EPW Conquest 61 Results

SEGMENT
Clearly worked up after their match against the Socialites, Coral and Nami pace with agitation after they clear the curtains, pushing past any techs or backstage workers in their way (though not all that rudely, considering) to an open bit of hallway. They seem to be having a conversation with each other, a mix of words and gestures almost like sign language, possibly practicing as they are teaching KC ASL and Spanish at home. Finally Coral turns towards the waiting camera, her agitation smoothing slightly, which seems to wind up Nami even more.

Coral: We will never acknowledge the Socialites as a thing.

Nami: NOT EVER.

Coral: Why should we? We’ve been multi-time champions in Liberty, and they are trying to bite at our ankles… so they can get up there and challenge someone that’s got what we had. Something that we could in fact, get back.

Nami: The thing is, we actually do get it? We understand wanting something only to see someone far lesser go after it. Why, right now those bitches Aliyah and Annica Greene, they’re tag team champions in both Millennium and Christ Centered Wrestling, and you know what they said after their last successful defense?

There is a pause, and Coral spits.

Coral: Suck it, Girls of Summer. We are better than they are, and we always have been, they shouldn’t even have jobs, what kind of name is Bad & Boujee anyway?

They do a mirror image shudder of distaste before Nami throws her hands up in the air.

Nami: 2022 may have been kind of lame with everything going on with… the family…

Here they sigh, looking sad a moment before Coral shakes her head.

Coral: But we can still make 2023 a fresh chapter in Endless Summer.

SEGMENT
Backstage we find “Your Favorite Drug” Xavier Laroux being greeted by a couple of giddy female fans, eager for a photo op. Upon closer inspection we realize that these fans are none other than Sarah and Samara Savell of the tag team Dirty Deeds.

Samara Savell: Mr. Laroux, can we please get a picture with you? You’re like our mom’s favorite wrestler!

Xavier chuckles as he beckons the girls in for a selfie.

Xavier Laroux: I’ll try not to be offended by that sly insult about my age. Sure, get in here!

The girls snuggle up next to Xavier on either side as he wraps his arms around them. Sarah lifts her phone to take a selfie and begins to count.

Sarah Savell: Ready? One… two… three!!

At the count of three it’s not an adorable selfie with the grizzled veteran that they take, instead it’s an outright assault. They drop Laroux with a tandem Russian Leg Sweep that sends the back of his head bouncing off the concrete, knocking the unsuspecting wrestler out cold. Sarah stands and smiles.

Sarah Savell: Probably should’ve shot that as a BeReal instead.

Samara, who’s still on the ground with their victim, begins rifling through his pockets.

Sarah Savell: Sam. Sam! SAMARA ROSE NELSON!!

At the sound of her real name, Samara stops and looks up at her sister like a kid with her hand in the cookie jar.

Samara Savell: What?

Sarah Savell: What do you mean, what? What the hell do you think you’re doing? We’re not thieves.

Samara sighs and follows with what for her is a completely plausible explanation.

Samara Savell: This is Xavier Laroux, you KNOW he has to have top shelf narcotics on him.

Sarah groans and takes a moment to rub her temples.

Sarah Savell: Sam, Sam, Sam… okay first of all, stealing drugs was not part of the job. Trust me, he’s going to need them more than you are when he wakes up. Second of all, and perhaps most importantly, you and I are on the cusp of something special here. Please don’t fuck it up with yet another stint in rehab. I love you and I’ll always be here for you no matter what but don’t ruin this for us. Oh! What about your dog? Don’t forget about Flynn!

Samara straightens at the mention of her prized pup.

Samara Savell: What about Flynn?

Sarah shrugs innocently.

Sarah Savell: If you’re not around to take care of him then I may have no choice but to put him up for adoption. We both know he doesn’t listen to me. He literally shits on my shoes.

Samara Savell: That was once.

Sarah Savell: Every day, Sam. Every. Day.

Samara gives up her search and stands next to her sister, arms crossed.

Samara Savell: Fine.

Sarah smiles and musses her hair.

Sarah Savell: That’s my girl. Now grab a leg.

They each grab a leg and begin dragging Xavier’s unconscious body through the bowels of the arena, leaving behind a small trail of smeared blood as they do so. As if a snail or maybe a slug were having its period.

Samara Savell: He’s heavier than he looks.

Sarah Savell: You know how it goes with aging wrestlers, they get all puffy and bloated. Look closely at Julian, you can already see it in his cheeks.

Samara nods.

Samara Savell: Premature aging, it’s the reason he wears that plague mask.

The girls arrive at the edge of a loading dock overhanging a dumpster.

Sarah Savell: Well Xavier, looks like it’s the end of the line for you.

Samara Savell: Last stop on the Dirty Deeds express.

