(EAW intro plays.)
(Sunday Night Voltage opens up with a recap of last week’s episode: Mr. DEDEDE and Kassidy Heart kick off the show as DEDEDE says he is here on behalf of the Board of Directors. He states that he agrees with them and that Donovan Duke should be stripped of the National Elite Championship, but of course, Donovan refuses. He leaves the ring whilst DEDEDE says he has seven days to relinquish the title. Candice Blair gets a victory against Miguel Roderick in the first match of the night. Ethan Alexander hypes up his New Era Classic inclusion, stating that he’s going to give it his all inside of the ring during the tournament. Nextly in a quarterfinals match for the Gold Rush Tournament, Chris Elite beats Madison Kaline. IDOL-GUN then state their intentions of winning the entire Gold Rush Tournament and holding all the titles like they deserve. Diamond Dixon gets a victory over Lucas Johnson even after an interference by Jay Jerry Johnson tried to cost her the match. Cleopatra then attacks her afterward and cuts a promo, but before she can finish Amber Keys interrupts, where she says that she’s the reason for The Queen’s Court’s success. Madison Kaline then comes out afterward as all three of them get into an argument, allowing Diamond Dixon to attack Cleopatra and spark a brawl, with The Electric Savages, Mary S. Atlas and Becca Black, coming out to help Diamond. In a Gold Rush Quarterfinals match, Minerva beats Miku Sakai. Kirk Redwood hypes up his New Era Classic inclusion but before he can continue his interview, Shane Gates interrupts, as the two of them get into it with a brawl backstage. Candice Blair holds a surprise party for Danny Tanner as his family members learn that Danny isn’t dating Candice and Candice thinks he’s gay, which causes him to breakdown and demolish everything. In a Gold Rush Quarterfinals match, Ms. Extreme beats Becca Black. Brian Daniels speaks on Grand Rampage which causes EAW World Champion Myles to interrupt, the two of them get into it as Brian looks to severely hurt Myles, all before Minerva shields her bloodied boyfriend. Then in the main event, a Gold Rush Quarterfinals match sees Drake King beat Hikari Kanno which is the last thing seen for Voltage along with the video package.)
(Sunday Night Voltage from there then proceeds to go to a shot of The Mexico City Arena in Mexico City, Mexico. ’33rd Blakk Glass’ by ZilaKami & SosMula is heard blasting through the speakers of the arena as the camera pans around at the hyped up crowd before focusing in on Rich Russillo, James Peters, and Persephone at ringside.)
Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen, we are just two weeks away from the highly anticipated SUPER VOLTAGE show, along with being little less than a month away from the tri-branded Free-Per-View spectacular GRAND RAMPAGE! Welcoming you tonight to another episode… of SUNDAY NIGHT VOLTAGE!
James Peters: As Rich mentioned we have a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks, and it’s going to be thrilling to see how the matches for those shows continue to develop. In our main event tonight we have The Queen’s Court, Madison Kaline and Cleopatra with Amber Keys at ringside, going up against Jake Smith and Drake King with Jake’s partner Chris Elite at ringside in what should be an exciting tag match! Along with that, we have a big match between the EAW National Elite Champion Donovan Duke and Minerva! Truly a great card we have in store for you tonight!
Persephone: Another week, another night of pure pain and suffering. There are some points where I think, why the fuck am I here… but then I realize I get paid. So anyway, let’s just get on with the show or whatever…
(Voltage fades to the stage as ‘Self Help Tape’ by Moses Sumney hits, and the crowd explodes into cheers. As ‘Self Help Tape’ plays the Voltage commissioner Captain Charisma begins walking out with a microphone in his hand. Surprisingly, Captain Charisma doesn’t actually have a smile or anything like that on his face as he walks down to the ring, and seeing the look on the commissioner’s face is enough to confuse a lot of the fans that are in attendance.)
James Peters: Ladies and gentlemen the Voltage commissioner Captain Charisma has something to address tonight, but judging by the look on his face, I don’t really think it’s anything good!
Rich Russillo: I’m willing to wait and see what Captain Charisma has to say, but a lot happened last week. Voltage was a stacked show.
Persephone: Well he looks pretty sad. Maybe it’s because we have to deal with yet another Voltage without Rex McAllister.
(Captain Charisma steps inside of the ring, and he waits for the crowd to quiet down, taking a few seconds before beginning to speak.)
Captain Charisma: Ladies and gentlemen.. We’re only a few weeks away from Grand Rampage. These next few weeks is going to be huge for Voltage. Super Voltage comes up on April 24th, and not too long after will be Grand Rampage, where we see the finals of the Gold Rush tournament! The Voltage roster is stepping up week after week and proving that they belong in a big spot at Pain for Pride, and I’m proud of what this roster has been able to do for these past few weeks. We’ve had some fantastic matches take place, and these matches are only going to keep getting better as we get closer and closer to Pain for Pride. These are some of the biggest shows of the year coming up, and being in a major spot in these shows is something I know interests just about everyone on the roster. Things are looking very exciting, and I’d like to say that very soon we’ll have a set main event for Pain for Pride… But unfortunately things have become a bit more complicated than that.
(As Captain Charisma pauses for a moment, the fans in the crowd begin speaking amongst themselves in confusion, and with a bit of concern knowing what happened last week in the EAW World Championship picture.)
Captain Charisma: Right now the EAW World Champion is Myles, and to say he’s done a great job as Champion would be an understatement. He’s been fantastic, and he deserves to compete at some of the biggest shows of the year, but after what happened last week, I’m not too sure if that’s going to happen.
(After that, the crowd begins to boo, and Captain Charisma seems to completely understand the reaction from the crowd.)
Captain Charisma: I know, I know. It’s unfortunate, but last week Myles and Brian Daniels had a confrontation in this very ring. We know how personal things have gotten between them already. We know how fast things have heated up between the two, but even I didn’t expect what’d happen last week. During that back and forth between Myles and Brian, it’d appear that Myles had touched a nerve, a prompted a huge brawl between the two that’d spill to the outside of the ring. By the time things got out there Brian was able to get the upper hand, and that’d lead to Brian unleashing a very violent assault on the EAW Champion, one that put me in a position where I’m currently not sure what the state of the EAW Championship is.
(The boos grow even louder as Captain Charisma says this.)
Captain Charisma: We’re currently working to confirm just what injury Myles has, but there is one thing I can say. As it stands right now, there is a very strong chance that he will not make it to Grand Rampage to defend his EAW Championship.
(The crowd continues to boo, but before long, ‘Backseat Freestyle’ by Kendrick Lamar hits. This does not help the crowd reaction following his events, but as Brian Daniels walks out to the stage he doesn’t look happy either. He is holding a microphone in his hand, and he quickly makes his way down the ramp as he begins to speak.)
Brian Daniels: Woah, what are you saying right now? My match at Grand Rampage is off?
Captain Charisma: I don’t know for sure, but it very well might be.
(Brian walks up the steel steps and enters the ring.)
Brian Daniels: No no no, that can’t happen. I came back for an EAW World Championship match. That title is what brought me back and I was PROMISED a shot at the EAW Championship. You need to do something about this. I’m not about to miss out on my EAW Championship match, not when we’re this close to Grand Rampage.
Captain Charisma: I don’t really know what you were expecting. I’ll see what I can do, but right now your best bet is to hope for the best, because your actions are what put us in this situation.
(Brian Daniels is clearly pissed off at this point, as the match he returned for in the first place is now in jeopardy, and like Captain Charisma said, he’s the one that put himself in that situation with the attack on Myles last week.)
Brian Daniels: You need to do something right now. I’m not about to miss out on this title match all because Myles is made of glass and couldn’t back up everything he said. He was the EAW Champion for a reason, wasn’t he? Are these really the people that get to be at the top around here? People that could be so easily taken out of action? After everything Myles has said and done, you’re telling me that he’s not even going to make it to Grand Rampage now? No. I am going to back my words up one way or another. I’m going to prove that even now I can make it to the top of the mountain, and that time has to come at Grand Rampage, I’m not waiting any longer than that. I’m winning the EAW Championship at the same event I said I would, so you need to resolve all of this one way or another. You need to give me my match for the EAW Championship. Fix this. Do something. Give me a new opponent. Let me face the best you’ve got for the EAW Championship. Do SOMETHING.
Brian Daniels: I returned to this company after all this time after sitting on the sidelines for years, and I was told that EAW right now is the best it’s ever been. I was told that this era has the most talented, and the toughest wrestlers this company has ever seen. I was told that this era is full of stars to watch out for, and Myles is supposed to be one of the faces of that era, isn’t he? He’s the World Champion. He’s the top guy on Voltage, and the best Voltage has to offer is now unable to compete? I get it, I crossed the line. I went too far, I did something I shouldn’t have, but there’s got to be another way around this. I look at this brand and I see life threatening stipulation matches at every major event. I see people come back from what should be career threatening injuries. I see YOUR roster put on the line and they’re still able to defend their Championship, so what’s the difference now? What’s stopping Myles from showing up to Grand Rampage that wasn’t stopping him before?
Captain Charisma: … Brian, look-
Brian Daniels: No, I don’t need to hear it. The only thing I need to hear is that you’ll be giving me my EAW Championship match as promised. We’re way too close to Grand Rampage for anyone to back out of anything. I didn’t know that I would end up taking Myles out of action. I wanted to take him out, but I didn’t want to do all of this. I didn’t want to get rid of my own Championship match. Why would I want to miss out on the World title match I returned to this company for? I’m not about to miss out on any of this, so if Myles is a fraud, if Myles is nothing like the man you and everyone else here was made to believe, fine. Whatever, but I said that I would win that Championship at Grand Rampage. That’s a promise I intend to keep, and you run this show. I know that you can come up with a solution, so whether it be forcing Myles to vacate his title or whatever it is you need to do in order to get that Championship on the show, fix this.
(The crowd doesn’t take too kindly to the suggestion, booing out of their support for Myles, and Captain Charisma just takes some time to think. He can clearly see how serious Brian Daniels is about that title match, but he knows that he does not have many options right now thanks to the situation that they are in with Myles still needing to recover from the attack.)
Captain Charisma: I want to help you. I don’t want to have to sit here and say that Myles won’t make it to Grand Rampage. I’d rather be standing here and getting the crowd hyped up for your match at Grand Rampage, but because of your own actions I’m unable to do that. Sorry Brian, but I can’t help you. Not yet. I’ll do what I can, but I can not guarantee anything when I’m still not completely sure what it is Myles is dealing with. All I know is that you chose to attack him the way you did. You chose to lay Myles out and you wouldn’t have even stopped if Minerva didn’t run out there to protect him. It’s because of your own actions that your Grand Rampage match is in jeopardy, Brian. As soon as I have something figured out I’ll get back to you. I’m going to make sure that this is all resolved one way or another, but until then I have nothing. The state of the EAW Championship is unknown.
(‘Self Help Tape’ by Moses Sumney hits, and Brian Daniels begins to make his way out of the ring. As Captain Charisma remains in the ring, he is clearly deep in thought as he has a lot on his plate regarding the EAW World Championship situation.)
James Peters: It looks like Myles might not make it to Grand Rampage, and I really hate having to say that, but who else can we blame for this but the man walking up the ramp right now? We saw what Brian did last week, and now he’s suffering the consequences of it.
Rich Russillo: I’m sure Captain Charisma will figure something out, but we have no idea how long it’ll take for him to come up with a solution, or what that solution will be. Right now the title is basically in limbo, and Brian Daniels is left in a spot where he doesn’t even know whether or not he’ll get what he returned to the company for.
Persephone: Maybe he should’ve thought about that before he tried killing Myles, not that I’m against it. If anything he did me a favor making sure I don’t have to watch that match.
James Peters: Well, who knows? There’s always a chance Myles might make it to Grand Rampage, but at this rate I would not hold my breath.
(As Captain Charisma stays in the ring, Brian Daniels continues to walk up the stage. Brian is clearly very pissed off about this whole situation, and is worried that he might not get his EAW World Championship match. As Brian keeps walking to the back thinking about the Grand Rampage match and whether or not he’ll get his EAW Championship opportunity, Voltage fades away from ringside.)
(Voltage fades to a commercial promoting season 2 of the new iCarly series, featuring Ronan Malosi.)
(As Voltage returns to ringside ‘Self Help Tape’ by Moses Sumney is heard playing, and the crowd is heard cheering as the camera fades to the middle of the ring. Captain Charisma is still inside of the ring following the break, but after having time to think about the whole situation with Brian Daniels, Captain Charisma has a bit more of a positive look on his face as he looks up at the crowd.)
James Peters: The Voltage commissioner is still out here following the disappointing announcement earlier, and judging by the look on his face, it looks like he has something good for us!
Rich Russillo: Voltage has been very exciting these past few weeks, especially with the Gold Rush tournaments progression and the fact that Super Voltage is so close! I’m not sure how things will play out with the EAW Championship, but hopefully we find out soon.
Persephone: I still haven’t heard anything remotely interesting regarding “Super Voltage”. Like, no Rex return? No Rex match? No Rex promo? Nothing?
(Captain Charisma waits for the crowd to quiet down, and as they finally do so, he begins to speak.)
Captain Charisma: Ladies and gentlemen, so far the Gold Rush tournament has been a complete success! We’ve seen so many extremely talented competitors go at it all for an opportunity to compete for the EAW World Championship! Somehow these past few weeks have passed by in a breeze, and we’ve already made it to the semifinals of the tournament! There are only four competitors left in this tournament, and by Grand Rampage time we’ll have our finals set! One of these four Elitists is going to go to Pain for Pride and compete for the EAW World Championship, and those Elitists are..
Captain Charisma: THE FORMER NATIONAL ELITE CHAMPION, MINERVA!…
(‘Blood, Milk & Sky’ by White Zombie hits as the camera cuts to the stage, and the crowd begins cheering as Minerva begins to walk out to the stage. Minerva has a microphone in her hand, and she looks at Captain Charisma before beginning to make her way down to the ring, wearing her in-ring attire in preparation for her match against Donovan Duke.)
James Peters: Minerva staked her claim to the EAW Championship a while ago, and we all know how much she wants that title and how things have become complicated thanks to Myles holding that title.. But we don’t even know if he’ll be able to defend it anymore.
Rich Russillo: You’re right, but I don’t really think that makes things any better for Minerva. If anything, I think she’d rather have to face Myles than deal with what’s happening now.
Persephone: And I’d rather be watching Rex compete than watch anyone else on this brand, but we don’t always get what we want clearly.
(Minerva enters the ring as Captain Charisma continues.)
Captain Charisma: …. ONE HALF OF THE UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, CHRIS ELITE!..
(‘Invincible’ by Pop Smoke follows, and the crowd just continues to cheer as Chris Elite makes his way out. Chris isn’t in wrestling attire like Minerva as he isn’t competing tonight, but he does have his Unified Tag Team Championship on his shoulder, as well as a microphone in his hand. Chris begins making his way down the ramp and towards the ring.)
James Peters: And now here comes Chris Elite, who has been doing an excellent job throughout this tournament while also having the Unified Tag Team Championships to worry about!
Rich Russillo: Just goes to show how dedicated Chris Elite is. He was just in action back on Dynasty two days ago, but the tag division isn’t going to stop him from wanting the EAW World Championship!
(Chris Elite enters the ring, waiting as Captain Charisma announces the next name.)
Captain Charisma: …THE FORMER UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPION, MS. EXTREME!…
(The crowd continues to cheer as ‘Zombie’ by Bad Wolves hits, and soon after Ms. Extreme begins walking out holding a microphone of her own. As she walks out the camera shows Minerva, who is looking directly at the former Universal Women’s Champion as she makes her way down the ramp. As Ms. Extreme notices her she doesn’t stop making her way into the ring, but her and Minerva look right at one another as they and Chris Elite all stand in the ring,)
James Peters: :lupe: Well we know that things have been a bit complicated with Minerva and Ms. Extreme for the past few months, but seeing how far Ms. Extreme has made it in this tournament, clearly no personal feelings have gotten in the way of her reaching her goal of becoming EAW Champion.
Rich Russillo: Everyone in the semifinals stands a very good chance of winning this entire tournament, and that includes Ms. Extreme, who was holding a World Championship just two months ago!
(Captain Charisma continues to speak, but the crowd’s cheering stops knowing who the last name is.)
Captain Charisma: … AND THE FORMER EAW CHAMPION, DRAKE KING!
(‘Cold War’ by Hans Zimmer hits, and the crowd begins booing extremely loudly as Drake King begins to walk out to the stage. He has a microphone in his hand like all of the other competitors, but he stays on the stage instead of joining everyone else inside of the ring.)
Persephone: Why is he still up there?
James Peters: Probably to stay away from Minerva. This is the same guy that filed a restraining order on her after all. :mjlol:
Rich Russillo: We all know that Minerva’s wanted her chance to get her hands on Drake King, but only time will tell whether or not that actually happens.
(Minerva stares directly at Drake as Drake looks at the competitors inside of the ring, and Captain Charisma brushes off Drake’s decision to stay at the stage, not letting Drake’s usual attitude get to him as the commissioner continues to speak.)
Captain Charisma: These are the four Elitists that’ll be competing in the Gold Rush tournament finals. This tournament has been fantastic. Everyone involved has shown out and proven that they belong here on Voltage, competing against the best of the best. As I’ve already said one of these Elitists will headline Pain for Pride and compete for the EAW World Championship, and I intend to keep that promise by the end of this regardless of what’s currently going on with the EAW title. Things have been in a bit of limbo thanks to Brian Daniels’ heinous actions taking Myles out of action. As it stands now it’s unknown whether or not Myles will actually be able to defend his Championship against Brian Daniels, but as they say, the show must go on. There’s unfortunately a good chance that Grand Rampage won’t see an EAW Championship match, but I can’t deny any of the people here the opportunity to fight for the EAW Championship at the biggest show of the year, which is why I can promise that one way or another, there WILL be an EAW Championship match at Pain for Pride!
(The crowd begins cheering loudly at this announcement, but Minerva doesn’t look too amused, which is not surprising as her boyfriend Myles was injured by Brian just one week ago.)
Minerva: No, don’t do this. You’re not changing the Grand Rampage match, that’s not going to happen.
Captain Charisma: Minerva, I-
Minerva: Myles is going to make it to Grand Rampage. He is going to defend his Championship and he’s going to make it to Pain for Pride with the EAW Championship. Myles is resilient, you know that. You’ve seen him compete. You know what he’s capable of. He is a fighter, one of the best this entire industry has to offer. He’s been through so much throughout this season, Myles is not going to let some cowardly attack keep him out of action. Nothing’s going to stop him from being the fighting Champion he’s proven himself to be-
(A yawning sound can be heard, which is immediately met with boos, and everyone inside of the ring turns to the stage.)
Drake King: 🥱
(Ms. Extreme can’t help but laugh a bit at Drake’s actions, and all of this just pisses Minerva off as she begins to speak once again as she looks at Drake.)
Minerva: Shut the fuck up. All of you shut the fuck up, ESPECIALLY YOU! You’re making a mistake even standing here right now, Drake. You stabbed me in the back and all you’ve had it in you to do since then is talk shit from a distance. Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for the chance to finally put you in the ground? How long I’ve been waiting to really get you back for everything you’ve done? You threw a restraining order at me, you’ve ducked me for as long as you can and waited until I turned my attention to the EAW World Championship to finally make a move. You’re a joke, Drake. This company will be so much better off without you, and you only did me a favor entering yourself in this Gold Rush tournament because should we face each other I’m going to do what I should have a long time ago. I don’t give a shit when it happens or where it happens. I’m going to get my hands on you, and when that happens I’m going to shut you up for good.
(Drake just rolls his eyes, and Minerva slowly turns and looks at Ms. Extreme.)
Minerva: And I shouldn’t even be surprised by you anymore, should I?
(Ms. Extreme just sighs, already knowing where this is going.)
Ms. Extreme: :francis: Are you being serious? Are you seriously still mad? I have a tournament to win and I find that to be way more important than whatever grudge you still have, so I’m really not here for this.
Minerva: No, no I don’t have a reason to be mad at you anymore, but could you really blame me if I was? Could you really blame me after the past few months I’ve had before the Gold Rush tournament started? From being betrayed, to losing the National Elite Championship, to nearly missing out on the opportunity to even compete at Shock Value, all while you were nowhere to be seen. There’s a bit of a difference between a little grudge and your friend avoiding you just to stand here and side with Drake King of all people, isn’t there?
Ms. Extreme: What?
Minerva: These past few months have just shown me that you’re not someone to depend on. You’ve avoided me the same way the asshole standing at the stage has, and you’ve been doing it for months now, ever since my career was basically being put at risk. You’ve been one of the only people I felt like I could trust in this company, but in my eyes you’ve shown your true colors a very long time ago, and should you be the one to make it to the finals against me, I’ll have no problem taking you out of the tournament, either.
Ms. Extreme: That’s fine. I don’t care, Minerva. This tournament should be what we’re focused on anyway, and I already made my intentions for this very clear. I don’t care if it’s Chris Elite, Drake King, or even you. I’m going to win this tournament and end this season as EAW Champion, and I couldn’t care less who ends up in my way, I’ll make sure it ends the exact same way regardless. Seriously Minerva, is this really because of Shock Value? Is this really because I picked a dream match over you when you got your fucking match anyway? Or better yet, because of something I said in a promo a few months ago, something I TRIED to explain to you? When are you going to fucking move on? I want to become a World Champion at Pain for Pride for the second year in a row, I don’t have time to worry about petty shit like that. I’m ending this season on a high note, and if you want to keep wrapping yourself up in shit from months ago that is fine, I’ll win this tournament and get the same title shot you’re so desperate for.
Minerva: As long as you know that I’ll be ready. I don’t really care how ridiculous you believe it is at this point. I believed that you were my friend, and someone I could actually depend on. Clearly I was wrong about that and I’m not going to keep getting my hopes up expecting anything to change. I’ve turned my attention to what’s important, and whether it’s you or Drake I meet that gets in my way by the time I make it to the finals it won’t matter to me, because I’d be getting a match that I’ve been waiting for anywa-
Chris Elite: Excuse the fuck out of me, but I’m here too.
(The crowd cheers as Minerva and Ms. Extreme look at Chris Elite as he continues to speak.)
Chris Elite: Damn, y’all are annoying. I get that I got my hands full with what’s been going on over on Dynasty, but I made it this far in the tournament for a reason. I’ve been handling being Tag Champ and chasing after the EAW Championship perfectly fine, and right now I’m focused on what might end up being my last chance to become World Champion this season. I’m not gonna forget about the Unified Tag Team Championships or push all that to the side. My focus is on the tag division too and making sure Jake and I head into Pain for Pride as Tag Champs, but I’m putting everything I have into this tournament, and every single one of you here right now knows just what that means. Y’all have been doubting me for way too long now and now I’m in the process of shutting every single one of you the fuck up. I told you all a long ass time ago that I’m better than ever, and when I end this season having retained the Unified Tag Team Championships and won the EAW World Championship, I’m just gonna be proven right.
(Chris walks up to Minerva.)
Chris Elite: You of all people shouldn’t be looking over me, because we’ve been involved in a lot of shit this season and you should know very well by now how much of a threat I am to you and your spot in this tournament. I know damn well I can win our semifinals match, and I’m stopping at nothing to make sure I find myself in the main event of Pain for Pride with a chance to become World Champion. I don’t care what personal shit y’all three got going on, but I’ve got nothing to do with it. I’m not here to argue about whatever the fuck y’all are on about or settle some beef from months ago, I’m here to get the opportunity to become a double Champion, and if you’re not careful you’re not even gonna get the chance to face Drake or Ms. Extreme, because I’m gonna knock you right out of this tournament and take that opportunity for myself.
(Minerva and Chris Elite have a staredown as the crowd continues to cheer, clearly even more excited about the upcoming Gold Rush tournament semifinals. Slowly Minerva begins to speak, not taking her eyes off of Chris.)
Minerva: I haven’t forgotten about you Chris, but I won’t be losing to you just so you could join the list of double Champions before I’ve had the chance to call myself EAW World Champion. I *need* the EAW Championship. I’ve waited for far too long for this, and-
James Peters: DRAKE JUST ATTACKED MINERVA FROM BEHIND!!!! DRAKE KING SLID INTO THE RING WHILE MINERVA WAS TALKING TO CHRIS, AND HE JUST HIT HER WITH A NASTY ELBOW TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD BEFORE CONTINUING TO ATTACK THE SAME WOMAN HE STABBED IN THE BACK AT ROAD TO REDEMPTION JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO! DRAKE JUST DROPPED MINERVA TO A KNEE WITH THOSE PUNCHES AND ELBOWS, AND NOW HE RUNS THE ROPES BEFORE-
Rich Russillo: MINERVA HITS DRAKE WITH AN ELBOW! I THINK MINERVA JUST SAVED HERSELF FROM JUDGEMENT DAY, AND NOW SHE TURNS AROUND- BUT DRAKE KICKS MINERVA IN THE MIDSECTION BEFORE CONTINUING TO ATTACK MINERVA AS SHE IS BACKED IN THE CORNER! MINERVA IS STILL FEELING THE EFFECTS TO THAT STRIKE TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD JUST LIKE ANYONE WOULD, BUT NOW SHE MANAGES TO TAKE DRAKE DOWN WITH A DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN!
James Peters: MINERVA BEGINS TO PUNCH AT DRAKE AS SHE LOOKS FOR REVENGE! THE CROWD JUST EXPLODED WITH CHEERS AS MINERVA BEGINS PUNCHING AWAY AT THE SAME MAN RESPONSIBLE FOR MINERVA NEARLY MISSING SHOCK VALUE AND THE DESTRUCTION OF NEW EDEN! MINERVA IS FINALLY GETTING ANOTHER TASTE OF REVENGE- BUT DRAKE IS ABLE TO TURN THINGS AROUND AS HE GETS ON TOP OF MINERVA AND BEGINS PUNCHING AWAY AT HER!
Rich Russillo: WAIT, CHRIS ELITE STEPS IN!!! BOX OFFICE SMASH!
James Peters: WAIT, WHAT!? CHRIS ELITE WENT TO HIT DRAKE WITH THE BOX OFFICE SMASH, BUT MS. EXTREME WAS JUST DROPPED WITH THE SUPERKICK!! WHAT JUST HAPPENED!? CHRIS EXPECTED TO HIT DRAKE WITH THAT BOX OFFICE SMASH, BUT INSTEAD IT WAS MS. EXTREME THAT HAD HER HEAD NEARLY TAKEN OFF WITH THAT DEVASTATING SUPERKICK, AND NOW LOOK!
(Chris goes to try and attack Drake, but Drake is able to quickly bail and exit the ring, pulling Ms. Extreme out from under the bottom rope and helping her up the ramp.)
James Peters: Drake King just got out of harm’s way and helped Ms. Extreme out as well!
Rich Russillo: Yeah, but Captain Charisma just saw all of this go down, what is he thinking about all this!?
(After looking at all four competitors and processing the chaos that just unfolded, Captain Charisma begins to speak.)
Captain Charisma: You know what? This is fine, this is perfectly fine. This is Voltage after all, and at this point I can’t be surprised when things explode into chaos knowing what’s at stake here. We still have two weeks before the Gold Rush semifinals but you four clearly can’t wait that long, so you know what? I’ll give you all a chance to do so. Drake King and Ms. Extreme will team up to face Minerva and Chris Elite, NEXT WEEK!
(The crowd explodes with cheers at the match announcement. Drake King is helping Ms. Extreme up at the ramp, and he stares down Minerva inside of the ring, who is holding her jaw and slowly using the ropes to get back up.)
James Peters: WOW! What an announcement for next week! Minerva and Chris Elite versus Ms. Extreme and Drake King! This is going to be one hell of a main event before the Gold Rush tournament semifinals!
Rich Russillo: This will definitely be a great match, although at this point I feel we’ll have to ask a question I’m sure many fans have heard enough by now. Knowing that these two teams will instead be opponents just one week later, can they co-exist?
(The camera shows Minerva and Chris Elite still in the ring staring down their opponents for next week, and as the crowd continues cheering in excitement for next week’s match, Voltage fades away from ringside.)
(Voltage fades to a commercial promoting Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the greatest video game movie ever. In theaters NOW!)
(The camera cuts back to the ring where Bella Braxton is standing with a microphone in hand, ready to announce the first contest of the evening.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen! Our opening contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
(“Dark Eternal Night” by Dream Theatre starts to play as the woman only known at The Wildcard enters the arena to very loud boos from the crowd and heads to the ring with nothing but evil intentions on her mind.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first! Making her way to the ring! From Parts Unknown. Making her Elite Answers Wrestling debut! Here is THE WILDCARD!
