EPW Conquest 64 Results

SEGMENT
It’s the night of episode 64 of Conquest presented by Empire pro and we are backstage of the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto, Ontario! We are taken backstage as we see Antoinette standing backstage joined with her stablemates, Ashley Sands and Ashley Chase! As A.A.A stands backstage dressed for their match here tonight, Antoinette is seen jumping up and down standing in the middle of her friends.

ANTOINETTE: Girls look at us!! A. A.A back at it again to deliver some tag team fire!!! And this time on EMPIREEEEE!!!!

Antoinette looks at the two before smiling widely as she speaks.

ANTOINETTE: I am so incredibly happy you girls are here tonight AND I get to share the ring with you! I have to tell you, truthfully it is nice to have you both here after all the silliness that’s been going on. I know we all haven’t had the best of luck lately, but maybe this is where things turn around for us!!

She says with a comforting look before nodding her head.

ANTOINETTE: I know that we got this tonight. It certainly won’t be easy by any means, but I believe in us. I truly believe this is our match to get back on track and remind everyone… in both locker rooms.. just who we are and what we bring to the table. I don’t know about you girls, but I’m excited!!

AMC looks at her hyperactive sister from another mister and chuckles. How Ant keeps so upbeat is beyond her but it does bring positive energy to the room that is for sure

AMC: things started going bad in Liberty when we had to face those nasty, disgusting bottom feeding trash bag ho’s.

Antoinette’s eyes get huge as she stares at AMC and what she is saying

AMC: I mean things started to go downhill when we had to face The Lads. However that was in Liberty and this is Empire and in Empire A2A already beat the champs so things are definitely looking up. Tonight is the return of AAA and as the Society can attest to when AAA is on the scene bad things happen to our opponents. Tonight we make our point that we are not the ladies to mess with. We show that we are here to take over the Empire just like we did Liberty!

Antoinette gets all excited and starts jumping around again, then her and AMC look over at Ashley Sands who thus far has been uncharacteristically quiet.

ASHLEY SANDS: I just want to know one thing. OK well three actually. One, who let Ant put sugar on her frosted flakes when she ate before coming here tonight? Ang said that the family knew better than to let that happen since she was a kid. Two, am I the only one that thinks the whole Empire name sounds just a little bit sinister? Why not just carve a giant skull into the side of the arena? And three, the two of us have heard rumors about what happened on your honeymoon.

The camera takes a quick turn to show the small Furby Peanut sitting on a chair with a cigar in its beak. Ant looks nervous and her face flushes red.

ASHLEY SANDS: But we can hash all that out later. The point is that for one night only the band is back together and it’s time to remind people of the “good ol’ days”. Wait, that was only a few months ago wasn’t it? OK, the “few months ago days”. There was a reason why we all had the gold that we had together and some need to be reminded of that.

ANTOINETTE: Exactly..

Antoinette nods her head and looks at her partners and gives them a reassuring smile.

ANTOINETTE: I know that we can get back on top we just need to get our heads back in the game!! LIKE IN HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL!!

She giggles before she slaps both their backs playfully as she looks up.

ANTOINETTE: Let’s go get em tigers!!!

SEGMENT
The excitement emanating from the sold out crowd only grew that much more as 'Your Favorite Drug' by Porcelain Black hit the sound system. Stepping out from behind those curtains was, of course, 'YOUR Favorite Drug' Xavier Laroux. That oh so arrogant smirk plastered across his face, Xavier stepped out onto the stage, basking in the mixed reaction the audience was giving him.

Bringing his hands up, as if to stop the whole thing, Xavier turned to the side slightly, pointing to the back. His own theme was quickly replaced by Motograter's Suffocate. The lights dimming down and falling into a dark blue hue, it didn't take long for 'The Eldest' Gabriel Laroux to step out from the back. Slowly walking across that stage, Gabriel moved to stand at Xavier's side as the two of them turned motioning to the back as the lighting returned to normal.

'Timeless' by Break by Design was the next theme to hit as the third of the Laroux trio, Kian Laroux, stepped out from the back. Those cheers rained down for the future star as he stood between his Uncle and his Father.

The three looked at one another, talking inaudibly before making their way down the ramp, Kian and Xavier stayed to the outside of the ramp, slapping hands with the fans while Gabriel walked down the middle, not showing nearly as much enthusiasm as they were.

Once they got to the bottom of the ramp, Gabriel and Kian walked off to opposite sides of the ring as Xavier slid in under the bottom set of ropes. They climbed up onto the apron and ducked between the ropes while Xavier got a microphone for each of them. The three of them stood in the middle of the ring, Xavier was the first to speak.

Xavier Laroux: See..sometimes you gotta remind people what's up. Like..people wanna forget and then they wanna do some stupid shit. So..you remind them.

Gabriel and Kian, both, nod in agreement with what Xavier said, causing his smirk to grow that much larger.

Xavier Laroux: And that's exactly what I did. I went out there and I showed them why I am not the one to fuck with. I showed them why I can be the biggest problem you could ever have. And more important than all of that..I became we.

