EPW Conquest 59 Results

SEGMENT
The scene opens to the familiar scene of the Leader of the Lost Generation, Noah Ortega, standing on a podium alongside his two generals in battle, the Mammoth Among Man - Anton Palmer, and The Trailblazer, Gio Moriello. Ortega holds onto both Empire Tag Team Championships resting on each shoulder, a smirk plastering across his lips as his eyes meets the camera.

Noah Ortega: This wasn't by accident. This was by design. This was supposed to happen.

Ortega pauses, allowing his smirk to grow.

Noah Ortega: I told you, from the second I got here, that The Lost were destined to be the liberators of this promotion... we were destined to be the saviors, the one you can rely on and thus far - we've been doing so, each and every single time we're out there. These Empire Tag Team Championships are a reward for our declaration... it's a sign of our devotion to this company... and now, we get to lead this division as the standard, the pinnacle of tag team wrestling, a division that has been waning and dying for a team to save it... and finally, that team has arrived.

Ortega looks behind at his comrades, passing them each the title before refocusing his attention to the camera.

Noah Ortega: But still, there's a burning passion within me to do more... I know I can deliver! As the Leader of the Lost, it's my duty too, and I'm open to all challengers whether that's in tag team competition or singles, I'm open to the fight. I'll give you the platform to share the ring with me, give you all the clout and acclaim you need to elevate yourself and from then on, it's up to you to decide where you're destined to be. Ricky Rodriguez has been granted that very opportunity tonight. I don't know you Ricky but we've had a few interactions on twitter... I remember you calling me a "trashing ass" person...

Ortega scoffs, chuckling to himself.

Noah Ortega: I remember you saying and I quote that Noah Ortega "would amount to nothing"... which is funny Rodriguez because whilst you're out here lacking relevancy, I'm the guy who's sitting pretty as a champion. I'm the guy who's leading a generation of lost souls into righteousness and YOU, Ricky Rodriguez - you're just another LOST SOUL seeking clarity and purpose, you don't know what path you're on and it shows! The mere fact that you fail to acknowledge that, is disheartening... you need to embrace what you truly are, and come to terms with the fact that you, are the one who hasn't amount to anything, YOU - are the trashy ass person, aimlessly wandering, hoping to catch your big break... well I'm not gonna give you that satisfaction Ricky, not on my turf. You're walking into my domain Ricky, into MY show... and round here, The Lost, is the only way.

The scene gradually fades to black.

SEGMENT
Conquest shifts to the backstage area, where Emily Carter is standing by. Emily doesn't appear to be all smiles. In fact, she doesn't appear to be in the best of moods. The former tag team champion is seen rubbing her chin before folding her arms and leaning against a nearby wall.

Emily Carter: I would say that things haven't gone my way recently, but they never really went my way in the first place. I would say that my time here has been one step forward, two steps back. But it's been more like one step forward, five steps back. I lost the Battle Symphony Royale, unsuccessfully challenged for the CanAm Championship and have unfortunately lost to The Lost every single time I've faced them. That, coupled with the plug getting pulled on Revolver, has left me with no momentum, no confidence and a very bitter taste in my mouth.

Emily shakes her head. There's no one more disappointed in her recent performances than herself.

Emily Carter: I'm sure you're looking at this match as if it's a lamb being led to the slaughter, Dylan.

Emily gestures towards the camera and towards her opponent tonight, the reigning Extreme Champion, Dylan Shepherd.

Emily Carter: I can't exactly say that I blame you. I can't say that I've given you any reason to take me seriously. But here's the thing, champ. You should.

Emily pushes herself up off the wall and turns towards the camera.

Emily Carter: You should take me seriously because all it takes is one night, one opportunity, to turn it all around. This comeback? It all starts right here, tonight, at this very moment against you. You've proven yourself to be one hell of a competitor. There's a reason that you're a champion. There's a reason that you're holding that very title, in particular. You're tough as nails. I could never take that away from you. You're stronger than I am. I can't take that away from you, either. But what I can take away from you, Dylan, is your momentum. It's not about the size of the dog in the fight, it's about the size of the fight in the dog. Let me tell you something, champ. I got a heck of a lot of fight left in me. This stint hasn't been ideal. I haven't looked my best. But wanting to give up? Wanting to just throw my hands up and call it quits? Those are thoughts that have never crossed my mind. I have been knocked down. Attacked in the halls. You name it. But each time, I got up. No matter how hard I've been hit, I continue to get it. It make take me a while. I might not getting up instantly. But I do get it.

