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Well as most of you who visit chat know, after all of the big events this week, Brooklyn Heights is set to be posted throughout the day in lieu of a live show. It seemed like the best move to avoid exhaustion after all of the other live shows while at the same time showcasing all of the matches and encouraging a thorough read. The site appears to be down for some so until it is back up I have made a copy of what I had posted so far for everyone to read.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vyVhrDYYkqT4SI2vmLY6MajF23-Ihgl7_AXNRRF6WG4/edit?usp=sharing

Update #1 is Ironico vs Revenant and Mstislav vs. Keelan. More matches will be posted in an hour or two and I'll be bumping this thread for that and the rest of the updates to the document should the site not return.

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS PROMO #1

This is it. This is the hardest challenge, the most frivolous and most tenuous challenge that he has ever faced. Nothing….nothing beforehand compares to what he is up against the next week. Everything that’s ever happened to him, everything he has ever been able to do up until this point - this is more important than any of that. Words cannot be put down nor can they be spoken with enough gravity or force to display the true nature of the reality of the situation. It’s an uphill battle that has followed him constantly, but on this week the universe stacks the deck even higher, increasing the odds, sharpening the daggers of the dreamkillers in the hopes to end what he has longed since the beginning of his entire life. This is a journey, a climb that goes beyond his barely year and a half in EAW…..it goes beyond his multiple failed chances. It goes beyond each and every man he’s fallen to and each and every man he’s crushed to stand. This stretches beyond any of that, it comprises of his LIFE. His life. That’s why he feels owed certain things. That’s why he feels he deserved that victory at King of Elite, even when he fell just like the rest. And that’s why he feels that with each moment he walks on this earth he feels like everything should fall on his lap. But that’s about to change, as we return to the visage of the old….The Black Box. The location that he resided in during his time as the pitiful Manifestation of Destruction, because for this journey? He doesn’t have to just go through hell and back, but also back to the past. Back to the start of this all, if there’s any hope he walks out of Brooklyn, New York as a man of his word.

Lars Grier sits on a ragged, war-torn leather chair. It looks like it’s seen some better days, as a solemn Grier sits on the chair, his eyes darting no where except for the cement floor underneath his boots. His head is down and is unmoving, with the only signs of life coming from him are his small but audible breaths. The light flickers back and forth as he looks up.

For the past two days, I’ve been trying to give myself some leeway. I’ve tried to put some sort of break on all of this, take time to process. “Try not to let his words in”, I told myself. Don’t let what you say get to me - but there comes a point in life when you have to stop bullshitting yourself. There comes a time where eventually, the facades, the lies, the idiotic defiance must end, because…...as much as I hate - and I do mean HATE - to do this, as much as I hate with every fiber of my existence, of my very being…..I’m going to admit that for once in a goddamn century, you’re right. You’re right about me. For once, you spoke the truth about me but honestly I shouldn’t even be mad because there’s no one else here to blame but me. That’s the worst part when you fail, because when it all comes down to it? You can rest your laurels, bitch about the past and who cost you what, but in the end it will always go down to you not being good enough to stop it. It will always end up as you taking that on the chin, whether you like it or not and for the past year and a half, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. For the past year and a half, that’s been my life story and I’ve so desperately tried to change it - but I can’t. I’ve kept my head above water, I’ve pushed through the walls and gave one of the best performances of my LIFE at King of Elite - and even then I still tasted that bitter feeling of defeat. After that night, all I could ever think of was that number, Jamie: Three. Three times, three attempts. Three chances, three failed opportunities. All times, broken. All times, laid defeated. Three is the number that has essentially defined my entire life; the number of attempts, the number of family members and most striking of all: The number of counts as the referee’s hand strikes the mat for one….two…..three. After King of Elite, all I felt was a rage. I was trapped in a haze, in an almost unconscious state where there was nothing inside of me except for a thunderstorm, a beast that wanted to consume and unleash all of that bottled-up anger from failing so fucking much onto the world. I didn’t give a care, and while I’ve sugercoated it before, you’re right - I bitched to be in this match, I cried, I moaned, I did everything I said I wouldn’t do to get another shot. And I hate myself for that. More than anything else in this entire world, more than Elite, more than you….is myself for having been built up like this. I thought that by coming here, back to the start of all this; the root of everything, I thought I’d have something to hang onto. Something to say. But there isn’t anything here except the dead remains of the bygone era of destruction.

The light flickers. Once. Twice. A third time, and then something from the shadows appears…..it’s a raven. It flutters its feathers, gliding across the room and perching itself on a wooden table in front of Lars. He slowly looks up to the creature, where we can discern its unusual appearance - ruffled, messy feathers, a cracked beak, and unsettling blood-red eyes that pierce into his soul like a sharpened knife. Lars stares at the creature before it does something unthinkable. It speaks.

You.

You don’t get it, do you? Of course you don’t. How could you? You’re someone who blindly believes that his own ideology, his way of thinking in the world is the one that’s right, and that’s why you fail. Fail, fail, fail. Look at you. All over again. Whining, crying, bitching, moaning like you did to get this opportunity. But hey, why fix something that isn’t broke, right?

Shut the fuc -

No, YOU shut the fuck up and listen close: I can’t stress enough how important this is for you. I can’t scream as loud as my tiny avian lungs will allow me to show that this is the chance you need. Do you know why Jamie’s been schooling you since the day you tried to match up to him? Do you know why each and every time you’re proven wrong, why each time you’re made to look like nothing more than a complete joke? It’s because you just don’t understand anything. You’re so inclined to believe in yourself and only yourself that you fail to see the reality of the situation, and the reality of the situation is that at Brooklyn Heights? Jamie’s right….you didn’t earn it. You didn’t earn this title shot through your own merit. You don’t deserve SHIT.

The words of the raven echo throughout the room, as Lars sits in his chair, unmoving. Stoic, still like a rock and not registering any emotion of rage, of sorrow, or of disappointment - none of any kind.

But, alas….you’re still here. You’re still going to be fighting him and Chris Elite again whether you like it or not. So either you chicken out and truly cement yourself as the failure we all love to laugh at….or you get out there and prove to the entire world who exactly you are. For your sake, I pray you end up as the latter.

The raven caws, before its feathery wings can be heard flapping in the background, slowly drifting away as Lars seems to have taken the words of the creature to heart. He looks forwards now, a stoic and cold gaze as the light stops flickering.

No.

I can’t sit here in this shitty chair, sitting on this ragged, old, washed-up chair resting on my laurels and pondering what could have been. I can’t be sitting here and letting these two bitches take over the conversation while I sit on my misery - no. Just. Fucking. No. I can’t allow this to be the hill I die on, not when everything’s lined up perfectly for me. Not when the harvest is ripe, not when the stars are perfectly aligned will this slip away from my grasp. Thing is, Jamie - you talking about me deserving this title shot, whether I earned this or not…..but have you ever stopped to consider this: Does it even fucking matter? Does it even matter whether or not I deserved this opportunity or not? Does it MATTER if I costed Elite his championship shot, does it matter that the Voltage after King of Elite I went on a backstage rampage? If there’s at least something I learned from that night is that debates about whether or not someone deserves jackshit or not are bottomless vortexes that will never be resolved, because if history is any teacher, it’s taught us that just in this exact company, there have been so, SO many people who have been stated to “not deserve it” and have risen to the occasion and ultimately take that prize for themselves, that holy grail. In the end, telling someone “doesn’t deserve it” is a subjective discussion that will never be truly boiled down into something with a concrete answer, and in the end….WHO FUCKING CARES? Who gives a shit about what I did, because as far as I’m concerned, all I did was be just like you. The means are irrelevant and the destination is paramount - so this idea of me deserving or not deserving this championship shot doesn’t mean anything because when it all comes down to it? I’ll still be there at Brooklyn Heights facing you for that World Heavyweight Championship one more goddamn time, a guarantee that you won’t be able to change no matter how hard you may cry about it. Discussions about who deserves what or who hasn’t earned whatever are discussions that are bound to last for an eternity. Tell me, Jamie - when Xavier Williams talked about you not deserving anything, did that stop you? Did that stop you from reaching towards that crown after you were wrongfully denied of it? Did him saying that prevent you from reaching any further? What about when every single noble warrior who stepped up to the plate to stake their claim as champion? What about when Pizza Boy was told by Lannister that he couldn't even lace his boots? Or hell - even Chris Elite when he was told by DEDEDE that he didn’t deserve to be in the same ring as him and was only brought for the money? Did that stop any of them? This situation isn’t any different from those, Jamie, and at the end of the day…..when I claim that championship for myself, who’s going to remember that I costed Elite? Who’s going to remember the fact that injured fourteen staff members in a blind rage after my failure? Who is going to give a single damn about what I did beforehand? Certainly not these people, not these fans or the history books. But individuals like you who hang onto another man’s faults without even taking a glimpse at their own….because what’s the difference of me costing Elite and you holding his best friend hostage to barely escape by the skin of your teeth? As a matter of fact - isn’t that exactly what has brought you here? By ANY means necessary? You’ll complain about me going to Kenny Drake to ask for my match or “pissed” to stand where I stand today but there isn’t a shred of differentiation when compared to how you hurt your own tag team partner, when you were at the top of the tag team division. Is what I’m doing any different? When you injured your brother in arms in order to move on to bigger and better things, was that not a means to an end? Isn’t your entire motto that you are willing to do anything to keep that reign, that ecstatic glory and legacy alive, no matter the cost? That’s why you hurt your own friend in the most cold-hearted act of the century.That’s why you hurt the woman you loved to retain that title and hold it on for even more days than before. That’s why you were willing to hold another grown man hostage, preying on the emotions of his best friend to barely escape by the skin of your teeth.

In truth, can you really blame a man for doing whatever it takes?

You aren’t any different, O’Hara….hypocrite. You’ll complain about me bitching, moaning, and whining to be in the match but I ask you this - when I screwed Elite over in his championship match, was it any different from you resorting to using his best friend to barely escape out of that match through the skin of your teeth? Is that any different from when you had to use Cameron in order to beat TLA at Ground Zero? I may have drew with Chris Elite but at the very least, that is a shit ton better than being a pussy ass bitch and hiding using another man’s friendship. My point being…..we aren’t any different, Jamie. So stop trying to play the facade as if we are. The cycle of history favores opportunists, just like you and me. It doesn't favor limp-wristed unambitious wrestlers who pussyfoot around and don't force themselves into the fray, and my question is: Are you one of those wrestlers? Are you a benevolent king who waits around in his throne for the next challenger? Are you someone who actively seeks out the competition or rests on his laurels whilst fighting what he considers “mediocre competition?” Maybe a simpler question: Are you the king who waits for the war…..or seeks it out? The thing is, Jamie, is what I’m trying so hard to understand but I’m failing to get at: You call me and Chris two men who you are galaxies beyond from. Men who aren’t even worth a single bead of sweat dropping from your forehead, men who aren’t worth the paper we signed our contracts on. You complain about the “sub-standard” competition on Voltage and how there are “low standards” to be considered a challenger to the status quo - but if you really thought that, wouldn’t you have jump ship from this brand a long time ago? Wouldn’t you have gone up to Ryan Adams’ office and tell him that you didn’t want to be on this brand anymore, to hell with everyone on it and go and find serious threats to your competition? If you really believed from that bullshit coming out from your mouth, then you would have be gone from our sight a long, long time ago. But yet, you’re still here. You’re still here and you’re going to be in Brooklyn where you’ll be forced to face me in a match you don’t even want to be in. You’re clinging onto this story that I don’t deserve to be talked about by you, that I don’t deserve to be facing you for the fourth time in one year, especially not for the World Heavyweight Championship, but there have been countless - and I do mean countless - stories of men who didn’t deserve shit and yet still were afforded opportunities that they could only dream of: Y2Impact at Road to Redemption 2. He didn’t deserve to be in that World Championship match but in the end he took that son of a bitch, or Mr. DEDEDE at Road to Redemption 4. He didn’t deserve to be in that EAW Championship match and yet he still won everything. And this talk of deserving, of earning….it’s all a fucking chore, and quite frankly? I don’t give a shit about that entitled battle you want. I don’t care whether you think you deserve it or not, I don’t care who you’re going to face nor do I care about the moment, the time, the place that you’ll be facing whoever the fuck he is. You’ll say that you hate giving out oxygen to speak about me, that I don’t deserve this match because I lost, and yet I still stand here. I’ll be facing you, and I think that’s what irks you the most of all: Not the fact that I’ve called you a hypocrite. Not the fact that I’ve continuously denied your beliefs and stood defiant against everything you ever thought. Not even when I hurt your precious beloved one did it hurt you the most…..I’m wagering that now, as you see me as a flea on your back, that’s what irks you the most. You can’t stand the fact that you’re facing me, AGAIN. “OH BOY, HE LOST, HE SHOULDN'T EVEN BE HERE! HE SHOULDN’T BE FIGHTING ME AGAIN!” Really? TLA lost, why did he get two more chances already after his first one? Xavier Williams lost, why did he get another chance at Pain for Pride? Two of the, lost clean, didn’t they? They lost to you clean, and yet by somehow through the ways of magic, they found themselves against you again, but somehow I’m a different case here? You’re going insane over the fact that I’m standing where in your eyes, I shouldn't be. You’re aggravated because I’ve defied every expectation that you thought I’d never meet and I arrive at a pivotal moment in time where it is of utmost importance that you walk out of Brooklyn Heights still the World Heavyweight Champion. You want to brush me aside, sweep me under the rug like I’m nothing - but as long as there is conviction to my words, and believe me, there is….as long as there is a fire in every fiber of my being, as long as the bloodshot eyes of The Raven are able to pierce through you like a dagger and I’m still breathing and kicking, then I will NEVER stop my chase.

