It’s been a while since you last heard from me hasn’t it? I had nothing to do at King of Elite expect watch who my next opponent will be and Jamie I’m not going to say much on you expect just to take care of that title for me. Keep it cleaned up and make sure you say your last goodbyes. Also to whoever else plans on going after Jamie, get in the back of line let me get my shot and once I win I never back down from any challenge and willing to compete against anyone. Now let’s focus on the task at hand, another week another young talent. James Walker I’ve heard about you and I’ve seen SOME of your matches and from what I’ve heard and from I’ve seen you got a future in this company. You got what it takes to be the next big thing I just hope you don’t have the same effects as others who were dubbed the same thing and ended up being nothing. With that being said don’t let this loss this week deflate you of your confidence. You are taking on a top talent not only on this brand but in this company. You are going to give me a run for my money I’ll admit that it’s going to be a match where everyone can go home and talk about it. Then they’ll be saying the same thing I said. “That James Ranger kid is really the future hopefully he keeps it up”. Now I don’t know if you noticed or have been paying attention but I’ve been facing a lot of young talent some of them have it some of them do and you are one of the ones that do indeed have it. Just like I told the other ones who have IT though the one thing they won’t have is a W over the name of Chris Elite. Sure plenty of them have come close to doing so but you’ll realize sooner or later close means nothing in this company. Believe me I’m not trying to knock you I want you to be able to beat me I want you to bring everything you have just so I can teach you a lesson. That in this company you have to bring more then what you have right now. You need to bring extra especially against guys like me because if you just bring what you have now you’ll have one almost 3 count moment before I end it all. After you face defeat though don’t be down on yourself be proud that you earned my respect, be glad you earned the fans respect well more fans who may have not known who you were before. Know that you just gave an owner of a Gawd contract and the next challenger for the world championship a run for his money.
 
 

I don’t think Finnegan has any challengers at the moment and if you do well enough Sunday you can put yourself on the map James win or lose. Usually you see me at a much cockier state then this but I’m chill this weekend I’m not going to brag about a victory I know I can pick up. Today I’m just here to motivate the youth before I stand over them don’t take it personal James because it’s not meant to be taken personal. If you ever need any advice you can ask me unless your mind is plagued by what these idiots have been saying and don’t want to ask an 8 year veteran who hasn’t really won much doesn’t need to be giving out advice. Then hey that’s on you I’m just trying to look out for the future of the company. Whether you reply or not I don’t care, no matter how you reply whether it’s with the same respect I showed you or disrespect that’s on you. Just know you are making your bed for what happens on Sunday either I respectfully beat you or I defeat you with disrespect. If you are confused on what that means depending on the words you use whenever you decide to speak. You won’t be confused anymore. See you out there Ranger.

(The first part of this promo takes place right after The High Rollerz’ successful title defense at King of Elite. David steps through the curtain and enters the backstage area with a noticeable limp. He checks his jaw as well to make sure it’s in place. But even with all of the physical pain he’s dealing with, he takes a moment to look down at his title and let’s out a small grin, knowing it was all worth it. David takes a break from the walking and stands up against a wall, before sliding down until he’s sitting on the cold concrete floor. He places his title on his shins. He takes out his mouthguard and places it on top of his ear. He begins to unwrap his wrist tape, like he does after any other match..but he stops and carefully inspects it. The wrist tape is stained with Cameron’s blood and being the sadistic asshole that he is, he just stares at, reliving the match in his head, admiring the pain he caused her. So for the time being, he keeps the tape on. At this point, Eve steps into frame and sits next to David, but he doesn’t notice. He’s still in his own world.)

Eve: David, first of all, wow what a match! Just moments ago, we saw you and Jack once again retain the Unified Tag Team Championships..how are you feeling?

David: …Disrespected. 

Eve: What are your thoughts on the Drake Jaeger involvement towards the end there? 

David: ... “With all due respect”, fuck Drake Jaeger. 

(Eve is about to ask a follow-up question but David has other plans. He grabs his title, places it on his shoulder and then gets up to his feet. He limps away as Eve looks on. Camera fades to black for a split second. Fast forward to current day. David is sitting at the commentator’s table that was set up just moments ago in the O2 Arena. David looks on as the crew finishes putting the ring together.)

For as great as EAW is, whether it’s from an entertainment or business standpoint, there is always room for improvement. After all, there is nothing perfect in this world. I mean The High Rollerz come close, very very very close, but still, we aren’t perfect, for we too have our blemishes..I hate to break it to you. So just for a second, allow me to put my evaluator hat on and discuss the most glaring issue with EAW today..security. Where oh where to start? Oh I don’t know, how about where the fuck is it? Were budget cuts made or something?! Yeah, the  complete lack of security is inexcusable. I’ve suffered because of it. Think about it, the last three matches that I’ve been involved in, had some sort of outside interference and I’m getting sick and tired of it. Don’t remember? Let me jog your memory. I faced Rex McAllister in the first round of the King of Elite tournament. A match I was seconds away from winning but oh would you look at that, there’s a hooded bandit standing on the apron, doing everything in their power to cost me that match and that they did. The next week I face the one and only Diamond Cage! You would think from last week’s incident, the security team would step their game up by being more alert, that they would cover all bases before the bell rang so I wouldn’t face the same exact fate as before, but oh my fucking god, plot twist, it happened yet again and there was nothing done about it. Imagine that. Then there is King of Elite, a match that was going rather smoothly, until a commentator that sits at this very desk and gets paid to talk about the likes of me, decided to slide a steel chair into the ring, trying to give a much needed assist to struggling Cameron Ella Ava and The Heart Break Gal. An equalizer if you will, since it became abundantly clear that they were outmatched while going up against the greatest duo in EAW history, THR.. so I don’t fault Drake for trying to help his “friend” get a leg up. In fact, I would have done the exact same thing most likely. But luckily for us, Drake’s involvement wasn’t the deciding factor. No, instead we caught a break! Just when it looked like we were doomed, that the end of our third reign was near, Ms. Cameron Ella Ava, our “saving grace” decided to prove just how low her IQ is by making yet another terrible decision by refusing to use that chair against us because somehow, in the heat of the moment, she acquired morals. And then we took over. We won. We retained. End of story. But yet, the outcome was bittersweet. I’m not satisfied. Not by a long shot because our victory is tainted. And it sickens me. 

