Liberty & Empire Pro Present... Oblivion III, Night Two

BACKSTAGE
The scene opens in the parking lot of the Scotiabank Arena. A fancy sports cars pulls into an empty parking spot. The woman in the driver's seat is Malaya Diyosa. Sitting in the passenger's seat is Cassie Mason. Collectively the duo is known as Life of the Party. Cassie turns to look at Malaya.

Cassie Mason:
Still can’t believe someone vandalized the production trucks. Could have been worse I guess. Imagine if they used a Molotov cocktail.

Malaya Diyosa:
"Yeah, like some real Fury Road type shit…"

She said, gripping the wheel of her Mazda CX-7 a little tighter. Malaya was always a bit defensive of her pride and joy, as she thought about it being trashed briefly.

Malaya Diyosa:
"How are you feeling, Cass? A bit anxious about the battle royale?"

She would ask, placing a hand on her knee in a reassuring way.

Cassie Mason:
“Why would I be? I have the pleasure of standing in the ring with the best wrestler on the planet--”

Cassie turns Malaya. She pops her on the nose.

Cassie Mason:
“You.”

Cassie smirks.

Cassie Mason:
“Opportunities like this don’t come along every day. Got to embrace them when they come along.”

Malaya Diyosa:
"I like that spirit! Besides, not everyone gets to work alongside their best friend."

She said, pulling into a parking space, and killing the engine after putting it in park.

Malaya Diyosa:
"Plus, us working together gives us a bit of an advantage. We can overcome any challenge together."

She said, moving to hold her hand.

Cassie Mason:
“Exactly. We’ve won our last two matches in a row. As long as we stick together we will rise above any challenge. I know, only one person can win this battle royale. Might be odd to say, I don’t care about that. I am going to cherish tonight, no matter what happens. ”

Cassie leans over and kisses Malaya on the cheek. She eskimo kissed her partner, rubbing noses with her as Malaya smiled.

Malaya Diyosa:
"Let's liven up the place, Cass."

Both women exit the car to head inside the arena as the scene fades to black.

BACKSTAGE
As the camera switched from ringside, the Empire logo was brightly shown upon a flag of Canada. As the camera panned out a little bit, it was clear that this flag had been planted outside of the arena, and there was a small gathering of fans around it. It was clear a number of fans were still trying to get into the sell out event, every seat being taken just like on Night One of this monumental cross promotional broadcast. The queues were dying down, but the majority of the fans present were holding off entering to grab a glance at two of the most popular stars competing tonight, a tandem that had soared in popularity over the past year as a tag team, and one that had been welcomed into Empire like one of their own. It might not have been their original plan when they signed up here, and clearly it wasn’t their plan to come to Empire over Liberty, but it was clear as day that they had welcomed it with open arms. It was the Songbird and the Dane. The former circus contortionist and the former interviewer. The Singer and the Model. Anastasia Starling and Skylar Rayner. SkyBird.

Anastasia Starling: I think the phrase ‘anything can happen in professional wrestling’ really hit the mark with what happened last night. You see, me and Sky had our eyes glued to the television screens while the Tag Team Title match was taking place last night. I had a dear friend competing in it in Emily Carter, whilst we all know that the winner of our contest tonight is officially the contenders for those titles… Even though technically it should have been us in the first place.

Starling took a breath, tilting her head to the camera, wearing a very regal looking purple jacket. She gazed up at the taller Rayner, then continued on.

Anastasia Starling: I was expecting to be facing my friend once we guaranteed our shot, but what happened last night was not what I expected. Bad nights happen, good nights happen, shocks galore and some sadly lose focus. But let me tell you this… We’re focused, we’re ready, and there won’t be any shocks tonight. Tell ‘em, Skylar.

The former Silent Luchadora nodded her head, agreeing with her partner’s statement and picking up where she left.

Skylar Rayner: I think we all can agree the Empire Tag Team championship match last night was an upset, and that’s not taking anything away from The Lost. But the other team was stacked with former and current top champions, tag team specialists, three women with great chemistry… And yet things didn’t go as planned.

She let out a brief sigh.

Skylar Rayner: That’s the nature of the business though. You’re always three seconds away from both glory and disappointment, there’s no room for mistakes and no opponent should be taken lightly. I know we already hold a win over The Socialites, although it was a dirty one…

This statement elicited a chuckle from Ana and the fans surrounding the duo. Skylar shrugged her shoulders and continued.

Skylar Rayner: But we are entering this match well aware of who we’re facing and their antics, and ready to claim the spot as the new number one contenders.

Anastasia Starling: I…pffft.

Starling couldn’t help but burst out laughing, losing her normal focus during their interview, Sky pulling out a tissue to comically wipe her tag partner’s eyes. Some of the fans were chuckling as well, clear supporters of the stunning pair, amused that Ana broke during the interview.

Anastasia Starling: I’m sorry… I’m sorry, I just can’t get over the fact that they went on a rant saying they were screwed out of a win when they in fact screwed us out of one… I-I-I just can’t.

She bent over, trying to contain her laughter as Sky rubbed her back, her too keeping in her laughter. Ana then stood up, her demeanor suddenly changing as those greens and blues stared into the camera.

Anastasia Starling: God… I’m going to enjoy kicking the shit out of you two.

Sky gasped at Ana’s sudden admission, the unusual foul language and the rapid change in her mind set. The Songbird had anger burning in her eyes, an inferno like fury as even the fans were taken back with what she just said.

Anastasia Starling: Maybe we didn’t get the shot we earned ‘cause of your scummy antics. Maybe ‘cause you and your little gang took a break from liking thirst traps and decided to fast track your way to the top by gang rules, we were robbed of the shot we earned. But that ends tonight. You end tonight. You messed with the wrong tag team. We’ve fought dynasties and brought them down, veterans and brought them down, the best of the best and we brought them down… And you… Despite your allies and numbers, are just a delusional pair who don’t even know you’ve been born. And you don’t understand what is coming after you tonight.

Skylar’s facial expression turned more serious, matching that of her partner.

Skylar Rayner: I get it, you saw us, a couple of fun-loving girls and thought you could walk all over us. But the time for fun and games is over, we’re not letting a couple of cheaters like you take what’s ours. Don’t worry though, we’re not planning to pull any tricks tonight, or like ever. That’s not our style, we don’t need that. We don’t want that. The only thing we want is to put smiles on faces, and we just figured out the best way to do that is to give you a whooping you won’t forget….

That bright smile reappeared on the blonde’s face.

Skylar Rayner: And take the titles from The Lost.

BACKSTAGE
The scene cuts backstage as Jack Tillman, Andrew Wilkow, and Marshal Smith sit around a table as the three men play cards. All three look relaxed as a pile of money lays on the center of the table. All three men then lay their cards down and the silence is disrupted as Smith groans as Wilkow stands up and punches the wall. Wilkow gives a blood thirst yell and stomps off as Tillman gives a grin as he rakes the money to his side. The camera pans back to show David Rosenberg, manager to all three men, chuckling as he pats Marshal on the back

David Rosenberg: You never play poker against Tillman, you never know what’s in his head but he knows what’s in your head. Same thing can be said when he’s in the ring. Tillman! You got Derrick La’Bell tonight, Champ! I’m sure he’ll want to get revenge after you hit him with that title belt, but I’m sure you can use that anger to your advantage. And, not saying you need it, but if you need the extra help you have Marshal and Wilkow if you need someone to watch your back. Speaking of Wilkow, where’d he go?

