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Alright, I put a lot of thought into this and I had to make some decisions as how I wanted to do it. I decided to go with the members who are currently active as I haven't been around long enough to know certain names and had to make really picky decisions as to how I was picking the members of the roster. I decided to take out people who are not currently active members and serve part-timer schedules for the most part so I would have a flowing core roster and decided one character per person. So if I picked Finnegan for this roster, I wouldn't be able to pick Sydney also. Makes sense? Hopefully. If you didn't make this roster, sorry.

I also went into this with the idea that all the brands of EAW were abolished and I was to build a roster from scratch, meaning there are women on this roster and tag teams but the titles would still freelance about the other brands.

I am tired so lets FUCKING DO THIS!

EAW IGNITION

General Manager: Kenny Drake.
So I had to take my pick of General Managers essentially from the list of Hall of Famers or various staff members listed for EAW and I had a hard time narrowing it down to one. My first pick would have been DEDEDE, but I did this assuming he was still the Chairman & CEO of EAW altogether. I decided upon Kenny Drake as he is just that likeable of a guy OOC and would translate that on-screen. I am kind of numb to heel general managers in 2018.

Commentary Team: Stew-O & Drake Jaeger
Mix and matching members of both the Showdown and Dynasty commentary team is kind of asking for trouble for me. Picking between Stew and Peire was a tough pick but I went with Stew-O simply because of the bias I have written for him a lot more than I have Piere and he can serve as the serious play by play commentator. Drake Jaeger is just fucking entertaining. I don't need any other reason really, do I?

Interviewer: Cassidy Vega
Ring Announcer: Rebecca Sawyer
Don't really have a reason for these two tbh. Coin flip.

I have taken the assumption that all the brands have been demolished quite literally, including Empire. Meaning women and men share a brand once again. With that, My roster selection will consist of 15 males and 10 females. Okay? Okay.

MALES:
1. Finnegan Wakefield
But of course I would select myself for a brand I would make, who can I trust better to work for me than me? Can work a solid babyface mid-card role against anyone because, although the character isn't flashy or colorful, he is adaptable to storylines. He is the working class wrestler, the star on the rise in for the long haul. Essentially, would be getting that Pizza Boy angle. Enough stroking my own dick, moving on.

2. Jamie O'Hara
Every brand needs that guy who can transcend face and heel in the main event role without displaying any different characteristics. You need your Randy Ortons, your AJ Styles, your Stone Colds and for me, Jamie is that kind of guy. Allegiance to one side determined by what he wants and what lengths he will go to get it. If I wanted a tyrant heel, he's the guy. If I need a kingslayer, he's the guy. Plus, I imagine drafting him would grant access to his GFX making skills, and if that's the case I have called dibs.

3. Scott Oasis
If you don't have a Goliath for your metaphorical Davids to slay, then your brand is shit IMO. You need that guy who is just so physically imposing, someone who could cut an intimidating figure and stand on top of your brand like Shao Kahn in Mortal Kombat. For me, Oasis is the best fit for that role.

4. Nasir Moore (Escobar)
Speaking of, here is my metaphorical David of choice. Someone who is always fingertips away from the crown but for one reason or another just can't grasp it. The main event underdog, the Daniel Bryan of my brand who becomes more captivating the more he gets knocked down and gets back up.

5. David Davidson & Jack Ripley
I am lumping these two together because I am convinced they are the same person. Fight me if you disagree. An incredibly entertaining duo who write hilarious promos and can have just as hilarious segments yet still be the most dominating tandem in EAW. Be foolish not to scoop those guys up TBH.

6. Diamond Cage
The game changer, the agent of chaos for the entire brand. Someone who is willing to go to extreme lengths just to fulfil whatever sick desire he has to his hearts contempt and at the expense of anyone in his way. Bringing pure carnage to the brand and his games of violence with him. Gives me excuses to write deathmatches also, which is a nice plus.

7. Keelan (Cetinich)
Keelan serves a pretty cool purpose on Voltage, and a purpose I would want if I had to start a brand from square one. The guy who can have captivating matches away from the main event and essentially be the brands gatekeeper (similar to Hirooki Goto in NJPW) where if you want to be next in line, you have to go through him and prove your worth. Match writing capabilities is also a plus.

8. El Ironico
Over Nico Borg? I have to be mad. But the character just lends itself to a lot of fun. The best segments of Voltage this year have been done with El Ironico (in my opinion) and that's because the character is just so out-there and fun that you can't boo him even if you tried. A solid mid-card talent and character overall for segments. Plus if he writes his own, even more reason to have him on board. Plus, more We Are The Bollocks (aka the only reason people like me.)

9. Jon McAdams
Probably the best guy I have promo'd against in 2017 (back and forth and consistency majorily) and a guy who SHOULD be mid-card champion sooner rather than later. A necessary heel character for that scene and could have some really cool matches with guys in the upper echelon when it calls for it (imagine a DC vs McAdams deathmatch...yeah, that's the good stuff.)

