(EAW intro plays.)
(The camera shows a recap of last week’s Voltage, including the video package that was shown in preparation for tonight. After this, the camera fades to the Arena San Francisco in Oaxaca, Mexico. It is a small building containing a much smaller crowd than usual for Voltage, but that crowd is as lively as possible, with all of the fans in attendance cheering and showing their excitement for tonight’s show. After this, the camera cuts to the commentary table, where Rich Russillo, Thadd Blazevich and Persephone are seen.)
Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen… Welcome to a very special Sunday Night Voltage! We are here in Oaxaca Mexico, for a show that’s bound to be incredible. We already know why this show is happening, but let’s talk about the matches happening.
Thadd Blazevich: That’s right dude. We have it all tonight. A Two Out of Three Falls match, a Street Fight, even a World Championship match! There’s so much more too, and I can’t wait to get into it all.
Persephone: Well I can’t wait to get out of here. This literally might be the smallest crowd I’ve ever seen, and this building is disgusting.
(Sunday Night Voltage transitions away from the commentary desk to the ring as ‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ by Tupac is heard playing through the PA system. The small crowd here tonight in Oaxaca is going feral as TLA is seen standing at the center with a microphone in hand. He’s circling around, hyping up the fans and getting them excited, before he begins to speak while his theme fades out.)
TLA: Oaxaca! ¡¿Cómo estamos esta noche?!
(The crowd once again erupts, practically shaking the building as TLA nods his head, giving a chuckle as he puts a hand to his heart.)
TLA: I feel da amor today, dem good vibez, allat. And that’s how it should be. :blessed: I’m sure y’all know the story already, but in case you don’t, last month during my time as General Manager, I had the chance to meet someone who is a good amigo of mine. When we talked, he told yo boi he had one wish. Un deseo. And that wish was for EAW to host a show live from his hometown of Oaxaca, Mexico. Now you know TLA ain’t one to disappoint, especially to the little homies, so I used my powers as el jefe to make it happen.
(TLA pauses as he nods his head, listening to the crowd chanting his name for a brief moment, before continuing what he has to say.)
TLA: And first off, I’d like to give mucho gracias to Captain Charisma for being on board with this and helping me make this happen. We got some of da finest lucha happening tonight in this very building, and I wouldn’t want any less, not just for this amazing crowd, but for the hombre I’m boutta welcome out en uno momento. The hombre who made this happen, who is one of the best luchadores I know. So without further ado, if y’all could give me a little drumroll… 🥁🥁🥁
Crowd: 🥁🥁🥁
TLA: ¡Damas y caballeros, recibamos con un aplauso a… JAVIER!
(The crowd erupts into thunderous cheers as the camera pans over to the stage, and thirteen-year-old Javier is seen making his way out. He looks excited to be making his way out to an EAW ring tonight, as he quickly enters the ring and brings himself into a massive hug with TLA in the ring.)
Thadd Blazevich: Awwwww, what an adorable moment, bro.
Persephone: I can’t say what I want to say, or else they will fire me.
Rich Russillo: Certainly a heartfelt moment, and most importantly, the reason why we’re here tonight in Oaxaca in front of an electric crowd. We are honored to be here for Javier during his fight against cancer and everyone else from his hometown, and TLA is making sure that he enjoys every bit of it.
(After the embrace, TLA takes Javier’s hand and raises it into the air, circling the ring and letting the crowd shower the two of them in adulation. Once that’s done, TLA gets back on the microphone, as he begins to speak to him directly.)
TLA: Javier, homie, you been enjoying the show?!
Javier: ¡Sí! ¡Gracias, TLA!
TLA: Orale! That’s what’s up! I’m glad fr, cuz we got a show coming up for you that’s gonna be one to remember. Big dawg shit heading into one of the most exciting events of the season, Grand Rampage! Pero, it ain’t all about that, not at all. It’s about you, little homie. It’s about you, tu familia, tu ciudad, y la raza! We here on Voltage excited af to come here tonight and give y’all a show that you ain’t neva seen before. Some big money matches in dis bitch. Sum Lucha Libre Showcases, sum Street Fights, sum title matches. Yo ass ain’t gonna want to miss this one.
(The crowd continues to cheer as Javier jumps up and down excitedly. TLA has a smirk on his face as he continues to pace around, raising his microphone.)
TLA: But I don’t want to hold y’all up hearing my ass talk. :troll: Y’all want to see some of the finest lucha libre en el mundo and you’re going to get that here tonight on Sunday Night Voltage. Javier, vato, I hope you enjoy the show. And I hope everyone here in Oaxaca enjoys it as well! ORALE-
(Before TLA can close out, the sounds of ‘Invincible’ by Pop Smoke are heard playing through the speakers of the arena. The crowd gives a negative reaction to the interruption as TLA turns his head toward the stage, shaking his head as none other than Chris Elite is seen making his way out from the backstage area. After what has transpired these past couple of weeks, he has a displeased expression on his face as he glares at his former tag team partner in the ring, making his way down the aisle.)
Persephone: Dude, what the hell? We were just about to finish the promo!
Rich Russillo: Well, I don’t particularly blame Chris Elite for making his presence felt in front of TLA while he had the chance, especially after these past couple of weeks. The former General Managers have had issues after TLA put the blame on him for what happened at Shock Value, with Chris accidentally costing them the Unified Tag Team Championships. Chris has been insisting that he didn’t want to do it on purpose, but TLA didn’t want to hear it.
Thadd Blazevich: TLA escalated it by laying him out the first time around, and Chris followed that up this past week by returning the favor and taking out his failed attack. I don’t know, bro, I understand where the frustration is coming from, but in front of the little dude, Javier??? That’s definitely not fun.
(Chris makes his way up the steps and onto the apron as he enters into the ring. He makes his way over and takes a microphone from the ringside area while ‘Invincible’ begins to fade out. He then turns around and approaches TLA, while Javier is seen slowly cowering behind him. TLA realizes the situation is escalating and gets on the microphone.)
TLA: Hollon, Chris. Tranquilo, homie! I know we got dem problemas rn… but ain’t there a better time for all dis?
Chris Elite: Hell no. No offense to Javier, but you’re not gonna use this as an excuse to try and run away from this. What we’re not going to do is use tonight as a reason to pretend that nothing happened between the two of us, because we still have issues that need to be handled. For the past couple of weeks the one thing that you tried to do was run away from any accountability for your actions, when you were the one that started them. We could’ve gone our separate paths, I could’ve very well just minded my own business, but you were the one that attacked me. I’ll be damned if you want to try and act like a hero now.
TLA: Cmon, holmes, ur better than this! We out here having a fiesta, it’s getting lit up in here, and you come out tryna ruin all dis good vibez? Look, I’m not tryna mess up what’s going to be a good show, especially for Javier right here who def ain’t tryna hear all that hablas coming out of you rn. But I ain’t backing down or running away from shit, vato. Especially since the only person to blame for what happened is you. I ain’t saying you did that shit on purpose, homie. What I’m saying is that you clearly was not about that, you wasn’t about that winning lifestyle that hustlers like yo boi are about. And you not bout to take that shit out on me cuz u not good enough.
Chris Elite: Nah, bro. If you knew something like this show was coming up then you shouldn’t have attacked me. You shouldn’t have made all the time that we spent as Co-General Managers go to waste. But here we are now. I can take accountability for a lot of things, but the one thing I’m not going to sit here and listen to is you trying to tell me that I’m not shit, when I’ve been working my ass off for years to prove otherwise. You were the one person who stuck their back out for me when nobody else did. Years of friendship, damn near a decade, and all of a sudden when shit doesn’t go right for you, what do you do? You say the same damn shit that everyone else has been saying about me. You *were* a friend, but now I’m just going to have to treat you like anyone else and bring the smoke to you.
TLA: No offense, hombre, but you ain’t boutta do allat. Cuz if you were, you would’ve done it to everyone else talking shit on your name first, then we wouldn’t even need to be having this conversation! But instead of workin’ on dat lucha, instead of taking the time to prove dem doubters wrong, you stand here and you complain and complain and complain. When are you gonna get in yo cabeza that it’s yo fault? When are you finally gonna realize that, que? I hate that it had to be me, homie, but someone had to finally give you that wake up call, and ig it had to be the person who cared about you the most. It is what it is.
Chris Elite: Get the fuck out of here with that. Gotta be shitting me. I’m not going to sit here and act like everything is sunshine and rainbows, I’ve lost more than I’ve won, but you definitely are not the perfect person yourself. This entire season you’ve come up empty handed and the one time where you have someone else to pin the blame on you do it. It’s clear that we’re just going in circles trying to see who’s more at fault for this, and I’m not gonna shift blame off myself for the fuckup, but the way you’re handling this shit is wack. And you think that you can just get away with it too. Complete and utter bullshit.
TLA: You just don’t get it, do you, hombre? I gave you a chance! Some may say I gave you one too many chances. I thought dat fuego would come out of you, I thought we would be seeing the real Chris Elite climb up dat ladder and unhook the Campeonatos for us! But I believed a little too much in you, holmes. And cuz of that, I was let down just like everyone else was.
(Chris looks annoyed as TLA takes a glance around, acknowledging the electric atmosphere of the crowd here tonight.)
TLA: If you gonna get in the way of me winning da Grand Rampage match, then I got no problem beating dat culo and taking you to escuela. But if you wanna throw hands right now, then I can’t think of a better way to start a show like this than with a brawl, vato!
(TLA begins to roll up his sleeves as the crowd cheers loudly for this. Chris takes a moment to ponder it in his mind, before shaking his head as he raises his microphone.)
Chris Elite: Sigh. Forgive me for trying to convince you, beloved. I’m not here for a fight, I have a match later tonight that I have to prepare for. All I’ll say right now is that you better stay out of the way. Or else shit isn’t going to be as pleasant as it is right now.
(Chris turns around and begins to make his way out of the ring, but as he’s doing that, TLA is seen watching him leave, thinking to himself for a good moment before nodding his head, as he raises his microphone.)
TLA: Hollon, just one second, Chris. Uno momento!
Chris Elite: Man, what-
Rich Russillo: OH! LOW BLOW FROM BEHIND!
Persephone: BY JAVIER! HAH! WHAT THE HELL DID TLA TEACH THAT KID?!
Thadd Blazevich: If there was something that Javier was never going to let Chris get away with, it’s disrespecting his friend! And TLA is looking to take advantage of this, as he grabs him by the head and drags him toward the center of the ring while Chris is down on a knee. SETTING HIM UP!
Rich Russillo: AS HE FLIPS HIM OVER AND SPIKES HIM DOWN ONTO HIS HEAD WITH A BRUTAL MEXICAN DESTROYER!
(The crowd erupts into thunderous cheers for this as TLA immediately rises up to a knee, glancing over to Javier, who looks absolutely elated to be involved in the beatdown. The Hall of Famer gives a point over to him, before making his way over and taking his hand, bringing him toward the center of the ring and raising his hand in the air, as the Oaxaca crowd continues to cheer the duo on.)
Persephone: I don’t know how the fuck they can cheer TLA after he did something like that, but I suppose TLA has always been a person who has wore on his sleeve that his intentions were never being a good person.
Rich Russillo: You can say that again, Seph. Chris certainly got the short end of the stick tonight before his match, and it’s certainly not something that he’s going to be particularly happy about once he wakes back up. And while his issues with TLA I believe without a doubt are only going to continue to escalate, tonight is not about that, it’s about the little boy standing in the ring tonight.
Thadd Blazevich: Of course, bro! And what a moment for the little dude to be able to have in the ring with one of his heroes, it’s definitely going to be something that he never forgets. But this is only just the beginning! We have so much in store for all of you tonight on this very special episode of Sunday Night Voltage, it is definitely something that you’re not going to want to miss!
(TLA is seen at the ringside area taking a Mexican flag from the front row, as he enters back into the ring and hands it to Javier, who raises it into the air to the thunderous cheers from the crowd. While this happens, TLA picks up the microphone from next to the unconscious body of Chris Elite and begins to speak.)
TLA: We got one hell of a show for you tonight, holmes! You ain’t gonna want to miss this one! Let’s get right to it, vamanos!
(TLA drops the microphone back down as ‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ begins to play up once more. He takes Javier and lifts him up onto his shoulders, as he carries it around, waving the Mexican flag while red, white, and green streamers are seen flying into the ring. The unforgettable scene is the very last shot shown before Sunday Night Voltage begins to fade to elsewhere.)
(An ad is shown for the EAW World Championship match happening later tonight between Drake Armstrong and ARIA.)
[SCREENBAR – Earlier this week.]
(The camera pans to a separate location, fading to a room in a different area where Sofia Clarke can be seen. Sofia is seated on a chair, and she has a slight smile on her face, keeping a calm demeanor. After a few seconds, she begins to finally speak, looking towards the camera.)
Sofia Clarke: Ladies and gentlemen, at this time I’ve been given the chance to conduct a very special interview given the circumstances, so at this time please welcome… Adam Lucas.
(The camera cuts over to Adam Lucas, who still doesn’t look the best after everything that has happened. Adam still looks exhausted and drained mentally, but he is doing his best to stick around for this interview, even despite the fact that it’s the last thing he’d like to do right now.)
Sofia Clarke: Adam, thank you for joining us tonight. I understand that you’ve had a very tough time as of late.
(Adam just sighs, before beginning to respond.)
Adam Lucas: Right…
Sofia Clarke: Well Adam, with everything that has happened over the last few weeks, how are you feeling?
(Adam remained silent for a moment as his head dropped, looking at the floor as he seemed hesitant to even answer this question. However, he’d eventually raise his head once more, staring at Sofia even with the defeated look on his face before finally beginning to speak.)
Adam Lucas: I don’t think it takes a rocket scientist to answer that question Molly. I feel like shit. What you saw last week was a man who broke down, the last two years finally taking their toll. I’ve always been someone who has felt like he could control his emotions, but last week it all got too much. And for the peanut gallery who laughed at my ‘downfall’, I’d like to see how they would react. I’ve always been able to separate what happens here, with matters in my personal life, but that line was blurred and then split apart by what happened to Beth. I won’t lie, I’m broken… but I don’t want sympathy. No way.
(Sofia just nodded her head, taking in Adam’s words before continuing.)
Sofia Clarke: Well, things took a turn I don’t think you anticipated since the unfortunate incident, and you certainly haven’t held back in your response to it. After what you did in your confrontation with her last week, do you see yourself crossing paths with Miku Sakai again?
(Hearing this causes a change in Adam’s demeanor. He gains a more frustrated look on his face, temporarily losing the prior emptiness that was previously shown.)
Adam Lucas: Miku knew that her actions would come with a receipt, last week was that payback. She took from me something that was almost as bad as Rabeaux, and that was the chance to make Kai pay for what he did. Listening to him speak since has made me feel sick to my stomach, and if Miku hadn’t interfered, he wouldn’t have got that chance. Honestly, this match this week gives Miku an opportunity to come at me after last week, and I fully expect her to not let this go because after all when has she? It’s a shame because I thought even with her hatred for my wife, Miku and I were ok. But obviously, no one knows what goes on in that brain of hers. She’s just a whiny attention seeking little bitch.
Sofia Clarke: Do you think you might’ve gone too far in your attack last week?
Adam Lucas: I’ve a lot of regrets, Molly, but last week isn’t one of them. Again, I remind everyone of the opportunity she took away from me. This isn’t a title shot we are talking about, this was retribution, and she made herself almost as culpable as Kai with her actions. She should think herself very lucky that I did break down, because if I hadn’t she wouldn’t have been able to compete this week, if even again this season. Like I say, the lines have been blurred. What Miku did had nothing to do with EAW, and from the sounds of it was entirely personal. She started this, it has nothing to do with what happened in the Chamber.
(Sofia takes in Adam’s response, before beginning to speak once again.)
Sofia Clarke: What do you think caused Miku Sakai’s attack two weeks ago?
Adam Lucas: Like I said, it had nothing to do with what happened in the Chamber. I didn’t do anything that I didn’t warn her could happen and that’s the truth. She, just like Candice seemed to understand that, but it seems like she had a change of mind along the way. You saw it Molly, even after the attack, I didn’t go all in like a bull in a china shop. I asked her to explain to me why, and she had the audacity to throw it back in my face, and weaponize her hatred for my wife. If there had been a valid reason, then maybe I could have let it go, but no… this was all Miku, whining about lack of opportunities when the truth is she has had more than most. But to answer the question as simply as I can, that attack was nothing more than Miku once again screaming for attention. She just needs to realize that what happened last week was only the start. I ain’t done with her yet and I’m going to make damn sure she regrets turning on me.
Sofia Clarke: Well while on the topic of that night two weeks ago, is there anything you’d like to say about everything that happened before the attack?
(Adam takes a moment to think about this, calming down before beginning to answer.)
Adam Lucas: I’m going to be honest with you Molly, I appreciate the fact that EAW didn’t make more of what I did. I don’t remember a lot, but I have watched Youtube footage from people who filmed it all and I’m not proud of it. You’ve got to understand that my mind was only on Rabeaux and finding that asshole, and anyone who got in my way was only trying to protect him. People got hurt that night that had nothing to do with it, so no it’s not a highlight for me. I have since paid for all damages, and will be reaching out to the individuals concerned with an apology. I was angry, but that doesn’t excuse my actions towards people that were only doing their job, or having a good time.
Sofia Clarke: It was definitely a chaotic scene, though we do know it wasn’t without reason as you did come very close to getting your hands on Kai Rabeaux. Given everything that has happened since, do you think you still have unfinished business with Kai?
(This question immediately causes Adam’s mood to shift, as if a fire had been lit. He has a frustrated and almost annoyed look on his face hearing this question, and he quickly answers, raising his tone despite his attempt to subdue his anger.)
Adam Lucas: Sorry, but that is a ridiculous question. What he did was bad enough, but his reaction since, almost shrugging it off as if it means nothing to him, is inhumane. Look, I’ve been a prick to certain people, I’ve gone from one of the most likeable Elitists on the roster, to one of the hated. I’ve dosed people to retain World Championships, but I have never crossed the line like Kai Rabeaux did at Shock Value. Look, I agree… I was the one who put Beth in that situation and I will live with that for the rest of my days. But Kai was the one who not only interjected himself into the match, but then proceeded to focus on Beth’s stomach even when it was obvious something was wrong. He killed our baby by excessively attacking Beth even when she was done. He killed our baby, and I wasn’t able to do anything about it. He can make all the excuses he wants, but he denied us something special, something pure. And until I say I am satisfied he has paid for that, then yes, I have unfinished business with Kai Rabeaux.
(Sofia slowly nods, understanding Adam’s rage given the circumstances.)
Sofia Clarke: I am sorry all of this happened to you and Bethany, but with all this in mind, what happens the next time you and Kai cross paths?
(Adam stares at Sofia for a moment, and despite his frustrations given the situation that he is in and his hatred for Kai Rabeaux, he is able to let out a slight smile, already knowing the answer to Sofia’s question.)
Adam Lucas: You know something Molly, I’m not even concerned about the Hardcore Championship. I’m not looking for a title match or any of that crap. It’s not going to matter if it’s in the ring, passing each other in a corridor, or in the parking lot, I’m going to take that son of a bitch apart. To do something like that and not hold up his hands, claiming that he didn’t know is a valid excuse, to me that isn’t an individual who deserves to live, never mind have a career in this company. I can kick the shit out of him, it won’t be enough. I can take his title, STILL not enough. His career, and his livelihood, that would at least be a start. I’m going to make damn sure he NEVER has the opportunity to regale in what he did again. NO ONE will stop me from making that happen. NO ONE. And I don’t care if EAW suspends me first, I will still find a way.
Sofia Clarke: I see. Well, there is something everyone has been wondering for the past month, and if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask about that now. How are things currently with you and Dr. Bethany Blue?
(This question causes Adam to look away for a brief moment, hesitant to speak on his relationship with Dr. Bethany Blue following Shock Value, knowing that she’s the most important thing in the world to him and the road to Shock Value left the two in a bad place. The broken look on his face comes back as he’s forced to think about the current state of things, but he is eventually able to bring himself to respond.)
Adam Lucas: I don’t know. And yes, that might be a cop out, but I’m afraid it is the truth. Prior to the match she said we were done, and I’ve not gotten close enough to ask her if that is still the case. We’ve not spoken since Shock Value, and I doubt that is going to change any time soon. She’s angry… and the one person who could console her isn’t allowed in the same room. I’ve not accepted it, but I’ve had to consider that my marriage could be over.
Sofia Clarke: Do you regret having that match at Shock Value?
(Adam just sighs, unable to react any other way at this point.)
Adam Lucas: Hindsight is great isn’t it? I know what Beth thought of me, but I was only thinking of us both when I made that challenge. I know she doesn’t believe me, and that I was being selfish, but if Kai hadn’t interfered, she would have gotten the legacy she wanted by beating me. Now though, of course I regret having that match. If I’d known then what I knew now, I wouldn’t have even gone anywhere near it. I could have had everything Molly, everything I ever wanted, and right now I have nothing. And to think I’d played a part in that… it kills me inside.
Sofia Clarke: Well, I know you have a lot on your plate already, but people have been wondering how you move forward after all this, so I’d like to hear it from you. What is next for you?
Adam Lucas: Again, I don’t know. All I know is that right now, I couldn’t care any less about winning Grand Rampage, and getting back into the World Title picture. This match this week, I don’t want to win, I just want to get my hands around Miku’s neck. All I feel at the moment is sorrow, hatred and a need for retribution… the competitive spirit I used to pride myself on, is no longer there. I can only think about the here and now and that is Kai Rabeaux… the rest. Maybe I’m done.
(There is a brief moment of silence following these words, as Sofia takes in that final statement from Adam, noting that it wasn’t a definitive response.)
Sofia Clarke: Well Adam, I’d just like to thank you once again for agreeing to do this interview. I know that a lot of what you’re dealing with is personal and stuff you’d probably prefer not to have to think about right now, so thank you for your time.
(Adam Lucas nods, before finally getting out of his seat, and walking away from the area. The camera cuts back to Sofia once Adam is out of view, and Sofia remains silent, thinking about the outcome of this interview as the camera fades out.)
(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)
Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS A TWO OUT OF THREE FALLS MATCH!
(“COMO CAPO” by Clave Especial ft. Fuerza Regida blares through the small venue, and with the crowd being in Mexico, he receives a more positive reception than usual. Diego Montana steps out with a smug look on his face, unfazed by the reaction as he scans the fans surrounding the ring. He cracks a brief smirk before confidently making his way down the short path to the ring, embracing the hostility as he walks.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first! Hailing out of Arlington, Texas, weighing in at 199 pounds…HE IS THE EL DIABLO GUAPO…DIEGO MONTANA!!
Thadd Blazevich: Here comes Diego Montana, and this crowd seems to be letting him off easy a lil given his family legacy. This is definitely a rare situation given the way he carries himself, but he always walks out here like he does not care what anyone thinks.
Rich Russillo: And with Grand Rampage approaching, Diego is trying to build momentum before challenging Kai Rabeaux for the Hardcore Championship. Kai may not have been Champion for long, but he has already shown a ton of promise, and many see him as one of the fastest rising competitors on Voltage right now.
Thadd Blazevich: Which means Diego needs a win like this. If he wants people to take him seriously against someone like Kai Rabeaux, he cannot afford to slip up here tonight, especially against a competitor like Carmen Sanchez who will absolutely make him earn it.
(“Rompe” by Daddy Yankee plays as Carmen Sanchez steps out to a warm reaction from the crowd. In the intimate venue, fans near the entrance immediately reach out, and Carmen smiles, keeping both hands behind her back for a moment before confidently walking forward. She begins high fiving fans along the short path to the ring, feeding off the support as she circles around ringside and prepares to enter.)
Bella Braxton: And his opponent! Hailing out of Reno, Nevada, weighing in at 102 pounds…SHE IS EL TIGRE…CARMEN SÁNCHEZ!!
Rich Russillo: A much more overwhelmingly positive reaction here for Carmen Sanchez. She carries herself with a lot of pride, and tonight is a great opportunity for her to showcase that lucha style against someone like Diego Montana.
Thadd Blazevich: And this is a big test too. Diego has Grand Rampage on his mind with Kai Rabeaux, but if he overlooks Carmen, she is more than capable of making him pay for it and completely derailing that momentum.
Persephone: Or she could just beat him and we move on. That would be faster.
(The referee signals for the bell as both competitors stand in opposing corners.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: The bell has rung for this two out of three falls match between Diego Montana and Carmen Sanchez! This has been promoted as a lucha libre showcase, and that is exactly what we should expect from both competitors here tonight.
Thadd Blazevich: Well… maybe just one of them.
Rich Russillo: Hey, when he is motivated, Diego Montana can absolutely pull out all the stops, and I would say he is very motivated heading into Grand Rampage. He is set to challenge Kai Rabeaux for the Hardcore Championship, and Diego has made it clear he is not happy with how little he is being taken seriously, especially by the Champion himself.
Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, and he also said that when he wins, he is going to be the best wrestler in his entire family. That is a bold claim. I do not know if I would go that far, but if he does pull it off, that is a huge accomplishment and it would definitely put him high up there in terms of success here in EAW.
Rich Russillo: There is a clear difference in attitude between these two. Carmen Sanchez carries herself with pride and respect for her lucha heritage, and Diego would probably say he does the same, but he definitely has a very different way of showing it.
Persephone: Yeah, yeah, heritage and respect. The bell already rang, so can one of them just drop the other already.
Rich Russillo: A feeling out process to start as both competitors circle the ring before meeting in the center with a collar and elbow tie up. Diego bars the arm and immediately wrings it, but look at this, using his free hand to repeatedly slap Carmen on the back of the head. That antagonizing nature from Montana already showing itself while he keeps control of the wrist. Carmen rolls forward though, popping up with repeated kip ups back to her feet before twisting through and wringing the arm of Diego herself!
