EPW Conquest 63 Results

SEGMENT
There was a soft and ambient sound as the scene opens in the parking garage where we see the small flash of a singular headlight belonging to a sports motorcycle. Suddenly there is a rev of the engine as it comes to life. The small, petite frame driving the motorbike comes into view once she is parked as she flips her hair to work off the “helmet hair” we find None other than Ahalya Patel.

Slowly, the camera then pans out to show the parking spot directly beside her. There, resting easy on his own Indian Chieftain Dark Horse, is none other than her opponent for the evening, "The Outlaw" Jack Graves.

Ahalya was quick to give him a grin as she climbed off her bike placing the kickstand down and grabbing hold of her signature “the lioness” jacket draping it around her shoulders.

Ahalya Patel: wasn’t expecting you already there big fella

She motioned towards Jack though you could tell she felt oddly comfortable turning her back to him.

Ahalya Patel: you coming to give me an epithet about how badly you’re going to whoop my ass tonight or did you just want to show off your pretty new bike?

Clearly, there was a coyness to her words as she posed her question but Jack simply responded by killing the engine on his bike and stepping off to pop open his saddlebags.

Lifting his GEW Grand Championship from inside one of them, Jack draped it over his shoulder and gave it a pat before lifting his ring gear bag from the other. Finally, he closed both of them and turned to look at back Ahalya.

Jack Graves: Maybe a little of both. Although, I really don't have too much cause to whoop your ass TOO badly. I meant what I said. I respect you, and It's going to be nice wrestling someone out of respect and not malice.

Jack took a few steps forward away from the bikes before he paused to pull out a RAW Cone and light it up.

A pre-show ritual.

Jack Graves: In all honesty? I'd be surprised if we even make it through this match without some sort of interference from dumb-ass Brit Anders. So, I guess what I'm doing here is askin' if you're going to have my back if that goes down, or if I'm gonna have to worry about you trying to take me out too?

Ahalya let out the smallest snort before shaking her head, grabbing out her own CanAm championship as well, the white strap nestled safely on her shoulder. While she’d listened to his words intently she could only shake her head.

Ahalya Patel: I appreciate the respect, and you’re right it is mutual and there’s not too many people I can say that about. Julian Savell, Tyson Gregory, Robb Hardy, Maeve Clark just to name a few, but now we’re adding Jack Graves to that list.”

She took a step forward now doting his notion about interference.

Ahalya Patel: Having heard those names did you hear mention of an Anders? Nah dawg, if she steps out there trying to get in our business, she’s going to see how a real queen handles business with these hands, I don’t play that shit. Y’all have beef, cool, but she can wait her god damn turn.

Ahalya stated this plainly, before letting out a bit of a smirk.

Ahalya Patel: but you know, your boys will probably have your back before I can even make a move on it. They are usually quick on the draw, I always heard that was a cowboy thing.

She paused preemptively as If she needed to think about that for a second.

Jack smirked, quick-drawing an imaginary finger gun from an imaginary holster at his side.

Jack Graves: Pew pew. Always be quick on the draw... except when it's between the sheets. This has been cowboy etiquette 101 with Jack Graves, signing off...

He joked, taking another hit of his cone before offering it to his opponent.

Jack Graves: It's only respectful to offer. I know most people don't indulge before a show but it takes the edge off.
Anyways, I appreciate you having my back too if shit goes sideways out there. I hope it doesn't, but it's nice knowing I wouldn't have to worry about you picking the scraps for an easy W. I'd like to have a good clean match for once where we can see which champ is better... and you know, why it's me.

Jack gave a wink, letting her know he was just giving her shit.

She offered a shrug accepting his offer for a quick hit before handing it back to him, while she maybe didn’t indulge all the time and you could probably tell she figured that maybe he was right about taking the edge off.

Ahalya Patel: I mean giddy up for your girl then

She said with a wink and shook her head.

Ahalya Patel: Err’body always wants to discount the Indian Girl ‘til she gets ‘em with one of her kicks.

She winked playfully.

Ahalya Patel: nah I feel you, there a whole lot of people out there who would take the easy win, still count it and go on about their day. I’m a bit old school though, I don’t count shit unless it’s legit. I’ve worked way too hard as a woman who wasn’t allowed to do half the shit I’ve done, just to prove to a motherfucker that I could. So yeah to know someone of your caliber respects what I do and what I bring to the table, yeah we are going to do things the right way or whoever tries to stop that is going to pay. That’s periodt!

