(EAW Intro Plays)

(Somewhere in the heart of Transylvania, where the mountains swallow the moonlight and the forests conceal secrets centuries old, there stands a castle that time itself has seemingly forgotten.

Tonight, we will take you inside its walls.

The camera slowly approaches an enormous pair of weathered wooden doors; their iron fixtures rusted with age. A deep, ominous wind howls through the surrounding mountains as the doors creak open, revealing a sprawling chamber illuminated by the faint glow of dozens of flickering candles. The walls are adorned with portraits of generations long departed. Men and women dressed in royal garments stare coldly from their frames, their expressions frozen in time. Ancient swords, tarnished crowns, ceremonial daggers, and family heirlooms occupy the surrounding shelves. Every object tells a story. Every portrait carries a legacy. And every shadow seems to conceal something that was never meant to be disturbed.

At the center of this chamber sits a mysterious man dressed in an immaculate red suit. His posture is relaxed, almost welcoming, but there is something deeply unsettling about his presence. Beneath him rests a throne constructed from what appears to be darkened wood, iron, and blood-red upholstery. He slowly rotates a glass of crimson liquid between his fingers before looking directly into the camera, but you cannot see his face.)

???: Ahhh… Halloween. What a magnificent time of year. A season when children dress themselves as monsters, when the dead are remembered, when nightmares are given permission to walk among the living. How wonderfully amusing it is that humanity dedicates an entire evening to pretending that which frightens them isn’t already standing right behind them.

(Suddenly it transitions to the bleeding Elitists on Voltage in various situations throughout the season as they enter into a whole new level of hell.)

???: You see, there are places in this world where Halloween is not merely a celebration. It is a tradition. A legacy. An inheritance passed down through generations of bloodlines that understood something the rest of the world has spent centuries trying to forget. Fear is not something to escape. Fear is something to embrace. And here, in the heart of Romania, we have been perfecting that art for a very, very long time.

(From Bloodsport to Territorial Invasion and all points in-between, the various cuts show all the feuds that have built up throughout the season, from the Bizarre Love Triangle of Damon Lazarus, Auburn Ware, and Saori Aizen, to the sudden and shocking dissension of ToXXXin between Minerva, Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes.)

???: Look around you. These portraits are not decorations. They are my ancestors. Their blood built these walls, their ambitions shaped this land, and their names were spoken in whispers long before the rest of the world learned to fear them. Some ruled through crowns. Others ruled through swords. And one, in particular, understood that a kingdom could be conquered not simply through strength, but through the sheer terror of those who dared oppose him.

(A slight laugh is heard as it transitions to blood flowing from the heads and bodies of many Elitists on Voltage.)

???: Vlad the Impaler. A fascinating man, wouldn’t you agree? A man whose reputation traveled farther than his armies. A ruler who understood that sometimes the most terrifying weapon is the story people tell about you long after you have left the room.

(The mysterious man rises from his throne and slowly walks toward an enormous portrait hanging above an ancient fireplace. The painting depicts a stern-looking ruler surrounded by darkness. He brushes his fingers along the ornate frame before turning back toward the camera.)

???: But enough about the past. Tonight, we are concerned about the present, and the present belongs to the Elite Answers Wrestling universe. Twelve matches.

(The scene transitions to footage of Sayura Himura and Candice Blair, it then switches to Reylin Aloali’l and Igon Mordren, then it goes to Eris Morti and Raven Roberts before it transitions back to the mysterious man.)

???: Twelve opportunities for glory, twelve opportunities for redemption, and twelve opportunities for someone to discover just how much darkness they have hiding inside themselves. The Voltage brand has arrived in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, bringing with it an evening where rivalries will become obsessions, ambitions will become nightmares, and the line separating the hunter from the hunted will become increasingly difficult to distinguish.

(It then transitions to Jake Smith and Caroline, then it shows Ashlynn Quinn, Cosmo Goldworthy, and Cynthia Valice. It then has for the Unified Tag Team Championships, La Farmacia Sexual of Dr. Bethany Blue and TLA along with Grand Guignol of Jamie Valdez and Haruka Kashimashi, to the team of Carmen Sanchez and Avril Williams.)

???: Welcome to WICKED GAMES. You see, there is a rather interesting distinction between playing a regular simple game and playing a wicked game. A game has rules. A game has winners and losers. A game has an ending. But a wicked game? Oh, my dear friends… a wicked game has consequences and sometimes those follow you long after the lights have gone out.

(The scene then changes to Drake Armstrong and Bronson Daniels. It then goes to the Specialist Championship of Saori Aize, ARIA, Airi Miyamune, and Akiza. It then goes to Miku Sakai defending the Hardcore Championship against Diamond Dixon.)

???: Tonight, twelve battles will unfold beneath the watchful eyes of a city that has witnessed centuries of bloodshed. Twelve contests will remind the world that monsters do not always hide beneath beds, that demons do not always reside in hell, and that the most dangerous creatures are often the ones who look perfectly comfortable standing among us.

(The footage then transitions once again to this time, Auburn Ware facing off with Damon Lazarus. Then it changed to the EAW World Championship of Hans Grayson, Jay Jerry Johnson, and Kai Rabeaux, and then finally it has Romania’s own, the Universal Women’s Champion, Minerva defending against her own stablemates in the implosion of ToXXXin with Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes.)

???: So, to those competing tonight, I offer a small piece of advice. Be careful what you awaken. Some things are buried for a reason. Some histories are better left untouched. And some families… well, some families have never quite forgotten what it means to rule through fear.”

(He returns to his throne, straightens his jacket, and offers the camera a chilling smile.)

???: Enjoy the festivities, ladies and gentlemen. Enjoy the violence, the spectacle, and the inevitable suffering. After all, Halloween only comes once a year. But evil never takes a holiday.

(The man slowly raises his glass.)

???: Let the Wicked Games begin.

(He takes a sip. The camera begins pulling away from the throne room. One by one, the candles extinguish themselves. The portraits disappear into darkness, and the only remaining illumination comes from the dying embers of the fireplace.)

(But just before the screen goes completely black, something moves. Deep within the shadows of the chamber, two piercing red eyes slowly open.)

(Silence.)

(Then, from behind the darkness, strands of long, fiery red and orange hair begin to emerge, illuminated by the faint glow of the remaining embers. The figure remains mostly concealed, motionless, watching the mysterious man sitting upon his throne.)

(The man notices the presence. His smile widens.)

???: Ahhh… I see we have another guest. Hello my daughter.

(The red eyes narrow.)

(As the screen fades to black.)

https://i.ibb.co/zTVH3k2Q/Wicked-Games7.png

???: AND NOW EAW, SPARTAN, AND WHALEFALL PRESENT…… A VOLTAGE BRAND EXCLUSIVE…. WICKED GAMES 2026!

(The camera pans to the Cluj Arena in Romania as the crowd is on their feet. The fireworks got off as the aesthetic of the arena is dark, the setup is very Romania, Transylvania with so many different decorations. The camera then pans to the announcement team of Rich Russillo, Thadd Blazevich and Persephone.)

Rich Russillo: WELCOME TO WICKED GAMES AND WE ARE HERE IN ROMANIA ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT! WHAT AN INCREDIBLE EVEN WE HAVE IN STORE! I AM JOINED BY MY COLLEAGUES, THADD BLAZEVICH AND PERSEPHONE! AND IT WILL BE HEADED BY ROMANIA’S OWN MINERVA AS THE TOXXXIN IMPLOSION IS AMONGST US AS SHE DEFENDS THE UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP AGAINST HER “SISTERS IN ARMS” SELINA REYES AND DANIELLA ATLAS!

Thadd Blazevich: BRO! THE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO GO INSANE WHEN SHE WALKS OUT! HER FAMILY NAME IS SYNONYMOUS WITH THIS COUNTRY! BUT THAT IS NOT ALL BECAUSE HERE INT NE SPOOKY SEASON BRO WE ALSO HAVE AN EAW WORLD TITLE MATCH! THE SPECIALIST CHAMPIONSHIP! THE UNIFIED TAG TEAM TITLES AND THE HARDCORE BELT ALL ON THE LINE TONIGHT BRO!

Persephone: HOW IN THE HELL DO WE HAVE A 12 MATCH CARD!? I MEAN THIS IS PAIN FOR PRIDE NUMBERS! I MEAN WHILE I WILL ENJOY THE BLOOD SPILLED TONIGHT, SINCE I AM IN A VAMPIRE COSTUME, THIS IS TOO LONG!

Rich Russillo: THEN LET’S NOT WASTE ANY TIME AND HAND IT OVER TO BELL BRAXTON TO ANNOUNCE THE FIRST MATCH OF THE NIGHT!

(The camera pans to Bella Braxton as she smiles, in a which costume, ready to announce the first match as the graphic appears and the crowd cheers wildly.)

( https://imgur.com/NMR8b1Y )

(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)

Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS A TRIPLE THREAT MATCH FOR THE EAW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!

(‘Thoughts of a Dying Atheist’ by Muse hits, drawing a loud reaction from the crowd as Jay Jerry Johnson steps onto the stage. He looks around the arena before turning his attention toward the ring, taking a deep breath and nodding to himself. With a determined look on his face, Jay makes his way down the ramp, focused on the opportunity to become EAW World Champion.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing first! Hailing out of Chicago, Illinois, weighing in at 223 pounds… HE IS THE ARTIST… JAY! JERRY! JOHNSON!!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, you can tell how much this means to Jay Jerry Johnson! He came so close to winning the EAW World Championship at Territorial Invasion, and tonight he gets another chance to make that dream a reality!

Rich Russillo: But this time, Jay has another opponent to worry about in Kai Rabeaux! We know Johnson is capable of beating Hans Grayson, but can he get the job done with a third man involved?

Thadd Blazevich: That’s the big question, bro! Jay has been chasing this championship for a long time, and you know he’s not looking to leave empty-handed again!

(‘The Promised Consort’ by Shoi Miyazawa begins playing throughout the arena as Kai Rabeaux steps onto the stage, greeted by loud boos from the crowd. Kai looks around with a smug grin, taking his time before striking his signature pose at the top of the ramp. He then turns his attention toward the ring, pointing at his waist to signal his intentions before confidently making his way down the ramp, determined to leave Wicked Games as the EAW World Champion.)

Bella Braxton: Next! Hailing from New York City, New York, weighing in at 230 pounds… HE IS THE OVERLORD OF THE NEXT GENERATION… KAI RABEAUX!

Rich Russillo: And here comes Kai Rabeaux, a man who has made his intentions toward Hans Grayson very clear! Kai has been a thorn in the champion’s side, and tonight he has the opportunity to take everything Hans has worked for!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, Kai has already proven he can beat Hans, and he hasn’t let anybody forget it! He’s got all the confidence in the world heading into this match!

(‘The Leaving Song Pt. II’ by AFI hits, bringing the crowd to their feet as Hans Grayson steps onto the stage with the EAW World Championship around his waist. Hans takes a moment to look out at the cheering fans before turning his attention toward the ring, where both challengers await him. The champion then makes his way down the ramp, high-fiving a few fans along the way while keeping his eyes on Jay and Kai.)

Bella Braxton: Next! Hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, weighing in at 219 pounds… HE IS THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION… THE FIRE BREATHING DRAGON… HANS! GRAYSON!!

Rich Russillo: AND HERE COMES THE CHAMPION! Hans Grayson has had to deal with both of these men in recent weeks, and tonight he faces his toughest challenge yet! He doesn’t even have to be pinned to lose that championship!

Thadd Blazevich: And that’s what makes this so dangerous, dude! Hans has beaten Jay before, but Kai is a different story! The champion has a lot to prove tonight, and he’s gonna have to keep his eyes on both challengers!

Persephone: Well, good luck with that. Personally, I’m just hoping somebody wins before we all die of old ag

(The referee checks that all three competitors are ready before signaling for the bell.)

(DING! DING! DING!)

Rich Russillo: HERE! WE! GO! The EAW World Championship is on the line as Hans Grayson defends his title against two worthy challengers in Jay Jerry Johnson and Kai Rabeaux! All three men have their own reasons for wanting this victory, but only one can leave Wicked Games as the EAW World Champion! The three competitors size each other up in the opening moments, each waiting for someone to make the first move… AND KAI DOES JUST THAT, CATCHING JAY WITH A BOOT TO THE HEAD! JOHNSON TUMBLES OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE, LEAVING KAI AND HANS ALONE IN THE RING!

(Kai turns his attention toward Hans, glancing over his shoulder with a smug grin. The champion remains stone-faced, seemingly unimpressed by what just happened. Kai turns to face him, and the two begin circling each other, exchanging a few words off-mic as neither man takes his eyes off the other.)

Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) You remember what happened the last time we faced each other, don’t you?

Hans Grayson: (off-mic) Yeah. And I remember what you did to me a few weeks ago too.

Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Then you should already know how this ends.

Hans Grayson: (off-mic) Keep talking, Kai. See how far that gets you.

(Kai and Hans eventually stop circling each other, standing face-to-face in the center of the ring. Kai keeps his smug grin, waving both hands toward himself as he dares Hans to make the first move.)

Rich Russillo: AND HANS TAKES THE FIRST SHOT WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS KAI’S CHEST! BUT KAI IMMEDIATELY FIRES BACK WITH ONE OF HIS OWN! HANS RESPONDS WITH ANOTHER CHOP! KAI WITH A CHOP! HANS WITH A CHOP! NEITHER MAN IS WILLING TO GIVE AN INCH HERE! KAI FIRES BACK AGAIN, AND THAT ONE SEEMS TO HAVE STUNG THE CHAMPION! HANS GRIMACES, BUT HE QUICKLY SHAKES IT OFF AND ANSWERS WITH ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP!

Thadd Blazevich: KAI FIRES BACK WITH A CHOP OF HIS OWN! BUT HANS ISN’T BACKING DOWN, DUDE! HE STEPS RIGHT BACK UP AND DELIVERS ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP, AND THAT ONE FINALLY GETS A REACTION OUT OF RABEAUX! KAI STAGGERS BACK A FEW STEPS, CLUTCHING HIS CHEST AFTER THAT SHOT! AND LISTEN TO THIS CROWD! THEY’RE LOVING EVERY SECOND OF IT!

(Kai staggers back before doubling over slightly, clutching his chest as he takes a moment to recover. He then clenches both fists and lets out a loud scream, firing himself up before winding back for another chop—)

Rich Russillo: SUPERKICK! KAI FAKED HANS OUT, CATCHING THE CHAMPION OFF GUARD WITH A SUPERKICK INSTEAD! HANS STAGGERS OVER TO THE ROPES BEFORE DROPPING TO A KNEE AGAINST THE MIDDLE ROPE!

Persephone: HA! What an idiot! He actually fell for that! Maybe next time he shouldn’t stand there waiting to get slapped in the chest.

Thadd Blazevich: DUDE, KAI COMPLETELY CAUGHT HIM OFF GUARD! AND LOOK AT RABEAUX! HE’S NOT ABOUT TO LET HANS RECOVER!

Rich Russillo: KAI IMMEDIATELY POUNCES INTO ACTION, PRESSING HIS FOREARM AGAINST THE BACK OF HANS’ NECK AND CHOKING HIM AGAINST THE MIDDLE ROPE! AND REMEMBER, THERE ARE NO DISQUALIFICATIONS IN A TRIPLE THREAT MATCH! KAI CAN KEEP THIS UP FOR AS LONG AS HE WANTS!

(Kai keeps pressing his forearm against the back of Hans’ neck, leaning forward to trash talk into the camera while yelling down at the champion!)

Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) LOOK AT HIM! LOOK AT YOUR PRECIOUS CHAMPION! IS THIS THE MAN YOU FOOLS HAVE PUT YOUR FAITH IN?! PATHETIC!

Rich Russillo: Kai Rabeaux certainly has a lot to say about Hans Grayson, but let’s not forget that the man he’s choking against those ropes is the reigning EAW World Champion! Hans has earned the faith of these fans, whether Kai likes it or not!

Persephone: Yeah, well, all that faith isn’t doing him much good right now, is it? Maybe they should try praying harder.

Thadd Blazevich: KAI PULLS HANS BACK TO HIS FEET AND BACKS HIM INTO THE CORNER BEFORE UNLOADING WITH A FLURRY OF FOREARMS TO THE FACE! RABEAUX IS ALL OVER THE CHAMPION RIGHT NOW, DUDE! HANS IS STRUGGLING TO EVEN STAY ON HIS FEET AS KAI CONTINUES TO HAMMER AWAY!

(Hans struggles to hold himself up in the corner as Kai finally lets up, taking a step back before spreading his arms with a smug grin, continuing to taunt the champion.)

Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) WHERE’S THAT FIGHTING SPIRIT NOW, FIREHEART?! COME ON! SHOW THESE PEOPLE WHAT MAKES YOU SO DAMN SPECIAL! OR ARE YOU FINALLY READY TO ADMIT THAT YOU’RE NOTHING BUT A—

Rich Russillo: OH, AND THAT WAS ENOUGH TO FIRE UP THE CHAMPION! “THE FIRE BREATHING DRAGON” IS STARTING TO LIVE UP TO HIS NAME AS HANS THROWS KAI INTO THE CORNER AND UNLOADS WITH A FLURRY OF FOREARMS TO THE FACE! HANS IS ALL OVER RABEAUX, HAMMERING AWAY UNTIL THE CHALLENGER SINKS DOWN INTO A SEATED POSITION! HANS FINALLY BACKS OFF, WALKING AWAY AS HE FIRES HIMSELF UP EVEN MORE!

Thadd Blazevich: Kai has a glazed over look in his eyes as he slowly pulls himself back up to a knee, using the ropes for support! BUT HERE COMES HANS, WHO PULLS RABEAUX BACK TO HIS FEET AND GOES FOR AN IRISH WHIP INTO THE OPPOSITE CORNER— BUT KAI REVERSES IT! HANS GETS SENT INTO THE CORNER INSTEAD, AND RABEAUX CHARGES IN FOR THE HOLLOW POINT!

Rich Russillo: KAI GOES FOR THAT HUGE RUNNING HIGH KICK— BUT HANS MOVES OUT OF THE WAY! KAI MISSES AND GOES TUMBLING OVER THE TOP ROPE! RABEAUX MANAGES TO HANG ON FOR DEAR LIFE, SAVING HIMSELF FROM A FALL TO RINGSIDE BEFORE PULLING HIMSELF BACK UP ON THE APRON! BUT HANS IS RIGHT THERE WAITING FOR HIM— AND KNOCKS KAI OFF THE APRON WITH A TRIANGLE CLOTHESLINE!

Thadd Blazevich: Kai drops off the apron and lands on his feet, leaning against it as he tries to shake off that clothesline! BUT HERE COMES JAY JERRY JOHNSON! JOHNSON MARCHES AROUND THE CORNER, AND HE’S HEADING STRAIGHT FOR RABEAUX!

Rich Russillo: REMEMBER, KAI KICKED JAY OUT OF THE RING RIGHT AT THE START OF THIS MATCH! WE HAVEN’T SEEN MUCH OF JOHNSON SINCE THEN, BUT HE’S BACK NOW, AND HE HASN’T FORGOTTEN WHAT HAPPENED! JAY SHOVES KAI AGAINST THE APRON BEFORE CATCHING HIM WITH A SHOOT KICK TO THE CHEST!

Thadd Blazevich: AND ANOTHER! AND ANOTHER! JAY IS LIGHTING RABEAUX UP, DUDE! FOUR SHOOT KICKS STRAIGHT TO THE CHEST, AND KAI FINALLY STAGGERS AWAY FROM THE APRON!

Persephone: Well, that’s one way to make up for spending the first few minutes of the match doing absolutely nothing.

Rich Russillo: BUT BEFORE JAY CAN GO AFTER HIM, HANS SLINGSHOTS OVER THE TOP ROPE AND CATCHES JOHNSON WITH A FOREARM! THE CHAMPION JUST CUT JAY’S MOMENTUM SHORT!

Thadd Blazevich: Hans pulls Jay back to his feet and rolls him into the ring before rounding the corner to hop back onto the apron! Jay is starting to stir, slowly getting back to his feet as Hans watches closely from the outside! THE CHAMPION HAS HIM RIGHT WHERE HE WANTS HIM, DUDE! HANS GOES FOR A SPRINGBOARD— OH! JAY SWATS HANS OUT OF MID-AIR WITH A SHOOT KICK! JOHNSON CAUGHT THE CHAMPION SQUARE IN THE RIBS!

Rich Russillo: Hans is writhing in pain, clutching his left side after that kick! AND JAY SPOTS AN OPENING, DRAGGING THE CHAMPION BACK TO HIS FEET FOR A MUAY THAI KNEE TO THE GUT! ANOTHER KNEE! AND ANOTHER! JOHNSON ALTERNATES BETWEEN BOTH KNEES, DRIVING THEM INTO HANS’ MIDSECTION BEFORE BACKING HIM AGAINST THE ROPES! JAY SENDS HIM ACROSS WITH AN IRISH WHIP— AND CATCHES HIM ON THE REBOUND WITH A CHARGING KITCHEN SINK!

Thadd Blazevich: THAT KNEE TO THE GUT SENDS HANS FLIPPING OVER BEFORE HE LANDS IN A SEATED POSITION! AND JAY ISN’T GIVING HIM A SECOND TO RECOVER! JOHNSON COMES IN FROM BEHIND AND NAILS HIM WITH A PENALTY KICK TO THE BACK! DUDE, THAT WAS BRUTAL! JAY THEN LAYS HANS FLAT ON THE MAT AND HOOKS THE LEG FOR A COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: SHOULDER UP! HANS GETS THE SHOULDER OFF THE MAT AND ROLLS ONTO HIS SIDE, BUT THAT ONLY GIVES JAY ANOTHER OPENING! JOHNSON STARTS DRIVING KNEES INTO THE CHAMPION’S BACK, CONTINUING TO WEAR HIM DOWN BEFORE FINALLY LAYING HIM FLAT AGAIN! AND NOW JOHNSON TIES UP BOTH LEGS IN AN INDIAN DEATHLOCK!

Thadd Blazevich: AND LOOK AT THIS, DUDE! JAY ISN’T CONTENT WITH JUST PUTTING PRESSURE ON THOSE LEGS! HE RISES TO A KNEE, KEEPING HANS TRAPPED AS HE PULLS THE CHAMPION INTO A SEATED POSITION— AND CRACKS HIM WITH AN ELBOW SMASH! JOHNSON PULLS HIM UP AGAIN FOR ANOTHER ELBOW, KNOCKING HANS RIGHT BACK DOWN!

Rich Russillo: AND NOW JAY STARTS RAINING DOWN ELBOWS AS HANS TRIES HIS BEST TO COVER UP! JOHNSON HAS THE CHAMPION COMPLETELY TIED UP, AND THERE’S VERY LITTLE HANS CAN DO TO DEFEND HIMSELF FROM THIS POSITION!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT JAY WANTS TO DO EVEN MORE DAMAGE! HE RELEASES THE INDIAN DEATHLOCK COMPLETELY AND MOUNTS HANS, CONTINUING TO HAMMER AWAY WITH THOSE ELBOW STRIKES! DUDE, WE’RE SEEING A MUCH MORE AGGRESSIVE SIDE OF JAY JERRY JOHNSON RIGHT NOW!

Rich Russillo: ELBOW AFTER ELBOW! JOHNSON IS ABSOLUTELY RELENTLESS, AND HANS CAN BARELY DEFEND HIMSELF! THIS IS NASTY! :lupe:

Persephone: Well, damn. Did Hans owe this guy money or something? Because Jay’s beating the absolute shit out of him right now.

Thadd Blazevich: HA! I don’t think it’s about money, dude! Jay’s been chasing that World Championship for a long time, and after coming up short against Hans at Territorial Invasion, he’s got a lot of frustration to let out!

Persephone: Well, whatever it is, I hope he keeps it up. This is the most interesting he’s been in months.

Rich Russillo: Jay certainly has a point to prove tonight, but he can’t let that frustration get the better of him! He’s still got Kai Rabeaux to worry about, and the last thing he wants is to give Kai an opportunity to steal this match! For now, though, Johnson has his sights firmly set on Hans Grayson, and he’s doing everything he can to wear the champion down!

Thadd Blazevich: Jay grabs Hans by the hair and drags him back to his feet, holding the champion upright before delivering a KNIFE EDGE CHOP— BUT HANS IMMEDIATELY FIRES BACK WITH ONE OF HIS OWN! THE CHAMPION IS FIGHTING THROUGH THE PAIN, DUDE! JAY STAGGERS BACK SLIGHTLY BEFORE RESPONDING WITH ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST! BUT HANS ANSWERS RIGHT BACK WITH A CHOP OF HIS OWN!

Rich Russillo: JAY RETALIATES! ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP FROM JOHNSON, AND THAT ONE FINALLY GETS TO THE CHAMPION! HANS STAGGERS BACK A FEW STEPS BEFORE DOUBLING OVER, CLEARLY FEELING THE EFFECTS OF THAT SHOT! JAY SEES HIS OPENING AND STARTS CLOSING IN— BUT HANS SUDDENLY STRAIGHTENS UP AND CATCHES HIM WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP! AND ANOTHER! HANS IS FIGHTING BACK, FORCING JOHNSON TO GIVE UP GROUND— BUT JAY GRABS HOLD OF THE CHAMPION, SPINS HIM AROUND, AND BACKS HIM INTO THE CORNER!

Thadd Blazevich: JAY STARTS WITH A JAB TO THE GUT BEFORE UNLOADING WITH A FLURRY OF PUNCHES! LEFTS AND RIGHTS FROM JOHNSON AS HE LIGHTS HANS UP IN THAT CORNER! THE CHAMPION IS STUNNED, AND JAY FOLLOWS UP WITH A SHOOT KICK TO THE CHEST! JOHNSON THEN GRABS HANS FOR AN IRISH WHIP INTO THE OPPOSITE CORNER— BUT HANS REVERSES AT THE LAST SECOND, SENDING JAY INTO THE CORNER INSTEAD!

Rich Russillo: HANS CHARGES AFTER HIM, BUT JAY RUNS UP THE CORNER AND BACKFLIPS OVER THE CHAMPION TO AVOID HIM! JOHNSON LANDS ON HIS FEET, SHOWING OFF SOME IMPRESSIVE AGILITY BEFORE BOUNCING OFF THE ROPES! HANS TRIES TO INTERCEPT HIM WITH A CLOTHESLINE, BUT JAY DUCKS UNDERNEATH! JOHNSON HITS THE OPPOSITE ROPES AND COMES BACK WITH A CLOTHESLINE OF HIS OWN!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT HANS DUCKS THAT ONE TOO! THE CHAMPION THEN HANDSPRINGS OFF THE ROPES AND CATCHES JAY WITH A ROUNDHOUSE KICK! WHAT A COUNTER, DUDE! THAT HANDSPRING ROUNDHOUSE KICK TURNS JOHNSON AROUND BEFORE HE COLLAPSES TO ALL FOURS, CRAWLING TOWARD THE CORNER! MEANWHILE, HANS RISES TO A KNEE AND LOOKS OVER HIS SHOULDER, SEEING JAY STRUGGLING TO RECOVER! THE CHAMPION GETS BACK TO HIS FEET AND STAGGERS TOWARD THE OPPOSITE CORNER, A DETERMINED LOOK IN HIS EYES!

Rich Russillo: HANS IS GETTING A SECOND WIND! THE CHAMPION SEES AN OPENING, AND HE’S NOT ABOUT TO LET IT GO TO WASTE! JAY PULLS HIMSELF BACK UP IN THE CORNER AS HANS CHARGES OUT OF THE OPPOSITE ONE— RUNNING FACEWASH! A HUGE BOOT TO THE SIDE OF JOHNSON’S HEAD! HANS THEN ROLLS JAY OUT OF THE CORNER, LEAVING HIM ON ALL FOURS BEFORE STEPPING THROUGH THE ROPES ONTO THE APRON!

Thadd Blazevich: JOHNSON IS STILL TRYING TO SHAKE OFF THAT BOOT TO THE HEAD, DUDE! AND HANS IS WATCHING HIM CLOSELY FROM THE APRON, WAITING FOR THE RIGHT MOMENT TO STRIKE! JAY SLOWLY GETS BACK TO HIS FEET, AND HERE COMES THE CHAMPION— SPRINGBOARD FOREARM SMASH! HANS CATCHES JOHNSON RIGHT ON THE MONEY! GRAYSON QUICKLY CRAWLS INTO THE COVER AND HOOKS THE LEG!

ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: ONLY A TWO COUNT! JAY GETS THE SHOULDER UP, KEEPING HIS CHAMPIONSHIP HOPES ALIVE!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, what a comeback from Hans Grayson! Jay had him in serious trouble just moments ago, but the champion managed to turn things around with some incredible athleticism! That handspring roundhouse kick was a beauty!

Persephone: Yeah, congratulations to Hans for remembering how to wrestle. Took him long enough.

Rich Russillo: Well, that’s why Hans Grayson is the EAW World Champion! He’s shown time and time again that he can fight his way out of difficult situations, and Jay Jerry Johnson is finding that out firsthand! But Hans has already taken a tremendous amount of punishment tonight, and you have to wonder how much of that is going to catch up with him as this match continues!

Persephone: Well, hopefully it catches up with him sooner rather than later. I’ve got better things to do tonight.

Rich Russillo: Oh, really? And what exactly do you have planned tonight?

Persephone: Wouldn’t you like to know, you nosy creep?

Rich Russillo: :kyrie:

Thadd Blazevich: Hans gets back to his feet and pulls Jay up with him, bringing Johnson into position for a powerbomb! BUT JAY BLOCKS THE LIFT, REFUSING TO LET THE CHAMPION GET HIM UP! HANS QUICKLY CHANGES STRATEGY, UNLOADING WITH A SERIES OF KAWADA KICKS TO THE FACE! BUT JAY CATCHES THE LAST ONE! JOHNSON THROWS HANS’ LEG DOWN BEFORE CRACKING HIM WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST!

Rich Russillo: JAY FOLLOWS THAT UP WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT, NO DOUBT ROCKING THE JAW OF GRAYSON! AND HERE COMES ANOTHER ONE! A SECOND EUROPEAN UPPERCUT FROM JOHNSON STUNS THE CHAMPION BEFORE JAY DRIVES A STRAIGHT PUNCH INTO HIS GUT! HANS DOUBLES OVER, AND NOW JAY RUNS OFF THE ROPES—

Thadd Blazevich: KAI! KAI IS BACK IN THIS MATCH, DUDE! RABEAUX REACHES UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE AND GRABS JAY AS HE’S REBOUNDING, DRAGGING HIM OUT TO RINGSIDE! AND BEFORE JOHNSON CAN EVEN REACT, KAI CHUCKS HIM SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS!

(# CRASH!)

Rich Russillo: Hans marches toward the ropes, still favoring his gut after that punch from Jay— BUT KAI GRABS HIM BY THE LEGS AND DRAGS HIM OUT UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE! RABEAUX GOES FOR A RIGHT HAND— BUT HANS BLOCKS IT AND FIRES BACK WITH ONE OF HIS OWN! THE CHAMPION THEN GRABS KAI AND ROLLS HIM BACK INTO THE RING!

Thadd Blazevich: Hans climbs back onto the apron, BUT HERE COMES KAI, CHARGING RIGHT TOWARD HIM! ONLY FOR HANS TO CATCH HIM WITH A BIG BOOT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE! THAT ONE SPINS RABEAUX AROUND, DUDE! KAI STAGGERS BACK A FEW STEPS BEFORE DOUBLING OVER, AND HANS SEES HIS OPENING! THE CHAMPION GETS INTO POSITION ON THE APRON, LOOKING TO SLINGSHOT OVER THE TOP ROPE FOR THE BURNING SHOT LARIAT! :damn:

Rich Russillo: BUT KAI CATCHES HIM WITH A SUPERKICK IN MID-SLINGSHOT! WHAT A COUNTER BY RABEAUX! HANS IS LEFT HUNG UP ON THE TOP ROPE, AND KAI IMMEDIATELY TAKES ADVANTAGE! HE GRABS THE CHAMPION IN A FRONT FACELOCK AND PULLS HIM FURTHER OVER THE TOP ROPE, SETTING HIM UP FOR A HANGING DDT! ROPE-HUNG DDT OFF THE TOP ROPE! KAI JUST SPIKED HANS RIGHT ON HIS HEAD!

Thadd Blazevich: AND KAI WASTES NO TIME, DUDE! RABEAUX SLITHERS INTO THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEG! WE COULD HAVE A NEW EAW WORLD CHAMPION RIGHT HERE!

ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHH—

Rich Russillo: NO! HANS KICKS OUT JUST BEFORE THREE! KAI WAS A SPLIT SECOND AWAY FROM BECOMING THE NEW EAW WORLD CHAMPION, BUT THE FIREHEART IS STILL ALIVE!

Thadd Blazevich: DUDE, THAT WAS CLOSE! Kai caught Hans at the perfect moment with that superkick, and the champion had absolutely nowhere to go once Rabeaux got hold of him! That DDT was nasty!

Persephone: And yet, somehow, Hans still kicked out. I swear, these people could get hit by a truck and still find a way to raise their shoulder.

Rich Russillo: Kai Rabeaux has already proven how dangerous he can be tonight, and that was another perfect example! He took Jay Jerry Johnson out of the equation before turning his attention to Hans, and for a moment, it looked like that strategy was going to pay off! But the champion survives, and now Kai has to figure out what it’ll take to keep him down!

Thadd Blazevich: Kai pulls Hans back to his feet— BUT THE CHAMPION EXPLODES WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST! THAT ONE STUNS RABEAUX! HANS STILL HAS PLENTY OF FIGHT LEFT IN HIM DESPITE ALL THE PUNISHMENT HE’S TAKEN, DUDE! AND HE CATCHES KAI WITH A SECOND CHOP! BOTH MEN ARE STRUGGLING TO STAY ON THEIR FEET, BUT HANS WINDS BACK AND SWINGS FOR ANOTHER!

Rich Russillo: BUT KAI DUCKS UNDERNEATH AND SHOVES HANS BACK INTO THE ROPES! THE CHAMPION REBOUNDS RIGHT INTO A SPINNING MICHINOKU DRIVER! WHAT A COUNTER BY RABEAUX, PLANTING HANS DIRECTLY ON HIS NECK AND SHOULDERS! KAI HOLDS ON FOR THE COVER, KEEPING THE LEG HOOKED DEEP!

ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHH—

Thadd Blazevich: Kai pulls Hans back to his feet— BUT THE CHAMPION EXPLODES WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP ACROSS THE CHEST! THAT ONE STUNS RABEAUX! HANS STILL HAS PLENTY OF FIGHT LEFT IN HIM DESPITE ALL THE PUNISHMENT HE’S TAKEN, DUDE! AND HE CATCHES KAI WITH A SECOND CHOP! BOTH MEN ARE STRUGGLING TO STAY ON THEIR FEET, BUT HANS WINDS BACK AND SWINGS FOR ANOTHER!

Rich Russillo: BUT KAI DUCKS UNDERNEATH AND SHOVES HANS BACK INTO THE ROPES! THE CHAMPION REBOUNDS RIGHT INTO A SPINNING MICHINOKU DRIVER! WHAT A COUNTER BY RABEAUX! HE JUST DROVE HANS DOWN ON HIS NECK AND SHOULDERS! AND KAI HOLDS ON FOR THE COVER, HOOKING THE LEG DEEP! IS THIS ENOUGH?!

ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHH—

Rich Russillo: NO! STILL NOT ENOUGH TO PUT HANS AWAY! THE CHAMPION GETS HIS SHOULDER UP JUST IN TIME, AND KAI RABEAUX HAS TO BE WONDERING WHAT ELSE HE NEEDS TO DO TO FINISH THIS!

Persephone: Oh, for fuck’s sake! Does this guy have to kick out of everything?!

Rich Russillo: Well, every time Hans kicks out, he’s having to use more and more energy to keep himself in this match! And Kai knows exactly what he’s doing here! He’s been targeting the champion’s head and neck with these last few moves, and you have to wonder if he’s trying to soften Hans up for either the Kingstone Piledriver or the Blade of Babylon! If Rabeaux manages to connect with either of those, we could very well be looking at a new EAW World Champion!

Thadd Blazevich: Kai pulls Hans back to his feet and SLAMS HIM RIGHT BACK DOWN WITH A BODY SLAM! AND THAT WAS NO RANDOM BODY SLAM, DUDE! RABEAUX HAS THE CHAMPION RIGHT WHERE HE WANTS HIM AS HE STARTS CLIMBING TO THE TOP ROPE! HANS GRAYSON IS IN THE DROP ZONE, AND KAI TAKES FLIGHT— DIVING ELBOW DROP! RIGHT ACROSS THE CHEST OF THE CHAMPION!

Rich Russillo: A RARE TOP ROPE MOVE FROM KAI RABEAUX, AND IT COULD BE ENOUGH TO WIN HIM THE EAW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! KAI QUICKLY HOOKS THE LEG FOR THE COVER!

ONNNNNEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRR—

Rich Russillo: NO! HANS KICKS OUT! THE CHAMPION IS STILL IN THIS!

Thadd Blazevich: Hans is lying on his side, clutching the back of his neck after that elbow drop! BUT KAI ISN’T LETTING UP, DUDE! RABEAUX ROLLS THE CHAMPION ONTO HIS STOMACH AND PLANTS HIS BOOT AGAINST THE BACK OF HANS’ NECK, KEEPING HIM PINNED TO THE MAT! AND NOW KAI JUMPS UP— STOMP RIGHT TO THE BACK OF THE NECK! RABEAUX IS SHOWING ABSOLUTELY NO MERCY! :yikes

Rich Russillo: HANS ROLLS AROUND IN AGONY, BUT KAI IMMEDIATELY GRABS BOTH LEGS AND TURNS HIM OVER INTO A LIONTAMER! KAI HAS THAT KNEE DRIVEN BETWEEN THE CHAMPION’S SHOULDER BLADES, PULLING BACK ON HIS LEGS! HANS IS TRAPPED IN THE CENTER OF THE RING WITH NOWHERE TO GO! AND REMEMBER, ROPE BREAKS DON’T COUNT IN A TRIPLE THREAT MATCH! EVEN IF HANS MAKES IT TO THE ROPES, KAI DOESN’T HAVE TO LET GO!

Thadd Blazevich: DUDE, LOOK AT THE WAY HANS IS BENT BACK! KAI IS PUTTING SOME SERIOUS PRESSURE ON HIS SPINE WITH THAT LIONTAMER! HANS IS TRYING TO PUSH HIMSELF OFF THE MAT, BUT EVERY TIME HE DOES, RABEAUX JUST CRANKS BACK HARDER!

Persephone: Oh, just tap already! Nobody’s going to think any less of you for not wanting your spine snapped in half. Well, I might, but who cares?

Rich Russillo: THE REFEREE IS RIGHT THERE, ASKING HANS IF HE WANTS TO GIVE UP, BUT THE CHAMPION IS SHAKING HIS HEAD! HE’S REFUSING TO SUBMIT! KAI CONTINUES TO LEAN BACK, AND YOU CAN SEE THE PAIN WRITTEN ALL OVER HANS’ FACE! HE’S TRYING TO HANG ON, BUT HOW LONG CAN HE KEEP THIS UP?!

Thadd Blazevich: AND NOW KAI TAKES HIS KNEE OFF HANS’ BACK, TRANSITIONING INTO A REGULAR BOSTON CRAB! RABEAUX ADJUSTS HIS GRIP AND SITS BACK INTO THE HOLD, KEEPING THE PRESSURE ON! HANS IS REACHING OUT WITH BOTH ARMS, DESPERATELY SEARCHING FOR A WAY TO ESCAPE! DUDE, HE’S IN SERIOUS TROUBLE HERE! IF HE CAN’T FIND A WAY OUT SOON, HE MIGHT HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO TAP!

Rich Russillo: JAY! JAY ROLLS BACK INTO THE RING AND GRABS KAI IN A FRONT FACELOCK, FORCING HIM TO RELEASE HANS AND BREAK THE BOSTON CRAB! JOHNSON IMMEDIATELY TRANSITIONS INTO A STANDING GUILLOTINE CHOKE, AND NOW HE JUMPS UP AND WRAPS HIS LEGS AROUND KAI’S WAIST TO CINCH THE HOLD IN EVEN TIGHTER!

Thadd Blazevich: DUDE, WHAT A WAY TO GET BACK INTO THIS MATCH! JAY JUST STOPPED KAI FROM POTENTIALLY TAKING THE CHAMPIONSHIP, AND NOW HE’S GOT RABEAUX IN TROUBLE! KAI IS STILL ON HIS FEET, BUT HE’S STARTING TO STRUGGLE WITH JOHNSON HANGING OFF HIM!

Rich Russillo: AND JAY IS SQUEEZING WITH EVERYTHING HE HAS! KAI IS STARTING TO LOSE HIS BALANCE, AND JOHNSON COULD VERY WELL PUT HIM TO SLEEP WITH THIS GUILLOTINE CHOKE! HANS IS STILL DOWN, SO THERE’S NOBODY TO STOP JAY FROM WINNING THE EAW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!

Thadd Blazevich: Kai stumbles back against the ropes… AND SOMEHOW MUSTERS THE STRENGTH TO LAUNCH JAY OVER THE TOP ROPE WITH A BACK BODY DROP! THAT BREAKS THE BODYSCISSORS GUILLOTINE, DUDE! BUT JAY GRABS THE TOP ROPE WITH BOTH HANDS, SAVING HIMSELF FROM A FALL TO RINGSIDE! KAI DOESN’T REALIZE IT, THOUGH, AS HE DROPS TO ALL FOURS, COUGHING AND GASPING FOR AIR! RABEAUX STRUGGLES BACK TO HIS FEET WHILE JOHNSON PULLS HIMSELF UP ON THE APRON!

Rich Russillo: KAI FINALLY TURNS AROUND AND SPOTS JAY ON THE APRON! RABEAUX CHARGES IN FOR A SHOULDER THRUST THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE— BUT JAY CATCHES HIM IN A FRONT FACELOCK! AND NOW JOHNSON WRAPS HIS LEGS AROUND KAI’S WAIST AGAIN, LOCKING IN ANOTHER GUILLOTINE CHOKE! THEY’RE TANGLED UP IN THE ROPES, SO JAY CAN’T WIN THE MATCH WITH THIS HOLD, BUT HE CAN CERTAINLY DO SOME SERIOUS DAMAGE TO RABEAUX!

Persephone: Okay, and? It’s not going to win him the match, so I don’t really care.

Thadd Blazevich: KAI SOMEHOW MANAGES TO STEP THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE AND ONTO THE APRON, EVEN WITH JAY STILL HANGING ONTO THAT GUILLOTINE! DUDE, I DON’T KNOW HOW RABEAUX IS STILL STANDING! JOHNSON HASN’T LET GO, AND KAI IS RUNNING OUT OF AIR!

Rich Russillo: BUT LOOK AT KAI! HE’S MANAGED TO GET HIS ARM AROUND JOHNSON, AND NOW HE’S TRYING TO MUSCLE HIM UP INTO POSITION FOR A SUPLEX! WAIT A MINUTE! IS KAI ACTUALLY GOING TO ATTEMPT THIS ON THE APRON?! HE CAN BARELY KEEP HIS BALANCE WITH JAY HANGING OFF HIM!

Thadd Blazevich: DUDE, THERE’S NO WAY! NOT AFTER BEING CHOKED OUT FOR THIS LONG! BUT KAI IS ACTUALLY DOING IT! RABEAUX IS SLOWLY DEADLIFTING JOHNSON INTO A VERTICAL POSITION, FORCING JAY TO RELEASE THE GUILLOTINE! LOOK AT THE STRENGTH ON DISPLAY HERE!

Rich Russillo: KAI HAS JOHNSON HELD UPSIDE DOWN, AND THERE’S NOWHERE FOR HIM TO GO! BRAINBUSTER! OH MY GOD! A BRAINBUSTER RIGHT ON THE APRON! KAI JUST DROPPED JAY RIGHT ON HIS HEAD! :damn:

Persephone: Well, damn. I wouldn’t wanna be Jay right now. That looked like it hurt like hell.

Thadd Blazevich: JAY ISN’T MOVING, DUDE! JOHNSON IS LYING ON THE APRON WITH A BLANK LOOK IN HIS EYES AFTER THAT BRAINBUSTER! AND KAI IS DOUBLED OVER AT RINGSIDE, TRYING TO CATCH HIS BREATH BEFORE SHOVING JAY BACK INSIDE THE RING!

Rich Russillo: Jay rolls toward the center of the ring, right beside Hans, who is also struggling to get back to his feet! Both men are on all fours, instinctively reaching for each other for support! Jay and Hans slowly pull themselves upright, leaning against one another as they struggle to stand— BUT HERE COMES KAI! RABEAUX HITS THE ROPES IN FRONT OF THEM AND CHARGES STRAIGHT AT HANS FOR REDLINED!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT HANS SEES IT COMING AND DUCKS UNDERNEATH THE LARIAT! KAI MISSES COMPLETELY AND SPINS AROUND, JUST AS HANS LEAPS ONTO THE MIDDLE ROPE— FIRESAULT!

Rich Russillo: FIRESAULT CONNECTS! HANS COMES OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE WITH A BEAUTIFUL SPRINGBOARD MOONSAULT, TAKING DOWN BOTH CHALLENGERS! WHAT A MOVE FROM THE CHAMPION! JAY GOES ROLLING UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE WHILE KAI ROLLS ONTO A KNEE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE RING! HANS POPS RIGHT BACK TO HIS FEET, FIRED UP AFTER THAT INCREDIBLE DISPLAY OF ATHLETICISM! AND NOW THE CHAMPION TURNS HIS ATTENTION BACK TO KAI, CHARGING STRAIGHT TOWARD HIM!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT KAI GOES FOR REDLINED AGAIN! AND HANS DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT FOR THE SECOND TIME! DUDE, RABEAUX JUST CAN’T SEEM TO CATCH THIS GUY! HANS BOUNCES OFF THE ROPES AND COMES CHARGING BACK TOWARD KAI, WHO SWINGS WITH A BACK ELBOW! BUT HANS DUCKS THAT TOO! THE CHAMPION KEEPS HIS MOMENTUM GOING, RACING PAST RABEAUX BEFORE SOARING THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE WITH A SUICIDE DIVE ONTO JAY AT RINGSIDE! :roman:

Rich Russillo: HANS HOPS BACK ONTO THE APRON AS KAI COMES MARCHING TOWARD HIM, BUT THE CHAMPION CATCHES HIM WITH A SHOULDER THRUST THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE! THAT DOUBLES RABEAUX OVER, AND HANS TAKES ADVANTAGE BY SLINGSHOTTING OVER THE TOP ROPE WITH A SUNSET FLIP! SHOULDERS DOWN!

ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Thadd Blazevich: KICKOUT! BOTH MEN ROLL THROUGH TO THEIR FEET, AND HANS BEATS KAI TO THE PUNCH WITH A KICK TO THE GUT! THE CHAMPION GRABS RABEAUX FOR AN IRISH WHIP— NO! KAI REVERSES IT, SENDING HANS INTO THE ROPES INSTEAD! HANS REBOUNDS AND SPRINGS OFF THE BOTTOM ROPE, TRYING TO GO UP AND OVER RABEAUX— BUT KAI CATCHES HIM ON HIS SHOULDER! DUDE, THIS IS BAD NEWS FOR HANS! LAWN DART!

Rich Russillo: KAI THROWS HANS FACE FIRST INTO THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE WITH THAT LAWN DART! THE CHAMPION COLLAPSES IN THE CORNER AS RABEAUX ROLLS AWAY, MAKING HIS WAY TO THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE RING! KAI PULLS HIMSELF BACK TO HIS FEET, AND HANS IS DOING THE SAME IN THE CORNER, STILL DAZED FROM THAT IMPACT! BUT HERE COMES RABEAUX— HOLLOW POINT! KAI JUST CAME FLYING OUT OF THAT CORNER LIKE A HEAT-SEEKING MISSILE, DRILLING HANS WITH THAT RUNNING HIGH KICK!

Thadd Blazevich: HANS CAN BARELY KEEP HIMSELF STANDING AFTER THAT ONE, DUDE! KAI PULLS HIM OUT OF THE CORNER AND BRINGS HIM TO THE CENTER OF THE RING, LOOKING TO FOLLOW UP WITH A BRAINBUSTER— BUT HANS BLOCKS IT! THE CHAMPION DRIVES A KNEE INTO KAI’S TEMPLE, FORCING RABEAUX TO PUT HIM BACK DOWN! KAI STAGGERS BACK AGAINST THE ROPES, AND HANS HAS BOUGHT HIMSELF AN OPENING!

Rich Russillo: HANS COMES CHARGING IN, BUT KAI CATCHES HIM WITH A BACK BODY DROP OVER THE TOP ROPE! HOWEVER, THE CHAMPION MANAGES TO LAND ON HIS FEET ON THE APRON! HANS SAVES HIMSELF FROM A NASTY FALL, AND KAI IS ALREADY RUNNING OFF THE OPPOSITE ROPES! RABEAUX COMES CHARGING BACK TOWARD HIM— BURNING SHOT PILLAR!!! :damn:

Thadd Blazevich: HANS INTERCEPTED KAI WITH THE BURNING SHOT PILLAR! SPRINGBOARD 450 LARIAT! DUDE, WHAT A COUNTER FROM THE CHAMPION! HANS CRAWLS INTO THE COVER AND HOOKS THE LEG! IS THIS ENOUGH TO PUT RABEAUX AWAY?!

ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE!!

Persephone: WHAT?! OH, YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! I WAS SO CLOSE TO BEING DONE WITH THIS MATCH!

Rich Russillo: BUT KAI RABEAUX MANAGES TO KICK OUT JUST IN TIME! RABEAUX ROLLS SLIGHTLY AWAY FROM HANS, BUT HE’S STILL SPRAWLED OUT ON THE MAT! AND THE CHAMPION SEES THAT HE’S IN PERFECT POSITION AS HE STEPS OUT ONTO THE APRON! HANS IS LOOKING TO PUT THIS MATCH AWAY WITH THE GRAYSON SPLASH! ONE LAST LEAP OF FAITH AS HE SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE TOP ROPE FOR A 450 SPLASH—

Thadd Blazevich: KNEES UP! KAI GOT THE KNEES UP, DUDE! HANS CRASHES RIGHT INTO THEM, AND RABEAUX IMMEDIATELY WRAPS HIM UP IN A SMALL PACKAGE! SHOULDERS DOWN!

ONNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHH—

Thadd Blazevich: KICKOUT! HANS EXPLODES OUT OF THE COVER AND ROLLS ONTO ALL FOURS! BUT KAI IS RIGHT THERE, GRABBING THE CHAMPION AND HAULING HIM BACK TO HIS FEET! RABEAUX GETS HIM UP— LAST RIDE SITOUT POWERBOMB! KAI JUST PLANTED HANS WITH THAT POWERBOMB! THIS COULD BE IT, DUDE!

ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEE—

Thadd Blazevich: JAY BREAKS IT UP! JOHNSON DIVES IN WITH A FOREARM TO THE SIDE OF KAI’S FACE, SAVING THE MATCH FOR HIMSELF! AND DUDE, THAT WAS A HUGE SAVE! HANS WAS IN SERIOUS TROUBLE AFTER THAT POWERBOMB, AND IF JAY HAD BEEN EVEN A SECOND LATER, WE MIGHT HAVE BEEN LOOKING AT A NEW EAW WORLD CHAMPION!

Persephone: I don’t know what’s more annoying. Kai almost winning, or Jay showing up to ruin it.

Rich Russillo: Hans rolls away slightly, still feeling the effects of that powerbomb, while Kai rises to a knee as Jay does the same! AND JOHNSON CATCHES HIM WITH A RIGHT HAND! BUT KAI FIRES BACK WITH ONE OF HIS OWN! JAY RESPONDS WITH ANOTHER, AND NOW THESE TWO ARE TRADING BLOWS! BOTH MEN RETURN TO THEIR FEET, STILL EXCHANGING PUNCHES, BEFORE RABEAUX GRABS JAY AND THROWS HIM OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE!

Thadd Blazevich: Jay lands on all fours at ringside, and Kai isn’t far behind! RABEAUX HEADS OUTSIDE HIMSELF, LOOKING TO TAKE JOHNSON OUT OF THE EQUATION FOR A LITTLE LONGER! AND THAT’S A SMART MOVE, BRO! JAY JUST COST HIM A CHANCE TO WIN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, AND KAI CLEARLY DOESN’T WANT HIM GETTING INVOLVED AGAIN! RABEAUX PULLS JOHNSON BACK TO HIS FEET AND LOOKS TO SEND HIM CRASHING INTO THE STEEL STEPS—

Rich Russillo: BUT JAY REVERSES AT THE LAST SECOND! KAI GOES SHOULDER FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS INSTEAD! OH, WHAT A COLLISION! RABEAUX WAS LOOKING TO TAKE JAY OUT OF THIS MATCH, BUT THAT PLAN JUST BACKFIRED ON HIM IN A BIG WAY!

Thadd Blazevich: Jay turns his attention back toward the ring, where Hans is struggling to a knee on the opposite side, using the ropes to pull himself up! AND JOHNSON SLIDES BACK INSIDE! KAI IS STILL DOWN AT RINGSIDE, AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A WHILE, JAY HAS THE CHAMPION ALL TO HIMSELF! DUDE, THIS COULD BE THE OPPORTUNITY JAY HAS BEEN WAITING FOR!