Suddenly, a body comes flying across the room and hits the table hard and slides to the ground. Wilkow, jacked up on a Sandstorm Energy Drink (buy it now folks) makes his way back into the room. David, trying to not piss his pants, addresses Wilkow.

David Rosenberg: Have fun against Chase Romano, k!

Wilkow grunts as he picks up the unconscious individual and drags them by the leg. Tillman doesn’t seem to care as he counts the cash as he just won. Marshal on the other hand shakes his head as he tries to figure out why he’s there.

David Rosenberg: Lets make some money tonight, boys.

David claps his hands and rubs them together before grabbing his phone so that he can go back to business.

BACKSTAGE
As the scene opened, the sound of whistling could be heard before Lukas York walked into frame. The tune seemed to reverberated through the unknown location. He pushed in a cart full of various match weapons such as a steel chair, sledgehammer, a few metal pipes and trash can. He then parked it in front of the camera with a confident grin and rubbed his hands together.

Lukas York: If you can’t tell, I’m excited for tonight! Elimination match for the Anarchy championship? Hell yeah! You know, I’ve never been this close to a title match and to be getting a shot so soon makes my heart full, you have no idea. Like I’ve said before, I didn’t think I was even ready for it but here I am! I could say I’ve been very lucky ‘cause it sure feels like it. But don’t get it wrong, I’ve been working hard for this comeback and if I get to go home the new Anarchy champion, oh man, what a comeback that would be.

He gave a little shrug of his shoulders.

Lukas York: And if I don’t? I don’t care ‘cause I would’ve already poured my soul out in that ring. And that includes if Kendrick somehow managed to pull off a victory.

A tiny smirk lifted a corner of his lips.

Lukas York: ‘Cause then you know, I would’ve definitely given him a satisfying asskicking.

He laughed then gestured to the weapons cart.

Lukas York: For the past few weeks, since I got here, he’s got it out for me. My first day he already saw me as a threat. Then I beat you, one on one. Though not without you trying to be a bitch to my wife. Next, you still couldn’t do what you’ve been claiming for weeks and beat me. So if you somehow pull off a miracle tonight, KK, I’ll have to give it to you.

A scoff escaped his mouth as he reached in to pull out a metal pipe.

Lukas York: But that’s the nature of match types like the elimination, right? Shit’s unpredictable. Hell, it’s even worse for the champion. There’s three of us now gunning for her title and she doesn’t even need to get pinned for her to lose it. That really sucks, Nina. I know you don’t need my sympathy but I do feel for you. And that’s because I respect you. You didn’t need to give me any words of praise or encouragement but you did. And when we had to team up last show, I’m glad you had my back. It’s always great being in that ring with you, whether it’s competing by your side or against you. There’s obviously a reason why you’ve held the Anarchy championship as long as you have and the likes of Kendrick and Jace Mitchell have failed to take it from you.

He inspected a sledgehammer now, slowly turning it around in his hand.

Lukas York: And maybe I’ll join them in that list as you once again get to keep your title after tonight. But one thing’s for certain, Nina, as you may have already learned about me is that I would crank it up even higher tonight and give you everything I’ve got. Give you that fight that you kept saying you’re missing at supershows. Because what you got in our first match, that’s just me getting started. And now I’m all warmed up and ready to jet. It’s too bad this isn’t a one-on-one, a much needed rematch after Kendrick robbed us.

He looked up from the sledgehammer.

Lukas York: Hey, who knows? If things go our way, we could end up being the last two standing and get that rematch after all.

He scoffed again, a ghost of a smile on his lips.

Lukas York: But this time, I shouldn’t count out Jace again huh? While him getting another title shot tonight is questionable, I can only expect nothing but fire in him. After losing the first shot and then getting beat in a non-title match by the champ again, that’s gotta bruise the ego. No, punch it and kick it in the balls type of hurt. I mean, that’s embarrassing. So I’m willing to bet that he’s coming in with nothing to lose and there’s nothing more dangerous than a man like that. But Jace being in this match is only gonna make me sharper. I know what Kendrick’s capable of but not enough of Jace. So I’m definitely gonna watch all sides just in case. Because I’ve got nothing to lose either. And being crowned champion just a few weeks into signing would definitely be something for me.

A serious look washed over his face before he wheeled the weapons cart out of shot.

BACKSTAGE
A deep breath and tapping is heard as we come to Kendrick Kross once again standing on his podium, this time with an image of the Anarchy Championship on the front of it.

KENDRICK KROSS: Welcome all Liberty Pro fans. The match tonight has been one that has been obvious the past few weeks, but it’s also one that I have expected for a long time now. The title I never lost on the line with me in the match. Why do I say I never lost it? Because it’s true I didn’t return immediately after the reopening of Liberty Pro. Which yes, made the title so called vacant but did I actually ever lose the title? Was I beaten for it? No. I don’t have it because well, I let others have their fun while I didn’t return and while I wasn’t in the division.

Kendrick clears his throat and takes a drink of the flavored water next to him.

KENDRICK KROSS: It’s funny really. Here Nina is saying that because she has the Anarchy Championship that I never lost it. She must not pay attention to the past. Not unlike others before her. That title hanging over your shoulder doesn’t look as pretty right now. You make it look….ugly. Like it is in a place it doesn’t belong. And well, that’s true.

No Lukas, that doesn’t mean it belongs to you either. Did you think I forgot about you? Oh no I didn’t. I still can feel my hand slapping your wife from two shows ago. Seeing how mad you got over it. Yet like I said, you haven’t been able to finish the job. I’m still here Lukas. If you were able to finish the job I wouldn’t be in this match. But here I am. You’ve done nothing but make me want that title even more. Oh and don’t think I haven’t forgotten that slap from your wife. That right there pissed me off. That was something that she shouldn’t have done. She may not make it passed this show just like you.

Kendrick chuckles a bit as he shakes his head.

KENDRICK KROSS: Nina you have what I want and in this triple threat I am going to have fun. The fact I get both of you in this match is perfect. While Lukas may have pissed me off and I want to hurt him, you have what I currently am focused on at the moment. You have that Anarchy Championship. Which I will add to my legacy by getting that back.

After I win this though don’t think I don’t have my mind set on bigger things either. Gavin was right about one part, I’ve been down here in the Anarchy Division. While yes I have made my legacy here and am going to continue it this isn’t it. After I win this I will make my way up the ladder, don’t think I won’t. I’m sick of not getting my fair shot, not being able to show that I can hold my own. I did that in the MMI and I will do that here in Liberty, whatever it takes. I will do this while making sure I keep ahold of the Anarchy Championship. Don’t believe me? Watch. This is where I prove to not just Liberty but everyone else that I am not just someone who is about the Anarchy Championship.

Nina and Lukas. Oh both better beware as I’m a man on a mission and I won’t stop until I get what I want.

Kendrick chuckles as he walks off the podium and the camera fades..

NARRATOR: This has been a public service announcement brought to you in part by Kendrick Kross and losses of Nina and Lukas.

BACKSTAGE
The cameras cut to the underground parking garage where the roar of an Indian Chieftain Dark Horse can be heard dying down. "The Outlaw" Jack Graves places his bike on a kickstand, and winces as he steps off to stretch out his back. After such a brutal match last night with all the kicks, stomps, and chair shots he'd taken, to say he felt rough was an understatement. There was no way he was backing down though. That was just who Jack Graves was. He'd fight you in a wheel chair if he had to.

