Post by Admin on Jan 24, 2019 2:40:08 GMT -5
Episode #10 - January 23, 2019
Scott Parker: Welcome everyone to the first episode of Hype in 2019! On top of that, welcome to the first Empire Wrestling show to be overseas! We are live in Leeds, England and it’s an electric atmosphere tonight.
Gemma Foster: As it should be, Scott. The fans here in Leeds are going to get to see two championship matches tonight. Casey Grey defend the Primetime Championship against both Zoey Mathews-Mitchell and Josh Goldstein. Then, in the main event, F.M. Young defends the Heavyweight Championship once again against Chelsea Pryce, in side a steel cage match.
Scott Parker: The powers that be have granted Pryce a second opportunity after what happened at Next Level: Turmoil.
Gemma Foster: I wonder if we’ll get any answers as to who that woman was that attacked Young and Pryce.
Scott Parker: All we have are the initials “L.2.N”.
Gemma Foster: She sure made an impact.
Adam Stryker Vs. Kurt Hullum
After an entrance where the Leeds crowd gives Adam Stryker a warm reception and Kurt Hullum a… reception… the bell rings and this match is underway with Adam sticking a hand out, looking to lock up with Hullum. The two technically sound wrestlers lock up in the center of the ring, but it’s Stryker gaining the advantage, taking over with an arm wrench into a hammerlock that causes Hullum to scurry to the ropes. The referee begins the count and Adam pulls away, but not before Kurt takes a moment to complain to the ref that Adam has been pulling his hair which he’s done nothing of the sort. The crowd boos Kurt before the two tie up again, Kurt getting the upper hand this time with a side headlock, cinching the hold in tightly. Kurt goes for a hip toss but Stryker drives an elbow into the side of Kurt and gets wrist control, spinning out of the headlock and backing away. Stryker takes a moment to jokingly complain to the referee about hair-pulling as well despite the fact that he is bald. This receives laughter from the rowdy British crowd.
Scott Parker: The fans loved that.
With quite the back-and-forth match between Hullum and Stryker, the action is intense. Stryker holds down the advantage for some time, utilizing his “Definition of Mayhem” (Graveyard Smash) and getting a two-count. Somewhere along the lines, Hullum is able to halt Stryker’s momentum with a rake of the eyes, which receives boos from the fans. He ignores them and brings Stryker down with his “Crash Landing” (Snapmare Driver). He’s quick to follow up, climbing onto the middle ropes in a corner of the ring. Pulling his right elbow pad down, once Stryker is on his feet, Hullum takes him down with his signature Second-Rope Elbow Strike, laying him out. The former BWF World Champion covers Stryker and hooks the leg, but Stryker kicks out before the three. Hullum is able to keep the advantage on his side as the match progresses, though Stryker is not faltering without a fight.
After Adam Stryker experiences “Turbulence” (Airplane Spin), Kurt Hullum ascends the top turnbuckle. He sits down with his feet on the middle ropes, looking at his already rolled-off elbow pad. When Stryker rises, Hullum looks for an encore of his Second-Rope Elbow Strike. But Stryker gets up a little faster than Kurt is expecting and is able to rush the corner, nailing Kurt with a running elbow that left him prone sitting on the top rope. This allows Stryker to get Hullum up on his shoulders. Stryker drops Hullum with a thunderous “Morituri Te Salutant” (Reverse Thrown Death Valley Driver) before standing up and appealing to the now roaring crowd who know what’s coming next as the Morituri always signals the approach of “The Stryke (Gore)”. Stryker executes this with perfection and nails Hullum within the center of the ring to pick up the pinfall and the win.
WINNER: Adam Stryker, via pinfall @ 12:11
Close Encounters
We’re backstage as we see F.M. Young talking with her manager, Jake Archer, and getting herself ready for the main event. She taped up her hands and wrists and finished lacing her boots. Young grabbed the EW Heavyweight Championship and the two left the trainers area to go back to her locker room. She bumped into someone as she left the room and almost dropped the championship. The other party helped catch her and the title.
F.M. Young: Thanks.
Young brushed herself off and walked away. The person looked up with a smile as the fans were shocked to see “L.2.N.” from last week.
Scott Parker: She’s here!
L2N: No problem, champ.
ReVengence
“Wake up, our life is calling!
We’re smoking, but not on fire.
Give us a sign that we’re alive...
Step out of indecision!
How we’ve been hypnotized,
To think that everything’s alright!
(The clock is counting down)
The clock is counting down…
(The seconds tick away)
The seconds tick away…
This is our time! Without a doubt!
Time to ignite! We’re not going down… without a fight!
This is our time! Get up off the ground!
Take what is mine! We’re not going down… WITHOUT A FIGHT!”
The song choice that’s playing from a wireless BlueTooth speaker, “Without a Fight” by Hoobastank, is far more upbeat than the more somber “Backfire” by Egypt Central. In the heart of the backstage area in Leeds, England, Chelsea Pryce is warming up in the “crossroads” of four hallways. Her ring attire is on as she finishes a set of situps. Immediately after, she turns her body over and begins a set of pushups. For a thirty-nine-year-old woman, she’s in great shape and is both agile and flexible. Her blonde hair is tied back to keep the locks away from her eyes.
Chelsea Pryce: ...Seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-one…
The Stiletto Knife is reinvigorated. She’s prepared to fight for her first ever World Championship, regardless if it’s won here in Empire Wrestling or anywhere else. She refuses to give up. She will never surrender. Hell, she’ll die before she relents. Around her right wrist is her Apple Watch Series 3 that keeps track of her heart rate and the work she’s accumulating. It is momentarily interrupted by a call, the camera zooming in to reveal the name ROSALYN FERNANDES. After the set of pushups is complete at forty, she pushes herself to her feet and presses a button to answer.
Chelsea Pryce: Yes, sweetie?
Rosalyn Fernandes: Hey, mom. Cole, Leo, and I are watching the show from the hotel. Are you ready to kick some ass?
Chelsea Pryce: Oh, yeah. You better believe I am. The more violent this cage match is, the better.
