Monday Night Battleground
4/11/2016
11:33 PM 

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Haruna: Hanase yo! Hanase yo, Konoyaro!!! 

Samurai has Haruna over his shoulder as he carries her backstage as she attempts to scratch, kick, and claw herself out of his grip. He doesn't let go though until they are backstage at the curtain. 

Haruna: Oy, kikoeru ka yo?! Oy, hanase!! 

The Mexican Samurai: Listen, you need to calm down! 

Haruna is completely taken over by anger as if possessed by an evil spirit, her face is completely red as she throws a punch in Samurai's direction but luckily, Samurai ducks in just a matter of time. Haruna is not over with her attempts at trying to attack Samurai as she continues to kick and punch with some landing on his chest and stomach, but Samurai continues to dodge as fast as he can while taking a few steps back. Haruna attacks Samurai almost tirelessly as Samurai thinks that Haruna is possessed for real. Samurai catches the right wrist of Haruna and lays a hard slap that knocks her down to the ground. 

The Mexican Samurai: Yamero~! 

Haruna suddenly snaps out of it, breathing heavily, as she falls to the floor in exhaustion. Samurai leans over against the wall and sighs in relief.  

The Mexican Samurai: You can't allow yourself to be this angry, because you almost killed Cloud Matsuda out there and I know that deep down inside of your heart, you still care about her well-being. Your anger is going to make you do something that you regret for the rest of your life if you don't know how to control it.  

Haruna still doesn't say anything as she covers her face with her brass-knuckled gloves still covered in blood. she doesn't want to cry in front of anyone but Samurai notices her body trembling. 

The Mexican Samurai: I didn't know what I was going to get myself into when I asked you to join me, I had no idea of the demons that you hold within yourself. I can see why you wanted to fight this battle alone, but you absolutely cannot do that!!  .... I could just run away like everyone else that you've befriended in your life but I'm not going to do that. I said that I would do everything within my power to ensure that you would become one of the greats here in EAW, and I care about you, a lot. I'm not going to leave your side no matter how much you hate me.  

Haruna wipes the tears from her face. 

Haruna: You... idiot. It's all your fault that I've joined up with you. How many times do I have to tell you, Alex? I don't want you to get involved with my problems!! … You started all this and that makes you responsible!  Fix it or I will hate you forever!!!... I just want to be left alone at this time... please, just leave me alone. 

Samurai shakes his head and starts to leave but stops right before entering the dressing room. 

The Mexican Samurai: Tomorrow morning, before we depart for America, I'm going to have a talk with Cloud Matsuda and I don't want you anywhere near because I'm going to have to say some stuff to make sure that she stays away from you. Cloud is obviously someone who keeps bringing the Demons out from inside of you and the only way I'm going to be able to help you control yourself is for her to stop being around for the time being. I might have to say some stuff that I'm going to regret but I'll do it if it's for your health.  I'll see you in Oakland. 

Haruna stays silent as Samurai enters the dressing room and slams the door. 

------ 

I'm sure some people will leap for joy over the fact that I was defeated by none other than Mr. DEDEDE on Battleground, Monday Night. They will celebrate the humility that was bestowed upon me when I ate a rib-crushing spear through the ropes, and was laid out on the floor in front of my fans, and most importantly, in front of my Father. I felt the stinging loss of defeat, but I came out an even stronger individual. I've validated for months now that I had what it takes to become the EAW Champion but it seems as though everyone is quick to dismiss my previous wins against Jamie O'Hara and Victor Vendetta as nothing more than flukes. I'm the current EAW Interwire Champion but everyone still says that this belt fell into my hands with a stroke of luck when I capitalized on an injured TLA. No matter how many times I go out and prove that I can hang with the very best in the company, the haters will continue to attempt to shut me down. Yet, I'm still holding this title and those fans in Japan saw that I'm not a fucking fluke when I held my own against the best wrestler in the entire world. All this talk about My Millennium and it seems as though nobody can grasp the concept of what it is all about. My Millennium is the universe that I control around me but it doesn't make me invincible. I still play by the same rules as everyone else but I dictate where my destiny takes me and even in a loss, I will continue to get stronger and stronger.   

I've been given the opportunity of a lifetime at Grand Rampage to face Victor Vendetta once again, but this time it will be for the EAW Championship, and as much I enjoy this Interwire Title that I've been holding around my waist... it would be so much sweeter to hold two titles at the same time. As cocky as I might sound, I've had boyhood aspirations just like everyone else! I sat and watched my television screen as the larger than life heroes all attained that one precious item, and that was the world title that proclaimed that they were the very best in the business. One man wants to make a disgrace out of all that though, as he nonchalantly parades a title that is no longer relevant to the Millennium that surrounds us all. Carlos Rosso pretends that he is a champion on Showdown for a defunct organization that couldn't hold up against the powerhouse of Elite Answers Wrestling, and the saddest part of all is that he will be defending this title at Grand Rampage. I trained with Carlos Rosso a couple weeks back, but it was only at the request of his incessant whiny and bitchiness in order to prove that he could hang with the likes of me. He came up to me with the fakest, cheesiest, smile that he could muster and went, "Hey Champ, would you like to spar for a couple of rounds?" and little did I know that I would have to tone down my style in order for the session to remain competitive. I was even nice enough to introduce and name Carlos Rosso's new finisher, The Rosso Revolver, because all of his other moves were complete and utter shit. I was surprised over the fact that he gassed in a little over two rounds of some light sparring and that he was physically weaker and slower that I had assumed. This is the man who proclaims that he is a World Champion? I had a tougher time with Lucas Johnston. 

 

Take a look at this photo. Look at the this liar and phony who parades himself as if he was a humble, and braggadocious, young man. A man who can't even defeat Cloud... oops, Stephanie Matsuda without outside help from Mao, and take a look at Stephanie now; a woman that I killed with just my words. Haruna will be at ringside as I show her another valuable lesson in how to destroy the competition that is biting at their ankles, even if they've been on a slightly good run since switching from organizations. Let's face it, Carlos, you haven't been underutilized on Dynasty... the truth is that you just absolutely sucked against inferior competition besides being a poster boy for a FPV that you didn't even compete on. It absolutely baffles me that you would continue to sulk and want to come over to the big leagues here on Showdown when people like me are running the show. I've done more in eight months than you have your career in EAW, so I can't blame you when you try to bring some nostalgia tin in order to try to save face with the company. Your "championship" is just a cry for attention because no one gives a shit about you and while people like me, who earned their championship, have to watch in disgust while you make a mockery of not only this company but CWF as well. You being their world champion just proves that CWF was always a joke and that they deserved to go under exactly in the same way that I'm going to bury you on Saturday night. 
 
If I won your title then I would dunk it straight in the trash faster than a Cailin Dillon home-cooked meal. 

It's undeniable now, I'm sure you've heard the rumbling from the fans, the media, and the other wrestlers in the locker room. In My Millennium, I get everything that I've ever wanted and take a look at what I've gotten so far... I've got a title, I've got the fame and the fortune, and I've even got the girl. Even those who surround me become winners, and there is no further proof than when Haruna Sakazaki beat Cloud Matsuda in the middle of the ring after learning a few moves from me. Victor Vendetta, Lioncross, and Mao will also experience greatness as they learn a thing or two when they watch me style all over you on Showdown. Your nothing new, I choked out another champion in Dark Demon who proclaimed to be unbeatable during a time where everyone feared him. You're a second-rate Dark Demon, just without the incredible charisma or respect. 
 
Our Millennium continues to grow to unimaginable heights. Be honest with yourself, Carlos Rosso. Have you created yours yet?

Nobi you should care I wrestled thirty minutes because that was nearly a joke because I could have went on and on that day. That was like breakfast for me and I'm ready to go all night long on Voltage until medical needs to pull me from the match. I maybe bring up my time at the Ohio State University because it's a part of my life that will live forever and it's near and dear to my heart. I am looking forward to the future and the future reads I am going to beat the living crap out of you, hell I may even break your arm and send you a medical bill. 