Mimicking the popular motion as she made a “cut” like lotion over her neck she gave a soft nod to him.

Ahalya Patel: in the mean time though, I should probably go get into some ring gear so we can do this shit right. I’ll see you out there cowboy.”

Jack gave her a nod and dropped the remainder of the roach to grind it out under his boot.

Jack Graves: I know what you mean. People don't really like seeing a former convict succeed either but we are here for that purpose entirely. To break down those walls and shatter glass ceilings. It's going to be an honor and a pleasure to share the ring with you in a few. Bring everything you got, Patel. Cause I damn sure promise I'm going to do the same.

The two of them shared a fist bump and then split to go their own separate ways, leaving a nice shot of both of their bikes as the scene faded to a close.

SEGMENT
We're shown a highlight recap of the main event of the last episode of Conquest, where we see Britney Anders bloody Jack Graves before being chased off by The Division. The camera cuts back to a live feed of 'The Living Doll' standing in the middle of the ring. She wears a smirk and her arms are crossed over one another as she clutches a microphone.

She starts by blowing a kiss to the camera before laughing.

Britney Anders: Hello everyone, it's your QUEEN OF CANADA, I know how excited everyone is to see me!

The fans quickly begin to boo her, clearly not accepting her as their Queen regardless of whether she has a perfect record of 2-0 in Empire singles competition, and crowned herself Queen after her win over Hilary at Festivus or not.

Britney Anders: Now, lets get right down to business. At the last show, I had a golden opportunity and of course, that trailer trash, wannabe tough guy Jack Graves cost me that opportunity. How? Because he choked me to the point that I almost blacked out, and that really gave me anxiety before my match, and I was unable to focus. So now the blame falls solely on Graves that we have to watch SPARROW compete for the Empire championship!

Nearly throwing a tantrum now, Britney stomps her feet on the hard floor, pouting for the camera.

Britney Anders: Which brings me to my next point, everyone wants to know why? What happened? Why did I lose control and do what I did to Jack? The answers are all pretty obvious. Let's start with the Why. The why, is because he asked for it. When he cornered me, threatened me, and then put his hands on me, he asked for it. What happened? What happened was, he claims to be the toughest person in the world, but when it came down to him and me? I bloodied him so badly that he had to be saved by his friends. Pathetic.

Anders shakes her head.

Britney Anders: Now, I'm stuck in a match in the middle of the show, nowhere for a Queen, and it's all Jack Graves’ fault. So here's a message for you Jack: You said this isn't over? Good, because maybe I'll keep bloodying you until Robb Hardy gives me a match where one of us wins, and one of us...leaves. That's it, I'm challenging you to a loser leaves Empire match! You can be a man, and accept, or...you can be the coward I know you are and turn it down. Which is what I expect, so if you do turn me down? I'll continue to be a thorn in your side until you do what I want, and on my terms. So, the ball is in your court. Oh and...

Britney snaps her fingers and someone off-camera hands her a golden crown! She places it on her head.

Britney Anders: The Queen will take you off the board...for good.

Suddenly, “Kicking and Screaming” By Blues Saraceno blasts through the arena and the crowd comes alive as Jack Graves steps through the curtain with a microphone in hand, and the GEW Grand Championship hanging over his shoulder. Graves begins a slow march down the ramp, giving Anders a sarcastic slow clap as he does. Once he reaches the end of the ramp, Jack circles the ring like a shark for a moment before making his way up the steel ring steps as he raises the microphone to his lips.

The music cuts and Graves’ voice fills the air instead.

Jack Graves: What a magnificent speech, right y’alll? I mean, me personally? I’m moved by it. When I heard you out here giving this sermon, I just… I don’t know what it was…

Jack wipes his boots on the apron, and he steps between the ropes to enter the ring.

Jack Graves: SOMETHING just lifted me up off that chair in my dressing room and it… guided me out here so that I could apologize. It must’ve been the holy ghost. Had to be. But anyways, that’s right… You heard me right. I’m sorry.

