Liberation: Episode Twenty-One, February 17th, 2018

IBERTY PRO WRESTLING PRESENTS...
LIBERATION: EPISODE TWENTY-ONE

LIVE ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH, 2018 FROM THE HAMMERSTEIN BALLROOM IN MANHATTAN, NEW YORK

BACKSTAGE
When the scene faded backstage inside of Felix Vialpando's locker room the resident note taker was seen standing in front of a dry erase board with Isla Carter, Carina Eventide, Cole Gregory and the Anarchy Champion himself, Warren Corbett. The fans boo at the sight of Felix with a couple cheers here and there. Under each name was key notes about the competitors on what Felix should look for during this upcoming ladder match for the Anarchy Championship.

Felix rubbed his chin as he began to talk about each competitor showing that he head some deep insight on each of them and how easy it may be for him to defeat them. But keep in mind this was a ladder match, anything could happen. So it was a matter of opportunity and taking calculated risk. Felix knew something about this. He won the SAP North Atlantic Championship via the company's first ever ladder match and it took a lot for him to finally win it.

He takes a sip from his capri sun and nods to himself. He has the notes. There's no way he was gonna lose. Felix was determined and sure of himself as being the guy to finally defeat Warren and walk out the LPW Anarchy Champion.]

RINGSIDE
The Liberty Pro crowd is causing a frenzy in the stands, as they're left in silence. They can't wait for tonight's installment of Liberation, and the chatter across the arena is causing a wall of noise. Suddenly, "Ex's and Oh's" by Atreyu pours through the speakers, and the Liberty crowd has mixed reactions. The followers in the crowd, and those that have been newly converted, look towards the rampway and begin cheering. On the other hand. those that will naturally always hate #TheSociety boo loudly. On one hand, #TheSociety had a lot of heads turning towards Liberty as of late, and on the other, let's face it they would always been just as annoying as always.

The War Machine, Warren Corbett, appears from behind the black curtain, with the Liberty Pro Anarchy Championship setting nicely upon his shoulder. Currently, he also has one of the CWC World Tag Team Championships around his waist. As soon as he gets to the bottom of the ramp, Warren pauses, lifting the Anarchy belt into the air with one hand. The followers in the audience cheer, before he slides under the bottom rope and into the ring.

Warren Corbett: I'm sure a lot of you are concerned for me, wondering how I'm doing after the last #SocietyShowcase, after Aria Cruz tried to KILL me...

He paused, letting his hand with the microphone fall to his side for a few moments.

Warren Corbett: Here's the thing that Aria, and the rest of Ascendancy still can't get through their heads. #TheSociety isn't going away. Period. Aria thought she could accept our offer of a FAIR match, highlighted in the second ever #SocietyShowcase. She thought she could come to Detroit, and try to BURN us alive. She may have stopped the #SocietyShowcase for the time being, but she will NEVER stop #TheSociety. We're so much more than just a group of people. We're family, we're an entire movement that continues to grow.

He pointed to the CWC Tag belt around his waist, then looked back to the audience.

Warren Corbett: The Liberty Pro Anarchy Championship. Empire Tag Team Championships. CWC World Tag Team Championships. Now Seth even has posession of the Vengeance High Stakes Championship. All this goal ensures that our message is being heard ACROSS CWC. We're here to stay, and we'll continue to fight against you Ascendancy, this is far from over!

He shook his head, obviously holding back his anger.

Warren Corbett: Tonight I defend my pride and joy, and the belt that has been everything #TheSociety stands for. The Liberty Pro Anarchy Championship. I've been the one true staple in this division, and especially now that the rest of the world is being forced to listen to our message, I'm not about to give up on this belt. I'm not about to drop this. I made this damn division, and I'll continue re-defining it. As Anarchy Champion I've beaten the Trials Champion, Gotham Champion, and I even beat Helena Noir a few weeks ago, who is now the new CanAm Champion. I've made sure this belt is always at the forefront of this company, I've beaten almost all of you one-on-one, so why not in a ladder match? I've got bigger fish to fry, so let's get this over with.

MATCH ONE: ANARCHY CHAMPIONSHIP LADDER MATCH
Warren Corbett© vs Cole Gregory vs Carina Eventide vs Felix Vialpando vs Isla Carter
wrote:
Winner: Warren Corbett
Finishing Move: Retrieved the Anarchy Championship
Near Falls: N/A
Match Length: 12:26

Match Notes:
This was a highly contested match between the five opponents. Carina had several opportunities where she had her hands on the belt, but Felix Vialpando kept pulling her down every time. Felix made his way up the ladder and Cole pushed the ladder down but Felix grabbed onto the belt. He held onto it but couldn’t get it down. Warren came in with a chair and slapped it on Felix’s back, knocking him off from the belt. The match continued on as a back and forth affair until Carina Eventide put Isla Carter through a table with a back body drop off of the turnbuckle to the outside, taking them both out. Cole meanwhile was climbing the ladder, looking like he was about to win. He had his hands on the belt until Felix climbed up the ladder on the other end and stopped him. The two fought back and forth before Warren shoved them off of the ladder to the outside of the ring and the two crashed through tables that were set up. Warren then retrieved his Anarchy Championship.

Post Match:
#TheSociety came down to the ring and celebrated with Warren Corbett, who has been one of the most successful champions in the history of Liberty Pro. Meanwhile, backstage staff came down to check on the rest of the fallen opponents.

BACKSTAGE
The founder of Liberty Pro Wrestling and the driving force behind a resurgence of the wrestling scene in New York City, Nathan Callaghan, sat in his lavish chair behind a fancy desk dressed in a blue suit…

Callaghan was in the middle of filling out some paperwork, a tedious task that Professional Wrestling Owners as well as General Managers have to partake in on a weekly basis so that these athletic spectacles may continue to take place weekly in their respective CWC territories.

Suddenly…

Tap!
Tap!
Tap!


Callaghan hears a knock on his door. Without lifting his head up from his duties, he grunted briefly to himself before calling out in a firm tone.

Nathan Callaghan: Whoever it is…you know I’m busy. But I guess I’ll make time. Come in.

Slowly but surely, the door opened up…

In stepped one of the brightest up and comers working for Liberty Pro Wrestling: Nora Lee. She closed the door behind her, and stood in front of it while folding her arms in a passive aggressive manner.

Nora Lee: Hey, Nathan. There’s something I need to talk to you about.

Upon hearing the peeved tone of one of Liberty’s bright young stars, Callaghan looked up from his desk.

Nathan Callaghan: And what...might...that be?? You sound like you had a bad day, young lady. What could possibly have you annoyed already when you’ve just gotten here?

Taken back by the responsiveness of Liberty’s owner, Nora raised an eyebrow.

Nathan Callaghan: Come sit down. Talk to me.

Nora, dressed casually in blue jeans and a white sleeveless blouse, approached the desk...taking a seat in an armchair facing the front of Callaghan’s desk. Lee took off her eyeglasses before clearing her throat.

Sure, Nora was noted to be a bold young woman. However, Nathan had a bit of a fearsome presence being an older owner of a successful promotion.

Nora Lee: Nathan, I was just wondering….do you trust The Process?

Nathan’s sat back in his seat...placing his hand on his chin.

Nathan Callaghan: You are a pretty lady with or without those glasses.

Shaking her head, Nora let out a sigh.