10. Theron Nikolas
May as well take all the Aussies, shouldn't I? Could be a more sneaky-cheaty heel when it comes towards the World Heavyweight Championship. Being deprived of the EAW one has caused him to go to desperate measures to obtain it, and even more so to retain it. That would be a fun angle to write. Plus match writing access from Xav, who writes some quality stuff.

11. Nathan Fiora
Another heel for the mid-card, a little more arrogant than McAdams but could lend himself to some funny and impactful Miz-esque segments if booked that way. Champion? I dunno, but could essentially be the mid-card gatekeeper if he commits himself to the role.

12. Darkane
The brands dark horse that could contend for either the mid-card or world title with very little reason, he's on that line as we speak. A guy who could be put into the Extreme Elimination Chamber and be the dark horse to win, or be a much stronger threat to whoever the mid-card champion is at the time. World of possibilities with this guy. Plus more deathmatches for you craving hyenas that like that sort of thing.

13, 14 & 15. Maddox Ayres, Charlie Marr and Daryl Kinkade
The next three people will meet the "new breed" criteria as they would be the guys starting at square one and moving up from there. And not going to lie, these were the 3 guys I liked most coming out of NEO. The sole reason they are here. Lumped them together because I couldn't find any other reasons. They are the Young Lions moving up.

FEMALES:
1. Aria Jaxon
Who else but the person who is the face of EAW's current womens division, right? Aria is undeniably one of the most committed and consistent members of the current division and would serve a great purpose as the brands #1 babyface in the field. An established champion also.

2. Cloud Matsuda
You need some rivals to the #1 of the brand, to me Matsuda is one of them. Especially with how their recent match went from friendly to heated real quick, Matsuda could be the #1 Heel to Aria and be the iron fist that knocks people in line in her conquest to take the belt off her. Match writing privileges also taken with her.

3. Tarah Nova
Why have the angle be one on one, yeah? Why not add that third, volatile element to the mix. With Aria being the chaotic good rebel, and Matsuda being the Lawful Evil Dominator, add that extra spice to the storylines with a chaotic neutral free spirit... if that free spirit wanted to hit you in the face with a barbwire bat. Plus, GFX privileges, also nice.

4 & 5: Zakkii and Azumi Goto
I am sure these two love being lumped together as much as they do, but no, I wouldn't book them to be a tag team. I have lumped them together for the same reason I would bring them to the brand. They are the stars on the rise on Empire, the tenure and the work rate to back up claims to winning the belt.

6 & 7. Heart Break Gal and Cameron Ella Ava
I am not sure how this will be received; taking someone from the facing men spot and shifting them back to the women, but I like the purpose I could use HBG for as the star-maker of the womens division, yet another gatekeeper. Doesn't have to be the champion to have stellar performances and make stars out of her opponents. Cameron could also serve the same purpose but could be the rival or ally to HBG that would have such a good dynamic with the right booking. Everyone needs that one rival that brings out the best or the worst of them, A Shawn Michaels to their Triple H, an Eddie Guererro to their Chris Beniots. Maybe a little less murder involved tho. Plus their tag team run would be a very strong presence.

8 & 9. Chelsea Crowe and Jael Arcana-Rosario
Lumping more people together as I get sleepier and sleepier and just wanting to go to bed. I like Ryan Marx as a character, don't get me wrong, but Chelsea Crowe to me is just that little bit nicer. Add Jael to the mix and we have a tandem that could take over the division if they really wanted to. And they do.

10. Savannah Sunshine
Last but not least we need a go-the-distance member of the division and although Chelsea and Jael can also be considered that, they aren't doing it alone, they are the people no one WANTS to see go that distance. Savannah on the other hand is.


EAW World Heavyweight Champion: Jamie O'Hara
Don't need to fix something that isn't broken.

EAW National Elite Champion: Finnegan Wakefield
Trying to be absolutely unbiased here (call bullshit if you will) but I like the idea of someone who has to face tougher and tougher opposition to remain champion, flashy challengers, crueller challengers, challenges that have every right to beat him and still somehow finds a way to persevere and win. Finnegan is that guy, and that is who I would want to be in that position. I also love the National Elite Championship name, holy shit.

EAW Tag Team Champions: The High Rollers (David Davidson & Jack Ripley)
Again, don't need to fix something that isn't broken. I am assuming the belt will still freelance the other brands, so it only makes sense I don't claim these ones.

EAW Womens Champion: Stephanie Matsuda
Stephanie Matsuda would be the champion. Aria Jaxon being champion is all fine and dandy but I would need something to spark that Matsuda x Jaxon x Nova feud. Her being champion would do the trick.

The sound of cameras flickering as James is seen poking a plate of sushi, finely sliced and created for the eyes, appealing and yet meant to be eaten. Yet James Ranger sits there, staring at the meal as he sneers in disgust. 

Reporter #1: James Ranger, your words last week regarding making and hitting your biggest stride since graduating NEO ahead of your group. Any comments, maybe explain it for us at home.

James (looking away from the plate of sushi): I made it into this company with the absolutely clear message that i will be accelerating my career to new heights. This is obviously meant to showcase those in ring skills to you on a weekly basis. A set of skills that are mean to be featured at a premium, but i feel should be given to you free at much higher quality seen. So when i stroke my ego it is only meant to push myself against the likes of those on the rosters that feel they have already broken the glass ceiling before, taken the brass ring and demanded others kiss said ring.