The crowd gasps and Brit gets a smug look on her face. She begins nodding her head and telling Jack that he should be sorry, but Jack quickly holds up a hand to cut her off.

Jack Graves: I’m sorry that these folks paid their hard-earned money to be here tonight and now they have to sit here and listen to your stupid ass whine about me and how life is SO UNFAIR.

The charade is instantly dropped as Jack’s face twists into a mean mug and he takes a few more steps toward Anders.

Jack Graves: I’m sorry that I didn’t crush your windpipe in my hand last week, so we wouldn’t have to hear you speak… and most of all? Most of all, I’m sorry that your daddy didn’t wear a jimmy or that your mammy didn’t take a load to the mouth 29 years ago because the wrestling business would be better off without the self-proclaimed “Queen” of the ring rats.

Brit’s jaw drops and an “oooooh” echoes through the crowd. Jack adjusts the title on his shoulder and gives a nonchalant shrug to the nearest camera.

Jack Graves: But let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Let’s talk about why I’m really out here. You issued a challenge, right? Loser leaves town?

Jack is squared up with Brit now, towering over her as he looks down at her in pure disgust.

Jack Graves: What the fuck makes you think you even BELONG in a ring with me? You’re out here crying about losing a title opportunity, meanwhile, that was just another day at the office for me. A chance to add to what I’ve already got. But what do you have?

Graves looks her over and shakes his head.

Jack Graves: The only gold I see is that fugazi costume jewelry that you wear. All this false bravado only covers up the fact that you really hate yourself because you’re nothing. A shadow of your former self. A washed-up former glory that needs me to try and elevate herself back to relevancy. I see right through you.

Jack spits at her feet and turns to pace the ring, staring her down.

Jack Graves: You know what though? You’re in luck because one of my favorite things to do in this business is to push people and make them dig out that dark version of themselves. To fire them up, motivate them, give them that purpose again… and then squash all that out like a cockroach under my boot. So I accept your little challenge.

Jack smirks, giving her a cocky shrug.

Jack Graves: I mean, it’s already started to work, hasn’t it? Cowardly little Brit Anders punched me first, and then busted me open with my own title last week. …you lost your fuckin’ composure and all I did was get in your face and call you a few mean names. You said you were going to be a thorn in MY side? HA. You haven’t seen SHIT yet. Tell me, Anders, what are you going to do to stop me from beating the absolute shit out of you weekly until this match happens? Huh? What are you going to do when I fold your beloved Alan Envy’s knees backward and make him resemble a fuckin’ pink Flamingo to teach you a lesson? HUH?!

Jack tosses his title aside and steps up into Brit’s face again.

Jack Graves: You think you have it all figured out but you have no IDEA who you decided to fuck with. I’m not going to be a thorn in your side… I’m going to be the fucking night terrors that keep you awake 24/7. When you hear a small bump in the night, you won’t wonder if it’s El Cucuy or the boogieman, bitch. You’ll wonder if it’s Jack Graves finally coming to get your ass. You know what? Why even wait? We can settle this shit right now--

Jack tosses the microphone aside, and in one quick motion, he rips his “Outlaw Shit” shirt off and tosses the scraps outside the ring.

That’s when “You Don’t Know” By 50 Cent blares through the speakers, stopping Jack short. Graves can’t help but laugh, and he holds his fingers up to Brit as if to say “I was this close” as Robb Hardy appears at the top of the ramp with a look of disapproval on his face. Brit lifts her mic to speak but Robb instantly makes a signal to the camera and her microphone is cut.

Robb Hardy: I want both of you to listen to me and listen well because your job may very well depend on it. Got it?

Jack looks amused as he scoops his GEW title off the ground and fixes it around his waist. He then scoops up the mic before giving the belt a few pats as he looks up the ramp at Robb.

Jack Graves: You wanted me here. Remember that. You don’t want to fire me over this bitch. This is what I bring to the table.

Robb sighs and shakes his head.

Robb Hardy: You’re right, I don’t want to fire either of you Jack but this is getting out of hand. You know firsthand that Brit Anders has an affinity for suing people and even if she didn’t, you can’t just run around attacking each other whenever you get the urge. You may have gotten away with a lot on Liberation, but that shit won’t fly here. Do you feel me? Now I know you two want a match against each other, and these fans want to see it.