Nora Lee: I asked you a question. But judging by your reply, you’d say no to giving me an opportunity to represent both America AND Canada by letting me wrestle for the CanAm Championship. That’s something every wrestler on this roster wants...and I damned sure don’t want No Man’s Land to be the last time I’d get that chance.

Lee scoffed to herself.

Nora Lee: I lose one match, Nathan. One match and you treat me like I’m some afterthought already. You of all people know how hard I worked to get back to a point where I can compete in the ring.

A serious expression formed on the face of the well respected Callaghan.

Nathan Callaghan: You have talent. No one’s debating that. Losing one match isn’t the reason I would say no to you getting a shot at the CanAm belt. You answered the question to your own problem. I do know how hard you fought to come back from injury upon injury, lady. I know you personally called Liam to help you through that, and as your friend, he did. The reason is right there under your little nose.

Nora Lee: What?

Nora said, refusing to believe Nathan just said what she thought he said.

Nathan Callaghan: The CanAm Championship, as you said, is a prestigious prize. One of the biggest opportunities for any Liberty or Empire talent to double their exposure in the wrestling business. I can’t risk a CanAm Champion going down for months. That’s not just any prize.

WHAP!


Nora slapped the desk with her palm!

Nora Lee: So coming back from an ACL tear means I can’t get the same opportunities as everyone else here?! Nathan!

There was an awkward silence for a moment.

Nathan Callaghan: I’m sorry, maybe try for another goal.

Lee let out another loud scoff before putting her glasses back on.

Nora Lee: Nathan….You know I respect you. But...if you think this is over...Ugh! I’ll have to take matters into my OWN hands.

The Process got up out of the chair before strutting out of Nathan Callaghan’s office.

BACKSTAGE
We cut to the back where a beaten down and exhuasted Cole Gregory is in his locker room he has a towel over his head as he leans back against the bank of lockers in the room. He lets out small sigh as he slowly sits up straight and pulls the towel off his head.

Cole Gregory: I almost had it.. it was, it was right at my fingertips.

He lets out a small sigh.

Cole Gregory: I guess it was kind of ambitious and silly to thing my first match here in Liberty would end up with a championship but then again, Riley Savell did it last show. And Paz did it in Vengeance this week… So I guess it could have happened but man. In the end, I guess it makes me want it more, push for it more.

He nods his head and slightly smiles.

Cole Gregory: I’m coming for gold here in Liberty… No doubt about that, you’ll see me with one soon.

He smiles before tossing the towel on the camera.

MATCH TWO: SINGLES MATCH
Nora Lee vs Vitor Mata
wrote:
Winner: Nora Lee
Finishing Move: Philadelphia Plunge
Near Falls: Nora Lee (2), Vitor Mata (0)
Match Length: 05:01

Match Notes:
Nora controlled the match from bell to bell, starting off early with a hurricanrana that seemed to fluster Vitor. As Mata tried regaining composure, Lee kept the pressure on, hitting a one handed bulldog and then a standing moonsault. Mata did manage to fight off another hurricanrana attempt by hitting a powerbomb, but instead of going for a cover, Mata taunted. The showboating came back to haunt him as Nora would hit a schoolgirl pin, and score a near fall. Mata missed a clothesline and fell victim to another schoolgirl pin, but Mata would again kick out at a two count. Nora maintained the attention and adoration of the fans by hitting a spinning headscissors takedown. Finally, she screamed out that the match was over and then proceeded to hit the Philadelphia Plunge sitout facebuster. Nora pinned Mata and picked up the victory.

Post Match:
Nora celebrated getting back in the win column by playing to the fans. She exited the ring and clapped hands with a few fans ringside before heading to the backstage area with a smile on her face.

PRE-RECORDED
The broadcast flickered elsewhere to focus on a pre-recorded video featuring a merry-go-round. The merry-go-round contained the usual horses colored in pastel pinks, blues and whites, dressed in glittery manes with stylized saddles each different than the last. Each horse was designed differently, the generic childhood ride continuing to spin with a cheery tune playing in the background until the plastic black Clydesdale complete with menacing features slowly galloped around towards the front.

Coda: For two hundred and four days, I held a championship in my possession. I brought it to prominence and many began to refer to me as the best champion in the entire federation's history.

The camera caught sight of Coda dressed in full equestrian gear complete with a helmet, a button-downed long-sleeved black shirt with four buttons in the shape of a square and long tight gray pants with flat boots as she rode the plastic Clydesdale centered on the camera's focus.

Coda: I do not say this to be braggadocious but instead, I say this to impress upon you the fact that during this reign, I sought after a worthy successor to dethrone me from this reign but others were so inferior that it took nearly seven months for this to happen. I say this to illustrate why I arrived at Liberty Pro and that is to seek out worthy opponents who would prove to be a challenge instead of the worthless filth who prove to be ultimately unsatisfying to defeat.

Those cold unfeeling eyes glared towards anyone who would be willing to watch, her hands carefully holding onto the muscular horse as she continued to travel around the circumference of the merry-go-round.

Coda: Succeeding in Liberty Pro has proved to be more of a challenge.

She pauses momentarily to consider the rest of the roster.

Coda: The Society uses group tactics to gain the advantage in such a competitive atmosphere. Melissa Reeves stands at the front of the crowd with the Liberty Pro Championship over her shoulder despite the world-class talent employed under the Liberty Pro banner. Riley Savell and the rest of The Ascendancy never cease to impress. The newly crowded CanAm Champion, Helena Noir, fought against 22 other talented fighters to claim the gold and despite it all...

The woman riding the plastic horse sighs.

Coda: I have ceased to impress. I have grown complacent in my endeavors. It is as if I have fallen into a repetitive loop which consists of wishing my opponents will prove to be a worthy competitor yet never reaching these standards myself. Have I grown so accustomed to competing against filth that I have ceased to grow stronger? Have I fallen into a rut, destined to circle around the same stationary path until the end of this career of mine?

Her usually confident exterior seemed to be spiraling in doubt until her eyebrows furrowed with intensity.

Coda: I am not satisfied with this outcome.

The merry-go-round began to slow down but the camera focused on Coda all the while.

Coda: I do not care for the relationship between the former Liberty Pro Tag Team Champions Avery Smith and Emily Jackson. Despite their immense talent as a team, the two continue to brawl in search of their true selves. It would be a noble undertaking if it was not so pathetic.

The merry-go-round continued to slow as the music distorted at such a slow pace.

Coda: I do not care for the relationship between Romeo Black and Emily Jackson either. Finding love is an admirable thing but it does not equate to being talented in the ring. Emily has shown she has chosen the wrong partner in the past. I see nothing indicating she has chosen correctly this time.

Coda smirked smugly as the ride slowed to a crawl.

Coda: Let us speak the truth: I will make the actions committed on Emily Jackson by Avery Smith at the end of their No Man's Land bout look like child's play and I will not need to break the rules to do so. I will do the same to Romeo Black, the man who could not survive nearly as long in the CanAm Championship battle royale as my tag team partner Honey, and I can assure you...

The merry-go-round came to a complete stop. Coda dismounted off the plastic Clydesdale with the step embedded into the side of the plastic.

Coda: Honey and I will walk out of the Hammerstein Ballroom the victors while the two of you? Well... I hardly doubt you'll be walking at all.