Reporter #2: Mister Ranger, while you were seen in the eyes of the assistant manager as a prospect for greater things-

James holds his hand up abruptly, smiling. He then points at the plate of the sushi for camera to focus on once more.

James: This...if i may interrupt...is the highlight of this week's contest. Fish. Let's be frank,  i like nothing better than to skip this delicacy, but i am expected to perform against Shark Man...so i thought a bit of training of the mental kind would be needed.

He gets up from the table, the cameras flashing as he grabs the plate and promptly chucks it into a nearby trashcan. A few audible groans could be heard as James looks out towards the journalists.

James: I hope you realize that i have to accept that many people will want to test my patience, my resolve in my attempt to face those who claim superiority, either by time or just plain effort. Shark Man is no different. Many have faced him and disregarded him as i just did that sushi. But you will simply see at Voltage, that Shark Man is a man of few words. I can respect that, i am a man not of few words, but actions. I intend to demonstrate that this weekend. Goodnight.

James proceeds to walk towards the exit, pushing open the door as the cameras slowly stop clicking of his departure.

Here is the full card for Reasonable Doubt:

 
 
Not only am I climbing the ladder to reach my first championship in EAW but climbing that one big road towards the top. So this whole Ladder match really seems like the real life of my time in this company. Each rung on the leader being a stage whether it be Shinsei Domei, Arrogance Personified, Ms. Control In The Vault, or even just as The Ace. Through everything I’ve had to deal with, all the setbacks, all the stop-and-start runs, all the failures, through every single one of them I’m right here. I'm still climbing the ladder regardless of how broken down or however far I've fallen. I was in this kind of situation back around Manifest Destiny; I had the Women’s Title right in my grasp until it was ripped away by Aria Jaxon, then once again at Road To Redemption, it was taken by the same woman. And then kind of like a ladder match situation, I fell, I crashed down with nothing going for me, fortunately, you can’t break the Unbreakable. People and fate have tried but all have failed, I’m still standing here regardless of how the damn situation has been. I’ve fought through everything and yet I’ve stood up. I showed that to people like Revy to Aria to anyone else who needed to know and I guess you can say that one more name will possibly be added that being the new Specialist Champion, Megan Raine.
 
If I was anyone else, I probably would have made jokes about your relation with DEDEDE or anything else for that matters but this really isn’t the time for that. Maybe in a normal non-title situation, sure but this a big-time title match for Empire. Everything on the line with a title quite literally hanging in the balance, I’m sure that you must be quite busy with having your lovely relation with DEDEDE, maybe with your countless other projects or maybe just hoping to dear god that Consuela doesn’t kill you or whatever. Predictions are coming in from people and they see losing, I can see why they think that but the greats are formed from being overlooked by others and told that they can’t get the big one or crap like that.
 
 
And yeah, in people’s mind I’m just really a filler defense until Consuela gets her rightful title shot whenever that is set to happen. Just someone that when you look at the odds of winning or losing, the scale more points towards losing the match but who knows… maybe the odds are in reverse. Maybe the facts that unlike Consuela, I might be actually take you seriously right now. Not because of the fact that I consider you competent as a wrestler but because you hold something I really want, that of course being the Specialist Title around your waist. Something I’ve been chasing since I’ve got here and it’s finally come down to this moment.
 
There’s something about walking into a match with the odds being against you and yet you still want to fight and prevail over everything and everyone. This is going to be one of those nights, where everyone has their eyes set on you retaining. But Megan, you just won’t be able to win because like I told Revy last week, that I have nothing to lose but everything to gain. My first ever title win in EAW is on the line and I’m sure as hell won’t give up for this match. Because I somehow if I do lose, then I’m right where I was before all of this. At the bottom, back competing against the same people I beat to get to this spot. Even with whatever odds and whatever the situation, I’m still claiming the title as my own. Megan, credit goes to you for being not bitching about the whole two week defense rule. I actually thought you probably would have had something against the concept of that rule coming back but no, considering you took your chances and made use of your opportunities.
 
Beating Sydney first at Bloodletter for your number 1 contendership then followed up by beating Consuela at King Of Elite. So unlike the dumbasses we have around Empire, we all know that this you and your snuggle-whatever-he-is have a relationship and what not but I personally don’t need to care about that. I just need to worry about you and this EAW Specialist Title match. I’m busting through the golden castle’s front gate, I’m claiming what’s mine and becoming EAW Specialist Champion.  No more Revy, no more Sheridan, no more Savannah! Only the site of someone I have to beat and someone who’s stopping me from becoming a champion.  I’ve fought my way through Empire, I went through the worst kinds of crap before I got this match. A blonde who has already been named deciding to try and get some heat by making me and Haruna seem like we were some resurrection of an evil group, a drunken idiot and her apparent best friend costed me a shot at getting a title match for Bloodletter. Meanwhile your case, you got dumped by Keelan, got absolutely murdered by Madison, and then left, only to come back. It seems like you left and did a lot during your time. I mean you seem like someone who could be more successful outside of wrestling then inside.
 