Rosalyn Fernandes: Extra points if you bloody up the arrogant One-Harlot Army. You’ve got this.
The Ice Queen can’t help but laugh at the variant of the Empire Wrestling World Champion’s nickname. While conversing, she performs some final stretches in sync with the song’s rhythm. From behind her, the footsteps approach.
Daniel Daemon is not in a suit. It’s rare to see him outside of the ring without a suit on. He’s in his usual ring attire: a tight black and red Under Armour shirt, dark jeans, a knee brace on his right knee and his hands are taped though he has no match tonight. He clears his throat to alert her to his presence.
Daniel Daemon: Allow me to make my intentions perfectly clear to you, Miss Pryce. What I am about to do to you, I am not going to do out of scorn. There are many logical reasons for it. I intend to do you great harm. I am going to do this firstly because I made a promise that I would unleash havoc backstage tonight if management refused to answer me in regards to what will be done about my match at Turmoil being stopped. Secondly, I plan to harm you due to the fact that you have been given another shot at FM Young when I am clearly more deserving of this match than you are and have laid claim to her defeat and her Championship belt. Thirdly… there is something… I suppose mentally wrong with me and I just flat out enjoy harming others. Any questions before we get started?
The footsteps were enough to be detected by Chelsea. Of course, the clearing of his throat brings her to turn towards him and place her left hand on her hip. She’s still on the call with her daughter.
Chelsea Pryce: You… give me a minute. (clears her throat) Rosalyn, dear, make sure Cole doesn’t watch my World Championship match… or what’s about to happen.
Rosalyn Fernandes: Ah… oh… I see him on the screen. Lucifer Rising at twelve o’clock.
Daniel Daemon: I really don’t see why everyone feels the need to be constantly quipping...it gets dull.
The Stiletto Knife casually shrugs.
Chelsea Pryce: Sorry, Emperor of Hell. Ros, I’ll see you after the show… unless I’m in the hospital. Haven’t been admitted into one of those in a long time.
She doesn’t wait for her daughter to answer. Her left hand swiftly moves over, and with a touch on the watch’s screen, the call ends. It switches back to the heart rate tracker. It has slowed from her warmups, but it is still precariously high.
Chelsea Pryce: Actually, I do have a couple questions for you… How do you enjoy your tea and biscuits? I’m actually impressed by the Earl Grey and chocolate chip biscuits of Le Chalet French Tea Room here in Leeds.
This, of course, earns a cheerful pop from the fans in attendance. Realizing she’s going a little off track, she clacks her tongue.
Chelsea Pryce: ...and how exactly do you sleep at night, you inhuman bastard?
Daniel thinks her questions over.
Daniel Daemon: Tempurpedic mattress, Memory foam blanket, silk sheets, white noise generator, a glass of wine, and a good book. Historical Literature or Philosophy. As for the first question, I like a good black Darjeeling tea and must admit I have a weakness for Jaffa cakes. Honestly, a soft biscuit is preferable to me overall. Now then. After the last show, your Idiot boyfriend and his even stupider brother know what will happen if they try to come to your aid once more. They know by now that there is nobody in this company more ruthless and violent than me, so how about we just...
Daniel starts to reach his imposingly large hand toward the throat of Chelsea but is interrupted by a finger tapping his shoulder from behind. Chelsea’s jade green eyes widen, but is it from the dangerous man or whoever is behind him? Daniel rolls his eyes and turns around just as the camera pans over to reveal…
Allen Chaney: Hey buddy!
The former BWF World Champion swiftly boots Daniel hard in the midsection to get him into position, quickly picks him up and drops him back down on his skull with his signature Punchline Piledriver. Allen looks down at him, the camera moving into place to get a clear shot of him in his ‘Glorious Bastards’ tee. Johnny steps into frame and leans on Allen’s shoulder as Ollie crawls under Allen's legs to get right in the knocked out Daniel’s face.
Ollie Maverick: You got knocked the FUG’OUT MAN!
Chelsea had moved out of the way when Allen Chaney initiated the surprise attack. She knows better than to get in range of the Comedian. Seeing Johnny and Ollie Maverick, the Glorious Bastards, make their appearance soon after causes her to roll her eyes.
Chelsea Pryce: Cutting it too close, boys…
According to the watch, her heart rate has increased slightly. She looks at her boyfriend Johnny, then looks at Allen…
...who wrestling fans will realize is her ex-boyfriend. She doesn’t even have to say the word “awkward” for everyone watching this to know that it IS, indeed, that. Chelsea turns around, takes a couple steps away from them, and uneasily folds her arms.
Chelsea Pryce: Oliver, when you told me you were going to bring reinforcements, a fair warning of who that meant would have been nice.
Ollie Maverick: Ultimately, this wasn’t my call. This was suggested by our Team Manager in the end. He has final say on who joins the group.
Just as Chelsea turns around to protest, Ollie adjusts himself, picks up Rocket, and hands him over to her.
Ollie Maverick: You’re gonna have to take it up with him.
Having handed their Raccoon/Team Manager off, the trio of Glorious Bastards walk offscreen. Rocket looks up at Chelsea, ready to answer any of her questions about why he chose Allen as the new member. Or maybe he just wants scraps of lunch meat. It’s hard to tell. Whatever she was going to protest, she couldn’t do it anymore. The man-children have left using a scapegoat… or scape-raccoon, in this case.
Chelsea Pryce: ...I am getting too old for this.
She looks down at Rocket in her hands, shrugs, and adjusts to cradle him in her arms like a mother would a baby. Her left hand even moves to gently rub his belly.
Chelsea Pryce: Care for some tea and biscuits?
Chelsea begins to carry Rocket in the same direction she’s facing before she stops.
Chelsea Pryce: Oh… right. My locker room is this way.