Excuses here, excuses there, excuses everywhere. That’s what this place is all about. Haven’t you noticed by now? When an elitist loses a match, it’s never their fault. They were cheated! As they desperately point their finger at everybody except themselves. Now, sometimes they have a legitimate case as to why they lost, but most of the time it’s just them grasping at straws. The footage talks. So let’s go back to my original point. Elitists have rounds of excuses in their holsters, ready to fire at any given moment. The Di Consentes fans are no different. But I’m not blindsided by it all. It was expected. They both had two matches heading into King of Elite, so fatigue would set in at some point. But I would always try to give them more credit than that because they are hall of famers for crying out loud. Meaning they’ve faced many trials and tribulations before. This was nothing new to them, but whatever, I’ll move on. Then there is the second excuse, Drake Jaeger, which is why I said fuck him when Eve decided to interview me right after my match last week. Which reminds me, I’d like to take this time to formally apologize for my language. I was exhausted after my match, Eve should have given me a few seconds to cool down and process everything. So again, my bad. But because of that fucker Drake Jaeger, Cameron and HBG can hold their heads high because they technically didn’t lose “clean.” That’s how the fans phrase it, I believe. Whatever helps you sleep at night. Speaking of which, do you know what helps me sleep at night? Seeing this championship on my nightstand which immediately reminds me that The High Rollerz are in fact the greatest tag team in EAW history. Something we’ve been telling you since day one, it’s just now some of you are catching on. Better late than never I suppose.. so welcome to The High Rollerz bandwagon. It’s a little crammed, but by all means, pile in.

(David looks up at the titantron and sees them testing the match graphics for the show this Saturday. It stops on Devan Dubian and Diamond Cage vs. The High Rollerz.)

Oh right, and then there is that..huh,  interesting. I see that yet another test awaits us come tomorrow night, a test we will pass with flying colors. But mostly red. I fully plan on busting one of you open, if not both. So let’s get this straight, in one corner there’s Team A. Team A has held the Unified Tag Team Championships three times as a collective unit. Team A actually has continuity. Team A shares a common goal and Team A is actually a team. Mind blown, I know. Then there is Team B. The two men that make up this team hate each other. One of them keeps hitting the other with the Bleeding Edge. They have zero continuity, although they do share a common goal and that is winning the EAW Championship. Both see the other as a threat from obtaining said goal so they’ll probably take each other out, therefore Team A won’t have to do anything, except patiently watch them come to blows. So who do you think will win? I know, it’s tough. You can poll the audience, phone a friend, 50/50 elimination to help steer you in the right direction. But on paper, I think most will agree that Team A should and will come out on top in a little over 24 hours. Now, I actually do agree with my opponent Diamond Cage on this match itself. This match, much like Devan Dubian and Diamond Cage’s existence in the year 2018, is a waste of time. We all know how this will end. You don’t like each other, you are both too stubborn to let the other shine and then one of you will walk out on the other and then The High Rollerz will swoop in and feast on the scraps. I told the same thing to Cam and HBG, just in a different variation because they actually respect one another..but I told them, as well as pointed out the obvious, this is a tag match. This is our shit. We are by far the best tag team today and we aren’t going to let you two damage our reputation. Now, if this was singles, if this was me vs. Devan or Cage, then sure, they would have a legitimate shot at getting the better of me because that’s their expertise. But again, let me remind you, this is a tag match and we will come out victorious, whether this bout lasts an hour or three seconds, the outcome will in fact remain the same. I feel like I had to repeat myself just then because our opponents have some thick skulls, in case you haven’t noticed. Sooooo, what is left to be said? You two basically went at each other’s throats for the majority of time you spent bloviating about this match. You got DC, doing the same song and dance. The same shtick he is notorious for. We get it, you’re this badass rebel. You don’t answer to authority. You color outside the lines. You will fight anyone and everyone, cool. But there are two things that I want to touch on briefly before moving on to your partner. You said we are a great tag team and normally, if you used the word “great” to describe anyone, they would smile and take it as a compliment. But using that word to describe The High Rollerz? 

