Post by Admin on Mar 9, 2019 1:47:34 GMT -5
Episode #13 - March 6, 2019
Scott Parker: Welcome everyone to the 13th episode of Hype! We’re live in Paris, France tonight as we continue our overseas tour. Tonight we have an action packed show for you tonight. First some news! If you follow Empire Wrestling on Twitter you’ve seen that that tonight will indeed be the last match for Azurine Vebbins here in EW. She’s on the explore new things and we wish her the best!
Gemma Foster: Absolutely, Scott. She’ll be missed.
Scott Parker: Second, Empire Wrestling has signed Lio Walsh. A young rookie with a high ceiling. We’ve also signed the rebel bombshell, Samantha “The Titaness” Hamilton. They are both joining the brand new Extreme Division!
Gemma Foster: Rumor is Allen Chaney is going to soon be joining them.
Scott Parker: The first ever Extreme Champion will be crowned on April 17th at Next Level: Revolution in Los Angeles!
Kayla Taylor Vs. Alicia Monroe
The bell rang and this match was underway with Alicia seeming a bit wary about Krista being at ringside to support her tag partner. Alicia went to lock up with Kayla who offered a knee to the gut in response before bringing Alicia into a side headlock takedown and landing with that side headlock still cinched in. Kayla seems to have things in control early using just the fundamentals
However, a few minutes in the crowd began to really get behind Alicia and she seemed to feed off of that energy, battling back with a series of strikes. Kayla whipped Alicia to the ropes and Alicia rebounded to duck under a clothesline attempt and came back to hit Kayla with the Freebird (Running Bulldog). Alicia rolled Kayla up but only got a two count.
Alicia went to the ropes and jumped to the middle rope to attempt a springboard moonsault but Krista grabbed the rope and pulled it so she missed and awkwardly fell on her back. Alicia stood and turned to face Krista outside the ring, which allowed Kayla to lock Alicia up from behind and drop her with the Broadway Lights (Cross Rhodes) followed by the cover and the three count. Krista rolled into the ring and before the ref could say anything she demanded the ref raise Kayla’s hand in victory.
Winner: Kayla Taylor via pinfall @ 9:15
Scott Parker: Oh, come on! Krista Williams interfered on Kayla’s behalf.
Gemma Foster: Alright, that wasn’t fair. Alicia and Kayla were having a good match. Did Krista really have to do that?
Scott Parker: Sigh. It is what it is. Freaks With Benefits need to be careful. The Purge and the Glorious Bastards are watching, I’m sure. Empire’s Hype continues, folks!
Paradise Tango (Azurine Vebbins/Talia Areano) Vs. The Purge (Artemis/Ellen Shrader)
Emotions ran high as Vebbins made her way to the ring. Purge jumped out of the ring to meet Vebbins and Areano and a brawl quickly started on the outside. Paradise Tango quickly got the upper hand and rolled both Artemis and Shrader into the ring. Areano took Artemis down with a headscissors takedown that went right into a mounted punch. Vebbins hit Shrader with a half nelson suplex. Areano was on the top ropes as both members of the Purge slowly got to their feet. She dove and hit them with a double dropkick. Artemis hit the mat and rolled out of the ring as Shrader went flying into the corner. Vebbins hit Shrader with a two running knees to the sternum. Shrader staggered to the middle of the ring which Vebbins followed up with her superkick and then finished off her Sweetheart Sockhop combo with the pulled in DDT. Areano cheered Vebbins on as she went into the covered and picked up the three.
WINNER: Paradise Tango via pinfall @ 4:11
The fans roared as Vebbins and Areano hugged in the middle of the ring. Areano raised the hand of Vebbins who was emotionally choked up.
Scott Parker: The fans giving Vebbins and Areano a standing ovation.
Gemma Foster: Azurine debuted in Empire Wrestling all the way back on October 13th, 2015. The fans love her.
Vebbins hugged Areano once more and went to leave the ring. Areano stopped her and pulled her back into the center of the ring to hug once more. Areano shocked the crowd as she hit Vebbins with a belly to belly suplex!
Scott Parker: What the hell!?
Areano stomped on Vebbins before going to the corner. She climbed to the top ropes and came flying back with a big top rope moonsault onto Vebbins. Areano stood over Vebbins before saying goodbye and rolled out of the ring.
Dear Hearts
“...There’s no need to rush, dear heart.”
A camera’s mic picks up the sound of a conversation over a mobile device’s speaker mode. The owner’s voice has a clear British accent.
“This is a rare opportunity for you and Oliver to be in Paris. Just the two of you. I want you to enjoy your time together. Even though tomorrow is Annabelle and Stephen’s death anniversary, I’ll be alright. My grandchildren will accompany me on the picnic.”
The camera finds a slightly open door to Ollie Maverick’s locker room. Inside, his girlfriend Ami Kennedy-Trenton is seated on the couch holding her smartphone in her right hand. She’s patient for the opportunity to speak, and when she does, her voice is soft and sweet, an elegant mix of British and French accents.
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: Okay, dad. Ollie and I will fly out to San Francisco this weekend to pay our respects. Remember, don’t go to their resting place until tomorrow morning. I want you to be surprised, okay?
Emile Trenton: Very well, dear heart. I promise I will not visit them until tomorrow morning. Video call me on Skype after the show, so you may see Chris and Claire.