Emily nods.

Emily Carter: Dylan, I know I'm in for one heck of a fight tonight. But I just want you to know that I'm gonna give you my best shot. You're not gonna see my back down. You're not gonna see me cower in the corner. You're gonna see me go for broke out there tonight. When you walk into a fight with nothing, you've got nothing to lose. I don't have any titles on the line, Dylan. There's no championships to my name. I don't have a ton of momentum on my side. But I've got a ton of heart and that's gonna be on display here tonight because Emily Carter is in it to win it!

SEGMENT
We cut to backstage where the Empire Extreme Champion, Dylan Shepherd is seen sitting at a table, eating a box of Girl Scout cookies. He has the Extreme Championship belt sitting on the table as well. He offers the camera crew some of the cookies but they decline.

Dylan Shepherd: You know, I could make a joke about how people used to call Emily Carter a girl scout as I eat these Girl Scout cookies but that would just be petty and kind of lame. But these peanut butter ones are legit so I’m gonna eat them anyway. Cause I can't exactly joke when my opponent has like a shit ton of championships to her resume. In fact I think she’s the top champ somewhere else right now. Now that’s some legit shit right there but how funny would it be that the top champ of some fed got beat by the Extreme Champion here in Empire? Would that mean I could go there and get a title shot? That would be cool.

He lets out a chuckle and eats another cookie.

Dylan Shepherd: Won't lie, been pretty damn good for me here in Empire since that whole draft shit. Took that Deep South title and turned it into the Extreme Championship and now kicking ass in all kinds of matches. Hard to really say anyone has been on a roll like I have been. You know too bad this match isn’t for my title here. I wonder how Emily would do in an extreme rules match up. I know she’s more of a finesse type and can’t exactly get down and dirty like she would need to. Gotta say she might just owe me a thank you for not putting her in that kinda spot, ya know?

Dylan stands up and brushes off the cookie crumbs on his shirt. He then picks up his championship belt and drapes it over his shoulder.

Dylan Shepherd: You know being up in Canada aint so bad. Poutine is delicious and I even saw a moose the other day. Maybe I’ll hit up a Timmy Hortons after beating Carter tonight. Heard that place is pretty good.

He lets out a laugh and walks off.

SEGMENT
The camera cuts to a room backstage where the now former Great Lakes champion sits on a plush dark red armchair. There is a serious expression on Hilary Levandrier’s face as she keeps one leg crossed over the other at the knee while looking directly into the camera. Her hands are folded onto her lap, not yet having changed into her wrestling gear for later in the evening, she is dressed more casually in a pair of jeans with a black crop top.

Since the loss of her championship at Oblivion, under questionable means, Hilary has remained quiet and the lack of her paparazzi entourage makes it clear it still weighs heavily on her mind. However it would appear she is finally ready to speak as she clears her throat, straightening her back ever so slightly, making sure her gaze remains locked on the camera.

Hilary Levandrier: I suppose you want your congratulations, don’t you Lena? You saw an opportunity and you took it, stole it even, showing your true colours to the entire world. You have gone and tainted the Great Lakes championship that I used to carry with pride. You robbed Miki of the chance to shine like she deserved. Although from what I’ve heard, she took matters into her own hands, and I look forward to seeing her handiwork up close tonight.

Hilary pauses for a moment, long enough to allow a smirk to tug at her lips, thinking back to how she had heard the news of the fight that had erupted between the two leading to being arrested. A real shame she missed being a part of all that fun.

Hilary Levandrier: You and Miki’s business is all yours to deal with, for tonight my focus is simply on making sure you know that I don’t take kindly to cheaters. Especially not those who rob me personally. I won’t simply allow myself to get pushed into the background because I have lost my championship belt. Empire is still very much the place where I intended to bring back some honor to the Levandrier name. You’ve just given me even more of a reason to keep on fighting, to show you that I was right in my beliefs that you are not on my level, because if you were there would have been no asterisks next to your current title reign. Does that make you proud Lena? Are you going to be able to hold the Great Lakes title up high knowing that perhaps the only reason you even won it is because you are a dirty cheat?