It’s a slap in the face. You buffoon, you forgot the last three letters of the word you should have said and that is greatest. The High Rollerz is the greatest tag team, period. Some might call that nitpicking, but I’m just correcting him, so he can be more accurate when describing us, that’s all. The last thing I would like to say to DC is fucking bring it. You keep saying we are in your way this week. Move us. Force us out of your path. It’s just funny how foolish you are. Talking about how everyone is in your path, that they can’t stop you, when the fact is the only person standing in your way is yourself. You want the EAW Championship so badly, you go on and on about it every week, being the broken record that you are, yet, the title is still not around your waist. I wonder why that is?! Talk is cheap, DC. That’s all you are at this point…just all talk. Nobody has told you yet, huh? That your window for adding yet another world title to your résumé was slammed closed long ago. But I know you won’t believe me because who the fuck is David Davidson anyways? I’ll tell you who, I’m the voice of reason. This isn’t an attempt to piss you off or to stir up the hornet’s nest..it’s just the honest truth. Don’t take my word for it, fine. Let it unfold over time then. You’ll soon see it for yourself. 

As for Devan, just like your partner DC, if this was 2014 or 15, I’d be thrilled to face off against you. You used to be the benchmark. A fierce and proven veteran that if you were to beat him, it would actually mean something and would help further your career. But now? I don’t see it. 2017 was quite a lackluster and uneventful year of your career, especially when it comes to a hall of famer and former world champion.. and spoiler alert, 2018 will be the same. But again, who am I to say this? What have I done to be so censorious about the “legend”, Devan Dubian?! Like I said, I’m just calling it like I see it. Bringing a new perspective to the fold. I know you won’t agree with me, in fact you can plug your ears with your fingers and yell you can’t hear me, fine by me because come tomorrow night I will either snap or bite those fingers clean off. I too had high hopes for you. I gave you far too much credit, just like I did with Cameron and HBG. It’s quite clear that you are undermining our success as a team by hocking loogies on the prestige of this title I hold near and dear. You too are close-minded. You too think we have pigeonholed ourselves to a “dead division”..a division that will anchor us down to the depths of irrelevancy. But I get it, since EAW was created, singles success was always more sought after and that will most likely never change because of greed and egotism. But Jack Ripley and David Davidson are a different breed. Nobody can relate to us in EAW..being childhood friends, always having one goal in mind and that was to one day hold the tag team titles of the biggest wrestling federation in the world today. I’m a team player. I’ve always taken more pride in achieving goals with a group or another person that just myself. It gets boring and lonely when you’re at the top all by yourself. Sharing success is more rewarding, at least in my opinion it is. 

I’ve always had this mindset and it’s  something I chalk up to my sports days. Football, basketball, soccer, baseball, you name it, I tried it and I succeeded at it and here I am in EAW, dominating as a team once more, just this time on a grander scale. But again, I don’t expect us to meet eye to eye when it comes to the importance of this tag division. How did you put it again? You have ambitions for greater values, right? Thinking these titles will only hurt and limit those who hold them. That’s quite the hot take there. Skip Bayless would applaud you. But for a moment, let’s talk about the recent events regarding The High Rollerz, cool? Cool. At King of Elite, we were the second to last match to go on. A match that many are regarding to as the match of the night because of how badly all four competitors wanted these titles that you personally don’t value. Where were you? Where was your match at King of Elite? Hmm? At Road to Redemption, we defeated two huge names in Ares Vendetta and Lnnister. Two men who wreaked havoc when it came to singles success, yet when it came time to defend “their” tag titles under classic tag match rules, we won. What were you doing? Oh yeah, facing John Doe. A match that most people forgot even happened until just now. Or what about Territorial Invasion? We were in the main event while you were once again doing forgettable shit with John Doe, just this time you mix in HBG and Rex. A tag match you lost. Hmm, interesting and a little bit ironic, but I digress. The point is we’ve created more meaningful moments in more memorable matches that you have in recent memory. Yes, give me a fucking cookie, Devan. Throw in a pat on the back while you’re at it. So when it comes to The High Rollerz, I see two guys on the rise, soaring to new heights, putting an entire division on their backs..while you? You’ll most likely continue to get lost in the shuffle for the most part. You'll have your ups and downs. You might get a world title shot at some point, an opportunity that you’ll let slip away between your fingers...and that will be the highlight of your 2018. That goes for your partner as well. But hey, I’m just a poor ol’ tag team specialist, I know nothing. I really hope I didn’t ruffle any feathers today because I truly meant no disrespect. Scout’s honor. 

(David sports his trademark smirk on his punchable face before the camera fades to black.)

I appreciate all your hard works and compliments, Jacob Moore.

I respect the fact that you keep coming back to this company because you have a passion and a motivation for this business. The constant desire you have is what really driving you to keep doing what you are doing and that is Wrestling. I know how much you love Wrestling, dare I say that you can’t live without it. You have lost a lot of blood and you have had your bones broken, but you keep coming back to this business because you are clearly someone that will never give up and never surrender until you get what you want. No matter how many times people tell you that you can’t make it into this business, you just keep ignoring those insults and that’s something I really admire from you. I believe in you that you can be a big thing in this company. I might be the one that will put you over if you beat me this week. As much as I want to see you in the top though, I can’t let you beat me this week.

