Post by Admin on Jan 5, 2020 3:04:21 GMT -5
Next Level: Turmoil - January 3, 2020
Scott Parker: Happy New Year and welcome to Next Level: Turmoil! It’s 2020 and to kick off the year we will see all four championships on the line. Can Samantha Hamilton recapture the Extreme Championship? Will AJ Adams be able to overcome the Tomorrow Man Ben Macbeth? Will Midnight Special continue their dominance? Can Dave Blazenwing be the one to dethrone the Emperor of the Empire? So many questions, Gemma.
Gemma Foster: We won’t wait long to find out the answers to those questions. I think 2020 is going to be Empire Wrestling’s best year yet.
Scott Parker: Here comes the Extreme Champion! He’s not wasting any time getting things started tonight.
Scott wore the Extreme Championship around his waist on the way to the ring with a steel chair in hand. He tossed it into the ring and immediately started to search under the ring for more, tossing in chair after chair. At about five chairs the fans popped as Samantha Hamilton started to rush to the ring. Scott turned and caught Hamilton as she looked for a splash against the apron. Scott drove her back first into the outside post before dropping her. Scott rolled into the ring and the referee called for the start of the match. Scott grabbed a chair and quickly rolled back out of the ring as Hamilton started to stand. He cracked the chair over her back as it echoed throughout the Warehouse.
Scott Parker: Austin Scott is taking it to his challenger early.
Scott pulled Hamilton to her feet and lifted her into a bear hug. She quickly started to throw hard elbows to the side of his head. Scott dropped Hamilton to her feet and she speared him into the barricade. He took a step forward which allowed Hamilton to lift him up and drive him into the outside mat with a spinebuster. Hamilton grabbed the chair on the outside and placed it onto the chest of Scott before hitting a running senton!
Gemma Foster: Samantha Hamilton putting her body on the line with a move like that. Austin Scott has already started to work on her back and she goes and does something like that.
Hamilton climbed up and pulled Scott to his feet and rolled him into the ring. She went under the ring near the ramp and pulled out a table. She set it up and rolled back into the ring. She stomped on Scott as she fought to his feet. He speared her into the corner and started to throw his shoulder into her gut. He then pulled her out of the corner and connected with a hangman’s neckbreaker. Scott put his knee into the back of Hamilton before pulling on her with a modified camel clutch. Hamilton refused to submit.
Scott Parker: Samantha is in a lot of pain here but is fighting.
Hamilton was able to break the hold and then roll out of the way but Scott was right on her with stomps. He pulled her up and sent her into the ropes. She ducked a forearm and continued to the opposite ropes. She returned and caught Scott with a spear. Hamilton popped up to her feet and pulled Scott up and sent him into a corner. She charged and connected with a big corner clothesline. She lifted him to the top ropes and followed. Hamilton pointed up and delivered Defying The Gods (Frankensteiner)! She covered but only got two as Scott kicked out. Hamilton grabbed a chair and drove it into the gut of Scott. She raised the chair over her head for another swing but Scott kicked her in the gut. He rolled her up with a small package but only got two. They both popped up to their feet and Scott lifted Hamilton up and smashed her back first into a corner and then delivered the Booze Cruisin' (Oklahoma Slam). Scott pulled Hamilton up to her feet slowly by her hair and mouthed off to the fans as they booed. He lifted her onto his shoulder for the Ace in the Hole (Rikishi Driver) but Hamilton reached out and was able to grab the ropes.
Gemma Foster: Great ring awareness by Sam.
Scott lifted Hamilton up and dumped her outside and she landed on the apron. Hamilton blasted Scott with a right hand and then grabbed him by the head and walked him to the corner. She started to climb the turnbuckle from the outside while pulling Scott up with her. Scott powered Hamilton up and down to the mat with a superplex! Scott rolled into a cover but only got two as Hamilton kicked out!
Scott Parker: So close!
Scott grabbed Hamilton by the hand and pulled her into the corner into a seated position. He hit the ropes and came back and delivered the Goin' Muddin' (Opponent is seated in the corner, charges and connects with a running knee to the skull)! Scott pulled Hamilton to the center of the ring and covered but only got two as she kicked out again! Scott started to show his frustration and pulled Hamilton to the ropes and climbed through near the apron.
Gemma Foster: I think he’s thinking table time.
Scott pulled Hamilton to her feet as they both stood on the apron but she caught him with a right hand and then a headbutt. Hamilton got around Scott and lifted him up onto her shoulders and the fans went nuts as she hit Zeus's Wrath (One Winged Angel) to the outside, through the table! The referee checked on both competitors and neither could respond to the ten count in time.
Scott Parker: Austin Scott is going to retain here tonight but not because he pinned Samantha Hamilton.
Gemma Foster: Scott should be counting his blessings here tonight.
Scott crawled out of the broken table and was handed the championship as he laid on the ramp. Hamilton was checked on as well as we went to the back.
Day and Night
Alicia Monroe stands next to a locker room. The door is open, but it’s dark inside. She has her phone out, and is making a point to chew gum in a rather obnoxious manner as she thumbs through contacts, texts, songs, something.
Kevin Olson: Hi, Alicia. You and Casey have an important match tonight. I just wanted to get your opinion before the bell.
Alicia Monroe: It’s an important match. And, ya know, I get that. But seriously, Casey’s nuts! She’s just plain nuts! We were at home for Christmas, right? Christmas day they had to drag her out of the garage where she was beating a tractor tire with a sledgehammer. Then after dinner, she dragged me back to her garage so I could beat a tractor tire with a sledgehammer. Then we come back here and I think, you know, New York and Times Square for New Year’s, but she’s insane. No, can’t go out and have fun in freakin’ New York, no. We have to train and prepare. I am so sick of training and preparing! She doesn’t take any days off.