With time, comes evolution and change. And as time has progressed, I’ve definitely changed. I’m not willing to pander to fans like some people but in return, I’m not willing now become an arrogant bitch. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a self-centered woman. Even if I was forced to, I can’t care for anyone else while in the ring but I’m also more focused than anything else. It’s been since Road to Redemption that I’ve had the shot at becoming a champion and I guess now is a better time than any. Now might be the shot I have of claiming the throne that’s been kept away from me for two years.
 

So get comfortable with your title, because come this Thursday I’m ripping it away right from your grasp and right in front of you, Megan.

I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. There’s something about the repeating of false promises that irks me. Most resolutions don’t come true - just lies we tell ourselves in hope of a better and brighter future. The future is what we make of it Andrea; you were a woman who left Empire to escape a past of failure. Oddly enough, I share that sentiment. I wanted to run away and hide when I lost at Bloodletter. I could barely look anybody in the eye, let alone face the world as a whole. But, instead of feeling sorry for myself I pondered my next move. I refuse to let the likes of Aria bask in the spotlight without getting a piece of the action. And I sure as hell refuse to let someone like even entertain the idea that you can beat me. It’s none of my concern whether or not you’re destined to climb from the bottom, but there’s no way in hell you’re ready for the likes of me. I’m the goddamn War Queen. I went toe to toe with the champion herself. I retired a wrestling goddess and one of the greatest wrestlers to exist in EAW. I make men twice my size nervous. You’re just a reminder of how things used to be - models cosplaying as warriors. ‘Vixens’ who would travel between the three shows, filling in the dark and opening match slots, just hoping the brass would make us the next HBG or Cam. It may seem like we’ve come a long way, but we’ve only been given a fraction of what we deserve. It’s up to us to seize it for ourselves - it’s up to me to protect my legacy. 

You and I had a similar 2017 - ups and downs that allowed us to explore ourselves and see why we want to be here. What is it that motivates you Andrea? Why are you here at Empire? You seem to know everything there is about me...but what about you? Oh, that’s right, there’s nothing to tell. Just another run-of-the-mill origin story about a basic bitch. I’ve already made impact sweets - I don’t need to make one with you. As for this so-called attitude of mine? There’s nothing new about it - it’s called character. It’s too bad you don’t have any. You talk about me stabbing my friends in the back, but what I did was send them a message. I was willing to support them during their journeys as champ and general manager respectively, but they wanted to add me to the Aria Jaxon chow line to be fed to The Queen herself. Call this confidence or arrogance, but I refuse to be treated as someone else’s sustenance. It’s about time I had my seat at the table. 

You talk about getting better, but sweets, where are you getting better? Have your skills improved? Did your 2K OVR go up a couple of points? If not, then get that weak sauce out of here. Beating a mediocre talent and a fired hack is not an accomplishment you want to throw around. I don’t care whether you’re scared or not - a loss is a loss, sweets. You will fall by the sword just like anyone else who thought they could pull one over me. But eh, I get it - you’re a young, beautiful, starry-eyed piece of ass. I used to chase after girls like you during my rookie year here in EAW.

(sighs)

But, alas. If I did have a resolution it would be to show tramps like you their place on the Empire food chain. The brass may be promoting you as the white Aria, but you can’t hold a candle to what she can do; therefore, you can’t even touch me, sweets. If you don’t choose to heed my warning, then you will see what I can do in that ring.

(A grin goes across Stephanie’s face)

Stay. Woke.

 
(As the calendar has flipped to 2018, Erica Ford can only help but notice that there are some changes going on with her friend April Song. The former Specialists Champion has seemingly taken on a new look and demeanor. Instead of the usual reserved, calm demeanor that she has shown her entire time in EAW, April seems a bit different now. Her all-black look that she had settled on has been replaced with a red dress and white jacket. Her hair is long and flowing and more care seems to have been taken with her makeup. As Erica settles down with her in a mostly quiet hotel lobby in London, the two begin to speak for an interview for the EAW website.)


Erica: April…you seem to be doing quite well, looking awesome.


April: Thank you. The time off has done me well, I think.


Erica: So, I’m assuming that everything went well with your medical visits while Empire was on break? Last time the EAW Universe saw you, you were on the receiving end of a pretty vicious attack by the Axis.


April: I’m fine. There was no structural damage to my shoulder and my ribs were a bit sore for a few days, but I’m just about 100 percent now. I’m more than ready now to show the world what I can do. The year ended in disappointing fashion. It’s not because of a win/loss record or anything, but it was because I wasn’t living up to my potential. There are certain things that I’ve figured out that need to change for me to succeed on the sort of level that I aspire to.


Erica: So…the new year brings new challengers and new challengers. You’ll be facing the debuting Rachelle Savetta in singles action on Empire. What do you make of you opponent and do you know anything about her?


(April looks almost annoyed at the question before looking down at her phone and back up, deciding to answer.)


