EPW Conquest 57 Results

SEGMENT
Billi was celebrating his win backstage when JJ came up to him and told him he was lucky. The two shared words until they started to shove each other. They then started to brawl until JJ grabbed a nearby plate of food from catering and slammed it over Billi’s head before he bodyslammed him through the table. JJ said Billi was worthless before he walked out of the frame.

RECORDED EARLIER
A bit of footage, recorded earlier in the day, had begun to play. The doors weren't yet opened up to the public, resulting in empty stands. That ring crew were finished setting up the ring and almost instantly, it was being used. Over the past couple months, a number of..mostly talented individuals were vying to earn a spot within The Inspired.

A number of tasks were laid out before them and only by completing them could they hope to get that opportunity of a lifetime. Those tasks were mostly demeaning, whether it being washing Marisol Vilaro's vehicles or using their own bodies as a walkway for The True Luminary.

This week was no different. This week, their perseverance was to be tested. Big Ass Bobby stood in that ring, dressed in a pair of florally designed gym shorts and the remaining members of that group joined him. Their task was simple: Throw themselves at Bobby..literally.

Standing at ringside was the pair of Marisol Vilaro and Ricky Rodriguez. They stood side by side, leaning against the apron of that ring. Marisol pounded her hands on that apron before speaking up.

Marisol Vilaro: 'To be Inspired, you have to be willing to keep going..no matter the cost. No matter how many times you get knocked down..you must always drag yourself back up and carry on. Easy enough. Let's go!'

And with that, the first of the group stepped forward. A young man, in visibly good shape, looked Bobby up and down. Without warning, he bolted across the canvas. As he got within arm's reach, Bobby snatched him up by the waist. Hoisting him up off of his feet, Bobby spun around and slammed him into the mat. Marisol and Ricky laughed at the sight, Ricky shaking his head.

Ricky Rodriguez: 'It's a good lesson tho. One everyone should learn, in all honesty. Lord knows I've had my fair share of failures but I never let it stop me..I never let it slow me down. No matter how much it fuckin sucked, I always drag myself back up.'

Marisol Vilaro: 'Is there really a better team in Empire that personifies that than the Girls of Summer? They've had fair success, there's no doubting that, but their failures far outweigh them. And yet..every single time..they collect themselves and they carry on. It's..admirable.'

Ricky Rodriguez: 'It reallyyy is. They should be proud of that. Proud of their perseverance. Proud of their never give up attitude. Proud of the fact that they get to show off that attitude once more..this time..after fallin to The Inspired.'

One by one, those individuals continue throwing themselves at Bobby and each time, Bobby sends them packing. With one, he side stepped their approach, sending them bundling over the top rope and to the outside. With another, he threw his leg up, sending the bottom of his boot into their face.

Marisol Vilaro: 'You're absolutely right, Ricky. Together, we will go in there and give them another opportunity to pick themselves back up after a failure.'

A bit of a devious smirk grew across the face of Marisol as Ricky nodded his head, agreeing whole heartedly.

Ricky Rodriguez: 'Just another reason why you're as admired as you are. Sucha givin person. It's soo refreshin to see, honestly.'

Marisol Vilaro: 'Thank you, Ricky. We should go get ready for our match. It won't be long now.'

Ricky nodded his head as Marisol turned her head to look at Bobby before speaking up to get his attention.

Marisol Vilaro: 'Have fun with them.'

Bobby laughed a bit, nodding his head. This bit of distraction allowed one of those pledges to sneak up on Bobby and catch him with a right hand. This proved to be a bad move as Bobby grabbed the man up before running forward and throwing him through the ropes and to the outside.

Marisol and Ricky made their way around the ringside area, stepping over that man who was groaning out in pain. Not giving him a second thought, the pair continued their way up the ramp, disappearing to the back.

SEGMENT
We cut backstage to Lena talking about how she continues to give gifts to Empire Pro since she arrived and that someone like Miki should be grateful for the L she took against Lena. Galante goes on to say that she’s going to beat Karen Willow and keep on climbing up the ladder until she is a champion.

SEGMENT
Karen Willow is being interviewed by Madi Smith. Madi asked Karen about what Lena said earlier and Karen rolled her eyes. She said that nobody will be using her as a stepping stone and that she is the one who is the future of Empire Pro. Karen then brushed past Madi and headed out for her match.

