Voltage

(EAW intro plays.)

(A recap is shown of EAW’s last two weeks. From Pain for Pride highlights such as the Championship changes, Adam Lucas’ career coming to a shocking end, an insane Three Stages of Hardcore Hell match and more to Voltage’s selections in the Season 20 Draft a week later, the recap lasts much longer this week before finally fading out. After this the camera opens to the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, Virginia, and the fans are thrilled as pyro shoots from the stage. Finally, the camera pans to the commentary table where Rich Russillo, Thadd Blazevich and Persephone are seen.)

Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen… Welcome to SUNDAY NIGHT VOLTAGE! It is a new season, so if you’re new here I am Rich Russillo, joined by Thadd Blazevich and Persephone Tsitsipas for what is bound to be an explosive start of Season 20!

Thadd Blazevich: Season 19 ended with a bang, and bros, I am stoked to be able to be here for everything that’s to come! This season’s gonna be awesome. I mean, just look at the show we already have lined up for tonight! Lookin’ like a great start if you ask me!

Persephone: Why did you have to stick around?

(‘Self Help Tape’ by Moses Sumney blasts to kick off the latest season of Voltage, as the fans explode in cheers. None other than Captain Charisma walks out on stage, and he only encourages the reaction to grow louder.)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome at this time, the Voltage Commissioner, CAPTAIN CHARISMA!!!

(Captain Charisma walks down the ramp, nodding towards the cheering fans on his way down the ramp, and shaking the hands of some of the fans at ringside once he approaches the steel steps. The Commissioner walks up the steps and enters the ring, continuing to play up to the crowd for a bit before his entrance music finally fades out.)

(With a smile still on his face, Captain Charisma walks towards the ropes, reaching out as he is handed a microphone. With this he walks towards the center of the ring, before finally he begins to speak.)

Captain Charisma: 20 seasons of EAW, wow!!!

(The crowd erupts in cheers.)

Captain Charisma: I remember going around the wrestling circuit, watching on as EAW came to be, and quickly taking over the industry in a short matter of time, before Mr. DEDEDE opened negotiations with me not long after. Since 2008, I’ve been able to watch myself grow, I’ve been able to watch this company grow, and I’ve seen elitists come in, grow, and become greats.

Captain Charisma: While Voltage has not been here from the start, it eventually worked its way to the top, becoming one of, if not THE premier brand of all of EAW!!

(The crowd cheers on loudly!)

Captain Charisma: And we’re not stopping anytime soon. After an extremely storied season—for better or for worse… I look towards who can enter the history books of our brand now! We retained stars who debuted on Voltage last season, the newest EAW World Champion, Hans Grayson! Bronson Daniels! Jay Jerry Johnson! Drake Armstrong. 🙃

(Captain Charisma hesitates, as the crowd quickly reacts accordingly to the names mentioned.)

Captain Charisma: Kai Rabeaux… 🙂

(Matthieu exhales.)

Captain Charisma: We kept stars synonymous with Voltage, the newest Universal Women’s Champion, Minerva, along with Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes! Dr. Bethany Blue and TLA! Miku Sakai! ARIA & Candice Blair! None other than Raven Roberts is back on the golden brand, and, for better or for worse, Jake Smith!

Captain Charisma: On top of all this, it seems the complicated issues with Saori Aizen, Auburn Ware and Damon Lazarus are bound to continue with all three of them joining us on the brand for this season! Young upstart Carmen Sánchez, of course, remains on Voltage! Tonight, Avril Williams makes her in-ring debut! Joining her in this “rookie class”, is a mammoth in Igon Mordren! After a stellar few months of Showdown, Cynthia Valice will also show the world what she has on Voltage this season! Sayuri Himura and possibly to her dismay, Eris Morti will also remain Voltage commodities!

Captain Charisma: Eden & I have made sure to build a Voltage brand for EAW’s historic 20th season that doesn’t just commemorate the past of this company, but one that embraces the present and the future no differently, with a land of opportunity like no other! With a clean slate for everybody, now is the time to make it all count, and I know that the standard will just keep on reaching on higher and higher, because THAT is what the Voltage brand is—

(But before Captain Charisma could finish that thought…)

(“The Promised Consort” by Shoi Miyazawa hit…)

(And out walked The Overlord.)

(His presence? Quickly elevated far above even the skies.)

(Donning his three-piece suit, the Hardcore Champion takes a sigh of many emotions before stepping forward, microphone in hand, his intentions rather clear.)

Rich Russillo: I don’t know if I’ve ever heard boos this loud, and I can’t even pretend to be shocked. Kai Rabeaux isn’t entirely thrilled tonight and we all know why, but can we really say he didn’t deserve what happened at the Draft?

Thadd Blazevich: I don’t think so. After everything this dude did to Adam Lucas, I don’t know if the people will ever forgive him.

Persephone: So? That’s Adam’s fault. He should’ve just won the match instead of being useless. Still, it was pretty funny seeing Kai only get drafted when there were no other options.

(Without any more patience left to give, Kai steps into the ring, looking in the eyes of the Commissioner.)

Kai Rabeaux: Charisma… It feels flattering, at times.

(The commissioner only raises a brow.)

Kai Rabeaux: For all the troubles between you and that dead man— you’ve certainly been committed to preserving his place in spite of it all. Now, that we are here, it seems I am once more the source of the attack. To draft me last, really? I mean, am I supposed to believe there is a world out there where the likes of Ashlynn Quinn or Cosmo Goldworthy are hotter commodities?

(Kai could only chuckle.)

Kai Rabeaux: The agenda has always been rather… conspicuous. It quickly became unequivocal. Yet in spite of this, you’ve remained everlastingly shy in addressing the elephant in the room.

Kai Rabeaux: Allow me to set it all straight… in no world is the EXECUTIONER of Adam Lucas and THE Hardcore Champion a mere afterthought of the Draft festivities, in no world is The Overlord not worth his rightful value and respect. And, in no world am I just some punching bag. Allow me to make matters clear: you could have booked me to compete knowing the state my body was in, perhaps hoping my career would end there, when Adam Lucas could not live up to his promise. You had gone as far as to relegate me to a lowly “social media” draft pick… the *sole* one…

Kai Rabeaux: But irregardless, none of your corruption had ever stopped me. Perhaps, I should go as far as to say after such a “special” draft pick… I stand in, now objectively, a league of my own.

(Captain Charisma’s face remains straight, deep inside expecting another headache to come at any moment, in the literal sense, as figuratively? That didn’t take long at all.)

Captain Charisma: I’ll be honest with you, Kai. If I could have gotten you off this brand? I would have. Not a lick of hesitation.

(Kai begins to feel almost… offended.)

Captain Charisma: But after everything? The nightmare you have turned out to me? Neither Mr. Montgomery nor Ms. Street wanted to tackle that mess.

Captain Charisma: And it’s funny…

(Captain Charisma clears his throat.)

Captain Charisma: Many fans revolted back when it all happened, your presence was repulsing to every demographic there is, the audience started an online movement, calling for your firing and for justice to be deserved, and it got so big, EAW felt pressured to let you go, without a choice in the matter as the public spoke loudly, rightfully so, and yet… I stuck up for you. I wanted to keep you here. I wanted your ambition not to go to waste like this, because somewhere in that egocentric mind of yours? Is a damn good wrestler, one any brand would want without hesitation.

Captain Charisma: Yet here we stand now, after the pendulum has swung on that clock time and time again, and now I regret my decision. Not even I want you anymore.

(Kai chuckles, almost sarcastically, though it’s not enough to mask the pure look of vitriol in response to the disrespect he feels thrown his way.)

Captain Charisma: That same repulsion? That disgust? I feel it now whenever your name is brought up, whenever I see your face. And maybe if it wasn’t for me, EAW would be better without you.

Kai Rabeaux: EAW, better without me? What a joke…

Captain Charisma: There’s many people you can say that about, but you? Kai?

(Matthieu chuckles.)

Captain Charisma: I’m all out of doubt with you—

(But Kai was not the only man frustrated. “Pride and Arrogance” by Takeru Kanazaki blasts, and the revulsion in the building only grows, as Drake Armstrong walks out… an aura of confidence in his presence, though he remains shaken and angry; that much was impossible to hide.)

(It was a sight not seen in a while, but over his shoulder?)

(Rested *nothing.*)

Persephone: Oh, look. The loser that couldn’t beat a one-armed Hans is here.

Rich Russillo: Drake Armstrong lost his EAW World Championship at Pain for Pride, and you have to wonder just what is running through his mind after that. We know his history with Hans, not just last season, but throughout both of their careers.

Thadd Blazevich: Good point bro, but if he’s coming out now, he must have something to say. This is his first appearance since Pain for Pride, so I guess we’ll find out what’s on his mind soon enough!

(As Drake entered, he quickly stood next to Kai, staring into the Commissioner’s eyes.)

Drake Armstrong: Illuminate me… Sir… Matthieu Daniels… What gives you the right to meddle with the affairs of myself and the young Overlord, without care or thought, mere vitriol behind it all?

(Captain Charisma clears his voice… but Drake’s question was only rhetorical, meant to put him in his place.)

Drake Armstrong: Do you find safety in that title you possess? The grand Commissioner of the Voltage brand? For let me blunt… I have the funds to buy out your entire contract… *without sacrificing any of my wealth.* Therefore, I would remain careful.

Drake Armstrong: After Hans Grayson’s attempt at a revolution reached a fluke success, I quickly realized… Voltage does not deserve me. Voltage does not deserve to breathe in my picture. Voltage does not deserve my riches. Nor even merely my overshadowing presence. As I had the clear wish to shape the image of this brand from one of gory, disgusting peasantry into one of royalty… The heart of the feeble suddenly grew… and… good for him. It’s all the luck in the world he necessitates and after the victories he managed to attain over me? He is bound to run out eventually and prove to the rest of the world just how short-sighted he always was.

Drake Armstrong: After all, he played a pitiful Marxist angle! He pretended he had grown a sense of class conscience, not because he read a book for once, for he still stumbled on each of his words, but more likely because he sat to watch a mere minute-long video that pretended to tell him each intricacy of the relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat class like every other pseudo-intellectual plaguing our world! Alas, in spite of it all, Hans Grayson is no true revolutionary, he is no Vladimir Lenin as he wishes to be. He is not even anything close to Che Guevara. He is merely another man parading with power, creating a party titled one thing, yet centered around an entirely different concept.

Drake Armstrong: In due time, Hans Grayson will not only show his true colors… but he will falter… just as every pseudo-socialist in history has. Then, the question begs, who is the “tyrant”, the “dictator” in all of this…?

Captain Charisma: Drake… What do I have to do with all of this?

Drake Armstrong: Some patience, Captain… Or else your livelihood may quickly depend on it. My issue comes in the firm denial of my ideals from the Voltage brand, led by you, yet in spite of this… opting to retain my presence of this brand, in spite of your… indifference, to put it as nicely as one can. You denied an Armstrongian revolution of the brand, a makeover that would create a complete monopoly in Elite Answers Wrestling, one that would make concepts such as Territorial Invasion’s battle for supremacy absolutely futile… and you would be the spokesperson in charge of it all, yet you decided that throne was not fit for you.

Drake Armstrong: If anything! You have only been an impediment. Placing sticks in the wheels of my bike, praying that I would fall. Well, congratulations! At Pain For Pride… Voltage drowned in and entered the era of blind sycophancy… just as you wished. So, the question begs, why am I still here… if my purpose had been denied, and shattered as if it were meaningless?

Drake Armstrong: The last thing you should have done… after your complete disobedience… was drafting me back to Sunday Night Voltage… you ungrateful *minion*.

(Captain Charisma tries to address all of Drake’s frustrations… but as Voltage often has it… far too often, everything goes unaddressed. “Ambitionz az a Ridah” by 2Pac blasts, and out walk the newly crowned Unified Tag Team Champions with microphones in their hands.)

(The music halts after some time, as Dr. Bethany Blue and TLA pose on the apron, before addressing everybody else from the top of the ramp.)

TLA: It’s already loco in here… ‘coz I be smellin’ this saltiness, and I know it’s not Chris Elite, ‘coz we deported his ass outta ‘ere!

Dr. Bethany Blue: No… It’s just fragile egos.

(Bethany almost ignores Armstrong… staring *right* into the cold eyes of Kai.)

(She has few words to still share, as the eyes told the whole story… but TLA stepped in, putting an arm in front of her, to ease the tension.)

TLA: I kno we likin’ to complain all da time and sometimes no lie I be tryna get up in there to complain too when shit don’t go my way, but we don’t give no craps about none of this shit!

TLA: Kai, there’s mad unfinished business with you and la señora, don’t think you would just run away from all this shi now! We in here ready to defend these belts against errbody, we puttin’ on some lucha spectacles as a team now that yo boi is officially a Grand Slam Champ in EAW running outta space in the trophy case! And while we ain’t tryna rain on your pity party — tho we lowkey are — we wanna get this shit going at max speed, all gas no brakes, and go right ahead and be the best campeones we can be, so we want to make the path to Bloodsport clear!

Dr. Bethany Blue: You know Kai, beating the crap out of you, and watching you seethe as the entire world serenaded… it felt damn good. And while Pain For Pride wasn’t the happiest of endings… I still want a resolution, I still want a job finished. I’ve held that Hardcore Championship until I reached the death’s door… I defended it with pride, because being a champion, it means everything to me. Now that I’m back, holding gold? I feel no differently… but there’s no doubt… so much vitriol in my heart… that I cannot help but deal with something before the championship glory alone becomes my main focus…

(Kai simply shakes his head, dismissively.)

Kai Rabeaux: Widow, I want no part of this. You see… There is no joy in putting an end to an entire bloodline… *and you are all that’s left.*

(Bethany quickly grows furious, TLA stepping in once more, as Kai chuckles.)

TLA: AYE! You wanna talk like dis, you betta put your money where yo mouth is, gringo!

Drake Armstrong: He has done as much MANY times, and the time has come for you to acknowledge that! TLA, do not step in here with your mealy-mouthed nonsense! Your crime on colloquialism plunges my ears enough, and frankly? It’s best you mind your own business… before I force you to learn your place… since King of Elite over a year ago, clearly, did not do the trick just yet!

Dr. Bethany Blue: You’ve both been a source of so much pain, not just for me, not just for my family, not even for just TLA, but the entire Voltage roster… and we won’t simply bend the knee because you want to, or because you’re riding some sort of high horse… though, Armstrong, you don’t even have any high horse to ride on.

(Suddenly, Captain Charisma gets in the middle of everything.)

Captain Charisma: Okay! I hear all of you, and that’s enough before things get out of hand, let’s at least not start the season like this! Frankly, the tension has quickly been brewing and this has gotten my gears turning, with a great idea spawning in!

Captain Charisma: Ladies and gentlemen, the first officially announced matchup for Bloodsport…

Captain Charisna: TLA & Dr. Bethany Blue, defending their tag team gold against none other than Drake Armstrong, and Kai Rabeaux!

(Bethany smiles, with TLA sharing the reaction.)

(Meanwhile… Armstrong leans forward on the ropes, a tense expression, while Kai’s arms rest over his head.)

Captain Charisma: It’s one hell of a matchup between four top names, and since the chapter has yet to close, then the tension between Kai and Bethany may be resolved in the ring.

(Captain Charisma drops the microphone, leaving the ring, as the two pairs, with polar opposite reactions, stare each other down.)

(Voltage fades out.)

(Sunday Night Voltage returns to show a shot of the backstage area of the Richmond Coliseum. There, the camera focuses on Sofia Clarke, who is seen standing by with a smile on her face and a microphone in hand. After a moment, she then begins to speak.)

Sofia Clarke: Welcome to Season 20! And what an opener to the first Voltage of Season 20 that we just got the opportunity to witness. We are hot off the heels of Pain For Pride, and the aftermath is definitely being felt throughout the roster here tonight. Joining me right now is someone who had a very successful weekend on the grandest stage of them all, securing a gratifying victory, to say the very least. Please welcome at this time, the EAW Specialists Champion… Saori Aizen!

(The crowd comes unglued with loud boos from inside the arena, as the shot pans over to reveal Saori Aizen as she makes her way into the scene. She has a smug expression on her face, adjusting the Specialists Championship which rests over her shoulders, before glancing over at Sofia Clarke.)

Sofia Clarke: Saori, thank you for joining us tonight.

Saori Aizen: Do *not* waste my time.

Sofia Clarke: I’ll try my best. :wow: Firstly, I’d like to ask you about what happened at Pain For Pride. As you know, you successfully defended your Specialists Championship in a match against Auburn Ware and Carmen Sanchez. It was your first successful Championship defense and your first Pain For Pride victory. How do you feel?

(Saori tilts her head, taking a moment to let the silence simmer before speaking.)

Saori Aizen: Here is the thing that many fail to understand. People believe that I walked into this one with uncertainty surrounding myself and my title reign, but the reality is… both of what you just described were bound to come. In fact, it almost felt like an inevitability from my point of view considering how I had both of them wrapped around my fingers, just… like… that. So to everyone who wants to act surprised about what happened, just know that there was not a moment in my mind that I believed that my title was in jeopardy, and I’m glad that I was proven right at Pain For Pride.

Sofia Clarke: How did you feel about your opponents? Auburn and Carmen certainly gave it their all, and it took you resorting to a real cheap manuever by stealing the victory from Carmen to win. You don’t even think for a minute that they were close to taking that title away from you?

(Saori rolls her eyes at the way the question was worded, almost ignoring it out of unexpected kindness as she begins to speak once more.)

Saori Aizen: I never thought highly of either of them in the first place, I do not believe that is blasphemous to say. Carmen was simply not ready for a match like this and made a mistake getting herself involved in what was happening, she paid in full and I truly hope that she understands that before going on to speak about whatever injustices may have occurred that she conjures up in her head. Regardless, not a concern for me anymore. And as for that other pestilent fool… I promise all of you that Auburn Ware will never get her hands on the Specailists Championship again. If what happened at Fighting Spirit wasn’t proof that I had her bested, then I truly do hope that Pain For Pride was the eye-opener that you needed in order to realize such a thing. I got in her head, I infected her very being, and she still feels the ramifications of such a thing, and while it is easy to feel bad for her… you must understand that this is something that she asked for out of her own poor, fragile mind.

(Saori smirks as she thinks about this.)

Saori Aizen: I do anticipate our story being done. I do not wish to entertain her desperate pleas or sad fables anymore. I must move on, and I must focus on Saori Aizen and her glory. I must focus on the Specialists Championship and what is undeniably best for it.

Sofia Clarke: Next, I have to ask… what do you believe is next for Saori Aizen heading into the new season? There is a lot of opportunity that presents itself, especially as the Specialists Champion, and that might be something that excites you.

(Saori listens to what Sofia asks her before a smirk begins to cross her face.)

Saori Aizen: I have surveyed the landscape of Elite Answers Wrestling heading into the new season, and I’d be lying if I said that it *didn’t* pique my interest. The company as a whole has grown significantly since Pain For Pride with new talent, so I know exactly what this means. It means that I cannot allow myself to be complacent. I cannot allow myself to stand in place and let the world pass me by, because that is exactly what is going to lead to this title disappearing from my hands. With that in mind, I am confident in whatever is next in my future. I have shown that I am more than capable of dictating my own path in this world, stringing together a reality that is in *my* vision, but as the Champion, at the very forefront of excellence when it comes to this division… Whoever truly desires to fight for my Championship should come to me; I should not need to come to them.

(Saori pauses for a moment, thinking to herself, before going on.)

Saori Aizen: Here is the truth that nobody wants to face. I will not be letting go of this title anytime soon; do not anticipate such a reality coming to fruition. My glory will continue to radiate throughout this brand, and to those who believe that they may be the exception to such a thing… they will find out quickly that their expectations do not meet reality, just like every other challenger who has decided to step in my way and try to cut me down. This Championship has always been my priority, and it makes me sick that so many people try to devalue what I have accomplished solely because of my *sinful* acts. Well, I apologize for not being who you anticipated me being, but the reality is that I am BETTER than your expectations. Nobody is going to hold me down, and nobody is going to stop Saori Aizen from accomplishing her goals in this company with this title in my grasp. It is all a matter of whether or not you are going to stand in the way, which would certainly not be in your best interest.

Sofia Clarke: Saori Aizen, thank you for your time.

Saori Aizen: Tsk.

(Saori turns as she begins to make her way out of the scene, but before she can do that…)

(THUD!)

(She gets taken out from behind! Saori is dropped down to the ground, as someone is seen beginning to stomp down on her body repeatedly. The Specialists Champion tries to defend herself, but she was taken too off guard by this sudden assault to do anything about it! As the camera begins to focus back in, it starts to pan up, as the aggravator is revealed.)

Jamie Valdez: Oops. 🤭 This isn’t Dynasty!

(Jamie Valdez begins to cackle maniacally as she grabs hold of Saori, bringing her up to her feet, before running her forward and driving her directly into the concrete wall shoulder first! Saori crumbles down to the ground, groaning in pain as she rolls onto her side, and Jamie doesn’t relent, continuing to kick her repeatedly as she trash talks her.)

Jamie Valdez: What’s wrong?! Never faced a real challenger before?! Well, you got it!

(Saori reaches out and gingerly grasps onto the ankle of Jamie to try and stop the assault, but she immediately shakes her off, before following it up with a swift kick directly to the ribcage to take the air out of her lungs. Saori’s back is thrown against the wall, as Jamie shrugs her shoulders, eyeing her handiwork… before her eyes begin to wander down.)

Jamie Valdez: What’s this I see here?

(Jamie reaches down and takes the Specialists Championship, bringing it into her arms as she smirks while looking at it. After a moment, she takes it and raises it into the air.)

Jamie Valdez: How does it look, Saori?! Huh?! Well, you’d better get used to it. Because you’re going to be looking at the NEXT Specialists Champion real soon!

(She takes the title and throws it down onto the body of Saori, making sure to do it as forcefully as she can, as the Champion lets out a grunt of pain. As officials finally swarm in, forcing Jamie to back up, it’s clear that the damage has already been done, as she smirks, slowly beginning to backpedal before taking her leave from the backstage area. The very last shot seen is Saori Aizen being checked on while down on the ground, as Sunday Night Voltage begins to fade to elsewhere.)

(Commercial for the new Moana film with Jake Smith.)

(The camera returns to ringside as the crowd inside the arena remains loud for the first Voltage of the new season.)

Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!!!

Crowd: ONE FALL!!!

(“I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by KISS hits throughout the arena. The crowd responds with a warm reaction as Cynthia Valice steps through the curtain, looking around at the audience with a smile before taking a deep breath and beginning her walk toward the ring.)

Rich Russillo: We are beginning a brand-new season here on Sunday Night Voltage, and this is a tremendous opportunity for two young competitors who are both trying to take the next step in their careers!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia Valice has only been here around seven months, bro, but she has shown a lot of promise! She is still learning, she is still finding herself, but every single time she steps into this ring she seems a little more confident than before!

Persephone: She also seems one mild inconvenience away from apologizing to the furniture.

Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST! FROM KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI! WEIGHING IN AT ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FOUR POUNDS… “THE GIRL NEXT DOOR”… CYNTHIA VALICE!!!!

(Cynthia climbs the steel steps and enters the ring. She raises one hand to the crowd before backing into her corner, bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet as she waits for her opponent.)

(“RUNITUP” by Tyler, The Creator featuring Teezo Touchdown hits the speakers. The reaction quickly turns to boos as Cosmo Goldworthy walks onto the stage with Diamond Dixon beside him. Cosmo adjusts his jacket and looks into the camera with a smirk while Diamond points toward him as if presenting the future of Voltage.)

