EPW Conquest 56 Results

SEGMENT
Carli sat somewhere backstage. The location was unknown and it was silent. Too silent. It was nothing but her and her thoughts. She stared blankly at the wall before her and off to the side was her half of the EPW Tag titles. She leans back in her seat and a long sigh falls from her lips.

CARLI DAVIS: I’m going to be honest, I really don’t want to be here right now. I don’t have anything to say. Will that have some sort of backlash? Probably. The last time I made a comment about not having anything to say, it triggered people and they used it against me.

She shrugs her shoulders.

CARLI DAVIS: I’m only here for Jess. I owe it to her as her partner. I owe it to her as her co-champion and I owe it to EPW. I’m here to work and then go home. And that’s it.

And with that, she grabs her title, stands up and walks off.

SEGMENT
WOOSH!....

The door creaks open to reveal east coast based wrestler, Lena, holding a pint sized silver can close to her chest…

She stands dressed in black overalls which are splattered with varying droplets of multi-colored paint.

Lena Galante: “That seems just about right to lil ole’ me!”

As Lena places her canister on the ground, the feed slowly shifts to reveal two hollowed out lockers standing side-by-side.

Lena Galante: “I know very well that it’s not normal to get a hero’s welcome so early on in your career, Miki…”

The feed slowly trails up the lockers. To the left, there’s a big violet painting which read “SPICE.” To the right…

Lena Galante: “I hope this makes you feel right at home in Empire, babe. Truly.”

Two large kickboxer’s gloves crossed over one another.

Lena Galante: “As newer beauties on this roster, don’t we want people to recognise all of the symbols we stand for? Don’t we want the status that comes with being a household name?”

Galante takes a pause.

Lena Galante: “Well, hon…After our match tonight, you’ll hear the cheers you want so desperately. People are definitely gonna know your name. They’ll remember exactly what happens to you in that ring tonight.”

Placing her palm on “Miki’s locker,” Lena examines the painted gloves.

Lena Galante: “I know I will…”

Cracking a smile, Lena glances at the camera…The scene fades to black.

SEGMENT
“Hey guys!”

Miki bounces a little on the spot, cutting in before Dante Chapel has even introduced her. He clears his throat.

Dante Chapel: “You know you normally wait for me to start this, right?”

Miki waves off his criticism, smiling through it.

Miki: “You were being too slow.”

Dante Chapel: “...right, anyway, Miki it’s a pleasure to chat to you again. Tonight you’re facing Lena Galante, your thoughts?”

She stops still, thinking, then nods and talks.

Miki: “Wow, Dante, sure am glad you asked. I’m excited. Lena is like super experienced, and she’s been successful elsewhere before too. That’s exactly the sort of person I want to be facing, it really is. I can only be better by beating people like her.”

Dante goes to ask something, but Miki isn’t done yet.

Miki: “Sure, last week didn’t go well for Lena and I’m sure she wants to grab a win here tonight, but…I just can’t let that happen. It’s important for me to find some momentum here. Beating Karen was a start, and a match I’m proud of, but it’s not done there. Especially not with her being a poop after the match, I was sad to see her resort to tactics like that. Hopefully Lena won’t be such a sore loser tonight, I’d hate to see that twice in as many weeks. Anyway, thanks for the time, Dante. Cya around!”

And just like that, she’s gone.

SEGMENT
do you ever watch those nature documentaries on the cable? you seen the one about lions, about this lion. . he’s the king of the jungle, his Mane looks like a bush. . he’s laying down, under a tree.. he’s so big.. so hot.. he doesn’t want to move!.. now .. the little lion cubs… they start messing with him, biting his tail, biting his ears… he doesn’t do anything, the lioness… she starts messing with him… coming over making trouble but still nothing… now the other animals, they notice this and they start closing in… the Jackals, hyenas they nip his toes and eat the food, that’s in his domain… now, they do this.. and get closer and closer, bolder and bolder, till one day, the lion gets up and tears the shit out of everybody, runs like the wind, eats everything in his path… cause every now and again, the lion.. has got to let the jackals know.. exactly who he is… it’s too late to be scared Rayven… you wanted this when you chose to be a fighting champion, you have all been sleeping on me for too long… i’m going into the next room.. you come out when you’re ready..