They look at each other and wrinkle their noses.

Samara Savell: Too corny?

Sarah Savell: We’ll work on it.

They manipulate Xavier until each of them are at opposite ends, Samara holding Xavier by his arms and Sarah holding him by the legs. They begin to swing him back and forth, building up momentum to heave him off the loading dock and into the dumpster.

Sarah Savell: On three. You ready?

Samara nods and they begin to pick up speed.

Sarah Savell: One… two… THREE!!

They both release but their timing is off, instead of depositing Laroux into the dumpster, he careens out of control, smashing his head off the side of the dumpster before plummeting to the ground below. Both girls wince in horror as the landing is not pretty.

Sarah Savell: You let go too early.

Samara Savell: I did not. Maybe he’s top heavy or something.

Sarah Savell: Samara.

Samara Savell: Okay, maybe I let go a little early. Think we should tell somebody he’s here?

Sarah stares over at Samara.

Sarah Savell: Really?

Samara Savell: What?!

Sarah points to the cameraman who’s been following them since the initial attack.

Samara Savell: Oh, right. I forget they’re there sometimes. Guess that’s that then.

Samara wipes her hands of the situation before saluting the bent and broken body of Xavier lying in a heap on the ground below.

Sarah Savell: Not quite yet.

Samara Savell: Why not?

Sarah Savell: We almost forgot the most important part.

Sarah leans over the edge and calls down towards Xavier.

Sarah Savell: In case you’re wondering, McKena Hardy sends her regards!!

Sarah nods and then smiles over at her sister.

Sarah Savell: Now we can go.

The two fist bump and head off as the camera zooms in on a bloody Xavier Laroux in desperate need of medical attention.

SEGMENT
It was a cold and snowy Saturday afternoon in Toronto, but despite the inclement weather, a small crowd had gathered just outside a building not far from the Ricoh Coliseum. The people outside, born and raised here, were definitely more accustomed to the rigid weather than the tall blonde in a Santa’s helper outfit. The woman, who you may recognize as Skylar Rayner, one half of the EPW tag team champions SkyBird, was literally shaking. Her tag partner, Anastasia Starling, was handling the low temperature far better than her counterpart.

Santa Claus: Frig’s sake, Sky, stop fuckin’ whining. You picked the bloody outfits. If it meant so much to you, you should have worn the beard.

He was almost unrecognizable under the long wooly white beard, but the accent left no doubt on who was hiding under Santa's costume. The Bastard Of Bowland himself, Jackie Fowler.

Skylar Rayner: Stop breaking character, Jackie. You’re supposed to be Santa, not the Grinch! It’s not my fault that there’s a draft in this building! Besides, my dad is from Denmark, but I was born in Miami, I’m not used to this cold!

The duo’s bickering was interrupted by the voices of dozens of kids flooding the room. Eloise K. LeBeau, Ana’s personal friend and manager, welcomed everyone on behalf of the Ring Of Roses Foundations. Especially the kids, of course. She stated that this day was specifically designed for them, as they could write their Christmas List and deliver it to Santa himself, as well as taking pictures with him and his two very special Little Helpers, the EPW tag team champions Skybird.

Anastasia Starling: Aww. Look at their little faces!

The Songbird cooed, waving enthusiastically as the children waved back. Surrounding them was a whole array of pre-wrapped presents that ‘Santa’ was due to hand over to the children that came to hand over their letters, each of them neatly placed around the gigantic Christmas tree. The tree was beautifully decorated in greens, reds and golds, the fairy lights twinkling. Upon the tree were not just decorations, but also a number of glorious gold championship belts, those shining lights performing little dances upon them. There was the Underground Tornado Tag Team Championship belts, the World Tag Team titles of GCW and, of course, their most recently won prizes, the EPW Tag Team titles. Ana picked up a little, child sized chair and sat it next to ‘Santa’. Anastasia then peered over to both Skylar and ‘Santa’, whispering to them.

Anastasia Starling: Come on, keep it down. It’s Christmas! Can you see how much this means to them!

She giggled, her cheeks painted up all rosy and her eyelashes fluttering. Ana was all dressed up in green as a Little Helper as well, practically bouncing on the spot as Eloise guided the first child over to sit next to Santa, as Starling picked up one of the presents and stood next to Skylar.

Skylar Rayner: Hi there, buddy! What’s your name?

The Dane greeted him enthusiastically. The little kid's response didn’t carry the same enthusiasm, as he clearly was a bit shy.

Kid #1: C-Christopher..

Skylar Rayner: Oh so you’re the famous Christopher! I think I saw your name right on top of the Nice List… Am I right, Santa??

