EPW Conquest 58 Results

SEGMENT
Hilary Levandrier: That was a big mistake Lena.

A small tsk-tsk follows the words that have been spoken by our Great Lakes champion as the camera slowly pans further back revealing Hilary Levandrier. She is dressed in her ring gear in full preparation for her title defense later in the evening, having gone with the full Canadian red and white to properly pay homage to her home country. It’s one of the perks for her being part of the Empire roster, spending more time in Canada, and she wants to ensure she continues to best represent the Great Lakes championship currently wrapped around her waist.

Hilary Levandrier: You couldn’t let Miki have her moment, could you? She beat me fair and square out there, someone who actually deserves a shot at my championship belt if you ask me, rather than an opportunist like you who hits people from behind. Even more insane than that is your logic of thinking that because you put your hands on MY championship belt that means you are more worthy of holding it now. Explain to me how that makes sense.

Hilary pauses for a moment, crossing her arms in front of her chest, tilting her head to the side in the slightest of manner as if she was waiting for an explanation.

Hilary Levandrier: It’s nice to have dreams I suppose, right? If we believe we are worthy of certain things or praise, that means it has to be true! If you keep convincing yourself that you are the one who deserves to be the Great Lakes champion, well I must have no other choice but to lie down, and to let you walk away with what I fought to earn in the first place. I think even you can see the flaw in your logic by now. I can see why you did what you did, sometimes we have to do what we must when the opportunity presents itself, make our intentions known. Of course that doesn’t always equal instant success. It was enough to get you a title opportunity tonight, but a reign as the Great Lakes champion, on my watch? I’m afraid not.

It’s with a slight shaking motion of her head that Hilary begins to remove her Great Lakes championship belt from around her waist. She clears her throat softly under her breath while she places her beloved golden prize upon one of her shoulders, affectionately giving a pat directly over the nameplate letting the world know this belongs to her.

Hilary Levandrier: You see, becoming the Great Lakes champion was only the very beginning of my journey, and there’s much more for me to accomplish. I need to leave behind a legacy that brings pride to both my championship belt and the name Levandrier. This business is one that means everything to my family and do you really think I’m simply going to fold over because someone starts trying to claim hold on my championship belt? Come on Lena. Don’t insult me like this. Those few precious seconds that you had with my title in your hands that you used to knock down Miki, that’s all you get, because as you can see I was very quick to take it back into my hands where it belongs. I was the one standing tall. I’m more than happy to give you a reminder later tonight just in case you forgot.

Hilary gives the camera her brightest smile since she began speaking, one that’s filled with nothing but confidence in regards to her having to defend her championship.

Hilary Levandrier: This isn’t my first defense here tonight and I have every intention of walking out still the champion. I owe it to myself, to my family, and even to Miki because I promised her that based on our match, she could very well end up in the title picture. I don’t break my word. I never have and I never intend to start. That means something to me, so best believe that everything I am saying to you right now Lena? I mean it. From the bottom of my heart. Your little moment in the spotlight at my expense? It’s going to come back on you in a big way and you’ll end up knocked right back down where you’ll need to wait your turn. So, you see, we will meet again in the future when you’ll have earned this shot at my title. Tonight though? No. It’s not your time. This cutie right here is keeping the golden accessory that completes every one of her outfits.

Hilary winks towards the camera, pushing her Great Lakes championship belt up higher on her shoulder, as some of her loyal paparazzi begin to appear looking to take some pictures before she makes her way out to the ring. Hilary is more than happy to start posing for them as the camera cuts away from the scene.

SEGMENT
We cut backstage to a group of referees speaking.

Ref #1: I don’t want to referee it! Blyss and Marcus are insane!

Ref #2: Me neither! Especially with all of the other outside factors.

A third referee was about to walk up when Robb Hardy appeared from out of his office.

Robb Hardy: I hear you all have worries about the match between Blyss and Marcus at Oblivion III, huh?

The referees stood their speechless.

Robb Hardy: Hmm… I guess we need to figure something out.

Robb walked off and the scene cut away.

RINGSIDE
The show is back to ringside. There’s a buzz of anticipation, the kind that comes when the crowd knows someone’s music is about to hit, either to signal the next match, or somebody with something to say.

As it happens, it’s the latter. The familiar tune of Tremonti’s “Brains” plays through the speakers, inciting the crowd to thunderous… cheers?

Cheers. As Chuck Matthews, the owner of Empire, steps from behind the curtains, the crowd jumps to their feet in applause with a volume that, for a moment, even seems to take the Smartest Man in Wrestling by surprise. He stands on the stage, looking out at the crowd and soaking in the reaction for a moment. Chuck gives a nod and a chuckle to a group in the front row who have resorted to emphatic bows, a gesture that brings an amused smirk to his face. He waits for the crowd to simmer down before slowly bringing his microphone to his lips.

Chuck Matthews: “Hello, Canada.”