Now ladies and gents… Tonight the prodigal son of British pro wrestling, JJ Nova, returns to an American ring.. and i provide the solutions for problems which arise. . Here on this brand… tonight to be exact, i will be facing a professional wrestler by the name of Rayven Hardy for the Noir championship, now while you may have these accolades in other places in other parts of the wrestling world, all the hype for this contest, this bout… will come to its end once that bell rings. . Tonight you won’t be facing another professional wrestler Ray, you will be facing a man who need this more than anything… and he is a man will step on the neck of any man or woman until he gets to the top, Rayven throughout your career you have yet to gain victory over someone such as myself, and off of many tries the result have been the same, last week was a slip up.. tonight? I aim for your head… so enjoy this moment.. enjoy the last few hours before the show with your family… because it may very well.. be your last…

SEGMENT
Cutting backstage, we found the team of Skybird ready to share their thoughts prior to the match against B². The pair were wearing what could have been matching gear, but on closer inspection the red and white tights they wore were in the colours of their blood nations, Polish for Starling and Danish for Rayner, though this colour scheme seemed most fitting for the Canadian company. The former interviewer was the first to speak.

Skylar Rayner: “Well, last week didn’t quite go the way we wanted…”

Anastasia Starling, who was wearing tonight a “Simply EMazing” shirt over her ring gear in support of her dear friend Emily Carter and her recent success, continued her tag partner’s thoughts.

Anastasia Starling: “Not really no. Walking into that match against Blyss and Black, we knew something silly could’ve happened. And I’m sure all of you watching Empire’s debut show had that same feeling. They say a victory is a victory, but we’ve never believed that. It wasn’t the way we wanted it to go, and it put a further dampener on the new beginning for Empire.”

Sky nodded in agreement.

Skylar Rayner: “We’re not happy with the way we got our first win here in EPW. There’s no honour in winning because one, or both, your opponents leave. At least Marcus was gracious enough to apologise, but Blyss’ behaviour was once again… Disappointing. “

Having dealt with Lockhart in the past, Skylar didn’t seem too surprised or upset that things went south, and she shared a knowing glance with her friend and tag team partner.

Anastasia Starling: “But disappointment is something we’re going to have to leave at the door. We’re not going to let that mess of a main event affect us, not with what we have lying ahead.”

Skylar Rayner: “Absolutely not. We’re always looking forward, ready for the next challenge. And tonight, we have a big one in front of us.”

The Songbird nodded in agreement with her partner, a little gleam in her eye as she gazed up at the towering Dane.

Anastasia Starling: “Mmhmm, the EPW tag team champions themselves, Carli Davis and Jessica Anderson.”

Skylar Rayner: “Jessica Anderson… That name sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

She asked her partner, obviously in a playful manner. Both of them, in fact, are quite familiar with one half of the tag team champions, for many reasons.

Anastasia Starling: “Oh, now that you mention it… Isn’t she the girl we beat for the Underground Tornado Titles?”

Sky snapped her fingers, pretending to be shocked, just as she pulled her half of the HKW Underground Tornado belts, placing it on her shoulder.

Skylar Rayner: “Oh my God, you’re right! That’s her!”

The two exchanged a quick glance and a smile, Ana revealing her own championship belf for all to see, before the blonde continued.

Skylar Rayner: “Jokes aside, we know how good Jessica is. And while it’s true that we already beat her when she was teaming with Riley, we also know that tonight is going to be different.”

Anastasia Starling: “Jess has the unique ability to remodel her style to any partner, and play on their strengths. She’s like a wrestling chameleon, able to adapt to her surroundings and her partners without a second thought. She did it with Riley and they had a good run as the World’s Most Okayest Tag Team. After Savell was gone, she teamed with Carli Davis North and just like that they won the gold in Liberty.

After spending some time giving some nice words for Jess, Starling glared into the camera, switching it up as she fired off a few rounds.

Anastasia Starling: “But I remember how you got your gold back in the Underground. When you and Riley sold your souls to Mora Findlay and the Global brand, following her and my late father’s orders to destroy what was good and pure about the Outcast brand, selling yourself out for a payday and a title match, a match you did win, but scammed your way to doing so. It’s a far cry from how you present yourself here, in GCW and in Valiant, that is for sure, and certainly a world away from your fashion label. You may not like remembering what you did to get a little fame and fortune back then, but I remember… And the Underground remembers too!”