There is another pause as Hilary takes the time to put up both of her hands while she casually shrugs her shoulders. Almost as if this was a good enough answer to her questions.

Hilary Levandrier: I’m going to let you fall flat on your face all in good time. I have a feeling that the weight of being a champion is going to be a little too much for you to carry. And tonight especially I am going to prove that one on one, you can’t outwrestle me, and you can’t beat me clean. I get my revenge, without being thrown in jail, and I get a victory over the Great Lakes champion to keep proving to the entire world exactly who deserves to be in the spotlight.

Hilary pulls herself up from the chair with all of the grace and dignity in the world as she tosses her hair back behind her shoulder. The smirk has returned upon her face as she makes her way out of the room, the camera taking one final shot of the now empty chair, before cutting back to the ringside area to continue with tonight’s show.

SEGMENT
We cut backstage to Dex Morant standing in front of the camera with a serious look on his face.

Dex Morant: I’ve been going through a lot these past few months. Actually, the past few years. It’s been hard trying to figure out who I am. Hell, I’m still trying.

He sighed and shook his head.

Dex Morant: But Tonight? I’m going to do my best against Carli Davis out there. She’s a foreigner top champ. Also a former tag champ here and Anarchy Champion. I respect the hell out of her and she deserves my best. So I’ll give her that much.

He nodded and walked off and the scene cut away.

SEGMENT
Backstage, Sparrow is just...

...Sitting. No witty remarks, no retorts, no segue ways into threats. No commentary on Oblivion III. He just sits, sits, and stares clad in his ring gear. Tonight’s attore of choice isn’t even the Kenpachi ‘11th Division’ look he’d been sporting during his long-running feud with Lily Callaghan, Blyss Lockhart, and Dante Locke. It’s just regular ring gear, purple on black highlights, matching with his boots and kick pads. He’s seated in a chair, quietly taping his wrists. It gets so awkward that the cameraman is forced to clear his throat.

Cameraman: Ehem.

Sparrow: ...

He continues to tape his wrists up, completely unbothered.

Cameraman: Ehem.

The West Indian Whirlwind says absolutely nothing to the camera, not putting a single word out there. No opinion, no monologue, nothing. He just quietly continues to tape his wrists and knuckles up in preparation for Jessica Anderson later on the show. The cameraman seems to give up and just starts asking questions in an attempt to get Sparrow to say...

Something.

Anything.

Cameraman: How do you feel about Blyss’s new partner The Mongrel? Do you think it’s an extreme coincidence that he was hired on as soon as you beat Dante Locke? If it really is Dante under the mask, do you feel angry or insulted that Chuck Matthews would have him hired back while you’ve had to put your job multiple times on this brand just to get anywhere?

Nothing.

Sparrow: ...

Not a single word comes out of Sparrow, he just continues to tape his wrists. The side muscle in his left cheek begins having a go, a very specific twitch. His hand he’s begun taping flexes open, and closes again...

Cameraman: Sparrow, do you feel any buyer’s remorse having watched Marcus get to do what you wanted to do in beating Blyss for the Empire Championship? Again, if Dante is The Mongrel, you effectively stepped aside to let Marcus handle things one-on-one for nothing. A special referee was picked because no other ref wanted the job, the match took place in a cage, and everything was a perfect storm to make sure Marcus had the cleanest path to a fair match with Blyss. You stepping aside was almost...

Sparrow: ...

Sparrow silently stopped taping his hand, not looking up. The Cameraman decides to change the questions.

Cameraman: Do you have a winner between Xavier Laroux and Derrick La’Bell for the Empire Championship Number One contendership? Fans know you and Derrick have never had anything pleasant to say to each other, long since a match between him and TJ that Blyss got involved in. I would like to think you both have similar feelings towards Blyss at least, both happy that she takes a backstep. Do you feel like there’s a path for you to get back to contention or is your mind focused primarily on Blyss right now and Dan--The Mongrel?