It’s nothing personal at all, Jacob. I already said it before that I have no ill feelings towards you, but I have my reason why I have to beat you this week. You see, I haven’t done anything as the National Elite Champion. I haven’t proved myself as a champion. HBG beat me during the Champion vs Champion match. I know, she’s our Showdown World Champion but I had an opportunity to show everyone that I AM the champion of Showdown. I failed to do it and I can’t help but to think that I’m not worthy as The Showdown champion. No disrespect to HBG, she’s always a great wrestler and all that, but it hurt me so much that I can’t get the job done. However, I have to accept the fact that she’s THE Champion of this show. I can accepted it and I moved on. Then I got a called from The Management. Apparently, they wanted me to wrestle againts Darkane and Carlos who was still the Interwire Champion back then in The Prince of Champions after my loss to HBG. I thought it was a good opportunity to redeem myself. I thought it was a good opportunity to prove why The National Elite Championship is the best secondary championship in this company but no. Not only did I fail to do what I had to do once again, but I also was the one who ate the pinned in that match. I don’t know if I was arrogant enough after winning the National Elite Championship or not but I clearly didn’t do any justice for this belt. As a matter of fact, I brought a disgrace to this belt. I’m clearly still doing it. After suffering from those two huge loses, I had a hard time to beat James Ranger two weeks ago as well. Apparently, he got distracted when Aka Manah tried to tell the Official that James had a foreign object on his hands. Had Aka didn’t do that, James Ranger might beat me in that ring. I know he cheated, but it’s my job as a champion to prove that I’m better than cheaters. I haven’t done my job as the National Elite Champion, therefore, I have to beat you with all my own hands, Jacob. I have to prove that I’m worthy as a champion. Maybe I’m indeed soft just like you said. Maybe I was satisfied enough with what I have accomplished. But my performances post winning the National Elite Championship made me realize that my journey isn’t over yet. I’m opening a new chapter of my career with a bad note, I should fix it as soon as possible, starting from you this week, Jacob.

I do noticed that you have changed your appearances, Jacob and I know it’s just not for a style. I saw you breaking necks and stuffs like that and that’s why I will never underestimate you. You are being calmed now, sure, but doesn’t mean I have to lower my guards on you. You might break my neck if I do that, no, no, you can break my neck even in my best days. It will be a really dumb move on my part if I underestimate you.  I’m still not buying you as a Villain though, let alone an American Psycho. I mean, yes, you are really dangerous inside the ring and that’s something I really take a note from you. You and I might not have any animosity towards each-others at all but I know you won’t hold yourself back on me. You are going to unleash everything you have on me just like I will unleash everything I have on you. But despite that, despite all that, you just did your job as a wrestler. You are just simply doing what you love just like I said earlier. You may break people’s necks with an evil intentions and it is a wrong way to express something that what we love, but I believe in you that you are at least trying to be a better person. You won’t give me a warning at all if you really want to break my neck. I do think that you can do that to me though, therefore, I’m not looking down at you. Just a little story here, I did stop people’s careers too and it wasn’t clearly my intentions. Ryan Davis was the best example of that. He was my first opponent when I arrived here but he didn’t make any appearances anymore until now after I beat him. It wasn’t my intentions to end his career but I did that. I did that to a few people and it’s something I don’t want to do. I always try to be careful as much as possible, but something bad always happened in this business. I want to change that and I’m working on it. It’s impossible to stop your career anyway. I just want a competition and you are clearly one, Jacob. I don’t know if you will still call yourself as a Villain after this, but whether you are a hero or villain, you will help me to be a better performer than I am today. I believe in you.

You are motivated to beat me and I’m going to make sure that those motivations will not die until you can beat me one day. That day might come this week but I will not let that happen, Jacob. I have to bring back the prestige of the National Elite Champion and I should start doing that sooner rather than later.

---

Nico, I hear you.

No, no, no.  I HEAR you.  Let it no be said that I do not listen to the words that the Answers World Champion says.  I hear the words that you speak and I take them to heart.  Yet, I wish, deep down in my heart of hearts, that they were not words that I have said already.

Did I not already praise your acumen at seizing advantages in the midst of battle?  Were my words not clear enough when I sang your praises for capturing the opportunity for victory when they were laid before you?  I admit that at my current juncture, I would find such victories to be ... weaker tea ... than what I would hope for in my triumphs.  But I cannot argue with the results that you have to show for your vulture-like behavior.  You have gold upon your shoulder, prestige attached to your name.  You claim 'Invictus' with no irony.  I cannot deny that you are a cunning and strong foe.  I know that if I am to defeat you, I will have to be aware of every cunning trap, be able to defend against every momentary weakness, because I know that if I bare the barest sliver of throat to you, you will seize the moment and tear at my jugular until red blood sprouts like a flower and victory is yours.  And let me be clear: I do not blame you for this.  You may dismiss Jon McAdams and mention him in the same breath as Shaker Jones, but there was a time when Jon McAdams was the rising star of Voltage.  When he was the ultimate underdog, ceaselessly working to subvert every advantage of his opponent and maximize every weakness that he could to secure victory.  You, Nico Borg, are simply a more successful version of Jon McAdams.  Wily, yet strong.  Smart, and quick to act.  Jon McAdams on his best day could have been you.  Perhaps he just lacked faith.  But do not disparage your would-be brother.  I knew him when he was great.

But make no mistake.  I know that you are great.  I know that in addition to your opportunism and cunning, that you are a consummate fighter, a warrior whose strength shows when the chips are down.  You fought with one of the strongest men alive in Lannister and you almost won!  And now, you are champion of Dynasty, a dynasty of greatness that has been tarnished by the weakness of its blood.  Yes, while its pedigree has been quite impressive, the legends of old have fallen in the midst of this brand.  But, Nico Borg, do not think that I am among the fallen.  I might walk with them, talk with them, break bread with them, but that is only in respect to what they have achieved in the past.  That is only me giving them the respect that they deserve for the trials and pain that they have gone through.  But in the end, I know that my place is above them.  Beyond them.  Your reach means nothing to me.  I know that one day I will eradicate the kingdom that you wish to build.  I will be seen as above everything that you have tried to construct.  Not because I have sinner harder or have been more pragmatic.  No.  I will be seen as above you because I have dreamed more than your petty ambitions have reached for.