The fans reassure him of this by beginning a loud “let them fight” chant that rocks the arena. Jack nods in agreement, meanwhile, Anders starts inching toward the ropes to escape while Jack isn’t looking.

Robb Hardy: Oh, I’m going to let them fight. These two will settle this once and for all at (supershow). However, there’s a catch. If either of you lay a finger on the other before then? You’re fired. Plain and simple. No exceptions. Do you understand?

Jack laughs heartily, and he raises the mic back to his lips.

Jack Graves: You know I didn’t throw the first punch right?

Jack looks from Robb to Brit and back before nodding.

Jack Graves: You know what? It’s irrelevant. I accept. I won’t harm a hair on her pretty little head until (the supershow). You keep her the fuck out of my way until then though, because at the end of the day? It’s just a job. I can get another.

Robb nods and then signals for Jack’s mic to be cut like Anders. He stares down the ramp at his once-upon-a-time almost son-in-law and delivers his next lines straight to the heart of “The Outlaw”

Robb Hardy: I thought you’d say that. That’s why I’ve spoken to Maybelline Moss, and we’ve agreed that if you get fired for misconduct, you’ll also be stripped of the GEW Grand Championship. So I’d approach this with a little less “loose cannon” and a lot more professionalism. I think we’ve all seen how much that championship means to you. It would be a shame to see you lose it under those circumstances. Now, are you going to play ball or are you going to leave the ball and go home?

Robb doesn’t wait for a response. Instead, he turns on his heels and disappears with authority as quickly as he came.

At this point, Britney has rolled out of the ring and she makes her way up the ramp clearly amused at how shaken Jack looks, even going as far as to point and laugh at him. As she disappears through the curtain, we’re left with Jack looking stunned, his hand on the title around his waist as the scene fades to commercial.

SEGMENT
Conquest continues as we fade backstage. Standing in front of the small interview set with the monitor is none other than Emily Carter. The crowd reacts with cheers upon seeing the B³ member. Emily can't help but to let out a smile as she can hear the cheers from all the way in the backstage area. The blonde tucks her hair behind her ears before addressing the camera.

Emily Carter: Oh hi, babes. Emily Carter here and I guess this is the first time you've really been hearing from me here or, well, anywhere since we turned the calendar to 2023.

Emily lets out a soft smile.

Emily Carter: 2022 was... a year.

She leans back slights before exhaling.

Emily Carter: It was a year, for me, that was filled with a lot of ups and down. On the plus side, I deepened my friendship with some of the most important people in my life. I let some really cool people into my circle. I expanded my horizons, which is the reason I'm even here right now. My biggest accomplishment of the year was my biggest achievement in wrestling, and that was winning the Valiant Championship from one of my best friends.

There's a round of applause from the viewing crowd for Emily's big win.

Emily Carter: On the other hand, I felt like I let Carli and Jessica down when I lost the Tag Titles for B² while subbing for Jess... Myself, Thatcher and so many others all got the rug yanked out from under us with Revolver... I never quite found my footing on Empire... and I didn't exactly have the run that I envisioned as Valiant Champion, to say the least.

Emily let's out a frustrated sight. No one can beat her up quite like she can.

Emily Carter: Through it all, there have been so many people along the way that have helped out and offered their support, inside the ring and out. So to Jess, Carli, Bri, Spider, Jackie, Tiff, Ana, Skylar, Thatcher, Jack, Miki, Ant, Lena... thank you. It meant a lot.

The former tag champion puts her hand over her heart and offers up a warm smile. She continues.

Emily Carter: I know that things didn't exactly go the way that I had hoped in my first match on Liberty after the Lottery Draft. But since that time, I've been informed that some moves have been made and I'm right back on Empire!

The good news is met with more cheers from the audience.

Emily Carter: As much as I was looking forward to making something of myself over on Liberty, I felt like I was leaving a lot behind over here. Obviously a good number of my friends are over here. But I felt like I had unfinished business over here on Empire. I never really did get to settle the score with Noah Ortega after all the stunts he pulled. But even ignoring him, I didn't like the body of work that I had. I felt like I could do better. I knew, deep down, that I could do better. So being back here on Empire is my chance to prove that I belong.

She nods.