Hopping off of the merry-go-round, Coda confidently walks across a large stretch of grass until finally, she arrives at her destination: a real live black Clydesdale horse almost identical to the plastic variety who was trapped in the merry-go-round by a large pole impaled through his abdomen. She expertly mounted the horse using a mounting block at the horse's side. She rests her feet on the stirrups once she's in position and proudly glances towards the camera once again.

Coda: Do not pay any mind to the things Avery Smith has done to the two of you for the past month or so. Do not let the official of this match distract you from two of the strongest opponents you've ever fought in your entire careers.

She started to command the horse to slowly gallop forward.

Coda: Should ignoring Avery be a challenge for the two of you, I will occupy your thoughts by tearing your flesh, breaking your will, and destroying every ounce of hope that you could ever defeat us.

With a bright smile, Coda politely commanded the horse to gracefully run forward towards the horizon.

Coda: It is good to be back.

Coda's words are quietly spoken right before she disappears from view.

MATCH THREE: TAG TEAM MATCH
New Jet City (Chelsea & Keisha) vs Izzi Grimes & Finn Brady
wrote:
Winner: New Jet City
Finishing Move: The Gold Standard
Near Falls: Chelsea Quik (1), Keisha Quickens (2), Izzi Grimes (2), Finn Brady (1)
Match Length: 05:32

Match Notes:
The match started off with Izzi on the offensive against Chelsea Quik. She showed off an array of skills, almost keeping Chelsea down a few times but Izzi couldn’t get the job done. Eventually Chelsea knocked Izzi down and tagged in Keisha, while Izzi got Finn into the match. Keisha dominated most of this interaction before Keisha leaped off of the top ropes and Finn caught her before dropping her with a thunderous spinebuster. The two laid out for a moment but Finn got up and he tried to finish off Keisha but she hit him with a hurricanrana and Chelsea tagged herself in from behind. Chelsea hit the top ropes and nailed The Gold Standard (Corkscrew Shooting Star Press). Keisha held off Izzi as Chelsea pinned and got the three count.

Post Match:
New Jet City celebrated their victory, keeping up with their momentum as Izzi and Finn gave them both props for their victory. They then took their leave, letting Chelsea and Keisha celebrate in the ring on their own.

EARLIER TODAY
Cutting backstage we see Honey hanging up a detective hat and coat with a magnifying glass poking out of her pocket, something she wore in Mexico and would the very next day but not tonight.

Honey: Okey dokey. Liberty time and I'm feeling fine!

She says marching in as a cameraman approaches her with Tim Anderson sporting one of Honey's Super Falcon Style t-shirts on. Honey, hotdog in hand, comes to a standstill upon seeing it.

Honey: My T-Shirt!

She points right at it. Tim responds with a slight wince in his face.

Tim Anderson: You took my hotdog last week, please don't take my shirt too.

Honey: I didn't take your hotdog! Um, here.

She offers her own, which Tim takes a moment to take but does so cautiously and Honey takes hold of the microphone.

Honey: Can I use this, please?

Tim nods but takes a step back in case Honey suddenly got violent with it.

Honey: Ok! So, I wanted to say to my friend Coda that I'm excited to be teaming with her again! We had a good conversation on Twitter about elephants. They're her favourite animal and stuff, because they can suck water up and go Bahooo!

Honey uses one of her hands like it was a trunk to do the action as she imitates the noise.

Honey: And splash it over themselves.

It is at this point Tim laughs but swallows some of the hotdog in the process and starts to hold his chest.

Honey: And I know we can win against Romeo Black and Emily Jackson too. I remember at, like, No Man's Land…

Honey holds two fingers to the camera

Honey: Night two, Emily got, like, bopped on the head by our referee tonight. But I have a present!

And Honey unveils her book with a flower ribbon stuck to it by double sided tape. The code and conduct of referees in wrestling. The book cover features a watermark referee shirt with the title.

Honey: To, like make sure you keep things fair when we wrestle in the square. That's one of the BIG things in Super Falcon Style! Um, could you give this to him, Mr. Anderson?

Honey says as he tries to sign to Honey he's got food lodged in his throat. Honey bursts to the rescue and uses a good pull to dislodge the food and send it shooting out of Tim's mouth as he begins to breath heavily and getting the air back in his lungs.

Honey: Are you ok!??

Tim: I'm….just….fine…

And Honey takes his word as bond as she passes over the book to him in his hands.

Honey: Can you give this to Avery Smith?

He nods and waves her off, taking the book but more interested in regaining his breath.

Honey: I wonder if Elephants get peanuts stuck in their trunk…

It makes Honey think as the camera fades to black with Honey rubbing her chin and narrowing her eyes.

MATCH FOUR: TAG TEAM MATCH
Coda & Honey vs Romeo Black & Emily Jackson w/Avery Smith as Special Guest Referee
wrote:
Winner: Coda & Honey
Finishing Move: Frog Splash
Near Falls: Coda (1), Honey (1), Emily Jackson (0), Romeo Black (0)
Match Length: 03:22

Match Notes:
The match seemed to start off with no foul play as Avery pretended as if she would call a clean match. Eventually Emily hit Honey with a superkick and pinned her but Avery counted to one then stopped the count. Emily and Avery started to argue back and forth as Honey made the tag in to Coda. Avery then hit Emily with a headlock driver. Romeo got into the ring and charged Avery but Coda, who didn’t care about the beef between Avery and Emily and Romeo, charged in and took Romeo out with a running high knee. Coda then told Honey to hit the top ropes, which she did before leaping off and hitting Emily with a frog splash. Coda then pinned Emily and Avery did a quick three count.

Post Match:
Coda and Honey were announced the winners but they seemed conflicted. Avery grabbed a chair from the outside and rolled into the ring, looking to do more damage to Emily and Romeo but Honey pulled the chair from Avery. An enraged Avery charged Honey but Coda cut her off with a brutal superkick. Avery went flying out of the ring and Coda stared her down. Meanwhile, Honey checked on Romeo and Emily.

RINGSIDE
The lights in the Hammerstein Ballroom dimmed, and a thick fog covered the entrance stage right when the first notes of “Noir” by Shandon started playing from the PA system. Welcomed by a thunderous ovation, Helena Noir walked out from the curtain, the usual confident smile on her face and the Can-Am Championship wrapped around her waist. She walked down the ramp with a slow, steady pace, her eyes locked to the centre of the ring, looking focused as always. But despite her attempt to hide it, she couldn’t stay unresponsive to the great reception her home crowd, and a gloating smirk broke through the stern expression on her face. She eventually stepped between the ropes, standing in the middle of the ring with the microphone in her hand, while the music slowly started to fade.

Helena Noir: “Well, it feels good to be back home…”


She has never been one looking for cheap pops, and it wasn’t the case this time either. Truth was she always had a special bond with the Hammerstein Ballroom, some of her fondest memories, the highest career peaks and the lowest valleys took place here.

Helena Noir: “And as you can see, I brought a nice souvenir from my last trip to Syracuse.”

She unbuckled the title from around her waist and raised it for everyone to see, before resting it on her shoulder.

Helena Noir: “Last time I was here, in this ring, I came this close to beat Warren Corbett for the Anarchy Championship, and it took Isabella Strickland to prevent me from accomplishing that goal. The moment I realized it, I made myself a promise. At No Man’s Land I was going to end this thing with her, once and for all. And that’s exactly what I did. But in this business, as soon as a chapter finishes, the next one starts. The night after that, I stepped in an overcrowded ring with 22 other superstars from both companies. And then, when the smoke cleared and the dust settled, I was the last woman standing. I became your first Can-Am Champion.”