Sparrow: ...

He just continues taping.

At this point, the cameraman sounds straight-up annoyed.

Cameraman: Do you anything to say, Sparrow?

Sparrow slowly looked up.

Sparrow: Good luck tonight, Jess. May the best wrestler win.

He went back to taping his wrists without another word.

SEGMENT
'Ever since I debuted in Liberty Pro and now Empire Pro, I've primarily been a Tag Team wrestler. And don't get me wrong, whether it's been Carli Davis or Marisol Vilaro..I've absolutely loved teamin with Carli and Iove teamin with Marisol. And the things I learned from both of them? I'm gonna continue usin throughout my career. But honestly? I didn't bust my ass..gave everythin I had to get here..just to be a Tag Team only kinda guy, y'know?

I did all of that..I came here to be the best Ricky Rodriguez possible. This week? I get to showcase what I can do. And what is it that I can do, you ask? Take it straight to the fuckin top.'

The voice of Ricky Rodriguez gave way to the view of the arena's parking area. Fresh off of that pep talk from Marisol Vilaro, Ricky was overflowing with energy. This was further shown as he bounced from foot to foot, ready and eager to get going to his match.

Ricky Rodriguez: 'That's somethin y'all don't get bout Mari like that. That woman..she's an inspiration. Her voice..the words she speaks..they hype you up like nothin else before. I can fuckin feel it. From the bottom of my feet to the top of my head, babyy!'

But Ricky wouldn't be alone in that parking area. He would be joined, as per usual, by the duo of Big Ass Bobby and Alessa Holloway. The pair watched as Ricky bounced from here to there, like a child hopped up on sugar.

Ricky Rodriguez: 'Oblivion is done and over with. Lotta shit happened on them two nights and as much is different cause of it..one thing remains the same. The Inspired are still goin strong. Couple losses here and there don't mean shit. Nah..see..our resolve hasn't wavered..it won't waver. We are just as motivated..just as determined as we've ever been.

But that ain't what tonight's bout, ohhh no, nottabit at all. Tonight I get to go out there and show the world exactlyy what I can do. Not as a Tag Team guy but as Ricky fuckin Rodriguez. That's the guy that's gonna run circles around Noah Ortega. That's the guy that's gonna fly through the air so fuckin fast, dude's head is gonna be spinnin in circles!

Now usuallyyy, I'd talk bout how Ima be an Inspiration to my opponent. How Ima help them be the best them with the teachins of Mari behind me. But not tonighttt~'

A rather devious grin broke out across the face of Ricky. Bobby and Alessa moved to stand at the sides of Ricky as he continued on.

Ricky Rodriguez: 'Nah..see..I ain't gonna inspire you tonight..I'm gonna kick your ass. From corner to corner..all over that damn ring. See, I know your game now. I've watched that Tag Match over and over and over again. I know what to expect from you. I know what you bring to the table, first hand. Now, I'm sure people are sayin..But Ricky, couldn't he do the same thing?'

Ricky looked back and forth a bit, seeing if anyone was looking.

Ricky Rodriguez: 'I mean he could but let's be honest here. How much do you really expect from someone like Noah Ortega. Leader of The Lost. Someone who, in our last encounter, resorted to layin out poor Danielle with brass knuckles. Now if that doesn't tell you somethin..then there's somethin wrong with you.

But then again, there's somethin wrong with goddamn near most of y'all so I shouldn't be surprised, y'know? Noah took the lazy way out..just like a fuckin bum..just like someone who considers themself lost. So honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if he's goin into this with as little effort as possible.

But that's okay. I'm not gonna let the laziness of my bum ass opponent bring me down. See, unlike Noah, I'm the total fuckin opposite of lazy. Ima treat my match with Noah just like I'd treat a Championship Match. Cause that's what comes next.

See..you're gonna be an example Noah. The start of a whole new path. We gonna get in there..Ima put you on your goddamn ass..and Ima use your fuckin face as a steppin stone..straight..to..the..top.'

As soon as those words left Ricky's mouth, the trio was joined by none other than Marisol Vilaro. She looked at Ricky with a nod of approval as she joined the three of them. Without another word spoke, they all made their way back into the arena, Ricky radiating confidence as he led them.