Sky let out a little whistle as her partner rifled that off, and despite Skylar getting along with Jessica in the days since then, she knew that Ana had hit a hard note. As did the fans who let out an audible ‘oooh’ in the background as they spoke.

Skylar Rayner: “And, from there, we don’t need to remind you who Carli is. Up until two days ago, she was holding three titles in three different companies, that’s quite the achievement.”

Anastasia Starling: “2021 was arguably her year in wrestling. Apex Champ, the tag titles in Liberty and now Empire, and despite some of the controversial opinions about her championship reign in Valiant, four defences and a reign lasting several months is nothing to sniff at. Now, I don’t know what her mindset is gonna be like after her recent loss of the belt she nicknamed ‘VC’. After all, she’s changed her social media name to a dot, reverted back to her maiden name and turned into ‘Just A Basic White Girl’ without all the pomp and circumstance. But I have to say this, her loss to Emily doesn’t take anything away from her ability, and we will be treating her like she is on her A-game, whether she is or not.”

Skylar smiled at Ana, who was certainly shooting off some hard points, and Starling looked fired up for the evening, especially given how the last week went. The Pale Winged Passerine glanced down at the “Simply EMazing” shirt she was wearing, a little gleam in her eye.

Anastasia Starling: “Yanno, I’ve known Em since SSWA, she’s always been a star and it was never in question that, one day, she'll get to the top. From her matches in the Pure division, and the determination and grit she showed, and how she developed over the years… I just knew, I knew that one day she would finally make it to the top. I am infinitely proud of her. There's absolutely no shame in losing to her and, actually, people better learn to get used to it. So dust yourself off, stop wallowing in failure. 2022 is definitely Emily Carter’s year.”

Rayner popped a hand on her shoulder, nodding her head in agreement for what Anastasia was saying.

Skylar Rayner: "You know who else is going to have a stellar year?"

Ana raised an eyebrow, looking up to the taller blonde by her side, wondering what her dear friend was going to say.

Skylar Rayner: "Skybird! I mean, we already started it as Underground Tornado champions, we are #1 contenders for the titles in GCW and, if we win tonight… We might get ourselves another title shot."

Anastasia Starling: "It's not going to be easy, but we have a history of making the impossibubble possible.

Skylar Rayner:"We’ll be seeing you two out there, ladies. It’s going to be a nice change, for once, being able to focus on wrestling alone, without worrying about possible shenanigans.”

They both flaunted a smile at the camera who kept rolling for a few more seconds despite their promo being clearly over, catching one last glimpse of conversation between the two of them.

Skylar Rayner: “Oh my God, where did you buy that shirt? I want… No, I NEED one!”

Anastasia Starling: “They sell them…”

Sky immediately cut her off as she turned to her, Ana looking down at the shirt as Sky cast her eyes over the design.

Skylar Rayner: “Nevermind, I’m gonna steal yours…”

Anastasia Starling: “Wait, what? No you won’t!!”

Skylar Rayner: “Oh, now it sounds like a challenge… And you know I never back down from one!”

Finally, the camera faded to the next segment.

SEGMENT
We head backstage where we see Noir Champion, Rayven Hardy, standing by with a familiar face if you're up on the Twitter side of things, close friend of the Grimes' family, Trina Vane. Trina was holding a microphone, apparently having a tryout as a backstage correspondent. 

TRINA VANE: This is a huge moment for me and I have the current NOIR champion to thank for it. Ray, girl, thanks for the opportunity. You know I appreciate it.

Rayven nods with a smile as she adjusts the Noir championship on her shoulder. 

RAYVEN HARDY: My pleasure. I know everything about just needing an opportunity, so I'm happy to provide one. Speaking of opportunity, JJ Nova, tonight's your night. What are you bringing to the table? Are you ready?

The champion smiles, clearly excited about the chance to defend the Noir championship yet again.

TRINA VANE: Nova has been a lil quiet, but maybe he's looking to make his noise when the bell rings. But lemme ask you, what motivates you to come in week in and week out and get up for a championship match? Some people win a title and then get lazy, but Emery went hard, you've already said you about to go harder than her, like damn, do ya'll eat? Sleep? Wassup?