James Peters: This woman has only been seen for about five seconds and there is a chill in the air with the aura of The Wildcard. This match will be an interbranded contest. The Wildcard is representing Voltage.
Rich Russillo: The Wildcard might be making her debut here tonight, but she is a veteran in our business. And she only loves two things: pain and agony. This woman will not settle for anything less. She is very VERY dangerous.
Persephone: Well, goody for us. Another damn psychopath here. Is she like Shane Gates’ sister or something? Even though the thought of pain can get me excited. But not from her.
James Peters: If her debut match goes the way exactly as she wants it to, I don’t think anybody on the roster, man or woman, could be safe from her.
Persephone: Oh send this old lady back to the psycho hut. We don’t need another whack job here.
(Wildcard enters the ring and glares at Bella Braxton, who immediately scurries out of the ring just in case Wildcard loses it as her entrance music fades off. Seconds later, “You’re Not Here” by Akira Yamaoka starts playing as the newcomer Katherine Helle enters the arena to very loud cheers from the crowd.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing her opponent! She is from Los Angeles, California. Weighing 142 pounds. Here is “THE HELLRAISER” KATHERINE HELLE!
James Peters: Here comes another hot prospect in Katherine Helle making her way to the ring. Katherine will be representing Showdown in this interbranded match. She is looking to make a quick and big impact in this match tonight.
Persephone: Her last name is Helle? Damn, the only thing that’s going to be hell is the sight of this match. It’s going to be slow, boring, and a waste of time.
Rich Russillo: I find it very admirable that Katherine is trying to find her purpose to keep her going. With the strength and grit that radiates from Kat, she will fit in here just fine.
James Peters: This young lady brings with her a lot of strength and power. She might be the perfect opponent for the Wildcard tonight. Kat sure as hell won’t back down from a fight like this. This is going to be good!
(Katherine enters the ring and takes her corner as her entrance theme fades off. The referee checks both women before calling for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
James Peters: Here we go! Our opening contest is underway in this Newcomers Showcase match. We have a lockup in the center of the ring and Wildcard just shoves Kat back on her keister. No respect shown by Wildcard.
Persephone: With a name like that, I would be in a bad mood too. Does she have a sister named Reverse and brother named Skip? Good grief, this is too easy. Twenty seconds in and I’m already bored. This is going to be a long night.
Rich Russillo: You might be bored, but these two in the ring want to show why they are here in EAW. Kat did not appreciate being shoved away and she is getting right in the face of Wildcard and letting her know exactly what she thinks of her.
*SLAP*
James Peters:KAT JUST SLAPPED WILDCARD RIGHT IN THE FACE! SHE IS NOT ACTING LIKE A ROOKIE MAKING HER DEBUT HERE TONIGHT! SHE IS SHOWING NO INTIMIDATION AGAINST HER DANGEROUS OPPONENT!
Rich Russillo: Wildcard can’t believe it and tries to fire off a forearm, but Kat blocks it and delivers a forearm of her own and rocks Wildcard. Repeated forearms send Wildcard into the ropes. KAT WITH A CHOP THAT LIGHTS UP THE CHEST OF WILDCARD!
Crowd: WOO!
Persephone: Why does the crowd do that everytime someone gets chopped? It makes them sound like stupid geese. Whatever. But Alley Cat is trying to whip the Uno reject, but any idiot would know that it wasn’t going to work. I don’t like them, but both these women have some strength behind them.
Rich Russillo: Look at you giving two new competitors some credit. Turning over a new leaf, Seph?
Persephone: Actually no, stupid. It’s called common sense and observation. Unlike you, I don’t ignore the obvious. I don’t know them long enough to hate them, but I probably will because neither of them are no Veena Adams. Now just shut the hell up.
James Peters: Kat stopped right in her track with a kick to the gut by Wildcard. Front facelock applied and Kat is taken down with a suplex. WILDCARD DROPS THE ELBOW, BUT KAT MOVES AND WILDCARD FINDS NOTHING BUT CANVAS! KAT BACK UP TO HER FEET AND SHE HITS THE BASEMENT DROPKICK RIGHT INTO WILDCARD’S FACE!
Rich Russillo: Wildcard is reeling early and we have not been able to see that aggressive offense yet, but as we said, if there was one rookie in EAW that could match power with the dangerous Wildcard, it would be Katherine.
James Peters: Kat brings Wildcard up by the hair and once again tries to whip her but Wildcard reverses it. Kat rebounds and ducks the clothesline. Kat rebounds off the other side AND RUNS RIGHT INTO A BIG BOOT FROM WILDCARD! KAT KNOCKED OFF HER FEET HOLDING HER FACE! THAT COULD HAVE BROKEN HER NOSE!
Persephone: She should be grateful. Plastic surgery can be expensive. She got a nose job for free. But Draw Four drops down and goes for the cover. Please let the match end early!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOOOO!!
THHH-
Rich Russillo: KAT KICKS OUT AT TWO! Now Wildcard looks to be getting ready to go to work! She mounts Kat AND LOOK AT THE RIGHT HANDS! SHE HAS A HANDFUL OF HAIR IN THE LEFT AND FIRING HAYMAKERS WITH HER RIGHT! STRAIGHT RIGHT HANDS!
James Peters: SHE IS TRYING TO LEGITIMATELY INJURE KAT IN HER DEBUT! The referee is telling Wildcard to open the fist up. Wildcard is ignoring the ref, so the ref begins the count. ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FI–! She opened the fist on four because she would have been disqualified on five.
Rich Russillo: I don’t think she would give a damn if she was disqualified. She is intent on causing pain, bloodshed, and injury. It seems like wins and losses mean nothing to her. She pulls Kat up by the hair and THROWS HER INTO THE CORNER WITH AUTHORITY!
Persephone: I could easily tell the moment this bitch walked into the arena that she wasn’t paddling with both oars in the water. But the Uno Reject is now throwing knee blocks into the midsection of Cat Hairball in the corner. The ref is trying to get her out of the corner, but once again the ref is being ignored.
Rich Russillo: Wildcard is a very scary woman. She grabs the head of Kat and she looks to be going for a snapmare, BUT SHE CHANGES COURSE! SHE USES HER POWER TO LIFT KAT UP AND ALMOST DROP KAT ON HER HEAD WITH THAT CRAVATE SUPLEX! YOU DON’T SEE ONE OF THOSE EVERYDAY!
James Peters: Torture and pain is the name of the game for Wildcard as she brings Kat back up AND LOCKS HER IN A BEARHUG! SUBMISSION BY WILDCARD LOOKING TO END IT HERE! THE STRONG ARMS OF WILDCARD DOING MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE SIDES AND RIBS OF KAT!
Persephone: Looks like it might be time to put the Kat outside for the night. Please let this match just end! :mjlol:
Rich Russillo: KAT GRIMACING IN PAIN, BUT THE SUBMISSION WAS JUST A SETUP TO DROP KAT WITH THE BEARHUG SLAM! KAT SLAMMED HARD ON HER BACK AS WILDCARD GOES FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOO!
THHHHHRRRREEEE–
Persephone: WHAT THE HELL IS THIS DUMB BITCH DOING? SHE PULLED ALLEY CAT UP BY THE HAIR AND BROKE THE COVER! NOT ONLY IS SHE CRAZY, SHE’S FUCKING STUPID TOO!
James Peters: Breathe, Seph, or you are going to have a heart attack. She doesn’t want this match to end, but this might have been a mistake. I don’t think she cares. WILDCARD ONCE AGAIN THROWS A FIST INTO THE FACE OF KAT! THE REF ADMONISHES HER ONCE AGAIN TELLING HER TO OPEN THE FISTS!
Rich Russillo: I think the lights are on but nobody’s home. You really can’t reason with someone who has a screw loose and she has to have to have more than one loose. Wildcard once again throws Kat in the corner. Kat is sitting and prone as Wildcard runs at full speed. RUNNING HAM SLAM ON THE WAY, BUT KAT MOVES!
James Peters: Wildcard goes thigh first into the turnbuckle and KAT HITS A BEAUTIFUL STANDING DROPKICK TO THE FACE SENDING THE BACK OF WILDCARD’S HEAD INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!
Persephone: Leave it to a Kat to be able to land back on her feet after being thrown around the ring. Why couldn’t she just stay down and let this match end. I’m already bored.
Rich Russillo: Wildcard is slowly back to her feet and Kat is hot on her trail. Kat shows some of her strength by hoisting Wildcard onto the top turnbuckle. KAT IS NOW ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE AS WELL! BE CAREFUL UP THERE! KAT WITH A FACELOCK AND DOWN THEY BOTH GO!
James Peters: SUPERPLEX FROM THE TOP ROPE! WHAT AN AMAZING MANEUVER! BOTH TOOK DAMAGE FROM THAT BUT WILDCARD GOT THE BRUNT OF IT! KAT FLOATS OVER AND GOES FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWOOO!!
THHHHRRRRREEEE–
Rich Russillo: WILDCARD KICKS OUT RIGHT BEFORE THE THREE COUNT! Kat stays on kilter and grabs Wildcard by the neck. WHAT THE HELL IS KAT DOING? SHE IS LIFTING WILDCARD UP FROM THE FLOOR! WHAT FREAKISH STRENGTH THIS YOUNG WOMAN! SHE JUST DEADLIFTED WILDCARD FROM THE FLOOR AND WILDCARD IS IN THE AIR!
James Peters: KAT IS SHOWING NO STRAIN OR NO WEAKNESS! THIS IS A WALK IN THE PARK FOR HER! LISTEN TO THE CROWD! THEY ARE LOVING THE SHOW OF POWER!
Crowd: FIFTEEN! SIXTEEN! SEVENTEEN! EIGHTEEN! NINETEEN! TWENTY!
Rich Russillo: DEADLIFT VERTICAL SUPLEX FROM KATHERINE! THE CROWD ABSOLUTELY LOVES THIS YOUNG LADY IN ONLY HER DEBUT! SHE IS LOOKING FOR A PURPOSE AND SHE WANTS TO KEEP HER SPIRIT ALIVE AND I THINK SHE FOUND HER CALLING HERE IN EAW!
Persephone: Whoopie for her. She held somebody in the air for a long time. That’s been done about seven million times just this season. It would be more impressive if she ended this damn match right now! If it was my Rexy, this match would have ended right after the bell rang.
James Peters: Kat is determined to make an impact tonight in her debut. Wildcard has made it back to her feet, but Kat has gutwrenched her AND JUST THROWS HER RIGHT OVER HER HEAD! HOLY CRAP! WILDCARD HAS BEEN VIRTUALLY NEUTRALIZED WITH THE SECOND WIND OF KATHERINE HELLE! SHE FOLLOWS UP THE THROW WITH A VERY STIFF CLOTHESLINE!
Rich Russillo: Wildcard is holding her jaw and that might just set her off, but Kat decides to leave her ground attack for a chance to visit the high-rent district. She is on the top rope, Wildcard is still down, and KAT DECIDES TO FLY! KAT CONNECTS WITH A FROG SPLASH FROM THE TOP AND SHE HOOKS THE LEG! THIS COULD BE IT!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEE!
TWWWWWOOOOOO!
THHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEE–
James Peters: ONCE AGAIN WILDCARD KICKS OUT RIGHT BEFORE THREE! THESE WOMEN ARE BOTH STRONG AND POWERFUL SO WE KNOW THAT IT IS GOING TO TAKE A LOT TO PUT ONE OF THEM DOWN! WHAT AN AMAZING MATCH BY THESE TWO COMPETITORS!
Rich Russillo: KAT GRABS THE LEG OF WILDCARD AND TRIES TO WRAP IT AROUND THE BACK OF HER NECK! KAT IS LOOKING FOR HER KATACOMB SUBMISSION HOLD BUT WILDCARD SOMEHOW BACKFLIPS OUT OF IT AND LANDS ON HER FEET! KAT TURNS BUT SHE IS QUICKLY MET WITH A MODIFIED SPINEBUSTER FROM WILDCARD!
Persephone: Oh great! Another change in momentum so that means this match isn’t ending anytime soon. Damn it! Why does this happen every freaking week around here? Can’t there be really short matches or anything like that?
James Peters: Will you ever just get over it? These two women are showing how much they want to win their debut match. Wildcard has found her way back into the match and take a look at the face of Wildcard. SHE IS SMILING! SHE HAS HAD THE CRAP BEAT OUT OF HER AND SHE HAS ALMOST A PSYCHOTIC SMILE ON HER FACE! I THINK SHE LIKES IT! NOW SHE WANTS TO CAUSE THE SAME PAIN TO KAT!
Rich Russillo: She pulls Kat back to her feet by the hair and SHE GRABS THE THROAT OF KAT AND HOISTS HER UP IN THE AIR! KAT IS TRYING TO GET FREE AND THE REFEREE IS ONCE AGAIN TELLING WILDCARD TO BREAK THE HOLD! THE REFEREE REACHES FOUR AND WILDCARD JUST DROPS KAT WITH A SITOUT CHOKEBOMB!
James Peters: KAT LANDED HARD ON THE BACK OF HER HEAD AND WILDCARD IS NOT THROUGH! EVIL INTENTIONS ON HER MIND AND KAT IS BROUGHT BACK TO HER FEET! FRONT FACELOCK APPLIED AND KAT IS NOW UP IN THE AIR! IS WILDCAT GOING FOR A VERTICAL SUPLEX? NO! SHE JUST BROUGHT KAT BACK TO THE MAT WITH THAT SHOUTEN SLAM! WILL THIS BE ENOUGH TO WIN HER THE MATCH?
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!!
TTTTTHHHHHHHHRRRRREEEE!!
Rich Russillo: KAT BARELY AND I MEAN BARELY GOT THE SHOULDER UP! WHAT HEART BEING SHOWN IN THIS MATCH! WILDCARD CAN’T BELIEVE IT AND SHE IS GRABBING KAT BY THE EARS AND JUST BANGING THE BACK OF HER HEAD AGAINST THE MAT!
Persephone: Looks like Uno Card is going to have to keep drawing, much to my annoyance. Why can’t these dumb bitches just stay down? It’s ridiculous. It looks like the Alley Cat was grabbed by the tail because she just punched the card bitch right in the mouth.
James Peters: WHAT A SHOT! KAT HAS A LOT OF FIGHT FOR SOMEONE WHO JUST GOT DROPPED HARD, BUT IT SHOWS HOW MUCH HEART THIS YOUNG LADY HAS! AND THAT JUST AMUSES WILDCARD EVEN MORE! THE MORE FIGHT KAT HAS, THE MORE PAIN WILDCARD WANTS TO CAUSE!
Rich Russillo: KAT DRUG UP TO HER FEET BY THE THROAT AND WILDCARD HAS HER UP IN THE AIR! CHOKESLAM EXPLODER SUPLEX ON THE WAY BUT KAT LANDS ON HER FEET BEHIND HER! KAT GRABS THE WAIST OF WILDCARD AND PLANTS HER WITH THE GERMAN SUPLEX!
James Peters: Wildcard slowly gets back to her feet BUT SHE JUST RAN SMACK INTO A DISCUS FOREARM FROM KAT! THAT COMBO IS CALLED HELLE FIRE! WILDCARD IS DOWN AND DID SHE JUST GET BURNED BY THE HELLE FIRE! KAT DOWN AND SHE HOOKS THE LEG! VICTORY ON THE WAY?
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWOOOO!!
THHHHHRRRRRREEEE!!!
Persephone: Damn. Damn. DAMN!! WHY THE HELL DID SHE KICK OUT! DUMB PSYCHO BITCH RUINED THIS FOR ME! I WAS HOPING FOR THIS MATCH TO END AND SHE RUINED IT!
James Peters: Of course you would because you absolutely hate seeing competitive matches and that’s exactly what this match is. This is an amazing matchup by two newcomers to EAW. Now Kat has Wildcard up AND SHE HAS HER ON HER SHOULDERS! NOT SURE WHAT SHE HAS PLANNED BUT WILDCARD IS BY THE ROPES AND SHE IS HANGING ON WITH ALL HER MIGHT TO THE TOP ROPE!
Rich Russillo: WILDCARD WOULDN’T LET GO OF THE TOP ROPE AND KAT JUST DUMPED HER OVER THE TOP ROPE, BUT SHE MANAGED TO LAND ON THE APRON! KAT TRIES TO FIRE A FOREARM BUT WILDCARD BLOCKED IT AND TRIES TO PULL KAT OVER THE TOP ROPE BY THE HAIR!
Persephone: This is an utter shitfest. Why the hell is she doing boring crap like that? Hurry up and finish the damn match!
Rich Russillo: KAT IS DANGLING ON THE TOP ROPE! KAT TRYING TO KEEP HER BALANCE BUT SHE IS PRONE TO WILDCARD! WILDCARD HAS KAT BY THE BACK OF THE HEAD AND–
*WHACK*
James Peters: OH MY GAWD!! KAT WAS DANGLED OVER THE ROPES AND SHE JUST GOT PUNTED RIGHT IN THE FACE AND COULDN’T BLOCK THE KICK! THAT COULD HAVE BROKEN HER NOSE AND WILDCARD IS ENJOYING THIS! KAT IS FLAILING ABOUT IN PAIN!
Persephone: Get a closeup, you stupid camera man! I want to see if there is bloodshed. Come on, you moron. There we go… and there’s no blood! Fucking seriously! Nevermind. This match is still bullshit. I’m done now! Ring the bell and end this now!
Rich Russillo: WILDCARD THINKS SHE HAS THIS MATCH READY TO BE WON! SHE GETS BACK INTO THE RING AND SHE LOOKS TO BE SETTING UP FOR THE SYKE OUT POWERBOMB! GUTWRENCH APPLIED–
Persephone: It got blocked! Why is it blocked? STOP FIGHTING BACK! This match is so close to being over!
James Peters: There is still some fire in the tank AND LOOK AT KAT! WILDCARD KEEPS TRYING TO LIFT HER UP BUT SHE KEEPS BLOCKING IT! WAIT! KAT JUST GRABBED THE LEG OF WILDCARD AND FLIPS HER OVER! MODIFIED JACKKNIFE HAS WILDCARD ROLLED UP!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHRRRRREEE!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(“You’re Not Here” starts playing again as Katherine quickly rolls out of the ring and the referee follows close behind.)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner! KATHERINE HELLE!
James Peters: Holy cow! I don’t think anybody saw that coming. Call that pulling a triple play in the bottom of the ninth. What a victory for Katherine.
Persephone: Thank the gawds that this match is over. I was about to fall asleep or die. Could have gone either way. I knew this match was going to be a living helle.
(The referee raises Katherine’s arm in victory as the crowd lets out loud cheers and Wildcard has a look of shock and surprise on her face.)
Rich Russillo: This was an amazing matchup to start off Sunday Night Voltage. Two women who made their debut and they both made their presence felt. It could have gone either way. Wildcard looked to have the match all in hand, but a creative counter from Katherine turned everything in her favor and gave her the victory. Too bad we can’t have both these women on Voltage.
Persephone: Oh, shut up! I’d rather have neither, but I know that won’t happen.
(The camera stays on Wildcard who is staring down her opponent, who just managed to get a surprise win over her.)
James Peters: Wildcard might not have won her debut, but she showed that she is very powerful and can be very dangerous in the ring. I don’t really think she is happy about losing this matchup in such a way, so whoever her next opponent is better be careful because she is a livewire and a ticking time bomb.
Rich Russillo: You got that right, but once again we offer our congratulations to Katherine Helle for a successful EAW debut.
(Wildcard does not take her eyes off of a smirking Katherine, who is seen standing at the top of the ramp. Katherine continues to celebrate her victory from the stage as the scene cuts elsewhere.)
[ EARLIER THIS WEEK – EAW PERFORMANCE CENTER ]
(The scene opened up to show Jay Jerry Johnson sitting backstage. A stagehand fixes a microphone on him before walking out of the picture as Jay sits there with a smug grin on his face. A few seconds later, a voice off camera is heard.)
Narrator: (off-camera) State your name for the record.
Jay Jerry Johnson: Jay Jerry Johnson.
Narrator (off-camera) Welcome to the interview, Jay. What does the New Era Classic Tournament mean to you?
(Triple J stood silent for a few seconds thinking about an answer before responding in a confident tone.)
Jay Jerry Johnson: So let’s first understand the “New Era Cup.” What was it created for? Who is the “New Era Cup” destined for? Why does it have to be the “New Era Cup” for youngsters rushing into Elite Answer Wrestling? Let’s go back to the beginning of the newest incarnation of EAW in the modern era. People were recently allowed to be a part of Elite Answers Wrestling along with becoming employees of Elite Answer Wrestling-related businesses. It happens all the time for Elite Answers Wrestling, and some years it’s set up to find the new face of the next generation. So what does “NEC” mean to me? A tournament that I feel I am fit to win, and we will have to bear witness to whether that stays true and I can pull through this or not; the answer is that we don’t know.
Jay Jerry Johnson: What I’m getting at here is that I have lost so many times walking into this, so much so that it made it hard for me to gain a foothold and push myself back on the path of victory. Despite that, I believe that I will be able to do it proudly, no matter how difficult it is. I feel all set to win again as I am ready to face the chance in a million, to stand in the winning spot. Before this I was at the lowest point in my wrestling career. But now, this opportunity helped me to find my way back to where I was before. It was my lifeline, and a good call on my part to participate in it knowing what it could do for me. I foresaw it and when the opportunity was put out there, there was no need to think twice. Doing that encouraged me to do my best to win the tournament. I’m not just here to create history for the books— I want to bring justice to the name of Jay Jerry Johnson, and I’m not asking anymore. I will fight until there I can’t, and I’m not giving anyone a choice but to believe in me.
Narrator: (off-camera) The New Era Classic is a very unique tournament as it consists of groups of wrestlers being divided into blocks, what do you think of your opponents in Block B?
Jay Jerry Johnson: I don’t know who they are, and I don’t care. That’s not something we should care about, and trust me, it’s pointless sifting through the same old out-of-date excuses like they’re peas in a pod that don’t come naturally. I don’t care what their names are, what they look like, where they were crowned with success before, or whatever. The one and only thing I care about right now is beating them, getting into the Finals, and taking the NEC trophy for myself. I don’t care if they have a chance to win this, and I don’t care what they think of me. I’m not fighting to win the masses. I fight to win their bodies, hearts, and souls. And that doesn’t mean hurting people to lower their morale. I would say that I will physically knock the living fuck out of you to make your heart stop beating, leave you breathless, or beg on your knees for me to stop hurting you. I’ve been told and reminded that I don’t participate in this to play games. I don’t play games, and I’ve never played anything. This is the real world, not an amusement park in the land full of rainbows and unicorns. And of course, most importantly, there is no one, not even the only one, who thinks like that and says that he’s in that kind of place. I was one of them, and I never thought that. Trust me; I will make them feel the most painful scar they have ever felt in their lives. That’s a promise, and if you think you’re going to dodge my words, well, don’t let me see even a single person begging me on their knees to stop.
Narrator: (off-camera) Is there any doubt on your mind heading into the Tournament?
Jay Jerry Johnson: I’m not worried. I do not doubt anything. When we find ourselves in a situation like this, Do you want to waste your time worrying about winning or losing? It’s not because this confidence is what sticks with me so that I can fight and defeat them. It’s because JJJ joined the NEC, not willing to sit around with a lack of confidence or waiting for a chance to step into the battlefield. I stepped in to become a fighter, not to be a spectator of the competition. I stepped in to get back to where I was again. As I said initially, I also agreed to join the NEC to compete for the top spot in this tournament. I’ve been reminded several times about my main goals tied to this tournament. That’s what I come forward to do. I set out what my goals are now. I explain what I am part of the NEC for, and all that’s left is showing what is right, and everyone that hears will stop doubting me.
Narrator: (off-camera) Is there anything you want to showcase to everyone in EAW and the EAW Universe in this Tournament?
Jay Jerry Johnson: As I reminded all of you so many times, do not doubt my chances at overcoming this. Don’t panic if I’m the winner of this tournament, because the best fit right now is me. The person who deserves the title of this year’s NEC winner should be me. I’m not just someone who deserves it, I EARNED it. What I want to show is not just the fact that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, but I want to be a winner. I don’t just want to show what I can do in the ring, I don’t just want to show where my development has gone. I want to fight, like I said. I want to fight not to lose, but to overcome the impossible, as I have said many times. When you ask, the answer you get will always be the same. Because I have one goal, and it’s no different to what you hear everyone else say. I’m in the NEC, no more of the Gold Rush Tournament or anything else that might pertain to me. I’m here in this tournament, and my only goal is to win this. I want to get as many victories I can right now so I can make sure that I’m in the tournament finals. I know that’s not the case right now, there’s a long way to go for someone like myself, but I still believe that there is a stroke of luck to win it with my own hands. I’m here to show you I’m the face of the new generation.
Narrator: (off-camera) Any final statements you have about the Tournament and the competitors involved?
Jay Jerry Johnson: What do you want me to say? I’ve warned everyone so many times, and everyone should understand what the goal of being part of the NEC should be. Do you have the potential to beat me? Are you capable of defeating Jay Jerry Johnson? Do you have any strong words to judge me? My presence this year in the tournament is not what you saw when 2022 started. I know I had a bad start with not much improvement to compensate for it. But now, I’m walking towards the finish line in first place. This is not bragging; I am proving myself so that you can stop begging me for the fucking truth. I’m going to say the same thing to reinforce and remind myself and everyone else that I will be the NEC winner this year, and again I don’t care who you are. My goal is to join the NEC to win. I want to go back to where I was before. Let me repeat so I’m crystal clear, “Don’t fuck with me”, because I am walking on a path where victory favors me. I’m on my way like I’m in a steady state again. JJJ is back with a presentation that will take you face to face with hell on earth and boiling points that you cannot define or predict. Now, I come back, and I come back in a more tangible form than before. I didn’t come back just to win. I came back for the changes that the new era needed. I came back to overcome the impossibility as I have repeatedly stated. You only hear the same things, but that’s not a problem, right? I’m not just warning you guys to be careful what happens to yourself. Please conduct yourself properly when you face Jay Jerry Johnson, because otherwise, you will be the one that loses instead of me.
(The scene then fades out from the video package and towards the backstage of the Mexico City Arena in present day. Sofia Clarke is seen standing in front of the camera with a bright smile like always before beginning to speak up.)
Sofia Clarke: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my guest at the time, one of the competitors for the New Era Classic Tournament, Jay Jerry Johnson!
(The crowd was mostly filled with boos as they heard that name as Jay Jerry Johnson slowly stepped into the camera more focused than usual, his expression actually bearing a tint of seriousness to it. He was still thinking deeply about what happened earlier in the night when someone came out having information about Fitzgerald’s injury, Lucas told him not to worry about it, but he still couldn’t help himself from thinking about it.)
Sofia Clarke: Now Jay, I can see it in your expression, we all know what happened earlier in the night, a witness stepped forward and revealed information about Fitzgerald’s attacker, I was wondering if you could tell us at all how you feel about that?
(Triple J turned slowly towards Sofia as he let out a heavy sigh but in just a few seconds, a confident expression appeared on his face again and quickly responded to Sofia.)
Jay Jerry Johnson: It is pretty obvious that I am very worried, I want to know who injured someone I consider one of my closest confidants. But I am willing to step back and look at everything with a better mindset. My new tag team partner, Lucas Johnson, has already told me to focus on what I have in front of me, the New Era Classic Tournament. I am taking Lucas’ advice and letting him handle the situation. Since Lucas once won the Young Lions Cup and the New Breed Championship, he has hammered to me that the New Era Classic Tournament is extremely important, and he wants me to focus on winning it. I am extremely thankful for the advice that he has given me so I won’t throw it away like that, because this tournament is the most perfect opportunity to finally prove myself, to make sure that nobody else in this godforsaken brand mocks me and treats me like a joke. I have let it go on for long enough, and I will put an end to it.
Sofia Clarke: The New Era Classic tournament hasn’t ended just yet though, you still have 3 more opponents to beat and try to solidify your place for the semi-finals, but your next opponent for Week 3 is one of EAW’s brightest newcomers, Ruler, what do you think of him?
(Triple J seemed to roll his eyes at the compliments Sofia gave to Ruler before speaking up again.)