Kevin Olson: So you’re saying you didn’t do anything for New Year’s?
Alicia’s voice drops to just above a whisper.
Alicia Monroe: Casey fell asleep at around ten, so I snuck out. I’m not stupid, Kevin.
Kevin Olson: So, where is Casey?
Alicia nods towards the dark locker room.
Alicia Monroe: She’s in there.
Kevin Olson: Can we talk to her? Ger her opinion?
Alicia Monroe: I wouldn’t. She don’t wanna be bothered.
Kevin Olson: Noted.
Kevin enters the room anyway, and a few moments later a wordless scream is heard as Casey drives him out, holding onto his coat, and slams him into the wall. She pulls him towards her and then slams him into it again before letting him go. He sinks to the ground.
Casey Grey: That answer your question, Kevin?
Casey turns and walks back towards the locker room. She stops next to Alicia, turning to look at her.
Casey Grey: If you think I didn't know about you sneaking out of the apartment on New Year’s Eve, you’re mistaken.
Alicia Monroe: And I don’t care that you know.
Casey Grey: Fine. Don’t care. But if you lose this match for us because you aren’t focused I’m going to take all of the humiliation out of your ass. And keep these jackasses away from me!
Casey storms into the locker room, vanishing from sight. Alicia rolls her eyes and shakes her head. She goes back to her phone.
Alicia Monroe: Such a delight.
Ben Macbeth made his way to the ring first as he looked focused on capturing the Primetime Championship. He was slow, almost methodical, on his way to the ring. As if he had planned every step during his entrance. He climbed into the ring and soaked in a spotlight in the center of the ring. The fans went nuts as AJ Adams’ music hit and he came jogging out onto the stage with the Primetime Championship around his waist. He pulled it off and held it in the air before placing it at his feet. He kneeled down in front of it and looked down at Macbeth. Adams scooped up the title and made his way down to the ring.
Scott Parker: AJ is fired up and the crowd is eating it up.
Adams rolled into the ring and tossed the championship to the referee and speared Macbeth into the corner and the bell quickly sounded to kick things off. Adams and Macbeth went blow for blow in the corner and down the ropes into another corner. Adams pulled Macbeth out of the corner and sent him into the ropes. He ducked down for a backdrop but Macbeth dropped to his back and hit Adams with a chop to the throat. Macbeth swept the leg of Adams before climbing to his feet but Adams was quickly up. Macbeth connected with a hard kick to the legs of Adams to get him to stagger and then jumped up with a bicycle knee strike to the head. This staggered Adams and allowed Macbeth to connect with a jumping neckbreaker. Macbeth pulled Adams right to his feet and sent him into a corner. Macbeth charged and hit a big corner splash. Macbeth jumped to the second rope and hit a splash. He quickly popped up to his feet and pulled Adams up as well.
Gemma Foster: Ben Macbeth is keeping AJ disoriented.
Macbeth hooked the arms of Adams for a double underhook suplex but Adams was able to counter with a backdrop and rolled out of the ring to regroup.
Scott Parker: AJ needing a few seconds here to catch his breath.
Macbeth got to his feet and measured up Adams on the outside and dove through the ropes with a tope suicida! Macbeth pulled Adams off the barricade and rolled him under the ropes. Macbeth started to climb into the ring and took a kick to the side of the head. Macbeth was hung up on the second rope and Adams connected with the Eat It (Fame-Asser). Adams looked for a cover but just barely got two. Adams pulled Macbeth up and delivered a suplex. He swung himself up and hit a second suplex. Adams lifted Macbeth up once more and delivered a third suplex. Adams hooked both legs of Macbeth and covered getting a two count. Adams stomped on Macbeth before climbing to the second turnbuckle. He readied and dove with a second rope leg drop across the chest of Macbeth. Adams pulled Macbeth to his feet and sent him into the corner. Adams charged and looked for a spear but Macbeth jumped up and over which sent Adams shoulder first into the post! Adams slumped out of the corner and took the From Parts Unknown (360 Buzzsaw Kick). Adams collapsed and Macbeth locked in the Inevitability (Rings of Saturn)!
Gemma Foster: That shoulder of Adams is ripping apart.
Macbeth screamed at Adams and Adams was able to slowly inch his body close enough to the ropes so he could put his foot on it to force a break. Macbeth stood on the shoulder of Adams as the referee forced him to break. Adams pulled himself up into the corner and got a boot up as Macbeth charged. Adams looked for the Last Call (Codebreaker) but Macbeth held himself up with the top ropes. Adams crashed to the mat and Macbeth quickly pulled him to his feet and looked for the Serious Moonlight (Lifting Single Underhook DDT) but Adams back dropped Macbeth up and over the top ropes to the floor below!
Scott Parker: Macbeth just crashed hard on the outside! This might be AJ’s chance!
Adams took a knee and the fans started to boo as the Tag Team Champions Midnight Special made their way down to the ring.
Gemma Foster: And here comes the rest of EMBLEM.
Cherry checked on Macbeth briefly before both he and Carbine jumped onto the apron. Adams swung at Cherry who jumped down and Carbine climbed into the ring. Adams charged Carbine but Carbine rolled out of the ring.
Scott Parker: They’re just toying with AJ.
Cherry started to climb to the top ropes and Adams turned his attention to him. Adams was spun around by Macbeth and Macbeth hit him with the Serious Moonlight! Macbeth grabbed the arm of Adams and stomped on the shoulder multiple times before locking in the Inevitability. This time Adams was forced to submit and the crowd booed.
