(EAW intro plays.)
(A recap is shown of last week’s Sunday Night Voltage, highlighting the semifinals matches in the tag team turmoil match, Specialists Championship match and more before fading out. The camera then reopens to the SSE Arena in Belfast, Ireland. Pyro shoots out from the stage as the fans in attendance are seen cheering, before finally the camera pans to the commentary table, featuring Rich Russillo, Thadd Blazevich and Persephone.)
Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the final Sunday Night Voltage before Fighting Spirit! We’re getting closer and closer to Pain for Pride, but before we get there, we have one final marquee event!
Thadd Blazevich: We sure do, and I can’t wait for it! Things have been getting crazier and crazier on the road to Fighting Spirit, and now we only have one show left before we make it!
Persephone: Right… One more show that’s bound to be extremely boring to get through.
(The camera pans towards the stage, as ‘Duel’ by JINJER hits. Minerva, Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes make their way out to the stage with microphones in their hands, while Selina and Daniella wear their Championships around their waist. They begin walking down the ramp, heading towards the ring as Minerva especially can be seen smirking, still pleased by how things have been playing out as of late.)
Rich Russillo: ToXXXin is here, and lately things have been heating up every time they’ve come out here. I have absolutely no idea how things will end this time around.
Thadd Blazevich: Me neither, but they’re clearly here to speak, so I wonder what they’re gonna say. We know they have a lot on their plate now.
Persephone: Right… They have a fatal four way at Fighting Spirit, and worse, Ryan Wilson was on our show last week.
(The members of ToXXXin all make their way into the ring as the fans in attendance boo. Their entrance music begins to fade out, and after some time, Minerva just looks at the crowd with a grin on her face.)
Minerva: Things have gotten quite interesting, haven’t they?
(This causes more of a mixed reception, thanks to the excitement people have for the upcoming match at Fighting Spirit.)
Minerva: Of course. Milli Banks, our Universal Women’s Champion has quite the task ahead of her. She guarantees that she will walk out of Fighting Spirit as Champion, but I have been watching for the last few weeks, and from my perspective she seems… Paranoid. As if she fears anything can happen, which in a fatal four way would be absolutely true. I don’t blame Milli. She knows deep down the threat in front of her, but I don’t think she quite understands the severity of that threat. They have been away on Showdown and Dynasty, far away from ToXXXin’s path of destruction. Thanks to that, we’re here, and it seems Milli’s Championship reign will come to an end and the idea of her and I facing off one on one will be nothing more than that, an idea.
(These words bring boos from the crowd, but Minerva just continues.)
Minerva: Should this be the case, it’ll be for a reason, and it is not Caroline making use of this opportunity. No, it’ll be because of the two women standing alongside me, as they crown themselves as World Champion, and ToXXXin takes over the Pain for Pride main event.
(Daniella Atlas steps forward after Minerva finishes speaking, the Unified Tag Team Championship resting over her shoulder as she looks toward the hard camera.)
Daniella Atlas: Since the moment Selina and I won these Championships, people have continued to question us. They questioned whether we could survive as Champions. They questioned whether ToXXXin would actually dominate this company the way we promised. Yet every single time somebody has stepped forward to challenge us, they failed. Every prediction made against us failed. Every team, every opponent, every obstacle placed in front of us eventually met the same fate.
(Daniella glances toward Selina before continuing.)
Daniella Atlas: Now we stand here only weeks away from Pain for Pride, still Unified Tag Team Champions, while simultaneously standing on the verge of becoming something even greater. People act surprised that we chose to pursue the Universal Women’s Championship while still holding these titles, but why should we settle for only one division when we have already proven ourselves capable of conquering all of them?
Selina Reyes: Exactly. People continue to speak about this as if Daniella and I made some reckless decision stepping into the Universal Women’s Championship picture, but there was purpose behind it from the very beginning. We didn’t involve ourselves because we were bored. We did it because we saw an opportunity to elevate ourselves even further, and unlike everyone else in this company, we actually have the ability to capitalize on opportunities when they present themselves.
(Selina adjusts the Championship on her shoulder before continuing.)
Selina Reyes: Milli Banks has carried herself proudly as Champion, and Caroline has made it very clear how desperate she is to finally reach the top. That is perfectly fine. They should be proud. They should be desperate. At Fighting Spirit, neither of those things will matter once they are standing in the ring with the two women who have already spent this entire season proving they are above everyone else around them.
Daniella Atlas: Caroline made her intentions very clear after attacking Milli. Milli responded by claiming she was ready for anything that could happen. Good. That confidence will make what happens next much easier for us.
Selina Reyes: So instead of forcing everyone to wait any longer, why don’t we settle this face to face?
(Daniella and Selina both turn toward the stage.)
Daniella Atlas: Milli Banks.
Selina Reyes: Caroline.
Daniella Atlas: Come to the ring.
(‘Living Dead Girl’ by Rob Zombie hits as Caroline slowly makes her way onto the stage with a cold, unreadable expression on her face, her eyes immediately locking onto the three members of ToXXXin while smoke begins to spread across the stage beneath the ominous presence of the “Queen of Shadows.”)
Rich Russillo: Well, speak of the devil. Caroline’s here, and if anything, she looks more than ready to walk into the lion’s den against ToXXXin tonight.
Thadd Blazevich: Dude, I don’t even know if they’re comfortable right now. Caroline’s giving off some seriously creepy vibes.
Persephone: Congratulations, Thadd. You’re terrified of a skinny goth woman.
(Caroline stops at the end of the ramp before her entrance is suddenly interrupted by ‘you are stronger’ by lyn inaizumi. The crowd erupts as the Universal Women’s Champion, Milli Banks, steps out onto the stage wearing a pair of sunglasses, casually pulling them off and shaking her hair loose before making her way down the ramp. Without a second thought, she tosses the glasses into the crowd while keeping her eyes locked on the situation ahead of her.)
Rich Russillo: And here comes the Champion herself! Milli Banks has had challengers coming at her from every direction these past few weeks, but she’s never once backed down from any of them.
Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, and honestly dude? She looks completely unbothered walking into a situation with Caroline and ToXXXin both out here at the same time.
(Milli walks right past Caroline at the end of the ramp without even looking her way, while Caroline silently watches her with the same cold expression on her face. Milli jumps onto the apron, wipes her feet, and steps into the ring before standing across from ToXXXin. She moves toward the ropes as a stagehand hands her a microphone through the middle rope. At the same time, Caroline slowly walks up the steel steps with a microphone already in hand, entering the ring as Milli turns her attention back toward the trio.)
Milli Banks: So what’s this? You come out here to start running your mouths like you do every week, fine. I said it last week, you can think whatever you want about Fighting Spirit. I’m not going to act like neither of you have any reason to be confident, but calling us out? For what? I don’t know why some of you think you can just have your way at my expense but what I’m not about to do is get dragged around by my challengers. Caroline already fucked up when she decided to attack me last week. I’m ready for whatever now, so if you’re really out here just to run back what we already did last Sunday that’s fine, but I hope you know nothing changed. I’m still entering Fighting Spirit to win, and the last thing I’m about to do is let either of you two take this title just for an all-ToXXXin Pain for Pride main event.
(The fans cheer, but Daniella Atlas just shakes her head.)
Daniella Atlas: You speak as if Selina and I are only here to make sure Minerva gets what she wants, but that is not the case at all. We stepped into this match because we saw an opportunity to become something greater than just Tag Team Champions. This is not about doing favors for anyone, Milli. This is about proving that the two women who already dominate one division are more than capable of taking over another one too.
Milli Banks: Okay, cool. You’re not doing this just to hand Minerva the title. That’s fine, but that’s also just the bare minimum. All this plotting and shit isn’t gonna work and I don’t know how many times we need to do this before you realize that. Bitches been taking their shots at me all year long now and not a single one of them got me with a good enough shot to take this title. Why do you think that’s the case?
(Milli stares at Daniella and Selina, who choose not to say anything as Milli continues.)
Milli Banks: It’s because this means entirely too much to me to let it go just for the sake of fueling whatever you got going on. It was hard working to come back from injury and it wasn’t too long after I came back that I was in an Extreme Elimination Chamber fighting to win this title. I could’ve let all this get to me. Banged up knee, all the time I spent away from the ring, if I didn’t have what it takes to get past whatever anyone in this division throws at me I would’ve crumbled under the pressure of this place a long time ago, but instead I got right back to this title even after missing months of the season because I am that fucking good. I told you what it was from the start. I’m making it to Pain for Pride as Champion, and Minerva can try her best to pick up where she left off, but you two aren’t taking this from me.
(The fans cheer loudly for these words from the Champion, and Milli Banks turns towards Caroline.)
Milli Banks: None of you are.
(Caroline stares at Milli, keeping the seemingly emotionless appearance as Milli keeps a focused eye on her, still keeping in mind the fights that have already taken place between the two.)
Caroline: Are you finished…?
(Milli doesn’t respond, but she looks at Caroline almost with disgust, which Caroline ignores as she begins to speak.)
Caroline: To be completely honest, I don’t see why I should be expected to care about what this match means to any of you. Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes are the Unified Tag Team Champions, while Milli Banks is the Universal Women’s Champion. I am the only Elitist walking into the match empty-handed, but that is not for no reason. My season has been derailed in a way that I hadn’t anticipated, and annoyingly, Jake has had a role in that. Daniella, Selina, you were there to witness what happened in our match against you. You know why it ended the way it did, but you had no issue with ignoring the interference of Veena Adams as if she didn’t contribute to your victory whatsoever. I don’t say this to reopen old wounds, but rather because you’ve seen firsthand what this season has had in store for me, so you should never have been surprised by my decision to take matters into my own hands.
(Selina Reyes and Daniella Atlas don’t respond to this, waiting to see Caroline’s point as she continues.)
Caroline: Why would I be concerned about either of you? You are not new opponents for me. Even if Veena hadn’t interfered last time around, I’d have already had the chance to get familiar with the two of you. The fact that you even considered the idea of forcing Milli Banks to overlook me in favor of the two of you speaks to how ignorant you’ve been to your surroundings ever since Minerva decided to take you in. Somehow you still have yet to realize despite challenging for the title just like myself that ultimately, this is not about you. It is about a Championship I don’t expect either of you to leave Fighting Spirit with.
(This comment gets a brief reaction out of Selina and Daniella, who clearly didn’t appreciate those words. Caroline however turns away from them, continuing to speak.)
Caroline: Figura Prismatis didn’t pan out entirely as planned, even if only thanks to Xander Payne’s inability to last. My Championship pursuits up to this point have also been unsuccessful, but the factors that interfered with my previous setbacks have nothing to do with this one. This match is a good opportunity for me to move forward, and I intend to take that opportunity. It’s on you whether or not you can accept that.
(Caroline says these final words staring directly at Milli Banks, who doesn’t back down from her whatsoever. However, before Milli gets the chance to speak, Selina Reyes speaks up.)
Selina Reyes: The problem with both of you is that you continue speaking as if Fighting Spirit revolves around your own personal stories while ignoring everything Daniella and I have already accomplished this season. We didn’t stumble into these Championships. We earned them, and we’ve defended them against every team placed in front of us.
Daniella Atlas: Caroline, if you truly believe this has nothing to do with us, then perhaps you haven’t been paying enough attention. ToXXXin has dominated this company for months now, and Fighting Spirit will be no different. You and Milli may believe this match is your opportunity to prove something, but in the end neither of you are walking out with what belongs to us.
Caroline: I have no need to convince either of you. Whether you’re able to prepare for the night you return to Voltage empty handed doesn’t really have anything to do with me. My only concern is leaving Fighting Spirit as Champion, and calling me to the ring so you can tell me how much you don’t believe I can win doesn’t change that. You’re not as powerful as you let on, though I don’t think you’ll realize that until it’s too late.
Selina Reyes: Milli Banks survived every challenger up to this point and now she believes that makes her untouchable. You believe this is finally the moment everything changes for you, Caroline. Fighting Spirit is going to remind both of you that confidence only takes you so far when you’re standing in the ring with ToXXXin.
(Hearing this, Milli shakes her head and even lets out a brief smirk.)
Milli Banks: Trust me, we’ll see everything we need to at Fighting Spirit. You and Daniella had a cute thing going in the tag division but you really should’ve just stayed there, because none of you actually realize what you’re asking for. Daniella, Selina, Caroline, you ran head first into the first shot at a World Championship you could get, and I can respect that you three didn’t show any fear and stepped up when a big opportunity was on the line, but this? I’ve been hearing a lot of delusion lately and I think it’s about that time we shut that shit up.
(The crowd erupts with cheers for Milli once more, as Caroline looks towards her.)
Caroline: I fail to see how you’re any different. You asked for a target to be placed on your back, but you weren’t ready once that actually happened. You keep asking for your challengers to do this your way, or in any manner that’d be most convenient for you, but you must’ve known what’d happen once you opened the floor for anyone to challenge you. You were never safe.
Milli Banks: I wasn’t looking for safety. If I was I wouldn’t be taking on three different challengers, two of which come from the same group. I said it from the start. Pain for Pride’s a month away, and anyone can get it. You three stepped up, and at Fighting Spirit I’m knocking all of you right back down. You definitely got something coming your way Caroline, so don’t you even worry. Go ahead and try attacking me again. Let’s see how that goes.
(Caroline doesn’t respond to this, but there is clear tension between her and the Universal Women’s Champion. The staredown between the two is cut off however, as Daniella Atlas begins to speak.)
Daniella Atlas: Keep the threats coming if it helps either of you feel prepared for Fighting Spirit. In the end, none of it changes what’s going to happen. Either Milli Banks loses the Universal Women’s Championship, or Caroline once again falls short of becoming World Champion.
Selina Reyes: No matter how much confidence either of you walk into Fighting Spirit with, the result will stay the same. When the night is over, ToXXXin will still be the group standing at the top while everyone else is left trying to catch up.
(ToXXXin drop their microphones before turning and making their way out of the ring as “Duel” by JINJER begins playing again. Milli and Caroline remain inside the ring, both clearly irritated as they watch the trio head up the ramp. Before ToXXXin can make it any further however, ‘Legendary’ by Skillet suddenly hits. The trio stop at the end of the ramp, turning toward the stage as Ryan Joseph Wilson walks out with a microphone in hand, raising his free hand to signal for them to hold on.)
Ryan Joseph Wilson: Wait, just hold on a second!
(The members of ToXXXin don’t appear too impressed seeing Ryan once again interrupt them, but they stop, waiting to hear what he has to say.)
Ryan Joseph Wilson: I know, I did it again. You all have a lot on your plate already when it comes to the Universal Women’s Championship and I don’t intend to get in the way of that, but Daniella, Selina, I noticed you two decided to leave a bit too early and I found that a bit strange. You two didn’t already forget about the conversation we had last week, did you?
(Daniella and Selina look at each other for a moment, before Selina turns back to Ryan.)
Selina Reyes: Get to the point.
Ryan Joseph Wilson: The point is, I told you two that I would find a partner, and I did exactly that.
(These words bring cheers from the fans, and by this point Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes already know where this is going.)
Ryan Joseph Wilson: Now I understand that the two of you have had a dominant run over the tag division, and that is why I knew I couldn’t just ask anybody to work with me. It had to be somebody I could trust, and beyond that, someone I knew could not just survive, but overpower competitors like the two of you. That is why, to take on the Unified Tag Team Champions… I got a bit of help from another Champion.
(Ryan steps a bit to the side, extending his hand towards the stage as ‘New Devil’ by Asking Alexandria hits. This brings loud cheers from the fans in attendance as the National Elite Champion Daryl Kinkade begins walking out to the stage. Daryl is holding a microphone in his hands, and the Unified Tag Team Champions just keep focused looks on their faces seeing him meet Ryan at the stage.)
Rich Russillo: Well if there’s anyone that could be expected to bring the fight to ToXXXin, it’s Showdown’s National Elite Champion!
Thadd Blazevich: It’s been a while since we had Daryl on Voltage, bro! It’s good to see him, but I don’t know if the Tag Champs will feel the same way.
Persephone: I wouldn’t. Why would anyone want to see Daryl Kinkade?
(Daryl and Ryan share a look towards each other on the stage as Daryl nods to him, and as Daryl’s entrance music fades out, he begins speaking towards the members of ToXXXin.)
Daryl Kinkade: I’ve listened to you two stand out here talking about taking over another division, becoming double Champions, headlining Pain for Pride and all that, and honestly? Fair enough. That kind of ambition is what got people like me to the top in the first place. The problem is, the higher you climb, the more people start aiming for what you already have.
(Daryl looks over at Ryan before turning his attention back towards Daniella and Selina.)
Daryl Kinkade: So while you two are focused on chasing the Universal Women’s Championship, don’t forget that those Tag Team Championships are still around your waists. Ryan and I aren’t stepping up just to make noise. Once Fighting Spirit’s done and I’m still National Elite Champion, we’re coming for those titles next.
(The fans cheer, and there is a staredown between the teams competing for the Unified Tag Team Championships. That is, until Ryan Wilson says just a few more words.)
Ryan Joseph Wilson: Anyways, now that that’s been settled… You might want to turn around.
(The cheers loudly continue, as it’s only at this point that the members of ToXXXin realize that their Fighting Spirit opponents have already exited the ring… And were now right behind them.)
Rich Russillo: MILLI BANKS AND CAROLINE JUST BLINDSIDED THE UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS, AND I THINK IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THINGS ENDED UP GOING THIS WAY! RYAN WILSON AND DARYL KINKADE ARE FIGHTING FOR THE UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS, BUT BEFORE THAT HAPPENS, THESE FOUR WOMEN WILL BE GOING AT IT AT FIGHTING SPIRIT FOR THE UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP!!!
Thadd Blazevich: MILLI GRABS SELINA REYES AND THROWS HER INTO THE APRON, WHILE CAROLINE AND DANIELLA ARE BRAWLING THEIR WAY BACK TO RINGSIDE! THIS IS GETTING CHAOTIC, BUT DUDE, WHY ISN’T MINERVA HELPING!?
Persephone: What, do you want her to help or something?
Thadd Blazevich: No, but it’s a bit weird, isn’t it?
(Ryan Wilson and Daryl Kinkade are seen watching the brawl from the stage, but they’re not the only ones that have decided to watch the chaos unfold. Minerva remains on the ramp, keeping an eye on the action in front of her with an amused look on her face, watching to see what Daniella and Selina can do.)
Rich Russillo: It seems like some sort of rest if you ask me! She could be trying to see how far Daniella and Selina have come ahead of what may be the biggest matches of their careers- AND THIS IS DEFINITELY ONE HELL OF A WAY TO FIND OUT, AS SELINA JUST RAMMED MILLI BACK FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE! THIS FIGHT HAS ALREADY GOTTEN OUT OF HAND, AS THOSE TWO CONTINUE TRADING BLOWS!
Thadd Blazevich: DANIELLA ON THE OTHER HAND IS USING HER STRENGTH TO OVERPOWER CAROLINE! SHE SLAMS THE BACK OF CAROLINE’S HEAD INTO THE RING POST, BUT CAROLINE IS ABLE TO FIGHT BACK WITH A KICK TO THE MIDSECTION! CAROLINE LANDS A RIGHT HAND TO DANIELLA, AND SHE STARTS WAILING AWAY AT HER!