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: Alright. Let me know if you need anything else. Je t’aime, papa.
Emile Trenton: I love you too, daughter of mine.
She smiles, a little bittersweet expression on her face as she allows her father to end the call. With a sigh, she sets her phone on the small table beside her, falls back against the couch cushions, and closes her eyes. She’s still unaware of the camera’s presence. Softly, the sound of footsteps draws near the slightly open door. There’s no one around to protect her…
Ollie Maverick: TICKLE TICKLE TICKLE!!!!
From out of the shadows she is ambushed by her beau, who mercilessly tickles her sides. He came from behind the couch, as silent as… a ninja. Instinctively, Ami jumps, wiggles, and giggles very loudly.
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: Oh my-- Ollie-beaaar! Please-- haha!-- stooooop-- ahahaha!
The way the front of her hot pink and black Skechers shoes move, it appears her toes must be wiggling from inside. The tickling continues, Oliver is relentless in his phalangical onslaught.
Ollie Maverick: It’s not over ‘til you say I win!
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: Ollieeeee~!
She squirms and giggles to tears in the corners of her eyes.
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: You win! I yield, I yield!
Ollie stops tickling her and raises his hands in victory.
Ollie Maverick: I win! I win! Flawless Victory! …what do I win?
Ollie looks around for his prize. Ami takes a moment to simply catch her breath. She squirms against the cushions and shivers a little.
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: You… win this.
She performs an intriguing backward roll that slightly hiked up her green skirt, revealing a little white silk, before she lands on her feet. Without skipping a beat, she turns towards him and captures his lips in a sweet, deep kiss. Ollie kisses back a bit before pulling away and smiling at her.
Ollie Maverick: Best prize. Ollie gets best prize.
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: Always, mon amour.
With a shy yet sweet giggle, she wraps her arms around his neck and smiles.
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: Are you ready for your match tonight?
Ollie Maverick: I am never not ready to kick faces. I haven’t flown solo in a bit but I can kick faces better than...some sort of machine made to kick faces. Are you ready for much resting and relaxation and good food and smooches and naughty lay-down stuff?
Ollie offers her a suggestive eyebrow wiggle. At this, his girlfriend blushes, lightly tapping the tips of her index fingers in front of her.
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: Well… yes. But what if…
She leans in towards her boyfriend’s left ear and whispers something the camera’s mic can’t grasp. Ollie’s face goes bright red and he is about to respond when he looks over her shoulder directly into the camera.
Ollie Maverick: Aaaaaand it is time for the door to be closed.
Ollie shuffles toward the door with Ami’s arms still around him and turns around to slam it shut with his foot. The man behind the camera decides not to stick around for the audio that’s about to start, though the French wrestling fans cheer “Ooh la la!”
Scott Parker: Um… I know we're in the City of Love, but...
Gemma Foster: Commercial! Commercial!
Josh Goldstein Vs. Bailey Mayhew
Before the match start, there was a respectful handshake between Josh Goldstein and Bailey Mayhew. The fans cheered, while the referee acknowledged this and signaled for the bell. Being a little similar in size, the two of them locked up in the center of the ring. The collar-and-elbow tie-up was taken over by Josh as he tied Bailey into a wristlock. She reserved it quickly, going for a side headlock. Josh broke out, and then the two of them began to show their prowess in Lucha Libre style of wrestling. The Paris wrestling fans were treated to quite the spectacle of back-and-forth action, from high risks to evasions. They hit each other with the same move, a running dropkick, and both fell onto the mat. Once they were back on their feet, the fans applauded.
The Empire Primetime Champion was taken by surprise when Mayhew nailed him with a palm strike and a loud “HI-YA!”. Goldstein staggered back, his hand over his chest before Mayhew took him down with a snapmare and a dropkick to the back of his head. The pin attempt was stopped at two when Goldstein kicked out. Perhaps his ‘Jewfro’ shielded him from the blow of the dropkick. After pulling Goldstein to his feet, Mayhew surprised him with “Hurricane Bailey” (Cyclone Kick) and floored him. Another pin attempt with the hook of the leg, but Goldstein still kicked out. She’d continue to wear him down with fast-precision strikes, yet slowly they began to be useless. The fans knew what was coming when Goldstein was suddenly invulnerable to Mayhew’s strikes. Then he caught her right hand and pointed at her, the fans yelling “OUIII!” With his variant of ‘hulking out’, Goldstein caught Mayhew with his “Jewish Mallet” (Polish Hammer). He covered Mayhew and hooked the leg, but she kicked out at two!
Even when Josh took to the ropes and made the transition of “Olé/Oy Vey!” (Rope Walk Arm Drag), Bailey refused to stay down. She was able to catch Josh off guard with “Into the Sunset” (Asai DDT), and the fans knew what was coming up next. Ascending one of the turnbuckles, Bailey looked to take flight with “Not Just Another Frog Splash” (beautifully-executed Frog Splash), but Josh got his knees up a split second before impact! Mayhew rolled over and cradled her ribs in her arms. Goldstein was slow to get up, but he was still faster than Mayhew who was just getting to her feet. He dropkicked her from behind, sending her to drape onto the middle rope. Without hesitation, the Jew Blazer charged forward and completed “The 718/The East Coast Schlock” (Tiger Feint Kick followed by a Springboard Dragonrana). He rolled her up, and the referee was able to grand him the coveted three-count!