Now? Not only do I get to stand out here, side by side with my son and my brother..but I get to stand side by side with them and do what we were made to do.

Xavier took a step back and it seemed as if it was Gabriel's turn to talk, taking a couple steps forward.

Gabriel Laroux: My strength. Xavier's willingness to do whatever it takes. Kian possesses the best of what we can do. The brightest future imaginable. But together? We are the force in this entire company.

Gabriel turned his head and looked to Kian, who had his arms crossed at his chest. Uncrossing them, he brought his microphone up, speaking up as well.

Kian Laroux: Each and every time I step between those ropes..I get better..I learn more. I'm already so far ahead of a lot of others and that's just from genes alone. I'm putting in the work. I'm doing what I need to do to continue evolving..to continue getting better. It's only a matter of time till I have gold on MY shoulder.

Xavier Laroux: And lesbihonest here..I ain't gotta whole hell of alottabit of matches left in me.

Gabriel Laroux: And most of the time? Just being in an arena..or in a ring disgusts me. Nothing but a bunch of drama chasing High Schoolers.

Xavier Laroux: But I can honestly say that this lineage is only gonna prosper..only gonna get more accomplished and it's cause of my boy here!

Xavier threw his arm around Kian, ruffling up his already ruffled hair, only for him to slip out of his grasps.

Kian Laroux: He's right though. I got this. I'm taking this legacy and I'm running with it.

Gabriel Laroux: But we're not out yet. There's still issues to solve and matches to win. Tonight..it's Triple A. Three individuals I am going to have zero problems forcing my will upon.

Xavier Laroux: Wait, prolly not Antchick, she said she's bringin that stripper Kandi.

Gabriel shot Xavier one of those looks, choosing not to acknowledge that comment. Shaking his head briefly, Gabe went back to the point at hand.

Gabriel Laroux: Tonight..we show everyone watching that..this..is both The Beginning and The End.

Kian Laroux: Now what about those strippers?

Gabriel reached over, grabbing up the microphone Kian held, doing the same with the one Xavier held. The three of them began talking between one another, strategizing for the match.

SEGMENT
We open up backstage where we see Britney Anders on a phone call in her dressing room.

BRITNEY ANDERS: Yeah..no, it’s okay Kacey. Trust me, I’m going to get him back for what he did to you. You don’t have to worry about me, I’m….

Britney is startled as there was a loud, semi-aggressive knock at her dressing room door. Could she be jumpy because of Jack’s presence in the building? Granted, they weren’t allowed any physical contact before their match, but after what he did to Kacey, Kendrick, and Claire, allegedly, she wasn’t able to relax at all.

BRITNEY ANDERS: Kacey I’ll call you back. Someone’s at my door. I promise I’m good, you don’t even have to watch! Get some rest!

Britney hangs the phone up before sitting her phone down and walking over to her dressing room door. She puts her ear to it and then quietly says:

BRITNEY ANDERS: Who’s there?

KENDRICK KROSS: Britney, open the damn door.

She slowly opens it but Kendrick forces his way in and then closes it behind him as he locks his eyes onto her. Britney was more so glaring with red cheeks, angry that he would burst into the room.

KENDRICK KROSS: Okay we’ve got to put an end to this. Jack has gone off the deep end and with what happened to me, Claire and Kacey you need to help me do something about it.

Kendrick paces back and forth shaking his head and before Britney can speak he interrupts her.

KENDRICK KROSS: This is crazy shit and you know it. I don’t care what it is but you need to help me pay him back. Not for me but for Claire and Kacey. She is your cousin after all you should want to do something.

BRITNEY ANDERS: Really, Kendrick? I hope you aren’t doubting my desire for payback against Jack for what he did to Kacey. Honestly, I could give a damn about Claire…

This draws ire from Kendrick who now turns red in his cheeks as he clenches a fist up. Britney was never one to shy away from confrontation.

BRITNEY ANDERS: But yes, I want revenge for Kacey, and I’ll get it. Robb already told us that we have a date against each other in the future, but until that date? These pretty little hands? They have to stay clean, at least, mostly. I can mess with Jack all I want mentally, but I can’t lay a finger on him, you know that.

The two stare face to face. For all the love that they used to share when they were engaged, the two clearly seemed to have it in for each other now. Britney puts both hands on her hips.

BRITNEY ANDERS: I’m teaming with Jack tonight, and whether I like it or not, there’s nothing I can do to help you get revenge for our family, but hey? Maybe I’ll…get the urge to play cheerleader on the apron all night. He can’t force me to tag in. That’s all I can do for you.

A matter of fact tone to her voice, her eyes trail back to the door.

BRITNEY ANDERS: Now, you can find the same door you walked in to walk right back out of.

KENDRICK KROSS: You know, I have helped Kacey all along and if it wasn’t for me Kacey could’ve ended up in much worse condition you know that? But you’re more concerned about your job than your cousin.

Kendrick shakes his head as he looks at the door and then back at Britney.