Jay Jerry Johnson: Look, he is better than nothing, I can give him that. After having to face wrestlers who gave me nothing at all at Week 1 and 2, I will get a challenge, because I can admit that Ruler will definitely not back down and he will give me a fight. But do I think he will be able to beat me? Not a chance, not if I am in his block. Now, “Ruler”, if that really is your real name, I don’t want you to show me your usual edgy attitude. I don’t want you jumping off rooftops, because as far as I know, we aren’t in October yet. I just want you to take a step back like I did and reconsider your decisions, because you are stepping into the ring with someone who is willing to step up again and prove everybody wrong. You are stepping into the ring with someone who is simply better than you. I don’t really care about you, I am simply setting out to win this whole tournament. So for those people with a fascination in gambling, everyone can bank on Jay Jerry Johnson walking out of the New Era Classic’s Week 3 with a win.
(Triple J then turned his back on Sofia and walked away without saying anything else as Sofia quickly spoke up once more.)
Sofia Clarke: Well, there goes Jay Jerry Johnson as confident as ever for his next match in the New Era Classic Tournament, but what will his opponent say? I will be back later in the show with those answers!
(Sofia said those last words before Voltage faded away from backstage.)
(Voltage fades to a promotional ad for Grand Rampage, where the Gold Rush tournament finals will take place.)
(Camera transitions backstage to a dark room in a disclosed area of the Mexico City Arena here tonight, with a single swinging light overhead. The camera pans down and we see some random EAW employee sitting down looking confused. Two men walk into frame, and crouch down at the same time, revealing that it’s Lucas Johnson and Jay Jerry Johnson, both of them share threatening glares at the employee. Jay takes the swinging light and shines it right into the employee’s face.)
Jay Jerry Johnson: TELL ME WHERE YOU WERE AT THE TIME THAT FITZGERALD AND I WERE ATTACKED!
EAW Employee: Uhhh… I-I don’t remember!
Jay Jerry Johnson: Seems pretty GUILTY to me!
Lucas Johnson: Just take a deep breath, it’ll come back to you. We’re just looking for some answers, you’re not the one on trial here. Just tell us about what you remember from that day.
EAW Employee: Well, I-I work in catering, it was the beginning of the show, so we were probably cooking? Or replacing one of the food trays?
Jay Jerry Johnson: THOSE SOUND LIKE QUESTIONS TO ME! Were you serving FISH? Because that sounds FISHY!
(The EAW employee blocks the light from his eyes, his eyes fluttering)
EAW Employee: Can you take the light out of my eyes? It’s kinda distracting.
Jay Jerry Johnson: Oh… The light is distracting? DISTRACTING YOU FROM THE LIES YOU’RE TELLING?!!
Lucas Johnson: Alright, alright, take it easy Jay, let him relax.
Jay Jerry Johnson: Fine…
(Triple J lets go of the light, and the EAW employee relaxes a little)
Lucas Johnson: So you’re a cook then? Must be a little stressful. Don’t make much money compared to us Elitists, maybe you wanted a little revenge?
EAW Employee: No! I love what I do. And I don’t cook per say, I just transfer the food, and replace the trays. Not much to it, and I actually get paid quite well for such a cool work place. I have no ill will toward anyone. I swear, I was just in catering at the beginning of the show. On that day in particular though, I was in a pretty good mood though. The cook actually gave me a compliment, about how hard of a worker I am, and well, that really gave me a pep in my step!
Jay Jerry Johnson: A LIKELY STORY! Sounds to me that you weren’t just serving food that day, but serving INJUSTICE! A CRIMINAL ACT PERHAPS, ATTACKING ME AND MY BODYGUARD!
EAW Employee: No I swear!
Jay Jerry Johnson: And who the fuck cares about the chef giving you a fucking compliment! Who cares! This has nothing to do with what we’re asking you!
EAW Employee: It DOES! Because why would I do something bad boys do when I’m in such a good mood? Doesn’t make sense to me! I’m a good boy, I get good boy compliments ok? I wouldn’t hurt anyone, I just want to do my job, enjoy what I do, and put smiles on people’s faces!
Lucas Johnson: Yeah, Jay I don’t think it was him.
(Lucas turns his attention back to the EAW Employee)
Lucas Johnson: Would you have any information on who would have anything out on Jay?
(The EAW employee seems to think about it, but shakes his head)
EAW Employee: I just serve food bro, I really couldn’t say anything about any plots to attack anyone. All I see is happy faces due to the food.
Jay Jerry Johnson: Ok well that’s a fucking lie, because the food is absolute trash.
(The EAW employee whips his head toward Triple J with a look of shock.)
EAW Employee: Hey… What the hell, hurtful… You’re hurtful.
Lucas Johnson: But in catering, you kind of just hang around those containers right? The treys or whatever. You must hear conversations all the time right? You didn’t hear anyone say anything about what they were going to do? Nothing sketchy?
EAW Employee: Who do you think I am? Some gross creeper? Some eavesdropper? I’m not a stalker sir, I am insulted right now.
(Lucas Johnson puts his hand on the guys shoulders to console him)
Lucas Johnson: Ok, sorry I even asked. It’s alright man, you’re good to leave.
(The employee looks at Lucas, and at Triple J, before cautiously getting up, and leaving the room.)
Lucas Johnson: Look man you need to chill. We’re not going to get anywhere if you’re so aggressively accusatory.
(Jay lets out a sigh, it’s apparent that this is something very serious and personal for him considering it was his bodyguard)
Jay Jerry Johnson: Huh? I thought we were doing a good cop, bad cop schtick?
Lucas Johnson: Uh, no?
Jay Jerry Johnson: Either way, look, I’m just emotional, I just want some answers. We can’t trust anyone in this situation, it could be anybody!
Lucas Johnson: I get it, but people are going to get closed off if you come at them like that. Now I have another person coming in right now. Just, chill, ok? We’ll get the answers we want, just have to ease into it. Be compassionate, and believe that everyone that comes in here is innocent until proven guilty.
Jay Jerry Johnson: Fine, let’s bring the next one in.
Lucas Johnson: Alright, just remember… Calm.
Jay Jerry Johnson: Yeah, yeah, I got it.
(Lucas Johnson nods, and opens the door for the next person. The person comes in and sits right down, with no hesitations.)
Jay Jerry Johnson: LOOK HERE ASSHOLE WE KNOW YOU DID IT! JUST FESS UP! AND THINGS WILL GO A LOT SMOOTHER!
(Jay grabs the light and shines it in his eyes.)
Guy: I didn’t do it…
Jay Jerry Johnson: LIAR!
Lucas Johnson: Jay.. Stop.
Guy: But I have some information on the person that did.
(Both Lucas and Triple J stop, and pay close attention.)
Guy: He’s around 6’’-6 1’’.. Around 210, 215 or so pounds. Definitely a Man.
Lucas Johnson: And how do you know all this?
Guy: Well, I was actually just getting into work at the same time as Jay and Fitz. I was chilling in my car beforehand, and the guy walked right in front of my car. I got a pretty good look before he did what he did. But he walked out of view when the attack took place, and then when it was over, I saw him running past my car again. I got out, confused, but I heard Jay yelling for help, and ran right to it. I wasn’t a medic or anything, but yeah, I was there.
Jay Jerry Johnson: Hold the fuck up, so you saw a masked guy, with a weapon, and you thought nothing of it?
Guy: Bro, this is EAW, people in masks, and holding weapons is just a part of every Sunday, you know that. Nothing around here is weird, or odd.
Jay Jerry Johnson: Ok, yeah that adds up. Well, thank you for this information, I appreciate it. You’re free to go.
(The guy gets up, and walks out of the room leaving Jay and Lucas alone together.)
Jay Jerry Johnson: Alright let’s go!
Lucas Johnson: Go where?
Jay Jerry Johnson: You heard him! We have the height, we have the weight! Guy was in the parking garage at the same time! We have all the information we need to go find this guy!
Lucas Johnson: Height and weight? No, that’s not enough to go after someone. We have to be sure.
Jay Jerry Johnson: WAIT! I got it! The parking garage must have cameras right! Why don’t we go and ask for the tape?
Lucas Johnson: Tape? Jay, no, stop. We’re two wrestlers playing detective. The arena from a few weeks ago isn’t going to just hand over a tape. The guy was wearing a mask anyway, what is that going to show us?
Jay Jerry Johnson: We have a reason though!
Lucas Johnson: We don’t have any authority, and I think we need some sort of permit or warrant or some shit.
Jay Jerry Johnson: Fine… But we have the height and weight! I’m sure they’re around these halls somewhere!
Lucas Johnson: Jay, look, yes we have the height and weight, and it’s a nice place to start, but there are a ton of guys with that height and weight around here. Anyway, you need to focus on the New Era Classic anyway. As someone who has won the Young Lions Cup, and the New Breed Championship in the past, I know how important these tournaments can be. Especially a newer guy like you, who is trying to prove himself. Once you win this tournament, there’s no way that anyone can deny you anymore. You have to make a statement here.
(Jay nods, and sighs)
Jay Jerry Johnson: Alright, yeah, you’re right.
Lucas Johnson: And don’t worry, I’ll look into what the guy said, and make some ground with this. You just focus on the New Era Classic, and progress your career. We can make much more ground this way.
(Jay nods, and the scene fades to black)
(Voltage cuts to a commercial of Jake Smith promoting the 18 year old movie, Mean Girls.)
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR…ONE FALL!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
(‘Been to Hell’ by Hollywood Undead plays out Chris Zero, a newcomer to the landscape of EAW, who marches down to the ring with a mixed reaction from fans.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first! Hailing out of Kansas City, Missouri, weighing in at 265 pounds…HE IS THE AMERICAN TRAGEDY…CHRIS ZERO!!
James Peters: We don’t know much about Chris Zero, but don’t be fooled, this man is not a rookie, having wrestled since 2009.
Rich Russillo: Apparently, the son of Chris DeLion, and someone who feels they’ve been disrespected by the pro wrestling business.
Persephone: I feel disrespected by having to sit through this.
(“Ready To Die” by The Notorious B.I.G. Is next, and Johnson’s out with a mixed reaction himself, flanked by Jay Jerry Johnson, carrying a look of determination in his eyes.)
Bella Braxton: And his opponent! Hailing out of Long Island, New York, weighing in at 210 pounds, accompanied to the ring by Jay Jerry Johnson…HE IS THE WRESTLING MACHINE…LUCAS JOHNSON!!
James Peters: I hope Lucas has been watching the tapes, because looking at Chris Zero, he has his work cut out for him.
Rich Russillo: Yeah, Lucas has a one inch height advantage, but in terms of build, Chris has him beat.
James Peters: The guy looks like a literal monster, but let’s see if he can be tamed by someone with the talent level of Lucas.
(Both competitors stare each other down from the opposite corner as Johnson’s music fades out.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
James Peters: There’s the bell, and what’s bound to be an interesting matchup begins.
Persephone: Interesting? No need to lie, James.
James Peters: :wtf:
Rich Russillo: Anywho… both competitors circle each other before going to meet in the center of the ring. BUT LUCAS DUCKS UNDERNEATH THE LOCKUP ATTEMPT BY ZERO, WHO TURNS AROUND INTO A JAB BY JOHNSON! But that barely phases his opponent, who marches closer towards Johnson, who backs up against the turnbuckle that has Jerry ringside.
James Peters: Zero is trying to get at Johnson, but the referee intervenes, holding him back, WHICH ALLOWS FOR LUCAS TO LAND A SLAP! Proceeding to wring the arm of Zero, and maybe show off that wrestling prowess. BUT CHRIS BREAKS IT OFF WITH HIS FREE HAND, AND COCKS IT BACK FOR A PUNCH, SCARING LUCAS TO A SEATED POSITION ON THE FLOOR! Johnson tries to recover with a single leg takedown on “The American Tragedy!”
Rich Russillo: But he’s not budging, and lifts Lucas up for a powerbomb. JOHNSON SLIPS OUT THE BACK, AND ZERO SPINS AROUND FOR A SHOOT KICK TO THE THIGH! LUCAS GOES FOR ANOTHER, BUT CHRIS CATCHES THE LEG, ANS DRILLS LUCAS WITH A FOREARM SMASH! Johnson crawls into the corner, pulling himself up, and is on the receiving end of stomps, and back elbows to the face by Chris!
James Peters: Lucas comes staggering out of that corner, and wanders into the opposite, doing anything he can to create some space, and separation. But Zero is in hot pursuit, nailing Johnson with forearms, and clubbing him on the back! Lucas crawls to the center of the ring, and gets picked up by Zero for a RELEASE FALLAWAY SLAM, CHUCKING JOHNSON OVERHEAD, AND NOT EVEN LEAVING HIS FEET! Cover is made!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWW-
Persephone: Unfortunately, a kickout by Johnson, who pulls himself up in the corner.
Rich Russillo: OPEN HAND CHOP BY ZERO ECHOES THROUGHOUT THE ARENA! Irish whip into the opposite corner- BUT CHRIS RUNS RIGHT INTO A BACK ELBOW, STAGGERING HIM BACK! AND LUCAS LEAPS TO THE MIDDLE ROPE! ZERO CHARGES IN, BUT ONLY RUNS STERNUM FIRST INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE AS LUCAS JUMPS OVER HIM!
James Peters: And he turns around into a forearm by Johnson, who follows that up with a kick to the midsection, and CHOP BLOCK TO THE KNEE! Zero’s down to all fours, AND JOHNSON BEGINS TO POUND AWAY WITH PUNCHES, JUST PUMMELING HIS OPPONENT! Chris gets up to a knee, and shoves Johnson away before crawling over into the corner, seating himself in it. BUT HERE COMES JOHNSON WITH STOMPS TO THE STERNUM, AND SIDE OF CHRIS’ FACE, SINKING HIM DOWN IN THAT CORNER FURTHER!
Rich Russillo: The referee pulls Johnson away, putting an end to this onslaught, and allowing Chris to get up to a knee. PUNCH TO THE GUT CONNECTS ON LUCAS, WHO ANSWERS BACK WITH A SHOOT KICK TO THE SHOULDER! Chris falls to his side, and Johnson presses his boot up against his face, holding the top rope for assistance. Referee gonna have no choice but to get involved with a five count.
Referee: ONE! TWO!
James Peters: Johnson relents, and watches as Zero gets up to a knee using the ropes. Lucas brings him to the center of the ring in a front facelock, AND ZERO TRIES TO FIGHT OUT OF IT WITH A SHOT TO THE RIB CAGE! But Lucas fires back with an elbow to the back of the neck, and just repeating that, refusing to let Chris get up from a kneel, and connecting with repeated muay-Thai knee strikes to the skull. Chris looks glossed over as Johnson stands him up for a discus lariat!
Rich Russillo: BUT ZERO 360 AS WELL, AND DROPS LUCAS WITH A SPINNING BACKFIST! COVER IS MADE, HOOKING THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWW-
Persephone: :Noah:
James Peters: Again, Johnson kicks out, prompting Chris to stand him back up for a snap suplex! Cover is made for a second time, hooking the leg!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOO-
James Peters: No, Johnson continues to prove that it’ll take a lot more than that to walk out with the victory.
Persephone: This idiot clearly didn’t learn his lesson from earlier, and tries to single leg takedown Zero again!
Rich Russillo: But Chris stands him upright, and drops Johnson with a ferocious forearm across the jaw. Lucas stands himself up in the corner, and ZERO CHARGES IN WITH A CLOTHESLINE! Johnson goes to fall down, but leans his head up against the collar bone of Zero, keeping him standing, albeit barely. And Chris grabs the back of Johnson’s head to bounce him face first off the top turnbuckle in another corner. FOREARM SMASH TO THE STERNUM DONE BY CHRIS, WHO LEANS JOHNSON UP AGAINST THE ROPES FOR AN IRISH WHIP!
James Peters: LUCAS REBOUNDS RIGHT INTO A SPINEBUSTER! But before Chris can go for the cover, Jerry hops up on the apron, distracting him, the referee admonishes this action, and urges Johnson to get down. But an angered Zero marches over to KNOCK him down, however, Jerry gets down, AND FROM BEHIND! LUCAS SENDS CHRIS UP AND OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE OUTSIDE!
Rich Russillo: JOHNSON RUNS OFF THE ROPES, BUILDING UP STEAM FOR A SUICIDE DIVE THAT KNOCKS ZERO BACK FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE! CHRIS GETS ROLLED BACK INTO THE RING FOR A COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: SHOULDER UP! And Chris jolts to a seated position on the mat, which Lucas Johnson takes advantage of with a rear chinlock, looking to wear his opponent down.
Persephone: Hopefully, Chris falls asleep before I do.
James Peters: Johnson notices that Zero is beginning to power back to his feet, and hops on Chris’s back, transitioning into a sleeper, but that proves to be no use as Chris flings him over his shoulder with a snapmare. Lucas manages to shrug it off, and comes back with forearm strikes, relentless in his attack. ZERO TAKES A WILD SWING, BUT LUCAS DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT!
Rich Russillo: SHOTS TO THE BODY CONNECT NOW! AND CHRIS TRIES ANOTHER WILD SWING, THIS TIME WITH THE LEFT HAND, BUT AGAIN, LUCAS HAS IT SCOUTED, DUCKING UNDERNEATH, AND PUSHING FORWARD WITH THE SHOTS TO THE BODY, PARTICULARLY THE RIB CAGE! OUTSMARTING LUCAS, CHRIS FEIGNS A PUNCH, FORCING JOHNSON TO DUCK UNDERNEATH!
James Peters: BUT AFTER STANDING HIMSELF UPRIGHT, GETS CAUGHT WITH A JUMPING HIGH KNEE TO THE SIDE OF HIS FACE! A dazed Johnson rebounds off the ropes, and into a right hand, an event that repeats itself afterward, and Chris grabs the arm of Lucas for a SHORT ARM CLOTHESLINE! BUT DOESNT LET GO, PICKING HIM UP FOR ANOTHER THAT CONNECTS! Chris is gonna try to complete the trifecta.
Rich Russillo: JOHNSON’S ON WOBBLY LEGS, AND ALMOST GETS CAUGHT WITH A THIRD CLOTHESLINE, BUT LUCAS DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT, RUNNING OFF THE ROPES BEHIND CHRIS, WHO TURNS AROUND TO TAKE A CHARGING LUCAS DOWN WITH A SUPERKICK! COVER IS MADE!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHH-
James Peters: KICKOUT! And Johnson tries to crawl away, so he can create space between himself and Zero once more. But Chris isn’t looking to let that happen, grabbing the ankle of Johnson, and trying to pull him back to the center of the ring. Jerry looks to assist his partner, and pull him to the outside, grabbing his forearms. But Zero wins the tug of war, and Lucas quickly picks himself up, running towards Zero!
Rich Russillo: BUT CHRIS HOISTS LUCAS UP FOR ANOTHER RELEASE FALLAWAY SLAM, ONLY FOR LUCAS TO LAND ON HIS FEET, AND GO FOR A SCHOOL BOY ROLLUP FROM BEHIND, HAVING HANDFUL OF CHRIS’ PANTS!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHRRRRRRR-
James Peters: KICKOUT! AND JOHNSON IS UP TO HIS FEET QUICKER THAN ZERO, WHO GETS UP TO A KNEE! BIG BOOT ATTEMPT BY LUCAS, BUT CHRIS DUCKS IT, AND HOISTS JOHNSON UP IN AN ARGENTINE BACKBREAKER RACK! GOES FOR A KISS OF DEATH- BUT JOHNSON LANDS ON HIS FEET! STEP-UP ENZIGURI STAGGERS ZERO, AND HE FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH THE BLUEPRINT, AKA JUMPING CUTTER! DROPPING HIS OPPONENT COMPLETELY!
Persephone: Hook of the leg by Johnson, and hopefully this is over with!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHH-
James Peters: KICKOUT! Chris still has a lot of fight left in him, and Lucas pounds the mat in frustration. Jay Jerry Johnson gets up on the apron, and distracts the referee. Meanwhile, Lucas goes to rip the padding off the top turnbuckle, but the referee turns around just in time to catch him in the act.
Persephone: Right when this match could’ve gotten the slightest bit of interesting.
Rich Russillo: Johnson turns around, and runs at the kneeling Zero, ONLY TO GET GOOZLED, AND CAUGHT WITH A CHOKESLAM! DID YOU SEE THE ELEVATION ON THAT?!
James Peters: I certainly did as Chris goes for the cover, hooking both legs.
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEE-
James Peters: SHOULDER UP! Chris Zero has to bust out something more in his arsenal, and he might just be looking to do that, climbing to the top turnbuckle, having his back to Johnson. WHICH PROVES TO BE A BIG MISTAKE AS LUCAS GRABS HIS ANKLE, REFUSING TO LET HIM GET ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP ROPE! AND STANDS HIMSELF UP TO CLUB THE BACK OF ZERO!
Rich Russillo: Chris is stunned on the middle rope, and Lucas tries to peel him off with a powerbomb! BUT CHRIS SHOWS SOME ATHLETICISM, MOONSAULTING OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE, AND LANDING ON HIS FEET! Johnson can’t believe it, but wanders right into a stiff clothesline! Lucas goes to pull himself up in the corner, but Zero does it himself, trying to lift Lucas up in a torture rack position, but JOHNSON WONT ALLOW IT HAPPEN! HANGING ON TO THE TOP ROPE WITH BOTH HANDS!
Persephone: Knowing Lucas’ track record with matches, maybe it’s best he does let this happen. Ya know, stop wasting all of our time.
James Peters: FOREARM SHOT TO THE LIVER BY ZERO, WHO LIFTS HIM UP TO THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE, TRYING TO PEEL HIM OFF NOW FOR A POWERBOMB, AN EFFORT WHICH HES ALMOST SUCCESSFUL IN, BUT JOHNSON HANGS ON TO THE TOP ROPE AGAIN, GIVING ZERO A HARD TIME! But regardless, Johnson gets broken away, causing a look of panic to etch across his face, knowing that he’s in danger right about now.
Rich Russillo: CHRIS BEGINS CHARGING TO THE OPPOSITE CORNER, WANTING A BUCKLE BOMB IT LOOKS LIKE, BUT LUCAS ISNT GONNA ALLOW TO HAPPEN, COUNTERING WITH A HURRICANRANA, SENDING HIS OPPONENT FACE FIRST INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! Chris is stunned, but like a shark, Lucas is watching from the opposite corner, urging, and just waiting for him to turn around.
James Peters: And after eventually doing so, LUCAS TAKES THAT AS HIS CUE TO CHARGE IN WITH THE LIGHTSWITCH! BUT RATHER RUNS INTO A SUPERKICK BY ZERO, WHOS FIRED UP RIGHT ABOUT NOW, READY TO PUT AN END TO THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL IN THE CENTER OF THE RING, SETTING UP FOR A PACKAGE PILEDRIVER! IF HE HITS THIS, THE LIGHTSWITCH IN LUCAS JOHNSON’S HEAD WILL MOST CERTAINLY BE OFF!
Rich Russillo: BUT LUCAS TWIRLS OUT OF IT, AND ALMOST GETS SHORT ARM INTO A CLOTHESLINE! BUT DUCKS UNDER IT FOR AN O’CONNOR ROLL! REFEREE GOES DOWN TO COUN-
James Peters: REVERSED IT! CHRIS JUST REVERSED IT, PUTTING HIMSELF ON TOP FOR THAT O’CONNOR ROLL!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEE-
James Peters: KICK OUT! AND ZERO IS IN DISBELIEF! Johnson crawls over to the corner, picking himself up, and is on the receiving end of a methodical knife edge chops to the chest by Chris. But Lucas shoves him back slightly, and scores a running forearm underneath the jaw of Zero. CHRIS ANSWERS BACK WITH ONE OF HIS OWN! Both elitists now are trading forearms back-and-forth, after being placed on spaghetti legs, Chris looks to break the trend with a superkick!
Rich Russillo: BUT LUCAS HAS IT SCOUTED, CATCHING THE LEG, AND SPINNING CHRIS AROUND FOR A SUPERKICK OF HIS OWN! ANOTHER BLUEPRINT CONNECTS, SPIKING ZERO THIS TIME, AND WHILE PRONE ON THE CANVAS, LUCAS TAKES ADVANTAGE WITH A REAR MOUNT, TURNING HIM OVER FOR A REAR NAKED CHOKE, WHICH HE CALLS FALL AND PRAY!
Persephone: I’m praying that this is the end of it.
James Peters: Which it seems to be as that cutter might’ve put out Zero for good with the choke finishing the job. The referee gonna signal for the bell as Johnson’s opponent is unresponsive.
(DING! DING! DING!)
Bella Braxton: HERES YOUR WINNER…LUCAS JOHNSON!
(“Ready To Die” by The Notorious B.I.G. blares as Lucas Johnson releases Chris from his hold, and is joined by Jay Jerry Johnson in the ring to celebrate.)
Persephone: There is a God!
James Peters: Oh, will you stop it?
Rich Russillo: Tonight was an impressive showing for Zero, and Lucas Johnson respectively, but in the end, Johnson perseveres, and walks to the back with another W in his win column.
James Peters: Couldn’t have said that better myself.
(The camera fades elsewhere on a shot of both Johnson’s backpedaling up the ramp as Chris stirs in the ring.)
(Voltage cuts to a commercial for Moon Knight, now on Disney+.)
(Swallowing the Rabbit Whole by Code Orange starts playing throughout the arena as Shane Gates comes walking out. He is clearly in a bad mood, as he walks down the ramp, ignoring the smears of the fans by ringside.)
Persephone: Oh good, a piss break! I will be right back, gentlemen.
James Peters: Will you sit back down! I’m sure he’s here to talk about his situation with Kirk Redwood, and that is something that we should all be interested in listening to. I, for one, am on the edge of my seat to find out what he has to say.
Persephone: Ok, so that’s a fucking lie. Not everything on Voltage television is interesting, especially when we employ useless people like Shane Gates. It’s ok! It’s actually a very nice act by Voltage management! It gives the crowd something to not care about, and go about their business, and not be glued to their television!
Rich Russillo: Kirk and Shane have had their problems as of late. Once partners, now bitter enemies. I am fully invested to see how this plays out! You’re just being your pessimistic self per usual, and I would appreciate it if you stopped being such a debbie downer. You’re still super hot though.
Persephone: If you’re married, I’m sure your wife is fucking someone else on the side. Right now, she’s dick deep in some dick. Cry.
James Peters: Damn.
(Shane Gates takes a microphone, and paces around the ring for a little before speaking.)
Shane Gates: The way that Kirk Redwood treated me last week was not right. He will not get away with thinking he can talk to me like that. I put my heart and soul into that tag team, and he thinks he can just blame me for everything bad that happened with our team? No, it’s just not going to go down like that. I was able to put aside my differences with Kirk, and put up with him for all that time. Even after all of the losses that we suffered together. I was able to put all of that to the side, and try to accept that shit situation that I was in. Even though he clearly wasn’t pulling his weight. Only now, for him to turn around and blame me for everything? To be so utterly disrespectful to me, I will not stand for it.
(Shane pauses for a second, and shakes his head.)
Shane Gates: Not to even mention that he attacked me last week. I was the one that had put up with everything from that drunk, and now he’s attacking me verbally and physically? I’m not a pushover, and he has had enough free passes to say, and do whatever he wants around here. I am pushing back, and putting his ass in check. You aren’t going to try to walk all over me, and expect me to just move on. I want the chance to get my hands on you Kirk and get the revenge that I deserve as soon as possible.
(Sabotage by The Beastie Boys starts playing before Kirk Redwood comes walking down to the ring with a microphone in hand..)
Kirk Redwood: What is this? All this whining, and bitching, and moaning. If you really wanted to do something, you would. You know where I am, just come find me. Instead you come out here, on-air, to air your grievances? Come on, you’re better than this. But look, I have no problem fighting you. I have no issue in saying that what happened last week, you had it coming, and I would have no problem doing it all over again. You were an anchor tied to my ankles, as I sunk down the ranks because of your incapability of doing your job correctly. Working with you, did not do me any favors in EAW. There was never even a moment during our time teaming together that there was a thought in my mind that we could actually succeed together. At first I thought it was just because we didn’t get along, but as the time kept grinding on, I came to realize it was more just because you aren’t good. There is a reason you have been in wrestling purgatory for so long. There is a reason why you haven’t had any modicum of success throughout your entire career. We were never going to go anywhere man, and I know you were hopeful because you thought finally someone was going to be able to pull you out of the less than mediocre career that you’ve had, but I’m not a miracle worker. We might as well work alone. Last week was the final straw. When you took such offense to what was clearly the truth, it shows just how much of a little head case little bitch you are. Look, I’m just not a team player, and I’m not going to force myself to be a part of something that holds no value to me. You can’t pull your own weight, and after all, I am more of a singles guy anyway, at least when my best option for a partner is you.