Winner: Josh Goldstein via pinfall @ 12:13
Scott Parker: Wow! What a great showcase of skill and talent by our Primetime Champion and Bailey Mayhew.
Gemma Foster: They were definitely impressive, but tonight in Paris, ‘The Jew Blazer’ Josh Goldstein gets to celebrate!
When in Paris, do as the French do…
A wandering cameraman explores the visuals of the concessions and merchandise tables. It appears this scene was previously recorded earlier in the night. The audience members are treated to this on the Empire Tron where they witness many fans gathering food, drinks, snacks, and sweets. Other fans are spending their hard-earned money on merchandise of their favorite wrestlers. The Paris wrestling fans are having a blast.
Of course, with Empire Wrestling on tour, there are tourists of the City of Love. The camera captures the visual of a beautiful, tall, and slender woman wearing frameless glasses, her dark hair flowing freely around her, and dressed in a lovely red evening gown with matching high heels. In her left hand is a glass of French red wine, a personal adult purchase at one of the liquor concessions. She stands right behind a young girl who's dressed like Belle from Beauty and the Beast, giggling all the while as the newly purchased Jew Blazer cape replica is given to her. She turns towards her mother and a young man standing beside her with a big smile.
‘Belle’ Big brother, can you put it on me, please?
The lad, looking about 17 or 18 years old, leans down and takes the cape and rolls his eyes slightly. He obliges by helping her tie the cape around her neck and put her hands through the cuffs so she can use them like ‘wings’ as the Semitic Superhero does. A very large individual makes his way through the crowd but no one seems to be stopping him for an autograph. He’s dressed in a very fine suit with no tie. The suit was certainly purchased here in France and looked to be made by a top designer. Of course, someone as tall as Daniel Daemon always requires custom tailoring. Having accidentally entered the arena through the front instead of the back he sighs at the sight of…people. He loathed crowds. Once the ‘winged cape’ is on, the little girl who appears to be around six or seven hops up and down in her Belle dress.
‘Belle’ Thank you, big brother! Now I’m a superhero too!
Happily, she begins to move and twirl about, not entirely watching where she’s going. Her mother smiles at her daughter’s joyfulness before she looks up --
‘Belle’s’ Mother: Eden, look out!
But it’s a little too late as the daughter named Eden accidentally bumps into the giant seven-foot-tall man.
Eden: Oof! Oh, I’m really sorry!
Eden raises her head to look up… up… up all the way at Daniel. Her brilliant green eyes stare in shock and awe at the man assumed as the Devil, Himself. The tiniest “eep!” escapes her. Her mother swiftly moves, gently pulling the little Belle fast to her right side, and yet she doesn’t spill a drop of her wine in this movement whatsoever. She’s rather tall, standing at six-feet-even, and she still has to slightly look up to Daniel.
Eden’s Mother: I apologize, Mr. Fitzsimmons… My daughter was very excited about her new cape.
Daniel looks at the small girl, then to who he assumes is her mother.
Daniel Daemon: No...harm done, mademoiselle. Forgive me if this sounds rude, but you don’t seem dressed for this event. Even in the cultural capital of the World, it seems our crowd consists entirely of overly sweaty individuals in Black t-shirts that reek of general body odor and a specific cultivated odor I’ve come to call ‘parents basement’. Both of you…
Danny looks down at ‘Belle’.
Daniel Daemon:...being so well-dressed means the apology is all mine. You both stick out so much I should’ve noticed you a mile away. I’ll watch where I walk next time.
Eden’s Mother: Well I… thank you, Mr. Fitzsimmons. Or as the French say, ‘merci’. My name is Saphira Ezrah. How do you do?
Saphira politely extends her right hand out to Daniel for a handshake. A gentle rose perfume cascades her. Seeing as they ARE in France, Daniel takes Saphira’s hand and places a small kiss on the back of it before releasing said hand. Saphira is genuinely surprised, but she remembers where they are. A curt smile appears on her face. Eden is both confused and curious. There’s a bit of intrigue in her bright eyes as she studies the giant suit-wearing man. She looks back to her mother, whose eyes never leave Daniel’s. Then she looks back over to her older brother…
Eden Ezrah: Heyyy… You kinda look like the giant, big brother!
Daniel looks at the young man. The young man looks back. There is a moment of silence.
Daniel Daemon: Hm. I don’t see it.
‘Big Brother’: Same.
Daniel shifts his gaze back to Saphira, who calmly takes a sip of her wine.
Daniel Daemon: I have a match tonight but it shouldn’t take very long… I can tell by just the briefest scent I caught of that Pinot Noir you’re drinking that you know where to find good wine in the arena. Perhaps we could meet back here after I’ve won and I can become properly acquainted with you...all of you, I mean. Eden strikes me as someone with a lot of interesting things to say.
Upon hearing this, Eden bounces a little on her feet. She looks up to her mother, whose lips curl up into a warm smile.
Saphira Ezrah: A little wine and dine. Damien, are you feeling up to it as well? Or do you want to go back to the hotel?
Eden Ezrah: Come on, big brother! Let’s gooo!
Damien Ezrah: I’d actually like to watch the whole show. I’ll head to the hotel room afterward. Nice meeting you, Mr. Fitzsimmons. Should we go find our seats, mom?