KENDRICK KROSS: You mention the match tonight? Yeah, you’re scheduled to tag with him. But that’s if he makes it to his match. You may be out there all by your lonesome.

Kendrick turns to head to the door but stops and looks back at Britney.

KENDRICK KROSS: You could thank me for making sure Kacey wasn’t hurt, but I know that you wouldn’t mean it. But you keep your hands clean. I’ll do all the hard work like normal.

Britney just stares at Kendrick, rolling her eyes as he opens the door and takes his exit. It’s only then that she speaks up again.

BRITNEY ANDERS: Good luck. I think Lukas is the one that will be wrestling a handicap match if you go after Jack….

The cameras then fade back to the ringside area.

SEGMENT
The scene opens up backstage where we find the Can Am Champion Ahalya Patel. Her hair hangs down her shoulders as she is looking herself up and down in her sharply dressed referee stripes. Letting out a little sigh at the moment she turned to give herself a little look in the mirror noting a small little set of stitches on her forehead where she was busted up a few nights ago in Scotland for the Millennium Wrestlings show there.

As she let out a sigh she turned to hoist her title up on her shoulder the camera pans left and then widens as another figure enters the scene he’s draped atop some crates like an ominous villain in a movie, though the briefcase he was carrying with yet another crossing out of brand name between “liberty” to “empire” and back to “liberty” accompanied him.

Lya couldn’t help a small smile that crept on her face seeing him as she stepped forward.

Ahalya Patel: “Here I was thinking I wouldn’t have any trouble here tonight.”

She obviously felt comfortable around him judging by her demeanor, stepping forward now to close the distance between them.

Ahalya Patel: “I thought you already packed your bags and headed back to New York, since the big bags are trying to divide and conquer your group.”

Tyson Gregory set his Liberty in the Bank case down and playfully shrug his shoulders.

Tyson Gregory: “Don’t you know that being in The Division I get to have some travel perks that others don’t.”

He gets closer to Ahalya now and takes out a golden bandage and places it over her newly stitched stitches.

Tyson Gregory: “I was going to go with a nice stripped one to go with your referee outfit, but gold just suits you better.”

She offered a little roll of the eyes at first though clearly amused by the gesture. She patted it with her hand and then turned to pat her championship as well.

Ahalya Patel: “you’re right about that, besides you know this whole referee gig is going to get real tired, real fast. I have a feeling somebody ain’t going to like something I do during the match and want to think they can try me and those old instincts to kick their head off is going to creep in.”

She offered a shrug.

Ahalya Patel: “We will see though, I am just more curious about where you’ll be taking me after the show. Since you’re still around and all.”

He offers up another shrug of his shoulders.

Tyson Gregory: “Hopefully no one is ignorant or foolish enough to cross you out there. It won’t exactly help them in that match to do anything other than follow your letter of the law.”

He gently takes her chin in his hand and runs his thumb against her soft skin.

Tyson Gregory: “And I’ll reserve the right to pick until I see what mood you’re in after the match tonight. Too many factors to consider before figuring out what you’re going to be up for.”

She laughed.

Ahalya Patel: “You’re a wise man. I’m sure all will be fine. If not we’ll make it that way.”

She nodded at that before giving a little flick of the hair.

Ahalya Patel: “In the mean time I better get going. Match ain’t going to call itself. I’ll see you soon, TyGre.”

She gave him a wink and the camera was left just glancing at him while showcasing her walking towards the entrance way

SEGMENT
We cut to the police struggling to put Amelia into the cop car when Bobby LaFleur shows up cackling.

Bobby LaFleur: Enjoy prison, you dumb alien loving bitch. You’re getting locked up for assaulting me with a deadly weapon last month!

Bobby walked up Amelia, believing the cops had her restrained, so he got as close as he could.

Bobby LaFleur: Eat shit, you ugly ass bi-...

Before Bobby could finish his sentence, Amelia broke free from the police officers and found a slither of space to kick Bobby in the balls and then headbutt him right in the head. Bobby fell to the ground and Amelia started to kick him, getting a few good shots in before the cops restrained her again.

Amelia Moore: I’ll kill you, you fat fuck!

Amelia started to bleed from the headbutt she gave Bobby but it didn’t even face her, in fact, she started to laugh before she spit some of the blood that ran into her mouth at Bobby.

Amelia Moore: Oh and Bobby? Tell your sister to watch her back!

Bobby was in a daze but the moment he heard his sister mentioned he sprang up and charged Amelia and cops got in the way and Bobby was pissed enough and seeing red at this point and he punched a cop! They now pounced on him and cuffed Bobby and Amelia began to laugh. Now it looks like both of them are getting arrested!

SEGMENT
We cut backstage to Seven Wolfe standing outside of the arena, smoking on a cigarette as he enjoyed the cold Canadian air.

Seven Wolfe: Funny, it never was this cold where I grew up in Thailand and then where I found myself wrestling in Japan. But I seem to like it. Maybe it’s the numb feeling you get when the temperature starts to get closer and closer to zero.

He took another puff from his cigarette and slowly exhaled before putting it out.