As she says this, she turns on her heels, steps on Daniel’s prone body, and makes her way offscreen to give Rocket something to eat. The viewing audience starts to see Daniel beginning to stir. He gets to his knees, clutching his neck. It looks as if the very angry Demon is about to say something until he is interrupted by a Chutzpah Boot right to the face courtesy of the other fellow he attacked at Turmoil. It knocks him right back down. Knowing of no other possible way to end this, the Jew Blazer moonwalks out of the scene and the camera fades on a shot of the fallen Demon.
EW Primetime Championship
Zoey Mathews-Mitchell Vs. Josh Goldstein Vs. Casey Grey (c)
Mathews-Mitchell was focused as she made her way to the ring. She walked to the far side of the ring and awaited her opponents. Goldstein was out next and seemed to be a little banged up still after taking a beating from Daniel Daemon after Next Level.
Scott Parker: Goldstein got placed in this match by pinning Mathews-Mitchell at Next Level: Turmoil.
Gemma Foster: I’m sure she hasn’t forgotten it either.
Goldstein climbed up the steel steps and looked out over to Mathews-Mitchell who was still on the outside. He got into the ring and Mathews-Mitchell jumped up onto the apron. The two had a stare down as Casey Grey came to the stage with her manager Rune behind her. Rune gave a few instructions before sending Grey down by herself. Grey held the Primetime Championship above her head the entire walk to the ring but had to rush to the ring halfway down as Mathews-Mitchell jumped onto Goldstein with a spear and mounted punches, trying to catch him off guard. Mathews-Mitchell covered but only got one as Goldstein kicked out and Grey slid into the ring. Grey blasted Mathews-Mitchell with a hard clothesline that dropped her to the mat. Goldstein reached out for Grey but she caught him with a hard elbow to the jaw. Grey sent Goldstein into the ropes and she caught him with a back body drop on the return. Mathews-Mitchell was back to her feet and she caught Grey with a big shotgun kick that sent Grey flying into the corner. Mathews-Mitchell pulled Grey to the center of the ring and started to attack her knee.
Scott Parker: Zoey is working the knee over here.
Gemma Foster: Got to be setting up for her Queen of Pain.
Goldstein grabbed Zoey from behind and delivered the Hannukanrana (Reverse Hurricanrana). He got up slowly and Grey was up as well. Grey and Goldstein exchanged lefts and rights before Grey took him down with a Russian leg sweep. She shook her knee and rubbed it before turning to Zoey. Zoey hit a big uppercut on Grey and then grabbed her by the foot and hit a dragon screw, cranking the knee. Zoey started to set Grey into the Queen of Pain (Haas of Pain) but Goldstein came out of nowhere with the Chutzpah Boot (Bicycle Kick). Goldstein lifted Grey up and dumped her to the outside. Goldstein rolled Mathews-Mitchell up with a victory roll as Grey was trying to get into the ring and picked up a pinfall!
WINNER AND NEW EW PRIMETIME CHAMPION: Josh Goldstein, via pinfall @ 16:44
Grey was halfway in the ring as the bell sounded and the crowd erupted in cheers. Goldstein was elated as the referee handed him the championship. He put it over his shoulder and celebrated around the ring.
Gemma Foster: Josh Goldstein has won singles gold here in Empire Wrestling!
Grey rolled into the corner as Goldstein celebrated and we cut away.
Talia Areano Vs. Alicia Monroe
Before the match begins, a polite handshake between Alicia Monroe and Talia Areano occurs in the center of the ring. The referee acknowledges their respect and signals for the bell to ring. Talia and Alicia lock up, engaging in a contest of strength, and they’re both evenly matched. With the Lucha Libre and technical background, Talia is able to capture Alicia in a wristlock before she takes her down with a short-arm clothesline. Alicia recovers quickly, surprising Talia with a snap suplex that she releases in time. Alicia bounces off the ropes to gain extra speed and hit the rising Talia with a shining wizard. A quick pinfall attempt is stopped at two and the match continues. Talia catches Alicia with a swift savate kick before she follows through with a swinging neckbreaker. Talia goes for her own pin attempt, but Alicia kicks out at two just as well. The British wrestling fans applaud for both women as they rise up and gauge each other in the center.
While Talia is proficient in ground wrestling, Alicia is a daredevil who takes to the top ropes. After a running knee strike, Alicia maneuvers herself to the ring apron, grips the top rope, and springboards herself. She completes the springboards enzuigiri on Talia and drops her onto the mat. Another cover by Alicia is only granted a two-count when Talia kicks out. Alicia continues her aerial assault on Talia, trying to prevent her from catching up to her. Of course, she doesn’t anticipate a counterattack so soon by Talia who drops her with “Rush Hour” (Sliding Forearm Smash). Alicia is still not willing to stop, kicking out at two when she’s covered. Talia brings Alicia to her feet but is caught off guard by Monroe’s Concussion Induction (Avalanche DDT) out of nowhere. Monroe’s a little slow to cover Areano, only able to get a two-count for her efforts.
After a bit of a break for both competitors, Alicia’s able to move a little faster than Talia, dropping her with a lariat takedown. This quickly transitions into her “Phoenix Dive” (Swanton Bomb) from the top rope and onto Talia. Still, she’s only able to get a nearfall. Alicia carries the momentum for a little while longer. Despite everything, however, Areano refuses to give up. Monroe lifts her up and attempts to end the match with “Down in Flames” (Burning Hammer), but Areano maneuvers her way out and surprises Monroe with a roundhouse kick to her temple. Monroe drops onto the mat, but so does Areano. The referee begins an official ten count, the fans trying to rally the ladies to keep wrestling. Talia gets to her feet at four; Alicia to hers at five. Once the official count stops, Talia surprises Alicia yet again with a handspring enzuigiri. She doesn’t relent, however, as she plummets onto Monroe’s prone form with “Solar Shower” (Double Footstomp). The fans cheer loudly as Areano brings Monroe to her feet, simply nods, and takes her daredevilish opponent down with “Slice of Heaven” (Sliced Bread #2). Finally, Areano is able to get the three count and the victory.