Rich Russillo: JAY SLIDES INTO THE RING AS HANS COMES WALKING TOWARD HIM, AND JOHNSON SLIDES RIGHT THROUGH HIS LEGS! JAY GRABS HOLD OF HANS’ WRIST IN THE PROCESS BEFORE MUSCLING THE CHAMPION UP ONTO HIS SHOULDER! PUMPHANDLE SPINNING EMERALD FLOWSION! YKHM LAST LOVE! JAY JUST PLANTED HANS WITH THAT DEVASTATING MOVE! AND THE CHAMPION LOOKS OUT OF IT!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT JAY ISN’T DONE YET! JOHNSON QUICKLY PULLS HANS BACK TO HIS FEET, NOT GIVING THE CHAMPION A CHANCE TO RECOVER! AND NOW HE FOLLOWS UP WITH HEAVEN’S FEEL! DUDE, JAY JUST STRUNG THOSE TWO MOVES TOGETHER! JOHNSON REACHES BACK AND HOOKS THE LEG DEEP, SITTING ON HANS’ CHEST TO KEEP HIS SHOULDERS DOWN! THIS HAS TO BE IT! WE’RE ABOUT TO CROWN A NEW EAW WORLD CHAMPION!

ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

(…)

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

(……)

THHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

(…………)

Rich Russillo: THAT’S IT! JAY JERRY JOHNSON HAS DONE IT! WE HAVE A NEW EAW WORLD CHAMPION! WHAT A VICTORY FOR JOHNSON!

Thadd Blazevich: DUDE, WHAT A MOMENT FOR JAY! HE FINALLY GOT THE BETTER OF HANS GRAYSON WHEN IT MATTERED MOST! BUT HOLD ON… WHY ISN’T THE BELL RINGING?

Rich Russillo: WAIT A MINUTE! THE REFEREE ISN’T EVEN IN THE RING! WHAT THE HELL?! THAT’S KAI RABEAUX! KAI DRAGGED THE REFEREE OUT UNDERNEATH THE BOTTOM ROPE BEFORE HIS HAND COULD HIT THE MAT FOR THREE! THAT PINFALL DOESN’T COUNT!

Persephone: OH, COME ON! I THOUGHT WE WERE FINALLY DONE! Why the hell couldn’t Kai just stay down for another second?!

Thadd Blazevich: YOU’VE GOTTA BE KIDDING ME, BRO! JAY HAD THE MATCH WON! HANS WAS DOWN FOR THE THREE COUNT, BUT KAI JUST STOLE THE BIGGEST MOMENT OF JOHNSON’S CAREER RIGHT OUT FROM UNDER HIM!

Rich Russillo: BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK! JAY DRILLS KAI IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD WITH A BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK THROUGH THE BOTTOM ROPE, KNOCKING HIM AWAY FROM THE RING! JOHNSON IMMEDIATELY SLIDES BACK INSIDE, WITH THE REFEREE FOLLOWING CLOSE BEHIND! JAY CRAWLS BACK INTO THE COVER ON HANS! HE’S GOT ANOTHER CHANCE TO WIN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!

ONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR—

Thadd Blazevich: SHOULDER UP! HANS SOMEHOW GETS THE SHOULDER OFF THE MAT! BUT JAY DOESN’T WASTE A SECOND, IMMEDIATELY GRABBING THE ARM HANS JUST RAISED AND TRANSITIONING INTO A CROSS ARMBREAKER! HANS DESPERATELY KEEPS HIS HANDS LOCKED TOGETHER, PREVENTING JOHNSON FROM FULLY EXTENDING THE ARM! BUT JAY THINKS QUICKLY AND SWITCHES TO A TRIANGLE CHOKE! JOHNSON IS TRYING TO PUT THE CHAMPION TO SLEEP, AND NOW HE’S DRIVING 12-6 ELBOWS INTO HANS’ TEMPLE! DUDE, HANS IS IN SERIOUS TROUBLE!

Rich Russillo: AND HERE COMES KAI! RABEAUX SLIDES BACK INTO THE RING AND TRIES TO STOMP DOWN ON JAY’S CHEST TO BREAK THE HOLD— BUT JOHNSON CATCHES HIS BOOT! KAI LOSES HIS BALANCE AND FALLS FORWARD ONTO HIS STOMACH, AND JAY IMMEDIATELY GRABS THE ANKLE! ANKLE LOCK! JOHNSON HAS KAI TRAPPED IN AN ANKLE LOCK WHILE STILL APPLYING THE TRIANGLE CHOKE TO HANS! HE’S GOT BOTH OF HIS OPPONENTS IN SUBMISSION HOLDS AT THE SAME TIME!

Thadd Blazevich: KAI IS PANICKING, DUDE! HE’S TRYING TO FREE HIS ANKLE, BUT JAY ISN’T LETTING GO! AND LOOK AT HANS! THE CHAMPION HAS STOPPED FIGHTING! HIS ARMS ARE GOING LIMP, AND THE REFEREE IS RIGHT THERE CHECKING ON HIM! HANS MIGHT BE OUT COLD! THE REFEREE GRABS HIS ARM AND RAISES IT FOR THE FIRST TIME!

(…)

Referee: ONE!

Rich Russillo: THE ARM DROPS! HANS DOESN’T RESPOND! AND NOW THE REFEREE RAISES IT A SECOND TIME!

(…)

Referee: TWO!

Thadd Blazevich: IT DROPS AGAIN! DUDE, HANS ISN’T MOVING! ONE MORE TIME AND THIS MATCH IS OVER! JAY JERRY JOHNSON IS SECONDS AWAY FROM BECOMING THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION! THE REFEREE RAISES HANS’ ARM FOR THE THIRD AND FINAL TIME!

(…)

Referee: THR—

Rich Russillo: WAIT A MINUTE! KAI RABEAUX! KAI REACHES OVER AND GRABS HANS’ ARM BEFORE IT CAN HIT THE MAT! OH MY GOD! KAI JUST SAVED THE MATCH FOR HIMSELF AGAIN! JAY WAS ABOUT TO WIN THE EAW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, BUT RABEAUX REFUSED TO LET THAT ARM DROP! AND NOW KAI STARTS REPEATEDLY BOOTING JOHNSON IN THE FACE WITH HIS FREE FOOT! ONE KICK AFTER ANOTHER UNTIL JAY FINALLY RELEASES BOTH SUBMISSION HOLDS! JOHNSON AND RABEAUX ROLL AWAY FROM EACH OTHER, AND THIS MATCH CONTINUES!

Thadd Blazevich: All three men slowly work their way back to their feet, struggling to stand in the center of the ring… BEFORE KAI JABS JAY! JAY RESPONDS BY JABBING HANS, AND HANS FIRES BACK WITH A JAB TO KAI! RABEAUX KICKS JAY IN THE GUT BEFORE FOLLOWING UP WITH A KNIFE EDGE CHOP! BUT HANS IMMEDIATELY BOOTS KAI IN THE FACE, LEAVING HIM ON WOBBLY LEGS! JAY THEN CATCHES HANS WITH A FOREARM, BUT THE CHAMPION RESPONDS WITH ONE OF HIS OWN, SENDING JOHNSON STAGGERING BACK AGAINST THE ROPES!

Rich Russillo: AND KAI COMES FROM BEHIND WITH A RIPCORD REDLINED ON HANS! TURNING THE CHAMPION INSIDE OUT! RABEAUX THEN SPOTS JAY LEANING AGAINST THE ROPES AND RUNS OFF THE OPPOSITE SIDE FOR SHRINE! KAI GOES FOR THAT V-TRIGGER TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD— BUT JAY AVOIDS IT! JOHNSON SLIPS BEHIND KAI AS HIS LEG GOES THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE, AND JAY BOUNCES HIM CHEST FIRST OFF THE ROPES!

Thadd Blazevich: WINGMAN REBIRTH 187! EUROPEAN CLUTCH BY JAY! JOHNSON IS LOOKING TO STEAL A VICTORY WITH A ROLL-UP, JUST LIKE HANS DID TO HIM AT TERRITORIAL INVASION!

ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THHHHHHHRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Rich Russillo: KICKOUT! BOTH MEN SCRAMBLE BACK TO THEIR FEET, AND KAI SWINGS FOR A CLOTHESLINE! BUT JAY DUCKS UNDERNEATH AND SLIPS BEHIND HIM FOR A SLEEPER HOLD! RABEAUX STARTS FLAILING HIS ARMS, TRYING TO BREAK FREE— BUT HANS COMES IN AND BREAKS THE HOLD WITH A FLAMING PUNCH!

Thadd Blazevich: JAY STUMBLES BACK AGAINST THE ROPES, AND HANS TURNS AROUND— RIGHT INTO KAI, WHO HOISTS HIM ONTO HIS SHOULDER FOR THE KINGSTONE PILEDRIVER! BUT HANS SLIPS OUT BEHIND RABEAUX AND GRABS HIM IN A REAR WAISTLOCK! KAI TWIRLS OUT OF IT BEFORE SHOVING HANS STRAIGHT INTO JAY— LARIAT! JOHNSON TURNS THE CHAMPION INSIDE OUT WITH THAT LARIAT!

Rich Russillo: JAY WAS RUNNING ON PURE INSTINCT WITH THAT ONE! AND NOW JOHNSON STUMBLES FORWARD, STILL GROGGY— RIGHT INTO KAI, WHO HOISTS HIM UP FOR THE KINGSTONE PILEDRIVER! RABEAUX PLANTS JAY WITH THAT SPINNING TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER AND HOOKS THE LEG DEEP FOR THE COVER!

ONNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

(…)

TWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

(……)

THHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

(…………)

Rich Russillo: NO! JAY JERRY JOHNSON KICKS OUT! HOW IN THE WORLD DID HE SURVIVE THE KINGSTONE PILEDRIVER?! KAI RABEAUX WAS A FRACTION OF A SECOND AWAY FROM BECOMING THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION!

Thadd Blazevich: DUDE, I THOUGHT THAT WAS IT! KAI HIT THAT PILEDRIVER PERFECTLY, BUT SOMEHOW JAY FOUND THE STRENGTH TO GET HIS SHOULDER UP! WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO PUT THESE GUYS AWAY?!

Persephone: OH, YOU’VE GOT TO BE FUCKING KIDDING ME! I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS SHIT! WE WERE SO CLOSE!

(Kai looks down at Jay with a focused look in his eyes before backing into the corner, lining him up for the Blade of Babylon as Johnson slowly struggles back to his feet in the center of the ring…)

Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) YOU’VE HAD YOUR CHANCES, JAY! THIS IS MY MOMENT! MY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!

(# BLADE OF BABYLON!)

Rich Russillo: # BURNING SHOT LARIAT! BURNING SHOT LARIAT! HANS GRAYSON OUT OF NOWHERE!

Thadd Blazevich: OH MY GOD, DUDE! HANS CAME FLYING IN WITH THAT SLINGSHOT LARIAT, CATCHING JAY BEFORE KAI COULD CONNECT WITH THE BLADE OF BABYLON! THE CHAMPION COLLAPSES TO ALL FOURS AFTER THAT DESPERATE MOVE! KAI CAN’T BELIEVE WHAT JUST HAPPENED, BUT HE QUICKLY GRABS HANS AND TRIES TO THROW HIM OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE!

Rich Russillo: BUT HANS REVERSES IT AT THE LAST SECOND! KAI GOES FLYING OUT THROUGH THE MIDDLE ROPE INSTEAD! RABEAUX IS OUT OF THE RING, AND HANS IMMEDIATELY DIVES ON TOP OF JAY! THE CHAMPION HOOKS THE LEG DEEP! KAI IS SCRAMBLING TO GET BACK INSIDE, BUT IS HE GOING TO MAKE IT IN TIME?!

ONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

(…)

TWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

(……)

THHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

(DING! DING! DING!)

Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER… AND STILL THE EAW WORLD CHAMPION… HANS GRAYSON!!

(The camera zooms in on Kai’s stunned face as he lies on his stomach, having slid into the ring too late to break up the pin. Meanwhile, an exhausted Hans rolls off Jay and rises to both knees as the referee hands him the EAW World Championship.)

Rich Russillo: HANS GRAYSON HAS DONE IT! THE FIRE BREATHING DRAGON RETAINS THE EAW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! WHAT A FINISH! KAI RABEAUX WAS SECONDS AWAY FROM WINNING, BUT HANS TURNED EVERYTHING AROUND AT THE LAST MOMENT!

Thadd Blazevich: DUDE, THAT WAS INSANE! HANS SOMEHOW PULLED IT OFF, AND LOOK AT KAI! HE WAS JUST A SECOND TOO LATE TO BREAK UP THAT PIN! RABEAUX CAN’T BELIEVE WHAT JUST HAPPENED!

Rich Russillo: This time around Hans was able to put Jay down with the Burning Shot Lariat, making good on his promise from back at Territorial Invasion in an even more chaotic situation! That was a beyond close match, so close that Kai Rabeaux is furious. Incredible performance by all three men, and while tonight is Hans Grayson’s night, something tells me his road isn’t going to get any easier.

(Hans rises to his feet and raises the World Championship before walking toward Kai, who slips underneath the bottom rope as the champion approaches. Kai stares back at Hans from ringside while Hans leans over the top rope, continuing to hold his championship high.)

Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) You think you’ve won something!? Jay’s incompetence has nothing to do with me!

Hans Grayson: (off-mic) Doesn’t change the fact that I’m still champion, does it?

(Kai shakes his head, pointing angrily at Hans and the championship in his hands.)

Kai Rabeaux: (off-mic) Enjoy this while it lasts. This isn’t over. Far from it.

(Kai storms off, heading up the ramp as Hans stands in the ring with a smirk forming on his face. The referee raises Hans’ hand in victory, and the champion continues celebrating with ‘The Leaving Song Pt. II’ by AFI playing in the background as we fade elsewhere.)

https://i.imgur.com/vnzUI9E.png

Bella Braxton: The following contest is scheduled for one fall!

Crowd: ONE FALL!

Bella Braxton: And the winner will earn a spot in the Universal Women’s Championship Extreme Elimination Chamber!

(The crowd remains rowdy as Bella lowers her microphone, turning their attention to the ramp and titantron as “REVITER” by My First Story hit, immediately followed by a bout of cheers. Sayuri Himura doesn’t waste too much time, making her presence as she marches down to the ring, shaking out her hands as she approaches the steps and makes her way up them and into the ring.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing first, from Yokohama, Japan by way of London England…The Yūrei…Sayuri Himura!

(Sayuri turns to the turnbuckle and stands tall on the middle rope, posing for the crowd as “REVITER” begins to fade out, leaving her to leap off the ropes and back to the ring, finishing her warm-ups as “Dynasty” by Rina Sawayama took over, also to an abundance of cheers as Candice Blair emerged from the back. Wearing a concentrated expression, Candice slowly approached the ring, her gaze momentarily locking with Sayuri as she entered between the middle and bottom ropes.)

Bella Braxton: And her opponent, residing in Malibu, California…The Reality Breaker…Candice Blair!

(The cheers remain for both elitists as Candice settles in the opposite corner, warming up as the referee finishes checking each competitor, before turning and giving the signal.)

🔔! 🔔!! 🔔!!!

Rich Russillo: This match is under way and both energetic elitists are rushing into the center of the ring, not in the mood to beat around the bush and dive head first into a collar-and-elbow tie-up, throwing all of their weight behind the joust as Candice and Sayuri jockey over control of the center, trying to wear down the other’s strength in the early goings! Candice is working to relieve her right arm of the pressure but Sayuri has an ironclad grip, refusing to give up an inch as she takes one step forward, capturing territory on the frontline! Candice may have the reach and height advantage, but Sayuri is using the lower leverage to push upward, making this back and forth easier for her!

Thadd Blazevich: Still, you can’t count out Candice Blair’s technical ability here, using her position above Sayuri to focus on one side, trying to reapply her grip on the shoulder, making a dash towards the right arm and secured both hands on it, looking for a tight wrist lock! Sayuri is quick to fight back, rolling forward, and then backwards to her feet, ducks under the arm of Candice and into a waistlock, but then repositions with a dive forward to catch the neck of Candice in a headlock!

Persephone: Unfortunately she’s slow as fuck and Candice easily avoids it, looking for her own headlock as she is not all that creative, and this time actually lands it, with Sayuri rolling around to force the pressure off. Candice tries to keep up with her, but Sayuri is too slippery, managing to escape the headlock and return to her feet alongside Candice.

Rich Russillo: That’s the kind of opening exchange you expect between two competitors who understand just how much is on the line here! Neither one wants to give the other an inch, but neither one has been able to establish a significant advantage just yet! Sayuri Himura and Candice Blair are both incredibly capable in the ring, and with a spot in the Universal Women’s Championship Extreme Elimination Chamber up for grabs, there is absolutely no room for complacency, back to the collar-and-elbow tie-up they go!

Thadd Blazevich: Absolutely, bro! And I think the important thing to remember here is that this isn’t necessarily about who can put on the flashiest performance. This is about who can survive long enough to earn that opportunity! The Extreme Elimination Chamber is a dangerous environment, and these two women know that a victory here puts them one step closer to competing for the Universal Women’s Championship!

Persephone: Yeah, well, one of them is going to have to do something eventually, because watching them hold hands in the middle of the ring isn’t exactly what I’d call entertaining. These two should have to pay me for forcing me to watch something so boring and tasteless.

Rich Russillo: Candice and Sayuri circle one another once more, both keeping their hands raised as they look for an opening. Candice makes the first move, reaching out to secure another collar-and-elbow tie-up, but Sayuri ducks underneath her arms, quickly slipping behind her opponent and securing a waistlock! Candice immediately reaches down, grabbing Sayuri’s wrists as she attempts to pry them apart, but Sayuri tightens her grip and pulls Candice backward, forcing her to take a couple of steps to maintain her balance!

Thadd Blazevich: Candice suddenly drops her weight, driving an elbow backward into Sayuri’s abdomen before turning around and connecting with another elbow across the side of her head! Sayuri releases the waistlock, allowing Candice to seize control of her wrist and transition into a wrist lock! Blair is taking advantage of that opportunity, wrenching the arm of Sayuri Himura and bringing her down to one knee! She’s got that wrist trapped, and she’s applying some serious pressure to the joint, looking to take away Sayuri’s ability to utilize those arms!

Persephone: Booooooooring. This tie-up bullshit isn’t entertaining anyone. Do something else already.

Rich Russillo: Sayuri knows she can’t afford to stay there for too long! She’s already trying to find a way out, getting back onto her feet and rotating her body to alleviate some of that pressure! She’s turning underneath the arm, breaking the hold and pushes Candice forward before following up with a picture perfect dropkick to the spine, sending her crashing to the mat! Sayuri’s back on her feet in an instant, not wasting a moment by allowing Candice time to get back up, though she is already starting to crawl on her hands and knees!

Thadd Blazevich: Sayuri’s got a fire under her, bro! She locks her hands around the waist of Candice and pulls her to her feet, right up and swings like a pendulum before tossing Candice back and onto her neck with a release German suplex! Candice lands awkwardly and grasps at the back of her neck as Sayuri immediately presses her shoulders to the mat with a quick cover!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

…

Persephone: As if that would ever work. Immediate kick out by Candice but, still shows signs of damage as she rolls away from Sayuri, who also didn’t even expect that to work.

Rich Russillo: Well, those kinds of pins do wear down the other elitist. It breaks down the walls of defense carefully established early, and I think with each kick out we’ll be seeing weaker and weaker responses, especially if Sayuri can keep the ball rolling in this one!

Thadd Blazevich: Bro she is absolutely gonna keep pressing the advantage here, already back on the attack as she pulls Candice right back to her feet, hooking her arms around the waist once again and maybe she’s thinking of another release German suplex! It’s already proven itself effective once, and she’s going for it again, reeling back–!

Persephone: And she fucked it up, immediately paying for it with an elbow to the side of the head. Serves her right for spamming bullshit, and Candice makes her pay by catching her with a forearm to the jaw, and quickly follows it up with a snap suplex. Still boring as fuck but, at least it’s something, and she isn’t going for some useless pin either as Sayuri is already rolling away from her.

Rich Russillo: Candice will be seemingly using this moment to catch her breath, sitting up as she wipes away the sweat from her face while keeping an eye on Sayuri who is nursing her lower back by the corner. As some pause, both elitists return to their feet, with Sayuri resting her back against the turnbuckle, but won’t have much time as Candice is already charging in with her arm outstretched—caught high with a boot by Sayuri!

Thadd Blazevich: That put a stop to her momentum…OR NOT!? Candice tanks the boot to the face and starts to unload with machine gun chops to the chest of Sayuri, lighting her up in the corner as Sayuri can only cover up from the onslaught of strikes! Over and over again the chops fall, imprinting her hand against the chest of Sayuri Himura! Finally the chops slow as Candice takes a step back before firing a final knife-edge chop to the chest!

Rich Russillo: Sayuri is reeling from those blows as Candice begins to back up and away from the corner, still keeping Sayuri in her sights until she turns and heads for the opposite corner, hitting the turnbuckle as she picks up speed, looking to execute that attempted lariat in the corner from earlier! She sprints full-speed forward, arm outstretched—IZANAMI CONNECTS!

Thadd Blazevich: SAYURI WITH A BURST OF SPEED TO ESCAPE THE CORNER, PIVOT HARD AND CONNECTS FLUSH WITH THE SPINNING BACKFIST ACROSS THE JAW OF CANDICE BLAIR! CANDICE IS SLUMPED, FALLING LIFELESSLY TO THE MAT AS SAYURI STUMBLES AGAINST THE ROPES, BOUNCING OFF THEM AND THEN DROPPING INTO THE COVER!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

…

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

…

Persephone: Kick out! Ok, that one was actually pretty close, and the sound that it made was beautiful. If Candice lost a tooth it’d be even better, but hey, this is a start. This might be salvageable after all.

Rich Russillo: Sayuri takes a moment to shake her hand, knowing she landed that strike as flush and as well-timed as she ever could, but also knowing that it’ll take more than that to keep an elitist as tenacious as Candice Blair down for the three count. For a moment she was really stuck on the defensive, but it only took one burst of speed and precision to flip this match right on its head!

Thadd Blazevich: Bro, I think Sayuri might’ve found her opening! She knows she can’t afford to let Candice get back into this, especially after the damage she’s already taken to her lower back! She’s crawling over to Candice now, grabbing her by the head and pulling her into a seated position before wrapping her arm around the chin and locking in a rear chinlock! She’s trying to keep Candice grounded, putting pressure on the neck and forcing her to carry Sayuri’s weight as she leans back and tightens that grip! Smart strategy here, bro! She’s not just looking to hurt Candice, she’s trying to keep her from building any momentum!

Persephone: Oh…great. Now we’re getting a glorified nap. Wake me up when somebody decides to actually win this thing.

Rich Russillo: Candice is certainly not going to make things easy for her opponent, though! She’s already trying to fight her way back up, planting one knee underneath herself as she reaches out and grabs Sayuri’s wrist! She’s trying to peel that arm away from her throat, but Sayuri is keeping the pressure on, leaning backward and using her legs to anchor herself to the canvas! Candice is having to work for every inch here, and you can see her face beginning to turn red as she struggles against that hold!

Thadd Blazevich: Candice is getting back to her feet, though! She’s pushing through, bro, and she’s starting to throw some elbows backward into Sayuri’s ribs! One! Two! Three! That third one finally loosens the grip, and Candice takes advantage by turning around and grabbing Sayuri by the wrist! She twists underneath the arm, reverses the position, and now she’s the one controlling the wrist! Candice pulls Sayuri forward and catches her with a sharp knee to the stomach! Sayuri doubles over, and Candice follows up with a forearm across the back, dropping her down to one knee!

Persephone: 😴😴😴

Rich Russillo: She is looking to capitalize, grabbing Sayuri by the head and pulling her back up, but Sayuri isn’t going to let her dictate the pace for long! Sayuri suddenly drives a knee into Candice’s midsection, creating enough separation to slip around her side! She reaches for the waist, looking to secure another German suplex, but Candice immediately drops her hips and throws a back elbow! Sayuri staggers, and Candice takes her by the arm, whipping her toward the ropes!

Persephone: AGAIN?! FIND A NEW MOVE!

Thadd Blazevich: Sayuri comes running back, and Candice lowers her stance, looking to catch her with a back body drop! BUT SAYURI SEES IT COMING! SHE LEAPS OVER CANDICE’S BACK, LANDS ON HER FEET BEHIND HER, AND IMMEDIATELY GRABS HER BY THE WAIST! She’s looking for that German again, bro! She’s got the grip, and she’s trying to lift Candice off the canvas, but Candice is fighting it! She’s throwing her weight forward, grabbing the top rope with both hands, and using it to keep herself from getting launched!

Rich Russillo: The referee is right there, ordering Candice to release the ropes, and Sayuri is forced to let go as well! She takes a step backward, raising her hands as Candice turns around, but Blair doesn’t give her much time to react! Candice lunges forward with a forearm, catching Sayuri across the cheek! Another forearm follows, and then another, backing Sayuri toward the ropes! Candice grabs her wrist and sends her across the ring with an Irish whip, following close behind as Sayuri rebounds!

Thadd Blazevich: CANDICE GOES FOR A CLOTHESLINE, BUT SAYURI DUCKS UNDERNEATH IT! She hits the ropes behind Candice and comes flying back, looking for a running crossbody! CANDICE CATCHES HER! Candice manages to keep Sayuri suspended across her arms, and she backs up toward the center of the ring before turning and driving her down with a wicked exploder suplex! Sayuri crashes onto her back, and Candice rolls through to her knees, immediately looking over her shoulder to keep track of her opponent!

Persephone: Somebody finally remembered that this is a wrestling match and not a gymnastics audition. Although I would’ve preferred if she had dropped Sayuri on her head.

Rich Russillo: Candice is beginning to find her rhythm again, and that fallaway slam could be exactly what she needed to turn this match around! She’s taking a moment to collect herself, but she knows better than to give Sayuri too much time! Blair gets back to her feet and immediately heads toward her opponent, reaching down to grab a handful of hair and pull Sayuri up! She’s got her by the wrist now, twisting the arm before stepping in and delivering a stiff kick directly into the side of Sayuri’s thigh!

Thadd Blazevich: And another one! Candice is chopping away at that leg now, bro! Sayuri tries to retreat, but Candice catches her with a third kick, this time right behind the knee! She’s trying to compromise Sayuri’s mobility, and that’s a pretty smart adjustment considering how much she’s been relying on her speed throughout this match! Candice grabs the wrist again, pulls Sayuri forward, and catches her with a short-arm clothesline! Sayuri goes down hard, and Candice immediately drops across her for the cover!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

…

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

…

Persephone: We’re going backwards now, Candice.

Rich Russillo: Still a decisive kick out to be made by Sayuri, immediately nursing her jaw as Candice pushes herself off the ground and up to her feet, taking a walk across the ring to collect herself as Sayuri rolls onto her hands and knees, struggling to keep up with Candice’s dynamic offense so far!

Thadd Blazevich: She’s gonna have to figure something out fast if she wants to keep her chances of winning this match alive, bro! And Candice isn’t even giving her time to recover, right back on the attack as she pulls Sayuri up to her feet before laying in with another knife-edge chop to the chest to warm her up before dragging her to the corner by her wrist, where she follows it up with an overhand chop to the chest!

Persephone: Oh brother, where’s she going now..?

Rich Russillo: Up to the top rope it seems! Candice is backing herself up into the corner and is navigating her way up to the middle rope, now bringing Sayuri close to latch her arms around her neck, while her free arm motions in a circle! She pushes off the corner, LOOKING FOR STARLIGHT, THE TORNADO DDT TO SPIKE SAYURI ON HER DOME!!

Thadd Blazevich: HALTED BY SAYURI, WHO PIVOTS AS SHE LANDS ON HER FEET AND LEANS ALL THE WAY BACK, PLANTING CANDICE BLAIR WITH A NORTHERN LIGHTS SUPLEX, HOLDING THE BRIDGE!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—?!?!

Persephone: SHE’S POWERING BACK UP-!!

Rich Russillo: SAYURI HIMURA BRIDGES OVER BY SOME INCREDIBLE NECK STRENGTH, DEADLIFTING CANDICE BACK UP TO HER FEET, JUST TO SLIP BEHIND HER, HOOK BOTH ARMS, AND SNAP BACKWARDS, DRILLING HER NECK INTO THE MAT WITH A DRAGON SUPLEX! TSUKUYOKI!!

Thadd Blazevich: SHE LOOKS TO HOLD THE BRIDGE FOR THE COVER…

Persephone: HER HANDS SLIPPED, OH MY GOD!

Rich Russillo: THE MOMENTUM SENDS CANDICE ALL THE WAY BACK ONTO HER FEET AS SAYURI IS UNABLE TO SECURE THE BRIDGE, BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN SHE IS GONNA LET THIS OPPORTUNITY SLIP BY! SHE RUSHES BACK TO HER FEET, TO KEEP UP THE ASSAULT—SPINNING WHEEL!!

Thadd Blazevich: BROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! SPINNING WHEEL TO THE DOME! LAST DITCH EFFORT BY CANDICE BLAIR TO DEFEND HERSELF AND IT IS BY FLINGING HERSELF AT SAYURI, CATCHING HER ACROSS THE SKULL WITH THE SPINNING WHEEL KICK! SAYURI SLUMPS FORWARD BEFORE FALLING BACKWARDS, LANDING ON HER BACK!

Persephone: AND IT GETS EVEN BETTER, CANDICE’S LEG IS DRAPED OVER SAYURI’S BODY! SHE IS GONNA LOSE TO THE WORST COVER OF ALL TIME!!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

…

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

…

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—!!!

Rich Russillo: SAYURI HIMURA MANAGES TO ROLL OVER! I DON’T EVEN KNOW IF SHE CONSCIOUSLY KNEW THAT SHE WAS BEING PINNED, BUT SOMETHING WITHIN HER WAS SCREAMING AT HER TO GET OUT OF THE SITUATION, AND SHE MANAGED TO SAVE HERSELF FROM A PIN ATTEMPT I DON’T EVEN KNOW THAT CANDICE BLAIR WAS AWARE OF!

Thadd Blazevich: That would’ve been one of the craziest finishes to a match I’d ever seen in my life, bro! Just an immense reaction by Candice to cut down Sayuri in an instant and a wild fight by Sayuri to keep herself in it!

Persephone: Would’ve been the most entertaining finish of the week by a mile.

Rich Russillo: Candice Blair is beginning to stir, slowly pushing herself onto her hands and knees as she tries to understand what just happened! She was mere milliseconds away from potentially stealing the victory, and now she’s going to have to find another way to put Sayuri away! Meanwhile, Sayuri is rolling onto her side, clutching at her head after that devastating spinning wheel kick! Both women are showing the effects of this contest, but neither one is willing to let their opportunity slip away!

Thadd Blazevich: Bro, I don’t think Candice even realized how close she was! She just threw herself at Sayuri and hoped for the best, and somehow it nearly paid off! But now she’s looking over at Sayuri, realizing that she needs to capitalize before the momentum swings back! Candice is crawling over, grabbing Sayuri by the wrist, and she’s trying to drag her back toward the center of the ring! She doesn’t want Sayuri anywhere near those ropes, and she’s making sure there’s no opportunity for her to escape another pin attempt!

Persephone: Well, congratulations to Candice for discovering that you actually have to pin somebody properly to win a wrestling match. Maybe next she’ll discover that the referee has to count to three. I’m genuinely amazed by the progress we’re making here.

Rich Russillo: Sayuri is dragged back to a vertical base before being promptly placed with her head between the thighs of Candice Blair who is forgoing a need for momentum, instead focusing on flawless execution! She’s calling for the rotation, she’s calling for Castle’s Crumbling…AND SHE LOOKS TO HIT IT! THE CANDY DESTROYER CONNECTS–

Thadd Blazevich: NO! SAYURI LIFTS AND FALLS BACK FIRST ONTO THE MAT, PINNING CANDICE’S SHOULDERS TO THE MAT!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

…

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

…

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE–!!!

Persephone: OH SHE ACTUALLY KICKED OUT OF IT! SAYURI RUSHES TO HER FEET!

Rich Russillo: AND SO DOES CANDICE, BUT SHE IS A STEP TOO SLOW AS SAYURI CATCHES HER WITH A EUROPEAN UPPERCUT, SPINNING HER AROUND, HOOKING THE ARMS AND CONNECTS WITH IT AGAIN! TSUKUYOMI! THE DRAGON SUPLEX! AND THE BRIDGE IS HELD…FOR THE WIN!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

…

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

…

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

…

Thadd Blazevich: HOW CLOSE WAS THAT?! CANDICE BLAIR MANAGES TO KICK OUT BUT SHE LOOKS EXHAUSTED, AND SO DOES SAYURI HIMURA WHO FOR SURE THOUGHT SHE HAD IT THERE! BOTH ELITISTS LAY ON THE MAT, SIDE BY SIDE, BREATHING HEAVILY!

Persephone: I can tell we’re nearing the end, so it’ll have to come down to which of these two will choke first and harder. My money is on the one who just got dropped on her neck but the draw is still pretty even.

Rich Russillo: Sayuri starts to show some life, crawling back to her feet as exhaustion overwhelms her, only quelled in the moment by the rush of adrenaline and desire for victory and that spot in the Extreme Elimination Chamber! She is back on her feet, leaning against the ropes for a moment but immediately focuses on Candice, and begins to make her move!

Thadd Blazevich: I think she’s looking for something big, bro! Sayuri is pulling Candice up, hooking her arm over her shoulder, and she’s trying to lift her into position! She’s looking for a brainbuster, perhaps! But Candice is fighting back, throwing punches into Sayuri’s ribs! She’s trying to make herself dead weight, and Sayuri is having trouble getting her off the canvas!

Persephone: Not a lot of weight is behind these punches, but they are enough to cause discomfort and delay any big plan that Sayuri has in mind.Sayuri lowers her to the ground, before firing off another European uppercut, catching Candice flush on the chin! Candice stumbles, barely able to stand straight as Sayuri lands a second, almost knocking her off her feet!

Rich Russillo: But it is Sayuri who keeps Candice from falling over completely, managing to catch her wrists as she drops to her knees, and this crowd kicks up at the sight! Sayuri takes a breath as she knows exactly what she wants from this! Both wrists are captured, and Candice is stuck in a daze! Sayuri steps forward…

Thadd Blazevich: SAYONARAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!

Persephone: MISSED!

Rich Russillo: AVOIDED! THE SAYONARA KNEE LIFT IS AVOIDED! CANDICE BLAIR IS ABLE TO DUCK UNDER AND THE MOMENTUM IS ENOUGH TO BREAK SAYURI’S GRIP, SENDING HER STUMBLING FORWARD! SAYURI IS QUICK TO TURN AROUND HOWEVER–

Thadd Blazevich: AND RIGHT INTO A SMALL PACKAGE!!!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

…

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

…

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

…

Rich Russillo: KICK OUT! JUST ENOUGH, BUT NEITHER ELITIST CAN WASTE TIME SITTING AROUND! BOTH SAYURI AND CANDICE SPRINT TO THEIR FEET, ALMOST STUMBLING OVER THEMSELVES AS THEY RUSH RIGHT INTO EACH OTHER, ARM’S HELD OUT, MAYBE RESULTING IN A DOUBLE CLOTHESLINE?!

Thadd Blazevich: NO! BOTH ARE ABLE TO AVOID IT, HITTING THE ROPES! SAYURI PIVOTS, STANDS HER GROUND, AND UNLEASHES THAT SPINNING BACKFIST AGAIN, LOOKING FOR IZANAMI! THE FIST FLIES BUT IT ONLY CONNECTS WITH AIR AS CANDICE DUCKS UNDER IT, CATCHING SAYURI’S ARM AND PULLING HER TOWARDS HERSELF!

Persephone: AND DROPS HER ON HER HEAD WITH A SAITO SUPLEX…THAT SAYURI ROLLS BACK TO HER FEET FROM?!

Rich Russillo: SAYURI IS BACK UP, ENDURING THAT BLOW AS CANDICE IS FORCED TO CARRY ON THE PRESSURE, BUT SAYURI MAY BE POSSESSED OUT THERE! SAYURI RUNS FORWARD AND DELIVERS A SHOTGUN DROPKICK, KNOCKING CANDICE BACK FIRST INTO THE TURNBUCKLE! SHE STUMBLES TOWARDS THE CENTER OF THE RING AND INTO THE CLUTCHES OF SAYURI ONCE AGAIN WHO HOOKS ONE ARM, THINKING OF MUKANJYO, THE NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!

Thadd Blazevich: NO BRO! CANDICE SWINGS WITH THE MOMENTUM AND LANDS RIGHT BEHIND SAYURI, AND DOESN’T SKIP A BEAT AT THE OPPORTUNITY, HOOKING THE ARM AGAIN AND DROPPING SAYURI ON HER DOME WITH ANOTHER SAITO SUPLEX, AND THIS TIME SHE DOES NOT ROLL TO HER FEET! SHE STAYS PLANTED IN THE GROUND AS THE CROWD REACHES A FEVER PITCH!

Persephone: COME ON, YOU’RE SO CLOSE!

Rich Russillo: CANDICE ROARS TO LIFE TO PUT THIS MATCH TO BED! PULLING A NEAR-LIFELESS SAYURI TO HER FEET, SHE POSITIONS HER ONCE AGAIN, AND GETS THE EXECUTION SHE WANTED BEFORE! CASTLES CRUMBLING LANDS ONCE AND FOR ALL, SPIKING SAYURI’S HEAD INTO THE MAT, AND CANDICE SHOOTS THE HALF IMMEDIATELY!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

…

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

…

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

…

🔔! 🔔!! 🔔!!!

(As soon as the bell rang, Candice rolled off of Sayuri, lying next to her as “Dynasty” by Rina Sawayama returned, playing as cheers met her victory.)

Bella Braxton: Here is your winner…The Reality Breaker, Candice Blair!!

Thadd Blazevich: Wow bro! What a match, and what a great effort by both elitists but you can’t say that Candice Blair didn’t earn every bit of this victory. What a gutsy performance!

Persephone: Just happy that it’s over.

(As Candice is helped to her feet and her hand is raised, the shot focuses on a dazed Sayuri Himura as she is assisted by officials, but she quickly brushes them off as soon as she can hold herself up. Frustration was etched onto her face as she looked down at the mat, gritting her teeth as she raised her fist into the air, preparing to slam it down into the mat…)

(But, at the last moment she was able to calm herself, shaking her head and sighing as she released her balled up fist and rolled to the apron, first looking at Candice Blair celebrating in the ring before looking away.)

Rich Russillo: You have to feel for Sayuri Himura who showed an incredible amount of fight tonight, pushing Candice Blair to the limit and on another day we could be looking at a different winner.

(As the shot lingered, however, a unique figure stood out from the cheering fans in the front row, and as the shot focused and zoomed in, the figure received an immediate response…Daria Vane in the flesh, and her gaze was set on Sayuri Himura.)

(With Daria’s intense stare still focused on the defeated Sayuri, the shot returned to a celebrating Candice Blair who had just booked her ticket to the Extreme Elimination Chamber match, with a roar of cheers at her back as the match came to an end and Wicked Games transitioned elsewhere.)

(https://imgur.com/DItIegI )

Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS AN EXPLODING BARBED WIRE ULTIMATE X MATCH, AND IT IS FOR THE EAW SPECIALISTS CHAMPIONSHIP!

Crowd: YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Bella Braxton: Four competitors will compete for the EAW Specialists Championship, which will be suspended 15-feet above the ring. To win, a competitor must scale the steel framework, traverse the overhead cables, and retrieve the championship. The contest will take place within the Exploding Barbed Wire structure. The ring ropes have been replaced with explosive barbed wire, and the overhead cables are also rigged to explode without warning. There will be no pinfalls, no submissions, no disqualifications, and no ladders. The only way to win is to climb and retrieve the championship!

(“God Shattering Star” by Takashi Baba hits, and ARIA makes her powerful entrance to a loud ovation. She smiles at the crowd for a moment, then lifts her head and fixes her eyes on the match ahead as she marches toward the ring. She stares up at the barbed wire structure, takes a deep breath, and carefully steps inside.)

Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST… FROM PHOENIX, ARIZONA… WEIGHING IN AT 130 POUNDS… ARIAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: Justice for all of y’all, brother. ARIA knows the real world’s corrupt and the system’s broken, so she took matters into her own hands. Tonight, she wants to face her own demon and earn her redemption by winning the Specialists Championship, and close the final chapter on this whole mess.

Rich Russillo: ARIA has one goal tonight, and that’s winning. Whatever her opponents have said to her this week, she can’t let it distract her. If she leaves with that title, she becomes a two-time EAW Specialists Champion.

Persephone: She was a bum, and she’s still a bum. Sure, she won for us at Brand Warfare. Congratulations. She’s still a jackass, and she’s somehow become an even bigger geek than she used to be. Honestly, I hope she dies in this match. That’d be the most entertaining thing she’s ever done.

(Next, ‘Steel Haze (Where Truth Meets)’ by Kota Hoshino plays, and AKIZA marches coldly out toward the ring. She flashes a slight smirk, which quickly hardens into a steely gaze of complete focus as she heads to the ring, ready to fight for glory.)

Bella Braxton: NEXT… FROM KANAGAWA PREFECTURE, JAPAN… WEIGHING IN AT 143 POUNDS… THE QUEEN VERMILLION… AAAAKIIIIZAAAAA!

Rich Russillo: As brutal as this match may be, AKIZA has made it clear it doesn’t scare her. After her involvement at Reckless Wiring earlier this season, she’s looking to move forward and face the next calamity in front of her.

Persephone: Move forward to another loss, you mean. Her whole career’s been about being a sore loser, so watching her die trying tonight should be a lot of fun.

Thadd Blazevich: For real though, wrestling’s like a game of chess to AKIZA. She believes the smartest and most prepared competitor wins matches like this. She didn’t burn herself out dwelling on that recent tag team loss, dude. She’s been saving her energy for what actually matters, and tonight she’s bringing all of it into this chaos to make her opponents crack.

(Next, ‘Episode X’ by Ado plays as Airi Miyamune makes her grand entrance on the stage. She’s flashier and more flamboyant than anyone else in the match, clearly thrilled for the battle ahead. With a big smile across her face, she heads straight down to the ring, ready to embrace the chaos and win all at once.)

Bella Braxton: NEXT… FROM MIMASAKA, OKAYAMA, JAPAN… WEIGHING IN AT 111 POUNDS… THE WOMAN OF NITEN ICHI-RYŪ… AAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIRRRRRRRIIIII… MIYAAAMUUUNEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!

Persephone: And here comes the most annoying bitch in this match. Every time she opens her mouth, my ears start bleeding. I hate her. That should explain everything else I’m about to say tonight.

Rich Russillo: Her goal tonight is the same as everyone else’s: to become EAW Specialists Champion. She’s made no secret of how excited she is for the chaos and risk of this match, and you can see it in her body language on the way to the ring.

Thadd Blazevich: Nah, we need more fearless competitors like her, for real. And she just competed in another match where it was all about climbing and grabbing, so this is right up her alley. I caught a bit of her back on The Last Stand and thought she was pretty cool, so seeing her compete for our brand should be awesome.

Rich Russillo: This is the path of the sword. She has survived dark days to become who she is today. She doesn’t know whether she’ll win or lose tonight, but she feels blessed to compete and grateful to be here, ready to stand up to the opponents who’ve been trying to tear her down. Whatever happens, her passion deserves respect.

Persephone: Fuck her.

(Finally, ‘Let Me Hear’ by Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas plays, and every eye turns toward the prime target of the night. Saori Aizen makes her cold entrance onto the stage, eyeing the three women already waiting for her. A slow, evil smirk spreads across her face as she takes in the structure, and she heads straight to the ring.)

Bella Braxton: AND FINALLY… FROM TOKYO, JAPAN… WEIGHING IN AT 130 POUNDS… SHE IS THE REIGNING EAW SPECIALIST CHAMPION… THE CONTROL DEVIL… SAORIIII… AIZENNNNN!

Thadd Blazevich: Saori wasn’t happy about how this match was set up, she made that pretty clear on Voltage recently. But man, I just saw the look on her face. Maybe she’s already cooked up some wicked new plan.

Rich Russillo: As she put it, all the talk from her challengers is just pointless babble for brownie points. In her eyes, none of them have the strength to carry the burden of being champion, and tonight, by being the one who climbs to the top and takes that title down, she intends to prove it.

Persephone: I already know she’s a fucking psycho, so all I’m asking is that she does something insane. I want this match at full throttle, not another boring pile of shit.

DING DING DING!

Thadd Blazevich: Duuude, it’s time for the Barbed Wire Ultimate X match for the Specialists Championship! This one’s gonna be good, man. Honestly, I’m just blessed to be here watching it in person. There’s gonna be a lot of blood tonight, no doubt, but there’s gonna be a ton of high-impact stuff too.

Persephone: Quite frankly, I don’t give a fuck who wins this match. I just hope somebody dies out there so I can leave satisfied. Watching people try to kill each other? That’s the only fun thing about this job.

Rich Russillo: You’re sick.

Persephone: Shut the fuck up, Rich.

Thadd Blazevich: And there’s the bell, and AKIZA wastes no time. She skips the brawl completely and goes straight for the climb, as if testing to see what she can do so early on! But nah, the others weren’t having it. Three of them charge right at her before she gets anywhere near that title. She thought it’d be that sweet for a second, but bro, we haven’t even gotten to the real part yet.

Persephone: Because she’s a coward, that’s why. And you know what you do with a coward? You stomp her into the mat until she remembers her place. Three on one, beating her ass. Now that’s what I paid for. Well, I didn’t pay, but still.

Rich Russillo: With AKIZA out of the picture for now, it’s back to everyone for themselves. ARIA lands a forearm on Saori, and Miyamune follows right up with a stiff middle kick to ARIA!

Thadd Blazevich: Ooh, that’s gonna wake something up in Ms. Detective there. I don’t know if Miyamune wants to poke that bear, man. That’s risky; she might get cooked. And look, ARIA’s locked in now, totally composed. She swings for the clothesline, but Airi ducks under it with that speed, and then– OH! AIRIRANA! DUDE, ARIA JUST GOT SPIKED! Not quite as nasty as I was picturing, but still, dang.

Persephone: Not as nasty as you pictured? Story of my life with this division. Anyway, now it’s down to this lovesick little brat and her precious “Senpai,” the one she’s been whining at in this whole creepy ass relationship. Airi gets all excited and throws a high kick at Aizen, but the champion blocks it and SLAPS the shit out of her with a shotei! Finally! That’s how you shut an annoying brat up, even if it’s just for a second.

Rich Russillo: A decisive palm strike from the champion! Aizen showing exactly why she walked in with that title, and Airi is going to need a moment to recover from that one. With Airi still stunned from that shotei, Saori sees her opening and starts making her way toward the championship, BUT THE WOMAN OF NITEN ICHI-RYŪ ISN’T GOING DOWN WITHOUT A FIGHT! THE BODY OF THE BLADE CATCHES SAORI FROM BEHIND AND SNAPS HER OVER WITH A DRAGON SUPLEX!

Thadd Blazevich: Ohh, now that’s the resolve of a champion right there, man. Aizen’s fired up after that suplex, just hulking up. Airi’s forcing herself back into it, totally locked in, and she swings for the Penalty Kick, but Aizen slips right past it and grabs her– HALF NELSON, AND A KNEE STRIKE STRAIGHT TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD! OOF! FELT THAT ONE FROM HERE, BRO!

Persephone: Her head was already scrambled, and now her dumbass senpai just knocked out whatever was left loose. Good, hit her again, but no, Aizen gets distracted, because look who’s crawling up the pole again. AKIZA! That sneaky little BITCH!

Rich Russillo: The Queen Vermillion knows what’s on the line, and it seems she’s refusing to lose her focus on it. But Saori isn’t letting that strategy go any further. She drags AKIZA off the pole and swings for the Rolling Backfist, but AKIZA ducks it, spins around behind her, and A SNAP GERMAN SUPLEX SENDS THE DEMON CHILD FLYING!

Thadd Blazevich: Aye, watch out, here comes ARIA on the run! SHOTGUN DROPKICK, AND SHE SENDS AKIZA RIGHT INTO THE ROPES—

(BOOM!)

Thadd Blazevich: OH MY GOD, DUDE! Those barbed wire ropes just exploded! Is AKIZA… is she okay? Is she even alive right now?

Persephone: God, I hope not! But of course the universe hates me, so she’s just lying there twitching on the floor. At least die properly!

Rich Russillo: AKIZA took the full force of that explosion! The officials will want to check on her, but she’s apparently moving, and in this match, that might be all she needs!

Thadd Blazevich: Nah, bro, that’s crazy. I’m just glad that one wasn’t on our side of the ring. If those sparks had hit me in the eyes, I’d be blind, man. How am I supposed to call a match if I can’t see it?

Persephone: Good. I’d rather have you blind and impaled on the barbed wire than sit here every week listening to your annoying ass.

Thadd Blazevich: Ayo, chills…..

Rich Russillo: With AKIZA down and everyone caught off guard for a moment, ARIA is making her way to the pole! Aizen and Airi both rush over to drag her down and swing for a double clothesline the second she lands, BUT ARIA DUCKS UNDER, AND THE BACKSTABBER CONNECTS ON AIRI!

Thadd Blazevich: Oh, now look at this! She plants both feet on Airi and shoves her body forward, right into Saori, and that stuns her too. Two for one, man. Aizen shakes it off and comes back at her, but ARIA kips up, AND THE CHAMP WALKS STRAIGHT INTO A HURRICANRANA! That’s smart stuff, bro. Real heads-up wrestling.

Persephone: Can we please get back to what this match is actually about? I came here for explosions. If I don’t see something blow up soon, I’m walking out.

Rich Russillo: ARIA could have gone for the title there, but she sees the champion stumbling back to her feet and changes plans. She leaps, perhaps looking for the Codebreaker, but Aizen catches the leg, drops ARIA into a seated position— WHAT A PENALTY KICK TO THE BACK!

Thadd Blazevich: Ooh, that one stung. That’s the champ putting ARIA down this time. And now, oh nah, bro, Saori’s got ARIA! She’s trying to shove her face into the barbed wire, and ARIA’s fighting it with everything she’s got!

Persephone: Yes, do it, do it— DRAGON SUPLEX??!?!?!? Fuck! I was this close to finally getting what I wanted, and that fucking cunt Airi ruins it by suplexing Saori away!

Rich Russillo: ARIA rolls clear, but Airi is right back on her and goes for another Dragon Suplex. ARIA fights out of this one, hooks the arm, and sends Airi Miyamune crashing down with a Falcon Arrow!

Thadd Blazevich: Damn, man, now that’s some wrestling. And with everyone down, ARIA’s back on her feet, and she’s ready to take her shot—

(BOOM!)

Persephone: YES! YES! MORE! AKIZA peeled herself off the floor and sent ARIA face-first into the barbed wire with a dropkick from behind! Look at her! That’s payback at the perfect moment, and if ARIA doesn’t get back up, even better!

Rich Russillo: A devastating turn of events! AKIZA, who took that same explosion just minutes ago, returns the favour to ARIA, and the momentum in this match has swung entirely!

Thadd Blazevich: The path’s clear for AKIZA now, but hold up, bro, look who’s back. The champ’s on her feet, and that headbutt lands right on the mark. And she’s not stopping, man. She’s just bashing AKIZA’s skull over and over. AKIZA’s still covered in blood from that explosion, and Aizen’s being real smart about it, just going after the damage that’s already there!

Persephone: Look at the way she’s torturing her. Now that’s demon behaviour. I still hate that she’s champion and I hope she loses that title tonight, but this part? This part I’ll allow. Now she’s got AKIZA in a double underhook, maybe looking for the Double Underhook Backbreaker. Come on! FUCK HER UP! BREAK HER! LIGHT HER ASS UP!

Rich Russillo: AKIZA fights out of it and lands on her feet! A HOOK KICK TO THE JAW! THEN A SPINNING KICK TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD SENDS THE CHAMPION REELING, AND SHE NEARLY FALLS INTO THE BARBED WIRE ROPES! Careful here, she was inches away from becoming the next victim.

Thadd Blazevich: Wait, wait, look who’s up there, y’all! Airi used all that distraction to start climbing, and she’s flying up that pole. Nobody even saw her, man. AKIZA’s only just noticed. Her speed is a real weapon, bro. When the heck did she even get up there?

Persephone: That little thief thinks she’s gonna steal this from me? This is one of the only violent stipulations! AKIZA, get your ass over there! And she does, she’s running over to drag her down, Airi’s fighting to hold on, and— she goes for a HURRICANRANA off the pole?! What the fuck? Since when can she do that?

Rich Russillo: After all, Airi comes out of Niten Ichi-ryū, and that speed and adaptability are a big part of what makes her so dangerous. Taking AKIZA down from that position says a lot about her. AKIZA rolls under the bottom rope to the floor to take cover, and Airi, is she really going to try this…?

Thadd Blazevich: Ayo, don’t tell me she’s going for what I think she’s going for… SASUKE SPECIAL OVER THE BARBED WIRE! DUDE! That’s insane! Miyamune cleared the whole thing and wiped AKIZA out on the floor!

Persephone: Stop drooling, you idiot, and pay attention, because here comes Aizen— SUICIDE DIVE between the ropes! Ugh. I really thought she was going to clip the wire and blow herself up. That was boring!

Rich Russillo: Both competitors are taking huge risks on the outside. That leaves the ring empty, and the title still hanging above it!

Thadd Blazevich: Wait, bro, look at ARIA! She was just biding her time, letting everyone else clear out while she recovered from that nasty spot earlier. Now she’s heading to a corner and starting the climb to the pole. Gotta be careful though, man. Airi made it look easy because she’s that quick, but ARIA’s gotta watch those barbed wires wrapped around the pole on the way up.