SEGMENT
The scene opens up backstage in teh Inspired locker room where we see Marisol Vilaro standing in her Vilaro activewear combo this one is a special black and sliver with the Inspired logo on it, and matching colored shorts. However, after Oblivion, sheis clearly not in a happy mood and the anger on her face is visible. Standing around her, Ricky Rodrgiuez who was dressed in his wrestling gear and an inspired tank top, and next to him are Vanessa, and Danielle Page. who were dressed to compete already, The voice of the Fitness Queen can be heard throughout the arena.

Marisol Vilaro: Again, it seems month after month this keeps happening, and I am sick for one am sick of it. We have a mission to inspire and to change the world, and yet we can not do that if we keep having nights like that! So tonight, they have left me off the card, but you three have big, big matches first, Ricky, you can prove that you can handle business one on one as you take on Noah Ortega, a man who is the supposed leader of the lost, bullshit he's a false shepherd leading people in the wrong direction. Plus, we know he had to cheat us out of our match the last time we faced him. Now we pay him back YOU PAY HIM BACK!

Ricky Rodrgiuez: Not alottabit to be worried about I got this, Marisol, I am going to show Emery what she has to look forward to the next time we face. You’re right, though, we have to show these people what the truth looks like.

Marisol nods, pleased with the response as she turns her gaze to the Socialites, two women she has known since she began her career Danielle, and Vanessa Page look more focused than normal as The “True” Luminary begins to speak again.

Marisol Vilaro: Now you two, have a big big opportunity, a handicap match against the brand new Empire Champion, you know what a victory will do for us? You can not even afford to overlook this, nor allow yourselves to fall further behind in the rankings! You two have been a true tag team since birth so prove it!

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page: Absolutely, and they wanna laugh at us and put us down. We will show why we are the new age of Empire, and the true leaders that they should follow. After all, since birth we have had everything but what we want now is the Empire Tag Team Championships.

Vanessa Page: Exactly, I couldn't have said it better myself. Marcus Black just won the Empire Championship, by beating Bylss Lockhart, but tonight his first match as champion is going to be one that is not going to end the way he wants.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:Let’s be real here, we all know that Ricky or Marisol should be the Empire Pro Champion. Not this jacked up meathead that is seconds away from a fit of roid rage that the low thinking minions of Empire Pro attracts. The person who should be spearheading this brand should inspire people.

Marisol Vilaro: Exactly, Dani.

Vanessa Page: And this tag team division is so uninspiring. Which is why The Lost can call themselves champions for now. It is utterly disgusting how my sister and I have been cheated and cheated because they all know like we know once we get our hands on those Empire Pro Tag Team titles that we won’t be giving them back for anyone or anything.


Marisol nodded her head in agreement that everything seemed to be on the up and up, and everyone was on the same page. As she chimed in loudly.

Marisol Vilaro: That is what I am talking about, tonight, EPW becomes all about the Inspired! We are the movement that will take over this place, that will take over all of Canada, and all of Wrestling, hell my Vilaro System has been selling out all over Canada, so what better way to celebrate that then with you three getting big victories? So you guys in, you guys ready?!

Marisol puts her hand in front of them, waiting to look around the room. She needed them focused on the task at hand tonight.

Ricky Rodriguez: Of course, Mari, you know we got this. We are about to make alotta bit of noise!

Ricky puts his hand on the true “luminaries” as Marisol looks as the Socialites soon join into the piles showing they were on the same page. As They look towards the camera, shooing them out of the Inspired locker room as the scene fades to black.

SEGMENT
Backstage at the Ricoh Coliseum, we see Derrick La’Bell standing in front of an Empire Banner. After coming off a big win at Oblivion, he was looking forward to stepping into this #1 Contenders match he has tonight. Problem was, he was facing one of the dirtiest players in the game… Xavier Laroux. Derrick had respect and rapport with Your Favorite Drug, but he was tired of people cheating him and had decided he wasn’t going to put up with it anymore.

Derrick La’Bell:
At Oblivion, I told Jack Tillman, David Rosenberg, Andrew Wilkow, and Marshall Smith that I would beat every single one of their asses if they stepped to me…

A smile comes up on The Beast’s face.

