jay further stumble towards the timekeepers area, BUT AS DAMON APPROACHES, JAY SURPRISES HIM WITH A RIGHT HAND OF HIS OWN! That one clearly caught him off guard- BUT DAMON JUST RESPONDS WITH A KICK TO THE MIDSECTION! Damon now looking to capitalize-
Thadd Blazevich: BUT JAY SHOVES DAMON BACKWARDS- BEFORE RUNNING IN AND SENDING BOTH HIMSELF AND DAMON OVER THE BARRICADE WITH A CLOTHESLINE!!!! BRO, THIS IS GETTING OUT OF HAND! Jay is already running on empty thanks to the match, and I think bro is just using whatever he can muster up to at least throw Damon off guard!
Persephone: Well, at least they’re out of the way now. Damon is getting up and pulling Jay up, and it looks like these two are starting to fight their way through the crowd.
Rich Russillo: You’re not wrong! Damon was able to land multiple shots to send Jay through the crowd, but Jay lands another good one on Damon! Hopefully we can get some security to handle that mess, because I don’t think they’re going to stop willingly!
(Drake Armstrong remains in the ring, unconcerned with the brawl that has occurred between Damon Lazarus and Jay Jerry Johnson. By this point the two have faded out of his sight, brawling through the crowd as he has been left to celebrate his victory tonight. However, this celebration would be cut short, as ‘The Leaving Song Pt. II’ by AFI would hit, causing the crowd to explode with cheers as the EAW World Champion quickly turns towards the stage, a focused look now entering his face knowing what’s about to happen.)
Rich Russillo: UH OH! We know who that music belongs to, and you can already see how the look on Drake Armstrong’s face has changed after hearing it! Hans Grayson is here, and even with an upcoming match against Kai Rabeaux at Shock Value, it seems Hans is not letting up when it comes to backing Drake Armstrong into a corner!
Thadd Blazevich: I’d hate to be Drake Armstrong right now, bro! I don’t think there’s anyone that hates this dude more right now than Hans Grayson, and Hans isn’t giving this dude a single chance to breathe! You gotta imagine that bro is starting to regret breaking Hans’ arm back at Road to Redemption, right?
Persephone: Well I don’t really care, but… Is Hans here or not? Nobody’s coming out.
(Time has passed, and nobody could be seen coming out to the stage. However, this hasn’t eased the expression on Drake Armstrong’s face, nor has the reaction from the crowd died down. Instead, the fans could suddenly be heard getting even louder, as someone could be seen hopping over the barricade.)
Rich Russillo: WAIT A MINUTE, LOOK! THERE’S YOUR ANSWER, PERSEPHONE!!!
Thadd Blazevich: HANS GRAYSON JUST SLID INTO THE RING BEHIND DRAKE ARMSTRONG, AND THE CHAMP TURNS AROUND TO A BRIEFCASE SHOT TO THE FACE!!!
Rich Russillo: NO!! DRAKE ARMSTRONG JUST BARELY MANAGED TO GET OUT OF THE WAY, SAVING HIMSELF BY JUMPING OUT OF THE RING JUST BEFORE HANS COULD HIT HIM WITH THE BRIEFCASE!!! Drake Armstrong was able to prevent himself from being laid out, but he looks like he just saw a ghost! I think he expected Hans Grayson to make an appearance at some point, but Hans came very, very close to getting the upper hand over the Champion again just now! I think Drake knows that just as well as Hans does right now.
(The fans are cheering loudly as Drake Armstrong stares at Hans Grayson. Drake is furious as he stares at Hans, but Hans has a grin on his face despite being unable to take out Armstrong. Hans backpedals towards the ropes, gesturing towards the timekeepers area for a microphone, which he is handed before long. Hans immediately walks over towards the opposite side of the ring after this, staring at Drake Armstrong as he begins to speak.)