Eden lightly pouts. Saphira turns to face her son and daughter, offering a polite nod.
Saphira Ezrah: Of course. We shouldn’t waste a penny of what we’ve spent already.
She then turns back to face Daniel and she curtseys. Eden glances up and mimics what her mother does, a cute little curtsey of her own.
Saphira Ezrah: Be seeing you, Mr. Fitzsimmons.
Daniel Daemon: You as well, Mrs. Ezrah.
At this formal address, Saphira arches an eyebrow. Her free hand pushes her glasses up with a finger.
Saphira Ezrah: Oh, no sir. It’s just Miss Ezrah.
Daniel simply nods at the correction before taking his leave to the backstage area. Saphira, Damien, and Eden make their way to find their seats with calm stead. The Tron flickers off, leaving the fans in quite the spectacle of the scene.
Gemma Foster: Ooh la la, something is going on here!
Scott Parker: Really? I thought they were just being nice.
Gemma Foster: ...Scott, you’re ridiculous.
Grey to Black
There was a quick shot backstage of Casey Grey pacing back and forth in her locker room. She swung the door open to head to the ring as her match was coming up next. She turned the corner and ran right into L2N. The two fell to the floor after crashing hard into each other. L2N stood and looked down at Grey who had seemed to have hit her head. L2N slowly backed away as trainers came over after seeing from down the hall.
Ollie Maverick Vs. Casey Grey
Maverick stood in the ring awaiting his opponent. Grey’s music hit and no one came out. Maverick looked around as the music stopped and restarted and Grey started to make her way down. Trainers rushed out behind her and pulled her back. One ran to the referee and informed him that Grey wouldn’t be cleared to compete tonight.
Maverick was disappointed and stood in the ring.
Gio DeLuca: Sounds like you need a match, slim.
Gio DeLuca walked out to the stage with a chair in hand.
Gio DeLuca: What a perfect time to tell everyone I’m joinin’ the Extreme Division than with a lil’ demonstration.
DeLuca charged to the ring and slid in. He jumped to his feet and swung the chair at Maverick who ducked it. DeLuca threw a back elbow to the face of Maverick and connected. He swung the chair up but took a kick to the gut. Maverick followed it up with the 360 No Scope (Corkscrew Roundhouse Kick) that caught DeLuca right in the jaw. DeLuca rolled out of the ring as Maverick stood tall.
Zoey Matthews-Mitchell Vs. Daniel Daemon
The bell rang and Zoey rushed at the 7 foot tall ‘Devil of Empire Wrestling’ but was met with a big boot for her troubles. The crowd booed as Daniel responded with a simple smirk. He held his right hand up and open in preparation for Zoey to stand, signaling he was going for a chokeslam as soon as she stood. Zoey charged at him again but dropped right before he can wrap his hand around her throat and drove a shoulder into his legs. She stood and quickly started kicking him repeatedly in the knee, knowing they were a weak spot for bigger men and the crowd erupts as she manages to bring the big man to a knee. She ran to the ropes and ran back, seeming to be going for a dropkick to his face but Daniel countered with a thunderous scoop Powerslam.
Daniel stood and seemed to test out his knee a bit before wrapping his arms around the waist of Zoey on the ground and deadlifting her easily into a gutwrench suplex. On a couple of occasions, Zoey would attempt to get some momentum going and nearly get there only to be cut off by the explosive power of the 7 Foot Demon.
Zoey was picking up momentum and finally seemed to hit something substantial with a Shotgun Kick but Daniel remained standing but seemed to be dazed on his feet. Zoey wanted to topple the dazed big man with a Springboard moonsault but Daniel caught her upside down in midair and that was all she wrote as that perfectly had Zoey set up for the Twist of Cain (Jumping spinning Tombstone piledriver) and Daniel casually placed his massive foot atop the fallen Zoey and let the ref count three!
Winner: Daniel Daemon via pinfall @ 14:02
Gemma Foster: Jesus, take the wheel. There is no stopping the Devil on Ash Wednesday. I feel bad for Zoey.
Scott Parker: She gave it her best efforts, but Daniel was able to overcome every obstacle she threw at him. Still, what a match, and to the victor goes the spoils!
AJ Adams Vs. Kurt Hullum
It was time for the main event as Hullum was in the ring first. He had a microphone in hand and was talking about how he should be at the top of the company. He ranted for a few moments before he was spun around and L2N was there. She grabbed his arm and hit the Headline (Eat Defeat) as the fans booed.
Scott Parker: L2N once again out here ruining a main event!
She turned towards the ramp and knew what was next. AJ Adams hit the stage to a big roar from the fans as he rushed down to the ring. He slid in and the two came to blows right away. Adams hit L2N with a DDT in the middle of the ring. He was fired up as he jumped to his feet.
Gemma Foster: AJ out here getting a little bit of revenge!
L2N rolled to her feet and readied herself. Adams charged and L2N was ready and hit him with a headscissors that ended up with Adams getting slammed onto his back, L2N landing in the mounted position. She rolled up to her feet and just as Adams stood she caught him with a superkick. Adams staggered to the ropes and L2N charged, looking for a clothesline but Adams ducked and flipped her to the apron. Adams looked for a hard right hand but L2N jumped down to the floor below and smiled. She waved at Adams and started to leave up the ramp.