(As the fight continues, security guards can be seen rushing out, running past Ryan Wilson and Daryl Kinkade as they race down the ramp. They pass by Minerva as well, before finally rushing over to the four brawling Elitists. They quickly grab them, pulling them away from each other as soon as they can, all while the fans boo for the disruption.)
Rich Russillo: AND IT LOOKS LIKE SECURITY HAS BEEN CALLED TO CLEAN THIS UP- BUT THIS IS STILL QUITE THE MESS, AS MILLI WAS ABLE TO LAND A KICK TO SELINA’S STOMACH WHILE BEING DRAGGED AWAY! SELINA IS TRYING TO FIGHT OUT OF THE SECURITY GUARD’S GRASP, AND A SIMILAR SCENE HAS UNFOLDED BETWEEN CAROLINE AND DANIELLA!
Thadd Blazevich: This isn’t gonna be an easy one to get under control bro, that’s for sure! This is a mess, but as much as they wanna tear each other apart right now, they at least will be able to do exactly that in one week, at Fighting Spirit!
(The camera shows the security guards continuing to try and pull the four women away from each other, trying to prevent the brawl from getting too violent before their match only a week from now. One more shot is shown of Minerva, who seems satisfied by what she has seen tonight, all while Daryl and Ryan remain on the stage, keeping an eye on their future opponents. With one final shot of the women in the Universal Women’s Championship match, the camera fades from ringside.)
(Sunday Night Voltage continues forward as we go to the backstage area to show Sofia Clarke standing in an undisclosed location looking quite nice and dapper. She is not in the usual area she conducts interviews as she looks towards the camera and begins to speak.)
Sofia Clarke: Welcome back to Sunday Night Voltage, ladies and gentleman! We are just one week away from Fighting Spirit, and the card for that event is shaping up to be an exciting one! Multiple titles will be on the line and the stakes will be as high as ever as we get closer to Pain for Pride in Toronto! While many have already gotten their opportunities to compete at Pain for Pride this year, others are still looking for that chance to stamp their name on the card and compete at the biggest show of the year! Speaking of which… two names are walking out right now that fit that very mold.
(Sofia quickly approaches two individuals as the camera follows them, panning over to reveal ARIA and Candice Blair. The two are seemingly talking to one another as they glance over to see Sofia quickly approaching, the interviewer beginning to speak up to get their attention.)
Sofia Clarke: ARIA, Candice, is it possible that we could get some words with you two?
(ARIA and Candice look at each other, not expecting to be interviewed at this moment, before ARIA answers Sofia…)
ARIA: Yeah, sure… What’s on your mind, Sofia?
Sofia Clarke: Well, I just wanted to ask about everything that happened last week and what transpired. As we all saw, ARIA, you were unsuccessful in making it to the finals of the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament thanks to Jon Kelton getting involved in the match and taking your partner, Bronson Daniels, out of the equation. While the opportunity for competing for the Unified Tag Team Championships at Pain for Pride may not be in your future… You and Candice both have a shot at getting to the Marquee Event if you manage to qualify for the Cash in the Vault ladder match at Fighting Spirit. I just wanted to get your perspective on the entire thing.
(ARIA listened to what Sofia had to say, as she thought about it for a few seconds before answering…)
ARIA: As you mentioned, Sofia… I’m not exactly thrilled about losing last week and being eliminated the way we did in the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament, so close to contending for the finals. It’s a shame that Kelton had to get himself involved in the match due to his issues with Bronson, and therefore, I was the one who suffered because of that, getting pinned and subsequently losing to Bethany and TLA. It’s not ideal at all, and not exactly the greatest feeling in the world. I mean, think about it… you’d feel the same way if an opportunity to compete for the Unified Tag Team Championships at Pain for Pride gets taken away from you because of outside forces, you not being able to do anything about it… it’s not a great feeling. However, throughout my time here in Elite Answers Wrestling, I have been through many setbacks that are enough to break people’s minds and spirit. I could’ve been one of them, but I wasn’t, and I told them last week that no matter what I may go through, I will never let it judge me, I will never be driven by the result of failure. So this Tag Team Turmoil Tournament is being put in the past as I intend to stay focused and ready. Because the opportunity, as you mentioned, will be one I will give my all towards.
Sofia Clarke: I assume you feel the same way about the Cash in the Vault opportunity as well, Candice? Quite the hand you’ve been dealt considering you both have gotten this opportunity….
Candice Blair: Of course we’re getting the same opportunity because it’s us! ARIA is going to give it her all and so will I to earn the ultimate prize, and for me personally? I have the chance to compete in the Cash in the Vault ladder match again like I did a couple years ago, and thinking about that reminded me of all the opportunities that I’ve gotten throughout my career… and the ones that I have lost as well. Last year at Fighting Spirit could have been the biggest moment of my career if it wasn’t for Selina Reyes attacking me and taking me out of the No Way Out match. This year, my chance to compete for the Cash in the Vault briefcase is up in the air, and I plan to make the most of this opportunity and not let what happened last year be a repeat for next week.
Sofia Clarke: For sure, Candice. With you and ARIA competing in the same qualifier match, I’m sure you both know that only one of you can advance and head towards Pain for Pride and the Cash in the Vault ladder match.
(Both ARIA and Candice glance over and nod at each other as ARIA speaks first, saying…)
ARIA: Of course, Sofia… it has dawned on us that we’re competing for the same opportunity. But at the same time, we both know how big this would be for our careers at the moment to compete in the Cash in the Vault ladder match. This is not something that we’re new to, in fact, we competed in the same match two years ago at Pain For Pride Kingdom. What that tells me is that we both have the experience factor of what it is like being in that match, and it could be a major step for either of us towards becoming a World Champion, something that has eluded us in our careers here in Elite Answers Wrestling.
Candice Blair: Competing for the same opportunity, especially considering how much our friendship has blossomed in the past couple of months… It’s challenging to think about, of course. But at the same time, that isn’t going to stop either of us from competing at Fighting Spirit, and like ARIA said, this is a major step for us to climb that mountain and break through that glass ceiling to finally become a World Champion. Make no mistake about it, we’re both pleased to have the chance to compete in the qualifier match, but we also know it won’t be easy at all. So we’re taking this seriously, and leaving no question that both of us will do our best to advance.
(Sofia nods in agreement as looks pleased at the answers both ARIA and Candice gave her. She then asks another question as she says… )
Sofia Clarke: It won’t be just you two competing in that qualifier match either, we have two other competitors looking to also stamp their ticket and go to Pain for Pride to compete for the Cash in the Vault briefcase. Those two being… NICK and Damon Lazarus.
(Both Candice and ARIA have annoyed looks on their faces at the mere mention of Damon’s name as Sofia continues with her question.)
Sofia Clarke: So, I wanted to get your thoughts on last week, with Damon attacking both Candice and NICK during their confrontation in the ring.
(Candice is the first to speak as she tells Sofia…)
Candice Blair: I was not too happy about all that.
ARIA: Neither was I.
Candice Blair: I mean, getting punt kicked in the skull isn’t all too great, I’ll tell you that much. But… I know the kind of competitor Damon is, and that someone like him isn’t to be trusted whatsoever. He is the exact opposite of who the two of us are as people, and I think anyone can tell you just how much chaos he’s caused in the short time he’s been a member of the Voltage roster. With him having a big opportunity like this, I’m sure in his mind he wanted to make some sort of statement towards the opponents competing for the same opportunity as him, that being myself and NICK at the time. I’ll tell you this, though I didn’t expect that. Damon picked his spot, caught us off guard, and struck, and that’s why it went down the way that it did last week. But I can tell you right now… I don’t intend to let something like that happen again.
(Both Candice and ARIA seem determined by that statement, as Candice continues to speak as she says… )
Candice Blair: Damon is not going to get away with what he did that easily. At the same time, I think he knows that he can’t just attack us the way that he did and get away scotfree without any consequences. Let it be known now, we’re not letting anyone ruin our plans for Pain For Pride, especially not him, and the two of us are going to make sure of that given the right opportunity. Like we said earlier, we’re not going to take this match for granted, we need to show that we’re serious about advancing and making sure, out of the two of us, the beat Elitist advances and makes it into Cash in the Vault.
(Candice turns towards ARIA, who speaks, as she tells Sofia. )
ARIA: Fighting Spirit will be about who wants it more, whether it be myself, Candice, NICK, or even Damon. And I’m going to give it everything that I have and more for this match, and Candice, I am sure that you feel the exact same way. But I’m not going to speak for you in that regard.
(Candice nods toward ARIA as Sofia once again agrees with the both of them. Sofia then says towards the two of them…)
Sofia Clarke: Thank you for taking the time to do this, good luck in your guys’ qualifying match at Fighting Spirit.
Candice Blair: Appreciate it, Sofia.
ARIA: You’re welcome!
(Both Candice and ARIA leave and walk out of the frame, as the camera pans over to Sofia who continues looking toward the camera as she says…)
Sofia Clarke: Some fantastic insight by both ARIA and Candice as their Pain for Pride journeys will clash in the Cash in the Vault qualifier match next week at Fighting Spirit! As for the other two? I am sure Damon Lazarus and NICK will give everything they’ve got to make a name for themselves and compete in that match as well. Sending it back to you guys at commentary!
(Sofia has a smile on her face as the segment fades out!)
(Promotional ad for Fighting Spirit, where the Cash in the Vault qualifying match will be held.)
(‘REVIVER’ by MY FIRST STORY begins to play and the crowd cheers. Sayuri Himura makes her way onto the stage with a serious expression on her face. She heads down to the ring hastily and it looks like there is something on her mind.)
Rich Russillo: And here comes Sayuri Himura! There definitely seems to be a lot on her mind. Especially considering everything that has happened with Eris Morti in recent weeks! I mean, two weeks ago Eris attacked her following their loss in the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament!
Thadd Blazevich: Let’s not forget about the tense confrontation just last week on Voltage either bro! Eris Morti sent a warning to her…well…definitely a threat dude! You have to wonder where Himura is going to stand on all of this and what she’s going to say here tonight!
(Sayuri goes to grab a microphone. She stands in the center of the ring and looks around at the fans. But then her attention turns towards the stage as she goes to speak.)
Sayuri Himura: Eris Morti. I think that I would rather say what I need to say directly to you. I have been thinking about what you said last week. You made a threat to me. There is no way to dance around it. But why did you do this? It is not like we have not had our clashes before and in the end I won. But still when we lost to Doctor Bethany Blue and TLA, you chose to strike me Eris. You tried to ambush me but I was not going to be taken by surprise. You were knocked down. Your mistake was getting back up and thinking that you could step back up to me. More specifically, you think that we are going to play your game. I am not.
Sayuri Himura: Because I know what you seek. You do not want this to be an honorable competition. You want me scared…paranoid. You want to be checking around every single corner and always watching my back. Because that is what you do. You play mind games. It is either that or you intend for us to go at each other like animals not real Elitists. So, we will settle this the way that it should be settled, Eris. Which means that you are not going to hide in any shadows or act like a beast. No, you are going to come down to this ring…right now.
(Sayuri lowers the microphone and watches the stage. The EAW Universe watches in anticipation, waiting for Eris Morti to come out. But a few moments go by and there is nothing but silence.)
Persephone: Oh don’t worry…I’m sure she’ll be out here any minute. Maybe by like the end of the show or something.
(Sayuri seems to get frustrated after it seems apparent that Eris Morti is not going to show. She paces around the ring before raising the microphone back to her face.)
Sayuri Himura: You know, I wish I could have expected anything different from you Eris. I do. But you are so predictable. No, you would rather keep playing these games and for what reason? What reason Eris? Because you do not agree with the way that I wrestle or my philosophy. The two of us are opposites in so many ways. In fact, we could not be further apart in so many ways. Because what I do is hone my talents. I am here to fight the best in the world and overtake them. I am here to eventually rise to the spot of the greatest. And I will not engage in your sort of tactics to get there. I am not going to beat my opponents by playing games or seeking unfair advantages. I defeat them through my own skill and heart. And that is not who you are Eris.
Sayuri Himura: But this is not just about the differences between our mentalities, Eris. No, there is more to it. It is about respect. You do not have any of it. For anyone. That is proven in the way you conduct yourself every week. Is that you want? You want to disrespect everyone in this company, make enemies just to chase some enjoyment? Because that is a terrible, terrible reason to be doing what you do. It is. And you may claim that it is what you want and who you are but I do not remember you smiling after I laid you out two weeks ago. No, I think there was a different expression on your face. Perhaps it was pain…or anger…something that reflected a general lack of fun.
Sayuri Himura: And you find no amusement with how this ends. Eris, we are going to settle this the way that it should be settled. After all this time…after all of your sad games…we are going to finally put all of this to rest. And then I am going to move on from you. Because there is more to my career than you. And as I was saying, I am here to sharpen my talents and become the greatest. You will be a distant memory by the time everything is said and done. Good. Luck.
(Sayuri Himura drops the microphone and goes to exit the ring.)
Rich Russillo: WOW! What bold words coming from Sayuri Himura tonight! It seems very clear that she is through with Eris Morti! She just wants to put an end to everything that has been going on between them!
Thadd Blazevich: Bro I am just surprised that Eris Morti didn’t come out here! Sayuri Himura called her out…she verbally laid into her too! Yet there is no sight of Morti here tonight!
(Sayuri Himura exits the ring using the steel steps. As she walks by the barricade, a hooded figure emerges from the audience and reaches for her…)
Persephone: IT’S ERIS MORTI! SHE JUST APPEARED IN THE CROWD LIKE A SUPERVILLAIN OR SOMETHING! AND SHE JUST PULLS HIMURA STRAIGHT INTO THE AUDIENCE AND BEGINS WAILING ON HER!
Rich Russillo: Sayuri Himura might have been blindsided here but she still seems ready to fight Eris off! She catches a punch and replies with a massive knife-edge chop! And now these two are just exchanging blows and fighting up the stands here! Security is trying to get these fans out of the way as all hell is breaking loose!
Thadd Blazevich: AND HIMURA LOOKS FOR THAT SPINNING BACKFIST HERE! BUT THE IZANAMI MISSES BRO! AND ERIS MORTI GETS HER UP ONTO HER SHOULDERS…AND THEN GETS A DEATH VALLEY DRIVER ONTO THE CONCRETE STAIRS BRO! Sayuri Himura looks completely out of it now…she might even be paralyzed after that too dude!
Persephone: Yikes, Eris Morti doesn’t even seem done with her yet either! Look at that, she’s found herself a steel chair. I have a feeling she’s not going to use it sit down and I love that. LETS SEE A MURDER!!!
Rich Russillo: And look at this! Eris Morti begins savagely wailing on Himura here! There is a lot of fury here! She just keeps going until Himura has gone completely limp…AND THEN SHE JUST KEEPS GOING! Blood is now flowing out of her head! She is just a bloody mess here among the EAW Universe!
(Eris Morti looks down at the heavily wounded Himura with an intense stare. It then gives way to a smile as she admires her own handiwork.)
Thadd Blazevich: Wait a second here bro! WAIT A SECOND! ERIS IS NOW GRABBING ANOTHER CHAIR! I couldn’t imagine what else she thinks there is to do! Seems like whatever message she was trying to send has already been sent! But no..she’s wrapping that chair around her rival’s head now! Whatever she has in mind here could spell disaster for Himura!
Persephone: AND SHE BRINGS DOWN THE METEOR RIGHT ON THE CHAIR! HAHAHAHA! NO WAY! THAT IS AMAZING!
Rich Russillo: SHE MIGHT HAVE JUST CRUSHED HER HEAD COMPLETELY WITH THAT ONE! I don’t know if she’s still breathing after that one! Eris Morti just obliterated her opponent with that! And now here comes the medical team, they are looking after Himura here! They tell Morti that she needs to back up and there’s a smirk on her face! She shrugs and begins heading up the stairs!
(She walks away slightly and then looks back. The crowd boos that smirk gives way to a grin.)
Thadd Blazevich: NO BRO! ERIS MORTI DIVES DOWN PAST THE MEDICAL CREW AND HITS ANOTHER METEOR! A SECOND H-BOMB HAS HIT SAYURI HIMURA! Morti is completely relentless here! Dudes…she delivered on her threat.
Rich Russillo: Indeed she did. I think Himura just got a taste of just how dangerous Eris Morti can be when she wants to! Sayuri Himura might have made a mistake calling her out in front of these people! But that might not have mattered either! Eris had her eyes on her prey and she pounced when the time was right! This was pure brutality folks! And you have to wonder if Himura is going to be okay after this heinous attack!
(Eris Morti walks away from the scene of the crime laughing. Security rushes up to her but she willingly walks away. Medical is attending to the ravaged Sayuri Himura. She lays in a puddle of her own blood. The camera fades elsewhere.)
(The EAW Specialists Champion, Auburn Ware, is seen entering the arena for tonight’s episode of Voltage. She is clutching the handle of her rolling suitcase and has a nervous look on her face. Despite that, she looks great in a tight fitting black mini-dress, black and white lace up converse sneakers that hit below her knees, and her long, dark hair falls in soft waves over her shoulders. It’s been an interesting week for the champion, who’s not had any contact with Damon Lazarus since what went down last week. Typically he would always find her, showing up when she least expects it but this week?)
(It’s different.)
(Goosebumps break out across Auburn’s arms as she gets the sensation she’s being watched. She pauses, looks around, and when she doesn’t see anyone out of the ordinary, she continues walking. She’s about to round the corner when Sofia Clarke appears with a smile on her face.)
Sofia Clarke: Auburn! Do you have a moment? I know you have a contract signing with Saori Aizen later on tonight but I’d like to ask you about what happened last week.
(Auburn is about to reply when that familiar feeling creeps over her. Damon Lazarus appears in her line of sight and his face is void of any emotion. Auburn bites down on her bottom lip as Damon simply points at her and crooks his finger, motioning for her to follow him. Auburn’s feet feel like lead all of a sudden but she drops her head. She already knows she’s going to follow him. It’s against her better judgment that she follows a silent Damon down the hall and into a spare room with an open door.)
(Not a word is uttered, at least not yet. Damon’s arms cross as he stands directly by the doorway, with a stern expression set in place as he stands upright while facing forward. His glance is taken away from Auburn, which would normally appease to make Auburn feel much more comfortable—yet, in the lingering thoughts of disappointment & scarcity, not having his gaze set toward her served as a reminder of his own disgruntlement that she did not wish to see. Nonetheless, Auburn keeps her head down as Damon remains in place until she finds herself gingerly stepping into the room with a slight shake in her body language.)
Damon Lazarus: Right……
(Damon steps himself inside the room, with a palm along the knob as he closes the door shut.)
Damon Lazarus: So, let me get this straight….
(The door is quickly locked soon after, as Damon is glaring toward Auburn with an unamused expression.)