But you’re right….it doesn’t matter ultimately how close I came to defeating you. It doesn’t matter how close or far you were from the ropes because in the history books it’s already been etched as you having defeated me. But me? I don’t rest on that pole anymore. I don’t hang onto the belief of “almost” - I hang onto the conviction within me that says I can look at you dead in the eye, and tell you that at Brooklyn Heights? It’s not the end of days. It’s not your fall, not your doomsday….it’s the day the Earth stood still as they watched The Raven with its regrown wings snatch you with its talons and drop you from those Brooklyn Heights down onto the pavement below. You think that a Kingslayer is going to stop my quest? Do you think that your words are holding me back? You’ll tell me to lay down, to quit, to stop while I have the chance but what you will fail to realize….what you will always fail to see is that me? I don’t give a shit about your dream. You’ll scoff. You’ll laugh. You’ll look at me in pity or whatever kind of expression you’ll put on but I won’t care. You‍’ll stand in disbelief at the very idea of a raven coming up to me and speaking to me, you’ll whine and cry over the fact you’re facing me for the third time in singles competition and there isn’t a damn thing you can do about it except look into the eyes of a man who has lied. A man who has been turned hollow, his words made into nothing more than dust, an experience that left him shell-shocked, and now? He has something he has never had before and that’s true conviction within him, true conviction within his words and actions. You may very well be the World Heavyweight Champion until the day you die, but there’s one thing you will never be able to have compared to me and that’s satisfaction.

The satisfaction from the glory.

Because quite frankly - I don’t give a shit about your dream.

I’ll watch it crumble down along with you.

You know - I once held contempt for Jamie O’Hara giving an excuse about why he had to use Big Mike hostage, for saying he did it “for fun”. But now….as I experienced firsthand, I’ll admit he was right - because costing you the chance to become World Heavyweight Champion was indeed fun. It was one of the most gratifying experiences that I have felt in a long, good while. I enjoyed it as I showered in the outpour, the chorus of boos from the crowd as you and Bitch Mike looked towards me with the sweetest mixture of shock, anger, confusion, and disgust all rolled into one. I watched as your face twisted and turned, showing the face of a disappointed man as once more he let down not just himself, but these people…..oh, how I can’t wait to see that expression once more. That’s honestly, probably the saddest part of all this, Chris, to be honest with you - the fact that your victory over Ryan Adams, your victory over Mr. DEDEDE earning you that Gawd Contract….is, in simple terms, you. That victory IS Chris Elite. It defines you. It defines every waking moment from you, from the moment you wake up to the moment you get out of bed every morning to work and show the world just who “Gawd Given Greatness” is. It defines you on Voltage, it defines your entire career….and that’s it. There’s nothing more when it comes with you. Your one, singular victory over him has skyrocketed you to a position that you never thought you’d be able to reach - but Jamie’s right. That’s all it is, that’s all you are. A man with one lonesome victory and a piece of paper attached to his name, the true “Buster Douglas” of Elite Answers Wrestling. So, give me the answer to this, Chris: Who would you be without Mr. DEDEDE? Who would you be without Road to Redemption, without that fateful night? Who would you be? Would you still be Big Bhris? Gawd Given Greatness? The holder of the Gawd Contract? Would you even be in the same fucking room as people like me and Jamie? Yeah - that’s the question that will always be the most difficult for you, because you? You’re unable to grasp the concept, even the slightest notion that you aren’t who you perceive yourself to be. You can’t stand it when that self-perception of yourself folds away, when that braggadocious aura fades and people begin to question whether or not you’re really as great as you say you are. That’s why you’re always so pissy over people calling you a failure, or people mentioning those eight years of hardship and loss, because you’re inclined to believe in your own self-built image of your greatness that when it all crumbles? When your words are put to the test? You'll fall apart like nothing more than the Goddamn stick figure you are, because that is exactly who you are. A man who builds himself up far greater than for his own good, who talks the talk but knows jackshit about walking the walk. That’s what it all comes down to though, in the end. Who would you be, Chris? Where would you be without that victory, without that moment? Would you have been as successful as you are now? Would you have been so sure of yourself regardless of how many times you failed? Would that eight year-long journey turn to a decade, maybe even two? See….that‍’s my point. Without that victory, here’s who you’d be: Nothing. No one, from nowhere, with nothing to his name. Nothing. Without your win over Ryan Adams, you’re nothing more than the barebones of a competitor. I’m not discrediting your victory over him, not at all. All the respect in the entire world goes out for that win, but what I’m getting at is that you, Chris? You are a man who, without Ryan Adams, would have been left in a fucking ditch in the ground. That’s the cold, harsh reality about who you are Chris that you try your best to sugar coat yourself, building yourself up to be bigger than you could possibly ever be only to have that gigantic structure high up in the crowds sent down crash landing back to the surface. That victory is all you are, and without it?

You’d be a man struggling to find his feet on the fucking New Breed division.

You’d be a man who may very well be gifted in the ring but never given those opportunities to shine, and so he squanders.

No matter with the help from Big Mike, without that victory…...you are nothing.

Nothing.

That’s all you will be once we meet in that main event and I stare you into your eyes. I will be broken, bloodied, brutalized and battered but I will still crawl out and show the world just what exactly happens. Fire, brimstone, hell, blood, sweat, and tears. Every possible challenge….every obstacle I have ever faced? None compare to this. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to knock down two birds with one stone, a chance that only comes in times of life where everything lines up to be just perfect. You don’t have to believe that I talked to a raven. You don’t have to believe in my words. I’ve always enjoyed proving my beliefs with my fists, after all. I know that the moment I walk into that building in Brooklyn, New York, all hell will be set loose and I will be tasked with the most dangerous, most difficult task ever handed to me. Something unlike anything I’ve ever faced before, the opportunity of a lifetime - and I will be damned for the rest of my fucking life if I don’t make this shot.

From the ashes of the corpses of Gawd Given Greatness and the rust of the King of Bullets, comes something anew. From the fires, from the blood of my enemies comes…

The Raven King.

Lars smiles at the camera before it cuts to static. Fade to black.

Sydney versus the world Issue # 15

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"The Thrill Seeker" Sydney St. Clair

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Topics tagged under 1 on Elite Answers Wrestling - Page 2 RK2DRf4

The sun hangs low on the horizon, its golden glow painting the sky around it while the water below shimmered in its light. We pull away, the sun shrinking as more and more distance seems to be put between us. Finally, we stop, finding ourselves with a fuller picture now; surrounded by sand, looking out at the water and setting sun in the distance. To those who live in or have visited Brooklyn, New York, it is apparent the scene is being shot at Brighton Beach -- roughly a 45-minute drive from the venue for the upcoming Empire supershow; the Iconic Cup. Suddenly, a woman speaks from somewhere just out of sight - more of a whisper to herself than anything else, but still picked up by the camera. “Am I really prepared to be sticking my neck out on a stage like this again?...” The camera suddenly lowers slightly, as if being placed atop an object. A moment later, there's a deep breath and another whisper to herself. “Well... Here goes nothing.” Moments later, the woman in question steps into the frame. Her bright orange hair almost matching with the sunset of the background, the cap on top of her head keeping it out of her eyes, though still drapes over her shoulders. She wears a sleeveless black shirt with her signature "Sydney versus The World" phrase printed across the upper torso as well as a pair of athletic shorts. Smiling somewhat awkwardly, she appears to be trying to gather her thoughts for a moment before she finally speaks again, looking right ahead into the camera.

“With the Iconic Cup only a few days away, I can't help but feel my nerves trying to take over... I have been on the big stage twice before, the first being the blossoming of a promising career, the other the downward spiral that had it all come crashing down. It was only two months ago, though it feels so much longer, the Bloodletter match that could have made the name Sydney St. Clair a staple for the Empire brand. Things didn't turn out that way. Instead, it was the loss that ultimately broke Sydney St. Clair... I lost the biggest match of my career up to that point and, coming back through the curtain to snickers and jeers from the people who originally either had complete faith in me or no faith in me at all, it felt like my career was all but over as quickly as it began. Now, all these days later, I find myself in a similar scenario, on another big stage where I could choke away the remaining credibility I have left...” Sydney trails off, still seeming a bit awkward here, especially as her gaze falls from the camera. It takes a moment and a deep breath before she's able to get herself back on track (kind of), looking into the camera and speaking again. “I thought I made peace with it. But then I became the pariah, the joke of the entire locker room. Was it justified? After one loss, I wouldn't have thought so. But it was the wound exposed to all and everyone was lining up to rub salt into it. And it was taking an effect on my mental state. It was either the source of mockery from my opponents or the sympathy I didn't ask for from everyone else. Those who gave me sympathy are just as bad, if not worse, than the people who mocked me. They painted me as this poor, fragile being who is incapable of fending for herself anymore. They began to pity me, using me as an example of someone who works hard but can't achieve her goals, the girl who will chase her dreams but will never get any closer to obtaining it...”.” Again her eyes fall away, and she appears to be struggling with the matter at hand. Removing her cap, running her hand through her hair before putting it back on her head, Sydney eventually manages to look back to the camera and continues. “...And so I lashed out, I revolted against Empire itself. I became angry, frustrated even, that I couldn't recover from that kind of loss. I was looking for someone to blame. I needed someone to blame for all the losses that stacked up at my expense so my pride wouldn't be damaged in the process. I needed someone to be at fault for my shortcomings... But it was childish of me. Mainly because... Well, I already know whose fault it is. It's mine. And it's kind of taken me a long time to realize that. Probably longer than it should have, honestly, but I was just too angry at everything and everyone to see it sooner. So what did I do? I tried to burn every single bridge I could so I had no point of return; to stand alone as I fought forward. And that is where I stand now; alone against the world. With my heart on my sleeve, I walk into the Iconic Cup on March 2nd with everything at stake. My remaining credibility on the line at a chance for personal redemption."