Hans Grayson: What’s wrong, are you surprised? Did you think you were actually going to get a moment of peace? Tell me something. How does it feel knowing that I’m breathing down your neck, Drake??
(The fans cheer, but the Champion isn’t amused whatsoever as he stares at Hans.)
Hans Grayson: What did you think was going to happen after Road to Redemption, hm? Did you think I was just going to disappear and spend the rest of the season sitting at home, never giving you what you deserve for what you did to me? I’m sure that would’ve been convenient for you, but that’s not how this goes. I’m not letting this Cash in the Vault briefcase go to waste, and I’m definitely not about to let you get away with what you did to me. You have a really bad habit of getting yourself into trouble Drake, and what you still have yet to realize is that the only reason you weren’t paying for it before was because you had me to use as a shield. You were able to drag me into all of your problems, and you even pinned your attack against Miku Sakai on me so I’d be the one she goes after. You spent this entire season using me so that you could do whatever you wanted without having to face consequences, but now that shield is gone, and where does that leave you? Running away, exactly like you did just now.
(This comment annoys Drake, but he remains silent as the cheering continues for the briefcase holder. A more serious look appears on the face of Hans following this, as he begins to speak once more.)
Hans Grayson: I don’t want you to forget about what you did to me, so yeah, I’m going to keep doing this every chance I get. Every single week, every time you get in this ring, you can expect to see me. You had something going for you when you decided to hide out at that luxury home, but that’s the problem, Drake. You’re the Champ now, and as much as you’ve been enjoying standing on top of the world, being the Champ has left you with a huge problem, and it’s exactly like I said. You no longer have the ability to run and hide forever. You can’t do this on your terms anymore, because like it or not, you’re going to have to get in the ring. You’re going to have to come out of hiding, and every time you do you’re going to be right in my line of sight. You’re running out of options Drake, and you’re not going to keep getting lucky like you did just now. As long as you’re the one on the defensive, you’re going to hate your time with that Championship, and that much I can guarantee. You got what you wanted. You got the World title, you broke my arm, you took care of all your problems at once. Only issue is, you didn’t get rid of me when you had the chance, and that was your biggest mistake.
Hans Grayson: I know you. You’re not going to believe me until it’s already too late, because you don’t want to admit that for once everything isn’t going to plan, but if you think tonight was bad? Just wait. It’s only going to get worse from here, because this is what you wanted. This is what you asked for back at Road to Redemption, and you know how I am, Drake. I’m not like you. I’m willing to give people the fight they want, only I don’t do it by sending a bunch of minions to go and get it done for me. I don’t do it by playing dirty. If I’m going to give you the fight you want then I’m going to do it myself, and I’m going to keep bringing it to you until you finally realize just how badly you messed up. It was only a matter of time before it came to this Drake, and I told you, I’m done playing around. You’ve been asking for this all season long, but I wanted to be above this. All I wanted to do was move on from you and focus on my own career. All I wanted was to spend one minute without having to deal with you. You couldn’t give me even that much, so now you’re going to see exactly how I felt for the entire first half of the season, dealing with you every single week only to keep making things worse. Trust me, you haven’t seen anything yet. You better keep watching your back.
(The fans cheer loudly, but Drake Armstrong just stares at Hans Grayson, shaking his head as he doesn’t appear amused whatsoever, slowly beginning to backpedal as he speaks.)
Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) You really are a fool. Do you think I need this, Fireheart? Your threats don’t scare me. Your King does not need this, and I will not continue to lower myself to your insolence-
(However, just as Armstrong looked to take his leave, he’d suddenly stop. It turns out he bumped into someone, as he was given a reminder that while Damon Lazarus and Jay Jerry Johnson had left, there was still one more person at ringside, and it was the person he needed to watch out for more than anybody right now. Slowly but surely, Drake Armstrong begins to turn around…)
Rich Russillo: SIN CITY STUNNER!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: Cody Maverick just laid out Drake Armstrong, and bro, for a dude that just picked up a win, this has not been Drake’s night!