Scott Parker: L2N is making herself quite the list of enemies since showing up.
She stood at the top of the ramp with a smile on her face as Adams looked up, leaning over the ropes, and telling L2N her time is coming.
Gemma Foster: Absolutely, Scott. She’ll be missed.
Scott Parker: Second, Empire Wrestling has signed Lio Walsh. A young rookie with a high ceiling. We’ve also signed the rebel bombshell, Samantha “The Titaness” Hamilton. They are both joining the brand new Extreme Division!
Gemma Foster: Rumor is Allen Chaney is going to soon be joining them.
Scott Parker: The first ever Extreme Champion will be crowned on April 17th at Next Level: Revolution in Los Angeles!
Kayla Taylor Vs. Alicia Monroe
The bell rang and this match was underway with Alicia seeming a bit wary about Krista being at ringside to support her tag partner. Alicia went to lock up with Kayla who offered a knee to the gut in response before bringing Alicia into a side headlock takedown and landing with that side headlock still cinched in. Kayla seems to have things in control early using just the fundamentals
However, a few minutes in the crowd began to really get behind Alicia and she seemed to feed off of that energy, battling back with a series of strikes. Kayla whipped Alicia to the ropes and Alicia rebounded to duck under a clothesline attempt and came back to hit Kayla with the Freebird (Running Bulldog). Alicia rolled Kayla up but only got a two count.
Alicia went to the ropes and jumped to the middle rope to attempt a springboard moonsault but Krista grabbed the rope and pulled it so she missed and awkwardly fell on her back. Alicia stood and turned to face Krista outside the ring, which allowed Kayla to lock Alicia up from behind and drop her with the Broadway Lights (Cross Rhodes) followed by the cover and the three count. Krista rolled into the ring and before the ref could say anything she demanded the ref raise Kayla’s hand in victory.
Winner: Kayla Taylor via pinfall @ 9:15
Scott Parker: Oh, come on! Krista Williams interfered on Kayla’s behalf.
Gemma Foster: Alright, that wasn’t fair. Alicia and Kayla were having a good match. Did Krista really have to do that?
Scott Parker: Sigh. It is what it is. Freaks With Benefits need to be careful. The Purge and the Glorious Bastards are watching, I’m sure. Empire’s Hype continues, folks!
Paradise Tango (Azurine Vebbins/Talia Areano) Vs. The Purge (Artemis/Ellen Shrader)
Emotions ran high as Vebbins made her way to the ring. Purge jumped out of the ring to meet Vebbins and Areano and a brawl quickly started on the outside. Paradise Tango quickly got the upper hand and rolled both Artemis and Shrader into the ring. Areano took Artemis down with a headscissors takedown that went right into a mounted punch. Vebbins hit Shrader with a half nelson suplex. Areano was on the top ropes as both members of the Purge slowly got to their feet. She dove and hit them with a double dropkick. Artemis hit the mat and rolled out of the ring as Shrader went flying into the corner. Vebbins hit Shrader with a two running knees to the sternum. Shrader staggered to the middle of the ring which Vebbins followed up with her superkick and then finished off her Sweetheart Sockhop combo with the pulled in DDT. Areano cheered Vebbins on as she went into the covered and picked up the three.
WINNER: Paradise Tango via pinfall @ 4:11
The fans roared as Vebbins and Areano hugged in the middle of the ring. Areano raised the hand of Vebbins who was emotionally choked up.
Scott Parker: The fans giving Vebbins and Areano a standing ovation.
Gemma Foster: Azurine debuted in Empire Wrestling all the way back on October 13th, 2015. The fans love her.
Vebbins hugged Areano once more and went to leave the ring. Areano stopped her and pulled her back into the center of the ring to hug once more. Areano shocked the crowd as she hit Vebbins with a belly to belly suplex!
Scott Parker: What the hell!?
Areano stomped on Vebbins before going to the corner. She climbed to the top ropes and came flying back with a big top rope moonsault onto Vebbins. Areano stood over Vebbins before saying goodbye and rolled out of the ring.
Dear Hearts
“...There’s no need to rush, dear heart.”
A camera’s mic picks up the sound of a conversation over a mobile device’s speaker mode. The owner’s voice has a clear British accent.
“This is a rare opportunity for you and Oliver to be in Paris. Just the two of you. I want you to enjoy your time together. Even though tomorrow is Annabelle and Stephen’s death anniversary, I’ll be alright. My grandchildren will accompany me on the picnic.”
The camera finds a slightly open door to Ollie Maverick’s locker room. Inside, his girlfriend Ami Kennedy-Trenton is seated on the couch holding her smartphone in her right hand. She’s patient for the opportunity to speak, and when she does, her voice is soft and sweet, an elegant mix of British and French accents.
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: Okay, dad. Ollie and I will fly out to San Francisco this weekend to pay our respects. Remember, don’t go to their resting place until tomorrow morning. I want you to be surprised, okay?
Emile Trenton: Very well, dear heart. I promise I will not visit them until tomorrow morning. Video call me on Skype after the show, so you may see Chris and Claire.
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: Alright. Let me know if you need anything else. Je t’aime, papa.
Emile Trenton: I love you too, daughter of mine.