Emily Carter: I won't let this opportunity slip by and I couldn't think of a better opponent for my first night back here in Empire than you, Lena. Lena, you're someone whose abilities I respect. I consider you a friend. I don't always agree with your methods out there in the ring.

Emily cocks an eyebrow and tilts her head forward. She continues.

Emily Carter: If you want my honest opinion, I don't think you need to pull half the stuff that you do to get ahead. You're more than capable of going out there and handling business the right way. Which is why I hope, I really do, that in this match amongst friends, you can leave out all the short cuts. You can leave out all the other stuff and we can just wrestle straight up. You know? Let's see who the better wrestler is out there. Now obviously, you're coming off a loss. No doubt you want to bounce back and I wouldn't expect you to hold back against me. But when it comes to standings here in Empire, you're higher up on the totem pole than I am. You're the one with the championship while the only title I held here was when I was subbing for our friend. So I wouldn't blame people for thinking that you're better than me. Heck, I wouldn't blame you for thinking that you're better than me. But anyone can be beaten on any given night. You've seen from afar just how good I am. But soon, very soon, you're gonna experience, up close and personal, just how EMazing Emily Carter truly is.

SEGMENT
A replay from last week's match with B² versus The Division is shown on the phone of the former EPW Tag Champion. Carli can feel her fists curl in frustration as she watches the antics that take place. Seeing Julian’s face again, makes Bubz wanna kick him in the shin that much more. As the clip comes to an end, an angered look takes over Carli’s face.

CARLI DAVIS: That win should’ve been ours.

She finishes up wrapping her hands, as she focuses on the heavy bag in front of her. Carli takes a deep breath before she lays in a punch to the bag. It sways back and forth and it suddenly felt like a weight had already been lifted off of her shoulders.

CARLI DAVIS: But no, Julian had to stick his big nose in business he had no reason to be in. I don’t care if Tyson and Thatcher are part of his little posse or not. It was absolutely uncalled for.



Big poppa gets in a few more punches. If you’re wondering, she’s picturing Julian’s face on the heavy bag. She can feel her breathing picking up, the harder she hits.

CARLI DAVIS: We get it. You lead this big and bad stable across the wrestling world. However, if you think for a second that I was just going to let that go? Pft. Not this Carli. Big Poppa isn’t taking any BS this time around!

More punches. They get a little more aggressive, especially for someone her size. She really didn’t like Julian and now she had more reasons to not. Flashbacks of him putting a hand on her, stopping her from saving one of her best friends, her tag partner, made her blood boil. The chains clank as she gives all her strength through each punch. Bubz is seeing red and she was on the verge of snapping before someone snapped her back into reality.

CARLI DAVIS: I’m going to kick your butt, Julian. As soon as I beat Thatcher, you’re next. Yeah, I said beat. That’s how confident I am! I’m not some scared little girl. I know what I signed up for and I know I can beat you, too. You’re dangerous, sure… but I’m willing to go through whatever it is you throw at me, or put me through, to get back up on the ladder and show EPW that Carli Davis is ready to take over.

She wipes the sweat off her brow, with her arm, taking in another deep breath. Carli gives the heavy bag one last hit, following it with a swinging kick.

CARLI DAVIS: That’s going to be Thatcher tonight and then after that, Julian Savell. Best believe.

Carli stares into the camera for a moment, giving it a little devious smile, before marching off to get ready for tonight's match.

SEGMENT
We cut to backstage where an irate Amelia Moore is storming through the halls muttering about what a piece of shit Bobby is. For some unknown reason, Dante Chapel decided this was the time he would try to approach her although he was wise enough to do so with caution.

Dante Chapel: Amelia…can I get a few words about what happened out there with Bobby?

Amelia looks at him with gritted teeth, her hands still balled into fists.

Amelia Moore: What happened out there?? What happened out there wasn't good enough, that's what happened. Next time though? Next time I'll make damn fucking sure he wont leave that ring conscious.

Shoving her way past Dante, Amelia continues her journey down the hall as the scene fades.

SEGMENT
We cut backstage to Dex Morant walking down the halls, a smirk on his face.

Dex Morant: Tonight, I become the number one contender for the CanAm Championship. I might have let the Noir Championship slip through my grasp but that’s no more. I’m moving on and moving up.

He nodded confidently.