She lightly poked “Santa”’s arm while she reached for the gift Ana was holding. Jackie played his role to perfection, chatting with Christopher a bit before confirming that he had, indeed, been nice enough through the year to deserve a present. The EPW tag team champions handed the gift together and posed for a picture with the young fan before greeting him warmly.

Skylar Rayner: Thank you so much for involving me in this, y’all. You know how important all of this is to me, to be part of something bigger and do good…

Anastasia Starling: Well, I know how much you wanted to get involved after last time I volunteered for the foundation. And with Ring of Roses opening up their Canadian office this past month here in Toronto, I thought this was just the perfect opportunity.

Ana looked over to the foundation's logo to the left of her, before waving to another child, one being guided in again by Eloise.

Anastasia Starling: A lot of these children don’t have homes of their own, been through the worst of times or they’re in foster care. Giving them all a little magic this time of year can really lift the gloom.

Ana threw up some glitter out of nowhere, making the young child in front of her laugh, before encouraging them to sit next to ‘Santa’ and hand over their letter.

Anastasia Starling: Putting smiles on faces isn’t just winning matches and titles. Sometimes it’s the littlest of things that can brighten up a person’s day.

Skylar Rayner: That’s very true.

Sky and Ana watched as the young kid enjoyed his moment with Santa before handing them their gift. Next up was a young girl, proudly showing a Skybird hoodie under her jacket.

Skylar Rayner: Oh my God, look at her!

Both her and Ana waved their hands toward their young fan who immediately started running toward them, breaking away from Eloise who was walking her to Santa’s chair. The young kid, who we learned was named Michelle, looked more interested in meeting her favorite wrestlers than Santa, but she obviously accepted the gift.

Michelle: Aren’t you scared to fight The Pride? They’re big and bad and ugly…

The EPW Tag Team champions couldn’t hold back their laughter.

Skylar Rayner: I would say they’re big and bad and.. dangerous. But no, we are not scared. And you know why?

The young fan shook her head no, looking back at Sky.

Skylar Rayner: Because we are not going to be alone in that ring tonight. You are going to be there with me and Ana, all our friends who came here tonight are going to be with us and that’s enough people to take down even the biggest and baddest giants. Sure, there’s so many of you here today and we can’t literally get you all in the ring but we are taking you right here.

The former interviewer tapped her chest twice.

Skylar Rayner: In our hearts.

Ana skipped over to the tree, picking up their EPW Tag Team Titles, then pranced over with them as Santa handed over the little girl’s present. The champions then posed with her for a photo, letting her hold the heavy gold as they beamed with joy. Ana then knelt down to speak to the young lady.

Anastasia Starling: It’s little ladies like you cheering us on that got us where we are today. It’s your support that helped us win these titles, and that’s what drives us forward. We couldn’t have done it without you.

The young girl beams as she high fived them both, before skipping away with their present. Ana then stood next to Skylar, clutching her hand for a second as she smiled.

Anastasia Starling: Getting a victory over The Pride to cement ourselves as champs would be a really good Christmas present…

Anastasia whispered to Skylar, as the next child readied themselves to come over. Starling squeezed Rayner’s hand as she looked up to the towering blonde, the warmest of smiles on her face as she spoke.

Anastasia Starling: Though the best Christmas present I could have ever wished for was having you as my partner.

The pair smiled at one another, sharing a glance before Santa piped in rudely.

Santa Claus: Fuck’s sake… you two are gonna make me spew into me beard.

Skylar lightly digged ‘Santa’, just out of sight of the next child who came over, before the footage faded away.

SEGMENT
Flash Back to this time last year. Empire hadn’t bought out Freedom yet, Tensions were high between the two Liberty Pro brands, Sparrow was the King of New York, and Derrick La’Bell was the Liberty Champion. Both men were very proud to be flagbearers for their brands, and let their loyalties get the better of them as they went back and forth.

Going to the present now, both men are a part of the Empire Wrestling and neither man has forgotten what was said nearly a year ago. As soon as the match was announced that the Former KONY and Liberty Pro Champion, that rivalry was reignited. They may be on Conquest now, but it was like watching Freedom and Liberation duke it out for brand supremacy once again.

Derrick La’Bell is standing backstage in the Ricoh Coliseum, getting ready for the . He still feels a little petty after Sparrow’s remarks from twitter, so he’s wearing an old Liberation shirt. Other than that, he’s dressed ready for his match tonight. Derrick stretches the shirt out a bit and smiles at the camera.

Derrick La’Bell:
IT STILL FITS!!!

Derrick laughs.

Derrick La’Bell:
It’s funny, because I wasn’t even going to bring none of this to this show, but I happened to see it in my closet when I was packing my bag. It just felt like I was meant to wear this shirt and so.

Derrick stretches out the shirt again to show the Liberation logo.