I have suffered much already.  I have dealt with the loss of a sister, the dissolution of a family, the disintegration of my entire identity!  But I walk through in the end.  That's why I laugh when you liken my assertions to New Year's Resolutions.  The changes that have occurred within me are not simply because of the turning of another calendar year.  No.  I have achieved a certain peace through the pain and suffering that I have endured.  At the end of the road that I have followed until now, I received a choice.  First, continue on as I have before and suffer complete annihilation through despair and loss.  Or, secondly, honor the loss that I have felt and swear to live beyond the pain that I have endured and vow to hold those I have lost dear to my heart, in tribute to a spark that has been lost too soon.  I obviously choose the latter.  Deride my choices.  Scoff at the path that I have chosen to follow.  It matters not to me.  Nico Borg, I will one day challenge you in truth for the belt that now sits on your shoulder. I will not snatch it from there yet, but know that who you face on Friday night is a vision of the future that lays before you.

Hear the word that is invoked.  Know who it is that carries your doom.  And when you have the strength ...

Call ... my ... name ...

And just like that the climate of EAW has changed once again.

So it appears EAW management has thrown us a curveball following King of Elite. “The first ever EAW Shake Up!” A big time shifting of the rosters as people are getting traded all over the place, our General Managers taking a chance to freshen up their rosters by going after whatever talents that catches their eyes. Not only that but it can also be a vehicle for these brand runners to free themselves of dead weight or people they view as problematic on their rosters. With a concept like this it’s definitely a good opportunity to cut the fat, and there is a lot of fat that could be cut in this company. A lot of wastes of space were dropped off for the next idiot to have to deal with based on the brand lists I’ve read. Dynasty kept most of the roster close to their chest and tried not to throw too many people out. Even if they did do a mass exodus though, I wouldn’t have been worried in the slightest -- if you put together a who’s who of all of the people that Dynasty needs to dispose of I guarantee that I wouldn’t even be in consideration. I’m a high priority for Dynasty, if anyone needed to be guarded from the shake up, I was the piece that needed to be protected for the value I hold to the show. Time and time again people call me delusional, but when the names for each brand were released following the shake up, whose name did they make sure was right at the top of the roster next to the champions? Me. Dynasty knows who should be promoted. They know who keeps the eyes on their show. They know who brings in the money. None of these people who are coming in hold a candle to me or can even come close to threatening my spot. It’s maybe a new roster and a new year but it’s same pecking order in place and all of these scrubs are staying on the bottom. I’m sure a lot of the new people coming in are walking into the arena bright eyed and hopeful, expecting a fresh start, and that’s fine. Where they will get things wrong is thinking they can aim for the high tier and bypass me in these main events. I’m already seeing guys who think this shake up gives them a chance to punch above their weight class and make moves that they aren’t in a position to be making. Suddenly because the landscape shifted a bit they think it’s open season and anyone can come for the brass ring right off the bat. 

Because of that you have these people acting real confident that they can just move up on this new show. And it doesn’t help that we already got one of the outsiders immediately walking into a main event match with the World Champion, reinforcing this idea. We’re nipping that in the bud though, you better believe that one throwaway match is as far as it’s going to go. These kids aren’t getting so comfortable under my watch. Forget about my accolades, forget about my ability, forget about my drawing power; the main reason why I needed to stay on Dynasty is to be the gate keeper for all of these guys. The Dynasty roster is much bigger now after the shake up and instead of twelve or thirteen proven guys who survived through the season we have all sorts of people. We have men like Woogie Man and Shaker Jones roaming in the locker room now! With all of these randoms on the roster quality control is needed. We have to put these Elitists to the test and I get a chance to do just that this Friday with Jon McAdams. 

I’m familiar with the man’s work; decent guy, a good hand in the ring. Is he top star material? Can he match with the measuring stick of this business? From what I have seen, not a chance in hell. A damn fine middle tier guy but thinking that he can hang with me on his first night on Dynasty is ridiculous. It’s a risky move for his health and it’s an insult to me. I’m honestly annoyed with all of the people coming in and what they represent so I have something to prove here, not to mention I’m already angry over how King of Elite went down…..I’ve tried not to address it but god damn, that night makes me sick to just think about. It shouldn’t have happened. It had no business taking place. Everyone can make their jokes and say what they want on social media but at the end of the day I know that I am better than Jacob Senn. I am better than who was competing that night! Any other night and the match would have went down exactly as I predicted and Senn would have fallen to me the same way he has for the past two years. Nobody wants to start off 2018 with a loss and for a person like me it’s not even something I can fathom but I’m not going to whine or harp on it. A fighter rolls with the punches. In this business you gotta learn to take a loss. I haven’t had much practice dealing with but that’s what makes this such a positive. I’m starting off the year angry. I’m raring to go right now, I’m feeling like I want to rip another man’s head off! I reflect on King of Elite and I know that I’m not about to make this a trend. 2018 is set to be my best year ever. A year where I get a world title again, a year where I put the world on notice, a year where I headline a Pain For Pride once more and do it right! As for you McAdams? After this match you’ll be ahead of the curve. You’re starting 2018 off humbled and with proper expectations unlike the rest of the new Dynasty Elitists who are getting lined up to be put in their place. You’re still a loser, don’t get me wrong here, but on the bright side of things your status has risen; you’re going from getting smacked around by Finnegan Wakefield to getting dealt with by an actual star. Me beating you down is going to be the closest you get to a main event.