Macbeth was announced the winner and was handed the Primetime Championship which he thrusted into the air. He lowered it onto his shoulder as Midnight Special stood behind him.
Gemma Foster: EMBLEM standing tall with all the gold.
They didn’t have long to celebrate as Hell’s Belles jumped into the ring behind Midnight Special and attacked as the Tag Team Championship match got started right away.
Grey and Monroe attacked Cherry and Carbine with blows and Macbeth was knocked out of the ring. Hell’s Belles dumped Carbine out of the ring and turned their attention to Cherry. Cherry charged and Grey ducked him. Grey looked for a back suplex and Monroe came in with a neckbreaker. Monroe covered and Cherry kicked out at two.
Gemma Foster: Oh no. Look on the outside.
AJ Adams was to a knee on the outside as Macbeth was only a few feet away. The two started to brawl and Adams was sent shoulder first into the steel steps as trainers rushed out to keep the two separated.
Scott Parker: AJ grabbing that shoulder!
Carbine powered into the ring and hit Grey with a big boot. Monroe charged and ran into a powerslam. Carbine grabbed Monroe and pulled her to her feet and delivered a German suplex. She staggered to her feet and Cherry came running over with a shotgun dropkick that sent her flying into the corner. Grey was up and caught Cherry with the Breath Mint (Forearm Smash) that staggered him with a hard blow to the nose. She hit the ropes and looked for a clothesline but Cherry ducked it and Carbine was there with a back drop to the apron. Carbine turned around and Grey threw a thumb into his eye.
Gemma Foster: Grey showing an aggressive side here tonight. We’ve seen this off and on from here over the last few months.
Grey climbed back into the ring and pulled Carbine into the corner. She clotheslined him up and over the top rope as Cherry took down Monroe. Cherry turned his attention to Grey and caught her with a step up enziguri. He pulled her in and hit a snap release German suplex. Monroe started to stand and Cherry caught her with a discus lariat. Monroe fell into the corner and was rocked with a big corner clothesline from Carbine. Grey was back up and tried to roll up Cherry from behind but he rolled right through and caught her with a superkick to the side of the head before she could stand. Monroe came flying off the second rope and hit a modified Freebird (Running Bulldog) on Cherry. Monroe quickly scurried to the top ropes and dove at Cherry with the Phoenix Dive (Swanton Bomb) but Carbine pulled him out of the way. Carbine was grabbed from behind and Grey hit the Copperhead Road (Cobra Clutch/Single Knee Backstabber).
Gemma Foster: There’s so much going on it’s hard to keep up!
Grey was fired up and Monroe was back to her feet. Grey shouted commands at Monroe and Monroe started to climb to the top ropes. Monroe was in position for the White Lightning (Moonsault) but Cherry pushed Grey into the ropes and Monroe fell backwards onto the mat. Grey turned and charged at Cherry but Midnight Special hit her with the Minutes to Midnight (Slingblade [Cherry] / Backside Spear [Carbine]). Cherry pulled Grey to the ropes and twisted the middle and top rope around her arms to keep her in place as Monroe started to stand. They hit her with the Ultimate X-Plex (Carbine hits an X-Plex and Cherry catches them with a Back Stabber on the way down.) and covered, getting the victory as Grey watched on.
Cherry and Carbine grabbed their titles as they left the ring and got in the face of the fans ringside who booed them. Monroe finally came to and helped Grey out of the ropes. Grey pushed past her and left the ring.
Scott Parker: Falling just short once again are the Hell’s Belles and Casey is not happy about it.
Gemma Foster: These two have some issues to get over between them and then they can move forward.
Scott Parker: Perfect segway into moving forward because it’s time for the main event of the night! There’s always that little nugget in the back of everyone’s mind that maybe, just maybe, Lacy Nelson invokes her Victorem contract and adds herself into the title match or steals one away.
Gemma Foster: I can say that I didn’t see Lacy backstage before the event but we’ve also said that before and she’s still appeared to jump in. Maybe tonight really IS the night that she does it or maybe she wants to see how things play out with Blazenwing and Daemon.
The crowd rose to their feet for one of the bigger pops of the night as Dave Blazenwing made his way out to the stage. He threw his arms up and down on the sides of the stage and was clearly fired up for the match.
Gemma Foster: This match means SO much to Blazenwing. The 39 year old looking to prove that he still has it. He’s looked GREAT here in Empire Wrestling so far and tonight will be the biggest test he’s had in years.
Blazenwing posed on the second rope in a corner as he threw his arms out, tossing his long trench coat to the floor. The cheers quickly turned to boos as Daniel Daemon stepped to the stage with the World Championship on his shoulder. He looked down at Blazenwing with a dead stare and held the title up. He took his time walking to the ring and placed the title on the apron before climbing in. Blazenwing pointed at the title as Daemon walked around the ring with it in his hand.
Scott Parker: We can talk all day about how dominate Ben Macbeth was as the EW Heavyweight Champion back in 2016 during the first run of Empire Wrestling but what Daniel Daemon is doing is just on another level. He’s been absolutely DOMINATE in not just the reign but in every match. It’s been 261 days. He’s only been tested a couple of times here in EW and Dave is going to have to throw everything at him in order to have a chance to win tonight.