The fans started chanting her name.

Helena Noir: “Tonight, I’m going to write another page in what I can assure you will be a long story. Nathan Callaghan thought it was fitting that my first opponent should be the newest addition to the Liberty roster, someone who recently established herself in Canada… Katie Anderson. Her first match is going to be a title match. I guess our boss has high expectations for his new signee, I almost feel sorry for shattering them right out of the box. Because, let’s be honest, it doesn’t matter how many times she tries to convince herself she can beat me. All her threats sounds so desperately empty, all her confidence is nothing but a fragile facade to hide the awareness that she can’t measure up. Not without reason, her recent reign as EPW Extreme Champion was a joke. Won under circumstances that I would call shady, if that wasn’t the understatement of the century. Well, tonight there will be no management to help her getting my title, no chair, table or any other foreign object she can use to even the field.
It’s just you and me, Katie.
And we both know how this is going to the end.
Welcome to New York. Welcome to my home.”

Dropping the microphone with a thud, she moved back in her corner, waiting for her opponent.

MATCH FIVE: CanAm CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Helena Noir© vs Katie Anderson
wrote:
Winner: Helena Noir
Finishing Move: Fondu Au Noir
Near Falls: Helena Noir (2), Katie Anderson (2)
Match Length: 09:00

Match Notes:
The debut of Katie Anderson was exactly what you would expect, beautiful and dirty. The former champion in Empire came out aggressive, using cheap tactics such as hair pulling and then stepping on the hair of her opponent, the Can-Am champion, Helena Noir. Katie scored a pair of near falls early on, but the champion was resilient, kicking out both times. Helena found herself fighting the corner cutting challenger with an array of roundhouse kicks as well as going for submissions more often than not. Katie managed to scramble to the ropes to force a break with each submission applied, showing off her ring awareness. Helena hit a corner dropkick and scored a near fall, followed by a snap suplex into another pin attempt, with the same result of the challenger kicking out. Katie fought back into things, and tried ending the match with a roll-up, placing her feet on the middle rope for leverage but Helena still kicked out. The match came to a painful end for Katie when Helena managed to hit Fondu Au Noir, scoring the submission victory and retaining her Can-Am championship.


Post Match:
Katie didn't take losing her debut in stride, instead she chose to make a statement. Anderson clubbed Noir in the back of the head with a forearm smash which caused Noir to drop her championship. Katie would pick the championship up and would then smack Noir in the face with it, knocking her out cold. Katie held the championship up proudly and exclaimed 'it will be mine soon' before dropping the championship on top of Noir and exiting the ring.

BACKSTAGE
Scarlett Highland: I can't believe I have to wrestle him, AGAIN! I feel like half of my matches have been against this career LOSER!

The fans boo as Scarlett Highland is seen on the big screen with her Liberty Trials championship over her shoulder.

Scarlett Highland: Seriously, Brendan Callaghan has attempted to make my life a living h-e-double hockey sticks. He's messed with my championship, my makeup, and even my HAIR! I've beat him time and time again, and somehow, someway, he gets ANOTHER title shot. Now, without rocking the boat because Nathan is the best boss ever, I feel like someone else had to make this decision. Maybe Nathan was busy with the Girls of Summer, but Brendan doesn't deserve a shot at this.

Scarlett smacks the championship.

Scarlett Highland: The only silver lining here is that WHEN I beat Brendan, AGAIN, he can no longer challenger for any championship for an undisclosed amount of time. That means no Trials title shot, no Liberty title shot, no anything...

Highland smirks.

Scarlett Highland: So tonight, while you fight for a championship, I'll be fighting to basically end your championship dreams here, Bren-Bren. And if you haven't noticed?

She flips her pink hair and then rubs her championship once more.

Scarlett Highland: I usually get what I want, loser. See you out there.

BACKSTAGE
The scene opens to a shot of Brendan Callaghan on his knees by his locker with his eyes closed and palms together. In prayer. Like the man child he is. Hanging on the hooks inside the locker are his wrestling tights and boots and on the floor next to him is his bag left wide open, its contents just spilling out haphazardly. ‘Cause he’s like, yup you guessed it, a child. Among the things are his phone, a pair of socks, a jacket, a whole bunch of keys to who knows what, a Swiss Army knife and a bottle of hot taco sauce.

Brendan Callaghan: Dear God, thank You for this opportunity that is another shot at the Trials championship.

He grins.

Brendan Callaghan: Bet Scarlett’s really pissed about it. I know she’s been going out there wrestling these matches outside Liberty. I can respect the effort put in ‘cause I’ll never do that. You and I both know it’s not in my nature to be so hardworking. Huh? Huh? Haha!

He gently taps his temple and points his finger towards the ceiling, as if he and God are in an actual mutual agreement. At least he likes to think so.

Brendan Callaghan: But Scarlett just lost to Kaelan Quinn at VPW a few days ago so no CWC US title for her! And tonight she’s got her Trials title in jeopardy yet again. Thank You for punishing Scarlett. She’s caused me a lot of shit for months so this helps.

His smile grows obnoxiously wider as he chuckles. Then he stops for a moment to sigh and his tone changes slightly.

Brendan Callaghan: Things have been going pretty well for me in other areas too. I don’t know why the sudden turn but thank You for bringing joy back in my family again. Liam and Ryan are happily married, Sean has a baby on the way, Noel is happy doing her thing I don’t really um know but at least she seems in a good place and Codie’s doing well in her music and stuff. So it’s all great.

The annoying grin becomes soft and sincere by this point, his eyes still closed, but there’s a positive energy almost radiating from him.

Brendan Callaghan: And for me? Well, there’s Jade. You know how terrible I am with relationships. I always say the wrong things that get me in trouble. But she’s still here, voluntarily I might add. She’s awesome and I care about her a lot.

The corner of his lips rise with a smirk.

Brendan Callaghan: And that smokin’ body too! Thank You! Oops probably not the most appropriate thing to talk to You about but Y’know! Okay, okay, if Ma were here, she’d smack me upside the head. I’ll stop now.

He clears his throat before moving on in his list of gratitude.

Brendan Callaghan: And thank You, God, for those delicious cakes that Coral and Nami always make. Especially the chocolate fudge caramel and pecans—

He quickly wipes the drool from the side of his mouth.

Brendan Callaghan: Yeah, yeah, I know Dad sent them and Scarlett after me but why? I have no fucking clue. He keeps putting me in these matches to chase after gold I don’t even want and when I lose, it’s back to facing Scarlett and well here we are. Again. I’m kinda tired. Aren’t you tired too, God? Help a guy out, would ya?

He frowns, scratching the back of his head.

Brendan Callaghan: I’m just asking. You don’t have to feel obligated, I’m just me, ya know? Nobody special. But I do enjoy our little talks. I’m sorry we haven’t done it as often ever since I fell in my slump. It’s not that I stopped believing, I would never! I was just confused. And kinda hurt… But I’m okay now.

He nods and sighs.

Brendan Callaghan: And whatever happens tonight with the match, I’ll be alright then too. I’m a Callaghan. If I get knocked down, I’ll get back up and turn around and walk the other way! It’s just better that way. My brothers are the more aggressive fighter type. I’m just chill. I mean, wrestling’s fun but I guess I’m not as passionate and driven as they are or whatever. I take what I can get.