Damon Lazarus: I gave you some real clear orders. I don’t truly believe that I need to sound out my words toward you, ‘cause I’d say I speak pretty goddamn coherently. So, you absolutely listened to my every single word—yet, you still went ahead & did what you did anyway. You took it upon yourself to let all of that youthful energy coalesce with your anger toward Saori, and that led to ME not being able to move further along in this tournament. Ah, and before you mention it, I am clearly aware of the qualifier that I’ve got in store, but that is not an excuse for what you did… You didn’t listen, and I hate when my words fall on seemingly deaf ears… Whatever comes out of your mouth, better be good…
(Now that Damon’s eyes are finally on her, Auburn wishes they weren’t. Instead of his usual emotionless glare, his eyes are narrowed and sparked with a fire that Auburn doesn’t necessarily feel comfortable with. She knew that her actions would have consequences but what she didn’t anticipate was having to wait for them and that’s what she had been doing… for an entire week. Now that Damon was in front of her, Auburn felt a little meek.)
Auburn Ware: I…
(Her voice trails off as Damon sucks in a breath.)
Damon Lazarus: Make them damn good…
(Auburn steps forward and places her hands on his muscled arms. She looks up at him, already looking chastened and remorseful.)
Auburn Ware: I did listen to you, and I heard every word, and I made a snap decision in the heat of the moment, because… I-I was jealous…
(Auburn pauses for a moment and squeezes his forearms before looking at the ground.)
Auburn Ware: (quietly) Am… jealous…
(Damon is looking toward her, his stern expression remaining on his face as he stood stone-walled in his stance. However…)
Damon Lazarus: Jealous…
(Damon steadily glances down, his eyes closing shut as he sets a palm along his own temple—as he couldn’t temper the chuckles that emerged from within. He shook his own head, as Auburn incurred an expression of confusion & slight embarrassment in her own eyes, as Damon’s jest continued while exhaling sharply.)
Damon Lazarus: You’re kidding me… In the heat of the moment… You couldn’t behave for just a little longer so I could secure the win. Yeah… Jealous…
(His chuckles grow a bit further, with a palm placed along his own midsection as he turns himself away from Auburn, shaking his own head considerably as he leans his forearm against the wall, his attention diverted away entirely from Auburn as his amusement has surely been peaked.)
(Auburn lets out a sigh and she closes the space between herself and Damon. She starts to reach out for him but hugs herself instead, as if trying to protect her pride as well as her heart.)
Auburn Ware: M-Maybe you find that funny but, but I have always tried to be honest with you about how I feel…
(When he doesn’t reply, his laughter turning cruel, Auburn sticks out a tentative hand and touches his shoulder.)
Auburn Ware: You just don’t want to hear about them… Would you rather I lie to you right now or, or make an excuse…? I’m sorry… my words aren’t good enough, but they’re not… they’re not funny.
(Her touch is soft, gentle, like it always is except for the time she stole a kiss from him after he had broken into her hotel room—)
(CRASH!!!)
(Auburn is immediately startled as she takes a visible few steps back, as Damon’s fist is sent blistering into the wall with enough force to cause a rupture in the drywall. Damon’s chuckles come to an abrupt halt, his glance kept aimed downward as he exhales sharply.)
Damon Lazarus: No… They’re not funny. As far as I am truly concerned, nothing about any of this is as comical as it should be…
(His gaze returns back toward her, as the chuckle has dissipated while taking a step forward, motioning his wrist around as he shakes off the dust of drywall lingering on his knuckles.)
Damon Lazarus: I’ll admit, I thought you would’ve got the hang of it by now… All of that youth, all of that inexperience… A clean, fresh slate to learn… But, it appears I have overestimated your willingness here. You still struggle… And it’s truly getting on my goddamn nerves….
(Damon takes another step forward, which prompts Auburn, out of sheer instinct to take another one back. She furrows her brow, trying to make sense of Damon’s words, or better yet, try to piece together his agenda. She runs her tongue across her full, plump lips not in an attempt to be seductive, although the action strikes Damon in that way despite his anger, but just out of habit. When Auburn looks up at Damon’s face, in an attempt to search for answers, the look she sees actually scares her.)
Auburn Ware: I-I think I s-should go…
(All Damon does is shake his head. Auburn closes her eyes and braces herself, for what? She doesn’t exactly know.)
Auburn Ware: I, I don’t understand what’s going on between us… I think I made it clear that, I was eager for what I thought you wanted to give me… I-I told you that I w-wanted you… I don’t know what you have been trying to teach me… I-I didn’t disobey you on purpose, Damon…
(Silence fills the room and the unknown of it forces Auburn to crack her eyes open again. She sees that Damon’s knuckles are busted open and she wants to run to him, but she doesn’t dare move.)
Damon Lazarus: Yeah…? Didn’t disobey on purpose, huh…?
(In what felt like a momentary blitz of an action, Damon’s palm quickly reaches for Auburn, his extended reach allowing him to take hold of her hair & roughly drag her right over to himself, causing Auburn to settle both of her hands along his own forearm in an attempt to keep herself upright. Damon did not waste any further movements, keeping a tight restraint of her hair as he glared down to her.)
Damon Lazarus: You read that goddamn matchcard like anybody else would. You even had a title match on that same night, and what did you do, huh…? You thought it was a great idea to intrude on my match. You know what that told me? That told me, your hatred for this woman extended beyond your appeasement for me, Auburn… THAT is precisely what I took from your little stunt of childish jealousy…
(He raises his grip on her hair, which causes Auburn to steady herself on her toes as she feels Damon just one notch away from hoisting her off of the floor entirely.)
Damon Lazarus: And all you have left to give, is nothing but the same old, redundant, piss poor excuses… Jealousy… What a shitshow… You think I’m some kind of joke for you to give these pathetic reasons for…? Answer me…
(Tears have started to form in Auburn’s eyes, not just from the pain of Damon’s hold on her, but for the fact she’s seemingly drawn his wrath.)
Auburn Ware: Of course not.
(Her voice is small but her grip on his arm tightens. Her nails dig into his skin, even though she’s not trying to mark him.)
Auburn Ware: I’m.. I’m s-sorry that I made you angry, b-but you have never listened to me… Why don’t I matter…?
(A snarl rips from Damon’s lips and he has to hold himself back from flinging her to the ground. Auburn tries to fight back her tears, but they slip down her cheeks and her face turns red as a result. She doesn’t want to cry in front of Damon. She knows he doesn’t care.)
Auburn Ware: I already know you are interested in her… because… it’s all over your face whenever you are around her… You told me to keep your interest but, b-but I lost it the second the teams were announced! You never told me what you wanted anyway! So, so I guess I just wanted to do something to…
(Auburn winced as his grip tightened even more and she just gave up. She shut her mouth and tried to push away from him.)
Damon Lazarus: On and on and on and on and on you go, this is all you’ve ever done… When does it end…? Perhaps, my methods haven’t been substantiated enough…
(He steadily drags Auburn over to the wall, beside the caved-in rupture he created with his fist as he turns Auburn around. Without another word, he ultimately overpowers her much more weakly driven attempts to push away with her wrists held behind her back, a palm keeping her wrists held together as Auburn is left with the feeble attempts of hiding her expression from him despite the visible restraint placed upon her. He glances upon his knuckles while exhaling briefly, shaking his own head as his gaze is kept on the hand.)
Damon Lazarus: I truly understand it now… Tenacity and wishful thinking will make you delve into parameters, you never believed to be possible. Even then, you’re far… real damn far, from everything that I’d expect. Perhaps it’s my own fault that appears to be the case… But I don’t want to come to a conclusion myself, I don’t owe myself that after the time we’ve managed to share…
(Damon maintains the iron clad grip of her wrists, as she’s kept situated with her anterior pressed against the wall as he speaks more directly to her.)
Damon Lazarus: Who’s fault is it… Tell me… Who is to blame for that…
Auburn Ware: Me, I guess?? You’re not going to accept any other answer than me solely placing the blame on myself and THAT’S NOT FAIR! You have NEVER told me what you expectations are. You have NEVER told me what you want from me! I thought you wanted sex from me, at the very least, and I was fine with that, but I had to make the first move! I don’t even know if I think this is all my fault because you are a very confusing and a very intense man, and I CAN’T READ YOUR MIND!
(Starting to get angry with herself, Auburn places her foot against the wall and tries to force Damon back.)
Auburn Ware: Maybe if you were forthcoming with me instead of leaving me to try and figure out everything… I don’t know! Maybe I could come half-way. You KNOW I lack experience. I was honest with you about that. You know that wrestling has been my whole life, and you know that my only boyfriend… well, it didn’t work out. Stop being like this to me, because you’re hurting me, and I did what I did because I wanted you to actually notice ME—
Damon Lazarus: —And do you know what that did…?
(CRASH!!!!)
Damon Lazarus: YOU COST ME THE MATCH, FOR NO GOOD FUCKIN’ REASON!
(Damon’s fist sprawled into the wall directly beside Auburn’s head, which completely shut down Auburn in a moment’s notice, killing her passionate tangent stone cold as Damon’s eyes are piercing upon her with a gaze more akin to how he would look toward an opponent. His restraint over her remains, her struggles ultimately depleted after the physical display as he grimaces before speaking.)
Damon Lazarus: When I tell you to do something, you fuckin’ do it! Point blank! Plain and goddamn simple! You follow along as if you’re a damn lap dog, yet you’ve only proven that maybe you truly DO deserve to be considered as much with a leash around your throat… I have no inclination to be direct with what I specifically ask for, yet when I AM expecting you to fall in line & follow a DIRECT order, you can’t even do that right… So tell me…
(Damon motions his gaze much closer down upon her, situating an uncomfortable measure of submission within her as her demeanor is completely dropped from where it once was.)
Damon Lazarus; If you can’t even follow basic directions in staying out the way, what makes you think you deserve to know what I expect out of you? You’ll find a way to fuck that up too, and in the state that you currently are? Yeah, that’s exactly what I fuckin’ expect. Don’t you dare raise your voice at me again…
(Auburn looks up at Damon, that spark of fire from last week back in her eyes, but he quickly shuts it down by straightening up to his full height. As much as it appeals to him, it’s not the time for her to dare try anything. Despite this, Auburn’s eyes betray EXACTLY what she is thinking in the moment. Damon knows instantly that she is struggling with whether or not to backtalk him and he ALMOST wants her to do it. His eyes dart to her small hands, which clench in fists by her sides, and after another moment of internal struggle, Auburn’s shoulders sag slightly.)
Auburn Ware: Punish me then.
(She whips her head up at him and stares him right in his eyes, completely unaware of all the ramifications that come with what she just said.)
Damon Lazarus: Auburn…
Auburn Ware: There is NOTHING I can say that is going to change your mind about how you view me. I’m a fuck up. Happy?
(Auburn swipes angrily at her eyes, as a few more tears fall down her cheeks.)
Damon Lazarus: ……No matter how deeply any of this is taken on this day, it won’t be enough… It never will be… Not overnight.
(Damon suddenly takes a handful of her dress with the palm with bloody knuckles, as he wipes his own knuckles along the dress while situating his own demeanor to a much more relaxed state, which came about in an unsettling manner.)
Damon Lazarus: Yeah, nothing you say will change your mind… and quite frankly… Nothing that I say, will change yours. ‘Cause you refuse to truly adapt, and learn… You will listen, but do not have the capacity to take my words & apply them to yourself…
(His gaze darts toward her once more, breathing in deeply as he shakes his own head.)
Damon Lazarus: You try to hide it… And that’s your issue… You ain’t all that good at hiding how you really feel, at what you’re really thinking… To extend my physicality over you, what the hell does that teach you…? To keep acting like a fuck up’ to see me get active with you…? Yeah, that’s not how this works… Despite it all, there’s no telling when you’re ready after all… You’re still helpless, lost little girl desperate for a guiding hand.
Auburn Ware: I-I’m not some fucking maschocist… I’m not trying to screw up on purpose, b-but whatever… It doesn’t matter… it, it doesn’t fucking matter…
(Desperation wraps itself around Auburn and she grabs a handful of Damon’s shirt, pulling him towards her.)
Auburn Ware: I have begged you to understand me… a-and hear me… I have tried to please you, and do things for you that I thought you wanted… I have let you see more of me than… than I have ever let anyone else see—it’s not enough… I’ve, l-let you touch me… I’ve tried to please you…
(There is a silence now in the room as something shifts, and Auburn feels the gravity of it. The same electricity is crackling between them, and it upsets her that Damon won’t give her anything. She shakes her head.)
Auburn Ware: Give me something…. please… PLEASE, Damon…. please…
(Damon is glaring down upon her, and as Auburn’s insistence has been bolstered into a very substantiated motion. Her desperation is made all the more evident as she wishes for any indication of his approval, or a sliver of hope that there is a measure of something dwelling for her within him…)
(Her worst fears are coalescing with every perceived notion she had—as his gaze is cold. Deceptively cold, in a manner that she could only read as a man who made his mind up before even walking into this room in the first place.)
Damon Lazarus: …That’s enough…
(Damon takes a hold of her forearms, as he pries her grip away from his own shirt as he shakes his own head slowly, with Auburn’s dread building within herself as Damon steadily motions her away from himself.)
Damon Lazarus: You’ve got much to learn, with very little time on my behalf to spare… If you truly believe, that I’m compelled to hold your hand through this evolution you haven’t even begun to understand yet, then that’s for you to crawl yourself toward… As far as I’m concerned, you don’t have any other choice…
(Damon slowly steps back, before turning himself away from her, facing the door as he stands upright, a palm placed along his own knuckles.)
Damon Lazarus: I will not, and never will, look after a lost puppy, who presents herself as nothing more, than a liability. You don’t know what I want…? Well, why don’t you start there… ‘Cause this is your steep hill to climb, Auburn Ware…
(With that, Auburn feels her heart shatter into pieces. The room starts to feel hot and she tugs at her dress where he wiped his blood on it, wanting nothing more than to just get rid of it. So many things come to her mind that she wants to say, that she wishes to say, but the words? The words are lodged in her throat. Several sobs escape her and still, Damon keeps his back to her.)
(When it becomes clear that no amount of tears is going to have Damon look at her, for all Auburn knows ever again, she starts to cry. She walks over to where she discarded her bag and grabs the handle, tentatively walking past the stoic competitor. Auburn gives him a forlorn look as her hand reaches for the handle.)
(Again, she feels compelled to say something—yet, between her broken heart and her wounded pride, Auburn just looks to the ground. A few more precious seconds pass, and she quietly opens the door and takes her leave. The door slams shut on her bag, but Auburn jerks it away, unaware that one of the charms she keeps on it has broken off. She hurries down the hallway, out of sight and out of mind.)
(Damon waits a moment before he turns around. He sees the little object on the ground and goes to pick it up. One of Auburn’s little quirks is her incessant need to somehow collect something from every place she has seemingly ever been. This particular one is a cempasúchil, or marigold, a flower that is grown throughout Oaxaca. It’s significant to the Day of the Dead traditions in Mexico. He walks over and picks it up, squinting at it.)
(Unbeknownst to him, on the other side of the door is none other than Saori Aizen. Having been there the entire time, listening to the exchange between Damon and Auburn, as she smirks to herself, feeling her confidence growing amongst a multitude of matters pertaining to her. A slight chuckle escapes her lips, as she tosses her hair off her shoulders and saunters down the hallway.)
(No doubt in her mind that she will have a visitor—sooner, rather than later.)
(Voltage fades to a commercial.)
(Promotional ad for Fighting Spirit, where the EAW World Championship match between Drake Armstrong, Bronson Daniels and Jon Kelton will happen.)
(Sunday Night Voltage continues on as we cut to the backstage area! There we see Ashlynn Quinn standing by, as she looks to be going through her phone, scrolling away with each slide she does. Ashlynn appears to be wearing a white corset top and pink shorts. She looks to be minding her own business until all of a sudden a voice is heard..)
???: Ashlynn.
(Ashlynn looks confused initially, but she knows very well who that voice belongs to, and her realization causes her face to shift towards one of disdain. The camera pans over to reveal it’s none other than EAW Hardcore Champion, Kai Rabeaux! Kai would begin to speak as he confronted Ashlynn…)
Kai Rabeaux: You need to explain yourself.
Ashlynn Quinn: Ummm… explain myself for what? I’m clearly busy, but what is it, Kai? What do you want?
Kai Rabeaux: Do you really think me to be a fool after what you did last week?
Ashlynn Quinn: What do you mean?
(Kai doesn’t seem to be impressed by the answer he just received, taking a moment before answering.)
Kai Rabeaux: I had higher expectations for you, but seeing you admire Hans Grayson of all people? What is it you’re planning?
Ashlynn Quinn: What are you talking about, Kai?
(Kai looks to be more annoyed at what Ashlynn just asked him, as it’s obvious to him that she knew exactly what he was referring to. The frustrated Hardcore Champion responds by saying…)
Kai Rabeaux: Do not try this with me, Ashlynn, you know better. Playing the fool is not going to work with a genius intellect like myself. You’re not going to stand here and pretend that you’re unaware of the conflict of interest that you have caused. But I do not wish to speak for you. Please do tell what was *actually* going on rather than making this any more difficult than it needs to be?
(Kai waits to hear what Ashlynn has to say, but Ashlynn just shrugs.)
Ashlynn Quinn: Can’t a beautiful woman like me just be appreciative for something someone did for them?
Kai Rabeaux: Really? Is that *all* that was? A lie like that is pathetic, even for you. I am giving you another chance…
Ashlynn Quinn: UGH! You’re one to talk Kai, shouldn’t you be running away from a certain someone?
Kai Rabeaux: Do NOT try and change the subject on me. Your schemes may work on other people, but I do not play the victim, NEVER. What Hans Grayson did for you was the bare minimum, and somehow you have convinced yourself that meant anything more than his own personal grudge against Drake Armstrong. Do you want to know what you’re trying to get yourself into? You’re trying to snuggle up to someone who is nothing more than a stubborn, selfish child. One who could not for the life of him think beyond his own needs, and when it is convenient for him, he will throw you under the bus just like he did me. I have a loss to ToXXXin thanks to him and his antics toward Armstrong, and that was the only reason he saw you as anything other than an enemy. He never intended to save you, the only thing he has desired since his return is to get his way, even if he is too weak to achieve such a thing. I do not pry on your business, but this has become embarrassing to me, and it is something that I must handle before it gets out of hand. So tell me, what are you looking for? Disappointment? Failure? Because you will get all of that associating yourself with Hans Grayson of all people. Tsk.
(Ashlynn looks a bit surprised hearing this question from Kai, taking a moment before beginning to respond.)
Ashlynn Quinn: Flirting? Are you jealous or something, Kai? First off, how “little” you think of Hans Grayson does not matter, not even in the SLIGHTEST bit. I already tried to help you out before, but you didn’t let me. You listened to a guy like Drake Armstrong over and over again, and that’s your fault, not mine. That scumbag actively got involved in our relationship and turned you against me, and instead of having any backbone, or defending me… you decided to take his advice and bite whatever he was feeding you!
Kai Rabeaux: Do not try to understand the inner machinations of my mind. That is falsified.