Bella Braxton: AND HER OPPONENT! BEING ACCOMPANIED TO THE RING BY “THE CROWN JEWEL” DIAMOND DIXON! BILLED FROM THE GOLDEN STATE! WEIGHING IN AT TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY POUNDS… “MONEY MO”… COSMO GOLDWORTHY!!!!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo is no longer a rookie. He has had time to adjust to EAW, and now he enters this season believing it is time for the rest of the company to recognize him as more than potential.

Thadd Blazevich: He has the confidence, the athleticism, and the tools, dude! But Cynthia is trying to make that same climb, and a win over Cosmo on the first Voltage of the season could completely change how people look at her!

Persephone: Meanwhile Diamond gets to stand outside and yell. Finally, a job perfectly suited for her.

(Cosmo climbs onto the apron and wipes his boots before stepping into the ring. Diamond takes her position near his corner as Cosmo removes his jacket and tosses it over the ropes without looking. Cynthia watches him carefully while Cosmo gives her a dismissive once-over. The referee checks both competitors and calls for the bell.)

( DING! DING! DING! )

Rich Russillo: We are underway! Cynthia Valice against Cosmo Goldworthy! They circle the ring and step into the collar-and-elbow tie-up!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo uses that size advantage to force Cynthia backward, bro, but Cynthia plants her feet and pushes right back! Cosmo quickly twists into a side headlock and grinds his forearm against the side of Cynthia’s face!

Persephone: He has been in control for four seconds and already looks like he expects a parade.

Rich Russillo: Cynthia reaches around the waist and tries to lift Cosmo for the back suplex, but Cosmo widens his base and blocks it! He tightens the headlock, and now he is talking directly into Cynthia’s ear before looking toward Diamond with that grin!

(Cosmo and Diamond share a few words, smirking and laughing not noticing Cynthia adjusting her grip.)

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia presses both hands against Cosmo’s back and shoots him into the ropes! Cosmo rebounds and runs her over with the shoulder block!

Persephone: Incredible. He ran into someone smaller than him and she fell down. Put him in the Hall of Fame immediately.

Rich Russillo: Cosmo runs the ropes again! Cynthia drops down and forces him to leap over! She rises and leapfrogs Cosmo on the next rebound! Cosmo turns around, AND CYNTHIA CATCHES HIM WITH THE DROP TOE HOLD! Cosmo lands face-first and Cynthia floats immediately into the front facelock!

Thadd Blazevich: Nice adjustment by Cynthia, dude! Cosmo tried to dictate the pace, but Cynthia is showing the coachability and awareness that have helped her progress!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo pushes up to one knee and then back to his feet! Cynthia keeps the facelock applied, but Cosmo drives her backward into the corner! The referee calls for the clean break, and Cosmo slowly lifts both hands!

Persephone: AND THEN HE SLAPS HER ACROSS THE FACE! There we go. At least the arrogance has a pulse.

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia froze for half a second, but she fires back with a forearm to the jaw! Another forearm! Cosmo staggers away and Cynthia sends him across the ring!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo reverses the whip! Cynthia rebounds, ducks underneath the clothesline, and comes back with the springboard shoulder tackle! Cynthia takes Cosmo down and hooks the leg!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo kicks out immediately and scrambles toward the ropes! Cynthia rises and waits for him! Cosmo charges, but Cynthia catches him with an arm drag! Cosmo rolls through and Cynthia catches him with another arm drag before holding onto the arm!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia is stringing offense together now dude! Showing some fire! Cynthia keeps hold of the arm and tries to pull Cosmo away from the ropes! Cosmo rolls forward, springs back to his feet, twists Cynthia’s wrist, and drives the point of his elbow down into the shoulder! Cosmo follows by sweeping the legs and dropping into the cover!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia kicks out and immediately tries to rise, but Cosmo catches her in the side headlock again! Cynthia drops to one knee and rolls him backward into a pinning combination!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo rolls through before two and keeps the headlock applied! Cynthia reaches around the waist once more! She lifts Cosmo this time, but he shifts his weight and lands behind her! Cosmo looks for the Russian legsweep!

Persephone: Cynthia hooks the ankle to block it and snaps Cosmo over with the hip toss! Cosmo lands seated and Cynthia hits the ropes! She charges with the bicycle knee, but Cosmo leans backward and barely avoids it! Cynthia stops herself near the ropes! Cosmo pops up and attempts the dropkick!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia catches both legs and drops him onto his back! Cynthia grabs the ankle and tries to step through into the single-leg Boston crab, but Cosmo reaches up and pulls her into the inside cradle!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia kicks out and both competitors return to their feet! Cosmo swings with the forearm, but Cynthia blocks and attempts the butterfly suplex! Cosmo prevents her from locking both arms and drives Cynthia backward against the ropes!

Thadd Blazevich: The referee calls for another break, and this time Cosmo steps away cleanly, bro!

Persephone: Cleanly except for pressing his palm into Cynthia’s face and shoving her head backward. Tiny detail.

Rich Russillo: Cynthia steps forward angrily, but Cosmo slips through the ropes and raises both hands! The referee holds Cynthia back while Cosmo laughs from the apron!

Persephone: Diamond giving strategy from ringside as if her strategy is ever more complicated than being tall and loud.

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo slowly steps back into the ring, and Cynthia approaches more carefully this time! They lock up again, Cosmo drives a knee into the abdomen, and he immediately wrenches the arm into a hammerlock!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia reaches behind her, drops her hips, and flips Cosmo over the shoulder! Cosmo rolls toward the ropes and pulls himself upright! Cynthia charges with the discus clothesline, but Cosmo ducks!

Persephone: Cynthia turns around, AND COSMO CATCHES HER WITH THE DROPKICK! That sends her backward through the ropes and onto the apron!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo rolls onto his knees and pulls Cynthia forward by the tights! Cynthia is dragged across the ropes but catches herself on the apron! She starts to rise, AND COSMO BLASTS HER WITH THE CHARGING BACK ELBOW! Cynthia crashes to the floor!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo steps through the ropes and onto the apron while Cynthia begins to stand! COSMO LEAPS WITH THE DIVING SHOULDER TACKLE AND DRIVES CYNTHIA BACK INTO THE BARRICADE BRO!

Persephone: There. He finally did something worth reacting to. Cynthia may have left part of her spine on the barricade.

Rich Russillo: Cosmo grabs Cynthia by the wrist, pulls her away from the barricade, AND SENDS HER BACK-FIRST INTO THE APRON! Cynthia drops to one knee while Cosmo rolls back into the ring and tells the referee to begin the count!

Referee: ONE! TWO!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia grabs the apron and begins pulling herself up bro!

Referee: THREE! FOUR!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo leans through the ropes and tells Cynthia to stay down, but Cynthia shakes her head and slides back into the ring at five! Cosmo immediately stomps across the upper back and pulls her to her feet!

Persephone: Cosmo sends her into the ropes and lowers his head too early! Cynthia stops and kicks him right in the chest!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo snaps upright! Cynthia catches him with the snap suplex! Cynthia rolls through and tries to pull him up for a second one dude!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo slips behind and drives a knee into Cynthia’s back! He hooks her and drops her with the swinging neckbreaker! Cosmo makes the cover!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia kicks out!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo is starting to work the neck and back after that collision with the barricade! He sits Cynthia up and traps her in the seated surfboard stretch, planting the knee between the shoulder blades and pulling both arms backward!

Cosmo Goldworthy: (off-mic) You’re not ready for this.

Persephone: He is giving motivational speeches now. Cynthia should submit just to end the seminar.

Rich Russillo: Cynthia refuses! The crowd begins clapping as she works one knee underneath herself! Cosmo keeps both arms trapped, but Cynthia slowly rises! Cynthia twists free and turns into Cosmo with the knee to the midsection!

Thadd Blazevich: BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Cynthia creates some separation and both competitors are down!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia crawls toward the ropes while Cosmo rolls onto his side! Cynthia uses the ropes to rise first! Cosmo charges!

Persephone: Cynthia sidesteps and Cosmo drives his shoulder into the corner post!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo stumbles backward and Cynthia wraps both arms around the waist! GERMAN SUPLEX! Cynthia holds on!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia pulls Cosmo back up and delivers a second German suplex! She keeps the grip and drags him upright once more! THREE STEPS FORWARD MAY BE COMING!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia tries for the third German, BUT COSMO BACKFLIPS THROUGH IT! HE LANDS ON HIS FEET BRO!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo turns and swings with the roundhouse kick! Cynthia ducks and catches him with the belly-to-belly suplex! Cynthia hooks the leg!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo kicks out!

Persephone: Cynthia looks surprised, but she grabs the leg again and tries to turn Cosmo into the single-leg Boston crab! Cosmo rolls onto his back and kicks her away before she can sit down!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia rebounds from the ropes, AND COSMO CATCHES HER WITH THE PENDULUM BACKBREAKER! Cynthia is bent across the knee before Cosmo throws her down and catches her with the jumping knee to the jaw!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo covers!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia gets the shoulder up!

Persephone: They both keep kicking out of regular moves. How inspirational. Someone should put it on a poster.

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo pulls Cynthia up and drives her into the corner! Shoulder thrust to the abdomen! A second shoulder thrust! A third! Cosmo backs away and charges!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia gets both boots up, but Cosmo catches the ankles and throws her legs aside! Cynthia lands awkwardly on the mat! Cosmo steps through the ropes and climbs to the middle turnbuckle!

Persephone: Cynthia begins to rise, AND COSMO LEAPS WITH THE DIVING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! She gets flattened and Cosmo rolls right through to his feet!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo points toward Diamond and stalks Cynthia! He hooks both arms from behind and looks for the double chickenwing facebuster! Cynthia drops her weight and blocks it!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo tries to deadlift her, bro, but Cynthia flips him forward with the snapmare! Cosmo rises quickly!

Rich Russillo: BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE FROM CYNTHIA! Cosmo staggers into the ropes! Cynthia grabs him and plants him with the butterfly DDT!

Persephone: Cynthia covers before Cosmo can remember how talented he thinks he is.

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo kicks out again!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia backs into the corner while Cosmo pushes himself onto all fours! Cynthia rushes forward, but Cosmo rolls away before she can connect! Cynthia stops herself and turns around!

Rich Russillo: SCORPION KICK TO THE JAW FROM COSMO! Cynthia stumbles! Cosmo springs onto the middle rope! SPRINGBOARD CUTTER!

Persephone: And of course Cosmo does not cover. He rolls to one knee and poses because being efficient would damage his brand.

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo climbs onto the apron and waits for Cynthia to rise! He springboards back into the ring! DANCE MACABRE BRO! THE SPRINGBOARD DDT CONNECTS!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo hooks the leg!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Referee: THREEE–

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA KICKS OUT!

Persephone: There it is. The fragile ego has officially entered the match.

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo looks at the referee and holds up two fingers, bro!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo pulls Cynthia up and sends her into the ropes! He catches her with a kick to the chest! Cynthia rebounds and Cosmo spins for Ready to Die!

Persephone: CYNTHIA DUCKS THE TORNADO KICK! Cosmo lands and turns around!

Rich Russillo: SHY FLASH! THE SPINNING HEEL KICK CATCHES COSMO ACROSS THE JAW! Cynthia falls into the cover!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Referee: THREEEEE–

Rich Russillo: COSMO GETS THE SHOULDER UP!

Thadd Blazevich: Both competitors have landed big offense now, dude! Neither one can create enough separation to put the other away!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia pulls Cosmo up and tries to hoist him into the stalling suplex! Cosmo drives a knee into the abdomen and drops behind her before she can complete the lift! Cosmo grabs the arm and pulls Cynthia into the shoulderbreaker!

Persephone: Cynthia drops to one knee clutching the arm, and Cosmo kicks the shoulder before twisting her down into the Fujiwara armbar!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo attacks the arm to weaken Cynthia’s power offense! She is reaching for the ropes!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo pulls back on the wrist and presses his knee against the shoulder! Cynthia refuses to submit and begins dragging herself forward!

Persephone: Cynthia reaches the bottom rope, and Cosmo pretends not to hear the count.

Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo releases just before five, but he rises and stomps the injured shoulder while the referee warns him! Cosmo is getting meaner as this match continues!

*SMACK*

Rich Russillo: Cosmo drags Cynthia up and slaps her again!

*SMACK*

Persephone: Cynthia answers with a slap of her own! Cosmo fires back with a punch! Cynthia throws one too! Cosmo answers again! Now they are exchanging punches in the middle of the ring!

Crowd: YEAH! BOO! YEAH! BOO!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia gains the advantage with three consecutive forearms! She hits the ropes, but Cosmo catches her with the pump kick! Cynthia falls against the ropes and rebounds!

Rich Russillo: GERMAN SUPLEX FROM COSMO! He keeps hold and pulls Cynthia up again! ECSTASY OF GOLD! THE TIGER SUPLEX ’85 DROPS CYNTHIA HIGH ON HER SHOULDERS!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Referee: THREEEEEEEE–

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA KICKS OUT!

Persephone: Cosmo releases the bridge and sits up like someone just informed him that the universe does not revolve around him.

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo pulls Cynthia up by the hair and hooks her for Money Talks dude!

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA TWISTS UNDERNEATH THE ARM AND SHOVES COSMO INTO THE ROPES! Cosmo rebounds, AND CYNTHIA CATCHES HIM WITH THE BLACK HOLE SLAM!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: COSMO KICKS OUT!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia immediately dives for the ankle! She is trying to twist into Quiet Desperation bro!

Persephone: Cosmo rolls onto his back before she can secure the ankle lock and kicks Cynthia away! He is arrogant, but apparently not suicidal. Cynthia stumbles into the corner! Cosmo charges, but Cynthia moves and Cosmo crashes chest-first into the turnbuckles! Cynthia wraps around the waist!

Thadd Blazevich: GERMAN SUPLEX BRO! CYNTHIA KEEPS THE WAIST LOCKED AND PULLS COSMO BACK TO HIS FEET!

Rich Russillo: A SECOND GERMAN SUPLEX CONNECTS! Cynthia refuses to release him! She drags Cosmo up once again, and this time she may complete Three Steps Forward!

Persephone: Cosmo desperately hooks his leg around hers because apparently being thrown onto his head twice was enough for him.

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia tries to muscle him up, but Cosmo fires an elbow into the side of her head! A second elbow connects! A third finally forces Cynthia to release the waist bro!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo turns and swings with the roundhouse kick, but Cynthia ducks underneath! Cosmo spins back around!

Thadd Blazevich: SHY FLASH BRO!

Rich Russillo: COSMO DUCKS THE SPINNING HEEL KICK! Cynthia turns around, AND COSMO CATCHES HER WITH READY TO DIE! THE TORNADO KICK CONNECTS ACROSS THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!

Persephone: Cynthia drops like someone finally unplugged her.

Rich Russillo: Cosmo falls into the cover and hooks the leg!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA KICKS OUT!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia survives Ready to Die, bro, and Cosmo is starting to get frustrated! He thought that would be enough after all the damage to the head, neck, and back!

Persephone: Cosmo mounts Cynthia and starts unloading with right hands! There is the maturity and growth everyone was talking about.

Rich Russillo: COSMO HAMMERS AWAY AT CYNTHIA! The referee warns him about the closed fists, but Cosmo continues throwing punches until the official begins his count!

Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo finally stops before five, but look at his expression! Cynthia has refused to stay down, and Cosmo is taking that personally dude!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo rises and backs into the corner! Cynthia slowly pulls herself up using the ropes, unaware that Cosmo is waiting for her!

Persephone: He is crouched in the corner like an asshole about to launch himself through someone’s ribs.

Thadd Blazevich: COSMO CHARGES BRO! COLDEST WINTER!

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA LEAPFROGS OVER THE SPEAR ATTEMPT! Cosmo stops himself before crashing into the turnbuckles and turns around!

Thadd Blazevich: CYNTHIA GRABS HIM! SHE IS TRYING TO LIFT COSMO FOR FALLING COURAGE DUDE!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo slips behind her before Cynthia can complete the Angle Slam! He shoves Cynthia into the ropes, and she rebounds directly into an exploder suplex!

Persephone: Cynthia gets launched across the ring, and Cosmo is back in control. Wonderful. Maybe now his ego can stop leaking everywhere.

Rich Russillo: Cosmo looks toward Diamond Dixon, who is applauding the aggression from ringside! Cosmo turns his attention back toward Cynthia and pulls her into the center of the ring!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo drives a savate kick into the abdomen! Cynthia doubles over, AND COSMO CRACKS HER ACROSS THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH AN AXE KICK DUDE!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia collapses onto her knees! Cosmo runs the ropes and connects with a jumping knee directly to the jaw!

Persephone: Cynthia falls backward into the corner, and Cosmo is not giving her a second to breathe.

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo rushes in with repeated shoulder thrusts to the midsection! One! Two! Three! The referee begins counting, but Cosmo keeps driving Cynthia deeper into the turnbuckles!

Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo backs away at four, but he immediately grabs Cynthia by the wrist and whips her violently across the ring! Cynthia crashes into the opposite corner and staggers forward!

Thadd Blazevich: DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! COSMO PLANTS CYNTHIA IN THE CENTER OF THE RING BRO! Cosmo hooks the leg!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA GETS THE SHOULDER UP!

Persephone: Cosmo is staring at the referee like that was somehow his fault. Maybe try hitting her harder.

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo rolls back on top and forces Cynthia’s shoulders back to the mat!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Referee: TW—

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA KICKS OUT AGAIN!

Persephone: Did he think that would change something?

Rich Russillo: Cosmo sits up and stares down at Cynthia! Diamond is smiling at ringside, and Cosmo seems to be feeding off her approval as he pulls Cynthia up by the hair!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo catches Cynthia with the spinning back elbow! Cynthia falls into the ropes, but Cosmo grabs her before she can collapse dude!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo hooks both arms! He is looking for Money Talks!

Persephone: Cynthia drops to one knee and blocks the Unprettier! Cosmo clubs her repeatedly across the upper back and tries to hook the arms again!

Thadd Blazevich: CYNTHIA TWISTS FREE! O’CONNOR ROLL!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo kicks out immediately and sends Cynthia chest-first into the ropes! Cynthia rebounds toward him!

Thadd Blazevich: COLDEST WINTER BRO!

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA SIDESTEPS THE SPEAR AGAIN! Cosmo crashes shoulder-first into the turnbuckles!

Persephone: Cynthia spins around and attempts Shy Flash, but Cosmo ducks underneath the spinning heel kick!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo grabs Cynthia from behind and throws her down with a back suplex! Cynthia lands hard on the back of her head, but Cosmo does not make the cover!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo is dragging Cynthia right back up! He hooks the head and drives her into the mat with a brainbuster dude!

Persephone: He could pin her, but apparently humiliating Cynthia is more important than winning efficiently.

Rich Russillo: Cosmo steps through the ropes and onto the apron! He takes hold of the top rope as Cynthia lies motionless in the center of the ring!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo believes he has this match in hand! Diamond is cheering him on from ringside as Cynthia slowly begins pushing herself onto her knees!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia is barely able to stand! Cosmo waits for her to turn around!

Thadd Blazevich: COSMO FLIPS OVER THE TOP ROPE! GOLD RUSH!

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA DUCKS THE BUCKSHOT LARIAT! Cosmo lands on his feet and turns around!

Persephone: Cynthia grabs Cosmo and tries to lift him for Falling Courage, but that damaged arm gives out!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo drives an elbow into the side of Cynthia’s head and breaks free dude! Cosmo grabs her by the head and looks for the implant DDT!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia spins out of it! Cynthia wraps both arms around Cosmo’s waist and tries to lift him for another German suplex!

Persephone: Cosmo widens his base and starts peeling Cynthia’s hands apart! Cynthia has almost nothing left!

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA SUDDENLY DUCKS UNDERNEATH COSMO’S ARM AND FOLDS HIM INTO A SMALL PACKAGE!

Referee: ONEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Referee: TWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

( DING! DING! DING! )

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA VALICE STOLE IT! CYNTHIA VALICE JUST SHOCKED COSMO GOLDWORTHY!

Thadd Blazevich: COSMO WAS IN COMPLETE CONTROL, BRO! HE HAD CYNTHIA OVERWHELMED, BUT SHE FOUND ONE LAST COUNTER AND CAUGHT HIM FOR THREE!

Persephone: Cosmo is stunned! HA! Look at his stupid face!

(Cynthia releases the small package and rolls toward the ropes. Cosmo sits up in complete disbelief, staring at the referee as the official signals that the count was three. Diamond stands frozen at ringside while Cynthia slowly rises onto her knees.)

Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER… CYNTHIA VALICE!!!!

(“I Was Made For Lovin’ You” by KISS hits as the crowd erupts. The referee raises Cynthia’s hand, and Cynthia covers her mouth with her free hand as a look of complete shock spreads across her face.)

Rich Russillo: WHAT AN UPSET ON THE FIRST VOLTAGE OF THE NEW SEASON! Cynthia Valice survived the increasingly aggressive offense of Cosmo Goldworthy and found the smallest possible opening!

Thadd Blazevich: LOOK AT CYNTHIA, BRO! SHE CAN BARELY BELIEVE IT HERSELF! This is the kind of victory that can change the entire direction of a young career!

Persephone: She folded him up for three seconds. She did not liberate a small country.

Rich Russillo: Cynthia climbs onto the middle turnbuckle and raises both arms! The Girl Next Door is ecstatic after securing one of the biggest victories of her career!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT LOOK OUT, BRO! DIAMOND DIXON JUST SLID INTO THE RING BEHIND HER!

Rich Russillo: DIAMOND ATTACKS CYNTHIA FROM BEHIND! Diamond clubs Cynthia across the upper back and knocks her down from the turnbuckles!

Persephone: Cynthia barely had time to enjoy the victory before the tall and loud portion of the evening resumed.

Rich Russillo: Diamond stomps Cynthia repeatedly as Cosmo rises! The referee tries to intervene, but Cosmo shoves past him and joins Diamond in putting the boots to Cynthia!

Thadd Blazevich: COME ON! CYNTHIA WON THIS MATCH FAIR AND SQUARE! Cosmo could not handle being caught, and now he and Diamond are taking their frustration out on her!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo drags Cynthia back to her feet and drives a forearm across the jaw! Cynthia drops to her knees, and Diamond catches her with a pump kick to the side of the head!

Persephone: Cynthia is completely defenseless now. Cosmo finally found a version of this match he can control.

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond pulls Cynthia back up and throws her toward Cosmo! Cosmo catches her and sends her crashing into the corner!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo unloads with repeated kicks to the abdomen! Cynthia collapses into a seated position, but Cosmo grabs her by the hair and drags her back toward the center of the ring!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo steps through the ropes and onto the apron! Diamond keeps Cynthia upright as Cosmo grips the top rope!

Rich Russillo: COSMO FLIPS OVER THE TOP ROPE!

Thadd Blazevich: GOLD RUSH!!!! THE BUCKSHOT LARIAT TURNS CYNTHIA INSIDE OUT AFTER THE BELL!

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Persephone: There. Cosmo finally hit the move once the match no longer counted.

Rich Russillo: Cynthia crashes onto the canvas! Cosmo drops beside her and hooks both legs, making an exaggerated cover!

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond drops down beside them and begins counting!

Diamond Dixon: (off-mic) ONE!

Diamond Dixon: (off-mic) TWO!

Diamond Dixon: (off-mic) THREE!