Dex Morant: Also, did you all see Antoinette win earlier against that washed bitch? She only pulled that off because I decided to leave her alone this week. It’s laughable.

Dex chuckled.

Dex Morant: But I digress. Tonight, I win this battle royal and I keep moving forward. Nothing will stop me. Trust the process.

He nodded and walked off and the scene cut away.

SEGMENT
We cut backstage to Jade Night and Robb Hardy talking.

Robb Hardy: I don’t think we should go back on anything. We kind of already did and it’s a bad look.

Jade rolled her eyes.

Jade Night: I don’t care! I’ve had enough and I’ve seen enough! And now you signed a new Division guy and have Julian showing up? Are you in cahoots with them? You ran a group with Tyson, Julian AND Ahalya before while playing GM. What are you doing, Robb?

Robb sighed and shook his head.

Robb Hardy: I don’t know what you want me to do?

Jade Night: I want you to split up The Division, that’s what I want you to do!

Robb yelled.

Robb Hardy: How Jade!? HOW!?

Jade Night: You take Lukas back and take Kendrick Kross and the Anarchy Championship. I’ll take back Wade Manson and the Extreme Championship, Tyson Gregory and Thatcher Ray Nash. That’ll be enough for now. We’ll discuss other details later.

Robb placed his hands on his hips and shook his head. He was frustrated but he knew this would have to most likely be done.

Robb Hardy: Fine. It’s a deal. That’s three people to two though. I’ll need someone else eventually.

Jade Night: That’s fine.

The two shook hands and the scene cut away.

SEGMENT
We cut backstage to Tyson Gregory coming up to Robb Hardy, looking quite upset.

Tyson Gregory: I’m being sent back to Liberty? Then what’s the point in even fighting Derrick tonight?

Robb sighed and shrugged his shoulders.

Robb Hardy: I don’t know, man. This entire night has been a clusterfuck. If you don’t want to fight, then don’t. Enjoy Liberty.

Tyson laughed and shook his head.

Tyson Gregory: I will. And you and I both know what you and Jade are doing? It can’t stop us. The Division will continue to grow, continue to divide and conquer. You know better than anyone what Julian and I are capable of, especially with a group of people backing us.

Robb nodded.

Robb Hardy: I do. And that’s why for the best interest of everyone, I can’t have you on my roster. This isn’t what we were before. Sorry, friend.

Robb patted Tyson on the shoulder and walked off and the scene cut away.

EMPIRE CHAMPIONSHIP CONTRACT SIGNING
After the final commercial break for the evening, cut back to the middle of the ring where Robb Hardy is seated in front of a long table with multiple microphones set up on either side and a contract sitting right in the middle.

Robb Hardy: Tonight is the moment you’ve all been waiting for. For months, this match has been on everyone’s mind. Now that Sparrow has finished off Blyss Lockhart and earned a shot at Marcus Black, we will make it official with a contract signing between the two men.

With the crowd growing a little restless, first the challenger comes out.

“Let's peruse the essentials of Cool,
A brief study on the things so instrumental to Lu.
That make me feel flyer than lobbies of W’s,
A disclaimer, just a rhymer, no credentials from a school...”

Sparrow emerges from the curtain to the cheers of the crowd amidst “Gold Watch” playing by Lupe Fiasco. He mouths the lyrics to the song, dressed in a humble pair of cargo pants and the brand new Antoinette ‘SPACE ANT’ tee. He’s even got a purple bandana pulling his hair back to match the tee. Sparrow takes a minute to hop onto the apron before clearing the ropes. He shakes Robb’s hand before taking his seat. The West Indian Whirlwind kicks his feet up on the table as his music comes to an end...Yet the crowd continue singing even after “Gold Watch” has ended.

Crowd: Yeah, yeah! She love it over there! Yeah, yeah, now look at what I wear!

The vibe changes immediately as “In Waves” by Trivium blasts through the arena speakers. Marcus Black steps through the curtain, the Empire Championship over his shoulder as he surveys the mostly cheering crowd. Stella follows closely behind him as he walks down to the ring, eyes focused on Sparrow. When they get to ringside Marcus motions for Stella to stay there before he gets into the ring. He takes a second to look Robb over before offering his hand to shake, which is taken by the boss. Marcus then pulls out the chair and sits down, giving a small nod to Sparrow.