Ashlynn Quinn: Wrong! You can throw your usual excuses and say you were just focusing on your career, but you very clearly sided with Drake Armstrong even after the stuff he did that affected our relationship. I thought we could move past that after everything had boiled over but turns out… you pushed me away, because you thought I was “distracting” you. Hans was actually there for me two weeks ago. He actually got in the way of Drake and stopped him from attacking me even further. What were you doing Kai? You didn’t have a match. You didn’t have anything going on. You were just too busy worrying about Adam Lucas to stop *your* friend from attacking me for no reason.
(Kai is visibly irritated from what is being said by Ashlynn, not amused with this conversation whatsoever. He doesn’t respond however, as instead Ashlynn continues to speak.)
Ashlynn Quinn: Besides, why do you even care about what I do all of sudden, anyway? It’s not like you actually care about our relationship. You decided to throw me to the side like I was nothing to you, like what we had was just something that was holding you down. You were too busy running away from Adam Lucas but all of sudden, you see me thanking Hans for doing what he did for me and now it’s like none of that even happened? Now you’re going to pretend that you actually care about me?
Kai Rabeaux: The last thing that you want to do is be difficult with me. I already have enough trouble dealing with the other reprehensible simpletons that roam among us, I do not wish to add another one to the list. I expected you not to stoop to such a low, but jealousy is such a baffling accusation that I am not so sure now. Do you want to know what I thought about what we “had” together, Ashlynn? It was secondary, exactly what you signed yourself up for. I was *always* going to give all my attention toward my own career, ambitions, and personal desires. If you think that I was ever going to allow you to get in the way of that, then you have a skewed misinterpretation of who I truly am. So in this situation, where you are doing exactly what I told you not to do, standing in my way, you dare point the finger at me and claim that it is my doing? Do you understand the position that I am in right now? I cannot worry myself with these nagging issues, I must focus on achieving absolute perfection, something that you don’t seem to understand. Focusing on my career has allowed me to not only defeat the man you hold so dearly back at Shock Value, but become the Hardcore Champion and successfully defend the title as well. My career will always come first, Ashlynn, and maybe if you could find yourself in this position again, you’d begin to understand where I’m coming from.
(Ashlynn herself looks pissed at what Kai just said to her as she responds right back.)
Ashlynn Quinn: What are you even saying right now?? You couldn’t let me be by your side? You couldn’t let me be there for you when Adam Lucas was hunting you down? You choose to distance yourself from me and yet here you are confronting me because I talked to someone, because I thanked someone for what they did for me. You had your own stupid problems to deal with and you had no problem throwing me to the side to do it, so why should it matter to you what I’m doing when you won’t even let me be part of your life?? I see the look on your face. You are soooo being jealous right now Kai, and denying that isn’t going to make it any less true. Focusing on your career has made you a champion but I don’t care about that right now. You decided to have other priorities than our relationship, you wanted to separate yourself from me and look where that got you? Look what listening to Drake Armstrong did to you.
Kai Rabeaux: It got Voltage a victory in War Games. It led to months of dominance, a successful cash-in of the 24/7 Contract and a Hardcore Championship reign. I will not allow you to disrespect me and ignore the path that I have forged for myself, building momentum in record time. I was not going to allow *you* and whatever feelings you may have had about me affect my craft, not in the sport that I plan to rule. I don’t need help from you, especially when I have to deal with imbeciles like Diego Montana. Hans Grayson is a man that you shouldn’t even want to speak to right now, but you wouldn’t get that. You’ve convinced yourself that Drake Armstrong is the enemy, when Hans is the reason any of this is happening. You know exactly who Hans is deep down.
Ashlynn Quinn: Drake is a total incel loser that is going to rot in hell! Don’t lie to me, Kai! He is such a creep and the fact you even compared him to Hans Grayson is unbelievable. Sure, I thought differently of Hans in the past, but that was before he showed his true colors and made me realize he wasn’t so bad. The fact that it bothers you so much Kai–
Kai Rabeaux: ENOUGH. I have had *enough* of bickering from you, it is clear that we are going nowhere. I have nothing to explain to you, Ashlynn. I did what I had to do, and prioritizing my career was the greatest decision I could’ve made. You don’t know what’s good for you, which is why you’re still struggling after all this time.
(These words finally cause Ashlynn to snap, yelling at Kai.)
Ashlynn Quinn: UGH! HOW DARE YOU!? That’s it!
(Ashlynn turns around, saying only a few words as she storms off.)
Ashlynn Quinn: WE’RE DONE!
(With these final words, Ashlynn Quinn leaves the area, as only a frustrated Kai Rabeaux remains. Kai is left shaking his head, not pleased by how that conversation played out whatsoever, before finally he just begins to walk away in the opposite direction. With this, Voltage fades from the backstage area.)
(The camera returns to ringside, and shortly after this, ‘The Leaving Song Pt. II’ by AFI hits. The fans loudly cheer, and the camera pans around towards the stage. Before long the Cash in the Vault briefcase holder Hans Grayson could be seen beginning to storm out with a microphone already in his hand, and Hans appears furious, not happy whatsoever after what happened last week between him and Cody Maverick.)
Rich Russillo: Well it seems the Cash in the Vault briefcase holder is joining us right now, but he definitely isn’t thrilled after things took an unexpected turn when he and Cody Maverick took on Diego Montana and Miku Sakai. I have to say, I wouldn’t have expected a team like these two to lose.
Thadd Blazevich: I know, but the vibes have definitely been off with these two dudes. Ever since the whole mess leading to Grand Rampage, things haven’t been the same.
(Hans jumps onto the apron, and as he steps through the ropes he immediately shouts into the microphone.)
Hans Grayson: Stop, stop! Just cut the music!
(Hans’ entrance music immediately fades out after this, and Hans continues as he walks towards the center of the ring.)
Hans Grayson: Listen, I have been here for a few years now so I think all of you already know that I am not and have never been the kind of guy that likes to go picking fights for no reason. There’s nothing wrong with a simple challenge, but lately things have been getting personal in a way that I just wouldn’t have expected. I never thought that of all the people on the roster, Cody Maverick, a guy I have had nothing but respect for would be doing this. I’m already used to playing these types of games. Drake Armstrong, Kai Rabeaux, hell even before I came to Voltage I had to deal with guys like Impact, so I get it. I get that sometimes people are going to try to take shots at you. That sometimes people are going to go low with you for whatever reasons they may have, but I didn’t think you’d be one of those people Cody, and I’ve had just about enough of it.
(Hans is clearly frustrated as he stops for a moment, all while the crowd showers him with cheers. Hans slowly shakes his head, walking up towards the ropes before he continues.)
Hans Grayson: Cody, you know as well as I do that we can’t just let this go on. This needs to end and that’s not gonna happen unless we settle this face to face and MOVE ON! So Cody, I’m not going to ask anything crazy out of you. Just get out here so we can finally get this over with.
(Hans waits inside of the ring, until finally ‘Kostas’ by Westside Gunn, Conway the Machine & Benny the Butcher hits. Hans nods his head as the fans cheer, and after some time Cody Maverick begins to walk out to the stage. Cody is holding a microphone in his hand, and he stares at Hans for a moment from the stage, before just beginning to walk down the ramp.)
Rich Russillo: Well Cody is here, and I have to wonder how things are going to go down tonight following such a heated brawl last week. Both men are beloved members of the Voltage roster, but they definitely have their problems with each other.
Thadd Blazevich: It’s been a bit of a complicated issue, if you ask me. I can see why the fans aren’t picking sides, they love both of these dudes.
Persephone: I can’t believe I’m actually gonna have to listen to these two whine about their problems again. This is ridiculous.
(Cody Maverick climbs onto the apron before entering the ring, leaving the two men standing across the ring from each other. Cody’s entrance music fades out, and it takes a moment before he finally lets out just one question.)
Cody Maverick: You really think I have anything to say to you right now?
(Hans doesn’t respond to this, and Cody shakes his head, not impressed whatsoever.)
Cody Maverick: Let’s just recap that tournament, okay? I didn’t trust you just like I haven’t trusted Drake Armstrong all season long. I’m not here to play sides, I’m here to get where I need to be, so if getting there means I gotta co-exist with you, guess what? I’ll do that. I’ll ignore our problems. I’ll push everything going on to the side, or at least I’ll try to until you remind me exactly why I didn’t trust you to begin with. One mistake. One mistake was all it took for you to unravel. I didn’t go out there tryin’ to screw you over. I wasn’t going out of my way to try and attack you. You just took it the wrong way because of our issues, and now you’re coming out here doing all this whining, and what are you expecting, huh? For me to walk out here and apologize? To just ignore what happened once the match was over so I can apologize for doing my job and trying to win the match?
(Cody stares at Hans for a moment, as if he is waiting for an answer from him. Hans doesn’t give him one however, instead allowing Cody to continue.)
Cody Maverick: I got nothing to explain to you Hans, ‘cause I didn’t fire the first shot. You did. I told you where my head was at from the start, but you? You couldn’t even keep it real with me. You just kept lying to yourself, pretending everything was cool between us until you couldn’t anymore. None of that was real, and you knew it.
Hans Grayson: Cody, what? This whole thing started because you listened to Drake Armstrong. You let him get in your head and you took your one-sided problems out on me! I didn’t have any issue with you and I never wanted to, which is why when our match at Grand Rampage ended I went back to focusing on the real issue, even after you capitalized on Drake’s help to beat me. This whole mess wasn’t about you, but despite that, you attacked me. You proved that you’re willing to go low when it comes to me, so when I’m already being attacked by you and I’m already listening to weeks of you letting it known how you feel about me, how am I supposed to trust that what happened last week was just a mistake? How can I tell that none of it was personal when it was no different from what happens when it actually is?
Cody Maverick: If I wanted to screw you outta the tournament I would’ve done it from the start so I didn’t waste my time, not when we were in the ring with Diego Montana. You’re paranoid, and I get it. You think I’m out to get you, when in reality I’m just protecting my spot. For you this is personal, and that’s why you keep making this about Drake Armstrong when I don’t like the guy either. Every week it’s about Drake Armstrong with you. Everything somehow ties back to him, but that’s not how it is for me. I wasn’t doing his bidding back at Grand Rampage and the last thing I needed was for him to show his face during our match. The only thing I was worried about was beating you and moving on with my career- and you know what? I did that.
(This comment gets a reaction from the fans, and Hans looks a bit surprised hearing this from Cody.)
Hans Grayson: Seriously? So you’re just going to let Drake get away with tainting your win? You know you keep talking about me pretending, but you said it yourself. Your plan was to beat me and move on, and right now you don’t sound like a guy that’s moved on. You sound like someone that still can’t get it through his head that I’m not the man Drake Armstrong wants you to think I am. I get it, for me this is personal. For me this ties back to a man that has made sure he has in some way been involved with my entire season up to this point, but you’re not like that, Cody. You had the choice. You had every opportunity to distance yourself from him, his mind games, his thoughts, all of it. We could’ve put this behind us, but you ended up punching me in the face because your head wasn’t in the game. You weren’t focused on the match as much as you could’ve been, because just like before, you saw me as an enemy. You-
Cody Maverick: You’re wrong.
Hans Grayson: Huh?
(Cody Maverick walks up towards Hans Grayson, continuing to speak.)
Cody Maverick: This idea that I’m just okay with letting Drake take credit for my win against you? Bullshit. I’m not interested in wasting my time trying to make Drake’s life hell at the expense of my own season like you are, but that doesn’t mean I’m cool with his interference. I took my win because I got the job done no matter how you look at it, but fact is? I don’t need to be reduced down to the man who received help from Drake Armstrong to beat you. That’s not who I am. It’s not who I’ve ever been and l don’t need you trying to put that on me. I’m the King of Elite, Hans. This is the stage where I need to start preparing to become a World Champion, and when that day comes it’ll be because I was the best this roster has to offer, and I was capable of overcoming anyone put in front of me, including you. So if you don’t like how I did things last time, fine…
(Cody stops for a moment, looking towards the crowd as the cheers continue, with the fans supporting both men at the moment. Cody takes a second to think about what he’s about to say, before finally looking back at Hans.)
Cody Maverick: Because I’ll gladly do it again.
(This receives a loud reaction from the fans as cheers flood the entire crowd, and Hans actually looks a bit surprised by this statement.)
Hans Grayson: What are you saying?
Cody Maverick: You know exactly what I’m saying. This isn’t something I often do because I’m not the kind of guy that cares to get dragged into these problems longer than necessary, but I don’t need to sit here and listen to the excuses. You don’t like how things ended last time, I don’t like how they ended last time, but all that matters is that I beat you, and if that means I gotta do it again, fine. You and me, one more time, at Fighting Spiri-
Hans Grayson: I accept!
(The cheers grow even louder as Hans steps towards Cody Maverick with his answer, not even waiting for the King of Elite to finish speaking. There is a brief staredown between the two, and Hans looks fired up as he begins speaking once more.)
Hans Grayson: If this is what you want, if this is what it takes to finally settle this problem the right way so we can forget about all this before Pain for Pride, that’s fine! I’ll do what I need to do. You’re on at Fighting Spirit, but I hope you’re not actually expecting a repeat of Grand Rampage, because this time I’ll be ready for anything. Drake Armstrong knows better than to try and screw me over again, and Cody… I respect you. Even now I really do, but I’m not about to lie to you, either. I know you can’t beat me, not without someone holding your hand, or better put, placing your foot on the bottom rope. At Fighting Spirit you’re not going to win, but I hope you don’t let that get to you, because after I beat you, I’m done having to treat you like you’re my enemy.
(Cody nods his head as the fans cheer, and there is a brief moment of silence between the two as Cody allows the fans to continue. He maintains his composure despite the situation and Hans getting more heated, until finally he responds.)
Cody Maverick: That’s good. Glad you’re up for the challenge, ‘cause I don’t care to keep doing this any longer than necessary either. I’m about ready to put this behind me and get back to doing what I came here to do. I have other matters that mean a hell of a lot more to me than a grudge, so we’re gonna end this at Fighting Spirit, but before we do that… I’m pretty sure I owe you a receipt.
Rich Russillo: CODY MAVERICK JUST HIT HANS WITH A HEADBUTT!!!
Thadd Blazevich: WELL WE SAW WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THE MATCH LAST WEEK, BRO! A BRAWL STARTED BECAUSE OF ONE MISTAKE FROM CODY, BUT IT DOESN’T LOOK LIKE THIS ONE WAS ON ACCIDENT! CODY MAVERICK IS WAILING ON HANS GRAYSON AS HANS DROPS TO A KNEE- BUT HANS GRABS CODY AND RUNS FORWARD INTO THE CORNER, DRIVING CODY BACK FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLES!
Rich Russillo: HANS BEGINS LAYING INTO CODY WITH PUNCHES- BUT CODY IS ABLE TO TAKE HANS TO THE MAT WITH A DOUBLE LEG TAKEDOWN! TENSIONS HAVE BEEN HIGH FOR A WHILE NOW, AND IT LOOKS LIKE IT ALL COMES TO A HEAD WITH A REMATCH AT FIGHTING SPIRIT, WHERE THEY LOOK TO END THIS ONCE AND FOR ALL!
Thadd Blazevich: CODY WAS RAINING PUNCHES DOWN ON TOP OF HANS, BUT HANS TURNS IT AROUND, GETTING ON TOP OF BRO BEFORE DROPPING FOREARMS ON TOP OF CODY!
Persephone: UGH, AND JUST AS THINGS ARE GETTING A LITTLE INTERESTING, HERE COMES SECURITY AGAIN!
(Security guards run down the ramp, sliding into the ring as quickly as they can to pull Hans Grayson and Cody Maverick away from each other.)
Rich Russillo: Security now is trying to tear this one apart, and Captain Charisma has certainly been on it tonight. It seems he doesn’t want to risk anyone getting injured at such a crucial time, especially with Fighting Spirit only a week away-
Thadd Blazevich: BUT THAT MIGHT BE OUT OF HIS HANDS, AS BOTH CODY AND HANS ARE ABLE TO KNOCK SECURITY GUARDS OFF OF THEM! CODY DROPS ONE OF THEM WITH LIGHTS OUT, WHILE HANS TAKES ANOTHER ONE OUT WITH THE FLAMING PUNCH!
Rich Russillo: HANS AND CODY CHARGE RIGHT BACK AT EACH OTHER, AND NOW A WHOLE LOT MORE SECURITY GUARDS ARE RUSHING OUT TO BREAK UP THIS HOCKEY FIGHT, AS HANS AND CODY CONTINUE TRYING TO FIGHT THROUGH ALL OF THE GUARDS THAT PULL THEM AWAY FROM EACH OTHER!
Thadd Blazevich: EVEN MORE GUARDS ARE ENTERING THE RING, AND NOW THERE ARE WAY TOO MUCH FOR CODY AND HANS TO FIGHT THROUGH! THE TWO ARE BEING SEPARATED AND THE FANS DON’T LIKE IT, BUT THAT’S FINE! WE HAVE A BIG REMATCH BETWEEN THEM COMING UP IN ONE WEEK, AND BRO, SOMETHING TELLS ME THIS ONE IS SOMEHOW GONNA OUTDO THE LAST!!!
(Finally, the security guards pull Hans and Cody away from each other. It is a chaotic scene as both men look heated ahead of Fighting Spirit, neither one willing to go down to the other. They finally stop fighting the security guards, and with this the chaos finally begins to calm down. As the two men are finally in the process of being separated, Voltage fades away from ringside.)
(Promotional ad for Fighting Spirit, where the fatal four way for the Universal Women’s Championship takes place.)
(Sunday Night Voltage returns as the camera focuses on the SSE Arena, with the sounds of ‘Kendrick, Clae & Cole’ by Marqus Clae beginning to play through the speakers of the arena to loud cheers. It then goes over to the stage to show NICK as he’s seen making his way out from the backstage area. He has a serious expression on his face as he begins to make his way down the ramp and toward the ring.)
Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome… NICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rich Russillo: Last week, after their participation in the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament, Captain Charisma added NICK and his partner Candice Blair into the first Cash in the Vault qualifier match at Fighting Spirit. Along with them, would come ARIA, whose participation we learned of later in the night after her loss with Bronson Daniels to Dr. Bethany Blue and TLA, and of course…
Thadd Blazevich: … None other than Damon Lazarus! Who would attack both Candice and NICK and lay them out, unleashing all his anger and rage from last week into them in one fell swoop. That was a massacre, bro, and NICK is certainly not happy as he makes his way to the ring right now, it’ll be interesting to see what he thinks about it.
Persephone: I don’t give a shit? In fact, I hope Damon comes out again and beats him bloody. I’ve seen enough of his pasty white face for a lifetime. I’m good.
(NICK makes his way up the steps and onto the apron as he enters through the ropes and into the ring. He makes his way over and takes a microphone from the ringside area while ‘Kendrick, Clae & Cole’ begins to come to a close. As he heads toward the center of the ring, he takes a moment before beginning to speak.)
NICK: Iight, let’s cut the shit. Last week, I came out to the ring and I gave my respect to Candice Blair and whoever else I was going to face at Fighting Spirit. I wished them nothing but the best, but at the same time, I promised it was going to be me who participated in the Cash in the Vault match at Pain For Pride. Unfortunately, someone didn’t like that. Damon Lazarus came down to the ring and he beat both me and Candice’s ass, no lie there. And specifically, he thought that he could make a statement at our expense by making a fool out of us. Now, I don’t know about y’all, but that’s some dumbass shit that I could never take on the chin. And if he thought that he could just run away without any form of consequences for what he did, then he must be one stupid motherfucker.