April: Well, I don’t know much about her to be honest. All I know is that she’s a Brit, a runaway, and managed to make it here. While I would like to congratulate her on making it this far in the world with all the horrors she endured as a child, I think she should be made quite aware that I’m no babysitter, I’m not a sympathetic ear or a shoulder for her to lean on. She can lavish me with respect if she wishes but at the end of the day, it’s a fight. I don’t care about he drunk daddy or her weak mommy-


Erica: That’s a little strong…. She escaped a pretty rough upbringing and-


April: That’s not my concern. While I do think it’s commendable that she was able to achieve what she has, doesn’t it look a little bit too much like a play for sympathy? People have called me a dog of the military, saying I played up my military heritage even when I’ve done nothing of the sort…and I’m supposed to feel so sadly for her? I will do no such thing. Look, Erica, I lost both of my parents before the time I turned 25. They did everything in the world for me and meant the world to me. My mother taught me jujitsu and my father inspired me to serve my country. And now I’m supposed to feel bad for her? AT LEAST SHE HAS A DRUNK FATHER TO LECTURE AND A MOTHER TO CODDLE. I have NO one...I don't even know if I have any family left alive. I am completely alone, so pardon me for not having much sympathy.
 
(Erica looks on, especially concerned now as she sees April produce a flask, taking a small sip of it before letting out a deep breath.)


Erica: When did you start drinking again? I thought you had stopped.


April: You aren’t very observant, friend. I never actually completely stopped.


(April smiles politely, but Erica detects a bit of annoyance in her posture and expression. After clearing her throat, she looks around for a moment before leaning in and asking more questions.)


Erica: You know now that people have been asking about you and Chelsea. She made a straightforward offer to you due to what had transpired in recent weeks with Sheridan, Azumi and Haruna joining forces. But now that Sheridan looks like she’s gone for good, are you still taking Chelsea up on her offer and even more relevant to me at least, were you considering taking up the offer in the first place?


April: Well…I’ll put it like this: there are times in life where we must embrace things we may not want to embrace. Make difficult decisions. As a member of the Air Force, I did it all the time. Chelsea is, how can I say this...a piece of shit. But…being a pretty disreputable human being myself, I consider myself a piece of shit too. While she has been quite an annoyance, she’s opened my eyes to a few truths here on Empire and in general. Do I think we’ll join forces and then become a viable force in wrestling, I’m not totally sure yet? One thing I do have to say is that her offer has its merits.


Erica: I will offer you another chance to apologize for some of the comments you made earlier, directed at your opponent on Empire…. Something just seems different about you. I don’t mean a “new year, new me” sort of thing but you just seem different. More self-assured and with all due respect, I don’t think in a good way.


April: Well, I don’t care about what you think. I need to be true to myself and true to all the people I work with and all. I have tied to be a good mentor, a good soldier, but every time either I get hurt or someone I respect a little gets hurt in the process, so maybe it’s time to just keep myself #1 on the priority list for a while. As for Rachelle, I’m sure she’ll give me a nice warm-up as I try to get the new year going on a high note. From what I hear, she doesn’t think her chances for success are all that high and that’s good because they aren’t. Even though some things have changed, plenty of other things have remained the same and that applies especially to my wrestling technique. I am still the most skilled submission artist in EAW history and I will prove it by mowing her down as well as anyone in my way. This is the time to show the world that 2018 is going to continue where 2017 left off, with me kicking people’s asses.

 
What a short-lived alliance the Axis. Seeing Sheridan Muller getting bloodied was horrible to watch… if only that it was to another person, understand this even with the alliance I created with her, I’m was always out for myself. It’s who I am, people. My heart goes out to the people who cared for Sheridan but that bitch is probably dead.
 
And so with what happened at King of Elite in the past now, we move towards the first Empire where I’m slotted right into a title contender’s match against Revy. I guess you could say things are looking up for yours truly, Ladies and Gentlemen. So I kind of like how things are starting things out for me, and I’ve had to face Revy in the past in tag team matches and etc. So I guess there is some sort of history between her and me ranging from a short peaceful alliance at Road To Redemption to her becoming a bodyguard or something like that for Savannah Sunshine.  And it’s not I have a personal spite against her, it’s just that I’ve never needed one. When Haruna and I were dealing with the Savannah Sunshine nuisance, it was Revy who got in the way. You just decided to stick yourself in the middle of all that, and things turned out the way they did for you in the end. Savannah failing and having to deal with her but good for you, you stand now against me in this Number 1 Contenders match, a chance to dethrone the champ and do it before she’s comfortable with having the crown on her head. The winner of us goes on to face Megan Raine for the Specialist Championship. So with an opportunity like that on the line, do you think I would back down? Nope, with two years of my career in EAW, I’ve sat through other people getting title reigns while I’ve had to fight my way through the undercard.
 