I do find it hilarious Liam that you are the veteran of this match because you have the most experience out of anyone. You held world championships for several different promotions and yet have to climb your way up to one if not the biggest match of the year for the entire roster. From where I come from if you're on top of the food chain and you have the experience for someone like you, you are given opportunities and are even ranked on how good you are. You see I was ranked number one in the country in my amateur wrestling career at the Ohio State University, but if I win this match and enter Grand Rampage ranked wise I would be in the high thirties, hell I might even be ranked last at forty. Liam you had a high profile match against against Venom at Pain for Pride Eight last year, you are a part of the exclusive club of holding not only the New Breed Championship but also the Answers World Championship. Like I said before I respect Mr. Cross' decision by making it hard for elitist to qualify for Grand Rampage this year especially with the hot New Breed division right now but damn Liam you should have been qualified already for this match. Methuselah? You should respect 'The God' himself by calling him by his current name Mister DEDEDE....he is the face of Voltage right now by being the current Answers World Heavyweight Champion. I'm not afraid to fight Dark Demon at all, I have tons of respect for the Ireland native. He may have the experience over me and the quickness but I wouldn't flinch at all being in the ring with the former Hall of Fame champion. No one was laughing at Y2Impact or Heart Break Gal a couple of weeks ago when they were a part of the horrible stable called Hexa-Gun. Thanks to StarrStan and Mister DEDEDE himself, Hexa-Gun is no longer in power and they are no longer a stable here in Elite Answers Wrestling. Liam it seems you're a member of the 'Lucas Johnson hate club' because along you with Maxwell Dachs and other few people in the locker room don't respect where I came from and don't respect my heart and dedication to this business. Meanwhile other people in the back, people like the current Hall of Fame champion Xavier Williams, the current World Heavyweight Champion Scott Oasis and even Nick Angel respect the hell out of me and respect that I may fall in the ring but I put up a damn good fight and shrug it off. Once I shrug it off I pick myself back up and look onto next week. Just like the number one contenders match against Kenny Drake or the Open Fight Gauntlet or the brawl I had with the StarrStan they had the same outcome I didn't plan on having. But this Sunday on Voltage it will be a different outcome, an outcome that I wanted to happen for a very long time. Liam, you are threatening to break my skull in? I want to see you try, I will make you bleed until you pass out and rub your own blood over your bald head of yours. You're giving me a one and only warning? Well Liam I'm giving you a warning as well, If you want to fight this Sunday bring your 'A' game because I will gladly break your body into pieces. 

I don't care who I have to go through, I don't care how much pain I have to go through, I don't care how much feet I have to fly...the bottom line is I am not continuing the downfall that has been occurring these last few weeks and I refuse to let anyone else down in this world. All I see in the future is a bright sun to bigger and better things for The Wrestling Machine. When I climb to the top of the ladder this Sunday with bodies that are incapacitated on the floor I will realize that I achieve my goal and realized I made it here and I deserve the prize that comes along with it. This maybe my last chance at having an opportunity in making it to the biggest Grand Rampage ever with forty men in it this year. I will not ruin this opportunity and I will make the best of it by winning it. No matter how much blood on me, no matter the broken bones or the bruises and scars the final outcome will be the evolution of Lucas Johnson has arrived!

Phoenix, allow me to crystallize everything that's happening for you: We are not in a "feud." This is not quid pro quo. I don't topple over your lifeless body on Voltage only to be eliminated in the Grand Rampage by a nobody upstart who could be released from the roster tomorrow without anyone noticing. You didn't "take me to the limit," nor were you even a difficult challenger. I simply expedited the inevitable by taking out a pair of brass knuckles and exploiting the situation to my advantage, something you clearly have no concept of since you're still gassing yourself up in a half-assed attempt to paint a picture of yourself as a legitimate challenger when the truth is that standing in the same ring as yours truly, even in a loss, will probably ultimately prove to be your greatest claim to fame in EAW. To amend your mistaken belief, you went into Voltage thinking you had a fifty-fifty shot of winning, correct, but in reality you had a zero percent chance because The Machine standing across from you was ME. And if anything, I take more gratification and pride in this victory on Voltage precisely because I used those brass knuckles to defeat you, because I showed a whole crowd that the resourcefulness that embodies the word "extreme" did not die along with Hexa-gun; it's alive within me. It was never a matter of being taken to my limit and exhausting the apex of my energy or any false narrative you want to create, I've competed in herculean battles that make your performance on Voltage look like absolute garbage. Fitting, of course, for the mediocre, pedestrian, run-of-the-mill wrestler that you are, that you'd defer to your final saving grace and claim you walked out of Voltage "the real winner" when that's just a thinly veiled way to excuse yourself for being an abject failure. But congratulations on "unofficially winning," do they give you a trophy or a championship for that? I don't know, all those grueling, life-threatening chamber matches I've competed in for championships, the winner and the champion always secured the final pin. All those Pain for Pride main events I competed in, the winner notched the final pin. In fact, literally every championship match or exhibition bout I've ever competed in the winner achieves victory by pinning, submitting, or incapacitating their opponent! But I guess everyone should stretch the truth to coddle Phoenix Winterborn and let him believe that he bested Y2Impact, after all he's basically a Make-A-Wish child at this juncture and I could easily grant his request by agreeing with him, but aw, my heart's just a little too full of everything else to spare you any sympathy points, Phoenix! Moral victories are for minor league players.

Get over yourself, you thin-skinned piece of shit. You've fast developed a reputation on Voltage as a subservient little teacher's pet content to do all of Ashten Cross's bidding as long as it means elevating your own career. Hell, there has to be some reason you're in the main event of Voltage two weeks in a row, and judging from your performance on last week's Voltage it sure as hell isn't talent... Do you have incriminating sexual photographs of Ashten Cross stored on your computer? Are you blackmailing him and pulling the wool over everyone's eyes to guarantee yourself main events you don't deserve, or are you just bending over backwards to satisfy your corporate master's depraved sexual urges? Some sort of hush-hush agreement, maybe? That's a more logical explanation than any of the bullshit you've fed everyone. Hell, you claim I couldn't pin you no matter what trick I pulled out of the hat on Voltage, but if that were actually true you would have kicked out despite the brass knuckles shot -- I know I've endured worse and kicked out before the three count on numerous occasions -- but instead I completely stifled your momentum and the same match you ushered in with a bang, you went out with a whimper! You proved you're more of a man than Y2Impact because the metal of those brass knuckles connecting flush in your face ended any possibility you had at winning on Voltage. I don't take pride in mortality or the fragility of human existence because I am something much greater. To see the whole audience of thousands witnessing an in-over-his-head indy star succumb to his mortality at the metal hand of The Machine... That is POETIC JUSTICE. 

A few more losses for Phoenix Winterborn, and all of a sudden it's back to wrestling at bingo halls, eating at soup kitchens, and living with your mother. That's all the motivation I need to coexist with Ares Vendetta and kill two birds with one stone on Voltage. But obviously my horizons are a lot broader than simply dealing with Phoenix Winterborn, as a matter of fact he wasn't even a thought in the back of the Quintessential Champion's mind before he decided to flap his gums and foolishly disrespect me completely oblivious to the death sentence he wrote himself, so I'm relegating that mental patient to the back burner and focusing on the Grand Rampage. All of this could have been irrelevant had I just executed at Reckless Wiring and defeated Mr. DEDEDE, but I'm not going to dismiss my loss or stake claim to some flimsy moral victory; that's what a normal man would do, but I am The Machine. I operate by different guidelines than everybody else. So instead of harping on what I couldn't do, I'm going to build from my defeat at Reckless Wiring, I'm going to rise above the grave of Hexa-gun, and I'm going to eliminate every other competitor in the Grand Rampage one by one to secure my headlining spot in the main event of the pinnacle of wrestling... Pain for Pride. And no sooner than the moment that bell rings, I'm taking no prisoners, because it doesn't matter whose blood is on my hands as long as that gold is around my waist.

The flight from Tokyo was over before I knew it. At least it felt that way. Matter of fact, from the match to the aftermath, everything seemed to go by in an instant. I was sitting comfortable in a New York taxi as I recalled the events from the night prior. I was baited and played like a fiddle, no question about it. Haruna knew I couldn’t resist the challenge. She used the anger I had towards her and reeled me in like a fish. That was Cloud’s weakness after all; diving head first into things without looking. This was a problem that would need to be fixed. 

As I arrived home, the weight of everything fell upon my shoulders. From the outcome of the match, the stares from the crowd afterwards, to Alex’s words at the airport. I lost to Haruna twice; that was the reality of my situation. Counting the loss to Carlos, that was two big matches I failed to get the W in. Then counting the loss to Maddie and the Vixens Cup...I needed to switch things up. This was a reality I wasn’t too fond of, I mean who would? I fought back my tears as I put away my keys and turned on the light, and there she was in my darkest moment like a blonde ball of sunlight: Cailin.