Looking back at the sun slowly descending behind her for a brief moment, she'd turn her attention back to the message she is sending. "All I need to do to whitewash that image of Sydney St. Clair is to face yet another member of the Crowes Nest, a faction I have been a "fatality" of many of times at this point. I have fallen at the feet of Chelsea Crowe half a dozen times now, and now she's the #1 contender for the Women's World Championship. Even though I never faced her directly, April Song has also bested me (with the assistance of Chelsea, of course) and now she's one of the Iconic 8 trying to walk away with a golden cup trophy. But then, there's their newest acquisition, their new protege if you will.” She speaks directly now, as if to her opponents face. Her eyebrows down as she squints, seemingly annoyed in contrast to her original approach. "You have yet to experience what I have been through these past few months, Jael, yet you speak down to me like you have every reason to. But you don't. It's easy to recycle the same statements Chelsea used against me in our matches, it's easy to lift a quote from a textbook or a google search from a Philosopher to make it sound like you have a valid point, but to actually prove it is an entirely different task. A task I don't think you are capable of accomplishing. I have lost to many of elitists on this brand in the past few weeks, but I have yet to face you and you have yet to face me. Though it only makes sense the arrogance of your kliq would rub off on you, their achievements don't. Just because your superiors have bested me, doesn't mean their fledgling will too. You defeated a newbie or two, am I supposed to think that justifies you as being superior to me? Because as it stands, we are on some pretty equal footing. The only thing that makes you and I different, besides the company we keep, is the tenure. You have yet to be here long enough to know what struggle is, what defeat truly tastes like. But I have. The taste is like ash in my mouth, and I survived off it. The more I was force-fed defeat, I yearned for the sweet taste of victory. And I have had two small samples of it in recent weeks, but now I am craving the big one. I am craving that big, long-overdue victory. So those months of defeat are behind me, I can reflect on them as much as I please, but they are tales of just how much fight I have had to put in climbing out of the hole I was pushed into. And I am just one match away, on a big stage not too unlike the one that forced me in there in the first place, from climbing out completely. If I hadn't paid my dues to get here before, I have now. And now I am going to collect what paying those dues owe me, and that's my credibility, my redemption, my name value."

Sydney bends over, picking up a pebble that she finds at her feet, juggling it in her right hand as she looks at it. "You talk very ill of, what you have called, my privledges. You're not the first to paint me with one broad stroke when it comes to my training and who I have come to call my mentor, but everyone who does speaks about it as if it is something I should be ashamed of. I went to a wrestling school that has produced some quality up and coming female athletes in the wrestling industry at Madam Vegas. I have had Tarah Nova be my voice of guidance whenever I have lost my way, though over my tenure in EAW she has been busy with her own affairs. To this day, I still don't understand the reasons they point at this like they are the cardinal sins of my career. But I fought to have them. I took leaps of faith no one else would take to have those things in my life, and given the knowledge of the backlash I received from them, I would take those leaps again. Moving from a small town in England to the United States, signing my name on an EAW contract were all byproducts of those risks, and people still want to make it sound like they were the worst things to ever happen to me, but they are the complete opposite. I have never had displeasure in having those things associated with my name, but more so with the fact ignorant sows believe them to be my only source of credibility, that I need to rely on them to keep my head above water. Jael, unlike yourself I haven't had to be subservient and ride on someone else's coattails to get to this spot. I came here to fight as myself, no helping hands, and I have done that despite the results that came to follow. I can at least say Tarah's help wasn't needed to fight my battles. Iconic Cup isn't going to be different. Though her mentorship gave me direction, the punches I throw are my own. Her legacy doesn't spell mine, but I know in this dog eat dog company, I can't fight off every threat on my own. Guidance is one thing, fighting is another and I separate those two. I have her guidance going into this match, but the threat is mine and mine alone. After a few more silent juggles, Sydney skims the pebble across the water, impressively goes quite a distance and out of sight as the glistening water consumed it in its depths. ""A new coat of paint doesn't change the quality of the rusted, broken-down contraption underneath," those are the words I said weeks ago against Pandora. An ironic case of hypocrisy? Hardly. I haven't had to paint myself any different. I have been fixing the machine cog by cog. I haven't needed to change my name, change my appearance or my purpose. All I needed was to change my functions. I just needed to work on myself. From Dream Chaser to Trill Seeker, I have recognized that chasing my dreams is a mentality that will only come back to hurt me like an open wound for everyone to see. Thrill Seeker is that acceptance and accepting if I put that pressure too heavily on myself, I will only grow more and more bitter. I need to get the heart pumping, the pistons going and the motor running. Slowly but surely, I am rebuilding the little spitfire in Sydney St. Clair. The "woe is me" sob stories were not mine to tell, but from others. The pity of others actually angers me. I reflect to redesign, rebuild and reestablish. I don't need to be a hero or a villain to be who I need to be to strive, I just need to survive. Those have always been my intentions, to survive whatever it takes. Those extremes have just reached its apex. A genuine, coy smile finds its way onto her face. Nodding to herself, she takes a glance over his shoulder at the horizon, where the sun has nearly vanished, leaving the area significantly darker now than when we began. ""Who is Sydney St. Clair," you ask? The ever-changing. The ever-growing. The ever-evolving product of her struggles. I don't need championships to validate myself as a fixture of this brand, but they are not off the table. I am here to start a legacy of my own, not leach off someone else's. And when you get off of Chelsea's teet, I hope you do the same. I will walk out of the Iconic Cup with all the tools I need for a better Sydney St. Clair. You don't need to take my word for it, but if you stick around on Empire long enough, you will come to accept it. Sydney lingers for a moment, before turning and walking away, soon vanishing from sight. We're left with a brief shot of the beach, the shimmering water in the background, and the nearly invisible sun before we fade to black.

Empire The Iconic Cup Promo #1

Hell yes bitches, I got my very first victory out of the way, and to think that all you pissants said I would never even accomplish that much. (Nicolette laughs to herself) Well I guess now that I have surpassed all your exceptions I suppose you will all say I got lucky, I mean all I did was beat an overweight, underachieving bottom feeder in Desirae Skye right? Well be that as it may I have much, much bigger aspirations in sight. This week as everyone knows is an Empire Supershow, The Iconic Cup, this will be my first chance on a big stage to show the world that Nicolette Lyons is for real. It is my biggest chance to show everyone that I am not just all talk, that I am not just another pretty face trying to play wrestler. Nope, but I am a pretty face that will go far in this business mark my words. It really doesn't matter who is thrown in front of me either. The person I will face this week is none other than the little sister of Azumi Goto, Sakuya Goto! (Nicolette bows) Konnichiwa Sakuya! (Nicolette smirks) See I know a little Japanese, in fact my father owns a few hotels in Japan, we are world wide as you may or may not know. So I know a thing or two about the Japanese culture. Fun fact, in the United States when people slurp their soup it is deemed annoying, however in Japan it is regarded as compliments to the chef and in similar vein blowing your nose in public is frowned upon I learned that the hard way (Nicolette laughs to herself). But anyway I know you folks aren't interested in these fun facts I mean most of you people have no desire to go to Japan, mostly because they simply cannot afford it, how sad right? Hmm what is also sad is a younger sister trying to follow in her sisters footsteps simply because they have nothing else going for them in their sad pathetic little life, I know your angle Sakuya, you have one goal in mind and that is to use your sisters fame and glory and try to cast that upon yourself. How sad you can't even create your own legacy you need to use your sisters to make yourself look good. I mean let's be real for a second here you wouldn't even be in this company had it not have been for your sister. I mean let's face it, you would probably be waiting tables at Hooters or something. But luckily for you, you got your golden ticket straight into EAW. It's funny when you really think about it, most people think that I am in EAW because of my daddies money but that is all false, I actually had to prove I can wrestle but you on the other hand have the last name and the heritage so you get a free pass and yet I am the one that is deemed spoiled and unworthy and you go by unscathed by these walking jackals who will do anything to make you feel like crap. But it's okay I can handle it however the real question is can you handle it Sakuya? Can you handle having people just belittle you because of how you were brought up, because I don't fit the a certain mold of a EAW superstar is suppose to begin their career? It's all bullshit and it's all aspersions that were placed on me from day one because in reality they are all jealous of me.

That is right everyone is jealous of the woman I am, the fact that I have more money than I know what to do with makes peoples skin crawl because they can only wish they could have all the money, the fact that I am successful in just about everything I have ever done, makes you idiots feel the need to try and knock me down a peg, well go ahead if that will make you feel any better about yourself give it your best shot, but just know I won't stay down I will right back up, and I will come up swinging, but not only are they jealous of the woman I am, but they are also jealous of the woman that I will become specifically in EAW I am the future of this company, you see Sakuya this isn't just any ordinary match between us, this is much, much bigger than just a single match. I plan on completely wiping you out I plan on making you nonexistent your only offense will be a few cheap shots. I want these people to know who the actual silver spoon bitch is because it sure as shit isn't me, I have worked hard for everything I have done. Can you say the same about yourself Sakuya? I mean like I said the only reason you are here in EAW today is because of your sister. The very essence of your career is based on her? I mean come on people you boo the living shit out of me yet you have this bimbo ripping off her sisters every moves and you just give her a free pass? (Nicolette shakes her head) The hypocrisy is real it's okay because I will prove everybody wrong, I will make you all look like walking bafoons when it is all said and done because after I defeat this little Japanese princess I am going to take over Empire by storm just you wait and see. I am really looking forward to getting my hands on you for this Young Lioness Showcase and it works out great because my name is Nicolette Lyons, I am the fucking Lioness people I have the heart of a fucking Lion, I mean hello the title of the match speaks for itself. This Thursday on Empire we will see what Sakuya Goto is all about, we will see if you are a second coming of your sister or just living in your sisters shadow. From what it sounds like over here is that all the pressure is on you, you don't want to let your family down right? You have a lot riding on this match, a win for you could potential put you right into the title hunt, but a loss, well let's just say a loss would put you into obscurity. It is all about honor in Japanese families right? You wouldn't want to shame your family, I mean Azumi did a pretty bang up job for a while there, but she has recovered over the past year. I would just hate to see you be shunned by your family Sakuya. (Nicolette smiles at the camera) Feeling the pressure Sakuya? Does it weigh a ton? Am I getting in your head at all because surely I am not trying to do that at all. I am just speaking the truth, and sometimes the truth hurts, Anyway I look very forward to seeing your beautiful face across the ring from me so I will see you Thursday Sakuya, Sayōnara Ms. Goto (Nicolette bows as the camera fades)

Iconic Cup #1

“Clear Mind”

Caution: This story doesn’t have a heroine who will save the day, it’s a tale of fighter not a knight in shining armor.

---------------------------------------

Here we go, on the road to Brooklyn. On the road to the Iconic Gauntlet and it’s going to be a long week. Seven different opponents all of whom are vastly different to each other but at the same time, very similar. Each of us wants to win, Iconic Cup and want to win for a certain reason. I’ve already explained that I want to win the cup, it’s this long road to the top. It becomes one step to climb up the ladder, reach that point where I can re-challenge for a championship. I’m at a point where it’s now or never for me, being a champion. There’s a point where everything you hold precious will be thrown away for a shot at it. I might be reaching that point. Willing to throw everything away to become champion, sounds about right. I think ever since the loss to Megan, it’s been that. The chances that are coming my way, I’ve failed to capture a championship whenever they have come my way. Yeah I guess that's been the story of Azumi Goto in a nutshell. But we now move on two to the people I have to face. And why not start with Revy. To be honest with you, I don't know why you hate, like how can you hate this amazing face? Whether it be personal spite, a conflict on viewpoints or maybe it was that one time I smash a pipe into your head, who knows but I understand that you don't like me and to be fair, I'm not the most likeable person in the world and that might might be another reason. It's true that you and I have had issues in the past but no matter how you look at it, I've always gotten the better of you in and I will continue to do so even during this week.

(You can hear a sigh from Azumi as she continues to speak.)

From one loud mouth, we go to another one. Stephanie Matsuda, you’re right. You’re now what Manami always wanted to see you as, the SECOND War Queen. I’m just someone who’s constantly failed at getting the big match win, right? But what’s stopping me this time? You, Tarah, Revy or anyone else in this match? The answer is no one. This is it, right here. Azumi Goto is taking the world’s biggest gamble as usual. All or nothing, every chip is on the line. Is this a risk? Yes but it’s a risk I’m willing to take if it means to get to the top. To get to where I was last year around Manifest Destiny. I’ve already declared my intentions to win this whole match, Stephanie. I definitely know that no one will stop me, not a single soul placed in this match. You’re someone I have to personally overcome, I have to prove to a certain someone that I’m better than you, that I’m no longer going to hide in the shadow of her legacy.