SEGMENT
As the camera cut to backstage, the Canadian flag was flying proudly in the background, the Empire Conquest logo right beside it. There were cheers from the fans who were watching this, clearly the footage was being shown on the big screen, and two figures emerged wearing matching white and red. But these were not Canadians, instead they represented Poland and Denmark (via Miami, Florida where they resided). Upon their shoulders were the HKW Tornado Tag Team title belts, the shining platinum championships the pair had won in the Underground.

Anastasia Starling: Since we came to Empire, we didn't have the best of starts. Not that we didn't claim victory as a team, but we did so in a manner that we certainly weren't keen on. But we discussed all of that a couple of weeks ago, and swore that we'd make our next outing as a tandem different. And as you saw, boy did we…

The view then switched to a replay of the final moments of last Conquest's mammoth tag team affair, pitting the reigning Empire Champions, Carli Davis-North and Jessica Anderson, against SkyBird.

The match seemed like it was over when the tag champs nailed Anastasia with "Or B Squared (T-Up into Show Stealer) but Skylar showed up and tossed Carli out of the ring. Jess tried to fight her off but Sky nailed Anderson with Sky’s The Limit: Double Jump Springboard Tornado DDT! Skylar then helped Anastasia get the pin and the referee counted to three! A huge win for the HKW Tornado Tag Champs!

The footage then cut back to the smiling faces of Skylar and Anastasia, who clearly were proud of what they had done and accomplished.

Anastasia Starling: For our second contest as a team here in Empire, doesn't that make a statement? A clean victory, expert ring awareness and team work, getting the big W against the number one ranked team, the champions themselves. It just felt… Good. A win over the champs is something to be both proud of, and sets us in place to gain a shot at the prize we are searching for.

The Songbird sang her tune, but then folded her arms, tutting as she looked disapprovingly at the camera.

Anastasia Starling: But even a well fought, hard fought win can be ruined by bitchy little side comments. You see, your champions have taken the route of claiming that they weren't into it. That they weren't at their best. That they didn't feel like being there, throwing excuse after excuse out onto Twitter for why they lost, unable to accept that on the night, they were soundly beaten. Unable to accept that on the night, they were defeated by the better team. And then having the gall to say that all that matters is the two of them, and no one else…

Starling then leaned forward, glaring into the camera with those big greens and blues of hers.

Anastasia Starling: Don't insult the sport. And never insult the fans. You purposely cheapened those championships with your own selfishness, and practically slapped each and every fan that came to support you in the face. The Californian crowds may be a little more forgiving for your outbursts, but not here in Canada. Moreso than anywhere, this sport is beloved here. It's tradition. It's practically a religion right up there with Ice Hockey in so many territories. So making excuses, and heaven forbid, not giving one hundred percent for the paying audience… It's a punishable crime.

Anastasia then turned to her fellow Underground champion, showing her that infectious beaming grin of hers as she held onto her hand. Skylar, who had been silent until then, shook her head.

Skylar Rayner: As huge as last week’s win was for us, it left me with a sour taste in my mouth.

The tone of her voice was lower than usual, a note of disappointment clearly audible as she spoke.

Skylar Rayner: We entered last week’s contest with high hopes to have a fair wrestling contest against the best team in the division. So imagine how it felt to hear, before and after the match, that our opponents didn’t share the same enthusiasm, that they didn’t come to Toronto with the same energy. Bit of a letdown, wouldn’t you agree?

She glanced over to her tag partner, almost as if to look for confirmation.

Skylar Rayner: I’m gonna say it, and please, believe me when I say that this criticism comes from a place of respect and friendship… It was a bit disrespectful too. Not only toward the fans, as Ana already stated, but toward us as well. You knew you were going up against champions in another, soon to be two, company. Jess knew what Ana and I bring to the ring. We all have our bad days, for various reasons. Heck, I’ve been going through a lot lately as well, but I never used it as an excuse for my shortcomings.

Skylar let out a soft sigh, clearly still not completely over those “bad days” she mentioned. Ana reacted by lightly squeezing her partner’s hand as to reassure her.

Skylar Rayner: We are professionals, we are supposed to compartmentalize and quickly move on from the things weighing us down. From the moment our music hits to the moment we head back to the locker room, we are requested to be at our best. We owe it to them.

