Post by Admin on Jun 26, 2020 0:32:41 GMT -5
Inside the Victorem Ladder Match
The show opened up on Scott Parker standing in the middle of the ring. He looked around the empty Warehouse and then looked into the camera.
Scott Parker: We are less than 24 hours away from Next Level: Victorem and tonight we are going to take a small inside look at the Victorem Ladder Match. This will be the second Victorem Ladder Match in Empire Wrestling’s history and, as we saw last year, it’s a match that can change someone’s career.
Scott pauses for a moment as the screen shows us a clip from last year’s match: Grey fell off her ladder and took out Young. Nelson pushed Adams off the top of the ladder onto Grey and Young. She reached up and unhooked the briefcase!
We come back to today and Scott keeps speaking.
Scott Parker: In a match that was filled with destruction…
*With a ladder stretching from across the barricade to the apron* Fenryr pulled Goldstein over the top step of the ladder and held him above his head.
Gemma Foster: Fenryr is about 5 steps up that ladder. What is he thinking here!?
Fenryr tossed Goldstein down with the 9-9-9 (Gorilla Press Slam) to the outside and through the ladder!
Scott Parker: Excitement.
Holy shit chants filled the Warehouse as Fenryr looked down at Goldstein. Grey pulled Fenryr off the ladder and hit the Breath Mint. Nelson stepped up and hit him with a superkick. Adams then grabbed him and delivered the Legacy Maker (Sister Abigail).
Scott Parker: And emotion.
A shot is shown of Lacy Nelson clutching the briefcase. Nelson swung the briefcase around in celebration and then rolled out of the ring. She fell to her knees and then was quickly attacked by Young!
Gemma Foster: Young still not done with Nelson!
Young grabbed the briefcase and smashed it into the skull of Nelson and sat beside her.
Scott Parker: FM had the briefcase in her hands but couldn’t secure it off the hook.
Young grabbed the briefcase and took it with her.
Gemma Foster: FM is leaving with the contract!
Scott Parker: And memorable moments. This year six competitors are going to be looking to make their own moment and to guarantee themselves a championship opportunity. Tonight we’ll take a brief look at each of those competitors and hear a little bit from a few of them.
Fenryr Wulfsson
Fenryr Wulfsson is the powerhouse of the Ragnarok team. While he and Karli Frost spend most of their time teaming up in Empire Wrestling, he’s a former World Champion in his own right. Even when he doesn’t need it with his size and power, he’ll do whatever it takes to win. He’s not above throwing a thumb into your eye or hitting you with a low blow to gain an advantage. Going into Next Level: Victorem, Fenryr has only competed in a handful of non-tag matches but defeated Caitlin Shay on the June 19th episode of Hype to qualify for the ladder match.
The scene opens up with Kevin Olson sitting across from Fenryr Wulfsson and Rune Sigidottir. Fenryr is watching Kevin malevolently, Rune is hyperfocused on her emery board and fingernails, and Kevin looks like he’d prefer to be just about anywhere but where he is at the moment.
Kevin Olson: Hello, Empire Wrestling fans, we’re here today with ladder match competitor Fenryr Wulfsson and his manager, Rune Sigidottir. As all of you know we are interviewing everyone involved in the upcoming ladder match at Next Level. So, tell me what’s going through your mind, Fenryr. How does it feel to be a part of this match and having a chance at this opportunity?
Fenryr Wulfsson: Let me tell you something first of all, Kevin. I don’t give a damn about this match. Just another opportunity to hurt a bunch of clowns that desperately deserve it. I’ll take my title shots the old-fashioned way, by breaking everyone that gets put up against me. I don’t need that briefcase. In fact, when I do get it, I’m going to deep six it into the Hudson Bay.
Kevin Olson: That’s…insane.
Fenryr Wulfsson: Is it? Why should I care about it? It’s a gimmick. Some circus act where a two-bit nothing can steal the title from a deserving champion.
Kevin Olson: You’re speaking of Daniel Daemon—
Fenryr Wulfsson: Of course I’m speaking of Daniel Daemon. Who else? By any stretch of the imagination he’d done an excellent job as the champion. Nearly unbeatable it seems. Then Nelson comes along, hands in a briefcase, and now she’s the champion for it? Come on, Kevin. It’s a joke and if you don’t see it you’re one too.
Rune Sigidottir: It’s theft. Theft is wrong.
Kevin Olson: Really? You stole Casey Grey’s car!
Rune Sigidottir: That was different.