Shane Gates: Can I not pull my weight? Or did you just jump into this tag team with a losers mentality? Because it seems to me that you never wanted this team to progress forward in the first place. You never wanted to act as an actual team ever. You are the one that rooted for us to fail in the first place, and did everything in your power for us to fail. If you wanted us to succeed, we could’ve. But since you always saw me as the enemy, and you always wanted to be by yourself in the first place, you did everything in your power to take away any chance that we had to succeed. Maybe if you gave us a legit chance, and put your all into this team, then maybe we could have succeeded. But no, you want to live in your own little world where I did everything wrong, and you have no blame in it. I wanted us to do well, I wanted to be Unified Tag Team Champions, but you just wouldn’t let that happen. Whether that was due to arrogance, pride, or whatever the fuck it was that was holding you back from giving this team your all, it had nothing to do with my talent, and everything to do with your own mentality of it all.
Kirk Redwood: Wow that is some warped logic you have there. Do I like you? No. Did I think we would succeed together? No. But to think that I would intentionally go out of my way to drown any success that this team could have is ridiculous. I wanted to succeed, I wanted the best for this team, but every time we went out there, you fell flat on your face. You just couldn’t keep up with me, and it ended with your failures, and the endless feeling of never being able to get out of the hole that you created.
Shane Gates: If your partner falls, you come help. If he is being pinned, or submitted, you come help. You don’t wait for your partner to fail so you can say I told you so. You don’t root for your partner to fail so that you can play the victim, and hopefully get out of the partnership. This victim mentality that you play is so ridiculous, and you act as if there was nothing that could help the situation. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have taken one chance at the tag team titles for us to fall apart completely. Like are you fucked in the brain? Whether it was intentional or not, this was the outcome that you always wanted. You never gave us a chance, and at the end of it, you are more to blame than I am. You failed, and I picked you up. I failed, and you pointed and laughed. That is all that can be said about the matter.
(Kirk finally gets into the ring, and comes face to face with Shane)
Kirk Redwood: That could be true…
(Kirk gets in the face of Shane)
Kirk Redwood: Or maybe you’re just a fucking loser.
(Shane headbutts Kirk in the face which knocks him back.)
James Peters: Shane comes running at Kirk and elbows him in the face, and Kirk drops down to a knee as Shane continues to punch the downed Kirk Redwood in the face! He picks him back and slings him off the ropes. Kirk comes running back at Shane, and Shane hits him with a big boot!
Rich Russillo: NO! Kirk slides down under the boot, and slides back up behind Shane, GERMAN SUPLEX! Kirk hit that german on Shane, but Shane rolls through and comes back and throws a lariat at Kirk! Kirk ducks though, and bounces off the ropes, and Shane throws Kirk over the top ropes!
James Peters: Kirk lands on the ground, and slams his hands down on the floor, and is angrily staring back at Shane.
Kirk Redwood: I will make you pay! I swear! This isn’t the last of this!
(Camera fades to commercial as Kirk is yelling at Shane)
(Commercial for Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, in theaters this May.)
( “Mi Trokita Cumbia” by Obzesion plays over the sound system as one of the newest additions of Voltage makes his way towards the ring in an extremely cheerful and confident mood. He looks at Shane who on his end is giving him a death stare. )
Bella Braxton: Ladies and Gentlemen, this contest is scheduled FOR!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!
Bella Braxton: Shane Gates is already in the ring for this match, and his opponent! From Hidalgo, Mexico! Weighing in at 192 pounds! ‘MIGGYMANIA’ MIGUEL RODERICK!!!
James Peters: Strong words from Shane I am curious to see if there will be anything that comes out from it especially since his attack on Kirk earlier! Last week, the man suffered a loss against Candice Blair in a good back and forth match. This week, he is looking to add another win to his tally against Shane Gates!
Rich Russillo: The man is looking to make MiggyMania run wild and he will have a good opportunity to do just that tonight!
Persephone: Whatever. DO THE THING REF!!
Official: RING THE BELL!!!
( Ding! Ding! Ding! )
James Peters: And Here We GO! This single’s contest is officially underway! Both opponents are moving to stare at each other in the center of the ring, Shane looking down on his smaller opponent as Miguel is only 5 feet six compared to his 6 foot three! Miguel actually extends a hand to his opponent, a show of sportsmanship from MiggyMania that is looked down upon by Shane who frowns but ends up taking the hand USING IT TO RIPCORD RODERICK INTO A CLOTHESLINE! Migue quickly gets back to his feet and circles around Shane who watches him from the center of the ring with a malicious smirk on his lips.
Rich Russillo: It doesn’t last very long however as he moves to make his way towards Miguel who throws in a kick to Shane’s shin! The contact is loud and it surprised Shane as he stares a hole at his smaller opponent. Roderick is waiting for Shane to get into this match and he does only to get yet another kick to the shin! Shane looks annoyed and begins to skip a little bit. Miguel ducks the attempt at a lunge by Gates and throws in a series of kicks to the back of the legs of Gates before whipping him into the rope AND GETS SHOULDER TACKLED FOR HIS EFFORT! Shane with a cover already!
OOONNNEEE!!!
Persephone: Not even!
James Peters: Indeed as Miguel kicks to break the count! Shane moves with a wrist lock as he gets to his feet and keeps Miguel down to his back. Roderick throws a few kicks trying to get the big man off him and Shane uses both his arms to hoist Miguel up with much force! MIGUEL ENDS WITH HIS KNEES ON SHANE’S SHOULDERS! He slips behind him! ROLL UP!!
OOONNNEEE!!!
Persephone: Oh come on! We ain’t on Simon Miller’s Ups and Down here! This match can’t end with the most devastating move in all of wrestling! That would’ve been so damn lame!
James Peters: In any case, Shane kicked out and now is stuck in a headlock held tightly by Miguel in the center of the ring. The masked man keeps the pressure with his arm around Gates’ head, who’s moving to his feet now and manages to shove Roderick into the ropes only to walk into another headlock! Shane grabs at the waste of Miguel and lifts him up AND DROPS HIM INTO AN ATOMIC DROP! Roderick holding himself from the pain now as Shane seems to be getting the upper hand. He goes for a headlock near the ropes BUT MIGUEL WALKS UP THE CORNERS AND TAKES SHANE INTO A SPRINGBOARD BULLDOG!!
Rich Russillo: Shane rolls to the outside apron before getting his feet on the ground trying to catch a breather and shake the cobwebs from that bulldog by Miguel who walks to the corner near Shane AND SPRINGBOARD HIMSELF OVER THE TOP ROPE AND ONTO A CROSSBODY ON SHANE!! BOTH MEN GOES DOWN WITH SHANE TAKING THE BRUNT OF THE HIT ON THE TOP OF HIS HEAD!
James Peters: Shane looks to be in trouble now as Miguel is literally on top of him now and the crowd seems to appreciate it quite a lot! He moves Shane to his feet, smacks him with a few lefts and rights before going for a backbreaker against the railing! The official is about to begin the count and they will need to get back inside the ring soon hence risking a double countout which I am sure neither man wants!
Official: ONE!! TWO!!
Rich Russillo: Bringing his opponent to a vertical base, Roderick moves to Shane’s side and takes him down with a swinging neckbreaker on the outside ring floor! Luckily there is passing there!
Official: THREE!! FOUR!!
James Peters: Shane will have to do something to try and stop his opponent otherwise it will spell big trouble to him as he is brought up to his feet ONLY TO BE TAKEN DOWN WITH A HURRICANRANA BY MIGUEL RODERICK!!
Official: FIVE!! SIX!!
Rich Russillo: This is about to run out! Nice offense by Roderick but no win will result out of staying outside after the ten count!
Official: SEVEN!! EIGHT!!
James Peters: And here he goes whipping Gates into the ring and following shortly after! Close call for the two men as Roderick has the upperhand at the moment in this match! Miguel moves to Shane taking him vertical before scooping him up and slam his body down with authority! The fans enjoy the offense coming from someone who will surely become a fast fan favorite if he lines up some wins or at least shows some heartfelt effort through his matches!
Rich Russillo: ASAI MOONSAULT BY MIGUEL RODERICK KEEPING SHANE GATES DOWN!! Perfectly executed by the rookie here! Shane trying to get up gets clotheslined for his efforts FOLLOWED BY A RUNNING 450 SPLASH BY MIGUEL! WOAH! Roderick quickly back to his feet, into the ropes A SOMERSAULT BY THE MAN LANDING ON SHANE GATES AND HOOKS THE LEG FOR A COVER!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWW-
Persephone: Nuh huh!
James Peters: Indeed Shane Gates denies the man from his second career win here in Elite Answers Wrestling by lifting the shoulder up! Miguel looks at the official a second but then goes back to work on Gates throwing a few punches to the man before moving up alongside him AND TAKES HIM DOWN WITH AN ENZIGURI! Gates is down, trying to reclaim verticality as quickly as possible ONLY TO BE TAKEN DOWN ONCE MORE WITH A SHINING WIZARD! MIGUEL HAD BEEN GOING TO THE ROPES WHILE GATES WAS GETTING TO HIS FEET! Well played by Roderick who maintains command of the match!
Rich Russillo: Strong stuff from the Mexican who waits for Gates to get up, he has his back turned on Roderick and GETS A FACE FULL OF BOOT WITH A PERFECT ROUNDHOUSE KICK FROM RODERICK WHO FOLLOWS UP WITH LEG DROP ON SHANE! Miguel rolls away from his opponent before moving him up to his feet and whips him to the ropes. Back towards him comes Shane who gets scooped up AND TAKE DOWN WITH A DEATH VALLEY DRIVER!!
Rich Russillo: COVER BY MIGUEL RODERICK!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
Persephone: Is this for real?
James Peters: It is as Gates lifts the shoulder up to deny Miguel a win at least for the moment! Roderick has been in control especially considering the size difference between both men! And we have more of that where it comes from as Miguel is whipping Gates to the ropes after a few kicks to the legs before BRINGING HIM DOWN WITH A DRAGON SUPLEX! Quickly he gets Gates up and hoists up: MICHINOKU DRIVER TWO!!! What offense by Miguel who awaits that Gates is getting up before throwing him into the ropes, Shanes this way comes AND GOES FOR A RIDE WITH A SPINEBUSTEEEEEEEER!!!
Rich Russillo: Gates is holding his back from the pain coming as a result of that move coming from the smaller Miguel! MiggyMania is in fact running while! Gates is forced to his feet and whipped into a corner. Roderick goes to the opposite one before asking for the encouragement of the crowd! He charges forth BUT IS TAKEN DOWN WITH A POWERFUL CLOTHESLINE FROM SHANE GATES!! Miguel is getting to his feet quickly BUT IS TAKEN DOWN AGAIN BY ANOTHER CLOTHESLINE! BOOM! ANOTHER A THIRD CLOTHESLINE TAKES MIGGYMANIA DOWN! Shane is turning the tables on his opponent and whips him into the ropes BEFORE BRINGING HIM DOWN WITH A PELE KICK! THE BIG MAN TAKES RODERICK DOWN! QUICK HOOK OF THE LEG BY SHANE!!
OOONNNEEE!!!
Persephone: Of course he was going to kick out…
James Peters: It will require more from Shane in order to get rid of Miguel but if he continues like this he has his chances! Miguel is moving to a knee, he doesn’t realize that Shane is behind him stalking and waiting BEFORE MOVING IN AND THROW RODERICK BACKWARDS WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX! Miguel lands almost atop of his head and rolls to his feet from the momentum and against the ropes. He stumbles towards Shane WHO TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A JAPANESE ARM DRAG! Miguel is backing himself into a corner trying to recover from the onslaught but Shane isn’t leaving him a moment to rest!
Rich Russillo: Indeed! Shane is right there in the corner with both hands on the top ropes as he begins to unload a stomping mudhole and seems intent on walking it dry!! The crowd are booing but Gates keeps on going until the official is trying to pry him off his opponent and he reluctantly backs away. Clearly he is letting out some of the frustration resulting from the end of his partnership with Kirk Redwood right here folks, he is looking a bit…
Persephone: Psychotic? Pff! Not enough blood spilled! In fact there isn’t any right now. LAME!!!
James Peters: Hard to see blood out of Miguel’s face if any considering he is wearing a mask. Shane doesn’t seem to give a damn as he moves his opponent upright and drives a knee to the gut before setting Miguel up FOR A BRAINBUSTER!! IT CONNECTS! He then grabs Miguel by the mask, forcing him up before holding onto his head AND DRILLS IT INTO THE MAT WITH A FACEBREAKER DDT!!!! Shane oughta go for a cover after this but he doesn’t! Seems like he wants to punish Miguel as he picks him up, Roderick is barely able to stay on his feet he’s staggering like a Mortal Kombat character before-
Persephone: FINISH HIM!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: PELE KICK!! A PELE KICK BY SHANE GATES who quickly picks up his opponent again and gets him over his head! SHANE IS GORILLA PRESSING MIGUEL RODERICK BEFORE SENDING HIM STIFFLY TO THE MAT WITH A SPINEBUSTER!! NOW HE GOES FOR THE COVER!!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
Persephone: Fucker should’ve gone for the Ironclaw Chokeslam! I know my Rexy would’ve finished Miguel off already! I miss my Rexy so much!!
James Peters: Oh quit your whining Persephone and do your job!
Persephone: You son of-
Rich Russillo: CLOSE CALL BY SHANE who could’ve won but Miguel had other plans and this match continues!
James Peters: While my colleagues are bickering the action continues in the ring as Shane is in total control of the match now. He moves Miguel up, a boot to the gut follows forcing Gates’ opponent to bend and allows him to move to the side and grab his opponent by the waist AND TAKES MIGUEL THROUGH THE GUTBUSTER DROP!! Miguel is holding his gut from the pain as Shane looks down at his opponent and the damage he has caused so far.
Rich RussilloTHEN THROWS IN A SUPERKICK TO THE BACK OF RODERICK’S HEAD!! THE CROWD IS HEAVILY BOOING BUT SHANE IS TOTALLY INDIFFERENT! Miguel is picked up, thrown to the ropes BEFORE GETTING DROP KICKED TO THE OUTSIDE!!!
James Peters: Well folks we have to take a quick commercial break! We will be right back with the continuation of this incredible match! Stay tuned! Sunday Night Voltage will return right after THIS!
( Advertisement regarding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar which Team Mexico will be a part of as well as the US National Soccer Team! A commercial for Moonknight is also playing followed by an ad for Grand Rampage taking place on May 7th and 8th! )
James Peters: And we are back ladies and gentlemen on this episode of Sunday Night Voltage! For those who just joined us we are witnessing Shane Gates battling up and comer Miguel Roderick in what has been a strong back and forth between the two! Shane has been on the offensive for a while now and currently is clubbering Miguel’s back with a double ax handle keeping the man down! Roderick is on his hands and knees and Shane goes for a SLEEPER HOLD!
Rich Russillo: He is going to try and end this right here by taking Roderick away with a sleeperhold! But look, Miguel is on his knees, HE IS MOVING UP AND HAS SHANE ON HIS SHOULDERS!! WHAT THE HELL?? HOW IS HE EVEN ABLE TO LIFT A MAN LIKE SHANE GATES!! HE THROWS HIMSELF BACKWARDS! ELECTRIC CHAIR DROP AND DOWN GOES SHANE WHO LOSES HIS HOLD ON MIGUEL’S HEAD! Both men are looking spent in the middle of the ring and Shane is the one who manages to get up first. He looks woozy but he grabs at Miguel’s legs and he’s setting him up for an Inverted Indian Deathlock!! Miguel tries to deter him with kicks but GATES LOCKS IT IN!! HE HAS IT LOCKED IN!!
James Peters: Miguel is in trouble, screaming for dear life and trying to reach the nearest ropes! Lucky for him he is able to as Shane didn’t take into account how close the two of them were from the ropes! That match could’ve ended right there but it will resume! Gates is disappointed but shrugs the feeling off as he goes to the ropes after having gotten to his feet and kicked the side of Roderick a fe-HE GETS SUPERKICKED TO THE FACE AS HE WAS RUNNING TOWARDS MIGUEL!! WHAT QUICKNESS BY MIGGYMANIA TO STOP SHANE FROM FURTHER DAMAGING HIM!! DOWN GOES SHANE!!
Rich Russillo: Shane in trouble following that superkick and Shane is back to his feet helped by Miguel who shoves him into a corner. He goes for a crossbody BUT SHANE HOLDS ON TO HIM! HE HOISTS HIM INTO A POWERBOMB POSITION!! ACES HIGH!!! HE JUST SLAMS MIGUEL DOWN NOT ONCE! NOT TWICE BUT WITH THREE CONSECUTIVE POWER BOMBS!!!
James Peters: Miguel looks like he is in another timezone and Shane is in a zone of his own letting out a yell of frustration before doing the cutthroat sign! He wants to finish this match!
Persephone: Me Too! Do me a solid Shane! Finish this!!! FINISH THIS!!!!
Rich Russillo: He picks up Miguel, a hand grabbing at the neck. Are we going to see the Ironclaw Chokeslam? HE LIFTS RODERICK!!
Persephone: The fuck? Why is Shane frozen? HEY LOOK OUTSIDE THE RING!!
James Peters: What is goi-Kirk Redwood just walked at ringside, by that I mean limping from the attack from Shane earlier he looks banged up as he stands at ringside and Shane is staring right at him… Scared?
Rich Russillo: Look At What He Has In His Hands!!
Persephone: Oh Fuck NO! NOT THAT THING!!
James Peters: KIRK REDWOOD HAS A LIZZIE DOLL IN HIS HANDS! SHANE LOOKS SHAKEN BY THIS! HELL I AM SHAKEN I THOUGHT THAT DOLL WAS BLOWN SKY HIGH AT WICKED GAMES!!!
Persephone: Are we going to live through this shit again? GOD DAMMIT!!
Rich Russillo: Miguel during this time slipped out of Shane’s grasp he is standing behind Gates who looks like he’s frozen in time he can’t help but look down on Kirk but specifically Lizzie MIGUEL SPINS SHANE AROUND!! THE MR!! THE JUMPING CUTTER FROM MIGUEL TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THIS SITUATION!! WHILE EVERYBODY IS SHOCKED HE NAILS DOWN SHANE!!! RODERICK WITH THE COVER WHILE REDWOOD HAS AN EVIL SMIRK ON HIS FACE!!!!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEE!!!!
( DING! DING!! DING!!! )
( “Mi Trokita Cumbia” by Obzesion plays over the sound system of the arena as Miguel is getting his lead arm raised in victory by the official. Redwood still has that devilish smile on his face as Shane is sitting and stares knives at the man. )
Bella Braxton: Ladies And Gentlemen The Winner Of This Bout: MIGUEL RODERICK !!!!!!!!!
James Peters: WHAT A SHOCKING END OF A MATCH!!!
Rich Russillo: This is payback from what happened earlier but Kirk couldn’t be more cerebral about it than that! He just didn’t show up and distract Shane! He brought a Lizzie Doll with him!!! Is it the genuine article or a piece sold at EAWShop.com?
Persephone: Who the fuck cares? Shane lost because of it! Good news though is now we can do something else!
( As the winner celebrates his victory and the defeated yells at his enemy, Voltage fades from ringside.)
(Voltage cuts to a promotional ad for Morbius, the first movie to sell zero tickets.)
(As Sunday Night Voltage returns from a commercial break, “Mona Lisa” by Lil Wayne featuring Kendrick Lamar begins to play and Cleopatra makes her way out from the back with the crowd on their feet! She doesn’t waste time pandering to the crowd and heads for the ring, a microphone in hand as she goes down the ramp.)
Persephone: Ewwwww, she’s got a microphone so that means she’s probably got something to say! Hopefully, she’s coming out here to announce her retirement and make it a real quick short one.
James Peters: I’m going to take a guess and say that’s not what’s going to happen, but rather, speak on the drama that has unfolded among herself, Diamond Dixon, and the Queen’s Court which seemingly drew the attention of Mary S. Atlas and Becca Black!
Rich Russillo: We can’t forget that Cleo attacked Becca after Becca eliminated her from the Gold Rush Tournament, so I don’t doubt that that was a motivating factor. Seeing Cleopatra, along with Amber and Madison, go after Diamond like that was surely something that they weren’t going to stand by and let happen.
Persephone: Well, they should’ve. Maybe they could’ve injured her and then themselves so we wouldn’t have to sit through this shit.
(Cleopatra enters the ring and once her music fades out, she takes her spot at the middle of the mat. She lets a moment pass to allow the boisterous crowd to settle down, and only then does she raise her microphone.)
Cleopatra: I’d say that I really hope that Diamond Dixon had some sense beat into her last week, but seeing the way that she carries herself and runs her mouth like she’s so above everyone, I know that’d be asking for too much. I mean, what does it say about all this that that’s what this has come to? At this point, it should be clear to everyone if it wasn’t already that Diamond has no idea what she’s gotten herself into: she’s talked a lot of trash and spewed a bunch of disrespect towards me, one of the greatest women to have paved the way for a woman like Diamond and the rest of the women’s division, just to find out the hard way that her words come with consequences. She should be honored to be in my presence, to even have the amount of attention from me that she does – but she’s chosen to be a disrespectful coward toward the Greatest Vixen That Ever Lived. I’m standing here as one of the greatest names that EAW has ever had grace its screens and her actions toward me are the thanks I get for everything I’ve done in my career to show what can happen when EAW actually invests in its women’s division.
Cleopatra: But there’s a price that comes with practically spitting in the face of that and Diamond’s soon to find out that it’s gonna cost her if she doesn’t come to her senses faster, because all she has to do is watch The Queen’s Court’s match later to know that’s what’s to come in her own future at Grand Rampage. While it might seem like this is the type of fight Diamond wanted initially, she needs to get it through her head that she’ll want to reconsider because it’s going to come to a point where there’s no going back and she doesn’t seem like the type who likes to get embarrassed as easily as she could at Grand Rampage. I-
(But before she can continue, “Bussin” by Nicki Minaj featuring Lil Baby plays to a mixed reaction as Diamond Dixon makes her way out and carries a microphone as well, looking not at all fazed as she looks down into the ring at Cleopatra. If anything, she appears almost offended by what Cleopatra has had to say as if she can’t even believe that the Hall of Famer would even utter the words she has.)
Persephone: As if we needed the interruption. 🙄 Can’t we get through anything around here without people having to try to make a moment? When are people around here gonna learn that no one cares?!
James Peters: Diamond certainly wasn’t going to allow Cleopatra to just continue on without some type of pushback; that’s not who Diamond is. For Cleopatra to be speaking on her name the way she was and basically threatening her, she knew she had to say something!
Rich Russillo: One thing we know about Diamond Dixon is that she absolutely won’t just sit back and let someone run their mouth about her without saying something back; this could’ve only been anticipated!
(Diamond casually enters the ring after coming up the steps and she stands tall across from Cleopatra, looking her up and down unimpressed before laughing into her microphone.)
Diamond Dixon: This has gotta be some type of joke, right? Telling me that I need to reconsider my options here? It seems like it’s you who needs to be the one doing that since it took you, Amber, AND Madison jumping me last week for you to even get the upper hand. Your weird-ass, on-again-off-again friends saw that I wasn’t going down against you and they had to throw on their capes to fly in to save your sorry ass! The whole thing was real fucking pathetic, but should anyone be surprised? Even you’ve had to realize at some point that a Queen’s Court reunion is something that not a damn soul around here wanted or needed, especially with a rising star like me around who’s getting all the attention, so you’ve gotta do something to make this worthwhile and I guess that means all three of you jumping the hottest act going today!
Cleopatra: Are you sure anyone would even be talking about you the way that they are now if it weren’t for the fact that you and I have been sharing airtime lately? You should be thankful that you have someone like me, someone as decorated and respected as me, basically giving people a reason to even look your way. To no one’s surprise, I continue to have an influence over the women and perception of the women’s division all these years later – and you’re just one of the latest in a long line of them benefitting from being in MY spotlight.
Diamond Dixon: Please, the name Diamond Dixon was gonna thrive regardless of whether you got dragged outta your retirement home or not; I’m becoming a star no matter what. I know it, EAW knows it, and whether you want to admit it or not, you know it, too. If anyone’s benefitting from anything around here, it’s you getting to mix it up against a woman like me – someone who had eyes on her the second I made headlines for signing my EAW contract – because I’m most certainly the future of this company, and that’s undeniable. I’ve got it all – I’m the total package – and I know how to get people talking, I know how to command attention and hold the spotlight that you only think is yours these days, which is why I’m gonna do exactly that at Super Voltage. It’s coming up soon and I don’t feel like waiting until Grand Rampage to show you what I’m really all about.
(The audience begins to buzz as it dawns on them that they just might not have to wait much longer to see these two properly get their hands on each other.)
Cleopatra: Don’t tell me you’re really about to suggest what I think you’re going to. You’d only be setting yourself up if you don’t really think about who you’d be getting into the ring with.
Diamond Dixon: What, like I’m supposed to be scared? EAW and Captain Charisma know that they need someone like me on the show anyway, so why not? I want it to be me versus you one-on-one at Super Voltage – we don’t have to wait for a whole FPV just so I can show you what Diamond Dixon is capable of!
(Cleopatra appears honestly amused, looking around at the hyped crowd with a short laugh, and then turns her head back to Diamond with a nod.)
Cleopatra: Fine by me, I accept. It’ll be an even better preview of what’s to come your way at Grand Rampage, and maybe give Mary and Becca some insight on how much you’re all going to have to pull yourselves together if you so much as want to be able to say that you even came close to defeating The Queen’s Court. What everyone’s going to see is that I’ll beat you, it’ll be undisputed and undeniable – and even they won’t be able to help you.
(Diamond has to pause for a moment as Cleopatra grins in her face while pointing to the stage behind Diamond, and Diamond turns around to look.)
Rich Russillo: :damn:!!!!
James Peters: MARY S. ATLAS AND BECCA BLACK ARE BEING DRAGGED OUT ONTO THE STAGE BY AMBER KEYS AND MADISON KALINE! THE ELECTRIC SAVAGES APPEAR TO BE UNCONSCIOUS!
Persephone: I wish I was too instead of being made to sit through this. :mjcry:
(Mary and Becca are carelessly laid on the stage after being dragged out by their hair, and the camera shot from over them shows that they’ve been badly beaten. Neither one of them is moving, and Madison and Amber couldn’t look more proud of themselves. Diamond watches on in disbelief, no doubt confused about when this could’ve happened.)
James Peters: CLEOPATRA JUST STRUCK DIAMOND OVER THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH HER MICROPHONE! DIAMOND GOES DOWN AND FALLS INTO THE ROPES, AND CLEOPATRA IS RUTHLESS AS SHE BEATS DOWN ON THE H-TOWN HOTTIE!!!
Persephone: Don’t ever let me hear the words H-Town Hottie come out of your mouth ever again.
Rich Russillo: CLEOPATRA DELIVERS A SERIES OF MOUNTED PUNCHES AFTER GETTING DIAMOND ON THE MAT, AND DIAMOND CAN HARDLY COVER UP! DIAMOND STRUGGLES WITH CLEO ON TOP OF HER AND CLEO PINS DOWN ONE OF HER ARMS, MAKING IT JUST THAT MUCH EASIER TO DIRECT HER FISTS AT DIAMONDS FACE!!
(Cleopatra gets to her feet and Diamond is laid on the mat with her hands over her face, and Cleopatra proceeds to shove Diamond out of the ring and to the floor with her foot. Diamond drops with a thud and Cleopatra casually steps out onto the apron, patting herself on the shoulder with a smile before hopping down to grab a hold of Diamond her hair.)
James Peters: Cleopatra doesn’t appear to be done as she drags Diamond up and repeatedly slams her face into the apron! Cleo now clubbing Diamond over the back before kicking her in the gut, AND NOW WHIPPING HER INTO TEH STEEL STEPS! DIAMOND COLLIDES WITH THE SIDE OF THE STEPS AND SHE DROPS DOWN AGAINST THEM, UNABLE TO STOP HERSELF FROM CONNECTING WITH THEM!