Thadd Blazevich: Diego suddenly in a bit of trouble as Carmen takes control of the wrist, but look at this, he grabs a handful of her hair and yanks back on it. That drops Carmen’s guard just enough for Diego to spin out and pull her right into a standing side headlock!
Rich Russillo: Diego wrenches on the hold, trying to slow this pace and keep Carmen grounded, but she shoves him off into the ropes to escape! Diego rebounds back and levels her with a SHOULDER TACKLE! Carmen drops where she stands! And you can see the size difference immediately. Diego stands at six foot one and one hundred ninety nine pounds, while Carmen is five foot one and one hundred two. When it comes to power and strength, Montana has a massive advantage.
Persephone: Yeah, congratulations, Diego is bigger. That is probably the highlight of his night.
Thadd Blazevich: Diego hits the ropes again, but Carmen rolls onto her stomach, trying to trip him up. Diego just steps right on her back and walks over her without even breaking stride!
(Diego cockily dusts his hands off as Carmen slowly rises to her feet behind him, clearly furious and stunned by the disrespect.)
Rich Russillo: Uh oh, Diego may be pushing this too far. Carmen lunges toward him, but the referee jumps in and holds her back while Montana backs off and steps halfway through the ropes!
Persephone: He cannot be serious. Is he actually backing off after all that?
Thadd Blazevich: Diego demands the referee back her up, wanting some space before he fully re enters the ring. Carmen still looks annoyed, but she manages to regain her composure as she begins circling around Diego once again.
Rich Russillo: The two close the distance for another collar and elbow tie up, and Diego gets the advantage immediately. He pulls her into a standing side headlock, then twists through into a hammerlock behind her. Diego hooks under the free arm and spins Carmen around and OOH! DIEGO JUST SLAPPED HER ACROSS THE FACE!
Thadd Blazevich: And now he is just talking trash right to her. Absolutely no respect from Montana as Carmen staggers back toward the ropes, holding her jaw as she doubles over. But that trash talk gets cut short as Carmen marches right toward him again, trying to get her hands on Diego, and look at this. Diego immediately runs to the opposite ropes and ducks halfway through them again!
Persephone: Wow. Talk trash, slap her, then hide. Incredible strategy.
Rich Russillo: The referee has to step in again, holding Carmen back while Diego taunts her from the ropes. You really have to question if this is the right approach, because every time he does this, he is only making Carmen more fired up.
Persephone: He does not have a strategy. He is just being annoying and hoping it works.
Thadd Blazevich: Carmen backs off at the referee’s request and motions for Diego to come back into the ring. Of course, he takes his time before stepping fully inside, circling around her once more.
(Diego casually lowers his guard and raises his hand, calling for a test of strength. Carmen looks around at the fans, clearly not impressed by the invitation.)
Persephone: No way she is actually considering this.
Rich Russillo: Yeah, I would not advise getting into a test of strength with Diego, and Carmen clearly agrees as she explodes with a KICK TO THE GUT! Diego doubles over and Carmen immediately grabs him in a standing side headlock, tightening the hold around the head and neck! Diego backs her into the ropes to escape and bounces her off!
Thadd Blazevich: But before Carmen can build any momentum, Diego grabs her around the waist and pulls her right back in, locking in a standing side headlock of his own! Diego wrenches on it, but Carmen shoves him off toward the ropes! Diego rebounds and goes for a leapfrog, but Diego rolls through underneath her!
Rich Russillo: Diego pops up behind her as Carmen hits the ropes, and now Diego leapfrogs! Carmen ducks underneath and rebounds again as Diego drops to his back for a reverse monkey flip, but Carmen jumps right through his legs and rolls through to her feet!
Thadd Blazevich: Diego rolls through to his feet as well, and both competitors step toward each other, but Diego suddenly raises his guard as Carmen feigns a jab! Nothing comes, Diego lowers his guard, and he pays for it with a HARD SLAP ACROSS THE FACE! That stunned him, and Carmen immediately follows with a DROPKICK!
Rich Russillo: Diego tumbles through the middle rope and lands on his feet, but barely! He nearly spills over the guard rail as he stumbles around the corner, trying to shake the cobwebs out, and Carmen slides through with a BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK right as he tries to re enter the ring!
Persephone: Finally, something that actually looked like it hurt.
Thadd Blazevich: Diego goes down, but scrambles back up as Carmen pulls herself onto the apron! She runs toward the corner, jumps to the middle turnbuckle, and launches off with a CORKSCREW SENTON TO THE OUTSIDE!
Rich Russillo: Direct hit at ringside! Carmen is fired up early, and she turns to the crowd, slapping hands with the fans in the front row after that burst of offense!
Thadd Blazevich: Carmen marches back over to Diego and rolls him inside the ring. Diego stumbles up and retreats into the far corner, trying to create some space, but Carmen slides in right after him and closes the distance with a KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST!
Rich Russillo: Diego staggers out of that corner and into another, and Carmen stays right on him with a RIGHT HOOK! Diego is rocked as she pulls him out of the corner, snapmares him down to the canvas, and follows with a PENALTY KICK TO THE SPINE! You could hear that one echo throughout the arena!
Persephone: That actually sounded painful. Do that again.
Thadd Blazevich: Diego writhing on the mat as Carmen lays him flat and runs off the ropes for a rolling thunder frog splash, but Diego gets the knees up! That knocks the wind right out of Carmen!
Rich Russillo: Diego scrambles back to his feet, grabs Carmen, and lifts her up for a BACK SUPLEX! He plants her right in the center of the ring and rolls into the cover, hooking the leg deep!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: Kickout! Carmen Sanchez stays alive, and Diego wastes no time applying a rear chinlock, trying to slow things down and wear her out. The crowd rallying behind Carmen as she starts powering back to her feet, driving back elbows into the midsection to loosen the hold!
Thadd Blazevich: AND CARMEN FIRES BACK WITH A FOREARM! That staggers Diego for a moment as she runs off the ropes, but Diego cuts her off with a RUNNING BACK ELBOW!
Rich Russillo: Carmen rolls across the mat, holding her jaw, and Diego quickly grabs the ankle, dragging her back toward the center. He hooks the leg for another cover!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: Just a two count as Carmen stays alive! Diego pounds the mat in frustration before pushing himself back to his feet. Carmen rises to all fours, and Diego reaches down to pull her up— BUT CARMEN STARTS FIGHTING BACK WITH A FOREARM STRIKE! Diego gets caught off guard and quickly grabs her in a standing side headlock, trying to halt that momentum and keep control! He clamps down tightly, but Carmen refuses to stay trapped, bracing herself before shoving Diego off into the ropes to escape!
Thadd Blazevich: Carmen swings for a RUNNING CLOTHESLINE as Diego rebounds— BUT DIEGO DUCKS UNDERNEATH! Both competitors hit opposite sets of ropes and come charging back toward each other— DOUBLE CROSSBODY IN THE CENTER OF THE RING! BOTH OF THEM GO DOWN HARD!
Persephone: Finally. Both of them actually got hurt.
Thadd Blazevich: I am not sure who took the worse of that collision, but both Diego and Carmen are writhing around on the mat, clutching their midsections and trying to recover after that impact!
Rich Russillo: After a moment, both competitors begin showing signs of life, slowly dragging themselves back to their feet. Diego fires the first shot with a FOREARM! Carmen answers right back with one of her own! Another forearm from Carmen! Diego responds! Carmen again! AND CARMEN CONNECTS WITH A THIRD AS SHE CHARGES IN, DROPPING DIEGO TO THE CANVAS!
Thadd Blazevich: Diego scrambles back up and gets taken right back down with a RUNNING CLOTHESLINE! Diego pops back to his feet and rushes in with a clothesline of his own, but Carmen ducks underneath! Diego hits the ropes and comes back INTO A HURRICANRANA!
Rich Russillo: HURRICANRANA! Diego rolls through to all fours, clearly disoriented as he pulls himself up using the ropes. His back is turned though, and Carmen comes from behind! She hooks him and rolls him forward with an O’CONNOR ROLL! THIS COULD BE THE FIRST FALL!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Thadd Blazevich: NO! Diego rolls through, and now he is on top with the O’Connor roll!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Thadd Blazevich: KICKOUT! Carmen scrambles to her feet near the ropes and Diego charges in, but Carmen sidesteps and rolls him up with a SCHOOL BOY! She pops back up INTO A ROLLING LISTO KICK! That connects clean and sends Diego rolling underneath the bottom rope to a knee at ringside!
Persephone: This is just roll ups and flips. Can somebody actually win a fall already.
Rich Russillo: Carmen steps toward the ropes and looks to slingshot herself over the top, but Diego rolls back inside and runs the ropes! Carmen catches herself on the apron, then slingshots through the middle rope with a SPEAR! THAT CUTS DIEGO IN HALF! Carmen hooks the leg!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Thadd Blazevich: NO! KICKOUT! Diego crawls away, pulling himself up in the corner while Carmen rises in the opposite side. She charges in with a KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST! Carmen tries to whip him to the opposite corner, but Diego reverses it!
Rich Russillo: Carmen gets sent into the corner instead! Diego rushes in, but Carmen gets the boot up! That staggers him just enough as she hops to the middle rope! DIVING TORNADO FLATLINER! SHE SPIKES HIM DOWN AND HOOKS THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Thadd Blazevich: Two count! Diego manages to stay alive in this two out of three falls contest and Carmen wastes no time dragging him back to his feet! She hooks him up for a SNAP SUPLEX ATTEMPT! SHE IS LOOKING FOR THE THREE AMIGAS HERE DESPITE THE MASSIVE SIZE DISADVANTAGE! But Diego Montana blocks it, dropping his weight and refusing to go up!
Rich Russillo: Diego now trying to shift the momentum with a suplex of his own, BUT CARMEN FLOATS OVER BEHIND HIM AND LOCKS IN A REAR WAISTLOCK! Carmen hops up onto the shoulders for a POISONRANA ATTEMPT, BUT DIEGO THROWS HER OFF RIGHT IN FRONT OF HIM! Diego immediately grabs her again in a rear waistlock! Both competitors jockeying for control here as neither one can fully gain the advantage!
Persephone: This is a lot of moving around for something that probably ends in another kickout.
Thadd Blazevich: Carmen snaps around as Diego ducks a back elbow, and Diego shoves her straight into the corner! Diego dashes in, BUT CARMEN GETS BOTH BOOTS UP! Diego saw it coming this time and grabs her legs, spinning her out so she is hanging on the middle rope! ROPE ASSISTED ENZUIGURI TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!
Rich Russillo: That connects clean! Diego immediately runs off the opposite set of ropes and comes back with a SLIDING GERMAN SUPLEX! The back of Carmen’s head hits the mat hard! Diego rolls through and heads out onto the apron while Carmen slowly rolls away from the corner! Diego now climbing up to the top rope! He is steadying himself… and there is the shimmy!
Persephone: Of course he is doing the dance.
Rich Russillo: Diego signaling for the “Latin Lover Splash!”
Thadd Blazevich: FROG SPLASH CONNECTS! DIEGO HITS IT FLUSH AND HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEE—
Thadd Blazevich: NO! Carmen gets the shoulder up! Diego still cannot score the first fall!
Persephone: Oh my Gooood… then what will at this point?
Rich Russillo: Carmen crawls toward the center of the ring, still trying to shake the cobwebs after that Frog Splash while Diego stands over her. Diego reaches down as she pushes up to a knee, trying to pull her up for the “ALV,” BUT LOOK AT THIS! CARMEN CLINGS TO THE LEG! She wraps both arms around Diego’s leg, refusing to let him lift her as Diego tries to muscle her up!
Thadd Blazevich: That is smart defense right there, but Diego starts CLUBBING DOWN across the back! Repeated shots force Carmen down to both knees and finally break the grip! Diego pulls her back up and tries for a suplex, but he only gets her halfway before Carmen rolls through into a SMALL PACKAGE!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWW—
Rich Russillo: DIEGO ROLLS THROUGH! HE STACKS CARMEN UP!
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO—
Rich Russillo: NO! CARMEN ROLLS HIM BACK!
ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
Thadd Blazevich: DIEGO ROLLS HER BACK OVER AGAIN!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: AND A KICKOUT! That might have been the closest either competitor has come so far! Both scramble up immediately, and Diego scoops Carmen up into a FIREMAN’S CARRY!
Persephone: Just pin someone already.
Thadd Blazevich: Carmen slips out behind him and grabs the rear waistlock! Diego fires back with a BACK ELBOW that sends her stumbling into the corner! Diego rushes in, BUT CARMEN CATCHES HIM WITH A SCHOOL BOY!
Rich Russillo: Carmen rolls him through to both knees for another LISTO KICK, but Diego ducks underneath! He tries to grab her while she is down, but Carmen slithers through his legs behind him! Diego spins around and CONNECTS WITH A JUMPING KNEE TO THE JAW!
Thadd Blazevich: Carmen drops to a knee, rocked, and Diego hits the ropes behind her, but Carmen grabs him by the tights and rolls him up with a SCHOOL GIRL!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: Kickout! Still no fall! Both competitors scramble back up and Carmen fires a SUPERKICK TO THE KNEE! Diego drops to both knees and Carmen swings for a ROUNDHOUSE—
Thadd Blazevich: Diego ducks under and pops up with a SUPERKICK TO CARMEN’S KNEE! She drops to both knees! Diego swings high, Carmen ducks and rolls onto her back, and Diego gets caught in a VICTORY ROLL!
ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Rich Russillo: Kickout again! Both scramble up and Diego doubles her over with a kick to the gut! Diego hits the ropes for a CLOTHESLINE, but Carmen ducks underneath and rebounds!
Persephone: Another reversal. Shocking.
Thadd Blazevich: Diego ducks for a back body drop, but Carmen counters with a SUNSET FLIP! Diego rolls through to his feet and grabs the ankle! He pulls her up into position for “LATINO INFERNO!” Both arms hooked for the Stormbreaker!
Rich Russillo: NO! Carmen double legs him down! She floats over into a JACKKNIFE PIN!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
Rich Russillo: SHE GOT IT! CARMEN SCORES THE FIRST FALL!
Bella Braxton: THE WINNER OF THE FIRST FALL… CARMEN SANCHEZ!
(Diego sits up in shock as Carmen rises to her feet, a grin on her face knowing that she was able to get the first fall over Diego. After a moment she turns back around—)
Rich Russillo: FOREARM! DIEGO SMASHES HER WITH A RUNNING FOREARM, DROPPING CARMEN IMMEDIATELY! He wasted no time after that first fall and just blasted her out of nowhere!
Thadd Blazevich: Diego is definitely turning up the aggression now! He drags Carmen up by the hair, talking trash right in the center of the ring, but Carmen fires back with a FOREARM STRIKE! Another forearm! And another! Carmen swings for a ROLLING ELBOW, BUT DIEGO DUCKS UNDERNEATH AND CONNECTS WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX! She gets dumped high on her neck and shoulders!
Persephone: That one actually looked rough. Took long enough for something to catch my eye.
Rich Russillo: Carmen rolls through to a knee, trying to recover, but Diego stays on her and hooks her up! CROSS LEGGED FISHERMAN BUSTER ONTO THE KNEE! Diego transitions immediately, hoisting Carmen onto his shoulders for a FIREMAN’S CARRY! But Carmen slips off the shoulders after a series of elbows and lands on the apron!
Thadd Blazevich: Carmen tries for a rope assisted ENZUIGURI, but Diego blocks it and fires back with a FOREARM! That stuns her on the apron! Diego steps out to join her, but Carmen leaps up and CONNECTS WITH A JUMPING DDT! SPIKING DIEGO RIGHT ON THE APRON!
Rich Russillo: That was nasty! Carmen quickly rolls Diego back inside as he stirs to a knee. She tries to re enter through the middle rope, but Diego catches her with a RAKE TO THE EYES! Carmen hangs over the rope, doubled over— AND DIEGO IMMEDIATELY HOOKS HER UP FOR “LIVIN LIKE DIEGO!”
Thadd Blazevich: HEATSEEKER CONNECTS! CARMEN GETS SPIKED RIGHT ON HER HEAD! DIEGO INTO THE COVER— FEET ON THE ROPES FOR EXTRA LEVERAGE!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHHRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
Rich Russillo: HE GOT IT! DIEGO STEALS THE SECOND FALL AND EVENS THIS MATCH UP!
Bella Braxton: THE WINNER OF THE SECOND FALL… DIEGO MONTANA!!
(Diego walks to the nearby corner and climbs to the middle rope, sitting on the top turnbuckle while raising both fists in celebration. The referee, who hadn’t noticed Diego’s cheating tactics, checks on a dazed Carmen. Carmen slowly begins to stir on the mat.)
Thadd Blazevich: That wasn’t cool dude, Diego cheated!
Rich Russillo: Yeah, but the referee didn’t see a thing, meaning there’s nothing that can be done now. Carmen gives the referee the nod that she is good to continue, but she still looks groggy as she crawls toward the corner where Diego is perched. She may not even realize what he could be setting up for here— BUT SHE LUNGES FORWARD AND GRABS THE ANKLE! Carmen wraps both arms around Diego’s leg while he is still on the middle rope!
Thadd Blazevich: Diego trying to shake her off, but Carmen has that grip locked in tight! Diego finally breaks it with repeated shots to the head! Carmen drops to a knee, stunned, and Diego pulls her up to the middle rope! HE IS HOOKING HER UP FOR AN AVALANCHE CANADIAN DESTROYER! That would basically be an avalanche “ALV!”
Persephone: That would at least end this.
Rich Russillo: Carmen holds onto the ropes for dear life! She refuses to be lifted, and instead digs in before MUSCLING DIEGO UP AND OVER WITH A BACK BODY DROP! Diego crashes hard onto his back! He is clutching it as he tries to get back to his feet— BUT CARMEN SPRINGS OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE! JUMPING BACK WITH A POISONRANA! “CEREBRO” SPIKES DIEGO RIGHT ON HIS HEAD!
Thadd Blazevich: CARMEN INTO THE COVER! SHE HOOKS THE LEG!
ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
THHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEE—
Thadd Blazevich: NO, BRO! DIEGO KICKS OUT!
Persephone: Are you sure? That looked like three.
Rich Russillo: Somehow Diego stays alive! Carmen quickly drags him up into a front facelock, but Diego EXPLODES WITH A FOREARM STRIKE! Carmen answers back with one of her own! Diego fires again! Carmen again! They are trading forearms back and forth before this breaks down into a hockey fight in the center of the ring!
Thadd Blazevich: Carmen starts getting the better of the exchange with a flurry of forearms! She runs off the ropes, BUT RUNS RIGHT INTO A SUPERKICK! That spins her around! Diego connects with another SUPERKICK to the back of the head! Carmen stumbles forward into the ropes— BUT SHE REBOUNDS WITH A CLOTHESLINE! She uses the ropes for extra momentum and takes Diego down!
Persephone: They both look exhausted. Imagine how tired I am this point. We have how many matches left?
Thadd Blazevich: We’re not even halfway through the show yet.
Persephone: Kill me.
Thadd Blazevich: It’s alright, with how this is looking, this match might be over soon. Diego just nearly got his head taken off, and Carmen isn’t done there, dude!
Rich Russillo: No, she isn’t! Carmen heads to the corner, urging Diego to get back up! Diego slowly rises to all fours, and Carmen charges in for the step up— SHE WAS GOING FOR “TOSTONES!” BUT DIEGO POPS UP JUST IN TIME! He avoids the stomp and grabs Carmen from behind with a rear waistlock!
Thadd Blazevich: Carmen immediately switches behind him with a standing switch! Rear waistlock from Carmen now! Diego slaps at the hands to break it, then throws a JUMPING TWISTING ENZUIGURI! Carmen ducks underneath! Diego lands on both knees!
Rich Russillo: ROUNDHOUSE KICK! Carmen catches him flush and hits the ropes! She goes for a tilt a whirl, but Diego catches her! He has her set for a front powerslam— NO WAIT! HE FLIPS HER OVER INTO POSITION FOR THE “ALV!”
Thadd Blazevich: BUT CARMEN POPS UP AND REVERSES INTO A HURRICANRANA! HURRICANRANA SENDS DIEGO INTO THE MIDDLE ROPE! HE IS HUNG UP RIGHT THERE! The crowd is on their feet as Carmen hits the ropes! TIGER FEINT KICK CONNECTS! That is the usual setup for “LIVIN LA VIDA LOCA!”
Persephone: Please just finish it.
Rich Russillo: BUT DIEGO DUCKS UNDERNEATH THE TIGER FEINT KICK! Carmen lands back on her feet after missing it, and Diego quickly snatches her from behind! SCHOOL BOY BY DIEGO OUT OF NOWHERE!
ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Thadd Blazevich: WAIT! HE HAS THE TIGHTS! HE HAS THE TIGHTS! Diego is pulling the tights for leverage and the referee does not see it!
THHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!
(DING! DING! DING!)
Persephone: Of course.
Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN HERE IS YOUR WINNER… DIEGO MONTANA!
(The crowd erupts in boos as Diego quickly releases the tights and rolls away. Some fans begin throwing trash into the ring while the referee raises his hand. Diego smirks, clearly aware of how he stole that final fall, as “COMO CAPO” by Clave Especial featuring Fuerza Regida begins playing in the background.)
Rich Russillo: Diego Montana steals the final fall, and you can hear exactly how this crowd feels about it! That was a handful of tights, plain and simple, and Carmen Sanchez just got robbed in the deciding fall!
Thadd Blazevich: It may not have been pretty, but it gets the job done. Diego said he would do whatever it takes to win, and tonight he backed that up, even if the entire arena does not agree with how he did it.
(Diego notices Carmen looking up from a seated position on the mat, sitting against the bottom rope in disbelief over what just happened. He has the audacity to extend a hand to her in the center of the ring. Carmen gets up and walks over to him before—)
Rich Russillo: AND CARMEN SLAPS THE TASTE OUT OF HIS MOUTH! She is not accepting that show of respect after what he just pulled to win this match!
Thadd Blazevich: I cannot say I blame her, dude. Diego tried to steal one and then act honorable afterward, and Carmen was not having any part of it.
(Diego stands in the ring, holding his cheek in shock and confusion over the slap as Carmen storms up the ramp and heads to the back, still clearly furious over the result.)
(As the match comes to an end, Sayuri Himura is seen watching from the make-shift backstage area. She is nodding her head. She knows that Carmen just got screwed out of her first ever win and that Diego didn’t deserve that victory. She sighs and shakes her head before turning around and heading off.)
(The camera cuts back to ringside following the shot of Sayuri leaving. Diego is still in the ring, breathing heavy but with a wide, satisfied grin stretched across his face. He runs a hand through his hair, pacing slowly as he soaks in the moment, clearly pleased with himself after picking up the victory over Carmen Sanchez.)
Rich Russillo: Diego Montana picks up the win here tonight, and regardless of what you think about him, that’s very important momentum for him heading into Grand Rampage!
Thadd Blazevich: Like him or not, a dub is a dub, bro! Even though his tactics aren’t exactly fair, man. And you already know he’s gonna be talkin’ about it for the next hour—
Persephone: Oh great. We’re not getting out of this quietly, are we?
(Diego calls for a microphone as one is quickly handed to him. He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand before raising the mic, already nodding to himself.)
Diego Montana: You see? You SEE that?! That’s what I’m talkin’ about right there, mamas! That’s what happens when you put Diego Montana in that ring and let him do what he does best!
(He paces, pointing out toward the hard cam.)
Diego Montana: They told me I still had somethin’ to prove. They told me I wasn’t ready. That I didn’t belong in that conversation— but every single time I step in that ring? I SHOW YOU EXACTLY WHY I DO!
(He taps his chest.)
Diego Montana: That wasn’t luck. That wasn’t a fluke. That was skill. That was instinct. That was me doin’ what I’ve been doin’ since day one— outshining everybody they put in front of me!
(He stops, looking toward the stage with a smirk, the audience clearly booing his delusion.)
Diego Montana: And now I know you saw that, Kai. I *KNOW* you did. So what’s the excuse now, huh? What is it this week?
(Diego’s comments are met with silence.)
Diego Montana: Nah nah! Come on! Don’t be pussy about it now, champ! I know you hidin’ somewhere!
(The lights dim slightly as the tron flickers to life. On the screen appears Kai Rabeaux, seated calmly, the Hardcore Championship resting across his lap. His expression is composed, almost indifferent as he looks forward.)
Kai Rabeaux: You speak as though something meaningful has just occurred.
(Diego rolls his eyes immediately.)
Kai Rabeaux: A victory, yes. A performance, certainly. But enough? No. If this was your attempt to demonstrate that you are prepared for what comes next… then you have fallen short. Again. There is a distance between where you stand and where I exist that cannot be bridged by moments like this. And with Grand Rampage approaching… I find myself questioning whether there is enough time left for you to even attempt to close that gap.
(Diego lets out a laugh, shaking his head.)
Diego Montana: Nah, nah, nah— see, that’s what I’m talkin’ about right there! You always gotta make it sound like it’s somethin’ bigger than it is. “Distance,” “gap,” all that extra shit— just say it straight.
(He steps closer to the ropes, pointing up at the screen.)
Diego Montana: I went out there, I handled business, and now you sittin’ there actin’ like it didn’t count. Why? Because it wasn’t *YOU?*
(Diego smirks as he leans against the ropes now.)
Diego Montana: Or is it because you know exactly what’s comin’, and you’re runnin’ outta ways to talk your way around it? We all know you been duckin’ your consequences around here anyway.
(Kai shifts in his seat, leaning forward and placing his hands together as he speaks.)
Kai Rabeaux: You misunderstand, as you always do. This is not avoidance. This is observation. I am watching someone attempt to convince himself that proximity to this championship equates to readiness. It does not. You are closer, yes. That much is undeniable. But closer does not mean worthy… and it certainly does not mean inevitable.
Diego Montana: Yeah? That’s funny, because I keep hearin’ you talk like everything’s already decided— but if that was true, you wouldn’t be sittin’ up there watchin’ me right now!
(Diego puts one leg up on the tops and postures himself up, beating his chest as he continues.)