Rich Russillo: And remember, unlike the ropes around the ring, those cables can explode at any moment. Airi was fortunate not to get caught by any of it. Will ARIA be the first to fall victim up there?

Persephone: No, but I know who’s gonna make her one. Saori’s back in the ring, straight up to the top turnbuckle, and she’s got ARIA before her nerdy bitchass can climb any higher! Now they’re both up top. Come on, Saori, do something stupid and dangerous!

Thadd Blazevich: You might be right for real, Persephone, because she’s grabbing ARIA now, and I’ve got no idea what’s coming… AVALANCHE SPANISH FLY! The champion takes ARIA down from the top! Gotta appreciate that one, man. Crazy high-flying stuff, dude!

Rich Russillo: Another opening for Saori, but Airi is back up behind her. Instead of getting into the ring, she sneaks up the corner and heads straight for the pole! Saori sees it, gets to her feet, and heads for the opposite side. They’re going to meet in the middle!

Persephone: What the fuck am I even watching anymore?

Thadd Blazevich: You’re watching some real competition, that’s what. This is about as dangerous as it gets, both of them hanging off those cables, and they’ve finally met right in the middle.

Rich Russillo: Saori is trying to kick her away, but it’s very difficult to generate any force from that position. Airi is trying the same thing, and now they’re both just swinging kicks at each other. Neither of them can stay up there for long. Those cables are going to blow.

Persephone: They’re a pair of idiots dangling there like they’ve got a crush on each other. Whatever. As long as one of them ends up dead, I’m happy–

(BOOM!)

Persephone: What the fuck?! No, I mean… that was AMAZING!

Thadd Blazevich: Whoa! Who just threw that? Perfect shot, by the way!

Rich Russillo: AN EXPLODING BARBED WIRE STEEL CHAIR HAS BEEN THROWN OVER THE ROPES INTO THE RING! IT CAUGHT AIRI IN THE LEGS, AND SHE’S DOWN SCREAMING! AND THAT WAS AKIZA WHO THREW IT!

Persephone: That thing has to be heavy, and she just chucked it in like it was nothing. I’m… impressed, I guess. Don’t tell anyone!

Thadd Blazevich: But don’t forget, y’all, Saori’s still hanging up there, and she’s real close to retaining her title. AKIZA’s rushing back into the ring, and she’s not having any of it. She grabs Saori by the legs, pulls her down onto her shoulders— wait, no way, bro!

Persephone: AKITEN-BOMB ONTO THE BARBED WIRE STEEL CHAIR! Saori’s skin just sank right into that wire! HELL YEAH! THIS IS WHAT I LIKE!

Saori Aizen: (Off-Mic) AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: A brutal reversal! Saori was within reach of retaining, and now the champion is lying in the wreckage of that chair!

Thadd Blazevich: Just as AKIZA’s trying to shift gears and go somewhere else, Airi climbs right up onto her shoulders. Look at that, she’s in the electric chair position, and she rolls the Queen Vermillion right through– DOUBLE FOOT STOMP! WHAT A VARIATION ON THE UNICORN GALLOP, MAN! AKIZA GOES DOWN!

Rich Russillo: Look at the side of her leg! The bleeding from that chair still hasn’t stopped, but Airi is pushing through the pain, showing that the strength of Niten Ichi-ryū is second to none. She nearly stumbles, but she manages to make it to the corner—

Persephone: EUROPEAN UPPERCUT! ARIA was lying on the mat just waiting for that, and she blasted her! Watching one of these bitches suffer that much really does something for me!

Thadd Blazevich: And Airi could barely even stand up straight, man, so that makes it hurt even more. But what’s ARIA thinking here? She’s not going for the title yet.

Rich Russillo: She’s grabbing Airi by the legs, pulling her up–

(BOOM!)

Rich Russillo: A GIANT SWING BY ARIA, AND SHE’S DRIVEN AIRI STRAIGHT INTO THE EXPLOSIVE BARBED WIRE ROPES! That’s major payback for what Airi did to her earlier in this match! And now Airi is lying on the mat, writhing in pain after taking that explosion!

Persephone: HOLY SHIT, THAT WAS FUCKING AWESOME! For the first time in forever, ARIA actually knows how to wrestle!

Thadd Blazevich: Watch out, here comes the Thunderclap Nova! Saori’s trying to fight back from the brink, but ARIA slips out of the way of that elbow, and— Phoenix Cutter! She caught her clean, man!

Rich Russillo: Look at ARIA’s eyes. There’s something fierce in them now. Her body language says it all: she’s been waiting a long time for this match, and that barbed wire steel chair isn’t far away.

ARIA: (off-mic) I wonder, Saori. Who’s the vermin now…?

(SCRATCH! SCRATCH! SCRATCH! SCRATCH! SCRATCH!)

Thadd Blazevich: ARIA, what are you doing?!

Persephone: OH MY GOD, THIS JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER! SHE’S RAKING SAORI’S FACE ACROSS THAT BARBED WIRE! WHEN DID ARIA GET THIS GOOD? IS THIS REALLY 2026?!

Thadd Blazevich: Yo, ARIA’s been wanting to get her hands on Saori for a long time, and you can tell this is personal, bro. The crowd’s losing it right now, and honestly, so am I!

Rich Russillo: And now she’s showing the crowd her painting. The barbed wire chair is still stuck in Saori’s face, ARIA grabs it, AND SHE PULLS— THERE’S BLOOD EVERYWHERE! SAORI IS BARELY RECOGNIZABLE COMPARED TO THE WOMAN WHO STARTED THIS MATCH!

Persephone: That’s fucking awesome. ARIA is actually making me want to root for her, and believe me, that’s crazy coming from me—

Rich Russillo: RAGING BISHAMON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AIRI SURGED BACK ON HER FEET; SHE LEAPS OVER THE FALLEN SAORI AND CATCHES ARIA WITH THE RUNNING FRONT FLIP PILEDRIVER! ONCE AGAIN, IT’S THE WOMAN OF NITEN ICHI-RYŪ WITH THE ADVANTAGE!

Persephone: And there it is. Somebody always has to ruin it for me!

Thadd Blazevich: Not so fast, though, because AKIZA snuck up behind her, and Airi barely has time to react— SWORD CUTLASS! WHAT A SPINNING BACK ELBOW, DUDE! THAT TURNED AIRI INSIDE OUT!

Persephone: WHAT?! THE SWORD CUTLASS DID NOTHING TO HER! SHE JUST HULKED RIGHT BACK UP TO HER FEET! WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS GIRL MADE OF?!

Rich Russillo: AKIZA IS JUST AS STUNNED! SHE GOES FOR IT AGAIN, BUT THE ELBOW MISSES, AND AIRI HEADS TO THE CORNER, UP TOP, AND SHE LAUNCHES OFF LOOKING FOR THE AIRI CUTTER—

Thadd Blazevich: —AND AKIZA CATCHES HER WITH A BICYCLE KNEE TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD, RIGHT OUT OF THE AIR! DUDE, THAT’S AN INSANE CATCH, AND SHE ACTUALLY PULLED IT OFF! NOW AKIZA’S BACKING OFF, CREATING A LITTLE SPACE, AND AIRI’S OUT THERE LOOKING LIKE A WALKING DEAD WOMAN… SHE’S SETTING UP FOR THE RED HOT DEVIATION!

Persephone: FUCKKKKKKKKKKK! AND OF COURSE, THE MUMYŌ SANDANZUKI TO THE FACE TURNS AKIZA INSIDE OUT! THE HIDDEN BLADE, AND NOW BOTH OF THEM ARE DOWN, WASTING EVEN MORE OF MY TIME! SO NOW I GET TO SIT HERE AND WATCH THEM ALL RACE TO GET BACK ON THEIR FEET AT THE SAME TIME! GROUND-FUCKING-BREAKING! I’VE NEVER SEEN THAT BEFORE!

Rich Russillo: Everyone in this match is down at the same time… but one of them is closest to a corner, and she’s using it to pull herself up.

Thadd Blazevich: Saori’s back, man. She’s at the corner and starting to climb, trying to reach that glory one more time. She’s struggling every step of the way, but she’s still going.

Persephone: She can barely stand, and she’s climbing again? How is that supposed to help her? Fall off. Land on your head. Do something useful.

Rich Russillo: After all the hell she’s endured in her life, this probably means nothing to her. And look, she’s even smiling, knowing the title is almost within reach. With everyone else down, could this truly be it? Saori is taking this chance for herself!

Thadd Blazevich: …and look at that, bro. After all that, AKIZA and Airi are the first two back on their feet, at the same time!

Rich Russillo: BUT INSTEAD OF GOING FOR THE PRIZE, THEY’RE STARING EACH OTHER DOWN… AND HERE WE GO! THEY’RE TRADING BLOWS! AKIZA AND AIRI, TWO JAPANESE JOSHI GOING AT IT IN THE CENTER OF THE RING!

Thadd Blazevich: I’m telling y’all, this is that fighting spirit they’ve been all about. That’s where all that crazy adrenaline we saw earlier comes from, man!

Persephone: If these two don’t start trying to kill each other again in the next five seconds…

Rich Russillo: A HIGH KICK TO THE HEAD BY AKIZA STOPS EVERYTHING! That one leaves Airi rattled. Both women are covered in blood, fighting on sheer heart, and AKIZA IS LOOKING FOR A SECOND ATTEMPT AT THE RED HOT DEVIATION!

Thadd Blazevich: Airi slips the kick, gets around behind her, and plants her with a German suplex! And she’s not done, man. Look how smooth that transition is, even in the state they’re both in, SHE ROLLS RIGHT INTO A HALF NELSON DRAGON SUPLEX AND DRIVES AKIZA HARD INTO THE CANVAS!

Persephone: SHORT-ARM LARIAT! Thank god! Saori shuts Airi down again, after I had to sit through all that bullshit between those two geeks!

Rich Russillo: That leaves a clear path for Saori once more, despite how badly she’s bleeding– BUT ARIA SEIZES THE MOMENT, AND A SUPERKICK TO THE JAW SENDS THE CHAMPION STAGGERING!

Thadd Blazevich: And ARIA doesn’t waste time on her. She turns around, heads to the corner, and climbs up the pole. She’s on her way to the prize!

Persephone: DRAG HER ASS DOWN! KILL HER! She’s trying to run away from a fight, but Saori isn’t letting her get away with it. She’s climbing up after her and trying to drag her down while ARIA’s already hanging from the cables!

Rich Russillo: Saori manages to pull her down, BUT ARIA TURNS IT INTO AN AVALANCHE HURRICANRANA OFF THE CABLE! WHAT A WAY TO TAKE THE CHAMPION DOWN!

Thadd Blazevich: Here comes Airi, leaping for a headscissors, but ARIA just holds her up with that strength of hers and drops her down in front of her… GOING FOR A WHEELBARROW GERMAN SUPLEX TO SEND HER FLYING— WAIT, WHAT!? SHE LANDS ON HER FEET, BRO! AIRI, YOU’RE OUT OF YOUR MIND!

Persephone: ARIA can’t believe it, so she turns around to figure out why she sucks so much, AND A BUZZSAW KICK FROM AIRI TO HER THICK SKULL EXPLAINS IT FOR HER!

Rich Russillo: A spin kick from Saori Aizen! The champion is back up and catches Airi right across the head, sending her reeling as she takes back the momentum! Aizen grabs Airi— AND A SNAP FINAL CUT ONTO THE KNEE TAKES THE WOMAN OF NITEN ICHI-RYŪ DOWN!

Thadd Blazevich: Saori rolls forward and leaps at ARIA, trying to get to her, but ARIA catches her right up on her shoulders! Man, the strength and energy it takes to pull that off this late in a match like this… and now she’s taking off running—

(## BOOM!)

Thadd Blazevich: POP-UP POWERBOMB! ARIA DRIVES THE CHAMPION RIGHT INTO THE EXPLODING BARBED WIRE ROPES AND SENDS HER STRAIGHT THROUGH THEM TO THE FLOOR! BIG-TIME TAKEDOWN FROM ARIA! YOOO, BRO, THIS MATCH IS CRAZY!

Persephone: Now this is a real sport, not whatever the fuck that was between Airi and AKIZA, which didn’t make a lick of sense to begin with!

Rich Russillo: ARIA is back on her feet once again. With Saori out of the picture, Airi still trying to recover, and AKIZA no better off, the path is clear for ARIA to become a two-time Specialist Champion. She’s in the corner, climbing all the way up the pole and out onto the cables.

Thadd Blazevich: Careful up there, ARIA. She might be close to the title, but every second she spends on those cables, she’s rolling the dice on getting blown up, man.

Persephone: Ooooh shit, I want to see that!

Rich Russillo: ARIA is working her way hand over hand along the cable, inching toward the Specialists Championship. She’s so close to it now!

Thadd Blazevich: WAIT, LOOK AT THAT, BRO! AIRI’S BACK ON HER FEET, AND SHE’S HEADING UP THE TOP CORNER. ARIA SPOTS HER, AND NOW SHE HAS TO CHANGE FOCUS… AND AIRI LAUNCHES FOR A DIVING DROPKICK!

Rich Russillo: BUT ARIA PULLS HERSELF UP ON THE CABLE, AND AIRI’S DROPKICK HITS NOTHING BUT AIR! HOLY COW, WHAT AN ESCAPE—

(## BOOM!)

Rich Russillo: OH GOD! WHAT HORRIBLE TIMING! ARIA WAS CLINGING TIGHTLY TO THAT CABLE WHEN IT EXPLODED AT THE WORST POSSIBLE MOMENT, AND IT SENT HER CRASHING DOWN TO THE MAT FROM 15 FEET IN THE AIR!

Persephone: LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I WAS WAITING FOR THAT! STUPID WHORE!

Thadd Blazevich: ARIA’s left writhing on the mat, and it gets worse for her, bro. Saori’s made a rough recovery, and she’s up top too… HORIZON OF THE CAPTIVATING SKANDHA ONTO ARIA! THAT’S GOTTA BE IT FOR HER!

Rich Russillo: That absolutely ends the night for ARIA! After everything she’s endured in this match, there’s no way she’s coming back from that!

Thadd Blazevich: That’s the end of the justice she was fighting for, man. And look at Saori, laughing like a madwoman through that crimson mask, knowing she’s the one who did it.

Persephone: I’d be laughing too! Watching her suffer is the most fun I’ve had all night—

Thadd Blazevich: ## ARONDIGHTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AKIZA JUST POPPED UP OFF THE MAT, CAME RUSHING FROM BEHIND AND TOOK SAORI’S HEAD CLEAN OFF, BRO!

Rich Russillo: AKIZA was waiting for exactly this moment. Bloodied and battered as she is, she throws Saori out of the ring once again and turns her attention to the gold!

Thadd Blazevich: Saori was this close to retaining, and AKIZA shut it down. Are we about to see the fastest rise to glory any newcomer has ever had, right here tonight?

Persephone: Over my fucking dead body! Here comes Airi, up off the mat, and a thrust kick to AKIZA’s jaw before she can go anywhere!

Rich Russillo: AND PERHAPS LOOKING TO ELIMINATE ANOTHER RIVAL, AIRI HOOKS THE ARMS, LOOKING FOR THE RAIJIN BREAKER!

Thadd Blazevich: Hang on, though, AKIZA’s not having it! She’s fighting it, resisting with everything she’s got, and— BACK BODY DROP! SHE SENDS AIRI FLYING!

Persephone: YEAH, RIGHT TOWARD THE TOP CORNER, YOU DUMBASS! GREAT JOB, AKIZA, YOU JUST THREW THE NITEN ICHI-RYŪ BRAT ONTO THE MIDDLE ROPE, AND NOW SHE’S CLIMBING TO THE TOP! ARE YOU STUPID?!!?!??!?!

Rich Russillo: IT DOESN’T TAKE AKIZA A SECOND TO REALIZE HER MISTAKE! SHE TURNS AROUND AND RUSHES OVER TO CATCH MIYAMUNE AT THE TOP, TRYING TO DRAG HER AWAY BEFORE SHE CAN GET ANYWHERE NEAR THE TITLE!

Thadd Blazevich: PALM STRIKE TO AIRI! NOW THEY’RE BOTH UP TOP AND FIGHTING AGAIN, AND AIRI FIRES RIGHT BACK WITH ONE OF HER OWN. MAN, THIS IS SCARY TO WATCH! THEY’RE THROWING EVERYTHING AT EACH OTHER UP THERE, AND ONE WRONG MOVE AND THEY’RE BOTH GOING OFF THE TOP!

Rich Russillo: Airi grabs her now, and what is she— OH MY GOD, TSUBAME GAESHI! AN AVALANCHE SPANISH FLY OFF THE TOP TAKES AKIZA DOWN!

Persephone: And ARIA snuck in! She was waiting for that; she grabs Miyamune— GLITCH IN THE MATRIX, AND SHE DRIVES AIRI RIGHT ON TOP OF AKIZA! FUCK! DOES THIS MEAN I HAVE TO SPEND THE NEXT FEW MONTHS WATCHING THIS BOZO RUN THE BRAND?!!?!?!?

Thadd Blazevich: Maybe so, because after everything, ARIA’s still finding the strength to keep going, and now she’s reaching for the corner. It’s gonna take her a while, though, man. This match has pushed her in every way you can measure. But she’s gonna give it everything to claim her justice regardless!

Rich Russillo: ARIA is at the top and slowly making her way to the pole. But Saori, who’s been out of the action for some time, is back in the picture. She’s a bloodied mess, crawling up after ARIA like a zombie, grabbing at her leg and trying to drag her down!

Persephone: Now this looks like a scene from one of my favourite horror movies. Saori finally reaches her up there and ELBOWS her right in the jaw! Now eat her fucking brain out!

Thadd Blazevich: Speaking of brains, I think Saori’s about to do some serious damage to ARIA’s… oh man, this is crazy. She’s setting up for what I think she’s setting up for!

Rich Russillo: ## AVALANCHE CLOSING FRANTICA!!!!!!!!!!—

(…)

(Suddenly, to everyone’s surprise, a splash of water hits Saori square in the face, soaking the open wounds. She loses her grip on ARIA, and the champion topples off the top rope, crashing down to the floor outside.)

Thadd Blazevich: WHOA, WHAT THE HELL? WHO JUST THREW THAT WATER? DID SOME FAN GET TOO EXCITED?

Persephone: ## NO, THAT’S AUBURN WARE! SHE JUST THREW A BUCKET OF WATER AT SAORI AND KNOCKED HER OFF THE TOP! BUT THE BETTER QUESTION IS: WHAT THE FUCK IS SHE DOING HERE?!

Rich Russillo: THIS IS THE MOMENT AUBURN WARE HAS BEEN WAITING FOR! SHE’S WANTED TO GET HER HANDS ON SAORI FOR A LONG TIME, AND NOW SHE’S BEATING HER DOWN, CRACKING THAT BUCKET ACROSS HER HEAD!

Thadd Blazevich: AND NOW THEY’RE FIGHTING UP THE AISLE AND ONTO THE STAGE! AUBURN KEEPS HURLING THAT BUCKET RIGHT AT HER, AND SAORI’S IN A WORLD OF PAIN, DUDE! I’M TELLING YOU, SHE’S BEEN WAITING A LONG TIME FOR THIS, AND THE WAY SHE’S BEATING HER SAYS EVERYTHING!

(Auburn Ware stares coldly down at the battered Saori Aizen as the two make it to the edge of the stage, then yanks her up by the hair and looks her dead in the eyes.)

Auburn Ware: (off-mic) Burn in hell, Demon Child.

Persephone: OH, FUCK!

(## CRASHHHHH! BOOOOOOM!)

(Sparks and smoke endlessly rise from the chaotic scene that just unfolded. Auburn looks down at the scene with a cold look on her face, while Saori Aizen lies in the wreckage, nearly completely motionless. The only exception is occasional muscle spasms as the result of being electrocuted, which was no doubt worse thanks to the water. It’s a hazardous scene, as even now the Champion continues being endlessly electrocuted.)

Rich Russillo: AIZEN HAS BEEN THROWN INTO THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT BELOW THE STAGE, AND IT’S ALL EXPLODED! SPARKS ARE FLYING DOWN EVERYWHERE!

Persephone: HAHAHA, AND THANKS TO AUBURN SPLASHING SAORI WITH WATER, SAORI JUST GOT VIOLENTLY ELECTROCUTED DOWN THERE!!!! AUBURN DEFINITELY KNEW WHAT SHE WAS DOING WITH THAT! I THINK SHE JUST KILLED HER!!

Thadd Blazevich: SAORI’S BADLY HURT, THANKS TO AUBURN GETTING INVOLVED! SHE’S COMPLETELY UNRESPONSIVE, AND MEDICAL PERSONNEL AND SECURITY ARE BOTH RUSHING OUT THANKS TO WHAT AUBURN WARE JUST DID! The medics quickly rush over to the scene, but bro, Saori’s done. Look at all the smoke rising from the area! She’s not getting back up!

(Auburn makes her way to the back as the medical personnel are all seen with gloves, carefully approaching the situation, as Saori Aizen remains unresponsive.)

Rich Russillo: And you know what that means. Not only is Saori’s career and life in danger, but we are absolutely getting a NEW Specialists Championship tonight!

Persephone: LET’S FUCKING HOPE IT ENDS IN A DRAW! I CAN’T TAKE ANY OF THESE THREE AS CHAMPION!

Rich Russillo: WITH AUBURN GONE, BACK IN THE RING, ARIA IS UP AND TRYING TO CLIMB ONCE AGAIN!

Thadd Blazevich: AND THAT GIVES AIRI THE CHANCE TO CATCH UP WITH HER AND DRAG HER OFF THE CORNER. SHE GOES FOR A GERMAN SUPLEX, BUT ARIA FIGHTS IT, TURNS AROUND, AND SHE’S LOOKING TO PLANT HER WITH TRUE TO HER NAME—

Persephone: EUROPEAN UPPERCUT FROM AKIZA TO ARIA! AND THEN AIRI DRIVES ARIA INTO THE CANVAS WITH ANOTHER AIRIRANA! IT’S THESE TWO AGAIN! I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS!

Rich Russillo: AKIZA CHARGES IN TO CLOSE THE GAP AND SWINGS FOR THE LARIAT, BUT AIRI DUCKS IT AND GRABS THE ARM— AMETHYST STORM, USING THE MIDDLE TURNBUCKLE FOR LEVERAGE!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT AKIZA LANDS ON HER FEET, SCOOPS AIRI UP AND CRUSHES HER WITH AN URANAGE BACKBREAKER! THAT FOLDED HER IN HALF! NOW AKIZA THROWS AIRI OUT OF HER WAY AND GOES FOR THE GLORY!

Persephone: THERE’S NO WAY AKIZA WINS THIS! WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH MY LIFE?! SOMEBODY GET UP!

Rich Russillo: AKIZA IS HURTING, AND HER CLIMB IS SLOW! BUT SHE’S STILL IN PURSUIT OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP, AND THIS COULD BE IT!

Thadd Blazevich: HOLD UP, Y’ALL! AFTER ALL THAT, AIRI’S STILL STANDING. AND THIS TIME SHE ISN’T WASTING A SECOND! SHE’S HEADING FOR THE OPPOSITE POLE TO TAKE HER OWN SHOT AT IT!

Rich Russillo: BOTH YOUNG CONTENDERS ARE CLIMBING FOR THE GOLD, AND NOW THEY’RE BOTH OUT ON THE CABLES, MAKING THEIR WAY TOWARD THE CHAMPIONSHIP!

Persephone: CAN’T SOMEBODY JUST BLOW ONE OF THEM UP? WATCHING EITHER OF THESE UNDERACHIEVERS WIN IS GOING TO BE TORTURE!

Thadd Blazevich: BOTH OF THEM ARE BLOODIED AND BEATEN, IN THE WORST STATE THEY’VE BEEN IN ALL NIGHT, AND THEY’RE STILL FIGHTING UP ON THOSE CABLES, HANGING UPSIDE DOWN, REACHING FOR THAT TITLE! THAT’S WILD, BRO!

Rich Russillo: THIS IS THE SPIRIT OF AN ELITIST ON FULL DISPLAY FROM THESE TWO, DESPERATELY GOING AFTER THE CHAMPIONSHIP!

Persephone: WAIT, WAIT! THE TITLE’S COMING LOOSE FROM THE ULTIMATE X STRUCTURE, AND THEY’VE BOTH GOT A HAND ON IT! THEY’RE EACH HANGING ON WITH ONE HAND AND TRYING TO RIP IT AWAY FROM THE OTHER!

Thadd Blazevich: WE ARE DEFINITELY CROWNING A NEW CHAMPION TONIGHT, BRO!

Rich Russillo: BUT WHO HAS THE STRONGER GRIP? IT COULD BE AIRI, WHO’S BEEN IN THIS SITUATION BEFORE, OR AKIZA, WHO HAS THE EDGE IN RAW STRENGTH—

(SNATCH!)

Rich Russillo: …!!??!?!?!?!!!!!

Persephone: WHAT THE FUCK?!

Thadd Blazevich: Oh… wow….!….

(…)

Thadd Blazevich: ## WHAT A WIN BY ARIA! SHE LEAPT OFF THE TOP ROPE OUT OF NOWHERE AND SNATCHED THE CHAMPIONSHIP RIGHT OUT OF BOTH THEIR HANDS IN MID-AIR!

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

Bella Braxton: ## HERE IS YOUR WINNER!… ANDDD…. NEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW… EAW SPECIALISTS CHAMPION!…. ARIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: YO, ARIA DID IT! WHAT THE FUCK?! TWO-TIME CHAMPION, MAN, TWO TIMES! AFTER ALL THE INJURIES, AFTER COMING UP FROM THE DIRT, SHE CRAWLED THROUGH HEAVEN AND HELL, AND AFTER EVERYTHING SHE’S STRUGGLED THROUGH, SHE’S STANDING THERE AS CHAMPION! I CAN’T BELIEVE I’M ABOUT TO CRY, BRO! JUST BEING HERE FOR THIS PART OF HER JOURNEY!

Persephone: BULLSHIT! That win is BULLSHIT! She doesn’t deserve that! Why?! Why does it have to be her?! Where the fuck is the replay?!

(A slow-motion replay shows ARIA sneaking up to the top rope, then leaping off it and snatching the title from the hands of AKIZA and Airi at the same time, claiming it for herself in an instant.)

Persephone: This— this is STUPID! This is so fucking stu— (sighs) I hate my life. Congratulations, I guess?

(‘God Shattering Star’ by Takashi Baba plays as the referee rushes into the ring to declare the winner. Bloodied and battered, ARIA can barely believe the title is in her hands, even as the official confirms it. Slowly, she begins to cry, covering her face as the emotions pour out. All her hard work has finally paid off, and justice has risen for all.)

Rich Russillo: Justice for all, and at long last, justice has prevailed. ARIA has finally been rewarded for staying true to her path. She accepted her past mistakes, worked incredibly hard and chipped away at her guilt, and now she is a two-time Specialists Champion– a RARE achievement in EAW. It’s nothing short of a wonderful moment for her. Congratulations to ARIA on a well-earned victory!

(ARIA wipes away her tears and looks down at the Specialists Championship, the title she’s watched from afar for years, and breaks down again. She clutches it tightly like something precious she has sorely missed for so long and drops to her knees, as the crowd rises to give her a loud standing ovation. Wicked Games fades to a commercial break on ARIA celebrating her emotional title victory.)

(A commercial break is shown for a “horse racing simulation game” (trust me), Umamusume: Pretty Derby, featuring Hegemonic.)

(https://i.imgur.com/dg1H9oL.png )

(The camera cuts to Bella Braxton in the ring.)

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

Crowd: ONE FALL!!

(‘Vordt of the Boreal Valley” by Motoi Sakuraba begins to play as Igon Mordren comes out with a determined look on his face! Boos to start to pile on for the Serbian native as he ignores the hate coming his way and marches his way down to the ring, ready to put his business with Reylin Aloali’i to rest.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing first!…From Belgrade, Serbia!!! WEIGHING IN AT 266 POUNDS… HE IS ‘THE WARDEN’… IGON MORDREN!!!

Rich Russillo: Igon is out first and to say that both Reylin and Igon don’t like each other is understatement. This is a rivalry that has dated back since Bloodsport when Reylin made his debut for Elite Answers Wrestling did so at the expense of the Warden! The bickering, the back and forth, we saw how all that unraveled at Territorial Invasion and it’s now reached this point of no return between these two.

Thadd Blazevich: You said it best Rich, Igon views Reylin as someone beneath, someone that’s not on his level. He wants to face the best wrestlers this company has to offer, the high end guys on Voltage. He believes fighting Reylin relegates him and you know that pisses Reylin off quite a bit. Igon looks to put the Reylin chapter of his career behind and get that future title opportunity for the Hardcore title.

(Igon makes his way towards the steps before climbing up, wiping his feet on the ring apron and entering in between the ropes. He stands there feeling the noise from the crowd as soon enough his music fades out and ‘SAME SHIT’ by Isaiah Rashad begins to play. Reylin Aloali’i walks out, and immediately it’s clear he’s ready for this match. He has a more positive leaning reaction compared to Igon as makes his way down to the ring, as he looks very focused at the task at hand tonight.)

Rich Russillo: Reylin makes his way down to the ring and if anyone is looking to prove Igon wrong tonight it’s going to be Reylin. As mentioned Igon thinks very less of Reylin, believing he’s not at his level. Reylin is going to make sure not only that he kicks the Warden’s ass here tonight and he’s going to do it under the conditions that Igon wanted for their match.

Thadd Blazevich: Yep! Igon was the one who wanted the Submission Match as Reylin had no problem with it and with a Hardcore Championship match hanging for whoever wins… this collision course may have an award for either one of these once it’s all said and done.

(Reylin marches his way and climbs up the steps to enter the ring. He looks every bit ready as he stands in his corner and so does Igon as the referee signals for the bell.)

DING! DING! DING!

Rich Russillo: The bell rings for this match as Immediately, Reylin storms right towards Igon!! Nailing him with a clothesline– BUT IGON TAKES THE HIT, AND IS STILL STANDING!!! IGON RESPONDS RIGHT BACK WITH A CLOTHESLINE OF HIS OWN– BUT REYLIN IS ALSO STANDING!! MERE SECONDS OF THIS MATCH STARTING AND THEY’RE ALREADY THROWING HAYMAKERS OUT!!!

Thadd Blazevich: Reylin bro runs from the ropes and back and– DELIVERS A FOREARM, BUT IGON RESPONDS WITH A OPEN HAND PALM STRIKE TO REYLIN!! IGON NOW GRABS A HOLD OF REYLIN BRO AND TAKES HIM DOWN WITH A HEADLOCK TAKEOVER!!

Persephone: BOOO! We need them hitting hard, not this headlock nonsense.

Rich Russillo: This was the match Igon wanted, he wanted to specifically make Reylin tap out here and tonight that will be the only way to win this match. Reylin doesn’t really have a key submission but we saw how he put that local competitor on Voltage, making him tap out and let’s not forget he even took Igon out with his own sleeperhold! You have to be a little bit worried if you’re the Warden when it comes to Reylin Aloali’i.

Thadd Blazevich: Oh for sure bro but Igon is the one with the advantage right now, still having that headlock applied– maybe even looking for an early win if he keeps at this Headlock position with Reylin on the ground– BUT REYLIN IS FIGHTING BACK!! HE’S CLUBBING IGON RIGHT IN HIS BACK BRO!! BUT IGON SWITCHES, MANEUVERING HIMSELF AROUND AS HE SEEMS READY TO APPLY A DIFFERENT HOLD!

Persephone: BUT REYLIN MANAGES TO GET OUT OF IT, AND HE SLIPS BEHIND IGON! HE’S TRYING TO APPLY THE SLEEPERHOLD, JUST LIKE HE DID THIS PAST VOLTAGE!!!

Rich Russillo: BUT IGON QUICKLY GETS OUT OF IT AND ROLLS OUT OF THE RING! The fans here tonight in Romania are booing but this is quite smart of Igon, getting out of that predicament before Reylin could really even lock in that Sleeperhold! He dodged a bullet there, that’s for sure. Igon is pacing back and forth as Reylin also rolls out the ring. Reylin charges in, looking for a European uppercut– BUT IGON COUNTERS IT AND LANDS A OPEN HAND PALM STRIKE RIGHT TO THE BACK OF REYLIN!!!

Thadd Blazevich: You could hear the noise that Palm Strike made bro as Igon grabs a hold of Reylin bro and– CONNECTS WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX ON THE OUTSIDE!! MY GOD THAT WAS A NASTY LANDING!! Igon brings Reylin back to his feet, sending him back into the ring. Igon slides right in and– IS DELIVERING ANVIL ELBOW STRIKES TO AN ALREADY DOWN REYLIN!!!

Persephone: He now has Reylin in a Rear Naked Choke, this could be over for Reylin if Igon has this submission locked in too tight! It would be a blessing if this match would be over just like that, so we can move on to the more gruesome matches.

Rich Russillo: BUT REYLIN ISN’T QUITTING!! HE PULLS IGON OVER HIS HEAD WITH A SNAPMARE– BEFORE DROPPING DOWN AND TRAPPING IGON IN AN ANACONDA VISE!!! WHERE DID HE LEARN THAT MOVE FROM!?

Thadd Blazevich: BUT QUICKLY IGON GETS OUT OF THAT SUBMISSION WITH A HEADSCISSORS, PULLING REYLIN OFF OF HIM!! BOTH MEN GET UP TO THEIR FEET AND IGON GOES FOR A BIG BOOT, BUT REYLIN DODGES THE ATTEMPT AND CONNECTS WITH A POP-UP KNEE STRIKE!! IGON IS STAGGERING… AS REYLIN PICKS UP IGON FOR A SAMOAN DRIVER!!!

Persephone: God damn!

Rich Russillo: HE DELIVERS THAT MASSIVE SAMOAN DRIVER, AND IGON IS DOWN AND OUT!!! REYLIN NOW GRABS A HOLD OF IGON LEGS, AND HE TURNS HIM OVER FOR A BOSTON CRAB SUBMISSION!!! HE’S TORTING THE BACK OF THE WARDEN AS IGON IS IN A TERRIBLE POSITION NOW!! HE IS SCREAMING IN PAIN! THIS COULD BE IT!!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT IGON BRO USES HIS BODYWEIGHT TO SHIFT THE POSITION AS HE’S NOW LAID ON HIS BACK! HE NOW KICKS REYLIN RIGHT IN THE FACE WITH HIS LEFT FOOT, DOING SO MULTIPLE TIMES AS REYLIN IS FORCED TO LET TO!! IGON BRO ROLLS HIMSELF OUT TO THE RING APRON, FREE FROM REYLIN!

Rich Russillo: REYLIN GOES TOWARDS IGON– BUT IGON TAKES THE OPPORTUNITY TO HIT REYLIN WITH A ROPE ASSISTED JAWBREAKER!! REYLIN IS STUNNED AS NOW IGON GETS BACK IN THE RING– AND CONNECTS WITH A CHOP BLOCK TO REYLIN!!! HE TARGETS THE RIGHT LEG OF REYLIN AS HE GOES DOWN ONE KNEE AS IGON GRABS A HOLD OF REYLIN’S LEG AND– SMASHES HIS KNEE RIGHT ON THE CANVAS!!!

Persephone: Igon is kinda relentless here.

Thadd Blazevich: Given his rivalry with Reylin started, Igon wants to get rid of what Reylin wants once and for all. He referred to him as a cockroach that won’t leave him alone! Igon bro now grabs hold of that same right leg and– AND LOCKS REYLIN IN WITH A SINGLE LEG BOSTON CRAB!!! IGON BRO HAS THAT TIGHTLY GRIPPED AS REYLIN IS IN BAD SPOT NOW!!!

Rich Russillo: REYLIN HAS NOWHERE TO GO AS NOW IGON IS THE ONE CRANKING THE BACK OF REYLIN!! THE TOP GUN NEEDS TO FIND HIMSELF OUT OF THIS PRADICEMENT!! WAIT– HE’S SLOWING MAKING HIS WAY TOWARDS THE ROPES, SLOWLY AND SLOWLY AND–

Thadd Blazevich: BRO GETS TO IT!! IGON HAS TO LET GO OF THE SUBMISSION!!!

Referee: (off-mic) IGON LET GO!! ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!!

(Igon releases the submission attempt as he then gets into the referee’s face.)

Igon Mordren: (off-mic) Don’t tell me what to do. I know the rules and confines of this match! I have until the five count to let go.

Rich Russillo: Igon is now having a chat with our referee, as now Reylin has rolled out of the ring and to the outside. Igon sees this as he now makes his way there to meet him. He’s lightly tapping his foot right on Reylin’s shoulder mockingly. He’s taking a lot of pleasure with the violence he’s displaying tonight here at Wicked Games.

Igon Mordren: (off-mic) What did I tell you? You don’t belong in the same ring as me, you’re not on my level!! Should have taken my advice when you had the chance!! Now… you’re in a world you don’t belong in!

Thadd Blazevich: Igon bro now takes Reylin up to his feet and HITS HIM WITH ANOTHER OPEN PALM STRIKE RIGHT TO THE CHEST!! YOU CAN SEE THE WELTS FORMING ON REYLIN’S UPPERBODY AS NOW IGON THROWS REYLIN INTO THE STEEL STEPS–

Rich Russillo: BUT REYLIN REVERES IT!!! HE’S THE ONE THAT SEND IGON SHOULDER FIRST INTO THAT RING APPRON!!! IGON IS FEELING THE EFFECT AS HE GRABS A HOLD OF HIS SHOULDER!!!

Persephone: HAHAH!! IGON PAID THE PRICE FOR THAT ONE YOU DUMB FUCKER!

Thadd Blazevich: Igon bro is holding onto to that shoulder as Reylin slowly gets up to his feet and grabs a hold of Igon and– PUSHES HIM RIGHT INTO THE RING POST ON THE OTHER SIDE!! ONCE AGAIN THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF IGON NAILS THE RING POST AS REYLIN BRINGS IGON BACK INTO THE RING!!

Rich Russillo: Reylin rolls in, AND HE STARTS CLOBBERING IGON’S RIGHT SHOULDER WITH CLUBS!! HE IS REALLY PUTTING IN THE WORK TO TRY AND GET IGON TO TAP HERE TONIGHT!!! REYLIN GRABS A HOLD OF IGON’S RIGHT ARM— AND HE GOES FOR AN ARMBREAKER!!! HE’S GOING TO TRY AND POP THE SOCKET OF THAT RIGHT SHOULDER WITH THAT ARMBREAKER AS REYLIN HAS IT LOCKED IN!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT IGON BRO WAS NEAR THE ROPES AND USES HIS LEFT LEG TO REACH IT, AS NOW REYLIN IS FORCED TO BREAK UP THE HOLD!! REYLIN BRO LETS GO AS HE BRINGS IGON TO THE MIDDLE OF THE RING, BUT IGON WHILE ON HIS BACK KICKS THE RIGHT LEG OF REYLIN!!!

Rich Russillo: REYLIN IS FEELING THAT AS IGON GRABS A HOLD OF REYLIN, AND HE JUST THROWS HIM WITH A BUTTERFLY SUPLEX!!! Reylin is down, but Igon isn’t letting up. He just drags him back into the double underhook, FOR ANOTHER BUTTERFLY SUPLEX!!! REYLIN HITS THE MAT AGAIN AS IGON BRINGS HIM UP FOR A THIRD TIME— AND THIS TIME CONNECTS WITH A SNAP SWINGING NECKBREAKER!!

Persephone: Reylin has just been getting thrown around. Igon is starting to feel himself thanks to Reylin being incompetent, and now he goes after that right leg.

Rich Russillo: IGON HAS AN ANKLE LOCK ON REYLIN!! To his credit we know how skilled Igon is, and right now he’s weaponizing his deep arsenal to try and make Reylin tap! HE MIGHT NOT HAVE A CHOICE!

Thadd Blazevich: REYLIN BRO MIGHT BE IN TROUBLE!! IGON HAS THAT ANKLE LOCKED IN TIGHT— BUT WAIT, REYLIN ROLLED ON HIS BACK AND PUSHES IGON BACK!!! IGON ROLLS BACK AND RUNS IN FOR A BIG BOOT ONCE AGAIN, BUT IT IS DODGED AS REYLIN— CONNECTS WITH A URANAGE!! IT SLAMS IGON RIGHT TO THE MAT!!!

Rich Russillo: AND THAT’S NOT ALL! REYLIN THEN LANDS A RUNNING SENTON TO IGON AS HE LOOKS FIRED UP!! REYLIN WAITING ON IGON TO GET UP AS HES NOT GOING FOR A SUBMISSION ATTEMPT AS— HES GOING FOR SWITCHBLADE!! THE DREADED SAMOAN SPIKE—

Thadd Blazevich: BUT IGON DODGES THE ATTEMPT AND HITS A BIG BOOT TO REYLIN!! HE GRABS A HOLD OF REYLIN AND LIFTS HIM UP FOR A NASTY SUPLEX!!! IGON NOW IS HEADING TO THE MIDDLE ROPE AS HE’S UP THERE, AND— LANDS A KNEE DROP RIGHT ON THAT RIGHT LEG!!!

Persephone: How very traditional of him.

Rich Russillo: That was a sick looking maneuver as now Igon is standing right on his feet. All the while, the fans here at Wicked Games continue to boo the Warden!

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Igon Mordren: (off-mic) I AM THE GREATEST WRESTLER ON THIS PLANET! YOU SHOULD CONSIDER YOURSELVES LUCKY BE IN THE GRACE OF MY PRESENCE!!!

Rich Russillo: Igon continues to trash talk the fans as he looks back at Reylin who’s starting to get right back up and– IGON FLOORS HIM A CHOP TO THE CHEST!!! THE NOISE RICOCHETS IN THE ARENA AS YOU CAN SEE REYLIN IS WRITHING IN PAIN!!! IGON DRAGS HIM UP AND GOES FOR A SECOND KNIFE EDGE CHOP TO THE CHEST AS REYLIN WRITHES IN PAIN AGAIN AND STUMBLES TOWARDS THE CORNER!

Thadd Blazevich: Now Igon has Reylin in that corner and– DELIVERS YET ANOTHER KNIFE EDGE CHOP TO HIM!! THAT’S THREE STRAIGHT KNIFE EDGE CHOPS TO REYLIN AS IGON CLIMBS UP TO THE MIDDLE ROPE AND LANDS SEVERAL PUNCHES TO IGON’S FACE! The crowd isn’t counting along as Igon nails that punch, and again, and again!

Persephone: It’s a little awkward that no one in the arena is counting along with the corner punches, the price Igon pays for one of the biggest snobs of this company.

Rich Russillo: I don’t think he cares all too much as Igon drops back down to the mat and walks himself to the other corner as it he might be looking for that devastating Dinosaur Dropkick and–

WAM!

Thadd Blazevich: WHERE DID THAT COME FROM??? REYLIN WITH A BURST OF ENERGY JUST LANDED DEAD-LOCK RIGHT INTO IGON’S HEAD!!! HE LANDS THAT RUNNING YAKUZA KICK AS IGON IS DOWN AND OUT!!! REYLIN HAD ENDURED SO MUCH PAIN AND FROM OUT OF NO WHERE CATCHES IGON OFF GUARD!!!

Persephone: Normally you would see a pin-fall attempt here but this is a submission match so it’s entirely possible that could have been the move Reylin used to win this match if it was a normal one on one encounter.

Rich Russillo: Unfortunately it’s not as Reylin drops one knee while Igon is laid out on the floor! Reylin has a stern look in his eyes as he goes towards Igon and– GRABS HIM BY HIS RIGHT ARM FOR A KEYLOCK SUBMISSION???

Persephone: WHERE THE HELL DID REYLIN LEARN THAT FROM?

Rich Russillo: WHO KNOWS AS HE HAS IGON MORDREN IN A KEYLOCK MANEUVER NOW!! HOW IS IGON GOING TO GET HIMSELF OUT OF THIS ONE AS REYLIN MAY HAVE THIS LOCKED TIGHT!!!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT IGON BRO USES HIS STRENGTH TO FORCE HIS WAY OUT OF THE KEYLOCK! IGON IS STILL FATIGUED FROM THOSE CHOPS, AND THANKS TO THAT IGON WAS ABLE TO OVERPOWER HIM! IGON GRABS A HOLD OF REYLIN’S NECK FOR A DRAGON SLEEPER!! HE’S CRANKING ON THAT NECK AS FROM OUT OF NOWHERE IGON IS ON THE OFFENSIVE NOW!

Rich Russillo: BUT REYLIN WAS IN NEAR DISTANCE TO THE ROPES AS HE HOLDS ON AS IGON IS CONTINUING THE HOLD AS THE REFEREE COUNTS HIM!

Referee: (off-mic) IGON LET GO!! ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!!

Thadd Blazevich: IGON LETS GO AS REYLIN IS NOW RESTED ON TOP OF THE APRON, BUT IGON SOON FOLLOWS! Igon is lookin real cold and calculated as he makes it to the apron, dragging Reylin up with a waistlock! Oh no, dude. WE MIGHT GET A GERMAN SUPLEX FROM THE APRON!

Persephone: YES WE MIGHT GET A MURDER!!

Rich Russillo: IGON GRABS REYLIN FROM HIS WAIST AND IS STARTING TO LIFT HIM UP– BUT REYLIN IS FIGHTING BACK WITH BACK ELBOWS!! HE DOES NOT WANT TO GET GERMAN SUPLEXED ON THAT APRON!! IGON IS DOING HIS BEST TO FIGHT AGAINST THOSE ELBOW AS HE’S LIFTING HIM UP– BUT REYLIN WITH GOOD FOOT POSITION STOPS IGON FROM DOING IT AND NAILS WITH ANOTHER BACK ELBOW THAT FULLY CONNECTS!!

Thadd Blazevich: THIS IS REALLY INTENSE BRO, AS IGON NO LONGER HOLDING REYLIN FROM HIS WAIST AS TOP GUN TURNS AROUND– HE’S THE ONE LIFTING IGON UP FROM THE GROUND AND–

Persephone: WATCH OUT!!

THUD!!

Rich Russillo: MY GOD!!! REYLIN JUST LANDED A SAMOAN DRIVER TO THE OUTSIDE TO IGON!! THEY BOTH LAND ON THE FLOOR ON THE OUTSIDE AS THE CROWD IS GOING CRAZY!! THEY BOTH MAY BE OUT OF THIS SUBMISSION MATCH!!!

(We end up seeing a replay of the samoan driver being connected to the outside at which time Reylin slowly makes his way back to his feet. Igon is still on the ground following that Samoan Driver as we cut back to the main action.)

Thadd Blazevich: Reylin bro is feeling the effects of this Submission match as he’s holding to that right leg that had been worked on by Igon bro as he tries to pick Igon right back as he tries to send him back into the steel steps shoulder first– BUT IGON BRO STOPS THE ATTEMPT WITH HIS LEFT FOOT!! AND INSTEAD HE ELBOWS REYLIN RIGHT IN THE STOMACH!! IGON LIFTS REYLIN UP ON HIS SHOULDERS AND–

SLAM!

Rich Russillo: HE DELIVERS A STALLING SUPLEX RIGHT ON THE STEEL STEPS!! REYLIN GOES BACK FIRST ONTO THOSE STEPS AS HE’S NOW DOWN AND OUT FOR THIS MATCH!! REYLIN LANDED NASTY FROM THAT AS NOW IGON GRABS A HOLD OF HIM AND BRINGS HIM BACK INTO THE RING!!!

Thadd Blazevich: Igon bro slides right into the ring as he looks to be stalking Reylin as Reylin is slowly getting up from his feet and– CONNECTS WITH A DINOSAUR DROPKICK!!! REYLIN BOUNCES OFF THE TURNBUCKLE AND IGON DELIVERS A URANAGE OF HIS OWN!!! REYLIN BRO IS SLAMED TO THE MAT, AND IGON IS NOW GOING FOR SHARP SHOOTER!!!

Persephone: Yeah it’s wraps.

Rich Russillo: IGON HAS THE SHARP SHOOTER IN TIGHT, THIS MAY HURT MORE THEN THE BOSTON CRAB DID EARLIER AS IGON IS PULLING OUT ALL HIS TRICKS TO MAKE REYLIN TAP OUT HERE TONIGHT! REYLIN IS STRUGGLING!!

Persephone: THIS MIGHT BE IT!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT LOOK!! REYLIN WITH HIS ALL STRENGTH IS ABLE TO GRAB ON TO THE ROPES BUT IGON LETS GO RIGHT AWAY AS HE NOW DRAGS REYLIN’S BODY BACK TOWARDS THE MIDDLE TO MAYBE APPLY THE SHARP SHOOTER AGAIN BUT REYLIN FIGHTS HIM OFF USING HIS OTHER LEG TO KICK ON IGON’S RIGHT SHOULDER!! IGON BRO HOLDS ON TO THAT SHOULDER TURNING HIS BACK TOWARDS REYLIN!! HE’S TRYING RELEASE SOME PRESSURE OF THAT SHOULDER AS HE TURNS AROUND–

Rich Russillo: SEARING SHOT!!! THE BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE CONNECTED!! FROM OUT OF NOWHERE REYLIN HITS THAT KNEE STRIKE AS IGON IS IN A WORLD OF HURT NOW!! HE’S STILL ON HIS FEET AND–

Thadd Blazevich: PTSD!!! THE CUTTER LANDS AS REYLIN’S BIG TIME MANEUVER IS CONNECTED!!! BOTH MEN ARE DOWN AND OUT AS THAT MOVE TOOK SO MUCH ENERGY OUT OF REYLIN!!! BRO CAN’T GO FOR THE COVER BECAUSE OF WHAT THE MATCH IS AS THESE TWO PERFORMERS ARE DOWN AND OUT ONCE AGAIN!! THEY’RE SHOWING HOW MUCH OF A TOLL AND GRIT THIS SUBMISSION MATCH IS BETWEEN THE TWO OF THEM.

Rich Russillo: They don’t like each other one bit, there is a disdain between these two and we’re seeing that unfold here tonight. Reylin is slowly getting up, he’s the first back up on his feet as he picks Igon from his back and– HE’S GOING FOR A SLEEPER AGAIN!! HE TRIED EARLIER IN THE MATCH AND HE’S GOING FOR IGON’S SPECIALITY MOVE HERE HE HAS IT LOCKED IN!!

Persephone: YES MAKE HIM TAP OUT TO HIS OWN MOVE PLEASE!

Thadd Blazevich: HE GRABS IGON BY THE NECK AS IGON IS A TERRIBLE PREDICAMENT RIGHT NOW!! IGON IS WAVING HIS ARM AROUND LOOKING TO GET OUT AND— IGON LIFTS REYLIN TO HIS BACK AND NAILS HIM STRAIGHT INTO THE CORNER!! REYLIN LETS GO AS IGON RECOVERS BACK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING—

Rich Russillo: BUT REYLIN GOES STRAIGHT FOR THE SLEEPER AGAIN!!! BUT IGON IS ABLE TO REVERSE IT INTO A SNAPMARE!! AND-

BAM!

Thadd Blazevich: A KICK RIGHT TO THE BACK OF REYLIN AS— IGON NOW GRABS A HOLD OF REYLIN INTO THE SLEEPERHOLD!! IT LIFTS REYLIN BACK UP TO HIS FEET LOOKING TO ESCAPE AS IGON IS REFUSING TO LET GO!!! REYLIN BRO IS FIGHTING IT!

Persephone: It’s over…

Rich Russillo: BUT REYLIN ISN’T QUITTING IS STILL ON HIS FEET!! REYLIN STARTS TO FRANTICALLY BACKPEDAL WITH IGON STILL ON HIS BACK—

Thadd Blazevich: BUT IN THE PROCESS, THEY BUMP INTO THE REFEREE!!

Persephone: Oh that fragile referee takes a fall! He’s not out as he leans out from the ropes!

Thadd Blazevich: Igon bro had let go of the submission, not happy that the referee was taken out while Reylin stumbles away, dropping to a knee. Igon shakes his head, turning back to Reylin as he seems ready to put him down regardle—

THUD!

Rich Russillo: WHAT THE HELL!?!? REYLIN SMASHES IGON’S FACE WITH BRASS KNUCKLES!! WHERE DID THOSE COME FROM??

Thadd Blazevich: HE MUST HAVE TAKEN THEM OUT OF HIS GEAR!!! REYLIN MUST HAVE BEEN PLANNING TO USE THAT AT THE PERFECT TIME AS REYLIN— SMASHES IGON’S FACE AGAIN WITH THAT BRASS KNUCKLES AS HE IS STILL ON HIS FEET, DAZED AND STUMBLING!!

Rich Russillo: AND REYLIN DOES IT FOR A THIRD TIME AS IGON GOES DOWN TO THE GROUND AND IT LOOKS LIKE HE’S KNOCKED OUT! REYLIN THROWS THE BRASS KNUCKLES AWAY AS REYLIN GOES IGON AND TRAPS HIM IN A SLEEPER HOLD!!

Thadd Blazevich: THE REFEREE STARTS TO STIR, WAKING UP AS REYLIN YELLS AT BRO TO PAY ATTENTION!! REYLIN HAS IGON IN THE SLEEPER HOLD, BUT IGON DIDN’T EVEN GET THE CHANCE TO TAP OUT OR PASS OUT! HE WAS ALREADY KNOCKED OUT WHEN PUT IN THE SUBMISSION!