Two words send the arena into another frenzy of whoops and cheers, and again, the mastermind has to wait for a moment of peace, which comes far quicker when the crowd realizes he has something to say.

Chuck Matthews: “I have to apologize for my absence these past weeks. Things have been far busier than anticipated, and my presence has been required elsewhere. But let me be the first to tell you, this is NOT how I anticipated my run as owner would begin. I planned to be at every show, watching every match, every event… After all, what’s the point of owning a company if you’re just going to sit back and keep your hands off it?”

Whether they’d planned to chant it, or they’d simply misunderstood what Chuck was referring to, the crowd begins a rousing chant of “One more match,” to which Chuck shakes his head.

Chuck Matthews: “It’s tempting. It really is tempting. But I tried one last run… in Liberty, as a matter of fact.”

He taps his knee and stretches his leg out in front of him.

Chuck Matthews: “I think it’s safe to say I’m not the same wrestler I used to be. Body can’t keep up with the brain these days.”

He seems genuinely upset at this revelation, but quickly shakes the thought from his mind.

Chuck Matthews: “But I’m not here to talk about myself or my career. I’m here to talk about Empire.”

Another cheer, and another moment that Chuck has to wait for a chance to speak.

Chuck Matthews: “As I said… I didn’t take this company to sit by the sidelines. I took it to kick things up a notch, and I brought in Robb Hardy to take care of business and help to make my vision a reality… and so far, I think he’s done exactly that.”

He points to the curtain.

Chuck Matthews: “We’ve got a stellar champion in Blyss Lockhart-”

Boos at the mention of Blyss, and Chuck raises his hands in surrender.

Chuck Matthews: “Now, now… you may not like her, and maybe I can understand that. But Blyss and I came from the same stomping grounds back in Chicago. I’ll always have my Chicago crew’s back. And besides Blyss, we’ve got Marcus Black-”

Cheers at mention of Marcus.

Chuck Matthews: “A world champion level wrestler in Emily Carter.”

The cheers grow louder.

Chuck Matthews: “And hey, tonight we got to see Carli Davis in action, how about that?”

The cheers are deafening. Chuck smiles, having won the crowd back after trying to defend Blyss.

Chuck Matthews: “Tonight’s been a hell of a show so far, and while I’d love to take credit for it, the truth is that tonight has been straight from the mind of Mr. Hardy… and really, Robb has been the driving force behind a lot of the positive changes we’ve seen since the ah… unfortunate departure of a Ms. Lily Callaghan. And so-”

He’s cut off by jeers at the mere mention of Lily. Chuck motions for them to simmer down.

Chuck Matthews: “And so… if I’m to stand here and give a little fireside chat about the future of Empire Pro Wrestling, it would be remiss of me not to have my right-hand man out here with me. Robb, I’m sure you’re sitting in your office, but come on out, join me here.”

He waits patiently, looking to the curtain. The crowd chants for Robb, encouraged by Chuck, who appears to be conducting them like an orchestra. The Smartest Man in Wrestling turns to look and play to the crowd… and the moment his back is turned, Xavier Laroux charges from behind the curtain and clocks Chuck RIGHT to the back of the head! Chuck stumbles and turns quickly, just in time to catch a brutal spear that knocks the wind out of Matthews and leaves him laid out on the ramp. Hollywood… Impact? Xavier, normally never one to shy away from a chance to gloat, is all business as he begins to take apart Chuck, first by stomping any part of him he can find, until Chuck manages to reach the barricade and use it to get to his feet. The crowd boos and spits at Xavier as Laroux grabs Chuck by the neck. He smashes Chuck face-first into the barricade, bloodying Matthews’ lip and face and causing him to lean heavily on the barrier while he checks for a broken nose.

Xavier isn’t done. He drags Chuck to one of the lighting posts, a tall metallic structure that holds the stage lights in place. He throws Chuck headfirst into it. The post teeters, but remains stable. Xavier locates a steel bar, a spare for the very structure he just tried to topple over. He uses the bar to smash Chuck in the knee. Matthews cries out in pain, but it does nothing to stop Laroux from bringing the heavy pipe down repeatedly on his knee, his spine, until Xavier drops to his knees next to Chuck and presses the steel against Chuck’s windpipe. Chuck grasps desperately at the pipe, trying to wrench it free, all while Xavier forces the bar against Chuck’s throat, slowly choking the life out of the genius. Finally, security emerges. Xavier leaps to his feet, swinging the pole like a madman, and even connecting with the skull of one security guard, knocking him out cold in an instant. He swings like a man possessed, daring anyone to try and stop him… until somebody does. From behind, SABER Security’s own Jackal wrenches the pipe from Xaiver’s hands and grabs him by the arm. Xavier fights against her for a moment, but Jackal squeezes his shoulder, practically dragging away from the Empire owner. Medical personnel rush to check on Chuck’s condition. Chuck sits up on his own, massaging a red mark that’s appeared on his throat. The crowd cheers in relief when they see him moving… and meanwhile, Jackal and Xavier have slipped away, nowhere to be seen.