Diego Montana: You wouldn’t be thinkin’ about me. You wouldn’t be talkin’ about me. But here you are… week after week… makin’ sure you got somethin’ to say about Diego Montana from your cozy little bunker you stay tucked away in! That don’t sound like somebody who’s above me. That sounds like somebody who’s worried about me!
(Kai’s expression tightens just slightly before smoothing out, frustration on his face for only a moment.)
Kai Rabeaux: What I am concerned with is order. And what surrounds this situation is anything but orderly. A former champion driven by grief and anger, lurking in the background… waiting. You stand here focusing on me, on this championship, as if you are the only factor at play. If I am expected to appear, to entertain this… then certain variables must be addressed. Adam Lucas is not a complication I intend to entertain.
(Diego lets out a laugh, shaking his head as he walks away from the ropes before turning around and pointing at Kai on the screen.)
Diego Montana: Ohhh, there it is. There it is! Now it all makes sense. You’re not above this— you’re scared. That’s what this is. You tryin’ to clean things up, “keep order,” make sure everything is nice and safe before you step in the ring? What’d I just say a minute ago! Duckin’ consequences! That’s all this really is! Like a little bitch!
(He scoffs.)
Diego Montana: Nah, man. That ain’t how this works. You don’t get to pick and choose what you deal with. You don’t get to hide behind that.
Kai Rabeaux: You mistake clarity for fear. Removing unnecessary elements is not avoidance. It is efficiency. And if that includes eliminating someone like Adam Lucas… and ensuring that you are no longer a factor in this championship picture… then I would consider that a successful outcome. Two birds. One stone. Efficiency.
(Diego smirks wide.)
Diego Montana: “Eliminating me?” Nah. Diego Montana doesn’t get eliminated. All the basura they done threw in my way all this time and I’m still here! You can’t hold me down because I’m not just good, I’m destined for greatness!
(He steps forward, voice more direct now.)
Diego Montana: Grand Rampage? That’s mine. That title? That’s mine. And you can sit there and talk all you want, but at the end of the day, you still gotta show up and deal with me.
(Before Kai can respond—)
(‘Self Help Tape’ hits as Captain Charisma steps out onto the stage. He doesn’t rush. He doesn’t posture. He simply walks forward with purpose, microphone already in hand.)
Captain Charisma: That’s enough. I’m done with this.
(He stops at the top of the ramp, looking from the ring to the tron, back and forth and shaking his head.)
Captain Charisma: I’m going to make this very simple, because clearly things have gotten more complicated than they need to be.
(He looks directly at Kai on the screen.)
Captain Charisma: You are one of the champions of Voltage. That comes with expectations. It comes with responsibility. And right now, you are not meeting either of those.
(Kai watches silently, his jaw tensed.)
Captain Charisma: I don’t care about “variables.” I don’t care about what you think needs to be “handled.” That’s not your job. Your job is to show up, represent this brand, and defend that championship.
(He pauses briefly, tone firm but controlled.)
Captain Charisma: So let me be very clear.
(He steps forward slightly.)
Captain Charisma: If you’re not on Voltage IN PERSON next week… I will strip you of that Hardcore Championship.
(Kai’s expression hardens slightly, a flare of rage behind his eyes, but he remains composed.)
Kai Rabeaux: Then I would suggest you ensure that your brand is… properly managed. Because if I am expected to appear, I will not do so in the presence of unnecessary disruptions.
Captain Charisma: You don’t get to make demands. You show up. Or you don’t have a championship anymore. It’s that simple.
(Diego laughs under his breath, shaking his head.)
Diego Montana: Damn… look at that. All that talk, and now you gotta actually show up? That’s tough.
(He points up at the screen.)
Diego Montana: I’ll see you next week, champ. Don’t be late.
(Kai leans forward, opening his mouth to speak.)
Captain Charisma: Cut the feed.
(The screen immediately cuts to black on Captain Charisma’s command, cutting Kai off before he can get a word in. The camera lingers for a second as Diego stands in the ring, smirking to himself, while Captain Charisma remains on the stage, composed and unmoved. ‘Self Help Tape’ picks back up as Captain Charisma walks back behind the curtain.)
Rich Russillo: Well… that’s about as clear as it gets.
Thadd Blazevich: Commish ain’t playin’ around, bro.
Persephone: Good. Maybe now we’ll actually get this over with. And stop with the pansy ass hide and seek.
(The camera zooms in for a moment on a very smug Diego Montana before it fades out from the scene.)
(Commercial for the new season of Invincible.)
(Voltage faded into the ringside area and more specifically to Bella Braxton.)
Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… THE FOLLOWING IS SCHEDULED FOR…
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
Bella Braxton: AND IT’S A GRAND RAMPAGE PREVIEW…. STREET FIGHT STYLE!!!
(‘Kendrick, Clae, & Cole’ by Marqus Clae begins to blast through Arena San Francisco and the crowd gets loud for one of Voltage’s most exciting rookies!)
Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST… FROM DETROIT, MICHIGAN… WEIGHING IN AT 215 POUNDS… HE IS ‘EL CASTIGADOR’ NICK!!!!
(There is a great reaction for NICK as he steps on the small stage and takes in the atmosphere before making his way to the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Last week, we saw NICK step up in a big way. He interrupted Damon Lazarus to confront him about his attitude and announce his own intentions for entering the Grand Rampage.
Thadd Blazevich: It was a hell of a statement made by the little bro last week, and Damon wasn’t that happy about it. I can’t wait to see how NICK fares in his first ever Grand Rampage, dude! It’s lit!
Persephone: Seriously? THAT is something exciting to you? This loser won’t even make it to the top 15 when it comes to Grand Rampage.
(NICK gets inside the ring and takes his corner, and then his music fades out. It’s then replaced by ‘Invincible’ by Pop Smoke.)
Bella Braxton: AND HIS OPPONENT… FROM BROOKLYN, NEW YORK… WEIGHING IN AT 210 POUNDS… HE IS ‘GAWD GIVEN GREATNESS’… THE HALL OF FAMER… CHRIS ELITE!
(The reaction for Chris Elite in Oaxaca is nothing but thunderous boos, and when Chris steps on the stage, he has a pissed off look on his face.)
Thadd Blazevich: Welp. I don’t guess Chris bro is over what happened earlier.
Persephone: Very ASTUTE observation, genius! He got kicked in the nuts by a dying child and beat up by TLA again. Of course he’s still pissed.
Rich Russillo: Things are certainly getting testy between Elite and TLA, but Chris is gunna have to shift his focus to NICK. This would be a huge win for NICK heading into Grand Rampage.
(Once Chris is inside the ring and settled, the referee calls for the bell!)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: The bell rings and NICK looks to get started with a huge lariat! The cagey Chris Elite ducks underneath and starts throwing those right jabs at NICK! He backs NICK all the way into the corner and plants a boot right into the rookie’s mid-section! Chris stomps NICK down into a sitting position before grabbing him by the hair and throwing a knee to the face!
Thadd Blazevich: Impressive start for the Hall of Fame bro, but NICK is a fighter man. He shoves Chris away from him and pushes him out of the corner! This time NICK connects with a clothesline, but Chris remains standing! NICK with another, this time a little harder, and Chris shakes his head and rushes the ropes! He flies at NICK, looking for a takedown of his own, but NICK cuts him out of the air with a football style tackle and is throwing hands!
Persephone: A real shitty start to what’s supposed to be a ‘Street Fight’. Where’s the blood? The weapons?? Aren’t they supposed to be outside???
Rich Russillo: Chris is able to shove NICK off and he scrambles to his feet… just to be met with a nasty forearm by NICK! Chris swings wildly, looking to connect with SOMETHING but NICK ducks and shoves Chris into the ropes! He looks for a roll-up, but Chris Elite hangs on! NICK is quickly up, and he leaps up… NAILING Chris with a flying forearm!
Thadd Blazevich: He follows up with a dropkick as my man Chris stood up, and it’s safe to say that NICK has taken control of this match! NICK backs into the corner, waiting for Chris to rise, and as soon as that happens… NICK SPRINTS across the ring! Chris jumps up, landing on the top rope and NICK goes shoulder first into the ring-post! Dude shakes it off and looks to throw another right, but Chris blocks him and sends him staggering back with a nasty right of his own!
Persephone: Ugh. Wake me up when this gets good. I’m not even interested in watching these two unless there’s a chance one of them is going to die.
Rich Russillo: Chris lets himself fly off the top rope and a drop kick lands perfectly on NICK’s shoulder and it sends him out of the ring!
Thadd Blazevich: Nasty man. Chris Elite is a nasty dude, but NICK is searching under the ring for something!
Rich Russillo: But Chris is out of the ring now and hammering away on the back of NICK’s neck and head! Chris leaps on the apron, dragging NICK to his feet by the hair and he boots him in the face a few times! NICK tries to swipe at Chris Elite, looking to take his feet out, but Chris leaps up AND SENDS NICK TO THE GROUND WITH A FLYING DOUBLE DROPKICK!
Thadd Blazevich: YESSSS! Chris is now looking under the ring and he pulls out a kendo stick!
Persephone: Oh??? Did someone say ‘kendo stick’????
Thadd Blazevich: I did, broette! Chris slams the kendo stick into NICK’s back and dude! Did you hear that echo? That was sick man and so’s the welt across NICK’s back!
Rich Russillo: Chris with multiple back shots now!
Persephone: Uhhh.. you probably shouldn’t have worded it like that :mjlol:
Thadd Blazevich: :mjlol: Either way! Chris is just beating the shit out of NICK right and man, this is gnarly! He cracks the kendo stick over the back of NICK’s head before grabbing him and throwing him right into the steel ring-steps! Bro NICK rolls onto his back and is clutching the shoulder and that gives Chris Elite an opening!
Persephone: Chris is stomping away on that shoulder now, which is something he can do without actually fucking up. NICK isn’t nearly in enough pain for my liking and I think the bald-headed bitch agrees with me! He slams the kendo stick into NICK’s shoulder a few times before HE BREAKS IT OVER HIS KNEE! CHRIS WITH THE POINTY END OF THE KENDO STICK GOES TO STAB NICK IN THE SHOULDER!
Rich Russillo: NICK ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY JUST IN TIME! He’s gripping the barricade now and trying to haul himself up! Chris Elite is running at him, but NICK ducks down just in time… AND SENDS CHRIS OVER THE BARRICADES AND INTO THE CROWD!
Persephone: I THINK CHRIS JUST LANDED ON SOMEONE’S TODDLER :mjlol2: Who brings a child to a violent wrestling program set in such a dinky ass arena???
Thadd Blazevich: I think you’re right, Seph! Chris scrambles up and there’s a screaming child! NICK is up on the barricade now and Chris PICKS UP THE TODDLER???
Persephone: CHRIS IS USING THE BRAT AS A SHIELD AS ITS HORRIFIED PARENTS ARE WATCHING!
Rich Russillo: NICK isn’t sure what to do!
Thadd Blazevich: NICK JUMPS OFF THE BARRICADES AND CHRIS THROWS THE TODDLER AT HIM!
Rich Russillo: NICK CATCHES THE CHILD AS HE LANDS ON HIS FEET AND HANDS IT BACK TO THE RELIEVED PARENTS AND HE TAKES OFF AFTER CHRIS ELITE!
Persephone: CHRIS ELITE MAKES HIS WAY TO THE BACK OF THE CROWD AND STARTS PUSHING FANS OUT OF THE WAY! HE PICKS UP A CHAIR AND THROWS IT AT NICK, BUT NICK DUCKS! HE GRABS HIS OWN CHAIR AND HURLS IT AT CHRIS WHO EATS IT! RIGHT IN THE FACE!
Thadd Blazevich: CHRIS SPRAWLS OUT ON THE GROUND AND NICK JUST STARTS THROWING ALL KINDS OF CHAIRS ON TOP OF BRO! STEEL CHAIR AFTER STEEL CHAIR LANDS ON CHRIS AND NICK SEEMS TO BE HAVING A BALL!
Rich Russillo: DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO THE PILE OF CHAIRS! NICK BACKS UP A FEW FEET BEFORE HE RUNS… AND LANDS ANOTHER DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO THE CHAIRS!
Thadd Blazevich: BRO IS LITERALLY CRUSHING CHRIS UNDERNEATH THOSE CHAIRS!
Persephone: AND I AM FINALLY AWAKE! :blessed: :blessed: :blessed:!!!
Rich Russillo: NICK is kicking the chairs off Chris now and he falls down on him for the cover!!!
Persephone: Oh! I guess the referee was smart enough to follow them instead of just standing in the ring looking how he’s looking.
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTT-
Thadd Blazevick: Chris Elite man. Bro is a menace to keep down.
Persephone: You are giving that washed up piece of shit way too much credit!
Rich Russillo: NICK is grabbing one of the chairs and laying it out flat. He places Elite’s head on top of it before grabbing another and folding it up. CONCHAIRTO!!!
Thadd Blazevich: DOESN’T CONNECT, BRO! CHRIS ROLLED OUT OF THE WAY! Man, that steel-on-steel sound brings me back!
Persephone: And literally no one cares.
Rich Russillo: Chris is on his hands and knees, crawling towards the merchandise table, but NICK with a stomp to the back! Chris grips the table cloth to try and pull himself up, but all he manages to do is dump every bit of merch from that table onto the floor!
Thadd Blazevich: NICK grabs a TLA action figure, kicks Chris onto his back, and is shoving the action figure down Elite’s throat! Talk about insult to injury after what happened earlier in the night, man.
Persephone: Sadly, Elite gets his hands around NICK’s and now they’re fighting over the action figure! This pathetic ass crowd is acting like this is the greatest street fight they have ever seen when literally no one has started to bleed yet.
Rich Russillo: Chris finally succeeds in overpowering NICK and he quickly gets to his feet! He peppers NICK with multiple right hands before driving that action figure right into NICK’s eye! NICK drops to a knee, clutching his eye, and now Chris is seeing that it’s a TLA action figure he’s got in his hands.
Chris Elite: (off-mic) Man, fuck you.
Thadd Blazevich: :mjlol: This dude really just ripped the head, arms, and legs off the TLA figure and tossed all the parts into the crowd.
Rich Russillo: Chris has snatched up the tablecloth and he is wrapping it around NICK’s neck! NICK immediately starts grabbing at it, trying to get his hands underneath it, but Chris cinches it tighter and starts to drag NICK towards the exit!
Persephone: YES! Finally! A street fight that’s gunna be taken to the mean streets of Oaxaca! :blessed:!!!
Thadd Blazevich: The camerabro is about to really earn his coins this week!
Rich Russillo: Chris SLINGS NICK into the door, busting it open, and they are outside now! He continues to drag NICK away from the building before slinging him into the side of… TLA’S LOWRIDER???
Persephone: YUPP!!! That’s the same stupid vehicle TLA, Javier, and his family pulled up in earlier tonight! NICK just hit the passenger’s side door with such force that shit is dented now! Chris is down in the dirt now, beating the absolute shit out of NICK, and again… WHERE’S THE FUCKING BLOOD??
Thadd Blazevich: Chris switches to a choke, and NICK is flailing about! Bro is trying to get his feet under him but Chris just starts punching him in the head, man. This is brutal.
Persephone: THIS IS TAME!
Rich Russillo: :mjlol:.
Thadd Blazevich: Chris releases the choke and pulls NICK to his feet! He walks around to the front of the low-rider and bounces NICK’s head off the hood!
Rich Russillo: He grabs NICK by the hair again but NICK plants his feet! NICK elbows Chris multiple times in the gut to break free and he whirls around catching him with a discus forearm! Chris fights back with a forearm of his own and they’re just teeing off on one another! NICK switches tactics and goes for an uppercut and Chris stumbles back against the lowrider!
Thadd Blazevich: NICK backs up to get a running start and he’s going for a running lariat but Chris leans down AND BACK BODY DROPS NICK ON TOP OF THE HOOD!!! Bro that hood is dented! TLA won’t be happy about that!
Persephone: This is sooooooo boring! Like what kind of street fight is this??
Rich Russillo: Chris pounces on top of NICK and starts throwing multiple rights and lefts! NICK is able to shove him off and Chris hits the ground!
Thadd Blazevich: Dude NICK is getting to his feet and he jumps off… striking Chris down with a double axe-handle! He rips the driver’s side door open and grabs Chris bro by the head… but Chris with multiple boxing style punches!
Rich Russillo: NICK knees him in the gut and throws Chris across the front seat… SLAMMING THE DOOR SHUT ON HIS SIDE! NICK keeps that up before ripping Chris out of the seat and bashing his skull against the door! Chris sprawls out on the ground and NICK is going for a cover!!!
Persephone: Hopefully this is a three count because this match sucks. I hate both of these guys.
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWO—
Persephone: :noah: This idiot referee ran out of the building like someone was chasing him but he can’t count quicker than that??
Thadd Blazevich: Well broette, it looks like my guy NICK is done playing around! He’s digging all around the lowrider and he’s got a switchblade!
Persephone: :gladbron: YES!
Rich Russillo: He deploys that blade and goes right for Chris Elite!
Thadd Blazevich: Chris man drops NICK with a drop toehold into the dirt! He’s stomping the back of NICK’s head now but NICK dude is hanging onto that switchblade!
Persephone: Chris Elite does something useful for once and steps right on NICK’s wrist! He rips the switchblade out of NICK’s hand, flips it over, AND DRIVES IT INTO THE TOP OF NICK’S HEAD!!!
Thadd Blazevich: DUDE! Blood is just POURING from NICK’s head right now!
Persephone: AND THE SWITCHBLADE IS STICKING OUT OF NICK’S HEAD!!! Ugh! NICK has never looked hotter than he does right now. I’m OBSESSED!
Rich Russillo: Chris is looking inside the car now and he pulls out a roll of duct tape!
Persephone: So TLA pulled up the building with a cancer patient with a knife and duct tape in his car. What the actual fuck?
Thadd Blazevich: Dudette don’t ask questions you don’t want answers for!
Persephone: But I do though :wtf:!!!
Rich Russillo: Chris is ripping at the duct tape and he’s trying to secure that blade inside of NICK’s head! He finally figures out how to do that and now he’s stomping on NICK’s back and keeping him on the ground!
Persephone: CHRIS WITH A STOMP TO THE SWITCHBLADE!!!
Thadd Blazevich: Dude. NICK’s pain tolerance is off the charts! He’s still trying to fight his way up to his feet!
Rich Russillo: But Chris is putting a stop to that with multiple stomps to the back! NICK is flattened on the ground and now Chris kicks him onto his back! He pulls NICK up and gets him in positi—
Persephone: A FUCKING PILEDRIVER—
Thadd Blazevich: NOPE! NICK BRO GOES DEAD WEIGHT AND DROPS TO HIS KNEES! LOW BLOW!! CHRIS GOES DOWN LIKE A TON OF BRICKS MAN!
Persephone: I didn’t even know he had anything to hurt down there.
Rich Russillo: NICK is unwrapping the duct tape AND HE PULLS THE BLADE OUT OF HIS HEAD!
Thadd Blazevich: Dude is hard AF.
Persephone: NICK HAS THE BLADE POINTED RIGHT AT CHRIS’ VAGINA AND HE MAKES THE MOVE! HE’S STABBING CHRIS ELITE IN T—
Rich Russillo: CHRIS ROLLED OUT OF THE WAY JUST IN TIME!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT NICK JUST STABBED BRO RIGHT IN THE BACK!!! HE SNATCHES CHRIS OFF THE GROUND AND THROWS HIM HEAD FIRST THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD!!! HE PULLS CHRIS OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD AND THROWS HIM ON THE GROUND!
Persephone: COVER BY NICK!!!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTTTTHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEEE—
Rich Russillo: CHRIS. KICKED. OUT!
Thadd Blazevich: Dudes, I’m freakin’ shook.
Rich Russillo: NICK looks a little flabbergasted that his effort wasn’t enough to end the match so he’s up and dragging Chris Elite over to the door! He tries to throw Chris head first into the door but Chris gets his hands up!
Persephone: NICK kicks Chris in the back where that stab wound is but Chris is being annoyingly stubborn right now!
Thadd Blazevich: NICK pulls him back but Chris man clips dude in knee! Chris hauls himself up by grabbing the side of the car and kicks NICK in the face! He follows up with a few right hands before drop-kicking NICK right into the car door!
Rich Russillo: He quickly flips NICK around and throws him headfirst into the door! He lays NICK across the driver’s seat and starts slamming the car door on NICK’s head!!!
Persephone: FLATTEN HIS SKULL!!!
Thadd Blazevich: CHRIS SLAMS THE DOOR ON NICK ONE MORE TIME AND HE’S HOLDING THE DOOR IN PLACE! Dude, you may actually get your wish, Seph!
Rich Russillo: Chris throws the door back and NICK slumps to the ground! Knee to the face by Elite and he pulls NICK UP, bending his back over the side of the car! Chris jumps on the trunk… DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO NICK!!!
Persephone: CHRIS GRABS HIM UP… ‘FUSION DANCE’! THE BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX INTO A NECKBREAKER CONNECTS ON NICK AND CHRIS DROPS DOWN FOR A COVER!!!
OOONNNEEE!!!
TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!
TTTTTHHHHHRRRRRE—
Rich Russillo: NICK GETS THE SHOULDER UP!!!
Thadd Blazevich: Now it’s Chris looking frustrated, man. He really tried to end NICK right then and there and NICK is showing his toughness. Bro is legit.
Persephone: Guess it’s time for someone to actually die!
Rich Russillo: :whoa:!
Thadd Blazevich: Chris bro is pulling NICK up and he throws him into the car! He starts stomping dude in the stomach and forces NICK into a sitting position. Chris is now looking around and he sees the switchblade! Chris bro is going for the weapon again!
???: (off-mic) ALTO AHÍ! QUÉDESE DONDE ESTÁ! POLICÍA! POLICÍA!
Persephone: :wtf:?? Why are there police here???
(Police come rushing into the scene and immediately make a grab for a confused Chris Elite. He attempts to fight them off, but there’s at least six of them and the referee immediately steps in the picture.)
Referee: (off-mic) What is going on??
(The referee is ignored and one of the officers starts slapping the handcuffs on Chris Elite.)
Officer: (off-mic) QUEDA DETENIDO, SEÑOR!
Thadd Blazevich: DUDE! They just told Chris Elite he is under arrest!
Chris Elite: (off-mic) The fuck did I do???
Officer: (off-mic) Queda detenido por el vandalismo cometido contra el coche del Señor TLA!
Chris Elite: (off-mic) The fuck did he say??
Referee: (off-mic) :lupe: He said you are under arrest for vandalizing TLA’s low-rider.
Chris Elite: (off-mic) :comeagain: Get this shit off me! We’re in the middle of a fuckin’ match. You can’t arrest me for vandalism. :wtf:???
Officer: (off-mic) No importa si se trata de una lucha, Señor! Ha dañado propiedad privada!
(NICK is sitting up at this point, nursing his wounds and watching everything go down. The panicked referee looks at Chris Elite.)
Chris Elite: (off-mic) WHAT?? What did he fucking say???
Referee: (off-mic) More or less that it doesn’t matter because this is private property.
Chris Elite: (off-mic) Fucking kidding me?? What about that bozo? He did just as much damage!!!
NICK: (off-mic) What he say ‘fuck me’ for??
Officer: (off-mic) El señor TLA no quiere presentar cargos contra el Señor NICK. Solo contra tu, Señor Elite! Ven conmigo ahora!
(The referee sighs and looks at the ground.)
Referee: (off-mic) TLA doesn’t want to pursue charges against NICK. Just you.
(That’s when the officers haul a kicking and screaming Chris Elite off the scene, leaving the referee with just NICK. The referee is unsure what to do, considering he’s never officiated a match where someone was arrested before it was finished. He thinks for a moment and then shakes his head.)
Referee: (off-mic) Since Chris Elite can not continue, the winner… NICK!!!
(The fans inside the arena erupt as they watch the referee raise NICK’s hand on the tron. NICK just shrugs and that’s the last thing that is seen as Voltage fades away.)
(Sunday Night Voltage continues as we see Cody Maverick backstage, appearing with his ring attire for the night while also wearing sunglasses here in Oaxaca, Mexico. He looks to be getting some last-minute stretches in before his six-person tag team match coming up in a matter of moments, looking focused and determined, considering how special tonight is. While he continues to stretch and warm up, he’s greeted by a voice…)
???: Hey Cody!
(Cody turns around as the camera pans over to Hans Grayson, as those attending the show tonight go wild at his appearance. Hans looks to be wearing his ring attire as well, holding on to his Cash in the Vault briefcase, as he and Cody will be teaming tonight alongside Adam Lucas to battle Sayuri Himura, Candice Blair, and Miku Sakai. After a moment, Hans asks Cody…)
Hans Grayson: So… You ready for tonight, man?
Cody Maverick: Yeah, I am… I was getting some last-minute stretches in before we went out there. It’s a pretty cool night if I do say so myself.
Hans Grayson: Definitely, man! I was just warming up, getting ready for this match. The opportunity to perform for Javier and his family, it’s stuff like that that makes competing in that ring such an honor for me. And if there’s anything I have to say about what I’m going to do in that ring… It’s going to be a remarkably fun night for that brother Javier.
Cody Maverick: We definitely ain’t going to lose, that’s for sure. We’re going to win that match and gain the victory I know is within our grasp.
Hans Grayson: Yeah, for sure… I just wanted to ask you about something. Last week, before I went to apologize for what happened between us two weeks ago, you know, after the match was thrown out and tensions rose over… It kinda seemed like you and Drake were talking about something.
(Cody hears this from Hans as he responds by saying…)
Cody Maverick: It was the same nonsense Drake is always spewing about. I wasn’t really taking it seriously.
Hans Grayson: I’m sure you weren’t. I’m just saying it would be nice to know what you were even doing in there in the first place, and what he was talking to you about. The man has had fear written in his eyes ever since I came back with this briefcase in hand… He’s been a scared little man since then, and I just want to know what he was trying to say to you.