Rich Russillo: Diamond calls for an imaginary bell as Cosmo releases the cover! Cosmo and Diamond are acting as if he won this match, but the official result will always show that Cynthia Valice defeated Cosmo Goldworthy!

Persephone: Cynthia gets the win. Cosmo gets to play pretend. Everyone leaves emotionally damaged.

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia proved that she belongs on Voltage tonight, bro! She survived everything Cosmo threw at her and found a way to win, but Cosmo and Diamond refused to let her enjoy it!

(Diamond raises Cosmo’s arm as though he won the match. Cosmo looks down at Cynthia before placing one boot beside her head and staring into the camera.)

Rich Russillo: Cynthia Valice has earned the biggest victory of her young career, but Cosmo Goldworthy and Diamond Dixon have made certain that victory came with a painful price!

(Cosmo and Diamond finally exit the ring together while the referee checks on Cynthia. The final shot shows Cynthia lying on the canvas as Cosmo and Diamond back up the ramp, wearing satisfied smiles despite the official result.)

(The camera cuts to Carmen Sánchez standing in the backstage area, as she watches the monitor seeing what transpired between Cosmo Goldworthy, Diamond Dixon, and Cynthia Valice. She is wearing a very casual attire as she doesn’t have a match tonight on Voltage, looking quite disgusted at the events that transpired, shaking her head as she continues to watch the replay of what just happened out there. Soon enough, though, we see someone tap her on her shoulder and ask her…)

???: Excuse me, Carmen, do you have a second?

(Carmen looks over as the camera pans to reveal that it’s none other than Sofia Clarke! She is standing in front of her in a blue dress, looking as dapper as she always does with a microphone in her hand. Carmen looks back and forth from Sofia to the TV, still processing what just happened, before she slowly begins to answer her by saying…)

Carmen Sánchez: Um… yeah, sure, what is it, Sofia?

(Sofia quickly nods, noticing that she was interrupting Carmen and her train of thought before asking her question.)

Sofia Clarke: I see that you just saw what transpired moments ago with Cynthia Valice. Cosmo Goldworthy and Diamond Dixon attacked her after her match and laid her out. Judging by the look on your face… I don’t imagine this sits very well with you right now.

(Carmen nods her head in approval of what Sofia said, as she responds by saying…)

Carmen Sánchez: Absolutely, Sofia… I get this is Voltage, this is Elite Answers Wrestling! People always want some type of attention or statement to be made, but this is too far. Cynthia didn’t deserve that whatsoever; she didn’t deserve to get beaten down after the match she had with Cosmo. I am honestly quite disappointed that even with this new season, where it’s a fresh start for most people, new signees are going to make their presence felt… in this sea of opportunity… There are still many on Voltage who think they can just do whatever they want and get away with no consequences at all. Cynthia is someone whom more people should want to be; she’s passionate about this, has that fire in her heart… she didn’t deserve to get beaten down by the two of them at all. Es inaceptable.

(Sofia nods along as she agrees with Carmen, after a moment, she then responds to her.)

Sofia Clarke: I fully agree with you there, Carmen… I suppose, switching gears here, I would like to ask you about this new season in general and the fact that you are still staying on Voltage after everything that occurred at the Draft. And I just want to know your thoughts pertaining to what could entail for you as we enter into EAW’s 20th season.

(Carmen thinks on it for a couple of moments, gathering her thoughts on what to say before finally answering and responding to Sofia.)

Carmen Sánchez: 20 seasons is crazy, isn’t it? The fact that EAW has been here for this long is quite amazing, and to be honest with you, Sofia… it didn’t really matter where I got drafted to as long as I am able to perform at my absolute best. The fact is… this will be my first full season here in Elite Answers Wrestling since I joined in the 2nd half of last season. I am excited at the prospect of this being my first full season, where everything is laid out in front of me with fresh new faces roaming around and plenty of people who want the opportunity to succeed. While we see these new faces pop up and try to adjust themselves, I have already had the chance to learn quite a lot since I first arrived here in EAW. Faced many people, gaining those reps, getting myself familiarized and adjusted to how this place operates and the people that roam here on Voltage.

(Sofia hears this as she responds to Carmen…)

Sofia Clarke: Is it a level of grind you’re adjusting to?

(Carmen once more nods at Sofia’s observation as she quickly responds by saying…)

Carmen Sánchez: Cien por ciento, but that level of grind is what I love. Like I said before… I don’t want the easy road; I don’t want it to come easy for me. The challenge is the juice, Sofia… It’s what makes or breaks you as a competitor, and I have been fighting battles daily just to prove those who have doubted me wrong. Pain for Pride may not exactly have been the way I wanted it to go, but I have been able to compete in the big stages, under the bright lights, like Pain for Pride in Toronto, or competing at the Grand Rampage event. I have that all under my belt, and I will continue to learn and continue to be the best version of myself every time I step in between those ropes.

(Sofia smiles at the answers Carmen is giving her, appreciating her tenacity and commitment to EAW as she replies by saying…)

Sofia Clarke: That is great to hear, Carmen, so I imagine this season is going to turn out much better for you, considering all the factors you just listed?

(Carmen listens carefully to every word Sofia says to her as she responds right back to her by saying…)

Carmen Sánchez: For sure, Sofia, this season will go even better than the last because, again, I have learned a lot these past couple of months. With every triumph and defeat that came my way, I brush it off and keep moving, because I won’t let setbacks define me and certainly won’t let others dictate how my time here in EAW is going to go. If I did, then I wouldn’t be here right now; I wouldn’t be standing here in this position… It would not be who I am. I have shown how strong I am, how capable I am, and how capable I can be no matter what anyone wants to doubt, especially someone like Saori. As I said… I know it will be a challenge given the fact that the attitudes of a lot of my peers have. I mean, we already saw what had happened with Cosmo and Diamond. We saw it with Damon and his issues with Jay… these are the different personalities I’m going to have to continue to deal with on Voltage, but like I said… I am up for that challenge.

(Carmen takes a moment to re-collect and gather herself before continuing, speaking towards Sofia.)

Carmen Sánchez: I have no intention of backing down, not from any of those personalities that I mentioned. They can try their hardest to break me down, but when I have experienced the hardships that my life had already given to me and the loss I experienced at Pain for Pride… those different attitudes aren’t going to affect me. And going forward, I don’t plan on letting people like Saori Aizen get inside my head because there’s a lot I want to do this season and she along with anyone else are not going to get in the way of that.

Sofia Clarke: What might be those things you want to do this season?

Carmen Sánchez: I’m sure you can connect the dots on that, Sofia. I know a lot of opportunities will be at stake throughout the course of this season, and I will have to give it everything I have in order to capitalize on them. Saori may have ended Pain for Pride still with the Specialists Championship, but this season is only just starting, and when it’s all said and done, I’m going to end this season way better than how I ended last season. I am confident in myself, confident in the journey ahead, confident in the detesters I will stand up to, and confident in where I will be a year from now.

(This gets a massive cheer from the audience watching in the arena as Sofia brings out another smile on her face while speaking to Carmen, as she responds to what she just said.)

Sofia Clarke: Well, I appreciate you taking the time to do this, Carmen! I love the confidence you have within yourself, and I’m excited for this season to go for you! Best of luck!

(Carmen cracks a smirk as she appreciates what Sofia just said to her, responding right back.)

Carmen Sánchez: You’re welcome, Sofia! Thank you for the kind words; it means a lot to me.

(Carmen and Sofia share a fistbump towards each other before she leaves the scene. Sofia looks back at the camera as she says her final remarks.)

Sofia Clarke: There you have it, folks, Carmen has made it very clear she has all intentions of ending this season better than how last season ended for her. The determination to succeed is within her, sending a loud message to the rest of the Voltage roster that may feel otherwise. Sending it back to you guys at ringside!

(The scene then fades off as Sunday Night Voltage continues forward.)

(Voltage returns to ringside, fading towards the stage. After some time, ‘Nightreign’ by Shoi Miyazawa begins to play, bringing about a thunderous reception filled with boos. The camera remains focused on the stage, as slowly but surely, Jake Smith begins to walk out, making his first entrance as a member of the Voltage roster in just over a year. Jake has a composed look on his face as he stands on the stage, staring at the audience in attendance. Jake remains confident despite his loss last week at the Draft, beginning to slowly walk down the ramp as the boos continue.)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… Please welcome… THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME, JAKE SMITH!!!

(Jake reaches the ringside area, approaching the steel steps before he stops for a brief moment. He gives one last look towards the crowd, before just walking up the steps and entering the ring.)

Rich Russillo: Jake Smith is here, and as we saw at the Draft, he has a whole new mindset heading into the historic Season 20. Some would say this has been a long time coming.

Thadd Blazevich: It definitely is wild, dude. Jake’s always been a threat, but it looks like now he’s seriously locking in. After all these years, we might really be getting a whole new version of Jake, bro.

Persephone: And yet I don’t like what I’m seeing. The Draft was terrible, so I guess some things never change. Still, he seems slightly less outright disgusting, so I guess it’s a minor improvement.

(Jake walks towards the ropes, extending his hand out towards the timekeeper’s area as he is handed a microphone. Jake turns and walks towards the center of the ring as his entrance music fades out, before finally beginning to speak.)

Jake Smith: It’s been a while since I’ve been on this brand.

(This only receives more boos, as the fans clearly aren’t happy to have someone like Jake back on Voltage especially given everything that has already happened on this brand just this year, but Jake doesn’t seem bothered by this.)

Jake Smith: The last time I was here, I held the EAW World Championship before having it taken from me by Michael Machina. It wasn’t my last time holding a World Championship. Wasn’t my last time reaching the top of the mountain- but even with that in mind there is one misunderstanding that’s developed overtime and it’s where I stand in this company. I’ve seen it all, done it all, I’ve climbed to the top of the mountain and back three times over and yet I hear the conversations. I hear what everyone’s saying. In the crowd, in the back, it’s the same story every time. I’m a coward. I don’t conduct business the “right” way. I don’t deserve everything I’ve done, and it’s only a matter of time before the “luck” runs out. I let you all think whatever you wanted with me because to me it didn’t matter as long as I made it through with gold around my waist, but that’s over now. I’m not here to guarantee a repeat of the last time I was on this brand. I’m here to tell you that what’s to come will be much worse.

(The crowd is loud, continuing to boo as Jake maintains the stoic look on his face, just slowly nodding his head.)

Jake Smith: This season’s going to be different and this is the one and only time I expect to have to warn anyone about the future of this brand. I’ve been in this company for too long for the disrespect I’ve received over the years and going forward, I’m not leaving any room for anyone’s thoughts or concerns. You won’t have the opportunity to forget where I belong, never again. This is my show. It’ll be my show going forward, and it’s only a matter of time before I’m right back at the top of the mountain, holding Championship gold in my hands once again. I won’t have my time wasted any longer with the same ridiculous jokes that plagued my career for far too long, I’m here to achieve the one thing my career’s been devoid of for far too long. Dominance. You all never had the chance to find out who I really am, but that changes now.

(With these words, Jake walks forward towards the ropes, putting his arm on the top rope as he stares at the crowd, going to speak one more time.)

Jake Smith: I am the greatest of all time, and whatever confusion you may have had beforehand will be washed away by the time this season comes to an end.

(Jake stops after this, having said everything he needed to say before he turns. He goes to exit the ring, but before he’s able to do that, ‘Self Help Tape’ by Moses Sumney hits.)

Rich Russillo: Well wait a minute! We just heard some bold words from Jake Smith, but it seems the commissioner may have something to say!

Thadd Blazevich: Well we know about Jake’s history on this brand. Honestly, I’m almost surprised Double C drafted bro. I don’t think he likes Jake very much.

Persephone: Does anyone? And can you not call him “Double C”?

(Captain Charisma begins walking out, already holding a microphone as he stares at Jake Smith. Jake remains in the ring, but surprisingly, the commissioner has a smile on his face as he looks at one of his new signees, walking down the ramp as he looks to meet Jake in the ring.)

Rich Russillo: Well Captain Charisma surprisingly doesn’t seem too upset to see Jake tonight, which makes me wonder exactly what it is he has to say.

(The fans cheer the commissioner, and Captain Charisma walks up the steel steps, before finally joining Jake Smith inside of the ring. The commissioner walks up to Jake, waiting as the fans quiet down before finally beginning to speak.)

Captain Charisma: Jake… Welcome to Voltage.

(This receives a mixed reception, one which doesn’t surprise the commissioner knowing how controversial Jake has been throughout his career.)

Captain Charisma: Now before I continue, I’d just like to make something clear. I’m not sure where Caroline is and I’m actually sort of surprised she’s not here with you right now, but I want her to hear this, too. Last time you two were on Voltage, you were a mess I had to deal with nonstop, leaving me with problem after problem. Disrupting matches, running away when you had to defend your Championship, everything you did to Adam Lucas, it was enough of a nightmare for me to have every reason to never even consider drafting you back to this brand. Clearly that didn’t happen, and I instead chose to take the risk of bringing you both back to Voltage. You know why?

(Captain Charisma walks up to Jake Smith, standing face to face with the Elitist before he gives his answer, dropping the smirk that was previously on his face.)

Captain Charisma: Because I listened.

(Jake doesn’t respond to this, allowing the commissioner to continue speaking.)

Captain Charisma: I decided to trust that you’re serious about all of this. That going forward we’re going to get a Jake Smith that actually wants to be here. That actually cares about getting the job done inside of the ring rather than just being a nuisance however he can. This could all backfire and blow up in my face in the worst way possible, and given who else returned to Voltage this season, I’m sure you can understand why I’d rather not see that possibility become a reality. Live up to your words. The Jake Smith that was here back in Season 18? Leave him dead and buried. Are we clear?

Jake Smith: If you were listening, you’d already know this is personal for me. I don’t need you to try to give me any orders, because I’m not making empty promises. The only thing you need to do is keep an eye on your roster, and watch everyone that puts themselves in my way fall.

(Captain Charisma slowly nods.)

Captain Charisma: Good. That works for me, because now I can get to the real reason I’m out here, which is that I actually have thought of a great idea for a match, and I think it’s one you’ll be interested in. But first… There’s someone I’ll need to address.

(Captain Charisma turns towards the stage as the fans quiet down, having been caught off guard by his words and now eagerly anticipating his reveal.)

Captain Charisma: Damon Lazarus, would you please come out here?

(Captain Charisma waits, until ‘Until It Sleeps’ by Metallica begins to play. Loud boos follow as Damon Lazarus walks out, carrying a microphone in his hand and a calm demeanor, seemingly indifferent both to his actions towards Jay Jerry Johnson last week and Captain Charisma’s potential announcement right now. He slowly walks down the ramp, reaching the ringside area as Jake Smith just watches, keeping an eye on Captain Charisma out of curiosity as to what it is he plans to announce.)

Rich Russillo: Well Captain Charisma wants Damon Lazarus out here, which means that this is likely to be something big. By this point we do know how the commissioner operates. If there’s anything he wants to do, it’s to start the season with a bang.

Thadd Blazevich: I’d say he did that when the show started! Anything else bro does tonight might be overkill in the best way possible!

Persephone: Thankfully Bloodsport is coming up. That’s probably the only thing that’ll get me through having to see “Jake Smith” and “Damon Lazarus” share the ring.

(Damon Lazarus enters the ring, stopping in the corner as he stares at Jake Smith and Captain Charisma. His entrance music fades out, and he just waits, giving Captain Charisma a chance to reveal what he wanted to say.)

Captain Charisma: Now Damon, regardless of whether or not I’m fond of your methods I have to acknowledge that you’ve done an excellent job of establishing yourself as a threat on Sunday Night Voltage. It’s part of the reason I drafted you back here to begin with despite some of the enemies here you’ve already made. I think you have an incredible future on this brand, and while your aggressive tendencies may put you at odds with others, I think it may-

Damon Lazarus: Listen… You called me out here, so get to the point.

(Captain Charisma stares at Damon for a moment, slowly nodding and letting out a sigh before he continues.)

Captain Charisma: The point is, at Bloodsport I will be holding a match to determine the Team Captain for Voltage’s War Games team. I want to get an early start on this, so I’m not wasting any time putting that together. For Territorial Invasion I want a Team Captain I can trust will be able to thrive in a structure like War Games, which is why at Bloodsport…

(The commissioner takes a step back as Jake and Damon watch, and he gestures towards the two Elitists in the ring.)

Captain Charisma: It will be Damon Lazarus versus Jake Smith for the right to be Team Captain!

(This gets a loud reaction from the crowd, cheers flooding the building with excitement for the newly announced Bloodsport match. Jake remains silent, but he appears content with this announcement, already knowing the opportunity this brings as he held the position of Team Captain in the past. Damon on the other hand stares at the commissioner for a moment, thinking about the announcement before he begins to speak.)

Damon Lazarus: I see…

(A staredown between Damon Lazarus and Jake Smith follows these words. Both men slowly walk closer towards the center of the ring, with an electric crowd full of excitement for this confrontation between the two Bloodsport opponents. The two men stare at each other, until slowly Damon’s glare shifts towards the commissioner, who remains in the ring.)

Damon Lazarus: Then I’ll let it be known now, I have no interest in fighting just for the sake of trivial brand loyalty, so I’d hope that you didn’t choose me in hopes of finding a good soldier ready to appease their commissioner. What I’m interested in is what lies at the end of that War Games match. I knew the path I’d be setting myself on from the moment I walked through these doors and not once has my deviation from that path locked me away from my goals. It was only a matter of time before I found myself with another opportunity, even if I’m not thrilled about leaving my last one empty-handed. I know what’s in store for the winning team of a match like War Games and I won’t deny that a prize like that is enticing…

(With these words Damon turns back towards Jake, all while the crowd reaction begins to rise.)

Damon Lazarus: So if this is what Bloodsport has for me, I will-

Rich Russillo: HEY!!!

Thadd Blazevich: DAMON LAZARUS WAS JUST BLINDSIDED WITH AN ELBOW TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD BY TRIPLE J!!! TRIPLE J’S ON THE ATTACK, AND HE’S STOMPING ALL OVER THE FALLEN DAMON LAZARUS!!!

Rich Russillo: WE JUST LEARNED IT’LL BE DAMON LAZARUS VERSUS JAKE SMITH AT BLOODSPORT, BUT IT LOOKS LIKE JAY DOESN’T PLAN TO LET DAMON OFF THE HOOK JUST YET!!! DAMON TRIES PUSHING HIMSELF UP- BUT JAY GRABS HIM BEFORE SENDING HIM SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE RING POST!!!

(The fans explode with the sudden attack by Jay Jerry Johnson, which needless to say, caught Captain Charisma by surprise. Jay tries to go back after Damon, but Captain Charisma steps in, trying to hold Jay back to prevent the brawl from continuing any longer. Jay is annoyed by this, not even hesitating to push Captain Charisma out of the way. With Damon pulling himself out of the corner, Jay rushes in.)

Rich Russillo: **CTE!!!!**

Thadd Blazevich: NO!!! DAMON’S ALWAYS BEEN A THREAT WITH HOW EASILY HE CAN STRIKE FROM ANYWHERE, BUT JAY WAS READY FOR THAT ONE!!!! JAY STOPPED THE CTE AND SHOVED DAMON FACE FIRST INTO THE TOP TURNBUCKLE, AND NOW DUDE STUMBLES OUT OF THE CORNER-

Rich Russillo: RIGHT INTO THE DRAGONSLAYER!!!!!

Persephone: DAMON IS STUMBLING, AND NOW JAY THANKFULLY SHOVES PAST CAPTAIN CHARISMA AGAIN BEFORE SCOOPING DAMON UP!

Rich Russillo: AND DROPPING HIM WITH HEAVEN’S FEEL!!!!! DAMON LAZARUS GOES DOWN, AND NEEDLESS TO SAY, JAY JERRY JOHNSON JUST GOT SOME GOOD REVENGE ON DAMON LAZARUS FOR HIS ATTACK AT THE DRAFT SHOW!!!

(Jay Jerry Johnson returns to his feet to the explosive crowd reception, and he looks down on Damon Lazarus for a moment. Seeing that he is unconscious, he turns and picks up the fallen microphone, immediately turning towards Captain Charisma, who is still stunned following everything that just occurred.)

Jay Jerry Johnson: I understand I just interrupted you all and that you had your own idea regarding Bloodsport, but I need you to put me in that match. Damon Lazarus has made it his mission to try to torment me, and he can attempt to abandon his own unfinished business when it’s convenient, but I have no intentions of doing the same. I need to settle this as soon as possible before this interferes with yet another season of mine, and if that means sharing the ring with not only him, but Jake as well, so be it. He cost me Cash in the Vault once he no longer had it in him to win. He cost me last week’s match, and it’s for that reason that you missed out on the number one pick of the Draft. Make this a triple threat, that’s all I ask.

(Captain Charisma stares at Jay for a moment. He already had the match between Jake and Damon planned out, but he understands that Jay isn’t wrong about the unfinished business between Jay and Damon, as well as everything Damon has done to him. Not only that, but he can hear the positive reception of the fans, who want to see Jay enter a match like this. Finally… Captain Charisma makes his decision.)

Captain Charisma: Alright. Jay, you’re in.

(The crowd once again lets out thunderous cheers, as Jay Jerry Johnson calms down, satisfied with this answer.)

Captain Charisma: I understand how talented you are, and I do agree that it’s unfortunate Damon Lazarus intervened in your match last week given what it could’ve done for us getting the first pick of the Draft, so I think this is the perfect spot for you. I’m adding you to the match, but don’t forget what you’re fighting for. This isn’t just about revenge. You’re fighting for the chance to lead Team Voltage into War Games, a match I plan to go back to back in.

Jay Jerry Johnson: Thank you. Trust me, I won’t forget. I’ll take Damon Lazarus down, I will win this match, and I will become the Captain of the War Games team… No matter what, or *who* I have to go through to do it.

(As he says this, Jay turns to the one other man still standing in the ring, that being Jake Smith. Jake maintains the composed look he had on his face throughout all of this, not too bothered by what just took place in front of him. Instead his focus is just on Jay Jerry Johnson, who is standing right in front of him.)

Rich Russillo: Well there you have it! We now have a TRIPLE THREAT on the way as it will be Jay Jerry Johnson, Jake Smith and Damon Lazarus for the right to lead Team Voltage! I have to say that’s a big time match, where if you ask me, anything can happen!

Thadd Blazevich: Gotta agree there, especially given the unpredictable circumstances! Damon and Jay have their beef, and this is a whole different Jake, who surprisingly doesn’t even have Caroline out with him tonight.

Persephone: Maybe she was blinded by the rubbing alcohol and called an early retirement!

Rich Russillo: Not so sure that’s the case, but whatever it be, Jake is focused, and he along with Jay and Damon are bound to have one hell of a match.

(The camera shows one last shot of Jay Jerry Johnson and Jake Smith’s staredown. Damon Lazarus has rolled out of the ring, and Captain Charisma is now headed up the ramp, taking his leave with the announcement having been made. All that’s left is the two Elitists prepared for Bloodsport, before Voltage fades away, transitioning over to the whereabouts of someone who was notably missing throughout tonight’s events.)

(Elsewhere…)

(There’s a trail of blood.)

(The Richmond Coliseum is a large arena, large enough that as a signed Elitist, it isn’t difficult finding a location within the arena that’s empty, and the threat of someone else finding you is non-existent. This is especially true for two individuals in particular, one of which being the one responsible for the trail of blood.)

(The camera follows the trail, revealing an open, knocked over toolbox with all of its contents spilling out of it. Various other objects have been knocked over, showing signs of some sort of altercation as the camera continues to follow the trail of blood. Until… It finally reaches the source.)