He shrugs.

Brendan Callaghan: Good talk! I gotta go now but before I do… Thank You for finally getting great-tasting tacos in catering so I don’t have to smuggle in my own! Just the hot sauce bottle now!

He grins, showing off his pearly whites. With a sigh, he opens his eyes and notices the camera for the first time. His eyes nearly bulge out of their sockets and his cheeks redden with embarrassment when he realizes it’s caught every word he just said. Still with his hands clasped together, he only gets to utter two words before the scene abruptly cuts.

Brendan Callaghan: Oh God.

Scarlett Highland© vs Brendan Callaghan
wrote:
Winner: Scarlett Highland
Finishing Move: Count Out
Near Falls: Brendan Callaghan (4), Scarlett (3)
Match Length: 07:33

Match Notes:
Brendan Callaghan showcased why he is more talented than many people give him credit for in this match up. Callaghan kept Scarlett on her toes in the early portion of this match up, getting the Trials champion riled up with three consecutive roll up pin attempts which took a hit on Scarlett's cardio. Highland fought back mid match, using a rake of the eyes to gain the temporary advantage. From there, Highland used a variety of kicks to pick up a few near falls, but Brendan wouldn't go down without a fight with so much at stake for him. Callaghan fought back, getting the fans behind him. Brendan connected with his 'Awesome as Fuck Kapow' springboard forearm smash but right before he was able to pin Scarlett, the lights went out in the Hammerstein Ballroom. When the lights came back on, the monstrous Voidstar was standing face to face with Brendan. Brendan’s eyes widened and it looked like he had just seen a ghost as the menacing Voidstar glared at him. When Voidstar motioned towards Brendan, the eldest Callaghan son quickly slid under the bottom rope and then jumped over the barricade. From there, Callaghan ran through the fans and exited the ringside area as Voidstar gave chase, giving Scarlett the win via count out.

Post Match:
The referee laid the Trials championship on the chest of Scarlett who came to and seemed utterly confused. When she realized she retained her championship, she demanded the referee help her up. She then kissed her championship and forced the referee to raise her hand three times to a chorus of boos. Highland then went on to tell the fans that she ended Brendan Callaghan's championship dreams once and for all.

BACKSTAGE
The cameras catch the slender form of the twins Coral and Nami Azul as they walk the back hallways of the venue, arms linked and heads together as they talked with low voices. They’re dressed for the upcoming Handicap Match against the leader of The Society, Becky Balfour-Lawless of course, though they seem if by body language and tone annoyed more than anything else. Coral’s voice floats up, and as the camera follows them she raises it a little more, showing that the twins are aware that they’re being followed.

Coral Azul: I think I’ve finally figured it out, Nami. They’re like the Hyenas from Lion King, and Seth Lawless is Scar. Not potent enough to be King in his own right, but smart enough to gather in a flock of people that are disenfranchised and want more than what little scraps life throws their way.

Nami Azul: Oh my God that’s a five dollar word. You think we should, you know, define it for the fans and the lessers?

Coral shrugs lightly, but there’s a snicker under her voice.

Coral Azul: I’m sure that the smarter ones will be able to figure it out via context. One of them will have to tell Becky though. Can you BELIEVE she had no idea what scrapple is? I mean holy shit, I know it’s regional but don’t they get the Food Network in like every fucking hotel in the country now?

Nami Azul: I wonder if they let her eat it before they told her what it is?

Coral Azul: Wow that is way funnier on second thought if they did.

The pair high five and then continue to walk on.

Coral Azul: But back to Liberty’s own loser end of the Lion King story. They’re riding high right about now. They think they’re untouchable because they know how to cheat, or take advantage of a situation. I mean, they’re wrong, and they haven’t figured out how wrong, but it’s coming. Snide shitshow comments on Twitter, blowing dust into the eyes of wrestlers far superior, stealing a roll up or a handful of tights, paying someone to distract, or doing it themselves. Of course they do this because it works. I mean they stole Empire’s belts with dirty tactics, and I’d applaud that, the outsmarting for a time aspect of it all is kind of appealing.

Nami nods, and lightly uses the inside of her wrist to polish the faceplate of her belt.

Nami Azul: It’s the whining, excuse making, demanding toddler cry-baby bitch fits that no one respects or likes really. Champions get a mark of respect just for being able to gain the gold, and everyone knows it. But they shit on all the other champions and then want the rest of the locker to kowtow to them and that’s not how it works. I mean that’s how you get sand scorpions in your boots, but not how you get respect. Garbage begets garbage.

Coral turns to look over her shoulder, resting her cheek against Nami’s as she navigates.

Coral Azul: Right now, they’re plotting and snickering, and for all I know Becky Dolorous is going to roofie a bottle of water and squirt us with it. Hapless. Irritating, vapid cow. Don’t cry for attention, don’t insult people better than you, and don’t use the suffering of others to elevate yourself. You are at the end of the day, someone that’s going to die alone and it’s because you’re going to have driven away anyone that actually loves you and doesn’t use you to elevate themselves for a brief time just because you know how to create a spectacle. Being mildly entertaining and having a ton of people wanting to kick your ass is fine, because it makes money in the short term, but it’s not going to replace the things that you actually desperately need to have a lasting career in this business.

Coral turns back around, and Nami now looks back over her shoulder.

Nami Azul: I was in fact going to make the obvious cult leader and newsworthy joke but Becky? I’ve already wasted more time talking about you than you’ve earned for tonight. Toodles.

The pair bounce off down the hall, jiggling very unnecessarily extra as the do, and laughing as they round a corner.

BACKSTAGE
The scene cut backstage to Nathan Callaghan sitting down in his office. He was wearing a pair of reading glasses as he looked over paperwork on his desk when a knock on the door could be heard. Nathan looked up with a furrowed brow.

Nathan Callaghan: This better be good. Come in!

The door opened and in walked the voice of #TheSociety, Becky Balfour-Lawless.

Becky Balfour-Lawless: I hope I'm not disturbing anything. Are your girlfriends around?

Becky walked into the office and immediately put her hand on his desk and pushed the stack of paperwork to the floor.

Becky Balfour-Lawless: Do I have your attention now?

Before Nathan could respond, Becky was continuing.

Becky Balfour-Lawless: A handicap match, against THEM? Why? I traveled to Florida on two days notice to defend the CWC tag team championship's to keep them under the Liberty banner. I went to Empire and made a statement when Seth and I took THEIR tag titles and brought them back to you. Yet here I stand, a victim of favoritism and bias. Is it because my hair is no longer blonde?

Becky sat on the desk, facing Callaghan. The wife of Seth Lawless was wearing her black and white ring gear with the bold #TheSociety logo over her chest.

Nathan scoffed and shook his head.

Nathan Callaghan: I've done nothing but given you opportunities. Have I said you never earned them? No, I didn't. But you want me to praise you? I don't give praise to anyone, not even the current Liberty Champion. The fans can praise you, your peers can praise you, but I won't because you're doing your job and now? Now your job is harder tonight because of your shitty little attitude.

Nathan looked down at his papers that Becky shoved onto the floor and then back at her.

Nathan Callaghan: Tread lightly or else Seth will defend those Empire Tag Team Championships against The Zombies without Trent.