The title was handed off to the referee as the match was announced and the bell sounded to kick things off. Blazenwing circled Daemon who just stood in the center of the ring, watching. Blazenwing charged but was swatted with a hard overhand chop to the chest that dropped him. Blazenwing rolled away and popped to his feet as he rubbed his chest. A handprint already starting to show. Blazenwing approached Daemon and ducked under him trying to lock up. Blazenwing applied a headlock but was pushed off and he hit the ropes. Blazenwing looked for a shoulder tackle but Daemon just staggered backwards. Daemon sent his opponent back into the ropes and Blazenwing once again looked for a shoulder tackle but Daemon planted his feet. Blazenwing hit the mat and rolled out of the way of a stomp. Blazenwing hit the ropes and ducked a clothesline before coming all the way back off the ropes with a running forearm smash to the face. Blazenwing sent Daemon into the ropes and caught him with a Samoan drop!
Gemma Foster: Blazenwing just lifted the big man up and down to the mat!
Blazenwing started to pull Daemon up but was grabbed by the throat. Daemon looked for a chokeslam but Blazenwing spun away. He tried to pull the champion down for the Firehawk Lock (Crossface) but Daemon overpowered him into a hip toss. Blazenwing got to his feet and was dropped with a scoop slam. Daemon looked for a jumping splash but Blazenwing rolled away.
Scott Parker: Dave using his speed here is going to be key. He needs to try and keep the big man from using all that power.
Blazenwing stomped on the back of Daemon to keep him from standing. He hit the ropes and connected with a basement dropkick to the side of the head of the champion. Daemon got to his knees and Blazenwing connected with a flipping cutter that drove him face first into the mat. Blazenwing rolled backwards holding onto the head of Daemon and applied a dragon sleeper! Daemon slowly started to power himself up to his feet and forced a break as he pushed Blazenwing away. Blazenwing grabbed the arm of Daemon as he was pushed away and connected with a short arm clothesline that staggered the champion. Daemon fell into the corner which allowed Blazenwing to hit a corner splash. Daemon staggered forward and Blazenwing climbed to the second rope. He jumped at Daemon, looking for an axe handle smash, but Daemon caught him with a big boot. Blazenwing climbed to his feet and was hit with a hard throat chop. Daemon then grabbed his challenger by the throat and delivered a big chokeslam. Daemon covered and only got two as Blazenwing kicked out.
Gemma Foster: Still fight left in Dave!
Daemon stood over Blazenwing and called for the end of the match. He started to rub his shoulder and hit the ropes as Blazenwing stood. Daemon hit the ropes three times, getting speed, and looked for the Inquisition (POWERFUL running lariat) but Blazenwing ducked. Daemon fell into the corner. He charged out and Blazenwing caught him with a big spinebuster! Blazenwing was fired up and fell against the ropes. Daemon slowly climbed to his feet and Blazenwing hit him with the Full Effect (Sweet Chin Music)! He fell onto Daemon for a cover and the crowd counted along but he only got two.
Scott Parker: The Emperor just kicked out of the Full Effect!
Blazenwing pointed at Daemon and started to stomp his foot.
Gemma Foster: Here comes another!
Daemon stood and was hit with a second Full Effect! Daemon staggered and Blazenwing looked for a third but Daemon caught his foot. He spun Blazenwing around and scooped him before hitting the Twist of Cain (Jumping spinning tombstone piledriver)! Daemon smirked as he covered Blazenwing and the fans erupted in cheers as Blazenwing kicked out at two!
Scott Parker: Dave Blazenwing just kicked out of the Twist of Cain and Daemon can’t believe it.
Daemon’s smirk quickly turned as he pulled Blazenwing up to his feet. Daemon lifted Blazenwing up for another Twist of Cain but Blazenwing struggled off the shoulder and behind Daemon. Daemon swung for Blazenwing but he ducked it and Blazenwing connected with a neckbreaker. Blazenwing crawled to the ropes and pulled himself up as Daemon started to stand. Blazenwing connected with a third Full Effect and Daemon dropped to the mat. Blazenwing jumped into a cover and got two before Daemon kicked out.
Gemma Foster: What does Dave have to do to keep Daemon down?
Daemon just sat up and powered to his feet and tossed Blazenwing across the ring with a hip toss. He scooped him up and drove him into the mat with a gutwrench suplex. Daemon deadlifted Blazenwing off the mat with a gutwrench powerbomb. Daemon walked away and took a deep breath and Blazenwing climbed to his feet and put up his fist, dazed, but ready to fight.
Scott Parker: Oh no, Dave. Just stay down!
Daemon charged and Blazenwing dropped and pulled the ropes down which sent the champion over the rope and onto the apron. He stood and Blazenwing hit him with a triangle dropkick! Blazenwing rolled out of the ring and grabbed Daemon as he started to stand and bounced his head off the steel steps. Again. And again. Daemon tried to push Blazenwing away but Dave bounced his head off the steps one last time. He quickly rolled in and out of the ring and then put him on the announce table.
Gemma Foster: What does Dave have in mind?
Blazenwing climbed the steps and started to climb to the top rope. He looked out to the fans as they cheered him on. He dove to the outside with the From the Ashes (Frog Splash) and came crashing down through the table on top of Daemon!
Scott Parker: He hit it!
Gemma Foster: Now he’s gotta get Daemon back to the ring!
Blazenwing heard the referee counting but could barely move. He pulled at Daemon and got him a few inches off the mess of broken table.
Scott Parker: He’s got to get back to the ring and try and reset the count.
Blazenwing crawled to the ring and rolled under the ropes at 9 and the referee called for the bell before Blazenwing could get back out of the ring.
Blazenwing was announced the winner as the crowd cheered but they quickly turned to boos as Daemon was announced still champion.
Gemma Foster: Dave was able to win a battle, but not the war. Daemon is still champion.
Blazenwing had his hand raised and he fell back to his knees as he took a deep breath. Daemon started to cackle on the outside and held onto the title as it was handed to him.
Scott Parker: Now would be the perfect time for Lacy Nelson to strike!