Speaking of legacies, we go on to the one who The odds on favorite for a lot people and why shouldn’t they? If I was a betting woman and I could choose based on wrestling resume then sure, Tarah looks like the best choice all the way. Hall Of Famer, former Vixens Champion, former Specialist Champion, former Empire GM and etc. That credit goes to Tarah, she’s a legend in EAW. She’s someone when I’ve been put in the ring against, I’ve never been able to overcome you whenever it’s you vs me in a match of any kind. First time for everything right? But really though, I do consider you the biggest threat, Tarah. A bigger threat then Stephanie, April, or anyone. Why? Because you’re the gatekeeper to the main event scene on Empire. You’re one of the things blocking anyone who wants permanent residence inside the golden castle of Empire’s main event. I intend to overcome everything that gets thrown at me this week from my opponent, regardless of who you are. How much better you think you are then me, or whatever else you have in your minds. Just now that Azumi Goto will not fall to anyone of you. Not because that I’m better then you all but because I can’t lose this match at all. This might be the one last big opportunity I have for this season to get the gold that I’ve for so long have worked for. I’m not dropping dead in this match anytime soon, there’s no chance in hell I can do that right now. Losses to High Rollerz, Aria Jaxon, and Megan Raine have kind of made me bring this whole concept of getting back up after every fall. It’s the willingness to get up after every heartbreaking loss and fight for one more chance that’s going to lead me to the Iconic Cup. The fact that after everything I will stand up with heart to still want to fucking win this whole match is what’s going to lead me to the trophy. Azumi Goto is unbreakable, just ask Aria Jaxon, Megan Raine or anyone else who has tried to stop me.

This is the story of my path, the path is a long one but it’s the right one for “Break Heart” as I head towards Brooklyn with a clear mind and only victory in sight. To my opponents, I say try all you want but you won’t be able to break Azumi because it’s simply impossible.

Iconic Cup Promo #1

“Cloud City”

“I made a promise.”

(The camera opens to Stephanie Matsuda sitting on the couch in the Hunter family apartment in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Her ‘sister’ 11-year-old Lauryn Hunter is sitting in front of the television, watching cartoons on TV. Stephanie is wearing a Brooklyn College hoodie and black tights. She has her usual contacts replaced with her pink-rimmed glasses.)

“I’ve stated this several times before, but I repeat myself for a reason. This weekend is about fulfilling my duty as my lover’s keeper. It’s about taking home something that - by right - belongs to her. Do I benefit? Sure. It means I get to right the wrongs from Bloodletter. And what better way to do this than at Barclays Center, Brooklyn - aka Cloud City. Here I sit just a twenty-minute drive away from the House that Cloudy built. The same place I made the late and great Brody Sparks pull an audible to avoid losing her Specialist Championship to me. The same place Aria smacked me back to my senses...for the first time.”

(Cloud stands up and ruffles Lauryn’s hair, who laughs and pushes Cloud away. The War Queen walks out the apartment, heading down the hallway)

“The second wake-up call Aria gave me was pinning me in the middle of that ring on a cold Portland night, 1-2-3. The wake-up call that she was more important than our friendship. That’s okay - it’ll be the most important lesson I’ll ever learn in this business. But even with Aria and I on the opposite sides of the spectrum, I still have a family to take care of - The Hunters…”

(Cloud walks outside as the camera pans across the street to a brownstone home where several kids walk out, waving at Cloud)

“And the children Sky Village Home.”

(A young woman, Jocelyn Matsuda - formerly Diemos - walks out and locks the door. She sees Cloud and waves.

“As of last week - my daughter.”

(Cloud returns the gesture and puts up her hood. She walks down the stairs and heads down the street with her hands in her pockets. She walks past the War Room Dojo, nodding at a few of her students stepping inside the gym.)

“This is my city. My Home. My kingdom.”

(Cloud walks into a local bodega where she pets a cat and greets the store owners as bachata music plays in the background)

“These are my people - they took me in and made me their own.”

(Cloud makes herself a cup of coffee and walks in front of some annoyed hipsters to place some change on the counter. She raises the container at the store lady and leaves.)

“Bodega rule #1: Exact change goes first. And just like that store, I have the exact change to buy that Iconic Cup. I have the drive, the ability, and most of all…”

(Cloud looks at her phone and smiles. She shows her phone to the camera, revealing a snapchat photo of Monica Vaughan enjoying a Starbucks drink)

“The goddamn narrative to walk out of Barclays the third cup winner in this division. This is my story - I’m the protagonist and the writer.”

(Cloud winks at the camera and takes a sip of her coffee as she continues down the street.)

“The rest of you? Just cannon fodder before I go face to face with the boss - Aria’s ego. The longer she goes with that title, the more that ego’s going to swell. Before you know it, she’ll be declaring herself a goddess like that Thelma and Louise duo over on Showdown. Heh, if I fought a shitty ass roster, I think I’d be a double champ too…”

(Cloud takes a sip, and crosses the street)

“Now if I apply some primary school mathematics, I will potentially be fighting four women before that cup is mine - maybe more if my name is called twice in a row. Heh, which four of you eight hussies will be fortunate enough to see a Blasian Sunrise? Let’s see…”

(Cloud thinks for a moment as she walks into a pub)

“Revy. Yesterday I didn’t hear the stunner-giving badass, but rather a woman who dreads going to work every week. Maybe you lost a bit of hope along the way, or that hundredth bout with Mallory Wilde got ya feeling in the dumps. Well, the poor girl is out on injury - so you no longer have that problem. What’s your excuse now, Rev? Who are you going to blame for your failure as a wrestler? Tarah? Savannah? Moongoose!? The Boys!? (gasp) The Boys have nothing to do with this! Come on Rev - we were once drinking buddies, I know you there’s some fire left in ya. I better see a blur of Texan fury that night, or else you’re not going to see another ring for quite some time.”

(Cloud buys a giant lollipop from a lady on the street corner.)

“Speaking of Savannah, what’s going on with you? You were once the hottest up and coming talent in ‘17 and...you just gave up. There’s a wellspring of talent inside of you! (sighs) Don’t let it go to waste, sweets. Then again, why should I give a damn? Maybe it’s the trainer in me (shrugs). Whoever trained you, failed you, dear. Wrestling is about more than learning moves - it takes an ironclad will to survive in this business. I’ve had my moments, but I always jumped back to my feet. You have to get out of your feelings. ‘Oh, Revy doesn’t want to be my friend anymore!’ Snap out of it kid - you have a long road of disappointment waiting for you.”

(Cloud walks past a military recruitment center)

“April (sighs). You and I seem to can’t escape each other in these multi-woman scenarios, huh? Whether it be a divide and conquer, tag team, or an 8-woman clusterfuck, we’ll be on opposing sides. Well, I’ll be returning the favor from Pain for Pride sweets. Jael and Chelsea won’t be there to have your back, so I assume you’ll be the third disappointment for The Nest that night. (laughs) fake ass Formation.”

(Cloud gets on a bus and sits in the back, staring out of the window. She stares at a beauty spa as the bus pulls away.)

“I’m sure it won’t be long until I hear from White Aria about how ‘this is her shot at the top,’ and that it’s ‘her time to shine.’ One day sweets...one day. Just not today, this week, next week, or even this season. It’s Edge season sweets, and I’m about to start snatching! You better hope those extensions I know you are wearing doesn't get torn out, or else it’s a going to be a bad night for you (laughs). But on a serious tip though - you got one over me thanks to Tarah Nova. That shit will never happen again.”

(Cloud gives a serious look as she gets off the bus and takes a sip of her coffee. Barclays Center can be seen several blocks away in the distance. The camera follows Cloud from behind as she walks towards Barclays.)

“I know my ass ain’t the phattest, but ya'll still looking though.”

(Cloud walks past a Japanese restaurant.)

“Azumi - another big match you’re going to fail to win. To be honest sweets, I almost feel sorry for you. Back at JET, you were a better world champion than me - but yet I’m the one hailed as the GOAT of the promotion. Is it because I co-own it? Is it because I’m Manami’s best student? Or maybe it’s because I’m the greatest active Joshi in the world. A half-blood princess who became a full-fledged War Queen. Just like at the EAW Awards Show, you’re caught in the middle of my drama. Just keep your head low, give a couple of assen na yos, and be a good little girl while mommy handle business.”

(Cloud waits for a car to pass before she crosses the next street. She walks past a Hot Topic store.)

“Hehehe, Daisy this is way too easy. Like I could walk into that store and turn it into a Build-a-Thrash montage. I could do my Halloween shopping early and pull together my idea of dressing up as a wrestling-never-been. Like for instance, the fact you never held a title. Or, how you never been in a world title match. Or you never won any big match you ever- oh wait, that bullshit match at Bloodletter. ‘But Cloud, you didn’t win your match!’ Yeah true, but I’m still more relevant than you, so what the hell that says about you, Daisy? Quit being a clicktivist on sites like Change of Color and CREDO and focus on the idea that maybe just MAYBE you might come out of this a winner with a couple of well-planned rollups. Then again, I just gave you an idea to run with, so I’ll see that coming. (sighs) Forget everything I said…”

(Cloud crosses one last street where she ends up in front of the Barclays Center)

“Tarah. I don’t care what kind of plan you have - trust me I know what you’re planning - but it’s not going to work. Well, the part where you cash in a PFP dream match with whoever’s going to be holding that belt. I bet you wish you and Aria would put on this epic godlike match and everyone will love you again and be like “Yeah! Tarah’s the GOAT! :whew:

.” The only goats that will show up that this night will be the curry goat I’ll be eating as my victory meal over at that Jamaican spot down Atlantic Ave. You’re more like a lamb, while I’m the big bad wolf in this bitch. The Elite City Sirens are over...only one entity exists.”

(A giant black flag with a familiar kanji drops down from the top edge of the arena)

“Zaibatsu.”

(Cloud turns around to face the camera)

“Welcome to Cloud City. Time to fly.”

VOLTAGE PROMO #1

Alright, calm down there son.