Graves has a visible limp in his step as he crosses the parking lot, and he's met halfway by Thatcher Ray Nash who hands him a coffee. Jack takes a drink and recoils a little with a smirk.

Thatcher Ray Nash: Lil Jack for by boy Jack. I know how your uncle used to have a thermos full when ya'll went huntin. I figure you're going huntin' out there tonight so I'd give you that little pep in your step.

Jack takes another large sip and his lips smack together in satisfaction.

Jack Graves: Woooooo BOY. I needed this. I feel like shit, but nothing is going to stop me from getting that championship. He's going to have to kill me. This is my moment. This is what I've worked so hard for.

Thatcher takes Jack's bag to help carry it for him, an attempt to take a little bit of the load off his mentor and long time friend. The two of them make their way inside with Jack still drinking his coffee and Thatcher staying silent for a moment before speaking.

Thatcher Ray Nash: Hey Jack? Thank you.

Jack arches an eyebrow at his partner, confused, but Thatcher quickly clears it up.

Thatcher Ray Nash: For getting me a spot in that Battle Royal. For believing in me and supporting me.

Jack stops and turns to look at Thatcher, his brow furrowing.

Jack Graves: You don't have to thank me. We're family. I'm always going to look out for you. You're goddamn right I believe in you, and hey.. we're going after those tag titles soon too... so you make a fuckin impression out there, alright?

Thatcher replies with a nod and the two of them dap up, hugging it out which gets another wince from Jack.

Thatcher Ray Nash: I appreciate that. You're my brother, and I'm gonna always be ready to slide on someone with you. I'm also going to keep my eyes open for your bat. You just worry about kickin the shit out of Gavin Grimes tonight though. I'll make sure I make an impression. You don't have to worry about that.

Jack pats Thatcher on the shoulder, and continues walking toward the locker room, speaking over his shoulder.

Jack Graves: I know I don't. Let's show them who the Nashvillains are. They want to see bad guys? Let's take the fuckin masks off.

Thatcher stands there for a second, considering his words before following him silently to close the scene.

RINGSIDE
The crowd is electric on the second night of Oblivion III. Still buzzing from the incredible and multiple twists night one offered, excited for what’s to come including the Moss Invitational final match between Gavin Grimes and a very pissed off Jack Graves and the highly anticipated match between Blyss Lockhart and Marcus Black for the Empire championship.

But before all that, it’s time for some hardcore action as the Anarchy championship is on the line in a four way elimination match. The first one to get to the ring is, oddly enough, the reigning and defending champion Nina, who makes her way to the ring with the title on her shoulder and a microphone in her hand, ready to share her thoughts going into this match.

Nina: Sup Toronto? Are you having fun?

The reaction of the fans clearly confirmed they were having a great time.

Nina: Man I wish I could say the same… But after having to go through Kross’ promo…

The Anarchy champion forms a gun with her fingers and points it at her open mouth, before “pulling the trigger”. Some chuckles can be heard coming from the crowd following her joke.

Nina: Dude’s boring and obnoxious as all fucks, ain't he? I am the Anarchy Division hurr durr. Me hardcore.

She mocked her opponent, imitating his voice and postures.

Nina: Like yeah, we get it. You were a staple in the Anarchy Division, you never lost the title yadda yadda yadda… Look I even admit that you're good at swinging a chair, just please… shut the fuck up man!

More laughs come from the fans, to which Nina reacts with a smile and a wave of the hand.

Nina: Jokes aside, as annoying as he is, he can't be overlooked. Nobody in this match can. Four way, Anarchy rules and title on the line. Can't get any worse than this for yours truly right?

She shrugs her shoulders.

Nina: If I was in their shoes, the champ would be the first person I'd try to take out. Make sure the title changes hands. Yeah, I know saying this is kinda like shooting myself in the foot, but let's be honest… I already got a huge target painted on my back.

A quick glance at the title resting on her shoulder.

Nina: But I ain't letting go of this easily. If you want it, you'll have to take it from my unconscious body.

The statement and the look of determination that came with it on the champion's face were a welcomed change from the dejected demeanor she recently showed, and the fans showed their appreciation for this turn of events with a round of cheers.

Nina: Something Lukas said on the last show really stuck with me. The part where he called this the least exciting division in LPW. Not gonna lie, that stung. It stung because I realized you're not wrong. And I take full responsibility. As the champ, it was my duty to raise the bar and elevate the title, to make people care about it, to make it something worth chasing.

A sigh escapes her lips.

Nina: So far, not so good.. I can't help but feeling like I failed, like I failed you too.

The fans show their support with a round of applause, met with a shake of her head by the champion.

Nina: Nah, it's ok. I'm not saying this for sympathy or a pat on the back, I'm saying it because that changes tonight. If I survive this pitfall of a match, I'll change gear, I'll step up my game and make the Anarchy Division great… Nah, I ain't saying that but you know where I was going.

The smile on her face slowly begins to fade.

Nina: And if this is my swan song… Well, fuck.. Let's make it something to remember.

Handing the microphone and the title to the ring assistant, Nina leans back against the corner, waiting for her opponents.

BACKSTAGE
Toronto is electric for its second night of Oblivion, as Derrick La’Bell is seen warming up backstage. He’s doing some band curls to get the blood pumping as he tries to focus on his match tonight. Since debuting on Empire, Jack Tillman and his manager David Rosenberg have been thorns in his side. They even cost him a title match, but now he’s got Jack right where he wants him and he’s not going to stop until Tillman has learned the same thing Tamsin, ROTTEN, and #TheSociety have all learned… you can’t kill a beast through lying, cheating, and stealing.

Derrick drops the resistance bands, letting them hit his feet on the way down as he flexes his large arms.

Derrick La’Bell:
“JACK TILLMAN!!!”

Derrick has a look of aggression on his face.

Derrick La’Bell:
“IT’S JUST YOU, ME, AND YA BOY TONIGHT!”

There’s something different about our usually humble and calm 3-Sport Athlete, but he’s still flexing.

Derrick La’Bell:
“You know, I’m sick and tired of people like you. I came to Empire because of the draft, but I also came here, because I had done everything I wanted to in Liberty and faced everyone I wanted to face. I wanted a fresh start. I wanted something other than the same old, ‘Derrick La’Bell nearly beats a bad guy, and then they jump him for weeks on end because of it’.”

There’s a fire in Derrick’s eyes. He looks to be gritting his teeth, years worth of frustrations seem to be getting to him here.

Derrick La’Bell:
“So I think it’s time I put an end to this old song and dance once-and-for-all by beating the holy hell out of you and leaving you like I did your buddy Andrew Wilkow a couple of years ago. I came to Empire for something new, but if I let it happen over and over again here like I did in Liberty, it’s just going to be more of the same.”

Derrick closes a fist and looks at it, remembering how he was once feared for his physical prowess in UGP and Elite FC.

Derrick La’Bell:
“Jack, you and your boy Dave are gonna get ya ass beat tonight. You’re gonna learn real quick that I ain’t the guy to mess with, and Imma use yall to send the message to anyone else that thinks they’re gonna get one over on Derrick La’Bell.”

He puts his fist in his other hand as a way to emphasize his determination to stop the cycle he’s found himself in.

Derrick La’Bell:
“This ain’t gonna be Liberty Pro’s quiet Derrick La’Bell anymore. He died with Deep South Wrestling. This is gonna be me being the Baddest Man in all of Empire. This is gonna be the return of The Beast, and tonight… I’m gonna make the PPV earn it’s namesake when I beat you and your manager into a literal OBLIVION!!!”