She smiles, a little bittersweet expression on her face as she allows her father to end the call. With a sigh, she sets her phone on the small table beside her, falls back against the couch cushions, and closes her eyes. She’s still unaware of the camera’s presence. Softly, the sound of footsteps draws near the slightly open door. There’s no one around to protect her…
Ollie Maverick: TICKLE TICKLE TICKLE!!!!
From out of the shadows she is ambushed by her beau, who mercilessly tickles her sides. He came from behind the couch, as silent as… a ninja. Instinctively, Ami jumps, wiggles, and giggles very loudly.
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: Oh my-- Ollie-beaaar! Please-- haha!-- stooooop-- ahahaha!
The way the front of her hot pink and black Skechers shoes move, it appears her toes must be wiggling from inside. The tickling continues, Oliver is relentless in his phalangical onslaught.
Ollie Maverick: It’s not over ‘til you say I win!
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: Ollieeeee~!
She squirms and giggles to tears in the corners of her eyes.
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: You win! I yield, I yield!
Ollie stops tickling her and raises his hands in victory.
Ollie Maverick: I win! I win! Flawless Victory! …what do I win?
Ollie looks around for his prize. Ami takes a moment to simply catch her breath. She squirms against the cushions and shivers a little.
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: You… win this.
She performs an intriguing backward roll that slightly hiked up her green skirt, revealing a little white silk, before she lands on her feet. Without skipping a beat, she turns towards him and captures his lips in a sweet, deep kiss. Ollie kisses back a bit before pulling away and smiling at her.
Ollie Maverick: Best prize. Ollie gets best prize.
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: Always, mon amour.
With a shy yet sweet giggle, she wraps her arms around his neck and smiles.
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: Are you ready for your match tonight?
Ollie Maverick: I am never not ready to kick faces. I haven’t flown solo in a bit but I can kick faces better than...some sort of machine made to kick faces. Are you ready for much resting and relaxation and good food and smooches and naughty lay-down stuff?
Ollie offers her a suggestive eyebrow wiggle. At this, his girlfriend blushes, lightly tapping the tips of her index fingers in front of her.
Ami Kennedy-Trenton: Well… yes. But what if…
She leans in towards her boyfriend’s left ear and whispers something the camera’s mic can’t grasp. Ollie’s face goes bright red and he is about to respond when he looks over her shoulder directly into the camera.
Ollie Maverick: Aaaaaand it is time for the door to be closed.
Ollie shuffles toward the door with Ami’s arms still around him and turns around to slam it shut with his foot. The man behind the camera decides not to stick around for the audio that’s about to start, though the French wrestling fans cheer “Ooh la la!”
Scott Parker: Um… I know we're in the City of Love, but...
Gemma Foster: Commercial! Commercial!
Josh Goldstein Vs. Bailey Mayhew
Before the match start, there was a respectful handshake between Josh Goldstein and Bailey Mayhew. The fans cheered, while the referee acknowledged this and signaled for the bell. Being a little similar in size, the two of them locked up in the center of the ring. The collar-and-elbow tie-up was taken over by Josh as he tied Bailey into a wristlock. She reserved it quickly, going for a side headlock. Josh broke out, and then the two of them began to show their prowess in Lucha Libre style of wrestling. The Paris wrestling fans were treated to quite the spectacle of back-and-forth action, from high risks to evasions. They hit each other with the same move, a running dropkick, and both fell onto the mat. Once they were back on their feet, the fans applauded.
The Empire Primetime Champion was taken by surprise when Mayhew nailed him with a palm strike and a loud “HI-YA!”. Goldstein staggered back, his hand over his chest before Mayhew took him down with a snapmare and a dropkick to the back of his head. The pin attempt was stopped at two when Goldstein kicked out. Perhaps his ‘Jewfro’ shielded him from the blow of the dropkick. After pulling Goldstein to his feet, Mayhew surprised him with “Hurricane Bailey” (Cyclone Kick) and floored him. Another pin attempt with the hook of the leg, but Goldstein still kicked out. She’d continue to wear him down with fast-precision strikes, yet slowly they began to be useless. The fans knew what was coming when Goldstein was suddenly invulnerable to Mayhew’s strikes. Then he caught her right hand and pointed at her, the fans yelling “OUIII!” With his variant of ‘hulking out’, Goldstein caught Mayhew with his “Jewish Mallet” (Polish Hammer). He covered Mayhew and hooked the leg, but she kicked out at two!
Even when Josh took to the ropes and made the transition of “Olé/Oy Vey!” (Rope Walk Arm Drag), Bailey refused to stay down. She was able to catch Josh off guard with “Into the Sunset” (Asai DDT), and the fans knew what was coming up next. Ascending one of the turnbuckles, Bailey looked to take flight with “Not Just Another Frog Splash” (beautifully-executed Frog Splash), but Josh got his knees up a split second before impact! Mayhew rolled over and cradled her ribs in her arms. Goldstein was slow to get up, but he was still faster than Mayhew who was just getting to her feet. He dropkicked her from behind, sending her to drape onto the middle rope. Without hesitation, the Jew Blazer charged forward and completed “The 718/The East Coast Schlock” (Tiger Feint Kick followed by a Springboard Dragonrana). He rolled her up, and the referee was able to grand him the coveted three-count!
Winner: Josh Goldstein via pinfall @ 12:13
Scott Parker: Wow! What a great showcase of skill and talent by our Primetime Champion and Bailey Mayhew.