I think it’s clear to all of us that my words have touched a bit of a nerve up there with“The Disaster Artist.” Yikes. Have I made you mad? Have I stoked those flames of passion, have I pushed you to go the extra mile against me? I’m guessing, of course, seeing as how you continue to pull statements out of your ass, making them look as if you’re credible when in reality all it does is make your words as hollow as a Halloween pumpkin. Allow me to clear some things up with you, seeing as you do not possess the mental ability of object permanence nor the ability to process information: When did I ever speak of having NO opportunities? NO opportunities? I’m sorry that I’m unable to speak complete retard but I’ve never spoke about having no opportunities - as a matter of fact, I’ve spoken on the complete opposite, about the fact I’ve GOTTEN so many opportunities and yet I’ve squandered them all, and how at Brooklyn Heights it is that small window of chance that I must take, that one opportunity for me to take flight. And second: It doesn’t hurt to get off your ass and research once in a while. I understand that you’re a veteran suffering from a severe case of dementia, but allow me to simply explain: I didn’t look towards Keelan at Territorial Invasion and “waited for his approval” - he very well could have taken that pin himself but he allowed me because I had shown in that match just what happens when The Raven is determined, when he is pissed off and ready to turn a seemingly unstoppable man into the glass cannon he truly was, and for clarification - Finn wasn’t there nodding at me. Go ahead and look at the Network, process some form of information for once in your miserable life. It doesn’t help to have an actual education once in a while, you know? And in the end….does it really fucking matter? Does Territorial Invasion even matter? Stop for one second, Moongoose, and see just how little that night matters to me now. The opportunity I gained from that, I failed to capitalize on, and why would I need approval from Keelan and Finnegan, when I’ve already defeated them? Why would I need approval from a Killer who could never live up to his moniker and as a result, faced the consequence of being the mighty who fell? Why would I need approval from a man who I’ve already beaten in that ring, holding a championship that I once pursued but now have leapt past? You’re so desperately trying to spin this story of me being desperate, sad, a man who needs the validation from others, bitching, crying, and moaning wherever he goes. It’s a narrative that you’ve cleverly attempted to seem true, but much like this facade of being a confident, flashy man, it will fall apart all the same. The thing is, though…...from all of these words, from what you’ve said and what I’ve gathered, you are nothing more than a truly bitter man. You’re bitter over the fact that in one year, I’ve managed to rise faster than you could in your career here in EAW. You’re bitter over the fact that in one year, I’ve managed to have three World Championship opportunities while you’ve gotten jack shit. You’re still bitter over the fact that I’ve beaten men you haven’t in Keelan and Finnegan. And apparently, you’re still bitter about Territorial Invasion and my team winning, with me getting the final pinfall, which is why you’re so desperately trying to drive the story of me needing “approval” from others, me being desperate or having a depressing run. Nah - that shit doesn’t work on me I’m afraid. Talking about bathing in my “sad and depressing” run - look at you! The most success you’ve ever achieved in this entire company’s history was the fact you won the New Breed Championship over some fat fuck, and that you won the Interwire Championship from a man with far too many visions of grandeur laced within his eyes - but aside from that championship run, and of course we’re not going to forget that time when you were nothing more than a whipping boy for the top faces of Dynasty. It only seems that now, you’re finding any sort of mild success but you’ve got that lost in translation, and as a result you think of yourself far, far too highly. But we all know the reality of you, don’t we? A man who is insecure about himself, desperate and struggling to find any semblance of substance behind his hollow words, to the point where he has the absolute gall to stand there and say: “OH, I’M A WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDER, I’M JUST WAITING! I’M JUST WAITING FOR MY CHANCE TO STRIKE!” Yeah…..I’m sure EVERYONE is buying into that claim. It’s the same level of stupidity as Keelan claiming that he “wasn’t at 100%” when facing Jamie, the same level of stupidity as a man standing in the rain and claiming it was a sunny day. Just riddle me this, Moongoose: If you truly are a World Championship contender….then why haven’t you shoot your shot yet? Why haven’t you made your presence known in the title scene? Imagine, Moongoose - you could have made history. You can still make history now if you were to shock the world and jump in the World Title scene, if you were to hypothetically defeat O’Hara, based on your words….so why haven’t you done it? That’s all I’m really asking here. Oh wait….you can’t answer of that, can you? Nor can you answer how exactly you’re some sort of gatekeeper for greats to do bigger and better things?

Yawn.

It’s okay, Moongoose….you aren’t the first jester I’ve had to expose.

Because the reality is, you aren’t a measuring stick, you aren’t the barometer, you aren’t the test I have to take - you’re simply a man who’s to deluded to see the rampaging beast coming at him on Voltage. You aren’t that vial of greatness, that challenge I must overcome nor are you that threshold who will either make or break me. Playing pretend is fun, Moongoose - but eventually you’re going to have meet the reality of the situation, and the reality of the situation is that bullshit stories and lies aren’t going to get you anywhere far except for a career six feet under the ground. But I think that the worst of this all…..is that you think I’m not ready. You think that I haven’t worked, that I’m somehow being complacent. You believe wholeheartedly that this is true and just because you’re a veteran that you’re right? No - what you need to understand is that I have been working. I have been fighting, I have been here since the day I stepped in as a battler and someone who wanted to push himself to the top regardless of what the world thought of him. Fuck the world, they always gave me shit and if you think that I haven’t worked….that’s the biggest insult of all. Did you live in Section 8, Moongoose? Did you have to struggle to survive? Did you have to wake up every morning not knowing whether or not it would be your last day? Did you have to slowly crawl to the top of this business through sheer force and determination? I don’t think you should be talking about hard work and being “worthy” to fight main eventers considering you’re not even in the fucking main event SCENE. You shouldn’t be talking, because in the end who was the one who stood tall at Territorial Invasion? Who was the one that was in a Chamber match at Road to Redemption? Who was the one that was fighting for the World Heavyweight Championship at King of Elite, giving off the best fucking performance of his life? And who is the one at the Voltage Supershow who will not only have one, but two matches in the same night where he will show the world just what The Raven King is? Maybe you’re a big name, maybe you put butts in seats but that’s because humans can’t sleep while standing. Wink

My speech was never about favoritism - it was about the pressure, something you’ve never faced. The pressure of the world watching you and your own constructed expectations of who and where you want to be - a pressure that you will never face because if you ever did you’d crack just like the jester you are.

The words of a hollow man are just that - hollow.

You will never experience what I’ve experienced. You will never face what I’ve faced because you’re simply not fit for it.

You never will be.

VOLTAGE PROMO #1

This is it.

This is what I need.

Imagine, right? Imagine what I must be going through right now. I’m sure everyone in their little echo chambers and self-validating chats looking around, telling and agreeing with each other that the situation that I stand in is the worst possible one. Too often does the universe stack one’s odds against them like brick walls laid out, and too often do the onlookers, the bystanders across the sidewalk whisper to themselves, proclaiming of just how terrible of a situation this is for me. They’ll run off and validate each other, ensuring themselves of their beliefs that at the Voltage Supershow….what chance do I truly have? I mean, look, right? It’s a night where I must face not just Jamie O’Hara, but Chris Elite in the main event, winning the retaining it all in one night - a man I’ve failed against too many times and another man who I just couldn't pick up the fucking wherewithal to pin him properly and kill this mess before it even happened. Nobody predicts me nor believes in my words after King of Elite, and to top it all off, it takes place in Brooklyn of all places. It’s fucking called Brooklyn Heights, the perfect time and place for none other than Gawd Given Greatness to take that throne for himself and end those painful eight years of hardship to finally be recognized for his hard work, pain, sweat, and tears. I’m looking at this situation and I can’t help but see just how tiny that window of opportunity is for me - so miniscule and insignificant that there truly is only one shot for me, one shot to take it all. I can’t help but look at the sea of fans and see them chanting not my name, not The Raven. No, they’re chanting “O’HARA!” They’re chanting “CHRIS E-LITE!” They’re chanting their names because in their eyes, they see me as nothing more than a cog in a grander machine. They look at me and they don’t see a threat - they see someone who has nothing more than his fists. an undying will but never words he can truly live by, never words that can stick. Do you know what that feels like? Do you know that chase? Champions speak of having the pressure mounting on them with each second because of the target placed on their back, but no….they don’t realize that this kind of pressure? It doesn’t even COMPARE to what champions, winners, contenders face. This pressure is the one that arrives when you’re left with only one option as the world beats you and kicks you down, the pain is almost unbearable if it wasn’t for that prospect; that light at the end of the tunnel you can barely make out through the smoke, fog, and bullshit that surrounds you. A small chance, a faint light but still a light at that, and despite that small window I still crawl. I still push myself through the storm to see the end of the day because I was told my entire life that nothing I was ever able to do would amount to something. I was told my entire life that nothing I would say, nothing I would do would push me to be who I am today. I had no reason to be here today, to be fighting for that World Heavyweight Championship once more, because the world never gave me one. And so, I gave myself a reason - and that’s to break fate, that cruel, cruel mistress. Break her bones and leave her lying in a Cincinnati ditch as a reminder of what happens when you try to fuck with The Raven. With nothing to my name, nothing to anchor myself with if I fall, I make the treacherous journey to the peak once more. This is an opportunity that is so small yet so fundamental for me to take advantage of, and if it were to slip away from my grasp once again….I’ll be the bigger man and know I’ll only have myself to blame for losing that war against the world. But to accept defeat?

Never.

That’s simply a luxury I can’t afford.

Because at the end of the day, I’ll still be fighting, training, evolving and adapting to become better to soar flight once more, and I know - what I hold onto isn’t just one, single, solitary thread that I’m barely hanging onto, clinging for life. It’s multiple threads attached to each and every one of you bastards who think that there is any chance in hell that you’ll break me to the core, that somehow you’ll manage to break the spirit of Lars Grier - because nah, son. That’s not how it works in my world, for when you step into my domain, you best be ready to face a man who has nothing to lose and everything to gain, because my pride? It’s gone - dead. Locked up in a gutter somewhere where it can never be broken, because at this point I’m venting, and unfortunately for you, Moongoose, you’re the man who must step inside and be humbled like the presumptuous peasant you are by none other than yours truly. Oh, and how I love individuals like you, my friend. Individuals who speak before they think, people who assume and generate preconceived perceptions before ever taking the opportunity to process. Because really, that’s the gist I get from you - each word that echoes from your mouth is nothing more than a mere assumption, a preconceived notion or thought that you have built in order to satisfy your story and twist the narrative in order to fit. After all, it’s not as if your words nor arguments are fortified enough to the point where you’ll be able to take me off my game. Maybe it worked there down with those NEO fuckboys or someone like Carlos Rosso, but against me? You’re going to have to try a different strategy, because as of this point in time I’m having a difficult time finding any sort of semblance of conviction or power behind your words. Questioning and attacking me because I was unable to defeat Chris last week, and while that is certainly true…..it seems that you’ve forgotten how exactly that match went. Because unlike him, I didn’t need Big Mike or another assailant to give myself some sort of winning advantage - I went through all of that by my own sheer tenacity and drive to succeed. I climbed out of the rubble of a concession stand and a major detail you have missed: I speared him off a fucking truck down onto a car, but I’m sure someone like you is always going to look past all of that, they’re going to look past the process and will always see what happened in the end, forming your own thoughts and seeing this painted picture using a subjective stroke that doesn’t ever add up to the truth. Yes, Chris Elite defeated DEDEDE, but the way you’re acting is as if that DEDEDE is not a threat, that he is not someone to be proud of defeating or he was just some random folly opponent, then using my victory over APOCALYPSE against me and essentially telling me: “IF YA CAN BEAT APOCALYPSE, THEN SURELY YA CAN DEFEAT CHRIS ELITE!” Telling me I don’t make sense, look at you. That’s some true backwards-ass thinking right there.

You’re pulling things out of your ass and presenting it like they’re in any way, shape, or form of being anything of substance. Telling me that somehow, I don’t deserve my shots? Somehow I’m the one here who isn’t ready? Or in another one of your twisted narratives, claiming that it was Finnegan Wakefield and Keelan who looked towards me and gave me the pin: Few words for your uneducated ass - only Keelan nodded towards me and yes, he could have gone for the pin himself but he gave it to me, a fact that is undisputed and can’t be changed, and second: Don’t try to talk when you don’t know the full story. Indeed, at Territorial Invasion I got a special opportunity, defended that opportunity against APOCALYPSE only to squander it in the Chamber, but in the end, did it really matter when at Shock Value I battered Keelan to the point where he couldn't lift even his arm off the ground in order to earn my next contendership? How is it possible that you can imply that somehow I disappointed Keelan and Finnegan - who by the wasn’t the one who assured me to take the pin, you can check that fact if you got off your ass and started using your cognitive mental abilities for once in your life - when at the end of the day I still won ANOTHER contendership match? Combine that with a half-assed, lackluster point about me being a pawn in somebody else’s game, a tool of someone else - it’s all just a truly pitiful display from you. I mean, I understand you’ve fought Carlos at least a hundred times by now but did you really have to gain a mind like his? A mind that’s still stuck on that high, above the clouds simply because you stand on the precipice of success when you know damn well in the back of your mind that that glory is simply a star that your arms are too short to reach. Look, I get it - you’re Champion now, you love to suck your own dick and create false and twisted truths about how everything shall be wrapped up, but there comes a time where eventually you have to realize that pettiness, pitiful attempts and attempting to throw me off my mental game aren’t going to be how you take someone like me down, especially someone like me who has not just the pressure of the world mounting on him but also his own pressure to reach towards that glory. But alas…..I’ll give you the time of day. I’m going to shock you by saying that your assumptions about how I respond to losses? It’s so far from the truth, it’s laughable - because when I stepped away from that arena in France, began unstrapping my vest and boots, I didn’t think of how “Jamie O’Hara was the better man.” Nor did I do that just last week when I was strapped to a stretcher, barely conscious from the battle, I didn’t think my head: “Man, this Chris Elite guy won because he was better than me.” No - to admit that your opponent was better than you on that one night is an admittance of complete and utter defeat, which in this journey is something far more dangerous than anything else possible. To admit that is to admit that you’re garbage, that you’re a failure and me? I’m not ready to accept defeat, not just yet, which is why I think you have the wrong idea of what exactly I am up against at the Supershow. Elite didn’t play me - if anything he granted me the greatest possible opportunity and that’s to prove myself to the world by not just beating one man to claim that title, but two. He granted me the most fundamental chance and that is the chance to show the world a Raven who has been starved, broken, and made hollow who has nothing more inside of him except for a fire that wishes to consume all who stand in his way.