WINNER: Talia Areano, via pinfall @ 14:40
A Sign
Chelsea Pryce and Johnny Maverick a brief moment inside her locker room before he leaves, the camera catching just the tail end of his visit as he allows Pryce to get ready. She looks into the mirror and nods at herself. Pryce goes to head out and kicks the stopper out of the door to let it close behind her. The camera, still in the locker room, pans over to the door where we see the initials “L.2.N” spray painted on the back of the door.
Freaks with Benefits Vs. The Purge
The cameras cut backstage as the match was set to begin and there was an all out brawl happening between the tag teams of Empire Wrestling. Purge, Haters, Hell’s Belles, Glorious Bastards all exchanged blows as the Freaks with Benefits stood back and watched.
Scott Parker: Tension has boiled over in the tag team division.
Taylor and Williams of the Freaks with Benefits looked at each other and put their titles down before charging at the group and jumped onto the pile as the fans cheered. Everyone was eventually pulled apart. Williams grabbed Artemis of the Purge and pulled her through the curtain and pushed her down the ramp. Williams hit the Season Ender (Shining Wizard) on Artemis and stood over her on the ramp. Shrader and Francis came out and begun an attack on Williams. Taylor was out quickly and pushed Shrader away as the Freaks were able to escape, with the Purge in chase.
Gemma Foster: The Purge has shaken up the tag division.
Go Get ‘Em
Chelsea Pryce is walking to position for the main event and she’s just outside the curtain. Sitting in the “gorilla position” is AJ Adams. He waves over to her as he’s got his feet up on a table with a monitor in front of him and a headset on.
AJ Adams: Good luck out there.
Chelsea Pryce: Don’t even try it.
Adams puts his hands up and points to the monitor.
AJ Adams: Cage matches are better on tv.
She shakes her head and walks out.
EW Heavyweight Championship
Steel Cage Match
Chelsea Pryce Vs. F.M. Young [c]
The crowd was buzzing for the main event as the cage lowered. The bell sounded and the match was announced. Chelsea Pryce came out to the stage with a fierceness in her eyes. She took a moment at the top of the ramp and looked up before heading to the ring. She climbed in and entered through the door. The champion was out next as F.M. Young hit the stage. The title was around her waist as she dropped to both knees. She pounded the ramp a few times and then made her way to the ring. She entered the cage and the referee locked it up.
Gemma Foster: Here we go!
Scott Parker: The cage is locked up tight. These two are ready to go.
Pryce and Young circled each other for a few moments before locking up. They struggled with each other and push each other around the ring before breaking. They locked up again and continued their struggle before breaking. They tempted a third try but decided to exchange blows instead as the crowd roared. Lefts and rights went back and forth as Pryce was backed into the corner. Young clubbed Pryce with clothesline after clothesline. Young backed up and charged into a big boot from Pryce. Pryce started to charge but ran into a hard elbow to the face. Young hit the ropes and took Pryce down with a spear. Young unloaded a few hard blows and then jumped to her feet. Pryce rolled up to her feet and ducked a clothesline and pulled Young down with a reverse DDT and then quickly locked in a sleeper hold. Young was able to slowly get to her knees.
Scott Parker: The power of Young being shown off here.
Young lifted Pryce up and flipped her over and to the mat. Pryce got up to her feet and was grabbed by Young. Young used the cage to aid her in hitting the Superchick (The Shiranui). Young popped up to her feet and went into a cover but just got two. Pryce got up slowly. Young charged and Pryce grabbed her by the head and smashed Young face first into the steel. Pryce grabbed the champion and sent her face first into the steel on the opposite side. Pryce grabbed Young and delivered the Vengeful Bitch (Cobra Clutch Slam). Pryce rolled Young into a cover but only got a two count. Pryce kept on the assault as she pulled Young into the Black Out (Rear Naked Choke). Young started to fade fast as the referee checked on her. Young rolled to her stomach but Pryce didn’t let go of the hold. Young pushed herself up in a push up and got her knees under her. She stood and pushed backwards and Pryce’s back went hard into the cage. Pryce let go of her hold and Young turned away. Young spun and rocked Pryce with the Man-Machine Interface (Discus Clothesline).
Gemma Foster: Young just turned Pryce inside out!
Young pulled Pryce up to her feet and hit a big dragon suplex. Young jumped up to the top ropes and hit the Battery Powered Bombshell (Shooting Star Senton). Young covered and the crowd couldn’t believe that Pryce kicked out just before three.
Scott Parker: Still some fight left in Pryce!
Young couldn’t believe it and pulled Pryce up. Pryce jumped up and hit the Pay the Pryce (Double Knee Facebreaker) out of nowhere. Pryce crawled into a cover but Young kicked out as well.
Scott Parker: And Young!
Both competitors were slow to get up and were to their knees. They slowly exchanged blows and climbed to their feet. Pryce tried for a second Pay the Pryce but Young turned it into a powerbomb. Young climbed to the top ropes again. She looked down and then up.
Gemma Foster: What is Young thinking?
Young pulled herself up slowly and used the cage to climb higher. She got to the top of the cage and readied herself. She came off the cage with the Battery Powered Bombshell but Pryce rolled out of the way! Young came crashing hard to the mat as the crowd gasped.
Scott Parker: FM just crashed and burned!
Pryce crawled over slowly to Young and laid across her as the referee counted to three and we had a new champion.
WINNER AND NEW EW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: Chelsea Pryce, via pinfall @ 22:31
Pryce rolled over and slowly sat up. The cage started to rise as the referee was handed the title and he handed it off to Pryce. She clutched it tight and pressed it to her forehead.
Gemma Foster: Chelsea Pryce is champion!
Young started to come to as the referee checked on her to make sure she was okay and looked over at Pryce in disappointment
Scott Parker: Young put up a hell of a fight. There’s no way this is her last championship run.
We got one final shot of Pryce in celebration as the show goes to close but just after cutting to black, the camera came back on. L2N pulled Young out of the ring and tossed her into the steel steps. Pryce, hearing the action behind her, turns and sees L2N. L2N jumps into the crowd and applauds Pryce and waves. Young looks out into the crowd as she clutches her shoulder. Pryce shakes her head before her music kicks back up and Johnny Maverick comes to the ring to celebrate with her and we fade all the way to black.