(Caroline.)

(Standing over Eris Morti.)

(Blood is still violently gushing out of Morti’s head, and she is completely unconscious after whatever happened between the two. There is already a pool of blood under her, where the trail of blood ends. All the while, Caroline just looks down on her. Her face remains cold, with no apparent emotion, until…)

(She smiles.)

(It’s a small, faint hint of a smile that only lasts for a brief moment as Caroline looks down at Eris, having clearly achieved exactly what she set out to do to Eris, who has been a nuisance for the last two weeks, and cost Caroline her match against Fire & Ice and Candice Blair and ARIA.)

(With this, Caroline disappears into the shadows, leaving the bloody, broken and unconscious Eris Morti to be found by whoever happens to wander into the scene.)

(Voltage fades from the area.)

(Commercial for the new horror film, Backrooms.)

(Voltage returns to ringside, fading towards the commentary table as Rich Russillo begins to speak.)

Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen, before we continue on with our next match I would like to announce that we have a special guest in the building tonight, and it is none other than one of Voltage’s newest signees!

(The camera pans to the crowd, as in the front row sits Igon Mordren. Igon has a neutral expression on his face, not interested in the pleasantries as he’s instead interested only in seeing the action to come.)

Thadd Blazevich: We’ve heard about Igon Mordren and his belief that wrestling isn’t what it used to be and that it needs to change. Hopefully the action to come is enough to change bro’s mind, otherwise I think he’s bound to be a serious threat to the Voltage roster!

Rich Russillo: I’ll have to agree with you there. Igon is definitely someone to look out for, and I would not be surprised whatsoever to see a dominant run from him this season. However, he’s not the only new signee here tonight, and one of them is about to be in action right now!

(The camera pans over towards Bella Braxton, who has a microphone in hand.)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… The following contest is scheduled for ONE FALL!!!!

Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!!

(‘The Best Damn Thing’ by Avril Lavigne hits, and the fans in attendance cheer as the camera pans towards the stage. Avril Williams is quick to make her way out, not hesitating to show her enthusiasm ahead of this match as she plays up to the crowd, hyping them up as she heads down the ramp. She high-fives fans on her way to the ring, full of energy ahead of this match as she knows this is her chance to make a big debut.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing first!… From Seattle, Washington… Weighing in at 139 pounds… “OFF THE WALL”, AAAAVVRRIILLLLLLLL WIIIILLLIIIAAAAAMMMSSSS!!!!!!!!!

(As Avril heads into the ring the camera briefly cuts to Igon Mordren, who doesn’t appear impressed just yet.)

Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen, Avril Williams is the other person making her EAW debut right now, and I have to say I’m thrilled to see what she may bring to the table, making the transition from a skating background to another passion, that being wrestling.

Thadd Blazevich: Right on, bro! I can already tell Avril’s gonna fit in well here! She’s got some good energy, and it’s gonna be awesome seeing how that translates into her work inside of the ring.

Persephone: Really? I’m pretty sure that “good energy” makes this literally the least fitting place on the planet for her.

(As Avril waits in the ring, ‘Going Under’ by Evanescence follows. The fans continue to cheer, but they are a bit surprised as they see Auburn Ware begin to walk out. Her attire carries a much darker tone than usual, and it is clear from the look on her face that she is not in the same state of mind she used to be in after everything that occurred thanks to Damon Lazarus and Saori Aizen. There is a cold and almost bitter look on Auburn’s face as she walks down the ramp, staring at Avril as she reaches the ringside area.)

Bella Braxton: And her opponent… From Bulawayo, Zimbabwe… Weighing in at 119 pounds… “THE BEAUTIFUL DISASTER”, AAAAUUUUUUBBBUUURRRNNNNNNNN WWWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRREEEEE!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: Auburn Ware is here… But, I think it’s pretty clear she hasn’t entirely recovered from everything that has happened to her this year, at least not mentally. Hopefully, Auburn is able to stay focused on tonight, knowing it’s the beginning of a new season.

Thadd Blazevich: Well we know how great Auburn is, dude. Honestly, this was a tough match for Avril to get in her debut, but there’s no telling what’ll happen. It’s a newcomer versus what might just be a new Auburn Ware.

Persephone: And I’m not expecting any better of a match, so hopefully these two get this over with quickly. I don’t know what could’ve possibly made Igon interested in checking out *this* match of all things.

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

Rich Russillo: WOAH!! THE BELL RINGS, AND AUBURN WARE IMMEDIATELY TAKES AVRIL WILLIAMS TO THE MAT WITH A FALLING THESZ PRESS OUT OF NOWHERE!!! AUBURN GETS ON TOP OF AVRIL, AND SHE’S JUST PUMMELING THE NEWCOMER WITH FOREARMS!!! AUBURN OBVIOUSLY ISN’T HAPPY WITH HOW THE LAST FEW MONTHS OF HER CAREER HAVE GONE, BUT I DON’T KNOW IF THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY TO DEAL WITH THAT!

Thadd Blazevich: AVRIL SHOVES AUBURN OFF OF HER BEFORE RUSHING BACK UP TO HER FEET- BUT AUBURN IMMEDIATELY RUNS BACK IN, GRABBING AVRIL AND FORCING HER BACK FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! DUDE, AUBURN IS GOING OFF ON AVRIL, WAILING ON HER IN THE CORNER AS I DON’T THINK AVRIL EXPECTED SUCH A VIOLENT START!!

Persephone: Well, I guess this is what happens when you face someone who pretty much had her life ruined. Not bad.

Rich Russillo: AUBURN CONTINUES TO DRIVE FOREARMS INTO AVRIL’S FACE, TO THE POINT THAT THE REFEREE NOW HAS TO STEP IN AND BEGIN COUNTING!!

Referee: ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR! FIVE!

Rich Russillo: THE REFEREE SEPARATES THE TWO- BUT AUBURN RUSHES BACK IN-

Thadd Blazevich: ONLY THIS TIME AVRIL GETS OUT OF THE WAY, BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A ROPE-ASSISTED ENZUIGIRI! Avril holds her jaw for a moment there as Auburn stumbles, AND AVRIL GRABS HER BEFORE JUMPING AND STEPPING OFF THE TOP ROPE, CONNECTING WITH A TORNADO DDT!!! AUBURN GOES DOWN AND ROLLS OUTTA THE RING, AND BRO, AVRIL REALLY NEEDED THAT ONE!

Persephone: She definitely did, because that was almost one of the most embarrassing debuts I’ve ever seen. Auburn’s rolling out of the ring as Avril goes back to checking her jaw. Avril gets back up after that, waiting to see as Auburn starts finding her way back to her feet. It looks like she just got an idea.

Rich Russillo: IT SURE DOES! AVRIL WILLIAMS RUNS THE ROPES, LOOKING FOR A SUICIDE DIVE-

Thadd Blazevich: OH NO!!! AUBURN JUST PUT A STOP TO THAT WITH A RIGHT HAND!!! AVRIL FALLS BACK, AND AUBURN PULLS HER LEGS OUT FROM UNDER HER BEFORE PULLING HER OUT OF THE RING!! AUBURN NOW RAMS AVRIL BACK FIRST INTO THE APRON, BEFORE TURNING HER AROUND AND SLAMMING HER FACE INTO THE APRON! Auburn sends Avril back into the ring, and bros, Auburn is definitely putting her experience to use in a dangerous way tonight! This is going to be a difficult match for Avril to get through!

Rich Russillo: Auburn slides into the ring and wastes no time dragging Avril up, AND SHE CONNECTS WITH A KNEE TO THE MIDSECTION! SHE DRIVES A SECOND KNEE INTO AVRIL’S GUT! A THIRD, AND NOW AUBURN PULLS AVRIL UP ONTO HER SHOULDERS WITH A FIREMAN’S CARRY!!! AVRIL IS STRUGGLING, TRYING TO FIGHT AS SHE LANDS ELBOWS TO THE SIDE OF AUBURN’S HEAD!! AVRIL KNOWS AUBURN IS GOING FOR SOMETHING BIG, AND SHE CAN’T LET THAT HAPPEN!

Thadd Blazevich: AUBURN IS FORCED TO LET GO OF AVRIL- BUT IMMEDIATELY SHE TURNS AROUND AND DROPS AVRIL TO A KNEE WITH SHINY BROKEN PIECES!!! AUBURN DRAGS AVRIL BACK INTO THE FIREMAN’S CARRY AFTER THIS-

Persephone: BUT AVRIL JUMPS UP INTO AN ELECTRIC CHAIR POSITION, DROPPING AUBURN WITH A POISONRANA!!!! BOTH ELITISTS GO DOWN, CAUSING THIS STUPID MATCH TO TAKE AN ANNOYING TURN AS NEITHER OF THEM CAN CAPITALIZE JUST YET!

Rich Russillo: It looks like Auburn’s aggression may have led to Avril finding an opening to put her agility to use, and now may be the best chance Avril will have to turn this around and get this match back on track! Auburn has stumbled into the corner, and now Avril pushes herself up, trying her best to shake off the pain as she knows it’s time for her to get back into this!

Thadd Blazevich: Avril runs in, AND SHE CONNECTS WITH A GNARLY JUMPING BACK ELBOW, HITTING AUBURN RIGHT IN THE SIDE OF HER HEAD! AVRIL STEPS BACK AND GRABS AUBURN, PULLING HER INTO A FIREMAN’S CARRY BEFORE TURNING AND RUNNING INTO THE OPPOSITE CORNER, DELIVERING A ROLLING FIREMAN’S CARRY SLAM!!! AVRIL DELIVERS THE MOVE I THINK AUBURN WAS SETTING UP FOR- ONLY AVRIL FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE!!! “YOU CAN’T ESCAPE” CONNECTS, AND NOW AVRIL HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE FIRST COVER OF THE MATCH!!!

ONE!
TWO-

Persephone: And of course, Auburn just HAD to kick out!

Rich Russillo: Seems Avril’s gonna need more than that to keep Auburn down, which to be fair isn’t a surprise given the amazing feats Auburn has been able to accomplish throughout her career. Avril pushes herself back to her feet as Auburn pulls herself towards the ropes, AND NOW THERE’S A KICK TO AUBURN’S RIBS JUST AS SHE STARTED PULLING HERSELF UP! Auburn drops back to a knee and now Avril pulls her in, AND SHE TURNS HER AROUND FOR A NECKBREAKER-

Thadd Blazevich: BUT AUBURN TURNS AROUND BEFORE AVRIL COULD DROP, AND SHE SHOVES HER AWAY! Auburn stumbles back into the ropes as Avril charges back in- AND AUBURN MOVES OUT OF THE WAY, CAUSING AVRIL TO BOUNCE OFF OF THE ROPES AND INTO A ROLL UP BY AUBURN! AUBURN TAKES AVRIL TO THE MAT BUT IMMEDIATELY RELEASES THE PIN, ONLY USING IT TO GET AVRIL IN POSITION FOR A STOMP TO THE FACE!

Persephone: BUT AVRIL GETS OUT OF THE WAY! She gets back up, but not fast enough to stop Auburn from grabbing her for an Irish whip to the ropes!

Rich Russillo: AUBURN GOES TO SWING AT AVRIL OFF THE REBOUND- BUT AVRIL SLIDES UNDER THE ARM!! AVRIL TURNS ONTO HER BACK, AND NOW THERE’S A KIP UP, FOLLOWED BY A DROPKICK!! AUBURN FALLS BACK BEFORE STUMBLING BACK UP TOWARDS THE CORNER, AND NOW AVRIL RUSHES IN BEFORE GRABBING AUBURN! SHE STARTS RUNNING UP THE TURNBUCKLES, LOOKING FOR FACE DOWN ON THE FORMER SPECIALISTS CHAMPION!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT AUBURN DOESN’T LET THAT HAPPEN!! SHE HAD PERFECT TIMING RIGHT THERE, SHOVING AVRIL OFF OF HER AND LEAVING HER STUCK IN A TREE OF WOE POSITION!! THAT WAS A SMART MOVE FROM AUBURN, AS AVRIL DOESN’T HAVE ANYWHERE TO GO!

Rich Russillo: AND NOW AUBURN RUSHES INTO THE OPPOSITE CORNER BEFORE RUNNING BACK IN, CONNECTING WITH CLOCKWORK ANGEL!!! CLOCKWORK ANGEL CONNECTS, CAUSING AVRIL TO JUST CRUMBLE OFF OF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! AUBURN DRAGS AVRIL OUT OF THE CORNER, AND NOW THERE’S THE COVER TO END THIS ONE!!!!

ONE!
TWO!!
THRE-

Rich Russillo: BUT AVRIL WILLIAMS STAYS IN THIS ONE, FIGHTING OUT OF THAT COVER AS SHE GETS THE SHOULDER UP!!! WOW! That was quite the move to survive from Avril, and Auburn doesn’t look thrilled about that whatsoever!

Thadd Blazevich: Avril looks like she might have hurt that right leg a bit landing into the tree of woe, and given her history with that leg, that’s not too good! She entered this company with a target, AND GIVEN HER TECHNICAL EXPERTISE, I GUESS I SHOULDN’T BE TOO SHOCKED THAT AUBURN’S GOING RIGHT FOR IT! AUBURN DRAGS AVRIL EVEN FURTHER FROM THE ROPES, BEFORE LOCKING IN A KNEEBAR!!!

Persephone: OKAY GOOD!! NOW HURRY UP AND TAP OUT, AVRIL!!! YOU DON’T WANT TO GO BACK TO HAVING ONLY ONE LEG, RIGHT!? JUST GIVE UP!!

Rich Russillo: AUBURN ISN’T RELENTING ON THAT KNEEBAR, AND GIVEN THE HEADSPACE SHE’S IN RIGHT NOW, I DON’T THINK SHE’D HAVE ANY ISSUE DOING LASTING DAMAGE TO AVRIL’S LEG ONCE AGAIN!! AVRIL IS SCRAMBLING AND KNOWS SHE’S TOO FAR FROM THE SET OF ROPES IN FRONT OF HER, SO SHE USES HER SIZE ADVANTAGE TO ROLL TO HER SIDE, TURNING AND PULLING HERSELF TOWARDS THE SET OF ROPES THAT WERE BEHIND HER! AVRIL IS ABLE TO GET HER HAND TO THE BOTTOM ROPE BECAUSE OF THIS-

Thadd Blazevich: BUT SEEING THIS, AUBURN IMMEDIATELY GETS OFF OF HER AND DROPS AN ELBOW ONTO AVRIL’S LEG!!!

Rich Russillo: AVRIL IMMEDIATELY GOES AND CLUTCHES HER LEG IN PAIN WHILE HOLDING ONTO THE MIDDLE ROPE! AUBURN RUNS THE ROPES DURING THIS HOWEVER- AND NOW THERE’S A DROPKICK TO THE SIDE OF AVRIL’S HEAD, SENDING AVRIL THROUGH THE ROPES AND OUT OF THE RING!!! Auburn has been very aggressive tonight, but don’t forget how skilled she is. Honestly, that added aggression might only make her a bigger threat.

Thadd Blazevich: Agreed. Auburn Ware is going after Avril Williams who’s resting against the steel steps, and she starts pulling her up-

Persephone: BUT AVRIL FOUND AN OPENING, PULLING AUBURN FACE FIRST INTO THE STEPS WITH A REVERSE STO!!! FINALLY SOMETHING DECENT!

Rich Russillo: Auburn falls and rolls to the barricade holding her face in pain, and I don’t think Avril even intended to do all of that! She just needed Auburn off of her and she got it, but now she needs to make the most of this! Avril uses the apron to pull herself up, and… Uh oh!

(The camera pans over to Auburn Ware, who has blood beginning to spill out of her forehead, just over her right eyebrow. The reveal of this causes the crowd reaction to rise, surprised for the turn of events.)

Thadd Blazevich: It looks like Auburn actually caught the corner of the steps, because she’s been busted open! Yikes dude, this is definitely getting crazy. Avril goes and pulls Auburn up, and even she’s gotta be surprised about the damage she did, ‘cause she’s not planning to get any crazier here! Avril goes to send Auburn back into the ring- BUT AUBURN STOPS HER BY GETTING HER FOOT AGAINST THE APRON! THAT SURPRISED AVRIL, AND NOW AUBURN HOLDS ONTO HER AND SENDS HER FACE FIRST INTO THE RING POST!!

Persephone: Auburn checks her forehead again, and I think she’s starting to process the fact that blood is THANKFULLY coming out of her head. I think this is finally about to get interesting.

Rich Russillo: Auburn grabs Avril while she holds onto the steel steps to keep herself on a knee, AND SHE DRAGS AVRIL UP BEFORE SLAMMING HER FACE INTO THE RING POST A SECOND TIME! A THIRD NOW, AND SHE JUST KEEPS GOING!! I THINK AVRIL HAS ACCIDENTALLY CAUSED THIS MATCH TO ENTER ANOTHER GEAR- AS AVRIL NOW PUSHES HER FOOT OFF THE STEEL STEPS, SENDING HERSELF AND AUBURN TUMBLING ONTO THE MAT!

Thadd Blazevich: AVRIL GETS ON TOP OF AUBURN AND STARTS HITTING HER WITH ELBOWS, BUT AUBURN TURNS IT AROUND AND RETURNS THE FAVOR, DRIVING FOREARMS DOWN ON TOP OF AVRIL!!! AVRIL LANDS A HEADBUTT AND KNOCKS AUBURN OFF OF HER WITH A FOREARM, AND NOW SHE SHOVES AUBURN HEAD FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE!! Avril gets back to a knee, AND SHE QUICKLY RUNS IN BEFORE LANDING A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT ON AUBURN!!

(Avril turns around, and this time, she’s the one that’s bleeding. It’s more towards the top middle of her forehead, as a result of both the ring post and the forearms from Auburn. Once again the fans’ give a loud reaction, except that’s not all that catches the fans’ attention.)

Thadd Blazevich: Well that’s not good! Dudes, this match has kinda gotten outta hand if you ask me! Both women are bleeding, and this is seriously starting to become more of a fight than a match! At this point the ref might wanna get this under control, although I can’t deny that this has been awesome!

(As Avril moves to grab Auburn, Igon Mordren is seen still seated in the front row, paying close attention to the match. However, he doesn’t look amused whatsoever with the chaos unfolding, and the disapproval is written all over his face as he continues watching.)

Rich Russillo: Avril rolls into the ring before rolling back out to restart the count, and it looks like she’s starting to give Auburn that same energy she’s been given all throughout this one! I don’t think this is the kind of fight Avril would’ve expected, but she’s not backing down either and that kind of mentality is bound to get her far! Avril goes back towards Auburn and starts to pull her up…

Thadd Blazevich: BUT AUBURN RUNS FORWARD, CAUSING AVRIL TO GO BACK FIRST INTO THE RING POST!! Avril stumbles a bit, AND AUBURN SHOVES AVRIL BACKWARDS, SENDING HER STUMBLING OVER THE STEEL STEPS!! Avril is hurt, and Auburn uses the opportunity to take the upper hand, grabbing Avril and sending her back into the ring!

Persephone: Avril rolls over to the apron however, using the ropes to pull herself up while Auburn slides into the ring. Auburn goes after Avril- BUT AVRIL HITS HER WITH A ROPE-ASSISTED ENZUIGIRI, CAUSING AUBURN TO STUMBLE BACK AND FALL INTO A SEATED POSITION IN THE CORNER!

Rich Russillo: Avril sees the opportunity and rushes to the other side of the ring, heading up to the top rope! Avril holds onto her leg for a moment before powering through, heading up top while Auburn is still dazed! Avril is on the top rope, but what is she going for…!?

Thadd Blazevich: A COAST TO COAST!!!!! AVRIL WILLIAMS LANDS THE COAST TO COAST ON AUBURN WARE, AND THAT WAS AN INSANE MOVE THERE!!!! AVRIL ROLLS OUT TO THE APRON AND PULLS HERSELF UP TO THE TOP ROPE AS AUBURN ROLLS OUT OF THE CORNER, AND WE MIGHT JUST GET AN UPSET!!! AVRIL WILLIAMS IS BACK ON THE TOP ROPE, AND NOW AVRIL LEAPS OFF FOR A SECOND TIME, THIS TIME LANDING ON AUBURN WITH THE DIRTY LITTLE SECRET!!!! 450 SPLASH CONNECTS, AND AVRIL HOOKS THE LEGS AGAIN, LOOKING TO PUT AWAY THE FORMER CHAMPION!!!! IS AVRIL GONNA DO IT!?!?

ONE!
TWO!!
THREE-

Rich Russillo: NO!!! AUBURN WAS ABLE TO KICK OUT JUST BEFORE THREE!!! I CAN’T EVEN BELIEVE IT! AUBURN MANAGES TO STAY IN THIS ONE, AND I DON’T THINK AVRIL IS GONNA HAVE A BETTER OPPORTUNITY THAN THAT!!! Avril winces in pain as she sits up, as her leg is hurting thanks to that kneebar from earlier! Avril knows Auburn isn’t an easy competitor to put down, so she’s gonna have to think of something good!

Thadd Blazevich: Avril pulls herself back to her feet using the ropes, and now she’s yelling at Auburn, telling her to get back up! Auburn is slowly doing exactly that, and in preparation, Avril’s shaking out that pain in her leg, trying to make sure it doesn’t bother her any longer! Auburn is back up… AND AVRIL GOES FOR THE MIDAIR THIEF!!!!

Persephone: BUT AUBURN SHOVED AVRIL OVER THE TOP ROPE AS SOON AS SHE JUMPED ONTO THE ROPES!!! AVRIL UNFORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO HANG ONTO THE TOP ROPE AND DIDN’T TAKE A CAREER-THREATENING FALL- BUT AS SOON AS SHE PULLS HERSELF ONTO THE APRON AUBURN GRABS HER BY THE LEG AND PULLS HER BACK INTO THE RING! AUBURN MIGHT BE TRYING TO SET UP FOR A SINGLE LEG CRAB ON THE SURGICALLY REPAIRED LEG!

Rich Russillo: AVRIL HANGS ONTO THE BOTTOM ROPE THOUGH, AND BEFORE THE FIVE COUNT SHE USED HER GOOD LEG TO START KICKING AT AUBURN, UNTIL SHE’S FINALLY ABLE TO PUSH HER AWAY! Avril pulls herself up- AND AUBURN CHARGED IN BUT AVRIL WAS ABLE TO GET THE BOOT UP, BUYING HERSELF SOME EXTRA TIME TO RECOVER! Avril once again pats the leg to shake off that pain, AND NOW SHE TAKES OFF, RUNNING TO THE OPPOSITE SET OF ROPES BEFORE FLYING AT AUBURN FOR A SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT!!

Thadd Blazevich: SHE DOESN’T GET IT!! AUBURN WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY AND AVRIL LANDS ON HER FEET- BUT THAT LANDING IRRITATED THE LEG A BIT! There was a bit of hesitation from Avril right there bro- AND AUBURN WAS ABLE TO CAPITALIZE ON THAT AS SHE RUSHES IN WITH A DROPKICK TO THE LEG! Avril goes down before rolling towards the ropes, and Auburn takes a moment, still trying to recover from Avril’s onslaught earlier! I think this match has taken its toll on both women, but what a match this has been for both of ‘em dude!