Rich Russillo: BUT THE REFEREE IS NONE THE WISER, AND HE HAS NO CHOICE!!! IGON IS OUT!! THE REF CALLS FOR THE BELL!!!!

DING! DING! DING!

(‘SAME SHIT’ by Isaiah Rashad begins to play as Reylin lets go of Igon, breathing heavily after the match he just had. He pushes himself to his feet, still with a slight limp after the damage he has taken. He looks to have a grin on his face for what he pulled off as the referee raises his arm in victory.)

Bella Braxton: THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH, AND NUMBER ONE CONTENDER TO THE HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP… ‘TOP GUN’ REYLIN ALOALI’I!!!!

Rich Russillo: WOW! Reylin used the brass knuckles to knock Igon out in this match and pretty much cheated to win! Reylin outsmarted Igon here tonight and did so by any means necessary. I guess it’s to be expected after a feud like this, between two guys who at this point seemed willing to do anything to get under each other’s skin!

Thadd Blazevich: Yeah bro, I don’t think Reylin cares all too much that he didn’t play entirely by the rules in Igon’s stip of chpice, I mean just look at the smirk he got on his face. I don’t expect to feel that sorry for Igon because if anyone had any right to get one over The Warden it woulda been Reylin bro!

Persephone: Thank god that snobbed got cheated out LOL!

Rich Russillo: Despite how controversial it may be and I’m sure Igon will have A LOT to say about how this match ended next Voltage. Congratulations to Reylin Aloali’i on his major victory here tonight as he is now next in line for a Hardcore Championship opportunity!

(The final scene sees Reylin making his way out the ring, not looking to bothered with the way he won the match with Igon looking sitting down lying against the barricade on ringside as Wicked Games continues on)

(Moments later, the following match graphic would be displayed on the LED screens throughout the venue…)

https://i.imgur.com/Bxw1OYT.png

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

Crowd: O SINGURĂ CĂDERE!

Bella Braxton: AND THE WINNER WILL ENTER INTO THE EAW CHAMPIONSHIP EXTREME ELIMINATION CHAMBER!!!!

(‘Run Into Flowers’ by M83 would begin to play through the speaker system, with the Romanian crowd bursting into a fit of cheers. Finally, The Heartbeat had arrived. Bronson had been through a tough journey on Voltage. Of course, his entire career in EAW was the story of overcoming the odds, though on Voltage, he found himself running into constant heartbreak. Whether it be Jon Kelton, or now a bitter collision with Drake Armstrong, the joyous land that was once promised no longer existed, and Bronson felt he had to fight his way through the evils of the world to reach the top.)

(Perhaps no greater case could be made than here.)

(His history weaponised against him; he had to overcome a man ready to embody his greatest failures, his greatest trauma, in order to get back at him.)

(He knew what had to be done.)

Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST… HAILING FROM LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA… WEIGHING IN AT 190 POUNDS… HE IS ‘THE HEARTBEAT’… BRONSOOOOOONNNNNN DANIEEEEELLLLLLLLLSSSSSSSSSS!

Fan: (in Romanian) This guy seems familiar!

(Bronson Daniels entered the ring; though maintaining his theatrics, his mind was only focused on one man. That one man would soon arrive. ‘Pride and Arrogance’ by Takeru Kanazaki flooded through the PA System, and any semblance of hope and love in the air was torn apart by the presence of Bronson Daniels’ foe. Drake Armstrong felt personally attacked by Bronson Daniels, though was quick to state that this is simply how Bronson has always been. A man so desperate to be the victim — in Drake’s eyes — that he is willing to turn anyone against him so long as it would shed a tear for the fans of his. He was quick to mention Bronson’s history, and it understandably upset Bronson Daniels. Perhaps he was feeding into Drake’s hand.)

(Drake, too, was focused on his opponent; though his theatrics had always been more muted than they were when he was World Champion, tonight was a stark contrast. This really did mean so much to these two. It really did mean so much to him.)

(Not only was it personal, but their future was hanging in the balance.)

Bella Braxton: AND HIS OPPONENT… HAILING FROM SCARSDALE, NEW YORK… WEIGHING IN AT 235 POUNDS… HE IS ‘YOUR IMMACULACY’… DRAAAAAAAKEEEEE ARRRRRRRMMMMMSTROOOOOONNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGG!

(Drake would step up the diamond plated steel stairs, and enter the ring. The only thing keeping him from Bronson Daniels was the sound of the bell. If that at all. Though soon…)

(Before we would even have a chance to find out whether or nor Drake needed the sound of the bell to initiate this duel…)

(DING! DING! DING!)

Rich Russillo: The bell has rung, and—

(CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! The two competitors hadn’t even given the commentary team a chance to raise their voices, perhaps it was always going to be this way. Even on nights like these it could come as a surprise to see a bout start off as energetic as this one had — a night full of stipulations and violence, yet even still, two Elitists rushing to the centre of the ring and throwing their bare-knuckled fists at one another was enough to raise the Cluj Arena to its feet. The atmosphere in the venue was already booming, chairs bouncing from the sheer magnitude of this stacked match, and then they came to blows. CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! Dynamite. One fist after another, the referee attempted to get in between these two, trying his hardest to prevent the closed-fist strikes, though there was nothing he could do. Shoved out of the way, they continued their brutal affair, and all he could do was let it happen, the referee’s discretion allowing them to hockey fight in the middle of the canvas. CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! A black eye was all but guaranteed for these two men.)

Rich Russillo: AND WE’RE ALREADY STARTING! BRONSON DANIELS AND DRAKE ARMSTRONG ARE GOING AT IT TONIGHT IN ROMANIA AND THERE’S NOTHING ANYBODY CAN DO ABOUT IT; THOUGH I CAN’T LIE, THIS WAS RATHER PREDICTABLE IF YOU ASKED ME!

Persephone: I hope all of my predictions come true, then.

Thadd Blazevich: Do I really wanna know, brahsette?

Persephone: Let’s just say I hope the ring collapses and somebody gets seriously hurt.

(It wouldn’t be long before Bronson Daniels got the upper hand, though. Drake Armstrong was no doubt a capable fighter, however Bronson had fought in cages; he had swam with the most vicious of sharks and conquered all fields. MMA rules may not translate well to professional wrestling, but the laws of nature do — the better fighter wins the brawl. Bronson had Drake reeling, on his back foot and heading towards the ropes. The Heartbeat could smell blood, though he didn’t want the match to end just yet. Deep inside he knew it would be impossible to end it now regardless. He liked that thought. Drake’s back against the ropes, Bronson began to swing once more.)

(THUD! THUD! THUD! Uppercuts to the torso, forcing the more scientific wrestler to lower his guard, leading to Bronson throwing a huge right hook!)

(…)

(But Drake ducked, and shot for the legs! Those last few minutes opened his eyes wide, and he didn’t want to continue brawling with a raging Bronson Daniels. Though he had no intention of slowing this match down, his goal was to tie Bronson up and connect with strikes of his own, so that Bronson couldn’t defend himself.)

Rich Russillo: Bronson attempting to rely on his takedown defense here, wrapping his arms around the waist of Drake— AND HERE COMES AN ATTEMPT AT A POWERBOMB!

Thadd Blazevich: DENIED! Drake lowers his centre of gravity, and slips out of Bronson’s grip; my twin needs to remember he’s a Jr. Heavyweight, brah! Drake is much heavier than he is!

Rich Russillo: And Drake knows it too, looking for an Alabama Slam–

Thadd Blazevich: Bronson rolls out of it, arms around Drake’s legs, he’s looking to pull him into a sitout hold; but Drake uses that aforementioned MEATY MEAT to maintain his position, BEFORE DROPPING A KNEE ONTO BRONSON’S HEAD!

Rich Russillo: DENIED! Bronson slips out of the way, and is now back to his feet; going for a pump kick—

Thadd Blazevich: Drake backsteps! AND A HUGE LARIAT FROM THE FORMER WORLD CHAMP—

Rich Russillo: AND BRONSON IS UNDER THAT TOO! POISON RANA!

Thadd Blazevich: Drake keeps him held in the Electric Chair! Drops Bronson down, going for a German Suplex— BUT A BACK ELBOW FROM BRONNY D STUNS DRAKE ARMSTRONG!

Rich Russillo: NOW BRONSON CHARGES FORWARD, LOOKING FOR A SPRINGBOARD—

Thadd Blazevich: AND IT CONNECTS! SPRINGBOARD DROPKICK SENDS DRAKE ARMSTRONG TO THE FLOOR, AND ROLLING TO THE OUTSIDE! THAT ELBOW TO THE SIDE OF BRO’S HEAD STUNNED HIM LONG ENOUGH FOR BRONSON TO TAKE ADVANTAGE AND NOW BE ON THE OFFENSE WITHOUT CONTENTION! BACK ON HIS FEET, TAKING TO THE SKIES!

(SOAR!)

Rich Russillo: SASUKE SPECIAL!!!!!!!! BRONSON WITH A PICTURE PERFECT HANDSPRING, USING HIS MOMENTUM TO LEAP OVER THE TOP ROPE WITH A BEAUTIFUL MOONSAULT, SOARING LIKE AN EAGLE; HE HAS FULL CONTROL OVER THIS MATCH HERE!!!

(The two-time World Champion would grab his opponent by his right arm, using the control over his limb to quickly drive him back underneath the bottom rope. Bronson didn’t want to waste any time, he knew that he had the stamina advantage as well as the agility factor over Drake, and was going to use that to its fullest potential. Bronson made it onto the apron, and leaped once more…)

Rich Russillo: SPRINGBOARD FOREARM STRIKE!!! DRAKE ARMSTRONG IS OUT AND NOW BRONSON DANIELS IS GOING TO GO FOR THE PINFALL!

(OOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!)

(TTTTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!)

Thadd Blazevich: Great leverage on the cover but it wasn’t enough to keep the former World Champion and King of Elite down for a three! He can’t be too surprised though, he knows that it’s going to take much more to keep an elite competitor like Drake down, brah!

(Bronson slowly recovers from the pinfall, followed by bringing Drake to his feet. He knows that Drake isn’t hurt enough to take the opportunity to lay down on the canvas; he’d be up in no time and he wants to change that. Throwing him into the corner he lays in a rough chop, hoping that he would see his hand carved into the flesh of his opponent. Once he notices that he hasn’t accomplished that? He throws another. And another. And another. So much so, that the possibility of Drake Armstrong exiting this match with a purple chest became much more likely. Bronson looked to continue this offense, going for his sixth consecutive chop…)

Rich Russillo: Drake ducks this one, and now retreats back to the middle of the ring! Bronson chases him down, but Drake offers him his boot! Expecting a kick to the gut, Bronson catches Drake’s leg, only to take a poke directly to the eye! That can’t be good for his vision!

Persephone: No sher shitlock.

Rich Russillo: Isn’t it the other way–

Persephone: Shut up I don’t care.

Thadd Blazevich: Drakey Bro now looks to capitalize on this window, knowing full well that Bronson won’t have fantastic vision for a few seconds; quickly connecting with a huge chopblock right to the front of the knee! A chop block in any direction is painful, but he’s forcing Bronson to topple forward, forcing pressure onto the knee as it bends in a direction it isn’t supposed to! That’s gotta be painful, brah!

Rich Russillo: No kidding, and Bronson clearly feels it! Drake likes what he sees, and now begins to continue his offense! Drake is going for a Dragon Screw—

Thadd Blazevich: Bronson isn’t hurt enough for that one to be effective though, yo! He kicks at his opponent, only for Drake to drive his elbow down into the kneepad of Bronson Daniels! That can’t have protected him from all of that offense, though it sure will help; and Drake knows it! He hooks his legs tight around the ankle of Bronson Daniels to keep his leg in place, drilling him with even more 12-to-6 elbows, directly into the knee of Bronson Daniels! That hairy mf definitely hopes that something will tear apart sooner or later!

(But is that going to be Bronsons’ knee, or his spirit? Perhaps the answer is clear. Bronson never gives up. In spite of the pain that his body is in, he continues to fight back, throwing forearms directly into the back of Drake Armstrong. It’s no use. He doesn’t have the hip rotation to put all of his body into the attacks, and the muscle density that Drake has over Bronson gives him far more protection and shields him from a grounded Bronson’s attacks. THIS is where Drake wanted to be. He knew he couldn’t go toe-to-toe with Bronson in a direct stand and bang affair, thus he wanted to take him down to the ground and pick him apart piece by piece. He didn’t have a target immediately however once Bronson began to abuse his own pace against Drake, he knew that he had to slow his opponent down if he wanted to retain any shred of hope of winning this match. This was a live game of chess to him. Snuffing out his opponents’ strengths and leaving them with only their weaknesses.)

(Maybe Bronson’s never-say-die attitude WAS his weakness. He was never going to give up, after all. Deep inside, Drake knew it. In theory, he could torture Bronson forever.)

(The longer the assault, the longer the pain he inflicts will last. If Bronson Daniels doesn’t escape soon, this could be bad…)

Rich Russillo: Bronson Daniels is scratching and clawing, hoping that his nails will be his ticket out of this one! Digging his claws into the jaw of Drake Armstrong, Bronson looks to pull him back, as far away from his knee as possible and in an awkward position to slip out of it! His leg is free, and now he can continue his offense!

Thadd Blazevich: The elbows to Bronson’s leg clearly seem painful here, but he’s still mobile–

Rich Russillo: MOBILE MAY BE PUTTING IT LIGHTLY, THADD, AS HE GOES FOR THE GODBREAKER—

Thadd Blazevich: AND DRAKE CATCHES HIM BY THE LEG! DRAGON SCREW! BRONSON IS YELPING IN PAIN!

Rich Russillo: THAT DRAGON SCREW MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE MOVE THAT DID HIM IN, THADD, AND DRAKE IS LOOKING TO CONTINUE! HOOKING THE LEG…

(CRASH!)

Rich Russillo: A SECOND, GROUNDED DRAGON SCREW TWISTS HIS KNEE IN A WAY THAT ABSOLUTELY SHOULD NOT BE TWISTED, AND THIS IS THE POSITION THAT DRAKE ARMSTRONG HAS WANTED BRONSON DANIELS IN SINCE THIS MATCH BEGAN! HE IS COMPLETELY AT DRAKE’S MERCY, AND THERE MAY BE NO STOPPING HIM NOW!

(CRASH!)

(CRASH!)

(CRASH!)

(CRASH!)

(CRASH!)

Rich Russillo: OVER, AND OVER, AND OVER AGAIN; THOSE DRAGON SCREW LEGWHIPS ARE DEALING A DANGEROUS AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO BRONSON DANIELS’ KNEE! FROM THE CHOP BLOCK, TO THE ELBOWS, AND NOW TO THE DRAGON SCREW, THERE’S NO CHANCE THAT HE WALKS OUT OF THIS ONE WITHOUT SOME LASTING DAMAGE! THIS COULD AFFECT THE REST OF HIS SEASON, IF NOT WORSE!

Thadd Blazevich: A REMINDER THAT HE’S COMPETING FOR A SPOT IN THE EXTREME ELIMINATION CHAMBER — WHAT HAPPENS IF BIG BRO WALKS INTO THAT MATCH WITH AN INJURED LEG? HE’S GOING TO HAVE A TARGET PLACED ON HIM FROM BEGINNING TO END AND IT’S ALL BECAUSE OF DRAKE ARMSTRONG’S OFFENSE HERE!

(That much was true. If Bronson were to make it out the victor, he would be walking into EAW’s most dangerous stipulation with a target for all other competitors. Yet even if he weren’t to compete in that match, there’s no way that this wouldn’t be a hindrance to The Heartbeat. It was visible in his eyes, his leg was in excruciating pain, and it was like Drake Armstrong was revelling in that fact.

(So much so…)

Rich Russillo: AND NOW DRAKE APPLIES THE ‘WILL KILLER’!!! THE SINGLE LEG BOSTON CRAB, WITH A HEEL HOOK APPLIED SIMULTANEOUSLY FOR GOOD MEASURE! DRAKE KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING AND HE LURED BRONSON INTO HIS TRAP! THIS ISN’T GOOD!

Thadd Blazevich: ABSOLUTELY NOT, BRAH! SO MUCH OF BRONSON’S OFFENSE RELIES ON HIS ABILITY TO MANEUVER HIMSELF AROUND THAT RING WITH SPEED AND AGILITY, IF NOT THAT, MOVES THAT DIRECTLY REQUIRE HIM TO USE HIS LEG AS A WEAPON IF NOT DROPPING HIS OPPONENTS’ ENTIRE WEIGHT ONTO IT! MAYBE THAT’S MAKING BIG BRONNY D’S PANIC EVEN WORSE, BECAUSE HE KNOWS THAT FACT TOO! HE KNOWS IT BETTER THAN ANYONE! THAT IN-RING IQ IS HOW HE BECAME NEW BREED CHAMPION, INTERWIRE CHAMPION, WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION AND ANSWERS WORLD CHAMPION!

Persephone: Can we bring back the Big Bronny Bhampionship?

Rich Russillo: BRONSON IS SCRAPING, SCRATCHING, CLAWING; JUST HOPING THAT THE ROPES WILL COME FLYING TO HIM INSTEAD OF HAVING TO CRAWL OVER TO THEM WITH THE 235 POUND DRAKE ARMSTRONG ON HIS BACK! BUT MUCH TO HIS DISMAY, THEY’RE AS STATIC AS THEY ARE FAR AWAY!

Thadd Blazevich: WHICH LEAVES BRONSON’S ONLY OPTION TO FIGHT OUT OF THIS ONE HIMSELF, FORCING HIS WAY ONTO HIS BACK IN SPITE OF THE GREAT DEAL OF PAIN HIS BODY IS IN, AND THE PRESSURE DRAKE IS APPLYING TO HIS BACK — DRIVING THE SOLE OF HIS BOOT INTO THE JAW OF HIS OPPONENT! DRAKE GOES STUMBLING BACK…

Rich Russillo: ‘GODBREAKER’!!! THE DOUBLE KNEE FACEBREAKER HE CONNECTS WITH ALL OF IT, BUT IMMEDIATELY HOLDS ONTO HIS KNEE! HE KNEW THAT WOULD DO HIMSELF DAMAGE, BUT PERHAPS HE NEEDED TO MAKE SURE THAT DRAKE ARMSTRONG WOULD BE OUT AND COLD!

(If Bronson Daniels were to pin right now, the chance he walks out of this one victorious is far from zero. Though that isn’t why he connected with that move. He needed to buy himself some reprieve, and unfortunately, that came at the cost of his own knee. He had to connect with one of the biggest, hardest moves in his arsenal in order to keep Drake Armstrong down, otherwise he would have been right back to the assault. He couldn’t connect with a suplex or a buster; not a powerbomb or a kick, he needed a move he was truly specialized and well-versed in, knowing that even an alert Drake Armstrong wouldn’t be able to counter it. It was an almost guaranteed hit, but he had to sacrifice his own health to get there.)

(Bronson began to crawl, though far away from his opponent. That cover was a long way away, the distance he was creating is exactly what he needed in that very moment. Deep breaths and gritted teeth, fingers sinking deep into the tight kneepad that covered the proverbial bullseye that Drake Armstrong had placed upon his opponent. Tug. Tug. Tug. It was a struggle, but finally, he was able to pull that kneepad down. He HAD to relieve some pressure. He could feel it swelling, throbbing, burning underneath the padding that was designed to keep that very knee safe. His bare knee exposed, he knew that he had to be cautious from here on out. Drake Armstrong had a clear target, it was inevitable that he would charge in for it.)

(It was his dominant knee, after all. The Heartbeat had to change his stance. Using the ropes to pull himself back up, he kept his injured knee as his back foot at all times. Needing to create as much distance between his opponent and his painful ligament at all costs, even if it was in a scenario where he found himself up-close and personal. He knew that scenario would come soon. Practically dragging his leg through the pain, he inched closer to his opponent.)

Rich Russillo: Bronson Daniels now looking to resume the fight, though that kneepad coming down is absolutely concerning! The referee felt the same, though Bronson Daniels cleared himself to compete and told the referee that he would be fine. The body language says otherwise, but you know how Bronson Daniels is. There’s nothing he won’t fight through!

Thadd Blazevich: Even now, brah, he’s returning to the battle! Drake Armstrong is recovering, and Bronson has to fight back! So much of his offense may have been shaved off, but as was mentioned earlier, this man has fought in cages before! That knee may be hurt but he knows how to adapt, and we’re seeing it right here, as he swings his arms down with huge palm strikes to the head of Drake Armstrong! He’s refusing to risk further injury, substituting those punches for something much safer and equally as effective; perfect technique from the former World Heavyweight Champion! He’s keeping his knee away from Drake, not allowing him to inch closer—

Rich Russillo: BUT DRAKE SNATCHES AT IT—

(THUD!)

Rich Russillo: AND ANOTHER PALM STRIKE TO THE UPPER BACK OF DRAKE ARMSTRONG! BRONSON IS STILL FIGHTING THROUGH THIS, HE’S NOT GIVING UP, EVEN IF EVERY BONE IN HIS BODY IS TELLING HIM TO! HIS IN-RING IQ IS MATCHED BY VERY FEW, AND HE’S PUTTING IT ON DISPLAY HERE! EVERY TIME DRAKE GOES FOR THE KNEE, HE’S HIT WITH BRONSON’S PALM — THE SAME PALM THAT TORE AWAY AT THE SKIN ON DRAKE’S CHEST EARLIER! PHYSICALLY PUNISHING AND BRUISING HIS OPPONENT, DRAKE ARMSTRONG ISN’T GOING TO WALK OUT OF THIS ONE UNSCATHED EITHER!

Thadd Blazevich: AND IF YOU WEREN’T SURE OF THAT THEN, YOU SURE WILL BE NOW AS BRONSON LEAPS QUICKLY — BATMAN PUNCH!!! CLOCKS HIM ON THE JAW!

Rich Russillo: INTO THE COVER!

(OOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!)

(TTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!)

Rich Russillo: DRAKE KICKS OUT, AND HE’S REACHING FOR BRONSON’S KNEE!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT HE’S FAR TOO STUNNED AND FAR TOO SLOW, BRONSON SLIPS BACK AND ALLOWS DRAKE TO ROLL TO HIS HANDS-AND-KNEES, BEFORE DRIVING HIS PALM INTO THE SIDE OF DRAKE’S TORSO! THAT’S GOTTA HURT, BRAH, AND DAMAGE HIS STAMINA!

Rich Russillo: DRAKE’S BREATHING IS GOING TO BE SO MUCH WORSE IN THIS MATCH AFTER THOSE PALM STRIKES, AND SO IS HIS NECK! BRONSON IS STANDING ABOVE HIM AND RAINING DOWN PALM STRIKES INTO THE BACK OF HIS NECK; THE REFEREE ISN’T LIKING WHAT HE’S SEEING!

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

(The crowd immediately roared in disapproval as the referee pushed Bronson Daniels back. He needed to make sure that Drake Armstrong could still defend himself; ultimately, you can’t blame him. Though the crowd wanted to see Bronson continue his assault. Drake had no way of protecting himself, and Bronson could very well have finished it there. He didn’t.)

(Limping closer, looking to finish the job, he inches over to Drake. The referee steps back.)

(Bronson looks to lift him up for ‘Savage Mode…)

(…)

(…)

Rich Russillo: ‘NATURAL TALENT’!!!!!!!! THE HALF-AND-HALF SUPLEX INTO THE BRIDGE!!! COVER!!!!!!

(OOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!)

(TTTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!)

(TTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRRR—)

Rich Russillo: BRONSON DANIELS KICKS OUT!!! HE POWERS OUT OF THE HOLD, MERE INCHES AWAY FROM THE REFEREE COUNTING THREE! DRAKE CAN’T BELIEVE IT! HE BELIEVED THAT WOULD BE IT! HE WAS SURE OF IT, HE WAS ABSOLUTELY SURE OF IT! BUT BRONSON STAYS ALIVE!

(Drake Armstrong would roll away from his opponent; clutching his jaw and the back of his neck, Bronson was absolutely bruising him. Dealing damage that could have led to a knockout, or worse, Drake needed to recover after the referee came to his attention and he needed to recover fast — his wits may not have been entirely about him but he had the wherewithal to push through the pain and the stars that were swirling around his head to slam Bronson Daniels into the mat and come inches away from a three count. The fact that Bronson managed to kick out disturbed the former EAW World Champion; he really thought that he had put him down. He had the same look of panic in his eye that we saw from Bronson minutes earlier, following the repeated assault on his knee. Drake knew that he was rocked and seconds away from Bronson being able to capitalise on it.)

(He returned to his feet, though not without the noticeable stumble; almost falling back down to the ground as he stood up way too quickly. Clearly, that blurriness hadn’t left, and the stars that were swirling around his head persisted. The spotlights in the venue creeped into the corners of his eyes, a disoriented competitor. Though one that persisted in spite of it.)

(He moved closer to Bronson, lifting him up…)

(Before the match began to come full circle.)

Rich Russillo: AND NOW, THEY CONTINUE BRAWLING! EVEN IF THEIR BODIES MAY BE TIRED, THEIR ENERGIES EXPENDED, THEY THROW PUNCHES ONE AFTER ANOTHER! DRAKE!–

Crowd: BOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: BRONSON!—

Crowd: YEAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: DRAKE!—

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: BRONSON!—

Crowd: YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: TRADING PUNCHES, OVER AND OVER, THESE TWO ARE BARELY ON THEIR FEET, BARELY CONSCIOUS, BARELY FIGHTING BUT YOU ALREADY KNOW JUST HOW MUCH IT MEANS TO THEM! BRONSON DANIELS FOUGHT TO WIN THE EXTREME ELIMINATION CHAMBER SO MANY TIMES, NEVER MAKING IT TO THE FINAL TWO, AND WHEN HE FINALLY WON IT, IT WAS TAKEN AWAY FROM HIM BY DONOVAN DUKE! DRAKE ARMSTRONG IS SOMEONE WHO ALWAYS WANTS THE TOP PRIZE, IS ALWAYS FIGHTING FOR GOLD, AND HE’S WILLING TO TEAR THROUGH THE HEARTBEAT IN ORDER TO GET IT!

Thadd Blazevich: AND THAT HE MIGHT DO, BRAH! DRAKE GAINS CONTROL; PUNCH TO THE HEAD! ANOTHER! ANOTHER! HE’S LAYING IN HAYMAKER AFTER HAYMAKER AFTER HAYMAKER, HE’S GOING TO ROCK BRONSON DANIELS AND SWITCH THOSE LIGHTS OFF!

Rich Russillo: DRAKE ARMSTRONG THROWS A LARIAT—

Thadd Blazevich: BUT SOMEHOW BRONSON DANIELS HAS THE WHEREWITHAL TO DUCK UNDERNEATH IT; IN SPITE OF ALL OF THE DAMAGE THAT HAS BEEN DONE TO HIM HE’S STILL CONSCIOUS ENOUGH TO DUCK UNDERNEATH AND HITS THE ROPES! IT’S TIME!

Rich Russillo: MICKEY I—

Thadd Blazevich: IMMACULATE BLADE!!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: INTO THE COVER!

(OOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

(TTTTTTTTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!

(TTTTTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!)

(…)

(…)

(…)

Rich Russillo: BRONSON KICKS OUT! BRONSON KICKS OUT! I DON’T KNOW HOW HE’S STILL MANAGING TO SURVIVE, BUT HE’S STILL IN THIS ONE! THE IMMACULATE BLADE CONNECTED AND DRAKE GOT ALL OF IT BUT BRONSON DANIELS MANAGES TO STAY ALIVE!! WHAT ON EARTH DOES DRAKE ARMSTRONG HAVE TO DO TO KEEP HIM DOWN???

(Drake rolls out of the cover; hands on his head, fingers sinking into his hair, pressing against his scalp. Teeth almost chewed out of his cheeks in pure frustration. The resilience of The Heartbeat — proving why his epithet is named as such — tore apart Drake Armstrong. He truly believed he had it done.)

(Pushing himself to his feet, after a nightmarishly long time laying on the ground regathering his energy, he stumbled over to Bronson.)

Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) YOU DID THIS, BRONSON!

(STOMP! Foot colliding with the exposed knee.)

Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) THIS WASN’T MY DOING!

(STOMP! Even more damage was done to the swollen knee.)

Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) THERE IS A REASON THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS TO YOU! YOU ARE A CANCER! YOU ARE A PLAGUE!

(STOMP!)

Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) YOU!

(STOMP!)

Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) AREN’T!

(STOMP!)

Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) THE HEARTBEAT!

(STOMP!)

Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) ANYMORE!

(STOMP! STOMP! STOMP! STOMP! STOMP!)

(Suddenly, the referee rushes in. Unlike Bronson Daniels, Drake Armstrong refused to let him do his job. Palm to jaw, he shoved the referee out of the way, dropping himself to a knee and mounting Bronson. Grabbing his dreads, his fingers curl into a ball and he begins to drive his middle knuckle into the eyebrow of Bronson Daniels. Over, and over, and over; it begins to swell, though that isn’t the desired effect. Punches bruise, after all. Drake needed something else. He quickly curves his arm, and drills the sharp edge of his elbow into the eyebrow of Bronson. Over. AND OVER. AND OVER. AND OVER. He drew blood. Finally, the referee found a way to intervene. He pulled Drake away, his gloved hands pulling at the shredded, built muscle of the former World Champion’s body. Bronson Daniels was in need of help.)

(But he wasn’t giving up. Seeing stars, he shook his head, mouthing out the only words he could to prevent the referee from ringing the bell.)

(“No.” It was quaint, mere seconds away from the referee stopping. That was until his white striped shirt began to get stained in red. Bronson’s bloody hands gripped him by the collar as he started to pull himself up.)

(The Heartbeat was rising. THU-THUD. THU-THUD. THU-THUD. The Heartbeat was pumping blood through Bronson Daniels’ veins. In spite of all the damage done, Bronson caught his second wind.)

Thadd Blazevich: BUT IT’S NO USE, BRAH!!!! DRAKE ARMSTRONG IS WAITING IN THE WINDS, LOOKING TO FINISH IT! HE’S GOING TO PUT AN END TO THIS MATCH!

Rich Russillo: HE CHARGES FORWARD… THIS IS IT!!!

Thadd Blazevich: IMMACULATE BLADE!!!!!!

(…)

(…)

(…)

(…But.)

Rich Russillo: ‘MICKEY I JUST KNOCKED YOUR HEAD OFF’!!! BRONSON DROVE HIS ELBOW THROUGH THE SKULL OF A CHARGING DRAKE ARMSTRONG!

Thadd Blazevich: THEY’RE BOTH DOWN!!!!

(The crowd came off their feet; Drake Armstrong charged in from the corner expecting to bring this match to a harrowing climax yet his lights were shot off with one swift motion. Bronson raised his elbow at a fast enough speed to take Drake off his feet, connecting with his patented, most decorated manoeuvre. Though he may have been out on his feet, and now out on the ground — that move taking all of his energy to perform — he had saved the match for himself.)

(Saved… but it was not done. The elbow was only the easy part. He now had to pull himself back to his feet. But… he couldn’t. He pushed himself off the canvas, yet he no longer had the upper body strength to do so. His stamina had waned thin. He tried to use his legs, until he remembered… only one was working. Finally, he pushed himself up, hopping on one foot to stay upright, yet he didn’t have the balance… he fell back down. Drake was out cold. He was only a few seconds from ending this match, yet he couldn’t even carry his own body to where he needed to be.)

(A tired sigh escaped his lips. Oh, so tired…)

(And then, finally… he gripped the ropes…)

Thadd Blazevich: BRONNY D IS DOING EVERYTHING HE CAN TO MAKE IT BACK TO HIS FEET, BRAH! ANYTHING, EVERYTHING! THIS IS IMPORTANT TO HIM, THIS MEANS THE WORLD TO HIM, AND HE CAN’T GO OUT LIKE THIS!

Rich Russillo: HE MAY HAVE NO CHOICE, THADD!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT THAT IS WHAT HAS MADE BRONSON DANIELS THE MAN THAT HE IS TODAY! HE’S CARVED HIS OWN PATH, PUSHED THROUGH EVERY SINGLE OBSTACLE; GIVEN NO CHOICE AND YET FORCED ONE ANYWAY!

Rich Russillo: MAYBE YOU’RE RIGHT, THADD! AS HE’S LINING UP HIS OPPONENT! THIS ONE COULD BE IT! JUST ONE MORE…

Thadd Blazevich: # MICKEY I JUST KNOCKED YOUR HEAD OFF!!!

Rich Russillo: BUT DRAKE DROPS TO THE FLOOR BEFORE BRONSON CAN HIT IT, SENDING BRONSON FALLING OVER HIM! HE COULDN’T EVEN HOLD HIMSELF UPRIGHT, DRAKE SLUMPED OVER!!!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT BRONNY D ISN’T GIVING UP! HE’S STILL FIGHTING, STUMBLING, PULLING HIMSELF TO HIS FEET! THIS ONE IS OVER, RICH!!

Rich Russillo: DRAKE IS ON HIS KNEES, BRONSON IS READY TO FINISH IT…

Thadd Blazevich: # MICKEY I JUST KNOCKED YOUR HEAD OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(…)

(…)

(…)

Rich Russillo: BUT DRAKE GRABS THE ARM!!! HOOKS THE WAIST; HE’S GOING FOR ‘BY THE BOOTSTRAPS’ TO PUT AN END TO BRONSON’S KNEE!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT BRONSON FLIPS OUT OF IT!!! HE LANDS ON HIS BAD KNEE, HE CAN’T CAPITALISE, AND DRAKE IS RUSHING FORWARD!!!

Rich Russillo: LIFTING HIM UP FOR ‘DEATH PENALTY’!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: DENIED!!!!! BRONSON KICKS HIS LEG, PUSHING HIMSELF BACK DOWN TO THE GROUND! SINGLE UNDERHOOK!!!

Rich Russillo: # ‘SAVAGE MODE’!!!!!!!

(# CRACK!)

Rich Russillo: …BUT HIS KNEE GIVES OUT AS HE LIFTS DRAKE UP!!! HE STUMBLES BACK INTO THE ROPES, BRONSON STILL WON’T GIVE UP!!!

Thadd Blazevich: GOING FOR ‘MICKEY I JUST KNOCKED YOUR HEAD OFF’!!!

Rich Russillo: AND DRAKE FINISHES HIM OFF WITH A CHOP BLOCK TO THE FRONT OF THE LEG AGAIN!!!!

(Bronson falls. Brutally. The swollen knee is only going to get worse, the fact that Drake had injured it so early on, and the fact that it had never had ice put on it made the damage worse and worse over time. Five minutes became ten, ten became twenty — Bronson wrestled an entire match knowing that it would only do his health no good, and finally, he had paid the price for it.)

Rich Russillo: DRAKE ARMSTRONG NOW LIFTING BRONSON DANIELS UP…

Thadd Blazevich: # BY THE BOOTSTRAPS!!! DRIVING BRONSON DOWN ONTO HIS DAMAGED LEG!! HIS ENTIRE BODY WEIGHT APPLYING PRESSURE TO HIS HURT KNEE!!

Rich Russillo: BRONSON IS WRITHING IN PAIN, BLOOD POURING DOWN HIS FACE, AND DRAKE ISN’T DONE!!! HE’S LIFTING HIM UP A SECOND TIME…

Thadd Blazevich: # BY THE BOOTSTRAPS!!!!

Rich Russillo: THE SHINBREAKER AGAIN, APPLYING PRESSURE TO BRONSON’S KNEE, FORCING IT TO GIVE OUT!! DRAKE DOESN’T LET GO…

Thadd Blazevich: # A THIRD ‘BY THE BOOTSTRAPS’!!!! BRONSON COLLAPSES!!!!

(Drake was completely seeing red. Both literally and figuratively. Not only had Bronson’s blood begun to pour onto Drake’s body, but Drake wasn’t thinking logically… if he ever could. The only thought in his mind was to cripple one of EAW’s most popular all-time Elitists. There’s nothing more he wanted to do.)

(He stumbled over, and hooked his arm around Bronson’s heel. The Heartbeat kicked, he scratched, he clawed. There was nothing he could do. Nothing.)

Rich Russillo:# ‘WILL KILLER’ APPLIED!!! DRAKE HAS HIS KNEE ON THE BACK OF BRONSON’S HEAD, WITH THE SINGLE LEG BOSTON CRAB/HEELHOOK COMBINATION APPLIED!!!

(# WRENCH.)

(# WRENCH.)

(# WRENCH.)

(Drake was practically tearing Bronson’s knee apart. The Dragon Screw’s, the elbows, the shinbreakers, and the general rabid beating of one of Bronson’s main assets; it all led to this. One more, if not final ‘Will Killer.’ Bronson managed to escape last time. Not this time. With Drake’s knee on the back of his head… there was nothing he could do.)

(He couldn’t force his way out of it.)

(He couldn’t crawl to the ropes.)

(He couldn’t do anything… he was entirely at the mercy of a merciless man.)

(And yet…)

Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) GIVE UP!!!!!!! GIVEEEEEEE UPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!

(He refused.)

(Bronson’s heart kept beating.)

(It refused.)

Referee: (off-mic) BRONSON! DO YOU SUBMIT????

(Bronson let out a loud scream. Though his hand, while waving for the ropes, was not tapping. His words, though sparse, did not call for a submission.)

(He shook his head.)

Bronson Daniels: (off-mic) I CAN’T. I WON’T.

(# WRENCH!)

(But Drake didn’t listen. He took his knee off of Bronson’s head, and leant his body all the way back. CRACK! Drake almost folded Bronson Daniels’ leg in half.)

(# WRENCH!)

(# WRENCH!)

(# WRENCH!)

(He refused. Bronson refused. He couldn’t. He wouldn’t)

Rich Russillo: WHAT IS HE DOING??? HE’S NOT TAPPING!!!

(Bronson Daniels will not give up.)

(Bronson Daniels will not fade away.)

(Bronson Daniels’ spirit will not die!)

(Bronson Daniels…)

Referee: (off-mic) THAT’S IT, RING THE BELL! HE CAN’T DEFEND HIMSELF!

(DING! DING! DING!)

(Bronson Daniels had lost… No verbal or physical submission… but it didn’t matter. The referee did not believe that Bronson Daniels had the capacity to keep going. His leg was shattered, he was immobile. He was refusing to give up, and the crowd hated the sound of the bell ringing.)

(…But there was nothing he could do.)

Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER, VIA REFEREE’S STOPPAGE… DRAAAAKEEE ARRRRRRMMMMMMSTROOOOOONNNNNGGGGGG!!!!!

(Though Drake’s theme music would not play. He maintained the hold, refusing to let go.)

Drake Armstrong: (off-mic) GIVE UP! TAP! TAP!!!!!!!!!!!

(Bronson didn’t. He simply lied, motionless. His blood stained the canvas. Drake Armstrong had won, yet he was unsatisfied.)

(The referee had taken this win from him.)

(Or… more accurately; Bronson Daniels had denied him his victory, even in his most dire moments.)

(Bronson Daniels refused.)

(And Drake Armstrong hated it.)

(The referee charged forward, practically tackling Drake to the ground, just to remove him from Bronson Daniels. Bronson truly was defenseless. The entire body weight of a man 40 pounds heavier than him, inches taller than him, with working limbs. Bronson was tied up, there was nowhere he could go, he would be stuck in that submission forever; until he was crippled, until he had no leg to use anymore. The referee had to protect Bronson Daniels, with all of his power.)

(Drake crawled over… disgusted. Gritting his teeth, he grabbed onto Bronson Daniels’ wrist.)

(Then…)

(# TAP.)

(# TAP.)

(# TAP.)

(He forced Bronson Daniels to tap out. Physically. He slammed his hand into the mat over, and over, and over.)

(Finally… ‘Pride and Arrogance’ by Takeru Kanazaki began to play through the speakers. Drake scurried to the ropes; he was officially entering the Extreme Elimination Chamber. Perhaps another day was a day for celebration, but he looked at the bloodied and broken Bronson Daniels feeling as if yet again, Bronson had got the better of him.)

(Drake Armstrong was appalled.)

(He rolled out of the ring, barely able to keep himself upright. Almost falling on the ramp. Though, even if he struggled, at least he could walk away on his own fruition. Bronson couldn’t. The medical staff had hurried over, separated him from Drake Armstrong, and quickly rushed him out of the ring. As quickly as they could, at least. He still moved slow, despite being carried away.)

(Drake Armstrong truly had done that much damage…)

(Moments later, Wicked Games faded to commercial break…)

(…)

(A commercial for the ‘Life is Strange’ Amazon Series would play, featuring Ronan Malosi as Warren Graham!)

( https://imgur.com/0u0fxjC )

Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS A HARDCORE MATCH SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL, AND IT IS FOR THE EAW HARDCORE CHAMPIONSHIP!

(“Nice To Meet Yah” by Asian Doll begins to play throughout the arena, drawing a loud reaction as Diamond Dixon steps onto the Wicked Games stage. The Crown Jewel stands confidently beneath the lights, taking a moment to survey the crowd before striking a pose. She flashes a smile toward the camera, then starts down the ramp with her attention firmly on the ring.)

Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING FIRST, THE CHALLENGER! FROM HOUSTON, TEXAS! WEIGHING IN AT 176 POUNDS! THE CROWN JEWEL… DIIIIIIAMOND DIIIIIIXON!!!!

Rich Russillo: Diamond Dixon has an opportunity tonight to capture her first singles championship in EAW! She knows exactly how dangerous Miku Sakai can be, but after everything that happened on Voltage, Diamond has made it abundantly clear that she isn’t intimidated by the Hardcore Champion!

Persephone: She also made it clear that she doesn’t particularly enjoy getting beaten bloody with random household objects. Unfortunately for her, that’s precisely what she’s signed up for tonight.

Thadd Blazevich: True, bro. But Diamond has been through her share of fights in EAW! She can handle herself better you’re giving her credit for!

(Diamond approaches ringside and climbs onto the apron. She steps through the ropes, climbs the nearest turnbuckle and raises both arms before dropping back to the canvas. Diamond stretches her shoulders and settles into her corner as her music fades.)

(“Life is Short, O Brave Girl” by Hanabie blasts through the arena, bringing an immediate wave of boos. Miku Sakai emerges onto the stage with the Hardcore Championship secured around her waist, accompanied by her younger sister, Kiko Sakai. Miku throws her arms into the air and screams something toward the audience before aggressively pointing at the championship. Kiko claps excitedly beside her.)

Bella Braxton: AND HER OPPONENT! ACCOMPANIED TO THE RING BY KIKO SAKAI! FROM FUKUI, JAPAN! WEIGHING IN AT 110 POUNDS! SHE IS THE REIGNING EAW HARDCORE CHAMPION… MIIIIIKUUUU SAKAAAAAIIII!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, look at Miku! She’s been waiting five years to call herself a champion again, and there’s no way she’s planning to let Diamond Dixon take that away in her very first defense!

Rich Russillo: Miku certainly hasn’t forgotten Diamond laying her out with the Facelift on Voltage! But tonight, there are no disqualifications, and with Kiko Sakai at ringside, Diamond needs to keep her eyes on more than just the champion!

Persephone: Well she’s a fucking tree compared to Miku so she has the advantage already. Just needs to not lose her shit or let Miku’s mini-me make the difference.

(Miku marches down the ramp, repeatedly shouting at fans while Kiko proudly gestures toward her sister’s championship. Reaching ringside, Miku climbs onto the apron and holds the title overhead, glaring directly at Diamond. She enters the ring and approaches the challenger, but Kiko quickly steps between them before the referee orders her outside.)

Persephone: Oh, wonderful. Kiko’s already getting involved, and the damn bell hasn’t even rung.

(Miku reluctantly hands over the Hardcore Championship. The referee raises it high for the audience before passing it to ringside. Diamond and Miku stare each other down from their respective corners as the referee prepares to signal for the bell.)

(DING! DING! DING!)

Rich Russillo: The Hardcore Championship is on the line, and Diamond Dixon is charging straight at Miku Sakai! Diamond swings for a clothesline, Miku ducks and comes off the ropes with a running dropkick, but Diamond swats her aside and blasts her with a big boot!

Persephone: Diamond isn’t giving her a second to start any of those stupid games. She’s got ten inches and sixty-six pounds on Miku, and she intends to use every bit of that advantage before the champion can find a weapon.

Thadd Blazevich: Miku scrambles into the corner, but Diamond’s already there with three nasty forearms, dude! Diamond sends her across the ring, charges after her, and Miku gets both boots up! Now Miku’s climbing onto the middle rope, looking for a flying headscissors!

Rich Russillo: DIAMOND CATCHES HER! Miku tries to spin free, but Diamond lifts her back up and plants her with a powerbomb right in the middle of the ring! Diamond stacks her up for the first cover of the match!

Referee: ONNNEEEE!

Persephone: Miku gets the shoulder up but that’s a heavy shot to take this early, and Diamond has already grabbed her by the hair! The champion twists loose and slides under the bottom rope, but that’s not much of an escape when the referee can’t count Diamond out!

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond goes right after her, bro! Miku tries to run around the ring post, but Diamond catches her and drives her face-first into the barricade! She grabs Miku again and hurls her shoulder-first into the steel steps, knocking the top section clean off!

Rich Russillo: Diamond is dismantling the champion at ringside! Miku pulls herself up against the barricade, but Diamond charges and clotheslines her over it into the timekeeper’s area! Kiko Sakai is shouting at Diamond to back away from her sister, and Diamond wants absolutely nothing to do with those instructions!

Persephone: Kiko has good reason to keep her distance after what happened on Voltage. She’s still hanging around anyway, and that gives Miku one more person to hide behind whenever Diamond gets close enough to hurt her.

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond reaches over the barricade to pull Miku up, but Miku snatches a drink from the timekeeper’s table and throws it right in her face, dude! Diamond’s blinded for a second, and Miku vaults onto the barricade before drilling her with a diving knee!

Rich Russillo: Diamond staggers toward the apron! Miku comes running after her and leaps for a tornado DDT, but Diamond holds her up, trying to muscle her onto the ring apron! But Miku wriggles free, drops behind her, and drives Diamond face-first into the ring post!

Persephone: There it is. The scrawny bitch can’t afford to get into a power game with the big bitch, so she’s targeting the head and using every hard surface she can find. That ring post can do more damage than a dozen ordinary strikes. Sakai is reaching under the ring skirt…

Thadd Blazevich: MIKU BRINGS OUT A STEEL CHAIR BRO! SHE DRIVES THE EDGE INTO DIAMOND’S STOMACH AND THEN CRACKS IT OVER HER BACK! DIAMOND IS HURT! Another shot to the shoulder, and Diamond drops to a knee, but Miku swings one more time— BUT DIAMOND CATCHES THE CHAIR WITH HER HANDS!

Rich Russillo: Diamond rips it away, kicks Miku in the midsection and swings! Miku barely gets out of the way as the chair smashes against the ring post! Miku fires a kick into Diamond’s knee, and another, chopping down the challenger’s base! Miku steps back now and lines up before driving her into the barricade with a running dropkick!

Persephone: That knee was a target on the go-home Voltage too, and Miku hasn’t forgotten. She can talk all day about how Diamond doesn’t belong here, but she clearly knows how dangerous the challenger is when she’s standing on two healthy legs.

Thadd Blazevich: Miku grabs Diamond by the hair, pulls her toward the apron, and tries for a wheelbarrow bulldog on the floor, dude! Diamond blocks it and launches Miku backward with a release German suplex! Miku lands hard, and Diamond’s grabbing that chair again!

Rich Russillo: Diamond sets the chair against the barricade, hauls Miku upright and tries to whip her into it! Miku reverses, and Diamond crashes back-first through the chair instead! Miku comes charging in with a running knee, but Diamond moves and Miku’s knee smashes into the barricade!

Persephone: Both of them are already paying for every gamble they take. Diamond’s back hit that steel hard, but Miku might have done something to her own knee there. She’s limping, and Diamond isn’t about to give her any sympathy.

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond scoops her up for a gorilla press, bro! She’s carrying Miku straight toward the ring— AND TOSSES HER OVER THE TOP ROPE! Miku bounces off the canvas, and Diamond slides in behind her for another cover!

Referee: ONNNEEE!! T—

Rich Russillo: Miku kicks out, but Diamond grabs both wrists and starts stomping into her chest! Diamond drags her up and launches her across the ring with a suplex, then holds on and brings her right back up for a second! Miku fights it with elbows! She slips out and hits the ropes! She connects with a springboard forearm!

Persephone: That forearm finally puts Diamond on a knee, and Miku follows with a running blockbuster! She’s smart enough not to admire her work this time like a dumbass. She goes straight for the cover, making Diamond expend more energy to stay alive.

Referee: ONNNEEEE! TW—

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond powers out, dude, and Miku goes straight for the leg! She’s stomping the back of that knee, dragging the ankle across the canvas and dropping her weight onto the joint! Diamond tries kicking her off, but Miku grabs the other leg and rolls her into another pin! Miku trying to wear her out with these kickouts!

Referee: ONNEEE! TWW—

Rich Russillo: Diamond shoves her away! Miku rebounds off the ropes for a jumping hip attack, BUT DIAMOND CATCHES HER WITH A SPINEBUSTER! Miku’s folded up from the impact, and Diamond hooks the leg!

Referee: ONNNEEE!

Persephone: Another kickout, and Diamond is sliding under the bottom rope instead of wasting time arguing. She reaches underneath the apron… OH! She’s got a kendo stick, which might be the worst thing Miku could have let someone that strong pick up!

Thadd Blazevich: Miku tries to crawl away, but Diamond cracks the stick across her back, bro!

CRACK

Thadd Blazevich: That’s another shot right across the shoulders, and Miku’s screaming, bro! Diamond raises it for a third, but Miku dodges to the side! She grabs it by the end and starts fighting her for control!

Rich Russillo: Diamond yanks the kendo stick back, pulling Miku right into a knee! She swings again, but Miku ducks! She pops to her feet and runs the ropes! She returns— FLYING HEADSCISSORS! Diamond is sent across the ring! Miku steals the stick and WHIPS IT ACROSS DIAMOND’S RIBS!

Persephone: Now she’s got Diamond trapped against the turnbuckles, and those shots are landing from every angle. Miku is laughing right in her face between strikes, which tells you just how much she enjoys having the momentum back.

Thadd Blazevich: But Diamond doesn’t like that Bro! She reaches through— AND CATCHES MIKU BY THE THROAT! SAKAI IS PANICKED! AND DIXON WITH THE CHOKESLAM TO THE CHAMPION!! DIAMOND DIXON COVERS!

Referee: ONNNEEEE! TWWWOOO!

Rich Russillo: Miku survives! Diamond’s not letting up, though! She picks Miku up, drives her into the corner with a shoulder thrust and backs away for a spear, but Miku leaps over her! Diamond hits the turnbuckles, and Miku catches her with a low dropkick to that same knee!

Persephone: Can’t fight someone nearly a foot taller than you so chop them down. Dixon is strong, but Miku is forcing her to change direction on a knee that’s already been punished. Every sudden stop is becoming more expensive for the challenger.

Thadd Blazevich: Miku grabs the kendo stick again, wedges it across the back of Diamond’s knee, and wrenches the leg around it, bro! Diamond is crawling for the ropes, but grabbing them won’t make Miku release anything in this match!

Rich Russillo: Diamond is struggling and looking for a way to release the pressure before more damage sets in! She pulls and twists! Her power makes it hard for Miku to keep the hold! Diamond finally kicks backward and catches Miku right in the jaw!

Thadd Blazevich: Miku loses her grip, bro! Diamond rises, snatches the stick and snaps it across Miku’s stomach! Miku doubles over and Diamond drives a knee into her face before scooping her up for a backbreaker! Diamond holds her across that knee, bending the champion backward as Miku struggles to get free!

Persephone: Miku’s trying to claw at her eyes again, and Diamond simply throws her off. Diamond may dislike hardcore matches, but she’s absorbing punishment and keep making good decisions. She’s also doing enough to remember Miku’s favorite shortcuts.

Thadd Blazevich: That almost sounded like a compliment, Persephone.

Persephone: Eat shit.

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond rolls out again and drags a steel trash can from underneath the ring, dude! Not letting her foot off the gas pedal! She’s throwing it inside along with the lid and another chair! Miku charges as soon as Diamond slides back in, but Diamond raises the trash can and Miku runs face-first into it!

Rich Russillo: The impact spins Miku around! Diamond drives the can into her stomach! Now she slams it over her head and shoulders, setting the can with Miku inside! AND DIAMOND DIXON DRUMMING THAT TRASH CAN WITH THE KENDO STICK! SAKAI IS STUCK INSIDE AND CAN’T SEE! DIAMOND GOING TO TOWN!

Persephone: Miku looking like a trashy champion right now.

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond backs across the ring and charges, bro! BIG BOOT TO THE TRASH CAN! Miku crashes backward into the turnbuckles, and Diamond pulls the can off to drag her out of the corner!

Rich Russillo: Diamond is in control of the hardcore champion! She drags her over and sets her up, looking for something devastating!

Persephone: Diamond hoists her up— BUT MIKU SLIPS LOOSE AND CLAWS AT THE EYES!

Rich Russillo: CAT SCRATCH FEVER! Diamond stumbles backward, and Miku jams the trash can over her head instead! Returning the favor from before, Miku grabs the lid and hammers it against the side of the can, then backs up and nails a running dropkick that sends Diamond tumbling into the corner!

Persephone: Miku’s practically vibrating with excitement. Diamond managed to embarrass her with that can, and now she needs to return the humiliation twice as badly. She’s lined up while Diamond is still trying to get the metal off her head.