Rayven laughs

RAYVEN HARDY: I like you. You have a ton of energy. Seeing you at Nightfall I already saw that, but you aren't afraid of the camera at all. It's dope. But what motivates me? To be the best version of myself I can be, show in, and show out. I've said it before but I'll say it again. So many people have written me off over the years, thinking I've been handed everything because I'm a Hardy, but this is literally the exact opposite of being handed anything. This is ME, handing out opportunity every week. Defending my championship, risking it all, but knowing that the harder I work, the better I become and the more prominent the Noir championship becomes. I'm just getting started. 

TRINA VANE: So what's the gameplan tonight? JJ is someone you're facing for the first time. I've done that research, girl. Facing someone for the first time has gotta be tough because you don't know what to expect. With all that in mind, are you walking out with that gold when the final bell rings?

RAYVEN HARDY: My gameplan? Simple. Outwork him. His gameplan? Should be to do WHATEVER it takes to make sure I don't leave here with this title. Unfortunately for him, there isn't a gameplan that makes that possible. Good job, Trin.

Ray smiles and walks by Trina who runs her tongue over her bottom lip.

TRINA VANE: Ya'll heard it from the champ. Don't miss that!

SEGMENT
As the camera panned to the backstage area, the reigning Empire Canadian Champion, Brendan Samuels, could be seen pacing the hallways with the prestigious belt over his shoulder, the red and white showing proudly on the main plate. Or… was he the Liberty United States Champion still? The Canadian belt was on his left shoulder, whilst he carried the old US title on his right, having refused to give up the title he won in New York. It was a controversial moment for some after Robb Hardy had asked him to relinquish the US title after the reformation of Empire in Canada, but it was a decision that was proving wildly popular with fans in Liberty and beyond.

Stagehand: Mr. Hardy is ready to see you now, thank you for coming.

Came the voice of one of the many stagehands who worked backstage, who greeted the dual champion. Brendan, wearing his traditional cream khaki pants, and a dreadfully tacky Hawaiian shirt, halved in the Canadian and American flags in what could only be described as both a terrible fashion decision and a statement of intent, nodded his head to the stagehand. Pushing his aviator shades to the top of his head, he awaited the door opening to Hardy’s office, before stepping through to be greeted by the man in charge.

Brendan Samuels: I got a feelin’ why ye invited me here today, Hardy.

Samuels stated, The Wrestling taking the seat offered to him from Robb as he paced into the office. Brendan sat himself down, continuing to speak before Hardy had a chance to even say a way, preempting him.

Brendan Samuels: An’ before ye ask again, naw, I dinnae what ye higher ups have said, I won’t be relinquishing the United States Championship. I said what I said last week, an’ I meant it. I intend to hold, battle for, an’ defend both of these championships for both sets of fans from border to border.

Robb Hardy nodded.

Robb Hardy: I understand where you’re coming from, Brendan. I mean, I should have taken more things into consideration but I have come to a compromise that will be great for both of us.

Robb placed his hand over something that was covered in a box on his desk, Brendan’s cool eyes glancing over towards it.

Robb Hardy: In the early days of Empire and Liberty, a championship was created to be defended on both brands. Obviously, we have the Noir Championship doing that. But that doesn’t mean this championship can’t come back, as it was one that represented both brands and both of its fans.

Robb unveiled what was under his hand and it was the CanAm Championship in a glass box.

Robb Hardy: You get the best of both worlds. You get to represent America and Canada and become the third ever CanAm Champion. So, how’s this for a compromise?

The Wrestling took in the sight of the championship belt in all it’s glory, the flags of the United States and of Canada proudly displayed on the main plate, colours of platinum and gold dazzling in the artificial light and the sights of the stars and stripes and the maple leaf stood out. The Irishman who had made Florida his home first placed down the Empire Canadian title, and then the Liberty United States title before reaching for the box. He opened it slowly, taking out the heavy looking championship as he stared upon it, his fingers gently caressing the metalwork, down to the name plate that had his name screwed into it. The cool and calm sailor grinned, those eyes gazing over to Robb as he nodded his head.

Brendan Samuels: I will make it a beacon for wrestling, on both sides of the border.

The Kraken then stood up, placing the weighty prize upon his shoulder, before shrouding his eyes with his shades. He didn’t say another word as Hardy smiled, knowing that his gesture had been appreciated, as The Wrestling and newly announced CanAm Champion paced away from the room.