Daemon heard Parker and grabbed him by the throat and pushed him down.
Daniel Daemon: Don’t you say her name in my presence, peasant.
Daemon turned to Blazenwing and put the title over his shoulder as the two locked in a stare down to end the show.
Gemma Foster: We won’t wait long to find out the answers to those questions. I think 2020 is going to be Empire Wrestling’s best year yet.
Scott Parker: Here comes the Extreme Champion! He’s not wasting any time getting things started tonight.
Scott wore the Extreme Championship around his waist on the way to the ring with a steel chair in hand. He tossed it into the ring and immediately started to search under the ring for more, tossing in chair after chair. At about five chairs the fans popped as Samantha Hamilton started to rush to the ring. Scott turned and caught Hamilton as she looked for a splash against the apron. Scott drove her back first into the outside post before dropping her. Scott rolled into the ring and the referee called for the start of the match. Scott grabbed a chair and quickly rolled back out of the ring as Hamilton started to stand. He cracked the chair over her back as it echoed throughout the Warehouse.
Scott Parker: Austin Scott is taking it to his challenger early.
Scott pulled Hamilton to her feet and lifted her into a bear hug. She quickly started to throw hard elbows to the side of his head. Scott dropped Hamilton to her feet and she speared him into the barricade. He took a step forward which allowed Hamilton to lift him up and drive him into the outside mat with a spinebuster. Hamilton grabbed the chair on the outside and placed it onto the chest of Scott before hitting a running senton!
Gemma Foster: Samantha Hamilton putting her body on the line with a move like that. Austin Scott has already started to work on her back and she goes and does something like that.
Hamilton climbed up and pulled Scott to his feet and rolled him into the ring. She went under the ring near the ramp and pulled out a table. She set it up and rolled back into the ring. She stomped on Scott as she fought to his feet. He speared her into the corner and started to throw his shoulder into her gut. He then pulled her out of the corner and connected with a hangman’s neckbreaker. Scott put his knee into the back of Hamilton before pulling on her with a modified camel clutch. Hamilton refused to submit.
Scott Parker: Samantha is in a lot of pain here but is fighting.
Hamilton was able to break the hold and then roll out of the way but Scott was right on her with stomps. He pulled her up and sent her into the ropes. She ducked a forearm and continued to the opposite ropes. She returned and caught Scott with a spear. Hamilton popped up to her feet and pulled Scott up and sent him into a corner. She charged and connected with a big corner clothesline. She lifted him to the top ropes and followed. Hamilton pointed up and delivered Defying The Gods (Frankensteiner)! She covered but only got two as Scott kicked out. Hamilton grabbed a chair and drove it into the gut of Scott. She raised the chair over her head for another swing but Scott kicked her in the gut. He rolled her up with a small package but only got two. They both popped up to their feet and Scott lifted Hamilton up and smashed her back first into a corner and then delivered the Booze Cruisin' (Oklahoma Slam). Scott pulled Hamilton up to her feet slowly by her hair and mouthed off to the fans as they booed. He lifted her onto his shoulder for the Ace in the Hole (Rikishi Driver) but Hamilton reached out and was able to grab the ropes.
Gemma Foster: Great ring awareness by Sam.
Scott lifted Hamilton up and dumped her outside and she landed on the apron. Hamilton blasted Scott with a right hand and then grabbed him by the head and walked him to the corner. She started to climb the turnbuckle from the outside while pulling Scott up with her. Scott powered Hamilton up and down to the mat with a superplex! Scott rolled into a cover but only got two as Hamilton kicked out!
Scott Parker: So close!
Scott grabbed Hamilton by the hand and pulled her into the corner into a seated position. He hit the ropes and came back and delivered the Goin' Muddin' (Opponent is seated in the corner, charges and connects with a running knee to the skull)! Scott pulled Hamilton to the center of the ring and covered but only got two as she kicked out again! Scott started to show his frustration and pulled Hamilton to the ropes and climbed through near the apron.
Gemma Foster: I think he’s thinking table time.
Scott pulled Hamilton to her feet as they both stood on the apron but she caught him with a right hand and then a headbutt. Hamilton got around Scott and lifted him up onto her shoulders and the fans went nuts as she hit Zeus's Wrath (One Winged Angel) to the outside, through the table! The referee checked on both competitors and neither could respond to the ten count in time.
Scott Parker: Austin Scott is going to retain here tonight but not because he pinned Samantha Hamilton.
Gemma Foster: Scott should be counting his blessings here tonight.
Scott crawled out of the broken table and was handed the championship as he laid on the ramp. Hamilton was checked on as well as we went to the back.
Day and Night
Alicia Monroe stands next to a locker room. The door is open, but it’s dark inside. She has her phone out, and is making a point to chew gum in a rather obnoxious manner as she thumbs through contacts, texts, songs, something.
Kevin Olson: Hi, Alicia. You and Casey have an important match tonight. I just wanted to get your opinion before the bell.
Alicia Monroe: It’s an important match. And, ya know, I get that. But seriously, Casey’s nuts! She’s just plain nuts! We were at home for Christmas, right? Christmas day they had to drag her out of the garage where she was beating a tractor tire with a sledgehammer. Then after dinner, she dragged me back to her garage so I could beat a tractor tire with a sledgehammer. Then we come back here and I think, you know, New York and Times Square for New Year’s, but she’s insane. No, can’t go out and have fun in freakin’ New York, no. We have to train and prepare. I am so sick of training and preparing! She doesn’t take any days off.
Kevin Olson: So you’re saying you didn’t do anything for New Year’s?
Alicia’s voice drops to just above a whisper.