Seven Wolfe: That’s what I like to feel in most cases though, that numb feeling. Some people put too much emotion into this shit. But me? Nope. I go out there and do my job. I was raised to fight. It’s all I know and emotions? They just get in the way.

Seven turned toward the camera and nodded.

Seven Wolfe: So tonight? It doesn’t matter if I’m going up against Jackal again and I really don’t care if Ahalya is the special guest referee. I just know that I have a fight to win and I have the sergeant in my sights. I guess I have my work cut out for me tonight. The Wolfe versus The Jackal. No rest for this Wolfe on the Seventh Day I guess. Fuck it.

Seven tapped his fist at the door he was standing next to and the security guard on the other side opened it up to let Seven back in. The scene then cut away.

SEGMENT
Standing by with lead Empire backstage interviewer Madi Smith is none other than Lukas York. Lukas looks quietly frustrated as he basically can’t keep still, his frowny gaze held on something off-camera. But Madi keeps her cool with a professional smile on her face.

Madi Smith: Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Lukas York. Lukas, tonight is your first match on Empire even though you were drafted to the brand last month. Instead, you had a match last week on Liberation, in a tag team match with Liberty champion TJ Techniques against Chris Sanderson and your long-time rival, Kendrick Kross the Anarchy champion. And tonight you’re in another tag match, this time teaming up with Kendrick. We’re all aware of the current bad blood between you two and after the card was announced, I saw you ask Robb Hardy on Twitter if this match was a punishment for you and he said it was. For all four of you. I didn’t see you respond to that, so I have to ask, how do you feel about what he said? About this match being a punishment?

Lukas side-eyes Madi with a loud scoff.

Lukas York: Not sure what he’s punishing me for ‘cause if it’s for crashing Liberation last time, I already got yelled at and ejected for it. And if it’s for that mess of a match last week, I was the one who got hit in the face with a championship belt. So did TJ. And then Chris fucked it up even more by taking out Kendrick too. If anything, Robb should punish Chris and his wife Ali, not me.

His jaw tenses in a brief moment of pause.

Lukas York: In fact, I should be left out of this match altogether. I don’t mean any disrespect to Robb but I don’t care what Britney Anders and Jack Graves did to get lumped in here. Their business is not my business. I just want Kendrick Kross. Opposite me. In that ring. For the Anarchy championship. Because I’m sick of waiting! I’m sick of going to war with Kendrick, only for him to somehow slip past me and win! I’m sick of getting sneered at by that condescending asshole, being told I’m not good enough! Like I didn’t just give my all at every opportunity. I just… I need…

He looks down at his shaking hands, trying his best to pull back his anger. Madi swiftly cuts in.

Madi Smith: Well, good thing Kendrick has been drafted to Empire, along with his Anarchy champion. So I think there’s a chance you’ll get another shot in the future.

She gives him a sympathetic smile but his face remains sullen.

Madi Smith: Meanwhile, tonight you’re tag team partners. And whether you like it or not, you both have to find a way to work together against Britney and Jack. This can’t be another tag match that derails into disaster, right?

He throws his head back in exasperation. After taking a moment to collect himself, he looks at Madi.

Lukas York: Since I got here, I’ve gone along with the cards that I was dealt with. Even when Kendrick tried to put his hands on my wife or cost me my match against Asher for the Anarchy title challenger’s spot. Eye for an eye, tooth for tooth. I gave just as much as I got. And Kendrick still thinks so little of me. Like his time defending the Anarchy championship against me has all been a waste. And still I… play… along…

He starts breathing hard again, curling and uncurling his fists.

Lukas York: Well, then. I guess I just have to up the ante.

Madi Smith: What do you mean?

But Lukas doesn’t answer as he just stares at her before leaving the set. Madi looks after him with a confused expression and then the scene cuts away.

SEGMENT
Jackal is in the locker room. She has her phone held between her shoulder and her ear, keeping her hands free to finish taping up her wrist in preparation for her match.

Sgt. Mason: “Yeah… he called me into his office earlier to talk about it. Said it was a ‘sign of good will.’ I don’t know.”

There’s a pause as the other end speaks.

Sgt. Mason: “I thought the same. We have to be getting close… anything to try and get me off my guard, leave the investigation alone. I think we were right about the Empire maneuver. Matthews has a lot of support in Canada, it’ll be difficult to touch him unless we’ve got a rock solid case.”

Another pause.

Sgt. Mason: “Yeah… that’s later tonight. I’m ready for it, I think, I’m just… wary.”

She sighs.

Sgt. Mason: “I’ve been in this position before. Match ahead, championship opportunities if I can pull off the win. I’ve done all of this before, but anytime I’ve gotten close, I can’t quite get it done. It’s… disheartening.”

The person on the phone speaks.

Sgt. Mason: “Of course not. It’s not in my nature to quit. I’ll go out there, I’ll do what I can do. I’m focused. I’ve been working… I think this time, I’ll get it done.”

She flexes her forearm, rolling her taped wrists to check for mobility.