(Cody thinks about it for a few moments before replying to Hans by telling him…)
Cody Maverick: I guess if you really want to know, sure, I’ll tell you.
(Hans listens up carefully as Cody begins to speak to him about the conversation he and Drake had last week.)
Cody Maverick: One of Drake’s employees came up to me and asked me to come meet with him in his office, or conference room, or whatever that was. He took me to where Drake was, and he was telling me and warning me that you’re not who you say you are.
(Hans can’t help but crack a smile and smirk at what Cody is saying as he responds by saying…)
Hans Grayson: Of course, he said that.
Cody Maverick: He was telling me why he would want to talk to me before the match and how that escalated the way that it did, and believe me, I was scratching my head as to why Drake was saying all that. Saying that you’re a threat to me, that it was in your best interest to rule me out, it was quite something for sure. I told him it was the nature of the game, but he framed it as you being some type of snake that is going to slither his way through, taking out anybody that’s an immediate threat to that championship.
Hans Grayson: But that’s how Drake had gotten that title to begin with!
Cody Maverick: That’s exactly what I told him, but he kept insisting that if I ever became world champion, that when I used my King of Elite title opportunity… You would do what you have been doing to Drake with that Cash in the Vault. He’s pretty much telling me that your intentions aren’t what they seem to be, and that’s according to him, not me. Overall, he implied that we have a “common enemy” in the form of you and that it would be easier for both Drake and I in the “long run” to take you out while we can.
(Hans proceeds to just shake his head over the whole thing, looking rightfully annoyed at the things Drake was saying about him to Cody. He responds to Cody by saying…)
Hans Grayson: You know that guy is a piece of work, right, Cody?
Cody Maverick: Of course, I do, Hans. That briefcase in your hand has gotten Drake tensed up to the point he’s approaching me as someone that we have a common enemy with, and again… I don’t plan on helping him out.
Hans Grayson: That’s what he does, Cody, he tries to get inside your head and tries to achieve ultimate victory by clearing the battlefield and removing all the landmines in his way, and the briefcase I have… is a major landmine that he can’t move. Look at the fear in his eyes when I came back, look at the fear in his eyes when I came out after your guys’ match at Shock Value. He couldn’t properly celebrate victory because his reign has a ticking time bomb that he doesn’t know when it will explode, and that Cody…. That scares the shit out of him. Drake is always up to something or some scheme, and there’s no point in listening to a guy like that.
(Cody listens to what Hans has said as he responds to him by saying…)
Cody Maverick: That’s a pretty compelling argument.
Hans Grayson: It’s not just compelling, it’s the simple truth about that man Drake. Those narratives he’s putting inside your head, telling you that you both have a common enemy, that you need to have the same interests together… It’s the same nonsensical crap he was spewing to me when this season started. When he had issues with both Jon Kelton and Bronson Daniels, he came to me, of all people, to try and spew that garbage, and the only reason I ended up teaming up with him was because of Elysium challenging me to that match as well, and I wasn’t going to be a coward and not say no.
(Cody nods along to what Hans is saying to him as Hans continues…)
Hans Grayson: To be honest with you, Cody, I let my guard down slightly with Drake during that period heading into Territorial Invasion, but I wanted to be a team player. Team Voltage got a sweet victory, winning the War Games match, and I thought that afterward, we could all just go our separate ways. But Drake felt the need to continue being allies by staging an attack on Miku, shifting everything towards me so our problems would intersect. I mean, you were there during that match at Wicked Games, Cody. You saw how mad I got when that footage played. He couldn’t leave well enough alone, and now we are many months later with so much that has happened since then… and he’s doing the same playbook on you with his bullshit.
Cody Maverick: I hear you, Hans, and again, I can tell what Drake is trying to do, and I told him straight to his face that I wasn’t going to help him out. We had our moment weeks ago, but what you said last week makes a lot of sense. We were both in a hard-fought battle, and in the heat of the moment, we were brawling with each other. As I said, I didn’t mind it.
Hans Grayson: Absolutely! I appreciate you telling me what Drake had said to you, man.
(Hans is about to leave, but Cody interrupts by saying…)
Cody Maverick: I do have to ask you something, though…
Hans Grayson: What is it?
Cody Maverick: Was there any truth to what Drake said, though?
(Hans looks confused at Cody’s question as he responds to him by saying…)
Hans Grayson: Excuse me?
Cody Maverick: Was there any truth to what Drake was saying about you?
(Hans takes a moment before responding as he says…)
Hans Grayson: Are you serious, brother? Was there any truth to what Drake Armstrong of all people was saying? I told you he’s a man who will twist and turn narratives to his favor. Drake is far from being someone who tells the truth.
(Cody looks around and just shrugs his shoulders before replying to Hans…)
Cody Maverick: I was just asking, that’s all.
(There is a little bit of a tense moment between the two before Cody speaks again and says…)
Cody Maverick: I’ll see you out there.
(Cody walks away from the scene as a slightly annoyed Hans Grayson looks on before leaving the scene as Voltage continues forward.)
(Promotional ad for Grand Rampage, where the Grand Rampage match will take place.)
(The camera returns to the ring where we see Bella Braxton standing front and center with a microphone as she is ready to begin the introductions for the next match.)
Bella Braxton: The following contest is a special TRIOS MATCH SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!
Crowd: UNA CAÍDA!!
(“The Leaving Song Pt. II” by AFI starts playing as Hans Grayson enters the arena. Hans has a focused look on his face, but he takes a moment to smile towards the cheering fans in attendance. He is ready for action as he heads to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first and making his way to the ring! From Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada! Weighing 219 pounds! Here is “MR. CASH IN THE VAULT”! “THE FIRE BREATHING DRAGON” HANS GRAYSON!
Rich Russillo: That was certainly an interaction Hans and Cody had backstage before the break. Now they have to be tag team partners in just a few moments.
Persephone: Who gives a fuck? If Cody beats the hell out of him it’s because Hans deserves it for being such a damn coward with his briefcase. Just USE IT ALREADY!!
(Hans rolls into the ring as his music is replaced by ‘Kostas’ by Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine & Benny the Butcher. Seconds later, Cody Maverick enters and doesn’t waste a second heading to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: And his tag team partners! First! From Las Vegas, Nevada! Weighing in at 235 pounds! Here is “THE SIN CITY SUPERSTAR” CODY MAVERICK!
Thadd Blazevich: Well after last week, Cody certainly finds himself between a rock and a hard place doesn’t he, bro?
Persephone: From a man coming from Sin City, he is being easily manipulated and brainwashed with money being thrown in. Hell, take the money and beat the fuck out of him.
(Cody enters the ring as he and Hans look at each other as “Everybody Knows (Unstoppable)” by Royal Deluxe starts playing and Adam Lucas enters the arena. Adam is trying to keep his composure… and losing the battle… as he heads to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: And their tag team partner! From New York State! Weighing 238 pounds! Here is “THE NEXT LEVEL” ADAM LUCAS!!
Persephone: Here comes the damn screwball. I wonder if he and Donovan Duke room together in the same asylum?
Rich Russillo: That is not the same. Duke is borderline psychotic. Adam is fueled by rage and anger after everything that has gone down in recent times. Will he be able to keep it together considering who one of his opposition is?
(Adam enters the ring and just looks towards the entrance as “Lowlife Princess” by BIBI starts playing. Adam’s expression gets worse as Miku Sakai enters, but Miku doesn’t seem to care, just shaking her head and heading to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing their opponents! From Fukui, Japan! Weighing 110 pounds! Here is “THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE” MIKU SAKAI!
Rich Russillo: Here comes the opposition and Miku isn’t happy about the treatment she got last week from Adam… I can’t say that she didn’t deserve it.
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, Miku is making a bad situation worse for Adam and I wonder if Miku is a dead man walking right now.
(Miku enters the ring and tries to go for Adam, but the referee forces Miku to the corner as ‘So Far So Fake’ by Pierce the Veil starts playing as Candice Blair enters and heads to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: And her tag team partners! Residing in Malibu, California. Weighing 130 pounds! Here is “PRINCESS” CANDICE BLAIR!
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, Candice Blair has got to be feeling good after picking up what many consider an upset victory when her partner ARIA pinned the EAW World Champion in tag team action. Tonight she is looking to make it two in a row.
Persephone: We all know those skanky bimbos got lucky. Even a broken and stupid clock is right twice a day.
(Candice enters the ring and stands in her team’s corner as ‘REVIVER’ by MY FIRST STORY starts playing and Sayuri Himura enters and makes her way to the ring! The cheers continue, and Sayuri has a focused look on her face as she joins her teammates.)
Bella Braxton: Residing in Yokohama, Japan! Weighing 125 pounds. Here is “THE YŪREI” SAYRUI HIMURA!
Persephone: Here comes another bitch to round out the team. Let’s get this over with.
Rich Russillo: Sayuri had a great performance for the New Breed Title at Reasonable Doubt and she seemingly has some mutual respect with Carmen Sanchez after last week. Tonight, she is part of trios action in a match with four former champions. Which trio will win? We are about to find out.
(Sayuri enters the ring and meets with her team in the corner as her music fades off. The referee quickly checks all the competitors before calling for the bell.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: Here we go! This special trios match is underway as the teams are deciding who is going to start this match.
Thadd Blazevich: It looks like the ladies’ team has decided, Bro, as Miku Sakai has volunteered herself for this match–
Persephone: And it looks like the bitch has forced Hans Grayson to start this match as she grabs him by the hair and yanks him down to the mat. Now Miku has her hands around Hans’ throat! Strangle him bitch!!
Thadd Blazevich: Miku couldn’t even wait thirty seconds to start breaking rules as the referee is right there telling Miku to stop with the chokes. She pulls Hans up by the hair and SNAPMARES HIM ACROSS THE RING! HANS ROLLS OUT OF THE RING AND CODY MAVERICK COMES IN!
Rich Russillo: For people confused about that watching at home, this Trios Match is under lucha libre rules. That means that team members can enter the ring via a tag or they can come into the match if their partner ends up out of the ring to the floor.
Persephone: Too complicated. Just let them all in the ring at the same time to beat the hell out of each other. That’s not so hard, is it?
Rich Russillo: Well the Tornado Match is coming up later tonight, so you will get your wish.
Persephone: Wow, that like, has NOTHING to do with this match right now.
Thadd Blazevich: Cody comes right in and starts throwing straight right hands into Miku’s face. I think Miku was caught off guard a little bit with the change from the normal rules that we are used to with tag matches, bro.
Rich Russillo: Miku is being rocked for the moment as Cody whips her from one side of the ring to the other. Miku rebounds off the ropes, BUT IS ABLE TO COUNTER THE SIDEWALK SLAM ATTEMPT INTO A HEADSCISSOR TAKEOVER!
Thadd Blazevich: Cody is now sent across the ring and he rolls out and… OHHHHHH BRO!! HERE COMES ADAM LUCAS AND HE LOOKS READY TO FIGHT!
Persephone: Looks like the dog forgot to get his rabies shot, but if he beats the fuck out of Miku, I’m not saying I wouldn’t tolerate it. FUCK HER UP!!
Thadd Blazevich: Adam enters the ring AND HE RUNS STRAIGHT FOR MIKU SAKAI! MIKU HIGHTAILS IT AND GETS OUT OF THE RING! NO CONTACT MADE AND MIKU IS LAUGHING HER ASS OFF, BRO!
Rich Russillo: Adam is ready to rip Miku apart seeing her be so sarcastic and disrespectful that he doesn’t see that Candice Blair has entered the match AND CATCHES ADAM IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH A FOREARM SMASH!
Persephone: Of course she hit him in the back of the head, there is nothing up there to hurt, especially nowadays.
Rich Russillo: Oh come on! That’s not very nice.
Persephone: Like I care.
Thadd Blazevich: Candice turns Adam around and continues throwing forearm shots to Adam’s face as he is backed up to the ropes as Candice tries for an Irish whip, but Adam quickly counters sending Candice to the ropes.
Rich Russillo: Candice comes back AND ADAM DELIVERS A STANDING DROPKICK CATCHING CANDICE RIGHT IN THE FACE TAKING HER DOWN TO THE MAT!
Thadd Blazevich: Adam quickly goes over to Candice AND STARTS THROWING RIGHT HANDS! CANDICE IS TRYING TO BLOCK AND ADAM IS WALKING A FINE LINE RIGHT NOW!
Persephone: The referee needs to just back up and let things happen as they do because if the Ava bitch gets her brains punched in, it shows that she actually had a brain.
Thadd Blazevich: The referee is warning Adam to open the fist AND MIKU SAKAI ROLLS BACK INTO THE RING AND RAKES ADAM’S EYES! A LITTLE “CAT SCRATCH FEVER”, BRO!
Rich Russillo: Adam holds his eyes in pain after Miku dug her nails into his eye sockets. Naturally, Miku rolls out of the ring like the devious coward that she is as Adam tries to get back to his feet.
Persephone: Then this Ava bitch is back on her feet and she manages to use leverage in her favor, even though she can’t spell leverage, AND DROPS HIM WITH A BACK SUPLEX! THIS DOESN’T MAKE SENSE, BUT THIS SKANK GOES FOR A COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEE!
TWWWWW–
Rich Russillo: Adam kicks out at one after the first cover in the match and Adam quickly rolls out of the ring and here comes Hans Grayson back into the match AND HE CATCHES CANDICE WITH A PELE KICK TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!
Persephone: I hope it hit her hard enough that it knocked the hair dye off of her.
Thadd Blazevich: Candice was taken down to the mat as Hans grabs her by the head and takes her up and over with a quick snap suplex. Hans is back on his feet AS HE DROPS THE ELBOW–
Rich Russillo: RIGHT ON HER FACE! THE POINT OF THE ELBOW CATCHING CANDICE RIGHT IN THE NOSE AND THAT COULD HAVE BROKEN CANDICE’S NOSE RIGHT THERE!
Thadd Blazevich: It doesn’t take very long before we see Candice’s nose bleeding and her eyes watering after that shot, bro.
Persephone: Her eyes are only watering because of the cheap mascara she wears to make herself look more like an easy bimbo than she already does.
Thadd Blazevich: I don’t think that Hans meant to do that on purpose, but the heat of the match can do things to a person as he brings Candice to her feet and whips her to the ropes.
Rich Russillo: Candice comes back with the rebound AS HANS DUCKS DOWN FOR A BACK BODY DROP ATTEMPT, BUT CANDICE STOPS IN HER TRACKS AND HAULS BACK AND KICKS HIM RIGHT IN THE FACE!!
Persephone: Awww. Isn’t that precious. The two dumbasses wearing matching broken noses! Fits them both for being so stupid.
Rich Russillo: Turnabout is fair play as we see blood go flying and Hans might have a broken nose to match Candice as she FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A HEADBUTT!!
Persephone: THEY BOTH GO DOWN! How fucking stupid is she? They both look like a bunch of dazed morons.
Thadd Blazevich: Surprisingly Hans is the first to get back to his feet as he hits the ropes and comes back with full speed to DELIVER A BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK SENDING CANDICE OUT TO THE FLOOR!
Rich Russillo: It looks like Sayuri Himura has volunteered herself to enter the match. As the most inexperienced EAW Elitist in the match, let’s see what she can do against Mr. Cash in the Vault.
(TAG!)
Thadd Blazevich: I guess we won’t, Bro, because Cody Maverick has tagged himself in. Really weird seeing a tag in a Lucha Trio Match, but it is still legal. Now it’s the rookie Himura against a former National Elite Champion and the reigning King of Elite.
Persephone: This would be a shorter match if it was a spelling bee. They both look very stupid and the type of people who need to take their shoes off to count past ten.
Thadd Blazevich: Himura is understandably being on the cautious side because of the strong experience and size disadvantage that she has, but that really doesn’t mean squat AS HIMURA COMES OUT FIGHTING WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP TO CODY’S CHEST!
Rich Russillo: Don’t expect Cody to not return the favor BECAUSE HE DOES WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP OF HIS OWN TO HIMURA!
Persephone: BAHAHAHAHAHA! Wouldn’t that be hilarious if we saw some deflation in this match? It’s all good for her because she can just use the air from her head to inflate her fakers back up to size.
Rich Russillo: You are a riot today.
Persephone: I just speak the truth. Don’t get mad at me because of that.
Thadd Blazevich: Cody gets the advantage back and whips Himura into the corner and follows up WITH A CLOTHESLINE!!
Rich Russillo: Now Cody climbs onto the second rope and starts punching Himura in the head.
Crowd: UNO! DOS! TRES! CUATRO! CINCO! SEIS! SIETE! OCHO!
(TAG!)
Thadd Blazevich: Hold on! Wait a second!
Crowd: NUEVE! DIEZ!
Persephone: The idiot got the ten punches in but he never saw the tag from that little bitch Miku Sakai!
Thadd Blazevich: Miku climbs onto the top rope AND CATCHES CODY NOW WITH “CAT SCRATCH FEVER”! MIKU RAKING THE EYES AGAIN BEFORE SHOVING CODY OFF THE ROPES AND CRASHING TO THE MAT!
Rich Russillo: Miku gets in the ring and shoves Himura out of the ring.
Persephone: Say exactly what she said. Miku said “get the fuck out of my ring, you dumb bitch”.
Rich Russillo: I was trying to avoid saying that because Miku doesn’t like much of anybody. Not a lot of cohesion on this ladies trio because of Miku Sakai.
Persephone: They suck, but they are sucking less than the men.
Thadd Blazevich: Cody is on his knees trying to recover, BUT MIKU HAS HIT THE ROPES AND COMES BACK WITH A RUNNING KNEE STRAIGHT TO THE TEMPLE! NICE SHOT BY MIKU!
Rich Russillo: Now Miku grabs Cody by the hair AND JUST STARTS BASHING THE BACK OF HIS HEAD INTO THE MAT! THE REFEREE IS TELLING MIKU TO STOP!
Thadd Blazevich: Look at the apron. Adam Lucas is back up and he is glaring right at Miku Sakai. You have to believe that Adam wants back in this match and he is walking a fine line.
Persephone: Between what? Ignorance and stupidity?
Thadd Blazevich: No. You know damn well what it is, bro.
Rich Russillo: Either way, Miku has control of Cody as she brings Cody back to his feet and whips him to the corner.
Persephone: She runs to the corner looking absolutely stupid AND JUMPS INTO THE AIR AND ONTO CODY FOR A DUMBASS LOOKING MONKEY FLIP–
Rich Russillo: CODY HOLDS ONTO THE ROPES AND MIKU CRASHES AND BURNS ONTO THE MAT! CODY TAKES ADVANTAGE AND STACKS MIKU UP FOR THE COVER!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
THHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE–
Persephone: This bitch kicked out. The Las Vegas loser about beat this troll bitch in the funniest way possible.
Thadd Blazevich: Very close near fall for Cody Maverick and he looks over at Adam Lucas who is staring a hole straight through Miku Sakai right now as he reaches out for the tag.
Rich Russillo: Cody knows exactly what Adam wants as he grabs Miku by the waist and walks right over to his corner and tags Adam in.
(TAG!)
Thadd Blazevich: The crowd is going absolutely crazy right now as they know Adam is about three seconds away from brutalizing Miku Sakai–
Persephone: MIKU WITH A BACK ELBOW TO CODY’S FACE! BAHAHAHAHAHA!
Thadd Blazevich: Miku is free AND SHE RUNS AGAIN! ADAM IS GOING RIGHT AFTER HER AND ONCE AGAIN MIKU MAKES IT OUT OF THE RING AND ADAM IS PISSED!! HE POUNDS THE MAT IN FRUSTRATION BEFORE STANDING UP AND KICKING THE BOTTOM ROPE!
Rich Russillo: This is the second time in this match that Miku started shit with Adam and it is the second time where she had a chance to put her money where her mouth is and then she runs away again.
Persephone: Small size. Big ego. Extremely high levels of bitch. What else is new?
Rich Russillo: Because of the structure of the rules, now another member of the ladies’ team can enter the match and she is about to.
Persephone: Why does it have to be the Ava bitch? This just got stupid.
Thadd Blazevich: Candice Blair is back in the match as she climbs her way to the top rope. Adam hasn’t turned around as he is absolutely seething right now.
Rich Russillo: Adam does finally turn around to get back in the match AS CANDICE COMES OFF THE TOP ROPE WITH A METEORA–
Thadd Blazevich: ADAM CAUGHT HER! DISCUS PUNCH BY ADAM LUCAS AND HE PUNCHED CANDICE RIGHT IN THE JAW!!
Persephone: BAHAHAHAHAHA! I love the way she crashed and burned and landed. Too bad she didn’t break her neck.
Thadd Blazevich: Candice is down after that ugly landing and Adam is focused on Candice as he backs up BEFORE RUNNING FULL SPEED TOWARD CANDICE–
Rich Russillo: “WOKE”! HOLY SHIT! WHAT A PUNT KICK BY ADAM AND CANDICE COULD BE UNCONSCIOUS RIGHT THERE! CANDICE IS NOT MOVING!
Persephone: I bet when he kicked that Ava bitch, he was thinking about Miku. Not that I care. But I might if that ends the match as he goes for the cover!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEE!
Rich Russillo: SAYURI ENTERS THE RING AND BREAKS UP THE COUNT TO SAVE CANDICE AND THE MATCH!
Persephone: OH SON OF A BITCH!! I HATE THESE STUPID FUCKS!! CAN’T THEY DO ANYTHING RIGHT?
Thadd Blazevich: Adam is not happy that his cover was broken up and he turns his attention to Sayuri and he has fire in his eyes!
Rich Russillo: That’s fire from a different sort of intensity. That is pure rage! Not necessarily because of Sayuri, but she sure as hell is going to feel it if she isn’t careful.
Thadd Blazevich: Adam is stalking right over towards Sayuri AND HE GOES RIGHT FOR A ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO TRY AND KICK SAYURI’S HEAD OFF–
Persephone: Of course the dumb bastard missed.
Thadd Blazevich: Himura ducks out of the way at the last second. Adam loses his balance for a quick moment, but it was enough time for Himura to get in position–-
Rich Russillo: FOR A SPINNING BACK FIST! “IZANAMI” BY SAYURI HIMURA!! THAT COULD HAVE KNOCKED WHAT’S LEFT OF ADAM’S SENSE OUT OF HIS HEAD!!
Persephone: Why hasn’t the referee disqualified this bitch? She has been in the ring way too damn long.
Rich Russillo: The referee is allowing a little bit of leeway considering the circumstances of this event and it would suck for an event like this to have a match end in a disqualification.
Persephone: Of course not. Then again this event sucks because the matches are going too long in the first place.
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, Adam looks like he had his bell rung as he turns around TO CANDICE BLAIR WHO RECOVERED ENOUGH TO GET ONTO THE MIDDLE ROPE AND JUMPS OFF–
Rich Russillo: “SPINNING WHEEL” FROM THE SECOND ROPE! CANDICE GOT ALL OF THAT SPINNING WHEEL KICK AND IT CAUGHT ADAM IN THE FACE!
Thadd Blazevich: ADAM WAS TAKEN DOWN TO THE MAT OFF THE KICK AS CANDICE SCRAMBLES OVER AND HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE COVER!!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEE!
Persephone: HE KICKED OUT?!?! DAMN! WHAT A SURPRISE! I HATE THIS PLACE SOMETIMES!!
Thadd Blazevich: THAT WAS A VERY CLOSE NEAR FALL, BRO! CANDICE ALMOST GOT THE PIN ON A FORMER WORLD CHAMPION!!
Rich Russillo: Adam Lucas rolls out of the ring and Candice gets back to her feet as she turns around herself–
Persephone: Now this is absolutely getting ridiculous!
Rich Russillo: HANS GRAYSON ROLLS INTO THE RING AND CLOBBERS CANDICE WITH THE “FLAMING PUNCH”! SUPERMAN PUNCH BY MR. CASH IN THE VAULT!!
Persephone: Stupid ass move name by a stupid ass bastard. A match made in his heaven, but my hell!
Thadd Blazevich: Candice caught in the jaw by that punch and she once again falls to the mat. Hans is going to take advantage of the situation as he goes for the cover!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEE!
Rich Russillo: MIKU SAKAI BREAKS UP THE COVER!!
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, I think she just wanted to start shit and doesn’t really care about her team.
Persephone: They are all just a bunch of stuck up bitches if you ask me.
Thadd Blazevich: Good thing we didn’t ask you, bro.
Rich Russillo: Candice has rolled out of the ring and that has Miku be the legal competitor by default AND MIKU HAS HANS IN A CHOKEHOLD AS HE GETS BACK TO HIS FEET!
Persephone: BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! THIS LOOKS HILARIOUS!! He is swinging her around like she is a dumb drunk bitch trying to ride the mechanical bull at a bar.
Rich Russillo: Hans is trying to swing Miku off his back as she has the chokehold almost into a sleeper hold.
Persephone: This is so stupid. Hans has finally decided to use his brain and he runs back towards the corner–
Thadd Blazevich: MIKU GOES SPINE FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLES BUT SHE DOESN’T LET GO! Hans decides to walk forward AND BACK UP AGAIN AND SMASHES MIKU IN THE CORNER AGAIN!
Rich Russillo: This time Miku lets go and she is sitting on the top turnbuckle and Hans decides to climb up to the top turnbuckle as well.
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, this is a very dangerous spot they find themselves in but Hans has the facelock applied. Hans lifts Miku in the air–
Persephone: Wow. A superplex! That’s something you don’t see everyday, but still is as exciting as watching paint dry–
Thadd Blazevich: WAIT A SECOND!! LOOK AT THIS!!
Rich Russillo: MIKU WAS ABLE TO SOMEHOW CHANGE POSITION AT THE LAST SECOND AND MIKU LANDS ON TOP OF HANS—
Persephone: WITH HER ASS IN HER FACE?!?!? WHAT A DISGUSTING BITCH!!
Rich Russillo: A MODIFIED “SWEET CHEEK MUSIC” BY MIKU SAKAI! THAT ADDS INSULT TO INJURY!!