Alicia Monroe: Casey fell asleep at around ten, so I snuck out. I’m not stupid, Kevin.
Kevin Olson: So, where is Casey?
Alicia nods towards the dark locker room.
Alicia Monroe: She’s in there.
Kevin Olson: Can we talk to her? Ger her opinion?
Alicia Monroe: I wouldn’t. She don’t wanna be bothered.
Kevin Olson: Noted.
Kevin enters the room anyway, and a few moments later a wordless scream is heard as Casey drives him out, holding onto his coat, and slams him into the wall. She pulls him towards her and then slams him into it again before letting him go. He sinks to the ground.
Casey Grey: That answer your question, Kevin?
Casey turns and walks back towards the locker room. She stops next to Alicia, turning to look at her.
Casey Grey: If you think I didn't know about you sneaking out of the apartment on New Year’s Eve, you’re mistaken.
Alicia Monroe: And I don’t care that you know.
Casey Grey: Fine. Don’t care. But if you lose this match for us because you aren’t focused I’m going to take all of the humiliation out of your ass. And keep these jackasses away from me!
Casey storms into the locker room, vanishing from sight. Alicia rolls her eyes and shakes her head. She goes back to her phone.
Alicia Monroe: Such a delight.
Ben Macbeth made his way to the ring first as he looked focused on capturing the Primetime Championship. He was slow, almost methodical, on his way to the ring. As if he had planned every step during his entrance. He climbed into the ring and soaked in a spotlight in the center of the ring. The fans went nuts as AJ Adams’ music hit and he came jogging out onto the stage with the Primetime Championship around his waist. He pulled it off and held it in the air before placing it at his feet. He kneeled down in front of it and looked down at Macbeth. Adams scooped up the title and made his way down to the ring.
Scott Parker: AJ is fired up and the crowd is eating it up.
Adams rolled into the ring and tossed the championship to the referee and speared Macbeth into the corner and the bell quickly sounded to kick things off. Adams and Macbeth went blow for blow in the corner and down the ropes into another corner. Adams pulled Macbeth out of the corner and sent him into the ropes. He ducked down for a backdrop but Macbeth dropped to his back and hit Adams with a chop to the throat. Macbeth swept the leg of Adams before climbing to his feet but Adams was quickly up. Macbeth connected with a hard kick to the legs of Adams to get him to stagger and then jumped up with a bicycle knee strike to the head. This staggered Adams and allowed Macbeth to connect with a jumping neckbreaker. Macbeth pulled Adams right to his feet and sent him into a corner. Macbeth charged and hit a big corner splash. Macbeth jumped to the second rope and hit a splash. He quickly popped up to his feet and pulled Adams up as well.
Gemma Foster: Ben Macbeth is keeping AJ disoriented.
Macbeth hooked the arms of Adams for a double underhook suplex but Adams was able to counter with a backdrop and rolled out of the ring to regroup.
Scott Parker: AJ needing a few seconds here to catch his breath.
Macbeth got to his feet and measured up Adams on the outside and dove through the ropes with a tope suicida! Macbeth pulled Adams off the barricade and rolled him under the ropes. Macbeth started to climb into the ring and took a kick to the side of the head. Macbeth was hung up on the second rope and Adams connected with the Eat It (Fame-Asser). Adams looked for a cover but just barely got two. Adams pulled Macbeth up and delivered a suplex. He swung himself up and hit a second suplex. Adams lifted Macbeth up once more and delivered a third suplex. Adams hooked both legs of Macbeth and covered getting a two count. Adams stomped on Macbeth before climbing to the second turnbuckle. He readied and dove with a second rope leg drop across the chest of Macbeth. Adams pulled Macbeth to his feet and sent him into the corner. Adams charged and looked for a spear but Macbeth jumped up and over which sent Adams shoulder first into the post! Adams slumped out of the corner and took the From Parts Unknown (360 Buzzsaw Kick). Adams collapsed and Macbeth locked in the Inevitability (Rings of Saturn)!
Gemma Foster: That shoulder of Adams is ripping apart.
Macbeth screamed at Adams and Adams was able to slowly inch his body close enough to the ropes so he could put his foot on it to force a break. Macbeth stood on the shoulder of Adams as the referee forced him to break. Adams pulled himself up into the corner and got a boot up as Macbeth charged. Adams looked for the Last Call (Codebreaker) but Macbeth held himself up with the top ropes. Adams crashed to the mat and Macbeth quickly pulled him to his feet and looked for the Serious Moonlight (Lifting Single Underhook DDT) but Adams back dropped Macbeth up and over the top ropes to the floor below!
Scott Parker: Macbeth just crashed hard on the outside! This might be AJ’s chance!
Adams took a knee and the fans started to boo as the Tag Team Champions Midnight Special made their way down to the ring.
Gemma Foster: And here comes the rest of EMBLEM.
Cherry checked on Macbeth briefly before both he and Carbine jumped onto the apron. Adams swung at Cherry who jumped down and Carbine climbed into the ring. Adams charged Carbine but Carbine rolled out of the ring.
Scott Parker: They’re just toying with AJ.
Cherry started to climb to the top ropes and Adams turned his attention to him. Adams was spun around by Macbeth and Macbeth hit him with the Serious Moonlight! Macbeth grabbed the arm of Adams and stomped on the shoulder multiple times before locking in the Inevitability. This time Adams was forced to submit and the crowd booed.
Macbeth was announced the winner and was handed the Primetime Championship which he thrusted into the air. He lowered it onto his shoulder as Midnight Special stood behind him.
Gemma Foster: EMBLEM standing tall with all the gold.