SEGMENT
Tap…
Tap…
Tap…

The feed opens up to a pair of purple Chuck Taylor's tapping against one of the backstage production crates. Great Lakes Championship contender, Lena Galante, soon comes into view.

Brushing long hair from her face, Galante cracked a smirk…

Lena Galante: “Hilary Hilary Hilary…”

Galante takes a pause to slightly rub her jaw.

Lena Galante: “I’m gonna go ahead and admit you got the best of me last go around. Having someone kick a belt into your face isn’t really the most ideal situation to be in…yanno?”

Letting out a slight giggle, the slender woman continued.

Lena Galante: “Especially after I had the pleasure of leveling the fuck out of your girl, Miki! That would’ve been the perfect way to end the night. But, nooooo Hilary! You had to jack the whole thing up!”

Lena crossed her legs.

Lena Galante: “As a result of you ruining my bragging rights over Miki, I’ma have to go ahead and take that Great Lakes title off your hands tonight, babe.”

Galante takes another pause.

Lena Galante: “Don’t worry too much, girl. Even though you’ll lose to me, you’ll be able to say you shared a ring with Spice. The one who’s really up next here in Empire.”

After winking at the camera, Lena jumped off the crate.

Lena Galante: “See you out there, Hils! Muah!”

As Lena blew the current champion, Hilary Lavandrier, a parting kiss…the feed faded to black.

SEGMENT
The camera cut away from ringside, picking up inside of Robb Hardy’s office. The General Manager was sat behind his desk, listening intently to the man who was speaking to him. The camera didn’t quite pick them up at first, only seeing the back of their head, short dark curls and upon their head a sailor’s cap. On the screen to the side of them, footage was playing of last week, and it rolled out as they were speaking:

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.

It was at this point that Hardy clicked pause on his remote, turning to face the man across from him with folded arms.

Robb Hardy: I’m not sure what you’re talking about, Brendan. The footage there is as clear as day. You nailed Josh with the chair prior to the match, and I can’t be having talent attacked backstage.

Brendan Samuels: There be somethin’ more important to discuss here, Hardy. But for the final time, I be telling ye that the man who clocked Anderson one wit’ that chair? It weren’t me.

Hardy almost laughed, but kept his composure. As ridiculous as Brendan’s comment sounded, especially with the video footage right in front of him, this was a serious matter.

Robb Hardy: But it’s on camera. Right there. It’s you, and I’m not sure how you can deny it.

Brendan Samuels: Ye really think I stand here week after week, month after month tellin’ yer all that I be The Wrestling, that I’m all about the sport an’ then go prattin’ around swingin’ a chair? That really sound like me?

Robb paused for a moment, realising that Brendan did have a point. This was very out of character for him, but stranger things had happened in the world of wrestling lately, that had turned the whole place upside down.

Brendan Samuels: Anyway, that ain’t the important matter at hand, an’ ye know it.

Robb nodded his head, letting out a sigh. The theft of the Can-Am Championship, a title he had put a lot of time and effort into designing, was as much an affront to him and the company along with Brendan himself as champion. And tonight there would be a title defence without a belt to award to the victor, unless it was returned.

Robb Hardy: Yeah, yeah. I understand. Look, I’ve emailed her, sent official letters requesting the return of the championship belt, but she has failed to respond. I’ve even had some of my team, escorted by security, go to her locker room to collect the title, but Josh Anderson won’t let anyone in. I’ve posted them a notice that if they do not return the championship, and if it is not in your hands by the end of your title match with Emily, then they will be issued a fine equaling their week’s wages from Empire.

Brendan Samuels: A week’s wages, eh? That the value ye put on the Can-Am Championship? An’ the company’s embarrassment for their newest title bein’ fleeced right after its first official defence?

It was now Brendan’s turn to almost laugh at Robb’s comments, though he himself kept his cool, as he was often famed for doing.

Brendan Samuels: An’ I doubt a week’s wages gonna be enough to deter her. Remember how she swindled her last fella out of millions? The dumb shite couldn’t do nowt about it, so it ain’t like she’s strapped for cash.

Robb Hardy: I’m playing things by the book, Brendan. If she doesn’t return the belt by then, and the fine doesn’t deter her, I may need to take further disciplinary matters.

Brendan Samuels: That book may as well be torn up an’ tossed in the ocean blue, Hardy. She ain’t gonna prick her ears up to that.

Samuels then stood up, adjusting the cap on his head as he pulled the shades from his ice blue Hawaiian shirt, covering his eyes with them as he moved to leave, still tall and proud but devoid of his championship belt.

Brendan Samuels: But if she ain’t willin’ to play by the rules, then I may have to play the role of pirate meself.

Robb Hardy: Like attacking someone backstage with a chair?