Persephone: It just makes me wanna puke because that looked not just stupid, but fucking disgusting. What do you expect from a skanky bitch like Miku Sakai?
Thadd Blazevich: Either way, that could have done more damage to Hans’ nose after what happened earlier as Miku stands up AND DELIVERS A KNEE DROP TO THE FACE! THAT COULD HAVE BROKEN AN ORBITAL BONE!
Rich Russillo: Not a pretty landing as Miku goes for the cover!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEE!
Thadd Blazevich: HANS GOT THE SHOULDER UP!! THAT WAS VERY CLOSE AND MIKU LOOKS LIKE SHE WANTS TO UNALIVE THE REFEREE RIGHT NOW!
Persephone: Wouldn’t we all like to unalive a referee every once in a while, but be that as it may, I hope that this bitch punches the referee in the face.
Thadd Blazevich: Miku is extremely pissed off that the referee didn’t give her the three count right there and she is really reading the riot act to the referee.
Rich Russillo: Well she’s not exactly the best at controlling her temper, especially when she thinks she has been wronged… which is all the time.
Persephone: This bitch just likes to complain. What else is new?
Rich Russillo: This is a big mistake on Miku’s part. The more she yells and complains to the referee, the more time she is giving the opposing team to recover!
Persephone: Oh my gawd! This bitch is in a huge mess of trouble.
Thadd Blazevich: While Miku was yelling at the referee, Hans rolled out of the ring and another member of the team entered to become the legal man.
Rich Russillo: Ohhhhhh! Miku is going to love this because the legal man IS ADAM LUCAS! Adam turns her around and glares at her–
Thadd Blazevich: BEFORE LIFTING HER UP IN THE AIR AND DRIVING HER DOWN TO THE MAT WITH A SPINEBUSTER!! THE CROWD IS GOING CRAZY BECAUSE MIKU DIDN’T HAVE A CLUE! MIKU COULDN’T RUN! MIKU COULDN’T HIDE!
Persephone: That bitch was almost put through the ring and I think that it’s hilarious.
Thadd Blazevich: ADAM LUCAS HAS LOST IT! LAST WEEK, HE BASHED MIKU’S HEAD IN THE DOOR AND THIS WEEK, HE IS JUST BEATING THE HOLY SHIT OUT OF HER!
Rich Russillo: Twice in this match, Miku taunted Adam and got away from him with no contact. Adam might be walking a tightrope of sanity, but he knew that Miku was NOT going to get away a third time in this match.
Persephone: How is this fair? Adam is going psycho bastard crazy on Miku and the referee isn’t doing a damn thing? I mean I am not complaining, but the referee is picking sides. I am not mad it’s not fair because that means the match gets to end quicker.
Rich Russillo: The referee is telling Adam to open up those fists, but he pulls Miku up AND JUST LAUNCHES HER INTO THE CORNER!
Persephone: That bitch flew up in the air and here comes Adam–
Thadd Blazevich: STINGER SPLASH IN THE CORNER SQUASHES MIKU! Bro, Miku comes out of the corner stumbling AND ADAM LUCAS HITS THE ROUNDHOUSE KICK IN MIKU’S FACE!
Rich Russillo: Miku is dazed as she tries to get back to her feet AND SHE STARTS TO FIGHT BACK AND CAUGHT ADAM IN THE FACE WITH A LEFT HAND, BUT ADAM GRABS MIKU–
Thadd Blazevich: ALMOST A MODIFIED SPEAR SENDS MIKU AND ADAM THROUGH THE ROPES AND CRASHING INTO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR! MIKU AND ADAM ARE BEATING THE HELL OUT OF EACH OTHER OUTSIDE THE RING!
Persephone: About damn time something tolerable happened in this match. Let them fight. Let them unalive each other.
Thadd Blazevich: ADAM AND MIKU ARE JUST FIST FIGHTING ON THE FLOOR RIGHT NOW AND THE CROWD IS GOING ABSOLUTELY CRAZY RIGHT NOW!
Rich Russillo: Things have just completely broken down between these two in the very worst way. Miku just kept pushing Adam’s buttons and now she is paying the price.
Persephone: Is she, though? Adam is trying to unalive her, but she is fighting back.
(The referee has lost control between these two and they motion for people to come down to the ring. Seconds later, EAW Security comes out to ringside and separates Miku and Adam from each other.)
Rich Russillo: Well after they started brawling, it was only a matter of time before security had to forcefully separate these two.
Persephone: This crowd is booing the hell out of the security for stopping the fight and I think it is hilarious. Just let them fight.
Thadd Blazevich: Well, Bro, they are trying as hard as they can to keep fighting, but the security staff have grabbed Miku and Adam and they are pulling them away from the ringside area and that leaves this to finish as a tag team match.
Rich Russillo: Now we need two more legal competitors to enter the match and it looks like it’s going to be Cody Maverick and Sayuri Himura to enter the ring to represent their teams.
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, the action has been crazy and almost nonstop in this match and I love it.
Persephone: At least somebody does.
Thadd Blazevich: Himura starts off the same way with a knife edge chop to Cody’s chest and Cody looks to go for a chop again, BUT INSTEAD HE FAKES HIMURA OUT AND HITS THE SIDE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP!
Rich Russillo: Himura is down as Cody hits the ropes and comes back–
Cody Maverick: (off-mic) CO! DY! MAVERICK! YEAH!
Persephone: That is so stupid!
Rich Russillo: CODY HITS THE ELBOW DROP RIGHT IN HIMURA’S HEART! Cody picks up Himura and grabs her by the head and puts her feet on the top rope.
Persephone: Just finish the match!
Thadd Blazevich: Cody is looking to go for the “Moneymaker” DDT–
Rich Russillo: HIMURA GETS FREE AND GETS HERSELF IN POSITION TO GET OFF THE ROPES AND ROLL CODY UP INTO A SCHOOLBOY! HIMURA GONNA STEAL IT HERE!
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEE!
Thadd Blazevich: HANS COMES IN THE RING TO BREAK UP THE COVER—
Persephone: BAHAHAHAHAHA! THE IDIOT MISSED!!
Thadd Blazevich: HIMURA GOT OUT OF THE WAY AND HANS STRUCK CODY BY ACCIDENT!! UH OH, BRO!!
Rich Russillo: THAT WAS A HORRIBLE MISCUE BY CODY AND HANS! Cody is back to his feet and he is looking at Hans. Cody is not happy and Hans is apologizing profusely and saying it was an accident.
Persephone: Sure it was. He’s just stupid.
Rich Russillo: Candice sneaks into the ring AND DELIVERS A DROPKICK TO THE BACK OF CODY’S HEAD AND THAT SENDS CODY CRASHING INTO HANS AND THEY CRACK HEADS!
Thadd Blazevich: Oh, Bro! The miscommunication is getting worse by the second between these two. I don’t like this at all.
Persephone: Implosions are expected in matches like this and once again, I am right.
Thadd Blazevich: Cody is down on the mat and Hans is holding his head and leaning on the ropes AS HIMURA DELIVERS A RUNNING LARIAT THAT DOESN’T SEND HANS OVER THE TOP ROPE–
Rich Russillo: BUT THE SUPERKICK FROM CANDICE BLAIR DOES AND HANS GOES TO THE FLOOR BELOW!
Persephone: Stupid.
Thadd Blazevich: Cody Maverick is left in the ring with the two ladies, bro, and they pick him up AND DELIVER A DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEX! CODY DROPPED ON THE BACK OF HIS HEAD!
Persephone: Now the Ava bitch gets out of the ring and hits the meteora taking Hans down while Cody looks dazed and stupid.
Thadd Blazevich: Cody has rolled onto his knees and he is still dazed after cracking heads with Hans AND HERE COMES SAYURI WITH THE “SAYONARA”!!
Rich Russillo: KNEE LIFT CAUGHT CODY RIGHT ON THE TEMPLE! HE FALLS TO THE MAT AND HIMURA QUICKLY GOES INTO THE COVER AND HOOKS BOTH LEGS! WILL IT BE ENOUGH?
ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE!
TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOO!
THHHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEE!
(DING! DING! DING!)
( ‘REVIVER’ starts playing again as Sayuri rolls off of Cody, causing a loud reaction to come from the fans in attendance after the surprising outcome of that match. Sayuri sits on the mat for a second to catch her breath as Bella Braxton announces the final decision of the match.)
Bella Braxton: Here are your winners… the Trio of MIKU SAKAI, CANDICE BLAIR, AND SAYURI HIMURA!!
Rich Russillo: I don’t know if any of you had this result on your bingo card, but there we go. Sayuri Himura got the pinfall on the reigning King of Elite. Some people might consider that an upset.
Persephone: The only person upset is me because the match went on so damn long. I’m glad it’s over because it sucked.
Rich Russillo: Cody tried to kick out before the three, but it was too late. I think all those repeated shots to the head in such a quick period of time as well as the miscommunication between him and Hans knocked Cody loopy and Himura’s knee lift kept Cody down long enough to get the three count and lead her team to victory. Call it what you want, but it is in the record books that Sayuri Himura pinned Cody Maverick.
(Himura is back on her feet as Candice gets back in the ring as the referee raises their arms in victory. They celebrate their victory for a moment before leaving the ring. Meanwhile, Hans has rolled back into the ring to check on Cody.)
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, after Adam and Miku were taken out of the equation and the arena for beating the hell out of each other, you had to think the match was gonna go the way of the gentlemen.
Persephone: But it didn’t happen, did it?
Rich Russillo: Unfortunately, it didn’t. Unfortunate miscommunication between Hans and Cody led to their demise and the ladies trio left with the win. Congratulations once again to them.
(Candice and Himura have left ringside as Hans helps up Cody and Cody does not look happy.)
Thadd Blazevich: Bro, Cody looks mad right now because of what went down.
Hans Grayson: (off-mic) Cody, I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to do that. I feel so horrible for what I did. You have to believe me.
(Cody separates from Hans and nods his head in understanding. He stays silent and looks at Hans.)
Thadd Blazevich: I think Cody understands it was just an accident. Hans meant no harm. Sometimes mistakes happen. Nothing malicious behind it.
(Until…)
Rich Russillo: OH MY GAWD!!
Persephone: Could have told you this was gonna happen.
Thadd Blazevich: CODY HAS JUST PUNCHED HANS WITH A RIGHT HAND! HANS IS DOWN AND CODY IS JUST BEATING THE HELL OUT OF HANS, BRO! WHAT IS THIS?
Persephone: It’s the smartest thing this jackass has ever done.
Rich Russillo: THE CROWD IS STUNNED! THEY AREN’T SURE WHAT TO THINK OR DO RIGHT NOW! WE THOUGHT THESE TWO WERE FRIENDS!!
Thadd Blazevich: DUDE, HANS WAS BLINDSIDED AND DIDN’T SEE THAT COMING AND NOW HANS IS JUST GETTING PUNCHED IN THE FACE!
Persephone: Not for long. Now Hans is getting pulled up like a sack of potatoes–
Rich Russillo: BEFORE CODY GRABS HANS BY THE NECK AND DROPS HIM WITH THE SIN CITY STUNNER!! WHAT IN THE HELL? CODY, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?
(Cody looks down at the fallen Hans before simply leaving the ring. The crowd is in shock and isn’t sure how to respond.)
Persephone: About time this loser showed some personality.
Thadd Blazevich: Dude, I am like so stunned right now, dude. I thought Cody and Hans were friends.
Rich Russillo: I thought so too, but I don’t know what to make of this. I get Cody is upset about what happened with Hans literally stomping on his face, and that collision dazing him, but we also know Cody hasn’t forgotten about everything he heard recently. Is this more than just losing a match? The only question on my mind right now is “Why Cody? Why?”
(The final shot shows the referee rolling back in the ring to check on Hans before cutting to Cody, who is slowly backing away and leaving the ringside area in a less than happy mood as the camera shot fades elsewhere.)
(Promotional ad for Grand Rampage, where Kai Rabeaux defends the Hardcore Championship against Diego Montana.)
(The camera returns to ringside, getting another shot of the small but loud and excited Mexico crowd as Voltage continues. The camera pans towards the entrance area, and soon after this all of the excitement the fans had would disappear, as ‘Stop Breathing’ by Playboi Carti hit.)
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: Well the amazing fans here tonight don’t sound too happy, and I can’t say I’m surprised knowing who’s joining us tonight, and what just happened last time we saw him.
Persephone: Ugh. As if there’s not enough to ruin my mood with this company, here comes this guy.
(After some time, Jake Smith begins to walk out to the stage, causing the boos to only grow louder. However, none of the boos directed towards Jake is able to wipe the large grin off of his face, as the camera slowly pans out, just enough to reveal the newly won Answers World Championship that is around his waist. Jake just laughs seeing all of the angry fans in attendance tonight, knowing that none of their anger will change the fact that he is World Champion once again.)
(Jake isn’t alone tonight, being joined by Caroline as she walks out, slowly trailing behind the new Answers World Champion. Despite the large grin on Jake’s face and the laughs toward the fans, Caroline’s expression is one lacking the same joy that Jake seems to have for his Championship victory. Her face remains cold, just slowly but surely walking behind Jake as the two head towards the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Last night we saw a surprise I don’t think anyone was prepared for, as Jake Smith would win a triple threat against Veena Adams and Pandora Paisley on Showdown, to become the new Answers World Champion. I can see why he’s so happy with himself right now, although Caroline doesn’t seem to share the same amusement.
Thadd Blazevich: Well I can’t blame her, bro. She missed out on the National Elite Championship at Reasonable Doubt and now Jake’s a World Champ while she’s empty handed, so she’s gotta be pretty annoyed. Then again, she also just always looks like that.
Persephone: If you ask me, all of Caroline’s problems are her own fault for willingly associating with Jake Smith of all people. He’s been here for like eight years now. How much longer do we need for people to realize he’s literally the worst?
(Jake Smith and Caroline enter the ring, causing ‘Stop Breathing’ to fade out. Jake and Caroline stand in the center of the ring, until Jake slowly begins to pace around the ring, maintaining the grin on his face as the booing continues. After some time, Jake removes the Championship from around his waist, raising it in the air.)
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
(Jake laughs hearing this, just shaking it before walking towards the ropes, demanding a microphone. He’s given one, and after this, he begins to finally speak.)
Jake Smith: What? Don’t tell me, you didn’t ACTUALLY think I was gonna lose last night, did you?
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Of course, this just gets more laughter out of the Champion.)
Jake Smith: HAHAHA, are you serious!? Look, look, I know all of you here tonight aren’t actually used to seeing good wrestlers at the top since I haven’t been around on Voltage to make the EAW World Championship actually mean something like I did in 2024, but THIS is what greatness looks like. It’s not Pandora Paisley, or any of the other Silas Mason bag carriers. The fact that someone like her was even in the World Championship picture is a joke, but because useless bitches like her are getting title shots handed to them, you all are forgetting what it actually means to hold one of these. This isn’t some participation trophy. This title isn’t here so everyone can have their turn. This title exists only for the best in the world, yet for the last three years this title has been in the hands of everyone BUT the best.
Jake Smith: You think Veena Adams was supposed to hold this title? For as long as she did?? She was lucky. She’s not the best on Showdown. She was never the face of the brand, I WAS! I was ALWAYS the face of Saturday Night Showdown but I’ve been getting screwed over time and time again, and that’s the ONLY reason Veena lasted as long as she did as Champion! Veena was supposed to lose this title way back at Territorial Invasion but she barely scraped by through luck just so she can spend the rest of the season wasting your time. She would’ve made it all the way to Pain for Pride with this bullshit if I didn’t do what I always do and save this company, so if you ask me, you all should be thanking me right now!
(As expected, this causes the boos to grow louder. The fans clearly aren’t happy to see Jake tonight, and even less happy to hear him brag about his Championship victory, but Jake just brushes off their boos before continuing to speak.)
Jake Smith: Whatever. Go ahead and cry. I’m still the greatest of all time. I’m still your Answers World Champion, and guess what? I’M TAKING THIS TITLE TO PAIN FOR PRIDE!
(Jake raises his Championship once more, embracing the loud boos. After some time Jake places the Championship back on his shoulder, before momentarily glancing back at Caroline, whose expression hasn’t changed since walking out. This seemingly causes him to remember something, as he turns back towards the fans.)
Jake Smith: Oh, right. Much as I’d love to keep reminding you all that I’m on the way to a third Pain for Pride main event, there’s actually another reason I’m out here and it has to do with the soon-to-be former Tag Champs. See, I realized something after taking matters into my own hands on Showdown and finally becoming a three-time World Champion, and it’s that I have no reason to sit around and wait for the opportunities that I-
(Jake immediately cuts himself off, glancing at Caroline, who despite remaining silent, sports a slight scowl on her face. Quickly, he corrects himself.)
Jake Smith: …That *we* deserve. Daniella, Selina, let’s just be honest. We all know you two aren’t beating us and that once our match happens those titles are changing hands and I’m becoming a Double Champion, so why don’t you two just get out here so we can speed things up, and get to our crowning as Tag Champs as soon as possible.
(Jake and Caroline wait, until ‘Duel’ by JINJER begins to play. Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes begin to walk out wearing their Championships, carrying microphones in their hands. They’re starting at the two inside of the ring, and despite the newly won Championship on Jake’s shoulder, neither of them appear impressed by what they’ve heard tonight. They begin to walk towards the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes are by no means fan favorites, and you can hear it from the crowd reception here in Arena San Francisco, but I must say, if they had to pick sides in this I’m not so sure they’d be willing to take Jake’s.
Thadd Blazevich: I don’t know if anyone would, dude. Some of the fans looked ready to hop the barricade when Jake spoke, but the Tag Champs are here and they’re clearly not here to mess around.
Persephone: You’d think that if we had to spend the night in this tiny arena we’d at least get something good out of it, but here I am watching these two prepare to speak to Jake Smith.
(Daniella and Selina enter the ring, and when they do, they observe what’s going on in the ring. While they see the confident demeanor of Jake, they also notice the apparent difference when it comes to Caroline’s. They take note of this, before finally Selina turns to Jake, beginning to speak.)
Selina Reyes: What is this?
Jake Smith: What do you think? I already proved that I’m the GOAT, but now that I have this title on my shoulder I don’t see why I should be content with waiting to do things on your time. So you beat Fire & Ice and a few other losers, so what? You still have yet to beat the greatest to ever do it, so I don’t see why Caroline and I should have to play by your rules and do this on your terms. It’s not enough that we just get our tag title match. We need this to happen as soon as possible, and-
Daniella Atlas: What is your point? You walked out last week to answer our open challenge on the behalf of yourself and Caroline, and Selina and I did not complain. We did not beg you to turn around and walk back up the ramp. We warned you what would happen should you pursue our Championships, and since you decided that this is what you and Caroline needed, we accepted your challenge. Just be honest with yourself for a second, Jake. Do you truly believe that we’d throw this open challenge and open the door for anyone to step up if we felt the need to hold onto any sort of advantage? This is not about playing by our rules or on our terms, this is about your poor choice to challenge the most dominant threat in this division.
(Jake just shakes his head, not amused with this response. Selina takes a look at Caroline, looking at the expression on her face once more. Selina could tell that things were not going as well as Jake had believed despite his victory, and knowing this, she turns to Jake and goes to speak.)
Selina Reyes: It doesn’t matter when the match is. It could be next week, it could be whenever you want and nothing will change. I’m sure you dragged Caroline into this thinking that you’re doing something nice for her, but Caroline, are you really going to be okay with another Championship loss? Are you going to be okay with another opportunity passing you by, all while the alliance with Jake Smith that you believed would assist you only continues to damage your career? It seems foolish to me. We already saw what happened at Reasonable Doubt, and this is a much greater threat the two of you are asking for. It’s a threat that you ca-
Jake Smith: Shut up. I heard enough from you and I still have yet to hear what I really wanna hear. You know what that is, don’t you? Or do I need to repeat it slowly for you?
(The boos grow louder once more, but the Unified Tag Team Champions don’t give Jake a reaction. Instead, Daniella just begins to respond.)
Daniella Atlas: Yes, we know what you want. Alright, Jake. You want to have this match as soon as possible? That is fine. We will defend our Championships against you, as soon as next week.
(This actually causes cheers to come from the fans, expressing their excitement for the future tag title match. Jake also appears satisfied, as a smirk appears on his face once more.)
Jake Smith: That’s more like it.
Selina Reyes: I’m failing to understand why you have that smile on your face. Do you really believe that your Answers World Championship victory changed anything? Perhaps you shocked the world, and left the people with a result they did not expect. You got what you wanted. You became World Champion for the third time in your career and maybe on Showdown that is enough for you to call yourself the best, but you are not entering the ring with anyone on the Showdown roster. The only thing you’ve changed in all of this is the fact that now, Daniella and I will be able to say that we defeated the Answers World Champion.
(This causes the look on Jake’s face to change, as he almost appears offended by these words.)
Jake Smith: Are you serious? You watch my historic win on Showdown, you see the Championship on my shoulder, and you actually think you have even the slightest chance at stopping us from taking the tag titles? Wow. You know I know this place was filled with dimbasses but I didn’t think it would be this bad. I thought that maybe you’d be able to come to terms with the fact that your confidence last week was unwarranted and you wouldn’t even belong in the same ring as us if you didn’t have something we want, but instead here you are running your mouths just to vomit out the same garbage as always. I get that Fire & Ice didn’t shut you two up when you were getting ahead of yourselves, but if you really think that this is gonna turn out the same way you’re in for some real disappointment, because you’re screwed next week.
Daniella Atlas: And I suppose you just expect us to take your word for this and hand you the Championships? That must be what you’re expecting. That and perhaps a bow, in which case I have to say you are truly delusional. We have already faced Hall of Famers and former World Champions this year. As nice as it’ll be for us to say we defeated a current World Champion, don’t think that you are in a league beyond what we’ve experienced. We hold these titles for a reason, Jake. We’re the most dominant force in this division, a division you are entering without any true idea of what you’re walking into.
(Daniella had a focused look on her face as she said this, staring directly at the World Champion. Despite this, Jake chose to continue brushing off the Tag Team Champions’ words, quickly looking to fire back.)
Jake Smith: Be honest with yourself, Daniella. I’m sure all that sounds very good in your heads, but think about the difference in competition here. Fire and Ice? ARIA and Candice? TLA and Chris, I mean are those last two even real teams? You haven’t been given some huge challenge to overcome, and now you’re not being given something worse than a challenge. Now you’re at the end of your reign, and if that wasn’t bad enough, do you want to know what really sucks for you right now?
(Jake steps up to Daniella Atlas, before saying just a few more words.)
Jake Smith: I didn’t forget about what the two of you tried to do last week.
(THUD!)
Rich Russillo: AND JAKE JUST BASHED HIS MICROPHONE INTO DANIELLA’S FACE!!!! DANIELLA STUMBLES TO A KNEE, AND NOW SHE AND JAKE ARE GOING AT IT!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: SELINA GOES TO HELP DANIELLA- BUT SHE GETS CUT OFF BY CAROLINE, WHO HITS SELINA WITH A BOOT TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! SELINA STUMBLES, AND CAROLINE TURNS AND HITS HER WITH A FOREARM! GUESS THIS IS CAROLINE’S CHANCE TO GET SOME OF THAT ANGER OUT, BRO! THINGS ARE HEATING UP HERE, AS CAROLINE QUICKLY GRABS SELINA-
Persephone: ONLY FOR SELINA TO PUSH CAROLINE OFF OF HER, BEFORE STEPPING FORWARD AND KICKING CAROLINE IN THE GUT!
Rich Russillo: Both women are going back and forth just engaging in a nonstop battle, meanwhile Daniella Atlas is trying to fend off Jake Smith! Jake managed to drop Daniella to a knee with a kick, AND NOW HE RUNS THE ROPES- ONLY TO GET CAUGHT WITH A BICYCLE KICK!!! JAKE WAS TAKEN OFF GUARD WITH THAT ONE, AND I THINK IT’S SAFE TO SAY THAT DANIELLA HAS TURNED THIS ONE AROUND!
Thadd Blazevich: CAROLINE AND SELINA HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO HELP DANIELLA OR JAKE ‘CAUSE THEY’RE TOO BUSY WITH EACH OTHER! SELINA CONNECTS WITH A BIG FOREARM, BUT CAROLINE IS ABLE TO GET THE UPPER HAND, KNEEING SELINA BEFORE BEGINNING TO REPEATEDLY ELBOW HER! SELINA IS SENT STUMBLING BACK INTO THE CORNER OF THE RING- UNTIL FINALLY SELINA GETS THE BOOT UP, PUSHING CAROLINE AWAY! Caroline stumbles backwards, and now Selina unhooks her title as Daniella drags Jake up in the meantime, AND THIS ISN’T LOOKING GOOD FOR THEM, BROS!
Rich Russillo: INAMORATA!!!
Thadd Blazevich: NO!! JAKE DUCKS UNDER THE RIPCORD LARIAT, BEFORE QUICKLY JUMPING THROUGH THE ROPES TO GET OUTTA THE RING!!! JAKE GOT OUT OF THERE-
(CRACK!)
Rich Russillo: BUT IN THE MEANTIME, SELINA WAS ABLE TO CATCH CAROLINE WITH A SHOT TO THE FACE FROM HER CHAMPIONSHIP!!
(While on the ringside floor, Jake Smith has a grin on his face hearing the boos right next to him. He just shakes his head knowing that ToXXXin weren’t able to lay him out, tapping his head as he gets back to his feet to show the fans that he outsmarted the Tag Champions. However, as Jake turned around, the smile would be wiped off of his face.)
Thadd Blazevich: JAKE ESCAPED, BUT DUDE, IN THE PROCESS HE JUST LEFT CAROLINE OUTNUMBERED!!! DANIELLA AND SELINA WERE STOMPING AT CAROLINE WHILE JAKE WAS OUT AT RINGSIDE, AND NOW THE CHAMPS ARE LIFTING CAROLINE UP!