Derrick La’Bell:
This shirt reminds me of a lot of things: The journey I went on to become a better wrestler, the rivalries I had, and The pride I had being the Liberty Pro Champion.

He sighs for a moment, feeling nostalgic.

Derrick La’Bell:
I know I’ve been really hardlined lately. Years of being attacked and made a fool right when I was about to get on top of my game has made me a bit bitter lately, but remembering the good times in my career at Liberty Pro really help remind me of my why.

Derrick pats his heart as if that was physically warming it.

Derrick La’Bell:
And i have you to thank for it, Sparrow.

Derrick pauses for a moment, letting the bit of sarcasm in his voice sink in.

Derrick La’Bell:
I’m not sure if you’ve been sitting on that tweet for months, if just seeing my name next to yours on the card reminded you, or if you just wanted to start problems for no reason, but if you hadn’t brought up my past opinions on the old Freedom brand, I would have never remembered what it was like to be the face of “The A Brand”.

He does finger quotations here.

Derrick La’Bell:
But the problem with all this nostalgia is remembering what was wrong with me in those moments as well.

Derrick motions to the Liberty Pro logo on his shirt.

Derrick La’Bell:
THAT Derrick… was complacent. THAT Derrick… was so surprised to be a champion, let alone a world champion, that he was just happy to be here. THAT Derrick… was too focused on being a good sport rather than a good wrestler.

Derrick puts his hands on his collar and rips the old Liberation shirt in half. He throws it on the ground and reveals that he’s been wearing an EPW: Conquest shirt the entire time.

Derrick La’Bell:
THIS DERRICK IS DIFFERENT!!!

He points to his chest as he bows up. You can hear the passion in his voice.

Derrick La’Bell:
Unlike you Sparrow, I ain’t living on shit from a year ago. I had a good time in Liberty, but I’m here now. This ain’t Freedom anymore, and I ain’t that Derrick anymore. I’m the Derrick that isn’t letting people walk all over me. I’m the Derrick that knows his worth. I’m the Derrick that leveled up.

He pauses for a moment.

Derrick La’Bell:
And you need to do the same, Sparrow.

Derrick puts his finger in the air.

Derrick La’Bell:
You’re slipping my guy. You’re riding on shit from a year ago. You ain’t growing the way you should. Your brand changed, your roster-mates changed, but you ain’t changed. You ain’t where you need to be, and tonight, Imma help you out with that.

Derrick goes from passionate rival to caring teammate in this moment.

Derrick La’Bell:
Before your tweet last week, I was just excited to finally face you. I complimented your skill, I saw it as an opportunity to step my game up, and you gturned it into some goofy shit. You questioned my loyatly to a brand, when I’ve done nothing but been a team player since I debuted. You made this match about something that don’t matter… but I’m not going to hold it against you.

He shakes his head.

Derrick La’Bell:
Nah, Imma give you the help I wish someone in this business could have given me when I wasn’t firing on all cylinders. Imma push you like you ain’t ever been pushed before, because that’s the only way you’re gonna be able to pull your shit together. Don’t get me wrong, this gonna be tough love for you, Sparrow, and Imma beat the shit out of you, but you’re gonna thank me later.

Derrick pauses for a second, as he looks into the camera.

Derrick La’Bell:
You’re better than all of this, Sparrow. You got so much potential it’s crazy. However, the only way you can get better is if you accept this lesson I’m gonna teach you tonight, and choose to grow from it.

He gives one last smile to the camera.

Derrick La’Bell:
I’ll see you out there tonight… Good luck my dude.

SEGMENT
There was a roaring sound as we see the cameras pan open to a darkened area, unsure of what exactly is going on per say there area number of sanctuary like encampments surrounding this particular squared off area, while it is not entirely certain just how large the sanctuary encampments are we can see two or three animals venturing around them, free to roam but choosing to visit this particular part. The area is darkened, the gleam of the animals eyes catching the camera as they zoom in and then back out, just before we hear a familiar sound of boots against pavement. The camera watching as the familiar presence of Ahalya Patel comes into frame. We only see her back side, a faux leather jacket hoisted on her shoulders, hair hanging lengthily down her back as she walks forward, the sudden roar that had erupted from the lioness gathering at the edge of the sanctuary seemingly calming down before she turned, enamored with a smile she begins to speak.

Ahalya Patel: “What better way for a woman nicknamed the Lioness to come and seek refuge before a big title bout, hmm?”

She laughed letting the assured strength she possessed emanate from her fully.

Ahalya Patel: “Truthfully speaking, last week I kept things short and sweet, I didn’t want to waste much time talking about what I was going to do to Samuels, you’ve all seen me ever since my days in the now defunct former version of Alpha Wrestling, and then again when I joined up with the Alliance in Pride Pro. You all knew what it was that I was capable of doing, and yet that mother fucker had the nerve to claim that the only reason I was here was because of my relationship with Robb Hardy.”