Robb Hardy: Alright, let’s get this thing started! Anything to say before we sign this thing?

Marcus picks up a microphone off the table.

Marcus Black: As I’ve said before, all of this: The contenders match, this contract signing, is mere formality. This is a match I have prepared for ever since you decided to step out of my way some time ago. The fact you would question that I would realize that is insulting. I am aware of the threat you are to me and my reign as champion.

Sparrow: That wasn’t why I was questioning yo—

The West Indian Whirlwind says that without a proper microphone before he goes about grabbing one. Then he repeats himself.

Sparrow: I wasn’t questioning what you would realize or not. Marcus, I raise the question of ‘why me’ because… I disagree with the idea that it couldn’t be La’Bell or Graves sitting right here instead. What does one match mean when someone could dethrone you in the rematch? Now make no mistake…I’m not saying that to be nice. It’s just a fact. Because at the end of the day it is me seated here in front of you.

Sparrow looked to the crowd before glancing back at the Empire champion.

Sparrow: For the benefit of y’all in the stands, and watching at home let’s go over the checklist. Marcus beat a tag team just for the sport of it by himself. I did that way back as a trial by fire before all the mess happened. Marcus you send Dante out. I sent Dante out…The man is resilient if nothin’ else yes. You dethroned Blyss. I…Say it for me guys. I sent her…

Crowd: In an ambulance.

Sparrow: Thank you. Look. Champ. I’m glad you’ve prepared. I’m glad that we can have a modicum of mutual respect here y’see but that title right there? I want it. I need it. It is my vindication for a fifteen minute reign of a dead brand. You beat me and…What? That’s just one more name for you to cross off?

Marcus looks at the title on his shoulder as Sparrow speaks about it, about what winning it would mean to him. When the question is asked Marcus's eye flick back to the challenger.

Marcus Black: I respect your desire. I have seen the disrespect and trials you have gone through to get here. But how many people have you seen step up to me because they believed they wanted it more than I did. Ahayla, Derrick, and many others believed that just because they were at their best that they could beat me at mine. They were all wrong, Sparrow.

Marcus leans every so slightly forward, putting his full attention on his challenger.

Marcus Black: Every person I fight, especially who I defend this championship against, is a threat to everything I have earned. To everything I have built. Before I became champion this company was represented by a sickness. Corruption. Cowardice. Blyss Lockhart sunk Empire pro into the depths. So I swore when I became champion that I would restore this championship and this company to the glory that it deserves to be. Saying that this is my Empire is not some arrogant claim, it is a point I am making. Blyss's Empire was a disgrace, a disgrace I refuse to allow mine to become by allowing the undeserving to take it from me.

Sparrow quietly tented his fingers together as he listened to Marcus, thumbs jammed against the bridge of his nose as Marcus finishes.

Marcus Black: So no, Sparrow. You are more than simply a name to cross off.

The West Indian Whirlwind opens his mouth to say something, but instead he quietly grabs the pen. His fingers flip through the pages of the contract.

Sparrow: The undeserving. Y’know what...? I’mma let that one lie and leave it at this: you the champion, Marcus. The Empire Pro champion. You are the champ for a reason, bana. Now...Can be everything you say you are. You can be the Kraken, you can be the guy nobody beats, the one who always wants it, always hungry, so on, so on...You can say it’s not disrespect, it’s just fact. You can say whatever you want. You’re champ. How you wanted to be this litmus test on who should be the next champion, bringing honor and respect and glory...All that. There is however, one thing...One thing, your empire and Blyss’s, has in common.

With a single scribbling on the dotted line, Sparrow slid the contract in front of the champion.

Sparrow: Both of them...Were built on my foundation.

Marcus looks down at the paper before picking up the pen.

Marcus Black: Well in that case… I guess I'm going to destroy the foundation to my own Empire.

Marcus then slides the contract back to the middle towards Robb.

Robb Hardy: Alright, there it is folks, the match is official. Coming up at our next supershow, Cold Dawn, we will have Sparrow versus Marcus Black for the Empire Championship!

He looked over at Marcus and Sparrow.

Robb Hardy: Good luck to you both. And to everyone else? Good night.

Robb’s theme, “You Don’t Know” by 50 Cent played over the PA as the showed ended on that note.