Rich Russillo: AND CLEO RUNS UP CONNECTING WITH A RUNNING KNEE STRIKE TO THE FACE! CLEO DRIVES HER KNEE INTO DIAMOND’S FACE AND CONSEQUENTLY KNOCKS THE BACK OF DIAMOND’S HEAD INTO THE STEPS! THE QUEEN’S COURT SEEMS TO BE AS COHESIVE AS EVER AS THIS WAS CLEARLY PLANNED OUT FROM THE MOMENT CLEOPATRA CAME OUT HERE!
James Peters: Cleopatra doesn’t look like this is over for her though as she’s slow to bring Diamond to her feet- “BRUTALITY” ON THE OUTSIDE FLOOR!!! CLEOPATRA SPIKES DIAMOND ON HER HEAD AT RINGSIDE AND DIAMOND IS OFFICIALLY OUT! SHE’S NOT MOVING AS CLEOPATRA SHOVES HER ASIDE AND GETS TO HER FEET!!
Rich Russillo: Things are not looking good for Diamond and the Electric Savages!
Persephone: That sounds like the worst band name ever :mjlol:!!
James Peters: That’s hardly the concern here as Cleopatra taunts Diamond while she’s down, telling Diamond to try to trash-talk her now despite knowing full well that Diamond is in absolutely no condition to do any of that! Cleopatra now begins to drag Diamond up the ramp and to the stage, where Amber and Madison wait with smirks on their faces as they watch Cleopatra toss Diamond onto the bodies of Mary S. Atlas and Becca Black!
(The three of them proudly look at their handiwork and then to each other with all of them nodding proudly.)
Madison Kaline: (off-mic) All bets are off come Battle of Egypt, but first, let’s make sure that Grand Rampage ends exactly just like this!
(Amber shrugs, obviously not at all having an issue agreeing with that.)
Amber Keys: (off-mic) Fine by me. Come Grand Rampage, it’ll be The Queen’s Court standing tall once again.
(All three members of The Queen’s Court nod in unison and they take each other’s hands, raising them up as they stand on the stage over the bodies of Diamond Dixon, Mary S. Atlas, and Becca Black!)
James Peters: What a preview this is looking to be! We’ve got these two teams meeting at Grand Rampage, but not before Cleopatra goes one-on-one with Diamond Dixon at Super Voltage on April 24th from the Symphony of the Seas cruise ship! Things between these six women most definitely just got upped here tonight, and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out!
(On the sight of The Queen’s Court still standing proudly over their ambushed enemies, the scene fades out.)
[ EARLIER THIS WEEK – EAW PERFORMANCE CENTER ]
(The scene opened up to show Ruler sitting backstage. A stagehand fixes a microphone on him before walking out of the picture as he stares at the camera directly without breaking eyesight. A few seconds later, a voice off camera is heard.)
Narrator: (off-camera) State your name for the record.
Ruler: Ruler.
Narrator: (off-camera) Is that your real name?
Ruler: And the problem with that is what?
Narrator (off-camera) Well, anyway, welcome to EAW…Ruler. What does the New Era Classic Tournament mean to you?
(Ruler rakes his hands through his hair and looks down at the floor, almost stressing at the fact of answering the question. He sits back up rubbing the right side of his head.)
Catch: Don’t mess this up.
Ruler: …The New Era Classic means quite a bit to me actually. I have been given great opportunity after great opportunity here in EAW, and I am nothing but appreciative towards that. But I’m also getting those opportunities because I can carry my weight, not because of any special treatment or whatever. It’s just that I can do ABOVE what is expected from some new kid that just debuted in the new era. I push myself to do what most of the other people in this New Era Classic cannot. I’ve gone one on one with current EAW Unified Tag Team Champion Jake Smith…I’ve defeated four other people all at a singular time in the most recent multi person Showcase Match…I know what I’m doing and what I’ve been getting into in this company.
Ruler: This New Era Classic Tournament…It means that I can just further show why I am what I say I am; That being THE Ancient Prodigy. I’ve heard time and time again that I’ll just fail. But no. It’s not like that, and since I debuted it never has been. It never will be. Every time I get put down, I pick myself back up, and I either keep doing so, or I dismantle whoever is in my path. It’s been only those two options since I’ve debuted, and it’s as simple as that. This New Era Classic means that I’m ready to prove to the world why I’m the next great thing.
Narrator: (off-camera) The New Era Classic is a very unique tournament as it consists of groups of wrestlers being divided into blocks, what do you think of your opponents in Block B?
Ruler: I don’t care.. I genuinely do not care at all. There are better opponents in the opposing blocks if I’m being honest – Looking at you Joso.. – And quite frankly, I don’t waste sleep thinking about who the fellow Elitists are in my group, or block, or whatever the fuck. I’m sure others think about who else is alongside ‘em in their blocks.. But not me. To me, it’s all just a pairing and nothing more. Sure, people like Ethan Alexander can stand out because he’s been on me since I defeated him in the Showcase I’ve previously mentioned, but other than that.. Not much I can say.
Narrator: (off-camera) Is there any doubt on your mind heading into the Tournament?
(Ruler stood in silence again, stopping and thinking deeply about the question that was thrown at him as he rubbed the right side of his face again.)
Catch: You do have doubts.
Ruler: Now.. What do you exactly mean by “doubt”? It can mean a hell of a lot of things… Do I have doubts in my mind that I can’t win or defeat an opponent? Or do I have doubts in my mind as in I don’t think that I’m good enough to be here? Because if it’s any of that, then no, I don’t have doubts.. It’s just a very unfinished question. I know that I am in fact good enough to be here in this New Era Classic, and I know that I do in fact have what it takes to win against greater opponents; Stronger, more effective, faster- Whatever advantage that it may be, I will always be smarter. I know just how to turn another man’s strength right into a weakness.
Narrator: (off-camera) Is there anything you want to showcase to everyone in EAW and the EAW Universe in this Tournament?
Ruler: Yeah. I want to showcase that I am one of the brightest up and coming talents that any promotion could ever ask for. Now that could be my ego speaking, but I’d like to think that it’s just confidence. Yeah, it’s over said a LOT, but I don’t force it like all of the others. I genuinely do mean and think that I have all that it takes. And like I stated before, I’m going to use the New Era Classic to prove why I say that I’m such a prodigy.
Narrator: (off-camera) Any final statements you have about the Tournament and the competitors involved?
Ruler: To all of the competitors involved, I do wish that you all bring your best especially when put up against myself, but I would trust in that that’s a given anyways. So besides that.. I do have one statement..
Catch: Hold off on it.
Ruler: But, nah.. It can wait. It’ll be stated clearly enough eventually. Thank you for asking.
(Ruler’s last words lingered on as the video package ended right there. The scene then faded out to show it in present day and backstage once more as Sofia Clarke stood in front of the camera again, ready for more interviews to do.)
Sofia Clarke: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome my next guest of the night, one of the other competitors for the New Era Classic Tournament, Ruler!
(The crowd was actually pretty mixed as they heard Ruler’s name, as a lot of boos combined with loud cheering could be heard for him as he slowly walked in front of the camera and stood next to Sofia, he had a lot of his mind right now with the New Era Classic Tournament up ahead but he still had a focused expression, earlier in the package video he got a bit stressed as he wasn’t used to being on interviews often but this time he wasn’t going to mess up.)
Sofia Clarke: Thank you for being here Ruler.
Catch: Now, don’t forget your manners.
Ruler: …No problem, thanks for the interview.
Sofia Clarke: It can’t be ignored what you have been able to show here in Voltage, pulling off great matches against another Voltage newcomer in Diamond Dixon and one half of the Unified Tag Team Champions, Jake Smith. Now what do you think of how your career has gone so far?
Catch: Tell them, are you still worth it or not?
Ruler: I feel like everything up to this point has been worth it, I am worth it. Everything that has been given to me I made it work, and whatever I am saying should be worth a lot. Even though I ended up suffering setbacks when losing against Diamond and Jake, it is normal in life having to suffer those kinds of things, feeling like you are lost without any way back to the point where you started. What matters is to get over that setback, and as far as I know, I believe I am doing great. With having to beat four other people in that Showcase Match, that proved what I am able to do, and then the New Classic Tournament, that will show what I will be capable of doing in the future. The opportunity of winning this tournament is one I can simply not pass, because it will definitely help me in the future. I stumbled at first with Caroline, but the result I made in the match with her was to simply further a point I made towards her because in Week 2, I beat Ethan Alexander and earned that hard fought victory. I suffered those setbacks and then I picked myself back up and came back better than ever. I am appreciative of these opportunities because they give me more chances to prove why I consider myself The Ancient Prodigy.
Sofia Clarke: There are still obstacles in your journey, as your next match in the New Era Classic Tournament will be up against Jay Jerry Johnson, what do you think of your next opponent?
(Right in that moment, Ruler’s expression definitely soured hearing that name, he just let out a sigh and he quickly responded.)
Ruler: What do you want me to say about him that hasn’t been said already? He is a dog with all bark, no bite. He is someone who still thinks he is the shit but hasn’t been able to back himself up in the ring. I already heard what he said about me earlier in the night and that simply makes me think…why? He sounds like a dumbass saying the same thing everybody has said about me already, that I am “edgy” for how I carry myself or living in a church, he is worrying about things that don’t even make sense when he should be worrying about his own career, thinking he can still be better than me when he hasn’t even be able to pick up a legit win for himself the past couple of months. He is just like Diamond Dixon, a bitch with an overgrown ego, because after everything that happened and everything that he has done, nobody is going to bank on someone who is considered broke.
Catch: A total broke asshole.
Ruler: Something we finally agree on. We are done here…thanks for the interview.
(Ruler walked away without anything more to say to everybody as Sofia turned towards the camera with a small smile.)
Sofia Clarke: Well, both Triple J and Ruler have said their piece, but I am sure we will have a great match in our hands when they face each other. I have been Sofia Clarke, I hope you all enjoy the rest of the show!
(Sofia said her goodbyes as Voltage faded away from the area.)
(Voltage cuts to a promotional ad, promoting the Iconic Cup tournament.)
(Sunday Night Voltage comes back from commercial break to a shot of the backstage area of the Mexico City Arena. The camera specifically focuses on Sofia Clarke, Sunday Night Voltage’s resident Backstage Interviewer. She has a smile on her face as she stands behind a generic EAW backdrop with a microphone in hand. She takes a moment to let the show fully transition, before beginning to speak in her microphone from there.)
Sofia Clarke: What a night that we’ve had so far here on Sunday Night Voltage! The best part about it, is that we’re far from over here tonight! With some great matches planned including our main event which consists of Jake Smith and Drake King teaming up against Madison Kaline and Cleopatra. Speaking of, please welcome my guest here tonight… Jake Smith!
(The crowd roars into cheers upon hearing the name of one-half of the Unified Tag Team Champions, The Haircare Kings. Before long, the camera then begins to pan over to show Jake Smith himself make his way into the scene. He, of course, has his half of the Unified Tag Team Championships resting on his shoulder along with being fitted in his ring gear, with a EAW branded ‘Jake Smith >>> Your Fav” shirt thrown over him. He’s looking lavish here tonight and it only helps his case as he is seen wearing the finest sandals that money can buy. He nods towards Sofia before clearing his throat and beginning to speak.)
Jake Smith: Sofia, glad to see you again :wow:. I know you and I have had our problems in the past, but I’d like to extend an olive branch towards you, how does that sound?
(Jake holds his hand out, in which Sofia looks down at it weirdly. She rolls her eyes before hesitantly accepting his gesture.)
Sofia Clarke: That’s grand, but I’m the one asking the questions thank you very much.
Jake Smith: :picard: Rude, but I’ll allow it.
Sofia Clarke: Anyway, Jake, this week as I mentioned before you have a tough match ahead of you teaming with Drake King against Cleopatra and Madison Kaline. Firstly, how does it feel knowing you’re going to team with someone who you’ve hated the guts of this entire Season now in the form of Drake? It has to affect this match somehow.
Jake Smith: Absolutely not, contrary to belief. I know I have my feelings on Drake and Drake has his feelings on me, but we’ve both made it clear this week that we’re willing to put it to the side to fight against a common cause. The two of us are looking for a win and something like that is crucial on the road to Pain For Pride, especially in a main event matchup. As far as I’m concerned? Everything will go just as planned. If it doesn’t? Well, I’d rather not think about that, but I’ll talk about it when it happens. There’s nothing to worry about, and I guarantee you the next time you see me, I’ll have another win under my belt.
Sofia Clarke: Well you also mentioned something about what’s next for you here on Voltage. As we know, two weeks ago you came up short against Hikari Kanno, allowing her to advance in the Gold Rush Tournament whilst you got eliminated in the first round. You said that you did not have a clue what was next, but that you’d have something for us by Voltage. Does that still stand? And if so, what might it be?
Jake Smith: I’m glad you asked, either way I was going to give some answers but this is much more convenient. I was kinda skeptical about losing the Gold Rush Tournament in the first place, no matter who I was up against, I had this feeling in the back of my mind that this was going to set me up for the rest of the Season. That I was going to win the entire thing, and then proceed to headline Pain For Pride and win the EAW World Championship. That’s something I’d like to call a perfect reality. But of course, that’s if everything went to plan. And I think everyone in Elite Answers Wrestling knows that not everything goes to plan. I didn’t believe that though, I walked into my match with Hikari Kanno and believed that, at the very least, I was going to advance to the next round… but that didn’t even happen.
Jake Smith: Am I bummed? For a few days I was, but then I realized it happens. People can criticize me for never being able to get it done, but they can’t deny that I am a persistent person. I will not back down, and I will not waver. Despite the shortcoming, it’s apparent that I’ve gotten back up to my feet and now, as you said, I’m looking for something to get me going. Something that will, at the very least, turn my luck around and make things different for me. At first I was stuck, as you mentioned. I had no idea what I was going to do, but then I realized how stupid I am… I realized what was in front of me the entire time. A match that’s very familiar to me, one that I was very close to winning. Yeah, I think you know what I’m getting at here. A lot of people would be scared to make this announcement, fearful to even consider the thought of being in this match, but not me. Last year was just a warmup. Now, I have the chance to win… I officially announce my inclusion in the Grand Rampage match.
(Jake looks towards Sofia, with a grin beginning to show. The crowd once again begins to cheer upon hearing the news of Jake being included in the Grand Rampage festivities. With a handful of people confirmed so far and many waiting to announce theirs, it’s clear that Jake wants to make it known that he will be a threat in the match itself and refuses to back down. Sofia nods her head, impressed at Jake’s confidence even heading into a match like that.)
Sofia Clarke: Well, there you have it folks, Jake Smith is officially an entrant into the 2022 Grand Rampage match! Now of course, it goes without saying you are very familiar with a match like this. You found yourself in the Grand Rampage match last year, and even got all the way to the final five. You had some impressive company in the form of Impact and New Eden, but in the end, you found yourself eliminated by the EAW Hall of Famer and 9-time World Champion, leaving Drake King to win the match and headline Pain For Pride where he, of course, won the EAW World Championship off of Malcolm Jones. I don’t think this match is going to be any less difficult, do you have your doubts?
Jake Smith: As I said, last year was the feeling out process. Unfortunately for everyone that wants to see me fail this year as well… Drake King isn’t going to be in the match, along with Myles, along with Minerva. Impact? Contendable, but I can handle him that’s for sure. Regardless, I can bet good money that none of them will be a problem and maybe we’ll see in due time if that’s true. Nonetheless, those people were the main ones that stopped my Pain For Pride aspirations dead in their tracks… now they’re not there, what happens? Well, now I seize the opportunity for myself. As far as I’m concerned, there is nobody in that match that is going to stop me now and especially now knowing the lay of the land, there better be a big red X on my chest. Each and everyone of those competitors better be ready, because I’m coming, and I’m going to eliminate each and everyone of them if that’s what it takes to win that whole damn thing. I’m not losing another opportunity again.
Sofia Clarke: Bold words being spoken, but how about afterward? Regardless of whether or not you’re going to win the match, which is something that we’re going to have to find out for ourselves… You still have to defend your Unified Tag Team Championships alongside Chris Elite against The High Rollerz and The Golden Guns at Battle of Egypt III. Will your inclusion in the Grand Rampage match do anything to affect that?
Jake Smith: Absolutely not, I know better than to let my emotions get the better of me at this point in my career. Whether or not I win the Grand Rampage match or lose it is something that we’re just going to have to find out for ourselves, but no matter what, I’m not going to let that even touch our chances at Battle of Egypt. The High Rollerz and The Golden Guns should be scared of what we have to offer towards them, and we still have weeks to go to jam it into their head before it’s too late. That’s the mistake that they’ve been making, and it’s something that they’re going to learn one way or another. Shit, how about I take matters into my own hands actually, while we’re here, let me talk to you.
Jake Smith: I see all this Super Showdown and Super Voltage shit, and it all looks very enticing for someone like myself. We have Super Showdown said and done with, and let me just say the cross branded matches were the most interesting to me. So let me offer that same opportunity for Voltage as well. Two days ago I got the chance to watch Chris Elite and David Davidson on Friday Night Dynasty, and while it didn’t exactly go any of their ways, it did make me very eager to join in on the fun. So let’s not leave out the other High Roller. At Super Voltage, I challenge Jack Ripley to a singles match. And I’m very eager to hear what he has to say about it.
(The crowd cheers as Jake turns around and briskly walks out of the scene, clearly coursing with adrenaline while Sofia turns and looks towards the camera that’s facing her with a smile on her face as it’s apparent she’s been left to her own leisure.)
Sofia Clarke: Well, you heard it here folks! Jake Smith has challenged one-fourth of his Battle of Egypt III challengers in the form of Jack Ripley to a match at Super Voltage. As it makes the grand scale event… well, even grander! What an announcement here tonight, but the show must go on! Back to you guys!
(Voltage fades back to ringside, and Bella Braxton is seen with a microphone in her hand.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, the following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!
(‘Blood, Milk & Sky’ by White Zombie hits, and the crowd begins cheering loudly as Minerva walks out to the stage, ready to compete despite the brawl she was involved in earlier on in the show. Minerva has a more focused look on her face, keeping her mind on the match she has up next rather than thinking about what went on earlier or the match she has coming up next week. Before long Minerva begins making her way down the ramp and towards the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first… Residing in the Florida Everglades… Weighing in at 122 pounds… MMMIIIIIIIIINNEEERRRVVVVAAAAA!!!!!!
James Peters: Minerva is out here, but before we get to anything else I have something big to tell you all. It turns out that EAW Chairman Mr. DEDEDE personally booked this match! He’s definitely watching this one very closely, and knowing who is competing, he’s surely in for a great match!
Rich Russillo: He may be in for a great match, but I don’t think that’s what he cares about. If anything, I feel like this might be a test for Donovan Duke. A test that I’m not so sure Donovan will be able to pass knowing what happened last time these two faced each other!
(‘The Outsiders’ by Eric Church hits, and the crowd continues to cheer as the National Elite Champion Donovan Duke makes his way out to the stage. Donovan also has a look of focus on his face, but it’s different for Donovan, as he knows just how big of a deal this match really is for him. The EAW Chairman is watching this, and Donovan knows that he can’t afford to keep taking losses with Mr. DEDEDE already against him. After letting it all set in, Donovan begins making his way down the ramp to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: And her opponent… From Stillwater, Oklahoma… Weighing in at 212 pounds….. HE IS THE NATIONAL ELITE CHAMPION, DOONNOOVVAANNNN DDUUUUUUUUKKEEE!!!!!!
James Peters: I wouldn’t underestimate this man. He knows that he needs to prove people wrong tonight, and he has the talent and the ability to do it. Regardless of the winner, this won’t be easy for either competitor!
Rich Russillo: I’ll agree with that last part. These two are in for a fight, and I for one can’t wait to see what they’re going to bring to the table!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
James Peters: DONOVAN QUICKLY RUNS IN AND SCOOPS MINERVA UP! DONOVAN IS LOOKING FOR THE DUKE OF HAZARD!
Rich Russillo: BUT MINERVA QUICKLY SLIPS DOWN DONOVAN’S BACK BEFORE TURNING HIM AROUND IN A FRONT FACELOCK! MINERVA LIFTS DONOVAN DUKE UP FOR ATLAS FALLS-
James Peters: BUT DONOVAN DUKE NOW DROPS DOWN ONTO HIS FEET BEFORE MINERVA COULD CONNECT WITH THE BRAINBUSTER! DONOVAN GRABS MINERVA AND TRIES TO LIFT HER UP FOR A GERMAN SUPLEX, BUT MINERVA DELIVERS A BACK ELBOW! Minerva now turning towards Donovan, and he sends him into the ropes with an irish whip!
Rich Russillo: DONOVAN BOUNCES OFF OF THE ROPES- BUT HE QUICKLY DROPS DOWN AND GRABS MINERVA’S ARM BEFORE PULLING HER DOWN WITH AN ARM DRAG! Donovan Duke now grabbing Minerva by the arm, AND DONOVAN ROLLS MINERVA ONTO THE MAT BEFORE LOCKING IN AN ARMBAR! DONOVAN DUKE HAS BEEN ON A BAD STREAK AS OF LATE, ONE THAT’S CAUSED THE CHAIRMAN HIMSELF MR. DEDEDE TO MAKE HIS PRESENCE KNOWN, AND RIGHT NOW DONOVAN IS DOING WHATEVER IT TAKES TO TURN THINGS AROUND FOR HIM AS HE GOES FOR THE SUBMISSION EARLY ON! Minerva doesn’t want to lose this match though, and it looks like she’s already fighting her way out of the armbar!
Persephone: For some reason Minerva is pulling herself up to her feet. Come on, Donovan is already pathetic enough, can she just tap out so we can move on? It’s not like she’ll lose her spot in the Gold Rush tournament.
James Peters: MINERVA IS TRYING TO GET OUT OF THE ARMBAR, BUT DONOVAN DUKE IS ABLE TO GRAB MINERVA’S HEAD AND TRANSITION INTO A TRIANGLE CHOKE! DONOVAN DUKE HAS A TRIANGLE CHOKE LOCKED IN ON MINERVA, AND IT LOOKS LIKE DONOVAN’S REALLY TRYING TO PICK UP AN EARLY VICTORY! HE MIGHT JUST SHOCK THE WORLD TONIGHT!
Rich Russillo: NO! MINERVA SLOWLY BEGINS TO POWER DONOVAN DUKE UP ON HER SHOULDERS AS MUCH AS SHE CAN, AND MINERVA QUICKLY RUNS INTO THE CORNER, SLAMMING DONOVAN DUKE BACK FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!! BOTH ELITISTS FALL OUT OF THE CORNER, AND MINERVA JUST FREED HERSELF FROM THE TRIANGLE CHOKE IN AMAZING FASHION! It took a lot of strength for Minerva to pull that off as she clearly wasn’t able to deliver a full on powerbomb to Donovan while in the choke, but Minerva was able to run into the corner and send Donovan back first into the turnbuckles!
James Peters: Donovan Duke is using the turnbuckles to try and pull him up, BUT MINERVA RUNS IN AND DELIVERS A KNEE, CRUSHING DONOVAN’S HEAD BETWEEN HER KNEE AND THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE! DONOVAN STUMBLES OUT OF THE CORNER, AND MINERVA GRABS DONOVAN BY THE HEAD BEFORE DELIVERING A DDT! MINERVA NOW WITH THE FIRST COVER OF THE MATCH, AND SEEING HOW HARD HITTING THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN THIS MATCH MIGHT BE COMING TO A VERY EARLY CLOSE!
ONE!
TWO!!
James Peters: DONOVAN KICKS OUT, THIS MATCH IS NOT OVER JUST YET!
Rich Russillo: Minerva now getting on top of Donovan, AND SHE BEGINS TO ELBOW AWAY AT THE NATIONAL ELITE CHAMPION! MINERVA WITH A BRUTAL ATTACK ON DONOVAN DUKE AS SHE TRIES TO WEAR HIM DOWN AS MUCH AS SHE CAN- BUT DONOVAN DUKE IS ABLE TO TURN IT AROUND AS HE GETS ON TOP OF MINERVA AND- WAIT NO! DONOVAN DUKE BACKS OFF AND INSTEAD GRABS MINERVA BY THE LEGS BEFORE TURNING HER AROUND AND LOCKING IN A BOSTON CRAB! DONOVAN DUKE WITH ANOTHER SUBMISSION HOLD AS MINERVA IS IN SOME TROUBLE! DONOVAN DUKE IS TRYING TO MAKE MINERVA TAP OUT!
Persephone: Yeah, and for some reason she won’t do it! What the hell is wrong with her? Why doesn’t she get that nobody wants to see this match!?
James Peters: MINERVA TURNS AROUND ONTO HER BACK, AND SHE HITS DONOVAN DUKE IN THE FACE WITH A RIGHT HAND, FORCING DONOVAN OFF OF HER! DONOVAN DUKE TRIES TO RUSH BACK IN FOR AN ATTACK, BUT MINERVA IS QUICKLY ABLE TO COUNTER WITH A DROP TOE HOLD BEFORE GETTING BACK UP AND DELIVERING A JUMPING KNEE DROP TO THE BACK OF DONOVAN’S HEAD! THAT WAS A NASTY KNEE DROP, AND NOW DONOVAN IS HOLDING THE BACK OF HIS HEAD IN PAIN AS MINERVA LOOKS TO CAPITALIZE!
Rich Russillo: DONOVAN DUKE IS GETTING BACK UP, AND MINERVA QUICKLY GRABS DONOVAN BEFORE SLAMMING HIS FACE ONTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! MINERVA NOW GRABBING DONOVAN BEFORE SENDING HIM INTO THE OPPOSITE CORNER, AND NOW MINERVA CHARGES IN BEFORE DELIVERING A RUNNING ELBOW SMASH! Donovan Duke slowly begins to stumble out of the corner and it’s clear that this combination of attacks is taking its toll right now, AND NOW MINERVA KICKS DONOVAN IN THE MIDSECTION BEFORE RUNNING OFF OF THE ROPES, MINERVA WITH A SCISSOR KICK-
James Peters: NO! DONOVAN DUKE PULLS BACK AND AVOIDS THE SCISSOR KICK BEFORE GRABBING MINERVA! DONOVAN DUKE WITH A DRAGON SUPLEX!!! MINERVA IS DOWN, BUT DONOVAN DUKE HOLDS ONTO HER AND PULLS HER BACK UP TO HER FEET, BEFORE DELIVERING A GERMAN SUPLEX!!! MINERVA IS PLANTED WITH THE GERMAN SUPLEX, AND NOW DONOVAN DUKE RUSHES BACK UP TO HIS FEET BEFORE PULLING MINERVA BACK UP, AND SENDING HER ACROSS THE RING WITH AN EXPLODER SUPLEX!! INCREDIBLE SUPLEX COMBINATION BY DONOVAN DUKE AS MINERVA IS FORCED TO ROLL OUT OF THE RING AND OUT ONTO THE APRON! Donovan Duke is on fire right now!
Rich Russillo: You’re right, and I don’t think he is ready to let up just yet! Minerva is getting back up to her feet on the apron, AND NOW DONOVAN DUKE RUNS UP THE TURNBUCKLES UP TO THE TOP ROPE, WHAT IS HE- OH MY GOD!!! DONOVAN DUKE DIVES OFF OF THE TOP ROPE WITH A CLOTHESLINE, DROPPING MINERVA BACK FIRST ONTO THE HARDEST PART OF THE RING!!! THE CROWD JUST EXPLODED AS DONOVAN DUKE JUST PUT HIS OWN WELL BEING AT RISK, ALL TO TAKE OUT MINERVA, WHO SLOWLY ROLLS OFF OF THE APRON AND DOWN AT RINGSIDE!! WHAT A MOVE BY DONOVAN DUKE!!!
(As Donovan Duke and Minerva are laid out at ringside, the camera cuts to a shot backstage, as EAW Chairman Mr. DEDEDE is seen watching the match alongside Kassidy Heart, who has her arms around him. Mr. DEDEDE doesn’t seem too impressed by what is going on in the match, and soon after the camera fades back to ringside.)
Persephone: Why is he just sitting there and watching?? RING THE BELL!!! CALL OFF THE MATCH, YOU ARE LITERALLY THE EAW CHAIRMAN!
James Peters: Well since someone clearly needs a reminder, Mr. DEDEDE is the one that booked the match.
Persephone: :wtf: I heard you the first time but I thought you were joking. Why would he book a match so boring??