Rich Russillo: Auburn walks over towards Avril as Avril pulls herself up, BUT AVRIL LANDS A FOREARM ON AUBURN! Auburn remains on her feet though, AND SHE HITS AVRIL WITH ONE OF HER OWN! A SECOND ONE NOW! A THIRD, AND SHE NOW JUST STARTS DIGGING INTO THAT OPEN WOUND ON AVRIL’S FOREHEAD AS AVRIL IS BACKED AGAINST THE ROPES! THE REFEREE ISN’T GONNA HAVE A CHOICE BUT TO INTERVENE THANKS TO THE ROPE BREAK- BUT BEFORE THAT CAN HAPPEN, AVRIL SHOVES AUBURN BACKWARDS! Auburn rolls back to her feet, BUT AVRIL RUSHES IN BEFORE DELIVERING A SINGLE LEG DROPKICK, USING THE GOOD LEG TO TAKE AUBURN DOWN!

Thadd Blazevich: Avril grabs onto the ropes and pulls herself up, and bro, you gotta give her some credit. For this to be her debut match she’s really hanging in there against someone as skilled as Auburn Ware, and now she’s looking to potentially put this one away and start off her EAW career with a bang! Avril grabs Auburn and pulls her up onto her shoulders, AND SINCE THE MIDAIR THIEF DIDN’T WORK, IT SEEMS SHE’S GOING TO GO A DIFFERENT ROUTE HERE! SHE HAS AUBURN IN THE FIREMAN’S CARRY, AND GOES FOR THE SEMI-CHARMED LIFE!!!

Persephone: BUT AUBURN WAS ABLE TO CATCH THE LEG!!! AUBURN STOPPED AVRIL’S KNEE FROM HITTING HER FACE, AND NOW SHE QUICKLY SCOOPS UP THE BAD LEG BEFORE DELIVERING A DRAGON SCREW!!! AUBURN USUALLY FOLLOWS THIS UP WITH THAT STUPID CLOVERLEAF SUBMISSION, BUT SHE SEES THAT AVRIL STILL HAS SOME FIGHT LEFT IN HER SO SHE ROLLS OVER AVRIL WHILE HOLDING ONTO THE LEG, SCOOPING AVRIL INTO A FIREMAN’S CARRY AS SHE ROLLS BACK TO HER FEET!!!

Rich Russillo: AND AUBURN WASTES NO TIME HITTING AVRIL WITH VERITY!!!!! THE SAME KIND OF MOVE AVRIL JUST ATTEMPTED, ONLY AFTER THAT ATTACK TO THE LEG I THINK AVRIL WAS TOO THROWN OFF TO FIND THE COUNTER THAT AUBURN DID!!! IT’S LIGHTS OUT FOR AVRIL WILLIAMS, AND IT LOOKS LIKE AUBURN WILL BE PICKING UP THE VICTORY TO OPEN UP THE SEASON!!!

ONE!
TWO!!
THREE!!!

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen… Here is your winner… AUUUUBBBUUUURRRNNNNNNNNN WWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRREEEEEEEE!!!!!!

(‘Going Under’ begins to play once more, as Auburn Ware rolls off of Avril Williams. Blood is still falling down Auburn’s face as the wound has only gotten worse, but Auburn doesn’t even seem to care at the moment. She slowly pushes herself to her feet now that the match is over, but as the referee goes to raise her hand, she is quick to snatch her arm away.)

Rich Russillo: WOW! What a first match of the season for Auburn Ware, and what a debut for Avril Williams! That was nothing short of a fight, and Avril excelled tonight, but ultimately Auburn Ware just once again showcased how great she really is at this.

Thadd Blazevich: Seems that new attitude worked out. We know that Auburn’s been going through it lately, but you might be able to say she took her frustrations out on Avril tonight. Avril seriously got close to taking this one, but Auburn gets the dub!

Persephone: Well I saw blood so this was better than I expected, although that’s not saying much. Congratulations to Auburn or whatever.

(Auburn Ware rolls out of the ring and walks up the ramp as Avril Williams slowly starts to stir. She makes her way towards the stage and finally heads to the back, seemingly not in any mood for celebrations despite her victory tonight. However, only moments after this, Sofia Clarke begins walking out. Sofia has a microphone in her hand and a smile on her face, and it seems she has someone in mind that she’d like to speak to.)

Rich Russillo: Well I can’t say I expected this! Sofia Clarke is here with a microphone, and from the looks of it, I think she’d like to interview our guest, and one of our new signees tonight!

(Sofia walks down the stage and makes her way to ringside, approaching Igon Mordren who is still seated in the front row. This gets a loud reaction from the crowd, surprised to see a live interview take place right in front of them. Sofia walks up to Igon, and after a brief moment of off-mic conversation, Sofia nods and begins to speak.)

Sofia Clarke: Hello, Igon Mordren, thank you for joining us tonight! it’s been great to see a new name to EAW like yourself make an appearance tonight, but I think we all noticed that you had your eyes on this match, so if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask what your thoughts are on what you’ve just seen.

(With this, Igon stands out of his seat, causing him to tower over Sofia. Sofia is a bit caught off guard by this, but she still holds the microphone out for Igon, waiting for his answer. The man takes a moment, glaring towards the ring before beginning to speak.)

Igon Mordren: I love this sport, so of course I took the opportunity to watch and observe the current state of it. I hoped to be impressed, because I want professional wrestling to be as beautiful as it was when I first stepped into the ring. I knew that it was unlikely, that this sport had already been plagued by cancers only I can remove, but I chose to observe. I thought that perhaps someone could surprise me, and if anyone would have that opportunity, it would be a woman who boasts her technical prowess such as Auburn Ware and a newcomer to this promotion such as Avril Williams. I chose to watch this match with no expectations, and what I saw was not the sport that I loved. It was not professional wrestling at its finest. It was grotesque. It was reckless. It was barbaric.

Sofia Clarke: Barbaric?

Igon Mordren: Yes. It was absolutely barbaric watching two athletes fight as if they were on the street rather than inside of the ring. They had no respect for what this sport is meant to be. This isn’t professional wrestling. It is a circus, and for too long this sport has suffered from its own contentment. It has allowed itself to become a parody of what it once was, and that is the reason I am here today. This sport will never return to what it is capable of being as long as it is filled with those merely playing the role of wrestler. We are better than this, and-

???: (off-mic) Dude, you really gotta lighten up.

(Igon turns his head, noticing Avril Williams who has recovered from her match against Auburn. She noticed the interview going on and heard Igon’s comments, and she couldn’t help but share her own thoughts, looking at Igon as she backpedals towards the ramp, with blood still falling from her forehead.)

Avril Williams: (off-mic) It was just a match, man. I’ll be alright. Promise.

(With this, Avril turns and walks up the ramp, holding the back of her head after the violent match she just had with Auburn. Igon looks absolutely disgusted with what he just heard, with irritation clearly seeping through his composure. He turns towards Sofia.)

Igon Mordren: …Next week. I will make my in-ring debut, and I can guarantee none of tonight’s nonsense will be on display in my match.

(With this, Igon Mordren begins to walk away, seemingly putting an end to his interview. Sofia Clarke looks at him, a bit surprised after the turn of events that has unfolded tonight. There is one more shot of Igon as he walks away through the crowd, not amused whatsoever with what has occurred tonight. From there, Voltage fades away from ringside.)

(Promotional ad for Bloodsport, where TLA and Dr. Bethany Blue defend the Unified Tag Team Championships against Drake Armstrong and Kai Rabeaux.)

(Sunday Night Voltage returns to show the backstage area of the Richmond Coliseum, where Sofia Clarke is seen standing by with a smile on her face and a microphone in her hand. After a moment, she begins to speak.)

Sofia Clarke: Welcome back to Sunday Night Voltage, and what an electric start it has been to Season 20! We are officially on the road to Bloodsport, and the anticipation is through the roof for what our first Marquee Event of the season has to offer. A lot of the Elitists on the roster are looking to start their season off with a bang, especially the ones who got so close to succeeding on the grandest stage of them all. Please welcome my guest at this time… Sayuri Himura!

(The crowd erupts into thunderous cheers as the camera goes over to Sayuri Himura, who makes her way into the scene. She has a gentle smile on her face, greeting Sofia with a nod of the head.)

Sofia Clarke: Sayuri, thank you for joining us.

Sayuri Himura: It is my pleasure.

Sofia Clarke: Firstly, let’s talk about what happened at Pain For Pride. You participated in the 24/7 Battle Royal, where you came extremely close to winning. But unfortunately, you would end up falling short in the final two to the winner, Damien Kutcher. How do you feel?

(Sayuri takes a moment to think about it before looking up and smiling.)

Sayuri Himura: For starters, I would like to congratulate Damien Kutcher on a successful effort in the Battle Royal. Everyone walked into that match a couple of weeks ago with a point to prove, knowing that this would be their last chance to make an impact before the season came to a close. It was exactly as I said during the week; it was a matter of ambition and who wanted it more, and my point was to prove that out of everyone, Sayuri Himura would be the one who came out victorious in that affair. And while my ambition would prove to be stronger than most of the field in that regard, unfortunately… it would not be enough to allow me to secure the victory. It is disappointing that this match would not be that moment for me, but that will not stifle my motivation heading into this new season with new opportunities.

Sofia Clarke: That brings me to my next question. The new season is a fresh start for certain people. In a way, do you consider it a fresh start for Sayuri Himura?

Sayuri Himura: No, in fact, I consider this a continuation of Sayuri Himura’s journey. I don’t like to consider this a new chapter in the book, solely because I have nothing to look back on with sorrow and regret. This is everything that I chalked it up to me, my growth as a wrestler, continuing to become the best version of myself that I can possibly be. And it was never going to be as clearcut or simple as anyone anticipated, it was going to take some work on my end to make something happen. It’s going to mean something to me when it finally ends up paying off in the end, but until then? I am going to continue to work. I am going to continue to push myself beyond what I thought that I would be able to do, because it is clear to me that the Sayuri Himura that I am right now just isn’t enough… and that is okay. That is not something that keeps me down, in fact, that is something that continues to push me.

(Sayuri continues to smile as she pauses for a moment.)

Sayuri Himura: I understand that it’s easy to feel hopeless in times like these. Everyone has tried their best to bring me down and try and tell me who I am as a person, but I never let that affect me, because what I know to be true is that the person that I am right now is enough to be the very best in this company. People seem to forget that I am not truly passive, I am just someone who appreciates this sport so much to a degree that I do not allow my emotions to get in the way of my actions. We must carry our traditions, we must continue to be strong, and that is my intentions in the name of the Himura family. I do not intend on letting them down, not after I have gotten this far already, I will continue to endure. I will continue to fight, not for the people who bear their eyes down on me, but for the people who have supported me, for the people who have cheered me on and continue to cheer me on through all of this, I make a promise that I will not let them down.

(Sayuri’s eyes glance toward the camera that is pointed toward her.)

Sayuri Himura: What happened at Pain For Pride will not be the last time you see Sayuri Himura on a stage of that caliber. I will continue to endure, I will continue to fight, and most importantly… I will be victorious! That is my promise, Sofia Clarke. That is my promise to you, and that is my promise to everyone else who believes in me and my ambitions. Sunday Night Voltage is a land of opportunity, and I will continue to take this opportunity and use it to the fullest.

Sofia Clarke: :wow: Great words. I have one more thing to ask you…

(Before Sofia could say what was on her mind, her eyes begin to wander as she notices something happening in the distance. There’s a small commotion going on near Gorilla Position, as the camera quickly goes over to show Auburn Ware storming out and heading through the hallways, fresh off of her match against Avril Williams. Behind her, a doctor is seen running up, putting a hand on her shoulder.)

Doctor: Auburn, please! We need to check on you to make sure you’re okay-

Auburn Ware: GET THE FUCK OFF OF ME.

(Auburn turns around and shoves him right in the chest, forcing him backward and out of frame. As she continues to storm through the hallway, she just so happens to walk into the interview being conducted. As she does, she glances over to notice Sayuri looking at her.)

Auburn Ware: What the fuck are you looking at?

Sayuri Himura: Auburn Ware… is everything okay?

Auburn Ware: Wouldn’t you like to know.

Sayuri Himura: I am just asking. I hope you don’t mind. I will not act like an idiot, I know what you have gone through this past season, what they have done to you. It has truly been unfortunate… I just wanted to let you know that I am sorry that you had to go through that. You’re a good person with a good heart, and you did not deserve the cruel and unjust punishment that you went through as a result of your ambitions.

Auburn Ware: What’s it to you, Sayuri? Honestly, because I’m not in the mood right now.

Sayuri Himura: Well, if nobody discusses these issues with you, then you will not be able to heal from your wounds like you should. You are a talented woman, one who should have her eyes on wrestling and wrestling only. I know how valuable this art form is for you, just as valuable as it is for me, and I’ve watched you spend your entire career fighting for the right reasons. So it disappoints me to see what it has done to you, and I don’t believe that it should stay that way for long.

(Sayuri approaches Auburn, as she continues to glare at her, not wanting her to get any closer than where she is right now.)

Sayuri Himura: All I am telling you is… I don’t want to see this situation that you are going through get into your head and take away from who you are. Because trust me, you are so much better than that.

(She smiles at Auburn once more. But as expected, she clearly doesn’t want to hear any of this right now. She opens her mouth, looking like she’s going to respond…)

(POW!)

(Before clocking Sayuri in the face with a forearm! She falls backward as she’s knocked into the wall, Sofia quickly scurrying out of the way before she can get involved in the scuffle. As Sayuri slumps down, clutching the back of her head, Auburn storms past, continuing her brisk walk out of the scene without even a second thought of what just occurred between the two of them.)

(Sayuri finally manages to come to her senses, clutching her jaw as she didn’t particularly fancy how the situation was “de-escalated”. She exhales, taking a moment to calm herself down, before she rises back up to her feet, turning around and walking the opposite direction as it is the very last shot seen before Sunday Night Voltage begins to fade to elsewhere.)

(Voltage returns to the tune of “Duel” by JINJER taking over the arena. As the lights in the arena dim, Minerva steps forward, championship gold around her waist sparkling even in the darkness. Flanking behind her are none other than Selina Reyes and Daniella Atlas. Their hands are empty; however, their perseverance remains in spite of that.)

Persephone: One of the most unfortunate mistakes Captain Charisma made was drafting ToXXXin. Here’s to another season of empty bluster and grown women stuck in teenage phases!

Rich Russillo: Well, despite what Persephone thinks, there is no doubt ToXXXin is a force to be reckoned with. Despite falling to La Pharmacia Sexual at Pain For Pride, ToXXXin only views Pain For Pride as a victory. Minerva defeated Milli Banks for the Universal Women’s Championship, and the three of them don’t just categorize that as a victory for Minerva, but one for ToXXXin as a whole!

Thadd Blazevich: Minerva thinks much more is in store for the two ladies she took under her wing, and though Selina and Daniella are no longer the champions, their presence truly feels no different. Last week, at the Draft, we saw Ashlynn Quinn step up to the plate, and while the night didn’t end so well for our Favorite Barbie, we’ve seen some fire begin to emerge inside of her, and one can only think these three are out here to not just move on from Pain For Pride, but to also address Ashlynn, and continue to try and take her off her high horse!

(Minerva, with full confidence, dictates the energy of the arena in the palm of her hands. As she steps in the ring, taking a good look at the gold around her waist, a smile emerges. As is routine, Selina & Daniella proceed to step forward and join her. Ultimately, the theme song dims, and Minerva receives a microphone.)

Minerva: Our industry often confuses one for the other; everybody lies to themselves in an attempt to reshape their mishaps and the holes they’ve dug for themselves. For example, hubris is confused with confidence. Fleeting sensations are confused with happiness. Wallowing is confused with resilience. But most often, stupidity… is confused with bravery. And there is no one more guilty of the latter than the woman who stepped out last week, and made her challenge clear: to challenge The Black Rose to a championship match.

Minerva: It comes as no surprise to me by this juncture… after eight long years, you hardly see anything new… While few win a World Championship even once… I’ve laid my eyes upon my high being taken away extremely soon after grand victory multiple times… as time and time again, challengers that could be best described as vermin stepped in front of me, wishing to take me off my pedestal even when my surge of momentum is all-time highs. When the New Eden chapter closed, and I walked away victorious with the EAW World Championship… I was then met by Ronan Malosi.

(Minerva places a palm over her face, exhaling.)

Minerva: After I defeated Kassidy Heart to win this Universal Women’s Championship for a second time, and solidified myself as the greatest woman to ever step foot in the wrestling ring… my next “challenge” would be a pessimistic Usagi Senshi, believing her pessimism was actually ambition.

(Sardonically, she chuckles.)

Minerva: As the curtains closed on Milli Banks and her hopes of ever reaching my level… It seems I am now face-to-face with a story that remains part of the same cycle.

Minerva: Ashlynn Quinn.

Minerva: While I perhaps would, with a heavy grain of salt, entertain the idea of Ronan Malosi attempting to be taken seriously. While I perhaps could see whatever sliver of potential Usagi Senshi had in that disillusioned heart of hers… In the end, I learned a lesson. I learned to simply take what I see, as what it actually is. Ronan Malosi never went on to be taken seriously; he only remained a leech for clout until his days finally ran out. Usagi Senshi never came close to achieving a sliver of success, despite her persistence in poking bears. In the end, it all caught up to her. They all became accessories; used, and then forgotten, left to dissolve in the strait of time.

(Minerva allows a beat, as the eyes of Selina and Daniella glance downwards, almost asking questions of what that final line reveals about themselves…)

(Though… ToXXXin never was about accessorizing them for Minerva’s gain. Not only was that promised, but also shown.)

(ToXXXin’s sole champion then continues.)

Minerva: Here the question begs: do I repeat a mistake for a third time, and take Ashlynn Quinn as anything more than a desperate brat snatching onto my ankle, or do I simply see her for what she has shown to be…?

Minerva: Minerva does not repeat mistakes twice. To do so three times? That is simply unspoken of. As such, I will give my thoughts straight, and no longer hide what I believe behind this hopeless hope I already let go of when the last season commenced. The truth about Ashlynn Quinn, is that I am not impressed. Not about her career as a whole, nor last week in a vacuum. Some may give her grace for faltering against two physical anomalies in Kelin and the eventual winner, BRAE, especially after the attack she suffered at the hands of ToXXXin before the match.

Minerva: However, I am not “some”.

Minerva: Perhaps that could all be taken as a test… one that she failed. If she could not prevail against that adversity… if she could not even sneak a victory against the man who fought Kassidy Heart to a draw on the grandest stage… then how could she **ever** hope to defeat the one who toppled her? How could sweet Ashlynn wish she could step up to the greatest of all time, Universal Women’s Championship on the line, when all I see is a victim, hardly clinging onto her life, finding less and less reasons to keep going with each day that passes, until she encounters a complete drought in her purpose? I see a story no different than the aforementioned likes.

Minerva: I know what it is like to be a victim, perhaps some think I should sympathize with her because of this, but who ever sympathized with me? No one. For I never struggled to survive even at my lowest, no. I thrived. And that is always what will separate myself, and the endless list of hopeless souls whose bodies are left to wither at the root of this mountain.

Minerva: What makes Ashlynn any different? Why should I be impressed? Why should I not be frustrated that the first person to step up and challenge me, isn’t someone who’d at least put up a fight worth remembering, rather than being just another footnote?

Minerva: As much as it was a test, last week was also a warning. I would go as far as to say that if the gears could turn in her brain, she would not have put herself in that position to begin with, but that is expecting much. As such, the least I can expect right now, is for a lesson to be learned. Given the tumultuous night she had, Ashlynn Quinn, for her own sake, should have learned a lesson, and thus, she should look elsewhere, as she has proven whatever match she obviously seeks from me… will only end in one resu—

(“Tears” by Sabrina Carpenter stops Minerva in her tracks, and without much of a wait, Ashlynn Quinn walks out on the stage. She blows a kiss to the audience who had begun to embrace her, before setting her focus on Minerva, confidence all in her eyes.)

Persephone: I will never get used to this audience cheering for Ashlynn, of all people.

Rich Russillo: I mean, we’ve really stranger things happen. With the bond between her and Hans forming recently, it’s clear Ashlynn has started to ask some questions about where she stands, and how she likes to proceed with things going forward. There’s no doubt a lot of psychological and physical torment she was put through last season, and now Ashlynn seems to be on the side of fighting against that!

Thadd Blazevich: It does feel odd bro, but what I love about this audience is that somehow, someway, no matter who you are, you’re always given a chance, and that’s truly inspirational in this ruthless medium we’re all a part of!

(Having come out with a microphone already in hand, Ashlynn briefly interacts with the audience, before stopping at the end of the ramp, cueing to cut the music.)

Ashlynn Quinn: Ughh Minny… you’re so annoying, you know! You really are telling the world a lie, pretending that I am not worth your time, when you couldn’t even attack me yourself! Instead, you had those two girls who wanna be all scary, like boo-hoo, attack me, and now here you are, just propping yourself up! It totally reeks!!

Ashlynn Quinn: Maybe I was always disadvantaged going up against Kelin and BRAE, but I’m not going to pretend that by attacking me, you didn’t make it a certainty that I’d lose, and you know what that makes me think? It makes me think you’re afraid! You’re afraid of giving me even the chance to rise, because then just like Handsome Hans I’d go all the way to the top and take you down!

Ashlynn Quinn: You’re just like the likes of Kai Kai; you’re an uggo, especially on the inside, so egotistical that you cannot handle the mere idea of my beautiful self rising up to the occasion, and making things right!

Ashlynn Quinn: But here’s what I think, Minny! I think you’re great, I think you’re brutal, but I don’t think you’re unstoppable, and you strike no fear in me! As a matter of fact…

(Ashlynn steps onto the apron, leaning down, and entering the ring.)

Ashlynn Quinn: I’m not scared of getting in your face! Not when it’s just you and me, and not even when you have your backup behind you, like always!

(Minerva laughs.)

(Ashlynn’s head tilts in response.)

Minerva: It’s valiant you don’t fear stepping inside the ring with ToXXXin, when you are all by yourself. Valiant, but foolish.

Minerva: But allow me to correct you in one regard…

(Minerva inches closer, her eyes getting a good and personal look at Ashlynn’s—brimming with a newfound sense of innocence and courage.)

Minerva: It’s not stepping up to me while ToXXXin is behind me that you should fear. It’s stepping in the ring with me when there is nobody else to bear witness.

(Ashlynn’s brows furrow… as she takes light steps backwards, her high heels slightly losing balance, though hardly noticeable.)

Ashlynn Quinn: Well… Minny…

(Ashlynn’s chin slowly raises.)

Ashlynn Quinn: I made my intention clear! I know what’s next, and you have what I want! I want the Universal Women’s Championship! Last year at Bloodsport, I watched on from backstage, as you ruthlessly filled an entire bucket with the blood of TLA, the blood of a man who you’ve gone on record to say you respect. I’ve seen just what you did to Milli Banks at Pain For Pride, when there’s no love lost… and honestly? I wasn’t struck by fear, but instead I understood just what it means to get here! Enigmatic little Eris and desperate meanie Saori taught me I can tap into my darker side, and they taught me that I shouldn’t just trust anybody, that I can do to others what they’d do to me, and that wouldn’t change who I am!

(With fiery words, Ashlynn slowly begins to find courage, and steps forward, regaining the space she just conceded to Minerva.)

Ashlynn Quinn: I’ve been a Voltage mainstay… I lost my sanity long ago, and whatever purity was in me is now completely gone, okay, girl!? So the deal is clear, whatever awaits me if I go on and challenge you, I don’t mind! Instead, I’ll revel in it, and I’ll become that little devil everyone who has hurt me has also taught me to be. And…I will not only fight you for the championship, Minerva!