Becky Balfour-Lawless: That's bullshit. You never wanted me to be your champion, which is why you won't give me a rematch, but you know what? I'll play your game. Tonight, the Girls of Summer will need dual hospital beds after me and my Followers get done with them.

Becky kicked her legs in the air as she hopped off the desk, standing face to face with Nathan Callaghan.

Becky Balfour-Lawless: And Nate? It's you that needs to tread lightly. The only way you run things around here is based off of a piece of paper that calls you the boss, but I promise you...#TheSociety are running the asylum. We're the inmates. We're the correction officers, and we're the executioners.

Balfour-Lawless put a hand on his shoulder.

Becky Balfour-Lawless: Are we clear?

Nathan looked down at her hand and smiled widely, clearly it amused him. He looked back up into Becky's eyes and nodded.

Nathan Callaghan: We're clear... And you want a shot, right? Then fine. Beat Girls of Summer tonight and you fight Melissa Reeves for the Liberty Championship next week.

Becky immediately removed her hand, clearly pleased with the stipulation choice.

Becky Balfour-Lawless: You made the right decision. Tonight, I'll do what I've been doing from day one, and that's overcoming the odds, and proving you and every single one of my detractors wrong. Give the girls a kiss, it might be the last one they'll be able to return for the forseeable future.

Becky looked back down at the desk and picked up a framed photo of the Girls of Summer. She turned it upside down with a laugh as she made her way to the door of the office.

Nathan held out his hand as he called out for Becky.

Nathan Callaghan: Oh! Becky, one last thing!

Becky stopped at the door and turned around, leaning her back against it.

Becky Balfour-Lawless: What is it?

Nathan grabbed the photo of Girls of Summer before leaning back in his chair and studying the photo.

Nathan Callaghan: God damn I love them.

Nathan smiled and let out a happy sigh before looking up at Becky. He stared at her for a bit until his demeanor changed and he was now glaring at her with anger. He finally spoke, and there was a harsh tone to his voice.

Nathan Callaghan: I forgot to mention that you CWC World Tag Team Championships will be on the line and if any single person in #TheSociety so much as shows their ugly fucking face during the match, you will be disqualified and will lose the Tag Team Championships. Got it?

He leaned back and kicked his feet up on his desk before a sinister smile crept over his face.

Nathan Callaghan: Good luck, beautiful.

Becky looked as if she saw a ghost as her eyes went to the floor. The 'voice' of #TheSociety couldn't find hers as she turned and walked out of Nathan's office with a puzzled look on her face, knowing she was in for possibly the most challenging match of her career so far.

MATCH SEVEN: FIRST BLOOD MATCH
Riley Savell vs Daniela Pacelli
wrote:
Winner: Daniella Pacelli
Finishing Move: Running Knee
Near Falls: N/A
Match Length: 11:55

Match Notes:
There was obviously no love lost at the beginning of this contest as Riley and Dani exchanged words, insulting slaps and then full on punches as things got under way. Riley was concerned with protecting her existing injuries, specifically the gash to her forehead that she sustained during her street fight with Becky Balfour-Lawless. Riley tried to make this match a brawl, hoping to bust Dani open in the process. Dani however wanted to play to her strengths and instead put on a technical display of chain wrestling that ended with her locking Riley’s injured arm in her finisher, the Fujiwara armbar. Riley tapped, not wanting her arm to be damaged even further but the referee was powerless to intervene as this was a first blood match and submissions didn’t apply. Realizing the situation Dani quickly released the hold, not wanting to injure Riley’s arm any worse than it already was. The two exchanged a few words and then it was right back to it. It was a back and forth slugfest with Riley beginning to get the better of the exchange as this was more her type of match. A small flury by Dani changed her fortunes and the ending came when Dani planted a kick into Riley’s gut and then followed with a running high knee. Riley’s head snapped back, she banged heads with Dani and then fell to the mat with blood dripping from the wound on her forehead. The referee immediately called for the bell but when turned around he saw that Dani was dazed and bleeding on the canvas from her and Riley knocking heads. After a brief consultation it was announced that Dani was the official winner as the referee saw Riley bleeding first and therefore called an end to the match.

Post Match:
Riley plead her case to the referee, insisting that it should’ve been a draw as they both started bleeding at the same time but her words fell on deaf ears. With both wrestlers bleeding all over the canvas there was a short break while members of the ring crew wiped up some of the blood before moving on to the remainder of the night’s matches.

BACKSTAGE
The scene cut backstage to Nathan Callaghan walking down the hallway when he’s cut off by Tessa Sweet.

Tessa Sweet: Nathan, is the upcoming handicap match really for the CWC Tag Team Championships?

Nathan grinned and nodded.

Nathan Callaghan: They are. If Girls of Summer beat Becky Balfour, then they become the CWC World Tag Team Champions.

Tessa Sweet: But if they lose, Becky gets a shot at Melissa Reeves?

Nathan scoffed and rolled his eyes.

Nathan Callaghan: They won’t lose, don’t say that shit, you hear me?

Tessa in turn rolled her own eyes.

Tessa Sweet: Sure. So, what do you have to say about the appearance of Voidstar? Why is he targeting Brendan?

A devilish grin crossed Nathan’s face as he shrugged his shoulders.

Nathan Callaghan: I haven’t a clue, Tessa, not a damn clue.

Nathan walked off whistling some happy tune as Tessa faced the camera.

Tessa Sweet: There you have it folks, Nathan Callaghan most definitely ‘didn’t hire’ Voidstar to stalk his troublesome son.

Tessa used quotations marks on the ‘didn’t hire’ part and when she finished, she gave the camera a grin and a nod before the scene cut to ringside.

MATCH EIGHT: HANDICAPPED MATCH FOR THE CWC TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS
Becky Balfour vs Girls of Summer
wrote:
Winner: Becky Balfour-Lawless
Finishing Move: Hear Me Out
Near Falls: Girls of Summer (5), Becky Balfour-Lawless (2)
Match Length: 08:31

Match Notes:
The handicapped match between the first ever Liberty champion and the current tag team champions had so much more at stake with the CWC Tag team championships now being on the line, as was a chance at Liberty champion, Melissa Reeves. Becky started out by attacking Coral as the twins were trying to decide who should start the match. The former Liberty champion worked over the arm of Coral for nearly two minutes, locking her in an armbar but Coral fought it off and escaped the hold. Coral tagged Nami in, which sparked new life in the Liberty tag team champions. Nami picked up a few near falls with some high flying maneuvers. Becky showed resiliency, kicking out. Coral tagged back in and this time the blonde was the one in control as she hit double backhand chops to Balfour-Lawless. Coral and Nami made quick tags from this point, opting to keep each other fresh. The tide turned when one of The Followers at ringside distracted Nami on the ring apron, which also lead to Coral looking back to see what was going on. Becky took advantage of the distraction and hit the 'Hear Me Out' reverse ddt after screaming in the ear of her opponent. Becky made the pin and picked up the win, with Nami still distracted by The Followers.

Post Match:
Nami pulled Coral out of the ring as The Followers entered the ring and hoisted Becky onto their shoulders in celebration. As the ring was literally covered with Followers, Nathan Callaghan came to the top of the entranceway. He shook his head at Becky's tactics to win, but then gave her a light round of applause, showing that he still respected her will to win, even against odds as strong as the Liberty tag team champions. Becky motioned around her waist, claiming she would be the only two time Liberty Pro champion after her rematch with Melissa Reeves.