Derrick La’Bell:
AND I DID JUST THAT!!!

Derrick throws a fist in the air.

Derrick La’Bell:
Forget about what happened afterward, because I achieved everything I set out to do!

Derrick stifles all that hype he just had though to keep himself a bit more humble.

Derrick La’Bell:
But that was Oblivion. Tonight, I gotta do it all over again, this time with Xavier Laroux and a shot at the brand new Empire Champion.

Derrick puts a finger up and points at the camera.

Derrick La’Bell:
Now, unlike Jack and his boys, I like you X. So Imma give you a warning first before our match….

He pauses for a moment. His eyes and face get really serious as he continues to point at the camera.

Derrick La’Bell:
DO… NOT… FUCK… WITH… ME!!!

Derrick bows up his back to show how big he is.

Derrick La’Bell:
I am DONE with people fucking me over. Jack and his boys learned the hard way, but you don't have to, X.

Derrick spreads his arms wide, as if motioning to the truth of the matter.

Derrick La’Bell:
I'm not usually so bold, but X, we both know you can't beat me on a fair playing field. You've said it yourself in the past. You HAVE to cheat in order to keep up with me, but unlike in the past, I'm not gonna put up with it.

He wasn't one to threaten his opponents, but he's felt like a door mat for too long. Derrick looks at the camera completely stone-faced.

Derrick La’Bell:
I ain't in the business of being the humble boy scout anymore. I'm in the business of breaking bitches. You step out of line, I'm breaking your back and throwing you into the third row at ringside from the ring.

He pauses for a moment.

Derrick La’Bell:
That title Marcus Black holds, it's going to be mine soon. I ain't letting you cheat me out of it. I ain't letting ANYONE cheat me out of it. I lifted Liberty up on my shoulders and carried it for years, even with people stepping all over me. Here in Empire though? Imma be THE force to be reckoned… and that's starts TONIGHT.

Derrick's demeanor completely changes back to his usual humble and sportsman-like self.

Derrick La’Bell:
Good luck tonight though, X. See you our there.

SEGMENT
Tap.
Tap..
Tap…
Tap!!!

Heavy footsteps trail the backstage area as our Empire camera crew rushes to determine the cause of this commotion. Letting out an irritated grunt, multi-talented shoot fighter, Miki, opens a nondescript door which leads to the Ricoh Coliseum’s car park. In the distance, a massive amount of cheers could be heard serenading the shoot fighter.

Miki, dressed in casual clothing, appears to be frustrated. She looks right, and then left.

Miki: “Where the hell are my things?..”

The feed slowly trails behind Miki as she begins to search crates in the lot.

Miki: “Nope. My suitcase isn’t in here.”

Folding her arms, Miki walks a bit further into the lot, passing a jet black dodge charger. Something tells her to stop. Her eyes dart towards a dumpster which was cracked open halfway.

A handlebar slightly pokes into view.

Miki: “No way…If my bag is in there I’m going to-..”

Inching closer, Miki pushes the dumpster open. With a disgusted expression on her face, she takes a step back - realising that it IS her unzipped suitcase. All of the kickboxer’s personal items are in fact covered in all types of garbage: half eaten food, papers, and unknown liquids.

Miki: “Lena…”

Miki sighs first, then the muscles in her jaw bunch up as she clenches it tightly. She drags the bag back in with her, garbage dropping off it as she goes.

Miki: “You better hope I don’t find you, Galante! My god, I swear…I’ll make you pay.”

With that statement, Miki storms past the dodge charger. The fans know that there would be hell to pay for the person who had the audacity to ruin a fully trained martial artist’s belongings. As Miki leaves, she passes the blacked out dodge charger once again - only stopping to take a brief look at its tinted windows.

Nothing inside is visible. Letting out a scoff, Miki heads toward the building once more. Once the former world ranked kickboxer is out of sight, the driver’s door of the charger pops open. The new Great Lakes Champion, Lena Galante, steps into camera view. She, obviously, receives a loud wave of jeers from the Toronto crowd.