Sgt. Mason: “How are you doing? Getting used to the braces?”

There’s a brief pause, and she laughs.

Sgt. Mason: “Things we all take for granted, I’m sure… that’s wonderful, though.”

She listens to Chloe speak on the other end.

Sgt. Mason: “Not at all. You’re busy, and you’re still trying to get used to the new mobility. No need to be coming out to Canada to see what I’m up to. You’ll get my full report in the morning.”

She smiles. She checks her boots, tucking the laces away.

Sgt. Mason: “Yes ma’am. Thank you. We’ll speak again soon.”

SEGMENT
“Kicking and Screaming” By Blues Saraceno blasts through the arena and Jack Graves makes his way out to the top of the ramp with a beer in hand. He stops for a moment to pop the top and chug down every last drop before flattening the can against his skull to a symphony of boos from the crowd.

Tossing it aside, Jack continues down the ramp and he climbs up the steel stairs to wipe his boots on the apron when suddenly his music cuts. Graves looks around the arena, visibly confused, but his curiosity is soon answered when Kendrick Kross appears on the jumbotron.

KENDRICK KROSS: Hey there, Jacky boy. Yeah I’m injured thanks to you and your goons but guess what I’m still here and kicking.

Kendrick gives a big smirk as he motions for the camera to follow him.

KENDRICK KROSS: You know, I know there’s some things you absolutely love and one of them is this precious bike of yours. It is a beauty isn’t it? Would be a shame if something bad happened to it.

Kendrick looks at the bike and smirks where he raises a sledgehammer he has in hand and starts swinging it at the bike connecting with it multiple times.

KENDRICK KROSS: Hey Jack, this bike looks even better now with it all banged up doesn’t it? I’ll make it look even better too!

Kendrick slams the sledgehammer into the bike a few more times before dropping it.

KENDRICK KROSS: How about we have a little bonfire out here? Your bike would make the perfect starter don’t you think?

By this point, Jack is already in a dead sprint up the ramp. The cameras follow him through the curtain and down the hallways of the arena as he charges toward the parking garage like a bull in a china shop.

When he reaches the parking garage, we get a clear shot of Jack’s Indian Chieftain Dark Horse engulfed in flames while several staff members work on putting it out with fire extinguishers. Jack is livid! He charges forward and grabs one of the staff, spinning them around to yell in their face.

JACK GRAVES: Where the FUCK is he? Where did Kross go? How the fuck did you let this happ--

KENDRICK KROSS: I’m right here motherfucker.

Jack hears the voice and he spins around with a fist drawn but he’s too late. A crushing sledgehammer shot connects with his knee, and Graves buckles.

Kendrick uses the sledgehammer to his knee once more. He then uses it to slam against his stomach yelling at him.

KENDRICK KROSS: You think you can jump me and get away with it!?

Kendrick slams him a few more times with the sledgehammer before kicking him in the head a few times.

KENDRICK KROSS: This isn’t for me though…this is for Kacey and Claire. You’re lucky they aren’t in worse shape.

He kicks him a few more times as he speaks, before he’s finally stopped abruptly by Lukas York running at him full speed and taking him off his feet with a missile dropkick. Kendrick pops back up, and he’s instantly swarmed by York who starts landing furious punches and knees.

As if things weren’t hectic enough, Julian Savell and Benjamin Atlas appear to help Jack back to his feet and they look like they have devious intentions. The three men start to close the distance on Kendrick and Lukas, but that’s when a swarm of security and GM Robb Hardy show up to put themselves between the Division and Kendrick Kross.

Jack isn’t deterred though. He takes a few more limping steps forward, and scoops up the sledgehammer from the ground as he goes nose to nose with Robb Hardy.

JACK GRAVES: Move.

Meanwhile, security has separated Kross and Lukas York and they are being lead away in separate directions away from the parking garage. Jack immediately attempts to follow Kross but Robb shakes his head, and he puts a hand up to Jack’s chest to coax him back just a few steps, cutting him off.

ROBB HARDY: No. Absolutely not. This is out of control. You go after him and I’ll have no choice but to fire all of you. It’s an order, Jack. As your boss. As the GM of this show, I’m telling you to stand down.

The three Division members turn slightly to mumble amongst themselves for a moment, before Jack turns back to give Hardy a nod.

JACK GRAVES: Okay. Deal. I’ll leave him be for now on one condition. You add him to the match with me and Anders at the super show. That way I can deal with both of those pests at the same time. Get two birds stoned at once, you feel me.

Hardy thinks about it for a moment, and finally he reaches out his hand and the two of them shake.

ROBB HARDY: Deal. I hope you had insurance on the bike, by the way.

Jack shakes his head and spits blood at the feet of Hardy, clearly not amused.

JACK GRAVES: Fuck you. Lets go boys.

With that, the three men turn and walk their own separate way.

In the background we see that the fire has finally been put out, and the camera focuses on the charred frame of the bike for a moment before cutting to a pan out shot of a TV somewhere backstage. As the camera pans out further we see Brit Anders watching everything that had just unfolded on the TV in her dressing room.