Derrick kicks the resistance bands off his feet and marches down the backstage area, ready for a fight!

PREVIOUSLY RECORDED
The Socialites and Marisol Vilaro are walking into the Scotiabank Arena. The ladies pass by Dante Chapel as they enter the arena and each smile at him.

Marisol Vilaro:Please tell me that you have put Grayson in your rear view.

Vanessa Page:Come on, Mari, just because I find a guy attractive doesn’t mean Grayson and I broke up.

Marisol Vilaro:Fine, whatever!

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:Ladies, can we just focus on tonight’s match so we can finally become EPW Tag Team Champions.

Vanessa Page:Excellent idea, Dani.

Marisol Vilaro:Your right, Danielle. Ricky and I got cheated out of a victory last night so we need to make sure you two rebound so The Inspired can get back on solid footing around here.

Vanessa Page:And we will, Mari.

Marisol Vilaro:How can you be so sure, V?

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:Mari, Mari, you know we got this. There is a reason why we are Team Vilaro and all of those uninspired unevolved who need to be put in their places.

Vanessa Page:Exactly, Dani. We all know that Skylar and Anastasia claim to be best buddies…

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:...and while all that is fine and great they aren’t us.

Marisol Vilaro:So true, ladies. It is about time that the Socialites, The Inspired, and Team Vilaro take us seriously.

BACKSTAGE
The scene opens in the back to a panel of metal mesh caging, very much the same that will be surrounding the cage later tonight when Melissa Reeves, Tyson Gregory, TJ Techniques and Jackal do battle for the number one contendership of the Liberty Championship. The camera pans back a bit to show Tyson Gregory standing behind the mesh, letting his fingers slide through and grip the metallic mesh. Already in his ring gear, Tyson looks the mesh up and down once more before smiling.

Tyson Gregory: You know this was an interesting choice to make Mel. Locking all of us in a cage without anywhere to go, no place to sneak away and catch your breath. A place where the more barbaric and dangerous the individual, the worse off you’re going to be.

He steps out from around the mesh and gives it another look.

Tyson Gregory: You know it’s interesting what Melissa said about me on the last Liberation. How time after time he goes and stabs people in the back. And that’s true… I am willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. Now, while Melissa might see that as me not wanting to put in the hard work, but I see it as me doing the smart thing and working smarter and not harder. People who say it’s about the journey and not the destination have never reached that destination. They don’t know how amazing and gorgeous the view from the top really is. I’ve been there several times before and I will end up there again. And that starts tonight when I get this too contender’s spot.

He offers up a sly smirk.

Tyson Gregory: Now we have TJ who has a big ass chip on his shoulder since Blyss took him to the woodshed and took his belt. And I get that feeling, feeling on top of the world and then your legs get kicked out from under you. Of course he’s gotta prove himself and get back on the mountain top. TJ is one who knows what that destination is and is going to do whatever he can get back there too. But the thing is, and he won’t admit it… The dude is desperate and desperate people make mistakes. That’s going to be the make or break him in this match. Well, I also will probably be the one breaking him as well.

That smirk stays on his face.

Tyson Gregory: And then there is my previous tag team partner. The one who let me down and lost the match that could have had one of us pick the stipulation in this match. You know, you were on a tear for a bit the Madeline… But then seriously took a nosedive when it started to matter. But I get it, despite being Saber trained and all that fun stuff, you’re still pretty green to wrestling. I will say that you being London born is a nice thing we have in common as well as how disciplined we are with training but in the ring your goody two shoes get the better of you. I get that the whole virtue of winning is cool and all but it doesn’t mean shit if you aren’t winning.

He offers up a shrug.

Tyson Gregory: Much like everyone tonight, I’m obviously saying that I’m winning my match. Gotta go in fuckin confident right? So get ready Antoinette… You’re looking at your next contender for that Liberty Championship.

He gives the camera a wink before putting on his sunglasses and walking off.

BACKSTAGE
Waving furiously, Miki steps into view and moves to stand beside Madi Smith. Madi lets Miki have her moment, before saying anything.

Madi: My guest at this time is one of tonight’s Great Lakes Championship contenders, Miki. Now, Mik-

Cue the excited young woman to beam with a large smile.

Miki: Hey guys! Oh my gosh, hello, I’m excited to be here. I’m excited to face Hilary, let me tell you. Lena…less so, but let’s not sour things. Madi, thank you for having me!

That smile is going nowhere.

Madi: My pleasure. Now, tonight, as I said, you’ll be challenging for the Great Lakes Title. How do you feel?
Miki nods, listening, then pauses for a moment to consider the answer.

Miki: Excited, nervous. There’s a lot of anticipation, but pressure too. Expectation, from myself, definitely. This is a big opportunity and if it was just me against Hilary, that would be one thing. But with Lena in there as well, which by the way I don’t agree with, well that changes it up a bit. For instance, I don’t even have to be in the ring to lose the match, if one pins the other.

Madi: Exactly. So what’s your strategy?

Once again, she takes a moment to think.

Miki: Survival firstly, then trying to find an opportune time to strike to grab the win. It’s going to be tough as heck, for all of us, but I’m going to walk out with my head held high because I know for sure I’m about to give this my 100% all. I might not win, and sometimes that happens, but I will never give it less than my fullest effort.

Madi: I doubt anyone could argue with you there.

Miki: Truthfully, though, this should have been a 1v1 match. Lena being there is just a kick in the teeth, it proves that wrestling rewards people for doing the wrong things over and over. That’s one thing I’m sick of, and I know it’s not just me. Talking to people here, the roster, talking to them backstage I get a real feel that so many of us are sick of it. I think it’s time someone takes a stand.

A sly smirk crawls over Madi’s lips at the juicy outburst.

Madi: Will that be you?

Miki shrugs.

Miki: Madi, it just might be. First things first, though, tonight’s match is my focus for now.

Madi: Good luck, Miki.

Miki beams.

Miki: Thank you. Cya, guys!

The scene fades with Miki waving to the camera.

BACKSTAGE
Our Great Lakes champion is standing backstage as she is adjusting the laces on one of her wrestling boots, having her foot propped up against the wall for better support. Her beloved championship belt rests on a crate beside where she is standing, almost as if it were waiting, and Hilary Levandrier takes a deep breath once she finally has both of her feet planted firmly against the floor. There is clearly a lot on her mind as she prepares herself to once again defend her Great Lakes championship against two hungry opponents.

Hilary takes her time in turning around so that she comes face to face with the camera. Her hands on her hips, already dressed in her wrestling gear for later, having gone with a golden colour scheme to properly reflect the importance of her match here tonight. The anticipation feels at an all time high as she quickly licks her lips, squaring her shoulders.

Hilary Levandrier: Most champions feel as if the odds are stacked against them when they have to defend their championship belt in a triple threat match. After all you don’t need to be pinned in order to lose your gold and that is a frightening thought. Three seconds and you can lose everything. That kind of thinking can easily rattle you enough to make some big mistakes, but I don’t allow myself to go down that path, not when I’ve already successfully defended my title in a triple threat match and walked away still the champion. I have all the confidence in my own abilities that I am more than capable of making this happen for me once again and what can’t you accomplish when you have confidence?

There’s a slight pause for a moment as Hilary reaches over towards where she had placed her Great Lakes championship belt and carefully makes sure to place it over her shoulder.