There is more than one way to handle your rage.

There is the Diamond Cage rage which encompasses taking as much offence you can by anything as a personal attack and then turning that attack on its head like it is some kind of greed. And then there is the slick resolution which encompasses using that rage as a catalyst to fight for your place in the pecking order. It does not mean that you tuck your head in and remain in line like the rest of the lot but rather use these moments where you feel overlooked as a stimulant to prove the higher means wrong, whether that entails teaming up with me to beat some other tag team or something else. I am well aware of your fury, it burns in me as well if not more relentless. This is a well known fact but I have been on this trail back to glory far longer than you have with credible success wherever I have ended up and yet I am still here trying to prove myself by knocking off a wanker whose attitude would feel more befitting in a bullpen rather than inside an institutional company. But it is because that I am well aware of your fury that I feel I am versed enough to criticize your ways, you are not special. Everything is a network built off of each other and whilst you and I were once an anomaly of the network that people loved to support for the cause, the time progressed and everyone moved on. The mindset and all those feelings that were once holed up for us have moved onto more antique, unbound ceiling players of the game. And no matter how much you drop your microphone making futile threats, it will not change your current position. From what I have figured out in my many, many years here is that there always comes a slight window where you will be able to make the most of yourself. And I sit here patiently like a hawk containing all my rage till that window comes to unleash all that I have. There is no purpose in making myself look like a fool starving for attention toiling away my pride when I can have far more success maintaining my character and being in the right position to win the world championship at the same time. I am personally a fan of your work Cage but it is never something I would want to partake in myself. You have deluded yourself to believe that you are an anarchist with no limitations and whilst all that is great in theory, it is ultimately ineffectual. You are the character, the poster kid with an ultimatum that everyone likes to get behind of but has actually no real substance or plan on what to do next. And as long as you advertise yourself as someone who has no more use than to get rid off dying factions that bother you, you will never sniff the gold again. Especially not with someone like in the picture, that much is real.

And if you want to start peeling off your label as nothing more than just an uneasy star with a limited sight, I suggest doing so this week on Showdown where it actually matters, Diamond Cage. I realize that your pessimism and overbearing attitude does not allow you to trust anymore, especially someone of my level that is a rival but I need you to focus and comprehend that sometimes, the momentum force that comes with any victory can essential in pushing your resume up for the world championship. Whilst the regular forced tag team of rivals usually ends up with a less than pleasing ending, I have no intention of committing the same error this time around. It is simple to let your emotion get the best of you when things get heated in the ring but as long as our end goals remain the same for this match, then we will both be fine. One thing I will however not be able to endure is you using simple miscommunication as an excuse to run away from the match or otherwise ill-advisedly attack me which we all know is pure bullshit. If your intentions are strictly vivid from the first moment the match first starts, then I have no problem taking on two different opponents at one time. I just highly recommend not taking that route because it will involve far less malice and inhumanity as opposed to coming for me. As for our opponents, I have not had the pleasure of going against The High Rollerz too often in my lengthy. Although from what I have heard, they are a deeply proper team with indisputable ties for the tag team division. Even in my monkey days, I was never too much of a presence in that division and especially now, I have absolutely no relation with it. My ambitions for greater values always get the best of me, as they usually do of everyone else. But not you two, I commend you for fighting together for a goal that is easily able to satisfy you. However, I am reluctant to convey this to you because while modest, the lot of you are not something that instill much excitement within me knowing that you have such limited long views. There is nothing wrong in it from your point of view but it is not something I can bond with for far too long. My dilemma is that you have limited yourself to just one experience with defined opponents who more than likely are either at the very start of their game or at the very end of the game. And thus, while Diamond Cage and I may have our issues with each other, there is one thing we yearn for and have done so consistently for the last seven years or so and that is to come out of every match-up victorious, regardless of how it is. And when you have been paired up with that kind of lot, there is not a lot you can do to escape from awaits you.

Set aside your raging arrogant persona for once and join me in glory, Diamond Cage 
to enlighten this lot of High Rollerz what it means to compete at an extremely invincible level.

Hello Manchester, England.  This is The Woogieman. You know that, I'm very Electric with full of energy. There's absolutely Nothing  what They really do to stop me. I'm Excited for The Huge Show.


 Tomorrow Night, I'm going to make a Debut on Friday Night Dynasty.  England are One of The Best Crowds in The World. We also got Chicago, Canada, England and Much more. They always  has been very Loud because They really love Wrestling. They also wanted to be Entertaining by The Special  Wrestling Talent. You'll be Encourage about My Performance and Others.  Now Let talk about My Match. 

I know My Opponent will Punched me into my Mouth. He'll try to Knockout myself.  His moves are amazing. I'm not exactly kidding at all. I'm really serious. Talking not Exactly his thing. He just love Wrestling very much. I'm a Loudmouth, Arrogant, Charismatic and much more.  I'm going to get myself ready for Tomorrow Night. I'll get a  Good Breakfast and  Working out. A Debut really mean something.  You always have to  make a Huge Impact in the Wrestling Business like Dominance. I'm really sure that, There's more like Attacking The Huge Star of the company. You'd do lot of things with a Statement.  I'll see Maddox Aryes and I'm going to beat him. I also wanted to send a Message to The Locker room because Someone will takeover The Show. It'll be on my Shoulders in Near Future....