Lya let out a quick, but jovial laugh.

Ahalya Patel: “Don’t get me wrong, Robb is a cool guy, we have a good rapport and if I needed to use our friendship as leverage for anything I’m sure I could in some capacity. Can he help me get a booking or two? Sure. No more than your agent might do for you if you had a good one anyways, but I don’t need to use that to my advantage, I don’t need to exploit my friendships to get ahead in this game, because when people see me Brendan, it is just like you said. . . I am a woman deserving of her name. I am the Lioness and you sir are my prey. Only this time not only do I get to clock you out for a win, but I get to take something very precious along with it. The CanAm Championship.”

She couldn’t help that smile then, the obvious attraction of holding gold clearly alluring to the Indian Sensation.

Ahalya Patel: “I learned a long while ago not to underestimate anybody though. I used to ensure I couldn’t get outplayed when I used to hang with Tyson, Julian, and Robb. They had my back I had theirs and we were successful for the duration of that company’s stride, but I wanted more. I mean don’t we always? I didn’t just want to be a part of the pride, I wanted to run the got damn show, and look where I am now. My second week in here in Empire Pro and already I’m looking to take your gold. The thing about a lioness is, they are also the huntress of the pride. When they set their sights on something, they don’t give in until they absolutely track it down and take it and that is exactly what is happening here. You’ve done a great job as champ, Hell I won’t even deny that the win I hold over you may be questionable, but what won’t be questionable after this fight, what will not be denied is that I, Ahalya Patel, am the soon to be CanAm Champion. Heed the warning, and make damn sure you bring you’re A-game, because you’ve already gotten a small taste of what it is I can do, but that was just a taste, this time you’re getting a full bite.”

A chuckle escaped as she winked before walking forward brushing by the cameras place as the eyes of the Lioness inside their sanctuary gleamed towards the camera and the scene slowly fades.

SEGMENT
The cameras move to the parking lot where the commentators remark about how pretty the pink limo is that just arrived to the venue. The cameras capture the limo from every angle, it was truly a beauty. Then, someone rolls out a red carpet towards one of the back passenger doors as the driver steps out and walks over to that same door. He adjusts the cap on his head and slowly smiles before pulling open the door. Suddenly flashes begin to shower upon the open door from every angle as paparazzi flood the outside of the Ricoh Coliseum. 

Anticipation was building for the fans who were unable to snag tickets to the event were standing behind guardrails, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars as they arrived or departed the Coliseum. 

The chatter about who this could be was at an all time high as the cameras focused in on the red carpet as a beautiful red heel appears from limo to the carpet. The driver then offers a hand as the cameras capture THE LIVING DOLL, BRITNEY ANDERS, being helped from the limo. The chatter begins to turn to cheers and a few boos mixed in, she was afterall, pretty hated among most wrestling fans for the way she conducts her business, but the men outside the venue can't help but be blinded by her beauty. Britney begins to walk towards the venue, right along the red carpet, rejecting requests for autographs along the way. She even manages to reach over and knock someone's phone out of their hand as they tried to capture a picture of her! 

Just as she reaches the door to enter the Coliseum, Britney stops and turns back to the paparazzi and fans. She demands someone hold a microphone for her, which is brought out promptly. The Doll clears her throat, smirking at the onlookers as if she were on top of the world.

Britney Anders: Well well well, it's been far too long, hasn't it? Canada is a place where I had my greatest triumph, becoming the longest reigning World Champion in CGW history. It was right here, in this country, that I stepped out of California and into the freezing cold, and stole the hearts of each and every fan who came out to a wrestling event. It's no surprise, really, that success has followed me ever since, now a former three time world champion, but I know how much the world's SECOND greatest country has missed me!

Britney's grin was more of a sneer, rubbing the fans' noses in it so to speak, as her tone was condescending. You could practically hear the fans around Canada boo'ing her collectively as she continued.

Britney Anders: After months of taking some much needed time off, and of course grueling contract negotiations, I can answer the biggest question I've been asked: Yes, I am officially signed to Empire Pro Wrestling as a full time member of the roster!

This time, the excitement in her tone was genuine as she flashes that million dollar smile for the crowd.

Britney Anders: What can you expect from me? The best. That's what I am, and that's what I bring to the table. Chase Romano is only the first of many that will get to experience that, unless you count poor Hilary who is still picking her jaw up from the floor after that little shot I gave her at the last show. And even though I told her, and the world why I chose her as my little message girl, I still get the questions: Why Hilary? Why now? Why here? Well, I answered the why her, and as for why now and here? Well...you guys can do what you do best and wait on me. Afterall, I'm worth it. Now...no more pictures!