James Peters: Clearly you’re on your own with that opinion, but I will say that Mr. DEDEDE didn’t look too impressed by what he was seeing, which I have to say is pretty surprising as Donovan Duke has had one hell of a performance so far!
Rich Russillo: I don’t know if it’s that surprising. After all, Mr. DEDEDE doesn’t even think Donovan is fit to be National Elite Champion. I’m not too sure if anything Donovan does tonight will impress him, no matter how we or anyone in attendance tonight feels about it! Either way, Donovan Duke is back up, and he pulls Minerva up before lifting her with a fireman’s carry! I THINK DONOVAN DUKE IS TRYING TO SET UP FOR WHAT HE FAILED TO DELIVER AT THE START OF THIS MATCH, ONLY IF THIS CONNECTS OUT AT RINGSIDE IT’LL DO EVEN MORE DAMAGE! DONOVAN IS SETTING UP FOR THE DUKE OF HAZARD-
Persephone: Buuut Minerva for some reason managed to escape the move again, and this time shove Donovan into the ring post.
James Peters: NO! DONOVAN STOPS HIMSELF AT THE RING POST, AND HE MANAGES TO HIT MINERVA WITH A BACK ELBO- WAIT NO HE DOESN’T! MINERVA DUCKED UNDER THE BACK ELBOW BEFORE GRABBING DONOVAN, AND SHE LIFTS DONOVAN UP FOR A BACK SUPLEX DROP ONTO THE RING APRON!! DONOVAN IS HURTING AS HE JUST LANDED ON THE HARDEST PART OF THE RING, AND NOW MINERVA QUICKLY SLIDES BACK INTO THE RING, LOOKING TO CAPITALIZE AS SHE GRABS DONOVAN DUKE BY THE LEGS, PULLING THEM INTO THE RING AS DONOVAN’S HEAD IS STILL OUT ON THE APRON! What is Minerva setting up for!?
Rich Russillo: MINERVA FALLS BACKWARDS WHILE HOLDING DONOVAN BY THE LEGS, CATAPULTING DONOVAN’S HEAD INTO THE ROPES AS HIS THROAT CONNECTS WITH THE BOTTOM ROPE!!! MINERVA QUICKLY DRAGS DONOVAN INTO THE RING AS DONOVAN IS SQUIRMING AND HOLDING HIS THROAT IN PAIN, AND NOW AS DONOVAN STARTS GETTING BACK UP TO HIS FEET MINERVA QUICKLY BEGINS RUNNING THE ROPES, BEFORE DROPPING DONOVAN WITH A RUNNING STO!!! THE RUNNING STO CONNECTS, AND NOW MINERVA GOES FOR THE COVER TO PUT THE NATIONAL ELITE CHAMPION AWAY, THIS MIGHT JUST BE THE END OF THE MATCH!
ONE!
TWO!!
T-
James Peters: DONOVAN DUKE GETS THE SHOULDER UP!!! Donovan Duke is still in this match, but Minerva’s aggression is really being put on display here! Minerva has defeated Donovan Duke before, recently I should add, and I don’t think she wants to let herself lose this match when she knows that she’s been able to defeat him before, and the Gold Rush tournament semifinals are coming up really soon! Either way, Donovan is grabbing onto the ropes to try and pull himself back up, AND NOW MINERVA BEGINS RUNNING THE ROPES AGAIN AS SHE GOES FOR A-
Rich Russillo: MINERVA WAS LOOKING FOR A KNEE TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD BUT DONOVAN WAS ABLE TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY! DONOVAN GRABS MINERVA BY THE LEG BEFORE ROLLING HER AND HIMSELF TOWARDS THE MIDDLE OF THE RING, AND TRANSITIONING INTO AN ANKLE LOCK!!! DONOVAN DUKE HAS THE ANKLE LOCK APPLIED, AND DONOVAN IS LOOKING TO FIGHT THROUGH THE PAIN AND MAKE MINERVA TAP OUT TONIGHT! DONOVAN DUKE TRYING TO FINALLY PULL OFF THAT BIG VICTORY AS MINERVA CONTINUES TO STRUGGLE IN THAT ANKLE LOCK, AND YOU’VE GOT TO WONDER IF MR. DEDEDE IS ANY MORE IMPRESSED NOW THAN HE WAS BEFORE!
Persephone: What? Why would he be any more impressed right now when the match isn’t over? This match has been terrible, and at this point the only thing that’d be impressive is Rexy running out to save this snoozefest.
James Peters: Minerva slowly pushes herself up onto her free leg, AND SHE JUMPS AND SPINS AROUND BEFORE DELIVERING AN ENZUIGIRI!! THE ENZUIGIRI CONNECTS AND DONOVAN DUKE LETS GO OF THE SUBMISSION- BUT AS SOON AS MINERVA IS ABLE TO GET BACK UP SHE IS MET WITH AN UPPERCUT BY DONOVAN DUKE! MINERVA IS ABLE TO RETALIATE WITH AN ELBOW STRIKE, THOUGH!
Rich Russillo: DONOVAN DUKE STUMBLES BACK, BUT HE HITS MINERVA WITH A FOREARM! NOW IT’S MINERVA THAT STUMBLES BEFORE HITTING DONOVAN WITH AN ELBOW! DONOVAN GOES FOR ANOTHER FOREARM- BUT MINERVA IS ABLE TO BLOCK IT BEFORE HEADBUTTING DONOVAN! DONOVAN STUMBLES BACK AGAIN, AND NOW AS DONOVAN IS STUNNED MINERVA QUICKLY GOES AND RUNS THE ROPES, BEFORE-
James Peters: RUNNING RIGHT INTO THE DEALER’S CHOICE!!!! THE SPINNING BACKFIST CONNECTS OUT OF NOWHERE AND KNOCKS MINERVA RIGHT DOWN ONTO THE MAT, AND NOW DONOVAN DUKE FALLS ON TOP OF HER FOR THE COVER, LOOKING TO PUT HER AWAY AND FINALLY GET THAT WIN HE REALLY NEEDS AT THIS POINT!
ONE!
TWO!!
THRE-
Rich Russillo: MINERVA GETS THE SHOULDER UP!!!! MINERVA GETS THE SHOULDER UP BEFORE THREE, AND THAT’S NOT AT ALL WHAT DONOVAN DUKE NEEDED! The EAW Chairman set this match up himself and he is watching this as we speak, and as close as that was, Donovan Duke was unable to put Minerva down for the three count! It’s not like we’re talking about anyone here, though. This is Minerva we’re talking about! She’s a former Universal Women’s
Champion, she-
Persephone: Already beat Donovan Duke before, which is why I still don’t understand why this match is happening.
James Peters: Donovan Duke is slowly getting back up, and right now he needs to figure out a way to keep Minerva down for the three count! It’s not going to be easy, but I think Donovan might be able to do it! Donovan Duke is heading up to the top rope while Minerva is down, and this is the second time he is doing it in this match. Donovan Duke is not necessarily known for his high risk maneuvers so whenever he does go up there it’s usually to set up something big- LIKE THE PHOENIX SPLASH!!!
Rich Russillo: MINERVA ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY!!! DONOVAN DUKE WENT FOR STACK THE DECK, BUT MINERVA JUST BARELY MANAGED TO AVOID IT! THAT DOESN’T SAVE HER THOUGH, AS DONOVAN IS ABLE TO ROLL BACK UP TO HIS FEET QUICKLY! MINERVA IS SLOWLY TRYING TO PULL HERSELF BACK UP, BUT DONOVAN DUKE QUICKLY GRABS MINERVA AND SENDS HER INTO THE ROPES!!! MINERVA NOW BOUNCING OFF OF THE ROPES, AND DONOVAN DUKE LIFTS HER UP TO SET UP FOR DRAWING DEAD-
James Peters: WHICH DOESN’T CONNECT!!! MINERVA GRABS DONOVAN BY THE HEAD WHILE SLIPPING BEHIND HIM, AND MINERVA HITS DONOVAN WITH PARADISE LOST!!! PARADISE LOST CONNECTS OUT OF NOWHERE AS MINERVA DOESN’T EVEN HAVE ENOUGH STRENGTH LEFT IN HER TO GET BACK TO HER FEET!!! MINERVA SLOWLY ROLLS OVER ON TOP OF DONOVAN DUKE FOR THE COVER AFTER SUCH AN IMPRESSIVE COUNTER, AND NOW THAT MIGHT JUST BE IT!!!
ONE!
TWO!!
THRE-
James Peters: NO! I WAS WRONG!!! DONOVAN DUKE SHOWS HIS RESILIENCE WITH YET ANOTHER KICKOUT!!! WHAT A KICKOUT BY DONOVAN, AS MINERVA JUST SLOWLY SITS UP, THINKING ABOUT WHAT IT’LL TAKE TO FINALLY PUT THIS MAN DOWN!
Persephone: Whatever it is she better come up with an answer fast, because I got bored of this like three seconds after the bell rang. I don’t deserve to have to watch something like this.
Rich Russillo: Minerva is using the ropes to pull herself back up to her feet, and at this point I don’t know what it’ll take to keep either of these Elitists down, but we all know that Minerva has never had any problem tearing her opponents apart if it means picking up the victory! Minerva now grabbing Donovan Duke by the arm and pulling him to a knee, BEFORE BEGINNING TO REPEATEDLY BOOT DONOVAN IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!
James Peters: MINERVA REPEATEDLY KICKS AND STOMPS AT DONOVAN DUKE’S HEAD, TRYING TO KNOCK DONOVAN OUT COLD!!! DONOVAN DUKE IS IN TROUBLE RIGHT NOW AS MINERVA CONTINUES THESE BRUTAL BOOTS TO THE HEAD, JUST MOMENTS AFTER GETTING HIT WITH PARADISE LOST!!! DONOVAN DUKE IS TRYING TO GRAB MINERVA WITH HIS FREE HAND TO STOP HER, BUT IT CAN’T BE EASY WHEN HE’S BEING KICKED IN THE HEAD OVER AND OVER! MINERVA CONTINUES TO KICK AT HIS HEAD, AND IF THIS CONTINUES FOR TOO LONG THE REFEREE MIGHT JUST NEED TO STEP IN!!
Rich Russillo: WAIT! DONOVAN DUKE DODGED ONE OF THE KICKS, AND USED THE FREE ARM TO GRAB MINERVA’S LEG! DONOVAN QUICKLY TAKES MINERVA TO THE MAT BEFORE WRAPPING HIS LEGS AROUND HER LEG, AND NOW DONOVAN DUKE HAS A KNEEBAR LOCKED IN!!!! DONOVAN DUKE HAS THE KNEEBAR LOCKED IN ON MINERVA, AND IT LOOKS LIKE DONOVAN IS ONCE AGAIN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE MINERVA TAP OUT AS HE UTILIZES THIS SUBMISSION! I DON’T KNOW IF THAT’S GOING TO WORK, BUT DONOVAN MADE A GREAT CALL WITH THAT KNEEBAR AS IT JUST TURNED THE TIDES OF THIS MATCH COMPLETELY!
Persephone: 🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱 Still boring.
James Peters: MINERVA IS ABLE TO ROLL HERSELF TO THE ROPES AND GRAB ONTO THEM WHICH FORCES DONOVAN TO RELEASE THE SUBMISSION- BUT AS SOON AS HE DOES MINERVA IS ABLE TO KICK HIM IN THE FACE, GIVING HER SOME SPACE AS BOTH ELITISTS ROLL AWAY FROM EACH OTHER! Donovan Duke and Minerva both make it back up to their feet, AND NOW DONOVAN DUKE CHARGES AT MINERVA- BUT HE IS PLANTED WITH A HUGE SPINEBUSTER BY MINERVA!!! MINERVA TAKES DONOVAN DOWN TO THE MAT, BUT SHE DOESN’T GO FOR THE COVER AS SHE TAKES THE TIME TO RECOVER!!!
Rich Russillo: This match has clearly taken a toll on both competitors, and lets not forget that Minerva was attacked earlier! She’s had enough time to recover and get ready for this match, but a lot of Donovan’s strikes and attacks throughout this match have surely done a lot of damage! Minerva has made it back up to her feet, and now she is pulling Donovan Duke up, looking to finally finish this match! MINERVA LIFTS DONOVAN UP INTO A FRONT FACELOCK, AND NOW MINERVA SETS UP FOR ATLAS FALLS!!!
James Peters: IT DOESN’T CONNECT!!! ATLAS FALLS DOESN’T CONNECT!! DONOVAN DUKE MANAGED TO SLIP BEHIND MINERVA, AND NOW HE SWEEPS THE LEGS!!!! DONOVAN DUKE NOW GRABBING MINERVA AND ROLLING THROUGH ONTO HIS FEET, AND HE HAS MINERVA UP IN THE FIREMAN’S CARRY!!! DUKE OF HAZARD!!!! THE DUKE OF HAZARD CONNECTS ON MINERVA, AND THAT’S GOTTA BE IT!!!! DONOVAN DUKE CONNECTS ON MINERVA, AND NOW DONOVAN DUKE GOES FOR THE COVER TO FINALLY PICK UP THE VICTORY!!!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
James Peters: YES, THAT’S IT!!!! DONOVAN DUKE PICKS UP THE- the… WHAT!?!? NO WAY!!!! HOW IS THIS MATCH NOT OVER YET, I THOUGHT THAT WAS IT!!!
Rich Russillo: MINERVA MANAGED TO GET HER FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE!!!! MINERVA GOT HER FOOT ON THE BOTTOM ROPE JUST BEFORE THE THREE COUNT, AND SOMEHOW THE REFEREE CAUGHT IT!!!!
Persephone: :mjlol: Isn’t that the same referee that screwed up last week in Drake King’s match against Hikari Kanno?
James Peters: :lupe: It is! Last week that ref made a huge mistake that allowed Drake to move forward in the Gold Rush tournament, and it looks like tonight they didn’t make that mistake. Instead they managed to catch that rope break, all while Mr. DEDEDE is watching it go down!
Rich Russillo: Donovan Duke is talking, basically pleading with the referee, but the ref says that it was a rope break, and Minerva is still in the match! Donovan Duke’s head just dropped, and you can really just see the disappointment on this man’s face, as he was this close to winning this match! Donovan Duke hasn’t had much luck since becoming National Elite Champion, we know this. He has unfortunately lost most of his matches as Champ, but this was almost the night that things turned around for the better! This still can be that night, but it’ll clearly take even more than Donovan’s best!
Persephone: The fact that this match is still going is ridiculous. Why is that ref suddenly doing his job properly? Who cares if the Chairman is watching, let the match end already!
James Peters: Donovan Duke is slowly getting back up to his feet, and I couldn’t tell you for sure when this match is going to end, but I can say that there’s no way these two can really survive much more! Donovan Duke has to think of another way to keep Minerva down, and whatever it is, this time he needs to make sure she is nowhere near those ropes!
Rich Russillo: Minerva is slowly dragging Minerva up before lifting her up entirely, AND DONOVAN DUKE PLACES HER UP ON THE TOP ROPE! I don’t know what it is Donovan Duke has planned, but it can’t be good for Minerva just for the sole fact that Donovan wants her up on the top rope! Donovan Duke clearly needed something major to put this match away, and I think Donovan might have just figured out what it is he needs to do in order to put Minerva down for the count!
Persephone: Well if Donovan’s got such a good idea then why didn’t he think of it sooner? We could’ve been out of here already!
James Peters: DONOVAN DUKE CLIMBS UP THE TURNBUCKLES, AND NOW HE GRABS MINERVA AND GETS HER INTO POSITION AFTER PULLING HER INTO THE FRONT FACELOCK! DONOVAN DUKE IS SETTING UP FOR A SUPERPLEX, AND IF THE DUKE OF HAZARD WASN’T ENOUGH TO GET THE JOB DONE, THIS MIGHT JUST DO- HEY WAIT! WAIT A SECOND!!! MINERVA IS SLIPPING DOWN DONOVAN DUKE’S BACK!!! MINERVA SLIPS DOWN HIS BACK AND LANDS ON HER FEET FOR A SUNSET FLIP BOMB!!!!
Rich Russillo: NO! DONOVAN DUKE MANAGES TO HOLD ON AND STAY ON THE MIDDLE ROPE, AND DONOVAN PUNCHES MINERVA IN THE FACE, FORCING MINERVA TO MOVE OUT OF THE CORNER! DONOVAN DUKE NOW QUICKLY HEADING UP TOP, AND NOW HE DIVES OFF OF THE TOP ROPE FOR A MOONSAULT-
James Peters: DEVIL’S TOUCH!!!!!! MINERVA JUST TOOK DONOVAN DUKE OUT OF THE AIR WITH THE DEVIL’S TOUCH, HITTING DONOVAN DUKE WITH THAT SUPERKICK WHILE HE WAS UPSIDE DOWN IN THE AIR!!!! THAT SUPERKICK WAS DEVASTATING, AND NOW MINERVA QUICKLY LOOKS TO FOLLOW IT UP!!!
Rich Russillo: ATLAS FALLS!!! ATLAS FALLS CONNECTS THIS TIME, AND NOW MINERVA QUICKLY HOOKS THE LEGS AS DONOVAN DUKE IS OUT COLD!!!!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Bella Braxton: Here is your winner…. MMIIIIIIINNEEERRRRRRRRVVVVAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!
(‘Blood, Milk & Sky by White Zombie hits, and the crowd cheers as Minerva slowly makes her way back up to her feet. She’s clearly fatigued after such a grueling match, but she has her hand raised as the crowd continues to cheer.)
James Peters: That was such a close match. So close. Donovan Duke had what it took to put Minerva down for the three count, but that rope break saved Minerva. In the end Minerva was able to get the victory, so congratulations!
Rich Russillo: What does this mean for Donovan, though? I think everyone hates having to see Donovan pick up so many losses, and the fact that Mr. DEDEDE is trying to take his Championship away just makes this all even worse.
Persephone: What’s the point of all this? The guy sucks, who cares?
(Donovan Duke slowly uses the ropes to make it back to his feet, and the referee hands him his National Elite Champion. Minerva remains in the ring as Donovan gets back up, and at this point Donovan is crushed, beyond disappointed that this match ended with another loss. The crowd doesn’t just begin cheering even louder for Donovan though. Instead, the fans can be seen getting out of their seats, giving the National Elite Champion a standing ovation.)
James Peters: I can’t say Donovan Duke doesn’t deserve this ovation from the crowd. All season he has proven himself and established himself as such a talented competitor, and while we’re currently unsure of what Donovan’s fate will be, everyone in attendance tonight seems to be on Donovan’s side!
Rich Russillo: You’re right about that one. Everyone in the arena tonight can see just how much of a fighter Donovan Duke really is, and it looks like it’s not just the fans, either!
(As ‘Blood, Milk & Sky’ fades out, Minerva walks up to Donovan Duke, and she puts out her hand. Donovan and Minerva shake hands, and having shown respect to the National Elite Champion, Minerva leaves the ring as ‘The Outsiders’ by Eric Church hits once more, and Donovan Duke remains in the ring to soak in the reaction from the crowd, and what might have just been his final match as National Elite Champion. As Donovan slowly walks out of the ring to the standing ovation, Voltage fades away from ringside.)
(Sunday Night Voltage fades to the backstage area of the Mexico City Arena. The EAW Universe, from there, are met with two familiar faces, in which they respond with a mix of cheers and boos towards. The camera then begins to focus in, showing Hikari Kanno and Miku Sakai, also known as the tag team IDOL-GUN. The two of them are both seen on their phones, casually scrolling away on social media and just minding their own business. It’s clear though, that despite this, they’re very unhappy with themselves. Which is made apparent with their interactions with one another as Miku perks her head up.)
Miku Sakai: I’m sorry, the silence is fucking killing me. It’s either that or the fact that those stupid motherfuckers beat us in the Gold Rush Tournament and I can’t get over it. I think it’s leaning more towards the latter. It just FUCKING baflfes me that those inbred weak-minded fools got the better of us, IDOL-GUN. They don’t even deserve to breathe the same air that we do, THEY DON’T DESERVE TO RUIN OUR MOMENT. NOBODY DOES. It’s all stupid, JUST A BUNCH OF STUPID SHIT. *sigh* This was supposed to be an IDOL-GUN Pain For Pride, where we got back to the heights that we were at last year, shit not even that, EXCELLING past it. With US winning the tournament, US winning the World Title. Not THEM, not MINERVA, not DRAKE KING… NONE OF THEM.
Hikari Kanno: I know, I know… We were so close, but so far at the same time, I feel like it’s something that I’ve had to say a million times now. It’s funny, it seems like everytime I try to get somewhere, I always end up… close. That seems to be the theme doesn’t it, getting the opportunity, and losing it, getting the opportunity, and losing it. It makes me sick to my stomach because we don’t deserve this. We are QUEENS, and nobody should even come close to taking it away from us. But, despite that, it seems like everytime there’s always an opportunity that is waiting for us. No matter the result of the previous, it’s just there for the taking… and they’d be fucking wrong if they thought we wouldn’t. The Iconic Cup is exactly what we need, and I think it’s pretty fucking obvious the honor and prestige this tournament holds. Eight weeks, and in the end only one thing happens, IDOL-GUN wins.
Miku Sakai: I get that, crystal fucking clear. But I just can’t help but think about the fact that things could be so much better for the two of us. Sure, even though we’re getting another opportunity with The Iconic Cup which we are going to win without a shadow of a fucking doubt because all the whores in that tournament are super fucking untalented. We should’ve been winning that AND the Gold Rush Tournament, instead of just having to settle for the Iconic Cup. It’s what you said, we deserve SO MUCH MORE. And I don’t give a fuck what it takes, everything is going to go to plan, TO A TEE. I REFUSE to let ANYONE get the better of IDOL-GUN again. Season 15 is still OUR Season, and it’s going to stay that way whether those jealous simps like it or not.
(Hikari nods her head, as she opens her mouth to respond… before something, or someone, happens to catch her eye. Her gaze goes from Miku to somewhere else backstage which leaves Miku confused for a moment, until she sees herself. The camera then pans over to show Ms. Extreme, in which the crowd cheers loudly for, approaching the two members of IDOL-GUN. They expect something to happen, but instead… Ms. Extreme passes right by, like the two of them aren’t there. The camera begins to follow the former Universal Women’s Champion, who isn’t really in a good mood herself as she makes her way through the halls of the backstage area. Earlier in the night the four remaining members of the Gold Rush Tournament confronted one another inside of the ring, which was bound to spark a huge brawl. While Drake King was able to get Ms. Extreme out of there, it didn’t help that she was met with a brutal ‘Box Office Smash’ by Chris Elite before that. Her bitterness in response to that combined with the now confirmed tag match for the following week, does not make her much of a happy camper. Hikari and Miku, of course, happen to realize that. The two of them look towards one another before turning their attention towards the fiery redhead and beginning to make their way towards her.)
Hikari Kanno: You don’t think we’re fucking through with you, do you???
(Ms. Extreme, instantly, stops right in her tracks upon hearing Hikari’s jab towards her. She turns slowly on her heels to meet the eyes of Hikari, who’s arms are crossed with a stern expression plastered on her face, and Miku, who clearly looks unhappy herself. Of course, despite the three of them meeting one another a few weeks back, their business is far from over.)
Ms. Extreme: In case you didn’t get the hint, I’m not in the mood. Now fuck off before you do something you end up regretting.
Hikari Kanno: We just wanted to say that you’re very lucky you never got the chance to cross paths with us in the Gold Rush Tournament. We, specifically I, would have absolutely LOVED to get the chance to face you again… and finally get my own bit of payback after what you did to me back at Bloodsport.
(If Ms. Extreme was in a better mood right now, a smug look would’ve surely appeared on her face after being reminded of the start of the Season, but right now? Not the case, instead she simply bears that satisfaction in her head, still letting that anger from earlier overwhelm her and furthermore, control her thoughts and emotions.)
Ms. Extreme: Things would’ve ended up the exact same way anyway. Besides Hikari, you’re better off focusing on The Iconic Cup than worrying about a tournament neither you or Miku were going to win in the first place.
Miku Sakai: Listen here you pathetic cunt. If things went our way and one of us faced you, you wouldn’t even be in the conversation for potential Gold Rush winners right now. But you got lucky, you got real fucking lucky alright? Shit is far from over between IDOL-GUN and yourself, so I’d recommend keeping an eye out. Because we’re not going to let you embarrass us again, let alone even survive once you step into the ring with either of us. You don’t deserve SHIT, you will never mean SHIT, and you are SHIT. Now bow down peasant.
Ms. Extreme: Glad to see you can’t talk for yourself Hikari, because it’s clear this is more between you and I with Miku third wheeling because she has nothing better to do. Just because I don’t have the Universal Women’s Championship anymore, doesn’t mean I can’t unleash hell upon you or anyone else that decides to challenge me. You made the mistake at Bloodsport, and I highly recommend not making that mistake again for your own good. You said you wanted to make this an IDOL-GUN PFP? Well if you truly cared for that you’d back off before neither of you even make it to Pain For Pride. I’ve got the Gold Rush Tournament on my mind and I am dead set on winning that ESPECIALLY after what happened tonight, and I don’t need the extra baggage worrying about people that I’ve already got the number of.
Hikari Kanno: Hard to believe any of that when you’ve already squandered your life’s work and are now relegated to the exact position that you were at before, and that’s cannon fodder to the main eventers. It already took you that long to win the Universal Women’s Championship, and we saw how AMAZING that went for you amiright, what makes you think you’re even going to come close to winning the Gold Rush Tournament? Maybe YOU’RE the one that needs to make sure she doesn’t make a mistake before it comes back to bite you. Because make no mistake about it, I will not hesitate to embarrass you the same way you did me, tenfold. Maybe then you’ll realize you’re just cut out for any of this.
Ms. Extreme: You want to back that up right now because I swear I will lay the two of you out if that’s what it takes.
(Hikari and Miku look towards one another, before back at Ms. Extreme. And in pure synchronization, they laugh. It’s clear that, despite her confidence, there is no doubt that she is at a two-on-one disadvantage right now. Ms. Extreme has always been someone though that never backs down, no matter how intense the challenge is. She just won’t stay down, and more and more, Hikari and Miku begin to realize that she’s not joking around when she says that.)
Rich Russillo: AND HERE WE GO! MS. EXTREME JUST SLAMMED A FOREARM RIGHT AGAINST THE FACE OF HIKARI! MIKU IS STARTLED BY THE SUDDEN ATTACK, BUT BEFORE SHE HAS ANYTIME TO RESPOND MS. EXTREME SIDE-STEPS AND CONNECTS WITH A BACK ELBOW THIS TIME RIGHT AGAINST THE BRIDGE OF HER NOSE WHICH SENDS HER BACKWARD! HIKARI THOUGH RECOVERS QUICKLY AND GRABS HER BY THE WAIST BEFORE RAMMING HER INTO A WALL! BUT MS. EXTREME WASTES ZERO TIME FENDING HER OFF BEFORE RAINING REPEATED SHOTS DOWN ON HER SPINE TRYING TO GET HER TO RELEASE HER GRIP BEFORE THIS GETS WORSE!
James Peters: MIKU LUNGES FORWARD AND TRIES TO GRAB AT MS. EXTREME- BUT IT’S MS. EXTREME THAT MANHANDLES HIKARI AND THROWS HER TOWARDS MIKU WITH BOTH MEMBERS OF IDOL-GUN COLLIDING WITH ONE ANOTHER! BOTH OF THEM ARE STUNNED FOR A MOMENT WHILE MS. EXTREME LOOKS AROUND… GRABBING A HOLD OF A PRODUCTION CRATE BEFORE RAMMING IT RIGHT INTO THEM! FOR A ONE WOMAN ARMY MS. EXTREME IS DOING QUITE WELL FIGHTING THEM OFF!
Persephone: Well it’s obvious that she’s going to get outnumbered at some point. So chop chop, make it quick, we have a show to finish you fucking imbeciles.
Rich Russillo: IDOL-GUN DOESN’T TAKE ALL OF THE DAMAGE THOUGH AS MIKU SHOVES HIKARI OUT OF THE WAY WHILST AVOIDING THE CRATE AS WELL! BOTH OF THEM COLLIDE WITH OPPOSITE WALLS AS MS. EXTREME LOOKS TOWARDS MIKU AND LAUNCHES HERSELF TOWARDS HER! MS. EXTREME NOW BEGINNING TO ABSOLUTELY UNLOAD WITH REPEATED SHOTS TOWARDS HER SKULL! BUT BEFORE SHE CAN GO ANY FURTHER IT’S MIKU THAT TURNS HER AROUND AND SHOVES HER RIGHT INTO A KNEE TOWARDS THE ABDOMEN BY HIKARI KANNO WHICH SENDS HER DOWN TO A KNEE! MIKU CONNECTS WITH A KICK TO THE SPINE BEFORE HIKARI SPINS AROUND AND CONNECTS WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK WHICH DROPS HER DOWN TO THE CONCRETE FLOORING!