BRITNEY ANDERS: Two birds with one stone? That does sound about right…

Britney was much more relaxed than the last time we saw her, a wide smile on her pretty face as she files her pink fingernails without a care in the world. Not only does she have the night off now, but two of her biggest enemies are at each other’s throats, taking a large part of the heat off of her.

The camera lingers on her for just a moment longer before fading completely to black.

SEGMENT
Conquest continues as both Dante Chapel and Emily Carter are standing by backstage.

Dante Chapel: With me right now is the beautiful and talented Emily Carter. Now Emily, this is the second time in two weeks that you'll find yourself across the ring from Lena Galante. Last week it was a singles match between the two of you. This time, it's in tag team action. Tell me about your mindset as you head into tonight's match.

Emily Carter: Well my mindset is pretty simple and that's to build off what happened last week. I was able to get the win against Lena just a week ago and honestly, I feel pretty good about going two for two against her.

The crowd cheers over the idea of Emily getting another win over the Great Lakes Champion.

Emily Carter: You know, a part of me feels bad for Lena. She's been on the wrong end of some results lately. As much as I'd love for her to get back in the swing of things and start coming away with some Ws, I don't want it to happen at my expense. So Lena, this little slide of yours? I'm gonna do my best to make sure it continues here tonight.

Dante Chapel: Lena won't be the only familiar face across the ring. There's also Dex Morant.

The former tag champion offers up a bitter smirk when the subject of Dex comes up.

Emily Carter: Right. Dex, Dex...

She nods.

Emily Carter: The last time I was in there with Dex, I wasn't exactly at my best. Now I'm not making any excuses. You know, Dex... he went out there and did exactly what he should've done. He didn't take it easy on me. He didn't hold back. He took advantage of an opponent that was low on confidence and beat them. The problem for Dex tonight is that I'm not the same woman that you beat towards the end of last year. My spirits are up. My confidence is back. For the first time in a long time, I know just who the heck I am and how good I can be in that ring. Unfortunately, that spell bad news for you tonight. I'm getting that win back.

Emily points directly at the camera before turning her attention back to Dante.

Dante Chapel: You also won't be going it alone as your partner for tonight will be Malaya Diyosa.

Emily Carter: Well I've got to be honest, Dante. When it comes to tag team matches in Empire, I'd rather be teaming with my babes Jess or Carli or Ant. That's no offense to Malaya, but that's just how I feel. Last week, you gave me an unwelcome assist. This time, however, I'm gonna need all the help I can get. We both need to make sure that we pull our weight out there. If the two of us are on the same page, then there's no reason that we can't walk out of here with a win.

Dante Chapel: Lastly, Emily, the Great Lakes Championship situation. Malaya recently has a win over Lena. Of course, you defeated Lena. Do you think that you have a claim for a shot at the championship?

Emily Carter: I mean, who wouldn't want a shot at a championship? I feel like I should be in the conversation. Even moreso if my team can win tonight. I'm sure Malaya feels the same. But that's a different conversation for a different time. Tonight, the only thing on my mind is building off of last week...

SEGMENT
We cut backstage to Dex Morant with a grin on his face.

Dex Morant: Did you all see that idiot fan earlier tonight? She cried so much when I ripped up her stupid Antoinette poster.

He laughed again.

Dex Morant: Oh Antoinette, I knew you’d freak out at that. You’re so easy to read and once again, you failed your friends with your own selfishness. So, watch me go out there tonight and show you how you compete in a tag team match, okay? Lena and I are about to put on a show.

He walked off and the scene faded out.

SEGMENT
“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’s effectively dressed to compete tonight, but on his usual ring gear? He’s got a Neighborhood x Osamu dress shirt on besides long tights and boots. He rolls into the ring as the crowd sings along with his song. There’s a small smile on his face before he grabs the microphone turning serious.

Sparrow: Alright Caroline, get out here, give your bullshit speech, and leave. We ain’t got time right now for this, I got a match later with an angry Irish woman. Come on. Let’s go.

Nothing. No sign of Caroline coming out, no sign of her theme song playing. A lack of her causing the West Indian Whirlwind to roll his eyes as the crowd boos accordingly. Sparrow pulls the microphone down and mouths ‘y’all see what I deal with?’ Sparrow is about to leave the ring when “Final Form” by Sampa The Great plays over the sound system of the Ricoh Coliseum. Caroline Dallins emerges from the curtain, white dress suit serving. She takes her time to climb up the steps.

She takes her time to wipe her shoes on the apron, as though she was still a full-time wrestler.

She takes her time to step through the second and third rope.

Caroline makes the biggest show of walking around Sparrow, a half-circle one way and then a half-circle another way. If there’s an actual point to drawing all this out for as long as she can, it hasn’t been reached yet. Eventually she gets a microphone and holds it to her lips.

The crowd awaits with baited breath at Caroline’s words and usually expressive, if not poisonous vernacular.

...

...

Caroline Dallins: You’re going to lose.