Rich Russillo: BEFORE DROPPING HER WITH “THE OUTBREAK”!!!!
(Jake Smith is horrified seeing what just occurred in the ring. He’s been left stunned, realizing the mistake he made in leaving Caroline to die, having assumed that she escaped along with him. Daniella and Selina return to their feet, and they just stare at the Answers World Champion with a smirk on their faces knowing they were able to get the better of one of their challengers.)
Rich Russillo: We know things haven’t been the best between Jake and Caroline with what occurred at Reasonable Doubt, but Jake really screwed up now. He just abandoned Caroline, leaving ToXXXin to wipe her out!
Thadd Blazevich: Don’t forget our big announcement, dudes. We now know the Unified Tag Titles match is happening next week, but after what we just saw, Jake might wanna do some explaining to Caroline before they get in the ring.
Persephone: Well this has been a mess, but you know what? At least I got to see Jake make a fool out of himself, not that that’s anything new.
(Jake stays at ringside, with a frustrated but concerned look on his face as he stares inside of the ring. Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes stare at Jake Smith while they stand over Caroline, and after a moment, they raise their Unified Tag Team Championships. With this final image, Voltage fades from ringside.)
(Promotional ad for next week’s Unified Tag Team Championship match, between ToXXXin and the team of Caroline and Jake Smith.)
(The camera returns to ringside, and the crowd cheers as Bella Braxton can be seen with a microphone in hand.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… The following contest is a FATAL FOUR WAY TORNADO TAG TEAM MATCH, SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!!!
Crowd: ONE FALL!!!
(‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ by Tupac hits, and the crowd immediately explodes, cheering as loud as they possibly can as TLA walks out. TLA has a grin on his face, and he points towards the fans in attendance, greeting them all with a smile, before ‘Let Me Hear’ by Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas replaced his music. Saori Aizen was far from a fan favorite, but even her appearance wasn’t enough to subdue the fans’ excitement to see TLA. Saori had no care for their cheers though, so she just walked to the ring as TLA trailed behind, taking the time to greet fans on the way to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Introducing first… The team of SAORI AIZEN, AND TTTT!!! LLLLL!!!! AAAAAA!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: We have ourselves an insane match coming up, and I think this team right here tells you everything you need to know. You have possibly the most beloved man in the building tonight alongside someone who has likely never received cheers, both with the common goal of beating their Grand Rampage opponents tonight.
Thadd Blazevich: It’ll be interesting to see how these teams try to co-exist dude. A duo like this may not be best friends, but they’re both super tough, and I know they’re both coming for the win.
(After this, ‘Burn Victim’ by Methwitch would hit. Out walks Eris Morti, who has a composed look on her face. She doesn’t give much of an expression, though as she looks at ringside, her eyes land on Saori Aizen, bringing an eerie smile to her face. ‘Blood, Milk & Sky’ by White Zombie follows as Eris waits, and Minerva walks out as the boos begin to fill the building. Minerva looks towards her teammate for a moment, before turning her attention towards the ring with a confident, but focused look on her face, ready for the match ahead. Together, the two head to the ring.)
Bella Braxton: On their way to the ring… The team of ERIS MORTI, AND MIIINNEERRVVVAA!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: Well you spoke on teams co-existing, and I get the feeling this team won’t have that problem. Minerva is a Hall of Famer like TLA while Eris Morti is a newer name to EAW, but these two do have something in common, and it’s how far they’re willing to go.
Thadd Blazevich: That’s true, bro. These two are gonna be a threat, but already in the ring are people that know the two very well.
(‘All of the Lights (interlude)’ by Kanye West is the next song to hit, and this just causes the boos to continue. Jon Kelton begins to walk out, and immediately Kelton stares at Minerva, not forgetting about what occurred at King of Elite. Kelton walks to the ring, not even waiting as ‘Tears’ by Sabrina Carpenter begins to play. Ashlynn Quinn heads out, and she just remains focused. She looks at the two Grand Rampage opponents of hers already in the ring, and glares at Eris, knowing what occurred last week. After a moment, she begins walking down the ramp, putting a confident smirk on her face.)
Bella Braxton: Next, we have… The team of JON KELTON, AND ASHLLYNNNN QUIIINNNNNN!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn Quinn and Jon Kelton also have had issues with the other names here as of late, but I don’t think they’re too interested in working as a unit. They want the victory, and beyond that, they both want to take the next steps in their careers that they haven’t been able to. A win here could be a significant step towards that.
Thadd Blazevich: I know, right? This match is a preview match for a reason, and I know from experience that gaining momentum is a big deal in this industry. This could be what these two needed, bro!
(Finally, ‘Until It Sleeps’ by Metallica hits. The boos keep going, only growing louder as Damon Lazarus slowly strolls out the entrance area. Damon chooses to wait on the stage, keeping a cold, emotionless appearance on his face as he waits. ‘Bad Blood’ by Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar follows this, and this brings about cheers once more. Slowly, Auburn Ware begins to step out, doing her best to keep her distance from Damon. Damon turns to her for a moment, before turning back to the ring and beginning to walk. Auburn just stops, and she thinks to herself for a moment before following, holding her Championship on her shoulder.)
Bella Braxton: And finally… The team of DAMON LAZARUS, AND THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION, AUBURNNN WAAARRREEE!!!!!
Rich Russillo: The Specialists Champion and Damon Lazarus are here, and honestly… I’m not too sure what to think about this team. Of course we’ve seen them interact in recent times, but… I just don’t know about this. Both of these Elitists are incredibly talented and may even have the biggest target on their backs right now, but this is definitely not a dynamic I thought I’d see.
Thadd Blazevich: I think we just gotta hope for the best, bro. I think right now everyone’s focus is just on winning this match and making a statement towards their future opponents, and hopefully it stays that way.
Persephone: Yeah, and hopefully this trainwreck doesn’t last too long.
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Rich Russillo: AND THIS TORNADO FATAL FOUR WAY TAG TEAM MATCH IS UNDERWAY, AS RIGHT AWAY ALL OF THE PARTICIPANTS AFTER EACH OTHER, TURNING THIS ONE INTO A HUGE BRAWL ALMOST IMMEDIATELY!!! TLA GOES AT IT WITH DAMON LAZARUS! JON KELTON CHARGES AT MINERVA, STARTING A BRAWL BETWEEN THOSE TWO! SAORI AIZEN GOES AFTER AUBURN WARE- BUT ERIS MORTI CUTS SAORI OFF, AS SHE SENDS HERSELF AND SAORI THROUGH THE ROPES AND OUT TO RINGSIDE! NOW ASHLYNN TAKES THIS OPPORTUNITY, ATTACKING THE CHAMPION AS SHE AND AUBURN ALSO ROLL OUT OF THE RING! MINERVA IS ABLE TO TURN THINGS AROUND WITH KELTON MEANWHILE, SENDING HERSELF AND KELTON OVER THE TOP ROPE WITH A CLOTHESLINE!
Thadd Blazevich: ONLY TLA AND DAMON ARE LEFT IN THE RING, AND TLA TRIED TO GO FOR A SPRINGBOARD ARMDRAG- BUT DAMON WAS ABLE TO CATCH HIM, GROUNDING TLA BEFORE HOLDING HIM IN PLACE WITH AN ARM WRENCH! Damon trying to take advantage of the fact that he’s alone with TLA, looking to keep TLA grounded and apply pressure so bro can’t make use of his amazing high flying skills! There’s so much going on already, but dude, the fans here are all focused on trying to will on TLA, trying to help bro find a way out of this!
Persephone: Does that even mean anything at this dump? There’s like fifteen people in the crowd.
Rich Russillo: While TLA struggles with Damon, Ashlynn Quinn can be seen pounding away at Auburn’s back- ONLY FOR AUBURN TO FIGHT BACK WITH A PUNCH TO THE RIBS, BEFORE RAMMING ASHLYNN BACK FIRST INTO THE RING APRON! Ashlynn stumbles away and Auburn tries to follow- BUT ASHLYNN SURPRISES AUBURN WITH A SPINNING BACK KICK! Meanwhile right by them, MINERVA SLAMS KELTON’S FACE ONTO THE APRON! Minerva goes to do it again- BUT KELTON PROTECTS HIS FACE THIS TIME, BEFORE ELBOWING MINERVA IN THE STOMACH!
Thadd Blazevich: Saori and Eris have been in a super heated fight at ringside meanwhile, and it’s more like a hockey fight than anything else! Neither of them have been able to definitively get the upper hand- UNTIL SAORI CATCHES ERIS OFF GUARD BY DUCKING HER STRIKE- BEFORE DROPPING ERIS TO A KNEE WITH A SHOTEI!! That one caught Eris off guard for sure, but knowing how Eris operates, I think that might’ve excited her!
Rich Russillo: Meanwhile inside of the ring TLA has been able to power himself to his feet- ALLOWING HIM TO FORCE DAMON OFF OF HIM BY ROLLING DAMON FORWARD WITH A SNAPMARE! DAMON RETURNS TO HIS FEET QUICKLY- BUT HE ONLY DOES THIS IN TIME FOR TLA TO SURPRISE HIM WITH A DROPKICK! THIS ONE MOVE HAS SET ARENA SAN FRANCISCO ON FIRE, BUT DAMON RUSHES BACK TO HIS FEET- ONLY TO GET CAUGHT WITH A SECOND DROPKICK! DAMON RETURNS TO HIS FEET AND SWINGS AT TLA- BUT TLA DUCKS UNDER, AND THIS TIME HE’S ABLE TO CATCH DAMON WITH A HURRICANRANA, CAUSING DAMON TO ROLL OUT OF THE RING!
Thadd Blazevich: THIS CROWD IS ALIVE RIGHT NOW BRO, AND I THINK THEY’RE ABOUT TO GET EVEN MORE PUMPED UP, AS TLA HAS SOMETHING IN MIND! HE RUNS THE ROPES, BEFORE FLYING AT DAMON WITH A SUICI-
Persephone: Oh. Well that’s deflating.
Rich Russillo: DAMON JUST TOOK TLA OUT OF THE AIR WITH AN UPPERCUT, CUTTING OFF THAT AMAZING SUICIDE DIVE ATTEMPT! The crowd’s excitement was just killed with that one, but I think things are about to get a bit worse for them- AS DAMON LIFTS TLA, BEFORE DELIVERING A BACK SUPLEX DROP ONTO THE APRON! TLA falls down onto the floor, and that was a bad move to take this early on-
Thadd Blazevich: WOAH!! THIS ONE IS GONNA BE HARD TO KEEP UP WITH BRO, BECAUSE RIGHT AFTER THAT JUST HAPPENED, SAORI ATTEMPTED TO SEND ERIS INTO THE BARRICADE, ONLY FOR ERIS TO TURN IT AROUND AND SEND SAORI INTO IT, CAUSING SAORI TO COLLIDE WITH IT HARD ENOUGH TO FALL OVER THE BARRICADE AND INTO THE CROWD!
Persephone: The fans backed up this time around… Probably so what happened earlier doesn’t happen again. Unfortunately for Saori, that means she just hit that floor pretty hard.
Rich Russillo: Ashlynn Quinn and Auburn Ware are still fighting, AND ASHLYNN TRIED TO SLAM AUBURN’S FACE INTO THE RING POST, BUT AUBURN WAS ABLE TO CATCH HERSELF BEFORE SWATTING ASHLYNN’S ARMS AWAY! AUBURN SPINS AROUND AFTER THIS- BEFORE CATCHING ASHLYNN WITH SHINY BROKEN PIECES! That discus elbow smash caused Ashlynn to fall back-
Thadd Blazevich: RIGHT INTO DAMON LAZARUS, WHO LIFTS ASHLYNN UP FOR ANOTHER BACK SUPLEX DROP ONTO THE APRON!!!
(Damon glares at Auburn for a moment after this, before turning and walking away. Auburn doesn’t say anything, but she has a tense look on her face, shaking her head and doing her best to keep her mind off of everything that has happened.)
Persephone: Well while Damon is busy being the most boring wrestler ever and Auburn is making sure Ashlynn stays down, Jon Kelton has somehow managed to get the better of Minerva. He has her down on a knee and goes to lift her up- BUT MINERVA DROPS A KNEE DOWN ON TOP OF HIS HEAD, BEFORE LANDING ON HER FEET! Minerva knees Kelton after this, BEFORE SLAMMING KELTON’S HEAD INTO THE BARRICADE, DOING IT AGAIN TO MAKE SURE HE GOES DOWN!
Rich Russillo: AND NOW HERE COMES DAMON, GRABBING MINERVA FROM BEHIND AS WE MAY SEE A THIRD BACK SUPLEX DROP ON MINERVA!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT ERIS MORTI SNEAKS UP ON DAMON, ATTACKING THE BACK OF DAMON’S LEG WITH A CHOP BLOCK!!!! Minerva turns to Damon after this, KNEEING HIM IN THE MIDSECTION! The two grab Damon and send him back into the ring after this, and I think we’re about to see some teamwork!
Rich Russillo: BUT AUBURN SLIDES INTO THE RING ALONG WITH ERIS AND MINERVA, AND AUBURN GOES AFTER MINERVA WITH A SURPRISE FOREARM! Minerva is caught in the back of the head with that one- AND NOW JUST AS ERIS TURNS TO AUBURN, DAMON GRABS HER BEFORE PULLING HER BACKWARDS INTO THE CORNER WITH ALL HIS MIGHT! DAMON HAS ERIS TRAPPED, AS AUBURN AND MINERVA GO AT IT!
Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn Quinn is getting up at ringside meanwhile, and she notices Kelton starting to stir! Ashlynn shakes her head- BUT SHE MIGHT WANNA WATCH OUT!
Persephone: SAORI JUMPS ONTO THE BARRICADE AND MANAGES TO BALANCE HERSELF- BEFORE DIVING AT ASHLYNN WITH A MISSILE DROPKICK! Saori gets back up and notices what’s going on inside of the ring, and now she tries to go in to get involved-
Rich Russillo: BUT JON KELTON PULLS HER OUT OF THE RING, BEFORE SLAMMING HER FACE INTO THE POST! Jon Kelton reluctantly goes over to help his tag partner Ashlynn back up- BUT ASHLYNN WASN’T THE ONLY ONE WITH A TEAMMATE AT RINGSIDE, AS TLA SURPRISES KELTON WITH A POISONRANA ONTO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR!
Thadd Blazevich: The crowd went wild for that one, bro! TLA and Ashlynn Quinn are going at it now while Saori gets onto the apron, meanwhile Damon is choking Eris in the corner with his forearm- BEFORE HITTING HER WITH A HUGE ELBOW! Damon holds her in place after that before hitting a second one, meanwhile Minerva seems to be getting the better of the Specialists Champion! Minerva throws Ashlynn into the ropes- BUT AUBURN IS ABLE TO HOLD ON!
Persephone: Auburn runs in after this with a kick to the midsection after that, and now she-
Rich Russillo: WAIT A SECOND!
Thadd Blazevich: SPRINGBOARD DROPKICK BY SAORI AIZEN!!! SAORI PLANTS AUBURN WARE, AND NOW SAORI KIPS UP, FIRED UP!!! SAORI GRABS AUBURN AND SENDS HER INTO THE CORNER OF THE RING, IMMEDIATELY GOING AFTER HER AS SHE STOMPS ON HER IN THE CORNER!
Rich Russillo: While this is happening TLA jumps onto the apron, AND HE IS ABLE TO CATCH ASHLYNN WITH AN APRON PENALTY KICK! TLA GOES FOR KELTON AFTER THIS WITH A DIVE- BUT KELTON DUCKS UNDER THIS, FORCING TLA TO HAVE TO ROLL BACK TO HIS FEET! TLA gets back up and charges at Kelton- BUT KELTON SCOOPS TLA UP INTO A FIREMAN’S CARRY! KELTON WAITS FOR ASHLYNN TO GET BACK UP, AND ONCE SHE DOES SHE PULLS HERSELF ONTO THE APRON, BEFORE DIVING AT TLA!
Persephone: ASHLYNN JUST HIT TLA WITH A DIVING KNEE TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD, ALLOWING KELTON TO HIT AN ASSISTED F-10 FACEBUSTER! TLA is trying his best I guess, but there’s only so much he can do when he’s outnumbered since his partner isn’t even trying to work with him.
Rich Russillo: While this is happening Damon has been able to maintain control over Eris. Damon has used the set up in the corner to lift Eris into an electric chair position, possibly aiming for an electric chair drop into the turnbuckles- BUT WAIT A SECOND! ERIS GRABS ONTO THE ROPES, BEFORE ALLOWING HERSELF TO FALL BACKWARDS FOR THE ROPE-HUNG FIGURE FOUR NECKLOCK! ERIS CHOKES DAMON-
Thadd Blazevich: AND MINERVA USES THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH THE DEVIL’S TOUCH!!!! DAMON DEFINITELY FELT THAT ONE BROS, AND ERIS LETS GO OF THE LEG CHOKE, LETTING DAMON FALL FORWARD! Eris gets back in the ring to join Minerva after that-
Rich Russillo: BESTIE SPEAR!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: ERIS JUST TURNED RIGHT INTO A BESTIE SPEAR FROM ASHLYNN!!! YOU COULD CALL THAT A BIT OF A RECEIPT FOR LAST WEEK BRO- AND NOW AS SOON AS MINERVA TURNS TO HER PARTNER, SHE GETS CAUGHT WITH THE GALICK GUN FROM KELTON! KELTON AND ASHLYNN ARE IN THIS ONE AND THEY’RE STANDING TALL IN THE RING! Saori turns towards the two, and dude, it might be setting in now that she left her partner high and dry!
Rich Russillo: BUT TLA ISN’T GONNA GO DOWN THAT EASILY! HE PULLS HIMSELF ONTO THE APRON, AND NOW ASHLYNN CHARGES TOWARDS HIM- ONLY TO GET CAUGHT WITH A ROPE-ASSISTED ENZUIGIRI! Ashlynn stumbles back, AND NOW TLA FLIES IN WITH A SPRINGBOARD CLOTHESLINE! ASHLYNN GOES DOWN, AND NOW SAORI USES THIS OPPORTUNITY TO RUSH IN, DELIVERING A HURRICANRANA THAT SENDS KELTON INTO THE CORNER OF THE RING!
Thadd Blazevich: SAORI RUSHES IN AFTER THIS- BUT SHE GETS CAUGHT WITH A BOOT TO THE JAW! Saori stumbles back far from the corner, AND NOW ASHLYNN RUSHES IN WITH A SINGLE LEG DROPKICK, DROPPING SAORI MOMENTARILY! Saori stumbles back to her feet, and now Ashlynn grabs her by the arm! ASHLYNN MAY BE SETTING UP FOR RED BOTTOMS!
Persephone: But Saori is able to shove the leg away, before freeing her arm and pushing Ashlynn away, pushing her away. Kelton charges at TLA meanwhile- but TLA is able to send TLA through the ropes and out of the ring. Ashlynn rushes back in after this- but Saori counters with a drop toe hold, dropping Ashlynn onto the mi
dropping Kelton onto the middle rope. Saori gets back up, and I think she and TLA *somehow* have the same idea.
Rich Russillo: SAORI AND TLA BOTH RUN THE ROPES- BEFORE HITTING ASHLYNN WITH A DOUBLE TIGER FEINT KICK!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: THAT WAS INSANE, BRO!!! TLA WITH THE 305, WHILE SAORI HITS HER OWN VERSION OF THE TIGER FEINT KICK! ASHLYNN FALLS BACKWARDS, AND THIS HAS BEEN A UNIQUE TEAM, BUT IT SEEMS LIKE IT MAY ACTUALLY BE WORKING OUT, DUDE! Saori and TLA both look to get back in the ring-
Persephone: BUT KELTON SURPRISES SAORI WITH A BOOT TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD, DROPPING SAORI OFF THE APRON!! Kelton tries to go after TLA after this as he pounds at his back, but TLA fights back as the twelve fans here cheer TLA on.
Rich Russillo: TLA and Kelton are going at it in the middle of the ring while most of the other Elitists are still recovering- BUT LOOK! THERE IS STILL ONE PERSON PULLING THEMSELVES UP- EXCEPT THEY’RE NOT STOPPING AT GETTING TO THEIR FEET! THEY’RE PULLING THEMSELVES UP TO THE TOP ROPE, ALL WHILE TLA AND KELTON GO AT IT!
Thadd Blazevich: TLA IS ABLE TO KICK KELTON AND DROP HIM TO A KNEE, AND NOW TLA RUNS THE ROPES-
Rich Russillo: ONLY FOR KELTON TO PLANT TLA WITH “THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT”!!!!!! KELTON JUST CAUGHT TLA OFF GUARD WITH A HUGE MOVE, AND NOW KELTON PULLS HIMSELF BACKWARDS, GETTING ON TOP OF TLA FOR WHAT MAY JUST BE BOTH THE FIRST AND LAST COVER OF THIS MATCH!
ONE!
TWO!!
THRE-
Thadd Blazevich: TOMORROW AND TOMORROW AND TOMORROW!!!!
Rich Russillo: AUBURN WARE JUST DOVE OFF THE TOP ROPE, BREAKING UP THE COVER WITH A HUGE ELBOW ONTO JON KELTON!!!! KELTON WASN’T EXPECTING THAT ONE, THAT’S FOR SURE!
(Auburn looks towards the corner of the ring after this, looking at Damon Lazarus, who is getting up after getting hit with the Devil’s Touch earlier. She can’t help but stare at him for a moment, before realizing she’s taking too long, and hooking Kelton’s legs.)
ONE!
TWO!!
THRE-
Thadd Blazevich: AND MINERVA IS ABLE TO BREAK UP THE PIN WITH HELL’S BELLS!!!! WHAT A MOVE ONTO AUBURN!
Persephone: Just useless.
Rich Russillo: I don’t know what happened there, but Auburn might’ve given Minerva too much time to break that one up. Damon is going after Minerva now, pulling her away from Auburn so Minerva can’t get the pin herself. Saori Aizen gets back up, pulling Eris out of the ring just as she was starting to get back to her feet! Auburn rolls to the ropes and holds her midsection in pain after getting hit with that moonsault, and she looks… I don’t know, I think a bit regretful after not getting to that cover fast enough.
Thadd Blazevich: BUT SHE DOESN’T HAVE TIME TO THINK ABOUT THAT! ASHLYNN QUINN JUST WENT AFTER AUBURN WARE, HITTING HER WITH A NASTY STOMP TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD! Damon has been busy dealing with Minerva- BUT HE’S ABLE TO CATCH MINERVA WITH A KICK TO THE MIDSECTION, ALLOWING HIM ENOUGH TIME TO RIP ASHLYNN AWAY FROM AUBURN! ASHLYNN STANDS HER GROUND AND TRIES TO ATTACK-
Rich Russillo: BUT DAMON AVOIDS ASHLYNN’S BOOT, AND MINERVA CATCHES HER! MINERVA NOW WITH A HUGE FOREARM, STUMBLING ASHLYNN BACKWARDS AND INTO DAMON’S GRASP, AS HE KNEES ASHLYNN IN THE MIDSECTION BEFORE SENDING HER INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! Auburn tries to use the ropes to get up after this, AND SHE FORCES HERSELF FORWARD, HITTING ASHLYNN WITH A FOREARM IN THE CORNER!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT MINERVA IMMEDIATELY RUSHES IN, SURPRISING THE SPECIALISTS CHAMPION WITH A BOOT TO THE FACE! MINERVA NOW TURNS AROUND- AND DAMON GRABS MINERVA, BUT MINERVA DELIVERS AN ELBOW TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD AS ASHLYNN AND AUBURN ROLL OUT OF THE RING! Minerva and Damon are two monsters, bro. There’s no telling what’ll happen between these two-
Persephone: CTE!
Rich Russillo: NO! MINERVA IS ABLE TO SHOVE DAMON AWAY JUST BEFORE CTE COULD CONNECT! Damon turns around- AND MINERVA WENT FOR A SECOND DEVIL’S TOUCH, BUT DAMON CAUGHT IT! Jon Kelton and TLA in the meantime are stirring- AND KELTON TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THIS FACT, CATCHING TLA WITH A SURPRISE HEADBUTT BEFORE THROWING HIM THROUGH THE ROPES! Kelton now rolling out to the apron, and he seems to have something in mind!
Thadd Blazevich: Eris and Saori are still going at it at ringside, BUT SAORI THROWS ERIS TOWARDS ASHLYNN- WHO GOT UP JUST IN TIME TO JUMP AND HIT ERIS WITH A DROPKICK! Ashlynn turns back to Auburn after this, BUT SAORI JUMPS ONTO THE APRON, RUNNING IN BEFORE DIVING AT BOTH OF ‘EM WITH A CROSSBODY! That was awesome, bro!
Persephone: Damon and Minerva are still going at it meanwhile, and neither one of them are really giving an inch. Minerva was trying to set Damon up for one of her finishing moves, but Damon was able to stand his ground, overpowering Minerva before punching her in the ribs, and knocking Minerva back a bit with a forearm.
Rich Russillo: I think Kelton has found his opportunity! Damon briefly turns- JUST IN TIME TO SEE KELTON DIVING AT HIM, WITH A SPRINGBOARD-
Thadd Blazevich: MELLOTRON SCRATCH!!!!
Rich Russillo: DAMON LAZARUS JUST CAUGHT KELTON OUT OF THE SKY, PLANTING HIM WITH THAT SCOOP POWERSLAM!!! KELTON GOES DOWN, AND NOW DAMON GETS BACK UP-
Thadd Blazevich: BUT THAT MOVE FROM KELTON GAVE MINERVA AN OPENING, AS SHE RUNS IN BEFORE DROPPING DAMON WITH SATAN’S KISS BEFORE BRO COULD EVEN REGAIN HIS FOOTING!!! DAMON GOES DOWN, AND NOW THERE’S MINERVA DROPPING ONTO DAMON, TO WIN THE MATCH!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE-
Persephone: BUT TLA PULLS MINERVA OUT OF THE RING, BEFORE SENDING HER FACE FIRST INTO THE RING POST!! I bet TLA’s been waiting to get some revenge on Minerva after the beginning of the season.