(The crowd cheers loudly as NICK continues to look around, before going on.)
NICK: He crossed the line with what he did, and now he’s boutta pay for what he’s done. Fighting Spirit is going to be the greatest moment of my career and the worst moment of his, and imma savor every minute of it when I put his ass in the dirt once and for all. You best believe that imma get my due, and when the time comes to show the world exactly what I’m made of, Damon is going to learn that he fucked with the wrong person at the wrong time.
(Not too long after these words, ‘So Far So Fake’ by Pierce the Veil hits. This brings cheers from the crowd, and NICK just turns towards the stage, not really expecting this. Candice Blair and ARIA begin walking out with microphones in their hands, and much like NICK, neither woman is happy about Damon’s actions last week.)
Rich Russillo: Candice Blair and ARIA seem to have their own thoughts on what happened last week, and looking back I shouldn’t be surprised, seeing as Candice was one of the victims of Damon’s assault. That man has definitely made a lot of enemies quickly.
Thadd Blazevich: That’s just the kind of guy he is, bro. You gotta be careful of dudes like that, because you never know what they’re gonna do.
Persephone: Well thanks to him I now have to listen to Candice and ARIA speak, so that’s annoying. The least he could do is finish the job and get rid of them.
(Candice Blair and ARIA walk up the steel steps, joining NICK inside of the ring. Candice’s entrance music fades out, and soon after this, she begins to speak.)
Candice Blair: NICK, I don’t think this should even need to be said, but I agree with you. Don’t forget, you weren’t the only one in the ring last week when Damon Lazarus decided to attack. See, I understand how big of an opportunity this is. This is the chance to get a major match at Pain for Pride and potentially become a World Champion. I have no intentions of missing out on something like this which is why I told you how I felt about the match last week, but what I did not expect was to have to deal with a sudden attack from Damon Lazarus of all people. For me, none of this was personal. This was all just about an opportunity, but that was before Damon kicked me in the head.
(The fans cheer, and Candice continues, sporting a serious, focused look on her face as she stares at NICK.)
Candice Blair: Whatever you plan to do about Damon Lazarus, we decided that we want in on it. If it takes all three of us to stop a bully? Fine.
(NICK thinks about what Candice said for a moment, but as he remains silent, ARIA begins to speak.)
ARIA: I was not present for last week’s events, but I will be competing in the qualifying match at Fighting Spirit and quite frankly, I think I have had enough of these surprise attacks as of late. It was something like this that cost Bronson and I in our final bout in the tag team turmoil tournament, and on that same night I had to witness Candice suffer an attack by the hands of Damon Lazarus. As it stands Voltage is lawless, and I am aware that this is in no way new, but if people such as Damon will operate as if they are untouchable, I feel it is only right they receive the proper reality check.
NICK: Damn right, girl. I was always going to make sure that Damon got what he deserved after last week, and if we’re all in agreement? Then I’m down. As long as we all know that all bets are off when it comes to Fighting Spirit, and it’s every person for ourselves once this is handled… then it’s absolutely no problem with me. He thinks that he can just throw his weight around and force us to take shit, but I ain’t never back down from anyone my entire life, and I don’t plan to start now just because he was the first one to send a warning shot.
(Hearing this, ARIA nods.)
ARIA: Very well. In that case, we may as well turn to the root of the issue.
(Turning towards the stage, ARIA turns her attention towards the man who this has all been about.)
ARIA: Damon Lazarus, I am certain you’ve heard every word that has been said by us. You showed your hand last week. You are the kind of individual that’ll always keep his eyes on his enemies, even if they’re unaware of it. However, you will not sneak up on us tonight. What worked last week won’t work again, so rather than searching for another opportunity to strike, why don’t you join us out here and face us directly?
(The crowd murmurs in anticipation, and ultimately, they don’t have to wait long before ‘Until It Sleeps’ by Metallica begins to play up. Loud, resonating boos are heard as the camera goes over to reveal Damon Lazarus, who is seen beginning to make his way out from the backstage area. He has a serious expression imprinted on his face, and after everything that he’s heard, the smallest smirk presents itself as he slows his walk, taking his sweet time while making his way down the ramp.)
Rich Russillo: Here comes the man of the hour. Damon Lazarus has certainly wasted no time making an enemy out of everyone in this match, and judging by his reaction to this, it seems like he has no problem making himself the one with the target on his back.
Persephone: Okay, seriously. What gravitates everyone toward this ugly old man? I’m so sick of it.
Thadd Blazevich: I personally don’t have an answer for you, dudette, but Damon seems to fancy being the center of attention, that’s why he’s making his way out here completely on his own, and confronting three people who seem to be in agreement that they’re going to take him down for what he did. We’re definitely going to have to see what ends up coming out of this.
(Damon makes his way up the steps and onto the apron, and slowly enters into the ring. He slowly circles around the three of them, as if they’re his prey, before reaching out and grabbing a microphone from the timekeeper’s area. ‘Until It Sleeps’ begins to close, as Damon continues to eye NICK, Candice, and ARIA.)
Damon Lazarus: Well, what do we have here…?
(Damon tilts his head, as he slowly approaches the three of them, not cautious whatsoever of what they plan to do to him.)
Damon Lazarus: Quite the strong task all of you have decided to embark on, exerting all this effort to put down an old dog like me… it seems as though I have made my mark on all of you one way or another. Three kids who think they have what it takes to handle me ‘cause I wasn’t afraid to give them the truth… does that truly say more about me than it does you? I’ll give you the answer to that…
(Damon eyes all of them, neither of them looking to back down or cower away regardless of what he says.)
Damon Lazarus: You’re scared. You’ve never encountered someone with my capabilities before, and immediately it puts you into a defensive stance. Is my presence truly that damning? Or is this just telling of how unready you are for the responsibilities that you seek to bear…? That’s something that you’ll have to answer for yourselves. Truly, though, I don’t get the point of this. Given everything that I’ve said, what good is this going to do any of you? If you think, even for a second, that you are going to accomplish anything trying to pick me off… then you must be out of your goddamn mind. You are willing to throw away an opportunity that is a dime a dozen for small fries like you three just to try and take me out, all because you’re worried about whether or not your opponents want to play nice. I want you to know something…
(Damon gets closer, getting in the face of NICK, before moving onto Candice, and giving a small glance over to ARIA.)
Damon Lazarus: What I did last week… I could’ve done so much worse. I could’ve made sure that you weren’t a factor, put you on the shelf and Pain For Pride wouldn’t have been in the picture let alone Fighting Spirit. In fact, I *can* make it so much worse, and trying to face me head on, an admirable tactic… is not going to do any of you much good. Now, do I make myself clear? Or am I going to have to repeat myself in a more… physical form.
Candice Blair: What are you expecting? For any of us to back down? To apologize for defending ourselves? We’re not the ones who fired the first shot. You attacked us for no good reason.
Damon Lazarus: No… not at all actually. I expect all of you to be foolish enough to reject my warnings and try to embark on this endeavor anyway, that’s human nature. But just because of this does not mean that it is going to pan out in your favor. No, Fighting Spirit is going to end exactly how it was anticipated to end and is with me walking into the Cash in the Vault match. The chaos that I leave in my wake is merely secondary, but make no mistake about it… it’s a necessary chaos as well. I do not need to be liked, I have *never* needed to be liked… I just needed to remind all of you that the most dangerous threat is the one that is standing in front of you, unmoved by your guerilla tactics.
ARIA: Is that any reason for us to allow you to walk over us? I understand the opportunity that is on the line and of course as long as we are opponents you have every right to do what you deem necessary, but if you are going to ask for a fight you have no right to complain when you’re given exactly what you asked for. This is not about fear. Fear would mean giving you what you want. Fear would mean surrendering to someone who has already proven that they are bloodthirsty. You challenged us when you attacked us. You decided to see for yourself just what your opponents would do once their back was against the wall, and the answer you received was not one that’d be convenient for you, because we intend to fight. We will fight, and you will not go anywhere near the Cash in the Vault ladder match!
(The crowd explodes with cheers following the declaration from ARIA, and Damon Lazarus chooses not to respond, instead observing the three Elitists in front of him.)
Candice Blair: You didn’t have to come after us. You could’ve left us alone and none of this would’ve happened. You chose to go after us Damon, and you’re going to regret that.
Damon Lazarus: Now… Why would I choose to leave you alone? See, ‘cause as far as I’m concerned, you’re all opposition to me. You stand in the way of what I am *owed* from this business, therefore I am not going to be afraid to take action to make sure that is not a concern for me. This is not as personal as you are making it out to be… this is just business. But trust me, know above all else… I *can* make this personal.
NICK: You think we give a shit? Personal or not, you started this with us, and make no mistake about it, we’re going to be the ones that end this.
Candice Blair: Exactly. You picked a fight, and you can threaten us as much as you’d like, but none of us are backing down, because we’ve seen the kind of man you are, and we’re not letting last week happen again.
(Damon just slowly nods, still staring directly at the three Elitists with the cold, yet menacing expression that has not changed even after everything that has been said to him.)
ARIA: What happens to you following last week’s events is your own burden to bear, Damon.
NICK: And you’re going to be left with nothing when it’s all said and done. No glory, no Cash in the Vault, just one hell of an asskicking for all of your troubles, bitch-
Rich Russillo: *CTE!!!*
Thadd Blazevich: NO! NICK HAD IT JUST BARELY SCOUTED, AND HE PUSHES DAMON AWAY!!
(The crowd roars with excitement as NICK and Damon stare at each other, knowing NICK was ready for Damon’s attack. A slight smirk forms on the face of Damon, and the staredown lasts a few seconds, until finally…)
Rich Russillo: AND NOW NICK CHARGES RIGHT AT DAMON!! THE TWO IMMEDIATELY BEGIN FIGHTING, AND WE HAVE OURSELVES A BRAWL ON OUR HANDS! NICK IS TAKING THE FIGHT TO DAMON WITH REPEATED FOREARMS- BUT DAMON IS ABLE TO OVERPOWER NICK, GRABBING HIM AND JUST THROWING HIM INTO THE CORNER BEFORE BEGINNING TO WAIL AWAY AT HIM WITH SOME PUNCHES!
Thadd Blazevich: BUT LOOK, BRO! CANDICE AND ARIA AREN’T LETTING DAMON GET AWAY WITH IT TWO WEEKS IN A ROW, AND THEY IMMEDIATELY JUMP AT HIS BACK, HITTING BRO WITH PUNCHES TO THE BACK! DAMON STUMBLES AWAY FROM NICK, AND THE TWO KEEP PUNCHING AWAY AT DAMON AS NICK RUSHES OVER!
Persephone: DAMON KICKS ARIA OFF OF HIM BEFORE PUNCHING CANDICE- BUT NICK LANDS AN ELBOW TO THE SIDE OF DAMON’S HEAD, AND THIS GETS DAMON TO A KNEE! HAHAHAH, THEY’RE LEGITIMATELY JUST JUMPING DAMON NOW!
Rich Russillo: THE NUMBER’S GAME IS CATCHING UP TO DAMON AND DAMON KNOWS IT, SO DAMON IS FORCED TO DROP TO THE MAT AND ROLL OUT OF THE RING!
(The crowd boos as Damon is able to slowly stumble away from the ring. However, ARIA just shakes her head, and the crowd reaction suddenly grows louder as she begins running the ropes.)
Rich Russillo: SUICIDE DIVE!!!
Thadd Blazevich: ARIA WITH A HUGE SUICIDE DIVE CAUSING DAMON TO COLLIDE WITH THE BARRICADE, AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE TRIO IS ABLE TO GET SOME REVENGE ON DAMON TONIGHT!
Persephone: Well Damon definitely had that coming. It’s kinda pathetic that they all jumped him, but that’s what happens when you make so many enemies at once.
(The cheers are loud as ARIA gets back to her feet, fired up after taking down Damon Lazarus. Candice Blair and NICK remain inside of the ring, taking in the crowd’s reaction, until finally… NICK’s eyes shift towards Candice.)
Rich Russillo: WAIT A MINUTE! WHAT’S GOING ON!?
Thadd Blazevich: NICK JUST DROPPED CANDICE WITH A LARIAT!
(ARIA turns towards NICK, and a mix of confusion, shock and concern forms on her face as she sees the scene that just unfolded inside of the ring. NICK takes a step back, gesturing towards ARIA to bring it on.)
Rich Russillo: AND NOW ARIA IMMEDIATELY JUMPS ONTO THE APRON BEFORE SPRINGBOARDING BACK INTO THE RING- ROLLING BACK TO HER FEET AFTER JUMPING OVER NICK! ARIA CHARGES IN-
Thadd Blazevich: BUT NICK AVOIDS THE PHOENIX CUTTER, CATCHING ARIA BEFORE ELBOWING HER IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD! NICK NOW SCOOPING HER UP-
Rich Russillo: BEFORE DROPPING HER WITH “BITCH MADE”!!!! ARIA GOES DOWN, AND NICK STANDS TALL AGAINST HIS CASH IN THE VAULT OPPONENTS!
(The fans are surprised as NICK just nods his head, satisfied with what he’s done tonight. Candice Blair pushes herself to all fours, holding the back of her head after the landing she took from that lariat. She looks up at NICK, and NICK just shrugs at her, signalling that what he did wasn’t personal as he just begins to exit the ring, all while ‘Kendrick, Clae & Cole’ begins to play once more.)
Rich Russillo: Well the trio got revenge against Damon Lazarus, but it seems NICK hasn’t forgotten what kind of match he is entering, because he just sent quite the message! He intends to enter Cash in the Vault, and it seems he’ll take down whoever’s necessary to do it.
Thadd Blazevich: Well it’s to be expected. It’s a fatal four way, there are no alliances in a match like that. Still, I was surprised NICK was willing to do that. You can tell the dude is taking this one very seriously.
Persephone: I guess.
(NICK begins walking up the ramp, while Candice Blair is inside of the ring checking on ARIA. Damon Lazarus is sat against the barricade, holding the back of his head, but he is able to stare at NICK, who stands tall as he walks to the back. From there, Voltage fades from ringside.)
(Promotional ad for Fighting Spirit, where Hans Grayson takes on Cody Maverick.)
(Voltage returns as “Self Help Tape” by Moses Sumney blares inside the SSE Arena, with Eden Sinclair emerging onto the stage with a microphone in hand, still smiling at the receptive audience despite the countless headaches that must be handled on the brand, especially at this time of year.)
Thadd Blazevich: My Thaddy tingle is telling me an exciting announcement is on the way…
Persephone: …And my Perse-mingle is hoping that she announces all Voltage competitors will jump off the highest building in Ireland, and whoever survives gets a hot dog and 500 bucks.
Thadd Blazevich: I’m not sure anybody would survive to even get the prize…
Persephone: That’s the point.
Thadd Blazevich: Ah!
Rich Russillo: Knowing our guys… they’d find a way. But yeah, there’s been a lot of heat for the Voltage front office to deal with recently—mostly notably, the issues that are beyond personal between Adam Lucas and Kai Rabeaux. I definitely do not envy their workload right now… but still, I’m as excited as all of you guys are to see what Eden has to say tonight!
(Eden taps her high heels on the ring mat as she walks towards the center of the ring while “Self Help Tape” fades. She takes a breath, the crowd in Belfast cheering in anticipation, and raises the microphone to mouth level.)
Eden Sinclair: Some things go under the radar on this brand, often intentionally kept behind closed curtains — this can lead to controversy, curiosity, and many questions that, while we’d love to answer, we just cannot. Shock Value left behind an elephant in the room that was both impossible to handle, but also to just foresee coming. Matthieu and I have done our due diligence to think about how we may handle this situation in a way that pleases every party involved, while also not keeping our audience in the dark for far too long.
Eden Sinclair: We have granted decently free rein to both Adam Lucas and Kai Rabeaux when it comes to this situation, even if that came at a professional cost. These two have brutally attacked one another repeatedly, but it seems none of this helps them get it out of their system. The games of cat and mouse are obviously not helping much either, so ultimately, the commissioner and I have settled on a solution that will finally settle this.
Eden Sinclair: Without further ado, since Adam Lucas will not be present with us tonight, I would like to invite the Hardcore Champion, Kai Rabeaux, to come out to the ring and join me for this announcement…
(“Burn in My Light” by Mercy Drive then blares inside the SSE Arena, and seconds later, Kai Rabeaux emerges. Dressed for the more formal occasion and with the Hardcore Championship over his shoulder, he walks down the ramp with a focused stride, entertaining none of the fans in the audience, instead his mind more set upon Eden’s words uttered just earlier.)
Persephone: …Adam Lucas will not be present? So what, no guaranteed car crash tonight? Yeah, just leave it up to Sunday Night Voltage to rip the fun out of everything…
Rich Russillo: I think Kai looks just as baffled hearing this as you are, and well, I cannot say it’s not a surprise… after last week’s attack… you would think Adam would be looking for revenge, but it seems Adam Lucas does have something up his sleeve with these mind games we’ve seen him play with Kai recently.
Thadd Blazevich: It’s honestly wild, and I commend bro for not going and getting revenge after what Kai had done last week. I mean, on top of everything, dude blindsides you during one of your most honest and vulnerable moments, leaving you to lie in a pool of your own blood? That’s some grade-A asshole type shit.
Rich Russillo: There’s clearly no limit with these two. They’ve gone below the belt on multiple occasions, and these mind games are no different. While the commission has tried their hardest to restrain the issues between these two… You gotta wonder, just what will it take to truly settle this?
(Kai scuffs his shoes on the apron mat before entering the ring. He shoots Eden a glance, before picking up a microphone for himself as his music fades into silence.)
Kai Rabeaux: Ms. Sinclair… While I do not mind being summoned to the ring under these circumstances, I really must beg the question… Why am I the only one out here…?
(Eden tries to clear her throat, however Kai puts his palm out, prompting her not to explain everything just yet.)
Kai Rabeaux: Better yet, why is Adam Lucas free to do as he pleases? Why is he yet to be punished for everything he has done—including, of course, the hand he played in causing chaos in your very own tournament? One signed off on by Captain Charisma himself? This is highly offensive, Ms. Sinclair, because while I was fearing for my safety, I was forced to come to work despite a lack of guaranteed protection. When I showed up, and did my job, that psychopath walked out there, ready to kill us both, and what happened after that? The two of us were placed on the same team in a Tag Team Turmoil. And I’m certain I must not remind you how that went…
Kai Rabeaux: These conditions I’m working under are preposterous, Ms. Sinclair. Downright prejudicial, and this carefree attitude you have given me regarding this issue does nothing but amplify my concerns…
(Eden finally clears her throat.)
Eden Sinclair: I understand your frustrations, Kai, however… you know you’ve made your bed… And in any case, the two of you being separated tonight should not come with complaints given this “fear of safety” you’ve been facing. We let chaos ensue because that’s what we thought would be best for the both of you; there’s a reason you’ve faced absolutely no repercussions for your brutal attack last week and, likewise, why Adam has been set free to let out all that anger. Unfortunately, that doesn’t bring the tensions down, so we decided to try and contain the issue instead and ultimately let it come to a conclusive clash once and for all—in hopes that will be enough to settle your differences just enough that you two may be able to go on your own two separate ways once it’s all said and done.