“Steph?” she called out, her Texas accent low and shaky.

The beauty of her, the beauty of us was how empathic we were with one another. She probably interrupted her training and flew all the way here once she saw the result of the match. The only thing I could muster was a bunch of words under my breath.

“What was that?” Cailin asked, tilting her head a bit.

I looked up at her and finally said the one thing that was running through my mind for half a day.

“Cloud is dead.”

Cai’s blue eyes blinked a few times, obviously confused by my words.

“Almost,” she said. You was almost dead. Alex pulled you out of that fire. Probably just to gloat about it.”

“Actually,” I began. “He’s the one who told me the obvious. No matter what any of us believe, on record Haruna has two wins over me. The brass will view her as the better competitor.”

“Bullshit!” Cailin exclaimed, her eyes narrow. “You outclassed her in the first match. And in this one she couldn’t fight you without some stupid brass knuckles!”

“Was there ever a Cailin/Haruna three?”

“Huh?”

“Think about it.”

I walked up to Cailin, my arms wrapping around her. As much as I wanted to feel sorry for myself, I knew there had to be a change.

“I can’t keep losing like this Cai. If I’m to ever see another title shot, I have to switch things up. Mia Matsuda tried being a villain and it blew up in her face. Cloud was a hero turned dark horse and fell to a more vicious foe. Let’s see what Stephanie, the young girl who wanted to be a wrestler, who risked it all by leaving Tokyo to go to NYC can do.”

“You mean yourself,” Cailin said, her eyes showing realization. “You want to be yourself.”

“Nothing more, nothing less.” I walked over to the kitchen, taking out my cellphone. “As much as I want to cry my eyes out, we have work to do. I’m calling 187. He can help me change my style a bit. I need to eliminate all weaknesses Cai. I can’t let the world pass me by.”

Cailin’s voice echoed a familiar phrase. “Eat, sleep, challenge, repeat?”

“Hai.”

Battleground Promo #1






 
The scene opens on a beautiful, sunny southern California afternoon in Beverly Hills.  To be more exact, inside the master bedroom of EAW’s self-proclaimed Social Media Champion “Picture Perfect” Mark Michaels, whom we find packing his Louis Vuitton suit case for the week ahead.
 
??? :”Mark? Mark?”
 
Michaels’ agent, Johnny J, enters the room with a look of concern panted on his face. 
 
Johnny: “Mark, I want to talk to you about battle…”
 
Michaels (interrupting): “Hold that though for a second Johnny, let e ask you, do you think I should wear the black with gold zebra pattern, or the black with gold leopard pattern on Dynasty?”
 
Johnny: “Either one is fine Mark, but I need to know, why did you agree to a fatal four way this Monday night on Battleground, when you have a huge w=match with Lucian Black on Friday, and Grand Rampage in just over two weeks?  Don’t you think you’ll be wearing yourself to thin, especially with a huge FPV coming soon?  What if get injured?  Do you know what that will mean for all the sponsorship deals I’ve been working so hard on?  We’ll be out millions, we’ll have to declare bankrupt…”
 
Michaels (Interupting): “John, get a grip!”
 
Michaels grabs Johnny by his shoulders, and gives him a good shake to get him to refocus. 
 
Johnny (Calmly): “Sorry Mark, I guess I just lost it there, but still why did you agree to this match?  I mean you’re not even taking on just one opponent, but three.  What is the angle here Mark?”
 
Michaels: “Oh ye of little faith, I would have thought you know me a little better by now John.  See this week I’ve managed to get myself a warm up for the Grand Rampage match.  See I’ve gotten three of the so called dark horse competitors, to agree to square off against me in this Fatal Four way match, that way I’ll be able to get a firsthand scouting report, and know exactly  what to expect from them on April thirtieth.   And not to mention build up a ton of momentum heading into Grand Rampage after I squash those three chumps about as well as Lucian Black.”
 
Johnny: “Do you really think it’ll be that easy?  You’ll have some stiff competition from Kenny Drake, Chris Elite, and Phoenix Winterborn.”
 
Michaels: “Yes much like myself, my opponents are quickly becoming the must see athletes if their respective brands.  And yes this match could very well be a future Pain For Pride Main Event, just based on how quickly the four of us have risen up the ranks.  But when the ultimate history of Professional Wrestling is written, it tell the tale of how only one of four amazing athletes, took the next step towards becoming a legend the like of which will never be seen again.  And that man, that LEGEND, is me.
 

See because even though Chris Elite has his god given greatness, it doesn’t compare to my natural Perfection.  And he knows it doesn’t, because last year at House of Glass, I knocked him and his old butt buddy JJ Silva, upside the head  and taught them not to fuck with Mark Michaels.  But Chris is a man who’s too proud for his own good, so don’t be surprised when he starts yammering on about how he thinks he kicked my ass somehow.  But don't be deceived, instead just realize like Chris does, that even the Elite, aren't better than Perfect, and no overgrown Muppet bodygaurd, is going to able to save him from the Grade-A ass kicking that I'm gonna give him.   If Chris knew what was best, he would just forget about showing up this Monday night, and just stick to that no name brand that I don't care to keep up with.


And Kenny Drake, the class clown who's more annoying then he is funny.  The man who makes Maxwell Dachs look like Vladimir Putin by comparison.  You know I could talk about how pathetic Kenny is as a wrestler, but really it's just sad because the biggest joke is that he even has an EAW contract.  I would pity him, if he wasn't such a waste of perfectly good oxygen.  I mean in the time it takes to hear Kenny prattle off his little punch lines, you could actually do something a bit more interesting, like organizing your sock drawer, or listen to you old, senile  grandmother ramble on about the first time she took the trolley.  Kenny better start getting really serious, really quick, because if he doesn't, the only thing people are gonna laugh about is how badly he got his ass kicked on Battleground.  Come Tuesday morning, the headline is gonna read 'Kenny Drake: Made in Oregon. Ended in Edinburgh, Scottland courtesy of Picture Perfect Mark Michaels. 




And that leaves one leaves just one last jackass to deal with.  What's his name?  The guy who hasn't done a damn thing to earn the seemingly endless opportunities that have been handed to him"


Johnny: "Lucian Black?"


Michaels: "No, this guy just joined, and everyone is still in awe of the new novelty act."


Johnny: "I'm guessing you mean Phoenix Winterborn."


Michaels: "That's the guy.  The over hyped, under developed, Michaels envy suffering, son of a bitch who cost me the New Breed Championship at Reckless Wiring.  This bastard catches a fluke win against some low end ham and egger, and now he just gets an automatic entree into the Grand Rampage match, meanwhile a true talent like Y2Impact, fresh off what has to be a match of the year candidate, has to beat this scrub in order to be considered for entry?  I swear that  the people in charge of Voltage, don't have their heads screwed on right.   Hell, they're almost as incompetent as John Conning, and the rest of the board members who used to take the short bus to school.  I'm going to finish what I started at Reckless Wiring, and utterly destroy that over rated sack of flea excrement. I am going to leave Phoenix laid out, staring up at the lights on my way to to a cool twenty thousand dollar bonus.  And with my victory, I'll be a step close to championship gold.


Kenny, Chris, Phoenix, you boys better get ready to have my size twelve boot, printed on each of your asses.  You boys are about to experience first hand, why I am the twitter Trendsetter, the Instagram Icon, the Hash Tag Hero to millions upon millions of followers from every part of the globe.  Followers who recognize that I am the total package of looks, charisma, and in ring skill that is unmatched by any other, you three especially.  My Followers stand in awe of my unequivocal Perfection, and have chosen me to represent them as their undisputed Social Media Champion! This Monday night, you will all learn exactly why I am the Bastion of Battleground, the Brightest Burning Star that EAW will ever know, and most importantly, the man who is gonna kick all three of your asses before heading on to win the Grand Rampage match.  You don't have to like it, but unfortunately for you, that's just the way it is, and when all is said and done, you will be Picturing THAT!"


Michaels takes a moment to examin each pair of trunks, before deciding to just throw both in the suit case, zipping it up, and taking it with him out both the shot, and the bedroom.


FADE TO BLACK.