But, while I wait, you can go ahead and spin that fairytale of you being the reason why Chris and Jamie have become so successful. Go ahead and keep telling yourself that it was because of you being defeated by him five times, Jamie won that Championship, and that because of you, Chris managed to defeat DEDEDE. Go ahead and tell yourself that this plan of yours is working, that it’s why you’re such a goddamn star. Go ahead and do that, just like the little self- echo chamber you are.

Truly, I love echo chambers like you. You ring your own horn, listening to your own songs and wholely believing that you are right in every situation.

I’m so glad that you will shatter so easily when the truth arrives at your doorstep.

The scene opens with a bunch of kids gathered around in a semi circle. The scene is that of a kids section in the library as a lot of eager kids are sitting in front of an empty stool. Just then an elderly lady walks in and stands in front of the kids as she begins to speak.

Librarian: Hello sweeties, I'm so glad we got so many kids ot here for our weekly reading to encourage youth reading. There must be twenty youngsters here tonight which is so refrweshing to see young people interested in reading and not on their iTablets or smart telephones. I couldn't be happier. I'm also thrilled to announce we have a special guest reading you all a story tonight and here he comes now.

Just then Amari Steele walks in and stands next to the librarian. Some of the kids cheer at the site of The Wiz of Jizz and some just make some noise to join in with the other kids. Amari and the librarian shake hands as Amari looks to the kids with a big smile. He is wearing a casual attire, a pair of nice jeans and the new Amari Steele EAW shirt. His hair is tied up behind him as he speaks to the kids.

Amari: Hey there boys and girls! Who is ready for a story?!

Kids in unison: YEAH!

Amari: Terrific, terrific well I'll go ahead and take my seat.

Amari then goes ahead and pulls out a book. The book is clearly made by Amari Steele as it is crudely drawn and the writing is far from neat. He then looks up to the kids and starts.

Amari: Are we ready? This book is called Amari Steele, The Future Champion Everybody Loves and We're All Lucky To Be Here in His Presence. By Amari Steele with drawings performed by some talented guy I paid to draw them. Names aren't important kids.

Amari then shows all the kids the title as the cover has the very wordy title as well as a picture of Amari Steele with the EAW Championship around his waist. He then turns the book back to him and starts to read.

Amari: This is the story of young Amari Steele. A man who can get decive any man he wanted with only his gaze. It's clear to see Amari is the best. He's going to prove that when he beats all the rest. This week on Overdrive Amari is going to face a young man. A young man who is quite.... confused to say the least. One, Daryl Kinkade belives that the only way I can beat him is if he disallowed me to get in his head? Also a man who openly admitted he isn't not only not a main event level star, but not even a mid level? Boys and girls, Amari Steele is the best in EAW right?

Kids in unison: YEAH!

Kid #1: No, I like Chris Elite.

Amari: I bet you get bad grades in shool, too.

Amari then turns the book and it shows a picture of Amari Steele standing above the roof of EAW Headquarters. The kids are smiling and enjoying the story.

Amari: Honestly, my outlook for my opponent is looking quite bleak. Also, he looks like his face has been melted by an acidic bile. Kids, his face is so gross he thinks he stands a chance. However, reality shows he can't handle the big dance. After this match he's going to be in a hospital again using a bag to store his pee!

The kids then laugh at the word pee becuase well their kids as Amari shows a picture of Daryl Kinkade laid up in a hospital bed with an IV going to him and a large yellow bag beside his bed that the kids just eat up.

Amari: Yeah guys, he's going to eat my fist. You see he thinks he's soooooooooo good. He just he's so amazingly fast, and so incredibly strong, so technically gifted. Though after being in the ring with Amari he'll realize that I have the abilities that not many posses on the EAW Roster. You see, many people look at me and have these misconcesptions about me. The look a my flamboyance and my sexxuality, and ignore the fact that I am DANG GOOD! So as I make him realize he's truly weak and feeble, he's also going to realize he's not even close to being my equal. However kids he's going to come and try everything he has. Though it will all be for not when I kick his weak little...

Librarian: MR. Steele THAT WORD IS A NO-NO

Amari: Yeah yeah, you kids all know where I'm going though.

Amari then turns the book to see a big caricature of Amari kicking Daryl Kinkade square in the bottom as the kids all laugh because, again, they're kids.

Amari: You see Amari Steele he's a master of the ring. So for as quick as Daryl is, I'm quicker. As strong as he is, I'm stronger. And I'm a technical genius. The mental game is just apart of the overall game. There truly is no one better than me. I am truly amazing. People ask who comes close? I say no one. I mean isn't that obviou, even my opponent loves my new EAW shirt. Where you can all tell your parents to get them at EAWshop.com.

Amari then turns the book around to an obviously photoshopped picture of Daryl Kinkade wearing the new Amari Steele shirt.

Amari: It's only a matter of time until that fateful night. I'm sure he will bring his best fight. However, when it's time to shine there is no one better. I get is all the time in all my fan letters. Amari we can't wait to see you standing tall. We just know you're going to beat them all. I'm sorry if this feels like I'm rambling on. From your biggest fan Beyonce.

Amari turns the book one more time to a picture of him enjoying lunch with famous artist Beyonce.

Amari: This match will show that I am the future. No matter what this guys bring, no matter how much spirit, it'll be for no gain. For when this starts it'll go off with out a hitch. So place your bests on the Steeles, I promise it will make you rich. Then we move on to the next show, Where Amari Steele establishes himself no matter who or whats tries an intervention. That Amari Steele is a man who will not stop. No matter what you do, go ahead try calling the cops. You see people are going to realize Amari Steele the king of the stage. After Showdown Amari will be all the rage. When he walks into that ring and takes out Daryl Kinkade.

Amari turns the book one more time as it shows another photo shopped picture of Amari Steele with a crown, cape and sceptor sitting at a throne with every EAW championship known to the company in his possession. Amari then closes the book as the kids cheer and Amari smiles. He gets up and gives the kids some high fives as he walks out of the library and the scene fades.

Women's World Championship match, vs. Cameron Ella Ava vs. Cailin Dillon at PFP X. It was a long climb back up there from the year prior and it was super rewarding to get my PFP moment after all that build at our biggest FPV ever.

Vixens Championship match, vs. HBG vs. Eris LeCava at Triple Threat 2016. I remember pretty vividly being super surprised when it was announced at GR that I was eventually getting my title shot in the main event of Triple Threat. I couldn't believe I was being trusted with something like that, given that I hadn't even been here a year by that time. I had talented opponents who made me work for that eventual win and it was the first time the women got to do something like that. Couldn't have asked for better circumstances for my first title win.

Empress of Elite finals, vs. Madison Kaline on the September 22, 2015 episode of Battleground. Again, something else I was incredibly shocked that I was being trusted with, at the time. I'd been here like two months and kinda got thrown into the deep end of the pool from day one. This match was basically my springboard and I'm always gonna look back on it fondly.

Women's World Championship match, vs. Stephanie Matsuda at Bloodletter 2017. Cloud and I had waited a looooong time for a proper singles match. Having it be for the belt was just icing on the cake. Main eventing Empire's first FPV is a pretty special honor and I'm glad I got to share it with Cloud.

Vixens Championship #1 Contender's match, vs. Cameron Ella Ava on the April 9, 2016 episode of Showdown/Young Lions Cup match, vs. Lucas Johnson at the 2016 Draft Show. I cheated and did a tie for fifth bc I couldn't choose and these were rewarding for different reasons. My rivalry with Cam wasn't something I'd expected to happen at the time (we were both in different feuds that wound up imploding at Reasonable Doubt 2016, y'all remember). Not to mention, our match was the first women's match to main event Showdown in like 8 years? With the YLC, coming fresh off losing at PFP and becoming the first woman to hold it 6 days later was a cool feeling. Only thing that would've made it better was having an opponent that actually stood a chance.

Jon McAdams wrote:: 1. Drastik at Road to Redemption 9? for the Hardcore Title
2. Amadeus on Voltage
3. Solomon Caine in the Interwire Tournament
4. vs Eclipse on Voltage
5. Keelan Cetinich - the second time

You beat me in the IW tourney lol.

1.the glass gauntlet at hog 2015

2. Hell’s warpath #1

3. Hell’s warpath#2

4. Vs Tig Kelley at Dynasty 1/1/2016 for the NE title

5. The Extreme Enigma four way at Pain for pride

Empire Promo #1

(Nicolette is looking at herself in the mirror brushing her hair, she begins to speak)

Oh my god, just look at me, I am perfect, look at my perfect flowing hair, look at my beautiful face, I mean all of these qualities I was born with. I am perfect, perfect in every single aspect of life, my life is just perfect in every way and everything I have done in my life has been perfect. I fully understand however my first month in EAW however has not been so perfect to which you all probably are enjoying. But that is okay you can all have your jollies and poke fun at people who are clearly above you if that is going to make you all feel better about your own pathetic lives then go ahead I guess keep mocking. One thing is for sure and that is that hings are about to change and things are going to change starting this week on Empire. You see I am still getting my feet wet, I am still getting used to the competition that EAW has to offer I may not have a win yet but I have exceeded everyone's exceptions nobody can even deny that I have taken all my opponents to the limit. Of course I learn from my mistakes and I do realize that maybe I did I walk in here with a bit of an ego I mean so what maybe I did. But maybe just maybe I am excited about my future in this company because I don't just plan on winning championships and all that, I plan on becoming the greatest women's wrestler this company has ever seen, and I know EAW has seen a lot of women's wrestlers who have done great things, but that is just the expectations I have for myself. I will accept nothing less than success, and it just so happens that I bleed success, I am made from success, from the very second I was born, I was more successful than most people can be in a life time. Sure I had it lucky I was born into success. Be jealous but those are just the perks of my life. This week on Empire I will face another new girl in EAW just trying to make it, Desirae Skye. Desirae has lost every match in her time here, as have I but that is about to change because there is no way I am going to lose to this idiot. I can see it already Desirae is a born loser, I know that just by her name, you see a lot goes into a name, more than you would think, so for all you expecting parents out there, choose wisely. I have the name of royalty, Desirae has the name of a hostess at Applebees and trust me sweetheart after you are done playing wrestler that is exactly what you are going to be. You will be some stupid little bimbo working on minimum wage. Let's face Desirae you just completely suck at wrestling, I have seen you wrestle and in fact it is an insult to wrestling, to anyone who has ever been a professional wrestler and to everyone who pays money to see it. You have nothing appealing about you, you are not pretty, you have no personality what so ever I mean the fans don't love you and they don't hate you that is a huge problem you don't connect with them at all. You see at least when my music hits the fans boo me, because they hate me they want to see me lose because I get under their skin, they see a pretty woman who is more successful than them, and they just ooze hate, because all the men wish they could be with me, and all the women wish they can be me. All the young boys pleasure themselves to pictures of me, and all the young girls can only wish they can be me when they grow up. You see no matter what gender you are, no matter what age you are. I am the focal point in all their lives. You on the other hand people just want to change the channel when you come on, people go to the bathroom when they see your ugly face, you have no meaning in EAW. You have no meaning in life in general, you are just a bump on a log and you are just there. You just expect things to happen, but that is the way life works sweetheart, well not for you anyway people like you have to work for their share. People like me well I get shit done my own way. I really look forward to facing you this week, because I know for a fact that I will be walking out victorious.