Thadd Blazevich: Miku launches herself into a hip attack right against the can, dude! The whole thing buckles around Diamond’s shoulders, and Miku’s shouting at Kiko to watch! She’s trying to pull the can away now, but Diamond grabs hold of her and refuses to let go!

Rich Russillo: Diamond forces herself upright with Miku still in her grasp! She lifts the champion high and DRIVES HER DOWN WITH A POWERBOMB ONTO THE STEEL TRASH CAN! That can is flattened beneath Miku’s back, and Diamond hurriedly pulls her off the wreckage for the cover!

Referee: ONNEEEEE!! TWWOOO!!! TH—

Persephone: Miku kicks out, barely, and Diamond looks like she wants to tear the entire ring apart. That impact went straight through the champion’s back, which is a problem for somebody relying on jumping, twisting offense to stay competitive.

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond unfolds a chair near the center of the ring and pulls Miku up for a suplex, bro! She’s going to break Miku in half if she lands there!

Rich Russillo: Miku kicks and twists, trying to avoid landing on that chair, and finally gets down behind Diamond! She shoves Diamond forward, but Diamond leaps over the chair and turns around with a pump kick!

Thadd Blazevich: Miku ducks the kick and sweeps Diamond’s bad leg, bro! Diamond falls backward onto the open chair, collapsing it beneath her! Miku scrambles through the middle rope! She launches herself— SLINGSHOT SOMERSAULT SENTON! SHE LANDS RIGHT ON DIAMOND! The champion hooks both legs!

Referee: ONNNNEEE! TWWOOO! TH—

Persephone: Another kickout, and Diamond’s having to drag herself away from the broken chair. Miku’s getting far more consistent about attacking that lower body now. She can’t afford to be caught with another spinebuster or powerbomb.

Thadd Blazevich: Miku’s taking the chair apart, dude, and now she’s wedging a folded section between Diamond’s knee and the canvas! She stomps down on it, and Diamond cries out!

Persephone: Miku backs off for a moment! Setting something up! She moves in for a running knee! BUT DIAMOND POPS UP DESPITE HER KNEE AND TAKES MIKU OUT WITH A CLOTHESLINE!

Rich Russillo: Both women are down, but Diamond rolls onto her stomach and pushes herself upright first! Her knee is in pain but fighting through it! She grabs Miku who was beginning to rise and drives her into the turnbuckles, then hoists her onto the top rope! Diamond’s climbing up after her, and this could get extremely dangerous!

Persephone: Miku’s hammering at her back for survival, but Diamond keeps climbing! The champion can’t really overpower her from that position, so she tries grabbing the ropes and sliding beneath Diamond’s arm. Diamond catches her by the waist before she can escape!

Thadd Blazevich: SUPERPLEX! DIAMOND TAKES MIKU ALL THE WAY DOWN, BRO! The ring just shook, and Diamond’s crawling over to make another cover! Her knee almost gave out underneath her, but she managed an incredible show of power!

Referee: ONNNEEE! TWWOOOO! THR—

Rich Russillo: Miku gets her shoulder up! Diamond is visibly frustrated, but there’s still no sign she’s doubting herself. She knows the champion is vulnerable, and now she’s rolling outside to find something else to finish the job!

Persephone: And there it is, that ridiculous sock full of batteries! Diamond brought her favorite weapon to Miku’s favorite kind of match. If the champion thought the challenger wasn’t serious about getting ugly tonight, this should clear that up.

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond slides back in with the weighted sock wrapped around her fist, dude! Miku gets to her knees—

THUD

Thadd Blazevich: DIAMOND SWINGS IT RIGHT INTO HER RIBS! Miku folds over, and Diamond brings it down across her upper back! That’s not making a pretty noise at all, bro!

Rich Russillo: Diamond pulls Miku upright and swings again, but Miku catches her wrist! They’re fighting over the weapon, and Diamond forces Miku backward toward the ropes! But Miku delivers a sharp kick to the bad knee, Diamond loses her balance, and Miku snatches the sock right out of her hand!

Persephone: Miku has just discovered a new favorite toy. She’s inspecting it like she’s impressed Diamond actually brought something worth stealing, and the challenger needs to get off that knee before this gets even worse.

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond gets back up— BUT MIKU SWINGS THE SOCK INTO HER SHOULDER! AND NOW TO THE SAME HIP OVER THAT BAD KNEE! DIAMOND IS DOWNED!

Rich Russillo: Miku tries to hit her in the head— BUT DIAMOND ROLLS OUT OF THE WAY THIS TIME! She reaches up for the champions wrist! And takes a grip of her as she pulls herself back up and gets Miku into a bear hug!

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond’s standing with Miku trapped in that bearhug, bro! The champion fights desperately, hammering elbows against her head, but Diamond squeezes harder and starts carrying her toward the ropes! Miku looks around desperately and digs a thumb into Diamond’s eye and finally drops free!

Persephone: Diamond’s got one hand over her face and the other pressed against her ribs. That’s a lot of damage accumulating, and Miku is already moving again. She isn’t giving Diamond time to sort out which injury is worse.

Thadd Blazevich: Miku bounces off the ropes and connects with a running knee to the side of Diamond’s face, dude! Diamond staggers toward the apron, and Miku comes rushing back with a second knee that knocks her through the ropes! Miku looks at Kiko and starts shouting for her to get out of the way!

Rich Russillo: Miku builds speed and dives between the ropes with a SUICIDE DIVE!

Thadd Blazevich: DIAMOND CAUGHT THE CHAMPION OUT OF MID AIR BRO!

SMACK

Rich Russillo: Diamond turns and launches Miku spine-first into the barricade, and the whole front row just recoiled from that impact!

Persephone: Miku keeps forgetting that Diamond can turn almost any reckless dive into a power move. The champion’s back has been battered since the opening minutes, and now she’s curled up on the floor trying to breathe.

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond’s clearing the announce table, dude! She’s tossing the monitors aside and dragging Miku toward it! She tries to lift Miku onto the tabletop— BUT MIKU FIGHTS BACK! A KICK TO THE BAD KNEE AND MIKU FREES HERSELF!

Rich Russillo: Miku grabs Diamond by the head and SLAMS HER FACE INTO THE TABLE! She leaps onto the barricade and connects with a diving dropkick that sends Diamond sprawling across the announce table! Now Miku’s climbing onto the apron, looking for something spectacular!

Persephone: Spectacular is one word for it. Stupid is another, because she’s barely steady on her own feet. If Diamond moves out of the way, Miku could take herself out of this championship match without anybody touching her.

Thadd Blazevich: Miku has her lined up! AND LEAPS FROM THE APRON WITH A SENTON—

Rich Russillo: DIAMOND ROLLS OFF! Miku crashes hard through the announce table! She’s writhing on top of the carnage she leaves behind, and Diamond pulls herself upright beside the wreckage!

Rich Russillo: Diamond drags Miku off the busted announce table, lifts her across her shoulders and carries her toward the apron! Miku fights with frantic elbows, but Diamond plants her with a SIDEWALK SLAM ONTO THE FLOOR! The champion has been taking punishment to her back from the opening bell, and it’s getting harder for her to even stand!

Persephone: Diamond still has to get her back into the ring to win, and she’s taking her time because that knee won’t support her full weight.

Thadd Blazevich: Kiko comes around the corner and starts yelling at Diamond, bro! Diamond turns and tells her to get down, but Miku’s moving behind her! Kiko swings a kendo stick and CRACKS DIAMOND RIGHT BEHIND THE INJURED KNEE!

Rich Russillo: KIKO CREATES THE OPENING MIKU NEEDS! Diamond buckles, and Miku shoves her face-first into the apron before rolling her back into the ring! Miku follows with a running knee to the head! The champion hooks the leg!

Referee: ONNEEEEE! TWWWOOOO! THR—

Persephone: Diamond kicks out, and Kiko’s backing away like she had nothing to do with any of it. That was a perfectly legal interference in this match, but it’s the same coward shit we’ve come to expect. Miku needed her sister to give her that opening because she couldn’t make Diamond stay down herself.

Thadd Blazevich: Miku’s patting Kiko on the head through the ropes like she just won a prize, dude! Now she’s pulling a steel chair under Diamond’s head and bringing another chair overhead! She’s looking for a conchairto, and there’s nobody who can disqualify her for it!

Rich Russillo: MIKU SWINGS, BUT DIAMOND ROLLS AWAY! THE CHAIRS COLLIDE WITH A DEAFENING CRASH! Miku’s arms are stunned by the vibration, and Diamond fires a big boot into the other chair, driving it straight back into Miku’s face! Both women collapse to their knees, and Diamond is trying to force herself upright!

Persephone: That’s the opening Diamond needed. Miku got greedy trying to end this with one monstrous chair shot, and now she’s wobbling around with no idea where the challenger is. Diamond looks like she’s ready to make her pay.

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond grabs Miku and lands a brutal DDT onto the folded chair, bro! She’s not done, either! She pulls Miku up, whips her toward the ropes and catches her coming back with a SPEAR THAT NEARLY CUTS HER IN HALF! DIXON HOOKS THE LEG!!

Referee: ONNNEEE!!! TWWWOOOO!! THREE—

Persephone: NO! Miku rolls a shoulder up! Diamond’s staring at the referee, but she’s not giving him a reason to argue. Instead she’s getting back up and dragging Miku toward the corner, because she knows another major impact might finally end this and let me go home!

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond’s setting a chair against the turnbuckles, dude! She pulls Miku up for a gorilla press, but the champion’s hammering away at her face! Miku slips behind her and shoves Diamond head-first toward the chair, and Diamond crashes right into the steel!

Rich Russillo: Diamond is stunned! And she’s bleeding from her forehead! She looks dazed as she pushes herself back up! She turns— CUCK KILLER! MIKU CATCHES HER WITH THE DOUBLE KNEE FACEBUSTER!! THE CHAMPION LOOKING TO RETAIN! SHE HOOKS THE LEG!

Referee: ONNNNEEEEE! TWWWOOOOOO! THREEEEEEEEEE!

Thadd Blazevich: DIAMOND POWERS OUT! SHEER INSTINCT, BRO! DIAMOND SURVIVING THAT IS SHEER INSTINCT! And Miku looks pissed! Something just snapped in her! Miku is yelling at Kiko! Telling her instructions!

Rich Russillo: Kiko reaches under the ring, and she has a couple of items that I can’t really see from here!

Persephone: That’s an aerosol can of hairspray. And Miku has something else in her hand that I do not like the look of. This is getting past the point of normal hardcore violence, even for someone as deranged as Miku Sakai.

Thadd Blazevich: SHE HAS A LIGHTER! Miku’s on the apron as Diamond pulls herself up, bro! DIAMOND COMES TOWARD HER, AND THERE’S A SUDDEN FLASH OF FIRE BETWEEN THEM AS MIKU SPRAYS THE HAIRSPRAY THROUGH THE LIGHTER! DIAMOND THROWS HER ARM OVER HER FACE AND STUMBLES BACK! Miku’s laughing, but the referee’s trying to get those things away from her!

Rich Russillo: That was an absolutely reckless stunt from the Hardcore Champion! Diamond managed to turn away from the flare, but she’s temporarily blinded, and Miku takes advantage by springboarding inside with a forearm! Now a running blockbuster from Miku, and another cover!

Referee: ONNNEEEEE!! TWWWOOOO!!! THREE—

Persephone: Diamond kicks out! And Miku looks furious that even that wasn’t enough. She made a fucking fireball and Diamond didn’t stay down!

Thadd Blazevich: Miku drags Diamond toward that flattened trash can, dude, and she tries to haul her up for StarFall!

Rich Russillo: But Diamond plants her feet, breaks the grip and cracks Miku with a headbutt! Miku staggers toward the ropes, and Diamond catches her coming back with another spinebuster!

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond pulls Miku up immediately! She’s got the champion’s arms trapped, and SHE HITS THE FACELIFT! DIAMOND DRIVES MIKU FACE-FIRST INTO THE CANVAS WITH THE FACEBUSTER! AND SHE HOOKS BOTH LEGS! WE HAVE A NEW HARDCORE CHAMPION!!!

Referee: ONNEEEEE! TWWWOOOO! THREEEEEEEE!

Thadd Blazevich: WHAT!?!? NO WAY!!!! IT’S NOT OVER YET, BRO!!

Persephone: MIKU KICKS OUT! Diamond just hit the move that laid Miku out on Voltage, and this time the champion survived it!

Rich Russillo: WOW! That was a huge kickout by Miku, and to her credit, it’s her ability to do stuff like this that allowed her to win the Hardcore Championship in the first place! The challenger looks stunned for a moment, but now she’s dragging Miku off the canvas again. She’s not letting one kickout convince her the match is lost even if it was one of her best shots!

Thadd Blazevich: Diamond’s getting Miku across her shoulders, dude! Looking to follow up one big attack with another! BBL BREAKER! SHE’S GOT THE MODIFIED BACKBREAKER RACK LOCKED IN! Miku’s screaming, Diamond’s wrenching down on that ruined back, and the champion’s not going to be escaping with a rope break here!

Rich Russillo: Miku is fighting like her life depends on it! She claws at Diamond’s face, but Diamond refuses to let go! Miku attacks the eyes again— But Diamond refuses to break the hold!

Thadd Blazevich: Bro, Miku may have to give up! She can’t get out of this one! She’s fading! Miku is about to—

Rich Russillo: KIKO SAKAI FROM BEHIND WITH THE SOCK OF BATTERIES TO DIAMOND’S BAD KNEE!

Thadd Blazevich: Kiko saves her sister as Diamond’s bad knee finally buckles! Both women collapse, and Diamond’s forced to release the hold before she can make Miku submit! Kiko slides out of the ring before Diamond can retaliate!

Persephone: If my sister loved me like Kiko loves Miku, I might actually still talk to her and those nasty fucks she calls children.

Thadd Blazevich: They’re both crawling toward opposite corners, bro! Diamond’s trying to shake feeling back into her leg, and Miku is using the ropes to pull herself upright! Diamond charges for a pump kick, but Miku ducks and Diamond gets caught against the ropes! KENDO STICK TO THE BAD KNEE!

Rich Russillo: Diamond drops to both knees, and Miku leaps forward! Lashing her with the stick—

CRACK

Rich Russillo: SHE SNAPS IT IN HALF OVER DIAMOND’S HEAD!!

Persephone: Diamond’s head is still bleeding from earlier but much worse now! Miku tosses the broken stick aside and looks around!

Thadd Blazevich: Now Miku grabs a chair, dude, and she’s dragging it toward Diamond! She wants one more shot to the head— BUT DIAMOND SHOVES HER WAY UP AND HITS A KICK TO THE FACE! Diamond grabs her for a DDT!

Persephone: No! Miku twists loose before Diamond can drive her down!

Rich Russillo: Miku hits the ropes and catches Diamond with a running knee! Diamond stumbles, but refuses to fall, and Miku charges again! Diamond catches her with a pump kick that nearly takes her head off! Both women are staggering, and Diamond reaches for Miku one more time!

Persephone: Miku slips beneath the arm, and she takes Diamond’s injured knee out from behind! Diamond crashes to the mat beside that folded chair, and now Miku’s pointing at the top turnbuckle. She’s barely able to stand herself, but she knows she has one final chance to end this.

Thadd Blazevich: Miku’s climbing, dude, and Diamond’s fighting up to her feet! Diamond turns around and MIKU LAUNCHES HERSELF OFF THE TOP! WALK OF SHAME! THE DIVING CORKSCREW CUTTER CONNECTS! Miku rolls through, drags herself onto Diamond and hooks the near leg!

Referee: ONNEEE!

Rich Russillo: DIAMOND INSTINCTIVELY PUTS A FOOT ON THE ROPE! MAY NOT BREAK SUBMISSIONS BUT IT CAN STOP PINFALLS IN THIS MATCH!!

Referee: TWWWOOO!!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT KIKO SAKAI SHOVES DIXON’S LEG OFF THE ROPE BEFORE THE REF CAN SEE IT, BRO!

Referee: THREEEEEEEEEEE!!!

(DING! DING! DING!)

(“Life is Short, O Brave Girl”’ by Hanabie begins to blast throughout the arena as Miku rolls off Diamond Dixon, barely able to believe that she has survived her first Hardcore Championship defense. Kiko Sakai immediately slides into the ring, retrieving the championship from ringside and helping her sister back to her feet.)

Bella Braxton: HERE IS YOUR WINNER… AND STIIIIIIILL EAW HARDCORE CHAMPION… MIIIIIKUUUU SAKAAAAAIIII!!!

Rich Russillo: Miku Sakai retains the Hardcore Championship, but what a controversial ending! Diamond Dixon had her foot on the bottom rope, and Kiko Sakai made sure the referee never saw it!

Persephone: Diamond had that match won, and Miku needed her sister to bail her out. But I guess a win is a win, even when you have to steal it.

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, Diamond Dixon just went through absolute hell! She gave Miku everything she could handle, and she’s going to be furious when she finds out exactly what happened!

(Kiko raises Miku’s arm before placing the Hardcore Championship around her waist. Miku immediately shoves her sister aside to climb onto the middle turnbuckle, unstrapping the belt Kiko had just put on her and holding her title high and shouting obscenities toward the crowd. Kiko enthusiastically applauds her anyway.)

Rich Russillo: Miku Sakai leaves Wicked Games with her championship intact, but Diamond Dixon has every reason to feel robbed tonight!

(The camera briefly catches Diamond pulling herself upright against the ropes, staring furiously at the celebrating champion and her sister as the scene fades.)

( https://i.imgur.com/S1BTZHJ.png )

( The lights go out and fireworks shoot up from the stage, exploding in a purple blast as ‘Ghost Myself’ by DIAMANTE begins to play. Smoke fills the stage and just as the song reaches its lyrics, Raven Roberts steps out onto the stage with her arms up in a pose and wearing a pair of large black feathered wings that are harnessed to her shoulders about four feet wide on each side, extended as though she could take flight. Raven holds her pose briefly, looking out amongst the roaring fans and soaking in the moment. As she makes her way down the ramp, she keeps her eyes focused on the ring with a smirk on her face. When she reaches the steps, she walks up to the apron and immediately ascends the turnbuckle from the outside. She poses with one leg on the top rope and one leg on the bottom looking out to the fans on the hard cam side, looking upward with one arm raised and a finger pointed to the sky. As her music fades, she pops a latch on the harness and it and the wings fall to ground outside and she hops down into the ring and takes her corner. )

Bella Braxton: Introducing first… From Louisville, Kentucky… Weighing in at 122 pounds… SHE IS THE BIIIIRDD OF PREEEY… RRRAAAAAAAAVEN ROOOOOBERRRRTSSSSS!

Rich Russillo: The Bird of Prey looking to put a wallowing end to Eris Morti, and I can’t imagine she’s thinking of anything but that right now!

Thadd Blazevich: Got a point there, bro. After Eris Morti helped Igon Mordren get a huge win over the Hall of Famer, and everything that ensued there? I’d want to do the same.

Persephone: Let’s just hope she retires after this.

( ‘Burn Victim’ by Methwitch starts to play as Eris Morti makes her way through the curtains with a particular smile on her face. The time to decimate Raven Roberts has arrived, and she has no plans of stopping until she believes the job has been completed. She makes her way down the entrance ramp, sliding into the ring and staring at Raven from the ground. She then torques her body around, getting up to her feet in a swift motion, backing into the corner, once again staring at Roberts. )

Bella Braxton: And her opponent… from Parts Unknown… weighing in at 130 pounds… EEERRRIIIISSSSS MOOORRRTTTIIIIIII!!!!

Rich Russillo: Eris is trying to get in the head of Roberts before the bell even rings!

Thadd Blazevich: Gotta respect it bro. She’s ready to move mountains for this win, and what this win could do for her career would be TREMENDOUS!

Persephone: Let’s hope she does end up the winner.

( DING! DING! DING! )

Rich Russillo: Here we go, ladies and gentlemen! The bell has rung and this match is officially underway, Eris Mortis and Raven Roberts, two women that have been at one another’s throat for quite some time now! Neither woman has made a move, both seeming to analyze one another… Though, I’m not sure how wise of a move that is in a match condition like this one–

Thadd Blazevich: —HERE WE GO, BRO! RAVEN AND ERIS CHARGIN’ AT ONE ANOTHER, IMMEDIATELY BEGIN TO TRADE BLOWS! THAT’S WHAT I’M TALKIN’ ABOUT BRO!!

Persephone: These two gals have something they both want from one another… And it seems to me, that thing they want is one another’s lives.

Rich Russillo: Eris with a right hand! Raven with a left! Eris with another right, Raven with another left!

Thadd Blazevich: Raven takes the upper hand with a knee lift right into Eris! Eris crouchin’ over, Raven dashing at the ropes, comin’ right back for Eris!

Persephone: Eris saw it coming, firing a big boot straight into Raven’s jaw!

Rich Russillo: Raven swings around, clutching that jaw and staggering over to the ropes. Eris makes her way over to Raven, reeling The Huntress back… AND FIRING A CHOP STRAIGHT INTO RAVEN’S CHEST! I HEARD THAT FROM HERE!

Thadd Blazevich: That one had to hurt, bros! I know that Raven has felt some nasty things in the past, but when it comes to Eris? I’m not exactly sure this is the fight anyone wants to have.

Persephone: Eris keeping Raven in her place, as she should. She cocks that arm back– ERIS WITH ANOTHER CHOP!

Rich Russillo: Eris isn’t done just yet! She grabs Raven by her wrist, looking to toss Raven into the opposite set of ropes!

Thadd Blazevich: Raven isn’t going to go down that easy! Right as Eris was about to toss her into that direction, she swings around and tosses Eris instead! Eris goes flying into the ropes!

Persephone: Eris is quick to rebound, coming back at Raven! ERIS LEAPS INTO THE AIR, LATCHING INTO RAVEN WITH A FRONT FACELOCK… SHE SWINGS AROUND, LOOKING FOR A TORNADO DDT!!

Rich Russillo: …RAVEN MANAGES TO TWIRL WITH ERIS AND PUSH HER OFF THE HOLD!

Thadd Blazevich: Eris looks a little surprised that Raven was able to counter that maneuver, but what can you expect from a seasoned veteran like Raven Roberts, bro!

Persephone: That isn’t going to stop Eris! She lunges forward, looking to push Raven back with a boot… Raven is quick to evade the boot! Eris swings around– ONLY TO GET CAUGHT BY A SPINNING BACKFIST FROM THE BIRD OF PREY!

Rich Russillo: Eris gets caught hard, she’s dazed by the maneuver!

Thadd Blazevich: Raven pushes Eris’s head down and pulls her in, bro! ROBERTS LIFTS ERIS UP, AND SENDS HER STRAIGHT DOWN WITH A POWERBOMB!! ERIS IS DOWN!!

Persephone: The count begins!

Referee: ONE!

Referee: TWO!

Referee: THREE!

( Eris rolls over onto all fours, crawling towards the ropes. She pulls herself up, refusing to give Raven the dignity of a four count. Eris pulls herself up to her feet, her back turned to Raven as a sign of disrespect. )

Rich Russillo: Eris is back up to her feet before four! Raven notices Eris back onto her feet, charging right behind her!

Thadd Blazevich: Not so fast, bro! Eris uses that flexibility of hers to maneuver out of the way, evading Raven and sending her into the ropes!

Persephone: Raven bounces off of the ropes, chest first… Eris capitalizes with an enzuigiri into the back of Raven’s head! Raven drops to the ground, rolling out of the ring right after to avoid a count entirely.

Rich Russillo: Smart play by the rookie!

Thadd Blazevich: Absolutely smart play bro! Not only was she able to evade the veteran in Raven, but she was able to capitalize off of that one evasion and use it to get the upperhand here. That’s what I call smart thinking bro!

Persephone: Yeah I guess you’re right. That was a fine play.

Rich Russillo: Eris rolls out of the ring, making her way back over to Raven Roberts… The veteran shaking her head– OH! ERIS DROPS RAVEN FROM BEHIND WITH A NORTHERN LARIAT!

Thadd Blazevich: Raven just got dropped, but I don’t think that’s gonna be enough to keep the former Universal Women’s Champion down, bro! I mean, by the looks of it, I don’t think Eris thinks so either.

Persephone: Eris stepping back from Raven, seating herself on top of our commentary table, mocking Raven Roberts!

Eris Morti: (off-mic) What’s the matter, Bird? You wanted this. Don’t tell me that’s all you have to offer!

Referee: ONE!
Referee: TWO!
Referee: THREE!

Rich Russillo: Eris is trying to get into the head of Raven Roberts, but I think it’s having the opposite effect! I think it’s starting to fire her up instead!

Thadd Blazevich: You might be right there, bro! Raven pulls herself back up using the ring apron, evading a four count!

( Eris hops off of the announcement table, pulling off the “Wicked Games” cover from the table, dragging it over to the area Raven Roberts was recovering in. )

Persephone: Oh, yeah, sure. Just take that I guess.

Rich Russillo: Eris making her way back over to Raven Roberts… She pulls at her shoulder, turning her around… AND SLAMMING THE ANNOUNCEMENT TABLE COVER INTO HER HEAD!

Thadd Blazevich: Raven just got hit incredibly hard! She staggers away from Eris, falling face first into the barricade wall – damn bro!

Persephone: Eris tosses that cover aside, stalking Raven Roberts right now! She makes her way behind Raven, grabbing her by her hair, swinging Raven around AND SLAMMING HER FACE FIRST INTO THE STEEL STEPS!

Rich Russillo: Raven is being pummeled right about now, and I’m sure Eris is absolutely enjoying it!

Thadd Blazevich: …I don’t think that’s it, bro. Eris grabs Raven by her head… Wait a minute, bro! ERIS IS HOVERING RAVEN’S FACE OVER THE SHARPEST SPIKE ON THE STEEL STEPS….

Persephone: She’s trying to push Raven’s head into the spike! She’s trying to slam that spike into Raven’s eye!

Rich Russillo: …..NO! RAVEN FIGHTS THROUGH IT, HITTING ERIS WITH A BACK ELBOW, RIGHT IN THE EYE!!

Thadd Blazevich: Right in the eye! That move could affect the rest of the match for Eris!

Persephone: Eris staggers away, placing her hand over that eye as Raven Roberts pulls herself back onto her feet! Eris turns back around at Raven— BUT RAVEN RUSHES IN WITH A BIG BOOT TO ERIS’S CHIN!

Rich Russillo: Eris twirls around and drops down to a singular knee – Raven hit her hard there! Speaking of which, that doesn’t seem like it’s going to be all either.

Thadd Blazevich: Raven grabs Eris by her hair, dragging her over to the steel steps she just tried to slam her eye into… RAVEN SLAMS ERIS’S FOREHEAD RIGHT INTO THE STEEL STEPS SPIKE! HOLY COW, BRO!

Persephone: THAT’S GOT TO HURT!

Rich Russillo: Raven stepping back—

Thadd Blazevich: —AND RUNS IN WITH A STOMP TO THE BACK OF HER HEAD! SHE STOMPS THE SPIKE DEEPER INTO THAT FOREHEAD!!

Persephone: OUCH!

( Eris rolls off of the steel steps, both of her palms covering her forehead after Raven forces the spike right into her noggin. Eris starts to kick the ground, rolling in pain. She continues writhing in pain as Raven staggers back into the barricade, satisfied with the pain she just caused Eris. Blood begins pouring from Eris’s forehead. )

Rich Russillo: Eris is the first to shed blood here in this Last Woman Standing match!

Thadd Blazevich: I’m not surprised, bro. After Raven basically drilled Eris’s skull into the steel steps, it’s hard not to start bleedin’!

Persephone: Good point. Eris is slapping the mat, trying to shake off the pain, but that’s incredibly difficult with the condition she’s in. The count begins!

Referee: ONE!
Referee: TWO!
Referee: THREE!

Rich Russillo: Eris rolls over onto all fours, the count continuing, but she’s beginning to show some life!

Referee: FOUR!

Thadd Blazevich: Eris crawls beneath the ring apron, reaching for something underneath the ring it seems!

Persephone: Well, she better hurry up, ‘cause the count is still on!

Referee: FIVE!

Rich Russillo: Eris is clutching something in her hand, and pulls herself up using the ring apron! She beats the count!

Thadd Blazevich: Raven Roberts is back on the hunt, bro! She makes her way behind Eris, turning her around–

Persephone: –BUT ERIS SWINGS A BATON IN HER DIRECTION!

Rich Russillo: RAVEN NARROWLY EVADES THE BATON, NEARLY GETTING CLIPPED IN THE HEAD!

Thadd Blazevich: It looks like Raven saw it coming after Eris started reaching under the ring rather than just getting up!

Persephone: Raven yanks the baton away from Eris and slams it directly into her midsection!

Rich Russillo: Eris crouches over, clutching her stomach and staggering away from Raven!

Thadd Blazevich: That doesn’t work for Raven, bro! Raven grabs Eris from behind, RUSHING HER FORWARD AND LAUNCHING HER DIRECTLY INTO THE RING POST! ERIS SLOWLY CRUMBLES TO A KNEEL!

Persephone: Raven isn’t done there either! She makes her way, right beside me in the timekeeper’s area – grabbing a steel chair and making her way back to Eris!

Rich Russillo: …OH! RAVEN WITH A CHAIR SHOT STRAIGHT INTO ERIS’ BACK!

Thadd Blazevich: Eris falls backward and lays flat on the ground! The count is back on, bro!

Referee: ONE!—

( CLANK! )

Persephone: ANOTHER CHAIR SHOT! AND ANOTHER CHAIR SHOT! AND ANOTHER! RAVEN ROBERTS IS BRINGING IT TO ERIS MORTI!

Rich Russillo: I knew Raven was going to be incredibly aggressive heading into this match… But I didn’t expect it to be this much!

Thadd Blazevich: Eris started this whole thing, and after disrespecting her the way she did… I’m not surprised at Raven’s aggression, bro!

Persephone: Not at all. It’s very much in character for her to be this aggressive.

Rich Russillo: Raven isn’t even letting the referee start the count, she still wants Eris’s blood! She tosses the chair aside, dragging Eris up by her hair!

Thadd Blazevich: Wait a minute, bro! Raven is dragging Eris away from the ringside area and up the entrance ramp! What is she thinking?!

Persephone: Raven is pulling Eris through guerrilla…

( The camera follows Raven Roberts as she drags Eris through the guerrilla position and to the backstage area. Eris’s blood drips from her face and down onto the ground, just the way Raven intended it to. Raven fixes her gaze up to the sign that says catering… A multitude of ideas rush through her brain. )

Rich Russillo: Raven still with Eris in her clutches… TOSSES HER FORWARD AND SENDS HER RIGHT INTO THE TABLES IN THE CATERING AREA! ERIS ROLLS OFF OF THE TABLE AND ONTO THE GROUND!

Thadd Blazevich: Not exactly the ideal place to be, bro!

Persephone: I wasn’t aware catering had a kitchen too.

Rich Russillo: Eris is on all fours, but it seems Raven still isn’t done punishing Eris at all!

( Raven grabs Eris by her hair, dragging her over to the kitchen where men and women are preparing food for the talent backstage. She looks around, noticing a sizzling grill and popping a smirk on her face. She drags Eris against her wishes, hovering her face over the grill! )

Thadd Blazevich: OH NO, BRO! RAVEN IS TRYING TO BURN ERIS’S FACE WITH THAT GRILL!

Persephone: …..BUT ERIS IS FIGHTING AGAINST IT! SHE HAS HER BOOT PRESSED AGAINST THE LOWER PIECE, MANAGING TO STAY JUST A FEW INCHES AWAY FROM THE GRILL!

Rich Russillo: RAVEN IS PUSHING HER FACE DOWN… FURTHER AND FURTHER!

Thadd Blazevich: ERIS IS REACHING HER ARMS OUT, TRYING TO GRAB ONTO SOMETHING! ANYTHING AT ALL!

Persephone: RAVEN KEEPS PUTTING PRESSURE—

( A bit of panic settling into Eris, she reaches out for anything… Fortunately for her, she was able to grab onto something – that something being a fork. )

Rich Russillo: # OH! ERIS SLAMS THAT FORK STRAIGHT INTO RAVEN’S THIGH! THAT ISN’T GOOD!

Thadd Blazevich: RAVEN SWINGS AROUND, DROPPING TO A KNEE AFTER ERIS SLAMMED THAT FORK DIRECTLY INTO THE THIGH! RAVEN IS GROANING IN PAIN AND RIGHTFULLY SO BRO!

Persephone: What’d you expect?! The lady was trying to grill Eris’ face off! Of course she shoved that fork into her thigh! What else was she going to do? Let her do it?

Rich Russillo: Eris staggers back, laying her back on the counter and taking the breather she’s been looking for for the past couple minutes! The tides have turned!

Thadd Blazevich: Raven Roberts is trying to make her way out of the kitchen… Hold on a second, bro! What’s Eris doing?!

( Eris grabs a toaster from the counter, unplugging it and making her way over to Raven. She stalks her from behind, completely unbeknownst to Raven… )

Persephone: ERIS WRAPS THE CORD AROUND RAVEN’S NECK!

Rich Russillo: Eris has the toaster cord wrapped around Raven Roberts neck, leaving the toaster itself attached to Raven’s face! Raven is trying to fight back and relieve herself of this dangerous position, but Eris is refusing to let it happen! Eris grabs a fistful of Raven’s hair with her other hand!

Thadd Blazevich: …AND LAUNCHES RAVEN FACE FIRST INTO THE WALL!! RAVEN ROBERTS IS LAUNCHED RIGHT INTO A WALL, WITH THE TOASTER ATTACHED TO HER FACE AND THE CORD WRAPPED AROUND HER NECK! THAT’S GOT TO HURT, BRO!

Persephone: Raven Roberts crumbles to the ground and Eris lays back on the wall, staring down at the laid out Raven Roberts, seemingly admiring her art! The count begins!

Referee: ONE!
Referee: TWO!
Referee: THREE!

( Raven begins to unwrap the cord from around her neck, tossing it aside after a while and letting out a wheezing cough. )

Referee: FOUR!
Referee: FIVE!

Rich Russillo: Raven rolls over onto all fours, beginning to pull herself back to her feet using the cafeteria table…

Referee: SIX!

Thadd Blazevich: Raven is back onto her feet, bro– Wait! Eris is giving her absolutely no time to recover, running in and stomping Raven on her leg, right onto the area she stabbed with that fork!

Persephone: Raven crumbles down to a knee and Eris once again grabbing a fistful of hair! She’s begun to drag Raven away from the cafeteria… OH! ERIS LAUNCHES HER INTO A BUNCH OF PRODUCTION CRATES!

Rich Russillo: Raven isn’t given time to recover from that either! Eris pulls the veteran up by her hair once again, dragging her over… over to the parking lot!

Thadd Blazevich: I think I know what she’s looking for, bro! When this stipulation was added to their match, Eris violently launched Raven into a car window… My guess is that she’s not only going to try it again, but she’s going to use it as a prop to put this match into its last stage!

( Right as Thadd finishes his sentence… Eris finds a car that looks nearly identical to the one she put Raven through. She smirks, tightening her grip on Raven, BEFORE RUNNING FULL SPEED AT THE CAR WINDOW!!)

( CRAAAAAAAAAASH! )

( … )

( RAVEN MANAGED TO TURN AT THE LAST SECOND, LAUNCHING ERIS THROUGH THE CAR WINDOW INSTEAD! )

Persephone: AS ANNOYING AS SHE IS, THAT WAS A SMART COUNTER BY THE HALL OF FAMER!

Rich Russillo: Eris faceplants through the window, her entire head completely submerging inside the car! I can’t imagine the pain Eris is feeling!

Thadd Blazevich: No time to feel bad for Eris, bro! Raven RIPS Eris out of the car window, grabbing a hold of her head and slamming her through the window again! AND AGAIN! AND AGAIN! AND AGAIN!

Persephone: The entire car window has shattered, and a good chunk of those shards are now mixed in with the crimson mask on Eris’s face! Raven finally lets Eris crumble to the ground, the count beginning!

Rich Russillo: I can’t imagine Eris will be getting up very quickly after that!

Thadd Blazevich: Definitely not bro.

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

Persephone: Eris still groveling on the ground, feeling absolutely everything…

Referee: SIX!
Referee: SEVEN!

Rich Russillo: Eris rolls over onto all fours, crawling over to the car doors…

Referee: EIGHT!

Thadd Blazevich: Eris grabs a hold of the handle… And pulls herself up to her feet!

Persephone: Eris beats the count, much to the disdain of Raven Roberts!

Rich Russillo: Raven makes her way back over to Eris, pulling her off of the door handle, dragging her over to the trunk and slamming her head right down! Eris drops to a knee and Raven looks for her next weapon!

Thadd Blazevich: Raven opens the back door… Oh!

Persephone: Raven has pulled a cinderblock and a crowbar out of the backseat! Who in the hell just has those things in their backseat?!

Rich Russillo: 🤷Whoever owns the car, Persephone!

Thadd Blazevich: That doesn’t matter right now guys! What matters is what Raven Roberts is going to do with it!

Persephone: That’s true. I don’t think this is going to turn out to be a good night for Eris Morti.

Rich Russillo: Raven lets that crowbar fall to the ground and takes a hold of the cinderblock, making her way over to the kneeling Eris Morti… SHE LIFTS THAT CINDERBLOCK OVERHEAD, CHARGING AT MORTI!

Thadd Blazevich: …RAVEN BRINGS IT DOWN, BUT ERIS SAW IT COMING! THE CINDERBLOCK HITS NOTHING BUT THE CAR! SHE LETS IT SLIDE TO THE GROUND!

Persephone: Eris moves past Raven, grabbing the crowbar from the ground– RAVEN QUICKLY TURNS AROUND TO GET BACK ON OFFENSE… ERIS WILDLY SWINGS THE CROWBAR AND IT HITS RAVEN INCREDIBLY HARD!

Rich Russillo: Raven drops to the ground like a sack of bricks… but Eris isn’t entirely satisfied with that! She is looking to put the finishing touches on Raven Roberts right here, right now! ERIS COCKS THAT ARM BACK!

Thadd Blazevich: ## ‘THE METEEORRRRRRRRR’!!

Persephone: # ……..RAVEN PULLS THE CINDERBLOCK INTO HER PATH!

Rich Russillo: ERIS’ KNUCKLES MEET THE CINDERBLOCK!

Thadd Blazevich: Eris pulls away, clutching her now bleeding hand! She scraped the crap out of her knuckles with that H-Bomb attempt!

Persephone: Raven uses this to pull herself up using the car, lifting up that cinderblock from the ground… Eris stirs back around, clutching her bleeding fist—

( CRUNCH! )

Rich Russillo: # RAVEN ROBERTS BREAKS THE CINDERBLOCK OVER ERIS’ HEAD!

Thadd Blazevich: ERIS IS WIDE EYED, STAGGERING NOODLE LEGS… HER BODY IS IN SHOCK!

Persephone: The debris falls underneath Eris and Raven wastes no time! RAVEN PULLS ERIS IN BY HER WRIST!

Rich Russillo: # ‘HUNTRESS BOMB’ STRAIGHT INTO THE RUBBLE! THE SIT-OUT SPINEBUSTER DRIVES ERIS TO THE GROUND!

Thadd Blazevich: BOTH WOMEN ARE DOWN! BOTH WOMEN ARE SUSCEPTIBLE TO BEING COUNTED OUT HERE!

Persephone: The count begins!

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

Rich Russillo: Raven has rolled away from Eris, crawling in the opposite direction…

Thadd Blazevich: She isn’t the only one either, bro! I can’t say I’m surprised by the toughness of these women, though… They’re nothing short of impressive.

Persephone: Still clutching at that bleeding fist… Eris Morti starts clawing her way into the opposite direction of Raven Roberts, neither woman wanting to give in at this stage of the match!

Referee: SIX!
Referee: SEVEN!

Rich Russillo: Why would they?! Both have a point to prove, both want this win just as badly as the other – I don’t see why they’d give an inch!

Thadd Blazevich: That’s right! What’s the point of even fighting this match if you’re not gonna see it ‘til the end bro, and by the looks of it, they’re most certainly going to see this match ‘til the end.

Persephone: No doubt about that…

Referee: EIGHT!

Rich Russillo: Speaking of the end… The count has already reached eight, this might be the end of it all!

Referee: NINE!

Thadd Blazevich: BRO?! IT’S GOTTA BE OVER!

Persephone: ERIS CLUTCHES ON THE HOOD OF A CAR… RAVEN AT THE HOOD OF ANOTHER!

( … )
( … )
( … )
( … )

Rich Russillo: # BOTH WOMEN MAKE IT UP TO THEIR FEET!!

Thadd Blazevich: YEAAAAAAAAAAH! THE MATCH IS STILL GOIN’, BRO! THEY’RE TRYNA KILL EACH OTHER AND I CAN’T SAY I’M NOT ENJOYING IT!

Persephone: It looks like Raven Roberts and Eris Morti have a whole lot of fight left in them, I’m sure all of you are just itching to see them tear one another to itty bitty pieces.

Thadd Blazevich: You BET bro!

Rich Russillo: Morti is still clutching that bloodied knuckle of hers, using the car hood as leverage to spin her around!

Thadd Blazevich: Roberts is back on her feet as well, mimicking Eris’s movements almost perfectly, unintentionally as well!

Persephone: These two women seem to have reached a stalemate… Both have ended up right where they began at the first bell. A staredown.

( Raven Roberts and Eris Morti stare one another down, both just itching to tear one another apart, but it seems their bodies can’t handle the amount of carnage their minds are begging them to enact. Eris’s face is covered in her own blood – dripping from the top of her head, all the way down to her stomach. Her knuckle is no different. Yet, despite all that? She still rares for more. She still craves to put Raven Roberts six feet under. Raven is no different. Her upper thigh still leaks blood from the fork stab that Eris had granted her earlier. Yet, neither one is willing to back down. After a few moments of staring down, they decide to limp toward one another. )

Rich Russillo: ERIS AND RAVEN, FORCING THEMSELVES TO FIGHT THROUGH THE PAIN, HAVE BEGUN TO SPEED LIMP TOWARDS ONE ANOTHER!

Thadd Blazevich: ….WE GOT OURSELVES A HOCKEY FIGHT IN THE CLUJ ARENA!!

Persephone: RAVEN FIRES A LEFT HAND, ERIS FIRES A RIGHT HAND! RAVEN COMES BACK WITH A STRIKE, ERIS DOESN’T LET THAT STOP HER FROM COMING RIGHT BACK WITH ONE OF HER OWN!

Rich Russillo: No going back from here, and I believe that’s the way they like it!

( Raven and Eris continue striking one another, leaving absolutely nothing on the table. They start pushing one another back and soon exit the parking lot through the way they came. Eris and Raven continue to brawl through the hallways, eventually making it back to the guerilla position and then the entrance ramp where Romania is roaring at the action they’re witnessing. )

Thadd Blazevich: They’re starting to slow down their punches, bro! These women have been battling through every hall, every area, and have wound back up where everybody can comfortably see them! I mean, just look at Raven’s hands! They’re covered in Eris’s blood.. But that isn’t all! Eris has actually spilt quite a bit of blood from Raven’s mouth from those punches too!

Persephone: …Eris shoves Raven back with her boot, creating space between one another—

Rich Russillo: ## ERIS RUNS IN WITH THE SPEAR!!!

Thadd Blazevich: # —AND IS MET BY THE ‘TALON’ CLAYMORE KICK!!!! RIGHT ON THE MONEY, BRO!!!

Persephone: ERIS IS OUT!! ERIS ISSS OUUUUUUUUUUT!

Rich Russillo: Raven pushes herself back up to her feet, staying on her feet and standing over Eris Morti! This match has been completely flipped in her favor, but if you ask me… I think she’s got this win!

Thadd Blazevich: Exactly! The count begins!

Referee: ONE!
Referee: TWO!
Referee: THREE!

( Then… Raven began looking around at her surroundings… She looked up, noticing a leverage point above the titantron, standing right above the stage. At that moment, Raven thought above everything that led to this very match, everything that brought her to this point in her career… Then, she had one last thought. “Finish the fucking hunt” – her last words regarding Wicked Games. )

Persephone: ……..???? WHAT IS RAVEN DOING?!?!

Rich Russillo: Raven just dragged Eris back up to her feet… and put her onto her shoulders?!

Thadd Blazevich: She can barely even carry that weight with the pain in her leg! What’s going on bro?!

Persephone: Raven Roberts… IS CARRYING ERIS MORTI ON HER SHOULDERS, TOWARDS THE SCAFFOLDING BESIDE THE TITANTRON! WHAT’S GOING THROUGH HER MIND?!

( Raven carried Eris in a fireman’s carry, limping towards the scaffolding… Before eventually beginning to climb. )

Rich Russillo: Raven is CLIMBING the scaffolding with Eris on her shoulders! I want to know what’s going through her mind all the same!

Thadd Blazevich: It looks like Raven Roberts is going to put Eris away FOR GOOD!

Persephone: Raven has officially reached the top of the scaffolding, right on that little leverage point hanging above the stage…. Again, what is she thinking?!

Rich Russillo: Raven just pushed Eris off of her shoulders… AND DRAGS HER UP, HOOKING THE ARM! IS SHE THINKING WHAT I THINK SHE’S THINKING?!

Thadd Blazevich: YES, BRO, YES! SHE’S LOOKING FOR THE ’SKYDIVE’ FROM ABOUT 20 FEET IN THE AIR!

Persephone: SHE HAS ERIS HOISTED IN THE AIR!! SHE’S GOT THIS—

Rich Russillo: —ERIS STARTS RAKING THE EYES WITH THE BLOOD ON HER HANDS!

Thadd Blazevich: RAVEN DROPS HER FROM THE HOLD, LETTING HER FALL BACK DOWN ONTO THE LEVERAGE POINTING! RAVEN STARTIN’ PUTTING HER HANDS TO HER FACE!

Persephone: ERIS CHARGES FORWARD!—

( … )
( … )
( … )
( … )

Rich Russillo: NO WAY!

Thadd Blazevich: WHAT?!

( CRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! )

Crowd: OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Persephone: # THE SPEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!!!!! ERIS JUST SPEARED RAVEN OVER 20 FEET IN THE AIR, BOTH WOMEN GO CRASHING DOWN RIGHT INTO THE STAGE!

Rich Russillo: THEY’VE BOTH CRASHED DOWN INTO THE PRODUCTION AREA–

( BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMM! )

Thadd Blazevich: HOLY COW, BRO! ARE THEY EVEN ALIVE?! SPARKS JUST WENT FLYING!

Persephone: THE REFEREE DOESN’T KNOW WHAT TO DO…. BUT STARTS THE COUNT ANYWAY!

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

( Neither woman has moved even an inch. The fans in attendance, the commentators at the table and the people at home all watch in awe, wondering what exactly is going to happen next. All this bloodshed, all this fighting, all this battling – it came down to a singular spear from twenty feet in the air, straight through the stage. )

Referee: SIX!
Referee: SEVEN!
Referee: # EIGHT!

Rich Russillo: THE COUNT REACHED EIGHT!

Thadd Blazevich: WHO IS GOING TO RISE FROM THE ASHES?!

Referee: # NINE!

Persephone: WHO IS LEAVING WICKED GAMES THE WINNER OF THIS MATCH?!

( … )
( … )
( … )
( … )

Rich Russillo: # ERIS MORTI!

Thadd Blazevich: # RAVEN ROBERTS!

( … )
( … )
( … )
( … )

Persephone: # ……..HAVEN’T EVEN MOVED A MUSCLE!

Referee: # TEN!

( DING! DING! DING! )

Rich Russillo: WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: It all came down to who could push past all their pain, all their damage, all their blood and push themselves up to their feet… Turns out, they were a lot more banged up than meets the eye!

Bella Braxton: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN… THE FOLLOWING CONTEST HAS RESULTED IN A DRAW!

Persephone: I’ve got to admit, guys. These two women left everything not just in that ring, but in this entire match! They gave it their all, but were just unable to go through with it. Just sucks Raven Roberts isn’t totally dead – not exactly what I meant when I said I wish she jumped off a bridge.

( Eris Morti and Raven Roberts are helped out of the crater they left behind, then put onto stretchers by the medical team. Despite being battered to a bloodied pulp, a bit of a smile remained on the face of Eris Morti whilst Raven Roberts seemed to be angry at the result. The final shot shows the two women being escorted out of the stage and to the back as Wicked Games goes to commercial break. )

https://i.imgur.com/Lxq34Tn.png

Bella Braxton: THE FOLLOWING CONTEST IS A TRIPLE THREAT MATCH FOR A SPOT IN THE EAW CHAMPIONSHIP EXTREME ELIMINATION CHAMBER!

(‘RUNITUP’ by Tyler, The Creator ft. Teezo Touchdown hits to immediate heat. Cosmo Goldworthy steps out, takes a slow look around the arena, and soaks in every book. He adjusts his jacket and takes his time down the ramp.)

Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING!…FROM SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA! WEIGHING IN AT 220 POUNDS! “MONEY MO”! COSMOOOOOOOOOOOOO! GOLDWOOOOOOOOOOOOORTHYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!

(‘Tears’ by Sabrina Carpenter hits and the building erupts. Ashlynn Quinn steps through the curtain, pauses at the top of the ramp to let it build, then walks down smiling and waving at the crowd.)

Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING! FROM LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA! WEIGHING IN AT 115 POUNDS! “THE PEOPLE’S PRINCESS”! ASHLYNNNNNNNNNNNNN! QUINNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!

(“I Was Made For Loving You” by KISS plays and the crowd pops again. Cynthia came out, a little dizzy from the whiplash of coming from backstage and now into a cheering crowd. She gives herself a slap, then walks down the ramp.)

Bella Braxton: INTRODUCING! FROM KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI! WEIGHING IN AT 134 POUNDS! CYNTHIA VALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIICEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

(DING DING DING!)

Rich Russillo: We are underway with a very high stakes Triple threat, which has a chamber spot up for grabs!

Persephone: All this effort on their part just for them to get eliminated first in the Chamber seems crazy to me, but hey stupid people will dream of stupid things.

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, It’s not at all stupid a stupid dream! They all have the ability to make it far and possibly become World Champion!

Persphone: Oh yeah for sure, EAW Champion Cosmo Goldworthy. That sure sounds like a reality that is totally possible. If it was, it’s certainly not one that I would want to live in.

Rich Russillo: Back to the match, three in the center of the ring!

(Cosmo stops and holds his hand up to the two women.)

Cosmo Goldworthy: (off mic) Now hold on, I got an idea. Why don’t you two fight each other and I fight the person that wins the exchange. It only makes sense, seeing as you two will try to get in each other’s way. Don’t worry, I’ll wait until you two are done fighting.

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn and Cynthia exchange a look and both of them turn toward Cosmo at exactly the same time! Cosmo saw that coming half a second too late—

Thadd Blazevich: PUMP KICK FROM ASHLYNN! Cosmo staggers into the corner! Cynthia right behind him with a corner clothesline! Cosmo crumples down to the bottom turnbuckle!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo bailing to the floor! He is outside and Ashlynn and Cynthia are picking up without missing a beat!

Thadd Blazevich: Great start for everyone except Cosmo Goldworthy right now! I’m sure he thought he could negotiate his way into having an easier night, but it seems to be ineffective.

Rich Russillo: Well maybe Cosmo will come up with a better plan while he is on the outside. Cynthia and Ashlynn are turning to each other, now they are looking to face each other with their shared threat gone!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia charges in with a clothesline but Ashlynn ducks under it! CYTHNIA TURNS AROUND INTO A DROPKICK! Cynthia stumbles back and bounces off the ropes and comes back with a SHOULDER TACKLE taking Ashlynn down to the mat! Cynthia looks might deceive some, but she is secretly the powerhouse in this match and we have seen her deceptive power every time she stepped into the ring!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn back on her feet! Cynthia closing in on her— BUT ASHLYNN WITH A FOREARM TO THE FACE STUNNING CYNTHIA! FOLLOWED UP WITH AN ENZIGURI SENDING HER DOWN ON ONE KNEE!

Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn has to stay mobile in there! The moment Cynthia sets her feet and slows this down, Ashlynn is in a very different match!

Persphone: Ashlynn can barely wrestle, so I mean if Cynthia is anywhere other than on the ground Ashlynn is screwed.

Rich Russillo: Cynthia is already getting back up, Ashlynn kicking at Cyntha! Ashlynn tries to keep her down but they don’t seem to be working as effectively as she is hoping!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn rushes back and goes up to the second rope! SPRINGBOARD REVERSE DDT ATTEMPT— But Cynthia catches her right out of the air and hits a MASSIVE BACKBREAKER!

Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn rolling toward the ropes and Cynthia is right back on her! GRABBING ASHLYNN AND HITTING A GERMAN SUPLEX INTO A BRIDGE!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: ASHLYNN KICKS OUT BUT CYNTHIA STILL HAS A HOLD OF HER! Cynthia pulls her back up and goes for the SECOND GERMAN SUPLEX— BUT HERE COMES COSMO SPRINGBOARDING OFF THE ROPES! HITTING A DROPKICK DROPPING BOTH WOMEN!

Persephone: I completely forgot that he was in this match.

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo letting them fight each other, his plan worked out even if it was unintentionally he is now in control of this match!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo drags Cynthia up and hits an EXPLODER SUPLEX! Cynthia goes hard into the corner post shoulder-first!

Thadd Blazevich: He isn’t done with her either dude, grabbing Cynthia and hitting a SNAP SUPLEX! Cosmo rolls through and hits a SECOND one! He is just picking her apart right now!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo has not broken a sweat yet! Cynthia and Ashlynn have been going since the opening bell!

Persphone: Should I be impressed? He was outside doing nothing for five minutes? Of course he isn’t going to be tired.