People have come and gone, lost their chances meanwhile I stand here, still as The Ace but importantly this is that one chance I’ve constantly talked about, people. For those that have seen me as the lower tier, well to them I say just watch me bust through the glass ceiling. This will be the year of Azumi Goto surpassing everyone that has doubt about my abilities, to surpass those who have disrespected my hard work. Sounds about right. This time things are different for the two of us. There is no Haruna on my side, meanwhile, you’ve got no Savannah. All of this is even, with Haruna doing her own thing. I guess the time is the break on my own again. Back to the path I wanted to be on ever since Manifest Destiny, on the road to getting my first title in this company.
 
That slow rise to the top of Empire, one that’s been building ever since Empire was created. Each match, every moment that I’ve faced since joining EAW, the climb towards the top, the fall back down all that is just the journey towards the destination, the eventual reign at the top with a belt around my waist. The golden gates have kept me away from entering the castle and ruling over it. But I guess that’s all going to change. This is a sport wherein any day, anyone can lose to anybody. I mean look at our Specialist Champ and the former champ, who would have thought that Consuela would lose to Megan Raine? And here we stand, in a world where Megan Raine is EAW Specialist Champion. It’s proof that on any given day, any of the top draws will lose their spot to someone new. Same goes for title holders, on any given night and at any random defense, they will lose to someone who either might be as good as them, worse than them or even when it comes to ring work.
 
Kind of makes this interesting, Revy. Two unproven workers, right? That’s what we are, people who have deemed not good enough or things like that but yet we stand with a golden ticket just waiting to be cashed in on. Everyone’s career has a story, including yours and mine. If 2016 was my rookie year where I worked through and 2017 was the year scratched and clawed my way to where I am right now. I guess you can say that 2018 will be the year where I prove my abilities and rise to the top. Through my time, I’ve seen people pass me by and rise to the top while I’ve been working hard to get the recognition I have deserved. So with the time for this big match coming near, we look towards might be the best chance for me in my career. A simple 1-on-1 for the shot at the title on the line, we’ll see how things turn out in the end because Revy, The Ace is ready to take her rightful throne at the top doesn’t matter who I have to put down before I get to the top, even it means you or anybody else that comes in the way of “The Unbreakable” Azumi Goto.
 

Simply put, losing will not be an option for me. I need to claim this victory because at this point, with everything that I had before all long gone, I have nothing to lose now but everything to gain with a victory over you. 

Matsuda Manor
Omihachiman, Shiga, Japan
Early Morning, Garden Area




(Cloud, dressed in black martial arts gear, is seen walking down a flight of stairs. She approaches a group of young men and women sitting cross-legged near the garden of her manor. They are dressed in the same combat outfit as Cloud.)

Cloud: The first thing that might come to mind is how different this place is from the War Room Dojo back in Brooklyn. I’m in the process of construction a ring inside the gym, but for now, we’ll meet out here. I have handpicked a select few of you for advanced lessons concerning pro wrestling - puroresu - in matters in and out of the ring. I will not only teach you advanced techniques but how to set up a brand for yourself. In other words, I will show you how to play ‘the game’.

Female Student: Sensei, permission to speak.

Cloud: Go ahead.

Female Student: I’ve observed your career and you always seemed like someone who never cared about the politics of wrestling.

Cloud: When one engages in war, politics becomes unavoidable. True war is a multi-layered process. It’s a goal composed of a series of objectives. The goal of your sensei Stephanie “Cloud” Matsuda, the goal of The Zaibatsu, is domination of the pro wrestling industry. There have been many factions over the years that has left an impression upon the sport, but none of them lasted. That will change. Zaibatsu isn't just a physical entity, but a way of life, a developing philosophy that will become a dynasty. My idol once told me one of my weaknesses is that I don’t play the game. I disagreed with him, but after Bloodletter, I’m ready to heed his advice. 

Male Student: Who is he?

(Cloud smiles and shook her head)

Cloud: A silent supporter of mine. Now, if you noticed this session is being taped. I’m about to deliver what we call a promo to my opponent this week, Haruna Sakazaki.

Female Student: Your rival?

Cloud: (thinks) Is she? Maybe my first year in EAW, but things have changed, my rogue's gallery among them. But, I always cherish my fights with Haruna. We’re always pushing each other to the limit. We don’t always get along, but I learned a lot about surviving in EAW and our love/hate relationship has played a role in it. But alas, I’m light years ahead of her these days, and quite frankly I shouldn’t be. She’s made a smart move by aligning herself with Sheridan, but it’s only a small step away from the death of her career. So you could say The Axis is the resurrection of Haruna Sakazaki. 

Female Student: She probably wants revenge for what you’ve done to her.

Cloud: I’m sure she does. She’s not the only one - I expect three other people to be waiting for me in Los Angeles. No matter though; it’s a small price to pay to fulfill a larger goal. I got tired of waiting in the shadows, especially if others are relying on me to help guide their careers such as yourselves. This is me accepting responsibility. This is me playing the game. It’s been awhile since Haru and I did battle. It should be a refreshing match, one I suggest you all watch for reference. Sakazaki-san is a sound striker and highflyer. Azumi’s helped her improved her grappling ability, but I still outclass her.

Male Student: So you’ll make her submit?

(Cloud pauses for a moment)

Cloud: You’ll see. Anyways I want you all to perform your daily run around the city. Meet me back here at 14:00 hours. Dismissed!