Gemma Foster: As it should be, Scott. The fans here in Leeds are going to get to see two championship matches tonight. Casey Grey defend the Primetime Championship against both Zoey Mathews-Mitchell and Josh Goldstein. Then, in the main event, F.M. Young defends the Heavyweight Championship once again against Chelsea Pryce, in side a steel cage match.
Scott Parker: The powers that be have granted Pryce a second opportunity after what happened at Next Level: Turmoil.
Gemma Foster: I wonder if we’ll get any answers as to who that woman was that attacked Young and Pryce.
Scott Parker: All we have are the initials “L.2.N”.
Gemma Foster: She sure made an impact.
Adam Stryker Vs. Kurt Hullum
After an entrance where the Leeds crowd gives Adam Stryker a warm reception and Kurt Hullum a… reception… the bell rings and this match is underway with Adam sticking a hand out, looking to lock up with Hullum. The two technically sound wrestlers lock up in the center of the ring, but it’s Stryker gaining the advantage, taking over with an arm wrench into a hammerlock that causes Hullum to scurry to the ropes. The referee begins the count and Adam pulls away, but not before Kurt takes a moment to complain to the ref that Adam has been pulling his hair which he’s done nothing of the sort. The crowd boos Kurt before the two tie up again, Kurt getting the upper hand this time with a side headlock, cinching the hold in tightly. Kurt goes for a hip toss but Stryker drives an elbow into the side of Kurt and gets wrist control, spinning out of the headlock and backing away. Stryker takes a moment to jokingly complain to the referee about hair-pulling as well despite the fact that he is bald. This receives laughter from the rowdy British crowd.
Scott Parker: The fans loved that.
With quite the back-and-forth match between Hullum and Stryker, the action is intense. Stryker holds down the advantage for some time, utilizing his “Definition of Mayhem” (Graveyard Smash) and getting a two-count. Somewhere along the lines, Hullum is able to halt Stryker’s momentum with a rake of the eyes, which receives boos from the fans. He ignores them and brings Stryker down with his “Crash Landing” (Snapmare Driver). He’s quick to follow up, climbing onto the middle ropes in a corner of the ring. Pulling his right elbow pad down, once Stryker is on his feet, Hullum takes him down with his signature Second-Rope Elbow Strike, laying him out. The former BWF World Champion covers Stryker and hooks the leg, but Stryker kicks out before the three. Hullum is able to keep the advantage on his side as the match progresses, though Stryker is not faltering without a fight.
After Adam Stryker experiences “Turbulence” (Airplane Spin), Kurt Hullum ascends the top turnbuckle. He sits down with his feet on the middle ropes, looking at his already rolled-off elbow pad. When Stryker rises, Hullum looks for an encore of his Second-Rope Elbow Strike. But Stryker gets up a little faster than Kurt is expecting and is able to rush the corner, nailing Kurt with a running elbow that left him prone sitting on the top rope. This allows Stryker to get Hullum up on his shoulders. Stryker drops Hullum with a thunderous “Morituri Te Salutant” (Reverse Thrown Death Valley Driver) before standing up and appealing to the now roaring crowd who know what’s coming next as the Morituri always signals the approach of “The Stryke (Gore)”. Stryker executes this with perfection and nails Hullum within the center of the ring to pick up the pinfall and the win.
WINNER: Adam Stryker, via pinfall @ 12:11
Close Encounters
We’re backstage as we see F.M. Young talking with her manager, Jake Archer, and getting herself ready for the main event. She taped up her hands and wrists and finished lacing her boots. Young grabbed the EW Heavyweight Championship and the two left the trainers area to go back to her locker room. She bumped into someone as she left the room and almost dropped the championship. The other party helped catch her and the title.
F.M. Young: Thanks.
Young brushed herself off and walked away. The person looked up with a smile as the fans were shocked to see “L.2.N.” from last week.
Scott Parker: She’s here!
L2N: No problem, champ.
ReVengence
“Wake up, our life is calling!
We’re smoking, but not on fire.
Give us a sign that we’re alive...
Step out of indecision!
How we’ve been hypnotized,
To think that everything’s alright!
(The clock is counting down)
The clock is counting down…
(The seconds tick away)
The seconds tick away…
This is our time! Without a doubt!
Time to ignite! We’re not going down… without a fight!
This is our time! Get up off the ground!
Take what is mine! We’re not going down… WITHOUT A FIGHT!”
The song choice that’s playing from a wireless BlueTooth speaker, “Without a Fight” by Hoobastank, is far more upbeat than the more somber “Backfire” by Egypt Central. In the heart of the backstage area in Leeds, England, Chelsea Pryce is warming up in the “crossroads” of four hallways. Her ring attire is on as she finishes a set of situps. Immediately after, she turns her body over and begins a set of pushups. For a thirty-nine-year-old woman, she’s in great shape and is both agile and flexible. Her blonde hair is tied back to keep the locks away from her eyes.
Chelsea Pryce: ...Seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-one…
The Stiletto Knife is reinvigorated. She’s prepared to fight for her first ever World Championship, regardless if it’s won here in Empire Wrestling or anywhere else. She refuses to give up. She will never surrender. Hell, she’ll die before she relents. Around her right wrist is her Apple Watch Series 3 that keeps track of her heart rate and the work she’s accumulating. It is momentarily interrupted by a call, the camera zooming in to reveal the name ROSALYN FERNANDES. After the set of pushups is complete at forty, she pushes herself to her feet and presses a button to answer.
Chelsea Pryce: Yes, sweetie?
Rosalyn Fernandes: Hey, mom. Cole, Leo, and I are watching the show from the hotel. Are you ready to kick some ass?
Chelsea Pryce: Oh, yeah. You better believe I am. The more violent this cage match is, the better.
Rosalyn Fernandes: Extra points if you bloody up the arrogant One-Harlot Army. You’ve got this.