Rich Russillo: HERE COMES ASHLYNN! SHE CHARGES WITH A RUNNING CROSSBODY AND COSMO CATCHES HER OUT OF THE AIR! MOONSAULTS WITH HER AND SLAMS HER DOWN INTO THE PIN!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia breaks it with a stomp to Cosmo’s back! She isn’t going to let Cosmo steal this one! A bunch of forearms and Cosmo is stumbling! Cynthia goes for another one— but Cosmo side-steps it and gets behind her! HITTING A RELEASE GERMAN SUPLEX!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo is in his element, rushing to grab Cynthia and lifting her up to hits a powerslam! Going for another cover!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn now is one to break it with a double stomp to Cosmo’s back!

Persphone: I would be happy if nobody stopped the pin, maybe we can get to a more interesting match.

Thadd Blazevich: Well you’re out of luck, because there will be more to come, dude! Nobody is going to want to give up this massive opportunity!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo turns his attention to Ashlynn now! “READY TO DIE”! THE TORNADO KICK! HE HITS IT AND NOW GOING FOR ANOTHER COVER!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA LEAPING OFF THE SECOND ROPE AND HITTING A ELBOW DROP TO BREAK THE PIN!

Cosmo Goldworthy: (off mic) GODDAMMIT! STAY DOWN!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo is back up and he is enraged! Savate kick to Cynthia’s midsection! He grabs her head and drives her down with a DDT!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: ASHLYNN FROM OUT OF NOWHERE! LEAPING OFF THE TOP ROPE WITH A MOONSAULT! She lands across both of them and breaks the count!

Thadd Blazevich: All three are down! This match has been moving 100 miles a minute and it really shows how much each of these Elitists want it!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo is first to his feet! He dumps Ashlynn out to the apron and turns around and Cynthia is right there— AND SHE HITS THE “SHY FLASH”!

Rich Russillo: SPINNING HEEL KICK FROM CYNTHIA! COSMO DROPS LIKE A SACK OF POTATOES! RIGHT ACROSS THE JAW!

Thad Blazevich: Cynthia grabs his leg, steps over, and sits back into a SINGLE LEG BOSTON CRAB! Cosmo is in the center of the ring and he is in trouble! Those ropes are not close at all! Cosmo is reaching and dragging but Cynthia is sitting back and making him earn every inch!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo getting closer! Cynthia pulls him back to the middle!

Thadd Blazevich: She is not letting him get to those ropes!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn back on the apron! She steadies and hits a SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY onto Cynthia! The hold breaks and both omen hit the canvas!

Ashlynn Quinn: (Off-Mic) Sorry, babe! Can’t let you have him!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo drops down and starts recovering on the floor! Ashlynn and Cynthia both getting back to their feet inside the ring! Cosmo watches both— HE JUMPS AND HITS THE “DANCE MACABRE” ON BOTH WOMEN!

Rich Russillo: DOUBLE SPRINGBOARD DDT! COSMO PLANTS CYNTHIA AND ASHLYNN HEADFIRST!

Thadd Blazevich: Both Cynthia and Ashlyn are not moving and Cosmo is taking his time picking Cynthia back up!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo locks both of Cynthia’s arms behind her back— BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! He holds the grip and deadlifts her back up!

Thadd Blazevich: THE GOLDWORTHY SPECIAL!

Rich Russillo: Transitions straight into a crossface armbar! Cynthia’s arm is in serious trouble!

Thadd Blazevich: I think she should tap! The chamber spot can’t be worth your arm, Cynthia! She is nowhere near those ropes right now!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia is reaching with her free hand! Trying to make something happen— BUT WAIT A SECOND! ASHLYNN FLIES IN WITH A DROPKICK BREAKING THE HOLD!

Thadd Blazevich: That was a close call there, if Ashlynn hadn’t broken it up Cosmo could’ve walked out of here with the Chamber spot!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo pulls himself back up! He grabs Ashlynn and locks in a PENDULUM BACKBREAKER! He is wrenching back on that spine!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia hit that tilt-a-whirl backbreaker early in this match and now Cosmo is going back to the exact same spot! Ashlynn’s back has been a target all night!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn is screaming, Cosmo wrenching down on Ashlynn’s back while it’s still over the knee! The referee is asking if she wants to tap!

Ashlynn Quinn: (Off-Mic) No! NO! GO AWAY!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo lifts her up from his knee and hits a DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! GOING FOR THE COVER!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia drags Cosmo off by both ankles! Cosmo fires a scorpion kick and Cynthia barely flinches! He hits another one! She grabs his boot on the third attempt and answers with a bicycle knee to the jaw!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia Valice is not backing down from anyone in this match and you have to respect that!

Rich Russillo: THREE STEPS FORWARD from Cynthia on Cosmo now! First German suplex and she bridges!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: She pulls him up for the second! Cosmo powers out on the rebound! He swings wild and she ducks under it and hits the third German! Full release! THREE STEPS FORWARD COMPLETE!

Thadd Blazevich: ALL THREE GERMAN SUPLEXES CONNECT! COSMO HITS THE CANVAS HARD!

Rich Russillo: The people are on their feet! Cynthia hooks the leg!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: ASHLYNN SLIDES UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE AND PULLS CYNTHIA OFF BY THE ANKLE! Count dies!

Thadd Blazevich: Nobody wins with a reluctant partner in a triple threat! That is the nature of this match!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia is not happy about that one! She is telling Ashlynn exactly how she feels!

Ashlynn Quinn: (Off-Mic) You are GOOD but you’re not winning this match tonight.

Cynthia Valice: (Off-Mic) We’ll see about that.

Rich Russillo: They tie up! Cynthia locks in a side headlock and Ashlynn shoots out the back! Waistlock! Cynthia switches! Ashlynn switches back! Ashlynn breaks and snaps her over! Sliding dropkick to the side of Cynthia’s head!

Thadd Blazevich: These two match up so differently and you can see it! Cynthia wants to slow it down and settle it on the ground and Ashlynn will not let her!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia has been training her whole life for nights like this. Ashlynn has been here before. Neither one of them is giving an inch.

Rich Russillo: Cynthia back up fast! Charging clothesline and Ashlynn ducks! TILT-A-WHIRL HEADSCISSORS! Cynthia goes spinning across the canvas!

Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn using every bit of her speed to keep Cynthia off-balance! Every time Cynthia tries to plant her feet Ashlynn makes her adjust!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia back up! Double leg takedown! Ashlynn kicks free and scrambles to the ropes! Cynthia grabs the arm and hits a hard Irish whip into the corner! She follows in with a charging shoulder block!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia grinding the pace down whenever she gets the chance! She wants Ashlynn worn out!

Rich Russillo: Half this crowd is behind Ashlynn and the other half is chanting for Cynthia!

Thadd Blazevich: And nobody is chanting for Cosmo! He has noticed!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo back in the ring and he steps right between them!

Cosmo Goldworthy: (Off-Mic) Are you two done? I’m trying to win a match here.

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo inserting himself between them and that is a mistake!

Rich Russillo: BACKSLIDE FROM ASHLYNN ON COSMO!

ONEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo kicks out! He charges at her and Ashlynn slips behind him for a Schoolgirl!

ONEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOO!!

Thad’s Blazevich: Cosmo kicks out again and he is furious! Cynthia grabs him from behind and hits a German suplex! She bridges!

ONEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn breaks it with a running knee to Cynthia’s spine! Cosmo rolls away! Three pin attempts in about ten seconds and nobody is any closer to winning this—

Thadd Blazevich: NOSTYLIST! RUNNING KNEE TO CYNTHIA’S JAW FROM ASHLYNN! Ashlynn locks the waist from behind and hits a GERMAN SUPLEX INTO A BRIDGE!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Rich Russillo: COSMO OFF THE SECOND ROPE WITH AN ELBOW ACROSS ASHLYNN’S BRIDGING BACK! COUNT BROKEN!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo buying himself every second he can! He has shown true desperation and he is willing to do anything to win this match!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn was just a fraction of a second away from the chamber! All the competitors are down again! Cosmo gets back to his feet first! He watches Cynthia try to pick herself up— AND HITS THE HOLLOW POINT!

Rich Russillo: DOUBLE FOOT STOMP TO THE BACK OF CYNTHIA’S HEAD! WHAT AN IMPACT AND NOW COSMO IS GOING FOR THE COVER!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Thad’s Blazevich: ASHLYNN KICKS COSMO HARD IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD! COUNT BROKEN!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo is once again enraged at Ashlynn— but she SUPERKICKS him! Cosmo goes flat on his back!

Thadd Blazevich: AND SHE FOLLOWS UP WITH A STANDING MOONSAULT!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia hauls Ashlynn off the cover and sends her across the ring with an overhead belly to belly suplex! Ashlynn crashes into the far ropes!

Thadd Blazevich: Cynthia clearing house! She is not done out there!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia turns around and Cosmo is waiting for her! Cosmo throws a punch but Cynthia ducks it and goes for FALLING COURAGE— But Cosmo manages to slide out of it! AND HITS “COLDEST WINTER”! THE SPEAR! COSMO REVERSED OUT OF THE ANGLE SLAM AND HITS A MASSIVE SPEAR!

Thadd Blazevich: HE SLIPPED DOWN HER BACK, GOT HIS FEET UNDER HIM, AND LAUNCHED INTO THAT SPEAR! INCREDIBLE PRESENCE OF MIND FROM COSMO GOLDWORTHY!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Rich Russillo: ASHLYNN

Thadd Blazevich: THAT BESTIE SPEAR CAME OUT OF NOWHERE! Ashlynn saw her opening and took it!

Rich Russillo: Every single time someone is close in this match there is somebody right there to stop it!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia back on her feet! She grabs Cosmo and hoists him up for a stalling suplex! He is inverted and she is holding him up there!

Thadd Blazevich: One! Two! Three! Four! The crowd is counting along!

Rich Russillo: Five! Six! Seven! Eight! Cynthia drives him down and immediately pulls him back up again! She is going for a second stalling suplex!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo shifts his weight in mid-air! He drops down behind her! Schoolboy!

ONEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia kicks out! Cosmo charges back at her and she catches him right in the middle of the ring— BLACK HOLE SLAM!

Thadd Blazevich: CYNTHIA JUST FOLDED COSMO GOLDWORTHY IN HALF!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn is up on the top rope! Cynthia spots her and charges!

Thadd Blazevich: She has to deal with that first or she gets hit from above!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn leaps over Cynthia! Cynthia into the buckle chest-first! Ashlynn spins and hits a roundhouse kick to the back of Cynthia’s head! Cynthia staggers out of the corner!

Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn took the high road on that one and Cynthia paid for not watching that top rope!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn grabs the arm and sends Cynthia into the ropes! Cynthia reverses! Ashlynn off the ropes and she goes for a flying crossbody! Cynthia catches her! She holds her up and dumps her overhead! Ashlynn crashes hard behind her!

Thadd Blazevich: All three people down on that canvas! Nobody has much left and nobody is stopping!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo untangles from the ropes and he is back up first! He grabs Ashlynn and lands “MONEY TALK”!

Rich Russillo: THE UNPRETTIER LANDS and it looks like Cosmo is going to the top rope!

Thadd Blazevich: Is he going for COSMOLOGY right now?! With Cynthia still moving?! This is a huge risk
— HE IS GOING FOR THE COSMOLOGY!

Rich Russillo: SHOOTING STAR PRESS AND CYNTHIA GETS A KNEE UP! COSMO CRASHES CHEST-FIRST INTO THAT KNEE!

Thadd Blazevich: CYNTHIA SCOUTED IT! THE SHOOTING STAR PRESS AND CYNTHIA GOT THE KNEE UP! COSMO IS ROLLING AWAY CLUTCHING HIS CHEST!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia was waiting for it! She saw him climb and stayed ready! CYNTHIA SCRAMBLES TO ASHLYNN AND HITS FALLING COURAGE! THE ANGLE SLAM CONNECTS CLEAN!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Thad’s Blazevich: COSMO GOLDWORTHY GRABS THE REFEREE BY THE ANKLE AND DRAGS HER OUT OF THE RING! THE COUNT DIES!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo pulled the referee out of the ring. The count is over.

Thadd Blazevich: There is no disqualification in a triple threat! He knows exactly what he is doing and he does not care!

Persephone: He couldn’t beat her clean so he cheated. Call him the Gold Standard all you want.

Rich Russillo: Do not defend him, Thadd!

Thadd Blazevich: I am not defending him! I am explaining the logic!

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA IS NOT WAITING AROUND! She hits the ropes and dives through the middle and bottom! SUICIDE DIVE! She crashes right into Cosmo and both of them hit the barricade!

Thadd Blazevich: She just launched herself through those ropes! I do not think she knew she was doing that until she was already in the air!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn off the apron with a springboard somersault senton! All three down on the floor!

Thadd Blazevich: The referee is at five! Somebody needs to get back in that ring!

Rich Russillo: Six! Ashlynn is up! She is pulling Cynthia off the floor!

Thadd Blazevich: She needs Cynthia in the ring to win this and she knows it!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn rolls Cynthia back under the ropes and slides in herself! Cosmo barely beats the count at eight!

Thadd Blazevich: Everyone back in! We stay alive!

Rich Russillo: The referee is back in the ring and she is giving Cosmo an earful!

Thadd Blazevich: He does not care! He is still in this match!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo and Ashlynn exchanging knife-edge chops in the center of the ring!

Thadd Blazevich: Listen to that building! This crowd has been waiting for someone to stand up to him!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn fires one back! Cosmo staggers! Another from Ashlynn! Cosmo ducks the third and sends her into the far corner! Ashlynn side-steps the charge! Cosmo chest-first into the buckle! Ashlynn rolls him up!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo kicks out! He gets up and tries to grab her arm and Ashlynn wrenches it back! Cosmo spins her into the ropes! Flying forearm on the way back! Cosmo goes down!

Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn getting something going now! The crowd is behind her! She is feeding off them!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia from behind with a RUNNING BICYCLE KNEE! Ashlynn down! Cynthia covers!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo breaks it with a running stomp to Cynthia’s back! Snapmare on Cynthia and a soccer kick to the back of the skull! Cosmo covers!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn kicks Cosmo in the ribs to break it!

Thadd Blazevich: No rest in this one! Nobody allows it! Every time someone gets a moment to breathe someone else takes it! All three of them have been going past the point where most people stop and none of them are backing down! This has been something else!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia catches Cosmo’s boot on a kick attempt! DRAGON SCREW LEGWHIP INTO A QUIET DESPERATION! ANKLE LOCK APPLIED AND IT IS ON TIGHT! Cynthia has Cosmo in the center of the ring!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo is screaming and clawing at the canvas! He is dragging both of them toward the ropes but it is a long way and Cynthia keeps sitting back on that hold!

Rich Russillo: If Cosmo taps right now, Cynthia Valice is going to the chamber!

Persephone: I’m more on board with watching Cynthia tear Cosmo’s foot off.

Rich Russillo: Cosmo can’t go anywhere! He is going to give in! He’s going to TAP—

Rich Russillo: ASHLYNN OFF THE ROPES WITH “TREND SETTER”! SLINGSHOT ROLLING DROPKICK CATCHING CYNTHIA!

Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn went for Cosmo and caught Cynthia instead! She is just as surprised as anyone out there!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo breaks free! Ripcord! GOLD RUSH OMEGA! Buckshot lariat and Ashlynn ducks! Cosmo spins all the way through and the lariat catches Cynthia Valice instead!

Thadd Blazevich: He hit the wrong person! Cosmo just knocked down Cynthia with his own lariat!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo cannot believe it! He is staring at Cynthia on the mat!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo turns around and walks directly into— THE “PINK STAR DIAMOND”! THE CODEBREAKER FROM ASHLYNN QUINN! COSMO IS DOWN!

Thadd Blazevich: COSMO IS DOWN AND ASHLYNN IS ON TOP OF HIM! THIS HAS TO BE IT!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Persephone: There is no way he got the shoulder up in time, that was clearly a three.

Rich Russillo: THE OFFICIAL WOULD DISAGREE! COSMO KICKS OUT! HE KICKS OUT OF THE PINK STAR DIAMOND JUST IN TIME!

Thadd Blazevich: HOW?! HOW IS HE STILL IN THIS?! THIS CROWD THOUGHT THAT WAS IT! I THOUGHT THAT WAS IT! HOW?!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn is sitting on the mat and she cannot believe it!

Thadd Blazevich: I don’t think anyone believes it, it doesn’t seem far-fetched to think that should’ve been the end of the match.

Persephone: CORRECT.

Rich Russillo: Cynthia is back up in the corner! But Ashlynn quickly approaches and grabs Cynthia— “THE MACHINATION”! REVERSE STO INTO THE BACKBREAKER! CYNTHIA HITS THE CANVAS HARD!

Thadd Blazevich: THE MACHINATION FROM ASHLYNN QUINN LOOKING FOR ANOTHER PIN! THIS MIGHT BE WHAT SHE NEEDS!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA KICKS OUT! CYNTHIA VALICE KICKS OUT!

Thadd Blazevich: That had to be a 2.9! Ashlynn cannot put Cynthia away! It seems like nobody is able to end this match, dude!

Persphone: How great for me.

Rich Russillo: But that won’t stop Ashlynn, looking to the top turnbuckle and she is going up!

Thadd Blazevich: Is she looking for the “BAD AND BOUJEE”? Could this be the move she needs to move on to the Chamber?

Rich Russillo: “BAD AND BOUJEE”— WAIT A MINUTE! Cosmo is up and SHOVES her off the turnbuckle! Ashlynn gets sent crashing down to the canvas!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo cuts it off! He still has something left in him!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn is holding her back! That fall did not help!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo grabs Ashlynn and sends her into the ropes going for the lariat— Ashlynn rolls under it! She rolls through and comes back with a SUPERKICK to the jaw, sending Cosmo down to the ground! Ashlynn sprints and hits a METEORA! DOUBLE KNEES TO THE CHEST AND ASHLYNN COVERS!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE—

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA DIVES ACROSS BREAK ASHLYNN THAT BREAKS THE COVER! ASHLYNN MIGHT’VE BEEN ABLE TO PULL IT OFF! ASHLYNN STANDING UP— CYNTHIA GRABS HER AND HITS THE “FALLING COURAGE”! SHE JUST TOOK OUT CYNTHIA!

Thadd Blazevich: MASSIVE MOVE FROM CYNTHIA AND THIS COULD BE WHAT ENDS THIS MATCH ONCE AND FOR ALL!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

…

…

…

…

Rich Russillo: COSMO HAULS CYNTHIA OFF BY THE HAIR! All three crash to the canvas!

Thadd Blazevich: NOBODY CAN WIN THIS MATCH! SOMEBODY SHOW ME HOW THIS ENDS!

Cosmo Goldworthy: (Off-Mic) Stay down! Both of you, stay DOWN! This is MINE!

Rich Russillo: Listen to this building, this crowd has been on their feet for several minutes now! They just do not want this match to end!

Persephone: …

Thadd Blazevich: Someone will eventually earn their way into the Chamber! All it takes is one slip up!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn is pulling herself up off the canvas! Cynthia rising on the other side! Cosmo to his feet behind them both! There is blood on Cosmo’s lip and for the first time tonight there is no grin on his face!

Thadd Blazevich: ALL THREE CLOSING THE DISTANCE! HERE WE GO AGAIN!

Rich Russillo: They meet in the middle of the ring and the fists start flying! Ashlynn with a right hand to Cosmo! Cynthia with a forearm to Ashlynn! Cosmo firing back at both of them!

Thadd Blazevich: Nobody is backing up! Everybody is swinging at everybody!

Persephone: This match feels like it’s been three hours long, one of them are going to give in eventually.

Rich Russillo: Cosmo ducks a forearm and grabs Cynthia around the waist! He wants a German suplex! Cynthia fights it with elbows to the side of the head! Cynthia breaks free, Cosmo spins around and walks right into a superkick from Ashlynn!

Thadd Blazevich: Right on the button! Cosmo stumbles back into the ropes!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn turns around and Cynthia is waiting for her! Cynthia locks the waist and hits a German suplex! She holds the bridge!

Referee: ONE!

Referee: TWO!!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo stomps Cynthia in the back of the head and breaks it up!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo been the most on top of things this entire match and even now he isn’t letting things slide under t

Rich Russillo: Cosmo drags Cynthia up and whips her hard into the corner! RUNNING UPPERCUT in the corner! Cynthia is slumped on the middle rope!

Thadd Blazevich: He is setting her up top! He is going to bring her down the hard way!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo puts Cynthia on the top turnbuckle and climbs up to meet her! He hooks her for a SUPERPLEX! Cynthia is blocking it, punching him in the ribs! Here comes Ashlynn! She ducks underneath Cosmo and gets him up on her shoulders! Ashlynn has Cosmo in the powerbomb position while he is holding Cynthia—

Thadd Blazevich: THEY ALL GO DOWN TO THE TOWER OF DOOM! Ashlynn powerbombs Cosmo, Cosmo superplexes Cynthia, and all three hit the canvas at once! That shook the whole ring! Every one of them is laid out!

Persephone: Wow how impressive, not like I haven’t seen that before. God you people are so easily entertained.

Rich Russillo: Well despite your sarcasm, the crowd is on their feet!

Thadd Blazevich: Somebody has to get up first! Whoever does might win this entire thing if they can take advantage of the opening they got!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn is the first one moving! She rolls toward Cynthia and pulls herself up on the ropes— Cynthia is up to one knee and Ashlynn runs at her HITTING A SHINING WIZARD!

Thadd Blazevich: Right to the side of the head! Cynthia is out on her back!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn heads to the apron and she is going up top! Looking down at Cynthia this might be the pink bow she needs to wrap up this match!

Thadd Blazevich: ## BAD & BOUJEE CONNECTS!

Rich Russillo: ASHLYNN HITS IT AND THIS COULD BE ALL SHE WROTE! ASHLYNN IS GOING TO THE CHAMBER!

Referee: ONE!

Referee: TWO!!

Referee: THREEEEEEE—

Rich Russillo: COSMO DIVES IN AND PULLS ASHLYNN OFF THE COVER BY THE LEG!

Thadd Blazevich: That was it! That was the match and Cosmo would not let it happen!

Ashlynn Quinn: (Off-Mic) Are you kidding me?! Get off me!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn is kicking Cosmo, but he is up first and dragging her to her feet by the hair! BIG CHOP across the chest! Ashlynn fires back with a forearm! Cosmo with another chop! Ashlynn with another forearm!

Thadd Blazevich: These two are just trading shots in the middle of the ring now!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo goes to the eyes, thumbing her eyes blinding her! He spins Ashlynn around and sends her into the ropes! Ashlynn comes off and Cosmo catches her in a SPINEBUSTER! COSMO GOING FOR THE PIN!

Referee: ONE!

Referee: TWO!!

Referee: THREEEEEEE—

Rich Russillo: ASHLYNN KICKS OUT!

Thadd Blazevich: She is not done! Ashlynn is showing so much heart and determination!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo stands up and turns right into Cynthia— Cynthia scoops drops down and grabs the ankle!

Thadd Blazevich: ## QUIET DESPERATION!

Rich Russillo: Cynthia wrenches back on the ankle lock and Cosmo is screaming!

Cosmo Goldworthy: (Off-Mic) Aaaagh! Let go! LET GO OF ME!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo is clawing at the mat! He is nowhere near the ropes! Cynthia GRAPEVINE the leg!

Thadd Blazevich: Cosmo might have to tap! Cosmo might have to tap right here!

Rich Russillo: WAIT ASHLYNN IS HERE! She is up! Ashlynn runs and hits a dropkick right to the side of Cynthia’s head! The hold is broken!

Thadd Blazevich: Ashlynn did not save Cosmo because she likes him! She did it because she wants to win this herself!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn pulls Cynthia up! Cynthia blocks a right hand and hooks Ashlynn for an overhead suplex! Ashlynn flips out and lands on her feet!

Thadd Blazevich: SUPERKICK FROM ASHLYNN! Cynthia stumbles back and tumbles through the ropes! She is down on the apron! Ashlynn has the ring to herself! She is calling for it!

Rich Russillo: Ashlynn turns around and Cosmo is right there! Kick to the gut! Ashlynn doubles over! Cosmo hooks Ashlynn up! He has been saving this one all night long!

Thadd Blazevich: ECSTASY OF GOLD! COSMO HITS IT! ASHLYNN IS OUT COLD!

(Cosmo stumbles into the ropes, trying to balance himself! He stumbles his way forward and goes to drop into the cover!)

(…)

(…)

(…)

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA IS BACK WHAT THE HELL! CYNTHIA ROLLS COSMO UP! WHAT THE HELL?!

ONEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

TWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

(…)

(…)

(…)

THREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

(DING DING DING!)

Rich Russillo: CYNTHIA VALICE WINS! CYNTHIA VALICE IS GOING TO THE EXTREME ELIMINATION CHAMBER!

Thadd Blazevich: SHE STOLE IT! CYNTHIA STOLE COSMO’S MATCH!

Bella Braxton: Here is your winner, and earning a place in the EAW Championship Extreme Elimination Chamber… CYNTHIA VALICE!

Persephone: Fucking FINALLY, a very mid winner but hey who gives a shit the match is over.

(Cynthia rolls off Ashlynn and sits up on the mat. She is staring at the referee like she cannot believe it either. She looked stunned. The referee raises her hand and Cynthia just sits there like a deer in the headlights. Cosmo on the other hand, was furious!)

Cosmo Goldworthy: (Off-Mic) NO! YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME! YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME! I SHOULD’VE WON! THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME! YOU DID THIS!

(Cosmo rushes over and grabs Cynthia by the hair! Striking her and she was too tired to fight back!)

Thadd Blazevich: Oh come on! Cynthia earned that win far and square! What else do you expect from Cosmo Goldworthy?

Persephone: I will say this is the most interesting thing that has happened so far, I’m actually entertained right now! Keep beating her ass!

Rich Russillo: The referee is trying to pull at Cosmo and Cosmo shoves him away! It doesn’t seem to be working— but look at Ashlynn sitting up.

(Ashlynn grabs Cosmo, and before Cosmo could react— ASHLYNN KICKS HIM IN THE CROTCH!)

Thadd Blazevich: OH ASHLYNN WITH THE SAVE! COSMO GETTING TAUGHT A LESSON IN SPORTSMANSHIP!

Rich Russillo: Cosmo drops to his knees and Ashlynn hits him with a SUPERKICK! He is laid out next to Cynthia!

Ashlynn Quinn: (Off-Mic) Unbelievable, babe.

(Ashlynn looks down at Cosmo and shakes her head before finally taking her leave, despite not winning the match she was the last one standing as the scene fades to black.)

https://imgur.com/1WXctjq

(The camera shot has returned to the ringside area as Bella Braxton is standing front and center in the ring with a microphone as she is ready to begin the introductions for this next match.)

Bella Braxton: The following contest is a TRIPLE THREAT TAG TEAM MATCH SCHEDULED FOR ONE FALL!!

Crowd: ONE FALL!!

Bella Braxton: AND IT IS FOR YOUR ELITE ANSWERS WRESTING UNIFIED TAG! TEAM! CHAMPIONSHIPS!!

(‘IDOL’ by BiS starts to play as the crowd immediately starts booing at the immediate entrance of Haruka Kashimashi and Jamie Valdez. They look at each other and nod in understanding before heading to the ring.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing first! At a total combined weight of 240 pounds! Here is the team of Haruka Kashimashi and Jamie Valdez. They are GRAND GUIGNOL!!

Rich Russillo: Here comes one of the challenging teams here tonight for this triple threat match and can you imagine if these two ladies from Dynasty come to House of Glass and win the Tag Team Titles?

Persephone: Those bitches stealing from our bitches and then leaving like bitches. I don’t like our people, but they are OUR people so there’s that.

Thadd Blazevich: Grand Guignol put up a hell of a fight at House of Glass last week against BRAE and Cy Henderson in a very brutal Taipei Death Match, but what a way to get momentum back, bro. By winning the Tag Team Titles. It is a very strong possibility.

(Haruka and Jamie enter the ring and take a corner as their music fades off and is quickly replaced by ‘The Best Damn Thing’ by Avril Lavigne followed by ‘Rompe’ by Daddy Yankee. The crowd’s tone changes to loud cheers from the crowd as Avril Williams and Carmen Sanchez enter the arena knowing they are about to enter one of the biggest matches of their respective EAW careers as they head to the ring.)

Bella Braxton: At a total combined weight of 241 pounds! Here is the team of AVRIL WILLIAMS AND CARMEN SANCHEZ!!

Thadd Blazevich: Here comes the two who, while not an official team, have some good history. They have a strong bond as good friends and that could help them pull through and possibly win this match.

Rich Russillo: They were attacked a few weeks ago by Haruka and Jamie, so they are looking to get a little more payback in the biggest way and that is beating them with the gold on the line.

Persephone: I can picture it now and I don’t want to. These two rookies coming out with custom titles designed by Converse or some shit. What a sad world we’d live in if they win and it could happen…damn.

(Avril and Carmen enter the ring and glare at Haruka and Jamie as they take their corner and their music is replaced by “Somebody Get Me A Doctor” by Van Halen, which is followed by ‘Ambitionz az a Ridah’ by Tupac. Seconds later, we see Dr. Bethany Blue and TLA enter the arena carrying the gold. They raise their titles high for the crowd to see before they head to the ring.)

Bella Braxton: At a total combined weight of 335 pounds. They are the reigning and defending ELITE ANSWERS WRESTLING UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS! Here is the team of DR. BETHANY BLUE, MD AND TLA! They are LA FARMACIA SEXUAL!!

Persephone: Oh great. They’re here. What is there to say about these two besides the fact they’ve been here for too damn long.

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, with anybody’s personal feelings aside, these two are highly accomplished and highly respected in this business. Tonight, these two teams might be taken to school.

Rich Russillo: TLA and Bethany have had a stranglehold on the tag team division since winning the gold. They have a huge experience advantage heading into this match, but will it lead to a successful title defense or will we see new champions crowned? We are about to find

(The Champions enter the ring and hand their titles to the referee as they take their corner. The referee then holds the titles in the air for the arena to see before presenting the gold to champion and challengers before handing the titles to Bella outside the ring. The referee checks all three teams before calling for the bell.)

(DING! DING! DING!)

Thadd Blazevich: Here we go! The match is underway, dudes, and the Tag Team Championships are on the line.

Rich Russillo: One member from each team will be in the ring at the same time and tags can be made only to their respective partners. Expect there to be a battle between all three of these talented teams.

Thadd Blazevich: Alright, dudes and dudettes, remember that this match is sudden death meaning the first pinfall or submission wins the match and the titles.

Persephone: It’s Wicked Games! Shouldn’t sudden death take on a different meaning? I get my hopes up, but naturally they get quickly dashed. Assholes.

Rich Russillo: As we get started with the match, it is going to be Avril Williams and Jamie Valdez starting for the respective challenging teams while TLA is starting for the Champions.

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, no love lost between these three teams AS THE CHALLENGERS BOTH START ATTACKING TLA!

Rich Russillo: Not a bad strategy considering TLA is the strongest person in this match and it might be the best thing to do for the challengers to take the biggest person out early and leave Bethany at a disadvantage.

Persephone: Not when this crazy quack can get into a bad mood and give a person an ice pick lobotomy. Take both of them out and make this brand a little more tolerable.

Rich Russillo: Jamie and Avril are working together for the time being, but don’t expect them to be friends after this match as they simply see TLA as the biggest threat in the match.

Persephone: Look at these blonde bimbos using what little brains they have. It’s a Halloween miracle.

Thadd Blazevich: But TLA is still able to get back to his feet and grabs both ladies by their arm and PULLS THEM TOGETHER SO THAT THEY CRASH INTO EACH OTHER!

Rich Russillo: Face to face collision there as the Hall of Famer uses his craftiness to get out of another situation as he starts those lightning fast strikes right into Jamie’s face.

Thadd Blazevich: Jamie looking like a dazed and confused punching bag right now, Bro, as she has no idea where she is right now.

Persephone: Isn’t that just her normal look?

Thadd Blazevich: BUT LOOK AT THE CORNER! AVRIL WILLIAMS ON THE TOP ROPE AND LAUNCHES HERSELF OVER TLA!

Rich Russillo: Avril grabs onto TLA’s waist and is able to get him off balance enough TO CATCH HIM IN A ROLLUP! SUNSET FLIP FOR THE TITLES!

Persephone: Yeah. That worked out so well.

Rich Russillo: TLA is able to roll through the pin before a count could be started. He is back on his feet AND HE DELIVERS A DROPKICK RIGHT TO AVRIL’S FACE KNOCKING HER BACK!

Persephone: Bitch should have seen that one coming.

Thadd Blazevich: TLA is back in control of this match as he pulls both opponents in with facelocks as he attempts to take them over with a double suplex–-

Rich Russillo: JAMIE AND AVRIL BLOCK THE ATTEMPT AND WORK TOGETHER ONCE AGAIN AS THEY COUNTER WITH A MODIFIED DOUBLE DDT!

Thadd Blazevich: TLA planted face first as they both see a chance to go for a quick cover AS JAMIE SHOVES AVRIL AWAY TO STEAL THE MATCH FOR HERSELF–

Persephone: BAHAHAHAHA! That didn’t work at all. Avril pulled Jamie off the cover before it could even start.

Thadd Blazevich: Jamie didn’t appreciate that one bit and now her and Avril are having a staredown AS JAMIE SHOVES AVRIL AGAIN!

Rich Russillo: Avril doesn’t look amused AS SHE RETURNS THE FAVOR AND SHOVES JAMIE DOWN RIGHT ON HER KEISTER!

Persephone: Keister? Really? You are fucking ninety the way you talk like that.

Rich Russillo: Jamie is back on her feet and the ladies are nose to nose getting ready to square down—

(TAG!)

Persephone: And while those two are having a bitchfest, TLA tags in Dr. Quack.

Thadd Blazevich: Bethany walks right over to the ladies and grabs them both by the hair AND JUST CLOBBERS THEIR HEADS TOGETHER! THAT WAS A GNARLY THUD!

Rich Russillo: Good ole fashioned meeting of the minds right there as the champions are once again in control–

(TAG!)

Thadd Blazevich: Dude this is going to get interesting because here comes the dangerous Haruka Kashimashi into the match.

Persephone: You say interesting and I say doubtful. But why not? This match can’t get any worse.

Thadd Blazevich: Haruka walks right up to the Doctor AND SHE FIRES OFF AN ELBOW RIGHT TO THE SIDE OF BETHANY’S HEAD! The shot staggers the Doc a little bit.

Rich Russillo: But Bethany comes right back WITH A FOREARM OF HER OWN! Haruka turns back to Bethany AND SHE IS SMILING!! IT’S LIKE SHE ENJOYED GETTING HIT IN THE HEAD!

Persephone: Great another creepy masochistic bitch. Just what this company needs–

Rich Russillo: AND HARUKA WITH AN UPPERCUT THAT CAUGHT BETHANY IN THE JAW! AND NOW WE HAVE A BRAWL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!

Persephone: Not so fast, old man. That Avril is back on the top rope again. Find a different place to dwell unless you are asking to break your neck.

Thadd Blazevich: Look at the opposite corner! CARMEN SANCHEZ IS ALSO ON THE TOP ROPE AND BOTH COME OFF THE TOP AND HIT STEREO MISSILE DROPKICKS!! DUDE!! WAS THERE EVEN A TAG?!?!?

Rich Russillo: I honestly couldn’t tell because I was focused on the action between Haruka and Bethany… HOLD ON!!

(The shot goes into split screen with the left side showing the replay of the tag being made and the right side keeping up with the match before going back to the live action.)

Thadd Blazevich: I guess there was a tag made. That was like ninja level secrecy, Bro.

Persephone: Not really, you moron. If the blind ass referee can see that, you could have too.

Thadd Blazevich: Regardless, that was a great show of teamwork by Carmen and Avril as Avril rolls out of the ring and Carmen takes over for her team as she starts putting the boots to Haruka.

Rich Russillo: Haruka is trying to recover as CARMEN HITS A SOCCER STYLE PUNT RIGHT INTO HARUKA’S RIBS! THAT LAST BREATH LOOKED LIKE IT HURT A LITTLE TO TAKE!

Persephone: Doesn’t hurt as bad as having to call this match. But Carmen decides to get a little flashy and run to the ropes to try and add extra damage to whatever the hell she is going to try–

Rich Russillo: BETHANY GRABS CARMEN AFTER CARMEN REBOUNDED OFF THE ROPES AND DRIVES HER KNEE INTO CARMEN’S SPINE WITH THAT BACKBREAKER!

Persephone: This bitchy doctor is good at taking a mile when given an inch of opportunity. She annoys me so much.

Thadd Blazevich: But Bethany still has hold of Carmen off the backbreaker and now Bethany is readjusting Carmen into a slam position BEFORE THROWING HER OVERHEAD WITH THE FALLAWAY SLAM!

Rich Russillo: The force of the slam actually was enough to send Carmen out of the ring to the floor. That’s what years of dealing with patients can give you.

Thadd Blazevich: But Haruka was able to use that moment of distraction to recover off the kick to the ribs to get onto the second rope AS SHE HITS THE KASHIMASHI SPECIAL!!

Persephone: It’s a Corkscrew Roundhouse Kick. It isn’t that damn special. But it was enough to send the Quack through the ropes and onto the floor.

Thadd Blazevich: Haruka sees that Bethany and Carmen are starting to recover on the floor as Haruka now climbs onto the apron AND LEAPS OFF THE APRON–

Rich Russillo: AND SHE CATCHES THEM BOTH WITH A DIVING DOUBLE BLOCKBUSTER! BEAUTIFUL MOVE BY HARUKA!!

Persephone: The move was ehh, but hearing the thuds of their heads hitting the mat was the best part. Too bad it didn’t knock them out.

Rich Russillo: Nice high risk move by Haruka as she is able to get back to her feet and now she is bringing both Bethany and Carmen back to their feet as well.

Persephone: Just leave them there in pain. Or just keep kicking them in the head. Cause even more pain.

Thadd Blazevich: That might be her plan, BUT AVRIL HAS ENTERED THE RING AGAIN! Avril hits the ropes on the far side before running full speed towards the ladies outside the ring–

Rich Russillo: AVRIL LAUNCHES HERSELF OVER THE TOP ROPE AND TAKES EVERYBODY DOWN WITH THE SASUKE SPECIAL! ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL AERIAL MOVE IN THIS MATCH!!

Thadd Blazevich: Avril loves those high risk moves and this one paid off really well as she takes everybody down. Unfortunately, it meant she took down her tag team partner as well.

Persephone: What an idiot.

Rich Russillo: Bethany and Haruka took most of the damage of that move as they are slowly starting to recover once again, which is a sight considering Bethany and Carmen have already bounced off the floor twice.

Thadd Blazevich: NOW JAMIE VALDEZ IS BACK IN THE RING AS SHE FOLLOWS THE SAME PATH AVRIL DID JUST A FEW MOMENTS AGO AND NOW SHE LAUNCHES HERSELF THROUGH THE ROPES AND TAKES EVERYBODY DOWN WITH A SUICIDE DIVE!

Persephone: Here we go again. Doctor Bitch isn’t too bright if she keeps getting hit with these moves. You would think she sees it coming by now. Too many hits to the head probably.

Thadd Blazevich: All five competitors are once again trying to get back to their feet after all of those back to back high risk moves… DUDE!! LOOK AT THE TOP ROPE!! TLA IS NOW INTERJECTING HIMSELF TO ALL OF THIS FUN!

Rich Russillo: TLA is getting himself into position on the top rope AS HE JUMPS OFF THE TOP ROPE AND HITS A BEAUTIFUL MOONSAULT TAKING EVERYONE OUT! LISTEN TO THIS CROWD GO ABSOLUTELY CRAZY FOR ALL THIS ACTION IN JUST A FEW SHORT MOMENTS!

Persephone: There are so many jokes regarding this situation, but I am going to take the high road and hope that this match just ends as quickly as possible.

Rich Russillo: Naturally, TLA is back on his feet first as he grabs Carmen and rolls her back into the ring before he does the same thing to Haruka as he helps his tag team partner back to her feet–

(CRACK!!)

Persephone: BAHAHAHAHA! ABOUT TIME WE GET A WEAPON INVOLVED IN THIS MATCH!! THANK GAWD!!

Thadd Blazevich: JAMIE VALDEZ WITH THE RING BELL HAMMER TO TLA’S KNEE TAKING HIM DOWN TO THE MAT BEFORE SHE LOOKS OVER TO BETHANY–

(CRACK!!)

Rich Russillo: JAMIE CRACKS BETHANY IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH THE HAMMER AND BETHANY SLUMPS ONTO THE APRON!!

Thadd Blazevich: Jamie rolls Bethany back into the ring as Haruka grabs hold of Bethany AND TAKES HER UP AND OVER WITH AN EXPLODER SUPLEX!

Persephone: HA! Bitch about dropped the Doctor on her head. Send her to that over the hill husband of hers.

Thadd Blazevich: Hard landing for Bethany as Haruka quickly gets into the cover for the titles here.

Rich Russillo: WAIT! HERE COMES CARMEN TO INTERRUPT THE COUNT AND TAKE HARUKA OVER WITH THE MAGISTRAL CRADLE! SHOULDERS ARE DOWN!!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOO!!

THHHHHH—

Persephone: She kicked out. Damn!

Rich Russillo: Near fall for Carmen as she was a second away from winning the Tag Team Championships for her team.

Persephone: Aren’t we just so darn lucky.

Thadd Blazevich: The action has been fast and furious in this match with the Tag Team Titles on the line and you have to give these Elitists in this match credit for bringing the fight in this match, despite lacking the experience of Bethany and TLA!

Rich Russillo: Haruka is back on her feet and a little bit quicker than Carmen AND HARUKA JUST GRABS CARMEN AND PULLS HER IN BEFORE BRINGING HER UP AND THEN DOWN WITH THAT URANAGE BACKBREAKER!

Thadd Blazevich: Haruka likes to play for keeps in matches like this… or any match period, bro.

Persephone: Yeah yeah. Whatever. Let’s keep going with all this crap. Haruka decides to be a giant moron and starts to climb all the way up to the top rope for some damn reason. Now is not the time to show off with the titles on the line, stupid!

Thadd Blazevich: She is trying to hit another high impact move on Carmen probably in order to hopefully finish the–

(CRACK!!)

Rich Russillo: What in the hell was that?

Persephone: Open your eyes or get your cataracts checked because TLA hit Haruka with a steel chair! BAHAHAHAHAHAHA! That’s exactly what you get!

Rich Russillo: I guess you can say turnabout is fair play between teams because Jamie hit TLA and Bethany with the ring bell hammer earlier in the match, so TLA returned the favor.

Persephone: But somehow this bitch is still on her feet on the top rope, SO TLA CRACKS HER IN THE BACK OF THE KNEE! NOW SHE’S JUST SITTING ON THE TOP TURNBUCKLE!

Thadd Blazevich: Not a good position for Haruka as Bethany is back on her feet and she now climbs up onto the second rope. Dude, this looks to be a very dangerous situation we have going on right here and this isn’t going to be good.

Rich Russillo: Dr. Bethany is trying to hook Haruka’s arms BUT HARUKA FIGHTS BACK WITH A BACK ELBOW THAT CATCHES BETHANY IN THE SIDE OF THE HEAD, BUT BETHANY COMES BACK WITH REPEATED FOREARMS TO THE BASE OF THE SKULL!

Thadd Blazevich: Now Bethany is able to lock both of Haruka’s arms and get her to her feet on the top turnbuckle. Oh my gawd, bro, this is going to be as gnarly as I think it’s going to be AS THEY BOTH COME OFF THE ROPES AND DR. BETHANY BLUE HITS A TIGER SUPERPLEX FROM THE TOP ROPE!! HOLY SHIT, BRO!!

Persephone: The move wasn’t that spectacular, but the landing caught my interest a little bit and that’s saying something considering that stupid quacky bitch did it.

Thadd Blazevich: Bethany somehow was still able to keep Haruka’s arms hooked AND SHE BRIDGES UP FOR A COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!

THHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEE–

Rich Russillo: HARUKA BARELY GOT THE SHOULDER UP AT TWO! It was either that or Bethany couldn’t hold the bridge that strongly anymore. That was a hideous landing.

Persephone: Most everything about this match is hideous. What are you talking about?

Rich Russillo: Both Bethany and Haruka are down off that dangerous superplex, BUT HERE COMES CARMEN!! CARMEN JUST BOUNCES OFF THE ROPES AND LANDS RIGHT ON TOP OF BETHANY WITH THE LIONSAULT!

Persephone: She finds herself back in this match. Shame she couldn’t get lost and not be found.

Thadd Blazevich: Bro. Anyways, the lionsault was a direct hit and Carmen is thinking about a cover–

(CRACK!)

Rich Russillo: Now what in the hell is that?

Thadd Blazevich: JAMIE VALDEZ AGAIN!?!? JAMIE WITH A KENDO STICK TO CARMEN’S SPINE WHICH STOPS THAT THOUGHT VERY QUICKLY!

Persephone: The only tolerable thing in this match. Thank goodness this match is no disqualification or else I would lose my mind.

Thadd Blazevich: Carmen holds her back in pain as Jamie interjects herself back into this match as all three women are down… BUT JAMIE DRAGS HARUKA OVER TO HER CORNER AND JUST TAGS HERSELF IN!

(TAG!)

Rich Russillo: Regardless of circumstance, Jamie is legal in the match and she climbs all the way to the top rope. Bethany is down. Carmen is down AS JAMIE COMES OFF THE TOP ROPE WITH THE “POETRY OF SILENCE”! SPIRAL TAP ON CARMEN AS SHE GOES FOR THE COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!

THHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEE–

Persephone: AND TLA BREAKS UP THE COUNT! OF COURSE HE DOES! But why? It wasn’t his dumb bitch of a partner who was getting pinned.

Rich Russillo: But if Carmen didn’t kick out then TLA and Bethany would have lost the gold because the champs don’t need to be involved in the fall to lose the titles.

Persephone: What’s your point? That means the match ends quicker! I see nothing wrong with that.

Thadd Blazevich: Well Jamie is holding the back of her head in pain as Bethany has made it back to her feet and she takes advantage of Jamie’s vulnerable state as she grabs the legs of Jamie AND APPLIES “FRACTURED”!

Rich Russillo: BOSTON CRAB IS APPLIED AND BETHANY WALKS BACK AND REALLY HAS THE “FRACTURED” LOCKED IN AND THAT IS REALLY PUTTING A LOT OF PRESSURE ON JAMIE’S BACK!

Thadd Blazevich: The referee is right there asking Jamie if she wants to give it up and Jamie is refusing because that would mean losing the match.

Persephone: So she would much rather put herself through hell? I mean I am all for watching people being tortured. Would make this match less annoying.

Thadd Blazevich: Being able to make it to the ropes is not an option for Jamie with the torque Bethany has on Jamie and Haruka is down on the apron still recovering from that superplex by Bethany earlier–

(TAG!)

Rich Russillo: CARMEN TAGS AVRIL BACK INTO THE MATCH! Avril runs right over to Bethany AND JUMPS ONTO HER SHOULDERS AND FLIPS BACK TO SPIKE HER ON HER HEAD WITH A POISONRANA!

Persephone: I thought that Jamie would be flying back with them, but NOOOOOOOO! Dr. Dipshit let her go when she landed on her head. That really sucked.

Rich Russillo: Bethany is down at the moment and Avril sees an opportunity to take advantage of the situation to try for the titles as she pulls Bethany to her feet and grabs her by the head AND STARTS RUNNING TOWARDS THE CORNER!

Persephone: Oh this is going to be stupid. Avril runs up the corner looking for a move that she calls “Face Down”. Sounds like a stupid name for a move.

Thadd Blazevich: AVRIL GOES FOR THE SLICED BREAD #2 BUT BETHANY IS ABLE TO ROLL HER BACK TO GET FREE OF THE MOVE!

Rich Russillo: And Avril couldn’t land perfectly on her feet as she stumbles back towards the ropes–

(CRACK!)

Thadd Blazevich: HARUKA WITH A BAKING SHEET TO AVRIL’S HEAD AS SHE STUMBLES FORWARD BACK TOWARDS BETHANY–

Rich Russillo: WHO CATCHES AVRIL WITH THE SUPERKICK TO THE JAW! T! J! D! TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT DYSFUNCTION FOR THOSE WANTING TO ADD SOMETHING TO THEIR MEDICAL VOCABULARY!

Thadd Blazevich: Try saying that five times fast.

Persephone: It would be a miracle if you could say it once.

Thadd Blazevich: You can call it what you want, but it was right on the money, Bro. Right in the jaw and Avril could be down and out as Bethany goes for the cover to retain the titles!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!

THHHHHHHHHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEE!

(CRACK!)

Rich Russillo: WHAT THE HELL? THAT’S A MIRROR! JAMIE ROLLED OUTSIDE AND GRABBED A MIRROR AND CRACKED IT ACROSS BETHANY’S HEAD!

Persephone: Now this match is getting good. Bring on all the violence. Bring the gore. Bring the pain.

Rich Russillo: Avril is down and Jamie has hold of Bethany while Haruka has been setting up a trash can in the corner with the open end facing out. She has it fixed the way she wants it as both ladies grab Bethany like a BATTERING RAM AND SEND HER HEAD FIRST INTO TRASH CAN!!

Persephone: HAHAHAHAHAHA! BITCH JUST GOT CANNED! THIS IS GREAT!! DO IT AGAIN!

Thadd Blazevich: I think they are going to be doing worse than that as they have Avril in their sights BUT THEY DELIVER A DOUBLE SUPERKICK TO TLA KNOCKING HIM OFF THE APRON!

Rich Russillo: Now Grand Guignol have isolated Avril as Jamie climbs to the top rope and Haruka has Avril on her shoulders BEFORE PLANTING HER WITH THAT ROLLING FIREMAN’S CARRY–

Thadd Blazevich: AND JAMIE OFF THE TOP ROPE WITH THE 450 SPLASH! THAT’S THE “HAYWIRE HEARTS” BY GRAND GUIGNOL FOR THE TITLES HERE!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!

THHHHHHHHHHRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE!

(CRACK!!)

Persephone: The cover was broken up, but I could care less right now considering that means more weapons. About damn time these idiots learned.

Thadd Blazevich: That was Carmen with a trash can lid to the back of Jamie’s head while Jamie is down, Carmen now has to deal with Haruka and this Haruka is a very scary individual, dude.

Rich Russillo: She doesn’t need a weapon to be intimidating, BUT GRABBING A GLASS SHARD FROM THAT BROKEN MIRROR MAKES IT EVEN WORSE!

Persephone: That’s right. Time to slice and dice a bitch. Let’s get down to business.

Rich Russillo: Haruka is ready to fight, but Carmen still has that trash can lid to defend herself AS HARUKA COMES AT HER WITH THE GIANT GLASS SHARD–

Persephone: This bitch used the trash can lid to defend herself, BUT THE SHARD WENT STRAIGHT THROUGH THE LID! I am glad this company spared no expense when it came to the weaponry.

Thadd Blazevich: Well it was effective because it got stuck and it forces Haruka to drop it AS SHE KICKS THE TRASH CAN LID BACK IN CARMEN’S FACE! Haruka is now just unloading on Carmen with the Tag Team Titles on the line—

(CRASH!!)

Rich Russillo: WHAT THE HELL?

Thadd Blazevich: IT’S AVRIL, BRO!! AVRIL CLOBBERED HARUKA IN THE HEAD WITH A LADDER AND THAT KNOCKED HARUKA VERY LOOPY!

Persephone: Of course that crazy high flying loving bitch would bring a ladder into this situation. Whatever. Just make sure to kill each other.

Thadd Blazevich: AVRIL WITH ANOTHER LADDER SHOT TO HARUKA KNOCKING HER ONTO THE MAT! Haruka is down as they turn their attention to Jamie.

Rich Russillo: Avril puts the ladder down before hoisting Jamie onto her shoulders and ROLLING FORWARD ONTO THE LADDER! JAMIE GOES SPINE FIRST!

Persephone: The ladder crunch was nice, but some bones crunching would be beautiful! Keep it up, bitches.

Rich Russillo: NOW CARMEN COMES OFF THE TOP ROPE WITH A MOONSAULT ONTO THE LADDER IN THE DOUBLE TEAM STYLE OF AVRIL’S YOU CAN’T ESCAPE MOVE!

Persephone: It works a little bit I guess. Only because they used the ladder to cause harm.

Thadd Blazevich: Carmen and Avril pull Jamie off the ladder and place her on the mat as Avril sets the ladder up in the center of the ring! WHAT IS SHE DOING, BRO?

Rich Russillo: AVRIL IS CLIMBING THE LADDER! WILL IT BE THE LADDER OF SUCCESS? WE DON’T KNOW! WE MIGHT BE ABOUT TO FIND OUT AS AVRIL IS STANDING ON THE TOP RUNG OF THAT LADDER!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, that has to be over ten feet in the air right now with nothing between her and the mat but air and opportunity. This could get gnarly.

Persephone: Or this could be the greatest thing ever. Bitch might take herself out.

Thadd Blazevich: This could be all or nothing for Avril and Carmen if Avril hits whatever the hell she has planned right now. She is going for broke AS SHE COMES OFF THE TOP OF THE LADDER—

Rich Russillo: AND A DIRECT HIT WITH THE “DIRTY LITTLE SECRET”! OH MY GAWD! RIGHT ON TOP OF JAMIE WITH THAT AMAZING 450 SPLASH! JAMIE MIGHT BE READY FOR THE HOSPITAL RIGHT NOW AS AVRIL HOOKS THE LEG! NEW CHAMPIONS HERE!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!

THHHHHHHHHHRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE!

Persephone: OH SON OF A BITCH!!

Rich Russillo: HARUKA! HARUKA DOVE IN AT THE LAST SECOND TO BREAK UP THE COVER AND SAVE THE MATCH FOR HER TEAM! OH THAT WAS SO CLOSE!

Persephone: You know what? Normally I would be pissed about that, but that means for weapons and violence so I am completely fine with it. Kill each other!!

Thadd Blazevich: Bro, Jamie might already be there as Carmen grabs Haruka and just starts beating the hell out of her. Meanwhile, the young EAW rookie Avril sees that Jamie is not moving and decides to put an exclamation point on this match.

Rich Russillo: Avril pulls Jamie back to her feet and Avril starts climbing up the ladder and bringing Jamie along with her. I think I know what she is trying to do!

Thadd Blazevich: Dude, IS AVRIL TRYING FOR THE “LET GO” OFF THE LADDER? THAT MIGHT SHORTEN JAMIE’S CAREER IF SHE HITS IT! IT MIGHT SHORTEN HER CAREER IF SHE HITS IT!

Persephone: You make it sound like it’s a bad thing. I say let these bitches go for it and then we can see these bitches just GO! That way I win.

Thadd Blazevich: Avril is willing to put it all on the line for the sake of her and Carmen becoming the Tag Team Champions. Avril is about to the top with Jamie–

Rich Russillo: WHAT IN THE WORLD! IT’S BETHANY! BETHANY PULLS JAMIE OFF THE LADDER! NOW TLA IS IN THE RING AS WELL AND AVRIL HAS NOWHERE TO GO!

Persephone: This might be better than the move she was going to try in the first place.

Rich Russillo: Avril is near the top of the ladder with TLA blocking one side and Bethany blocking the other AS THEY START TO TIP THE LADDER OVER–-

Persephone: THE LADDER FALLS OVER! OH YES OH YES OH YES!! THIS IS GOING TO BE SO GOOD!!

Thadd Blazevich: AVRIL FALLS OFF THE LADDER AND SHE CRASHES AND BURNS ON THE FLOOR OUTSIDE! OH MY GAWD THAT IS A HORRIBLY DANGEROUS LANDING, DUDE! SOMEBODY NEEDS TO CHECK ON AVRIL!

Rich Russillo: I think it is a safe assumption that Avril Williams might be done for the night. We hope that she is alright. But that will just make the task that much harder for her team as TLA and Bethany have slid out of the ring and are looking for some more weaponry.

Thadd Blazevich: I give TLA and Bethany credit for waiting for the perfect moment to strike because it eliminated one of their opponents. Meanwhile, Jamie has somehow made it back to her feet.

Persephone: Why? She could have played dead until the match was over. Of course she wants to try and win and all that shit instead of just letting the match end.

Thadd Blazevich: Haruka has hold of Carmen in the Side Russian Leg Sweep position as Jamie hits the ropes. Jamie rebounds and runs back towards Jamie AND JAMIE LEAVES HER FEET–

Rich Russillo: JAMIE HITS THE BLOCKBUSTER WHILE HARUKA HITS THE SIDE RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! THEY CALL THAT THE “HEADSPACE COLLAPSE”! AND IT COULD LEAD TO THE TITLES AS THEY GO FOR THE COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!

THHHHHHHHHHRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE!

Persephone: Oh of course. There they are.

Rich Russillo: TLA and Bethany have found themselves back in the match as they each kick Jamie and Haruka to stop the count. While this match has gone on for a while, from the look on TLA and Bethany’s faces, they look like they are done playing around.

Persephone: Looks are one thing, but actions are another.

Thadd Blazevich: Grand Guignol is down as Bethany has a stethoscope AND SHE IS CHOKING CARMEN WITH THE STETHESCOPE AND CARMEN IS TRYING TO FIGHT OUT OF IT!

Rich Russillo: Bethany is just dragging her to her feet while also dragging her to the ropes BEFORE DRAPING HER OVER THE ROPES AND BETHANY IS TRYING TO CHOKE OUT CARMEN–

Thadd Blazevich: AT THE LAST SECOND, CARMEN IS ABLE TO GET A BACK ELBOW IN ON BETHANY! Carmen is able to get back into the ring as she runs over to Bethany and takes her up and over with a headscissor takeover!

Rich Russillo: Bethany sent across the ring as Carmen hits the ropes FOR A SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY–

Thadd Blazevich: TLA SHOVES CARMEN OFF THE ROPES AND RIGHT OUT OF THE RING! GOOD GAWD BRO! CARMEN CRASHES AGAINST THE APRON BEFORE SHE HITS THE FLOOR THAT WAS A HIDEOUS LANDING!

Persephone: Yeah. She should have landed on her head.

Thadd Blazevich: Meanwhile, while Bethany was strangling Carmen, TLA brought a table into the ring and now he is setting it up to finish the match once and for all–

Rich Russillo: HARUKA AND JAMIE! GRAND GUIGNOL HAVE FOUND ANOTHER GEAR AND ARE TAKING IT TO THE UNIFIED TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!

Persephone: Take them out of here and push them both off a cliff!

Rich Russillo: The challengers from Dynasty are putting up a hell of a fight as TLA and Haruka are teeing off while Jamie is bringing it to Bethany. I think the referee has lost control of this match and threw the tag rule out the window.

Persephone: Should have been thrown out when the bell rang, but what do I know.

Thadd Blazevich: Jamie misses a wild right hand as Bethany gets her on her shoulders and what is she doing. I can’t tell, bro.

Rich Russillo: She is trying for “Grade C2”, BUT JAMIE WITH ELBOWS TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD GET HER FREE AS SHE TURNS AROUND–

Thadd Blazevich: AND INTO “SAY AHHHHHH!” THE MANDIBLE CLAW ON JAMIE! BETHANY WAS GETTING THE GLOVE ON FOR THE MOVE, DUDE!!

Rich Russillo: Jamie trying to fight it, but Bethany has the move on tight as she brings Jamie and herself out of the ring AS TLA GOT THE SWAG SHOT ON HARUKA!

Thadd Blazevich: Haruka dazed in the corner as TLA backs up AND THEN RUNS IN FOR “A VERY MEXICAN UPPERCUT”! RIGHT ACROSS THE JAW AS HARUKA COMES STUMBLING OUT OF THE CORNER!

Persephone: Good for him for contributing something.

Thadd Blazevich: TLA has hold of Haruka as he is climbing onto the middle rope… NO! HE IS CLIMBING ONTO THE TOP ROPE AND HE IS BRINGING HARUKA WITH HIM!

Rich Russillo: This is not looking good as this is a very dangerous position for both of them. This could either win the match for La Farmacia Sexual or it will cost them the titles. TLA has Haruka in the powerbomb position AS HE FLIPS OFF THE TOP ROPE–

(CRASH!)

Thadd Blazevich: BRO! THE “VERY MEXICAN DESTROYER” THROUGH THE TABLE! HARUKA WAS SPIKED ON HER HEAD!

Rich Russillo: THE TABLE EXPLODED INTO GAWD KNOWS HOW MANY PIECES, BUT HARUKA IS NOT MOVING AS TLA, WHO TOOK DAMAGE FROM THAT BIG MOVE, CRAWLS OVER AND ROLLS HARUKA OVER FOR THE COVER!

ONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!

TWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOO!

THHHHHHHHHHHRRRRRREEEEEEEEE!

(DING! DING! DING!)

(“Somebody Get Me A Doctor” starts playing again as TLA pushes Haruka aside in the remnants of the table. He is catching his breath for a moment as Bella Braxton announces the final decision of the match.)

Bella Braxton: Here are your winners….

Bella Braxton: AND STILLLLLLLLLLLLLLL your Elite Answers Wrestling Unified Tag Team Champions…. TLA! DR. BETHANY BLUE, M.D.! LA FARMACIA SEXUAL!!

Rich Russillo: Very hard fought match between these three teams. Only one could leave victorious and it was the champions who were able to pull through and keep the gold.

Persephone: Good for them. Let’s move on.

(Bethany has rolled into the ring to help TLA back to his feet as the referee hands them the Tag Team Titles and raises their arms in victory. They soak in the crowd’s reaction and raise the titles in the air before they leave the ring and head up the ramp.)

Thadd Blazevich: Bro, each team brought everything they had in order to leave as the winners, but you have to believe that it was the significant experience advantage that TLA and Bethany have was a big factor in them keeping the gold, especially given Jamie and Haruka have only been allies for weeks at this point.

Persephone: Possibly. Good for them. They are old and have been here too long. Yet, they are still champions. Good for them.

(Jamie has slid back into the ring and checks on Haruka and helps her sit up. Neither woman is happy that they couldn’t get the victory tonight and it didn’t go their way, but they know they have plenty of room to grow and build from this title match as Jamie helps Haruka to her feet.)

Rich Russillo: Look at Haruka and Jamie. They are not happy and probably a little bit heartbroken. They were right there. They were so close to winning the titles, but tonight wasn’t meant to be.

Thadd Blazevich: They had another amazing performance in this match and if they keep things up, regardless of their popularity right now bro, the best is yet to come.

(The camera then cuts to outside the ring where we see Avril and Carmen sitting as they both have looks of disappointment on their faces as they are simply trying to regroup after this tough loss.)

Persephone: Now look at these crybabies. Get over this loss and move on because I am tired of looking at all of you.

Thadd Blazevich: That is harsh, bro. Avril and Carmen did an amazing job and fought their hardest. They will move on because they both know that there will be other chances to win gold, but this loss stings and they are allowed to hurt.

Rich Russillo: They certainly are. They are heartbroken today, but they all had such starmaking performances in this match and there will be another day, but tonight belongs to the champs. Congratulations once again to La Farmacia Sexual on retaining the gold here at Wicked Games.

(The final shot shows Avril helping Carmen up as they start to walk to the back before cutting to Jamie helping Haruka out of the ring before cutting to TLA and Bethany standing at the top of the ramp holding their successfully defended titles in the air before the camera shot cuts elsewhere.)

(Wicked Games returns as the next match graphic flashes across the screen.)

(https://i.imgur.com/V3P4Uvz.png)

(The camera then transitions over-)

(Static.)

(Cut to black.)

(We open back up to a pair of footsteps slowly trekking down a slope. And as the figure came into view, it was revealed to be Jake Smith. Over the past week, Caroline had sacrificed her own freedom to allow Jake to continue his trek down the mountain undisturbed by Belial. For Jake, he had no idea what had happened; it was an unusual feeling, one that he was unsure about, no matter how much he chose to ignore it.)

(But it didn’t matter to him right now, because he had finally made it over and down the mountain. He nearly stumbled as he felt solid land for the first time, digging his feet into the sand and realizing that it was finally over. His vision was still partially obscured; sand continued to fly through the air and block what was ahead, but there was one thing that he saw… and it was a figure.)

(Everything began to clear up, and standing across from him… was Caroline. The two of them were alone in the middle of the desert, her seemingly being the reward for his journey. Jake rubbed his eyes, almost as if it was some sort of illusion. And as he began to come to his senses, his throat raspy and dry, he opened it up to say his first words.)

Jake Smith: … Are you okay?

(Caroline raised an eyebrow, almost taken aback that after everything that he went through, the first person he thought about was someone else.)

Caroline: You had your choice, and you refused to take it. You were offered your freedom in exchange for mine, and it was an outcome that I would’ve accepted given that this is my doing. But you decided to put yourself through all this effort knowing that Belial would not give you what you wanted regardless.

(Caroline scoffed as she looked away from him.)

Caroline: Now neither of us is afforded such grace; we’re cursed to damnation, and we are forced to succumb to the eternal darkness that awaits. I hope you’re happy.

(Jake remained unfazed.)

Jake Smith: Okay.

Caroline: Okay?

Jake Smith: Okay. I never gave a damn what he thought anyway. The only people who have control of our destiny are us, and as long as I still breathe air through my lungs, I say that there’s a chance. We can defeat Belial.

Caroline: We… can defeat Belial…?

(Caroline paused for a moment before cracking the smallest smile, her reaction to something that she found profoundly hilarious and ridiculous.)

Caroline: If we could defeat him, then we wouldn’t be in this position in the first place. If you truly went through all of this off the mere idea that you could do that, then your already weakened body has caught up to your mind.

(A tense moment of silence arose between the two, and as Jake is about to open his mouth to respond…)

(SWOOSH!)

(A circle of fire surrounds them, shooting high into the air, and a silhouette is seen forging itself out of it.)

Belial: Congratulations, Jake. You made it. Are you ready for your prize?

(The heat becomes overwhelming, as Jake collapses down. Caroline is about to rush over to him, but Belial brings out his arm, stopping her in place with a hand on her shoulder.)

Belial: Before you embarked on this journey, I gave you a choice. You could walk away, spare yourself the misery that was waiting ahead for you, and preserve your fleeting human life in that pathetic plane of existence. I bestow upon you all the gifts that await you, and you continue to use that greed of yours to conquer as you have always wanted to do. But…

(Belial paused, shaking his head in disappointment.)

Belial: You decided against such a thing. You decided that you would find a way to both get your freedom, even though such a grace would not be afforded to you anymore. I entertained that, but now… the joke is old. I have exhausted way too much of my resources and way too much of my patience having to deal with the likes of you, so my solution… is that we bring this back to square one.

(Belial flicked his hand, and Jake was forced upward, being dragged back up to his feet as he groaned in pain. Caroline glanced up at Belial, a look of confusion crossing her face.)

Belial: We return to why we are here in the first place, and the two of you engage in battle. Now, I know what you’re thinking: you could just decline, right? But that’s not how this works, because if you choose not to fight… then your fate is in my hands, and neither of you get a say.

(Caroline tensed up, infuriated by what Belial just said.)

Caroline: Belial, this is NOT what we agreed to.

Belial: And what did we agree to? That you would purposefully lose to him? Grant him his freedom? That’s no fun, isn’t it? That’s just a waste of time. See, you made the same HUMAN mistake that he did, because it’s exactly what I told him: I never promised to tell the truth. The only thing I did was allow the two of you to take a gamble on the slightest chance that I would give you what you wanted, and congratulations, you took the gamble… and now it doesn’t pay off.

(Belial pondered on it, before shrugging his shoulders.)

Belial: Tough stuff.

(Before Caroline can react, Belial combusts into flames, causing her to shoot backward and land on the ground. As she does, the entire world around him and Jake begins to melt, dissolving into the underground. They’re placed into a cage, surrounded by a crowd, a group of demons who jeer at them and watch for their own entertainment. In the distance, sitting on his throne, Belial watches in intrigue, a hand on his jaw.)

(Jake slowly rose, finally coming to his senses. Meanwhile, Caroline looked around, seeing the space that they were confined to, trapped under a sea of voices; she could only grimace. But deep in her mind, she knew that there was only one way out of here.)

Jake Smith: I…

(But Jake Smith was not affording her such a reprieve. He hesitated, somehow finding restraint in him, not wanting to fight her. Caroline exhaled.)

(Jake didn’t have much time to think, as Caroline charged right at him, wrapping her arms around him and driving him against the metal links of the cage. She quickly swung him around and tossed him to the ground, as Jake slid across the coarse dirt that covered the ground. Caroline immediately glanced over, picking up a pair of brass knuckles that a demon threw in, storming over as Jake got back up…)

(CRACK!)

(Driving her fist against his face! Jake spit out blood as he fell back to the ground, unusually… he was not in much of a hurry to fight with her. Caroline could already tell, and her frustration was beginning to build.)

Caroline: Fight…

(Jake slowly brought himself up, coughing up even more blood thanks to the strike and everything that Belial had put him through. As he did, he slowly muttered.)

Jake Smith: -# No…

(CRACK!)

(Another brass knuckle shot directly to the face dropped Jake down to the ground again! This time, he cried out in pain; it almost became unbearable at this point, and this caused Caroline to yell.)

Caroline: FIGHT FOR YOUR FREEDOM!

(Jake looked up…)

(CRACK!)

(As Caroline dropped her fist directly down onto her! Blood splattered all over her face as she continued to yell.)

Caroline: WHY WON’T YOU JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!

(CRACK!)

Caroline: THIS IS MY FAULT! MINE!

(CRACK!)

Caroline: LIVE YOUR MISERABLE HUMAN LIFE WITHOUT ME!

(Caroline goes for one final swing, but Jake finally manages to grab the fist, pushing it away with all his might.)

Jake Smith: NO!

(Caroline flew through the air and crashed down to the ground, groaning in pain, realizing that she herself had been through her own form of torture in recent memory as well, courtesy of Belial. Jake rose.)

Jake Smith: I won’t… I won’t…

Caroline: YOU WON’T WHAT?

Jake Smith: I WON’T FIGHT YOU, GODDAMMIT!

(In the distance, Belial rolled his eyes at the gesture. Caroline was furious at this point, knowing that if he didn’t, the two of them were bound to whatever Belial had in store for them, and Caroline knew that was not the ending that she had wanted. She picked up a chain off the ground; as she swung it forward, it began to wrap around the throat of Jake.)

(Jake was immediately dragged toward her as Caroline choked him out. And he knew exactly what was happening: she was trying to provoke him, force him to snap, but he wasn’t budging. He refused.)

(He let his arms swing free, almost as if he was fading out of consciousness. Caroline gave a yell of frustration as she let go, but as she did, Jake snapped back, turning her head toward him.)

Jake Smith: WHY DO WE HAVE TO LISTEN TO HIM! WHY DO WE NEED TO FIGHT FOR HIS ENJOYMENT!

Caroline: That is not your choice to make…

Jake Smith: BUT IT IS! WE DON’T HAVE TO BE TIED DOWN TO HIM AND DO WHAT HE SAYS!

Caroline: Stop it…

Jake Smith: IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY! We can…

Caroline: Enough…

Jake Smith: We can BOTH be free-

Caroline: ENOUGH!

(Caroline gives a cry, and immediately a vibration is felt through the air. It pushes away the entire scene from them, plunging both of them into complete darkness. Jake drops down to the ground, barely able to keep himself up as he clutches his head, screaming for a brief moment. Caroline stumbles backward, breathing heavily, before the realization finally sets in… the two of them are alone.)

(Jake is struggling to recover, but as he does, Caroline looks down at the ground.)

Caroline: Am I worth it?

(Jake coughed as he rose, glancing up at her with a raised eyebrow.)

Jake Smith: What?

Caroline: You went through all this trouble, even though I was the one who started this. I was the one who went to Belial and asked him to break our bond. Why do I mean anything to you?

(Jake pondered to himself for a moment, but it didn’t take long.)

Jake Smith: You were the only one who ever meant anything to me.

(Caroline looked up at him, almost as if she didn’t expect him to say that, but she knew the validity of such a thing. Jake only believed in senseless romance, one-night stands, and sexually driven encounters; he was the definition of a womanizer, and for a long time, that’s something that he embraced. But everything that he’s done since he got involved with Belial has shown a different side of him, one that Caroline never knew was inside.)

Jake Smith: You and I… we’ve been through a lot of shit. Far too much. And I’ve fucked up too many times for me to count. But I can’t lose you… Out of everyone that I’ve ever known, only you understood me. It was only ever you. And I’ve treated you wrongly… this is my fault as much as it would be yours, because you wouldn’t have gone here without reason… and that reason is me.

(Jake looked down at the ground, his eyes beginning to soften.)

Jake Smith: I love you. And I don’t want to lose you. Because a life without you is just… it’s just no good.

(Caroline’s brain comes to a realization as Jake says that. She looked down at her own hands for a moment while Jake was still down on his knees, bloodied and hurt, but still overly passionate and deeply sentimental. After a moment, Caroline finally exhaled.)

Caroline: I love you too.

(Jake paused, looking up at her, taken aback by her saying that, but at the same time, she had her reason.)

Caroline: Quite unfortunate that this is the solution, but this is the only way…

(Caroline held out her hand, and as she did… a large, jagged wooden stake began to conjure up. Jake’s eyes widened, realizing what was happening. Caroline gave an uncharacteristic smile.)

Caroline: I finally found a way to free us, Jake.

Jake Smith: NO-

(STAB!)

(CAROLINE PLUNGED THE STAKE RIGHT INTO HER HEART!)

(Jake fell to his knees, knowing that he could not stop her. In the deepest part of his mind, he knew that was the only way to destroy the bargain, but that didn’t mean that he wanted it to happen. No… not at all.)

(As Caroline’s conscience slipped, so did the environment around them. They were brought back to the underworld, and as Jake knelt where he was… Caroline collapsed down to the ground. He quickly crawled over to her, scooping up her body as he glanced at her, tears beginning to run down his face while he did.)

Jake Smith: …

(He knew he was too late. He knew that what’s done was done. He turned over, picking Caroline’s lifeless body up and turning to Belial, who was completely frozen on his throne, almost in disbelief at what just happened. The cage lifted, as the demons surrounding it dispersed. Belial lifted himself from his throne toward them, as Jake slowly approached.)

Jake Smith: This is what you wanted…

(Jake held Caroline out.)

Jake Smith: You wanted my freedom, but now… she’s free as well. She’s free… from serving you.

Belial: No… no…

(Belial shook his head rapidly, beginning to pace around.)

Belial: No… NO! THIS WAS NOT HOW IT’S SUPPOSED TO GO! DO YOU SEE WHAT YOU’VE DONE?!

(Jake doesn’t care; he’s completely devoid of emotion, in fact… he’s not even listening to him. While he’s ranting, he’s running through his mind, wondering how he’s going to be able to live anymore, wondering if life is worth living anymore after this.)

Belial: You have continued to make a fool out of me for FAR too long, and I finally draw the line.

(Belial forced his hand out toward the body of Caroline, pulling it away from Jake, who still hasn’t moved from where he was. With his other hand, he grabbed onto something else, pulling it toward him before throwing it into her body, and immediately, Caroline’s eyes shot open, screaming in agony. Almost as if her soul had been dragged back into her.)

Belial: Neither of you would accept one or the other having your freedom, so simply put… none of you will have it at all.

(Immediately, chains shoot out from all directions, restraining Jake and Caroline as they brought both of them down to their knees.)

Belial: Both of you belong to me.

(Immediately, both of them feel a searing pain. Jake and Caroline cry in pain as their heads drop down. On their hands, something begins to bubble up and form, as if it’s being branded directly into them with Belial’s own hands. Smoke begins to come out, and as it begins to dissipate… something begins to form on their hands, an insignia. In fact, not just any insignia… the insignia of Belial. One that covers their entire hand up to the forearm area.)

Belial: It is true, your bond cannot be broken, and unfortunately, you will have no chance of doing so anymore, because your bond is mine. Since the two of you are so insistent on this reality where you live both of your pathetic, miserable human lives together… you are allowed to return.

(Through the agonizing pain, both Jake and Caroline look up, not exactly understanding what they’re hearing right now, and why Belial would allow them to walk away like this. But the answer would be made painfully apparent soon.)

Belial: But as the price to pay for your insolence, both of you must live with this albatross above your head, knowing that you are mine and mine only. You both are marked for the world to see, and whenever I call for you… you will come back to me, and you are forced into my slavery.

(Both of them look to speak, but Belial continues on.)

Belial: It is a solution that neither of you deserves, so treat this as if you have been given a second chance. But let the marks on your hands remind you and the rest of the world exactly what you have done, and from here on out… there is no going back. I will see both of you very… very soon.

(Belial pushes his hand forward, as a door opens and the two of them are sent flying into it. As Jake and Caroline tumble down to the ground, both of them are writhing in pain, their eyes fluttering as they come to the realization… that they’re in the middle of nowhere.)

(They find themselves in an empty field, unknowing of where they are or if they’ll be able to find their way back, but one thing’s for certain… that Belial has fully returned them to the land of the living.)

(Jake is the first one to rise, looking down at his hand and seeing that the insignia is still present, having completely formed and seared into a permanent scar; as he looks over… he sees that Caroline is glancing down herself, seeing that hers is still there as well.)

(But even with them looming through their head, seemingly… they’re fine with it.)

(Jake rises back up, his legs weak, it finally setting in that the treacherous journey he has gone through for nearly a month at this point. He exhales, breathing in the air, before turning around to Caroline.)

Jake Smith: Well… let’s go.

(Jake holds out his hand, Caroline glancing down at it, as she reaches out and takes his hand, pulling her back up to her feet. She doesn’t say anything, knowing that this is more than she could have ever anticipated, as her mind continues to wander through the fear of what would happen next.)

(But if one thing’s for certain, it’s that they would have to handle that when the time comes… and they would handle it together.)

(The two of them began to walk through the seemingly endless field, hopefully trying to find their way back. And as they did… their hands interwove with one another, united more than ever, through bond… and through mind.)

(It was the very last shot seen before the camera completely faded out.)

(Wicked Games returns, as the next match graphic is seen flashing across the screen.)

(https://i.imgur.com/PrOexo6.png)

(The camera goes over to show Bella Braxton standing by inside the ring.)

Bella Braxton: The following is a DOG COLLAR MATCH!!!

(The crowd erupts into cheers… but that immediately turns to boos as the sounds of ‘Until It Sleeps’ by Metallica begins to play through the speakers of the arena.)

(The camera goes over to the stage, revealing Damon Lazarus as he saunters out from the backstage area. He has a serious expression on his face, glaring directly at the ring as he begins to make his way down the ramp with a purpose.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing first… from Knoxville, Tennessee… weighing in at 285 pounds… DAMON LAZAAARUSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: Here we go, Auburn Ware’s final test… all at the hands of this man. It has been months worth of Damon trying to bring the killer out of her, and he believes that the only way that he can do that is through this match.

Thadd Blazevich: But, bro… I don’t think he’s going to have to wait very long to find out!

(The crowd begins to react loudly, as someone is seen slithering out behind Damon as he makes his way down the ramp, completely unknowing.)

Persephone: AUBURN WARE IS HERE! SHE CHARGES AT DAMON AND TRIES TO STRIKE HIM FROM BEHIND WITH A LEAD PIPE!

(Out of the corner of his eye, Damon looks at the jumbotron and sees the footage.)

Rich Russillo: BUT DAMON PIVOTS AT THE LAST MILLISECOND, DUCKING THE PIPE AND SNATCHING HER OUT OF MID AIR!

Thadd Blazevich: CONNECTING WITH CTE ONTO THE BOTTOM OF THE RAMP!

(Damon gets back up, shaking his head almost immediately as he clutches his back. He wasn’t going to allow history to repeat itself as it did last week, he was going to make sure that she learned that things like that are not going to fly around here.)

(He grabs Auburn and pushes her into the ring, but as he enters… the referee immediately gets in the way.)

Referee: (Off-Mic) Alright, Damon! Calm down-

Damon Lazarus: (Off-Mic) You shut your mouth, or I’ll snap your neck.

Referee: :whoa:!!!

Damon Lazarus: (Off-Mic) Give me that.

(Damon, in one fell swoop, rips the steel chain and leather collar out of the referee’s trembling hands. As he does, he slowly turns over to Auburn, who is beginning to show signs of life as she slowly scratches at the ground. Damon knows that he has all the time in the world; in fact, the fun has only begun, as he slowly lowers himself to a knee beside her.)

(He reaches his hand out, lifting her chin gently and staring at her, almost as if he was admiring her, before he buckles the leather collar tightly around her throat. He fastens the second collar around his own neck, a sick grin beginning to emerge on his face while he does. After a moment, he pushes himself back up to his feet, grabbing hold of the chain and giving it a sharp tug to jolt Auburn up, before he turns to the referee.)

Damon Lazarus: (Off-Mic) Ring the bell.

(Ultimately, the referee obliges.)

(DING! DING! DING!)

Rich Russillo: The bell has rung, and this Dog Collar match is officially underway. I could only imagine what’s going to happen in this one…

Persephone: I hope it’s a snuff film. I’ve longed for one of those.

(Damon continues to yank at the chain in short stints, almost in a rhythmic manner, as he begins to reel Auburn in. All the while, he speaks to her, making sure that she hears everything.)

Damon Lazarus: C’mon, Auburn… this is what you wanted, isn’t it? Show me what you did earlier in the night wasn’t a fluke. Show me what I’ve known all along.

(Damon mentioning what happened between Auburn and Saori was enough to snap her awake, as she begins to plant her feet down to the ground.)

Thadd Blazevich: And Auburn lashes out! She grabs a hold of Damon by the head and begins to unload with forearm strikes directly to the face! Damon quickly brings his hands up, trying to block as many shots as he can, before he finds an opening to duck under it just in time! He quickly turns himself around…

Persephone: BUT AUBURN INTERCEPTS HIM AS SHE CRACKS HIM AGAINST THE JAW WITH A SPINNING BACKFIST!

(Damon stumbles back as he clutches his jaw, beginning to chuckle amusingly at this as he processes what just happened. After a moment, he glances back at her.)

Damon Lazarus: (Off-Mic) Harder.

Auburn Ware: (Off-Mic) Gladly.

Rich Russillo: AUBURN TAKES THE CHAIN AND YANKS IT TOWARD HER; DAMON STUMBLES FORWARD AS SHE DRIVES THE CHAIN DIRECTLY INTO HIS ABDOMEN! Damon doubles over as this briefly takes the air out of his lungs, and now Auburn is trying to take advantage of this, as she immediately looks to wrap the chain around his throat and strangle him!

Thadd Blazevich: But Damon quickly reverses with a Snapmare to take her down to the ground and free herself! Auburn scrambles up to her feet, ONLY FOR DAMON TO STEP FORWARD AND CONNECT WITH A KNEE DIRECTLY INTO THE ABDOMEN! Auburn is hurt, and now Damon has the opportunity to take advantage of the situation!

Persephone: He grabs a hold of her by the head into a front facelock, lifting her upward…

(THUD!)

Rich Russillo: BEFORE SLAMMING HER DOWN ONTO A PILE OF CHAINS BUNCHED ON THE CANVAS WITH A GOURDBUSTER!

(Auburn gives a cry of pain as she clutches her chest, trying to get back up to her feet, but before she can do anything, Damon quickly comes from behind and slips in a Rear Naked Choke. He presses his chest flush against her back, as if he’s whispering words into her ear.)

Persephone: I bet he’s whispering all the freak shit he’s boutta do to her. 🤤

Rich Russillo: Auburn is gasping as she scratches and claws at his forearms, trying her best to break free, but Damon releases the hold on his own, allowing Auburn to scramble away! She tries to get back up to her feet, but Damon quickly steps forward and delivers a swift kick to the chest to take her down to the ground!

(Auburn stumbles as she tries to keep her feet planted, doing what she can to rise back up, but Damon already has a hold of the chain as he forces her off balance, all while wrapping it slowly around his fist, stalking her with a sadistic expression on his face while he does.)

Thadd Blazevich: Damon is beginning to wrap the chain of the dog collar in his hands…

(CRACK!)

Rich Russillo: AS HE SLAMS IT DOWN ONTO THE BACK OF AUBURN! She recoils back as she crumbles back down to the ground, continuing to try and push herself back upward…

(CRACK!)

Thadd Blazevich: BUT DAMON SLAMS THE CHAIN BACK DOWN ONTO AUBURN’S BACK!

(Deep red marks are seen across the back of Auburn where Damon struck her with it. It’s clear that he’s taking his time, enjoying every single second of it. Auburn is breathing heavily as she continues to groan in pain, but slowly… the cries of agony that escape her mouth begin to warm into breathless, unsettling laughter. This takes Damon aback for a moment, as it’s made apparent that the pain that is coursing through her right now is only fueling her obsession.)

Persephone: Even I’m weirded out a little, but fuck it, we ball. Damon grabs the chain and yanks it toward him, LOOKING TO PULL HER RIGHT INTO A CLOTHESLINE-

Rich Russillo: But Auburn manages to duck under the arm just in time! The chain wraps around Damon’s body, AS AUBURN SNAPS IT BACK VIOLENTLY AS IT PULLS HIS SHOULDER! Damon is hurt now, as we know that the shoulder isn’t exactly a strong point for him, and Auburn is looking to take advantage of this as she runs toward the ropes, using the slack that she has to her advantage!

Thadd Blazevich: AS SHE LEAPS INTO THE AIR AND CONNECTS WITH THIS GIRL! The Handspring Back Elbow connects flush against his face as he’s taken down to the ground, and Auburn Ware is beginning to gain momentum! Something that she’s been waiting for since the start of this match went completely wrong, and that’s not something that Damon is going to like either!

Persephone: Auburn is not wasting any time grabbing Damon as she begins to bring him back up to his feet, and now she quickly snatches Damon by the head, positioning the two of them right above the chain of the dog collar!

(THUD!)

Rich Russillo: BEFORE DROPPING HIS HEAD RIGHT DOWN ONTO THE CHAIN WITH A SNAP DDT!

(Damon immediately goes limp as he drops down to the ground, blood beginning to show for the first time in this match as a cut begins to form on his forehead. He clutches himself, trying to slow down the bleeding. Meanwhile, Auburn clutches the chain to her chest, licking Damon’s blood off of it as she begins to circle him.)

Thadd Blazevich: Auburn literally smells blood in the water, and now she’s going to take advantage of Damon in his compromised state! He begins to yank Damon up using the chain, before slowly starting to wrap it around her fist, bringing him closer…

(THUD!)

Persephone: BEFORE SMASHING HER CHAIN-WRAPPED FIST AGAINST HIS FACE! TRYING TO OPEN UP THE WOUND ON HIS FOREHEAD! Yes, that’s what I’m talking about! More! More!

(THUD!)

(THUD!)

(THUD!)

Rich Russillo: Blood is continuing to pour from the head of Damon Lazarus as he seems to be fighting in and out of consciousness at this point!

(Auburn continues to laugh as she grabs hold of the chain and pulls it toward her, dragging a groggy Damon toward her as she starts to wrap the chain around his neck.)

Thadd Blazevich: AND NOW AUBURN IS STARTING TO CHOKE DAMON WITH THE CHAIN! She presses her knee against his spine as she yanks his head back violently, trying to squeeze the life out of him and restrict his airwaves! Damon is loosely swinging his arms around, doing whatever he can to try and get himself out of this, but it seems like Auburn has other plans!

Persephone: IS SHE GNAWING AT HIS FUCKING EAR?!

Rich Russillo: Damon is screaming in pain as Auburn sinks her teeth into his earlobe, absolutely intent on making sure that he suffers in every way imaginable! Damon finally uses his strength to shift his body and shove her away, but Auburn uses that momentum to turn around and run toward the ropes, BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A RUNNING DOUBLE KNEE STRIKE DIRECTLY TO THE CHEST OF A RECOVERING DAMON TO TAKE HIM BACK DOWN TO THE GROUND!

Thadd Blazevich: And Auburn knows that this is momentum that she needs to keep. She quickly turns around and begins to make her way up to the top rope, and it seems like she’s going to take to the skies! AS SHE SETS DAMON UP FOR A CHAIN-ASSISTED MOONSAULT SENTON!

Persephone: BUT NO! It seems like her sadistic rush got to her, as Damon quickly grabs hold of the chain and yanks her off of the top rope, sending her crashing back down to the mat! And look at how that chain wrapped around the throat of Auburn while it did, that nearly crushed her fucking windpipe!

(Auburn crashes as she gasps for air, struggling for air as she loosens the chains that restrain her. Meanwhile, Damon has turned onto his front and began to press his hands to the mat, slowly rising up to all fours. He doesn’t waste any time beginning to slither to the outside of the ring, using the chain to pull Auburn alongside him.)

Thadd Blazevich: Auburn is literally being dragged out of the ring by Damon, as she’s reaching her hands out as she’s scratching and clawing at his body, trying to get herself free, but Damon manages to muscle her upward as he places her feet on the apron, pulling her out… NO!

(THUD!)

Persephone: BLACKEST EYES ONTO THE RINGMAT! Auburn’s head goes splat off of the DDT, and that might’ve fucked her brain up more than it already is!

Rich Russillo: Damon rises to his knees, a stern expression on his face as he glances down at her downed body, and it seems like he’s far from done. He makes his way back up before snatching hold of her by both of her wrists, elevating her…

Damon looks like he’s about to stomp a hole into her chest, but before he does… something catches his eye. He paused as he glanced over to ringside; there he saw…)

(All of Auburn’s family in the front row. Dr. Wilhelmina Stevenson-Ware, Dr. Callaghan Ware, and her five younger siblings. Immediately, the gears start to turn in his head, as he begins to drag Auburn’s unconscious body toward them, looking at them with a sly grin.)

Damon Lazarus: (Off-Mic) Is this your little girl…?

(Damon yanks the collar, pulling Auburn toward him as he snatches her hair, bringing her half-unconscious face up so that her family can see.)

Damon Lazarus: (Off-Mic) Quite the depraved sight, isn’t it…?

(Her family is completely speechless, her father covering her mother’s eyes as her siblings are completely despondent, not knowing how to interpret this. Damon gets a high off of their despair, before turning her around and grabbing hold of both of their wrists.)

Rich Russillo: AND DAMON IS BEGINNING TO STOMP AUBURN’S CHEST RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER FAMILY! C’mon, there’s no need for that!

Persephone: I see no problem with this.

Thadd Blazevich: Auburn’s family can’t even bear to look as Damon is beating the shit out of her right in front of them at ringside! Auburn’s head bounces repeatedly off the mat as Damon continues to slam the sole of his boot down on her repeatedly! That’s enough, bro!

(Damon is relentless, and he seems to have absolutely zero intention of stopping until Auburn forces her to… but it doesn’t seem like she will. Auburn weakly hooks her fingers around Damon’s boot, as she uses it to pull him forward, not to push him off, but to press it directly against her chest. Almost as if she was welcoming the gesture, something that horrifies her mother. Damon merely shakes his head.)

Damon Lazarus: (Off-Mic) Naughty girl.

Rich Russillo: Damon grabs Auburn and brings her back up to her feet, and he grabs her around the waist as he sets her up!

Thadd Blazevich: LIFTING HER UP AND DROPPING HER DIRECTLY DOWN ONTO THE EDGE OF THE BARRICADE WITH A BACK BODY DROP! Right in front of Destin and London Ware! Damon is just feeding off the despair of Auburn’s family right now, and this is exactly what he wanted to happen! He grabs her and brings her back into the ring, but he doesn’t seem to be joining her just yet. He’s going under the ring and beginning to look for something, trying to see if there’s anything that he can get his hands on! But he better be quick, because Auburn is starting to regain consciousness!

(Auburn slowly begins to stir herself awake, barely able to force herself back to life. Almost immediately, she grabs hold of the chain, beginning to yank Damon as his back presses against the apron, the collar starting to choke him as Auburn uses her feet to press against the ropes for leverage.)

Persephone: Auburn is choking Damon out, and that’s clearly not the freakiest shit that we’ve seen all match! Damon is scrambling, trying to grab hold of anything to get himself out of this! Auburn inches herself closer and closer to the edge of the ring to try and pull him back in herself-

(CRACK!)

Rich Russillo: BUT DAMON JUST TOOK A BARBED WIRE STEEL CHAIR AND SMASHED IT AGAINST AUBURN’S ARM! FORCING HERSELF FREE!

(Auburn cries with pain as she releases the chain and falls back into the ring, the chair following her as the barbed wire digs into her arm. She scrambles, grabbing hold of the weapon with her hands before ripping it right out and pushing it away! She clutches her shoulder, glancing over and seeing a gash beginning to open up, blood beginning to pour out.)

Thadd Blazevich: Damon has pushed something into the ring. I can’t see what it is from here, but that’s not his focus. Right now, he’s approaching Auburn, snatching her by the head as he sits her upright…

Persephone: EW! HE’S DIGGING HIS NAILS INTO THE GASH!

Rich Russillo: Auburn is screaming in agony as she tries to shake herself free, but she’s in too much pain right now to even fight back, only being able to squirm around as she tries to endure! And Damon quickly begins to drive punches down against the side of her head, keeping her down on the ground!

(Auburn stirs, as she’s barely able to recover, and this gives Damon enough time to crawl over and reach out for what he pulled under the ring. He grabs hold of the zip ties and makes his way back over, snatching both of Auburn’s wrists and starting to restrain her.)

Thadd Blazevich: Damon has made his way back up to his feet and reached down for the barbed wire chair again. Auburn is trying to get back up, but she’s having a hard time as she’s also trying to break herself free from her restraints!

Persephone: BUT DAMON LIFTS THE CHAIR ABOVE HIS HEAD AND LOOKS TO STRIKE DOWN ON HER HEAD!

(…)

Rich Russillo: NO! AUBURN GOES LOW AND KICKS DAMON RIGHT IN THE GROIN! BOTH OF THEM CRUMBLE COMPLETELY DOWN TO THE GROUND IN EXHAUSTION!

(Damon clutches his jewels as he groans in pain, writhing around as his eyes nearly pop out of his head. Meanwhile, Auburn is slowly starting to stir once more, her eyes fluttering as she looks over at Damon.)

Thadd Blazevich: Auburn is slowly reaching out and grabbing Damon by the head; what in the world is she doing?! Oh my God…

Persephone: AUBURN IS SQUEEZING HIS HEAD AS DAMON’S BLOOD BEGINS TO DRIP INTO HER MOUTH! EW! EWWW! WHAT THE FUCK?! WHY THE FUCK IS SHE DRINKING HIS BLOOD?!

(The fans in attendance look absolutely petrified by what they’re seeing, including Auburn’s family, who are still struggling to understand what’s gotten into her. Auburn rolls herself away as she spits the blood into the air, a sinister smirk on her face as she starts to laugh hysterically.)

(Auburn slowly crawls toward the barbed wire steel chair, starting to rub her bound wrists against them…)

(SNAP!)

(Before being freed from her restraints rather quickly. She quickly makes her way over, grabbing Damon and beginning to bring him back up.)

Rich Russillo: And after such a vulgar display, Auburn looks to cap this off with something here! As she grabs hold of Damon and sets him up into the Half Nelson, AND I THINK SHE’S GOING FOR FAIRY TALE!

Thadd Blazevich: But Damon barely manages to find it in him to block the lift! He drops his weight completely down to the ground before turning himself around, DRIVING AN ELBOW DIRECTLY INTO HER RIBS! Auburn staggers back, but tries to recover as she charges!

Persephone: BUT DAMON GRABS A HOLD OF HER AND LIFTS HER INTO THE MELLOTRON SCRATCH! The Scoop Powerslam connects as Damon stumbles back, using the opportunity that he has right now to gain some reprieve.

(Damon quickly wipes the blood stinging from his eyes, and while he comes to his senses and his vision begins to clear, he glances down at Auburn who is down on the mat, her blood-stained lips being made painfully apparent for the world to see after what just happened. Damon smirks, having a dark satisfaction knowing that she did, before grabbing her by the hair and beginning to drag her.)

Rich Russillo: Damon is yanking Auburn out of the ring, the two of them making their way toward the ringside area, and I don’t think I like what’s happening here!

Thadd Blazevich: Damon is yanking at the chain repeatedly, and he’s forcing Auburn completely out of the ring before beginning to monologue.

Damon Lazarus: (Off-Mic) Isn’t this what you wanted…?

(Damon begins to shake the chain, tugging at it and forcing Auburn to reel back into consciousness.)

Damon Lazarus: (Off-Mic) By the leash, like the pet you are, obedient and serving.

(He chuckled as he began to tug at it, slowly starting to walk.)

Damon Lazarus: (Off-Mic) You got it.

Persephone: Lol. Literally walking her like a dog. We’ve really lost the plot, haven’t we?

Thadd Blazevich: C’mon, bro, you’re acting like that’s the worst thing that we’ve seen in this twisted-ass match.

Persephone: Shut the fuck up.

Rich Russillo: Damon is tugging at the chain as he begins to make his way up the ramp. Auburn is trying her best to recover, but she’s forced to crawl after him, and I’m sure Damon is enjoying this right now with every ounce of energy that he has left!

(Halfway up the ramp, Auburn finally comes to her senses.)

Thadd Blazevich: AUBURN TRIES TO SWEEP THE LEG, AND SHE TRIES TO GET HERSELF OUT OF THIS PREDICAMENT BY LOCKING IN A KNEEBAR!

Persephone: BUT DAMON STOMPS THE SHIT OUT OF HER, DRIVING HIS BOOT RIGHT INTO HER MIDSECTION! And now he has a hold of her by the collar now, starting to drag her up to the stage area!

(The two of them reached the stage platform, as Damon grabbed a hold of the wrist of Auburn and sent her sternum-first directly into the LED wall. Auburn stumbles away, clutching herself in pain, but she knows that she’s not going to be able to get that far either, as Damon tugs at the chain slowly, hauling her back toward him.)

(Damon drags Auburn toward the metal truss that holds up the stage, as he presses her head against it. Auburn screams in pain as blood drips down the side of the steel, and as he finally relents, he takes a few paces back, his piercing eyes glaring directly at her.)

Thadd Blazevich: DAMON RUSHES FORWARD! HE’S GOING TO PUNT HER AGAINST THE STEEL!

Persephone: BUT AUBURN MOVES OUT OF THE WAY-

(THUD!)

Rich Russillo: AS DAMON’S ANKLE SLAMS AGAINST THE METAL TRUSS! He clutches his leg in pain; meanwhile, Auburn is trying to crawl away!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT SHE YANKS THE CHAIN!

(CRASH!)

Persephone: SENDING DAMON LAZARUS FLYING OFF OF THE STAGE AND CRASHING THROUGH A PAIR OF TABLES!

(Auburn breathes heavily as she is barely able to pull off the remainder of her strength to do that. She glances down to see Damon, who’s lying in a heap. The chain tugs at her, as if it’s trying to pull her down to him, and she quickly obliges to alleviate the pressure, slowly rolling herself off of the stage and down onto the ground beneath it, not wasting any time as she continues to make her move.)

Rich Russillo: Some smart instinct by Auburn Ware to get out of that position, and Damon Lazarus ultimately ended up paying the price for that. And Auburn isn’t wasting any time, as she grabs Damon by the head and starts to drag him upward, and she clearly has some bad intentions on her mind.

(Auburn glances ahead of her, eyeing a very specific area. Even after what happened earlier in the night, the crew managed to replace the electrical equipment that was damaged thanks to Auburn frying Saori Aizen during the Specialists Championship match. It was clear, as her eyes wandered down to Damon, that she was looking to give some deja vu.)

Thadd Blazevich: Oh no! Wait just a second! Is this really necessary?!

Persephone: Oh, I think this is VERY necessary. Finally, someone is going to KILL that old fuck. I’m so fucking excited.

Rich Russillo: Auburn is dragging Damon toward the electrical equipment, and if she manages to go through with what she has in mind here, judging what happened earlier in the night, she’s going to do a whole lot more than just secure a victory in this match!

(Auburn reaches over and snatches a water bottle from a fan in the front row, uncapping it before dousing it all over the body of Damon Lazarus, who sputters back to consciousness very briefly thanks to it. She grabs him by the head, beginning to speak as she continues to drag him.)

Auburn Ware: (Off-Mic) If you really love that bitch… then you’ll join her in hell too.

Thadd Blazevich: NO! WAIT! DON’T DO IT, BRO!

(# BOOM!)

Persephone: DAMON GETS THROWN INTO THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT! SPARKS FLY EVERYWHERE AND HE’S BEING ELECTROCUTED TO A CRISP!

(Smoke begins to puff out as it completely covers the area. Auburn shoots backward as she looks almost intoxicated by what she just did. And as it clears… it’s been made apparent that the damage is done.)

(Damon Lazarus is, without exaggeration, scorched. The crowd murmurs, wondering if they witnessed a murder on a Marquee Event tonight, and they very well might have, because Damon doesn’t even look like he’s breathing right now.)

Persephone: Damn. I was joking.

(Immediately, medical personnel are seen rushing into the scene, checking on Damon, who still isn’t moving, almost burnt to a crisp thanks to being electrocuted in such a violent manner. Auburn slowly rises up, thinking to herself as she processes the scene.)

(Before she realizes… that she’s not through with Damon Lazarus just yet. In fact, he wouldn’t want her to be through with him regardless of the circumstances.)

Rich Russillo: Wait just a minute! Auburn is storming over and pushing away the medical personnel! She’s yelling at them to get away before using the chain and beginning to drag Damon away from the wreckage! She’s being forced to pull all this dead weight, and it seems like she’s making her way back toward the ring! I think she’s trying to win this match!

Thadd Blazevich: And you might already have it, dude. Because Damon Lazarus is still not moving.

(Auburn is continuing to pull Damon with all of her might, dragging his dead weight down the ramp area and toward the ring with the last bit of adrenaline that she has left. As they slowly end up back at the ringside area, Auburn grabs a hold of him from around the midsection and starts to heave him back into the ring with all her might, knowing how close she is to securing this match.)

Persephone: Aw, the officials are out here trying to ruin the fun. Look, I think you’re just making it worse if you allow her to prolong this any longer than it needs to be! Dude is already dead, what’s the point?

(Both of them are finally back into the ring, at this point, officials have started to try and push Auburn away, doing everything that they can right now to at least see if there is a pulse on Damon. Auburn continues to fight them off, though, shoving them all away and forcing them back. She quickly picks up the lead pipe from the ground and begins to point it at them.)

Auburn Ware: (Off-Mic) GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME!

(But as all of this happens, something occurs that only Auburn can see… Damon’s finger twitches.)

(That sign of life switches something on inside of Auburn, as she backs up and presses herself against the corner.)

Rich Russillo: No… don’t do it. AUBURN SHOVES PAST THE OFFICIALS AS SHE CHARGES FORWARD!

Thadd Blazevich: # AUBURN CONNECTS WITH IN ABSENTIA ON DAMON!

Persephone: SHE HITS HIS OWN PUNT KICK AND COMPLETELY WIPES HIM OUT! HOLY SHIT!

Rich Russillo: If Damon wasn’t out of it before, then he’s certainly out of it now! And Auburn is quickly scrambling over, as she’s yelling at the referee to start the count! Pinning his shoulders to the mat!

OOONNNEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!

TTTTTHHHHHRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

(…)

(…)

(…)

Persephone: WHAT THE FUCK???

Thadd Blazevich: How did Damon Lazarus just kick out of that?! How is he even responding right now???

(The referee stops; somehow, Damon has managed to kick himself out of the pin. It’s unknown whether or not that was involuntary or a spasm thanks to being electrocuted, but that doesn’t change the fact that Auburn Ware is completely stunned right now, unaware of how that just happened.)

(Auburn sits back on her heels in a daze, as her hands tremble, exhaustion beginning to set in along with the unbearable amount of pain that she was going through. But regardless, she toughed it out, adjusting her collar as she slowly began to rise up, deep down, refusing to fail Damon’s final test for her.)

Rich Russillo: Auburn is reaching out and grabbing Damon, hauling his scorched body back up to his feet, and I have no idea how he’s still fighting right now.

Persephone: Maybe it’s vEtEraN iNstiNct.

Thadd Blazevich: Auburn is seemingly trying to lift Damon up onto her shoulders, and it seems like she’s trying to go for Verity! THE GO TO SLEEP!

Rich Russillo: But Auburn pauses! It looks like her legs were about to give out on her for a moment, but she manages to compose herself, AS SHE TRIES TO CONNECT WITH THE MOVE!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT DAMON BARELY MANAGES TO SLIP OFF OF HER SHOULDERS!

Persephone: AS HE JUMPS UP AND CONNECTS WITH THE CTE! How the hell is he even able to stand right now!

(Operating on pure muscle memory, Damon Lazarus is somehow still alive. Barely able to stand, he drags himself toward the corner, waiting for Auburn to push herself up onto all fours, before he stumbles back into the corner.)

Rich Russillo: Damon is starting to power up! And if Auburn doesn’t recover here, she might be too late!

(THUD!)

Thadd Blazevich: # AS DAMON RUSHES FORWARD AND CONNECTS WITH IN ABSENTIA DIRECTLY TO THE HEAD OF AUBURN WARE!

Persephone: And that girl is completely out of it. RIP. It was a valiant effort for sure. Damon hooks the leg and goes for the pin.

OOONNNEEE!!!

TTTTWWWWOOOO!!!!

TTTTTHHHHHRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

(…)

(…)

(…)

(The crowd gasps.)

Rich Russillo: KICK OUT BY AUBURN WARE! SHE MANAGED TO KICK OUT OF THE PUNT KICK! HOW THE HELL DID THAT HAPPEN! THAT’S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE POSSIBLE!

(Somehow, someway, out of sheer vitriol and willpower, Auburn Ware manages to kick out of one of Damon Lazarus’ most devastating finishing moves. Damon slumps down, barely able to keep himself awake, as he himself can’t believe it as well, but surprisingly, in his mind… he sees this as a good thing.)

(Because he knows that this is exactly what he wanted out of her.)

(As Damon begins to rise up, scorched, bleeding… he slowly lets out a raspy laugh. It’s almost as if he’s come to the realization that she finally possesses the resilience he demanded out of her. He slowly begins to pull the chain toward him, using it to slowly wrap around his forearm and elbow area.)

Thadd Blazevich: AND NOW DAMON IS BEGINNING TO SLAM DOWN ONTO AUBURN WITH HAMMER AND ANVIL ELBOWS! AUBURN IS BARELY RESPONSIVE TO THIS AS DAMON CONTINUES TO DRIVE THE CHAIN INTO HER!

(Damon quickly transitions, wrapping the chain around her throat while locking his legs around her waist, quickly tightening in a bodyscissors.)

Persephone: AND NOW DAMON HAS A SUBMISSION IN! USING HIS BIG ASS FRAME TO CHOKE THE LIFE OUT OF AUBURN! AND I DON’T THINK AUBURN HAS A LOT LEFT IN HER!