Hardy fired back just as Samuels had turned, but The Wrestling wheeled back, pointing his finger to the television screen.

Brendan Samuels: Final time, Hardy. That weren’t me…

As Robb turned to what Samuels was pointing at, he almost covered his mouth, spotting exactly what Samuels was referring to.

Brendan Samuels: … do I look like I have half me face peelin’ off?

Brendan Samuels then left the room, moving to prepare himself for this title match without a title, as Hardy glared at the screen. He looked troubled, and puzzled, as he realised that the Samuels in the footage did look like part of his face was pulling off. Was that latex? Was it a mask made to look like him? Before any answers could come, the scene cut away.

SEGMENT
Derrick La’Bell is excited for tonight. It’s only his second night on this new brand, and he’s already in line for a championship. The irony is that this championship is named after another pillar of Liberty Pro, Helena Noir. The opportunity this cross-branded championship brings would benefit Derrick as he finds his place in Empire. That’s what makes tonight so special.

Standing in front of an Empire Pro Wrestling Banner, “The Beast” Derrick La’Bell looks ready for tonight. He wears his “The Lair” jacket and fight-shorts, as he’s just moments away from his first big opportunity in Empire. He looks at the camera with an emphatic smile, before speaking.

Derrick La’Bell: “X, it looks like it’s us for a title again my guy…”

Derrick pauses for a moment.

Derrick La’Bell: “You know over the years in Liberty, we’ve faced off a few times. We’ve wrestled in tag matches, battle royals… tag team battle royals…”

He chuckles a bit, at the current theme of their history.

Derrick La’Bell: “But until recently we had never really faced each other one-on-one.”

Another pause as he smiles at the camera.

Derrick La’Bell: “And I always found that odd, because we’ve been mainstays in this coalition of feds for years now. Yes, I know you were in the match that I won the Liberty Pro Championship in, but it took nearly 3 years for us to have an actual one-on-one match. I know you never duck a fight, and I certainly don’t, but somehow we just never crossed paths like that… that is until about 4 months ago when I beat you to retain my Liberty Pro Championship.”

Derrick thinks back fondly on his Liberty Pro Championship reign, before using that same nostalgia to fuel his upcoming bout.

Derrick La’Bell: “Now here we are a few months later, looking to run it back in another title match, but the roles are reversed aren’t they? You’re champ now, I’m the challenger, you’re looking to get your first defense while I’m trying to upset a reign for a title that you’ve been chasing for a couple of months now. It’s so familiar, and yet so different at the same time.”

Derrick chuckles again, this time at how the tables have turned since they had last faced each other.

Derrick La’Bell: “You wanna know what isn’t going to be different, though? Me beating you.”

We hear Derrick’s voice go from his usual playful to a bit more confident and competitive.

Derrick La’Bell: “X, you know I respect you, but the last time we faced off, you hit me in the nuts, hit me with your finisher AND I STILL KICKED OUT! If that don’t scream Champ-made I don’t know what does.”

He beats his chest.

Derrick La’Bell: “You might be the champion this time around, but I ain’t gonna let you walk away with that title. Not with what it means. Not with what opportunity comes with it. Like I said, I know you had been chasing after that championship when Rayven had it. McKenna turning on Ray was something nobody saw coming, and I’m sure she’ll be waiting in the wings to help you, but ask The Society how well that works, ask your old buddies in ROTTEN how well that works, ask Tamsin, ask Jack. My name always comes down with the W and the titles.”

Derrick takes a second to cool down. He doesn’t like to get too cocky, but sometimes you gotta let the people know what you’re about.

Derrick La’Bell: “You can try to switch it up, X. You can try to cheat and steal a victory. You can try to get a third of the way to a top title of your choosing. However, at the end of the day, your best won’t be enough to stop me from taking Helena’s title away from you. It won’t be enough to stop me from getting that #AndNew. It won’t be enough to stop me from making this company MY Empire, and this show MY Conquest. You can try, but it won’t be enough.”

Derrick points down on each of those last few words to really emphasize how much he believes that he’s walking away with the Noir Championship.

Derrick La’Bell: “With all that said though, Good Luck, X.”

SEGMENT
Anastasia Starling: It’s been a bit of a shitty week for me and Skylar. We were on top of the world for a hot second, a victory over the Empire Tag Team Champions, giving us a shot at challenging for the belts in the future. And we were the number one contenders for the GCW titles as well. But in the space of two days, both of those have been thrown into jeopardy. Firstly, we were attacked during our GCW match, allowing another team to pick up the pieces and take the victory. A team that, while I adore and respect them, shouldn’t have been in our Tag Team title shot to begin with… But you fans are not here to hear about GCW, are you?