SEGMENT
‘Earlier Today’ flashes briefly on the lower third of the screen as Sparrow can be seen just outside the Ricoh/Coca-Cola Colisseum. He’s wheeling his dufflebag towards the venue, but stops short to say hello to some fans. The West Indian Whirlwind shakes a few hands, and even goes as far as taking off his skullcap and depositing it on the head of a smaller kid with blonde hair. One of the fans, wearing an oversized Rayven Hardy ‘Crossed Out’ tee stops Sparrow. Behind him, a familiar black Honda seems to be driving past and then slowing down.

Fan #1: Hey Spar, you think you could give Rayven my number?

Sparrow slowly glances around before pointing at his chest as if to ask, ‘who me?’ The black Honda disappears from the view of the camera, as if it was never there.

Sparrow: Wha? You must be tryna get your life snatched by Jack? I do that and he’s coming for both of your necks. No such luck, brethren.

A few of the fans laugh, but the one who asked lets out a sigh as though he was really expecting to get his number handed off. After a few signatures handed out, Sparrow begins heading around the side of the building towards the parking garage.

SSCCRREEEEEEECCCCCHHHHH!!

A black Honda shoots out behind the building and nearly runs Sparrow down. Within inches, the West Indian Whirlwind nearly got sideswiped. The former champion quite literally vaults himself out of the way as the Honda runs right over his dufflebag and comes to a complete stop. The face of Dante Locke pops out of the driver’s side window, eyeing Sparrow with a smile. Sparrow’s face contorts into one of bubbling fury before the black Honda drives off into the road with another screech.

All the while Sparrow yells.

Sparrow: Ain’t nowhere for you to drive tonight, Dante! You ain’t about to drive away from these boots I’m gonna put down on you!

The car is already gone and Sparrows stares, angrily shaking his head. He glances down at his dufflebag, a tire print comedically ran right across the middle to make it look like a compressed toothpaste tube. With a snarl of frustration Sparrow kicks his luggage, but the way Dante crushed it, it sort of...

Flops.

SEGMENT
'Your Favorite Drug' by Porcelain and The Tramps hit the sound system and the crowd rose to their feet with a resoundingly mixed reaction. Emerging through those curtains was, of course, 'YOUR Favorite Drug' Xavier Laroux. In a much better mood than he was before his match on the last show, Laroux wore that oh so arrogant smirk as he began to make his way down the ramp.

He slapped hands with those who wanted to and paid no mind to the ones who didn't. Reaching the bottom of the ramp, Laroux looked back and forth before bolting forward and sliding in under the bottom set of ropes. Popping up to his feet, Laroux looked around at the filled stands before walking to the lower left corner, being handed a microphone.

Xavier Laroux: 'Here we fuckin go again. As if the Noir Championship last show wasn't enough, this week I get a Street Fight against ole fuckin Jack Meoff..or whatever the fuck his last name is. Names not withstandin..Jack felt like he hadda puff his chest out and talk outta his ass on Twitter, after my match with Ray.

See, that's what I never really understood. Why does everyone always think Ray needs her hand held? The Lilbirdie never gonna be able to spread her wings and fly if y'all don't let her.

Now, what had happened last time was just another example of that. Robb knew his lilgirl couldn't hang with this so he hadda go out there and be the biggest fuckin distraction possible. But that's okay, Robb fucked around and he found out. I'm not bullshittin. You can pretend everythin is all happy go lucky with Chuck..but I know.

I fuckin know how this works and I'm gonna fight every goddamn bit of the way. And obviouslyyy sometimes shit happens in a fight..specially one that ain't got shit to do with you. Ray found that out..and clearlyyy Jack needsta find that out too.'

The crowd popped at the mention of Jack causing Laroux's smirk to grow that much larger.

Xavier Laroux: 'See..I can't even really blame Jack that much. I mean, Ima beat'em like he owes me money but I'm not gonna be super stoked bout it. Jack..he doesn't know. He can go and check out a couple matches but we haven't really had much interaction before this.

But he bouta find out tonight. Ray got in my business and she got put on her ass. She already knew so she can't blame noone but her damn self. Now it's Jack's turn. He stuck his nose in my business. He came at me with some lame ass X-Box Live insults and now Ima hafta put'em on his ass.

This is my kinda match. Jack, he a big ass guy but he ain't ever came up on someone like me. See, that shit with Julian was one thing..but I'm not Julian. He plays those games but I'll get right up in your fuckin face and punch you in the goddamn throat.