(Kai raises an eyebrow.)
Kai Rabeaux: What are you getting at…?
(Eden grins.)
Eden Sinclair: We have asked Adam to stay at home tonight. He was reluctant about it, but in the end, he agreed on one condition.
Eden Sinclair: Guaranteeing he meets you on the grand stage—Pain For Pride.
(The crowd “ooh’s” as Kai leans on the ropes, burying his face into his palm, without any more words to spare after this bombshell.)
Eden Sinclair: I know this is a lot to process at once, and well, I called you out here so I could deliver this news to you directly, not through hearsay and whatnot. Now, for Fighting Spirit, we have set up a contract signing between the two of you. You and Adam will get to meet face-to-face, you will be able to say whatever is on your mind to his face, and, well, you have a week to process everything and sign on the dotted line to make this official.
(Kai shakes his head, begrudgingly. He raises the microphone, but catches himself before actually letting out even a single word, taking a deep breath, and recomposing himself.)
Kai Rabeaux: I don’t even need to voice my displeasure, do I, Eden?
(Eden gives a tight-lipped smile while shaking her head vertically—a firm, non-verbal “no.”)
Kai Rabeaux: Alright. In which case, I sense that pleading my case would just be words uttered in vain. This is a blemish on the state of Sunday Night Voltage… Eden… And I am certainly not the only one who can observe just how destructive Adam’s behavior has been, yet in spite of this, both you and Captain Charisma alike reward it. Even a blind man can see as much, and this all just brings me back to my earlier claim… This is prejudice. And it’s not just about me, or my safety, because as showcased, I can keep myself at the top of my game and strike back regardless of what injuries I suffer, this reflects on the way your brand can handle delicate situations such as this one, and it sets a vile precedent for a brand already preceded by much, much controversy.
Kai Rabeaux: I did no more than enact my stipulation as the 24/7 Contract holder. Adam Lucas’ actions past it have made me a casualty of his internal war, because he cannot accept his faults in the situation nor his own greed that got him there to begin with. Entertaining his delusions, validating them, it only does more harm and I would like to think you are well aware of that, considering the meticulous thought that would have to be put behind the handling of this situation. I really cannot put two and two together here, Ms. Sinclair, and while I would *definitely* love to aid in Adam Lucas’ rehabilitation in whatever way I can, I can confidently tell you that my blood will not bring him any improvement to his well-being… Otherwise, this would have long been over.
(Eden sarcastically chuckles, letting the silence simmer for a brief moment.)
Eden Sinclair: Kai, I’m around enough self-centered people that I eventually learned to be keen-eyed when it comes to bullshit. I know this situation doesn’t advantage you, but like I said, we are done with the cat and mouse games. So…
(She shrugs.)
Eden Sinclair: You can either defend that championship against Adam Lucas at Pain For Pride, *or be stripped of it.* That’s that. Your flight to Dublin for the contract signing is already booked, and I advise you to get on that plane. I hope I’ll see you there.
(Eden walks out past Kai as he shoots her a glance from the corner of his eye. Left alone in the ring, Kai buries his face in his hands, knuckles digging into his eye sockets as he takes a deep, deep breath, his inner frustration deafening the crowd’s hostility towards him. Voltage fades, with Kai still visibly irate, trying as best as he can to contain the frustration.)
(The camera cuts backstage to Carmen Sànchez walking through the hallway to a loud reaction from the crowd, a focused look on her face before Sofia Clarke quickly steps into frame with a microphone in hand, looking to catch her for an interview.)
Sofia Clarke: Excuse me, Carmen!
(Carmen comes to a stop, looking up with an already irritated expression as she grits her teeth and rolls her eyes. After a moment, she reluctantly steps back over beside Sofia, forcing herself into a much more upbeat, though clearly sarcastic attitude, still visibly frustrated after everything that happened last week.)
Carmen Sànchez: Sofia Clarke! Wow. What a pleasant surprise. How are ya?
Sofia Clarke: I’m good… look, I’m sorry for stopping you, but after everything that happened last week during your Specialists Championship match against Auburn Ware, a lot of people have been wondering where your head is at right now, especially after things ended the way that they did with Saori Aizen getting involved-
Carmen Sànchez: Lemme stop you right there because honestamente, I’m still pissed off about everything you just brought up.
(Carmen folds her arms, shaking her head before continuing.)
Carmen Sànchez: And the worst part? I don’t even know who I’m more mad at. Auburn for letting her whole life spiral out of control every five seconds, or Saori for deciding that the best time to get revenge was RIGHT in the middle of my title match. Like, congratulations, geniuses, you both managed to turn a Specialists Championship match into another episode of whatever toxic novella you two got going on.
(Carmen points toward herself.)
Carmen Sànchez: I earned that match. Me. Nobody handed it to me. Nobody felt bad for me. I went to Captain Charisma myself and asked for that opportunity because I believed I was ready for it right now. Not three months from now. Not at Pain for Pride. Right now. Everybody kept telling me it was a mistake too. “Oh Carmen, maybe you should wait.” “Oh Carmen, maybe Auburn is too experienced.” “Oh Carmen, maybe you should be patient.” No offense, Sofia, but screw patience! Sometimes you just know when something feels right, and I knew I deserved that opportunity.
(Carmen shrugs.)
Carmen Sànchez: Besides, if I waited around for the “perfect time” to do things, I probably wouldn’t even be here right now. My whole life has basically been me jumping headfirst into situations before anybody thinks I’m ready for them. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it blows up in my face, but at least I know I’m being honest with myself when I do it.
Sofia Clarke: So even after everything that happened, you still don’t regret asking for the match when you did?
Carmen Sànchez: NO! Not even a little bit! Because before everything turned into complete chaos, I was proving that I belonged in that ring with Auburn. I was matching her. I was pushing her. And no, I’m not gonna stand here pretending I definitely had the match won because Auburn is REALLY good. Like… annoyingly good. That’s what makes this whole thing so frustrating! I never got the chance to find out what would’ve actually happened!
(Carmen presses a hand against her forehead.)
Carmen Sànchez: Maybe Auburn beats me clean. Maybe I pull it off and become Champion. I DON’T KNOW! That’s the problem! I’m stuck sitting here thinking about every little thing that could’ve happened because the match never got a real ending.
(Carmen sighs loudly.)
Carmen Sànchez: Truthfully, I could accept losing. It would suck, obviously, but I could live with it. My tío always tells me that losing teaches you more than winning sometimes, which sounds fake, but whatever, old people love saying stuff like that. The point is, if Auburn beat me fairly? Fine. I go back, I train harder, and I come back better next time. But what happened last week doesn’t even feel like losing. It just feels unfinished. Like somebody ripped the ending out of a movie halfway through and then told everybody to go home. There’s no closure to it. No answer. No real conclusion.
(Carmen shakes her head.)
Carmen Sànchez: That’s the part that keeps bothering me the most. My first Championship opportunity stopped being about the Specialists Championship and turned into another fight in Auburn and Saori’s never-ending issues with each other.
Sofia Clarke: You sound equally frustrated with both of them right now.
Carmen Sànchez: Because I AM!
(Carmen exhales sharply before trying to settle herself.)
Carmen Sànchez: Look, I understand why Saori’s angry. Auburn cost her team the tournament match earlier in the night. I get that. But what about me? Huh? Auburn’s lack of focus already cost me once during Tag Team Turmoil, and now Saori’s revenge cost me during a Championship match too. Somehow I keep ending up in the middle of all their issues when all I’m trying to do is wrestle and maybe avoid getting arrested again.
(Sofia blinks for a moment while Carmen continues.)
Carmen Sànchez: And the craziest part? I was actually behaving last week! I wasn’t starting fights backstage. I wasn’t doing anything reckless. I went out there, I fought my heart out, and I still got screwed over because these people cannot control themselves for one night.
(Carmen folds her arms tighter.)
Carmen Sànchez: That’s why part of me is still mad at Auburn too. Because I warned her already. I said all of this was gonna keep bleeding into everything around her until somebody else got caught in the middle of it. Last week, that somebody was me.
(Carmen looks away for a moment before continuing.)
Carmen Sànchez: The Specialists Championship should’ve been the focus of that match. Not Damon Lazarus. Not jealousy. Not revenge. The Championship. Two competitors fighting to see who the better woman was that night. That’s what it should’ve been.
(Carmen nods slowly.)
Carmen Sànchez: And you know what sucks? I actually respected Auburn a lot going into that match. I still do in some ways. She fought hard to become Champion. She earned that title. That’s why I wanted the match so badly in the first place. I wanted to test myself against somebody at that level, and for a while? That’s exactly what it felt like.
(Carmen gestures with her hands.)
Carmen Sànchez: It felt competitive. It felt intense. It felt like I was finally getting the chance to show that I can stand with the best people in this division. Then all of a sudden, none of that mattered anymore because everything became about Auburn and Saori AGAIN. At some point, Auburn has to get control of all this. She’s the Specialists Champion. That title should be the most important thing on her mind, and instead every week it feels like there’s some new disaster tied to Damon or Saori waiting to happen.
Sofia Clarke: With all of that being said, where does this leave you now moving forward, especially with Fighting Spirit coming up?
(Carmen answers immediately.)
Carmen Sànchez: Wanting another shot.
(Carmen points directly toward the camera.)
Carmen Sànchez: I don’t care who wins at Fighting Spirit anymore. Auburn can retain. Saori can win the title. Whatever. They can beat each other senseless for all I care at this point. But once they’re done with all of this? I want the next shot at the Specialists Championship.
(Carmen’s tone becomes more serious.)
Carmen Sànchez: Because Saori took something from me last week. She took away the resolution to that match. I never got the chance to properly win or properly lose, and I’m not gonna sit around quietly waiting for another opportunity like none of this happened. This is the time where opportunities matter most. Every match changes something this close to Pain for Pride. After last week, I KNOW I belong in that picture whether people expected me to or not. I pushed Auburn Ware to her limit, and I know she felt that too. That match reminded me why I asked for the opportunity in the first place. I’m not here just to hang around and hopefully become good enough one day. I’m here because I believe I can already stand with the best people in this division right now. Last week made that feel real to me for the first time.
(Carmen lightly taps her chest.)
Carmen Sànchez: I felt it in that ring. I felt myself keeping up with a Champion. I felt myself getting closer and closer to pulling something huge off. That’s not something I can just ignore now and go back to the end of the line pretending it didn’t happen.
(Carmen shakes her head.)
Carmen Sànchez: So no, I’m not going away because things got messy. If anything, this whole situation just made me more determined to come back and finish what I started. Last week showed me I’m closer to this Championship than a lot of people probably wanted to admit.
(Carmen looks directly into the camera again.)
Carmen Sànchez: So handle your business at Fighting Spirit. Seriously. Fight it out. Get all the anger out of your systems. But once it’s over? I’m coming back to finish what got interrupted last week.
(Carmen steps away from Sofia before stopping one last time.)
Carmen Sànchez: And next time? I don’t plan on walking away empty handed.
(Carmen finally walks off as Sofia watches her leave, the camera slowly fading elsewhere.)
(Sunday Night Voltage returns as the camera focuses on a shot of the SSE Arena. The crowd is rowdy and on their feet tonight as it then goes over to the ring, which is set up with a table and two chairs on both sides. It’s fit for a contract signing, as holding a leather binder in their hands at the head of the table…)
Persephone: Welcome back to Sunday Night Voltage. 😀
(One-third of the Voltage commentary team, Persephone, is seen with a forced smile on her face and a microphone in hand, being chosen as the one to officiate this.)
Persephone: We are just one week away from Fighting Spirit, a Marquee Event that I am SO excited for, and I am here tonight to allow two Elitists the opportunity to sign the contract and make their title match official! Now, I’ll admit, this is a match that I’ve had some interest in, mostly due to just how fucked up some of it is, and I’m quite keen to some of the chaos that has come from this. That’s some good fucking entertainment right there. I am talking about none other than the Specialists Championship match!
(The crowd inside of the arena reacts loudly to this, mostly in agreement after everything that has transpired between the two participants involved these past couple of weeks. Needless to say, it has been some messy shit.)
Persephone: So you know what, who better than me honestly, right? Let’s have some fun, and let’s introduce the challenger… Saori Aizen!
(‘Let Me Hear’ by Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas begins to blare through the speakers of the arena as the crowd erupts into thunderous boos. The camera goes over to show none other than Saori Aizen as she’s seen making her way out from the backstage area. She has a serious expression on her face, not here to mess around whatsoever, as she begins to make her way down the ramp and toward the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Saori Aizen could’ve seen herself in the finals of the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament alongside her partner, Damon Lazarus, last week, but unfortunately, it would end up being thwarted by Auburn Ware, who cost the two of them the match. She admitted earlier in the night that she was jealous of Damon seemingly being so close to Saori, and as we already know, Saori wasn’t keen on letting her get away scotfree.
Thadd Blazevich: Indeed, bro, she would attack Auburn later in the night during her title defense against Carmen Sánchez, laying her out and challenging her to a match for the title next week at Fighting Spirit. And now we’re here, ready to make it official. Needless to say, there is no love lost between these two, and if they have the opportunity, they won’t waste any time tearing into one another. But we’re just going to have to see what’s going to go down tonight, bro.
(Saori makes her way up the steps and onto the apron as she enters through the ropes and into the ring. She immediately takes a seat down at the table as her theme comes to a close, Persephone raising her microphone to speak.)
Persephone: Saori, what an HONOR it is-
(Saori puts a finger up, shushing Persephone’s sarcastic remark which leaves her offended.)
Saori Aizen: Enough of your talking. I can already tell how this is going to go, and if you do not act cordially… I will be more than happy to make sure that you are not an issue to me. Do I make myself clear?
Persephone: Ok, gosh… Let’s welcome out the Champion, Auburn Ware!
(‘Bad Blood’ by Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar begins to play up, as the crowd gets loud. Auburn Ware is seen almost immediately storming out, keeping her glare completely focused on the ring. After what has already happened to her tonight, she is heartbroken and on edge, but she is forced to keep that suppressed as she makes a beeline down the ramp and toward the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Auburn Ware is certainly in an interesting state at the moment, the last person she needs to be around is Saori Aizen, and here we are. Earlier in the night we saw Damon Lazarus give her a cold reception after he was costed a chance in the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament finals thanks to her, and Saori definitely reveled in that as much as she could.
Thadd Blazevich: Fate has certainly dealt this young woman an unfavorable hand to say the very least, dude. And what that means is that Fighting Spirit is certainly going to be her chance to unleash all that anger and fury out on a woman who she believes has ruined her life. Needless to say, the Specialists Championship is secondary compared to what these women want to do to each other.
(Auburn slides into the ring as she stops immediately in front of the table. Her theme fades out as she glares at Saori, who has already stood up from her chair at this point, the two of them not even looking to talk it out, ready to come to blows. But Persephone is quick to chime in as she steps forward.)
Persephone: Hold on, ladies! As much as I want to see you two come to blows, I have gotten orders from our boss 😒that say otherwise. You two have done enough damage to one another, therefore, you are forbidden from physical contact with each other until Fighting Spirit!
(The crowd boos at this, completely disappointed, and while Auburn seems absolutely annoyed by this, Saori settles down as she nods her head, sitting back down in her chair.)
Persephone: But to make you two feel just a little better, he has also added a sweetener to this contract that you’re about to sign. Your match will be more than enough to get your anger out, because it will be contested under No Holds Barred!
(The crowd does a complete 180, cheering loudly at the stipulation being added to the match. After some internal arguing with herself, Auburn manages to quell just for the moment and take a seat across the table from Saori, resting her title against her waist. The tension is palpable, as the two of them stare at one another for a long, uncomfortable moment, as if they don’t want to say anything to one another.)
(But finally, it’s Saori who picks up the microphone, as she raises it up to her mouth to speak.)
Saori Aizen: This is good… I understand that this was never going to stay professional between the two of us. If you had the opportunity, you would jump the table right now and give me what I am “due” for everything that I have caused. Am I right?
(Auburn doesn’t respond to this, Saori only able to shrug her shoulders as she continues.)
Saori Aizen: But I can suppress my nature. I know next week will come and that is the only point that matters to me, because it presents itself as the opportunity for me to take something else from you… the Specialists Championship. But you? You can’t do that, can you…? You can’t suppress those feelings because you have never felt them before. You are like a newborn baby, being exposed to the real world and watching it crush you under its thumb. I am angered, but at the same time… I am also amused. In fact, I revel in watching it tear you apart limb from limb, leaving you in the pathetic state that you are in right now.
Auburn Ware: (Mumbling) Shut up…
Saori Aizen: What was that?
(Auburn maintains her silence, not letting her get the satisfaction. Saori shakes her head as she continues on.)
Saori Aizen: I will not play coy with you, I know most of your affliction is thanks to me. My mere presence has left you envious… bitter… *jealous?*
(Auburn tenses up, being reminded of the conversation she had prior with Damon. Saori stifles a laugh, knowing that was exactly what she was referring to.)
Saori Aizen: And perhaps, in a sick, twisted way… I cannot blame you for that. What you are feeling right now, it’s innate, it’s something that most of us keep suppressed inside of us for as long as they can, not willing to let it out. But because you are faced with such an… interesting situation, you are left in a shambolic state. Where you must bear your shame on your sleeve, for the entire world to see. I must ask, even though I know that you will not give me an answer to this, do you feel… pathetic?
Auburn Ware: (Louder) Shut up…
Saori Aizen: Do you feel like you have nothing left? Good. For I am not afraid to admit that was my intention from the very beginning. What happened at Grand Rampage… it should not have happened. Right about now, I should be the Specialists Champion, but you escaped by the skin of your teeth, and that is something that I cannot help but look at with disgust. Despite that, you could not let it be. You had to allow yourself to be involved in my issues. You stifled my progression with your hatred, you cost me an opportunity in the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament finals, and admittingly… you forced my hand with your jealousy. It did not need to be this way, but you demanded it, and it will be your downfall.
Auburn Ware: Shut… up.
Saori Aizen: All of this will be your downfall, Auburn, a lot quicker than you can even fathom. At my hands you will crumble, you will be left with nothing, and you will be alone. And there will be nobody to comfort you, nobody to *love* you, you will just have yourself, and NOBODY else-
Auburn Ware: SHUT UP.
(BAM!)
(Auburn stands up and slams the table, causing it to shake as Saori, for a brief moment, shifts herself backward, not expecting Auburn to lash out in the manner that she did.)
Auburn Ware: You HAVE ruined my life, and apparently that’s not enough for you and that’s where you fucked up. I have lost EVERYTHING, and I have gained resentment and bitterness toward everything I used to love… ALL BECAUSE OF YOU. Coming into this business, I only cared about professional wrestling, winning the Specialists Championship, THAT was the only thing that mattered to me, THIS was the only thing my world revolved around. But things HAVE changed, for the better or for the worse…? I can’t seem to give you the answer to that, but all I can tell YOU for certain is this…
(Auburn grips the table with her nails, leaning forward as she gets inches away from Saori’s face, the only thing being heard is her harsh, jagged breathing for a long moment.)