The footage had cut right into Anastasia Starling standing in front of the camera. She wasn’t competing tonight on this star studded lineup, with no less than three championships on the line tonight. Wearing a pair of designer jeans, a jeweled Eagle motif down the right leg, she wore a new edition “Sky’s The Limit” t-shirt, in honour of her friend and tag partner. and she paired this with a leather jacket, which bore a songbird motif down the arms. As she finished her speech though, the camera cut to a replay of last week.

The numbers game started to become too much when Ricky Rodriguez, Marisol and Big Ass Bobby appeared ringside. With all of the antics going on, Vanessa of the Socialites was able to pick up a quick roll up on Sky and get her foot on the ropes for leverage and she got the three count and the win! Before anything else could happen, The Inspired and Socialites beat down Anastasia and Skylar, throwing them out of the ring and then throwing them into the barricade and then the steel steps. It was a job well done for the newly formed Inspired, now a group of five.

As the footage faded back to the present day, Ana stood there with a stern expression , and she was now joined by her tag team partner, Skylar Rayner, who would be in action tonight and looking for a piece of revenge against one member of the team that attacked them last week.

Skylar Rayner: The Socialites, Ricky, Marisol and Bobby…Did I forget someone?

The blonde former interviewer listed the people who, in a way or another, got involved in last week’s match, counting them on her fingers.

Skylar Rayner: It took five of you to beat two of us. And still, you had to use the ropes too. That's pretty sad, if you think about it.

Rayner let out a long sigh, Starling resting a hand on her partner’s shoulder as she spoke..

Skylar Rayner: But what's even sadder is that you just helped prove what we were hoping was just an exaggeration. You can't go two consecutive weeks in Empire without some bullshit happening… And honestly, it's getting frustrating.

Shaking her head, she continued.

Skylar Rayner: Like, I really don't get it.. Don't you get tired of doing the same things week in and week out? How can you look at yourself in the mirror knowing that all your success comes with the help of other people? Where’s the fun in cheating to win, rather than learning from every defeat and growing, getting better?

Anastasia gave a little clap for her partner’s words, looking up to the taller Dane, her eyes filled with affection. Sky then continued on, her eyes filled with determination.

Skylar Rayner: I don’t expect you to answer, Vanessa. Heck, I doubt you even have one. Just like I don’t expect you to play fair tonight. I know better by now, I know that one, two or all your friends will be ready to come to your help if… No, not if… WHEN you will need it. But this time, I come prepared.

Anastasia gave the camera a little wave, but the petite Polish born star was far from in a jovial mood.

Anastasia Starling: Because if you really think I won’t be at ringside to keep my eye on the best person I know, with your motley bunch running around trying to claim scalps, you’ve got another thing coming. You may think that attacking us, conning your way to a cheap win and knocking us down is going to be your ticket up the card, but you are solely mistaken. Do your homework, look what we have done as a team and look out for what we are capable of. Because we have a history of taking down groups, factions and even entire franchises. You’ve made some really powerful enemies, and you’re going to regret the day you even thought of crossing us.

SEGMENT
The Socialites are walking into the Ricoh Coliseum with annoyed looks on their faces.

Vanessa Page:Normally we would be in a more jovial mood considering we are well…us. Not only that but our friends Marisol Vilaro and Ricky Rodriguez have joined us here in Empire Pro Wrestling. But today is not the day.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:Which is good for us but not for our opposition tonight.

Vanessa Page:Tonight Skylar Rayner will have the distinct pleasure of stepping into the ring with me once again. We all remember how she and her bestie cheated Danielle and I out of a win last week?

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:I do!!!

Vanessa Page:So do I.Which means retribution will mine tonight, Skylar. Not only for last week but I am just in an irritated mood. But more importantly, Danielle and I want and need the EPW Tag Team Championships. That I assure all of you that we will obtain. Jess, I love you, girl but that is just the way it has to be.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:Exactly, V. While my sister over here gets to exact some cruel and unusual punishment on Skylar, I get to team up with Mari and Ricky in a big six person Tag Team Match against The Lost. While The Lost may have been teaming for sometime while Mari has teamed up with both Ricky and I separately the three of us have never actually teamed up together. But boys, we in The Inspired are also a part of the worldwide phenomenon that is the Vilaro System. Above all else we are Team Vilaro and we will inspire those that are lost.

Danielle and Vaessa walk away.

SEGMENT
The camera cut to backstage, revealing the Can-Am Champion himself, Brendan Samuels. Now attired in his sea green ring gear, he folded his strong arms, the championship belt itself eerily missing due to it’s recent theft.

Brendan Samuels: To enter into a title defence is an honour. To hold a championship belt, especially to the high standard of the Can-Am, is a privilege. To be able to be the champion of two proud countries, a new title merged from the storied histories of the Liberty Pro United States Championship and the Empire Canadian Championship is one of the biggest accomplishments of me career. But to have that ripped from me palms, not through a result, not from a defeat, but to have it stolen… It’s an insult beyond measure.

Around his broad shoulders was his trademark black flag, wearing it as if it was a cape, and those cold eyes of his pierced the camera lens like a razor sharp icicle.