Sparrow blinks. “Final Form” from Sampa The Great begins playing over the sound system and a few people in the crowd begin laughing as Caroline drops the mic and begins leaving the ring.

Sparrow: Whoa-whoa-whoa! Cut the mu---Ey! Cut the damn music. You don’t get to just leave without actually putting an explanation to your bullshit.

Caroline shrugs her shoulders. The former competitor rolls her eyes as her music dies down. With a mutter to herself, she reaches down to scoop the microphone back up before standing opposite of the West Indian Whirlwind.

Caroline Dallins: You’re going to lose, Baby Bird. Now you don’t want to hear it and these people certainly don’t want to hear it but you are going to lose. Do you want to know why you’re going to lose?

Sparrow: That’s a rhetorical question, ain’t?

Caroline eyes him over from dreads to ring boots with a glance of disgust. She holds the microphone up still. It was indeed a rhetorical question, and although quite a few people in the crowd laugh? Caroline Dallins does not break so much as a smirk.

Caroline Dallins: You’re so funny. I hope that sense of humor has you laughing after Cold Dawn comes and goes. Listen to me, Baby Bird. Listen to me good. You see, while I don’t like it, while I barely tolerate it? These mouthbreathing idiots? They love you. You have the respect of these people, you have the respect of your peers, you have something that makes you a champion in their eyes even if you don’t hold the Empire championship itself. I knew it when you were drafted number two to Empire, and they cheered for you louder than numero uno. I knew it when you walked into that contract signing, and they sing along with your music. Who’s even singing that Lupe song in 2023?!

The West Indian Whrilwind shrugs his shoulders and looks to the crowd, mouthing ‘I dunno about y’all I just really love Lupe Fiasco’. He waves his microphone in circles, asking Caroline to speed this up.

Caroline Dallins: You want to believe that its gonna be your homecoming. You wanna believe that after all of it, after Blyss Lockhart who was a better champion than either your or Marcus could ever hope to be, I’ll be real--

The crowd begins virulently booing Caroline Dallins’ opinion that no one so far could compare to Blyss Lockhart. One can expect she probably sent Blyss and Dante a gift basket or something, ‘Get Well Soon’ card and everything. Killer C looks honestly offended that the crowd would treat her like this.

Caroline Dallins: Why are you booing me? I’m right! After Blyss, after Dante, after one challenge on top of the other, fighting sometimes without a damn friend in the world for a while, you wanna think this is some storybook ending shit. You wanna think you’re gonna out-stamina Marcus, you’re gonna flip, hop, skip, and kick him until he goes down...Nah. It ain’t gonna go like that. You want it to go one way but it’s gonna go the other way.

Sparrow: ...And how do you figure that?

Caroline Dallins: Because once Marcus beats you? There’s no more questions to his reign. There’s no ‘well what if Sparrow didn’t step out the way for him’. There’s no ‘People’s Picked Champion’. There’s just him, the Kraken, the Deep. The almighty swallower. Once he does beat you? He’s going to say the same thing that he’s said about Graves, that he’s said about La’Bell, about Ahalya, that he will say about every opponent he runs down. ‘I’ve already beaten you’. I destroyed you. I wanted it more. You weren’t good enough. Your best day isn’t even my blah blah blah’--I SEEN THIS ALREADY, RAPHAEL! I did the same shit a DECADE ago...It was dopamine for me, it was better than sex. Beating everybody, going unchecked, unchallenged, being able to say I was the best and no one could touch me and I know...Just like I would do...He will do all that, and then he will proceed to go home and dick Stella down like the bitch ain’t never been dicked down before.

Sparrow’s face mouths a slow ‘what the fuck, Caroline’, as she shrugs and mouths ‘I’m not wrong’.

Caroline Dallins: So what I sugges--look at me---what I suggest Baby Bird? Is you do what I know you’re capable of.

The West Indian Whirlwind looks away from her and is about ready to walk out of this ring. Caroline snaps her fingers in front of Sparrow’s face and he stares her down for a few moments. The crowd meanwhile seems a little perplexed by all of that.

Sparrow: Get out of my fac--

Caroline Dallins: No! Not this time! I don’t give a fuck about the threats you ain’t gonna follow through on. Look at me. Look at me. They don’t know what you can do. Them in the locker room, they don’t know what you can do. Not Bri. Not Emery. Not Ant. Not TJ. No one...No one in this company, not in these stands, not Jade, Robb, or Chuck Matthews himself knows what you can really do. Marcus don’t know. Nobody knows...Except me. I am...Begging you, Raphael. I am...Pleading with you. Do that. Be you. Not Sparrow. You. The realest you.

Caroline waited, as if expecting this to be some big ‘Come to God’ moment for Sparrow. Instead the West Indian Whirlwind lightly tapped the microphone to make sure it was still on.

Sparrow: You know what the difference is between me and you, C?

Caroline Dallins: What?

Sparrow: I live positive. You live paranoid.

The elder of the two siblings sneers, and to that Sparrow just shrugs.