Auburn Ware: Fighting Spirit will be the greatest day of my life. It’ll be the day I finally get to reach out and grab you by the throat, using my hands to crush your windpipe until you’re unable to breathe. Only then when I am done with you, and make no mistake about it, I will only be done with you when your body is cold and dead… will you feel how I have felt all this time now. Struggling to breathe, with the life RIPPED out of you. THAT is the only way I can finally be happy… and even then… that might not be enough.
(Auburn finally backs away from her, as she takes a seat down to the ground. Persephone stands there, fighting with herself whether or not she wants to step in to calm them down, but the reality is, she loves this sicko shit just as much as the crowd is right now.)
Auburn Ware: … But I’ll take what I can get.
(Auburn snatches the binder from the hands of Persephone, opening it up, as she takes out the pen. She quickly signs her name as she slams it down, pushing it violently toward the other side. Saori stares at her for a moment, a neutral expression on her face, as she contemplates her response.)
Saori Aizen: You want to know something, Auburn…? I’m impressed.
(Saori reaches out and takes the binder, not signing it just yet, letting herself continue with what she has to say.)
Saori Aizen: I didn’t know you had it in you, and truthfully… I don’t think you knew either. And that’s good. If I had to face the sanitized Auburn Ware who had to force a frown and pretend that she hated me, then the title would’ve been good as mine, but I enjoy the struggle. I enjoy so much the type of person that I have brought out of you, and yes… I do credit myself for that.
(Saori slowly opens the binder, taking the pen into her hands, thinking for a long moment, as she glanced over at her.)
Saori Aizen: Damon would be proud of you, that’s if… he didn’t hate your guts right now.
(Saori looks down and signs the contract, taking a long, stretched out moment to do so, pretending that she doesn’t see Auburn’s reaction right now, which is one filled with rage as she continues to clutch the table, practically seething at this point. Saori smirks out of amusement, finally looking up at her.)
Saori Aizen: Anything else you have left to say to me?
(Auburn’s hands are visibly shaking as she reaches out for the microphone.)
Auburn Ware: I’m… I’m going to fucking kill you… bitch…
Saori Aizen: Thank you.
(Saori takes the contract binder and stands up, forcefully shoving it into the chest of Persephone.)
Saori Aizen: I have no obligation to be here anymore.
(Saori walks around Auburn, knowing that she cannot put her hands on her, before leaving the ring. Auburn doesn’t even turn her head toward her, staring down at the table while ‘Let Me Hear’ begins to play through the speakers. Saori makes her way up the ramp without a second glance, while Auburn is seen continuing to shake with pure, unadulterated rage after everything that has happened tonight, with that being the very last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage begins to fade out from there.)
(Promotional ad for Fighting Spirit, where Auburn Ware defends the Specialists Championship against Saori Aizen in a No Holds Barred match.)
(“Self Help Tape” by Moses Sumney blasts for a few seconds to a loud crowd reaction before fading away, the Voltage commissioner, Captain Charisma, already in the ring with a microphone in his hands.)
Captain Charisma: Thank you all for joining me on another explosive edition of Voltage. One of the recent highlights on the week-by-week product has been our tremendously successful Tag Team Turmoil Tournament, and now that our finals are set for a combustible clash at Fighting Spirit, I’d like to invite each of the remaining pairs down to the ring!
(“Nice To Meet Yah” by Asian Doll plays with a mixed reaction to pair as the team that got to skip the turmoil altogether and actually hosted it—Diamond Dixon & Cosmo Goldworthy—make their way down the ramp, ignoring all the noise and remaining focused on getting the most out of the one step they’ve got left.)
Rich Russillo: Diamond and Cosmo we know earned their spot here by winning back at Grand Rampage, and given the circumstances ARIA and Candice dealt with, I’m sure they’re glad they won.
(“COMO CAPO” by Clave Especial ft. Fuerza Regida then starts blaring with a smug Diego Montana walking out on stage, waiting for his partner, as “Lowlife Princess” by BIBI replaces his theme song. Miku enters the stage, however she stays as far as possible from Diego’s reach. He looks a little disappointed, but ultimately just joins her out to the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Miku and Diego have had a surprisingly impressive run despite it being filled with controversy, and I suppose we’ll see if they can bring it home at Fighting Spirit. First however, it seems we have some sort of announcement.
(“Invincible” by Pop Smoke reverberates inside the arena to a decently loud reception from the audience. Chris Elite hears it, and gives the crowd a nod in response, while “Thoughts of a Dying Atheist” by Muse blares to maintain that reaction. Jay Jerry Johnson pops his collar as Chris just glanced at him, and the two join the other teams and the commissioner in the ring.)
Thadd Blazevich: These two dudes have never been friends, but they’ve done a good job of working on the same page in this tournament.
(Finally, “Ambitionz az a Ridah” by Tupac blasts with the audience jumping on their feet. TLA emerges on the stage with a smile on his face, and “Somebody Get Me A Doctor” by Van Halen only amplifies that reaction. Dr. Bethany Blue walks out with a composed look on her face, waiting to see what this is about. The two make their way down the ramp, and to the ring.)
Rich Russillo: The same could be said for these two, who could be considered two of Voltage’s best, but were at one point heated enemies.
(Once in the ring, Captain Charisma brings the microphone back up to mouth level as the only noise remaining is now the crowd.)
Captain Charisma: First off, I really do need to sing your praises, to all eight of you, for making it this far. With the bad blood between so many of you and the pairs you have faced, this could have easily imploded, but we took that risk, trusting that some of you would truly want this opportunity heading into the show of shows and you all have not disappointed, even Cosmo and Diamond taking it upon themselves to host this tournament. You all have brought your imprint to this Tag Team Turmoil and it goes without saying that this is one of our most iconic renditions yet!
Captain Charisma: Now, with everybody’s curiosity piqued, all of us, including me, want to see this whole thing through, to see just how far all of you are willing to go to earn a shot at the Unified Tag Team Championships, because as everybody knows, the road to Pain For Pride can become complicated if you let it pass by you, and I know each one of you guys have your focus set on guaranteeing your spot on the grandest stage, whether you’ve become a mainstay or are looking to break out at our biggest event of the year.
Captain Charisma: So, just to add a little more fun to this tournament and reward you guys for the must-see weeks of TV, I’m adding an extra incentive that will be awarded to the winners on top of the guaranteed Unified Tag Team Championship opportunity. The team that will win at Fighting Spirit will gain a $500,000 bonus in their pockets.
(The crowd pops as all of the competitors start to nod their heads and smirk.)
Captain Charisma: Not just that, but if the winning team goes the distance at Pain For Pride? Not only will they be crowned the new Unified Tag Team Champions, but they’ll also be rewarded an additional $500,000.
Diego Montana: …A milli?
Captain Charisma: That’s right, playing your cards right means you could become a million dollars richer on top of all the glory.
(The tag teams begin talking amongst themselves, with Diego being the first to speak up.)
Diego Montana: Yeah nah, hand us the money already, hermano. Me and my beautiful future wife are about to become rich as hell AND become Tag Team Champions? THAT is what you call cinema! This is what happens when you put your faith in El Diablo Guapo, baby!
(Diego points toward the other teams in the ring.)
Diego Montana: And let’s be real here, who’s actually stopping us? Chris and JJJ look one bad argument away from breaking up, TLA and Bethany out here looking like a medical drama, and Cosmo and Diamond skipped the whole tournament just to still get cooked at the end. Meanwhile, me and Miku? We got chemistry, passion, aura, LOVE! We are a different gravy, carnal!
(Miku slowly raises her microphone with an annoyed look on her face.)
Miku Sakai: Okay first of all, shut the fuck up.
(The crowd laughs while Diego looks offended.)
Miku Sakai: Second of all, I don’t care about “love,” “aura,” or whatever other stupid bullshit this idiot is talking about. I care about winning. That’s it. If winning gets me a million dollars too, then cool. I’ll take the money and laugh at all the losers in this ring after we beat them.
(Miku looks around at the other teams.)
Miku Sakai: Honestly, all of you suddenly looking motivated because Captain Charisma dangled money in front of your faces is pathetic. WE were already trying to win before that, and now everybody’s acting like this changes something? IT DOESN’T. You’re still stuck in the ring with me and this weird moustache freak.
Diego Montana: Future husband, actually—
Miku Sakai: NOBODY ASKED YOU.
(Miku shakes her head before continuing.)
Miku Sakai: Point is, I don’t care who thinks they’re winning this tournament. At Fighting Spirit, all the cute little dreams die, everybody goes home pissed off, and somehow I’m the one stuck listening to Diego celebrate like an idiot after we win.
(Diego looks befuddled by the disrespect he’s being shown right now by his mamacita, but before he can say anything else, TLA quickly speaks up.)
TLA: Ey, holmes, you better listen to yo mami right now, or else she gone beat yo ass. :mjlol: Shit, we got quite the party up here don’t we, ese? Everyone out here tryna share their piece on how they boutta win this tournament, but only one team got the chops for that, you feel me?
Dr. Bethany Blue: The team that EVERYONE knows is the one to look out for in this match… us! I know that the point of all of this is that we’re not supposed to like each other, this tournament has thrived off the hatred that has been caused by the random drawings, and I understand that how I feel about TLA is not going to change regardless of what we’re forced to do with one another. But if there is one thing that I have to respect, is that we’re both here to win, and when it comes to glory in this company, we are more than willing to put our feelings aside in order to get our way.
TLA: You got that right, homie! See, Bethany here, she been through some shit. This brand ain’t been too kind to her these past couple of months, and shit is enough to even make a hombre like me feel bad about it. But she got her ass back up, and she kept working for dat shit and the fact we here right now just goes to show that we are the most resilient team out there. We can take them punches, and we boutta outlast all y’all and win those Campeonatos. It ain’t even a competition!
Dr. Bethany Blue: And if you don’t realize that now, you’re going to realize that next week. Because the Doctor… and TLA… are in.
TLA: Orale!
(Chris Elite just shakes his head.)
Chris Elite: Now hold on a minute. You sure ain’t feel bad when you threw me under the bus and locked me up in some prison in Mexico for two weeks for no rhyme or reason. It’s clear you getting desperate, TLA, and if anything it’s starting to look like you two will crumble under the pressure, ‘cause it’s one mistake with y’all and you’ll be ready to throw one another under the bus. We know how this goes, and you don’t just walk away from this scot free, bitch.
Jay Jerry Johnson: We are fueled by both vindication and the innate desire to succeed. It’s many words I can spare to the entire field, but when I look back at my season in retrospect, I remember falling at the hands of Dr. Bethany Blue last summer. This runs much deeper than any hollow promise that any team could make, and besides… Chris Elite and I… It has worked to our favor quite well.
Chris Elite: You got that right, blondie. I’m showing the man things you can’t just teach, I face some of these talents and while they callin’ me washed-up and whatnot, they leave ready to take over the world, they becomin’ the future of this shit and the imprint of Gawd Given Greatness is all over that shit. Jay ain’t bad by any means but once we’re done here the boy gonna reach new heights and take the world by storm… AND we’ll be a whole mill richer.
Jay Jerry Johnson: But monetary wealth is merely a secondary prize. Technical prowess and mental fortitude are true signs of wealth in this industry, and when you think of stars placed under scrutiny, you think of none other than Chris Elite and myself. Under all of that scrutiny, we have built careers that will be hard to forget, and while Chris’ veteran insticts have proven useful, my mastery on the mat will translate just as well. We are a duo that took this turmoil by storm, and we’re only looking to keep that momentum going.
Chris Elite: Damn right, and no matter what y’all got to say, you gotta back it up in the ring, and y’all know you don’t got what it takes to do that when at this point, we running like a well-oiled machine and we didn’t even ask to be here. We don’t like this any more than the rest of you, yet we’re still winning this. This jawn is ours for the taking, and it ain’t some salty bozos or overconfident nobodies about to take it.
Diamond Dixon: You’re damn right it isn’t for some salty bozos or overconfident nobodies…or even you. You see, Mo and I are the best team in the division. You know what Jerry? Chris, y’all are funny. You are hilarious. There ain’t nothing running when it comes to you or your team. Look at the two of you all buddy, buddy these days. But let’s be real. Y’all got what we don’t. Doubt. Every team in this is just a mismatched, ragtag duo that was thrown together for shock value. We’re the only ones that are an actual partnership. We’re the only real team here.
Cosmo Goldworthy: Amen to that. We formed this team of our volition. We ride and die together. We know our strengths and weaknesses…we actually can trust one another. Can anyone in this ring actually do the same? Can you trust Chris over there Jay? Can you TLA trust The Doctor? I mean, Miku you sure as hell can never trust some slimy little rat like Diego Montana. But that’s okay, that’s okay because it ain’t we’re doing a match built on that? It’s not like there’s a shot at the Unified Tag Championships on the line or something, right?
Diamond Dixon: Oh wait. There is. Which means the team that is walking into Pain for Pride with that opportunity is going to be the best team in that ring. And even a blind man can see who that is. See, all of you have gotten through this tournament just to get swept. You get those good moments, that teeniest bit of hope and then we’re coming out to snatch that away. Because this is how it is. Some of y’all never had a chance. I mean, Diego and Miku…you’re not serious people. You don’t even like each other. Well…Diego is humping your leg like a puppy Miku. But you sure don’t give a damn about him.
Cosmo Goldworthy: You can take your simp and take your chances at winning and them both of our ring any time. Now, as for the other teams in here with us…sure, sure. Y’all got experience. Y’all got skill. But at the end of the day…you still aren’t us. And I’ll be real with you. You’re looking at the only well-oiled machine in this ring. The only two people that actually know how to be a team. But hey, don’t worry about any of them, right? Because there ain’t controversy between TLA and Blue right? But listen to all that Bethany, run back what he just said. At least he pities you. I’m sure pity puts belts around waists all the time. You see, Diamond and I are going to be ending this season as the tag team champions. That is just a fact. But I hope you all enjoyed this short little ride. Because it ends at Fighting Spirit.
(Diego immediately looks offended hearing Cosmo’s words, placing a hand against his chest.)
Diego Montana: Slimy little rat?! Nah hermano, that’s crazy disrespect. Miku trusts me with her LIFE, right pookums? We got chemistry these other bozos could only dream of! Y’all talking about being a “real team” while me and Miku about to become rich together AND hold gold together. That’s destiny, baby!
(Miku looks disgusted hearing this before slowly raising her microphone.)
Miku Sakai: Okay first of all, don’t ever say “pookums” again before I kill you in this ring. Second of all, Cosmo, Diamond, I really don’t care if you think you’re the “only real team.” You know what happens all the time in wrestling? Real teams lose. Badly. And honestly, after listening to all of you talk, I can’t wait to watch it happen.
(Chris Elite sharply flicks his wrist, dismissing Diego and Miku.)
Chris Elite: Nah, ‘cause what I can’t wait for is to punch the hell out’ you annoying inbred fucks until your ramblin’ mouths stop working.
(Jay Jerry Johnson covers his mouth, trying to contain a chuckle.)
Jay Jerry Johnson: This division… A match such as this one, exceptionally—it’s all more volatile than ever. “Real” tag teams. Makeshift duos. Dysfunctional pairs. You can never quite guess, all that matters is not standing in your own way, and by this juncture, it’s become clear myself and Chris Elite are the ones most focused on attaining victory no matter what; without getting in the way of it, without attaching other semantics to it, our driving force is triumph and we will stop at nothing to establish a definitive road towards Pain For Pride after some shaky, tumultuous months.
Chris Elite: What John Jean Jhakespeare said. Y’all all talk, carrying whatever frustrations you got, but ‘lemme keep it a buck, I’m not here for none of that shit, none of that nonsense, I’m here to get it done like I’ve got it done with every other tag partner I’ve had. Done walked into Pain For Pride last year with a title ‘round my waist when y’all were looking at me like I’m some has-been, now Pain For Pride’s ending with another belt around my waist. ‘Cause when it comes to this volatile division as Jay put it? I got the job done with everyone. ‘Bout to be no different with Blondie & Baldie, alright?
Jay Jerry Johnson: With each of the names we’ve eliminated, I felt that bloodlust satisfied, and with this final step in sight, with this sort of opposition, pairs of both clowns and respectable competition? It’s a feast about to happen at the hands of The Artist… and… Chris Elite… Of “Blondie & Baldie”, I suppose.
Chris Elite: Yeah, watch out y’all. Don’t get too crazy, don’t miscarry nun’ before Fighting Spirit, or catch a restraining order and a case in Diego’s case, ‘cause we wanna beat you all the proper way and put an end to this whole beef leaving y’all broke in the process as well. I know they must be paying Cosmonaut Goldilocks pennies on the dime, that million could change his life but I’m not letting his ass get it ‘cause you broke for a reason.
Cosmo Goldworthy: The hell you just say to me-
TLA: Ay, ay, pipe down, homie! You broke ashl but you also ain’t the mfer to try and talk shit to a couple big hustlers like us. Everyone here got they stories. Cosmo and Diamond tryna prove they got what it takes. Diego and Miku make one cute ass couple. Chris Elite still salty. :mjgrin: But no matter what, ain’t none of y’all size up to us.
Dr. Bethany Blue: The results are what matters as much as it’s cute to hear all of you talk, and the two of us have given this company nothing but that from the moment that we stepped foot into here. I look around me and I see a bunch of underachievers who are looking to turn their luck around, but there’s a reason that they haven’t before and nothing is going to change now. There’s always going to be someone better than you, and in this case that just so happens to be us.
Miku Sakai: BITCH, I’LL RIP YOUR FACE OFF!
Captain Charisma: Oh, no you won’t! Security!
(Miku tries to lunge forward as the rest of the teams look ready to go, but as if they were in standby for this moment, a flood of security quickly enters into the ring before anything can get out of hand.)
Diego Montana: AYO! Hands off the merchandise, cabron! Let them take their shot!
Captain Charisma: While I appreciate the enthusiasm, this is not going to happen on my watch. Fighting Spirit is one week away, save it until then.
(The fans appear disappointed, but there is nothing that can be done. All four teams ultimately give in, definitely not happy about this as they back down and go along with the commissioner’s words. There’s a fourway stare off in each corner of the ring with Diego, Miku, Cosmo, Diamond, Chris, Jay, Bethany, and TLA, as it’s the last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage begins to fade to elsewhere.)
(Promotional ad for Fighting Spirit, where the Tag Team Turmoil Tournament finals will take place.)
(The camera returns to ringside, and it doesn’t take too long following this for ‘Run Into Flowers’ by M83 to hit. This causes loud cheers to come from the fans in attendance, excited to see Bronson Daniels as the camera fades towards the stage. Bronson begins to walk out with a microphone in his hand, but he doesn’t look pleased whatsoever, still thinking about last week’s events which didn’t end in his favor.)
Rich Russillo: Bronson Daniels is here with some words, and I can’t say I am surprised given what was done to him last week. I have to say, the tag team turmoil tournament has been quite the mess.