Brendan Samuels: Not just to me, but to the company. Not just to the company, but for both great nations this title represents.

Samuels shook his head, trying to keep his cool, but it was becoming abundantly clear that the iceman was nearing boiling point due to what had occurred.

Brendan Samuels: But not like Cait Flanagan would care about that. She made a career on lies and deceit, an’ me words on that ain’t gonna change the mind of a scamp from the northern border, nor a dryshite like Josh Anderson, who will just do as he’s told. The pair of ye will drown under the wrestling ocean for what ye did. An’ there will be retribution.

The Kraken let himself speak his mind, after his general silence on social media following the recent event.

Brendan Samuels: But away from them, I can only apologise to Emily Carter. Ye been getting all the respect ye deserve lately from many I be near an’ dear with, an’ fans across the globe. I saw how ye won the top prize in Valiant, an’ I do applaud ye for it. I know I’m gonna have me hands full wit’ ye tonight. I apologise to ye for two things. One, that it seems likely that the belt will not be here at ringside for ye title challenge, takin’ away some of the glamour from this huge opportunity for ye. Secondly, I have to apologise ‘cause ye not gonna be successful tonight. Not only am I ready an’ prepared to face one of the brightest stars in the business today, but I be also fired up ‘cause of what them two eejits did last week. Be ready to bring it all, Emily. I expect nothin’ less, but ye simply be walkin’ the plank wit’ an anchor strapped to her ankle. An’ tonight, ye gonna be drown beneath the waves of The Wrestling. Watch for me flag.

Brendan raised his flag in the air as if it was the championship itself, before pacing off, ready for what should be an epic contest that the Canadian fans were really looking forward to.

SEGMENT
The cameras move backstage where the former Noir champion, Rayven Hardy was on a mission until she saw someone in front of her which made her stop in her tracks. Not out of fear, but curiosity and respect.

Rayven Hardy: Blyss.

The voice caused the Empire champion to turn around slowly and look the challenger up and down. Rayven extended her hand.

Rayven Hardy: After all this time, we’re finally going one on one, and it’s for the most prestigious championship in Canada. I have to say, I’m really looking forward to getting out there and tearing the house down.

Rayven looked down at her hand as it continued to linger in front of the champion. At first Blyss Lockhart just stared at Rayven’s hand and for a second, it looked like she wasn’t going to ignore it. But before Rayven could retract, Blyss grabbed her hand with a self-pleased smirk in an aggressive display of dominance that also pulled the younger contender towards her. The smirk now faded into a snarl as they came face to face, Rayven’s hand still caught in Blyss’ death grip.

Blyss Lockhart: You wanna tear the house down, Rayven Hardy? You wanna perform for those people out there tonight while stealing, what you call, the most prestigious championship in Canada from me?

Rayven quickly pulled away and stepped back in surprise. Scowling, Blyss gestured to the Empire championship that she carried on her shoulder.

Blyss Lockhart: This isn’t just the most prestigious in Canada. It is the most prestigious in the entire world. And I made it that. Me. My work, my name, everything I’ve ever fought for, elevated Freedom then and restoring Empire now. Bringing it to new heights, even better than before. If you don’t see that, then you don’t deserve it.

Blyss looked Rayven up and down again, her upper lip curling in disdain.

Blyss Lockhart: It’s even worse when you think you deserve a shot at my Empire championship at all after you lost the Noir title so shamefully.

Rayven’s expression washed from one of admiration and excitement to one of anger.

Rayven Hardy: Shamefully? MY SISTER turning on me? My ex boyfriend attacking me? It wasn’t even Xavier’s move that finished me off, but if you want to call that shameful, then I can promise that what happens tonight will be anything but. I was already motivated. For years I’ve been told that I need to be tougher, or that I need to overcome the odds, but screw that. I’m just as talented as you, or anyone else here. I’m NOT the underdog anymore.

Rayven took a step towards Blyss again, with the two wrestlers standing nose to nose now, Hardy showing no quit.

Rayven Hardy: I approached you with respect. I know what you’re capable of, but this? This lashing out? It’s going to be your downfall.

Rayven looked down at the hand that she offered Blyss just mere moments ago and she turned that hand into a fist before resuming eye contact with the champion.

Rayven Hardy: You want a fight, Blyss? You’re about to get one.

Blyss’ eyes widened in explosive anger.

Blyss Lockhart: Are you fucking threatening me right now? How DARE you!! You think you’re better than me? You put that fist down, Rayven!

Blyss pushed Rayven with a challenging look. When Rayven steadied herself, Blyss shoved her again. But Rayven shook her head while keeping her fist up in defiance, not at all afraid to face up to the bullying champ.

Blyss Lockhart: I said put it down!

Sick of waiting, Blyss lunged at Rayven and started throwing punches. Rayven tried to block with her forearms while Blyss now screamed in uncontrollable rage.