So bring that big ass body of yours..with ya fuckin Facebook Redneck cover picture and meet me out here when it comes time. I'll teach all you needa know..teach ya bout me..teach ya bout what happens when you get in people's business that you ain't got no room bein in..just straight fuckin teach ya.'

Letting that microphone fall free from his hand, 'Your Favorite Drug' filling the air as Laroux waited, mostly patient.

SEGMENT
As we return from our shameless plug for Elevated Creations, the cameras begin rolling in the office of GM Robb Hardy.

Hardy is seen sitting comfortably at his desk as he reads through some papers, signing off on some of them while wadding up others and shooting them across the room into the trashcan. He wasn’t doing too bad either, shot percentage-wise. I mean, judging by the paper balls all over the floor, he was shooting at least 63% from the field.

That is until a knock on his door halts him mid-buzzer beater, and he pauses to look up at the office door with an annoyed sigh.

Robb Hardy: … for the love of g- WHAT?

The door swings open, and instantly Robb’s demeanor changes a bit as he sees that it’s none other than Empire’s special guest, The Outlaw himself. Hardy gives him a nod as Jack takes a few steps into the office to close the door behind him.

Meanwhile, Robb pulls up on the shot he’d paused on, resuming his ‘GM duties’ as the paper ball sails through the air beautifully, heading straight towards the basket. That is until it’s swatted back at him hard by Graves. It was as if the Outlaw had suddenly turned into Dikembe Mutombo.

Jack wags his finger at GM Hardy and smirks.

Jack Graves: Not in my house.

Hardy shakes his head and looks around at the office sarcastically.

Robb Hardy: Last time I checked this was my house, son.

Jack slides into the seat across from Robb and he scoops up the paper ball to sink the rebound shot with a grin.

Jack Graves: Well not in your house either, pops.

Robb rolls his eyes, but he really can’t help laughing at Jack’s antics. Graves leans back to kick his feet up, and he pulls out an Elevated Grape Ape Vape pen to take a draw. 

Robb Hardy: I’d tell you to get your dirty-ass boots off my desk but you treat those snake skins like most folks treat Jordans.

Jack coughs as he chokes on the smoke from laughter.

Jack Graves: I have some Jordans too, and some Air Force 1’s, goofy.

Graves replies, catching Robb off guard.

Robb Hardy: You what? I don’t think I heard that right.

Jack Graves: Naw, you did. I have all kinds of shoes. You’re stereotyping me, huh? You think I’m supposed to be running around barefoot, and illiterate? Play the banjo and marry my cousin?

Jack shakes his head and slips his vape pen back into his pocket, selling the fuck out of him being offended as he takes his hat and sunglasses off to look Robb in the eyes.

Jack Graves: I’ve gotta tell you, I’m disappointed. That hits me right here. To the core.

Jack bumps his fist into his chest and sighs. Robb isn’t buying it though, and he reaches forward to smack Jack’s feet off the desk with a laugh.

Robb Hardy: Shut the hell up, Jack. What do you need? I’m-

Jack Graves: You’re what? Busy? Ohhh maaaan. I don’t know what I would do if I were this busy. Seriously, you really have your work cut out for you.

Robb crumbles the next piece of paper and flings it at Jack, who uses head movement to narrowly dodge it.

Jack Graves: I just came by to tell you that I know you didn’t ask for me to come here as some kind of retribution towards X, but I’m going to make it a little about that. I’m not going to lie to you, hoss. He disrespected you, and he disrespected my ol lady, and I’m pretty sure by now everyone should know the repercussions for that. So he will pay his penance for his arrogance and disrespect. I'm sending him to the gallows.

Jack shrugs and stands to push the chair back in. He places his hat back atop his head but keeps eye contact with Robb as he speaks.

Jack Graves: He asked for this fight, so now he’s going to get the fight of his life. Folks get way too comfortable talkin’ shit and disrespectin’ people online, so I’m going to teach him, and everyone else out there why it’s not a good idea to bark at a bigger dog when there’s just a thin chain link fence separating you. Because I’ll hop over that fence, and If I can’t? I’ll tear it down to get to your ass. I’ll turn my name into hushed whispers around this industry, and all that could just start here tonight... with Xavier Laroux.

Robb nods, enjoying the fire in the new breakout star. He stands and shakes Jack’s hand.