“Them” were obviously the fans, who reacted to her words with loud cheers.

Skylar Rayner: One loss, as much as it stings, is not the end of everything. But it can become the beginning of the end if you let it take roots.

As soon as she finished saying those words, she flashed to the camera that smile the wrestling fans have grown so familiar with.

Skylar Rayner: Sorry for the rant, but I really needed to get it off my chest. Enough with the past tho, Skybird is very much focused on the present and the future. Tonight, we take on the Socialites. Quite the sneaky pair, no stranger to underhand tactics.

They both rolled their eyes simultaneously.

Skylar Rayner: Nothing we haven’t dealt with before. And while we know that these kinds of matches are always dangerous, we have the momentum on our side, and no cheap shot, no dirty trick is going to stop us. Skybird will continue to fly high.

Another quick glance to her tag partner. Showing that their chemistry is just as strong outside the ring as it is inside, the two recited their motto.

Anastasia Starling & Skylar Rayner: And put smiles upon faces!

PREVIOUSLY RECORDED
The Socialites are getting out of the back of a black limousine. The limo driver opens the trunk and starts to take their bags out of the trunk.

Vanessa Page:Today marks a new day here in EPW. Thus far our tenure has just gone ok. We’ve had a few good moments but also have had equal moments we aren’t too fond of.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page: That doesn’t work for us because we are used to getting exactly what we want whenever we want. Like we said when we signed with Liberty several months ago we want the Tag team Championships.

Vanessa Page:That’s right! The fact that B double has those Empire Tag Team titles just irks us to no end. Jessica should know that. She knows all of my sisters and I. She has been in good standing with us ever since she started working for our sister Summer.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:Jess even works for me in GCW and has done an exceptional job. So we are genuinely happy that she is a champion here in Empire Pro Wrestling.

Vanessa Page:But as we have stated, we want what we want when we want.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:Jess, we will see you and your buddy Carli in no time. But tonight Skylar Rayner and Anastasia Starling get the honor of sharing the ring with us.

Vanessa Page:(Sarcastically)Aren’t we lucky? We get to meet The Besties, Skylar and Anastasia.

Vanessa and Danielle both look disgusted.

“Diamond Princess' ' Danielle Page:Ladies, we are better than besties. We share the same blood. We are sisters! You two can try to say that you have a chance but in all honesty you don’t.

Vanessa Page:Because we are now truly inspired…

Marisol Vilaro and Ricky Rodriguez then get out of the back of the limo. They stand next to The Socialites as they all smile.

Vanessa Page:As I am sure all of you know that Danielle and I are proud members of Team Vilaro. Now that Mari and Ricky are on Empire Pro you will all get to witness the blueprint to our success as we put EPW on our backs along with gold around our waists.

The Socialites, Marisol, and Ricky walk into the backstage area of the Ricoh Coliseum followed by their security team.

SEGMENT
The camera cuts to the backstage area as we are now following the Great Lakes champion, Hilary Levandrier, as she is striding down the hall. Her championship belt is propped up along one shoulder as she appears to be slightly distracted with the texting conversation happening while she’s walking. She is quite occupied with making some traveling plans during her free time despite the fact she had decided to grab herself a bottle of water from catering before she starts getting changed to prepare for her match.

Hilary is finishing off sending her last text message as she turns the corner, barely looking up from the screen, unaware of her surroundings which is what leads her to bump directly into someone. This sends her phone crashing to the floor near her feet and she immediately locks eyes with her opponent for this evening, Miki, who appears to have the same idea as she holds a bottle of water in her hand. Together they both crouch down to the floor with the intention of being the one to pick up the phone first.

Hilary Levandrier: I’m sorry! I wasn’t paying attention at all.

Miki raises her hands, defensively, but smiles.

Miki: Oh gosh, no, I wasn’t paying attention either. Too focused on watching videos of my opp- well, of you.

Still smiling, Miki stands up straight again and Hilary joins her not a moment later.

Miki: The Great Lakes champion, Hilary Levandrier. But you don’t need an introduction around here, do you? I mean, everyone knows who you are.

Hilary Levandrier: Yes…despite the rough patch I’ve been dealing with lately.