James Peters: MS. EXTREME IS BEGINNING TO CRAWL AWAY, KNOWING THAT THE ODDS HAVE JUST DRASTICALLY SHIFTED IN THIS BRAWL AND SHE NEEDS TO CREATE SOME DISTANCE RIGHT NOW! BUT AN IRATE MIKU SAKAI AND HIKARI KANNO ARE ON HER TRAIL AS THE TWO OF THEM BEGIN TO MAKE THEIR WAY TOWARDS HER! WITH HIKARI GRABBING HER BY THE HAIR AND BRINGING HER BACK UP-
Rich Russillo: BUT MS. EXTREME GRABS A HOLD OF A STEEL CHAIR BEFORE SLAMMING IT AGAINST THE SKULL OF HIKARI KANNO!
(CRACK!)
James Peters: NO! INSTEAD HIKARI GRABS THE CHAIR BEFORE PUSHING IT BACK TOWARDS MS. EXTREME SLAMMING IT AGAINST HER FACE! HIKARI DOES NOT LOOK HAPPY AS MS. EXTREME IS ONCE AGAIN BACK ON THE GROUND, WITH BLOOD BEGINNING TO COME OUT OF HER NOSE! IF IDOL-GUN GETS THEIR WAY, THAT NOSEBLEED IS GOING TO BE MUCH WORSE! MIKU PICKS UP THE CHAIR WHILE HIKARI GRABS A BARELY CONSCIOUS MS. EXTREME AND HOLDS HER UP ON HER FEET…
(CRACK!!!)
Rich Russillo: MIKU JUST TOOK THAT CHAIR AND CONNECTED WITH A SICKENING THUD AGAINST THE SKULL OF MS. EXTREME WHICH HAD TO BE SPLIT IN HALF UPON IMPACT! THE TWO OF THEM AREN’T DONE THOUGH AS HIKARI ONCE AGAIN SCOOPS HER BACK UP TO HER FEET…
James Peters: BEFORE IDOL-GUN DROP HER DOWN INTO ‘ONLYENDS’ FOR GOOD MEASURE! IDOL-GUN STAND TALL OVER MS. EXTREME TONIGHT!
Persephone: Oh thank God… now we can move on with our lives.
(Miku spits on the ground beneath her while Hikari fixes her hair. The two of them casually stepping over an absolutely bloodied Ms. Extreme who is masked with a crimson red that continues to grow. IDOL-GUN, obviously seem satisfied with their work tonight, as it’s the last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage begins to transition to elsewhere from there.)
(Voltage cuts to a commercial for Iron Chef, featuring Kassidy Heart.)
(Voltage fades backstage and sadly the camera is focused on the all too familiar janitor’s closet. Everyone’s favorite lovable loser, Danny Tanner, is more than likely inside and who really knows how long he’s been hiding in there. Danny had wanted to avoid Voltage thanks to the humiliation he suffered inside the ring last week thanks to Candice Blair’s surprise birthday party, but Captain Charisma had ordered him to show up. The Voltage Commissioner was concerned over young Daniel’s mental health and he had wanted him to talk to someone from EAW’s HR department about getting professional help. Whether or not Danny has already spoken to Captain Charisma and the HR Department is unknown at this time.)
(Now that the viewing audience knows they are looking at the janitor’s closet, the camera zooms out and sitting on a fuzzy pink blanket that has been spread out on the ground is none other than Danny’s best friend, Candice Blair. She is dressed in her street clothes which consist of black and pink pinstripe shorts, a baby pink crop top, and cute, black and pink pinstripe cropped blazer. On her feet, are bubblegum pink Jimmy Choos that are adorned with crystal details and her platinum locks have been pulled back from her face into a high ponytail and adorned with a bubblegum pink bow. Candice Blair really likes the color pink, and her pouty, bright pink lips are twisted into a frown. She reaches out and knocks on the janitor’s closet door, and you just kind of get the impression she’s been doing this for awhile.)
Candice Blair: Danny, please come out of the closet. We need to talk face to face.
(Shuffling is heard coming from inside, giving off the impression that the New Era Classic competitor is definitely inside the closet.)
Voice: (from inside the closet) Maybe don’t tell me to come out of the closet.
(The muffled voice is Danny’s and Candice groans, realizing her choice of words.)
Candice Blair: I didn’t mean it like that! I’m sorry. I just want to talk to you, face to face, and I don’t want this door between us.
(Candice waits for a reply, but she gets nothing in return. The normally bubbly blonde, who is usually always smiling, looks extremely sad and rightfully so. This whole situation has kind of spiraled out of control and she doesn’t know how to fix it.)
Candice Blair: Danny, I don’t want you to feel embarrassed or anything like that. I didn’t know you liked me and thought of me in a romantic way. I truly didn’t have any clue and I hate that I was so blind. I never would have put together a surprise party for you if I thought it would end up hurting you in any way. You’ve been such a rockstar, and coming from me, that’s a huge compliment because I’m a rockstar. It takes one to know one, and you truly are a wonderful person who deserves to be loved by someone.
(Candice bites down on her bottom lip, unsure of how to express herself at this moment. It’s not too often the youngest Ava finds herself at a loss for words, but this situation with her bestie has truly thrown her through a loop.)
Candice Blair: My feelings for you are genuine, and I care about you. You have been such a bright light and wonderful friend, and I enjoy spending time with you. I’ve just never thought of you in a romantic way, and I’m being honest…
Danny Tanner: (from inside the closet) I didn’t ask for honesty!
Candice Blair: :mjlol:
Danny Tanner: (from inside the closet) Just go away, Candice. I don’t want any more of your pity.
Candice Blair: (sighing) I don’t want to leave until we talk. I’m not here to pity you. I want to hug you and help you, and show you that we don’t have to let this situation come between us. We can talk it out. We can continue being our fabulous selves, and #DandiceForever can literally continue to be forever. :lupe: At least that’s what I want. I don’t want this situation to come between our friendship which is why I’m not going to lead you on or make you think that something is there that isn’t. I wish I would have realized this sooner and we could have had a talk about it. I know that when it comes to girls, you don’t have a lot of experience….
(Candice jumps as a slight bang is heard inside the closet.)
Candice Blair: Danny? Are you okay?
Danny Tanner: (from inside the closet) Yeah. I’m completely fine. Just slamming the back of my head against the wall.
Candice Blair: Please don’t do that. I don’t want to see you hurt yourself…
Danny Tanner: (from inside the closet) Well maybe you should have thought about that before you invited my family and friends to a surprise party for me that I never asked for!
Candice Blair: I had no idea they were under the illusion that you and I were a couple. You lied to them, Danny.
Danny Tanner: (from inside the closet) Go away, Candice.
(Candice thought about getting up, but she was determined to make things right between her and Danny. She had every right to be mad at him because in a way, he had used her. He had lied to his family about the nature of their relationship, and Danny really didn’t have a right to take it out on her. But Candice was a compassionate and understanding person, and after talking to Danny’s mom and learning that Danny had never brought home a girlfriend, she had come to realize that Danny was suffering from some sort of trauma over being single at his age. Her heart had broken for him.)
Candice Blair: I’m not going to do that, Danny. I can’t just walk away knowing that you’re upset and you’re capable of hurting yourself. You have a lot going for you, Danny Tanner, and you have a bright future here in EAW. You have shown yourself to be an incredible wrestler and what’s more important, is that you have shown yourself to be an even better person. I don’t know what’s happened to you in your past that has brought you this point, but I would love to listen if you ever want to talk about it. Even though I don’t have the same kind of feelings for you that you have for me, I care about you and you’re important to me. You can tell me anything. I want to help you.
Danny Tanner: (from inside the closet) Again with the pity. What did I say to you? I. Don’t. Want. Your. Pity. Leave me alone. I mean it. Go away.
Candice Blair: I’m not going to leave.
(More shuffling is heard inside the closet and then it goes silent. When Danny doesn’t say anything after several agonizing seconds, Candice stands up and puts her hand on the door. She thinks about opening it, even though it’s likely locked, but she decides to knock on the door one more time out of courtesy.)
Candice Blair: Danny, I’m coming in.
(Candice goes to turn the door knob, but before she can, the door bangs open, nearly knocking her over. Danny storms out and right past her, and Candice quickly gets herself together and rushes after him. She catches up and grabs his arm, but Danny is quick to snatch it away from her.)
Danny Tanner: I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
(His outburst startles Candice and her face completely falls. Danny seems a little surprised himself because he didn’t mean to raise his voice like that and especially not at her.)
Danny Tanner: Candice…
(Candice shakes her head and holds up her hands.)
Candice Blair: No. You’re right. I should leave you alone. I’m sorry for bothering you.
(A sniffle escapes from Candice and she quickly turns around, not wanting Danny to see how upset she is. She hurries off, but Danny knew that he had hurt her. Danny screaming at her had shocked Candice and now she was probably going to be afraid of him. Rage filled Danny and unable to help himself, he whirled around and punched the wall as hard as he could. His knuckles split open, pain shot down his arm, and Danny felt absolutely nothing at that moment. Nothing at all.)
???: Danny?
(Danny blinked and turned around at the sound of the familiar voice. Captain Charisma was behind him and the Voltage Commissioner looked concerned.)
Captain Charisma: I’ve been looking for you. Let’s go talk in my office.
(Danny sighs, but he knows he has no other choice but to follow Captain Charisma. His shoulders sag just a little bit as he turns to follow one of his childhood heroes. It’s been a rough week for Danny to say the very least and he was not looking forward to his conversation. The scene falls silent as the two men round the corner and disappear from the camera’s view.)
(Voltage fades to the ringside area.)
(The camera cuts back to ringside to Bella Braxton standing in the center of the ring, ready to announce the next match.)
Bella Braxton: The following contest is scheduled for… ONE FALL!
Crowd: ONE FALL!
Bella Braxton: And it is a special TAG TEAM MATCH!
(“Mona Lisa” by Lil Wayne ft. Kendrick Lamar starts to play as Madison Kaline and Cleopatra make their way to the ring. Standing next to Madison is Amber Keys.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first! Being accompanied to the ring by Amber Keys. At a total combined weight of 248 pounds! Here is the team of MADISON KALINE AND CLEOPATRA!
James Peters: Madison and Cleopatra making their way to the ring for tag team action. Some people might think it’s a little weird that they’re coming down together after all the bickering they’ve done the last few weeks but with a six woman tag team match coming up for them at Grand Rampage. It’s good to show a little bit of solidarity amongst the former members of the Queen’s Court.
Persephone: Who gives a damn about solidarity. It’s just three old bitches making their way to the ring. They might be standing together now but we know damn well that these three will just stab the other in the back if it means success for themselves. These old bitches secretly hate each other.
Rich Russillo: They might have their moments where they can’t stand each other, but these three Hall of Famers hopefully can see the bigger picture because if they don’t then Grand Rampage is going to turn into a total disaster. Tonight is their first test towards Grand Rampage.
(Madison and Cleo enter the ring as Amber takes her place at ringside and “Mona Lisa” fades off. Seconds later, ‘We’re In Hell’ by SycAmour starts to play as Jake Smith enters the arena accompanied by his tag team partner Chris Elite to loud cheers from the crowd.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing their opponents! First! Making his way to the ring! Being accompanied by Chris Elite! From Newark, New Jersey! Weighing 210 pounds! He is one half of the Unified Tag Team Champions! Here is “THE NEW” JAKE SMITH!
James Peters: Then we have the opposition. As we saw earlier tonight, Jake’s partner Chris Elite and Drake King didn’t exactly get along. Now it’s Jake having to team with the guy and that brings up the classic EAW question. “Can They Coexist?”
Persephone: Can either of these teams really “coexist”? They are all a bunch of egotistical hotheads who would stab anybody in the bag if it meant becoming champion. The Moral Com-pain in the ass Jake Smith is no different.
Rich Russillo: But his team with Chris Elite has shown that it is possible to turn over a new leaf. The opposing team hates each other, but can they put personal feelings away from business in order to win this match? Fingers crossed.
(Jake enters the ring and Chris is at ringside as Jake’s theme fades out. Seconds later, ‘Cold War’ by Hans Zimmer starts playing and the boos get really loud as Drake King enters the arena.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing his tag team partner! Residing in the Dead Sea, Israel. Weighing 220 pounds. Here is DRAKE… THE REDEEMER!
James Peters: Here comes Drake King making his way to the ring and it would be safe to say that he is not in a good mood.
Persephone: Is this weirdo ever in a good mood. He’s like a brat. Whenever something doesn’t go his way, he gets pissy.
Rich Russillo: After what went down earlier tonight, can we believe that Drake and Jake can work together for the sake of winning this match? They don’t get along, but neither one of them wants to lose with Grand Rampage coming up.
Persephone: These are the two biggest backstabbers in the history of EAW, you’d lose count of how many people they both stabbed in the back. I give it five minutes before one screws over the other.
James Peters: Then again, they could surprise you. They both have amazing credentials and if Drake and Jake can stay on the same page or at least tolerate each other long enough, they could be a force to be reckoned with.
(Drake enters the ring and absorbs the jeers as his entrance music fades off. He goes over to his corner and glares at Jake and Chris as the referee calls for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
James Peters: Here we go! Bell has rung and we are underway! Madison Kaline is looking to start off for her team. As for the other team, they are arguing on who will start and JAKE JUST SHOVES DRAKE TOWARDS THE CENTER OF THE RING! Looks like it’s been decided.
Persephone: This has the makings of being the worst possible match ever. Crap show in the making with the Molden Girls smelling like death facing off against the Crappy Hair Club for Men. No Hair on the outside. Fake hair on the apron and Greasy hair in the ring.
Rich Russillo: Descriptive as always and we have Madison and Drake locking up in the center of the ring. These two are no strangers to each other and Drake just shoulder tackles Madison down to the mat. Drake is holding onto the hand and wrist of Madison trying to wrench her arm, BUT MADISON KIPS UP AND CARTWHEELS OUT AND COUNTERS INTO A HAMMERLOCK!
Persephone: If she is going to be doing crap like that, we need to have the medics on call because one of these old battleaxes could break a hip or something. HA! She got what she deserved with an elbow to the face from Drake.
James Peters: Madison sent staggering back and Drake fires back with a dropkick that sends Madison through the ropes, but Madison stays on the apron. Drake tries for the discus elbow, but Madison ducks it and hangs Drake’s neck on the top rope. MADISON JUMPS OVER THE TOP ROPE AND CATCHES DRAKE IN A SUNSET FLIP, BUT DRAKE ROLLS THROUGH AND CATCHES MADISON IN THE FACE WITH A DROPKICK!
Rich Russillo: Madison sent tumbling back, but Drake grabs her once again by the arm and drags her to his team’s corner and Drake is looking for a tag. But Jake is giving Drake a look.
Jake Smith: (off-mic) You’re joking right?
Drake King: (off-mic) No. Tag in.
Jake Smith: (off-mic) Fuck that. Not gonna happen.
James Peters: DRAKE DIDN’T LIKE THAT ONE BIT AND HE SLAPS THE CHEST OF JAKE!
(TAG!)
James Peters: The referee is calling that a legal tag. Go figure. Jake didn’t like that one bit, but he enters the ring and delivers a kick to the midsection of Madison before taking her back down with a snap suplex.
Rich Russillo: For two people who can barely stand each other, they have the advantage over the Hall of Famers. Madison is down and Jake drops the elbow across the chest of Madison. Jake now grabs the legs of Madison. Is Jake going for a Boston Crab? NOPE! SLINGSHOT ON THE WAY AND MADISON IS SENT FACE FIRST INTO THE TOP ROPE! MADISON STUMBLES BACK AND JAKE ROLLS HER UP!
ONNNNNEEEEE!
TWWWOOOOOO!
Persephone: Of course this old hag kicks out. It wouldn’t be a Voltage match unless the first covers never work. Why can’t these matches be one and done.
James Peters: Like you?
Persephone: I will be the living hell out of you, so shut the fuck up.
James Peters: Yeah yeah. Now Jake looks to tag back out of the match and DRAKE HAS HIS BACK TO JAKE! HE DOESN’T WANT BACK IN THE MATCH! JAKE LOOKS ABSOLUTELY PISSED!
Jake Smith: (off-mic) Are you really doing this shit right now.
Drake King: (off-mic) You’ve got this, Jake. You don’t need me.
Rich Russillo: Jake slams Madison down and walks over to his corner and Drake still has his back turned to Jake. Jake pokes him on the shoulder and that gets Drake’s attention. Drake turns around–
(SLAP!)
(TAG!)
Persephone: BAHAHAHAHA! Drake just got bitch slapped and the referee is calling it a legal tag. Oh this is great! No need for this match if the teams are going to fight each other. Come on, ref. End this spectacle before they all embarrass themselves.
James Peters: DRAKE IS PISSED OFF, BUT HE HAS YET TO ENTER THE RING! THE REFEREE IS TELLING HIM TO GET IN THE RING BEFORE HE STARTS THE COUNT!
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: I DON’T THINK THAT NEITHER MAN REALIZES THAT MADISON MANAGED TO TAG CLEOPATRA IN! SHE RUNS TO THE OPPOSITE CORNER AND DELIVERS A DROPKICK TO THE BACK OF JAKE, SENDING HIM OVER THE TOP ROPE TO THE FLOOR!
James Peters: DRAKE CAN’T BELIEVE WHAT HE SAW, BUT HE IS LAUGHING HIS ASS OFF AT JAKE’S EXPENSE, BUT HE ISN’T LAUGHING LONG AS CLEOPATRA GRABS A HANDFUL OF HAIR AND BRINGS DRAKE IN THE RING THE HARD WAY!
Persephone: This is such a train wreck! The old bags are going to walk away with this thing because the Hair Rejects hate each other too much. The bald one is going to check on the midget. Now Ancient Cleopatra needs to clean her hands with all the grease from Drake’s hair.
Rich Russillo: The ladies have the advantage in this match and Cleo has another handful of hair and pulls back! The referee is telling Cleo to let go of the hair. The referee reaches four and CLEO DRIVES HER BOOT RIGHT INTO THE BACK OF DRAKE’S HEAD SENDING HIM FACE FIRST INTO THE MAT!
James Peters: That isn’t going to set well with Drake because that’s almost a modified version of his Judgement Day finisher.
Persephone: He doesn’t own the move. Maybe this greedy SOB needs to learn how to share. Then maybe more people will be able to tolerate him.
Rich Russillo: Maybe he needs to get on the same page as his partner long enough to survive this match because right now Cleo is dominating him. Cleo with the snapmare takeover. Cleo hits the ropes and rebounds BEFORE HITTING A DROPKICK RIGHT IN THE JAW! DRAKE DOWN AND CLEO DRAGS DRAKE TO HER CORNER AND SHE TAGS IN MADISON!
(TAG!)
James Peters: Madison back into the ring and Cleo is holding on to the arms of Drake as Madison hits the ropes. MADISON JUMPS ONTO THE ROPES AND FLIPS BACK! MADISON WITH THE LIONSAULT ON DRAKE AND MADISON HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEE!
TTWWWWWWOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: Drake powers out at two! Madison drags Drake up by the hair and whips him to the ropes, but Drake counters and sends Madison to the ropes. Madison rebounds AND COUNTERS DRAKE WITH A HEADSCISSOR TAKEOVER!
James Peters: Drake is sent for a ride and he is staggering a bit. He stumbles over to the ropes, but it was the wrong side AS CLEOPATRA PULLS DOWN THE TOP ROPE AND SENDS DRAKE TUMBLING TO THE OUTSIDE!
Persephone: What a supportive partner greasy hair has. Mighty midget is laughing his ass off that Drake fell out of the ring and those old bitties are still in control. Isn’t there any tapioca pudding back in catering so they can leave the ring?
Rich Russillo: Drake landed hard and Madison is standing on the apron. Drake makes it back to his feet AND MADISON FLIES! MADISON WITH A CROSSBODY FROM THE APRON TAKING DRAKE BACK DOWN TO THE MAT! THE BACK OF DRAKE’S HEAD CRASHES AGAINST THE FLOOR!
James Peters: Cleopatra jumps down from the apron and helps Madison pick up Drake AND WHIP HIM AGAINST THE RING STEPS! DID YOU HEAR THAT THUD WHEN DRAKE HIT THE STEPS? THE TEAM OF KALINE AND CLEO ARE IN FIRM CONTROL OF THIS MATCH BECAUSE THE OTHER TEAM CAN’T EVEN STAND TO LOOK AT EACH OTHER!
Persephone: These two bitches working together is a miracle in itself. I’m waiting for an implosion that is going to happen. Mark my words that these two bitches are going to fight and I can’t wait to see it.
James Peters: Madison rolls Drake back into the ring and she tags Cleopatra back into this match.
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: Cleopatra makes her way to the top rope before jumping! CLEOPATRA SOARS AND SHE CONNECTS WITH A BEAUTIFUL SHOOTING STAR PRESS FROM THE TOP ROPE RIGHT ONTO THE CHEST OF DRAKE! CLEO HOOKS THE LEG LOOKING FOR THE WIN!
ONNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWOOOOO!!
THHHHHRRRRREEEEE–
James Peters: DRAKE POWERS OUT AFTER TWO! HE’S HAD THE CRAP BEAT OUT OF HIM AND HE STILL HAS THE STRENGTH TO KICK OUT! HE MIGHT HATE HIS PARTNER, BUT I THINK HE HATES LOSING MORE!
Persephone: I think he just hates everything in general that isn’t winning, championships, or being a jackass. I think somebody needs to tell Drake to not so much hair grease because if one of these old ladies slip and fall, that’s a lawsuit waiting to happen. Drake in court, that would be a sight to laugh at .
Rich Russillo: Cleo rolls Drake onto his stomach and applies a camel clutch. CLEO IS WRENCHING ON THE NECK OF DRAKE AND BENDING HIM BACK, PUTTING HIM AT AN UGLY ANGLE.
Persephone: It’s Drake King. Every angle is ugly. What are you talking about?
James Peters: REFEREE IS ASKING DRAKE IF HE WANTS TO GIVE IT UP, BUT WE KNOW THAT ISN’T GOING TO HAPPEN! CLEO KNOWS THAT TOO AND SHE KEEPS WRENCHING FARTHER AND FARTHER BACK ON DRAKE!
Rich Russillo: I don’t know if Drake is that flexible but we are finding out right now since Cleo keeps pulling him back. If he isn’t careful, he might knock something in his spine out of alignment.
Persephone: He might also turn into the World’s greasiest tire. Wouldn’t want to see any skid marks from that ugly tire.
James Peters: I think Cleo figured out that Drake wasn’t going to give it up so she shoves Drake forward. SHE JUST PUSHED DRAKE INTO A COVER! SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHRRRRRREE–
Rich Russillo: DRAKE KING KICKS OUT! BUT DAMN HE ALMOST GOT CAUGHT RIGHT THERE! DRAKE AND CLEO MAKE IT BACK TO THEIR FEET! CLEO TURNS AROUND AND GETS CAUGHT RIGHT IN THE JAW WITH A JUMPING KNEE!
Persephone: Be careful! We might see some of her false teeth fly out of her mouth and into the fifth row and nobody wants to Granny Gum Gum. Now what is Drake doing?
James Peters: Cleopatra is down and Drake climbs to the top rope. Drake looking to fly–
(TAG!)
James Peters: JAKE SMITH JUST TAGGED HIMSELF IN! WHAT DOES HE THINK HE’S DOING? JAKE RUNS IN AND DROPS THE LEG ACROSS THE THROAT OF CLEO! JAKE TRIES TO GO FOR THE COVER, BUT DRAKE PULLS HIM OFF OF CLEO!
Persephone: These two morons are being big babies! GROW UP AND DO YOUR JOB! You are not going to like everybody you work with and believe me I know. So just get the job done.
Jake Smith: (off-mic) What the hell are you doing? I was going for the pin.
Drake King: (off-mic) I was doing just fine before you decided to butt in.
Jake Smith: (off-mic) How about you get out of the ring before you screw something up?
Rich Russillo: Jake is shoving Drake back to his corner before turning his attention back to Cleo. Jake tries to pick up Cleo, BUT SHE ROLLS HIM UP! INSIDE CRADLE! SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!
ONNNNNNNNEEEE!
TWWWWWOOOOOO!!
THHHHHRRRRREEEEE!
Persephone: Mighty Midget kicks out, but the dumbass almost got pinned. What is wrong with them? This keeps getting worse and worse by the second. The ref should put everybody out of their misery and end this match.
James Peters: Cleo grabs the legs of Jake before he can get back to his feet. CLEOPATRA LOOKING FOR A SHARPSHOOTER! BUT JAKE KICKS CLEO AWAY AND SENDS HER BACK, BUT SHE INADVERTENTLY KNOCKED MADISON OFF OF THE APRON! THAT WAS A MISCUE RIGHT THERE!
Persephone: I told you that this was going to happen.
Rich Russillo: Cleo can’t believe what just happened as she turns back around to Jake AND SHE GETS CLOBBERED RIGHT IN THE FACE WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK FROM JAKE SMITH! CLEO STAGGERED AFTER THAT KICK AND JAKE NOW HAS CLEO ON HIS SHOULDERS BEFORE DROPPING THE BACK OF CLEO’S NECK AGAINST HIS KNEE! USHIGOROSHI CONNECTS AND JAKE DROPS INTO THE COVER!
ONNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWOOOOO!!
TTHHHHHRRRRREEEE!!
James Peters: CLEOPATRA KICKS OUT RIGHT BEFORE THE THREE COUNT! THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN BAD! THE MISCUE ALMOST COST CLEO THE MATCH! NOW DRAKE AND JAKE HAVE THE ADVANTAGE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE MATCH!
Persephone: It is starting to get late, so I think the old ladies are starting to get sleepy. It’s past their bedtime. Better wrap this match up quickly so they can get the much needed beauty sleep.
James Peters: Jake Smith brings Cleo back to her feet and whips her to the ropes. Cleo ducks the clothesline attempt and goes for a headscissors, BUT JAKE COUNTERS INTO A TILT A WHIRL BACKBREAKER! CLEO ONCE AGAIN DROPPED ACROSS THE KNEE! JAKE BRINGS CLEO BACK TO HER FEET AND WALKS HER OVER TO HIS CORNER!
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: Drake tags himself back into the match AND BOTH MEN WANT TO GO FOR A SUPLEX ON CLEO! MORE ANIMOSITY BETWEEN THE GENTLEMEN!
Drake King: (off-mic) I GOT THIS!
Jake Smith: (off-mic) NO! I GOT THIS!
Rich Russillo: LOOKS LIKE THEY BOTH GOT THIS BECAUSE THEY HIT CLEO WITH THE DOUBLE SUPLEX! IT WASN’T THEIR INTENTION BUT IT WORKS! JAKE AND DRAKE GLARE AT EACH OTHER FOR A SECOND AND IT GIVES CLEO A CHANCE TO TRY AND TAG MADISON!
James Peters: DRAKE SAW IT AND TAKES CLEO DOWN WITH A SHINING WIZARD! MY HAVE THE TIDES TURNED IN THIS MATCH.!
Persephone: If the tides keep turning, we are all going to be seasick. First it’s the nursing home. Now it’s the ugly hair brigade. There’s nothing pretty with this match in all senses of the word.
Rich Russillo: Cleo down and Drake hooks her arms back and HOISTS HER IN THE AIR FROM THE MAT! WHAT STRENGTH BY DRAKE KING! DOUBLE CHICKENWING APPLIED! CLEO IS IN PAIN IN THAT MOVE AND DRAKE JUST HOLDS HER UP THERE LONG ENOUGH TO TORTURE HER BEFORE DROPPING HER WITH THE CHICKENWING FACEBUSTER!
James Peters: CLEO NEEDS TO GET THE TAG TO GET THE FRESH MADISON KALINE IN THIS MATCH! DRAKE DIDN’T LET THE LEGS OF CLEO GO AND NOW HE HAS CLEO IN AN INVERTED CLOVERLEAF! SUBMISSION ATTEMPT BY THE REDEEMER!