Gemma Foster: They were definitely impressive, but tonight in Paris, ‘The Jew Blazer’ Josh Goldstein gets to celebrate!
When in Paris, do as the French do…
A wandering cameraman explores the visuals of the concessions and merchandise tables. It appears this scene was previously recorded earlier in the night. The audience members are treated to this on the Empire Tron where they witness many fans gathering food, drinks, snacks, and sweets. Other fans are spending their hard-earned money on merchandise of their favorite wrestlers. The Paris wrestling fans are having a blast.
Of course, with Empire Wrestling on tour, there are tourists of the City of Love. The camera captures the visual of a beautiful, tall, and slender woman wearing frameless glasses, her dark hair flowing freely around her, and dressed in a lovely red evening gown with matching high heels. In her left hand is a glass of French red wine, a personal adult purchase at one of the liquor concessions. She stands right behind a young girl who's dressed like Belle from Beauty and the Beast, giggling all the while as the newly purchased Jew Blazer cape replica is given to her. She turns towards her mother and a young man standing beside her with a big smile.
‘Belle’ Big brother, can you put it on me, please?
The lad, looking about 17 or 18 years old, leans down and takes the cape and rolls his eyes slightly. He obliges by helping her tie the cape around her neck and put her hands through the cuffs so she can use them like ‘wings’ as the Semitic Superhero does. A very large individual makes his way through the crowd but no one seems to be stopping him for an autograph. He’s dressed in a very fine suit with no tie. The suit was certainly purchased here in France and looked to be made by a top designer. Of course, someone as tall as Daniel Daemon always requires custom tailoring. Having accidentally entered the arena through the front instead of the back he sighs at the sight of…people. He loathed crowds. Once the ‘winged cape’ is on, the little girl who appears to be around six or seven hops up and down in her Belle dress.
‘Belle’ Thank you, big brother! Now I’m a superhero too!
Happily, she begins to move and twirl about, not entirely watching where she’s going. Her mother smiles at her daughter’s joyfulness before she looks up --
‘Belle’s’ Mother: Eden, look out!
But it’s a little too late as the daughter named Eden accidentally bumps into the giant seven-foot-tall man.
Eden: Oof! Oh, I’m really sorry!
Eden raises her head to look up… up… up all the way at Daniel. Her brilliant green eyes stare in shock and awe at the man assumed as the Devil, Himself. The tiniest “eep!” escapes her. Her mother swiftly moves, gently pulling the little Belle fast to her right side, and yet she doesn’t spill a drop of her wine in this movement whatsoever. She’s rather tall, standing at six-feet-even, and she still has to slightly look up to Daniel.
Eden’s Mother: I apologize, Mr. Fitzsimmons… My daughter was very excited about her new cape.
Daniel looks at the small girl, then to who he assumes is her mother.
Daniel Daemon: No...harm done, mademoiselle. Forgive me if this sounds rude, but you don’t seem dressed for this event. Even in the cultural capital of the World, it seems our crowd consists entirely of overly sweaty individuals in Black t-shirts that reek of general body odor and a specific cultivated odor I’ve come to call ‘parents basement’. Both of you…
Danny looks down at ‘Belle’.
Daniel Daemon:...being so well-dressed means the apology is all mine. You both stick out so much I should’ve noticed you a mile away. I’ll watch where I walk next time.
Eden’s Mother: Well I… thank you, Mr. Fitzsimmons. Or as the French say, ‘merci’. My name is Saphira Ezrah. How do you do?
Saphira politely extends her right hand out to Daniel for a handshake. A gentle rose perfume cascades her. Seeing as they ARE in France, Daniel takes Saphira’s hand and places a small kiss on the back of it before releasing said hand. Saphira is genuinely surprised, but she remembers where they are. A curt smile appears on her face. Eden is both confused and curious. There’s a bit of intrigue in her bright eyes as she studies the giant suit-wearing man. She looks back to her mother, whose eyes never leave Daniel’s. Then she looks back over to her older brother…
Eden Ezrah: Heyyy… You kinda look like the giant, big brother!
Daniel looks at the young man. The young man looks back. There is a moment of silence.
Daniel Daemon: Hm. I don’t see it.
‘Big Brother’: Same.
Daniel shifts his gaze back to Saphira, who calmly takes a sip of her wine.
Daniel Daemon: I have a match tonight but it shouldn’t take very long… I can tell by just the briefest scent I caught of that Pinot Noir you’re drinking that you know where to find good wine in the arena. Perhaps we could meet back here after I’ve won and I can become properly acquainted with you...all of you, I mean. Eden strikes me as someone with a lot of interesting things to say.
Upon hearing this, Eden bounces a little on her feet. She looks up to her mother, whose lips curl up into a warm smile.
Saphira Ezrah: A little wine and dine. Damien, are you feeling up to it as well? Or do you want to go back to the hotel?
Eden Ezrah: Come on, big brother! Let’s gooo!
Damien Ezrah: I’d actually like to watch the whole show. I’ll head to the hotel room afterward. Nice meeting you, Mr. Fitzsimmons. Should we go find our seats, mom?
Eden lightly pouts. Saphira turns to face her son and daughter, offering a polite nod.
Saphira Ezrah: Of course. We shouldn’t waste a penny of what we’ve spent already.