[You enter a dark room with the only light coming from a projector overhead. There is a screen in front running a match from last Monday’s Battleground show - Luke Reign vs. Eclipse Diemos. Reign hits a super kick on his opponent and movement draws your attention to a theater-style seat to the right. In it sits Reign’s opponent for Monday, ‘Ravaging’ Ricky Conway. Conway finishes writing a note down on a yellow pad and adjusts the ice pack on his right knee. He has a matching one on his left knee as well, both elevated on an ottoman. His clothing this evening is a simple pair of grey jogging shorts and a sleeveless blue Captain America shirt. Although his body shows sweat and fatigue, his eyes are sharp and focused on the task ahead - preparation. Another person enters the room with two protein smoothies in hand. He gives one to The Ravaging One and takes a seat opposite of him.]

CONWAY: Thank you, Billy. You know, I’ve watched this match a few times now and, although it’s short, the kid showed me something. Sure, he got his ass beat but he didn’t give up. He got his licks in and should be proud of what he accomplished.

BILLY: It’s crazy to see you preparing again. After what happened, I didn’t think you’d ever go back into the ring. Probably the strangest thing, though, is you giving your opponent credit like this. Are you sure you still have the competitive streak you used to?

CONWAY: It has been a while. 10 years have passed since last I stepped into a wrestling ring. I still remember the night. The table. The fuck up. Billy, you’ve been my friend since we started in this business in the late 90’s. Our tag team was second to none but then you got out to start a gym and be a trainer. Sometimes I wonder if I should have joined you in early retirement. The thing is, you never had the passion I did. The wrestling bug bit me young and I’ve never been cured. My body may have faltered a while back but the flame...the flame never died. I’ve had plenty of time to heal and, thanks to your regiment, I’m in great shape again. Billy, I’m ready.

BILLY: Look man, I know you think you’re ready but you’ve lost some edge over the years. This kid could surprise you. I know you’ve got passion but you’ll need more than that to win your first match back in a decade.

CONWAY: That’s why I’m studying. That’s why I’m training. I’ve got to be smarter than I was. Let’s face it, I was reckless. My matches always seem to get a little...extreme. I put my body on the line each night and paid the ultimate price. I’ll tell you this though, if I could go back in time, I would do it all again. I’ll be honest, I feel like this Monday Night at Battleground I’ll be doing just that - going back in time to regain some glory. I won’t hide it. I won’t mince words. This is about proving to myself I can do it. This is about proving to everyone else I can do it. That I can perform at the same level I did in my prime. Hell, I bet that I can do better. Will I still put my body on the line? Absolutely. This time, however, I’m going to make sure that I’m putting my opponent’s body on the line first. 

BILLY: I read that you’re in a match for a contract bonus. What’s that all about?

CONWAY: That’s a great question, Bill. It’s like they think I need an monetary incentive to go out there and bust my ass. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll take the money after I pin Luke 1-2-3 in the middle of the ring. I won’t spend a dime of it though. It can go in my trophy case along with the first professional wrestling belt I won - The FWF Big Mouth Championship. I’m not going to win because I want the money more. I’m going to win because I’m better than he is. I’m smarter, stronger, and faster. The EAW fans and locker room will discover that I am a dangerous man.

BILL: Did you see the promo Reign put out earlier today?

CONWAY: It was e-mailed to me but, no, I didn’t. I don’t really give a shit what the kid says about me. It’s not about what you say now; it’s about what you do when the bell rings. I’ll watch it when I have a moment but I’ve been busy getting ready. In fact, I need to keep prepping. Thanks again for the session and the drink but fuck off for a bit. And, as for Luke Reign...








[Fade To Black]

It’s not surprising when people have such a huge inflated ego in them self, especially when they are fighting for such a big prize in the store. I understand their passion, I understand their enthusiasm, but to make people hurt to get what they really desire is such a dick move. Still, I don’t mind getting hurt because it’s part of my profession but if I had one dollar for every single person who wants to make me scream, throwing me off from a ladder, and burrying my chest with a bullet I would probably rich and I would owned this company.

Berretta, Liam Catterson, Lucas Johnson, you all can use dirty tactic cheaps all you want onto me, go ahead for it motherfuckers. While you three dummies are busy trying to figure out how to use your useless strategies with your stupid mind, I will be climbing up onto the ladder and going to Grand Rampage with another winning record in my book.

Lucas Johnson, I knew you wrestled for Ohio State University which is a good thing but you are still indeed too dumb and too naive. You wrestled for 30 minutes in NCAA? Congrats, I don’t give a shit. Anyone in this match and in the locker room don’t give a shit. You were an amateur athlete, yes you were the best in Amateur wrestling but it seems you only in live in the past as an amateur wrestler....that’s why you are an amateur here. Look Lucas, forget your past accomplishment because the future is waiting for you. The fans will love to see you step up in this business, you just need to stop thinking that you are still in University. It’s not like you are looking for a girl anyway, if any girls wants to date with you, that’s it.

Berretta, I’m glad you finally realized that you are a little dummy. We should celebrated for it “friend”. While it’s true that I lost the opportunity to be Pure Champion last week, I have realized that this ladder match is more important match than last week. While it’s true I really hate you so much, my focus is 100% for the match. I’m glad I can get my hands on you though which is a big plus in my book. It’s really funny to say that “me picking on opponents for you” doesn’t prove anything. You lost your match to Christian Locke 2 weeks ago, very simple. I only picked Christian Locke to face you anyway my dummy friend. And despite I didn’t choose Silent Eagle to face you on Battleground last week he still managed to beat you. If it doesn’t prove anything then I dot know what it is. It’s very sad for such a “dangerous man” like you turning into a loser. And in this ladder match, I will be walking out as one of Grand Rampage’s participants.

Liam Catterson, you stupid fool, it’s you isn’t it? You think I’m not special? Are you ignoring the fact that this NEWBIE is on the same match as a former World Champion like you? Well I guess it doesn’t make you special either then. Well, if I’m really not special at this moment it will be changed soon enough after our match in this ladder match when I climb up the ladder and win the match while you are too busy making other competitors screams. Liam, when people usually give me a first warning, I will just ignore it. When people says there will be no second warning, I say “so what?”.  You can give me any warnings all you want Liam, the thing is I don’t really care. I’m here to be a success, so it will be my pleasure to hit former World Champion’s big nose like yours so I can show the world that I’m better than you Liam. I will climb this ladder step by step with the determination and with the fans behind my back, it’s not impposible.

And that’s not an insult, THAT is just a fact of life!

Post Battleground Promo

"Fifteen Minutes"

(Morning after Battleground. Cloud is standing in line at Narita International, waiting to board her flight back to New York. She's wearing a pair of Ray-Bans with a Taiyo High hoodie covering most if her face. While she's waiting, she doesn't notice Mexican Samurai standing behind her.)

Mexican Samurai: Good morning "Stephanie".

Cloud: ...

Samurai: I'm calling you Steph because as of last night the Vixen known as Cloud Matsuda is dead. If I didn't stop Haruna from decimating you, the woman known as Stephanie Mia Matsuda wouldn't be standing here before me. Standing here...on her way home. Stay home Stephanie. You don't belong in Haru-kun's Millennium- or rather Our Millennium. It's not the end of the world though. You're a gifted athlete, you're a designer, and musician. You're just not a fighter Steph. Not anymore that is. 

Cloud: ...

Samurai: There's no shame in walking away. You had a decent run. That's more than what most people in our business get. Your fifteen minutes are up.

Cloud: ...

Samurai: You will never see Haruna Sakazaki again. Your story has concluded and she will continue on while bards continue to weave the tale of the Pride of the Vixens Division. She's so high in the sky, she's nothing more than a bird to your worm. But...that's okay Stephanie, because you was never meant to be here in the first place.

Cloud: ...

Samurai: Cloud Matsuda: Sunrise - August 22nd, 2009. Sunset - April 12th 2016. An ironic almost seven years. I beg your leave Ms. Matsuda. We will not see each other again.

(Mexican Samurai walks away.)

Stephanie: ...

Dynasty Promo #3








 

The scene opens inside the Beverly Hills Mansion home of EAW’s Self-Proclaimed Social Media Champion “Picture Perfect” Mark Michaels.  It here on a perfect southern California night, with clear skys, and the weather a comfortable seventy two degrees, that we find Michaels gaze not turned to the heavens, but to his seventy inch UHD television which he standing in front of. 