BACKSTAGE
Backstage and Melissa Reeves, Liberty Champion, is standing outside of her locker room. She’s wearing her ring gear and looks ready to go.

Melissa: So here we go again. Another day, another title defence.

She nods.

Melissa: You know, it’s not even my first defence this week. But that’s my life now. This is what I do. I come out, week after week, and I continually defend what’s mine. I build my reputation higher and higher, each win just one more layer of brick.

She uses her hands to demonstrate the layers building and building.

Melissia: Today it’s Isabella Strickland. Now, she’s someone who I used to be fairly cool with. But ever since Ana Hayden turned but, she’s been nothing but a lapdog.

She imitates a dog, panting and patting her own head.

Melissa: Sure, she can fight, but is she Liberty Champion calibre? No. But, of course, she won’t come alone. No, no, no, that’s just how it is with them, huh?

A shrug.

Melissa: Fine by me. Because no matter who I face - whether it’s Isabella, Ana, both or the anyone else - the outcome will not change. I walk in as the Liberty Champion.

Reeves gets in real close to the camera.

Melissa: And I walk out as the Liberty Champion. See you guys out there.

She winks and heads off on her way.


MATCH NINE: SINGLES MATCH
Kris Ryans vs Zeke Reed
wrote:
Winner: No Contest
Finishing Move: N/A
Near Falls: N/A
Match Length: N/A

Match Notes:
As Zeke Reed waited in the ring for Kris Ryans to make his entrance, the camera feed switched to backstage. Kris was heading to the entrance way when Scarlett Highland came from behind and took Kris out from behind by nailing him with her Trials Championship in the back of the head. The Girls of Summer soon appeared and they all three started to stomp down on Kris for a few moments before it was clear he wasn’t getting up. Scarlett then bent over Kris with a grin on her face.

Scarlett Highland: I hope you learned your lesson, Kris. I’m a starlet and the first ever Trials Champion. But most of all, I hope you learned that you don’t mess with Nathan’s Angels.

Suddenly yelling can be heard and it’s Chelsea Quik and Keisha Quickens. They chase down the hallway and Girls of Summer and Scarlett Highland quickly leave the scene. Keisha and Chelsea stop at Kris, who’s now coming to. They bend over and check on him and he tells them that he’s okay before using the rest of his strength to push up to his feet. Kris tried to head to the ring before Chelsea and Keisha both cut him off.

Chelsea Quik: Tonight isn’t the night to be stubborn, you need to be checked out.

Kris sighed and nodded as he held the back of his head. The three then walked off as Keisha and Chelsea helped Kris to the trainers room.

EARLIER TONIGHT
The Zombie Vice Squad walk through the streets of Syracuse on their way to the stadium. Then they are joined by a large number of people in matching grey uniforms. They have suits on without ties. The women have short cropped hair and the men are fully shaved. A large number of them have Z’s painted on their foreheads. Siberia Zombie laughs as she leads the procession with Kowloon.

Siberia Zombie: We come here tonight to recover something important to us. Credibility. This is for our reputation and our peace of mind. These Empire Tag Team titles would ensure that we are what is needed in our federation. The old champions lie broke and abandoned and we earned our right to challenge. We know what The Society is capable of. We’ve seen their work and this is going to put us on the map. Yes, they will do this for us. We’ll show you something you’ve never seen before. We will match them and face them in their element, whatever that may be.

Kowloon points off to the side and the group behind them separates in two and turns down side streets.

Kowloon Zombie: When we win the titles we know there won’t be any parade when we get back home. No pats on the back or even a wink of congratulations. We will still hold up these titles proud of what we’ve done. The Society and ZVS is all the same to them. We will still lord over their tag team division and hold the titles proudly. Every time they see them they will know that they failed their own. The past champions, in the wind as they are, will feel their shame. It is the time for action but they will not be satisfied to quickly.

Siberia Zombie: So we take on the dog and the boyfriend. It should be a hard task but we are going to show all of you in New York that Empire is not so weak. We know how it looks, but we are the exception. We will show you all what they hope to brush off and hide now that the old manager is gone. We are her legacy and this win will be in her name. The Society is a strong group and it is going to be a challenge for us. We will work around everything they might throw at us and we will get the championships back. Not for our federation, but for what it could have been.

Kowloon. They are playing with us be we will be dead serious when we come for what is ours. The Society will know what we really are. This is not a fantasy. We are not your monsters of fiction. We are the hunger and drive to succeed. We are the Zombie Vice Squad, and we will be coming for what is ours.

They keep waking and the shot shows the large group behind them for a split second then they are alone again.

BACKSTAGE
Seth Lawless enters the picture. He is in military fatigues he has a barbed wire baseball bat in his hand and one half of the Empire Tag Team Titles around his waist. He smirks a bit as he looks at the bat and then back to the camera.

Seth Lawless: Honestly, this is the only way I know how to kill a zombie honestly.

Seth looks back at the baseball bat and shrugs his shoulders.

Seth Lawless: But honestly at least Empire finally listened. They are finally sending someone down to try and wrestle these tag team titles away from us. Unfortunately for them the Zombie Vice Squad of Kowloon and Siberia Zombie will not take them from us. Look, I don’t know if they asked to face Trent and I or they got the short end of the straw but when you put Trent and I together in a ring it isn’t going to end well for you.

He shakes his head again and pats the title with his left hand.

Seth Lawless: When Becky and I won these titles at No Man’s Land we told everyone that we would not go to Canada and defend these titles. As champions I feel we can somewhat make people come after us. This isn’t backing down from a fight it is being smart. It is using the champions advantage in all honesty.

He starts to walk around the room now with a bigger smile on his face.

Seth Lawless: If you people don’t like the tactics then you need to simply stop US. That is the problem though, no one can stop us and yeah maybe I’m talking a big game but I am Seth Two Belts Lawless now and well quite frankly I am on a damn high and I am not coming down from the mountain and the big man in Trent, he isn’t coming down either. He and I are a well oiled machine and some squad isn’t about to put down a family.

Suddenly, Trent Grundy enters the picture, smiling at Seth.

Trent Grundy: Family… thick blood, all united, never backing down. Empire, Liberty, doesn't matter. Lawless and Grundy, the Society as a whole, the name has taken over CWC like a plague, and anyone who gets in the ring with us suffers.

He glances to the championships, smacking the center plate on both.

Trent Grundy: Removing the head, or destroying the brain. That's how you take care of a zombie. And frankly, that's how we are gonna handle anyone who takes a step in our direction wrong. You are in the ring what we have always been to you out of it… faceless, nameless, thrown away. This well oiled wrecking machine of a duo that we are, we don't discriminate. Everything we walk in with, we walk out with. The only difference is that we will be leaving with your heads.

Seth looks at Trent and nods his head.

Seth Lawless: When Trent first came to Liberty I told all of you that he and I would be a strong unit. That he and I would take anyone on and beat them.

He smiled again as he took a deep breath.

Seth Lawless: I also told you that as champions of Empire we would set the ground rules and we have done that because you are coming to our territory. Our backyard and you won’t be leaving with these.

Seth unstraps his belt and smiles.

Trent Grundy: Damn right. These belts stay with us for as long as we want them. No squad, no army, can take them from us. You got that? We run this territory, we run all tag divisions, and we run CWC. Bring your best, we put em down.