(Cloud watches her students get up and leave. The camera zooms in on her as she turns around)

Cloud: Haruna, what I did to you on Sunday was business. It was nothing personal about it, sweets. I mean I didn’t like how you guys played Aria, but then again I’d be a hypocrite after Sunday. We will have a good match, but I will defeat you Haruna. Bloodletter was an eye-opening experience for me in many ways. I didn’t beat our dear champ, but I instilled in her something she’s never felt - fear. She knows that if - no when we get back into that ring the result will be different. I drew blood and now sharks like Astraea Jordan are on the prowl. I would offer an invitation to my team, but we know how that would end. As for Azumi, she’s become a business partner of mine. As long as we share JET she’ll remain untouched…

(Cloud winks)

Cloud: I’m tired of feeling sorry for myself. I spent a week getting over myself and now the situation has changed. The Women’s World title is no longer the main goal, but rather an objective in a series of steps towards domination of this industry. Just like you defeated me and HBG in the same night, I’ll pull the upset of the year before this season is over. I will become Women’s Champion, and you will see what it means to be a War Queen. Sayonara, Sakazaki-san.

(Cloud walks off)

 
We started by defeating the Women’s Champion, the former corrupted leader and finally the broken War Queen. Now we on to Empire where Sheridan and I are put up against an unlikely duo of April Song and Andrea Valentine sounds like a bad time for our opponents. We just came off a giant win at the Awards show and now we step inside Empire’s ring for the first time as a unit and what’s stopping the two of us from coming out as the winners in this match… Nothing really. I mean it if nothing is stopping us from claiming Empire and destroying it then what’s going to stop April Song and Andrea Valentine from beating Sheridan and I. See you’re putting those two against The Axis in hopes that someone and somehow their low chances at stopping us will actually help you succeed. It won’t… When I told you that The Axis was going to beat Tarah, Aria and Stephanie I truly meant it. Sure we got unexpected help from Matsuda, but in the end look who came out of it all as the winners.
 
Speaking of someone who isn’t a winner, April Song, late congrats on failing to recapture your Specialist Title. Now, how many shots have there been for you at this title? Maybe enough to get you out of the title picture and let the real stars of Empire get their rightful shot. You win the title then drop it back to Consuela and go on this quest where you lost two matches for the title. How many more failed chances do you need to finally realize that you’re taking someone else spotlight? You got shot at the title because of Tarah Nova’s system but now with that corrupted crap that used to rule Empire out of the way. You might as well just stay back and let the women who now run this brand have their moment in the spotlight. With Sheridan becoming the Empire Representative for the Openweight Title, shouldn’t I definitely make a case that I deserve a shot in either Women’s or Specialist Title picture?
 
Think about it for once, I pinned Aria Jaxon in a tag match, I’ve been the most underutilized member of Empire’s roster considering that I have earned my chances to become a Number 1 contender and yet I’m sitting here and waiting for that shot. While the likes of April Song has had opportunities given to her because whatever dumb reason continues to squander them EVERY TIME. It’s as if Tarah didn’t know how to run this place…. OH WAIT! She actually didn’t know and be thankful that we ended her reign because if that reign continued, I probably think most of us would have switched our TV channels to something better on air. Losing ratings and even to the point that we might have kicked off the air because of Tarah Nova.
 
But to the point, April. When you fail so many times, doesn’t it mean that should step to side? If you don’t, there might be a chance that you’ll get burned by our path of destruction. See you and your partner can talk all you want about beating us, Sheridan and I are just too damn good to be beaten by you two. It’s the truth, I mean it. The Axis is a force of not just vengeance but in-ring excellence. Three of greatest to have step put in an Empire ring joining forces pretty much seals the fate of our opponents, regardless of it’s Haruna and I or Sheridan and I or Haruna and Sheridan. You just will have the unbeatable force of nature in your way.
 
There would have been a chance for you two if you weren’t facing the Axis this week, unfortunate for you that the system you were so used to crashed down because of three women. No more of these freebie opportunities at titles, no more repetitive matches, no more leaving me out of the title scene.
 
At Bloodletter, we created a spark that started this path that Axis walks on, not only to change the system of Empire but to burn down Empire as well. The Empire after Bloodletter, we told you that we were here to stay, that we would change the whole wrestling world if meant to get what we wanted. And we prove that at the Award show when we beat three people who taught they could get in our way and stop us from even getting started. Look what happened then?! A loss, we talked about it the whole week that this was unity between the Axis. Not friendship but unity in our opinions and our goals.
 

We’re winning this whole match, nothing really you two can do stop that. But you can try put a great little effort only to fail.

Come one, come all! Witness a girl who claims she doesn’t lie proceed to lie her ass off!