The Ice Queen can’t help but laugh at the variant of the Empire Wrestling World Champion’s nickname. While conversing, she performs some final stretches in sync with the song’s rhythm. From behind her, the footsteps approach.
Daniel Daemon is not in a suit. It’s rare to see him outside of the ring without a suit on. He’s in his usual ring attire: a tight black and red Under Armour shirt, dark jeans, a knee brace on his right knee and his hands are taped though he has no match tonight. He clears his throat to alert her to his presence.
Daniel Daemon: Allow me to make my intentions perfectly clear to you, Miss Pryce. What I am about to do to you, I am not going to do out of scorn. There are many logical reasons for it. I intend to do you great harm. I am going to do this firstly because I made a promise that I would unleash havoc backstage tonight if management refused to answer me in regards to what will be done about my match at Turmoil being stopped. Secondly, I plan to harm you due to the fact that you have been given another shot at FM Young when I am clearly more deserving of this match than you are and have laid claim to her defeat and her Championship belt. Thirdly… there is something… I suppose mentally wrong with me and I just flat out enjoy harming others. Any questions before we get started?
The footsteps were enough to be detected by Chelsea. Of course, the clearing of his throat brings her to turn towards him and place her left hand on her hip. She’s still on the call with her daughter.
Chelsea Pryce: You… give me a minute. (clears her throat) Rosalyn, dear, make sure Cole doesn’t watch my World Championship match… or what’s about to happen.
Rosalyn Fernandes: Ah… oh… I see him on the screen. Lucifer Rising at twelve o’clock.
Daniel Daemon: I really don’t see why everyone feels the need to be constantly quipping...it gets dull.
The Stiletto Knife casually shrugs.
Chelsea Pryce: Sorry, Emperor of Hell. Ros, I’ll see you after the show… unless I’m in the hospital. Haven’t been admitted into one of those in a long time.
She doesn’t wait for her daughter to answer. Her left hand swiftly moves over, and with a touch on the watch’s screen, the call ends. It switches back to the heart rate tracker. It has slowed from her warmups, but it is still precariously high.
Chelsea Pryce: Actually, I do have a couple questions for you… How do you enjoy your tea and biscuits? I’m actually impressed by the Earl Grey and chocolate chip biscuits of Le Chalet French Tea Room here in Leeds.
This, of course, earns a cheerful pop from the fans in attendance. Realizing she’s going a little off track, she clacks her tongue.
Chelsea Pryce: ...and how exactly do you sleep at night, you inhuman bastard?
Daniel thinks her questions over.
Daniel Daemon: Tempurpedic mattress, Memory foam blanket, silk sheets, white noise generator, a glass of wine, and a good book. Historical Literature or Philosophy. As for the first question, I like a good black Darjeeling tea and must admit I have a weakness for Jaffa cakes. Honestly, a soft biscuit is preferable to me overall. Now then. After the last show, your Idiot boyfriend and his even stupider brother know what will happen if they try to come to your aid once more. They know by now that there is nobody in this company more ruthless and violent than me, so how about we just...
Daniel starts to reach his imposingly large hand toward the throat of Chelsea but is interrupted by a finger tapping his shoulder from behind. Chelsea’s jade green eyes widen, but is it from the dangerous man or whoever is behind him? Daniel rolls his eyes and turns around just as the camera pans over to reveal…
Allen Chaney: Hey buddy!
The former BWF World Champion swiftly boots Daniel hard in the midsection to get him into position, quickly picks him up and drops him back down on his skull with his signature Punchline Piledriver. Allen looks down at him, the camera moving into place to get a clear shot of him in his ‘Glorious Bastards’ tee. Johnny steps into frame and leans on Allen’s shoulder as Ollie crawls under Allen's legs to get right in the knocked out Daniel’s face.
Ollie Maverick: You got knocked the FUG’OUT MAN!
Chelsea had moved out of the way when Allen Chaney initiated the surprise attack. She knows better than to get in range of the Comedian. Seeing Johnny and Ollie Maverick, the Glorious Bastards, make their appearance soon after causes her to roll her eyes.
Chelsea Pryce: Cutting it too close, boys…
According to the watch, her heart rate has increased slightly. She looks at her boyfriend Johnny, then looks at Allen…
...who wrestling fans will realize is her ex-boyfriend. She doesn’t even have to say the word “awkward” for everyone watching this to know that it IS, indeed, that. Chelsea turns around, takes a couple steps away from them, and uneasily folds her arms.
Chelsea Pryce: Oliver, when you told me you were going to bring reinforcements, a fair warning of who that meant would have been nice.
Ollie Maverick: Ultimately, this wasn’t my call. This was suggested by our Team Manager in the end. He has final say on who joins the group.
Just as Chelsea turns around to protest, Ollie adjusts himself, picks up Rocket, and hands him over to her.
Ollie Maverick: You’re gonna have to take it up with him.
Having handed their Raccoon/Team Manager off, the trio of Glorious Bastards walk offscreen. Rocket looks up at Chelsea, ready to answer any of her questions about why he chose Allen as the new member. Or maybe he just wants scraps of lunch meat. It’s hard to tell. Whatever she was going to protest, she couldn’t do it anymore. The man-children have left using a scapegoat… or scape-raccoon, in this case.
Chelsea Pryce: ...I am getting too old for this.
She looks down at Rocket in her hands, shrugs, and adjusts to cradle him in her arms like a mother would a baby. Her left hand even moves to gently rub his belly.
Chelsea Pryce: Care for some tea and biscuits?
Chelsea begins to carry Rocket in the same direction she’s facing before she stops.
Chelsea Pryce: Oh… right. My locker room is this way.
As she says this, she turns on her heels, steps on Daniel’s prone body, and makes her way offscreen to give Rocket something to eat. The viewing audience starts to see Daniel beginning to stir. He gets to his knees, clutching his neck. It looks as if the very angry Demon is about to say something until he is interrupted by a Chutzpah Boot right to the face courtesy of the other fellow he attacked at Turmoil. It knocks him right back down. Knowing of no other possible way to end this, the Jew Blazer moonwalks out of the scene and the camera fades on a shot of the fallen Demon.