Hilary Levandrier: I know that both Miki and Lena are hungry for this, they have all of the desire in the world to become the new Great Lakes champion, we’ve all seen the measures that Lena likes to take in order to have put herself into the title picture. She snatched away moments from Miki where she could have been able to shine and for that I can understand Miki being that much more determined to ensure she is the one to get the victory. It’s become quite personal here tonight, but it doesn’t change one important fact, and that’s how the Great Lakes title is right here in my possession. Exactly where it belongs.

The corners of Hilary’s mouth have turned upwards into a confident smirk as she takes one hand and uses it to rub over the golden plate of her championship belt. She appears to be taking her time before she decides to start speaking again, clearly being very careful when it comes to choosing her words. She knows how important tonight is to her title reign.

Hilary Levandrier: I have a lot of respect for Miki, I told her as much myself, and I told her that she deserved her chance to fight for my Great Lakes championship. It’s just a real shame that Lena had to squeeze herself in between us trying to jump the line. You already had your shot to be perfectly honest with you, a shot you didn’t deserve, but here we are again where I’ll have to make it clear that you will never get your hands on my Great Lakes title. The one time you were able to get your greedy little hands on it was the last time. A brief moment that I truly hope you cherished for all it was worth. I feel like I have yet to properly repay you for hitting me with my own championship belt, tonight I will make sure of it, and as much as I hope for Miki to get all the success she wants here in Empire. I’m afraid it won’t be at my expense.

As she is speaking, Hilary’s loyal entourage of paparazzi is approaching the young champion to make sure they get plenty of pictures of her before she is going to make her way out to the ring later in the evening. Hilary is more than happy to indulge in the spotlight as she tosses her hair back behind her shoulder, a smile growing bigger as she strikes a pose.

Hilary Levandrier: As you can see, I have never had a problem feeling confident in my own abilities, it’s something that was with me since birth. Perhaps it has a lot to do with my family and their legacy, it has always been important to be the best, and it was that exact attitude I brought along with me when I first signed my contract. It certainly helped me to carry this very championship belt in my possession. So it makes perfect sense that I want to keep using this confidence to carry me towards a successful defense. It doesn’t matter who they put against me inside of the ring, tonight it just happens to be Miki and Lena, they still will be no match for one of the biggest rising stars in Empire today. I am still building my own legacy that will be bigger than my family’s and every moment counts. Especially those when I am victorious, but thank you both for being part of my journey, it truly means the world to me.

Hilary presses one hand up against her heart as she sticks her bottom lip out into a pout for a brief moment. At least until she begins to laugh, her picture being taken with each changing of her facial expressions, and it’s with a quick wave of her hands that she walks away from the entourage who are quick to follow in her footsteps as the scene fades.

BACKSTAGE
The cameras cut from the ringside view for a moment, catching up with some paparazzi that seemed to be gathered around the entrance way to the arena. They were busily snapping off shots at someone, but they were so closely gathered in a huddle that the camera couldn’t quite make out who they were taking pictures of. As the crowd dispersed a little, it seemed that two black suited security guards were pushing the press away with relative ease, both guards towering figures with warped masks, face masks shrouding their features, crosses for eyes and crooked grins. One had short hair, a cap on their head, the other had long hair tied back with a ponytail. It wasn’t all too clear who they were. But the woman who was with them was recognisable, but not to many in the wrestling industry.

Junior: I presume this was a setup. It’s really not necessary.

Came the voice of Junior, the longtime girlfriend of multi time champion, Gavin Grimes. Not a massive deal was known about her, bar her dating the world renowned champion, and the occasional fashion photoshoot that she took part in. The amount of press seemed to be overkill, and the look on her face said it all.

Junior: Once we’re through this, please look into it. I need to see my babe.

She could be heard saying, clearly referencing Gavin Grimes, her world famous love. The guards roughly forcing their way through. Junior wore an elegant dress in light green, her eyes shrouded by thick sunglasses that must have helped with the flashes. But as the guards pushed their way through, the larger one even pushed the camera man, who took a tumble and the footage cut out.

BACKSTAGE


Woosh…
Woooosh…

This evening’s feed opens up to a moderate stream of clear water splashing against a fully nourished basil plant. Great Lakes Championship contender, Lena Galante, lowers a small canister once again…

Another light stream strikes the soil.

Lena Galante: “Tiny message for Miki and Hilary!...”

Eerily, a grin began to form on Galante’s face.

Lena Galante: “Y’know? I consider myself lucky to be in my position.”

Galante’s hand softly brushes over the basil.

Lena Galante: “Brielle. Spider. Carli. Emily. Just to name a few!...These girls’ recent successes have growth at the centre. Things might not always go our way. But, we manage to stay alive.”

Brushing her sides down, the slender woman continued.

Lena Galante: “I managed to live up to that very thing! Especially after I had my title match thoroughly ruined by you, Miki. I took it all in stride and recognised that I’ll have the chance to do something special here in Toronto.”

Grabbing a small seed, Lena held it up towards the camera view.

Lena Galante: “I’ll get the opportunity to show each and every one of the people who watch this show that I’m the only truthful one here! Hilary and Miki would complain about cheating! You two say I have no honor!...Yet, I can assure these fans that either of you would quickly stab one another in the back if it meant getting their arm raised.”

Slowly, Lena pushed the fresh seed into the soil...

Lena Galante: “And, me?...I get to see you both stunted in real time. I’ll get to watch you both fall apart trying to pretend you’re morally superior to me! The woman who’s really up next here in Empire!”

Motioning towards her waist, Lena looked at the camera.

Lena Galante: “It’s time for me to add another title to the girl’s room!”

As Lena blew a kiss to the camera, the feed shifts back to ringside…

BACKSTAGE
Chloe Collins: “Have you found him?”

The head of SABER wheeled herself into the locker room, where Madeline Mason was finishing wrapping her wrists. She examined her handiwork, opening and closing her hands several times and checking to ensure the circulation was there.

Sgt. Mason: “Not that I’ve found… but I do need to prepare for the match.”

Chloe looked frustrated, but gave a nod.

Chloe Collins: “Right, right… good luck, of course.”

Sgt. Mason: “It’s an uphill battle.”

Chloe Collins: “Has that ever stopped you?”

Jackal allowed herself a small smile. She caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. She was tall for a woman, but next to Collins in her wheelchair, she looked like a giant.

Sgt. Mason: “This could be big. Win this cage, I’ll have a shot at the Liberty Champion.”

Chloe Collins: “The newly crowned Liberty Champion.”

Antoinette had momentum on her side. A big win last night meant Liberty had a new face, and likely one who wouldn’t be too eager to lose the championship quickly again.

Sgt. Mason: “She’ll have a death grip on it. The Society shattered her hopes, cut her reign short before it could get going. She won’t make that same mistake twice.”

Chloe tilts her head to the side.

Chloe Collins: “You have a lot of respect for her, it seems.”

Sgt. Mason: “You know my background. You know why I left the U.K.”

Chloe Collins: “I do.”

Sgt. Mason: “Hard working. Brave. Understands there’s a job to do, but won’t abandon her morals or her principles to do it.”

She glances back at Chloe.

Sgt. Mason: “She would’ve made a good addition to the team.”

Chloe chuckles.

Chloe Collins: “You know there’s more to SABER than being honorable.”

Sgt. Mason: “Still.”

She sighed, taking a seat on the bench.