Stew-O: "SECOND POWERBOMB! RHAEGAR IS PUNISHING LUCIAN BLACK RIGHT NOW! HE’S STILL NOT DONE! RHAEGAR LIFTS HIM UP! THIRD POWERBOMB! STILL NOT FINISHED AS RHAEGAR PULLS HIM UP TO HIS FEET! LUCIAN CAN BARELY STAND ON HIS FEET AS RHAEGAR SCREAMS RIGHT INTO HIS FACE BEFORE THROWING HIM INTO THE ROPES! HE LOOKS TO FINISH THE WRATH OF ARES WITH THE POP-UP POWERBOMB!"


Michaels takes a half step closer, his focus as intense as the action on the screen.




 Deadprez: "HE POPS HIM UP! SUPERMAN PUNCH! LUCIAN BLACK STRIKES WITH THE SUPERMAN PUNCH IN THE AIR FROM THAT LIFT UP! LUCIAN DROPS DOWN TO THE FLOOR AS RHAEGAR BOUNCES OFF THE ROPES! SPEAR! LUCIAN STRIKES WITH THE SPEAR THAT TEARS THROUGH RHAEGAR! LUCIAN HAS IT! HE HOOKS HIM BY THE LEG TO END IT HERE!"


Michaels slowly shakes his head no, partly from the disappointment of Rheagar  not landing the last pop up powerbomb, partly from the disbelief of seeing Lucian pull out that huge counter after taking so much punishment.


Referee: ONNNEEE!!!… TWWWOOO!!!… THHHRRREEE!!!


Michaels: "(under his breath) Son of a bitch.  (Normal inflection) What keeps him going?  He's either too stubborn, or to stupid to stay down.  Oh who am I kidding?  Everyone knows it's because he's dumber than a hollowed out pumpkin.  Look at you Lucian, you have bought into your own hype, and buried your head so far up your own ass, you wouldn't be able to tell shit, from apple butter.  And why wouldn't you?  for the past ten months, everyone and their mother has been kissing your ass with all kinds bullshit like 'The face of Dynasty Lucian Black', of 'Dynasty's top gun' but for all the hype, and all the praise, and all the glory that has been showered upon you, what have you actually acomplished?  I'll tell you what, absolutely nothing!  Now granted you have been here nearly a decade, and that's a lifetime when most of the men who sign with this company have a shelf life of about three and a half minutes.  But still, in all that time Lucian, you have failed when it came time to win the big one.  Whether it was the Triple threat at Pain for pride, or the Red Walls match at house of glass, or even the King of the Elite finals, just when it seem like you were finally going to take the next step, and cement your name among the greatest of the greats, you hesitated and took a half step back.  And you wonder why I have a problem with you the guy who represented Dynasty for that whole time when Zack Crash was looking to put the last nail in the coffin.  It's because even though you constantly screw up when everything is on the line, you somehow still manage to be the guy on every poster, every TV ad, every EAW Ice Cream bar for god's sake!  Meanwhile, I've had to toil with the bottom rung of the Dynasty brand just to get air time, and yet despite the fact that I have torn thru every last son of a bitch they've placed in front of me.  Despite the fact that I have proven time and again, that i deserve better from not just the brand of Dynasty, but from Elite Answers Wrestling as a whole, somehow I am constantly passed over in favor of overrated jackasses like you Lucian.  


And it's gone on for so long now that it burns a goddamn hole in my stomach, every single time I'm pulling up to the arena on Friday night, and it's your face on the banister, and your name on the marquee.  Well enough is enough, I'm done standing idly by, as the some over hyped, under developed, Samoan sloth, steal all the credit, glory, and opportunities away from the true heart and soul of Dynasty.  The man who worked his ass off to fill arenas the whole world over with his followers, the man who turned Dynasty into a ratings powerhouse with a single hash tag, the man who took the broken pieces of Dynasty that were left after Pain For Pride, and remade them in my image.  And in doing so, I made the Dynasty brand ever bit of Elite Answers Wrestling's equal.  And after nearly a year of being squandered, I am finally going to rise up, and claim my all that I am owed.  And you Lucian, after I am done with you, you won't be but a footnote in the history of the Mark Michaels era in EAW!  I am going to totally outclass you in each and every way imaginable. 


You are in for the beating of your life.  A grade-A ass kicking the likes of which you have never seen before.  After this Friday in Montreal, in front of a sold out Bell Center that will be packed with my followers, you'll have no choice but to finally, FINALLY, step aside and let those who are truly elite lead this brand.  You can't stop me, no one can.  Because there is no such thing, as better than Perfect, and you'll learn that first hand Lucian.


So bring your A-game, bring every trick, and tactic that you've learned in your time here.  You're going to need them in order to stand the slightest chance against me.  Believe you me Lucian, that one that bell ring, you will know beyond the shadow of a doubt, exactly why I am the Twitter Trendsetter.  Why I am the Instagram Icon.  You'll see why I have become the Hash Tag Hero to millions upon millions of followers from Alabama, to Zaire, and every place in between.  You will see that am the total package of Looks, charisma, and in ring skill that a boring, ugly, dunce cap wearing asshole like you, could never even hope to stand a chance against.  You will see why every single day, millions upon millions of people, hit that follow button, and cast their vote for me to represent them as their Undisputed Social Media Champion.  And I guarantee to each and every one of those followers, that I will prove to you Lucian, that I am the Destiny of Dynasty, the Brightest Burning Star that EAW will ever know, and most importantly,  that I am not a giant failure like you.  It's my hand that's going to be raised in victory this Friday, and come hell or high water Lucian, You will Picture THAT!"


A long moment passes where Michaels stares directly into the televised eyes of Lucian Black.


Michaels: "Yeah, you will."




FADE TO BLACK.

Hate to say I told you so but... In this case with all the talking that was done by the other guys. Well I told you so.  I told Daniel Likes Sparkles,  I told Brayden Swallows Glue and I told Eclipse Solider#1 I would walk out victorious and what did I do? Well I walked out victorious I again for the 2nd time pinned Daniel Marshall.   Even after you 3 thugs jumping me in the befogging I still came out on top.  I thought Big Mike was the former felon not you 3.  That's besides the fact though the fact of the matter is that I get to come out here and say I TOLD YOU SO!


Looks like EAW doesn't want me to say that again though.  Their trying they really are.  They think me not having Big Mike is going to effect me in some sort of negative way did they not watch Battleground? I took on 3 other men and WON without him.  So do you think me taking on 3 people all in one man is going to be a challenge? Come on guys you should know better than that,  I am the Fresh Prince of Showdown, Gods Given Greatness!  You know you would think after saying that on a weekly basis they would get it through their thick heads.  I don't need Big Mike to help me win what do you take me for huh? Some loser who can only rely on his body guard or manager to win him matches? Please I win with or without him by my side.  I mean if you really wanted me to be nervous you should of just put me in a 3 on 1 handicap match with the same 3 idiots I beat on Battleground.  Then maybe just MAYBE I would be worried about having Big Mike at ringside.  Against Terry Chambers though? It's going to take a lot more than that to worry me.


Speaking of the big bastard.  Hey Terry I don't think I've ever been in the ring with you so this is a whole new experience.  Wait maybe I have been in the ring with you before did you happen to go by the name of A-Will before? I could be wrong all of you big generic bastards look the same in the first place.  I mean it's like I'm taking on Big Mike minus the charisma and emotion.  Basically I'm just taking on a walking brick wall that I will kick right down.  See Terry I compared you to a brick wall because listening to you speak or watching you wrestle is just like staring at a brick wall it gets boring and nothing ever changes.  Same old shit just a different day and different place.  You think just because your some big guy who towers over his opponents he can just destroy them.  Well guess what Terry? This isn't the case with me and to be honest it hasn't been the case for anyone you've stepped in the ring with for quite some time now.  Just like Brayden I also thought you were one of the people who would try to run down on me for 50k bounty I had on my head.  But you knew better to do that and something tells me you'll know better to step in the ring with me.  You've been paying attention to what I've been doing lately and even though you might lie and say you haven't.  I know damn well you are you know I'm not fooling around anymore and this is no longer a game.  Grand Rampage is right around the corner and I'm doing anything it takes to prove a point that I can go in there and I can win the thing.  While you just lay down and prove to the world 50 reasons against one Elitist you shouldn't be in Grand Rampage.   So I hope everyone whether your on Showdown, Voltage and Dynasty to pay very close attention to everything that I do leading up to Grand Rampage.  Just to make sure you aren't surprised when I walk out the winner and the "Fan favorite" doesn't.