EAW New Breed Championship Match - EAW Awards Show 2014 - Vs Jamie O’Hara
Cash In The Vault Ladder Match - PFP 9 - Vs LC, SK, Tig, Rhaegar, Nick, PW, Rex, and Angelo
EAW Championship Match - TI 2016 - Vs Aren Mstislav
EAW Championship Match - RTR 2016 - Voltage Elimination Chamber
#1 Contenders Match - Voltage - Vs Eclipse Diemos

SHOWDOWN PROMO #1

Well well well, My first match ever in EAW is almost upon us and I'm quite happy about it, why you ask? Well you see I get to smash this guy named Desmond Helms, You might of been here longer than me Desmond but don't let that fool you. I am quite the guy to deal with and when that bell rings at the star of the match Desmond well... Let me just put it this way, You're not walking out of that ring at the end of the match. You see when I'm done with you Desmond the fans wont even recognize you when I'm done with you.

I'm going to enjoy breaking you bit by bit and making you suffer because I'm a guy who enjoys ending peoples careers and also hurting them to where they cant even stand.

You see Desmond you wont be the same guy you walked into arena as you walk out. And I promise you that you wont ever be the same person again. I have been wrestling since 2002, so I have been there and done that, You're just like every other guy that thinks there better than me but they aren't. Once I was done with them they sure as hell aint the same guy that walked into that ring. Yeah I think your a good wrestler and all but your sure as fucking hell aint on the same goddamn level I'm on. and this Saturday on Showdown I'm going to prove it.

Enjoy your days, savor them Desmond, because once I'm done with you You're not walking out of that arena the same man you walked in because I will end you and your chances of coming back to wrestle. Mark my words Desmond, see you this Saturday.

Empire Promo #1

“Illuminate”

(The camera opens to Stephanie “Cloud” Matsuda sitting in her office back in the Brooklyn War Room Dojo. Her body is turned away from the camera as she’s talking on the phone)

“Yeah? What did he say? Good, it means things are moving forward. I was hoping to have his support in this. He and I go way back ya know. I was his valet during my first year on the road. He taught me a lot about this business, and in turn, I helped him rack up a collection of titles. Tell the boys they did well. Also, I want them to look out for his interests. Me? Monica and I got things handled on my end. How are the negotiations coming along? Did you show them how much merch I brought in last year? Hell, I’m starring in a tokusatsu soon. Alright, I trust you sweets. Let me know what they say. Okay, bye.”

(Cloud hangs up and turns the chair around. She closes her eyes, satisfied with the news she just received. Aware she’s being taped, she puts her feet on the table before addressing the EAW Universe.)

“I don’t say much these days. And quite honestly, I don’t care what anyone thinks of it. I’m a busy woman, making moves while changing the game from the inside. I have students to train, a promotion to run, and a future to carve. ‘She’ taught me these things were more important than friendship. Whatever, I have a family to take care of anyways. This week is a breath of fresh air as I’ll be nowhere near Casper the Edgy Ghost. Instead, I’ll be going one-on-one with ‘The Killer Bee.’ The only thing April killed is her career the day she shook hands with Chelsea Crowe and co. I have to say I’m quite shocked she sold out the way she did. April Song is the last person I thought would become somebody’s bitch. Meh, c'est la vie. With the Iconic Cup on the horizon, what better way to prepare for the match then to finish what I started with April back at Pain for Pride X. I didn’t forget my elimination sweets. You and I went tit-for-tat, almost to the point where we were equals. And you know what? We were. I’ll give you that April Song - you and I were potential rivals, giving it our all. It’s no wonder you became Manami’s final student. But here’s the thing…

(Cloud stands up from her desk)

That was then. I’m a different animal than I was back then. You know that Women’s Champion you couldn’t beat? I took her to her absolute limit. And that fearless leader of yours? I made her tap in the middle of the square circle. Heh, I think I can do the same with you April. I feel like I can make you tap in the middle of that ring, cry uncle, and wish you were someone else. You’re not the ruthless soldier you used to be - just another lost soul who doesn’t know dae wae. Hmm...there’s a place for you with my organization if you choose. The same woman polished you and I - me, you, Azumi, and Sakuya are ‘Daughters of Manami,’ a title passed down to women trained by the Goddess of Puroresu herself. There’s still hope for you April Song, another verse in the sonnet that is your life. But if you want to lie with a nest of crows, (shrugs) then it’ll be your undoing. I could illuminate your existence, make you feel alive again. The road to my destiny makes a stop in Brooklyn, and I’ll move on to take what I deserve - The Women’s World Championship. Meanwhile, that cup will be with Monica - where it belongs.

(Cloud walks outside the office. He hands are in her pockets as she strolls outside)

I’ve been in this business too long to lose - especially in my hometown. Syracuse will be the prelude to what happens in Brooklyn. I suggest you prepare yourself April Song. You wouldn’t want history to repeat itself…

(Cloud turns out the lights to the gym)

I’m damn sure not to let you get the best of me again.

Empire Promo #1

“On The Road”

So here we are, on a new road towards Iconic Cup. The latest incarnation of the Vixens Cup or Empire Cup, whatever floats your fancy when it comes to names. I’ve been in every single incarnation of the Cup. I competed in the first ever Vixens Cup, I was in the final four and failed to capture it. Every time I inched closer even when the concept for the cup changed, last year I almost had it in my grasp only to lose it. Everyone talks about how this is one free opportunity for a title shot, you can go against the Women’s champ or the Specialist Champ at their weakest point and take advantage for one big moment. Last year saw Cameron Ella Ava beat Caillin Dillon to become Women’s Champ, take the title to Pain For Pride and all that jazz. The year before saw Sheridan cash in on current EAW champ, HBG for the old Vixens Title. This Cup can be used as a platform to get to the top, a shot to reach the mountaintop for me.

7 other people. Everyone here has some reason to be wanting to win this, whether it because of the opportunity it provides or it’s just to provide a tribute to Brody.

Here I stand though, out of everyone… my goal might just be the clearest out of everyone. It’s to rise back up the ranks by winning the Cup. It’s pretty simple to be honest, no big picture in mind or anything like that. Everything right now, everything that will happen in the next coming weeks on Empire. It’s all been a ride, the ladder match, the match with Haruna, everything has been an up and down road but here I am, still on my path towards The Iconic Cup. People are right, I haven’t taken my opportunities, I haven’t been able to break through the chains and get to the stop, people have expected. Who knows, maybe Iconic Cup is the place that we will see a breakout by someone? Who knows, to be honest. We could see a Hall Of Famer like Tarah use this to get back to the top after being away from the title scene. Cloud could use this as a way to return back to the top as well. Or you could have anyone else use it to make a breakthrough to the top. I have to even face two of those people and team up with another. I’m not sure how many people know the history I’ve had with Revy, we had a small alliance at Road To Redemption inside the chamber which soon became a rivalry. We’ve been on the opposite side of matches and now we’re teaming up. I don’t expect Revy to get along with me at all, that’s just something about her. She’s not known for working well with others and I guess our opponents will probably know that better than anyone.

Revy isn’t one who might cooperate, and well I can understand that. But who knows, you could say the same for our opponents, Andrea Valentine and Daisy Trash. An up and comer that’s gotten the Aria Seal of Approval and a rebel. So much talent on the other side but who knows, if I remember back at Bloodletter, these two were at each other’s throat in a No DQ match. Maybe a small comprise will be there for when you two enter the ring to face Revy and I this Thursday. I don’t know about my partner but this Iconic Cup means everything to someone like me. To be honest with all of you three and even to the rest of competitors, Azumi Goto is willing to die in this ring if it means to get the Iconic Cup.

That’s how much all this means to me, the chance to be at the top, the chance to be standing on top of the mountain with another title opportunity. As time has passed this season, I’ve grown into someone who is desperate. Proof of that was Manifest Destiny, I threw away my briefcase for an unsuccessful title shot. Just a string of Victories that were close but I couldn’t take that one last leap to get the title. Nothing means more than that one more shot at gold. Not any billboards, not any kind of Merch, I just want one more shot at that one that has eluded my entire career in EAW, a championship to claim as my own.

The drive to get that title will be shown every time, be it at a random Tag matches, singles match or whatever else. I'm going to pursue that one thing missing right now, a title belt.

If I look at my 2 years plus journey of mine or even my career altogether at once, you will see a rise, a fall from grace, a climb back to the top but every time I've climbed back up, I'll be pushed back down but I guess as the main character of my own story, the journey will continue to be long and treacherous but I will still stand. That's my message for Andrea, Daisy and everyone else in the Iconic Cup. I will continue to rise, climb back to the top and claim what will be mine.

Think of the Iconic Cup as one step in the Journey of "Break Heart" Azumi Goto.

EAW Championship

Heart Break Gal (c) vs Drake Jaeger

Openweight Championship

Cameron Ella Ava (c) vs Keelan Cetinich

Unified Tag Team Championships

The High Rollerz (David Davidson & Jack Ripley) (c) vs Di Consentes (Heart Break Gal & Cameron Ella Ava)

Hell In A Cell

Theron Nikolas vs Ares Vendetta

#1 Contenders Match for the EAW Championship

Diamond Cage vs Devan Dubian

Singles Match

Special Guest Referee: Brian Daniels

Tiberius Jones vs Rex McAllister

National Elite Championship

Nobi (c) vs Jacob Moore vs Charlie Marr

EAW Championship

Heart Break Gal (c) vs Drake Jaeger

Openweight Championship

Cameron Ella Ava (c) vs Keelan Cetinich

Unified Tag Team Championships

The High Rollerz (David Davidson & Jack Ripley) (c) vs Di Consentes (Heart Break Gal & Cameron Ella Ava)

Hell In A Cell

Theron Nikolas vs Ares Vendetta

#1 Contenders Match for the EAW Championship

Diamond Cage vs Devan Dubian

Singles Match

Special Guest Referee: Brian Daniels

Tiberius Jones vs Rex McAllister

~~National Elite Championship~~

~~Nobi (c) vs Jacob Moore vs Charlie Marr~~

VOLTAGE PROMO #1

You’re wrong, Chris.

I’m not mad.