Seth slaps Trent on the back.

Seth Lawless: We are strong and I get that the Vice Squad is a strong group as well but we will not be put down tonight. Simply put we still have a lot of shit we want to do.

Trent Grundy: And we do it the only way we know how… innovative and dominating.

Seth smiles and walks up to the camera.

Seth Lawless: Watch this match everyone in Empire. You sent your best to us and they will not be good enough.

Seth turns around and walks off with Trent following behind him.

HEADLINE: EPW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
#TheSociety (Seth Lawless & Trent Grundy)© vs Zombie Vice Squad (Kowloon & Siberia Zombie)
wrote:
Winner: Zombie Vice Squad
Finishing Move: Roll Up
Near Falls: Trent Grundy (3), Seth Lawless (2), Kowloon (1), Siberia (1)
Match Length: 09:22

Match Notes:
The majority of this match was controlled by Seth Lawless and Trent Grundy, who had the help of Becky Balfour, Gray Malone and Warren Corbett all at ringside. Despite the odds being stacked against the Zombie Vice Squad, they showed great resilience in their attempts to take #TheSociety out. The match appeared to be over when Becky got up on the apron and distracted the referee as Seth Lawless nailed Kowloon with Detroit Is Burning (Pop Up Powerbomb). The fans started to boo when Ascendancy, consisting of Megan Rydell, Jackson Idol, Aria Cruz and Riley Savell, who had stitches from bleeding earlier, made their way through the crowd with steel chairs in their hands. They hopped the barricade and immediately a charging Becky Balfour-Lawless was whacked in the head with a steel chair from Megan Rydell. Warren Corbett then charged and the large man was taken out with a con-chair-to as Aria and Jackson sandwiched his head with their chairshots. Riley Savell then hit Gray Malone in the gut with her chair before dropping the chair down and DDT’ing Gray down onto it.

Seth yelled at them to get away and Trent, who wasn’t the legal man, went to charge at #TheSociety but Siberia hit the top rope and dove onto Trent, taking him out. Seth looked to exit the ring but Kowloon rolled him up from behind and picked up the three count and winning back the EPW Tag Team Championships for Empire Pro.

Post Match:
Kowloon and Siberia are handed the EPW Tag Team Championships and they celebrate their win until the Ascendancy enter the ring. The two groups stare each other down before The Zombie Vice Squad give The Ascendancy a nod and exit the ring. Seth is left in the ring alone as he stirred to his feet. When he did, he looked right at Aria Cruz and charged her, clearly wanting revenge for what she did to Warren Corbett. But before Seth could reach Aria, Jackson Idol cut him off and took him out with an FC Cutter (RKO) from out of nowhere! The four Ascendancy members stood over Seth with grins on their faces and the Liberty fans boo'd the Empire Pro group.

BACKSTAGE
Backstage, we find Isabella Strickland rolling her neck and warming up before her Liberty Championship match against Melissa Reeves. To Isabella’s side is Anastasia Hayden, who is sporting a grin on her face in anticipation for tonight’s main event.

Ana: “Tonight’s your night, kid.”

Isy: “The Liberty Championship. What an honor. I’d say this is a match in the making, but really...everyone wants to talk about the ‘what-if’. What if Ana uses her championship shot? What if I win and then Ana tries to come after me? Lot of eyes focused elsewhere when the attention belongs on Melissa and myself. Besides, Ana wouldn’t cash in her title shot on her best friend.”

Ana: “Yeah...right.”

Strickland shoots Hayden a glance before looking back at the camera.

Isy: “Anyways...look, I don’t possess the same hatred that Ana holds for you, Melissa. As far as I’m concerned, I don’t really have any reason to hate you or even dislike you. All that matters to me is that you show up to the ring tonight with the Liberty Championship and I hope you’re ready to hand it over to who is ready to take Liberty into the future.”

In case it wasn’t obvious, Isabella makes her message clear with a subtle point to herself.

Isy: “You’ve done a lot, Melissa, and I’m sure you’re going to do even more in the future, but tonight? We’ve gotta pump those brakes because tonight is all about me doing everything in my power to take that Liberty Championship. It’s not about Ana, it’s not about anyone or anything. It’s you, me, and that championship. I’ve busted my ass traveling all around the world for nearly twenty years...it’s time that I stop being so passive and it’s time that I take what’s mine.”

A big smirk is on her face; filled to the brim with confidence.

Isy: “I’m excited to see what you’re going to offer to me tonight, Melissa. I know that you’ll try your hardest to make sure that belt stays home...but it isn’t. Don’t worry about Ana at ringside, you should worry about me. Worry about what I’m going to do to you because even if I don’t win the Liberty Championship tonight? I’m still going to make it a night to remember. I’m still going to take you to the edge of just how far you can go.”

Isabella’s eyes narrow as she takes a step toward the camera.

Isy: “I’m going to test if you can survive...and I honestly? I don’t think you can. Prove me wrong, kid.”

Another smirk from Isabella before Ana gives a look of pity for Reeves before the duo make their exit and the cameras cut elsewhere in the arena.

MAIN EVENT: LIBERTY CHAMPIONSHIP
Melissa Reeves© vs Isabella Strickland w/Anastasia Hayden
wrote:
Winner: Melissa Reeves
Finishing Move: Facial Deconstructor
Near Falls: Isabella Strickland (3), Melissa Reeves (2)
Match Length: 12:34

Match Notes:
Melissa Reeves controlled the beginning of the match, showing off her speed as she dodged all of Isy’s moves and took her down with a plethora of counters. Eventually, Isabella charged Mellisa, who was near the ropes, and Melissa pulled the top rope down and Isabella went flying over the ropes. Isabella landed and immediately grabbed her ankle as she yelled out in pain. Melissa went to go out of the ring to get her but the referee pushed Melissa back and told her to stay in the ring. The referee got out of the ring and as he checked on Isabella, Anastasia Hayden entered the ring and the fans boo’d. Melissa noticed the fans reaction and turned around but it was too late, she was met by She Was Only Seventeen (Running Single Leg Dropkick).

Ana then quickly rolled out of the ring and whistles innocently. Isabella then sprung up to her feet, much to the referees surprise and slid into the ring. Isabella covered the downed Melissa Reeves and the referee reluctantly counted but Melissa kicked out just before the two count. Isabella got up to her feet again and told the referee he counted slow. The referee, who noticed Isabella walking normally and found it very odd that Melissa was knocked out, looked towards Ana then back at Isy, who was in his face. The referee scowled at Isy before looking at Ana and pointing at her. He then pointed towards the exit with authority and the arena blew up with cheers. Ana was livid and so was Isy, who was still in the referees face.

Anastasia reluctantly started to leave up the ramp when the referee told Isy to get out of his face. Isy rolled her eyes and turned around but when she did, she was met by Facial Deconstructor (Codebreaker) from Melissa Reeves.Melissa pinned isy and picked up the three count as Ana sprinted back towards the ring.

Post Match:
Melissa got up to her feet and before she could be handed her belt, Ana came charging and she laid Mel out with another She Was Only Seventeen. Ana then grabbed then Liberty Championship and held it up over Melissa with a grin. She then bent over and yelled at Melissa, telling her that her time was up and that she’s the champion Liberty deserves. Ana then dropped the belt over Melissa and rolled out of the ring and the show cut out with that as the ending shot.