A powerful being, I am. Don't you ever fucking forget that. With each passing day, I only get stronger. Every moment I'm in the face of defeat, I learn to stand back up and swear never to make the same mistake. And with any victory I own, I continue to prove my already-established dominance to the roaring crowd that dares boo me when I come to the ring. The key is never to let these insipid fools, these flaming idiots who have no idea what you've gone through to get to where you are standing now, tell you what you are and what you can't do. If they hate you, let them. If they despise you, smirk in their direction to spite them. Don't ever let them ruin your game. Don't ever let them win. That's why I can set all these aspirations and ambitions, that clearly will cause nothing but pressure and stress to these typical feeble-minded cowards that dare call themselves competitors, but by all means, I make them happen. If I say I could compete in two divisions simultaneously, facing Vixens on Dynasty and Elitists on Voltage, then it is certain I could do it without blinking an eye, without a shadow of a doubt! If I say I could jump off the top turnbuckle and onto my opponent with a fucking chair in hand, and my ankles shackled together, then with not a hint of fear in my eyes, I am capable of doing so! If I say I could rock a Vixens Championship match early in the night, and then proceed to wrestle a bone-breaking World Championship match later, I will still be performing like the top-class wrestler that I've always been known as, and my excellence will never be overshadowed by another! I don't only survive. I thrive. Because what I've kept convincing all of you mindless buffoons of is that I will continue to prove that I am better than even the best this company has to offer, and that I can pick up a defining victory over anyone, taking away what they hold dearly, humiliating them in front of their families and friends that support them dearly! I am a mercenary, and I am willing to stray from the principles and values that people expect me to follow, I am willing to take down anyone and get the job done if it means advancing myself and my career. I am a master criminal, evading the security and scanners, infiltrating the system in order to get what she wants, and you won't even know what you lost 'til it's already gone, and I run off to the sunset. I am an assassin, trained in over ten thousand ways to take you down and kill you where you stand. I ignore limitations. I turn away from the non-believers, and from here on out, the same faces in the audience that dare boo me will witness how I make it easy for a Vixen to fucking bitchify her opponents no matter who, to bitchify her competition that they love and root for, and rule over the entire company without the aid of her teammates, but with the skills alone, fearlessly upsetting the balance and breaking the status quo.

This is my journey.

And it starts on Voltage.

I'm facing Hamau Koa. (cringe)

I feel like I'm a child who is just learning how to swim, and her parents thought it would be a fucking brilliant idea to just toss her into the water with no warning, and have her learn that way. Voltage night, I am facing a Samoan beast, one who is supposedly more special than the other five-hundred Samoan beasts that have wrestled in an EAW ring. I am facing someone who is about a foot taller than me, and I'm sure all these critics and know-it-alls are going insane because this would be the perfect time to tell me that this might be more than what I bargained for and my own ambitions will kill me like they did at Reckless Wiring, but do you know what I say to that? FUCK YOU. YOU CAN ALL STICK IT. Because whether it be a seven-foot giant, or a three-foot midget, I am not going to loaf around and do nothing, I am going to use my resources, I am going to outperform them and by any means, I will claim victory, and won't settle for anything less. His height. His physique. Those things won't be a factor, they never were. I've faced my former mentor Mr. DEDEDE and each and every time he went against me, I always was on the winning side. I've faced Ryan Savage over and over again, and that is a person who has made a habit out of breaking people's necks, or whatever, but I overcame, because truly, the real trial was hearing that pathetic retard speak to me! I've faced four other tag teams at House of Glass. I've faced Dynasty's savior Lucian Black in an Extreme Elimination Chamber, where I eliminated Jacob Senn before he got the chance to throw up the X! I never had a problem being at the receiving end of their spears. I never had a problem getting my back slammed on the concrete floor, through the table, or across the steel chains! I've never had any issue getting my face smashed by a trash can lid, because more often than not, I outmaneuver and outsmart my opponents. I move much quicker and fly much higher, forcing them to get confused about where I am and allowing me to stab them in the back at a moment's notice. I never wanted to brag about these past matches, I only do ever intend to state the obvious fact that facing Hamau Koa is NOTHING to me considering everything I have gone through. I could fight through the pain and throw jabs at his face even harder and more efficiently. I have my aces. I have my own strength, my creativity, and at Voltage, I will prove that any physical disadvantage I have means nothing compared to experience and inborn greatness that the Great Red Dragon has, and by the end of the match, I will make him see that no matter what he thinks he is able to put me through, all will seem worthless when he realizes through my victory that he never had a chance to begin with.

This is what I've been training for. This is what I've been dedicating my plans and working strategies toward. This is the reason why through all the trials and mishaps, or even the amazing moments I've had, I chose to brush the dust off my shoulders and calmly walk to the next challenge -- they just don't mean a thing anymore. I know it. Eris knows it. If Hexa-gun wasn't going to continue then what the hell do we do, if not move forward? What's the use of whimpering? What's the use of crying over it? Do we just admit defeat and tell everyone that we can't go on without Hexa-gun? The misconception that The Heart Break Gal or Eris LeCava couldn't stand on their own without Hexa-gun is exactly what made Erica Ford tap out to me last week on Dynasty, it's the same misconception that made Azumi Goto cry over Erica's loss without actually doing anything about it because she's a directionless little bitch who doesn't really know what her purpose should be and I am willing to bet it's the same misconception that will make Madison Kaline fall flat on her ass whether on Dynasty or the Grand Rampage. I refuse to break a sweat over this match attempting to listen to Madison Kaline's endless babbling and pointless poems where she explains how she's better than everyone else, when in truth, she hasn't been able to keep up with myself and Eris the past few times we went toe-to-toe against one another. She lost to Eris at Shock Value. She lost to me at Battleground, and has lost every single important match of hers since then. Whenever she needed a win, she takes one step forward with her Sanatorium brothers and then fucking stops while she's ahead. She doesn't go the extra mile, not because she decides that enough is enough, but because she just couldn't if she tried. Nobody trusts your words, Madison. Nobody believes all the same played-out bullshit that you say, because you have no credentials to prove your dominance, other than that completely forgettable Championship reign! And here you are, taking pride in becoming a member of The Iconomy Remake -- err, The Sanatorium. You're completely content following Eclipse Diemos' words, and all the sweet nothings he whispers to his "sister", because that's the only way you'd feel important. That's the only thing that makes you forget that others who have come to this company after you have ran further and flown higher while you're stuck in a limbo still finding your purpose, hoping there's even ONE THING you could build your legacy from, until you realize that the problem is that you always line yourself up with talentless little shits who do nothing but dance around the campfire, telling horrifying stories. It's your only distraction from the fact that you fucking suck so hard at the wrestling game and that you have absolutely nothing to be proud of other than your rivalry with Tarah Nova, something you clearly haven't moved on from to this day. You would love nothing more than to embarrass The Heart Break Gal? Well fuck, I'm already embarrassed just listening to you right now, Madison! I'm already fucking humiliated just watching you be the obnoxious unintelligent waste of space that we all know you are spewing verbal vomit at every direction hoping a slab would stick to the wall and call it a fucking talent, hoping that people would actually consider you to be in line with the top Vixens today for it! I don't want to stress over this, Madison. I don't want to stress over Sheridan Muller talking about literally everything else besides this match. Eris and I consider it a pleasure teaming together and displaying our talent as a tandem, making an example out of these unrightfully egocentric abominations that dare call themselves Vixens, because that's what we do, while you're stuck in your corner forced to team up with someone you dislike, someone who could be paranoid over the fact that at any moment you would just abandon her. I wish I didn't think this was going to be an easy victory, but I just do because I'm in this with my best friend Eris, while Sheridan Muller is stuck with a Vixen that doesn't even acknowledge her existence as a competitor, and considers her mediocre. Oh, how will this even end?

Two weeks after Hexa-gun's disbandment, now I'm mostly on my own.

Hexa-gun was powerful, indeed, but like all good things, it came to an end. Drake and Jones are fighting Champions. Eris is Vixens Champion. Y2Impact is seeking to win The Grand Rampage. And I? I'll continue doing what I'm good at -- being the best. EAW is still our turf, and we will all keep moving forward.

But what people seem to forget is that Hexa-gun isn't what made me powerful.

I made me powerful.

And Elite Answers Wrestling will watch as I, treading all territories, decimate everyone in my path. With five other group members by my side or not, I will stand tall through all the peaks and valleys at the summit of the EAW mountain.

Because The Heart Break Gal wins. The Heart Break Gal reigns.

One contender’s aspirations were stamped out and a line of others is already stretching farther than an eye’s reach.
 