(Ashlynn fully gets in the champion’s face, her eyes meeting Minerva, without timidity, but with fire.)

Ashlynn Quinn: But I will beat you.

(She drops the microphone to the mat, as the buzzing echoes inside the arena, Minerva’s head pushing into Ashlynn’s space, but Ashlynn doesn’t relent. As Selina and Daniella slowly step forward, the foreheads of Ashlynn and Minerva collide… and just as tensions reach highs, and ToXXXin is ready to make Ashlynn repeat fate…)

(The tension halts.)

???: That’s enough!

(ARIA and Candice Blair emerge on the stage, the attention quickly moving onto them from all sides.)

ARIA: There is no pride to take in perpetuating physical attacks against the outnumbered!

Candice Blair: We watched you two go at this whole thing for the past few minutes, and while it’s not our business to interfere in, we have really seen enough of ToXXXin taking the number’s advantage while priding themselves as some sort of valiant force!

(The duo which had slowly become acquainted with one another to the point of forming a true friendship begins to step forward, walking down the ramp, ready to make a run for it if ToXXXin decides to throw any cheap blows.)

ARIA: The three of you have painted a picture that goes against your actions, and while you tell the world this is for a greater good, that Minerva’s vision matters, and that it’s not riddled with selfishness, I cannot help but see what this all is… Minerva becoming *everything* she hates!

Candice Blair: While Daniella and Selina ride coattails, only having their potential unlocked to a certain point, before reaching an inevitable plateau. We’re not here to drive a rift, but we’re here to set things straight, and ask for respect… We ask for the respect of telling the world *the truth*…

ARIA: And the respect that all competition deserves.

(Having reached the ramp, the two enter the ring, stepping between Ashlynn, as Candice meets Daniella face to face, while ARIA opts to meet Selina… who is not only her scheduled opponent, but also someone Candice just cannot look in the eyes anymore.)

Candice Blair: Instead of trying to belittle Ashlynn and attacking her because she lacks numbers, I say there is something greater for the mind to focus on.

ARIA: And that especially applies to you… Selina. We have a match up next, and before you get forced into an upset defeat like you have many times in the past because you are unfocused, I suggest we remember that up next, I am your opponent, and the one you should focus upon.

(Minerva glances away, with a smirk of irony.)

Minerva: A coalition of husks, naturally attracted to one another, believing their numbers will equal strength. However, in the mirror, all three of you see failure… and you are all mirrors of each other respectively. That’s why I find this…

Minerva: Cute.

Minerva: But my tone will not change. You should have thought twice about this… *all of you.*

(Minerva’s microphone drops, as everybody comes head-to-head…)

(But once more, before tensions could reach the stage of physicality, a referee steps in the ring, separating everyone.)

(Minerva simply backs off, deliberately. Selina and Daniella follow, backpedaling.)

(Candice, ARIA, and Ashlynn oblige. After all, this is what they vouched for to begin with.)

(The referee gets everyone to exit the ring, everyone except for the two competitors.)

(ARIA steps back towards a corner, taking her entrance gear off and handing off her microphone.)

(Minerva nods to Selina, who goes in her own corner as Minerva and Daniella leave the ring.)

(As Ashlynn leaves… she stops at the end of the ramp…)

(Looking back, she grins, and completely turns to face the ring.)

(Her arms cross, as she steps towards ARIA’s corner.)

(DING! DING! DING!)

Rich Russillo: Alright, ARIA versus Selina Reyes, only it seems Ashlynn Quinn will be staying at ringside with the others! Here we go, as both women begin circling one another to start things off before meeting in the center with a collar and elbow tie-up! The jockeying for position begins immediately, with neither woman giving an inch during the prolonged struggle… until ARIA slowly starts to gain the upper hand! She powers Selina back toward the corner… but Selina shifts the momentum at the last second! Now it’s Selina backing ARIA into the opposite corner, keeping her pinned there momentarily before the referee steps in with a five count.

Referee: ONE! TWO! …TH—

Rich Russillo: Oh, it looks like we’re going to get a clean break here as Selina begins backing away from ARIA, showing the referee there’s no contact anymore…

Thadd Blazevich: WHOA! DID YOU HEAR THAT, BRO?! :roman:

Persephone: I did. Right as I was hoping to fall asleep, that jolted me right awake. Fuck.

Rich Russillo: SELINA CONNECTED WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST, CATCHING ARIA OFF GUARD!

(Selina talks a bit of trash as ARIA favors her chest in the corner. ARIA’s expression slowly turns to anger before she fires back…)

Rich Russillo: OH, AND A SLAP! ARIA WITH A SLAP ACROSS THE FACE OF SELINA! SHOWING HER FIRE EARLY ON AGAINST “THE ORYX QUEEN!”

Thadd Blazevich: No kidding, dude! ARIA MIGHT’VE SLAPPED THE FRIGGIN’ TASTE OUTTA HER MOUTH, BRO! Is Selina alright? You sure she doesn’t need to take five?

Rich Russillo: Selina’s definitely feeling the effects of that slap as she favors her cheek, giving a nod to ARIA before circling her once again, this time with a more focused expression. The two meet in the middle for another collar and elbow tie-up, with similar results to earlier as a brief jockey for position takes place before Selina gains the advantage by pulling ARIA into a standing side headlock!

Thadd Blazevich: And she’s really wrenching on that hold, bro, even dropping to a knee! ARIA stays on her feet and lifts Selina back up to a vertical base… before Selina quickly turns it into a standing side headlock takedown!

Rich Russillo: Selina continues wrenching on the hold as both ToXXXin and Candice watch from ringside. Candice’s confidence hasn’t wavered… though, it’s hard to get a read on the typically stone-faced group. ARIA escapes the side headlock with a headscissors, putting her legs to use before Selina rolls to a front neck bridge…

Thadd Blazevich: Selina pushes her way out of the headscissors… AND LUNGES AT ARIA WHILE STILL SEATED! SELINA LOCKS HER RIGHT BACK IN ANOTHER GROUNDED SIDE HEADLOCK!

Persephone: Great. Can we get back to the slapping? That was at least slightly interesting.

Rich Russillo: Selina has ARIA grounded, and this crowd is rallying behind Lestrade, trying to will her back into this! ARIA feeds off their energy, powering back to her feet and backing Selina against the ropes… ARIA REBOUNDS HER OFF TO BREAK THE HOLD! BUT SELINA COMES RIGHT BACK WITH A BASEMENT DROPKICK TO THE KNEE!

Persephone: I mean, it’s an easy target. She, for some reason, refuses to wear knee pads.

Thadd Blazevich: Eh, knee pads are overrated, bro! Shoes too!

Persephone: Ugh. You’re disgusting.

Rich Russillo: ARIA limps toward the corner, struggling to put weight on that knee as Selina starts closing in, looking to stay on the attack… BEFORE ARIA FIRES A RIGHT HAND! THEN ANOTHER! ARIA UNLOADS WITH A FLURRY OF RIGHTS, BACKING SELINA INTO THE CORNER BEFORE FINISHING THE COMBINATION WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST! ARIA RETURNING THE FAVOR FROM EARLIER!

Thadd Blazevich: Selina is reeling from that chop, bro, but before she can recover, ARIA sends her off with an Irish whip! SELINA TRIES FOR ANOTHER BASEMENT DROPKICK TO THAT SAME KNEE ON THE REBOUND… BUT ARIA LIFTS HER LEG JUST IN TIME! Selina slides right underneath her instead!

Rich Russillo: ARIA spins around as Selina pops back to her feet and CATCHES HER WITH A KICK TO THE GUT! ARIA doubles over before Selina stands her back up for ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP TO THE CHEST! ARIA staggers backward and drops onto the bottom rope, leaning against the second through gritted teeth as that chop echoes through the arena. Selina doesn’t give her any time to recover, dragging ARIA right back to her feet.

Thadd Blazevich: Selina’s got ARIA right where she wants her, bro! She directs her into the corner and SLAMS HER FACE FIRST OFF THE TOP TURNBUCKLE! ARIA’S ROCKED! Selina looks to send her into the opposite corner… BUT ARIA TURNS IT AROUND, SENDING SELINA THERE INSTEAD!

Rich Russillo: ARIA CHARGES IN FOR A MONKEY FLIP… BUT SELINA LANDS ON HER FEET, SHOWING OFF THAT ATHLETICISM!

Thadd Blazevich: ARIA looks a little caught off guard, bro, but she scrambles right back to her feet and CHARGES Selina in the center of the ring! SELINA TRIES TO USE THAT MOMENTUM AGAINST HER WITH A HIP TOSS… BUT ARIA BLOCKS IT! SHE DROPS HER WEIGHT, STOPS SELINA IN HER TRACKS, AND TURNS IT INTO A HIP TOSS OF HER OWN!

Rich Russillo: HIP TOSS BY ARIA! SHE FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A CARTWHEEL… BEFORE DELIVERING A BASEMENT DROPKICK RIGHT TO THE FACE!! ARIA QUICKLY CRAWLS INTO THE COVER AS SELINA TRIES TO ROLL AWAY, HOOKING THE LEG!

ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO—

Thadd Blazevich: Selina pops the shoulder up, bro!

Persephone: I was kinda hoping for a miracle there that she wouldn’t, but I guess that was wishful thinking.

Rich Russillo: But look at the face of ARIA. She’s staying composed despite the kickout, not letting it shake her confidence.

Thadd Blazevich: Absolutely, bro! These two know each other well. They’ve shared the ring before, and ARIA knows firsthand just how tough the former Unified Tag Team Champion is.

Rich Russillo: With that said, ARIA drags Selina back to her feet and PLANTS HER WITH A SNAP SUPLEX! Beautiful float over by ARIA into another cover!

ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Rich Russillo: Only a one count that time before Selina powers out! Selina rolls to all fours as ARIA closes in. Selina gets to a knee… AND TRIES TO FIGHT BACK WITH A PUNCH TO THE ABDOMEN! ARIA staggers back a step as Selina regains her footing… BUT ARIA FIRES BACK WITH A SHOT BETWEEN THE EYES! ANOTHER PUNCH BETWEEN THE EYES! NOW SHE BACKS SELINA AGAINST THE ROPES FOR A KNIFE EDGE CHOP!

Thadd Blazevich: Selina tries to shake the cobwebs loose, bro, but ARIA doesn’t give her the chance! She grabs hold of Selina and brings her to the corner, bouncing her face first off the top turnbuckle! Selina staggers back toward the center of the ring in a daze before doubling over… ARIA steps right beside her and lifts Selina up for a PENDULUM BACKBREAKER! PENDULUM BACKBREAKER BY ARIA! COVER IS MADE!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Kickout! Selina rolls onto her side, favoring her back after that impact… before ARIA stands her up and backs her against the ropes for an Irish whip! BUT SELINA TURNS IT AROUND, SENDING ARIA INTO THE ROPES INSTEAD! ARIA REBOUNDS BACK WITH A TILT A WHIRL HEADSCISSORS TAKEDOWN!

Thadd Blazevich: Sick, bro! ARIA pulled that off perfectly! Selina rolls out underneath the bottom rope and ends up on wobbly legs at ringside while ARIA gets that look in her eyes, rallying the fans behind her once again before taking off toward the ropes! …ARIA FLIES THROUGH THE MIDDLE WITH A SUICIDE DIVE!

Rich Russillo: OR MAYBE NOT, AS SELINA SLIDES RIGHT BACK INTO THE RING UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE! ARIA GOES TUMBLING THROUGH THE MIDDLE, BUT LANDS ON HER FEET BEFORE HOPPING BACK ONTO THE APRON! HOWEVER, SELINA IS RIGHT THERE TO KNOCK HER OFF WITH A RUNNING ELBOW!

Persephone: Ha! I might’ve seen spit fly out of ARIA’s mouth there.

Thadd Blazevich: ARIA rolls off the apron and onto a knee, bro, favoring her jaw while Selina grabs hold of the top rope, looking to go airborne as SHE LAUNCHES HERSELF OVER THE TOP!

Rich Russillo: SELINA SLINGSHOTS HERSELF OVER THE TOP ROPE… BUT ARIA GETS OUT OF THE WAY AT THE LAST SECOND! SELINA CATCHES HERSELF ON THE APRON, BUT ARIA IMMEDIATELY GRABS HOLD OF THE ANKLE! ARIA YANKS SELINA’S LEG OUT FROM UNDER HER, SENDING SELINA FACE FIRST INTO THE EDGE OF THE APRON BEFORE SHE ROLLS DOWN TO RINGSIDE!

Thadd Blazevich: Selina rolls onto all fours, trying to shake the cobwebs out of her head as ARIA rolls back inside the ring! ARIA starts bouncing up and down, encouraging Selina to get back in. ARIA’s got the advantage now and patiently waits as Selina crawls onto the apron before slowly sliding underneath the bottom rope!

Rich Russillo: ARIA starts bringing Selina back to her feet… BEFORE SELINA STARTS GOUGING AT ARIA’S EYE, BACKING HER INTO THE CORNER! SELINA TURNING UP THE AGGRESSION HERE, AND IT ISN’T PRETTY AS THE REFEREE QUICKLY STEPS IN, FORCING HER BACK!

Persephone: About time. She needed to ramp the aggression up. My only critique is I would’ve liked to see her actually go through with gouging ARIA’s eye.

Rich Russillo: Please. We barely stay on the air as it is.

Thadd Blazevich: ARIA’S HURTING IN THAT CORNER, BRO, AND TRYING TO GET HER VISION BACK AS SELINA MARCHES IN WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP! BUT ARIA DUCKS UNDERNEATH AND FIRES BACK WITH ONE OF HER OWN! A KNIFE EDGE CHOP THAT ECHOES THROUGHOUT THE ARENA!

Rich Russillo: ARIA has swung the momentum back in her favor before sending Selina toward the opposite corner with an Irish whip… BUT SELINA TURNS IT AROUND, SENDING ARIA INSTEAD! ARIA TRIES TO GO FOR A CORNER HEADSTAND HEADSCISSORS TAKEDOWN… BUT SELINA POPS HER FEET UP AND CROTCHES ARIA ACROSS THE TOP ROPE!

Thadd Blazevich: Persephone, any insight on—

Persephone: Yes, it hurts. Okay? 🙄

Thadd Blazevich: Noted, bro.

Rich Russillo: ARIA’S BEEN CROTCHED ON THAT TOP ROPE, AND SELINA LOOKS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE! KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST! Pain is written all over ARIA’s face… FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP! The referee tries to warn Selina, distracting her for just a moment… AND ARIA TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THAT OPENING WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP OF HER OWN WHILE STILL HUNG UP!

Thadd Blazevich: Selina staggers back, clutching at her chest as ARIA tries to free herself from the top rope… BUT SELINA CHARGES RIGHT BACK IN WITH A RUNNING FOREARM! ARIA GETS KNOCKED OFF THE TOP, LANDING BACK FIRST ON THE APRON BEFORE DROPPING TO RINGSIDE IN A WORLD OF PAIN! CANDICE BLAIR IMMEDIATELY MOVES OVER TO CHECK ON HER!

Rich Russillo: But Selina Reyes is relentless as she immediately slides out of the ring and rolls ARIA back inside! Selina hooks the leg!

ONNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHH—

Rich Russillo: SHOULDER UP!

Persephone: Ugh, “shoulder up.” I’m already sick of hearing it.

Thadd Blazevich: C’mon, Persephone, show some love, bro. It’s been a good match!

Persephone: Boy, you and I sure have very different meanings of the word “good.”

Thadd Blazevich: Alright, maybe not that good, but—

Persephone: Don’t care. Stop talking.

Rich Russillo: Selina stays focused and drags ARIA back to her feet before planting her in the center of the ring with a BODY SLAM! Selina runs off the ropes for a JUMPING KNEE DROP! RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES! ARIA writhes in pain as Selina rolls into another cover, hooking the leg!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Thadd Blazevich: Two count! How much do either of these women have left, bro?!

Rich Russillo: I don’t know, but their pain tolerance is going to be tested the longer this match goes on. Selina pounds the mat, showing the first real signs of frustration before climbing back to her feet. She pulls ARIA up by the hair… BUT ARIA FINDS A SECOND WIND! DRIVING SELINA BACK INTO THE CORNER AND REPEATEDLY THRUSTING HER SHOULDER INTO THE MIDSECTION, KNOCKING THE AIR RIGHT OUT OF HER!

Thadd Blazevich: ARIA takes a moment to catch her breath, getting the crowd behind her once again before turning back toward Selina in the corner. ARIA lines Selina up for a KNIFE EDGE CHOP, AND I’M STARTING TO LOSE TRACK OF HOW MANY OF THOSE THESE TWO HAVE THROWN, BRO!

Rich Russillo: They’re both going to wake up with bruises tomorrow, that’s for sure.

Thadd Blazevich: ARIA goes to Irish whip Selina into the opposite corner, but Selina twists the arm and pulls her into a standing side headlock! …BUT ARIA SHOVES HER OFF INTO THE CORNER INSTEAD, THEN IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWS UP WITH ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP TO THE CHEST! ADD ANOTHER ONE TO THE TALLY, BRO!

Persephone: Are these two both one trick ponies? C’mon! Do something different!

Rich Russillo: Hey, they’re sticking with what’s working, and right now those chops have been finding their mark from both sides! ARIA keeps Selina in the corner before winding back and connecting with a RIGHT HAND! That’s always an option too, just a good old fashioned punch as Selina staggers out of the corner, staying near the ropes with a glazed over look after that shot.

Thadd Blazevich: ARIA leans Selina against the ropes for an Irish whip! Selina rebounds back as ARIA ducks down, telegraphing a back body drop! Selina puts the brakes on at the last second and looks to club ARIA across the back… BUT ARIA SLIPS BEHIND HER! Selina stumbles forward a step before turning around INTO A CALF KICK! CALF KICK BY ARIA!

Rich Russillo: ARIA CRAWLS INTO THE COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Kickout! Selina struggles back to her feet as ARIA beats her there. Selina gets to a knee and is immediately pulled into a standing side headlock… BUT SELINA TURNS IT AROUND WITH A SAITO SUPLEX! ARIA GETS DUMPED HIGH ON HER NECK AND SHOULDERS!

Thadd Blazevich: ARIA sits up looking groggy, bro, with a glazed over look in her eyes before almost instinctively crawling toward the ropes! Selina makes her way over and grabs hold of ARIA before chucking her out through the middle rope!

(ARIA lies on the floor, only to find Daniella Atlas and Minerva standing over her. ARIA quickly realizes the situation she’s in and quickly scoots away while neither woman makes any effort to chase. Candice Blair then rounds the corner, with ARIA backing into her feet as Candice stands there to provide backup if needed.)

Persephone: Seriously? Not one kick? Or even a punch? Lame.

Rich Russillo: ToXXXin doesn’t seem to have any intention of getting involved, but it’s obvious why ARIA’s on high alert. Selina exits the ring and pulls ARIA back to her feet before leaning her against the barricade for ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP!

(ARIA doubles over against the barricade before Selina turns toward Candice, having delivered that chop right in front of her. The two exchange a brief staredown and a few words before Selina turns back and rolls ARIA inside the ring.)

Rich Russillo: Back inside goes ARIA, and Selina follows her in for another cover!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: ARIA STAYS IN IT! But Selina sits right back up, looking to wear ARIA down further with a rear chinlock!

Persephone: Oh, BROTHER.

Thadd Blazevich: Selina’s got that chinlock locked in, bro, and this crowd is rallying behind ARIA once again! We’ve already seen ARIA feed off their energy, and now Candice Blair’s pounding the mat at ringside in support too! ARIA STARTS POWERING BACK TO HER FEET AND LOOKS TO BREAK SELINA’S GRIP WITH MULTIPLE BACK ELBOWS!

Rich Russillo: Realizing she’s close to losing the advantage, Selina adjusts on the fly and shuts ARIA down with a KNEE TO THE MIDSECTION! ARIA drops to a knee before Selina backs her against the ropes for an Irish whip… ARIA REBOUNDS BACK… AND DUCKS UNDERNEATH THE CLOTHESLINE! ARIA THEN HANDSPRINGS OFF THE ROPES FOR A “PHOENIX INJECTION!” ARIA CONNECTS WITH THE HANDSPRING CUTTER ON SELINA!

Thadd Blazevich: TOTALLY AWESOME, BRO! NOBODY SAW THAT COMING!

Rich Russillo: Selina pops up to all fours, running purely on instinct as she tries to shake the cobwebs out of her head, while ARIA slowly stirs on the canvas and rolls onto all fours herself… BEFORE SELINA SUDDENLY SNATCHES HER IN A GROUNDED FRONT FACELOCK! A desperation move by a stunned Reyes to try and regain some control!

Thadd Blazevich: ARIA powers back to her feet, bro, and EXPLODES WITH A RIGHT HAND! BOTH COMPETITORS CAN BARELY STAY ON THEIR FEET BEFORE SELINA GRABS ARIA IN YET ANOTHER STANDING FRONT FACELOCK… BUT ARIA TWIRLS OUT OF IT AND CRACKS HER WITH AN OVERHAND SLAP TO THE FACE! Selina stumbles for a moment before quickly pulling ARIA right back into another front facelock!

Rich Russillo: BUT ARIA LIFTS HER UP FOR AN INVERTED ATOMIC DROP! SELINA IS STUNNED AS ARIA SHOOTS OFF THE ROPES FOR A FLYING FOREARM SMASH! SELINA SCRAMBLES RIGHT BACK TO HER FEET, ONLY FOR ARIA TO CHARGE IN WITH A RUNNING BACK ELBOW THAT FLOORS HER!

Thadd Blazevich: SELINA POPS BACK TO HER FEET… AND WALKS RIGHT INTO A RIGHT HAND! THAT SHOT STAGGERS HER BACK INTO THE CORNER! ARIA CLOSES THE DISTANCE WITH ANOTHER RIGHT HAND BEFORE LOOKING FOR AN IRISH WHIP TO THE OPPOSITE CORNER! BUT SELINA TURNS IT AROUND, SENDING ARIA THERE INSTEAD!

Rich Russillo: SELINA CHARGES IN… BUT RUNS RIGHT INTO A BOOT! THAT STUNS HER LONG ENOUGH FOR ARIA TO HOP TO THE MIDDLE ROPE AND PULL SELINA IN FOR A TORNADO DDT! Selina rolls to all fours, looking groggy, while ARIA springs back to her feet and charges the corner! SPRINGBOARD OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE… MOONSAULT PRESS ONTO SELINA!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Thadd Blazevich: SHOULDER UP, BRO! ARIA ROLLS OFF THE COVER AND IMMEDIATELY PULLS SELINA BACK TO HER FEET FOR “GLITCH IN THE MATRIX!” BUT SELINA ESCAPES WITH A BACK BODY DROP… NO! ARIA COUNTERS INTO A SUNSET FLIP! BUT SELINA COUNTERS THAT BY SITTING RIGHT DOWN ON HER CHEST, HOOKING BOTH LEGS! COUNTER AFTER COUNTER, BRO!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: ARIA TURNS IT AROUND AT THE LAST SECOND! BOTH OF SELINA’S SHOULDERS ARE DOWN! DEEP COVER BY ARIA!

ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

(DING! DING! DING!)

Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER… ARIA!

(‘God Shattering Star’ by Takashi Baba plays as ARIA immediately lets go of the pin. Selina is as shocked as she is exhausted following that match, rolling onto her stomach in disbelief while ARIA rises to her feet. The referee grabs ARIA’s wrist and raises it in victory…)

Rich Russillo: OH, FROM BEHIND! SELINA BLINDSIDES ARIA WITH A FOREARM TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!