Britney turns quickly as the door to the venue is pulled open for her. 

The commentators rave over the star's arrival to Empire, and wonder if her ego is going to get the better of her tonight against Chase Romano, or if The Doll is going to solidify why she was one of the most sought after free agents in all of wrestling!

SEGMENT
As the camera cut away from a crowd shot at ringside, the black flag of Brendan Samuels could be seen wildly waving in the night sky, the sound of gulls and waves echoing out in the distance. Brendan could be seen there, the CanAm Championship belt on his shoulder, aviator glasses covering his eyes.

Brendan Samuels: Ye could call that an act of piracy. Or yer could have said it be unintentional. Ye could call it beginners’ luck, or yer could even say it be the bad call of a blind man in stripes. But either way, a result be a result on paper. But is it one forged with iron that turned to gold?

The Wrestling was sat on a deck chair, a little tinsel on his head, wearing a christmas themed Hawaiian shirt, open to expose his ripped chest, and a pair of cream khakis and sand shoes accompanying them. He spoke slowly and purposefully in that soothing Southern Irish accent of his.

Brendan Samuels: I ain’t got nothin’ against Ahalya Patel. She be a competitor with talent that be worthy of stepping into the ocean an’ gettin’ her toes wet against The Wrestling of the Sea. She showed strength, courage, skill an’ hard work that warranted her resigning wit’ the company, that’s to be sure. An’ in almost all circumstances, I cannae whinge about her believin’ that the right thing be done with her getting this opportunity after her victory on November 19th.

Samuels looked to his title, then back to the camera as he lowered his glasses.

Brendan Samuels: She been given a map with X marking the spot, leading to the treasure that be the CanAm Championship. She has her compass, has her location and be navigating her way to the gold in a faster time than any before her. But the issue that she be having is she forgot entirely how she she actually got the map in the first place. It wasn’t for the effort she made. It weren’t for the talent she has. It weren’t for the fight she gave. Nah, it were none of them things. She was given it… by mistake.

Footage then clipped in of the match between Samuels and Patel weeks ago, showing those final moments when Samuels was struck by one of her most devastating moves, but Brendan’s feet were on the ropes as the referee’s hand struck for three, showing clearly that the official had made a mistake and the match should have continued. The camera then cut back to Brendan, a steely look in those cold, icy blues of his.

Brendan Samuels: With the gold on the line, in the stormiest of oceans and the highest of high seas, with thunder crackin’ and lighting crashing down along with the waves… There can be no more mistakes. Ye got yer shot, Ahalya… But ye shouldn’t have. An’ tonight when it be all on the line, I will be showin’ ye how much a mistake that was. A bad call ain’t gonna bring ye the booty tonight. But the call of the wrestling ocean will wash away that map, an’ drown ye dreams in salt water.

The camera then cut away to an image of Brendan’s black flag raised, the words “Raise The Bastard Flag” printed on it, before it faded away.

SEGMENT
The camera cuts backstage to the Empire Champion Marcus Black once again in his locker room, the championship sitting next to him as he wraps his hands. Stella Winters paces on the other side of the small room looking impatient to say the least.

Stella Winters: That fucker hit you with a cheap shot with your own belt! You can’t sit there and tell me we aren’t gonna give him some payback!

Marcus for his part looks completely calm and measured, his response a perfect contrast to Stella’s.

Marcus Black: I can, and I am. He caught me off guard because I believed him to be a man of honor, I believed him to be a man like me. Instead he has proved he is no better than the people he pretends to be above. He played his hand too early and that is to my advantage. He can hit me with my belt, but at the end of this it will still be /mine./ I don’t need to win every battle Stella, just the war.

Stella rolls her eyes.

Stella Winters: Whatever fuck knuckle. Well tonight’s battle is one you better make sure you win otherwise you won’t even be a champion for him to fight!

Marcus Black: I am very much aware of this, but I am not worried. I’ve beaten Scott before, and that was before he was trying to take my championship from me. Trying to end my Empire. He is a threat don’t get me wrong, but tonight I make it abundantly clear who the top of the food chain is here in Empire Pro. And if things go wrong, I always have you to pull me out of the fire.

Marcus smiles at Stella who cracks a small smile of her own.

Stella Winters: Yeah, for like the billionth time.

She looks up at the screen showing ringside, before looking back at Marcus.

Stella Winters: You ready to go?

Marcus stands and walks in front of her towards the door, Stella walking close behind.

Marcus Black: Always.

The camera cuts away as they leave the room.

SEGMENT
Cameras move backstage where there is chaos and shouting as Rayven Hardy approaches Dex Morant, one hand on the back of her head, the other pointing a finger at him.