Rich Russillo: Auburn Ware meanwhile has been able to fight back against Saori Aizen as the two have found themselves back in the ring! Auburn has sent Saori shoulder first into the post, and Saori falls through the ropes! Auburn noticed what happened to her partner though, and it looks like she’s checking to make sure Damon is fine- BUT THAT RIGHT THERE WAS NOT THE RIGHT MOVE, AS ASHLYNN CAUGHT AUBURN WITH A KICK TO THE MIDSECTION, BEFORE SLAMMING THE CHAMPION’S FACE INTO THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE! Auburn drops to her knees as Eris grabs Ashlynn, AND ERIS DELIVERS A GERMAN SUPLEX, FORCING ASHLYNN TO ROLL OUT OF THE RING AS ERIS FOLLOWS!
(Auburn continues to look at Damon as she holds her midsection. However, during this time Damon is able to get back up, and thanks to this, he notices her staring at him. The two lock eyes for a brief moment, and immediately Auburn tries to turn away, but by this point it is already too late.)
Thadd Blazevich: Uh oh. Damon has gotten back to his feet, and bro doesn’t look happy at all.
Persephone: Jon Kelton starts to get back up too, AND HE LANDS A PUNCH TO DAMON’S RIBS! DAMON GRABS ONTO KELTON’S ARM THOUGH, AND HE JUST KNEES HIM IN THE FACE, BEFORE GRABBING KELTON AND THROWING HIM THROUGH THE ROPES!
Rich Russillo: Damon turns to Auburn now, and like Thadd said, he doesn’t look too pleased.
(Damon walks towards Auburn, having caught her glances throughout the match, and knowing that she’s been getting distracted. Damon grabs her by the arm, and after a few words that aren’t picked up by the camera, the two exit the ring. They stand at ringside away from the various brawls, and now, Damon could be heard speaking to Auburn.)
Damon Lazarus: (off-mic) What do you think you’re doing? You didn’t already forget about our conversation, did you?
Auburn Ware: (off-mic) No, I w-was just-
Damon Lazarus: (off-mic) Good, then I shouldn’t have to tell you to keep your mind on the match, should I?
(Auburn doesn’t say anything in response to this, but this lack of an answer doesn’t sit well with Lazarus.)
Damon Lazarus: (off-mic) Don’t make me repeat myself.
Auburn Ware: (off-mic) No, I messed up. Sorry.
(A few more words are shared between the two, but during all of this, the action continues.)
Rich Russillo: MINERVA GRABS JON KELTON, AND SHE SLAMS HIS FACE ONTO THE STEEL STEPS! Minerva and TLA were fighting earlier, but Jon Kelton since then had gotten involved, dropping TLA! Minerva now is attacking Kelton- BUT THIS DOESN’T LAST LONG, AS DAMON LAZARUS AND AUBURN WARE ATTACK BOTH MINERVA AND KELTON! AUBURN RAN IN AND SHOVED MINERVA INTO KELTON! Minerva stumbles off, AND NOW KELTON KICKS AUBURN IN THE MIDSECTION- ONLY FOR DAMON TO GRAB HIM, PULLING KELTON BACKWARDS INTO THE BARRICADE!
Thadd Blazevich: MINERVA RUSHES BACK IN THOUGH- AND SHE TRIED TO HIT DAMON WITH A BOOT, BUT DAMON CATCHES HER!!!! Damon holds on long enough for Auburn to grab Minerva, BUT MINERVA IS ABLE TO ELBOW AUBURN, BEFORE TURNING AND LIFTING HER UP FOR ATLAS FALLS! AUBURN SLIPS OUT OF IT THOUGH- AND SHE SENDS MINERVA INTO DAMON!
Persephone: But Minerva ducks under Damon’s attack, all while TLA is for whatever reason pulling himself up top. Wait… What is he doing?
(Suddenly, all of the fans cheer as loud as they possibly can, as Jon Kelton and Minerva both turn towards the reason for this reaction.)
Rich Russillo: LOOK OUT!!! DIVING CROSSBODY FROM THE TOP ROPE BY TLA, TAKING OUT BOTH JON KELTON AND MINERVA!!!! MINERVA AND KELTON GO DOWN! TLA GRABS KELTON AFTER THIS, AND KELTON IS THROWN TOWARDS THE STEPS WHERE AUBURN AND DAMON ARE!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT TLA DOESN’T EVEN GET A CHANCE TO FOLLOW UP, BECAUSE BRO WAS JUST ATTACKED FROM BEHIND BY ASHLYNN QUINN!!! THE THREE SPECIALISTS TITLE CHALLENGERS ARE GOING AT IT AT RINGSIDE, BUT ASHLYNN FOUND AN OPENING TO BLINDSIDE TLA- AND I DON’T THINK SAORI IS ABOUT TO LET ASHLYNN KEEP THE UPPER HAND!
(Auburn goes to get involved with the brawl between the Specialists Championship challengers, but Damon catches her wrist, stopping her from doing so. Auburn turns towards Damon confused, and that’s when he points towards Kelton on the floor.)
Rich Russillo: SAORI KNEES ASHLYNN, BEFORE GRABBING HER AND THROWING HER AWAY FROM TLA! Saori follows as Eris Morti pulls herself up using the apron, AND NOW ERIS RUNS IN, CAUSING ALL THREE WOMEN TO COLLIDE AND KNOCK OVER THE BARRICADE AT THE TIMEKEEPER’S AREA, FALLING INTO THE CROWD!!! THESE THREE STILL HAVE ANIMOSITY TOWARDS EACH OTHER AFTER EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED AT SHOCK VALUE, AND IT LOOKS LIKE THAT’S BEING HANDLED RIGHT NOW AS THEY KEEP FIGHTING, RIGHT AT THE FEET OF THE FANS BEHIND THE BARRICADE!
Rich Russillo: Meanwhile Damon Lazarus and Auburn Ware have seemingly come up with an idea to end the match, as Damon Lazarus drags Jon Kelton back to his feet! Auburn Ware quickly slides into the ring, while Damon sends Kelton in, seemingly expecting Auburn to focus on capitalizing as she-
(CRASH!)
Thadd Blazevich: WAIT A SECOND, BRO! WHAT THE HELL!?!?
Rich Russillo: TLA OUT OF NOWHERE JUST RAN IN, SENDING DAMON LAZARUS CRASHING HEAD FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS!!! THE CROWD JUST EXPLODED, AS TLA DRAGS DAMON UP BEFORE BEGINNING TO REPEATEDLY SLAM HIS FACE INTO THE POST!
(Seeing the attack that has unfolded, Auburn immediately rushes towards the ropes, no longer even paying attention to Jon Kelton, who thanks to this distraction, has had the chance to slowly roll back out of the ring.)
Thadd Blazevich: TLA GRABS DAMON LAZARUS ONCE AGAIN, BEFORE SPINNING AND SENDING DAMON HEAD FIRST INTO THE STEPS A SECOND TIME!!! THAT COLLISION WAS EVEN WORSE THAN THE FIRST ONE, AND DUDE, BLOOD IS RUSHING DOWN DAMON’S HEAD!!
(Auburn slowly steps back, stunned by what has just unfolded. TLA takes a few deep breaths, and slowly turns towards Auburn Ware knowing that the numbers have dwindled down, all while the fans are firmly behind TLA. TLA hops onto the apron before returning to the ring, and he gestures for Auburn to bring it. However, even despite his prior words Auburn’s focus is only on Damon, and the condition he is currently in.)
Rich Russillo: Auburn Ware looks horrified by what just happened to Damon. I think she wants to go out there, but TLA is in the way right now, and I don’t think he plans to get out of it!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT HE MIGHT NOT HAVE THE CHOICE, DUDE! JON KELTON WAS GIVEN TIME TO RECOVER THANKS TO THAT ATTACK DISTRACTING AUBURN, AND NOW HE JUST GRABBED TLA BY THE LEGS, DRAGGING HIM OUT OF THE RING BEFORE KICKING TLA IN THE MIDSECTION! KELTON IS SETTING UP FOR CHANGE THE FUTURE!
Persephone: BUT TLA RUSHES FORWARD, SENDING KELTON BACK FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE! Kelton punches TLA’s back in response to get him off of him, and now he pulls TLA up before connecting with a headbutt. TLA and Kelton are going back and forth with each other-
Rich Russillo: AND THIS HAS CREATED AN OPENING, WHICH MINERVA IS ABLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AS SHE RUNS IN, SENDING BOTH MEN OVER THE BARRICADE! WE DON’T HAVE OUR TRADITIONAL BARRICADES TONIGHT, AND IT SEEMS LIKE THANKS TO THAT, THE ACTION IS SPILLING ALL THROUGHOUT THE CROWD!
Thadd Blazevich: Minerva drops to a knee, meanwhile Jon Kelton and TLA are both hurting from that rough landing. Dude, this has been nonstop action from start to finish!
Rich Russillo: Yeah, but in the middle of it all, it seems we have some sort of mental dilemma going on.
(Auburn Ware seems conflicted about what she should do at this point. She notes that the majority of her opponents have been taken out, and that this could be a good opportunity to try and achieve victory. However, she also sees the condition Damon is in, and for some reason she is upset, as part of her feels compelled to head towards him. However, a decision wouldn’t get to be made, as the crowd reaction would rise in an attempt to warn Auburn, about the person who has snuck back into the ring waiting for her to turn around.)
Rich Russillo: SPEAR!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: ERIS MORTI JUST HIT AUBURN WARE WITH THE SPEAR!! AUBURN TOOK HER EYES OFF THE BALL, AND SHE JUST PAID FOR IT!! I THOUGHT ERIS WAS STILL FIGHTING WITH SAORI AND ASHLYNN!!
Rich Russillo: IT SEEMS SHE FOUND THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO GET OUT OF THAT FIGHT, AS EVERYONE SEEMS TO BE PREOCCUPIED RIGHT NOW! ERIS BACKPEDALS INTO THE ROPES, BEFORE FLYING BACK IN!
Thadd Blazevich: THE METEOR!!!! THE METEOR CONNECTS, AND ERIS REMAINS ON TOP OF THE SPECIALISTS CHAMP FOR THE COVER!
ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!
(Ding! Ding! Ding!)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… Here are your winners…. MIIIIIIIIIINNEEEERRRRVVVVAAAAAAA AND EERRRRRIIISSSSS MORTIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!
(The fans are shocked as Eris Morti slowly rolls off of Auburn Ware, all while ‘Burn Victim’ begins to play once more. From there, the camera begins to get shots of everyone in this match, revealing where everyone ended up after such a chaotic match. Ashlynn Quinn and Saori Aizen have found themselves deep into the crowd, far removed from ringside. While those two are stirring, and even throw a few more punches at each other, Jon Kelton and TLA are right by the barricade near the ramp, laid out after everything that occurred tonight, with a few of the fans nearby even check to make sure TLA is okay. The camera showcases Damon Lazarus, who still has blood rushing down his head, before panning up to show Minerva, who enters the ring with a seemingly satisfied look on her face.)
Rich Russillo: Wow. If there is any word to describe this match, it’s chaos. So much happened that it wasn’t even possible keeping up with it all, but we tried to fill you all in on some of the biggest moments that occurred, and trust me, there were a lot of them!
Thadd Blazevich: Dude, I wasn’t sure if this one was ever gonna end, but in the end we found ourselves with an outcome I really wasn’t expecting! Auburn Ware was sidetracked worrying about Damon, who still has blood leaking out the head, and Eris Morti was able to use that opportunity to get a huge win for her and Minerva, pinning the Specialists Champ!
Persephone: Yeah yeah, I guess that’s supposed to send a big message or something, but like… What does it matter if that only happened because Auburn’s an idiot?
Rich Russillo: Well regardless of why it happened, this was a result I think everyone involved is going to have something to say about. Still, congratulations to Minerva and Eris Morti, who walk away from tonight’s show with the win!
(Minerva walks up to Eris, and she just nods her head as the two women have their hands raised by the referee. The fans boo, especially knowing that TLA did not walk away from this match with the victory, but that doesn’t seem to bother the two winners, who can both be seen with grins on their faces. From there, Voltage fades away from ringside.)
(Commercial for the Super Mario Galaxy movie, in theaters now.)
(The camera cuts back to the arena for the final match of the night. The crowd buzzes with anticipation for the World Championship main event, but that attention quickly shifts as a voice echoes from within the crowd.)
???: Excuse me. Pardon me. Coming through.
(Diamond Dixon is seen weaving through the tightly packed rows of chairs, carefully squeezing past fans with a giant bowl of popcorn in one hand and two bottles of champagne in the other. She proudly lifts the bottles as she moves along, clearly enjoying herself while people look on in confusion and amusement. Close behind her is Cosmo Goldworthy, holding a microphone in one hand while balancing an assortment of snacks in the other, struggling slightly as he follows her path.)
Cosmo Goldworthy: Careful. If I drop this, you’re explaining it to them, not me.
Diamond Dixon: Then keep up.
(Diamond finally reaches two empty chairs in the front row and drops into her seat, setting the popcorn between them. Cosmo lowers himself beside her, adjusting the snacks in his lap before raising the microphone. The crowd begins to boo as the reason for their presence becomes clear.)
Diamond Dixon: Don’t mind us. We’re just here for the main event.
(She leans back comfortably, glancing toward the ring.)
Diamond Dixon: World Championship match. Big spotlight. Big opportunity. Exactly the kind of moment people like to talk about all week long. And after everything that happened last week, I figured this was the perfect place to sit back and see what happens when those words actually get tested.
(Cosmo nods.)
Cosmo Goldworthy: Last week, Candice and ARIA talked about getting back on track. They talked about not wasting any more time. They talked about making a move before Grand Rampage. That all sounds great, but this is where it actually matters. This is the World Champion they’re stepping in there with. This is the kind of match that tells you exactly where someone stands.
(Diamond lifts the champagne slightly.)
Diamond Dixon: And ARIA said she’s ready. She said now’s the time to make a move. Well, you don’t get a bigger opportunity than this. You beat the World Champion, you make a statement. You lose, and suddenly everything you said last week doesn’t sound quite as convincing.
(Cosmo leans forward, looking toward the ring.)
Cosmo Goldworthy: That’s why we’re sitting right here. Front row. Not hiding backstage. Not watching from a monitor. We want them to see us. We want them to know we’re watching every second of this. Because in a few weeks, we’re stepping into the ring with them at Grand Rampage, and this tells us everything we need to know.
(Diamond nods.)
Diamond Dixon: Exactly. We already made our presence known last week. We sent our message. Tonight, we don’t need to do anything. We just sit here and watch. Watch how ARIA handles the pressure. Watch how she performs when the stakes are this high. Watch whether she can actually back up everything she said.
(She takes a handful of popcorn.)
Diamond Dixon: Because it’s easy to talk about momentum. It’s easy to talk about being ready. It’s easy to talk about turning things around. But when you’re standing across from the World Champion, that’s when we find out how real that confidence actually is.
(Cosmo shrugs.)
Cosmo Goldworthy: And if she wins, good. That means we’re facing someone coming in with momentum. If she loses, that tells us something too. Either way, we’re learning something before Grand Rampage.
(Diamond smirks slightly.)
Diamond Dixon: We’re not here to interrupt. We’re not here to get involved. We’re just here to watch. Candice and ARIA wanted to make a statement. This is their chance to do it, and we’ve got the best seats in the house.
(She leans back in her chair.)
Diamond Dixon: Let’s see if they can actually back it up.
(The crowd suddenly begins to react, attention shifting toward the stage as the atmosphere changes. Diamond and Cosmo both turn their heads toward the entrance, standing up out of their seats as ARIA and Candice Blair come storming down. ARIA is yelling at them off mic, pointing directly at the two as she tries to get closer behind the barricade. Candice quickly steps in front of her, holding her back and trying to calm her down, reminding her of the match coming up while ARIA continues to argue and gesture toward Diamond and Cosmo. Diamond leans casually against the barricade with an amused look, while Cosmo raises his microphone, clearly ready to respond as the tension immediately rises between both teams.)
Cosmo Goldworthy: Yeah, that’s right. I’d listen to your partner if you know what’s best for you. You’ve got a World Title match coming up, and the last thing you should be doing is worrying about us. We’re not going anywhere. We’re just sitting right here, watching. You’ve got bigger problems waiting in that ring, and if I were you, I’d focus on that before you start trying to pick another fight.
(This catches Candice’s attention, and she looks over her shoulder toward Cosmo before marching straight up to him. Without hesitation, she reaches over the barricade and snatches the microphone right out of his hands, not taking her eyes off him as the crowd reacts loudly to the sudden move.)
Candice Blair: You do not get to sit out here and act like you are just innocent spectators after what you did last week. You blindsided us. You waited until we had just finished a match, and you decided that was the perfect time to make your statement. So do not sit here and pretend like this is just you enjoying the show, because we both know that is not what this is.
(Candice gestures toward the two in the front row.)
Candice Blair: You wanted our attention. You got it. But if you think we are going to stand here and forget about what happened, you are wrong. You made things personal, and now you want to sit ringside like this is just entertainment. That is not how this works.
(Candice lowers the microphone slightly as ARIA steps forward, taking it from her. ARIA is still fired up, but she keeps her focus on Diamond and Cosmo.)
ARIA: You want to watch. Fine. I do not have a problem with that. In fact, I would prefer it. I plan on beating Drake tonight, and if I do that, I want both of you sitting right there to see it. I want you to watch me walk into Grand Rampage with momentum. I want you to see exactly what you are getting yourselves into.
(She points directly at them.)
ARIA: But that is all this is going to be. You sit there, you watch, and you stay out of it. Because we did not forget what happened last week. You made your point. You attacked us. You tried to send your message. If either of you even think about getting involved tonight, then this is not going to wait until Grand Rampage.
(The tension between the four continues to rise as Diamond leans casually against the barricade with a smirk, while Cosmo simply raises his hands in a mock surrender. Before things can escalate further, the crowd begins to react again as two more figures make their way out.)
Rich Russillo: And this situation is only getting more volatile. ARIA has a World Title opportunity right in front of her, and the last thing she needs is to get dragged into something before the bell even rings.
Persephone: I mean, they did jump them last week. I would be mad too. Still, if she throws this match away because of them, that is on her.
(Javier and Jay appear, and the mood shifts slightly as they head toward ringside. Javier quickly steps in front of ARIA, trying to calm her down, speaking to her quietly and gesturing toward the ring. Jay points toward the match, encouraging her to stay focused. ARIA looks frustrated, but she nods, understanding the situation. Candice places a hand on her shoulder, and the two begin moving toward their positions, ARIA toward the ring and Candice remaining at ringside.)
Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, this is smart, bro. ARIA’s got a huge opportunity tonight, and she can’t let Diamond and Cosmo get in her head before this thing even starts.
(Before following, Javier turns toward Diamond and Cosmo.)
Javier: You both said you are here to watch. Then keep it that way. Stay out of the match.
(Cosmo shrugs, raising his hands again.)
Cosmo Goldworthy: Relax. We said we are just watching.
(Diamond lifts the champagne slightly.)
Diamond Dixon: Front row seats. That is all.
Cosmo Goldworthy: We will behave. No problems.
(The two sit back down in their chairs, clearly playing along, while ARIA enters the ring and Candice takes her place at ringside. The tension remains heavy, but for now, Diamond and Cosmo settle in, keeping their eyes locked on the ring as ARIA prepares for the World Championship match still to come.)
(The camera cuts over to Bella Braxton after this, who has a microphone in her hand.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL, AND IT IS FOR THE EAW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!
(ARIA remains in the ring, and she takes her mind off of Diamond and Cosmo, knowing that this is a huge opportunity that she can’t afford to pass up. She looks more determined than ever as she waits for her opponent.)
Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING THE CHALLENGER…FROM CHANDLER, ARIZONA…WEIGHING IN AT 130 POUNDS…SHE IS ARRRRRRIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Rich Russillo: Well now that she’s been given the chance to focus, what an opportunity tonight for Oaxaca, Mexico for ARIA! Just last week she was able to get a pinfall victory over Drake Armstrong! You have to think that gives her plenty of confidence heading into the match tonight!
(ARIA shakes Javier Torres hand and looks between the enforcers, Candice Blair and Jay Jerry Johnson. She gives them a slow nod before turning towards the entranceway.)
(‘Pride and Arrogance’ by Takeru Kanazaki blasts throughout the arena and it turns completely to jeers. Drake Armstrong slowly walks out into the venue with his championship around his shoulder. He gives a smug smirk towards the crowd before making his way to the ring, taking his time as he has no reason to rush, even with the hostility coming from the fans in attendance.)
Bella Braxton: AND HER OPPONENT…FROM SCARSDALE, NEW YORK…WEIGHING IN AT 235 POUNDS…HE IS THE KING OF THE ELITE AND THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION…HIS IMMACULACY…DDRRRRRRAAAKKKKKKEE ARRRMMMSTRROONNNGGG!
Thadd Blazevich: And bro, Drake Armstrong has to be heading into this match with contempt for ARIA and of course the special guest enforcer Jay Jerry Johnson! One pinned him last week and the other betrayed him during their tag team match!
(Drake Armstrong stares down Jay Jerry Johnson as he enters the ring. He then looks down at Javier.)
(Drake squats down next to the tiny official and offers him a Drake Armstrong official action figure, a blatant bribe to make things go his way. But Javier Torres shakes his head much to the chagrin of Armstrong.)
Persephone: Did he just try to bribe the official?
Rich Russillo: With his own action figure it seemed!
(The official and the enforcers get the competitors into their own corner. After that, he calls for the bell to get this one underway.)
(DING! DING! DING!)
Rich Russillo: There’s the bell and this championship bout is underway here! Drake Armstrong and ARIA meet in the center of the ring for the lock-up! Armstrong is able to overpower her here and attempts to drive her into the corner! ARIA though releases and is able to slip behind the champion and makes an attempt at the dragon suplex! But Armstrong frees one of his arms and sends an elbow right back into ARIA’s face! He then sends her into the ropes with an Irish whip! Off the rebound Drake Armstrong looks for the uranage!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT SHE’S ABLE TO COUNTER IT WITH AN ARMDRAG BRO! She sends Armstrong rolling but he still manages to get back to his feet! AS HE’S TRYING TO STAND UP…SHE CATCHES HIM WITH A SHINING WIZARD! Dude she hit him hard enough to launch his crown into the audience! ARIA is starting this one off hot! She drags him back up to a vertical base and lays into him with a European uppercut as well! She then runs to the ropes, building up some speed…BUT SHE’S CAUGHT WITH A SPINEBUSTER OFF THE REBOUND BRO!
Persephone: And Drake Armstrong is now looking to punish his challenger! He takes hold of the arm and brings it into the hammerlock! He uses that pressure to bring ARIA back to her feet! She tries to escape but Armstrong maintains control…AND GETS HER WITH THE DOUBLE KNEE ARMBREAKER!
Rich Russillo: ARIA is in severe pain after that one! The champion has begun his calculated dismantlement of his opponent! He grabs the arm once again…BUT ARIA REPLIES WITH A STEP-UP ENZIGURI INSTEAD! She catches him right on the side of the head and it sends him stumbling back towards the corner! SHE MEETS THERE WITH A HANDSPRING ELBOW STRIKE! She then comes in from behind and looks to lift up with the Blue Thunder Bomb!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT ARMSTRONG TAKES HOLD OF HER ARM ONCE AGAIN…AND TAKES HER TO THE MAT WITH AN ARMBAR! It’s a bit early in the match for this sort of torture! But Armstrong knows the best way to end this one quickly! But ARIA is able to maneuver herself right near the ropes, getting her bottom foot on one of them! The referee and enforcers are calling for the break here! Armstrong releases his opponent with a shit-eating grin on his face dude!
Persephone: ARIA gets back on her feet but Armstrong isn’t about to give her breathing room! He grabs her and tries to send her across the ring with a biel throw! BUT ARIA MANAGES TO LAND ON HER FEET! He comes at her…AND HE’S MET WITH A SUPERKICK!
Rich Russillo: It catches him right underneath the jaw and completely stuns him! He stumbles forward and ARIA gets him with the hook kick! That knocked the daylights out Armstrong! SHE THEN LEAPS UP AND PULLS HIM DOWN TO THE MAT WITH THE GUILLOTINE CHOKE! Two can play at the submission game apparently!
Thadd Blazevich: ARIA is just paying him back here bro! She’s got her arms wrapped around his neck like a Boa Constrictor, slowly squeezing the life out of her opponent! BUT ARMSTRONG DOESN’T HAVE ANY INTENTION OF STAYING IN THIS POSITION! He plants his feet on the ground and lifts up his challenger dude! HE GETS HER IN THE AIR…AND THEN SHE TRANSITIONS INTO AN ARMBAR! SHE TAKES HIM RIGHT BACK DOWN TO THE MAT! AND NOW SHE MIGHT SNAP HIS ARM OFF INSTEAD!
Persephone: The persistence of ARIA is going to be a thorn in his side tonight. That girl literally never knows when to give up. It’s annoying.
Rich Russillo: But Armstrong rolls over on top of her…AND THEN PINS HER SHOULDERS TO THE MAT! HE TRIES TO STEAL WITH THE COVER!
ONE!
TW-
Thadd Blazevich: BUT THE ENFORCERS CATCH HIM WITH HIS ARM ON THE ROPE! It looks like he was trying to use them to get some leverage here dude! The referee calls the cover off and Armstrong is trying to play innocent! He almost just stole this from ARIA here! He focuses back up on the offense, dragging her back to her feet! HE THEN LIFTS HER UP FOR A POWERBOMB! HE’S GOT HER WAY UP IN THE SKY HERE!
Persephone: ONLY FOR IT TO BE COUNTERED WITH THE HURRICARANA! Drake Armstrong rolls back to his feet…AND ARIA GRABS HIM UP! SHE TRIES TO GET HIM IN THE AIR FOR THE FALCON ARROW… But that was stupid since Drake is twice her size, so he’s able to pull himself down.