Thadd Blazevich: YEAH, BRO! AND NOW HERE COMES TOXXXIN! LIKE A PACK OF WOLVES, THEY SWARM THE RING! DANIELLA AND MINERVA CHARGE CANDICE AND ASHLYNN ON THE APRON WITH FOREARMS BEFORE THEY CAN GET INSIDE! NOW THEY’RE STOMPING ARIA OUT IN THE CORNER AS SHE CURLS UP, TRYING TO COVER HERSELF!

Persephone: Finally! Something worth staying awake for.

Rich Russillo: CANDICE BLAIR ISN’T HAVING IT! SHE SLIDES INTO THE RING AND TAKES SELINA DOWN WITH A DOUBLE LEG! CANDICE IS RAINING DOWN RIGHT HANDS!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT THE NUMBERS GAME CATCHES UP TO HER, BRO! DANIELLA ATLAS PULLS CANDICE OFF AND TRAPS BOTH OF HER ARMS BEHIND HER BACK!

Rich Russillo: Blair’s fighting with everything she’s got to break free… BUT SELINA SCRAMBLES BACK TO HER FEET AND DRIVES A KICK INTO THE MIDSECTION! Candice drops to all fours and rolls toward the corner as Selina and Daniella begin stomping her out! Meanwhile, Minerva is still doing the same thing to ARIA in the opposite corner!

Persephone: See? This is teamwork.

Thadd Blazevich: ASHLYNN’S BACK IN THE RING! DANIELLA GOES AFTER HER, BUT ASHLYNN STUMBLES BACK AND PULLS DOWN THE MIDDLE ROPE, SENDING DANIELLA TUMBLING OUT!!! CANDICE KNOCKS SELINA OFF OF HER WITH A FOREARM, AND NOW SHE RUNS IN BEFORE TAKING DANIELLA DOWN WITH A SUICIDE DIVE!!!

Rich Russillo: ASHLYNN WENT AFTER MINERVA, BUT MINERVA WAS READY AND CAUGHT ASHLYNN WITH A BOOT TO THE FACE!!! ASHLYNN DROPS TO A KNEE, AND NOW MINERVA GRABS HER AND STARTS NAILING HER WITH PUNCHES DOWN INTO HER HEAD!!! ASHLYNN IS IN SOME TROUBLE RIGHT NOW AS MINERVA PULLS HER INTO A KNEE TO THE MIDSECTION! MINERVA NOW PULLING IN, AND SHE MIGHT BE SETTING UP FOR ATLAS FALLS-

Thadd Blazevich: BUT NOW ARIA ATTACKS MINERVA WITH AN ELBOW TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!!! ARIA HELPING ASHLYNN OUT THERE, CAUSING HER TO DROP ASHLYNN BACK TO THE MAT- AND NOW LOOK!!!

Persephone: There goes Selina.

Rich Russillo: SELINA GOES AFTER ARIA NOW WHILE ASHLYNN TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THE ATTACK FROM ARIA, AND NOW ASHLYNN CATCHES MINERVA WITH THE PINK STAR DIAMOND!!!! PINK STAR DIAMOND CONNECTS ON MINERVA, TAKING DOWN THE UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPION!!!

Rich Russillo: AND NOW ARIA GETS THE BETTER OF SELINA, FINDING AN OPENING TO THROW HER THROUGH THE ROPES AND OUT OF THE RING!!! SELINA IS OUT, DANIELLA IS OUT, AND THE UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPION HAS BEEN LAID OUT!!!!

(Minerva rolls out of the ring, holding onto the apron as she drops to a knee. Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes have gotten back up and are next to Daniella, and none of the ToXXXin members are happy. Selina still looks fatigued following that match, and Minerva holds her nose for a moment after Ashlynn’s codebreaker. After some time the three members of ToXXXin slowly retreat up the ramp, glaring back toward the ring.)

Rich Russillo: And just like that, ToXXXin has been run out of the ring! ARIA, Candice Blair, and Ashlynn Quinn stood their ground and sent every last one of them packing!

Thadd Blazevich: They came in with the numbers advantage, bro, but it didn’t last! ARIA’s side fought back, and now ToXXXin’s the one retreating up the ramp!

Persephone: Boo. I was hoping they’d keep fighting for another ten minutes. That was way more entertaining than the actual match.

Rich Russillo: Emotions are boiling over between these two groups, and after what we just witnessed, I don’t think this issue is anywhere close to being settled.

(ToXXXin continue backing up the ramp, with Daniella and Minerva supporting Selina by her arms. All three look stunned by how quickly things unraveled as they glare back toward the ring. Meanwhile, Ashlynn, ARIA, and Candice stand tall inside the ring, motioning for ToXXXin to come back before the camera begins to fade elsewhere.)

(Commercial for the new Future album “The Real Me” with Chris Elite, who says to turn it off.)

(Voltage returns to ringside, and as ‘Run Into Flowers’ by M83 hits, the crowd explodes with cheers. The fans are loud for the arrival of Bronson Daniels, but as Bronson walks out, he lacks the same energy that is given to him. He’s still clearly hurt, and looks almost empty following his match at Pain for Pride. Bronson is holding a microphone in his hand, and he walks down the ramp, making his way to the ring.)

Rich Russillo: Bronson Daniels is here, and I have to say, he had a bit of a rough night at Pain for Pride. He was finally able to close the chapter of his career with Jon Kelton, but I don’t think it happened in a way anyone could’ve anticipated.

Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, it was a total bummer dude. Kelton grabbed Natasha Thompson, who I believe pretty much raised Bronson when he didn’t have anyone else. He threatened her so that Bronson had to quit, giving Kelton the win. Real messed up stuff, man.

Persephone: Yeah but that’s over now so Bronson has to move on. Unfortunately, it looks like “moving on” to Bronson means getting a microphone, so this is bound to be annoying.

(Bronson reaches the ringside area, climbing onto the apron before entering the ring. His entrance music fades out, leaving Bronson to stare at the thousands of cheering fans in attendance. This unfortunately doesn’t make Bronson feel any better about what happened, as he remains silent for a while, having a hard time even putting together the words he wants to say.)

Bronson Daniels: I’m sorry. It’s not often that I come out here not even sure what to say, especially not when in regards to a situation I’ve been part of for the better part of a year… But…

(Bronson sighs.)

Bronson Daniels: You know, there was a chance I didn’t walk away from Pain for Pride. That could’ve been my last match ever, and if that were to be the case… So be it. I mean, it’s what I asked for, isn’t it? I wanted that match, and who knows? In hindsight, maybe it wouldn’t have been so bad. Going out fighting against the man I once called a brother, being able to feel the support of all of you one last time after years of feeling as if I had nothing… There’s worse ways to go out than that. I might’ve been able to make peace with that… But that’s not what happened. I’m here. I have to look all of you in the eyes and tell you that I lost. Jon Kelton beat me. I said “I quit”, because a man I once trusted went and threatened the person that saved my life after my uncle was killed.

(Bronson has to pause for a moment after saying this, as everything that occurred at Pain for Pride still weighs heavily on him. He looks down at the mat, just shaking his head.)

Bronson Daniels: I knew Jon was going to try something. He made it clear enough that he wanted to get in my head, but I guess I had too much faith in him even now. I didn’t think he’d go this far. That he’d attack the person who took care of me when I was a child. That he’d go out of his way to attack an innocent bystander for NO reason other than to make me say two words. He wanted me dead and buried. He wanted to end me- and he didn’t do that. He gave up on that idea, in favor of something so much worse. He put someone I care about in harm’s way… And he was going to do it. He was going to hurt her. If I didn’t quit. If I didn’t give him what he wanted, he would’ve…

(Bronson grows increasingly frustrated having to relive Pain for Pride, not even able to let the words out of his mouth. His anger isn’t even because of the fact that he lost, but because of the fact that someone so close to him was dragged into it. With everything on his mind, Bronson takes a moment and turns his attention away from the fans, looking to address the person who was nearly hurt during the Three Stages of Hardcore Hell match.)

Bronson Daniels: Natasha, I know this isn’t my first time saying this but it’s only right the same people who were forced to see that mess hear this. I’m sorry. If I had just stopped Jon and ended that match before things ever could’ve gotten to that point, you never would’ve ended up in that position, and your Pain for Pride experience wouldn’t have been ruined. That was my fault. I couldn’t do anything to save you. I couldn’t do anything to stop him. After everything you did for me, it’ll never not make me sick knowing I couldn’t return the favor.

Bronson Daniels: And now… It’s over. As much as I can’t stand it… That’s it. For better or worse, Jon Kelton is off for Showdown, so at least for the time being, I have no shot at getting back at him.

(The fans actually boo hearing these words, disappointed that there’s nothing Bronson can do about Jon Kelton, who is back on Showdown and away from Bronson. However, Bronson is not finished speaking, and he acknowledges the reaction with a nod.)

Bronson Daniels: I know. All I can do now is try to regain the focus I had when I first moved over to this brand. The whole Elysium chapter of my life is done and there’s nothing I can do about that, but time’s going to move forward regardless of how I feel, won’t it? It’s just up to me to determine whether or not I move alongside it, and I think you all know the answer to that by now. I already let enough people down, and that includes myself. Every week I spend sulking over what already happened two weeks ago will only hurt even more people, and again, that includes myself. I need to move on. I need to take a step forward, even if it’s difficult. I was brought back to Voltage for a reason, and if this is supposed to be a fresh start for me, I’m going to do it by achieving what I set out to do a while ago. I’m going to become Champion again.

(Cheers follow these words, as well as a more focused look from Bronson Daniels, who is at least making an attempt to look forward. The fans appear excited at the idea of Bronson fighting for gold once more, until…)

(‘Lowlife Princess’ by BIBI hits.)

(Bronson turns towards the stage, unsure of what this is about as the fans loudly begin to boo. Miku Sakai begins walking out to the stage with a microphone in her hand, already in her gear for her match in the main event. She rolls her eyes at the sight of Bronson Daniels, beginning to walk down the ramp as the boos continue, leaving Bronson wondering what exactly this interruption is for.)

Rich Russillo: Well this is unexpected. Miku Sakai is out here, and she already has a match against Raven Roberts up next so I’m not really sure what she’s doing right now.

Thadd Blazevich: Well she has a mic, only question is what for! I didn’t think Miku really had beef with Bronson Daniels, they didn’t have much history with each other last season.

Persephone: I don’t care what her issue is. She has a microphone and that’s more than enough to leave me even more annoyed right now.

(Miku Sakai walks down to ringside, making her way up the steel steps before she enters the ring. Miku stares at Bronson for a moment, and she almost chuckles seeing the state he is in. There is a staredown between the two as Miku’s entrance music fades out, until finally Bronson goes to speak up.)

Bronson Daniels: Wha-

Miku Sakai: Can you shut the fuck up already??

(The fans boo, and while Bronson’s already annoyed with Miku given the circumstances, he lets her continue so she can get whatever made her interrupt him off her chest.)

Miku Sakai: I mean, holy shit. I thought maybe we’d be free from some of the bitching now that Adam Lucas is gone, but I’m backstage getting ready for my match and what do I hear? Sure enough, it’s more bitching! Do you really think anyone cares that you couldn’t beat Jon Kelton of all people? The biggest loser to ever do it?? That’s YOUR fault! It’s not his, it’s not any of the fans’ and it’s definitely not mine, so I don’t know why you’re forcing all of us to sit through this stupid sob story like any of us should have to care. You’re the one that couldn’t get the job done, and yeah, it’s like you said in that dumb little sympathy begging speech. What happened to Natasha was entirely on you. You’re a loser, and a loser like you has literally no right to try to cut in line and put themselves in contention for a Championship.

(There is no response to this from Bronson, but the boos continue, which causes Miku to just shake her head, brushing off the crowd.)

Miku Sakai: Let’s just be clear, nobody needs you in the title picture again. You’re not actually that good which is why you find some way to screw everything up literally every single time you get an opportunity. I’ve been waiting AGES for the chance to become Champion again without some dumb shit getting in the way, and I keep getting passed up in favor of the wrong people! Adam Lucas was fighting for the Hardcore Championship at Pain for Pride after already having a shot because of his stupid ass dead baby while I’m stuck in that triple threat because I was forced to spend weeks wasting my life on DIEGO MONTANA of all people! Look at the rest of Voltage! We have enough bottomfeeders trying to take spots at the top, and I’m sick of it. The only person that should be getting a shot at a Championship anytime soon is me.

(More boos follow these words, and Bronson just shakes his head, not thrilled about having to deal with Miku right now. However, this time he finally begins to respond.)

Bronson Daniels: Alright. I get it. I failed but you know what? So did you. It doesn’t matter what the circumstances were. One thing led to another and at Pain for Pride, you competed in the All Star Triple Threat. That match wasn’t personal like my match against Jon, and you didn’t lose because of someone else being dragged into it. Your loss was your own, and whether you manage to hold a Championship or not this season doesn’t need to be my problem, but the last thing I’m interested in is you storming out here just to tell me how much more deserving you supposedly are than me. Do you really believe you haven’t had chances? That there have been no opportunities for you to get where you want to be? We’ve both had them, Miku. We just failed, and whether you like it or not, we *both* need to pick ourselves up. I’m not afraid of starting over, and if you are that’s on you.

(Hearing this causes a look of disgust to form on Miku’s face.)

Miku Sakai: You don’t know what you’re talking about. Don’t try to compare me to you. My season sucked but most of it was out of my control, you can’t say the same for yourself! I shouldn’t have to get in line and fight for another chance to become Champion, I should ALREADY be getting another opportunity for having my time wasted on bullshit at Pain for Pride when I DIDN’T EVEN WANT TO BE PART OF THAT MATCH! Captain Charisma’s the one that wanted me there! I just went along with it because he convinced me it’d actually be a good opportunity, and HE LIED!

Bronson Daniels: Alright, I get it. You’re not happy about Pain for Pride, but how is this my problem? I do want to be a Champion, but I’m not against fighting to earn my way there. It’s what I expected to begin with, because you’re right, I did lose and I don’t have the right to jump to the front of the line after that. Still, I didn’t have anything to do with what happened to you at Pain for Pride, I wasn’t even a factor in your Season 19, so why are you out here right now? Don’t you have a match you should be focused on?

Miku Sakai: Yeah, and I was focused on it until I heard you bitching and moaning about your Pain for Pride as if anyone cares! I’m tired of being overlooked in favor of people who aren’t even half as good as I am, so I’m not gonna let you beg your way into a title match when I have been waiting for my chance to finally hold another title! You can fuck off to the back of the line and wait until someone needs a challenger they can beat, or better yet tell Captain Charisma to ship you off to Showdown so you can fight Jon Kelton a thousand more times. I don’t even know why he drafted you of all people. You don’t actually do anything useful, and if you can’t even make it past Kelton of all people, that’s never gonna change.

(Bronson stares at Miku for a moment, irritated that she’s come out here just to add salt to the wound after what he went through at Pain for Pride. He keeps his composure, beginning to speak as he doesn’t even look at Miku.)

Bronson Daniels: Right…

(Bronson lets out a sigh, shaking his head before turning back to Miku.)

Bronson Daniels: Well I’m not going to keep entertaining this. You have a match, so you can go ahead and focus on that. Good luck.

(With these words Bronson just walks past Miku, beginning to exit the ring. Miku doesn’t look amused after that argument between the two, but seems a bit better off now that Bronson is leaving the ring, allowing her to focus on her match up next.)

Rich Russillo: It seems Bronson has had enough of Miku’s hostility tonight, and with him heading to the back, it seems it’s now time for us to prepare for tonight’s main event!

Thadd Blazevich: That’s right, bro! Miku Sakai and Raven Roberts are up next, and with everything Miku just said about wanting to be Champ this season, she might wanna lock in. This won’t be an easy match.

Persephone: Going from watching Miku speak to watching her wrestle. Worst way to open a season ever.

(Miku Sakai remains in the ring, just shaking her head as she doesn’t even bother taking Bronson seriously. Bronson Daniels on the other hand is shown continuing to walk up the ramp, still clearly fed up with everything going on, and Pain for Pride still weighing heavily on his mind. With one more shot of Miku Sakai ahead of her match in the main event, Voltage fades to one more commercial break.)

(Commercial for Nacho Buffitos.)

(The camera returns to ringside as ‘The Leaving Song Pt. II’ by AFI is playing. The EAW World Champion Hans Grayson is already at ringside, walking towards the commentary table while high-fiving fans. He takes a seat near the table, keeping a calm look on his face before the camera shifts focus to Miku Sakai in the ring, annoyed pacing back and forth while Bella Braxton is heard in the background.)

Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS SCHEDULED FOR… ONE FALL!!

Crowd: ONE FALL!!

Bella Braxton: Introducing first! Already in the ring! Hailing from Fukui, Japan, weighing in at 110 pounds… SHE IS THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE… MIKU SAKAI!

(“Ghost Myself” by DIAMANTE blares throughout the arena to a mixed reaction following her attack on Hans Grayson at the Draft Show. Raven Roberts makes her way onto the stage, briefly locking eyes with Hans at ringside before turning her attention to Miku in the ring. Raven keeps a close watch on the World Champion as she confidently marches down to the ring, removing her entrance jacket.)

Bella Braxton: And her opponent! Reising in Atlanta, Georgia, weighing in at 122 pounds… SHE IS THE BIRD OF PREY… RAVEN ROBERTS!

Rich Russillo: Well, last week at the Draft Show, Raven Roberts made one thing perfectly clear. She wasn’t content with watching from the sidelines. She picked her target, and that target was the World Champion, Hans Grayson.

Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, bro! Hans offered an open challenge, and Raven didn’t waste a second making her answer known. She dropped the Champ with not one, but TWO “Talons!” That’s one way to kick off Season 20!

Persephone: Ugh. Raven’s already making my life miserable, and the season’s barely started. Fantastic.

(The referee signals for the bell as both competitors stand in opposing corners.)

(DING! DING! DING!)

Rich Russillo: Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for our main event of the evening as Raven Roberts goes one on one with Miku Sakai! As you can see, our World Champion, Hans Grayson, has a vested interest in this match, watching from ringside. It’ll be interesting to see if he plays any sort of role before this one’s all said and done.

Persephone: God, I hope so. The less of this match I have to watch, the better.

Rich Russillo: Notice that Raven hasn’t taken her eyes off Grayson, seemingly more focused on him than her actual opponent… AND MIKU LOOKS TO MAKE HER PAY FOR IT! CHARGING AT ROBERTS EARLY ON! BUT RAVEN QUICKLY TURNS HER ATTENTION BACK TO THE MATCH AND CHARGES MIKU AS WELL! THE TWO COLLIDE IN THE CENTER OF THE RING, WITH RAVEN USING HER POWER TO SCOOP MIKU UP AND DRIVE HER BACK INTO THE CORNER WITH A SPINEBUSTER!

Thadd Blazevich: NOW RAVEN’S REALLY LIGHTING HER UP, BRO! KNIFE EDGE CHOPS! RIGHT HANDS! CHOPS! PUNCHES! JUST ALTERNATING BETWEEN BOTH BEFORE GRABBING HOLD OF MIKU AND TOSSING HER OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE!

Rich Russillo: Miku rolls to a knee as Raven slides out of the ring after her, grabbing hold of Miku for an Irish whip INTO the barricade! Miku crashes into it back first and leans against it, gritting her teeth with pain written all over her face as Raven slowly closes the distance.

(Raven points over at Hans, talking a bit of trash off mic before grabbing Miku by the wrist once again.)

Rich Russillo: Uh-oh. Raven’s got hold of Miku again, and this time she sends her FLYING right past our announce table and into another section of the barricade! Miku crashes into it back first, and Raven simply walks right past the World Champion without a hint of fear. I’m not sure that’s the smartest idea after what happened at the Draft Show, but we’ll see.

Thadd Blazevich: One thing’s for sure, bro, Raven isn’t intimidated by Hans Grayson one bit! She doesn’t even seem bothered that he’s sitting out here. If anything, it looks like having him at ringside has brought out an even more aggressive side of Raven tonight!

Rich Russillo: Yeah, Raven’s been going a mile a minute since the opening bell with no signs of slowing down as she approaches Miku… ONLY TO GET A KICK TO THE GUT! Raven staggers back, and while we’ve spent a lot of time talking about Raven and Hans, let’s not overlook Miku Sakai either.

Persephone: Imagine how embarrassing it’d be if she defeated Bird Bitch tonight.

Rich Russillo: Yeah, it’d be pretty embarrassing after staking your claim to the World Championship. But it’d also create a dangerous situation because it’d open the door for Miku to say she deserves a title shot too. We all know Miku would love nothing more than to get her hands on that championship as she grabs hold of Raven, turning with her as she looks to send Roberts into the barricade… BUT RAVEN TURNS IT AROUND AT THE LAST SECOND, HURLING MIKU INTO THE BARRICADE SO HARD SHE FLIPS FORWARD INTO IT! MIKU CRASHES BACK FIRST!

(Hans Grayson continues to watch, paying close attention to the match so far. Raven meanwhile waits, watching as Miku struggles up to all fours.)

Thadd Blazevich: Raven’s firmly in control now, bro, as she hauls Miku back to her feet and rolls her into the ring! Raven starts sliding in after her… BEFORE MIKU HURRIES OVER AND STARTS STOMPING AWAY BEFORE RAVEN CAN EVEN GET TO ALL FOURS! ROPE ASSISTED STOMPS TO THE BACK! MIKU KEEPS FLATTENING RAVEN EVERY TIME SHE TRIES TO PUSH HERSELF BACK UP!

Rich Russillo: Miku delivers one final stomp, but Raven still fights back to all fours! Miku shoots off the opposite set of ropes, building momentum for a… OH! MIKU REBOUNDS RIGHT INTO THE ARMS OF RAVEN! RAVEN’S GOT HER UP FOR… A FALLAWAY SLAM! SHE EVEN TAKES A FEW STEPS BEFORE THROWING HER, SHOWING OFF HER STRENGTH AGAINST THE LIGHTER MIKU SAKAI!

Thadd Blazevich: Raven KIPS right back to her feet, bro, and rallies this crowd behind her! She shoots Hans a look before bouncing off the ropes for a RUNNING SHOOTING STAR PRESS… NO! MIKU GETS THE KNEES UP! THAT JUST DROVE ALL THE AIR OUT OF RAVEN!

Persephone: That’s what she gets! I love seeing this bitch in pain.

Rich Russillo: Raven rolls away from Miku, clutching at her ribs before crawling to the corner to create some separation. She uses the ropes to pull herself back to her feet as Miku rises as well, staring Raven down with a predatory look before charging in for a MONKEY FLIP! MIKU GOES FOR THE MONKEY FLIP, BUT RAVEN BLOCKS IT BY HOLDING HER UP! Raven turns around, seating Miku on the top turnbuckle before cracking her with a right hand!

Thadd Blazevich: Miku TUMBLES to the outside, landing back first across the apron on the way down! She ends up on the floor in pain before pulling herself back up with the help of the announce table. Raven sees the opening and takes off, building momentum for a SUICIDE DIVE! RAVEN WIPES OUT MIKU!

(Raven returns to her feet and is fired up, but just to her left is none other than the EAW World Champion, who she can’t help but glare at after last week. Hans rises from his chair, and the two stand nose to nose, exchanging heated words before Raven glances over her shoulder and notices Miku crawling to a knee with help from the apron. Raven turns her attention back to Miku as Hans slowly sits back down.)