The expression on Hilary’s face darkens for a brief moment as she clutches her phone in one hand, thinking about the recent losses she’s suffered, but it passes just as quickly when she puts the smile back on her face.

Hilary Levandrier: Who knows? Maybe tonight you put yourself in the title picture for my Great Lakes championship. I did say I wanted to be a fighting champion after all.

The young Miki nods as Hilary speaks.

Miki: I respect that. Too many cowards in wrestling, just like I dealt with lately too. In any other sport they’d get banned, but here they get celebrated. I wonder, sometimes, how wrestling has fallen so far. Anyway, I digress, back to tonight.

She smiles again.

Miki: It’s an honor to fight a true competitor like yourself. If I win and if that gets me into the title hunt, that’s even better, but just knowing I’ll get a good fight is a start.

Hilary Levandrier: It is refreshing not having to worry about dirty tactics for a match. I had to deal with those to even win my championship in the first place. I just knew that wasn't the kind of champion I wanted to be.

There's a smile on Hilary's face as she takes a moment to pat the front of her Great Lakes championship. Obviously quite proud of herself for having done exactly what she said she would.

Miki: Just like it’s not the type of competitor I ever want to be. So I admire it, I admire you. You’re a role model here, unlike so many. They don’t celebrate you enough, not compared to the loud people who are oh so often the biggest cheaters…but I notice you, and others do too.

For a lingering moment, Miki’s eyes are cast over that title on Hilary’s shoulder. But her focus isn’t stolen by it for long.

Miki: So tonight let’s put on a good show and may the best competitor win. Fair?

She holds a hand out toward the champion. Hilary looks at her hand for a brief moment before she shakes it in a showing of good sportsmanship between the two. The smile remains on her face as she nods.

Hilary Levandrier: Fair. I'm sure our paths will cross again too, so we'll definitely give the fans a great match.

Once she lets go of her hand, Hilary gives her a quick wave as they part ways, resuming her intention to go get her bottle of water as Miki walks off in the opposite direction.

SEGMENT
The waves were washing up upon a sandy beach, boats rocking gently to and fro by the harbour. Sitting by the dock, lounging on a deck chair, was a muscular looking figure in a pair of offensively bright Hawaiian swim shorts. On his feet were sandals, his eyes covered by aviator sunglasses and perched on his head was a flat, cream sailor's hat. The real scene stealer was what was resting on their shoulder though, a dazzling belt of gold and silver, both the Canadian and United States flags richly displayed upon it. As the camera lingered on the championship belt for a moment, it then moved to view the figure's handsome face, and a small grin was given by them.

Brendan Samuels: Somehow, unwittingly, I have been officially recognised as being the holder of three separate titles over the course of three weeks. Firstly, the belt I won, held and defended, the Liberty Pro United States title. Secondly, I were awarded the Empire Pro Canadian Championship. And finally, after I refused to give up and forget the great east coast fans that brought the Original Kraken to their shores, the Can-Am Championship, a belt that represents both Liberty and Empire Pro. Three weeks, three titles, but one honoured championship.

Gulls made their call in the background, mixing in with the sounds of boat engines and the waves rocking upon the warm, white sands as Brendan Samuels continued to speak.

Brendan Samuels: But whilst on paper, this be an incredible accomplishment, an' be something that looks mighty healthy on me résumé, the record I've had over the course of these weeks ain't be anything to be proud of.

Looking his shades, The Wrestling leaned forward, those cold, blue eyes of his staring a hole into the camera lens.

Brendan Samuels: Since I made Diamond Jack eat his own words an' sent him back sailin' back into the unknown, it ain't all been peaceful winds. Starting with a loss to Sparrow, one that I cannae deny after a spirited performance from a talented competitor. I applaud the lad for earning what he did, I have the utmost respect for him, an' he got the win over me fair an' square. But as champion, I need to look at meself to be better. But as for Cait an' Josh, an' the match this week…

The Wrestling then stood, taking a moment to admire the championship belt on his shoulder, before signing off for the viewers.