I get it that your tirade was an attempt to get at me, to make me feel an emotion of anger, of rage, of hatred and disdain towards you…..but I’m not. I don’t hate you, Chris. I don’t hate you for any reason, not because you beat me once before, not because of something you did to me in the past that caused me lash out towards you after King of Elite. Not even when you hit me with a Superkick to cost our team the match a couple weeks back on Voltage - I’m not angry with you. You’ve given me so many reasons to hate you, to tear you down bit by bit, inch by inch, piece by piece before you are reverted to nothing but rubble but to be quite frank….why be mad? Why be mad at someone who resorts to using nothing but baseless insults to make himself feel good? Why bother spending my time gritting my teeth or clenching my fist every time you call me “Lars Queer,” “bozo,” or whatever other nickname you may give me? It’s all so….petty, to be honest with you Chris. Whenever I walk around this place, each and every day I wake up to go to the arenas, into the locker rooms, and I can smell it. It reeks of a putrid, rancid, disgusting smell every time I look around at the faces surrounding me. Pettiness. Insignificance. I’ve never thought of it that way - most of us are normally and usually blind to the what truly goes on but if the past thirteen months for me have been a telling sign, is that despite being fully-grown adults, most of us still seem to act like we’re still going through fucking puberty. Battles and duels over status, recognition, and when one’s ego is bruised it only pushes that individual to fight even more and push this incessant whining and fighting that should have never have happened in the first place. However, I can’t be too harsh on that reality. It’s the truth that there is pettiness within all of us, even me, but you, Chris? You? You’re the definition, the living epitome of a man so driven by thin straws and pettiness. The moment someone even attempts to try and insult the oh so mighty, great and highly “Big Bhris”, you set out on a witch hunt all in an attempt to try and seem like the bigger, much more superior man in the end. If you do succeed, then that’s the worst part - because you never shut up. But I have to admit: I’m not exempt from any of this either. I’m petty too. There are times when it’s that jealousy and feeling of being lesser to someone else that pushes a man to do things that are despicable, akin to the actions of a bottom-feeding rat; and that’s exactly what happened on that Voltage, where you faced Jamie O’Hara in a match that left us with so many questions and yet so many unanswered questions. You may very well have been able to defeat O’Hara on that night in what would have been one of the greatest shocks of the entire year, even more so than your win against Ryan Adams - but we’ll never know now, now won’t we? All courtesy of yours truly. I’ll confess to you, Chris, because truly, I’m not mad - I’m not pissed with you, I’m not looking to spark a rivalry…..because all this? All of this began because of my actions, my jealousy and the time and place where my mind was trapped in this fiery, hellish haze that wanted to destroy. Demolish. Kill. After King of Elite I was left even more broken than I thought I would, as I laid on the mat with my jaw nearly shattered and my vision blurred, and all I could feel was nothing more than a fire. Disappointment. Contempt for myself. In that moment, I wanted nothing more than to be left alone, to fly away from the insanity and the shame of having to show your face just after you failed in the biggest night of your career. And for those next few weeks, that’s who I was: A man ashamed of himself, feeling nothing but a rage that wanted to vent and let out all of that bottled up anger because there truly was no other way to cope than to make others felt what I felt. But in the end, it never truly ended up the same. I cost you that match because as I looked at you I couldn’t STAND the sight of a man who took a front row seat to what was supposed to be the greatest moment of my life, a man who has been associated with the word failure more than any other word in the history of the English language, who only out of once in a blue fucking moon managed to turn his fortunes around in the most shocking match in EAW history. In that moment, all I could feel was a hatred towards you. A jealousy. PETTINESS. I was trapped in a haze that blinded me from being my true self, from thinking clearly….but then, as I sat in my own bed, my eyes closed gazing up towards the night sky….I remembered. I remembered why I was here. I remembered who I am. I remembered The Raven. The creature that was born from the ashes of my failure as the Manifestation of Destruction, a creature that was built within me in order to solve what I had always failed to grasp: Evolution. Evolve. Adapt. Survive. I remembered what my promise to myself - a promise that I intend to keep, and that’s to ascend to the heights that nobody ever thought I would reach, and become what I’ve strived to be since the day I was born on this fucking earth.

So no, Chris, I’m not mad.

Nor will I be mad after Sunday night.

Why be so rageful over watching a paper man crumble?

Oh, and how you will crumble, and fall to those depths you strived to hard to escape from. And indeed - you are a paper man. That’s why you throw baseless claims and petty insults towards anyone you know you don’t have any material against. But you see...I know the game you’re trying to play here. Simple-minded, really. A weak attempt to get inside my head, attempting to irk my skin or rattle me in any form, but this kind of chicanery is something I’ve grown so accustomed to that it becomes numb for me. Trust me, Chris - your words aren’t as sharp as diamonds, they’re barely even sharp enough to cut a piece of paper in half. As a matter of fact, you’re a classic example of the well-known individual known as a “Troll.” A man who knows he doesn’t have anything substantial or of any bearings against his opposition, and so he attempts to get a reaction out of them by mocking them for even the most simplest of things such as their appearance, the abilities, all for the sake of making the other person mad. And sure, maybe that works against third-wave feminists and your mom’s friends - but childish insults won’t get you anywhere far except a career six feet underneath the ground. I think that’s the most hilarious part about all of this - how drastic the comparisons are between your ego and your actual career. On one side of the coin is a career that barely hangs onto a flimsy floor, desperately clinging onto anything it can wrap its arms around, and on the other is the ego which floats above, even higher than the tallest skyscrapers of the world, above the clear visage of the clouds - an ego that has only multiplied with Road to Redemption. The moment you beat DEDEDE, the masses praised you, the men and women who have adored you from the beginning falling to their knees and proclaiming you as their god, and you should feel like that, right? Everyday, you look into that mirror and smile, knowing you earned yourself the golden ticket after a lifetime of nothing but failure, regression, and misdirection. Everyday, you wake up with legions of fans and the entire world laying their eyes upon you, when they should see the truth and that is you are a man, who when left with no options, resorts to baseless claims and insults to feel any semblance of superiority over another, and whose entire career has been made because of one, fateful night. Imagine, having based your entire career, your entire life leaning onto the pillar of a one-night success. One night where you managed to shock the entire world, proving everyone wrong to turn you into the star you had always dreamed of becoming. I wonder: Does the euphoria fade? The ecstasy? The joy? The happiness of being the man to defeat DEDEDE under the right conditions at the right moment in the right place in time? Does it go away? Clearly not seeing as you’re still so, so high on that victory, high up in the clouds that you are unable to see the floor breaking apart below you. An optimist who is staring up so high towards the clouds that when he slips and falls, he can’t save himself. You focus so much on the possibility, the precipice and the dreams of you going on to face O’Hara one final time to secure the deal and become the World Heavyweight Champion. Stuck in that trance, that lucid dreaming state. You run towards the end of the tunnel, blinded and focusing so much on what lies at the end that the moment someone like me stands in your way you fall flat on your face - the place where you are at your most vulnerable. The worst thing that could happen this week is that if you do beat me, I’ll never hear the end of it escaping from your tongue. It seems that for every victory you obtain, you treat it as some monumental success and then with every failure you brush it off as nothing more than a black spot; a crease that can be easily ironed out in due time. Every time you’ve suffered a setback, you brush it off and act as if nothing happened, and that’s what prevents you from ever truly becoming who you dream of, Chris. You act as if you’re failures don’t mean shit, persisting and fighting without ever truly giving a care or thought in the world about what made you lose, which is the most telling sign of all, and why it took you eight years to finally be recognized as somebody of worth. It’s why it took you so fucking long - because you never realized. All this talk of defeating me, of beating me so badly that I’d become traumatic from the experience and have terrible memories - nothing more than the thoughts of a man who holds in his hands, the keys to the kingdom without ever fully realizing his true potential. Each and every time you barge into those doors, with your bravado and braggadocious claims, and each and every time you are proven wrong, so really, I don’t see what makes us any different in this situation, Chris. I don’t see why you’re so confident of victory on Voltage, when you’ve barely even begun to realize that the gravity of the situation extends beyond pettiness, childish insults, trends, or any of that shit you made, because on Voltage? You will be walking into a match against a Lars Grier who has been burnt from the fires of his failure, has been welded, moulded, and shaped by it, and who is ready to show that when put to the test? You become nothing more than a hollow man, with hollow words - a man, who when truly has his words tested, crumbles under the weight that the world mounts upon him.

The thing is though - I’m not like everybody else. I’m not who you think I am. You aren’t a failure - if you were then you wouldn’t be where you are on Voltage, and if I focused on those eight years then I’d be dragging myself down to your level and that’s not something I desire. And your win over Ryan Adams speaks volumes about your heart, tenacity, and drive in that ring to succeed even when all the odds are placed against you. Those are two things that we can’t dispute, that I can’t take away from you, Chris.

But what I can take away from you?

This opportunity. This chance to finally be able to do it - ripped away by my talons.

All for the glory of me and my castle, so I may look up and stare at the kingdom at the peak of the mountain once more.

Raven Eternal, bitch.

EAW Championship

Heart Break Gal (c) vs Drake Jaeger

(As much as she's a meanie to me, I still want to look at her as the world champion. -no, no I hate her. please defeat her lmao-)

Openweight Championship

Cameron Ella Ava (c) vs Keelan Cetinich

(Good luck you two! I am going defeat both of your alt soon)

Unified Tag Team Championships

The High Rollerz (David Davidson & Jack Ripley) (c) vs Di Consentes (Heart Break Gal & Cameron Ella Ava)

(I love you, fams! But you're going down this time)

Hell In A Cell

Theron Nikolas vs Ares Vendetta

(Theron will be dead, just like the others)

#1 Contenders Match for the EAW Championship

Diamond Cage vs Devan Dubian

(A 49-51 chance as I lean a bit towards Dub)

Singles Match

Special Guest Referee: Brian Daniels

Tiberius Jones vs Rex McAllister

(He can't lose his return match after two months of not promoing)

National Elite Championship

Nobi (c) vs Jacob Moore vs Charlie Marr

(Charlie has been amazing as of late. but, I want Nobi to prove this prediction wrong)

EAW Championship

Heart Break Gal (c) vs Drake Jaeger

Openweight Championship

Cameron Ella Ava (c) vs Keelan

Unified Tag Team Championships

The High Rollerz (Jack Ripley and David Davidson) (c) vs. Di Consentes (Heart Break Gal and Cameron Ella Ava)

Hell in a Cell

Theron Nikolas vs. Ares Vendetta

#1 Contenders Match for the EAW Championship

Diamond Cage vs. Devan Dubian

Singles Match

Special Guest Referee: Brian Daniels

Tiberius Jones vs. Rex McAllister

National Elite Championship

Nobi (c) vs. Jacob Moore vs. Charlie Marr

EAW Championship

Heart Break Gal (c) vs Drake Jaeger

Openweight Championship

Cameron Ella Ava (c) vs Keelan Cetinich

Unified Tag Team Championships

The High Rollerz (David Davidson & Jack Ripley) (c) vs Di Consentes (Heart Break Gal & Cameron Ella Ava)

Hell In A Cell

Theron Nikolas vs Ares Vendetta

#1 Contenders Match for the EAW Championship

Diamond Cage vs Devan Dubian

Singles Match

Special Guest Referee: Brian Daniels

Tiberius Jones vs Rex McAllister

National Elite Championship

Nobi (c) vs Jacob Moore vs Charlie Marr

EAW Championship

Heart Break Gal (c) vs Drake Jaeger
(I don't see HBG dropping the title yet.)

Openweight Championship

~~Cameron Ella Ava (c) vs Keelan Cetinich~~
(Good luck, Keelan!!)

Unified Tag Team Championships

~~The High Rollerz (David Davidson & Jack Ripley) (c) vs Di Consentes (Heart Break Gal & Cameron Ella Ava)~~
(Good luck, Rollerz!!)

Hell In A Cell

Theron Nikolas vs Ares Vendetta
(Anyone that faces Ares dies.)

[u]#1 Contenders Match for the EAW Championship[/u]

Diamond Cage vs Devan Dubian
(DC/HBG would be pretty lit. Dub/HBG would be lit too!)

Singles Match

Special Guest Referee: Brian Daniels

Tiberius Jones vs Rex McAllister
(With Brian and Tiberius at odds with each other, I wouldn't be shocked to see Rex take the victory. I feel like there will be nothing for him if he loses.)

National Elite Championship

Nobi (c) vs Jacob Moore vs Charlie Marr
(All three competitors are fantastic and deserving of the title. I think Nobi might take this victory and Jacob or Charlie will get the win in the future.)

EAW Championship

Heart Break Gal (c) vs Drake Jaeger

Openweight Championship

Cameron Ella Ava (c) vs Keelan Cetinich

Unified Tag Team Championships

The High Rollerz (David Davidson & Jack Ripley) (c) vs Di Consentes (Heart Break Gal & Cameron Ella Ava)

Hell In A Cell

Theron Nikolas vs Ares Vendetta

#1 Contenders Match for the EAW Championship

Diamond Cage vs Devan Dubian

Singles Match

Special Guest Referee: Brian Daniels

Tiberius Jones vs Rex McAllister

National Elite Championship

Nobi (c) vs Jacob Moore vs Charlie Marr

EAW Championship

Heart Break Gal (c) vs Drake Jaeger

~~Openweight Championship~~

~~Cameron Ella Ava (c) vs Keelan Cetinich~~

(GOOD LUCK, CAM!!!!!!)

Unified Tag Team Championships

The High Rollerz (David Davidson & Jack Ripley) (c) vs Di Consentes (Heart Break Gal & Cameron Ella Ava)

Hell In A Cell

Theron Nikolas vs Ares Vendetta

#1 Contenders Match for the EAW Championship

Diamond Cage vs Devan Dubian

Singles Match

Special Guest Referee: Brian Daniels

Tiberius Jones vs Rex McAllister

National Elite Championship

Nobi (c) vs Jacob Moore vs Charlie Marr