Rayven Hardy: Really Dex? I tell you to earn it, and you bribe the referee? Is that really how you're 'earning' anything?

Dex tries to hide the smirk, but he couldn't. He puts on his most serious face immediately after as Rayven was now just two feet or so away from him. She was clearly still in pain, as her hand was almost glued to the back of her head.

Rayven Hardy: What's the matter? Have nothing to say?

Dex gasps as he takes a step back.

Dex Morant: Really Ray? I earned a shot against you and now you’re here threatening? Especially after you attacked Kaia earlier too!

He shook his head as he held his hands out.

Dex Morant: Stay back or else I’ll scream security!

Rayven was flustered, it was obvious. She takes a deep breath and then takes a step back.

Rayven Hardy: I didn't mean to hit Kaia and we both know that! I thought it was you and after what you did to me, you deserved it.

Rayven steps closer to him again, backing Dex against the wall.

Rayven Hardy: I'm not playing games with you anymore. I worked too hard for this championship than to let you play games and ruin everything. If you want a match? You earned it, but when I retain MY Noir championship? That's it Dex, we're done.

Dex doesn’t fight back at all but instead, he begins to laugh in Rayven’s face.

Dex Morant: Rayven, rayven, Rayven…

He leaned closer toward her face.

Dex Morant: We aren’t done until I say we’re done. I’m the one that’s in charge here.

Hardy keeps her eyes on Dex as a few backstage officials walk by in the background. Dex clears his throat and they look over, asking if there are any problems.

Rayven turns to them

Rayven Hardy: No. Nah, we're good...right Dex?

She turns back to face Dex as her fingers wiggle on her right hand and then clench into a fist. He had her all worked up and he knew it.

Dex grinned as he saw Rayven’s fist. He then glanced back up at Ray and continued to smile.

Dex Morant: Yeah birdie, we’re good. Let’s have a good, clean and friendly match at the supershow, yeah? Doesn’t that sound good, Nightfall pal?

Feeling eyes burning in the back of her head, in the form of event staff, Rayven grits her teeth. She wanted nothing more than to settle this now, but knew that attacking Dex could get her suspended. She had already been banned from Nightfall for a week for attacking him before.

Rayven Hardy: One on one? Sounds perfect. You earned it afterall, right?

She shakes her head at him.

Rayven Hardy: I need to go find Kaia and apologize, if you'll excuse me.

Dex looks surprised.

Dex Morant: Speak of the devil, what’s up Kaia?

Rayven turned to look but it was a trick. Kaia wasn’t there and all Dex wanted was a distracted Rayven. With her head turned and guard down, Dex wrapped his arms around her head and dropped her for The Crowning! He then stood over Rayven with a grin.

Dex Morant: You’ll get me one on one. But you can’t beat me. You see, I’ve already won.

Dex held out his arms with a grin before walking off, leaving a dazed Rayven on the ground.

RINGSIDE
We cut to the ring where Lena Galante was standing in the ring.

Lena Galante: I’m tired of not wrestling. The Great Lakes Champion deserves to have a match so I’m being a giving person and I’m giving out an open challenge. So, come out, whoever you are, so I can put you down.

“Thank You for the Venom'' by Outline In Color blared over the PA system and out comes McKena Hardy.

McKena Hardy: You’re in luck, Lena. I just got rid of my Xavier Laroux problem and my schedule is all freed up.

Lena laughed and shook her head.

Lena Galante: You know, Mac, you’re really fucking talented. But, hall of fame is just a step above that. It isn’t fair to you… But can you live with that shadow?

McKena rolled her eyes.

McKena Hardy: That’s golden coming from you. Does this come from jealousy? You seem to do this to people because you come from a broken home in the rundown slums of London. You weren’t even supposed to be here, Lena. No one had these expectations for you.

Lena didn’t look happy about McKena bringing this up and then waved at McKena to bring it on.

Lena Galante: Let’s go. Come down here and fight me.

Hardy held up her finger and waved it as she shook her head.

McKena Hardy: Hell no. I’m not fighting you on some random Conquest. You and me? We’re fighting at Festivus For The Rest Of Us. Hold onto that championship tightly, because you’re going to be saying buh-bye to it real soon.

Hardy dropped her mic and winked at Lena, who simply nodded and yelled at McKena to bring it on then. The scene then cut away.

SEGMENT
We are taken backstage just moments after the previous contest where we see none other than Robb Hardy working away at his desk. Intently focused on something on his computer screen when there is a loud and boisterous knock at the door, before he is even given the opportunity to invite the person in however the door slams open. We see Kaia Grainger, red-faced and dead panned as she stared at Empire Pro’s General Manager.