Sgt. Mason: “I’ve been in the ring with all three of them. Melissa Reeves, I’ve traded victories with. I’ve beaten her before, I know I can do it again, no matter the match. Tyson, I’m not sweating over, I’ve studied him far too long, I think I know what he’s going to bring. TJ… he could pull it off.”

Chloe Collins: “Are you nervous?”

Sgt. Mason: “I am.”

Chloe Collins: “Reaper would say that’s a good thing.”

Jackal laughs, putting on a gruff voice that mimics the giant protector from Valiant.

Sgt. Mason: “I can just hear it. ‘Good to be nervous Mason. Overconfidence will kill you.’”

Chloe shakes her head, stifling a guilty laugh with her hand.

Chloe Collins: “He’s going to see this, you know.”

There’s silence between the women for a moment.

Sgt. Mason: “I need to get out there.”

Chloe Collins: “I’ll try and find Mr. Laroux… perhaps he’s in the building tonight.”

She pauses, thinking long and hard about the situation at hand.

Chloe Collins: “He’s reckless… I really need you for this. He seems to respect you, perhaps you can talk some sense into him. We need to coordinate this. This blindfire he’s doing is going to get him hurt.”

Sgt. Mason: “I didn’t think you cared.”

Chloe frowns.

Chloe Collins: “Only when it makes our job more difficult. This whole job is tricky enough without him putting Chuck on his guard. He has the company, he has a whole roster on his payroll, and he’s got an arena full of fans. This requires precision, and Xavier Laroux-...”

Sgt. Mason: “Isn’t.”

Chloe lets out a long, exasperated sigh.

Chloe Collins: “Anyway… good luck to you. We’ll talk after the show.”

BACKSTAGE
Backstage, Sunday K. Love is grinning wickedly next to Atticus Cassian who looks formidable in a suit and tie. He’s silent and austere next to Sunday in a form fitting black dress and heels. Sunday licks her bright red lips before she fixes blue eyes on the camera and lifts her microphone.

SUNDAY K. LOVE: Tonight we welcome a new Era. Tonight we see the Gotham Championship change hands. You know it. I know it. Wade Manson knows it and Markus FK knows it. The champion is posturing all over twitter, trying to hype himself up. Trying to hype you all up. He wants you to think that he can pull it off but he’s never faced a man like my client, Atticus Cassian.

Sunday glances over at Cassian with a smirk on her face.

SUNDAY K. LOVE: And Wade Manson is afraid of women so between the two of us… LIberty, may I present to you your new Gotham champion and your Future King.

BACKSTAGE
We cut backstage and the crowd begin to cheer as they’re introduced to a shot of Antoinette sitting in a locker room with her newly won Liberty Championship laid across her lap and her fiancé’s Gotham Championship slung over her shoulder. The camera pans out a little further and we can now see Markus FK, pacing in and out of the shot, his hair tied up into a neat bun as he psyches himself up for his match tonight, a picture of complete and utter intensity. This goes on for a few more moments, Antoinette proudly watching her man prepare until suddenly the big man begins to speak, his pace slowing down significantly as he looks up into the camera.

Markus FK: So this is it, huh? Is this finally where we just get down to it, so I can put you both out of your misery? Or is it everyone else’s misery? Because I’ve sat back, seen and heard it all from the three of you. If it’s not Sunday writing checks with her mouth that her client can’t cash, it’s that other idiot Manson talking a bunch of bullshit in front of a chalkboard. I speak for the rest of the wrestling world when I tell you all, finally, just…stop. Stop, because neither of you have even come close to showing me that you’ve got the ability to wrestle that title away from me.

Sion’s Strongest quickly twists around, holding out a hand, prompting Antoinette to give him his championship.

Markus FK: Thank you babe. It’s this, right here.

He holds up the championship, swinging it over his shoulder.

Markus FK: Let me tell you both something, if you take the easy way for so long, you’re up shits creek without a paddle when it’s hard. If it’s not sneak attacks, it’s low-blows - and when this belt is on the line? When my belt is on the line? That ain’t gonna fucking cut it. I went to war for this. I found parts of myself I didn’t even know I had, for this. I had setbacks. You remember, Atticus, don’t you? When you were inexplicably inserted into my match for this championship, and surprise surprise, you got pinned in that triple threat. You and Sunday have been a thorn in my side for a long, long time now, and I’m very excited to finally give you what’s coming to you, and Sunday, if you want to get involved? I’ve got no problem slamming you into the other three ring posts we got out there.

The big Swiss adjusts the championship on his shoulder, Antoinette smirking on behind him, a proud look on her face as her future husband continues to run down his opponents.

Markus FK: As for you, Wade, well, it’s clear to see that your own wellbeing isn’t very important to you. There are ways to get a respectful championship match with me, and smashing me in the back of the head with my title certainly ain’t one of them. Jumping me from behind again? Still not one of them. Low-blowing me then rolling me up to get the shot? Still nope. Do you see the correlation between all of that? Not once have you elected to look me in the eyes like a real goddamn wrestler and WRESTLE me. While that might be a smart choice, the alternative to wrestling me is landing you in a ton of trouble that I don’t think you quite understand. I ain’t some actress for you to pretend to kill. I fight back, and when I get my hands on that tiny little neck of yours, you ain’t gonna like it.

He takes a deep breath, his nostrils flaring with anger, a taped hand clutching his Gotham Championship.

Markus FK: The one time it’s been remotely fair between the three of us? I marched down to the ring during that contendership match and I laid waste to all of you, Sunday included. Didn’t break a fucking sweat. There was no element of surprise. No underhanded tactics. I just walked on down, gave Sunday what she had coming, then took the both of you out. Tonight? It’s going to be a lot more of the same. The only shot you got is teaming up to take me out first, but everyone and their mother knows that one of you is too stupid to play nice with the other, and you’ll fuck it up. On my worst day, I’m twice as good as the pair of you put together, so believe me when I say I’ll die before either of you takes my Gotham Championship away from me. No exaggeration. You want it? Come kill me for it. That is the only goddamn way either of you are gonna stop me tonight.

Markus rips the title off of his shoulder now, holding it up to the camera again.

Markus FK: I thought I was pretty goddamn clear, I thought people knew what was coming to them if they stayed fucking around, but I suppose I didn’t account for two smoothbrained motherfuckers to come around looking for trouble with Sion’s Strongest. This stays with me until I’m done with it…and I ain’t done with it yet. Not by a long shot.

With that, Markus pushes the camera away from him, turning away to continue his preparation before we cut elsewhere.

BACKSTAGE
The cameras picked up in one of the hallways backstage in the arena. The footage was a little grainy, as if picked up on a surveillance camera rather than the usual high production footage. It seemed to pick up the figure of Brendan Samuels, in his casual outfit of a sea green Hawaiian shirt and white khakis, sandals on the sailor’s feet. He seemed to be talking to someone who was just out of view, the towering Kraken folding his arms across his chest.

Brendan Samuels: I still dinnae like it.

Brendan had the CanAm Championship belt over his shoulder, looking a little disapproving of whatever the person he was speaking to was saying. It was not clear at all who he was speaking to, but Brendan had a face like thunder, despite the fact he had successfully defended the CanAm Championship the night before against overwhelming odds.

Voice: Yer may not like it, laddie. But sometimes an act of piracy requires an act of piracy. Be smart, get smart, fight smarter.

Brendan Samuels: It ain’t the way though.