Persephone: Don’t do that. Now the old lady won’t be able to get out of bed for the next six weeks. This match has gone already too long. Such a pain in my asp. How much torture should a beautiful woman like me take.
James Peters: Is that a rhetorical question? If not, I can answer that question for you.
Persephone: You answer that question and I will rip your throat out and feed it Josh the dog? Don’t you try me!
Rich Russillo: I hate to break up the love fest, but Cleo is still in a Cloverleaf screaming in pain. Drake would love to make a Hall of Famer like Cleopatra tap out, BUT CLEOPATRA IS CRAWLING TO THE ROPES! THE LAST THING THAT CLEO WANTS TO DO IS TAP OUT TO DRAKE KING!
James Peters: Amber Keys is trying to support Cleopatra to stay in this match. CLEO IS GETTING CLOSER AND CLOSER TO THE ROPES! WILL SHE BE ABLE TO REACH THE ROPES? SHE IS SO CLOSE! ONLY A FINGERTIP AWAY–
Persephone: DAMN IT! Ancient Bitch made it to the ropes and broke the submission. Why the hell would she want to go and do something like that? This match has been such a clusterfuck.
Rich Russillo: SPEAK FOR YOURSELF! This has been an amazing match. Besides the fan favorite being Jake Smith in this match, this has been a very competitive match between two current and two future Hall of Famers. Drake drags Cleo away from the ropes and sets her on the top turnbuckle! Drake finds himself on the second rope. DRAKE KING LOOKING FOR A SUPERPLEX–
James Peters: BUT CLEO FIRES BACK WITH FOREARMS TO THE FACE OF DRAKE! DRAKE TRYING TO KEEP HIS BALANCE ON THE SECOND ROPE, BUT ONE FINAL RIGHT HAND SEND DRAKE FALLING TO THE MAT!
Persephone: That was a closed fist! That is illegal! Just because there were no rules when you started wrestling 80 years ago doesn’t mean a thing. Disqualify this old ancient bitch now and end this match!
Rich Russillo: Cleo trying to get to a standing position, but she is still feeling the effects of the cloverleaf. Drake has made it back to his feet and CLEO JUMPS FROM THE SECOND ROPE! SUNSET FLIP CONNECTS AND TAKES DRAKE OVER! SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!
ONNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWOOOOO!
THHHHHRRRRREEEEEE!!
James Peters: DRAKE KING MANAGES TO ROLL THROUGH AND GET THE SHOULDER UP AT TWO! THE REF’S HAND WAS COMING DOWN FOR THREE! THAT WAS VERY CLOSE! CLEO TRYING TO GET BACK TO HER FEET, BUT HER LEG BUCKLED! OH NO!
Persephone: That’s the arthritis setting in. This match has gone too long and they can’t handle it. Also, it looks like there is no more grease in Drake’s hair because it’s starting to turn into a bad frizz job.
Rich Russillo: The cloverleaf is starting to pay dividends and now Drake brings Cleo to her feet. DRAKE HOOKS THE ARMS! DRAKE KING IS LOOKING FOR THE ASCENSION PEDIGREE! IF HE HITS IT–
James Peters: You won’t have to worry about that because Cleo gets free and grabs Drake’s legs. CLEO FALLS BACK AND SLINGSHOTS DRAKE INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! CLEO MAKES IT BACK TO HER FEET AND DRAKE STUMBLES BACK AS THEY HAVE A MEETING OF THE MINDS! DRAKE AND CLEO CLOCK HEADS AND NOW BOTH COMPETITORS ARE DOWN!
Rich Russillo: THE REFEREE BEGINS THE COUNT AND THEY ARE STARTING TO BARELY MOVE! MADISON REACHING FOR THE TAG FROM CLEO AND DRAKE IS CRAWLING TO HIS CORNER TO JAKE… WHO IS REACHING FOR THE TAG!
Persephone: I guess Mighty Midget finally realized that this is a tag team match and working with his partner will make things much easier for him. About freaking time, but he should have figured it out about two years ago when I was ready to end this match.
James Peters: THE REFEREE HAS REACHED SEVEN AND WE ARE IN RISK OF SEEING A DOUBLE COUNTOUT IF NEITHER PERSON CAN MAKE A TAG! NOW THE REF IS AT NINE AND CLEO HAS MADE IT TO MADISON KALINE!
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: MADISON IS LEGAL AND DRAKE IS A FINGERTIP AWAY FROM JAKE—
(TAG!)
Rich Russillo: JAKE SMITH TAGS IN AND THE FRESH MEMBERS OF BOTH TEAMS ARE IN THE MATCH! WAIT! WHAT THE HELL IS HE DOING?
James Peters: JAKE JUST KNOCKED HIS PARTNER OFF THE APRON AND TO THE FLOOR! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?
Persephone: Come on, are you really surprised this happened?
James Peters: With Drake King disposed of, Madison and Jake are ready to get down to business and hopefully wrestle! JAKE SMITH FIRES OFF A ROUNDHOUSE HICK BUT MADISON DUCKS IT AND SLAPS JAKE IN THE FACE! THAT DID NOTHING BUT SET JAKE OFF!
Persephone: Like this is the first time a girl has slapped him in the face. He just has a slappable face.
Rich Russillo: JAKE JUST CLOCKED MADISON IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD WITH A SPINNING ELBOW! MADISON STAGGERED AND JAKE WHIPS HER TO THE ROPES! MADISON DUCKS THE SUPERKICK FROM JAKE AND HITS THE ROPES ON THE OTHER SIDE!
James Peters: MADISON KALINE IS LOOKING FOR THE AFTERLIFE CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL! BUT JAKE AVOIDS IT AT THE LAST SECOND AND GRABS THE ARM OF MADISON AND COUNTERS WITH THE BROKEN WINGS! SNAP NECKBREAKER OUT OF NOWHERE! JAKE HOOKS THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOO!!
TTTHHHHHHRRREEEE!!
Rich Russillo: MADISON KALINE KICKS OUT AT TWO! MADISON IS STUNNED AFTER THE SHOT AND JAKE IS STUNNED TOO, BUT HE IS BACK TO FEET AND CALLING FOR MADISON! HE’S READY TO FINISH THIS MATCH CRAPPY PARTNER AND ALL!
Persephone: You need to stop editorializing and playing favorites. All four competitors are crap and stop sugarcoating it.
James Peters: MADISON IS BACK TO HER FEET AND JAKE GRABS HER BY THE NECK! HE LOCKS HER HEAD AND HE HITS IT! STARMAKER! NOPE! MADISON ROLLS OUT AND HITS THE ROPES! GOING FOR THE AFTERLIFE AGAIN AND JAKE GRABS HER HEAD! THE STARMAKER CONNECTS! ROLLING CUTTER IS HIT AND MADISON KALINE IS NO DOUBT SEEING STARS AFTER THAT! JAKE SMITH GOES FOR THE COVER! THIS MATCH IS OVER!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEE!!
TWWWWWOOOOOOO!!
THHHHRRRRREEEEEEE!!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE JUST CAME IN AND BROKE UP THE COVER BY HITTING HIS OWN TAG TEAM PARTNER! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON??
Persephone: Payback for being taken out earlier! Stop being so stupid and asking stupid questions. Now look at what’s going on!
James Peters: WE HAVE A BRAWL GOING ON! TENSIONS HAVE ROSE HIGH AND EVERYBODY IN THE RING IS BRAWLING! JAKE AND DRAKE ARE FIGHTING! EVERYTHING HAS BROKEN DOWN AND NOW THE REFEREE HAS THEIR HANDS FULL TRYING TO BREAK EVERYTHING UP! CLEOPATRA IS HELPING MADISON KALINE UP, AND NOW THEY’RE GOING AFTER THE OTHER TWO!
Rich Russillo: EVERYTHING HAS NOW SPILLED OUTSIDE TO THE FLOOR AND NOW WE HAVE JAKE AND MADISON BRAWLING AND CLEO AND DRAKE NOW FIGHTING! I DON’T THINK THEY CARE RIGHT NOW!
Persephone: LOOK! Madison just shoved Mighty Midget into his bald partner when the ref was keeping Baldy at bay.
Rich Russillo: AND NOW CHRIS ELITE GETS INVOLVED, BUT SO DOES AMBER KEYS!!! THE HAIRCARE KINGS ARE GOING AT IT WITH THE QUEEN’S COURT WHILE DRAKE IS FIGHTING ALL OF THEM AT ONCE! THE REFEREE IS DOING THEIR BEST TO GET THE MATCH BACK ON TRACK! I THINK IT MIGHT BE TIME TO GIVE IT UP AND JUST LET THEM FIGHT!
Crowd: (off-mic) THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME! THIS IS AWESOME!
Persephone: The idiots in the crowd are just loving the breakdown unlike the breakdown I’m having sitting here watching it. The dumbass referee is still trying to break it up by getting in the middle of it. Stupid move!
James Peters: HOLY SHIT! THE REFEREE JUST GOT SHOVED AWAY BY THE TWO TEAMS AND DRAKE AND THE REFEREE DOES NOT LOOK HAPPY AT ALL! THE REF IS SITTING ON HIS BUTT AFTER BEING SHOVED AND THEY ARE YELLING TO THE TIMEKEEPER!
Referee: (off-mic) THAT’S IT! I’VE HAD IT! THIS MATCH IS OVER! RING THE BELL!
(DING! DING! DING!)
(The bell has rung and the crowd is letting it be known they are not happy that the referee called for the bell.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, the referee has called for the bell and they have informed me that this match has been officially ruled… A NO CONTEST!
(The crowd boos even louder at the announcement because they were loving to see all the fighting on the floor and they don’t want it to end. The referee goes back to trying to split up The Queen’s Court from The Haircare Kings along with Drake King as well, but obviously, to no avail.)
Crowd: LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!
James Peters: This match has been ruled a No Contest and I can’t say that I’m surprised. Referee gave these two teams a lot of leeway and they just couldn’t take it anymore. As you can hear the crowd behind me, they want this match to continue.
Persephone: Do you know what would have been even better? Not having this damn match in the first place. That would have been the best solution. Now we have to watch the fight at the Nursing Home.
(The fight begins to branch off as now Drake and Chris are fighting while Jake has to fend off all three members of The Queen’s Court by himself, and the referee has given up on breaking the fights up alone, so they start waving for more reinforcements.)
Rich Russillo: With six tempers and attitudes that were in and around the ring, we should be grateful that the match lasted this long without a disaster.
James Peters: Be that as it may, with everything that has happened, Super Voltage and Grand Rampage are gearing up to be amazing shows. Especially with people just wanting to beat the hell out of each other.
Persephone: Just let everybody fight to the death, make things easier.
James Peters: We hate to cut away right now, but security and more referees are running down to help. We will be right back with more of Sunday Night Voltage.
(The last shot is of more referees and security coming down to the ring to try and break up all of the fighting at ringside as the camera fades and cuts to commercial.)
(Voltage cuts to a promotional ad for Grand Rampage, where the Grand Rampage match will take place.)
(Voltage returns from commercial break and cuts down to the ring. The main event is done and in the books, but of course, there is one more piece of business that has to be taken care of. The fans inside the Mexico City Arena are on their feet and when “Range Brothers” begins to blast across the PA system, they start to boo. It may be a treat to see EAW’s Chairman appear in person these days, but the fans surely don’t appreciate why he is here tonight.)
Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… PLEASE THE CHAIRMAN OF ELITE ANSWERS WRESTLING… MR. DEDEDE!!!!
(More boos fill the air as Mr. DEDEDE steps on the stage with his wife, Kassidy Heart, by his side. While Mr. DEDEDE appears to be all business, Kassidy is all smiles. The couple look incredible, as usual, but what else is new? Mr. DEDEDE wears the Gawdzilla Pro© ‘Black Mass’ Tracksuit today, along with some custom-made black Jordans that have his name on them stitched in silver. Kassidy is wearing a long-sleeved, skin-tight, zip-up black romper that stops at mid-thigh and has a high neck. Her long, blonde locks have been done in waves and are flowing over her shoulders, and on her feet are brightly colored Gucci high-top sneakers.)
James Peters: Earlier tonight, we found out that Mr. DEDEDE had been the one to book Donovan’s rematch against Minerva. While Donovan didn’t come out victorious, he gave the Gold Rush semi-finalist all she could handle and at various points in the match, I felt it could have gone either way.
Persephone: But the fact of the matter is, it didn’t! Donovan did what he does best and that’s lose a match to someone who is better than him. I mean, I don’t really want to agree with anything that geriatric bozo DUMDUMDUM has to say, but perhaps the board is right. Donovan Duke shouldn’t be a champion! He should be fired! And we should absolutely bring Rex back in his place.
Rich Russillo: You really are committed to mentioning Rex every single episode aren’t you?
Persephone: This show fucking sucks without him. I want Rex back and I want that to happen now.
James Peters: I don’t think it’s going too, Seph…
Persephone: :will:
(As the couple approach the ring, they stop, and Kassidy kisses her beloved Daddygawd on the cheek. As usual, once Kassidy is on the apron she sits down on the ropes so Mr. DEDEDE can get into the ring, and then he lets her in. Bella doesn’t want anything to do with what is about to happen, so she’s left the microphone in the center of the ring which Kassidy bends down to pick up. She passes it off to Mr. DEDEDE, who motions for his music to be cut.)
Mr. DEDEDE: I generously gave Donovan Duke seven days to hand over the National Elite Championship so he could at least preserve some of his dignity as it pertains to this rather unfortunate situation for him. However, time has ran out and so has my patience, because it’s become rather obvious that Donovan Duke wants to either defy my authority, or play some kind of game. I’m not amused by either of those scenarios and after watching Donovan in action tonight, it’s pretty obvious that the Board of Directions is making the right call. Getting the National Elite Championship away from Donovan is what’s best for business and since he insists on making things difficult for himself, Donovan can go ahead and come down to the ring. As much as I despise waiting, some situations call for it, and I’ll stand here all night if I must.
(Mr. DEDEDE didn’t have to wait for long. “The Outsiders” begins to play and a few seconds later, Donovan steps out to an absolutely thunderous ovation. He has showered and cleaned up, looking rather well for someone who came up short against Minerva earlier in the evening. Donovan sports a pair of lighter color blue jeans that he has paired with a white button-down dress shirt and in true rancher fashion, some cowboy boots. Around his waist is the National Elite Championship and as Donovan makes his way to the ring, he unstraps that title and holds it up in the air. His eyes are full of defiance and he stubbornly refuses to acknowledge Mr. DEDEDE and Kassidy as he gets into the ring.)
Rich Russillo: You have to love the way the fans are embracing Donovan Duke here tonight. He had an amazing match with Minerva earlier that just didn’t go his way, but as he left the ring, he received a standing ovation. I think it kind of goes without saying that the match against Minerva is the last one Donovan is going to have as the National Elite Champion, and he nearly pulled off the upset against the former Universal Women’s Champion.
James Peters: I still don’t think it’s right that the Board has come to this rash decision to strip Donovan of the title. His championship reign has barely gotten started and he beat Myles a few weeks ago. Myles is the EAW World Champion, and Donovan was able to get the better of him.
Persephone: That happened because of Brian Daniels you dumb fuck. If Brian hadn’t come out, we all know Myles would have won. Donovan is not a star. He is not a talented wrestler. He is fucking short and that’s really disgusting to me.
Rich Russillo: You think he’s disgusting because he’s short??
Persephone: Uhhhh yeah. Sexy Rexy is like 6’4 and all ripped and muscular. Donovan is like 5’10’, which is Jake Smith on a good height day.
(While the commentary team had been talking, Donovan had been hamming it up inside the ring. He had gone to every single corner and posed on the turnbuckles, letting all the fans shower him with cheers and take pictures of him holding up the National Elite Championship. Mr. DEDEDE’s face had twisted into a scowl, and his wife was currently rubbing her hand up and down his back to try and ease some of the tension. It was obvious to both that Donovan was going to milk this moment, regardless of what fate had in store for him, and neither one of them liked that very much at all.)
(After posing for a few more pictures, Donovan jumped down from the turnbuckles and made his way to the center of the ring. He looked up at Mr. DEDEDE and with a sly smile, raised the National Elite Championship up. He let it dangle in front of Mr. DEDEDE’s face, but to his credit, DEDEDE didn’t snatch the title away. He didn’t even flinch and simply waited for Donovan to stop. Kassidy, on the other hand, wasn’t nearly as patient. The short-tempered blonde clearly didn’t enjoy the sight of Donovan being so disrespectful to her husband. It wasn’t lost on anyone, not even Donovan, when DEDEDE wrapped his hand tightly around her wrist. To further escalate the situation, Donovan didn’t bother to ask for a microphone. He reached out and snatched the one Mr. DEDEDE was holding.)
James Peters: Welp.
Rich Russillo: Oh I’m sure this is gunna go real well :mjlol:
Persephone: (whispering) Fire him…
Donovan Duke: Far be it for me to keep you waiting, your highness.
(The crowd pops for the sarcasm laced in Donovan’s voice.)
Donovan Duke: I know it’s getting close to bedtime and I wouldn’t want to keep you up past that. Old people go to bed early, don’t they? Doesn’t matter because I really don’t plan to spend a lot of time out here tonight. I’m sure you got the biggest kick out of watching me fail against Minerva earlier tonight. When you decided to book the match, that’s what you were expecting, right? You set the match up knowing that I had never defeated her, and you didn’t think that I could do it tonight. Unfortunately, you were right, but like I said earlier in the week, facing off against a talent like Minerva is always a welcome challenge. Whether you believe in me or not as a professional wrestler, you sure as Hell can’t say that I don’t bust my ass and give every single opponent I’m up against the best possible fight. I’m not even trying to use this as an excuse either, but if I had hit my finisher on Minerva just a few inches more towards the center of the ring, she wouldn’t have been able to save herself and I would have gotten my hand raised. That’s the best and worst thing about professional wrestling. It’s a game of seconds, a game of inches, and sometimes just a game based off of pure luck. A few inches kept me from pinning Minerva for three seconds because she got lucky. I refuse to dwell on the missed opportunity and do you want to know why?
Mr. DEDEDE: (off-mic) Not really, but I suppose you’re going to tell me.
Donovan Duke: You’re right! I am going to tell you because now that I’m in the ring, you are on MY time.
(Mr. DEDEDE raises an eyebrow at that bold statement.)
Donovan Duke: Every match is a blessing to me, and every loss to me is a valuable lesson. There is no better way to grow as a person and as a competitor than to learn from your mistakes. I made a mistake tonight against Minerva that cost me a win I needed more than anything else right now. You booked the match to set me up to fail, whereas I decided to use it as a chance to prove you and the rest of the Board of Directors wrong. I damn near followed through on doing just that, and if you had still insisted on stripping me of this title AFTER I beat someone of Minerva’s caliber you would have been laughed right out of this arena by all of these incredible fans. You wouldn’t have a leg to stand on right now. I showed my ability tonight by taking Minerva to her limit and nearly beating her, and that is literally all I have ever done since signing my contract. I knew that making a name for myself here in EAW wasn’t going to be easy. Hell, I knew it was going to be the most difficult task I have ever tackled. There have been plenty of bumps in the roads and some bitter pills swallowed, but I’m one of the few who were willing to take it on the chin and push forward. Where most up and coming Elitists would have bailed, I have remained standing. I have stood my ground and stayed strong. I have gotten better with every match and I have fought some incredible battles. I’ve faced the absolute best that EAW has to offer and no one has been able to break me. You ARE NOT going to be the one who does that.
(While Donovan had been talking, Kassidy had gone to retrieve another microphone since Mr. DEDEDE’s had been stolen. The Chairman was now armed and his low, slightly sinister chuckle reverberated throughout the building.)
Mr. DEDEDE: As inspiring as that was, I’m not moved. In this business, you either have IT or you don’t, and it’s pretty clear that you don’t have IT. Trust me, Donovan. The last thing I ever wanted was to be pulled into a board meeting at 6:30 on a Monday morning after both of my twin daughters kept the entire house up most of the night because they’re teething and cranky, and prefer having both of their parents soothing them as opposed to their nanny. So imagine how frustrating it must have been for me to sit there on Zoom, bouncing Emogen on one knee and Jessamyn on the other, while the Board droned on and on about how inadequate you are and how they don’t see you as championship material. Funnily enough, everytime your name was mentioned, Jessamyn would crinkle her nose up in disgust much like Kass does whenever she sees her name next to some pleb’s on the Showdown card.
(Mr. DEDEDE has the audacity to pause and look down at his wife, who’s slightly more calm now and is looking at her husband like he’s the only person in the room. DEDEDE grins and in an annoying display of affection right in front of Donovan, they press their foreheads together and nuzzle one another’s noses, and Mr. DEDEDE can be heard saying how adorable it is that baby Jessa has some similarities to Kassidy. “Like mother, like daughter.”)
Donovan Duke: Oh brother.
(Finally, Mr. DEDEDE turns his attention back to the matter at hand.)
Mr. DEDEDE: As exhausting as it was to sit through an entire meeting and listen to everyone voice their complaints about you, I couldn’t help but agree. You see, the Board’s biggest complaint about you is that you’re not doing enough to prove yourself as National Elite Champion. Instead of looking for a challenger at Grand Rampage, you went and entered yourself in Grand Rampage under the false impression that you actually have what it takes to do something that is rarely done here, and that’s become a double champion. I’m not sure why you believe that you’re capable of winning one of, if not the most, challenging matches in EAW history, but you do, and that’s something the Board has an issue with.
Donovan Duke: But why? Why does the Board have an issue with that? When did having ambition and goals become a bad thing? The week after he won King of Elite, Andre Walker basically cashed in his crown for Pain for Pride so he could compete for the World Heavyweight Championship on the biggest stage. If he’s still holding onto the Interwire Championship after Grand Rampage, he is going to have the chance to become a double champion. Was there a board meeting about that?
(Mr. DEDEDE laughs, assuming that Donovan is joking, but the National Elite Champion isn’t.)
Mr. DEDEDE: Oh. You’re serious. You’re seriously comparing your situation to Andre Walker’s. Wow. Look, I hate to be the one to break it to you, but there is no comparison between Walker and yourself. Andre Walker is a star in every sense of the word. He’s got the looks, the talent, the charisma… all the things that you don’t. You’re decent, but that just doesn’t cut it at this level. You aren’t a champion. You don’t elevate your opponents and give them the best match they’ve ever had. You don’t bring anything to that championship you carry around. Champions are supposed to make the belt. It’s not the other way around. You are relevant because of the title in your hands and nothing else. As I stated last week, the National Elite Championship has a prestigious history. Former and current world champions have held onto it. The absolute best of the best have walked the EAW halls, carrying that title, and have competed in some of the greatest matches ever seen. You defeated Lucas Johnson in your first title defense and instead of trying to find a better opponent, you’ve opted to enter Grand Rampage. The championship you are supposed to be defending is taking a backseat to your selfish and rather unrealistic desires to headline Pain for Pride. Donovan Duke competing against either Myles or Brian Daniels doesn’t scream blockbuster. Both matches have happened already and what did you do in those matches, Donovan? You needed a distraction to beat Myles and you FAILED against Daniels, a man who hasn’t been inside of an EAW ring in years :francis:. Then when you factor in the fact that the Gold Rush tournament winner will be one of four former world champions, where do you see yourself fitting in? Oh let’s say that a Triple Threat Match is our scenario for Pain for Pride. You did it! You won the Grand Rampage because everyone else dropped dead on their way to the ring leaving you as the worst Grand Rampage winner in history alongside Carlos Rosso.
Crowd: :picard:
Donovan Duke: You’ve absolutely lost your mind, you senile old fuck. To even compare me to such a piece of trash is low, even for someone like you.
Mr. DEDEDE: Well the truth hurts. But if you don’t mind, I’m going to continue painting the hypothetical picture of you as a Grand Rampage winner since you seem to enjoy living in this convoluted sham of a world you’ve created in your tiny, little head, so settle down, sport! You head to Pain for Pride as the Grand Rampage winner! You are going to be in an EAW World Championship match against people you have never, ever beaten! All the odds are stacked against you and the entire world is looking at the match, saying to themselves ‘one of these doesn’t belong’, and when the bell rings at the end of it all, and the dust settles, and the lights dim, you will be the man who is flat on his back having given the winner of the match the easiest path to victory in a Pain for Pride main event literally ever. Embarrassing. Humiliating. And the worst part? The National Elite Championship gets to be made a joke of in the process. If you want to enter matches you have no chance at winning and pull the whole BuT i LeArNeD a VaLuAbLe LeSsOn bullshit, then by all means, but you’re not going to do it as the National Elite Champion. I’m done fucking around. I’m done entertaining you. Donovan… your time’s up. Hand over the belt.
(It’s obvious that Mr. DEDEDE’s words have struck a nerve with Donovan. The National Elite Champion is red in the face and he is visibly shaking from the anger. For once, he is speechless. It wasn’t as if he didn’t know just how cruel Mr. DEDEDE could be. The two have prior history from Dynasty last season when Mr. DEDEDE was feuding with Donovan’s group, Insurgency. But this was a different level. This time, DEDEDE’s wrath was solely directed at Donovan. The champ looks down at the National Elite Championship and clutches it in his hands. The crowd doesn’t want to see Donovan give up the title.)
Crowd: NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!
Mr. DEDEDE: I’m waiting.
(From the 24/7 Battle Royal to various defenses of the contract itself, to showing up and showing out at Territorial Invasion and Wicked Games, Donovan knows he has busted his ass this season. He has put everything on the line, every single time, and win or lose, he has left his heart inside the ring. Donovan knows that he deserves to be the champion. He knows that the National Elite Championship is the perfect belt for him to hold. He knows that he is going to do it justice and live up to its legacy. He just needs the chance to show them all what he knows he is capable of.)
Kassidy Heart: He is literally waiting.
(The sound of Kassidy’s voice draws even more boos from the crowd because they feel she shouldn’t even be involved in this. Donovan tears his eyes away from the National Elite Championship and he shoots daggers right as Kassidy. She sucks in her breath and sensing that the situation might escalate, Mr. DEDEDE purses his lips and holds out his hand.)
Mr. DEDEDE: I want the belt.
(Donovan balks.)
Mr. DEDEDE: NOW!
(All of a sudden, the crowd erupted.)
James Peters: DONOVAN DUKE JUST FAKED A SWIPE AT KASSIDY HEART AND USES THE CONFUSION HE CREATED TO SLAM THE NATIONAL ELITE CHAMPIONSHIP IN MR. DEDEDE’S FACE! MR. DEDEDE GOES DOWN LIKE A TON OF BRICKS AND KASSIDY JUST LAUNCHED HERSELF AT DONOVAN! SHE IS TRYING TO RIP AT HIS FACE WITH HER HANDS BUT DONOVAN GRABS HER BY THE HAIR AND THROWS HER INTO THE CORNER! DONOVAN ROLLS OUT OF THE RING AND STARTS RETREATING UP THE RAMP, AS KASSIDY GRABS HER HEAD AND SINKS TO HER KNEES! I THINK SHE’S FIGHTING THE URGE TO GO AFTER HIM, GUYS!
Persephone: Did that crazy fucking cunt just punch herself in the head?
(The camera focuses on the former world champion, who seems to be torn on what to do. The Mauler wants to destroy Donovan but Kassidy wants to check on her husband.)
Rich Russillo: Kassidy slams her fist against her own head once again and she crawls over to Mr. DEDEDE to check on him! The shot from the belt must have knocked him right out because he hasn’t moved!
James Peters: Do you hear this crowd?!?!
(The sold out crowd have broken out into cheers and screams for the feisty National Elite Champion. Donovan has stopped on the stage and he looks around, absolutely soaking up the atmosphere and listening to the sounds of the crowd. As they chant his name, he pounds his chest with his right hand and holds up the National Elite Championship with his left.)
Donovan Duke: (off-mic) THIS IS MY CHAMPIONSHIP! FUCK YOU, RYAN ADAMS! AND FUCK THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS!
James Peters, Rich Russillo, and Persephone: :damn:
(The camera cuts to the ring where Kassidy is bent over her husband and cradling him in her lap. He is starting to wake up, looks a little dazed, and Kassidy is seen smoothing his hair back and talking to him. Mr. DEDEDE slowly sits up and the look on his face turns extremely dark. He locks eyes with Donovan Duke, and to his credit, Donovan doesn’t flinch. He smiles. He smiles and he holds up his middle finger as a final fuck you to Mr. DEDEDE and every person who voted to have him stripped of the National Elite Championship.)
(EAW logo buzzes.)