I gotta tell ya, Astraea. I didn’t think you would bother with responding to me. Especially since I’m a supposed “nobody” and you claim to not even care about my existence. If I’m this little nobody and everything I say is wrong, why would you feel the need to refute me? Wolves shouldn’t lose sleep over the opinions of sheep after all. Oh, wait a second, I think I have an idea why. It’s because of this annoying little quirk I have: I get to people. I rip down their facades and expose all of their ugly truths they desperately try to keep hidden. Then they go straight to denial; they are always too much of fucking cowards to actually face their flaws. And you Astraea, you just made yourself the perfect example. No, I don’t think you’re the one that demanded this match. That would require you to actually take full control over your career. You keep going on and on about you doing all these great things on your own. What’s the last thing you actually accomplished completely on your own? Without your precious Bomplex there to “support” you. Hmmm, looks like that was defeating a worn-out veteran. Good for you! I bet that was super hard! Gimme a break. But wait, you say. “I totally earned Empress of Elite and my title match on my own!” Let me pose a few questions. Did you earn it in a match? Did you pin or submit anyone to become Empress of Elite? Nope! DEDEDE just gave it to you after you beat the crap out of Madison. Which makes me wonder: if the way to become Empress of Elite is through Klingon promotion, wouldn’t I just need to break something of yours and end your career to become Empress myself? Nah, then I would just hear endless nonsense from you and DEDEDE about how I didn’t truly earn it. But apparently since you’re so wonderful and amazing the rest of us just have to shut up and accept that you’re the new EoE. I’m not buyin’ it. ‘Cause me and the rest of the roster already know the truth: you have nothing to backup your words. And your words crumble easily under the weight of reality.

So you could have easily taken advantage of Cloud and Aria? Why didn’t you? Was it really because you thought you would look bad? Wait, of course it was. It’s obvious that all you really care about is your image. You spend all your time shoving your shitty catchphrases and merch down everyone’s throat. Can I let you in on a little secret? If you have to advertise your shirts ten times while someone like Aria only has to do it once, your stuff if probably not selling too well. I’m so glad I never got myself into the merchandising rat-race. I don’t need coffee mugs or fidget spinners to get people’s support. All I have to do is keep being myself. If folks like what they see, great. If they don’t, then to hell with ‘em. I’m not gonna spend my precious time trying to get idiots to like me. I like to focus more on, oh I don’t know, actually winning matches. Since you’re so curious Astraea, I’ll tell you what I would have done in your position. After the match ended and I knew who I was facing, I’d get in every last lick I could before our match. I’d give myself any sort of advantage I could to snatch that belt away. That way, unlike you, I wouldn’t be laying down on the mat with regret afterwards wondering “if I had gone after her, would I have lost?” Unlike you, I want to close any gap I can. ‘Cause I know all those tiny gaps are the ones between winning and losing. Unfortunately, it looks like you won’t even put out the smallest bit of effort to close any of your gaps. That’s why you need DEDEDE to hold your hand. Because if you’re left to your own devices, you don’t have the drive to get shit done. You’d rather sit on the sidelines crowing “Astraea better!” than actually do anything to prove it. Admit it, without your Bomplex, you’re just as basic as Andrea. You’ll say that you’re better than me, you’ll say I’m just making things up. But just like her, I will prove you wrong right in the middle of that ring with millions of people watching.

Still confused? Well, I’m not surprised. It seems I’m dealing with a child here. A hopelessly naive child that believes calling me “Daisy Trash” is gonna hurt me at all. ‘Cause I’ve sure never heard that one before. I would say that’s kindergarten-level name-calling, but that would be an insult to kindergarteners. This child tries to use big words like “implode” without knowing what they mean. Well I’m only gonna tell you this once, so listen carefully. Implode means to collapse violently inward. If the Bomplex imploded, you guys wouldn’t peacefully go your separate ways after a tea party. No, something big would need to happen that tears you all apart with no hope of repair. Something like, I don’t know, the Women’s Championship #1 contender losing to a “nobody.” Maybe DEDEDE wouldn’t turn on you after one loss but, sweetheart, this won’t be any old loss. This will be the one that proves that you weren’t cut out to be Empress of Elite. You might as well kiss your title shot goodbye. Oh, but DEDEDE is supposed to be all “understanding and generous.” Oh yeah, he supported Trump because he was so “generous.” He’s a married man but he fucks all his interns and a certain Elitist. Gee, sure sounds like a “generous” guy to me!



I love that for all your “Chiraq” pride, you won’t claim your actual football team. Honey, you’re not even close to being the Patriots. Although, I suppose it makes sense for you to want to live vicariously through a team with multiple Superbowl wins. That way you won’t have to admit you’re much more like the Bears: you can’t ever win the big one. And I will go ahead and claim the Seahawks. I’ve been to the mountaintop and survived the frigid air. A little cold won’t bother me.

Daisy rips the ice pack off her back and tosses it aside

Need I remind you that I am the cockroach around here? I’m more than ready for the worst nuclear winter that you could possibly bring. You better thank your lucky stars that this isn’t a hardcore. Otherwise you’d end up just like Andy. Oh, but “Astraea better” you say once again. Prove it. Astraea better quit being a lapdog and learn to fend for herself. Astraea better not bring her buddies or Astraea will be responsible for what happens to them. And, most importantly, Astraea better quit playing pretend, grow up, and join the rest of the adults. Otherwise, Astraea will never get the real success she wants. And a “nobody” will.