Brendan turned, shaking his head, clear anger on the face of the usually calm and collected Irishman. He looked like he was going to pace away, but was halted by the voice, a voice with a clear southern Irish accent.

Voice: Look, Bren… Was anythin’ put of order wit’ what happened? Yer set the course, I just got ye there. A proper lad in stripes would have done the same, but they be rare these days. They buckle an’ dive overboard at the first sign of shenanigans. An’ wit’ them two, there be shenanigans.

Samuels half turned to them, clearly listening to them, but the look of disapproval hadn’t escaped him.

Voice: Yer earned it. But yer should listen to me more often. It be the way of things. Ye set the course, I be the one who gets ye there. Dinnae deny it.

The Wrestling didn’t say a word, instead pacing off and away, with no clear shot of whoever he was speaking to.

BACKSTAGE
Talking to Tim Anderson, Melissa Reeves is backstage ahead of her match later tonight.

Melissa Reeves:
I mean, really, what am I meant to say tonight that I didn’t say last show? Nah, I said all I needed to say, then I walked out to the ring and won the damn match. Gave me tonight’s stipulation choice, eh?

Tim nods and tries to agree verbally, but she cuts him off.

Melissa Reeves:
Cage. Easy choice. Know why? I’ve only ever lost in a cage once, and tonight I intend to grow that record further. I respect everyone involved in this, even that dunce Tyson, but I can’t let respect become a barrier. I’m capable of beating all three. I’m capable of being at the pinnacle of this company, and it’s time I prove it once again.

She shrugs, but smirks.

Melissa Reeves:
It won’t be easy and I sure as hell never ask it to be. But when I do win, when I bag that title shot, I’m going to set my target on regaining the championship I once called mine. That’s when I’ll be coming for you, Ant, and sweetheart you won’t get any BS from me.

Melissa Reeves:
TJ, Tyson, Jackal…see you all real soon.

And she’s gone, leaving Tim to just sigh. Will he ever get to ask her anything?

BACKSTAGE
Oblivion III continues as the Production Truck cuts to the backstage area. Around the corner walks TJ Techniques. TJ claps his hands before rubbing them together in anticipation for tonight's 4-Way.

TJ Techniques: What's up, y'all. You know what times it is. It's about to be that time. Melissa Reeves. Tyson Gregory. Jackal and yours truly. The Meaning of Dope. The Funky Technician. Kool G Grap. We're all about to get it on for the right to become the #1 contender to the Liberty Champion.

The lively crowd is clearly ready for this #1 Contender's Match.

TJ Techniques: This one has been some time in the makin'. We've even had a lil bit more time to stew and prepare thanks to somebody vandalizing the production trucks. Gee, I wonder who that could've been?

TJ crosses his arms before tapping his chin. He then snaps his fingers before pointing to the camera.

TJ Techniques: Now of course, if your guess was Lily Callaghan, it would've been an educated guess. After all, that dumbass went out of here way to sabotage her own product. But that nasty woman has been out of a job for...

TJ looks down and starts using his fingers to count.

TJ Techniques: Let's see here... one, two, three, four... 71 days! So it damn sure wasn't her.

TJ lets out a chuckle. He can't help but to take a jab at his former train wreck of a GM. Fuck her.

TJ Techniques: Now be that as it may... we've had an extra week to prepare, y'all. The three of you have had an extra week to hit the weights, get that cardio up and, most importantly, peep the technique.

TJ taps his temple.

TJ Techniques: Now, Melle Mel. This one goes out especially to you. In this extra week that you've had time to pour over the tapes, did you finally catch it? Did you finally see where you went wrong? Did you finally, FINALLY, peep your mistake? Now listen, you're an accomplished wrestler. You're respected worldwide. I peep game and your game is to be respected. No doubt.

TJ puts a finger up.

TJ Techniques: BUT... You thought you really did somethin' with this here stipulation. You really thought that makin' this a Cage Match was gon' do somethin' for you. But the fact of the matter is is that your decision just put you and them other two at a disadvantage.

TJ nods his head.

TJ Techniques: I know what you're saying to yourselves. You're saying, "TJ, how is the other 75% of this match at a disadvantage when all 4 of you have a 25% chance of winning?"

TJ puts another finger up.

TJ Techniques: Now, I could go with the clichéd "Wrestling Math promo" and really break down the science for y'all. But we don't got time for all that, so let me just keep it brief and simplify things for everybody. About a year... year and a half ago. It was one of the most competitive matches that has ever been seen In Liberty, whether you're talkin' about OG Liberty, the Return of Liberty or this current Re-Re-Return. It was an Elimination Chamber Match, right? And it wasn't just any Elimination Chamber. Oh no. It was an Elimination Chamber Match... for the Freedom Championship. Do you remember who won the match? I'll give you a hint. It wasn't Jennifer Yang. It wasn't Lizzie Jones. It wasn't Kaia Granger. It wasn't Helena Noir. It wasn't Alex Reeves. It was TJ Techniques.

TJ smirks.

TJ Techniques: Let me take y'all on another trip down memory lane. This one wasn't from a year and a half ago. This one is more recent memory. Let me take y'all back... to this February. No Man's Land III. Night Two, to be exact. In that main event, you had three of the very best going at it. Not just three of the very best in Freedom. I'm talkin' about three of the very best in all of Liberty. These three, they went out there and scrapped over that Freedom Championship... inside of a Steel Cage. Do you know who came out of that match wearin' the Freedom Championship? Let me give you another hint. It wasn't Scotty Latimer. It wasn't Emery Layton. It was TJ Techniques.

TJ nods.

TJ Techniques: Now let me bring you up to speed to the latest example. War Games. Team Lily vs. Team Jade. Am I the man that scored the winning fall? No I wasn't. I won't take that distinction from my man Sparrow. But if you don't think the tide turned when I finally got into that match... If you don't think that I shifted the momentum over to our side, then you've clearly taken one too many Elevated Creations pre-rolls to the head. I'm the man that sent Callaghan packin' and I'm the man that was on the winnin' team.

TJ taps his temple.

TJ Techniques: Is it finally startin' to come together now? Do you finally realize where you screwed up, Mel? Look, the three of y'all, I respect your abilities. I respect your talent. Y'all wouldn't have gotten this far if you didn't know what you were doin' in there. But inside of a Steel Cage? Best believe that I know better than the three of y'all what I'm doin in there! Being locked inside a Steel Cage? It don't phase me. It don't intimidate me. It don't send any shivers up my spine or any piss down my leg, you understand? Gettin' throw into the cage? Gettin' your face raked against it? That don't bother me. That Steel cage? That's my playground. That's my canvas and tonight, I'm gonna use the three of y'all to make some beautiful art out there... on my way back to the top. See, I already know what it's like to get to the top of one brand. Now, I'm about to do it again. This bein' a Cage Match don't guarantee victory for me. But it definitely gives me one hell of a leg up, so I appreciate you not doin' your googles. Winnin' this match, it won't be easy. I will be hurt. I will be bruised. I will be bloodied by the end of this one. But you wanna know what I'll also be? Top... Contender... TJ. Now peep that.

BACKSTAGE
The camera cuts to show footage from another place, another time. 5 wrestlers stand in the ring with their hands raised: Seth Iser, Dante Locke, Stella Winters, Marcus Black, and Blyss Lockhart. The footage then shifts to a similar scene in a different ring, this time with all of them holding championship titles. Together. United. The voice of Marcus Black can be heard as the shot freezes.