Rich Russillo: Hans Grayson may not have been able to get his hands on Drake, but Hans isn’t the one facing Drake at Shock Value! This man is, and Cody Maverick can very well dethrone Drake at Shock Value, especially if Drake continues to be distracted by Hans like this!
(The fans are cheering seeing Drake Armstrong laid out, and both Cody Maverick and Hans Grayson smirk as Hans begins to speak.)
Hans Grayson: What’s wrong, Drake? You didn’t see that coming?
(Hans and Cody continue to laugh about getting the better of Drake. However, the cheers from the fans would not last much longer, as suddenly, loud boos could be heard from the crowd, realizing that this is not over.)
Rich Russillo: OH NO!! WATCH OUT HANS, LOOK WHO’S HERE!!!
Thadd Blazevich: KAI RABEAUX JUST ENTERED THE RING, AND BRO JUST BLINDSIDED HANS GRAYSON!!!!!!
Persephone: I guess it was only a matter of time before we saw him.
Rich Russillo: WE POINTED OUT THAT DRAKE ARMSTRONG MAY BE GETTING TOO DISTRACTED TO FOCUS ON HIS SHOCK VALUE OPPONENT, BUT THE SAME COULD BE SAID FOR HANS, AS KAI RABEAUX IS JUST STOMPING AWAY AT HIM RIGHT NOW! Hans is trying to push himself up and fight back, but Kai takes advantage of that, pulling him into a front facelock before just kneeing him in the midsection, and delivering clubbing blows to the back!
Thadd Blazevich: Hans is sent into the corner by Kai after this, AND HE WENT FOR REDLINED- BUT HANS WAS ABLE TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY! KAI TURNS AROUND- AND NOW HANS TAKES THE FIGHT TO HIM! HANS BEGINS WAILING AT BRO WITH PUNCHES, THROWING AS MANY AS HE CAN-
Rich Russillo: UNTIL KAI KICKS HIM AWAY! Hans stumbles back, AND NOW KAI RUSHES IN, TAKING HANS DOWN WITH THE DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN AS HE JUST BEGINS THROWING FOREARMS DOWN ONTO GRAYSON!!! THESE TWO CONTINUE TO GO BACK AND FORTH AS WE JUST HAVE A BRAWL ON OUR HANDS NOW! HANS IS ABLE TO TURN THINGS AROUND, AND NOW HE IS ABLE TO CATCH KAI WITH PUNCHES TO THE JAW!
Thadd Blazevich: Kai is able to push Hans off of him, and Kai quickly gets up before kicking Hans, causing bro to roll away! Hans is holding his ribs in pain after that nasty kick to them, and dude, this has just been a gnarly brawl between these two! Hans stumbles back to his feet on the other side of the ring, AND NOW KAI BEGINS TO RUN IN-
Rich Russillo: BUT HANS HAD THE SAME IDEA, AND HANS IS ABLE TO STRIKE FIRST WITH THE FLAMING PUNCH!!!!!
(The crowd explodes with cheers after Hans was able to catch Kai by surprise with the Flaming Punch. Hans grabs his bad arm for a moment, before turning his attention to his ribs, holding onto them as he stares at Kai Rabeaux with a frustrated look on his face as Kai rolls out of the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Hans Grayson was able to get the better of Kai Rabeaux tonight, but it was certainly a close one, as Kai definitely surprised him. Shock Value is going to be an interesting night, that’s for sure.
Thadd Blazevich: I agree. There’s a lot going on between these four dudes. There’s no telling how all this might affect their individual matches.
(Kai Rabeaux can be seen at ringside, sitting against the barricade as he holds his jaw. Hans Grayson remains in the ring, staring at him from there as Cody Maverick stands over Drake Armstrong at ringside. The fans cheer for Cody and Hans as the two stand tall, and from there Voltage finally fades from ringside.)
(EAW logo buzzes.)