They didn’t have long to celebrate as Hell’s Belles jumped into the ring behind Midnight Special and attacked as the Tag Team Championship match got started right away.
Grey and Monroe attacked Cherry and Carbine with blows and Macbeth was knocked out of the ring. Hell’s Belles dumped Carbine out of the ring and turned their attention to Cherry. Cherry charged and Grey ducked him. Grey looked for a back suplex and Monroe came in with a neckbreaker. Monroe covered and Cherry kicked out at two.
Gemma Foster: Oh no. Look on the outside.
AJ Adams was to a knee on the outside as Macbeth was only a few feet away. The two started to brawl and Adams was sent shoulder first into the steel steps as trainers rushed out to keep the two separated.
Scott Parker: AJ grabbing that shoulder!
Carbine powered into the ring and hit Grey with a big boot. Monroe charged and ran into a powerslam. Carbine grabbed Monroe and pulled her to her feet and delivered a German suplex. She staggered to her feet and Cherry came running over with a shotgun dropkick that sent her flying into the corner. Grey was up and caught Cherry with the Breath Mint (Forearm Smash) that staggered him with a hard blow to the nose. She hit the ropes and looked for a clothesline but Cherry ducked it and Carbine was there with a back drop to the apron. Carbine turned around and Grey threw a thumb into his eye.
Gemma Foster: Grey showing an aggressive side here tonight. We’ve seen this off and on from here over the last few months.
Grey climbed back into the ring and pulled Carbine into the corner. She clotheslined him up and over the top rope as Cherry took down Monroe. Cherry turned his attention to Grey and caught her with a step up enziguri. He pulled her in and hit a snap release German suplex. Monroe started to stand and Cherry caught her with a discus lariat. Monroe fell into the corner and was rocked with a big corner clothesline from Carbine. Grey was back up and tried to roll up Cherry from behind but he rolled right through and caught her with a superkick to the side of the head before she could stand. Monroe came flying off the second rope and hit a modified Freebird (Running Bulldog) on Cherry. Monroe quickly scurried to the top ropes and dove at Cherry with the Phoenix Dive (Swanton Bomb) but Carbine pulled him out of the way. Carbine was grabbed from behind and Grey hit the Copperhead Road (Cobra Clutch/Single Knee Backstabber).
Gemma Foster: There’s so much going on it’s hard to keep up!
Grey was fired up and Monroe was back to her feet. Grey shouted commands at Monroe and Monroe started to climb to the top ropes. Monroe was in position for the White Lightning (Moonsault) but Cherry pushed Grey into the ropes and Monroe fell backwards onto the mat. Grey turned and charged at Cherry but Midnight Special hit her with the Minutes to Midnight (Slingblade [Cherry] / Backside Spear [Carbine]). Cherry pulled Grey to the ropes and twisted the middle and top rope around her arms to keep her in place as Monroe started to stand. They hit her with the Ultimate X-Plex (Carbine hits an X-Plex and Cherry catches them with a Back Stabber on the way down.) and covered, getting the victory as Grey watched on.
Cherry and Carbine grabbed their titles as they left the ring and got in the face of the fans ringside who booed them. Monroe finally came to and helped Grey out of the ropes. Grey pushed past her and left the ring.
Scott Parker: Falling just short once again are the Hell’s Belles and Casey is not happy about it.
Gemma Foster: These two have some issues to get over between them and then they can move forward.
Scott Parker: Perfect segway into moving forward because it’s time for the main event of the night! There’s always that little nugget in the back of everyone’s mind that maybe, just maybe, Lacy Nelson invokes her Victorem contract and adds herself into the title match or steals one away.
Gemma Foster: I can say that I didn’t see Lacy backstage before the event but we’ve also said that before and she’s still appeared to jump in. Maybe tonight really IS the night that she does it or maybe she wants to see how things play out with Blazenwing and Daemon.
The crowd rose to their feet for one of the bigger pops of the night as Dave Blazenwing made his way out to the stage. He threw his arms up and down on the sides of the stage and was clearly fired up for the match.
Gemma Foster: This match means SO much to Blazenwing. The 39 year old looking to prove that he still has it. He’s looked GREAT here in Empire Wrestling so far and tonight will be the biggest test he’s had in years.
Blazenwing posed on the second rope in a corner as he threw his arms out, tossing his long trench coat to the floor. The cheers quickly turned to boos as Daniel Daemon stepped to the stage with the World Championship on his shoulder. He looked down at Blazenwing with a dead stare and held the title up. He took his time walking to the ring and placed the title on the apron before climbing in. Blazenwing pointed at the title as Daemon walked around the ring with it in his hand.
Scott Parker: We can talk all day about how dominate Ben Macbeth was as the EW Heavyweight Champion back in 2016 during the first run of Empire Wrestling but what Daniel Daemon is doing is just on another level. He’s been absolutely DOMINATE in not just the reign but in every match. It’s been 261 days. He’s only been tested a couple of times here in EW and Dave is going to have to throw everything at him in order to have a chance to win tonight.
The title was handed off to the referee as the match was announced and the bell sounded to kick things off. Blazenwing circled Daemon who just stood in the center of the ring, watching. Blazenwing charged but was swatted with a hard overhand chop to the chest that dropped him. Blazenwing rolled away and popped to his feet as he rubbed his chest. A handprint already starting to show. Blazenwing approached Daemon and ducked under him trying to lock up. Blazenwing applied a headlock but was pushed off and he hit the ropes. Blazenwing looked for a shoulder tackle but Daemon just staggered backwards. Daemon sent his opponent back into the ropes and Blazenwing once again looked for a shoulder tackle but Daemon planted his feet. Blazenwing hit the mat and rolled out of the way of a stomp. Blazenwing hit the ropes and ducked a clothesline before coming all the way back off the ropes with a running forearm smash to the face. Blazenwing sent Daemon into the ropes and caught him with a Samoan drop!