Poetic in a sense, but nothing I didn’t see from a mile away. Ever since gaining the Pure Championship, I’ve laid down the ultimate challenge for veterans and hopefuls alike to try and reap. The chance to etch their name in history looms on their respective horizons, all that’s required of them is to wipe mine off of it. Now I may tend to be off my rocker at times when I’m within the scope of a squared circle, but prior to my decision of making the Pure Open Challenge a reality, I was lucid enough to weigh in the gravity of it. I mean, fighting life and limb to keep a firm grip on this title belt while a parade of hungry competitors vie for the same distinction on a weekly basis; one could argue that it’s not an easy feat. However, if anything, that was the main motive behind me going through the decision to begin with. It’s the doubt that appends the possibility of my reign coming to an abrupt end every single week. It’s the suspense that appends the wishful thinking of crowning a new monarch of the Pure division before I’m afforded the opportunity to fully revel in that position. It’s the sensation that pushes fans to the edge of their seats and compels every upstart in the back to chomp at the bit of being granted their own swing at the tree. To put it in simpler terms, it’s the feel that I’ve been hell-bent on restoring to this Division ever since I rid it of JD Damon’s corrupt regime; and up to this point, I think I’m doing a fairly good job. I’m not a hypocrite though, I won’t settle for that being the sole luxury I aim to get out of my stint as Pure Champion. While it may span a decently regarded position in my chart of priorities, handing out chances for anyone to take me up on and try to make me regret is not the focal point of my tenure, wielding their body and spirit to propel me into greater things is. It’s the elementary nature of our business; you win championships to win MORE championships, you take on all comers to one day take on the best there is and you put on five star performances on any given show to hopefully do so on greater stages in the foreseeable future. Elementary though admittedly, a bit rapacious. Howbeit, that’s the sad reality of what we do for a living. If you don’t go to such lengths and occasionally stoop to levels you as a person never envisaged yourself condescending to, you’re bound to be struck by a letter that wishes the best in your future endeavors. So perceive it however you’d like, but I’m making the most out of the Pure Open Challenge and that was evident in the first chapter of it last week.
 
Last Sunday night on Voltage, one of the brand’s greenest talents stepped up to answer my call. Throughout the week leading up to our encounter, I’ve belittled said individual in every sense of the word based on that fact alone and considered him to be of no threat. I’m man enough to disclose that, I’m also man enough to acknowledge Nobi proving me - along with many others I’m sure - wrong afterwards. Shortly put, that kid took me to the limit in a match that exceeded all of the expectations, including mine. The scores might not have favored his end but he sure didn’t let them slide from under him to favor mine without a fight, which was exactly what I was praying for. All of this falls down the lane of solidifying the debt I’ve taken upon myself to pay this illustrious division of ours back; shedding light on the stars of tomorrow today, albeit a small ray of it. That’s a responsibility for the man at the forefront to assume and that’s the responsibility I will happily carry on staying true to this week as well. Allow me to slap an emphasis on a wording that not many people take seriously just yet while I'm at it; when I said I’m willing to take on ANYONE, I meant that I’m willing to take on ANYONE. Shapes, sizes, professions, religious beliefs, political views or even sexes; none of them serves me any kind of interest. So long as you’ve got a pair of functional legs and a breath breezing down your throat, I will take you the fuck on. The best instance of such case lies in the name of my opposition this week; Azumi Goto. For those who do not recognize Goto, people like yours truly just this morning; she hails from the renowned Land of the Rising Sun and claims to be the matriarch of the pure wrestling genre. Bold choice of nickname with the latter Azumi, seeing that I personally have yet to see your name attached to anything worth a discussion. You haven’t won any titles, you’re barely able to hang with the Vixens; and how could you when you’re nudged to the substitute bench more times than actually having matches. But that didn’t oppress your desire to claim cool-sounding nicknames for yourself, now did it? Queen of Puroresu, that’s what you call yourself? Welp, aren’t I ecstatic that you don’t actually live up to that moniker. If Azumi Goto really ruled the Pure breed, it’d go extinct before I could finish skimming through one of her monologues; and trust me, they usually take seconds. I’ll tell you a moniker that she does touch the surface of though; it’s the one that Nobi adopted before her and the one that others will adopt after her, hopeful intuition. Azumi, most likely overpowered by her raw experience inside the ropes of EAW, clings to a prospect so farfetched that she completely forgets to connect it with her real life level of proficiency. I mean, do you honestly feel justifiably entitled to my title just because its name is synonymous with your ad-libbed epithet? If that’s the case, you ought to change it up to the “Queen of Answers”. Who knows? Maybe DEDEDE would appreciate the confidence and consequently roll that championship of his in a colorful gift wrapping and send it to your mail address. I’m running on fumes just rolling this thought in my mind; you wish to make a statement upon perhaps dethroning me this Sunday night, yet you instantly contravene that wish when you mention the titans that I came so close to conquering in my time and the high profile battles that I’ve taken part of. If only you’d realize that by referring to the occasion of Fighting Spirit 2 and such, you’ve answered your question. The only logical approach to undertake at this stage is stripping you of any chance at beating me, really; where’s the fun in that though? Besides, it’s not like I’m going to take it easy on you just because you don’t have a log in your trousers. 

So, spare me the request of me bringing back the Carson Ramsay of old; I am still the same ol’ beer gulping motherfucka’ that some enjoy the sporadic tantrums while most try to avoid. 

I’m also the EAW Pure Champion and I’ll be damn if I let you or anyone on the roster deny me the right of saying that. 

Batter up Azumi, it’s going to get wild.

(Cameras showing at ringside of Lucas Johnson sitting against the steel steps after his Triple Threat match after Christian Locke got the victory)

Doctor: Hey Lucas, are you alright? Do you need your shoulder to be checked out?

Man...my shoulder hit into that post really hard, I will be sore for a few days but nothing serious. I will be fine, a Tylenol and taping up my shoulder won't hurt. But god fucking dammit! Noo....no.....NO! This just can't be happening! I had the victory in my grasp and Locke threw me into the ring post and stole the victory! 

(Lucas Johnson walks to the back and to his locker room as he sits down in a chair with a towel around his head as he faces the camera)

I have failed at my goal of proving everyone wrong that are in the locker room. I have failed all the veterans in the locker room that believed in me since day one. I have failed all the fans around the world that think I have a bright future ahead of me. But most importantly I ruined my chance to make an impact heading into Grand Rampage and Pain for Pride season. 

(Lucas hears a door open and close as he has a shocked look on his face)

Ashten Cross: Impressive performance Lucas tonight in that Triple Threat match.

Thank you Mr. Cross, tonight may have been the outcome I didn't want but I really appreciate the opportunities lately. 

Ashten Cross: No problem Lucas, meanwhile the victory column hasn't really gone your way you've been impressing the hell out of me in the ring the last few weeks. Ever since The Open Fight Gauntlet at Fighting Spirit II you've been under my radar and showed an awesome showing last week against StarrStan and even cutting open his eye!

Haha thank you Mr. Cross, I really appreciate it. I guess I have to find another way into the Pain for Pride picture since Christian Locke earned his Grand Rampage qualifier against StarrStan. 

Ashten Cross: Not so fast Lucas, meanwhile your probably bummed out your loss in the Triple Threat match, later tonight I'm officially announcing a huge ladder match for next week. I'm adding you to a six way ladder match that includes Kenny Drake, J.D. Damon, Beretta, Nobi, and Liam Catterson and the person that climbs the ladder and retrieves the briefcase will enter Grand Rampage!

Wow Mr. Cross, I really appreciate it. Thank you so much, I guess I'm off to Scotland tomorrow!

Ashten Cross: Indeed you are, good luck kid!

(Lucas and Ashten shake hands as Ashten Cross walks out of the locker and Lucas sits back down)

Wow I can't believe it, hard work truly does pay off. When you think you are on the bottom of the totem pole you are really making noise and taking names. This Voltage European Tour has been a roller coaster of a ride for me especially the last two weeks, the triple threat tonight and against StarrStan last week. But now the train keeps on moving on the road to Notre Damn Stadium for Grand Rampage. This will probably will be my last chance to enter Grand Rampage as HRDO said it best last week on Battleground, this years match will be the biggest one yet! Forty men, one ring and one main event for Pain for Pride 9. This will be by far the dangerous match I will be in to date in my wrestling career. Ladder matches can make or ruin careers just look at the past Cash in the Vault matches from each Pain for Pride. Well lets look at who I'm gonna face on Sunday....