(Auburn’s vision immediately begins to fade, she does everything that she can to fight through the pain, but the chain continues to restrict her airwaves. Her hand slowly rises up… as it looks like she’s going to give up.)

(…)

(But Damon catches her wrist.)

Damon Lazarus: (Off-Mic) No…

(Auburn’s eyes widen, questioning what’s happening here, as he takes his bloodied fingers and lace them through hers, before pinning her arm down to the mat.)

Damon Lazarus: (Off-Mic) YOU DON’T FUCKING QUIT, YOU HEAR ME?! NEVER! FUCKING! QUIT!

(Damon squeezes the collar tighter as Auburn’s fingers continue to twitch. In one last sign of strength, obliged by his words… they curl tightly around his hand one last time…)

(…)

(Before she finally fades, not being able to fight it anymore. Her body slumps down as the official quickly calls for the bell.)

(DING! DING! DING!)

(‘Until It Sleeps’ begins to play through the speakers of the arena, as Damon immediately unhooks the chain from her neck. Officials quickly enter into the ring, looking to check on the two of them, but Damon immediately shoves them all away, aggressively waving them off and refusing to let anyone come between the two of them. His eyes glance down, staring at Auburn for a lingering moment, not celebrating at all as he finds himself in deep contemplation.)

Bella Braxton: Here is your winner… DAMON LAZARUS!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Damon slowly uses the chain to pull Auburn closer, not having the strength to do it himself at the moment. He reaches out and grabs her, pulling her limp body into his lap. While he does, he looks at her with genuine reverence.)

(From what she did to Saori Aizen earlier in the night, to what she went through and endured throughout this match… she proved that she belonged entirely to him.)

(He wipes away loose strands of hair from her cheek, showing Auburn’s face, which is only stained from splatters of Damon’s blood, not from her own, almost as if Damon intended on making sure that she’s untouched.)

(Damon then gently taps her cheek, giving Auburn a gesture and allowing her to return to her senses. Her heavy-lidded eyes flutter open, almost in a momentary state of confusion, and while she does…)

(…)

(Damon grabs her and pulls her in for a deep, possessive kiss. A deep lip lock as he tastes his own blood on her lips.)

(Auburn freezes in wide-eyed shock for a heartbeat, but it doesn’t take her long to completely give in, as she throws her arms around his neck, clawing at his scorched neck. Damon winced in pain, but neither of them care, as they continue to passionately make out with one another.)

(Auburn’s family is horrified as they watch this from ringside, not knowing what to make of this whatsoever, but neither of them care, this is their moment, this is her moment…. Nobody can take it away from them.)

(The scene ends on that, with the last shot seen being them intently making out in the middle of the ring, embraced in a mix of sweat and blood. All while Wicked Games begins to fade out.)

( https://imgur.com/fQhQ2hb )

(The camera fades to ringside, where Bella Braxton can be seen with a microphone.)

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

Crowd: ONE FALL!!!!

Bella Braxton: AND IT IS FOR THE UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!!

(‘My Own Summer’ by Deftones is the first song to play, bringing out Selina Reyes. She wears a focused expression. She walks down the ramp with a look on her face that does not do justice to the rage she feels, and has been feeling for the last few weeks. She pays no attention to the crowd. Her only focus right now is on finally ending this, and in the process, overcoming all of the doubts thrown at her by Minerva by becoming Champion.)

Bella Braxton: Introducing first!… Residing in San Antonio, Texas… weighing in at 117 pounds… SSSSSEEEEEEELLLLLLLLIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNAAAAAAA RRRRRREEEEEEEEYYYYYEEEESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: Selina Reyes is on her way to the ring, and I’d say Selina’s coming into this with a chip on her shoulder. This all began with Minerva’s disrespect towards Selina. I’m sure she’s ready for some payback.

Thadd Blazevich: Yeah dude, but there’s factors in this that won’t make this so straightforward. Daniella joined in on this to make this a triple threat, and that Universal Women’s Championship is on the line!

Persephone: Yeah, but Daniella and Selina both want to hurt Minerva, right? At that point, doesn’t that help Selina?

(‘The Clincher’ by Chevelle follows, as Daniella Atlas begins walking out to the stage. Daniella takes a moment to look at Selina Reyes, who’s standing at ringside. There’s a conflicted expression on Atlas’ face given how this match came to be and who her opponents are, but she doesn’t let her feelings towards this situation break her own focus. She begins walking down the ramp, knowing that ultimately, this is still her chance to become World Champion.)

Bella Braxton: On her way to the ring!… From Dunkirk, France… weighing in at 170 pounds… DDAAAAAAANNNNIIIIEEEELLLLAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAATTTTLLLAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: Well, Daniella’s motives here I imagine are quite unique. While yes she wants to become World Champion, she was forced to witness all of the vitriol Selina took from Minerva. I think tonight she’s gonna have to find a way to balance wanting to protect Selina, wanting to bring down Minerva, and taking any opportunity to become Champion that arises.

Thadd Blazevich: Remember bros, Dani passed up a shot at the EAW World Championship for this. She really can’t afford to let this one go, no matter the reason.

Persephone: I guess that’s true. Hopefully this actually remains worth my time. I’ve been seeing a good amount of blood tonight, and it’d be annoying if that stopped now.

(Finally, ‘Blood, Milk & Sky’ by White Zombie hits. This brings out a more positive reception than the Universal Women’s Champion is likely to receive elsewhere, as Minerva finally begins to make her entrance at home in Romania. Minerva is confident regardless of the circumstances, as she raises her Championship in front of all of the fans in Romania. She makes her way down the ramp, and one thing is clear. She is not impressed with Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes. Not after what they’ve done.)

Bella Braxton: And on her way to the ring!… From Bucharest, ROMANIA… weighing in at 122 pounds… SHE IS THE EAW UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPION… MIIIIIIIIIIIINNNEEEEEEEERRRRRRVVVAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: And here’s the Champion, and it is ironic that she’s getting such a positive reaction tonight. She’s here in Romania surrounded by those who do love her, but clearly the Minerva that Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes have come to know has attracted a much different feeling.

Thadd Blazevich: Yeah, but Minerva doesn’t seem to be worried about her ToXXXin allies coming for her. I can’t lie bro, we might see a more vicious side of her tonight.

Persephone: That’d be great. Her Championship is still on the line at the end of the day. Maybe there’s nobody better to threaten Minerva’s reign than the people closest to her.

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

(The match begins.)

(The three members of ToXXXin remain still, all within their separate corners of the room. Minerva looks around, and what she notices doesn’t surprise her. The eyes of both Selina Reyes and Daniella Atlas are on her. She knew this would be the case, ever since she overheard Daniella consoling Selina after speaking to her following Territorial Invasion.)

(Selina Reyes has been frustrated for weeks. That feeling hasn’t left her tonight, but she tries to keep her emotions in check, knowing that regardless of how she feels Minerva is still one of EAW’s most dangerous, and if she wants to take her down she’ll need to be smart.)

(Daniella Atlas is patient, waiting to see who’ll strike first. This wasn’t a match she wanted, but since she has no choice but to go through with it, she intends to end this as efficiently as she can– achieving what she set out to do so long ago while reducing the damage that’ll be done to whatever’s left of their bonds. After everything that has transpired however, there really is no telling just who will make the first move, and be the one who truly kicks off the ToXXXin triple threat.)

Rich Russillo: Oh?

Persephone: And here we go. Minerva just rolled out of the ring. What, is it because she knew she was about to get jumped?

(Minerva flashes her two opponents a bit of a smirk at ringside, which only irritates the two given the animosity that has developed between them and the Universal Women’s Champion. Minerva doesn’t choose to stay there however, nor attempt to incite action between her two challengers. Instead she digs under the ring, wasting no time making use of the triple threat rules.)

Persephone: Nevermind! It looks like she’s instead taking full advantage of the fact that she has to whoop her two underlings. Hopefully this isn’t just some sort of intimidation tactic.

Rich Russillo: I don’t think so! Minerva just pulled out a wooden barbed wire board, larger than the ones that replace the turnbuckle pads for Barbed Wire Massacre!

(Light tubes. Box cutters. A crowbar. One by one each of these items are sent into the ring, already filling it up only moments into this main event.)

(Selina and Daniella turn to each other.)

(Daniella shakes her head, advising against what Selina’s thinking. She still has last week fresh in the back of her mind. She knows Minerva all too well by this point, and is well aware of the kind of mind games being played. She’s waiting for Minerva to re-enter the ring, holding onto the high ground and refusing to be baited by the Champion.)

(Selina, on the other hand, still remembers the verbal abuse dished towards her by Minerva, as well as being slapped in the face by her own team’s leader. She knows where this is going. She knows Minerva as well as Daniella does, and she won’t give her the opportunity to strike first. Not this time.)

Rich Russillo: SUICIDE DIVE!!!

Thadd Blazevich: AND HERE WE GO!! SELINA REYES IS THE FIRST TO STRIKE DUDES, CRASHING INTO MINERVA WITH A SUICIDE DIVE WITH EVERYTHING SHE HAD!! Minerva hit the barricade back first, and now Selina gets up before just landing a gnarly forearm to Minerva’s jaw as she gets up!

Persephone: Minerva stumbles as Selina returns to her feet, AND SHE RUNS IN BEFORE RAMMING MINERVA INTO THE RING POST!!!

Rich Russillo: Selina Reyes took the fight to Minerva, and right now it seems that decision might just be paying off! This is a unique triple threat dynamic given the fact that two of the people in it only hold animosity towards the Champion, and already it seems that might be a problem as Minerva’s slow start may not have gone how she anticipated!

(Selina Reyes begins to relentlessly pummel the Champion with punches, finally letting out everything that’s been building up for the past month. Minerva doesn’t fight back after being blindsided, instead obscuring her right hand as she uses her left to try and fend Selina off. Daniella meanwhile, looks towards all of the weapons that have been left by the Champion, choosing not to interfere with Selina’s vengeance towards Minerva just yet.)

Rich Russillo: SELINA GRABS THE CHAMPION AND SENDS HER BACK INTO THE BARRICADE, AND SELINA REYES IS ON FIRE RIGHT NOW, GOING INTO THIS MATCH FUELED BY REVENGE AND THE CHANCE TO BECOME UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPION!! Minerva stumbles, but Selina grabs her and THROWS HER INTO THE BARRICADE A SECOND TIME, THIS TIME WITH EVEN MORE FORCE!

Thadd Blazevich: Minerva totally had this coming, but we know how tough she is. She’s not going down that easily, dude! In fact, she’s already on her way back up!

Rich Russillo: You’re right, but Selina doesn’t seem to mind, AS SHE SENDS MINERVA INTO THE BARRICADE A THIRD TIME! Minerva stumbles off and away from the barricade as Selina jumps up to the apron, and she’s not wasting any time here, doing everything she can to dispose of the Champion early!

Thadd Blazevich: Daniella rolls outta the ring and digs under it, meanwhile Minerva seems to be right where Selina wants her! Selina is measuring Minerva up, waiting for her to fall into place, and I think Minerva is doing exactly that! I’m not even sure she realizes it, bro!

Persephone: SELINA RUNS TOWARDS THE OPPOSITE END OF THE APRON, BEFORE DIVING OFF FOR A–

EAW: # STAB!

(Selina hits the floor.)

Rich Russillo: OH NO!!!

(Selina is on her knees, almost curled into a brawl as she immediately begins to clutch at her stomach. Between her hands, a pair of scissors can be seen stabbed into it, with blood already pouring from the wound.)

(It was, as Daniella expected, part of the Champion’s plan. Minerva looks down at Selina, with the smirk having long worn off her face, revealing the disapproval and disgust on her face.)

Minerva: (off-mic) How disappointing you turned out to be.

(Minerva hoists Selina up from behind, just enough to grab onto the scissors once more, fully prepared to tear open Selina’s midsection.)

Rich Russillo: DANIELLA FROM BEHIND! SHE JUST WRAPPED A CHAIN AROUND MINERVA’S THROAT!!

Thadd Blazevich: DANIELLA DRAGS MINERVA AWAY FROM SELINA, STRANGLING HER AS SHE QUICKLY BACKPEDALS AWAY FROM REYES AND TOWARDS THE TIMEKEEPER’S AREA! DANIELLA IS THE LARGEST COMPETITOR IN THIS MATCH AND HAS A HISTORY OF IMPRESSIVE STRENGTH FEATS! I THINK SHE’S LOOKING TO MAKE USE OF THAT TONIGHT, BRO!

Persephone: Minerva starts backpedaling into Daniella though, RUNNING DANIELLA BACK FIRST INTO THE BARRICADE! Daniella relents on the choke a bit!

Rich Russillo: BUT IT’S NOT ENOUGH TO STOP HER ENTIRELY, AS SHE PULLS BACK ON THE CHAIN ONCE MORE!!!

Thadd Blazevich: MINERVA IS REPEATEDLY RAMMING DANIELLA INTO THE BARRICADE, TRYING TO FORCE HER TO LET GO OF THE CHAIN, BUT DANI’S NOT LETTING THAT HAPPEN, BRO! I THINK SHE KNOWS THAT THE SOONER MINERVA’S INCAPACITATED, THE BETTER!

Rich Russillo: AND DANIELLA PULLS ON THE CHAIN TO SEND MINERVA INTO THE BARRICADE– BEFORE CLOTHESLINING MINERVA OVER THE BARRICADE AND INTO THE TIMEKEEPER’S AREA!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: Daniella Atlas makes her way over to the timekeeper’s area, where Minerva looks pretty groggy. She’s finding her way up, but dude, the dynamic of this match isn’t gonna be easy for her to handle. Everyone wants the title, but two of ‘em want Minerva to go down.

Persephone: Yeah, we know. It’s kinda what happens when you talk down to your team for weeks. Anyways, Daniella starts dragging Minerva up and out from the timekeeper’s area–

Rich Russillo: BUT MINERVA BEGINS GOUGING AT DANIELLA’S EYES, BEFORE SLAMMING HER HEAD AGAINST THE BARRICADE! Daniella stumbles away as Minerva grabs onto her, turning her around BEFORE RUNNING IN AND DRIVING DANIELLA INTO THE APRON!

Thadd Blazevich: Daniella shoves Minerva back after this before the Champ could do any more, AND MINERVA CHARGES BACK IN– BUT DANIELLA POPS MINERVA OVER HER HEAD! Minerva lands on the apron and goes to send Daniella away with a kick–

Persephone: But Daniella catches the leg, AND SHE PULLS IT OUT FROM UNDER MINERVA, DROPPING HER BACK FIRST ONTO THE APRON!!!

Rich Russillo: Daniella sends Minerva back into the ring, quickly sliding into the ring as she follows behind!

(Selina pulls herself to her feet with the help of the barricade, gritting her teeth as she clutches at the scissors in her stomach. It doesn’t even need to be said how much pain she’s in, but beyond that, she’s infuriated. So much so…)

(She rips the scissors out of her stomach.)

Thadd Blazevich: Daniella Atlas drags Minerva up–

Persephone: BUT MINERVA PICKS UP ONE OF THE BOX CUTTERS ON THE MAT! SHE SWINGS IT AT DANIELLA– WHO’S FORCED TO BLOCK IT BY CATCHING IT WITH HER HAND!

Rich Russillo: Minerva uses the opportunity to push herself up, RUNNING FORWARD AND DRIVING DANIELLA INTO THE CORNER, DRIVING THE BOX CUTTER FURTHER INTO HER HAND! I don’t think that was her initial target, but she doesn’t seem to mind working with this either as she continues pressing the box cutter into Daniella’s right hand, trying to just render it useless!

Thadd Blazevich: AND THERE’S A HEADBUTT NOW BY DANI! Minerva stumbles over to the pile of light tubes, AND DANIELLA QUICKLY GRABS THE CHAMP!

Persephone: BEFORE SETTING HER UP FOR THE SOUTH OF HEAVEN!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: # SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY BY SELINA!!!!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: SELINA JUST DROPPED BOTH DANIELLA AND MINERVA WITH THE CROSSBODY!!! SELINA HOLDS HER WOUND IN PAIN– AND DUDE, I THINK SELINA’S OUT FOR BLOOD, NO MATTER HOW SHE GETS IT!! SHE JUST WIPED OUT DANIELLA ATLAS, WHO’S BEEN THERE FOR HER THROUGHOUT THIS WHOLE MESS, BUT SHE DOESN’T SEEM TO CARE AS MUCH AS SHE DID A FEW WEEKS AGO!

Rich Russillo: INSTEAD SHE GRABS ONE OF THE LIGHT TUBES AND SMASHES IT ON THE MAT, BEFORE TAKING THE JAGGED END AND PULLING HERSELF ON TOP OF MINERVA–

(Selina wastes no time, raising her arm to stab Minerva directly in the face.)

(Before she gets the chance however, she’s harshly grabbed by the arm.)

(Selina instinctively turns, swinging the broken light tube backwards.)

Thadd Blazevich: OH NO!

Persephone: HA, LOOK AT THAT! SELINA JUST SLASHED DANIELLA WITH THE BROKEN LIGHT TUBE!!!

(Daniella stumbles back, grabbing at her side as blood begins to spill. She winces in pain, but beyond that she looks upset, knowing this is turning out exactly how she feared. Not the triple threat rules coming into play, but this match taking a turn they may not be able to come back from.)

(Selina’s eyes widened for a moment. She knew that her and Daniella would be forced to clash eventually, and that’s never been a problem for the two. However, her target tonight was clear, and she didn’t mean for the bloodlust that followed her into this match to be directed to her.)

(However, that was no reason for Selina to stop now.)

Rich Russillo: SELINA JUST TURNS AROUND, READY TO FINISH THE JOB ON MINERVA!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT DANIELLA ONCE AGAIN INTERVENES, THIS TIME GRABBING SELINA AND THROWING HER INTO THE TURNBUCKLES! Dani noticed Selina’s anger getting to her, which is exactly what allowed Minerva to land that shot with the scissors. I think Dani is trying to put a lid on that now before things get out of hand, as she heads over to Selina–

Rich Russillo: BUT SELINA CONNECTS WITH A RIGHT HAND, SENDING DANIELLA STUMBLING OUT OF THE CORNER! SELINA SWINGS A SECOND TIME, BUT DANIELLA CATCHES THE ARM BEFORE CONNECTING WITH A HEADBUTT! Selina stumbles back before bouncing off the ropes, AND SHE REBOUNDS OFF, JUMPING ONTO DANIELLA AS SHE LOOKS FOR A MONKEY FLIP!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT DANI CATCHES SELINA– BEFORE POPPING SELINA UP FOR A POWERBOMB!

Persephone: WHICH SELINA COUNTERS WITH A HURRICANRANA!

Rich Russillo: Daniella is sent rolling out of the ring, and at this point I think Daniella and Selina are being forced to fight just to prevent this whole situation from getting any worse than it already is, as counterproductive as that sounds. Daniella is trying to keep Selina at bay so she doesn’t do something she may regret like that light tube slash, meanwhile Selina wants to end Minerva and her own friend is getting in the way of that!

Thadd Blazevich: Selina holds her wound again, and bro, I think she knows that if she’s gonna get what she wants, she and Daniella aren’t gonna be able to work together after all. Selina runs the ropes, BEFORE LOOKING FLYING AT DANIELLA A SECOND SUICIDE DIVE!!!

Persephone: NO! CAUGHT BY DANIELLA!

Rich Russillo: SELINA WAS CAUGHT BY DANIELLA, TAKING A BIT TOO MUCH TIME TO TAKE FLIGHT THIS TIME AROUND THANKS TO THAT WOUND IN HER STOMACH! Daniella quickly takes the opportunity to lift Selina up, BEFORE DROPPING HER ONTO THE RINGSIDE FLOOR WITH A FALCON ARROW!!!

(Daniella Atlas slowly drags herself up with the help of the ring apron. She looks down at Selina, letting out a sigh before she regains her focus, turning and rolling back into the ring, looking to go after the woman responsible for all of this.)

Rich Russillo: THE DEVIL’S TOUCH!!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: MINERVA FOUND AN OPPORTUNITY, AND SHE TOOK IT BRO!!! SELINA AND DANIELLA FOUGHT AMONGST THEMSELVES AND GAVE THE CHAMP TIME TO RECOVER, AND THEY BOTH MIGHT HAVE JUST PAID FOR IT AS MINERVA’S ABOUT TO RETAIN THE UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP!!!

Persephone: MINERVA HOOKS THE LEG!!!

OOOOOOONNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

TTTTTTWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

TTTTTTTHHHHR–

Rich Russillo: DANIELLA ATLAS GETS THE SHOULDER UP!!!!

(Minerva sits up, looking down at Daniella. She doesn’t appear surprised by the kick out, aware enough now of what the women she chose for ToXXXin are capable of. As she stares at Daniella however, she notices the blood spilling from Daniella’s side.)

Minerva: (off-mic) Oh? What’s this?

(Minerva looks down at Selina at ringside for a moment before she turns back to Daniella. At this moment an idea seems to come to her mind, as she gets up and walks towards the pile of weapons, picking up the crowbar. As she returns to Daniella, she drops her knee down onto Atlas’s ribs, keeping her still.)

Minerva: (off-mic) So this is what you abandoned the opportunity to become the EAW World Champion for? I hope you’re proud of yourself, Daniella. This is what you wanted.

Rich Russillo: OH MY GOD!!!

Thadd Blazevich: :krabs: DUDE, MINERVA JUST JAMMED THE END OF THE CROWBAR INTO THE WOUND ON DANIELLA’S SIDE!!!

(Minerva slowly drives the crowbar deeper into Daniella’s side before beginning to lever it, as if trying to pry open her wound. Daniella’s screams echo throughout Cluj Arena as she tries her hardest to even grab onto the crowbar, unable to use her strength to pull it out thanks to the excruciating pain the Champion’s putting her through.)

Persephone: MINERVA IS PRESSING DOWN ON THE CROWBAR, AS IF TRYING TO LITERALLY WEDGE DANIELLA’S SIDE OPEN! HAHA, THAT’S ACTUALLY NOT BAD!!!

Rich Russillo: DANIELLA’S SCREAMING IN PAIN, AND THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAS MADE MINERVA ONE OF EAW’S BIGGEST THREATS!! YOU CAN SEE THE WOUND BEGINNING TO OPEN UP– I CAN’T WATCH THIS!!

Thadd Blazevich: This is rough, bro! Daniella is gritting her teeth, trying to keep herself focused as she grabs onto the crowbar! SHE’S TRYING TO PULL IT OUT OF HER, BUT I DON’T KNOW IF SHE CAN WHEN IN A POSITION LIKE THIS!

Persephone: Well, it’s not stopping her from trying!

Rich Russillo: DANIELLA IS TRYING AS HARD AS SHE CAN TO PUSH PAST THE PAIN OF HAVING THE CROWBAR LODGED IN HER– AND LOOK!! SHE’S BEGINNING TO SLOWLY OVERPOWER MINERVA, FORCING OUT THE CROWBAR–

Thadd Blazevich: BUT MINERVA ACCOUNTS FOR THAT, AND JUST RIPS IT OUT OF DANIELLA’S SIDE!

Rich Russillo: Daniella screams once again, and Minerva takes advantage of the unexpected move as she grabs Daniella, before pulling her up to her knees and SLAMMING HER FACE INTO THE BARBED WIRE BOARD!!!

Thadd Blazevich: Daniella looks like she may be out, but Minerva looks over to ringside, and it seems Selina may be coming to! Minerva rolls out of the ring, and I think the Champ is out for blood, bros. She’s not messing around right now after pretty much being targeted for the whole first half of the match so far, and I guess I get it. She found a window to even the odds, and now she has the chance to really isolate them!

Persephone: Minerva drags Selina up, and Selina tries to fend Minerva off with a weak punch to the ribs, BUT MINERVA TURNS AND THROWS SELINA INTO THE STEEL STEPS!!

(Selina crashes into the steel steps, knocking them away from the ring post as Selina grabs her shoulder. Minerva briefly slides back into the ring after this, pulling out one of the box cutters. She looks at Daniella for a moment and shakes her head, before turning her attention away.)

Rich Russillo: Minerva has her hands on one of those box cutters now, and she begins to cut open the padding on the ringside floor!

Thadd Blazevich: She opens up the padding, revealing the concrete underneath the padding!

Persephone: Alright, thank you Minerva! This is really starting to go up a notch. Daniella’s already a complete wreck inside of the ring, and now Minerva’s dragging Selina over to the exposed concrete to hopefully finish her off for good! Selina is still reeling from being thrown into the steps. Whatever’s about to happen is gonna be good.

Rich Russillo: For Minerva, maybe. This is the worst case scenario for Selina, which is why she’s fighting like hell to prevent it! She throws punch after punch at Minerva’s ribs out of desperation– BEFORE FINALLY LANDING A SHOT TO THE FACE! That one caused Minerva to stumble back a bit towards the concrete, and Selina goes in for another one!

Thadd Blazevich: AND SHE GETS THE RUNNING FOREARM! That was a nasty shot to Minerva, and Selina knows she can’t waste any time! She pulls Minerva down, and bro, I think I know exactly what she’s planning! SHE LIFTS HER UP!

Persephone: FOR THE ORYX AWAKENING ONTO THE CONCRETE!!

Rich Russillo: BUT IT’S A NO GO!! MINERVA LIFTED HERSELF INTO A POWERBOMB CARRY AS SELINA PULLED HER UP, ALLOWING HER TO SLIP OUT OF HER GRASP AND BACK DOWN TO HER FEET! Selina was caught off guard, AND THAT BRIEF HESITATION ALLOWED MINERVA TO CONNECT WITH SATAN’S KISS!! That headbutt rocked Selina and dropped her right into the grasp of Minerva, who begins to power Selina up into her arms, still standing over the concrete!!

Thadd Blazevich: # AND SHE DROPS HER WITH THE PRINCESS KILLER ONTO THE EXPOSED FLOOR!!!!!

Persephone: HAHAHAHA, SO MUCH FOR REVENGE!!! Minerva just hit a tombstone piledriver onto concrete. Selina’s itty bitty brain is definitely scrambled after that one, assuming there’s even anything left from it!

(Minerva returns to her feet before staring at Selina, with an unclear expression on her face. She begins to drag her up, sending Reyes’ lifeless body into the ring to join Daniella. Minerva calmly follows after this, picking up one of the box cutters as she re-enters. However, once back in the ring, she can’t help but look down at the sight of Daniella and Selina, laid out next to each other after all they’ve done.)

Minerva: (off-mic) I tried. I really did. It really is a shame that I seemed to have expected too much from you.

(Minerva sighs.)

Rich Russillo: Oh no. Minerva just dragged Selina back up and threw her into the corner, and she still has that box cutter in her hand. What is she about to do?

Thadd Blazevich: Minerva shoves the box cutter into Selina’s wound from the scissors! Selina winces in pain– AND MINERVA STARTS DRAGGING THE BOX CUTTER ALONG SELINA’S STOMACH!!! BRO, SHE’S TRYING TO CUT HER STOMACH OPEN!!!

Persephone: SHE’S NOT “TRYING” TO DO THAT, SHE IS DOING IT! Selina’s cries aren’t gonna stop her! I think they ruined any chance of mercy from Minerva when they double teamed her a few weeks ago!

Rich Russillo: Selina is trying to grab Minerva’s wrist and stop her, frantically trying to fight her off however she can, so much so that Minerva’s forced to press her free arm against Selina’s throat, restricting her movement! Minerva continues to slowly drag the box cutter across Selina’s stomach–

Thadd Blazevich: UNTIL SELINA FINALLY CATCHES MINERVA WITH A RIGHT HAND!

Rich Russillo: Minerva was caught off guard- BUT SHE DIDN’T LET GO OF THE BOX CUTTER, AND INSTEAD STABS SELINA A SECOND TIME, THIS TIME JUST BELOW THE RIBS!!!

Persephone: AND SELINA USES THE OPPORTUNITY TO GRAB MINERVA AND PULL HER INTO A HEADBUTT!! Minerva had to get in close for that second stab and Selina took advantage of that just to deal more damage! I guess I will give Selina some credit. She wants Minerva finished, and she wants it bad!

Rich Russillo: Minerva released the box cutter thanks to that headbutt, but she responds by kneeing Selina RIGHT in the gash in her stomach! Minerva just won’t let up! She sends Selina into the ropes!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT SELINA SPRINGBOARDS OFF THE MIDDLE ROPE, CATCHING MINERVA WITH A POISONRANA!!!!!

Persephone: MINERVA WAS DROPPED ON HER HEAD!! SHE INADVERTENTLY ROLLS BACK TO HER FEET!

Rich Russillo: AND RIGHT INTO DANIELLA’S GRASP!! DANIELLA PUSHED HERSELF BACK UP, CRIMSON MASK AND ALL, AND SHE SCOOPS MINERVA OFF OF HER FEET AND TURNS AROUND!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: # BEFORE DROPPING HER THROUGH THE PILE OF LIGHT TUBES WITH ANIMUS!!!!!!!!

(All three Elitists are down at this point, having exhausted everything they can give. Daniella Atlas is the first to move, only managing to sit up, which allows her to look towards Selina Reyes. Selina is holding her stomach. Minerva had made it just over halfway across Selina’s stomach with the box cutter, and blood was rapidly spilling, some of it leaking through the torn gear.)

(Daniella got a good look of the damage Minerva had inflicted on Selina, until finally Selina’s able to raise her head, turning to look over to Minerva and Daniella. She and Daniella lock eyes for a moment, and now having had the chance to think this through, they seem to come to the same conclusion, with no words needed.)

Rich Russillo: Selina pushes herself to her feet, picking up that barbed wire board before propping it up into the corner! It’s a good thing you mentioned it Persephone, because it seems Selina and Daniella are about to repeat what they did a few weeks ago, and work together to take out the common enemy!

Thadd Blazevich: Daniella drags Minerva back to her feet, BEFORE USING ALL OF HER POWER TO SEND MINERVA FACE FIRST INTO THE BARBED WIRE BOARD!!

Persephone: And look at their stupid teamwork, it’s like nothing changed for them! Selina takes Daniella’s hand, AND DANIELLA SENDS HER INTO THE CORNER, ALLOWING SELINA TO BUILD SPEED AND JUMP UP HIGH FOR A DROPKICK TO THE BACK OF MINERVA’S NECK, SENDING HER FACE FURTHER INTO THE BARBED WIRE!!! There really hasn’t been a shortage of blood tonight. It’s almost enough to make up for all the boring “wrestling” I have to see every week.

Rich Russillo: Selina Reyes rips Minerva’s face from the board, causing the barbed wire to relentlessly tear away at the Champion’s face! Blood is spilling from all over Minerva’s face, but I don’t think these two are finished with the leader of ToXXXin!

Thadd Blazevich: Selina sends Minerva over to Daniella, who pops her up for a powerbomb!

Persephone: BUT MINERVA RAKES DANIELLA’S EYES, FORCING HER TO LET GO! Minerva drops back down to her feet and grabs Daniella, SENDING HER INTO SELINA!

Rich Russillo: BUT SELINA MOVES OUT OF THE WAY, CAUSING THE SIDE OF DANIELLA’S HEAD TO HIT THE BARBED WIRE BOARD!!! Daniella stumbles out of the corner and falls to a knee, AND MINERVA RUSHES TO THE CROWBAR, PICKING IT UP BEFORE SWINGING AT SELINA!

Thadd Blazevich: She lands a shot to the midsection, FOLLOWED BY A SHOT TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!! Selina drops down to all fours for a moment, AND SHE SWINGS AT MINERVA WITH THE BOX CUTTER, BUT MINERVA AVOIDS IT BY STEPPING BACK! MINERVA NOW RAISES THE CROWBAR, LOOKING FOR ONE MORE SHOT TO THE HEAD– WHICH MEETS ITS TARGET!!

Persephone: Minerva sees Daniella hanging onto the middle rope meanwhile, AND SHE RUNS IN BEFORE SENDING DANIELLA THROUGH THE ROPES WITH A DROPKICK!

Rich Russillo: Daniella falls through the ropes and out to ringside, and now Minerva turns before going after Selina– BUT IS CAUGHT WITH A CHOP TO THE CHEST! Minerva clutches at her chest while turning around, AND SELINA DELIVERS A DROPKICK TO THE BACK, SENDING MINERVA STUMBLING ONTO THE MIDDLE ROPE! Selina wastes no time running the ropes as Minerva leans on the middle rope!

Thadd Blazevich: AND A TIGER FEINT KICK SENDS MINERVA STUMBLING BACK!!!! Minerva is dazed, and now Selina grits through the pain in her stomach, JUMPING UP AND DELIVERING A SPRINGBOARD CROSSBODY!!! SELINA HOOKS THE LEGS!!!!

OOOOOOOONNNNEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

TTTTTTTWWWWOOOOOOOOOO!!!

TTT–

Persephone: MINERVA KICKS OUT, AND SELINA IMMEDIATELY GRABS THE CROWBAR BEFORE SWINGING IT AT HER HEAD!

Rich Russillo: MINERVA IS BARELY ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE WAY, BEFORE GRABBING A SHARD OF GLASS AND SWINGING IT AT SELINA’S LEG! That caught Selina off guard and made her grab at her leg a bit– BUT BEFORE MINERVA CAN GET BACK TO HER FEET, SELINA RESPONDS BY FIGHTING BACK WITH A BOOT TO THE SIDE OF THE HEAD WITH THE GOOD LEG!

Thadd Blazevich: Minerva stumbles back up before Selina pulls her in, AND SHE DELIVERS A SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Minerva rolls back up and stumbles into the corner, meanwhile Selina clutches the cut on her leg, trying to make sure that’s not about to be a problem for her later!

Rich Russillo: Selina notices Minerva still in the corner, AND NOW SHE GOES RUNNING IN!!!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT MINERVA GETS OUT OF THE WAY, AND PULLS THE TOP TURNBUCKLE PADDING WITH HER!!

Persephone: SELINA JUST CRASHED HEAD FIRST INTO THE EXPOSED TURNBUCKLE LIKE AN IDIOT! Minerva drags her out of the corner, and I don’t think anyone could be surprised if that just completely knocked her out! Selina is in Minerva’s grasp, AND NOW THE CHAMPION POWERS HER UP!

Rich Russillo: FOR ATLAS FALLS!!!

Thard Blazevich: NO!!! SELINA FALLS DOWN BEHIND MINERVA, BEFORE GIVING EVERYTHING SHE HAS LEFT TO SHOVE HER FORWARD TOWARDS THE ROPES–

EAW: # CRACK!

Persephone: What the hell was that!?

Rich Russillo: AND DANIELLA FROM RINGSIDE STRIKES MINERVA IN THE JAW WITH BRASS KNUCKLES, BUT LOOK AT THOSE!!! THUMBTACKS ARE EMBEDDED INTO THEM, AND THEY STABBED INTO MINERVA ALL WHILE LANDING A BLOW THAT MIGHT’VE KNOCKED HER OUT COLD!!

Thadd Blazevich: MINERVA FALLS INTO SELINA’S GRASP, AND SELINA CATCHES HER BEFORE GETTING HER IN THE FRONT FACELOCK! Selina lifts her off the mat!

Rich Russillo: BEFORE DANIELLA SLIDES INTO THE RING AND CATCHES MINERVA BY THE LEGS!!! SELINA AND DANIELLA HAVE MINERVA HOISTED UP!!!

Thadd Blazevich: # AND THEY PLANT HER WITH THE OUTBREAK!!!!

Rich Russillo: MINERVA’S DOWN!! WE’RE GONNA HAVE OURSELVES A NEW CHAMPION!!!!

(It’s over.)

(Minerva is laid out on the mat, having been brought down by the same finishing move Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes, former Unified Tag Team Champions, utilized as a tag team. Minerva has blood rushing down her head thanks to the thumbtacks embedded into her brass knuckles, and even more from her back after landing on the light tubes.)

(Daniella and Selina got what they wanted. They brought Minerva down, and they did it together, exactly what the Champion tried to prevent.)

(However, the match isn’t finished.)

Thadd Blazevich: Daniella and Selina are both exhausted, and I don’t blame ‘em! This hasn’t been the typical triple threat. It’s basically students versus teacher, except these two have already done some serious damage to each other as well, and ultimately only one person can win even now. Only one of these two can win the Universal Women’s Championship!

Persephone: And unfortunately… Minerva being out of the equation means this is gonna be way less bloody.

(Daniella and Selina stare at each other. Daniella has a bit of a remorseful look as she knows what must come next, but Selina gives her a nod, as if reassuring her that she’s prepared for this. Daniella pushes herself up, grabbing Minerva and dragging her up. She aims to dispose of her, getting her out of the way so she and Selina can have their own battle for the title. In the condition Minerva is in, that’s not difficult for Daniella. She throws Minerva through the ropes, and Minerva hits the exposed concrete at ringside with a thud.)

(But, with Daniella’s back turned…)

Rich Russillo: # SELINA JUST ROLLED DANIELLA UP!!!!

OOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

TTTTTTTTTTWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

TTTTTHHHHRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: DANI’S OUT JUST BEFORE THREE!!! SHE GETS TO A KNEE–

Persephone: AND SELINA TAKES ONE OF THE FINAL LIGHT TUBES LEFT BEFORE SWINGING FOR DANIELLA’S HEAD!!!

Rich Russillo: DANIELLA DUCKS IT BEFORE GETTING BACK TO HER FEET, AND SHE LANDS A BICYCLE KICK!! I don’t think you had anything to worry about, Persephone! This is still Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes we’re talking about, I don’t think they have it in them to hold back when there’s such a major achievement on the line! Daniella drags Selina in, AND SHE LIFTS HER UP FOR A CRUCIFIX POWERBOMB!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT SELINA SLIPS OUT OF DANI’S GRASP, BRO!! SHE LANDS BEHIND HER, BEFORE SHOVING DANIELLA TOWARDS THE BARBED WIRE BOARD IN THE CORNER!

Persephone: DANIELLA STOPS HERSELF, THOUGH! SELINA’S FORCED TO COME AT HER, RUNNING IN!

Rich Russillo: BUT DANIELLA TURNS AND THROWS SELINA OVER HER HEAD, SENDING SELINA RIGHT INTO THE BARBED WIRE BOARD WITH A BACK BODY DROP!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: Selina crumbles onto the mat while Daniella drops to a knee. She isn’t going for the cover. Daniella obviously has a ton of respect for Selina, I think she knows she’s gonna need her very best if she wants to keep her down for the count tonight.

Rich Russillo: And I think that’s exactly what she’s about to bring! Daniella drags Selina off of the barbed wire board, before getting behind her and grabbing the arm! Daniella spins Selina around, FOR A RIPCORD INAMORATA!!!

Thadd Blazevich: BUT SELINA DROPS TO A KNEE, JUST BARELY SAVING HERSELF FROM THE LARIAT!!! SHE FORCES HERSELF BACK UP, JUST IN TIME TO SHOVE DANIELLA FACE FIRST INTO THE SAME EXPOSED TURNBUCKLE SHE WENT INTO EARLIER! Dani hit it hard bro, and now she just falls down into a seated position!

Persephone: Daniella is clearly dazed, and now SELINA RUNS IN, BEFORE HITTING DANIELLA WITH THE KNOCKOUT SMASH!!!

Rich Russillo: IT CONNECTS, BUT SELINA DOESN’T FINISH THERE!! THE HISTORY BETWEEN THESE TWO STARTED OFF WITH THEM AS ENEMIES, THEY KNOW THEY HAVE TO BRING EVERYTHING THEY HAVE! SELINA DRAGS DANIELLA BACK UP, AND SHE’S ABOUT TO PUT THE FINISHING TOUCHES ON AN INSANE UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: # ORYX AWAKENING!!!!

Persephone: IT ACTUALLY CONNECTS!!!! SELINA HIT THE BIGGEST MOVE IN HER ARSENAL, AND NOW SHE TURNS DANIELLA OVER FOR THE COVER!!!!

OOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!!!

TTTTTTWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

TTTTTHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: # BUT DANIELLA KICKS OUT!!!!!!

(Selina just falls back, covering her face with disbelief after Daniella’s kickout. She slowly is able to sit herself back up, looking down at the fallen Daniella Atlas. Selina just sighs, having already come to know this level of resilience from Atlas throughout the last year of their careers.)

(Selina gives Daniella a brief smile, before finally turning and pushing herself up, forcing herself towards the corner of the ring furthest from Atlas.)

Rich Russillo: Selina Reyes is really being pushed to her limit here, but she just made her way to the corner of the ring, and she’s waiting for Daniella to make it back to her feet! Selina knows better than to take her foot off the gas against someone as tough as Daniella. She’s got something big in mind!

Thadd Blazevich: Daniella’s slowly starting to stir, finding her way to a knee!

Persephone: Daniella is finally able to push herself up, AND SELINA IMMEDIATELY BURSTS OUT OF THE CORNER!

Rich Russillo: FOR THE ALAMO KNEE!!!!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: THE MEMORY ROOM!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: SELINA JUMPED UP FOR THE ALAMO KNEE BUT WAS CAUGHT BY DANIELLA WITH THE MEMORY ROOM!!! THAT WAS A HUGE COUNTER BY ATLAS, WHO NOW HAS THE CHANCE TO END THIS!!! DANIELLA’S STILL REELING FROM THE ORYX AWAKENING, BUT HER AND SELINA KNOW EACH OTHER SO WELL, SHE WAS ABLE TO FIND AN OPPORTUNITY RIGHT WHEN ALL SEEMED TO BE LOST!

Thadd Blazevich: Daniella turns and forces herself back to her feet, clutching the bloody wound in her side for a moment before dragging Selina up! She throws Selina into the corner with the exposed turnbuckle, and Selina’s face collides with it as she drops to a knee! Dani heads out to the apron before starting to climb up top. What’s she going for, bro?

Persephone: Don’t you think one of us would say it already if we knew? All I know is she’s starting to drag Selina up. Whatever the case, this is probably some sort of last ditch effort. I can’t imagine she has much left.

(From the top rope, Daniella drags Selina up, pulling her up into her grasp before applying a pumphandle carry. Before she acts, Daniella says just a few words to Reyes, the only words she feels the need to say.)

Daniella Atlas: (off-mic) You were exceptional, Selina. I’m sorry.

(With this, Daniella jumps.)

Rich Russillo: # DANIELLA ATLAS WITH AN AVALANCHE SOUTH OF HEAVEN!!!!

Thadd Blazevich: IT CONNECTS, DUDE!!!!! DANIELLA FIRED OFF THE BIGGEST SHOT SHE COULD, AND IT HIT ITS TARGET! SELINA REYES IS DONE, AND I DON’T THINK THERE’S ANY OTHER WAY TO PUT IT, BRO! WE HAVE A NEW UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPION!!!

Persephone: DANIELLA USES HER LAST BIT OF STRENGTH TO GET THE ARM OVER SELINA!!!

OOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

TTTTTTTWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

TTTTTTTTTTHHHHHHHRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rich Russillo: WAIT, WHAT THE HELL!?!?

(STAB!)

Rich Russillo: MINERVA JUST STABBED DANIELLA IN THE BACK WITH A SCALPEL!!!

Thadd Blazevich: BRO, HOW IS SHE STILL MOVING AFTER ALL SHE’S BEEN THROUGH!?!?

Persephone: Who cares!? This match is still going, and now I doubt anyone involved has much left!

(Minerva rips the scalpel out of Daniella’s back. Her face, much like that of Daniella herself, is covered in blood. She just stares at Daniella as she rolls off of Selina, with a cold expression behind the crimson mask.)

Rich Russillo: Minerva looks ready to end this. She had spent time getting in the heads of her opponents prior to this, both before and during this match. However, I think that’s over now.

Thadd Blazevich: You’re right, dude. Minerva’s ready to kill… but it looks like Daniella’s ready to meet that challenge head on!

(Daniella is able to push herself to all fours, though briefly relenting to reach for the wound in her back. Still, she forces herself to a knee, staring at Minerva with a glare filled with focus, determined to put this to rest.)

Rich Russillo: Daniella makes it back to her feet. She and Minerva are staring face to face, AND DANIELLA GOES RIGHT ON THE ATTACK!

Thadd Blazevich: SHE SWINGS, BUT MINERVA DUCKS BEFORE ATTACKING WITH THE SCALPEL! Daniella barely got out of the way, but she’s gotta be running on fumes especially after literally getting stabbed in the back! Atlas is able to land a kick to the midsection before following up by kicking Minerva’s leg out from under her, AND NOW DANIELLA GOES FOR A ROUNDHOUSE KICK TO MINERVA!

Persephone: BUT MINERVA DUCKS UNDER IT BEFORE STABBING DANIELLA IN THE CALF! Daniella hesitates while Minerva picks the crowbar back up, AND SHE HITS DANIELLA IN THE BACK OF THE HEAD WITH IT, DROPPING HER TO HER KNEES! Minerva goes in to capitalize–

Rich Russillo: BUT DANIELLA TURNS AND GRABS A SHARD OF GLASS, STABBING MINERVA IN THE THIGH!! Minerva drops to a knee as Daniella rips out the glass shard, AND DANIELLA PULLS HERSELF TOWARDS THE CHAMPION, BEFORE HITTING MINERVA WITH AN ELBOW! A SECOND! A THIRD! DANIELLA IS WAILING AWAY AT MINERVA, THROWING WHATEVER SHE HAS LEFT IN THE TANK AT HER–

Thadd Blazevich: SATAN’S KISS!!!

Rich Russillo: THE HEADBUTT CONNECTS!! MINERVA WAS ON THE DEFENSIVE, BUT SHE CAUGHT DANIELLA OFF GUARD WITH THE HEADBUTT, AND I THINK THAT MIGHT’VE DONE IT! THAT MIGHT’VE KNOCKED THE FIGHT OUT OF ATLAS!

(Daniella nearly falls forward, crumbling to the mat following the headbutt. However, she’s stopped by Minerva, who holds onto her as she pushes herself back to her feet. Minerva holds Daniella’s head up by the hair as she stares at her for a moment, as if deciding what to do after Daniella’s final stand.)

(Finally, Minerva picks the scalpel back up.)

(Daniella slowly regains her consciousness. She doesn’t have the strength to move, or fight back in any way. She gave all she had, but she stirs just enough to stare at Minerva, who holds the scalpel in her hand. After what’s been done, neither of the two members of ToXXXin have anything left to say to each other. Daniella just watches, as Minerva finally goes to strike.)

(With a stab directly to the throat.)

Thadd Blazevich: No way, dude…

Persephone: Is she serious!?

Rich Russillo: # SELINA REYES JUST PROTECTED DANIELLA, TAKING THE SCALPEL TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD!!!!!!!!

Persephone: What the hell did she just do?? What happened to getting payback on Minerva!? To winning the title, or, I don’t know, ANYTHING that’s not self-sacrificial!?

(Selina Reyes holds onto Daniella, inadvertently leaning on her while unconscious. She’s motionless as blood pours from the back of her head, as Minerva’s blow hit Selina, rather than her intended target in Daniella, whose eyes widen as her glare slowly lowers from Minerva to Selina.)

(She never would’ve expected it to have come for this. For someone to risk their own life just to protect hers. Everything Daniella was trying to prevent occurred right before her eyes, and for her sake, nonetheless. Daniella was stunned. For just a moment, she wasn’t sure what to do or what to think, almost frozen at the sight of the lifeless Selina Reyes.)

(Those few seconds however, was more time than Daniella could afford.)

Rich Russillo: MINERVA TAKES ADVANTAGE OF DANIELLA’S HESITATION, DROPPING HER WITH THE DEVIL’S TOUCH!!!!

(The Champion pushes herself back to her feet, looking down at the two people she chose to form ToXXXin. Daniella is laid out on her back, with Selina on top of her, still motionless as blood continues pouring from the back of her head. Minerva doesn’t have any more comments to make as she looks at the two, but she doesn’t have the cold, calculated expression she had moments ago, either.)

(She is furious, and shows no intentions of hiding it. She pulls the scalpel out of Selina’s head, before dragging her off of Daniella and kicking Daniella out of the ring, ready to make Selina face the consequences of her own sacrifice.)

Thadd Blazevich: Minerva gets on top of Selina, AND SHE JUST BEGINS TO STAB SELINA IN THE FACE WITH THE SCALPEL, OVER AND OVER!!!! SHE DIDN’T HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY, MINERVA’S GETTING RIGHT DOWN TO BUSINESS AND JUST DESTROYING SELINA, ALL WHILE DANIELLA IS OUT AT RINGSIDE!!!

Rich Russillo: DANIELLA HESITATED! SHE WAS TOO SHOCKED BY WHAT SELINA JUST DID FOR HER, AND WHILE I DON’T BLAKE HER GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, I’M AFRAID SELINA’S MEETING A VERY GRUESOME FATE IN TURN!! MINERVA DOESN’T LET UP!!!

Thadd Blazevich: COME ON, STOP THIS, DUDE!! IT’S OVER, IT’S GOTTA BE OVER!!!

(Minerva just continues stabbing, long after anyone else likely would have stopped. Whether it be a message to the two who chose to stand against her or just an expression of anger towards Reyes’ selflessness in spite of her, she keeps going. Stab after stab after stab, and this time, Daniella Atlas can’t do anything about it.)

Persephone: Okay, I can barely even see Selina’s face at this point. I’m almost impressed! Did Minerva ever even like these two to begin with?

Rich Russillo: SHE JUST CONTINUES TO STAB SELINA, OVER AND OVER WITH THE SCALPEL WHILE SELINA’S NOT EVEN IN GOOD ENOUGH CONDITION TO TRY AND DEFEND HERSELF! THERE’S NOTHING PROTECTING SELINA’S FACE FROM THAT BLADE, NOT ONE BIT!!

Thadd Blazevich: :lupe: Dude, I really don’t think I can watch this.

(Eventually, it’s not only the commentary team that grows uncomfortable with the sight. The referee has been left unsure of what to do, as while anything goes in a match like this, there’s only so much a person can take.)

(STAB! STAB! STAB! STAB! STAB! STAB!)

(STAB! STAB! STAB! STAB! STAB! STAB!)

(STAB! STAB! STAB! STAB! STAB! STAB!)

(There are no signs of stopping. No signs of giving up. No signs of mercy of any kind. Ultimately, there’s only one thing the referee can do.)

(Call for the bell.)

(Ding! Ding! Ding!)

Bella Braxton: Ladies and gentlemen, here is your winner via referee stoppage… AAANNNNDDDDD SSTTTTIIIILLLLLL THE EAW UNIVERSAL WOMEN’S CHAMPION… MMMMMIIIIIIIIIIINNNEEEEEERRRRRRRVVVAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

(‘Blood, Milk & Sky’ begins to play once more, as finally, Minerva releases the scalpel. By now, the scene inside of the ring had become horrifying. Selina’s face was covered in blood, with countless open wounds only causing more to spill out, adding to the growing pool of blood under her head. There are blood stains all over the mat, box cutters, broken glass and other weapons also scattered around. Daniella and Selina both remain on the mat, while Minerva slowly but surely pushes herself to a knee, before grabbing the ropes to finally pull herself up.)

Rich Russillo: It’s over… Minerva retains the Universal Women’s Championship, but… I don’t even know what to say. To go that far, against the same women Minerva once called the future of the company.

Thadd Blazevich: Heading into this match I wondered if there was ever any hope of ToXXXin patching things up, but I think that might be done bro. How do you come back from any of that?

Persephone: Who cares? This is literally what they asked for. I just can’t believe Selina would do something that dumb just to save Daniella. Daniella didn’t even win, it was pointless.

Rich Russillo: Did you see what Minerva tried to do to Daniella? I think that was about more than just winning. I’d say that was Selina returning the favor, and protecting Daniella the same way Daniella tried to protect her.

(Minerva takes her Championships from the referee before having her hand raised. She stands up on the middle rope, pointing towards the Romania crowd following the successful Championship defense.)

(At ringside meanwhile, Daniella has finally begun to stir. She wakes up, but as soon as she does, she’s met with the sight of Minerva on the middle rope. She’s forced to hear Minerva’s entrance music. By this point it’s clear to her what happened, but as much as she hates this, that’s the least of her worries now. She drags herself to her feet using the apron, before clutching to the middle rope to keep herself up. Finally, she’s able to see the state of Selina Reyes, who still has not moved an inch from the pool of her own blood.)

(Daniella is horrified.)

(She lets go of the rope, dropping to her knees. She looks destroyed, struggling to even give off any clear expression after being exposed to the aftermath of Minerva’s rampage. It was the worst outcome possible for Daniella, and she couldn’t even do anything about it. Selina took a bullet for her, and Daniella couldn’t even help Selina.)

Rich Russillo: This was a rough night for Daniella Atlas and Selina Reyes, and it wasn’t even because they did anything wrong. This was an excellent performance from them, but that final stretch was exactly what makes Minerva such a problem.

Thadd Blazevich: Which part, bro? The fact that she won’t die, or the multiple murder attempts at the end?

Rich Russillo: Both. I honestly don’t know what’s next after this. This definitely felt like the end of a chapter for these three, and there’s really no telling where Daniella and Selina go next. With that said, tonight was Minerva’s night. Wicked Games ends with Minerva still your Universal Women’s Champion, right here in Romania!

(Minerva slowly leaves the ring, still exhausted and covered in blood like the rest of the competitors in this match. As she approaches the ramp she gets closer to the front row, holding her Championship up for the Romanian fans, many of which no doubt came to the show to see Minerva in particular. Daniella Atlas is sat against the barricade, dejected as she just continues to stare inside of the ring, forced to watch as medical personnel arrive to tend to Selina Reyes. All the while, Minerva just makes her way to the back, putting ToXXXin behind her at her own home.)

(EAW logo buzzes.)