Thadd Blazevich: I know bro, but we knew to expect chaos, didn’t we? Jon Kelton attacked Bronson Daniels last week, costing him and ARIA the chance to advance to the finals. So much for Bronson competing in two matches at Fighting Spirit.
Persephone: Good. I don’t even like seeing Bronson wrestle once a night. I’m fine with not having to see it twice.
(Bronson jumps onto the ring apron before entering the ring, wasting no time. Bronson’s entrance music fades out, and he just nods as he looks out at the cheering fans in attendance, before finally beginning to speak.)
Bronson Daniels: Listen, I don’t intend to waste too much time right now because I think you all saw what happened last week. Things got out of hand to start the show, but I didn’t want to let that bother me. I didn’t want something like a title shot to the face to mess with ARIA and I beating TLA and Dr. Bethany Blue, and to be honest, I don’t think it did. I gave that match my all just as I promised and I really did want to help us advance all the way to the finals… But when a title to the face courtesy of Drake Armstrong wasn’t enough to take me out of the match, Jon Kelton decided to take matters into his own hands.
(These words bring loud boos from the fans, not any happier about Jon Kelton’s interference in Bronson and ARIA’s tag team turmoil tournament match than Bronson is.)
Bronson Daniels: Before I even get to the root of this issue, I’d like to apologize to ARIA. I told her that I’d have her back and that going after the EAW World Championship wouldn’t interfere with our spot in the tournament, and while I didn’t lack focus, I was still wrong about that. I’m glad that she at least has the opportunity to contend for a spot in the Cash in the Vault ladder match, because the *last* thing she deserves is to have her road to Pain for Pride ruined because Jon Kelton couldn’t just stay out of our match. He couldn’t just stay a little patient. He opened the show being taken out by me before Drake Armstrong got involved, and he ended his night reminding you all exactly *why* he has had a target on his back since I returned!
(Bronson turns towards the camera as the fans cheered, beginning to speak with a far more stern tone of voice as he turns his attention towards the man responsible for all of this.)
Bronson Daniels: You’re a coward, Jon. A delusional coward that doesn’t even realize just how lucky you have been for the past five months. You had every chance to distance yourself from all of this. You could’ve finally had the career you think you deserve, but you were too late. Too late because you’re the kind of man that’s bound to keep screwing himself over. To keep making the exact same mistakes no matter how many chances he’s given to finally do things differently.
(Bronson stops for a moment, and he shakes his head before beginning to backpedal a few steps, turning his attention towards the stage.)
Bronson Daniels: I’m not going to keep being dragged into your never-ending cycle of self sabotage. Get out here, Jon. If we’re doing this, it’ll be face to face.
(Bronson waits for his former Elysium teammate, but it is not Jon Kelton’s music that hits. Instead, it’s ‘Pride and Arrogance’ by Takeru Kanazaki. Bronson Daniels doesn’t look pleased by this, but he just nods his head before backing up, waiting for Drake Armstrong to join him in the ring. Drake Armstrong begins walking out, carrying his Championship on his shoulder as the Champion begins walking down the ramp, carrying a microphone with him.)
Persephone: That’s… Not Jon Kelton.
Rich Russillo: No it certainly is not. Instead it is the EAW World Champion, who it seems has his own thoughts judging by the microphone in his hand. I can’t say I’m surprised given the circumstances.
Thadd Blazevich: A triple threat that Drake didn’t want, he’s definitely in a bit of a tough spot. Still, I wonder what he’s gotta say, since he surprisingly wasn’t actually involved with what happened to Bronson.
(Drake Armstrong takes his time walking up the steel steps before finally entering the ring. Drake stares at Bronson for a moment, before finally his head lowers, and a much more “concerned” look forms on his face.)
Drake Armstrong: Bronson, you and I have very rarely seen eye to eye, and for good reason. I hardly consider the standards of such hopeless filth with an already fragile idea of morality to be in any way worth my time, but last week I already questioned your Commissioner Matthieu for his decision to hand a Championship match to starving peasants who have yet to do anything to earn the spotlight that they have been given. I believed that an undeserved, unworthy match like this would only taint my World Championship reign and in turn taint Voltage as a whole, but it turns out that Voltage is already being tainted… And you know precisely who is responsible for that.
(Following these words, Drake looks up, staring at Bronson.)
Drake Armstrong: Your weak, useless, manchild of a “brother”, Jon Kelton.
Bronson Daniels: What’s your point?
(Drake waits a moment after these words, and he can’t hold back the grin forming on his face.)
Drake Armstrong: Can’t you see it? This started with Jon Kelton running out here for the sake of desperately pleading for a shot at the EAW World Championship. You didn’t think he was worthy of it. I didn’t think he was worthy of it, and I clearly had no intentions of giving such a lowly insect a chance to fight for my Championship, but your boss didn’t care. In fact, he set up this triple threat without any consideration for both of us, much like he allowed Jon Kelton to interfere in your match against the Doctor and TLA and effectively remove you from the bout entirely, all while Jon faces no repercussions. Matthieu Daniels does not care about this brand. He is allowing chaos to thrive, and in turn giving those with nothing the platform needed to try to steal from the wealthy.
(Bronson just appears disgusted with what Drake has had to say so far, but he remains silent, just to see where Drake is going with this, and if it’s exactly what he is expecting.)
Drake Armstrong: My point is… You and I have a common enemy, and if the Commissioner of this brand has no intentions of setting this right, the only option we have is to do this ourselves. Perhaps then, we could have… Something resembling a proper World Championship match.
(Hearing this, Bronson’s head drops, and he just sighs.)
Bronson Daniels: What kind of fool do you take me for?
Drake Armstrong: Come again?
Bronson Daniels: You were the first person that decided to try to get under my skin this season, Drake. You remember that, don’t you? Back when you made it your mission to drive a wedge between Elysium, all while stringing along Hans Grayson. The entire first half of this season was built on you being as manipulative as humanly possible and finding any way you could possibly steer the odds towards your favor, and what better way to do that than by reminding me that Jon Kelton has hell to pay? The common enemy approach, it’s nothing new, and to be honest it sounds almost desperate coming from you right now. I see what you’re doing Drake, and it’s smart. It’d be very clever if you were up against someone else, but I know you. I know you too well to lose sight of you.
(Bronson walks up to Drake Armstrong, close enough that he’s able to put his finger on the Championship on Drake’s shoulder as he points at him.)
Bronson Daniels: Don’t forget, I didn’t sign up for this match just for the sake of sticking it to Jon. I want that Championship, and he’s not the one holding it. You are.
Drake Armstrong: Do you think I’m unaware of that?
Bronson Daniels: No, but I think you’re hoping I am. You want to turn my attention away from you because you understand how much of a threat I am to you. We went over your lack of control here last week, but what better way to regain that control than by creating a situation where somehow, the Champion no longer has a target on his back? We’re not friends, Drake. Don’t try this game with me.
Drake Armstrong: Game? You consider securing a proper advantage in a World Championship match a game? Bronson, I do not deny that I was merely looking out for myself with my offer, just as anyone with a Championship on their shoulder would. However, I never intended to ignore our history, rather I intend to make use of it, just as you should. Manipulation, strategy, this is what it takes in order to get ahead. In this industry, in this world, you do not survive if you don’t have the ability to use your mind as a weapon. I am not asking you to like me. I instead am asking something far more meaningful. Do you really think it is worth allowing Jon Kelton the freedom to ruin yet another opportunity for you?
(Drake Armstrong begins to chuckle, shaking his head as if he cannot believe what he has heard from Bronson.)
Drake Armstrong: The Two Falls of Terror match. The Extreme Elimination Chamber. Even last week’s match. All of these events were the result of your mercy. Of your refusal to sever ties with Jon Kelton, and drive your own knife through his back. As long as you allow that man room to act he will find a way to steal what you feel should be yours, so this desire to become World Champion once more that supposedly means far more than your revenge…?
(This time, it’s Drake Armstrong that steps forward, as the two men once again stand face to face.)
Drake Armstrong: It means absolutely nothing. Not as long as that parasite is around to take food off of your table.
(Before Bronson Daniels could answer Drake, or even think about his words for a substantial period of time, ‘All of the Lights (interlude)’ by Kanye West hits. The fans loudly boo, but surprisingly, Drake Armstrong actually looks glad to see Jon Kelton. Jon walks out with a microphone of his own, and he doesn’t look impressed whatsoever with the conversation that has unfolded inside of the ring.)
Rich Russillo: Jon Kelton is finally here, and I am sure he has a lot to say given the fact that this whole back and forth has been about him, so I don’t blame him for walking out here.
Thadd Blazevich: Well, Drake is basically suggesting that he and Bronson team up on him. I doubt bro is really feeling what Drake is cooking up right now.
Persephone: Of course he isn’t, but you know what? I think I agree with Drake. A Jon Kelton-less EAW sounds pretty good if you ask me.
(He wastes no time entering the ring, shooting a stare at Bronson, before smirking sardonically at Drake Armstrong.)
Jon Kelton: I was as intrigued as everybody else to see where this was going, Armstrong—but alas, it seems your baloney is only as good as the words you use to decorate it, because on the inside empty nonsense will always remain empty nonsense. You are, however, close to being right; because it’s not me taking food off of Bronson’s table… it was always him taking it from me. He may have not stabbed the knife in my back outright… but he knows what he’s done along the way is nothing different. And when we speak of this Championship date we got set up at Fighting Spirit?
(Jon fixates his gaze on Bronson.)
Jon Kelton: Just know that whatever happens will be your own doing, Bronson… Because you put your nose where it doesn’t belong, and with an opportunity to finish the job? Well… It seems all three of us can knock two birds out with one stone, so what it comes down to, truly, is who has it in them to get the job done. Is it the insecure lackwit who breaks down at the slightest hint of inconvenience? The propagated “paragon of virtue” whose only purpose here—even without a goddamn shoulder to pair—has been leeching off of his better half for the past two years?
Jon Kelton: Or is it the man bound to dance with destiny, who despite it all, holds ALL the cards in this outing of ours—let’s not forget it was ME who called for this shot weeks ago and I did not do so without the proper means to an end in mind… even with this “brother” of mine providing an extra variable, like always.
Drake Armstrong: What sophistries! But Jon Kelton—
Jon Kelton: Shut the hell up, Armstrong! I’m not done yet!
(Unamused, Armstrong simply rolls his eyes, allowing the disrespect to fly only as much as he needs to. Meanwhile, Bronson would let out a faint chuckle, however the temperature in the ring remains as cold as ever as Jon’s focus remains on him.)
Jon Kelton: You sold that fool ARIA a dream, Bronson—that same dream you sold me. And in the end, here you are saving face in front of anybody *but* the person you have disappointed. In what world do you have the right to even be surprised? Why, on god’s green earth, do you think I would let you take, and take, *and take* not even a month removed from your return like the wicked parasite you are?? After making it your mission to ensure I don’t reach the seat at the table I rightfully should have through whatever desperate means you have left, did you truly think I would simply let you compete in that tournament? That I would let you get a potential title shot for you to throw in my face? That I’d see you paint yourself as this sort of unmatched workhorse by handling this double duty? Bronson—you’ve either come back real’ desperate, or that fall six months ago made you an even dumber man than you already were.
Bronson Daniels: I’d like to think you’re done, and while I’m sure Drake is excited to get a word in himself, my ears have suffered from enough delusional ramblings today. I’m not a desperate man and I sure as hell know what I’m doing, and while I feel for the promise I couldn’t fulfill when it comes to the turmoil, what this only means is that I now have my full-fledged focus on this triple threat matchup, getting my hands on you, and well, most importantly, that EAW World Championship, the same one YOU went out of your way to cost me of, and for a matter of fact cost us both of.
Jon Kelton: “Us both”? Are we seriously doing this again? Are you still trying to manufacture the lie that Elysium, that the Two Falls of Terror, that EVERY SINGLE moment wasn’t about your *proud* goddamned self??
Bronson Daniels: Believe what you wanna, ‘cause what I know is that next week, it’s only me I gotta look out for, and while you may think I’m just in there to hinder you from this “grand destiny” of sorts, there would be no bigger blow I could hand you than if I went ahead and took that EAW World Championship at your expense. And this time, you’ll have nobody to blame but yourself.
Drake Armstrong: Indeed, Bronson! Jon Kelton is naught but an annoying fly, buzzing around our ears, just begging to be swatted away. There will be nothing he can point the finger at when his own brand of annoyance brings us to unify our forces and make our match-up a worthy one-on-one…
Bronson Daniels: Drake—
Jon Kelton: For a guy who supposedly wants the world and then some, you’re certainly counting out the most important factor of this match, and that’s me! Because even if Bronson somehow agrees to do your dirty work, it’s still not gonna eliminate my presence from such a volatile match. If anything, I could linger around, wait for my opportunity to strike, and shatter your kingdom to pieces before you’d even know it. Remember, that’s been my mission before Bronson even put his nose where it didn’t belong. It was my mission before he was even back in that ring, and I’m not straying from that path. Whatever you set in motion, take all the credit you want, I don’t care, even if it was my decision to make and I did so with my best interest in mind, however setting me aside like I’m some sort of cannon fodder? That’s what I cannot take, because I’m more than just a bug waiting to be crushed, and at Fighting Spirit I’ll show you just where your hubris will get you, Armstrong.
Bronson Daniels: I’ve been around Jon long enough to see flashes of brilliance. You know what else I got to witness? The moments where he was seconds away from materializing that brilliance, yet coming up short anyway. I’ve been at the top of this game for a long time, and I’ve proven myself capable of getting the job done no matter the variables. Where Jon has choked in the past, I’ve gotten the job done. Where Drake’s been lacking control under volatile circumstances, I’ve adapted. Time and time again, I’ve proven people wrong yet you guys got your own heads too far up your asses to see it, buying into these dreams of yours… I respect it, but let’s see what translates to the ring, because as far as I’ve seen? Drake is trying to make the impossible happen, thinking I’d team up with him and never expect to be stabbed in the back, while Jon remains confident in his chances of getting it done despite many of his historical shortcomings coming in volatile matches such as this one. Just one year ago, at the last Fighting Spirit event, I had the Pain For Pride main event in the palm of my hand, and I gave it up to the man I thought was my brother. Now? There’s nothing I could ever choose over victory… Not even getting my hands on you, Jon.
Drake Armstrong: Bronson, while I cannot deny your one redeemable trait, that being your acumen inside of that ring, do remember that in this company, I am strategically unmatched. You either accept my proposition or you don’t, for regardless I shall still reign supreme, with or without you. I left you both in the past long ago, yet you’ve senselessly come back to haunt me, even when you are like deers running into headlights. The bitter issue between you two no longer concerns me, and while you both declare at the top of your lungs just how critical a World Championship victory is for the both of you… to me, it rings hollow. Before you’ve both undertaken this shortcut, you both had your opportunity, Jon Kelton had months to prepare to shine on his own and make his name known via the Grand Rampage match, yet he had done nothing but drop in the ball in the toughest moments and ignored a glaringly obvious omen above his head in the form of yourself, Bronson Daniels. And when it comes to you… I mean, just what more needs to be said when you were handed lucky number 30 and threw it all away for the sake of revenge?
Drake Armstrong: Allow me to be plentifully clear, the EAW World Championship does NOT center around you minions and your petty squabbles. It is not a toy for you to gatekeep from the other. The EAW World Championship is an unmatched symbol of excellence, and there is nobody more born for this stature than I am. My mere dignity alone as the man atop this brand will not allow either of you to stain MY championship for the sake of your childish games. I have watched my meticulous planning unfold down to the last minute detail over the entirety of this season, and that includes your implosion, one that many, including the both of you, deemed impossible—preposterous, even. And yet, here we are. Whatever challenges were thrown in front of me… I have handled with ease… no matter what. I forbid the existence of a reality where either of you manages to steal what shall be the first of many Pain For Pride main events under my immaculate belt.
Drake Armstrong: After Fighting Spirit, your bodies will be used under my foundation. As pillars to my castle. You’ve played my game this whole time; don’t think you’ve suddenly procured autonomy—
POWWW!!!
Thadd Blazevich: OHHH!!! IT LOOKS LIKE THE TIME FOR TALKING IS OVER AS BOTH BRONSON AND KELTON JUST SWUNG ON THE WORLD CHAMP AT THE SAME TIME!! NOW HOW’S THAT FOR OLD HABITS DYING HARD?!
Rich Russillo: EVEN THEY ARE SURPRISED WHICH ACTUALLY GIVES ARMSTRONG A MOMENT TO REGAIN HIS FOOTING!! HE SHOVES BRONSON AWAY, THEN KELTON, AND NOW RUNS AT BOTH OF THEM LOOKING FOR A DOUBLE LARIAT—
Persephone: But both of them duck under! Drake instinctively goes for a big boot which actually sends Bronson staggering back a bit, but Kelton is going right at the champion as a hockey fight seems to have broken out!!
Thadd Blazevich: MAKE IT A THREE-WAY DANCE, BECAUSE BRONSON JUST JOINED IN!! THESE THREE ARE THROWING PUNCHES WHEREVER THEY CAN, BECAUSE THEY ARE BOUND TO LAND ON SOMEBODY!! IT’S AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF CHAOS GOING ON AND ALL THREE OF THEM SEEM TO BE LOVING IT!!
Rich Russillo: OR NOT QUITE ALL THREE, AS DRAKE ARMSTRONG FINDS THE OPENING TO JUST ROLL OUT OF THAT BRAWL, AND LEAVE THE RING, PICKING UP THE EAW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE PROCESS AND GRASPING TIGHTLY ONTO IT, THE CHAMPION IS DONE, HE’S LEAVING!!
Persephone: INSIDE THE RING, A BIG HAYMAKER SENDS KELTON BACK, AND I THINK BRONSON JUST NOW NOTICED THERE’S A MAN MISSING—AS HE RUNS OFF THE ROPES—
Thadd Blazevich: ***A FRIGGIN’ SUICIDE DIVE “MICKEY I KNOCKED YOUR HEAD OFF” HITS THE BACK OF ARMSTRONG’S HEAD, SENDING HIM PLUMMETING INTO A CAMERAMAN WHILE THE TITLE DROPS TO THE GROUND ALONG WITH HIM!!
Rich Russillo: But wait up… JON KELTON IS REVVING UP THE ENGINE—
**CRRRAAAAAAAASSSHHHHHHHH!!!!**
Rich Russillo: ***FINAAAAALLL ATOONEMEENNTTT THROUGH THE BARRICADE!!!!*** KELTON HAD THE CHANCE TO ATTACK, AND HE COMPLETELY WIPES OUT BRONSON DANIELS!! HE’S STANDING TALL ABOVE EVERYBODY ELSE!! WHAT AN ELECTRIC FIGHT TO CAP OFF THE SHOW!!
(Jon looks over the debris left behind by the shattered barricade and Bronson’s own body… He rolls himself back to his feet, and ganders upon Drake Armstrong… and next to him, the EAW World Championship. Without hesitation, he picks it up and climbs on top of the barricade, standing across both his “brother” and the champion. He raises the title high in the sky, while inaudibly talking smack to an audience that only reciprocates jeers at him.)
(EAW logo buzzes.)