Blyss Lockhart: YOU’RE NOT AS TALENTED AS I AM!! I’M THE EMPIRE CHAMPION!! I WON’T LET YOU TAKE IT FROM MMMM!

Rayven retaliated with a counter that effectively shut Blyss up, causing her to stagger backwards in a daze. But the champion came back again, so determined to defend herself against the idea of potentially losing the title tonight. The two women barreled into a wall, Rayven hitting it hard enough with her back to cause her to let out a scream in pain, but she wasn’t done. Instead, she used everything in her to reverse the position, this time causing the champion’s back to hit the wall with the same aggression. The thud was sickening as the two then rolled to the floor while screaming at each other. Blyss ended up on top and right before she could throw a punch down at Rayven, security rushed over and pulled the champion off. Rayven, meanwhile, was back on her feet, ignoring the back pain and she ran at Blyss as another batch of security wrapped their arms around Rayven’s waist from behind and pulled her away from the champion.

Rayven Hardy: You want to do this now, let’s do it!

Hardy struggled, throwing back elbows at the security. She was clearly worked up.

Rayven Hardy: LET GO OF ME!

Blyss also tried to free herself from the security’s hold on her but they’re already dragging her away. So she just continued yelling at the top of her lungs, desperate for Rayven to hear her.

Blyss Lockhart: ONCE AN UNDERDOG, ALWAYS AN UNDERDOG!! ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS STAY DOWN!! I CAN’T HAVE YOU BE ANYTHING MORE!! IT WON’T BE RIGHT! I NEED THIS!! DO YOU HEAR ME, RAYVEN?? I NEED THIS!!! STAY!! DOWN!!! RAYVENNNNNNNN!!!

After all the kicking and screaming, Blyss was eventually carried away from the area. The rest of the security stayed with Rayven to make sure the two were kept separate until their match.

RINGSIDE
“Throne” by Bring Me The Horizon blared over the PA system and the fans went nuts as Gavin Grimes walked out onto the entrance way. He then made his way to the ring and he asked for a mic.

Gavin Grimes: Ya know, I’ve been at the top of my game lately. Finally feelin’ like myself. Feeling like the guy who won the Cult Classic. The guy who was NGW Undisputed Champion for a year and never lost hell. Hell, I was never pinned or submitted during that time in any match. That lasted 395 long days. It’s been years… I’ve been through a lot. With Ashleigh leaving… My mom dying… Bobby B. Barrabas, who was like a father to me, dying… Sarah getting me to join up that fuckin’ cult family of hers. Riley, who I thought was my dream girl, dumpin’ me… Making The Espada in Valiant as I selfishly tried to take down The Committee, all the while, using friends and family of mine for that cause and using them as cannon fodder… I was fuckin’ lost man.

It was clear that Gavin was getting emotional for a moment. But he soon gathered himself.

Gavin Grimes: But I’m better now. I’m me again. I have a few people to thank, but most of all, I gotta thank my girl, my real dream girl, the one who’s stuck with me through thick and thin over the last year. She’s seen me at my worst. She’s seen me break down and not be able to hold it together but she was there to help me pick up the pieces. She was there to help me process it when I found out that Sammy and Ava were my half-siblings. She’s just been there. And now? Now I’m here.

Grimes nodded as the fans cheered him on.

Gavin Grimes: Now I’m back on top of the fucking world and it’s possible that I’ll be fighting in the Maybelline Moss Invitational Final come night two of Oblivion III. Shit, I’m confident that’ll happen, because Kendrick Kross is a baby back BITCH!

The crowd exploded in cheers as Gavin grinned.

Gavin Grimes: But before that happens? It seems like I’ll be fighting at night one of Oblivion III.

The crowd quieted down as Gavin paused, waiting for what he had to say.

Gavin Grimes: Chris Sanderson… You took a little summer break. I feel it, sometimes you need one of those in this sport. Hell, I took seven months off last year. But now I’m here, I’m at the top of my game and you want to go one on one… With the Cult Classic? The Sac-Town King? Gavin Grimes?

Gavin made his way towards the closest camera and he stared into it, the fans still staying quiet as they awaited his answer.

Gavin Grimes: You’re on.

He dropped the mic as the fans exploded in cheers. “Throne” by BMTH blared on the PA system once again and Gavin made his exit to a chorus of cheers.

SEGMENT
We cut backstage to Dante Locke pacing back and forth. He was clearly fuming over the words shared with Miki throughout the week.

Dante Locke: You think I’m just some generic wrestler? I’ll show you generic as I show the world how fucking soft you are.

He then pointed at the camera.

Dante Locke: As for you, Sparrow? Stay out of my fucking way! I’m sick of you! I’m sick of you trying to use Blyss and I for relevance! Just go away!!!

He then shoved the camera out of the way and walked off.