Brendan Samuels: A Navigator of the Seven Seas knows an act of piracy when he sees one, an' Cait be a woman with a history of fluttering her eyelashes to get someone else to get her what she desires, whether that be the theft of me tag partners tagline, using her man to do the dirty work or even conning an idiot out of his personal fortune. I dinnae forget ye pulling that one off, lass. But on this night, I be raising the sails to prevent ye getting what ye desire. Cause I won't be going through these past three weeks, getting meself three titles, only to eat the three an' lose it all at the first sign of rain on the ocean. That won't be happening. So Cait, Josh… Ye better get yerself prepared to go down the Flanagan's traditional way. An' that be sinking without a trace to sound of a laughter track.

The Can-Am Champion then paced away towards his luxury ship, as the scene faded away from the pre-recorded segment, and returned to the arena.

RINGSIDE
Empire: Conquest 57, and the fans are electric in the Ricoh Coliseum. The camera pans around the crowd when suddenly “Shook Ones, Pt. II” by Mobb Deep comes on. The fans light up as the 3 Sport Athlete transfer from Liberty Pro and Revolver, Derrick La’Bell, walks out with a big smile on his face. He’s in normal clothes but has a jacket ton that’s repping his training camp, The Lair. It’s half Brooklyn Nets and half Miami Heat inspired, representing their two gyms. He makes his way down to the ring, high fiving every fan he possibly can before climbing up the ring steps and entering the ring. He pulls a microphone out of his jacket and smiles at the crowd. They all cheer for The Beast.

Derrick La’Bell - “SO THIS IS WHAT FREEDOM FEELS LIKE!!! Oh wait, my bad, y’all don’t do that here…”

He kinda laughs at the small rebranding joke.

Derrick La’Bell - “SO THIS IS WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE ON CONQUEST!!!”

The crowd pops for the show name, and Derrick smiles at the reaction.

Derrick La’Bell - “Family, I know I don’t need an introduction, but this is my first night on the job here in Empire, so it only feels fitting…”

Derrick clears his throat.

Derrick La’Bell - “Ladies and Gentlemen, I am your former 2x UGP Heavyweight Champion, former Liberty Pro Champion, former Liberty Pro Anarchy Champion, former Liberty Pro Tag Team Champion, former Liberty in the Bank Holder, former Revolver in the Bank Holder, and an undefeated boxer. I am the man that lays the bricks and builds foundations for future competitors. Representing The Lair: Brooklyn, but living out of The Lair: South Beach, I am The Beast, Derrick La’Bell!!!

Derrick throws an arm up to flex and get the crowd riled up. The crowd is clearly excited to have Derrick debuting tonight.

Derrick La’Bell - “Like I said, I know I don’t need an intro, but sometimes it’s just nice to remind everyone what I’m about… and tonight it’s no different.”

He pauses for a moment as he waits for the crowd to completely simmer down.

Derrick La’Bell - “It’s been over a month since I’ve been drafted over here, but tonight is my first night on the show, and I’m ready to remind any of you that might’ve forgotten that I ain’t the one to mess with.”

La’Bell nods for a second as the crowd agrees with him.

Derrick La’Bell - “For three years, I dedicated my life to blazing a trail in Liberty Pro free of controversy and cheating, and it proved very fruitful. I accomplished everything I could there, and I loved every second, but sometimes you hit that glass ceiling and you just keep bumping your head.”

He pats his head a few times, mimicking the glass ceiling hitting his head.

Derrick La’Bell - “I was sad to leave my home. I lived and breathed Liberty, but when I got drafted to Empire, I knew this was a door opening. I knew that this was the moment I was looking for. To grow and find new trails to blaze as I bring my fight for a fair and competitive tomorrow here to the Great White North!”

Again, the crowd cheers for the perennial babyface.

Derrick La’Bell - “Which brings me to the man I face tonight. The Ripper, The Dog of War, whatever you want to call him, Jack Tillman is the very man I am looking to stop.”

He pauses as he points down to the ramp.

Derrick La’Bell - “Jack Tillman, and his myriad of managers and heavy hitters, are known for breaking every rule they can to get by, and stealing every opportunity they can away from people who rightfully earned and deserve them. Jack and Dave may say that he’s a real wrestler and they’re representing the true way of wrestling, but that’s not how it is. I don’t have to cheat to win. I didn’t cheat in MMA, I didn’t cheat in boxing, and I damn sure don’t cheat in professional wrestling… nor do I stand for it!”