 
 
 

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.

A new year.  A new brand.  A new dream.

I find myself in uncharted territory.  Since I've been in EAW, Voltage is the only brand that I've known.  It's ever been my home.  For all its flaws, for all its ill reputation, it suited me.  It felt like home.  I wanted to see it rise and prosper as I rose and prospered myself.  I wanted myself and my home to grow to new heights and command the respect that we deserved.  But now, the winds of change shift and blow, and now I have been ripped from the yellow earth of Voltage, across the blue seas of Showdown, to be sent to the red skies of Dynasty.  I see a few familiar faces: Cody Marshall, Shaker Jones, and of course Jon McAdams.  Perhaps we'll have ourselves a rubber match in our series here in this new land.  But the majority of the talent here is new to me.  Scott Oasis, Darkane, Jacob Senn, Pizza Boy, and more - all names that hold weight and gravitas.  This roster holds weathered veterans and exciting new talent, all hungry for a place at the pinnacle.  It's not without a little trepidation that I begin my foray into Dynasty.  To stand on the precipice into the unknown.  My heart races.  The blood flows.  It's almost like my first time stepping into the ring.  The excitement and anticipation build off of that small fear and spur me forward.  To leap off the edge into this new world.

And who do I find myself facing?  The Answers World Champion, Nico Borg.  The Invictus, the Unconquered.  Yes, you are truly worthy of that title on your shoulder.  After all, you won the champion of champions match, didn't you?  Not only that, but you pinned Jamie O'Hara to do so.  No small feat.  He was a man that had also been unconquerable for so long.  Yet, he fell to you.  Of course, Lars Grier had a hand in that, too.  But I'll not let that diminish my measure of you.  You seized the edge that was given to you.  You capitalized on the opportunities granted and won the match by it.  I recognize the importance of that in our field of work.  The skill to seize opportunities is paramount in this business.   Momentary distraction can mean the difference between defeat and victory.  We must use every opportunity at our disposal, right?  Exploit every advantage.  And you're quite adept at it, aren't you, Nico?  Cashing in your briefcase to take the title from Pizza Boy.  Using your sway to cost him his rematch.  Capitalizing on distraction to defeat Heart Break Boy.  Some may call those victories weak and criticize you for it, but I take it as a measure of your cunning and ruthlessness.  Victory by any means necessary.  I take it to mean that you will be a wily foe.  I embrace that kind of challenge.  I live for it.

Because for all your intelligence, you fail to see me clearly.  You obviously know about my past with the Sanatorium, the troubles that I've had dogging my heels in recent times.  Your knowledge of my history means that you know the man that I was, but you are blind to the man that I will be.  I see that man now, in my dreams.  I had lost him for a while, engrossed in my own losses, warped by pain and despair.  But I have come out of that now.  This new brand is just a symbol of the new Amadeus.  I bear my scars, that is sure.  But my mind is clearer, my spirit is stronger, and my will is purer than it has been in some time.  We are all broken, in our own ways, Nico.  That's why I laugh at your "Unconquered" moniker.  You want to evoke the image of something that is pure and unmarred by any imperfection.  But in truth, we all bear nicks and dents, pockmarks and flaws, from the weak to the strong.  In this we are all the same.  Not a one of us is perfect.  But the flaws we have make us human.  The scars and cracks that we have suffered make us wiser, tougher.  When a bone breaks and it heals back, the tissue is stronger at the area of the break.  It has been hardened by trial.  I have been hardened by trial.  Yes, I am broken, but my edges are still sharp enough to cut you.  I have endured and suffered pain and humiliation so much that I thought I would be crushed.  But I still stand.  What pain can you offer me that could surpass what I have already suffered?  You can't.  I'm not like Pizza Boy.  I'm not your toy for you to torture and break.  The Nightmare that I loosed on Voltage turned out to be my own, but I will not let it haunt me anymore.  No, instead, I turn forward, I stride ahead.  I stand in defiance to this narrative that you seem intent on constructing around yourself.

You want us all to believe that you are unconquerable, unbeatable, invincible.  Hubris, Nico.  You are like the heroes in Greek tragedies, the ones that you evoke in your use of a Chorus.  Like Oedipus, you are strong and talented, determined and victorious, yet you -like him- shall fall to your own hubris and be undone.  Maybe this match on Dynasty means nothing to you.  You will not lose your title this Dynasty.  You may not even lose the match.  But you will see within me the spark that can ignite and burn this empire that you've built.  The empire of Invictus.  I am not like the ones that you've faced before.  I am the man that dreams, the ever evolving dervish, the defiant radical.  I have gone beyond the gates of the Sanatorium, I have awakened from the Nightmare, and I stand upon my own two feet, stronger.  I see clearly now, who I can be.  I can be the man that conquers the unconquerable.  I can knock over the throne that you sit upon.  I can snatch that crown on your head.  This will not happen yet, but on Friday, everyone will see a glimpse, a fraction of what I will do.  You will look in my eyes and see the man who can be your undoing.  You will hear the masses ... when they see that your reign can end ... you will hear them ...

... Call my name.

The camera opens on Daisy Thrash lazily making her way through a nondescript mall.