Robb Hardy: Go do what you do best, big guy.

Jack returns the handshake with a nod and then turns to disappear out the door. The camera then pans back to Hardy, who retakes his seat to look back down at his work with an accomplished smile as the scene fades.

SEGMENT
The scene opens to a shot of a steel chain link hanging on a wall hook inside a locker room. The the camera pans away to show Empire champion Blyss Lockhart all dressed and ready for her title defense against Kenzie Rydell. She stands quietly before the inside of the doorway, just staring off into the distance. This time, she is wearing the championship around her waist and she softly caresses the face plate before reaching for the chain link. But strangely she doesn’t take it with her as she leaves the locker room.

Blyss Lockhart: Kenzie…

The name of her challenger for the night comes out in a soft, almost whistling tune. She touches the wall as she glides through the hallway, letting her fingertips carelessly graze the wall.

Blyss Lockhart: Kenzie…?

Her eyes now search the empty hallway, as if looking for Kenzie herself to pop out. So she peers around the corner, scaring an unsuspecting backstage crew member instead.

Blyss Lockhart: Kenzie Rydell! The Rebranded! The Wave Maker!

She yells each name in the person’s face before laughing as he scrambles out of there. The hallway is empty again and Kenzie is still nowhere in sight. Blyss now stands in the centre with an unreadable expression on her face, one hand resting on the championship face plate.

Blyss Lockhart: I may not see you, Kenzie, but I can smell your fear. And your anxiety, your hesitation. While you have been struggling to find yourself again in Liberty Pro, I have been thriving. And once again, I am above you. Just like I am above your sister Megan because she looks up to me. Do you?

She smirks as she looks around the hallway.

Blyss Lockhart: Oh the things that I have taught her. Could be the things I can teach you too. Rather than you running around unsure of yourself. Still hiding in your shame because you’re still far from what you wanted to be at this point. Still finding solid ground. But now that you’re back on Empire Pro soil, I haven’t heard a single squeak from you. How are you going to make waves, shake the competition, when you don’t even make a sound? It’s like do you even exist? All your efforts on Liberation, gone to waste!

She chuckles, a total smug look on her face.

Blyss Lockhart: It’s funny how Robb tries to recreate a moment by bringing you into the main event tonight because you used to be Empire Pro’s big star. And maybe that’s supposed to give you a little boost of confidence.

She lets out a loud scoff.

Blyss Lockhart: And people say I’M the one stuck in the past! Look at Robb in his nostalgia feels hoping for someone like you, Kenzie, to tame the wildfire that’s now spreading from Freedom to Empire Pro. The unstoppable force that is ME! And I’ll be damned if I don’t defeat you tonight to keep my well-deserved prize! The key to my empire, the crown of my legacy!

She stares straight into the camera lens, anger building inside her.

Blyss Lockhart: Robb can try and stop me. Marcus can try and ruin my life. Sparrow can try and deny my throne at the top of the mountain. And people like you, my sweet Kenzie, can love or hate me. But at the end of the day, none of you can end the Age of Blyss!

Throwing her head back, she raises up the Empire championship proudly and the scene starts to fade…

Nope, it comes back into focus on a hand lightly tapping her on the shoulder. She immediately whips around in a defensive stance, hugging the championship belt protectively. It’s Robb Hardy. She drops her shoulders and stands up, the look on her face changes to a more annoyed expression.

Blyss Lockhart: Oh. It’s you.

Robb Hardy: Yeah hello to you too. Listen, I’ve got bad news. You won’t be facing Kenzie Rydell tonight. I know this is all last minute but don’t worry, I already got you a replacement opponent. So just go out there just as you are and I’ll get them out there in a minute.

Blyss Lockhart: What?? Who?? Where’s Kenzie?? What happened to her???

Robb Hardy: Hey I can explain but there’s really no time! The show literally gotta go on right now! Go go go!

He all but steers her into the direction of the ring entrance.

Blyss Lockhart: Fucking Kenzie Rydell!!! How fucking dare she ghost me on the most important night of her life!!!

Blyss continues screaming her head off about how Kenzie ruins everything and somehow it’s the fault of Marcus, Stella and Sparrow. Even TJ and Emery’s names are mentioned in her mad tirade as she heads for the ring. Robb shakes his head seeing her while also speaking to someone on the phone, no doubt arranging the final details of the show.