Marcus Black: At the time, I thought these moments would last forever. The 5 of us were more than friends. We were family. Stella and I had just arrived in IYHWF and didn’t really have a direction. You gave us that, Blyss. You made us feel like we belonged, like we were a part of something. You were our leader because we all believed in you, because you believed in us.

We couldn’t see the forest for the trees.

The footage wipes and shows a focused Marcus Black seated in an unrecognized room, his hoodie casting shadow on his face as he lifts his head.

Marcus Black: We couldn’t see what you were doing until it was too late. You used us. You used /me/. You used me as an attack dog to keep your position intact, the always loyal, never thinking Kraken of the Bad Omens. And yet despite that loyalty, the /second/ I had the nerve to think for myself and back Stella against your wishes, you treated it as treason. Our /family/ shattered against the rocks of your ego. Just so you could keep a death grip on your position. You have not changed at all Blyss, the anger people feel towards you, the resentment, it has all happened before. But I have. I am no longer the man I was back then, no longer the Kraken held in a cage and only released when it was convenient, when you needed something destroyed only to put me back in the cage. Right now, in this moment, I have never felt more free, Blyss. I am unchained.

And that terrifies you. You can pretend it doesn’t, like this is yet another situation that you can control, but there’s a reason you kept a hold of that chain, isn’t there? The chain I broke. The symbol of the fact that no matter what you put in my way, you can’t stop me. Especially now that for the first time in a long time, you truly stand alone. Alone, locked in a cage with a monster. No more management manipulations, and no more Dante. I hope he didn’t damage that car too much when he hit me with it so that he could still drive his bitch ass home. You isolated yourself in a castle to keep yourself protected Blyss, and now that castle that you built on the bones of those you cast aside is crumbling around you. I hope you like it, because its where I’m going to bury you. Then, after I am done, I am going to dig through the rubble and take that Empire Championship from your cold, selfish hands.

It is not your time anymore, Blyss. The “Eternal” reign is over. I am through taking a backseat for other people, I am done fighting for anyone but me. I am the most dominant force in Empire by a country fucking mile and I deserve to be its champion. My first singles championship will be the crown of this company, and I am going to take it from your head. The Kraken will finally claim its treasure to protect.

So many people have suffered at your hands Blyss. They have had their careers changed forever because you. Tonight, all of that comes due. It is time to pay for everything you have done…

…and I am here to collect.

With that Marcus gets up and walks out of the shot, the camera cutting away.

BACKSTAGE
A dark scene opens, revealing only the Blyss Lockhart looking dead straight at the camera. She seems to be sitting on some steps with the Empire championship on her lap and the metal chain link hanging from her neck, the same one she’d been carrying around before. The same one she took from the cage match between Sparrow and Dante Locke in May as some sort of dark souvenir. Yes, the same one Marcus Black himself broke with his bare hands. The chain hung from her mouth, a dead look in her eyes. Now that they’re finally about to face one on one for the Empire Pro brand’s top prize no less, that chain link has gotten its hold on her again.

Blyss Lockhart VO: Kraken.

Instead of speaking, she can be heard through a voice-over narration. With her hands through her hair and her eyes barely blinking as they stay fixated on the camera, it’s as if her mind is speaking directly to the people she wants to address.

Blyss Lockhart VO: If you had accepted my offer, we wouldn’t be here tonight.

Her jaw tenses up, her breathing escalates a bit.

Blyss Lockhart VO: But you decided to spit in my hand. Again.

The last word of the sentence has a bit of an echo, as if it reverberates through the space of the listener’s own head.

Blyss Lockhart VO: The same hand that had helped you become the wrestler that you are today. Without my lead, my mentorship in the Bad Omens, you would’ve remained the nobody from Australia with nothing in your resume to be proud of. You think you’re the only powerhouse with a loudspeaker of a manager in the entire industry? Even Dragon wrestled and became somebody worth knowing under MY direction. In a short amount of time, the two of you became a powerful duo and that showed the extension of MY influence.

Her hands now curl into tight fists as the last word echoes.

Blyss Lockhart VO: Despite all your successes, you’re not ashamed of them, are you? Then why are you trying to shame ME? You and Dragon enjoyed every minute of it. And suddenly you wanna play all high and mighty? Like you’re above ME? It’s one thing to leech off the hard work of someone else, but to deny that you’re not also playing dirty while trying to steal MY championship? NO!

Her voice rages like thunder, her eyes a burning glare through the lens.

Blyss Lockhart VO: NO! NO!

She pulls the metal chain from her neck and shows it to the camera.

Blyss Lockhart VO: I know what you’re capable of, Kraken. I know exactly what you can do, I’ve seen it. I’ve felt it. So there’s nothing else tonight where you can surprise me. Nothing else you can hurt me. Bury me with.

The tips of her fingers turn white as she tightens her grip on the metal chain.

Blyss Lockhart VO: I will be the one to leave the cage tonight. With my Empire championship still in my hands. And both you and Dragon will finally accept that.

Her words come spitting out in the harshest tone. But she isn’t done yet as she can be heard taking a deep shuddering breath before continuing. On video though, she brings up the championship belt to her face with just her eyes now peeking over it.

Blyss Lockhart VO: And then there’s Ikiryo.

Her voice echoes again as she makes a reference to the man known as Seth Iser who has been appointed to be the special guest referee of this match. Even though Blyss had been the leader of their vile pack back in IYH, it was Seth who had guided her the most due to his experience and age. But since defeating Blyss in a match that got her kicked out of IYH for the second time, she was quick to downplay the role he played and deny her learnings from him.

Blyss Lockhart VO: What possessed you to agree to this is beyond me. Robb was wrong to have brought you into this match as the special guest ref because obviously you WILL be biased. You’re the reason why my time in IYH ended when it did, so of course you WANT to see me lose everything all over again!

The camera shows Blyss screaming with her fingers raked through her hair but the viewers can’t hear it as her narration continues.

Blyss Lockhart VO: But DAMN YOU IKIRYO I will do everything IN MY POWER to keep what’s MINE!

Blyss glares at the camera, her shoulders heaving.

Blyss Lockhart VO: Since the match was announced, all I hear is how I’ll be trapped in the cage with two monsters and if somehow I escape, there’s a third monster that will catch me.

She closes her eyes, burying her face in her shaking hands.

Blyss Lockhart VO: And that tonight will finally be my undoing. Dante’s gone. The end of the Blyss era.

Those words hang in the air for a bit before she slowly lowers her hands from her face, revealing it to be painted in black, white and red. The face paint is reminiscent of her look during Bad Omens days as Banshee. When she opens her eyes, there’s a look of dark resolute.

Blyss Lockhart VO: But good thing I’ve made my career out of proving everyone wrong.

A dramatic pause.

Blyss Lockhart VO: And bending them to my will.

And the camera follows her hands as they slide past her mouth, her black lips now curling up into a wicked grin.

Blyss Lockhart VO: The taste of your betrayal is just as fresh today. Tonight, I finally get my revenge.

BACKSTAGE
Backstage, Atticus Cassian is seen leaving with Sunday K. Love. His face is tight and angry and she’s walking quickly to keep up with him as he strides out of the building, signing rapidly while she also speaks the words she’s signing.

SUNDAY K. LOVE: How the hell am I responsible for this? I was pulling the strings for the actual match happening in the ring. Am I psychic, you big less bald motherfucker??? How was I supposed to anticipate…

Her words fade out as he reaches out and grabs her by the arm, jerking her out into the parking lot. The doors close behind them.