SEGMENT
A faint tapping echoes through the halls. The camera follows the source of the noise, until it finds Chuck Matthews wandering the hall, on his way back to the skybox. He’s holding a cane in one hand, which he leans on heavily as he walks. His limp, which may have been barely noticeable earlier in the night, is now much more prominent, likely a result of Xavier Laroux’s brutal beatdown. He pauses.

Chuck Matthews: “Ahh… the Jackal.”

The camera turns around to see Madeline Mason staring daggers at him. Chloe Collins is next to her, and just behind, letting the powerhouse put a body between the head of SABER and the Smartest Man in Wrestling. Chuck doesn’t seem phased, and continues his gait, but Jackal refuses to budge until Chuck finally finds himself toe to toe with the Brit.

Chuck Matthews: “Would you be so kind?”

Madeline Mason: “Some questions.”

Chuck looks her in the eye, then glances down to Chloe, who remains stony-faced. Chuck sighs.

Chuck Matthews: “If they’re quick. I have things to get to.”

Madeline Mason: “Where is Lily Callaghan?”

Chuck stares for a moment. His eyes scan Jackal’s face, that familiar thing he did, looking for any tiny detail, every microexpression, with a penetrating gaze that seemed to permeate Jackal’s skull and read into her very thoughts.

Chuck Matthews: “You think I know?”

Madeline Mason: “I think it’s very suspicious that you threaten her, and the moment she’s about to speak out about you, she gets dragged off into the night.”

A tiny smirk twitches at the corner of Chuck’s lips.

Chuck Matthews: “That would certainly be something, wouldn’t it? With a snap of my fingers, people could just… disappear.”

He makes a vague gesture, like releasing a pinch of dust into the wind. Jackal is not amused.

Madeline Mason: “It wouldn’t be the first time, would it? We’re very familiar with your work with ROTTEN. We saw what happened with some of your previous employers. It’s remarkable how often people seem to vanish after they’ve crossed you. That can’t be coincidence.”

Chuck tilts his head to the side.

Chuck Matthews: “Let’s suppose that’s true… You have somebody with the sway to quietly remove any and all obstacles in his path, and your solution to that is to… what? Threaten that man? Is that truly wise?”

Mason takes a threatening step towards Chuck, who instinctively takes a small step backwards.

Madeline Mason: “One thing I’ve learned in my years of service… the bad guys always slip up. Maybe it’s a move they shouldn’t have made. Maybe it’s a trail they forgot to cover, maybe it’s a tiny detail they missed.”

Chuck’s smirk vanishes.

Madeline Mason: “You want my solution? It’s to wait. You’ve built an empire on a foundation of deceit… how much time do you spent, making sure it’s still stable? You need to be on your guard. Every day. All the time… but us? We just need to catch you slip up once. Just one time… and it all comes tumbling down.”

This time, it’s Jackal who gives a tiny smile.

Madeline Mason: “But I’m sure you won’t lose any sleep, hm?”

Chuck peers around Jackal, to Chloe, who watches the entire exchange from her chair.

Chuck Matthews: “Quite the attack dog you have here, ChloCo.”

Chloe cringes. Only her friends called her that; coming from Chuck, it sounded strange. Still, she jerks her head to the side, signaling Jackal to back off, which the soldier does. Chuck limps past.

Chuck Matthews: “You may want to muzzle the old Mad Dog, Collins… could be very dangerous, talking like that.”

Chloe Collins: “We’ll see.”

Chuck gives her the same rapid scan he’d given Jackal. His eyes dart to her knees for just a moment. Chloe appears to have caught the split second glance, and moves her hands to her lap, as if trying to cover her disability. Without a word, Chuck walks off, leaving Jackal and Chloe alone in the hall. Chloe’s gaze remains locked on some distant point in the direction Chuck had walked off to. Mason gently nudges her shoulder.

Madeline Mason: “Everything good, Chloe?”

Chloe Collins: “You said he built an empire…”

Mason shrugs.

Madeline Mason: “Well… yes? He’s a billionaire running a business that spans the globe-”

Chloe Collins: “Empire…”

She fixates on the word.

Chloe Collins: “He took over Freedom… and he brought back Empire.”

Madeline Mason: “Fan service? Empire was pretty popular back in the day.”

Chloe shakes her head. Her face is scrunched in deep thought, like the puzzle she’s trying to solve is right there, she just can’t get her hands around it.

Chloe Collins: “They cheered him. Chuck Matthews spoke to the crowd tonight, and they cheered him…”

She suddenly sits up straight.

Chloe Collins: “We need to find Xavier Laroux.”

SEGMENT
A preview for the finale of the Invitational appears on the screen. A graphic shows that it will be Gavin Grimes or Kendrick Kross versus Jack Graves or Veronica Sawyer in the finale, which will happen at night two of Oblivion. Maybelline Moss, who is no stranger to Liberty and Empire, appears on the screen, letting everyone know to stay tuned to the semi-finals to see a preview of what the finals will be. The scene the fades away.