Ah, nothing like the new year. The gyms are all crowded, the weather’s nice and cool, and everybody has their clearance sale. There's no way I could get a bunch of cheap stuff this easy in England. Don’t get your panties in a twist, people; I’ll get there when I get there. But for now…

She notices a Hot Topic store with a clearance sign out of the corner of her eye.

Wait, never mind. I just got an idea. Follow me.

She shuffles into the Hot Topic. She lets out a resigning sigh and addresses the camera.

Yeah, so the year didn’t end the way I wanted it to. Revy managed to get the win over me. Most people would consider themselves on the downward spiral if they were in my position. But I’m really not like most people, am I? I know where I stand. I may not be respected in EAW; hell, I don’t think I ever will be. But there ain’t no denying that I have the company’s attention. After what went down at Bloodletter, writing me off is no longer a possibility. If I’m supposedly all bark and no bite, why would DDD feel the need to hide behind his desk in fear of me? There’s no use trying to hide from the truth: all of your precious Empire faves won’t be at the top forever. The little sexretary may have the Specialist’s Championship for now, but all it takes is one “headache” to pry that things out from under her acrylic nails. Even the great Aria Jaxon’s reign is gonna be over one day. Gee, what’s the best way to describe it?

She picks up a bottle of turquoise hair dye and reads off the label.

“Semi-permanent.” Yeah, that’s a good word for it. ‘Is also a good word for a certain Elitist’s position ‘round here. If you guessed Mallory Wilde, good job! No prize though, so sorry. How do I know this you ask? First of all, she went ahead and just called herself a loser as if her sorry record doesn’t speak for itself. Second, and most importantly, she ended up in a match against me. Y’see Mallory, our lovely higher-ups are trying to kill two birds with one stone here. They want to make sure they’ve made a sound investment in you while discrediting me. If you get more popular than me, the company wins in multiple ways. They’ll both have an excuse to keep denying me title matches AND get a nice commercialized “punk” girl to promote instead of me. You’ll probably just write this off as “excuses” but that really doesn’t matter to me. I know I’m right. C’mon, I’m one of the only people here besides the new folks that haven’t had a title match yet. It’s obvious that they’d rather have anyone but me as a champion. The only reason Andy hasn’t gotten one is because I killed her. But hell, knowing EAW, they’d toss her corpse into a match over me. When I first got here, everyone dug my look. Everybody loves the punk image, but god forbid you ever actually act like one. The kind of punk everyone wants is the kind you can find in a joint like this. Y’know, the one that makes you look all tough and alternative and shit without breaking capitalist specifications. Without making you any kind of threat. You may think you’re this great underdog Mallory, but the truth is you’re as much as a threat as a Hot Topic. Sure, you beat Yasmin Hyland, but only because I terrified her into silence. You can’t hope to hurt me any more than this bracelet can.

She pokes her finger onto one of the bracelet’s spikes.

Of course it’s dull. God, what’s even the point of wearing this? It’s not like it can make anyone bleed. Doesn’t do anything, just looks dangerous. A lot like you, Mallory. Alright, I’m outta here. I can’t stand poser world anymore. Later.

Jump cut to Daisy seated on the sidewalk outside the mall at nighttime, illuminated by a single streetlamp. Her face has gotten redder since the last time she was seen.

Oh, you thought this was over! You thought this was fucking OVER, didn’t you? Y’know what? I WAS happy with just beating you and going on my merry way. But you just HAD to start running your mouth and fucking yammering about me like we’re BFFs or something. Newsflash bitch, you aren’t even the tiniest bit like me and you don’t know a DAMN THING about me and my life. You’re going on about “I’m not here to make friends” like every boring Survivor contestant but here you are trying to get me to bond with you. Be more like fucking you. Guess what bitch? All you are is some two-faced hypocrite desperately trying to get some lukewarm feminist cred. Do you really think that name-dropping a riot-grrrl band is gonna get me to be your new best friend? Not gonna happen. You aren’t pulling me down to your level. Unlike you, I am a not a loser. I am not some ZERO. Whether it’s you or the annoying-ass depression voice in my head that’s saying it, it’s not fucking true. Damn, it’s gotta be nice not to have your brain randomly telling you you’re worthless and unworthy of life. How’s that for “owning my shortcomings?” Does that make you fucking happy? I don’t care. I’m not looking to please anyone but me. Audience opinions, locker room opinions; they all change at the drop of a hat. I’m done with chasing approval. I tried playing the hero before. You know where that got me? You know where that FUCKING got me? It got me to the point that even though 1 in 5, that’s right 1 in 5, women in the U.S. are raped in their lifetime, my feminism got reduced to nothing but a cheap joke. That’s what happens when you actually stand up without apologies. You wouldn’t know what that’s like, would you? No, you’re perfectly fine with playing the part of the cute, adorable feminist that feeds right into Empire’s weak “girl powa!” bullshit. At this point, why shouldn’t I bottle up my frustrations into a Molotov cocktail and burn the heart out of the Empire machine? I saw the writing on the wall a long time ago. So I went ahead and made myself a New Year’s resolution. I’m resolving to OBLITERATE anyone who dares to get in my way to the top. Once I’m the only one left, those corporate fucks won’t have a choice but to put me in the main event where I belong. And it all starts with you, Mallory Wilde. I hope you like England. ‘Cause you won’t be leaving after I CRUSH YOU!

Cut to black.