Sparrow: Now don’t get me wrong. These folks seen me be mad, and a little bullshit all the same, but eventually I pull it back. You know what I see when I look at you these days? A broken heart. Not collected enough for this anymore, because you tried to do things the most legit way, and your best friend beat you down for it. So now you see enemies everywhere. Now you think that there’s nothing but who’s trying to get you next...Except when people actually get you. All this bullshit, telling me this...Where were you when The Society put a whoopin’ on you and you didn’t do a single thing about it? I see you was managing Man Like Malik for a second there? What happened to that? You was riding on high about how you dropped me for bigger clients, where’d that go? Why you suddenly interested in my business again yes?

Caroline went silent, the side of her lip twitching.

Sparrow: Oh word? Nothin’? Lemme help you find your tongue. ‘I don’t have anything to say to that, Baby Bird’. Well I know Caroline, that’s why I brought it up. Y’see I believe Marcus when he says he understands what I’ve been through. I believe him when he says he’s excited at the prospect of a match. These folks are in for the match of a lifetime! I---

The crowd breaks into cheers at the prospect, briefly interrupting Sparrow. The West Indian Whirlwind grins slightly. Caroline’s face is...Ashen.

Sparrow: I’m not lookin’ for a thousand reasons to find to be insane like you. I’m tired of that shit, I’m over it. Here’s what’s gonna go down. Come Cold Dawn? Every kick, every strike, everything that these fans know good and well is coming out. The entire repertoire, all aimed at the Kraken. Before that bell rings, I’m gonna shake his hand, after the bell rings, I’m gonna shake his hand. Because that’s what wrestlers do. Win, lose, or draw...Because Marcus can be everything he says he is at the end of the day...But me? I’m everything I say I am at the end of the day. I’m everything they say I am at the end of the day. I’m the West Indian Whirlwind. I’m Kick Khalifa, Kicks Markie, I’m the FOUNDATION. You say I’m the ‘People’s champ’? Then I’m gonna do it as these people have always known me to, just like I do tonight in this little Beat The Clock challenge against Cait Flanagan.

He shrugged.

Sparrow: As Sparrow.

Caroline stared at him for a few moments. After a while...She rose the microphone to her lips but was drowned out by a cheering crowd. She attempted again...And then finally once more, mic to her face.

Caroline Dallins: You’re going to lose.

She dropped the microphone and left the ring, no music playing behind her. Sparrow shook his head in silence and disappointment as ‘Gold Watch’ began to play.

SEGMENT
Kian Laroux is walking backstage after his team’s victory. He’s all smiles, miming a few of the moves from the match as he thinks back on his performance. He has his head in the clouds when it should be on a swivel.

BAM!

From either side two steel chairs ram into Kian’s skull, meeting to form the perfect ConChairTo. As Kian drops to the floor the chairs follow and there standing over his twitching body are none other than Samara and Sarah Savell.

Samara Savell: You were late. I told you to go on three.

Sarah Savell: No, you were early. Not to mention counting was never your strong suit.

Samara Savell: I can count!

Sarah Savell: Something other than pills?

Samara Savell: That was both vicious and uncalled for, we’re family.

Sarah gives Sam a pouty face before pulling her in for a hug.

Sarah Savell: I’m sorry, sis. You know I love you.

Samara Savell: I know. Which is why I forgive you for being late.

Sarah Savell: Forgiveness, it’s why we make such a great team. Especially when you were clearly early.

Kian convulses and both girls jump back.

Samara Savell: Do you think he’s having a seizure or something?! What if he swallows his tongue?! Do something!

Sarah looks unsure of what to do.

Sarah Savell: Um… open his mouth and use your tongue to keep his tongue from going down his throat!

Samara Savell: EW! WHAT?! No!! He’s gross!!

Sarah Savell: Well then I’m not sure what we should do!

Samara Savell: Wait! I have an idea! Grab your chair!!

Each of the girls grab their chair as they loom over Kian.

Samara Savell: Now keep swinging until he stops moving!!

Chair shot after chair shot rains down upon poor Kian until mercifully his body stops convulsing. The girls stop as well, breathing heavy while wiping sweat from their brow.

Samara Savell: There, we saved him.

Sarah Savell: Clearly.

Samara Savell: They’ll probably give us a medal or something for being so heroic.

Sarah Savell: You think?

Samara Savell: Probably not, we’re Savells, no one sees us as heroes. We can buy our own medals though!

Sarah lights up at the idea.

Sarah Savell: We totally should!

Samara Savell: I want mine to have those snakes wrapped around the medical thingy.

Sarah Savell: The caduceus?

Samara just blinks at Sarah.

Sarah Savell: What?

Samara Savell: Sometimes I forget how big of a nerd you are.

Sarah drops her chair atop Kian and points towards Samara.

Sarah Savell: That was mean. Don’t be mean.

Samara smiles, dropping her chair as well.

Samara Savell: Sorry. You know I love you.

The two embrace and Sarah kisses Sam on the cheek.

Sarah Savell: I know you do. I love you too.

With that the two sisters walk off into the sunset, leaving a bleeding and broken Kian to be found by whomever.