You can see the former Liberty mainstay is getting really heated.

Derrick La’Bell - “Tonight, I’m gonna show Jack that the shit he used to pull two years ago ain’t gonna fly anymore. Tonight, I’m renovating Empire, and I’m gonna be laying the same bricks and foundations I did in Liberty that led me and many other fresh young babyfaces to the top of their respective mountains over there. Tonight, I’m putting this entire company on notice!”

The crowd roar as Derrick sets the microphone down and starts to wave his arms. He starts to hype them up and starts a “Welcome Home” chant before he starts to leave the ring. However, before he does. He pauses, backs up, and picks the microphone back up.

Derrick La’Bell - “Oh, and Blyss Lockhart… Don’t think I have forgotten you. I may not have pursued you at the beginning of the year because of the brand split, but here I am now, bitch, and I got a receipt for ya!”

He flips the microphone as everyone loses their mind at the threat given to the Empire Champion. Derrick calmly and cooly exits the ropes, as the fans continue to chant and cheer for him.

SEGMENT
The scene cuts backstage as David Rosenberg, manager of champions, stands in front of the camera with a cocky grin on his face. Dressed in a grey suit, and designer Sunglasses covering his eyes, David rubs his hands as he’s excited to talk in front of the camera.

David Rosenberg: “Empire Pro! It’s an honor to be in this former CWC territory. I’m not looking forward to being here once the winter hits, but right now it’s not too bad. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Right here, right at this very moment I have a new face to introduce to you. A face that you and the rest of the roster knows well. A face that was part of CWC history. A former CWC Light Heavyweight Champion! A part of the greatest Stable in CWC History, and a former multi time World Champion in multiple promotions. May I introduce to you, your future face of Empire Pro, The Dog of War! JACK “THE RIPPER” TILLMAN.

The camera is quickly jerked away from David and immediately goes to the face of Jack Tillman. A grin comes crawling across his face as he lets go of the camera and slowly moves back.

Jack Tillman: “War…war never changes and neither does this dog. A lot of old faces and a lot of young faces, but everyone at the end of the day wants the same thing. To be the face of this company. But what makes us different from our fellow opponents is how we get there. Do we go down the honorable path? Or do we go down the rabbit hole of madness?

Jack pauses for a second as he strokes his beard.

Jack Tillman: “Me? Well I’m going to do what I’ve always done! Grab the company by the throat and bite down on it and watch the blood fill the mat. Tonight, Derrick La’Bell! You step in the ring with greatness. You will be just another stepping stone on my way to be part of the main event scene. You’ll try to defeat me. You’re battle tested and ready for a fight! But I see the cracks in your armor. I see the fire slowly dying in your eyes after years of fighting. You’re tired and need rest my friend, and I am just the right man to take you behind the barn, load the gun, and end your suffering.

David Rosenberg walks into the scene and pats Jack on the shoulder.

Jack Tillman: “Cry Havoc! And let loose the Dog of War!

Running his throat across his throat, Jack smacks the side of the camera as he walks off. Rosenberg follows as the scene fades to black.

SEGMENT
Dylan had just come off a successful tag win, teaming with his girlfriend, Rowen. He made his way to Robb Hardy’s office and knocked. Robb let him in and Dylan walked in, setting the Revolver Deep South Championship on the table. Robb said to throw that thing away, that it wasn’t an Empire Championship and that Dylan would be rewarded for what he did in Revolver’s short run. Robb placed a suitcase on the table and told Dylan to open it up. When he did? He saw a golden championship sitting there. The EPW Extreme Championship had returned! And Dylan Shepherd? It was all his. Dylan placed it on his shoulder and thanked Robb, telling him that the Extreme Championship would be way better than the Anarchy Championship.

SEGMENT
Carli Davis and Jessica Anderson were looking everywhere backstage for their partner, Emily Carter. Eventually, they found a commotion down the hall. Emily was unconscious! They looked around and then saw the three members of The Lost down the hall, pointing and laughing. Carli went to charge at them but Jessica held her back and that they should save it for the match.

SEGMENT
Josh Anderson was walking backstage when, whack! A chair was driven right onto his head! He was OUT! The camera panned up and standing there? It was Brendan Samuels, The Kraken, and he had a pissed off look on his face. Now? He was getting his one on one with Cait.