Rich Russillo: ARIA lets go of Drake and he hooms the arms! It looks like be going for the double underhook suplex! BUT ARIA TWISTS OUT OF IT AND GETS HIM WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! She then brings him back in… AND SHE USES EVERYTHING SHE HAS TO SLOWLY GET DRAKE UP! ARIA hits the bridging northern lights suplex! Here’s the cover!
ONE!
TW-
Thadd Blazevich: But Armstrong gets the shoulder up before a two count! ARIA stays persistent here, immediately transitioning the cover into a dragon sleeper! A good strategy here from the challenger, wearing down the champion however she needs to! Armstrong gets the right angle…AND FORCES HIS KNEE UP RIGHT INTO THE CROWN OF HER HEAD! It breaks up the hold instantly bro!
Persephone: She’s staggered from the blow and tries to find herself! ALL SHE FINDS IS A BOOT TO THE GUT! Drake Armstrong tries to take her down with a DDT! But ARIA drives him right into the corner instead! She then readjusts herself, trying to get him with a belly-to-belly suplex…BUT ARMSTRONG ELBOWS HER IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!
Rich Russillo: He throws her into the corner instead! He then grabs her arm and wraps it around the ropes! Armstrong nearly pulls her shoulder out using the ropes! The referee begins his count and he lets it go right up to the four before releasing it! Look at that grin on his face after bringing it so close to a disqualification!
Thadd Blazevich: HE IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH THE SNAKE EYES BRO! He drops her face first on the top turnbuckle and ARIA stumbles towards the center of the ring! AND HE COMES IN FROM BEHIND WITH THE CHOPBLOCK! Bro is targeting another limb tonight bro, just wanting to dismantle ARIA in front of this crowd! They don’t seem to be happy with it at all!
Persephone: But he doesn’t care and why should he? Armstrong is focused on keeping this championship around his waist! AND NOW HE GRABS HER LEG AND GOES FOR THE ANKLE LOCK!
Rich Russillo: He has this one locked in solidly! He might just break her ankle here and you know he would love that! ARIA looks to be in severe pain and is attempting to crawl towards the ropes! She’s far from it though! She doesn’t waver even now! SHE ROLLS FORWARD AND SENDS ARMSTRONG ROLLING AS WELL! She gets out of the hold and hobbles back to her feet! Armstrong comes right back at her with a punch but she ducks underneath it!
Thadd Blazevich: SHE GETS BEHIND HIM BRO AND PIVOTS OFF HER INJURED FOOT TO GET HIM WITH A SUPERKICK! That looked painful for her as well but it has him stunned at the moment! ARIA IS ABLE TO CAPITALIZE WITH A JUMPING DDT! She drives his head straight into the mat and Armstrong might be seeing stars tonight! If ARIA capitalizes, she might be able to take him down before she’s tormented any further!
Persephone: She heads out onto the apron and lines up her shot! We’re about to see her fly here! SHE LEAPS UP ONTO THE TOP ROPE AND GOES FOR THE SPRINGBOARD 450 SPLASH!
Rich Russillo: BUT ARIA STUMBLES OFF THE TOP ROPE! Her leg gives out on her but she catches herself on the landing! INSTEAD SHE RUSHES FORWARD AND TRIES FOR THE RUNNING MOONSAULT INSTEAD! BUT ARMSTRONG ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY! She lands awkwardly on the mat as he quickly gets back onto his feet! HE THEN LIFTS HER UP AND SLAMS HER DOWN WITH THE POWERBOMB! ARMSTRONG GOES FOR THE COVER!
ONE!
TWO!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT THAT DOESN’T GET THE JOB DONE BRO! ARIA FORCES THE SHOULDER UP HERE AND ARMSTRONG CAN’T BELIEVE IT! He looks at Javier Torres and informs him with decorum that it was a three count! Javier stands by his decision here and Armstrong looks frustrated! Is he…arguing with a child right now? He eventually focuses back on his opponent here! He drags her back up to her feet…AND THEN LIFTS HER UP FOR THE SHINBREAKER! HERE COMES BY THE BOOTSTRAPS!
Persephone: BUT ARIA IS ABLE TO COUNTER IT IN MIDAIR! SHE ROLLS RIGHT OVER HIS HEAD! SHE GETS HIM FROM BEHIND WITH THE SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! But she doesn’t go for the cover there, instead rolling Armstrong back to his feet! SHE FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX!
Rich Russillo: An incredible burst of strength from ARIA there as she takes down Armstrong! She might be in a rough condition at the moment but she is not about to slow down! She follows that combination up with a kick right across his lower back! AND THEN SHE HOOKS THE ARMS, LIFTING HIM UP AND WE MIGHT SEE THE PHOENIX DRIVER RIGHT HERE!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT ARMSTRONG POWERS OUT OF IT! HE THEN ROCKS HER WITH A MASSIVE ELBOW SMASH! He sends her into the ropes with an irish whip…AND HE LOOKS FOR A LARIAT OFF THE REBOUND! BUT SHE DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT AND GOES TO THE ROPES! SHE DOES THE HANDSPRING AND BOUNCES RIGHT BACK TOWARDS ARMSTRONG FOR THE PHOENIX INJECTION! SHE GETS IT DUDE! And she looks for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
Persephone: But there’s the emphatic kickout from Drake Armstrong right at the two count! Guess she needs to step up her game. Especially if she wants to leave Mexico as the EAW World Champion!
Rich Russillo: I think she agrees with you there Persephone! ARIA is already looking to land the decisive blow, knowing she needs to put this one away! SHE LETS HIM GET TO HIS FEET AND HERE IT COMES! FANTASY LIVES ON! BUT ARMSTRONG CATCHES THE LEG OF ARIA! He brings her up to a vertical base before tearing her to the ground with a brutal dragon screw leg whip! AND HE TRANSITIONS THAT RIGHT INTO THE KNEEBAR!
Thadd Blazevich: Once again, ARIA finds herself in a painful hold! She might not have much use left in her leg after tonight! But she grits her teeth and she reaches out towards the ropes! AND SHE GETS THERE BRO! SHE MANAGES TO GET HER HAND ON THE BOTTOM ROPE! Once again the officials are calling for a break here but Armstrong rides it out as far as he can!
Persephone: Javier Torres doesn’t seem to love the tactics of Armstrong and neither does Jay Jerry Johnson! But hey, he released before the five and that’s the rules!
Rich Russillo: Drake Armstrong has a dark look on his face as he watches ARIA climb back to her feet! She has to use the ropes just to stand here! HE APPROACHES BUT SHE CATCHES HIM WITH THE EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! SHE THEN GRABS HIM BY THE HEAD AND TRIES TO USE THE ROPES FOR A TORNADO DDT!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT ARMSTRONG TAKES ADVANTAGE AND SHOVES HER RIGHT OVER THE TOP ROPE AND OUT ONTO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR! That was a tough landing for her there! And Drake Armstrong slides out of the ring to join her!
Persephone: Armstrong looks out to the crowd with a smile on his face! He then snags a beer right out of one of the fan’s hands! Is he…offering a toast?
(Drake Armstrong raises the plastic cup high to the fans in front of who are not reciprocating the gesture.)
Drake Armstrong (off-mic): To the King! Long may he reign! And of course…to her health….and her partner’s sobriety!
Rich Russillo: AND NOW HE DUMPS THE BEER RIGHT ON TOP OF ARIA! That is absolutely disrespectful and the crowd agrees! They’re letting him know it here!
Persephone: Candice is cringing a little here knowing, uhm, let’s call them past incidents, but at least she’s happy it’s not getting shoved down ARIA’s mouth!
(Armstrong signals to the fans to beat it because of the negative reaction, and then grabs a “hairful” of ARIA.)
Thadd Blazevich: Armstrong throws ARIA shoulder first into the ring post—and he’s not done!!
Rich Russillo: He grabs her by the back of the neck now, and throws her to the other corner with full force!!
Thadd Blazevich: You could hear the steps thud as ARIA’s shoulder now suffers the brunt of the steel steps as well! But he ain’t done just yet! He’s mouthing something to ARIA’s face then… OW! OW! OW!!
Rich Russillo: Armstrong is bashing ARIA’s head against the steel steps! Javier over in the ring keeps screaming at Armstrong to make it stop… but I don’t think Drake is listening!
Persephone: Well this is all legal, you know. What isn’t is Javier’s incompetent performance as a referee, does he know we’re supposed to have count outs here?! Maybe these two will get distracted enough for this match to end and we can all go home happy!
Thadd Blazevich: C’mon, he’s just a kid living a dream for just one day!
Rich Russillo: Anyways, Drake had enough of that, but he shakes his head at Javier. ARIA seems to be out right now and Drake knows what to do; he gets her back in the ring, and pins her shoulders to the mat.
Thadd Blazevich: Well, in the middle of all this, the crowd is chanting in unison for ARIA! And Javier joins them! They are really rallying for her here but there’s a pinfall to count!
Persephone: This is terrible. Terrible. Please count, kiddo… this has to end.
Rich Russillo: Well, it seems Javier only now noticed what was going on! He crouches for the cover!
ONE!!
TWOOO!!!!
Persephone: But my days of eternal damnation must continue as ARIA proves she can kick out at six or seven or whatever.
(Drake gets off of ARIA, and stares with anger in Javier’s face… but Javier just holds his hands up.)
Rich Russillo: You can feel the champion getting a little agitated here and you have to wonder if this is throwing him off his game enough that we may just see an upset here. The champion talked down on ARIA a whole lot and it would be quite the bruise to his ego to lose his championship right here…
Thadd Blazevich: Well, you can’t deny the odds are kinda stacked against Armstrong here. Cute lil’ Javier doesn’t like him. Our enforcers don’t like him. Heck, one of them is Armstrong’s rival, and the other is ARIA’s partner!
Persephone: He deserves it for being insufferable, but that doesn’t mean I have any hopes ARIA will take advantage of all of this.
Rich Russillo: Let’s move our sights back to the action guys. With ARIA still down, Armstrong applies a headlock, and really wrenches it, trying to get the air to fade from ARIA.
Thadd Blazevich: Fortunately, ARIA is showing signs of life here. She uses her completely free hands to strike at Armstrong, and it makes him groggy—
Rich Russillo: Now they’re both on their feet, Armstrong goes to strike, but ARIA ducks under! Now ARIA— WOAH!
Thadd Blazevich: Step-up enzuigiri catches the champion completely off guard and sends him backwards! ARIA takes advantage of the opening!
Rich Russillo: AND A SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB FROM ARIA!! THE COVER!!
ONE!!!!!
TWOOO!!!!
TTHHHH—
Thadd Blazevich: But that ain’t enough to put down the World Champion. It’s gonna take a whole lot more than that to make this miracle happen, and ARIA knows that. She’s locked in, she’s focused, she’s not shocked over the kickout but instead gets right back up and sets up Armstrong for another sunset flip!
Rich Russillo: And this one connects as well! This is going perfectly for ARIA! She stalks Armstrong, waiting behind him, making sure he has no idea what she could be doing next when he gets back up… and she strikes!
Thadd Blazevich: The Phoenix Cutter by ARIA catches Armstrong completely off guard, and she still ain’t done!! She rolls over backwards in one seamless motion after the cutter, and applies a dragon sleeper to the champion! Armstrong is in a world of pain, and ARIA has the submission locked in as tight as possible, with Candice cheering her on! The crowd is very loud too!
Persephone: Armstrong’s trying to reach for the ropes, but they are obviously nowhere within reach. I don’t know why we even had to make this any dramatic, just try and crawl to the ropes…
Thadd Blazevich: He’s trying alright, but ARIA herself is trying her hardest to keep Drake from doing so, she’s clutching harder and harder with that choke and you gotta wonder if this’ll do it or if there’s any more fuel to Armstrong?!
Persephone: If this guy taps out to “ARIA” we may have the worst EAW World Champion on our hands here.
Rich Russillo: Let’s not discredit ARIA’s skills here! She has won matches by submission before, and everyone in this audience is behind her! They all believe in this upset, so much so we may not even be able to call it an upset!
Thadd Blazevich: Armstrong has to think of something quick!
Rich Russillo: Well, it seems he’s going for brute strength! He’s trying to get himself back up with ARIA on top of him, and I think it’s working!
Thadd Blazevich: It certainly is! Armstrong is getting up and he’s punching at ARIA! The lack of balance sends the challenger ragdolling. Drake finally got a chance to breathe—
Persephone: BUT NOT FOR LONG! ARIA FINDS HER WAY RIGHT BACK!
Rich Russillo: J4A!!! JUSTICE 4 ALL!!! IT CONNECTS! IT CONNECTS!! ARENA SAN FRANCISCO IS ON FIRE, IT’S TRULY THE SMALL ARENAS THAT CHEER THE LOUDEST AND IT’S LIKE THERE’S NEVER BEEN MORE LIFE PUMPED INTO US BEFORE!! ARIA FALLS INTO THE COVER!! JAVIER COUNTS!!
OOONNEEEEE!!!!
TWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
THHHRREEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Thadd Blazevich: ARMSTRONG KICKS OUT!! WOW!!
Rich Russillo: Javier can’t believe it! I’m a little stunned myself… I really thought this would be ARIA’s moment for a second… and you can tell ARIA did as well. *Now* she is shocked. She looks completely stunned right now, you could tell she put all her hope into this one being what makes her a World Champion… but in true Drake Armstrong fashion, he instantly kills that hope.
Persephone: Womp womp. ARIA’s gotta take a moment to recompose while she still can, or else Armstrong will come right back with a vengeance, and that would be horrible for her.
Thadd Blazevich: That is true. ARIA badly needs to retain momentum in this match and not let her foot off the gas, or else this is how Armstrong wins this! And I think ARIA knows this. She gets right back up despite the heavy emotions and drags Armstrong back to his feet!
Rich Russillo: She hits Armstrong with a left forearm! Now a right! A kick to the legs makes the champ even more groggy! And now a roundhouse kick!
Thadd Blazevich: But the champ is still on his feet, yet ARIA doesn’t mind! She grabs his head, and runs towards the ropes! MASSIVE TORNADO DDT LAYS THE CHAMPION OUT FACE FIRST!! This is what ARIA needs to do in order to win this championship in front of these passionate fans in Mexico, and she keeps the pressure going! She jumps over the laid out Armstrong, and makes a beeline towards the corner!
Rich Russillo: ARIA springboards off the second rope— RIGHT INTO A DIVING MOONSAULT!! BUT SHE DOESN’T GO FOR THE COVER YET!! SHE RETREATS BACK TO THE ROPES, AND CLIMBS TO THE TOP ROPE!!
Crowd: LET’S GO ARIA!! LET’S GO ARIA!!! LET’S GO ARIA!!!
Thadd Blazevich: ARIA cannot contain her smile seeing this support, she looks from across the ring, and sees Candice Blair literally gripping onto her heart with a massive smile on her face! Little Javier is clapping along with the fans!!
Persephone: Don’t get too emotional now little girl… ARIA is perched on the top rope like a bird… she waits for Armstrong to get back up, though I’m not sure if the guy can get back up so soon after all this damage.
Rich Russillo: Well, she’s not waiting for Armstrong to be fully back up! Armstrong is finding his way up into a seated position, and that’s all ARIA needs it seems! But she needs to hurry to do whatever she plans! Armstrong is already up on one knee!
Crowd: A-RI-A!!! A-RI-A!! A-RI-A!!! A-RI-A!!!
Thadd Blazevich: BIRDIE FLIES!! DIVING METEORA!!
Crowd: A-RI-A!!! A-RI—
Thadd Blazevich: NOOO!!!
Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: ARMSTRONG WITH A PICTURE-PERFECT POWERBOMB COUNTER!! ARIA’S MOMENTUM STOPS TO A HALT, BUT ARMSTRONG COLLAPSES TOO!!!
Persephone: Well, at least for this ridiculously passionate audience, Armstrong’s counter-play doesn’t fully spell the end here, but well… I don’t think ARIA is finding an opportunity like this again. :troll:
Thadd Blazevich: We’re seeing muscles start moving after this high-impact drop… both of these two are crawling to the ropes, trying to help themselves out in whatever way is possible.
Persephone: Well, they’re probably gonna be up at the same time.
Rich Russillo: Or not! ARIA slightly gets the edge here and she runs straight at Armstrong! A SECOND J4A!!!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT DRAKE MOVES OUT OF THE WAY!! ARIA FALLS BACK FIRST ON THE MAT, AND ARMSTRONG PICKS HER UP INSTANTLY!!! LOOKING FOR THAT TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER!!
Rich Russillo: IF ARMSTRONG HITS THE DEATH PENALTY, THIS VERY WELL COULD BE ALL OVER, AND ARIA KNOWS THIS!! SHE’S KICKING HER LEGS!! SHE’S STRUGGLING TO FIND ANY SORT OF FOOTING AND TURN THIS AROUND IN HER FAVOR, BUT I DON’T THINK SHE HAS THE POWER TO OVERTURN THIS IN HER FAVOR! ARMSTRONG SMILES, AND LOCKS HER IN FOR THE GOTCH-STYLE TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER!!
Thadd Blazevich: WAIT!! ARIA’S LEGS STOPPED FLAILING AROUND, AND SHE GOT A QUICK HOLD OF ARMSTRONG’S NECK!!! ARIA COUNTERS THE TOMBSTONE WITH A HURRICANRANA!! THIS ISN’T OVER YET, AND ARIA IS BACK IN THE FULL SWING OF THINGS!!! ARMSTRONG IS SENT ROLLING, AND ARIA KIPS BACK UP AS THE CROWD CHEERS HER ON!!
Persephone: Dumb idiot… Armstrong isn’t fully knocked out.
Rich Russillo: AND ARIA IS AWARE OF THAT!! SHE GOES FOR THE LARIAT!!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT ARMSTRONG CATCHES HER!! THE IMMACULATE BLADE!!! THE KNEE STRIKE CATCHES HER IN THE NOSE, AND ARIA IS OUT!! ARMSTRONG GOES FOR THE COVER!!!
…
Persephone: The hell is the kid doing? He’s trying to calm down the crowd, who are overwhelming the arena with boos ‘cause Drake got ARIA dead to rights. Dude, just count the pin already.
Thadd Blazevich: Chill out bro. It seems Javier only now noticed there’s a pinfall going on!
ONE!!
…
TWO!!
…
THREE!!!
Rich Russillo: ARIA KICKS OUT!!
Persephone: Are we serious right now…? That was more like a ten count!!
Thadd Blazevich: You’re not really wrong… even if exaggerating… but you know, the fans are on their feet, and Javier is all smiles! Look at him, how can you not smile along with him!
Persephone: I just want this match to end.
Rich Russillo: Whoa… hold on a minute… guys, I don’t think Drake is too happy himself. He’s staring at Javier like he wants to put the fear of God into him!!
Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) WHAT ARE YOU DOING, BRAT?! WHAT **THE HELL** ARE YOU DOING?!?!
Javier Torres: (off-mic) I— I–
Thadd Blazevich: Oh come on! Javier can’t even speak to him. Just leave the kid alone.
Persephone: I mean, he has been fucking with him.
Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) YOU GOT A DEATHWISH, YOU LITTLE IMP??
Persephone: Ouch.
Thadd Blazevich: That’s uh… kinda crazy, and it seems our two enforcers aren’t really standing up for this either! Candice and Jay are getting up on the apron and straight into Drake’s face! Some sort of screaming contest has broken out as little bro Javier just snuck away from all this fire!
Rich Russillo: But look out from behind!! ARIA ROLLS DRAKE UP FROM BEHIND!! JAVIER STARTS THE COUNT!!!
ONETWOOOTHREEE!!!
Thadd Blazevich: THAT WAS AN INSANELY FAST COUNT!! BUT DRAKE SOMEHOW MANAGES TO KICK OUT!! HOLY CRAP, HIS WORLD CHAMPION COULD’VE BEEN GONE IN AN INSTANT!!
Persephone: I mean, I literally cannot blame Armstrong for crashing out here. I’m not going crazy, right??
Rich Russillo: ARMSTRONG REBOUNDS FROM THE PINFALL AND LANDS A LARIAT ON ARIA, AND HE JUST FALLS TO THE MAT ALONG WITH HER!! WHOA WHAT THE—
Thadd Blazevich: LOOK AT RINGSIDE!! COSMO AND DIAMOND ARE ATTACKING CANDICE BLAIR NOW!! WHAT THE HELL??
Rich Russillo: I GUESS THEY WEREN’T ONLY HERE FOR SNACKING!! THIS HAS DISOLVED INTO CHAOS AS JAY IS TRYING TO BREAK UP THIS MESS!! HE’S TRYING TO GET IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS ALTERCATION, BUT DIAMOND AND COSMO ARE ATTACKING HER FROM DIFFERENT SIDES—
Thadd Blazevich: WOAH!! ARMSTRONG JUST DOVE THROUGH THE ROPES, HITTING EVERYBODY BUT MAINLY JAY JERRY JOHNSON WHO GOES FLYING OVER OUR ANNOUNCING TABLE!! DIAMOND IS SENT DOWN AS WELL, AND I THINK COSMO AND CANDICE GOT SLIGHTLY HIT BY THAT TOO BUT THEY DON’T SEEM TO CARE!! THEY ARE RUNNING ON ADRENALINE, AND THEY’RE JUST BEATING THE CRAP OUT OF EACH OTHER!! ARIA IS JUST NOW RECOVERING, SHE’S GETTING BETWEEN THOSE ROPES TO TRY AND STOP WHAT’S GOING ON—
**CLANKK!!!!**
Rich Russillo: WOAHHH!! IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS ENTIRE MESS, DIAMOND DIXON JUST GOT BACK UP AND PICKED UP THE EAW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, NAILING ARIA ACROSS THE HEAD WITH IT!! NOW SHE’S JOINING THE BEATING OF CANDICE BLAIR!! SHE AND COSMO ARE DRAGGING HER OUT FROM THE RINGSIDE AREA, AND GOD KNOWS WHAT’S GOING ON AT THIS POINT…
Persephone: I think one person knows very well what’s going on.
(While partially playing possum after the suicide dive, Drake Armstrong snuck his way up, holding himself by the ring post, while also exposing the middle turnbuckle in the corner while Javier was quickly getting overwhelmed by this mess…)
(Inside the ring, ARIA was laid out, blood pouring from her head because of the championship shot, slowly trying to recover. Armstrong slithered inside… and as ARIA was down on her knees…)
Thadd Blazevich: WHAT THE FUCK!! IMMACULATE BLADE!!! DRAKE MADE HIS WAY INTO THE RING AND HE LAID ARIA OUT FROM OUTTA NOWHERE!!
Rich Russillo: … BUT HE’S NOT GOING FOR THE COVER.
Thadd Blazevich: Oh no…
(Instead, Drake grabs a hold of ARIA, and uses the ropes in the corner across from each other to try and trap her. Using the middle and bottom ropes, he traps her arms and now ARIA is left to Armstrong’s mercy—)
Javier Torres: (off-mic) HEY!! STOP!!!
Rich Russillo: DRAKE SHOVES JAVIER!! COME ON!!!!
(Javier is quickly left stunned and mentally unable to even move… Meanwhile, Drake Armstrong lines ARIA up, placing the front of her head on the exposed turnbuckle, and takes his kneepad off.)
Rich Russillo: ANOTHER IMMACULATE BLADE! DRAKE HITS THE BACK OF ARIA’S HEAD WITH THE EXPOSED KNEE, WHILE HER ALREADY BUSTED-OPEN FACE GOES DIRECTLY INTO THE EXPOSED, STEEL TURNBUCKLE!!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT HE’S NOT DONE!! ANOTHER IMMACULATE BLADE!! AND ANOTHER!! ANOTHER KNEE STRIKE!! AGAIN!! AND AGAIN!!! AND AGAIN!!!! AND AGAIN!!!!
(Blood quickly starts splattering everywhere, on the turnbuckle, down on the ring mat, and on Armstrong’s knee. ARIA is bleeding from both her face — the forehead and nose especially — but also the back of her head. Her blue-tinted strands have become purple… and Armstrong keeps the onslaught going. It’s overkill. But overkill isn’t enough.)
(DINNNGGGG!!! DINNGGGGGG!!! DINNGGGGGGG!!!! DINNNGGGG!!! DINNGGGGGG!!! DINNGGGGGGG!!!! DIINGGGG!!!)
(Poor Javier, both out of mercy and without any other choice, just calls for the bell to ring. Actual officials are rushing down to the ring, separating Armstrong from ARIA while the crowd’s jeers have never been louder tonight.)
(Family of Javier and his group of charity workers are getting him out of the mess while Javier seems shocked.)
(After a while, “Pride and Arrogance” begins blasting in the small arena, reverberating even louder than usual, with the tune of the song and the crowd’s boos fighting over each other.)
Bella Braxton: The winner of this match via referee Javier’s decision… and still EAW World Champion, DRAKE ARMSTRONG!!!
(Officials hand Armstrong the EAW World Championship left on the ringside mat after ARIA had been escorted to safety, and he simply holds it in his hand, glancing it at it with a shit-eating smirk.)
(Then, hearing the loud, loud reaction, he raises his hand to his ear mockingly, which enables everybody to get even more aggressive.)
(Armstrong climbs on the turnbuckle, and poses with the EAW World Championship high in the air. The fans in Oaxaca let their displeasure be known; some of them are trying to hop over the barricade but are held back by the overwhelming amount of security, while others are throwing all sorts of trash into the ring, and more specifically at Armstrong: drinks, empty cups, food packets, bottles, literal food… whatever they can get their hands on. Most of the stuff lands in the ring and at ringside. Some of it snipes people at ringside. Some actually hits Armstrong, but he is unfazed. He keeps holding the title high in the air, eating up the reaction and basking in this attention as Voltage comes to a dramatic close.)
(EAW logo buzzes.)