EW Primetime Championship
Zoey Mathews-Mitchell Vs. Josh Goldstein Vs. Casey Grey (c)
Mathews-Mitchell was focused as she made her way to the ring. She walked to the far side of the ring and awaited her opponents. Goldstein was out next and seemed to be a little banged up still after taking a beating from Daniel Daemon after Next Level.
Scott Parker: Goldstein got placed in this match by pinning Mathews-Mitchell at Next Level: Turmoil.
Gemma Foster: I’m sure she hasn’t forgotten it either.
Goldstein climbed up the steel steps and looked out over to Mathews-Mitchell who was still on the outside. He got into the ring and Mathews-Mitchell jumped up onto the apron. The two had a stare down as Casey Grey came to the stage with her manager Rune behind her. Rune gave a few instructions before sending Grey down by herself. Grey held the Primetime Championship above her head the entire walk to the ring but had to rush to the ring halfway down as Mathews-Mitchell jumped onto Goldstein with a spear and mounted punches, trying to catch him off guard. Mathews-Mitchell covered but only got one as Goldstein kicked out and Grey slid into the ring. Grey blasted Mathews-Mitchell with a hard clothesline that dropped her to the mat. Goldstein reached out for Grey but she caught him with a hard elbow to the jaw. Grey sent Goldstein into the ropes and she caught him with a back body drop on the return. Mathews-Mitchell was back to her feet and she caught Grey with a big shotgun kick that sent Grey flying into the corner. Mathews-Mitchell pulled Grey to the center of the ring and started to attack her knee.
Scott Parker: Zoey is working the knee over here.
Gemma Foster: Got to be setting up for her Queen of Pain.
Goldstein grabbed Zoey from behind and delivered the Hannukanrana (Reverse Hurricanrana). He got up slowly and Grey was up as well. Grey and Goldstein exchanged lefts and rights before Grey took him down with a Russian leg sweep. She shook her knee and rubbed it before turning to Zoey. Zoey hit a big uppercut on Grey and then grabbed her by the foot and hit a dragon screw, cranking the knee. Zoey started to set Grey into the Queen of Pain (Haas of Pain) but Goldstein came out of nowhere with the Chutzpah Boot (Bicycle Kick). Goldstein lifted Grey up and dumped her to the outside. Goldstein rolled Mathews-Mitchell up with a victory roll as Grey was trying to get into the ring and picked up a pinfall!
WINNER AND NEW EW PRIMETIME CHAMPION: Josh Goldstein, via pinfall @ 16:44
Grey was halfway in the ring as the bell sounded and the crowd erupted in cheers. Goldstein was elated as the referee handed him the championship. He put it over his shoulder and celebrated around the ring.
Gemma Foster: Josh Goldstein has won singles gold here in Empire Wrestling!
Grey rolled into the corner as Goldstein celebrated and we cut away.
Talia Areano Vs. Alicia Monroe
Before the match begins, a polite handshake between Alicia Monroe and Talia Areano occurs in the center of the ring. The referee acknowledges their respect and signals for the bell to ring. Talia and Alicia lock up, engaging in a contest of strength, and they’re both evenly matched. With the Lucha Libre and technical background, Talia is able to capture Alicia in a wristlock before she takes her down with a short-arm clothesline. Alicia recovers quickly, surprising Talia with a snap suplex that she releases in time. Alicia bounces off the ropes to gain extra speed and hit the rising Talia with a shining wizard. A quick pinfall attempt is stopped at two and the match continues. Talia catches Alicia with a swift savate kick before she follows through with a swinging neckbreaker. Talia goes for her own pin attempt, but Alicia kicks out at two just as well. The British wrestling fans applaud for both women as they rise up and gauge each other in the center.
While Talia is proficient in ground wrestling, Alicia is a daredevil who takes to the top ropes. After a running knee strike, Alicia maneuvers herself to the ring apron, grips the top rope, and springboards herself. She completes the springboards enzuigiri on Talia and drops her onto the mat. Another cover by Alicia is only granted a two-count when Talia kicks out. Alicia continues her aerial assault on Talia, trying to prevent her from catching up to her. Of course, she doesn’t anticipate a counterattack so soon by Talia who drops her with “Rush Hour” (Sliding Forearm Smash). Alicia is still not willing to stop, kicking out at two when she’s covered. Talia brings Alicia to her feet but is caught off guard by Monroe’s Concussion Induction (Avalanche DDT) out of nowhere. Monroe’s a little slow to cover Areano, only able to get a two-count for her efforts.
After a bit of a break for both competitors, Alicia’s able to move a little faster than Talia, dropping her with a lariat takedown. This quickly transitions into her “Phoenix Dive” (Swanton Bomb) from the top rope and onto Talia. Still, she’s only able to get a nearfall. Alicia carries the momentum for a little while longer. Despite everything, however, Areano refuses to give up. Monroe lifts her up and attempts to end the match with “Down in Flames” (Burning Hammer), but Areano maneuvers her way out and surprises Monroe with a roundhouse kick to her temple. Monroe drops onto the mat, but so does Areano. The referee begins an official ten count, the fans trying to rally the ladies to keep wrestling. Talia gets to her feet at four; Alicia to hers at five. Once the official count stops, Talia surprises Alicia yet again with a handspring enzuigiri. She doesn’t relent, however, as she plummets onto Monroe’s prone form with “Solar Shower” (Double Footstomp). The fans cheer loudly as Areano brings Monroe to her feet, simply nods, and takes her daredevilish opponent down with “Slice of Heaven” (Sliced Bread #2). Finally, Areano is able to get the three count and the victory.
WINNER: Talia Areano, via pinfall @ 14:40
A Sign
Chelsea Pryce and Johnny Maverick a brief moment inside her locker room before he leaves, the camera catching just the tail end of his visit as he allows Pryce to get ready. She looks into the mirror and nods at herself. Pryce goes to head out and kicks the stopper out of the door to let it close behind her. The camera, still in the locker room, pans over to the door where we see the initials “L.2.N” spray painted on the back of the door.