Galante stands and removes her red mouth guard, revealing two front incisor implants that are a bit shinier than all of her other teeth. It is well known that Miki’s attack at the airport caused the champion to require emergency dental surgery.

Lena Galante: “I suppose that little bird is right!”

Cracking another smile, Lena glances at the camera…

Lena Galante: “Wrestling is bringing accountability back to its locker rooms...”

The Brixton native adds, neither confirming or denying that she had anything to do with the violation of personal property. The scene slowly cuts back to ringside, leaving fans to wonder if this heated situation would blow up yet again…

SEGMENT
The camera cuts back to the ring for but a second before “In Waves” by Trivium blasts through the speakers, the fans coming unglued as the new Empire Champion Marcus Black steps through the curtain, the title belt draped over his shoulder. He takes a second to soak in the reaction before walking towards the ring, Stella Winters now emerging from the curtain and following him to the ring. Marcus grabs a microphone from ringside before he and Stella enter the ring. The music cuts out as he raises the championship above his head with his free hand.

Marcus Black: A new emperor now sits on the throne.

The fans cheer again before he lowers the belt back to his shoulder.

Marcus Black: Some of you may be wondering what that means for this championship, and for this brand as a whole. Well what I can tell you firstly is that unlike the former champion I hide from no one. I duck no one, and will not use any method to hold this championship other than taking apart whoever is in front of me. However, this does not mean I will put this championship on the line against anyone. As the man now at the top of the mountain, it is up to me to ensure that only the worthy get their chance to become Empire Champion. I am not here to pad numbers or get easy wins. I want the best, the hungriest, the ones that will stop at nothing to take what I have. And if you are not worthy but management still sees fit to put you in my path? Well I will show you just how much I refuse to tolerate the unworthy.

Speaking of, we now have this match tonight. A handicap match pitting me against The Socialites. I look at the two of you and what stands out to me the most, what screams out above all of the noise, is your wasted potential. The two of you are formidable, and I do not expect an easy win tonight, but you are so focused on petty insults and vanity that you will never scrape the surface of your potential. Especially with the other company you keep. On that note I am going to make one thing incredibly clear: While this is a handicap match, the only people that will be involved in this outcome are the three of us. Period. I’m not even taking the risk of anyone else at ringside. If anyone else from Vilaro Fitness, hell if anyone I do not recognise shows their face in the ringside area, I have advised Stella that it is a shoot on site policy. She is going to make sure that this match will not be compromised, and she will do so with the utmost enthusiasm. Do not test us on this.

Stella grins from ear to ear in a very unsettling way.

Marcus Black: Now back to The Socialites. You have the 2 on 1 advantage, and the two of you are an experienced tag team, so that should give you the edge. So much so that I think you fail to realise just who the fuck you are dealing with. I am /the/ most dominant force in Empire Pro, I got hit by a fucking car and all it did was slow me down. I am the Undisputed Empire Pro Champion. You have both stepped into The Kraken’s waters expecting me to let you do whatever the hell you want with no consequences. News flash ladies: You are unwelcome here, and you are going to fucking drown.

With that Marcus drops the microphone, “In Waves” playing again as Stella follows him back through the curtain. The camera cuts away.

SEGMENT
Backstage at the Ricoh Coliseum, Mallory Bennett is seen reading...A book. Leatherbound, old, looking as though it’s halfway to falling apart. She’s dressed and ready to compete tonight against Rayven Hardy for the Noir Championship, from the looks of her kickpads and gloves. The Evolution Wrestling World Tag Team Championship is sat right next to her, letting her represent for EVO here tonight. One finger reaches and flicks a page as she reads from the book quietly, possibly some pre-match ritual for the skunk haired brawler.

One page. Another page. Her head tilted slightly to the left as her eye catches a passage in this tome with it’s yellowed pages that catches her interest.

Rayven Hardy: Relaxing, isn’t it?

The guest from EVO glances up as that book was still held open. Seeing Rayven Hardy approaching, Mallory makes note of the page she’s on and sits the book down as steps away from the wall she was leaning on.

Rayven Hardy: I used to read before my matches. It helped with the nerves. No matter how successful I was, I always felt this struggle right before it was time to go to the ring. Trying to somehow surpass the expectations the fans were setting for me each and every match. Reading kept my mind occupied. Maybe I should go back to it.