Kaia Grainger: “ROBB!”

She started and then realizing that whatever anger she’d been feeling was bubbling to the surface she managed to check herself.

Kaia Grainger: “I mean, Mr. Hardy, excuse me for barging in.”

She paused momentarily as she noticeably began to tap her foot and placed a hand on her hip, she was silent for several more seconds and then she shook her head.

Kaia Grainger: “No . . . fuck that! Don’t excuse me at all because I know you, I come here to make a request respectfully and you decide that you are going to deny it, because respect doesn’t seem to be something this company admires a lot lately. So Let me cut to the chase, I don’t care what it takes for you to pull the strings, I don’t care if you need to conference in with Jade to have a little consultation about this little arrangement here, but I want in on that match at Festivus for the Rest of Us III, and I am not leaving this office until you grant it to me.”

Robb kicks his feet up onto his desk and he can't help but smile as he looks at Kaia.

Robb Hardy: "Ms. Grainger, first of all? Big fan. I'm jealous that Jade picked you up. But hey, let's save the pleasantries for later, you obviously have a request and I have some questions first."

He dropped his legs onto the ground and leaned over his desk.

Robb Hardy: "Dex earned that match. Whether it was fair or not... I gotta talk to that damn referee and probably fire 'em. But whatever. He beat Rayven. Obviously, you've had your run ins with him and he did cost you a shot on Liberty. So I understand your demands."

He shrugged his shoulders.

Robb Hardy: "That being said? I want you to tell me exactly why you deserve to be in that match with Rayven and Dexter. Enlighten me as you've enlightened so many others throughout your career."

The clear admiration shared would’ve normally given the Lightbringer a spark of a smile, especially receiving such high esteem and praise from someone who obviously earned their place in the industry, but she wasn’t having any of the strokes to her ego today, it was clear she was irritated, her hair disheveled, her face reddened, her anger present, the intensity following her line of sight all the way up to her eyes.

Kaia Grainger: “He didn’t earn shit, if I may be so frank. He hasn’t earned shit since my return to this company, he’s whined because he was considered the ‘lesser’ booking in his own eyes, and has since decided to not only attempt to harass myself, but your daughter as well. Most workplaces would have some type of adherence policy to such behavior, but I get it, this is the wrestling business. Try to assault me in the arena, take me out at the ring, its whatever. I’m a professional, I don’t give in to childish antics or the bullshit, but when you start to accost me outside of work, when you show up at one of the family-owned businesses that I help run, when you think for a moment that you are going to come and fuck with my livelihood, we’ve got a major issue.”

She paused, clearly venting to the GM everything that she had been going through.

Kaia Grainger: “Quite frankly its not a reason I deserve to be in the match, but I want to jump from that top apron and I want to crank his neck so goddamn hard with my starshine that it does everything but paralyze him, and that is only because I want to make sure he has the ability to lift up his neck long enough so he can see me holding everything he wanted in my hands as I am crowned the new Noir Champion.”

She took a step forward now clearing the doorway.

Kaia Grainger: “But I am a business woman and lets not think for a moment, Robb, that I came in here for a moment without some type of business injunction for you so that you could cover your ass when you undoubtedly agree to add me to this match. Because you will, you know as well as I do that this match is going to be money, and I am going to make sure of it. However, I am a former Liberty US Champion, I had a rematch clause stated in my contract, a rematch I never received against Lizzie Jones as I was moved to the freedom brand, which now as you know is Empire Pro. Since the US Title no longer exists, I had yet another clause signed into my contract this go around that I could challenge for whatever title I wanted because I didn’t receive my earned opportunity.”

She paused now, obviously calming down in her demeanor.

Kaia Grainger: “You want to talk about someone actually earning a shot. That would be me, and even though I could challenge for the Liberty Championship or even the Empire Championship, I am instead choosing to invoke my rematch clause against Rayven just so I can take the very thing Dex wants most. He wants to see what it is like when the light doesn’t favor you, well you best believe me . . . he’s going to.”

Robb listened intently to every passionate word spoken by Kaia. When she finished, he stood up, walked around the front of his desk and stuck out his hand toward her for a handshake.

Robb Hardy: "Quite the passionate speech, Ms. Grainger. You've got yourself a deal. Good luck."

As the contractual obligation was met, Kaia returned his handshake and finally it seemed she had calmed down enough to offer an affirmative nod.

Kaia Grainger: “I’m glad you see my point of view.”

She stated briefly and it looked as if she were turning to leave before she paused looking back in his direction.

Kaia Grainger: “And I appreciate the kind words you stated before. You have every right to be upset that Jade snagged me first. In fact, many more people are soon going to be well aware of the competitor that I am, that is a promise.”

She turned now leaving for good as the scene slowly fades off.