Freaks with Benefits Vs. The Purge
The cameras cut backstage as the match was set to begin and there was an all out brawl happening between the tag teams of Empire Wrestling. Purge, Haters, Hell’s Belles, Glorious Bastards all exchanged blows as the Freaks with Benefits stood back and watched.
Scott Parker: Tension has boiled over in the tag team division.
Taylor and Williams of the Freaks with Benefits looked at each other and put their titles down before charging at the group and jumped onto the pile as the fans cheered. Everyone was eventually pulled apart. Williams grabbed Artemis of the Purge and pulled her through the curtain and pushed her down the ramp. Williams hit the Season Ender (Shining Wizard) on Artemis and stood over her on the ramp. Shrader and Francis came out and begun an attack on Williams. Taylor was out quickly and pushed Shrader away as the Freaks were able to escape, with the Purge in chase.
Gemma Foster: The Purge has shaken up the tag division.
Go Get ‘Em
Chelsea Pryce is walking to position for the main event and she’s just outside the curtain. Sitting in the “gorilla position” is AJ Adams. He waves over to her as he’s got his feet up on a table with a monitor in front of him and a headset on.
AJ Adams: Good luck out there.
Chelsea Pryce: Don’t even try it.
Adams puts his hands up and points to the monitor.
AJ Adams: Cage matches are better on tv.
She shakes her head and walks out.
EW Heavyweight Championship
Steel Cage Match
Chelsea Pryce Vs. F.M. Young [c]
The crowd was buzzing for the main event as the cage lowered. The bell sounded and the match was announced. Chelsea Pryce came out to the stage with a fierceness in her eyes. She took a moment at the top of the ramp and looked up before heading to the ring. She climbed in and entered through the door. The champion was out next as F.M. Young hit the stage. The title was around her waist as she dropped to both knees. She pounded the ramp a few times and then made her way to the ring. She entered the cage and the referee locked it up.
Gemma Foster: Here we go!
Scott Parker: The cage is locked up tight. These two are ready to go.
Pryce and Young circled each other for a few moments before locking up. They struggled with each other and push each other around the ring before breaking. They locked up again and continued their struggle before breaking. They tempted a third try but decided to exchange blows instead as the crowd roared. Lefts and rights went back and forth as Pryce was backed into the corner. Young clubbed Pryce with clothesline after clothesline. Young backed up and charged into a big boot from Pryce. Pryce started to charge but ran into a hard elbow to the face. Young hit the ropes and took Pryce down with a spear. Young unloaded a few hard blows and then jumped to her feet. Pryce rolled up to her feet and ducked a clothesline and pulled Young down with a reverse DDT and then quickly locked in a sleeper hold. Young was able to slowly get to her knees.
Scott Parker: The power of Young being shown off here.
Young lifted Pryce up and flipped her over and to the mat. Pryce got up to her feet and was grabbed by Young. Young used the cage to aid her in hitting the Superchick (The Shiranui). Young popped up to her feet and went into a cover but just got two. Pryce got up slowly. Young charged and Pryce grabbed her by the head and smashed Young face first into the steel. Pryce grabbed the champion and sent her face first into the steel on the opposite side. Pryce grabbed Young and delivered the Vengeful Bitch (Cobra Clutch Slam). Pryce rolled Young into a cover but only got a two count. Pryce kept on the assault as she pulled Young into the Black Out (Rear Naked Choke). Young started to fade fast as the referee checked on her. Young rolled to her stomach but Pryce didn’t let go of the hold. Young pushed herself up in a push up and got her knees under her. She stood and pushed backwards and Pryce’s back went hard into the cage. Pryce let go of her hold and Young turned away. Young spun and rocked Pryce with the Man-Machine Interface (Discus Clothesline).
Gemma Foster: Young just turned Pryce inside out!
Young pulled Pryce up to her feet and hit a big dragon suplex. Young jumped up to the top ropes and hit the Battery Powered Bombshell (Shooting Star Senton). Young covered and the crowd couldn’t believe that Pryce kicked out just before three.
Scott Parker: Still some fight left in Pryce!
Young couldn’t believe it and pulled Pryce up. Pryce jumped up and hit the Pay the Pryce (Double Knee Facebreaker) out of nowhere. Pryce crawled into a cover but Young kicked out as well.
Scott Parker: And Young!
Both competitors were slow to get up and were to their knees. They slowly exchanged blows and climbed to their feet. Pryce tried for a second Pay the Pryce but Young turned it into a powerbomb. Young climbed to the top ropes again. She looked down and then up.
Gemma Foster: What is Young thinking?
Young pulled herself up slowly and used the cage to climb higher. She got to the top of the cage and readied herself. She came off the cage with the Battery Powered Bombshell but Pryce rolled out of the way! Young came crashing hard to the mat as the crowd gasped.
Scott Parker: FM just crashed and burned!
Pryce crawled over slowly to Young and laid across her as the referee counted to three and we had a new champion.
WINNER AND NEW EW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION: Chelsea Pryce, via pinfall @ 22:31
Pryce rolled over and slowly sat up. The cage started to rise as the referee was handed the title and he handed it off to Pryce. She clutched it tight and pressed it to her forehead.
Gemma Foster: Chelsea Pryce is champion!
Young started to come to as the referee checked on her to make sure she was okay and looked over at Pryce in disappointment
Scott Parker: Young put up a hell of a fight. There’s no way this is her last championship run.
We got one final shot of Pryce in celebration as the show goes to close but just after cutting to black, the camera came back on. L2N pulled Young out of the ring and tossed her into the steel steps. Pryce, hearing the action behind her, turns and sees L2N. L2N jumps into the crowd and applauds Pryce and waves. Young looks out into the crowd as she clutches her shoulder. Pryce shakes her head before her music kicks back up and Johnny Maverick comes to the ring to celebrate with her and we fade all the way to black.