The champion, much like the challenger, was dressed to compete. She had her pink and black ring gear with the matching ring jacket over it and the Noir championship over her shoulder. Her eyes move to the tag team championship as she raises an eyebrow.

Rayven Hardy: You brought it with you? It’s beautiful in person.

Hardy glances down at her own championship proudly before looking back at her challenger.

Rayven Hardy: I’ve heard a lot about you.

Mallory looks down at the World Tag Championship, before quietly tapping the front of the book with her fingers. First the nail of her index, then drumming with each finger in rapt rhythm.

Mallory Bennett: Have you darlin’? Well, ain’t much to learn about me. Until only recently I hadn’t held a championship for 1064 days. It’s why I asked ya. How long had it been, what’s the longest stretch of time you been without a title. For some it’s a year, maybe a little less than that, maybe a bit more. Does somethin’ to you. Makes you...Antsy.

The Patron Saint of Harm’s Way waved her fingers slowly in the air, before gently tapping the main plate of the champion’s Noir championship. Rayven’s eyes follow Mallory’s fingers before she looks back into those flickery blue eyes.

Mallory Bennett: I took this challenge laid out because you’re a fighting champion. Any champion who looks for a fight, I come callin’...And because well, I figure if my luck finally came up to win one championship after so damn long...Might be I just end up with a singles title too. Black...Well, noir’s always been a color I like. I shouldn’t expect your sister, should I?

Her drawl comes with a small smile, razor thin. She’s not trying to be intimidating at the very least, but there’s a height difference here of a few inches.

Rayven Hardy: Where are my manners? You’re a guest here, so let me fill you in on a little something.

Despite the height difference, Rayven stands her ground. Afterall, Mallory was still smiling, there were no ill intentions on her end so Rayven had no reason to be alarmed.

Rayven Hardy: I’ve had to work my butt off to win this thing back, but before winning this championship for the first time, like you, I went on a long stretch of longing for the day I could hold a championship in the air again. Success isn’t measured in gold, but it feels a lot better when you have that extra weight to carry around in your luggage. I know you’re tough. Death matches, matches against some of the very best in the world. You’re taller, probably stronger, but the one thing you can never do is count me out.

The former ‘San Fran Miracle’, a name given to her after winning a world championship in her very first professional match during an open challenge, keeps a determined look on her face as her own hand wanders over the plate of her Noir championship.

Rayven Hardy: It’s admirable that you’re here to add to your championship collection, and I respect you accepting my challenge, but respectfully?

The two women remain face to face, while still calm.

Rayven Hardy: There will be someone else accepting my social media challenge after I retain tonight and issue another challenge because like you said, I’m a fighting champion. Who knows? Maybe I’ll return the favor and find someone to team with me and challenge you for that.

Rayven turns a bit and leans down, picking up Mallory’s tag championship and admiring it with a grin plastered on her face now.

Rayven Hardy: It’s beautiful, actually.

Mallory Bennett: If.

Rayven looks at her curiously as Mal gently takes her tag championship from Hardy’s fingers. She doesn’t hang it off her shoulder, instead leading it drape from one end gripped in her fingers.

Mallory Bennett: You said ‘after you retain’. Countin’ chickens before you hatch don’t ya think? Hell you can find yourself a partner and come find me and Myo if you want. We ain’t gonna be too far. That’s another night though. Tonight...Well.

She began to walk past the Noir champion but not before stopping slow. It seemed as though the Patron Saint of Harm’s Way was giving some consideration to something. After a few moments she piped up.

Mallory Bennett: ‘Success ain’t measured in gold’. Can you say that winning a World championship in your first match when some of us spend decades never doin’ the same? Can you say that never bein’ without for more than a year. Hell, darlin’...You’re having opponents come to you because you have a championship. Sounds like success to me. I’ll see you out here.

She nudged Rayven in the shoulder with her fist, the Saint of Harm beginning to walk away. Rayven turns around to watch her challenger continue down the hallway, that last bit of pre match talk on her mind. She looks at her Noir championship and then back up at Mallory before she disappears down the hallway.

What will happen in the main event? Stay tuned to find out!