Kenny Drake - The rising star Mr. Drake. The last time we met is when you returned and faced me for the right to enter the field of voting for the New Breed Championship at Reckless Wiring. That night on Voltage you were the victor but Sunday is redemption for me, karma is a bitch because you may have cheated to get that victory but there is no way out for you in this ladder match. No pin falls, no submissions, no count outs, no disqualifications, I will get my hands on you and you will feel the pain. 

J.D. Damon - The wildcard in this whole match, Damon just a few weeks ago you lost your Pure Championship title to upstart Carson Ramsey who damn deserved that title when he beat you in the Dog Collar match at Reckless Wiring now look at you now, you got to fight your way to Pain for Pride along with the other thirty nine elitists...that's if you can win the six man Ladder match this Sunday on Voltage. You can either be the wildcard in this match and take the briefcase from under our grasp or continue to fall off the side of the cliff but I predict the bottom of the cliff isn't looking so good and your losing streak will continue along with a medical bill after I break your arm with The Machine Break.

Beretta - The Drunken Sailor: Beretta you claimed once before I was a guy named Jack Swagger? I have no idea who the hell he is but I will tell you who I am encase you forgot who I am after you drank to much whiskey that night. I am the Wrestling Machine Lucas Johnson, I was the number one ranked amateur wrestling in the country that attended 'The U' The Ohio State University and the hottest star to be signed by Elite Answers Wrestling in a very very long time....Set your alarm for Sunday because you are gonna need a wake up call after I'm done with you.

Nobi - I hope you mean StarrStan not StarStaan? Yes I am the wrestling machine here in the land of the elite. I wrestle my heart out for the fans around the world until I am no more physically able to. Why was I called the wrestling machine? I was called that because back in college at The Ohio State University I wrestled over over 30 minutes in one of the best amateur wrestling matches in NCAA, even Sports Illustrated covered that match. While wins and losses are near and dear to my heart I respect that you admire my heart and determination like most veterans in the locker room but I beg to differ it's your time. Disagree with me? I'll gladly send you a hospital bill by throwing you off a ladder. 

Liam Catterson - The veteran in this match. Former New Breed and Answers World Champion and also a champion around the world before you came here to the land of the elite. You have so much 'street cred' as the millennials like to call it this day and age in the locker room. You should be respected by the newbies like myself in the back and I do respect you Liam but I find it hilarious that for someone that's a veteran like you has to fight there way into Grand Rampage. People like you should be gifted spots in Grand Rampage for having so much time in this business. I know Ashten Cross said it would be hard for people from the Voltage roster to earn there spot into Grand Rampage but damn he wasn't kidding at all. 

You want to know the difference between myself and the other five competitors in this Ladder match on Sunday? It's simple, they aren't coming out the victor. Time after time, week after week I have fallen and one by one, other people from the New Breed division have passed me by and advanced onto bigger and better things. People like Carson Ramsay, Christian Locke and even Phoenix Winterborn, well that changes this Sunday. I'm getting the video tapes from past Cash in the Vault matches, I'm going to study them....I'm going to train my ass off like I never have before. This Sunday I will not be passed by in line, I will jump in-front of the line and walk into Grand Rampage as a winner. I will sacrifice my body and my well being LIVE in Scotland, my body might shatter into pieces, I may suffer a concussion, I may bleed all over the place, hell I may even jump off a twenty foot ladder to achieve a personal goal and prove to the world that this isn't a fictional cinderella story...THIS WILL BE REALITY! I will dedicate this match to my Aunt Susan who is well resting at home after her operation and the evolution of Lucas Johnson concludes with The Wrestling Machine holding the briefcase high above his head and knowing I made it here in Elite Answers Wrestling knowing the light is at the end of the tunnel and Pain for Pride 9 is in reach....

[White noise cuts in as it quickly interrupts whatever cat video, lame promo, or insignificant website you are currently viewing.  After a moment, the OMERTA logo appears on your screen, as a robotic voice announces...]


Voice:  THE FOLLOWING IS AN URGENT MESSAGE FROM OMERTA


[After that, Zack Crash appears on your screen.  He is in a dark, undescript room somewhere, dressed in a white suite, with an OMERTA draped behind him like a cape.]
 
Zack Crash:  As I find myself contemplating the events of last week, and the events that are to come this week, I found myself thinking about the imagery of The Three Wise Monkeys.  They call these creatures wise because they supposedly see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil, as symbolized by them holding their disgusting paws over their eyes, ears, and mouths.  Yet nobody questions why they do this, or what it truly represents.  You see, by doing no “evil” they are also making themselves blind, deaf, and mute to everything else!  What makes these monkeys wise is not the fact that they do no evil, but the fact that they show us the illusion that is morality!  Morality is simply a convenience of the time; permitted only during times of peace and stagnation.  But when the shit hits the fan, when trouble rises in our world, that’s the moment when those who are actually wise throw their morality, their honor out the window.  Those who still cling to it in these times are naïve, stupid, or both.  We saw this example of Social Darwinism in action last week in my match with Tig Kelly.  Men like him will constantly call me out on the legality, legitimacy, and “morality” of my tactics, yet when the chips were down for Mr. Kelly, did he not resort to the same tactics I myself use?  Did he not also get aid from not just two, but THREE sources in Cyclone, Brian Daniels, and Lucian Black?  These men, who denounce me while pronouncing their own code of honor, are only as good as the world allows them to be.  But deep down in their purest heart, they’re no different from me.  The only difference is that myself, and the rest of OMERTA are honest with what we are!  These men are not hypocrites; no they are something far worse…they are cowards!  They are afraid to admit to their most basic human natures.  Oh they can hear my words and pretend to admit to their own darker natures, but words mean nothing without action behind them.  I at one point offered each of these men a chance to join me in the truth.  Whether it was during my reign as Chairman, or now with OMERTA, they had they’re chance to cast of the morality that made them blind, deaf, and mute.  Yet instead they chose their honor, choosing only my way when it suits them.  After hearing that, which of these sounds more despicable?  The man who is honest with himself and others, or the men who try to play both sides of the fence without deciding which side they’re truly on?  With this in mind, last weeks match was not a defeat.  Perhaps I may not be #1 Contender, but my symbolic victory is much more important.  I proved a point and forced these men to reveal to the world what they really are!  The world now knows they’re not special; they’re just like everyone else around here…they just don’t want to admit it!  But that’s ok, because OMERTA is here to lead those who want to allow their true nature to shine through!  Me and my Codes will show them that only when they permanently throw off the shackles of their honor and morality will they be able to see beauty they never could before, speak wisdom they never knew before, and hear the truth that hides beneath the surface!  You may think you’ve won Mr. Kelly, but I guarantee that your victory is hollow at best, and empty at worst!  You’ll realize this soon enough when you face Mr. Oasis at the Grand Rampage for the title.  That championship still remains in our family’s hand, and it will remain there even after the Rampage.  All you’ve managed to do is make yourself an even greater annoyance than before.  You’re like a resilient fly buzzing around.  Hard to hit maybe, but sooner or later, all bugs get squashed!  As for the new tag team that is Cerberus, I find it ironically appropriate that they would name their team after the three-headed dog of the Underworld in Greek mythology.  Though this creature was a fearsome thing to behold, in the end it was merely a servant!  A slave to something even greater and more powerful!  I look at you two and that’s all a see.  A force of great ability to be sure, but in the end you both are only slaves to the greater force that is your “honor” and “morality”.  Did your morality help you to keep your World Championship from Mr. Oasis at Reckless Wiring Mr. Daniels?  Has your “morality” helped your return be anything remotely resembling relevant Cyclone?  If you two had any brains at all, you’d be resorting to every dirty trick in the book to get what you want.  But you can’t because you don’t have the stomach for it, which is why you’ll never be greater than OMERTA!  Scott Oasis, JJ Silva, Brody Sparks, and myself are leading Dynasty into a new era of prosperity!  And as our wealth and power grows, so too will our ranks.  I want everyone to see the truth I see; I want everyone to share in OMERTA’s success!  Others will come to me, drawn to my message, succeeding where they never could before because I freed them of their morality.  Because being human with any decency or self-respect is about doing what needs to be done, regardless of how ugly it can be!  Pretty soon, we’ll have all of EAW placing their hands over their hearts as they swear on their own blood…                 
 
IN OMERTA WE TRUST!!!
 


Voice:  TRANSMISSION ENDS


[Blackout]