Rich Russillo: Once again, Raven Roberts making a point to taunt the World Champion! But at least she knows when to shift her focus, turning her attention back to Miku as she rolls her inside the ring. Miku tries to shake the cobwebs out of her head as she rises to her feet and stumbles into the corner. Meanwhile, Raven slides back into the ring and makes her way to the opposite one.

Persephone: Oh, great. What’s she setting up now? Why couldn’t Hans have just decked her when he had the chance?

Rich Russillo: RAVEN CHARGES IN WITH A CLOTHESLINE IN THE CORNER! CRASHING HARD INTO MIKU SAKAI BEFORE PULLING HER RIGHT BACK IN FOR ANOTHER CLOTHESLINE! THAT ONE DROPS MIKU, AND RAVEN IMMEDIATELY FALLS INTO THE COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Rich Russillo: Oh, and Miku gets the shoulder up at one!

Thadd Blazevich: I’m surprised that kickout came that early, bro! Miku’s showing she’s still got plenty left in the tank. She might even be getting a little fired up herself after struggling to get much going in this match. It’s been mostly Raven so far, with only brief flashes from Miku. The Hall of Famer has really been on her “A” game tonight!

Rich Russillo: Raven drags Miku back to her feet and lifts her onto her shoulders in a fireman’s carry… BUT MIKU STARTS THRASHING AROUND! SHE SHOWS SOME FIGHT, SLIPS OFF RAVEN’S SHOULDERS, AND GOES FOR A STEP UP ENZUIGIRI! BUT RAVEN DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT! MIKU DROPS TO ALL FOURS, CLUTCHING AT HER MIDSECTION… BEFORE RAVEN COMES FROM BEHIND WITH A DEADLIFT BRIDGING GERMAN SUPLEX!

Thadd Blazevich: WHOA! WHAT A BRIDGE, BRO! SHE’S GOT THE COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Thadd Blazevich: MIKU GETS THE SHOULDER UP, BRO!

Rich Russillo: Raven sits up as Miku crawls toward the corner, looking to create some separation and finally give herself a chance to breathe. Miku uses the ropes to pull herself up as Raven gets back to her feet and closes in… BUT WALKS RIGHT INTO A KICK TO THE GUT! Miku caught her with one earlier, and once again it staggers Raven back a step!

Thadd Blazevich: Miku hops onto the middle rope and grabs Raven for a TORNADO DDT… BUT OH! RAVEN BLOCKS IT HALFWAY THROUGH AND TRIES TO THROW MIKU OVER THE TOP ROPE INSTEAD! MIKU LANDS ON THE APRON, THOUGH, AND REFUSES TO LET GO OF THE FRONT FACELOCK!

Rich Russillo: Miku’s still got that front facelock locked in on Raven, prompting the referee to step in.

Referee: ONE! TWO!

Rich Russillo: The referee tries to separate the two, but Raven hangs onto the top rope as Miku finally releases the front facelock, still trying to get back at her… BUT WHAT’S MIKU DOING?! MIKU GRABS THE TOP ROPE, PULLS IT BACK… AND SLINGSHOTS IT RIGHT INTO RAVEN’S FACE!

Persephone: :gladbron: Miku not being useless for once?

Thadd Blazevich: That was pretty creative, bro! Miku literally used the ROPE as a weapon!

Rich Russillo: Raven’s on spaghetti legs, hanging onto the middle rope for support as she tries to get her bearings… BEFORE MIKU STICKS HER BOOT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE! BIG BOOT TO THE SIDE OF RAVEN’S HEAD! Raven drops to her side, clutching at her head as Miku quickly scrambles back into the ring for a RUNNING STOMP TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD!

(Miku leans forward against the top rope, both angry and annoyed as the crowd rains down boos. Meanwhile, Raven crawls into the nearby corner and sits against the bottom turnbuckle, struggling to get her bearings after that top rope seemingly slingshotted into her eye as well.)

Rich Russillo: We talked about Miku not having much success against Raven Roberts in this match. Well, look at that. All she needed was one opening.

Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, bro! Miku’s dangerous, and she looks fired up now as she marches toward Raven in the corner! MIKU PRESSES HER BOOT RIGHT AGAINST RAVEN’S FACE AND STEPS UP ONTO THE BOTTOM ROPE FOR EXTRA LEVERAGE!

(With her boot still pressed against the side of Raven’s face, Miku leans over the top rope to trash talk Hans Grayson at ringside before spreading her arms and soaking in the chorus of boos. She finally drops back down.)

Rich Russillo: Uh-oh, now the referee’s getting involved, admonishing Miku after she kept that boot pressed against Raven’s face well into the count. Miku doesn’t seem to care, though, as she turns her attention right back to Roberts.

Thadd Blazevich: Miku drags Raven back to her feet and IRISH WHIPS HER HARD INTO THE OPPOSITE CORNER! Raven collapses to the canvas, arching her back in pain! Miku walks over with a smile, almost looking like she’s enjoying this before pulling Raven back up for a SNAPMARE! SNAPMARE TO A SEATED POSITION… AND A BASEMENT DROPKICK TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!

Rich Russillo: Raven writhes in pain, clutching the back of her head and neck before Miku rolls into the cover! Hooking the leg!

ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWW—

Rich Russillo: Not even a two count! Raven Roberts is still in this, exploding out of the cover! Miku pounds the mat in frustration and has to be careful not to let her emotions get the better of her. Miku’s known for that rage, and it can easily be her undoing against a veteran like Roberts.

Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, bro, no kidding! Why can’t more people just be cool, calm, and collected? Like me, bro! 😀

Persephone: Ugh. If more people were like you, I’d be imprisoned for mass murder.

Thadd Blazevich: :roman:

Rich Russillo: I’ll choose to unpack that comment another day… as Raven lies on her side before Miku rolls her onto her stomach and locks in a grounded front facelock! Miku looking to slow the pace here and control the tempo as she tries to wear Roberts down.

Persephone: She’s wearing me down at least. Anybody else getting tired?

Thadd Blazevich: This crowd’s rallying behind Raven, bro, and she’s feeding off that energy as she powers back to her feet… BUT MIKU DOESN’T LET HER BUILD ANY MOMENTUM! She immediately switches gears and sends Raven into the corner with an Irish whip! MIKU CHARGES IN FOR A RUNNING EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! THAT HAD TO JACK THE JAW OF ROBERTS!

Rich Russillo: Miku throws Raven down to the canvas before dropping into another cover!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Raven kicks out! Miku’s visibly annoyed by it, shooting the referee a death glare, but I don’t know what she wants him to do.

Persephone: Uhm, isn’t it obvious? Count faster!

Rich Russillo: But wouldn’t that be…

Persephone: Yeah, yeah, cheating. Blah, blah, blah. Who cares?

Rich Russillo: :kyrie: Alright then…

Thadd Blazevich: Raven crawls over to the ropes, resting her head on the middle one… BUT MIKU COMES FROM BEHIND, PRESSING HER AGAINST THE MIDDLE ROPE BEFORE DRIVING HER KNEE INTO THE BACK OF RAVEN’S NECK TO CHOKE HER EVEN MORE! The referee quickly steps in with a five count!

Referee: ONE! TWO!

Rich Russillo: Miku surprisingly lets go early that time as Raven desperately coughs for air down on a knee. Miku stands Raven back up before backing her into the corner. Miku’s got Raven lined up for a BICYCLE KICK TO THE FACE! But that might’ve actually fired Raven up, because she’s asking for MORE!

Thadd Blazevich: Miku looks a little surprised by that, bro, glancing around for a second… but she’s not about to turn down the invitation! ANOTHER BICYCLE KICK TO THE FACE! Raven’s definitely feeling that one, bro, with that glazed over look in her eyes… BUT SHE STILL WANTS MIKU TO BRING IT AGAIN!

Rich Russillo: And that surprise has quickly turned into frustration. Miku backs up once more… AND DELIVERS HER HARDEST BICYCLE KICK YET! IT CRUMPLES RAVEN DOWN AGAINST THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE! Raven has no idea where she is as Miku stands her back up, brings her out with a snapmare, and drops into the cover!

Persephone: Guess Raven wasn’t as tough as she thought she was if that’s all it took.

ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Two count!

Thadd Blazevich: Miku immediately traps Raven in a rear chinlock afterward, bro, really wrenching on it while this crowd starts rallying behind the “Bird of Prey” again… but Miku suddenly releases the hold, lays Raven flat on the mat, and DRIVES A KNEE DROP RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES! SHUTTING DOWN ANY CHANCE OF MOMENTUM BEFORE IT COULD EVEN GET STARTED!

Rich Russillo: Raven tries to shake the cobwebs loose as she sits up, but Miku brings her back to a vertical base… WHERE RAVEN EXPLODES WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST! THEN ANOTHER! AND A THIRD! RAVEN ROBERTS STARTING TO BUILD SOME MOMENTUM… BUT MIKU SWINGS THINGS RIGHT BACK IN HER FAVOR WITH A SPINNING BACK KICK TO THE GUT! RAVEN DROPS TO A KNEE!

Thadd Blazevich: MIKU SHOOTS OFF THE ROPES AND CONNECTS WITH A BASEMENT SINGLE LEG DROPKICK TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! RAVEN SPINS OUT ONTO HER BACK, AND MIKU CRAWLS INTO THE COVER… JUST COCKILY RESTING HER ARM ACROSS RAVEN’S CHEST!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: KICKOUT! Raven explodes out of the cover and starts pushing herself back to all fours… BUT MIKU IMMEDIATELY SNATCHES HER UP IN ANOTHER GROUNDED FRONT FACELOCK!

Thadd Blazevich: Miku’s doing everything she can to stop Raven from building any momentum, bro, but Raven’s still powering back to her feet! UNLOADING WITH SHOTS TO THE RIB CAGE! THOSE BODY SHOTS LOOSEN MIKU’S GRIP, ALLOWING RAVEN TO SLIP FREE AND CRACK HER WITH A FOREARM TO THE FACE! BUT MIKU FIRES RIGHT BACK WITH ONE OF HER OWN!

Rich Russillo: Raven’s rocked after that one, having already absorbed so much punishment, and Miku looks to Irish whip her into the corner… NO! RAVEN TURNS IT AROUND, SENDING MIKU THERE INSTEAD! Raven rushes in… BUT RUNS RIGHT INTO A BOOT FROM MIKU!

Thadd Blazevich: Raven drops to the mat, favoring her jaw as Miku takes a second to think in the corner before turning around and climbing to the middle rope… what’s Miku going for here, bro?

Persephone: Something that ends the match, I hope.

Rich Russillo: MIKU FLIES OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE WITH A PHOENIX SPLASH… BUT RAVEN GETS OUT OF THE WAY! RAVEN AVOIDS THE PHOENIX SPLASH! NOW ROBERTS HAS AN OPENING AS SHE PULLS HERSELF UP IN THE CORNER! MIKU MAKES IT BACK TO HER FEET WITH HER BACK TURNED TO RAVEN, COMPLETELY UNAWARE OF THE DANGER BEHIND HER AS SHE CLUTCHES AT HER RIBS!

Thadd Blazevich: Miku slowly turns around on wobbly legs… AND GETS DROPPED WITH A RUNNING FOREARM OUT OF THE CORNER! MIKU SCRAMBLES BACK TO HER FEET, ONLY FOR RAVEN TO CHARGE IN WITH A RUNNING BACK ELBOW! Raven pulls Miku back up… AND GOES FOR AN IRISH WHIP INTO THE CORNER! OR AT LEAST SHE TRIES TO, BECAUSE MIKU TURNS IT AROUND AND SENDS RAVEN THERE INSTEAD!

Rich Russillo: BUT RAVEN IMMEDIATELY BURSTS OUT OF THE CORNER WITH A RUNNING CLOTHESLINE! ROBERTS IS STARTING TO BUILD SOME MOMENTUM! She drags Miku back to her feet and CRACKS HER WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP! Miku’s stunned as Raven winds up… AND DELIVERS ANOTHER! Miku can barely stay on her feet, doubled over slightly… BEFORE RAVEN BLASTS HER WITH A THIRD KNIFE EDGE CHOP!

Thadd Blazevich: That last one staggered Miku right into the ropes, bro, and Raven leans her against them for an Irish whip! RAVEN GOES FOR A CLOTHESLINE… BUT MIKU DUCKS UNDERNEATH! Raven keeps running off the ropes instead as Miku spins around in the center… AND CATCHES HER WITH A BICYCLE KICK ON THE REBOUND!

Rich Russillo: Raven’s out on her feet as Miku shoots off the ropes… BUT RAVEN TAKES OFF AFTER HER, RUNNING OFF THOSE SAME SET OF ROPES! Miku turns around in the center and goes for a leapfrog… BUT RAVEN CATCHES HER OUT OF MID AIR! OOH! “HUNTRESS BOMB!” SHE PLUCKED MIKU OUT OF THE AIR WITH THAT SITOUT SPINEBUSTER AND HOLDS IT FOR THE COVER!

ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE—

Thadd Blazevich: AND MIKU POPS THE SHOULDER UP BEFORE THREE, BRO!

(Raven lays back on the mat, exhaustion beginning to set in as Miku groggily rolls out onto the apron, using the ropes to slowly pull herself back up while Raven gradually regains her footing inside the ring.)

Rich Russillo: WHAT A MAIN EVENT THIS HAS BEEN BETWEEN THESE TWO WOMEN!

Persephone: Eh, it’s alright.

Thadd Blazevich: They’re both leaving everything they’ve got in that ring, bro, trying to kick this season off with a huge win!

Rich Russillo: Yeah, but there can only be one winner, and both women know it. Raven Roberts steps out onto the apron after Miku, who’s struggling to pull herself back to her feet with help from the ropes. Raven starts making her way over… BUT GETS BLASTED WITH A FOREARM! THAT STUNS RAVEN! Miku creates a little separation before charging right back in with a CLOTHESLINE!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT RAVEN CATCHES HER! AND SLAMS MIKU DOWN ONTO THE APRON WITH A SIDE EFFECT! Miku spills off the apron and down to ringside as Raven climbs back onto the apron before making her way to the top rope with her back facing Miku. Miku slowly stirs at ringside… Raven takes one long glare at Hans Grayson from the top turnbuckle before FLYING OFF WITH A MOONSAULT! MOONSAULT BY RAVEN ROBERTS! TAKING MIKU RIGHT BACK DOWN TO THE FLOOR!

Rich Russillo: Raven rolls through to a knee before rolling Miku back inside the ring! Miku groggily gets back to her feet as Raven slides in after her and RUNS OFF THE ROPES FOR A SPINNING WHEEL KICK! “FACELIFT” CONNECTS! Raven crawls into the cover, hooking the leg!

ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEE—

Rich Russillo: NO! STILL NOT ENOUGH TO PUT MIKU AWAY!

Persephone: God, then what will be? I don’t even care if Raven wins anymore or not. Just end this so I can go home!

Rich Russillo: Miku barely got that shoulder up in time, but Raven Roberts doesn’t hesitate for a second, rolling to a knee in the corner! Raven’s calling for Miku to get back to her feet, looking for the “Talon!” Raven wants to put this one away as Miku slowly stumbles upright… RAVEN SHOOTS OUT OF THE CORNER!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT MIKU STAGGERS BACK OUT OF THE WAY BEFORE DIVING UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE TO RETREAT, BRO!

(Miku rolls underneath the bottom rope and groggily stumbles backward… right towards Hans Grayson at ringside. Hans immediately throws both hands into the air, making it clear he isn’t touching her to prevent a disqualification. Miku quickly realizes where she is, jumps away in disgust, then staggers over to the barricade and leans against it to recover.)

Persephone: :mjlol:

Thadd Blazevich: Bro, Miku was so out of it she ended up in no man’s land!

Rich Russillo: Raven slides out of the ring after Miku and marches right toward her… ONLY TO GET CAUGHT WITH A KICK TO THE GUT! MIKU FOLLOWS IT UP WITH A SNAP SUPLEX INTO THE BARRICADE! RAVEN GETS CRUNCHED, LANDING HIGH ON HER NECK AND SHOULDERS AS BOTH WOMEN ARE LEFT LAID OUT AT RINGSIDE!

Referee: ONE! …TWO! …THREE! …FOUR!

Thadd Blazevich: Miku’s the first one showing signs of life, bro! She manages to roll herself back into the ring, looking to steal this one by countout!

Persephone: Yes! Best thing she’s done all match!

Referee: …SIX! …SEVEN!

Rich Russillo: Raven’s dragging herself back up, desperately trying to make it to the ring as Miku watches from inside… Raven collapses back down to all fours as the count keeps going!

Referee: EIGHT! …NINE! …TE—

Rich Russillo: RAVEN BEATS THE COUNT! SHE ROLLS BACK INSIDE JUST BEFORE TEN!

(Miku throws her hands up in frustration before grabbing the referee by the collar and yelling at him. As she argues, she glances over her shoulder and notices Raven struggling to all fours… before climbing to the top rope…)

Rich Russillo: Miku’s lining Raven up for something huge here… AS SHE DIVES OFF THE TOP ROPE WITH A FRONT MISSILE DROPKICK THE MOMENT RAVEN GETS BACK TO HER FEET! MIKU SCRAMBLES INTO THE COVER!

ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Rich Russillo: KICKOUT!

Thadd Blazevich: What more’s it gonna take, bro?!

Rich Russillo: I think Miku’s asking herself that same question right now as she drags Raven up by the hair to both knees before winding back for a SHOOT KICK TO THE CHEST! Raven refuses to go down! ANOTHER SHOOT KICK! …Miku winds back for a THIRD! …AND A FOURTH! Raven finally drops to all fours, clutching at her chest before Miku hauls her back up and sends her into the corner with an Irish whip!

Thadd Blazevich: MIKU CHARGES IN… BUT RAVEN THROWS HER UP AND OVER HER SHOULDER! Miku lands safely on the apron before catching Raven with a ROPE ASSISTED ENZUIGIRI! Raven turns around and doubles over as Miku starts climbing to the top rope, turning her back to Roberts for the “Walk of Shame”… NO!! RAVEN CROTCHES MIKU ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE FROM BEHIND!

Rich Russillo: Raven climbs to the top rope, hooking Miku up for an AVALANCHE GERMAN SUPLEX!!

(Raven rises to a knee in the corner before looking out at Hans Grayson at ringside, talking trash off mic as she points toward him, making it clear to keep his eyes on what’s about to happen next.)

Rich Russillo: RAVEN’S CALLING FOR MIKU TO GET BACK TO HER FEET! SHE’S LOOKING FOR THE “TALON!” RAVEN CHARGES IN FOR THE CLAYMORE… BUT MIKU DROPS DOWN JUST IN TIME! Raven lands flat on her back, and Miku immediately rolls her into a crucifix pin as Raven sits up!

ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Thadd Blazevich: KICKOUT, BRO! THAT LITTLE BIT OF ARROGANCE FROM RAVEN ALMOST CAME BACK TO BITE HER! BOTH WOMEN SCRAMBLE BACK TO THEIR FEET! RAVEN DUCKS UNDERNEATH A CLOTHESLINE! BOTH WOMEN HIT OPPOSITE SETS OF ROPES BEFORE… “TALON!!”

Rich Russillo: THE CLAYMORE NEARLY TAKES MIKU’S HEAD OFF! SHE TURNS INSIDE OUT! RAVEN SHOOTS THE HALF, HOOKING THE LEG!

ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-

(DING! DING! DING! DING! DING!)

(The bell rings… but not because Raven Roberts has won! Hans Grayson suddenly yanks Raven out underneath the bottom rope before the referee can finish the count! Raven sits up at ringside, staring at Hans in disbelief before her expression turns to pure fury as she realizes the World Champion has just caused the match to be thrown out.)

Persephone: :mjlol2:

Rich Russillo: HANS GRAYSON JUST STOLE THIS MATCH FROM RAVEN ROBERTS! AFTER EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED AT THE DRAFT SHOW, YOU KNEW IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THESE TWO CAME TO BLOWS!

Thadd Blazevich: AND HERE WE GO, BRO! RAVEN’S HAD ENOUGH! SHE’S TAKING THE FIGHT STRAIGHT TO THE WORLD CHAMPION! THESE TWO ARE THROWING FISTS AT RINGSIDE!

Rich Russillo: RAVEN WITH RIGHT HANDS! HANS FIRING BACK WITH RIGHTS OF HIS OWN! THIS HAS BROKEN DOWN INTO A FULL BLOWN HOCKEY FIGHT!

Persephone: Now this is how you end a show.

Thadd Blazevich: BUT HANS STARTS TAKING CONTROL! HE MUSCLES RAVEN OVER TO THE ANNOUNCE TABLE AND SMASHES HER FACE OFF IT! AGAIN! AND AGAIN! AND AGAIN! HANS GRAYSON HAS A DANGEROUS LOOK IN HIS EYES!

Rich Russillo: HANS LIFTS HER UP FROM BEHIND… BACK SUPLEX ONTO THE ANNOUNCE TABLE! RAVEN GOT DRIVEN SPINE FIRST ACROSS IT!

Thadd Blazevich: Hans climbs right on top of her and UNLOADS WITH RIGHT HAND AFTER RIGHT HAND! BUT RAVEN SHOVES HIM OFF! Raven staggers to the apron and rolls back into the ring! Hans follows her out onto the apron… he might be thinking “BURNING SHOT LARIAT!”

Rich Russillo: BUT RAVEN CATCHES HIM FIRST WITH A RUNNING FOREARM! HANS CRASHES TO RINGSIDE! RAVEN DOESN’T STOP THERE, SHOOTING OFF THE ROPES FOR A SUICIDE DIVE! HANS IS WIPED OUT! Raven marches over to the barricade, demanding the champion get back to his feet! SHE’S CALLING FOR THE “TALON!”

Thadd Blazevich: RAVEN CHARGES… BUT HANS TURNS HER MOMENTUM AGAINST HER WITH A SLINGBLADE! THE BACK OF RAVEN’S HEAD BOUNCES OFF THE FLOOR! Hans doesn’t waste a second, grabbing the top half of the steel steps and pulling it free!

Persephone: Yeah… she’s dead.

Rich Russillo: HANS WAITS FOR RAVEN TO STUMBLE BACK TO HER FEET… THEN DRIVES THAT STEEL STEP RIGHT INTO HER FACE! GOOD LORD! Hans drops the steps before rolling Raven back into the ring. He’s stalking her from behind now as she slowly gets back to her feet, completely unaware! Hans hooks both arms for the…

Thadd Blazevich: “IMPERIAL FLAME!” HANS PLANTS RAVEN WITH THE UNPRETTIER!

(Hans rolls onto all fours, staring down at Raven’s motionless body before slowly rolling out underneath the bottom rope to retrieve the World Championship. He slides back into the ring and raises the title high above his head over Raven’s fallen body as “The Leaving Song Pt. II” by AFI echoes throughout the arena to a loud ovation.)

Rich Russillo: What a statement from the World Champion! Hans Grayson wasn’t willing to let Raven Roberts leave tonight with all the momentum, and he made sure of it in the most brutal way possible!

Thadd Blazevich: If this is how Season 20 is starting, bro, I can’t even imagine where it’s gonna end! Hans Grayson stands tall tonight, but something tells me this war with Raven Roberts is only just getting started!

Rich Russillo: For Persephone and Thadd Blazevich, I’m Rich Russillo. Thank you all for joining us for the first Voltage of Season 20! Goodnight, everyone!

(The final shot lingers on Hans Grayson holding the World Championship high over Raven Roberts’ fallen body as Voltage fades to black.)

(EAW logo buzzes.)