She then turns back to face Daniel and she curtseys. Eden glances up and mimics what her mother does, a cute little curtsey of her own.
Saphira Ezrah: Be seeing you, Mr. Fitzsimmons.
Daniel Daemon: You as well, Mrs. Ezrah.
At this formal address, Saphira arches an eyebrow. Her free hand pushes her glasses up with a finger.
Saphira Ezrah: Oh, no sir. It’s just Miss Ezrah.
Daniel simply nods at the correction before taking his leave to the backstage area. Saphira, Damien, and Eden make their way to find their seats with calm stead. The Tron flickers off, leaving the fans in quite the spectacle of the scene.
Gemma Foster: Ooh la la, something is going on here!
Scott Parker: Really? I thought they were just being nice.
Gemma Foster: ...Scott, you’re ridiculous.
Grey to Black
There was a quick shot backstage of Casey Grey pacing back and forth in her locker room. She swung the door open to head to the ring as her match was coming up next. She turned the corner and ran right into L2N. The two fell to the floor after crashing hard into each other. L2N stood and looked down at Grey who had seemed to have hit her head. L2N slowly backed away as trainers came over after seeing from down the hall.
Ollie Maverick Vs. Casey Grey
Maverick stood in the ring awaiting his opponent. Grey’s music hit and no one came out. Maverick looked around as the music stopped and restarted and Grey started to make her way down. Trainers rushed out behind her and pulled her back. One ran to the referee and informed him that Grey wouldn’t be cleared to compete tonight.
Maverick was disappointed and stood in the ring.
Gio DeLuca: Sounds like you need a match, slim.
Gio DeLuca walked out to the stage with a chair in hand.
Gio DeLuca: What a perfect time to tell everyone I’m joinin’ the Extreme Division than with a lil’ demonstration.
DeLuca charged to the ring and slid in. He jumped to his feet and swung the chair at Maverick who ducked it. DeLuca threw a back elbow to the face of Maverick and connected. He swung the chair up but took a kick to the gut. Maverick followed it up with the 360 No Scope (Corkscrew Roundhouse Kick) that caught DeLuca right in the jaw. DeLuca rolled out of the ring as Maverick stood tall.
Zoey Matthews-Mitchell Vs. Daniel Daemon
The bell rang and Zoey rushed at the 7 foot tall ‘Devil of Empire Wrestling’ but was met with a big boot for her troubles. The crowd booed as Daniel responded with a simple smirk. He held his right hand up and open in preparation for Zoey to stand, signaling he was going for a chokeslam as soon as she stood. Zoey charged at him again but dropped right before he can wrap his hand around her throat and drove a shoulder into his legs. She stood and quickly started kicking him repeatedly in the knee, knowing they were a weak spot for bigger men and the crowd erupts as she manages to bring the big man to a knee. She ran to the ropes and ran back, seeming to be going for a dropkick to his face but Daniel countered with a thunderous scoop Powerslam.
Daniel stood and seemed to test out his knee a bit before wrapping his arms around the waist of Zoey on the ground and deadlifting her easily into a gutwrench suplex. On a couple of occasions, Zoey would attempt to get some momentum going and nearly get there only to be cut off by the explosive power of the 7 Foot Demon.
Zoey was picking up momentum and finally seemed to hit something substantial with a Shotgun Kick but Daniel remained standing but seemed to be dazed on his feet. Zoey wanted to topple the dazed big man with a Springboard moonsault but Daniel caught her upside down in midair and that was all she wrote as that perfectly had Zoey set up for the Twist of Cain (Jumping spinning Tombstone piledriver) and Daniel casually placed his massive foot atop the fallen Zoey and let the ref count three!
Winner: Daniel Daemon via pinfall @ 14:02
Gemma Foster: Jesus, take the wheel. There is no stopping the Devil on Ash Wednesday. I feel bad for Zoey.
Scott Parker: She gave it her best efforts, but Daniel was able to overcome every obstacle she threw at him. Still, what a match, and to the victor goes the spoils!
AJ Adams Vs. Kurt Hullum
It was time for the main event as Hullum was in the ring first. He had a microphone in hand and was talking about how he should be at the top of the company. He ranted for a few moments before he was spun around and L2N was there. She grabbed his arm and hit the Headline (Eat Defeat) as the fans booed.
Scott Parker: L2N once again out here ruining a main event!
She turned towards the ramp and knew what was next. AJ Adams hit the stage to a big roar from the fans as he rushed down to the ring. He slid in and the two came to blows right away. Adams hit L2N with a DDT in the middle of the ring. He was fired up as he jumped to his feet.
Gemma Foster: AJ out here getting a little bit of revenge!
L2N rolled to her feet and readied herself. Adams charged and L2N was ready and hit him with a headscissors that ended up with Adams getting slammed onto his back, L2N landing in the mounted position. She rolled up to her feet and just as Adams stood she caught him with a superkick. Adams staggered to the ropes and L2N charged, looking for a clothesline but Adams ducked and flipped her to the apron. Adams looked for a hard right hand but L2N jumped down to the floor below and smiled. She waved at Adams and started to leave up the ramp.
Scott Parker: L2N is making herself quite the list of enemies since showing up.
She stood at the top of the ramp with a smile on her face as Adams looked up, leaning over the ropes, and telling L2N her time is coming.