SEGMENT
The camera cuts to the interior of a gym earlier in the week, Marcus Black in the middle of a chest workout. He is seemingly unaffected by the vehicular assault that took place 2 weeks ago, but the severe taping of his ribs is a blatant reminder. He finishes his set as he sees the camera, taking a few deep breaths before addressing it.

Marcus Black: Now I know that both you and Dante are so far up your own ass that you wouldn’t know the truth if it, well, hit you with a car, but I’m curious if your tiny lizard brains actually recognise how utterly fucked you are? Two weeks ago you had your best shot at trying to take me out that you will /ever/ get, and it bought you a week, and cost me some money on medical tape. Just long enough for Dante to get his ass beat by Sparrow. And now the two of you have to stand across the ring from the two people on this roster who will not be content with anything other than your complete destruction. Its going to be refreshing actually getting a tag team partner who is not going to stab me in the back, and I intend to make the most of it.

You see Blyss, I was angry before. More so after your idiotic brain decided to betray me in our tag match and waste everyone’s time. And then Dante decided to get a car involved. I would have thought by now that I had made it abundantly clear that pissing me off was a /very bad/ idea, but clearly even after I deep fried your dog at Battle Symphony 2 you haven’t grasped it yet. All that tells me is that I’m not trying hard enough. Don’t worry Blyss, i’ll make sure I get that message sent loud and clear, right before I rip that title from your cold, screaming hands.

Marcus walks out of shot to another area in the gym, the camera cutting away.

SEGMENT
The scene opened to a wide shot of Blyss Lockhart and Dante Locke. Standing side by side, they towered over the camera with intimidating looks. Blyss suddenly slapped the face plate of her Empire championship, her eyes now widened with ignited fury.

Blyss Lockhart: I am so SICK and TIRED of repeating myself, the same message over and over again about how Dante and I DESERVE to be where we stand right now. From day ONE, we said it. And now, we are IT! STILL it!

She started counting off with her fingers on one hand.

Blyss Lockhart: Despite everything we’ve been accused of, the mess Lily left us with, the lack of respect given from our peers, we are STILL the most sought after talents. The chosen ones. The undeniables. That’s why when Robb Hardy took over, he could’ve easily taken this away from me.

She glanced down at the Empire title.

Blyss Lockhart: But he didn’t. Instead, he chose me and Dante as his first draft picks to represent his brand. He gave me Gavin for my first title defense. Much, much better challenger than Kenzie. And Sparrow even. Him asking for his turn at the title later as if he didn’t embarrass himself enough after holding it for two seconds?

The words were left hanging in the air for a second too long. Her grin froze. Then she snapped back.

Blyss Lockhart: And Marcus? Nothing personal, just business and drama. That would look great in ratings and numbers, right, Robb? But again, I’ll knock him down a peg or two. Along with Stella.

She scrunched up her face, her words laced with greater annoyance.

Blyss Lockhart: Stella… Did you really think I’m afraid of you? You taunting me again about being ringside tonight doesn’t faze me anymore.

She turned to Dante and made a voice to mimic Stella.

Blyss Lockhart: But Blyss, if I’m not out there at ringside, who’s gonna call to release the Kraken? That’s what I do, Blyss! Huh huh! Let me do it, Blyss, it’s the only thing I’m good at! Krakennnnnn!!! Release the Kraken!!!!

Dante chuckled while Blyss smirked as she turned back to the camera.

Blyss Lockhart: No no no! It’s not about you being there, stupid bitch! It’s about ME protecting myself from being outnumbered by you and your traitor fuck partner Marcus. But this time’s different, Dante’s here. I don’t give a fuck whether you’re ringside or in the corner wanting to jump in anytime and make this a 3 on 2 fight. So if you wanna join the dance, by all means! It’s time we settle this shit, right?!

She gestured to the camera with a beckoning hand and manic grin.

Dante Locke:
Don’t get it twisted, Stella. If you get in our way? We won’t hesitate to fuck you up! You’re nothing but an easy target. It’s why you’re a manager now. Because you fear us. You bark but you have no bite as you stand behind Marcus. Get in our way? And nothing can save you. Not Marcus. Not Sparrow. Fuck you!

Dante and Blyss give each a nod before they walk off and the scene cut away.