Gemma Foster: Blazenwing just lifted the big man up and down to the mat!
Blazenwing started to pull Daemon up but was grabbed by the throat. Daemon looked for a chokeslam but Blazenwing spun away. He tried to pull the champion down for the Firehawk Lock (Crossface) but Daemon overpowered him into a hip toss. Blazenwing got to his feet and was dropped with a scoop slam. Daemon looked for a jumping splash but Blazenwing rolled away.
Scott Parker: Dave using his speed here is going to be key. He needs to try and keep the big man from using all that power.
Blazenwing stomped on the back of Daemon to keep him from standing. He hit the ropes and connected with a basement dropkick to the side of the head of the champion. Daemon got to his knees and Blazenwing connected with a flipping cutter that drove him face first into the mat. Blazenwing rolled backwards holding onto the head of Daemon and applied a dragon sleeper! Daemon slowly started to power himself up to his feet and forced a break as he pushed Blazenwing away. Blazenwing grabbed the arm of Daemon as he was pushed away and connected with a short arm clothesline that staggered the champion. Daemon fell into the corner which allowed Blazenwing to hit a corner splash. Daemon staggered forward and Blazenwing climbed to the second rope. He jumped at Daemon, looking for an axe handle smash, but Daemon caught him with a big boot. Blazenwing climbed to his feet and was hit with a hard throat chop. Daemon then grabbed his challenger by the throat and delivered a big chokeslam. Daemon covered and only got two as Blazenwing kicked out.
Gemma Foster: Still fight left in Dave!
Daemon stood over Blazenwing and called for the end of the match. He started to rub his shoulder and hit the ropes as Blazenwing stood. Daemon hit the ropes three times, getting speed, and looked for the Inquisition (POWERFUL running lariat) but Blazenwing ducked. Daemon fell into the corner. He charged out and Blazenwing caught him with a big spinebuster! Blazenwing was fired up and fell against the ropes. Daemon slowly climbed to his feet and Blazenwing hit him with the Full Effect (Sweet Chin Music)! He fell onto Daemon for a cover and the crowd counted along but he only got two.
Scott Parker: The Emperor just kicked out of the Full Effect!
Blazenwing pointed at Daemon and started to stomp his foot.
Gemma Foster: Here comes another!
Daemon stood and was hit with a second Full Effect! Daemon staggered and Blazenwing looked for a third but Daemon caught his foot. He spun Blazenwing around and scooped him before hitting the Twist of Cain (Jumping spinning tombstone piledriver)! Daemon smirked as he covered Blazenwing and the fans erupted in cheers as Blazenwing kicked out at two!
Scott Parker: Dave Blazenwing just kicked out of the Twist of Cain and Daemon can’t believe it.
Daemon’s smirk quickly turned as he pulled Blazenwing up to his feet. Daemon lifted Blazenwing up for another Twist of Cain but Blazenwing struggled off the shoulder and behind Daemon. Daemon swung for Blazenwing but he ducked it and Blazenwing connected with a neckbreaker. Blazenwing crawled to the ropes and pulled himself up as Daemon started to stand. Blazenwing connected with a third Full Effect and Daemon dropped to the mat. Blazenwing jumped into a cover and got two before Daemon kicked out.
Gemma Foster: What does Dave have to do to keep Daemon down?
Daemon just sat up and powered to his feet and tossed Blazenwing across the ring with a hip toss. He scooped him up and drove him into the mat with a gutwrench suplex. Daemon deadlifted Blazenwing off the mat with a gutwrench powerbomb. Daemon walked away and took a deep breath and Blazenwing climbed to his feet and put up his fist, dazed, but ready to fight.
Scott Parker: Oh no, Dave. Just stay down!
Daemon charged and Blazenwing dropped and pulled the ropes down which sent the champion over the rope and onto the apron. He stood and Blazenwing hit him with a triangle dropkick! Blazenwing rolled out of the ring and grabbed Daemon as he started to stand and bounced his head off the steel steps. Again. And again. Daemon tried to push Blazenwing away but Dave bounced his head off the steps one last time. He quickly rolled in and out of the ring and then put him on the announce table.
Gemma Foster: What does Dave have in mind?
Blazenwing climbed the steps and started to climb to the top rope. He looked out to the fans as they cheered him on. He dove to the outside with the From the Ashes (Frog Splash) and came crashing down through the table on top of Daemon!
Scott Parker: He hit it!
Gemma Foster: Now he’s gotta get Daemon back to the ring!
Blazenwing heard the referee counting but could barely move. He pulled at Daemon and got him a few inches off the mess of broken table.
Scott Parker: He’s got to get back to the ring and try and reset the count.
Blazenwing crawled to the ring and rolled under the ropes at 9 and the referee called for the bell before Blazenwing could get back out of the ring.
Blazenwing was announced the winner as the crowd cheered but they quickly turned to boos as Daemon was announced still champion.
Gemma Foster: Dave was able to win a battle, but not the war. Daemon is still champion.
Blazenwing had his hand raised and he fell back to his knees as he took a deep breath. Daemon started to cackle on the outside and held onto the title as it was handed to him.
Scott Parker: Now would be the perfect time for Lacy Nelson to strike!
Daemon heard Parker and grabbed him by the throat and pushed him down.
Daniel Daemon: Don’t you say her name in my presence, peasant.
Daemon turned to Blazenwing and put the title over his shoulder as the two locked in a stare down to end the show.