Kevin Olson: Yeah! Stealing a car is a crime!
Rune Sigidottir: Joyriding at best. She got it back. That makes it not theft.
Kevin Olson shakes his head and rolls his eyes, a gesture Rune imitates before she resumes filing her nails.
Kevin Olson: Anyway, back on the subject. Fenryr, why didn’t you ever challenge Daemon for the title?
Fenryr Wulfsson: Why would I? I don’t mind a guy like Daemon being our champion.
Kevin Olson: Sounds like you might actually be afraid.
Rune’s eyes widen as she looks at Kevin. There is a long moment of silence. Kevin shifts uneasily an instant before Fenryr lunges at him. Rune steps between them.
Rune Sigidottir: Whoa, whoa, whoa…let’s all just calm down a bit here before someone gets murdered and I have to think of a legitimate court defense as to why stupidity should be painful. Kevin, look. We’re not necessarily after title shots here. I would be pushing for it if that was the case. I am only hear to tear out peoples’ hearts and expose them for who they truly are. But this opportunity has fallen into our lap and if we have to steal the title from someone else that stole it in the first place then that’s what we’ll do. Now, as far as the rest of the interview and your questions go, you’ve gone somewhere that most people don’t make it back from, but I’m going to be generous. You have ten seconds to escape, because this interview is over.
Kevin Olson: What?
Rune Sigidottir: No, seriously. This is the part where you run away.
Fenryr smiles. A look of horror crosses Kevin’s face as he stands and runs off screen. Rune holds up five fingers.
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Rune Sigidottir: You can go, now.
Fenryr chases after Kevin as Rune sits down in her chair again, unwrapping a blowpop and putting it in her mouth. She sits back, admiring her manicure.
Brighton Fischer
Brighton Fischer is a young upstart in Empire Wrestling. The former amateur skateboarder started training to wrestle at the age of 16. Now, 19, she has come to Empire Wrestling and immediately made splashes in her short career. She’s now aligned with the Grrrls group and looks to continue to climb to the top. Just ask her, the future is Brighton.
Brighton competed against the BWF Hall of Famer and former World Champion Outlaw on the June 5th show and was able to defeat him to win her way into the ladder match. She’s shown that she has the toughness and explosiveness to be able to not only compete but win a match of this caliber. With the Grrrls behind her and a briefcase in hand, could anyone stop her from becoming a World Champion?
FM Young
FM Young was the first Heavyweight Champion when Empire Wrestling returned back in 2018 as she was able to defeat 4 other former or future World Champions in a King of the Mountain match. FM would eventually drop the championship and find herself in a heated rivalry with FM Young. FM, at the time (admittedly now), stretched herself too thin and worked herself too hard. She traveled the world fighting anyone that dared and it quickly tore her down. After a hiatus to heal and do a little soul searching, FM is back and better than ever with the heart of a phoenix. She’s been in matches like this before and has proven that she has what it takes as a former two time World Champion. She was able to beat Karli Frost on June 5th to become the first competitor to qualify for this match. Will Victorem be the start of her redemption?
FM Young sat in the Warehouse in the stands with her feet kicked up. She’s wearing a crop top t-shirt with the wonder woman logo on it, ripped jeans and scuffed up kicks. There’s a pair of headphones around her neck. The big woman looks calm, collected and cool, far from her usual fired up self. Her golden eyes are sparkling though, with that inner strength and determination. Volta, the capybara is beside her with his nose stuffed into a bag of popcorn, munching away in his purple harness stretched out on another set of seats.
“Normally, I’d do stuff like this in the ring. I like being in the ring, I like seeing the fans and talking with them. I can’t do that now, and instead of just walking through the woods at my house or something. I came here to train, and I figured I’d do this address. I’m not gonna beat around it. My first tenure as EW Heavyweight Champion wasn’t a good one. I was hurting, I was burning out and I took it for complete granted. I wasn’t a good Champion. I wasn’t the Champion I should have been. That’s on me and it’s up to me to fix it. I want my belt back, sure DanDan was a record setting Champion, but that doesn’t a GOOD Champion make. The World Champion, the top Champ, is supposed to lead by example, they’re not only supposed to be the toughest and best on the roster...They’re supposed to continue proving it. They are there to make the company and belt look good.”
FM shrugs and pets her capybara, running her fingers through his fur as she looks thoughtful for a moment.
“I gotta admit, I missed a lot of his reign, but we all know what the guy’s like...I think he thinks that fits the bill for his reign, but I think that’s true and Lacy? I mean, I can see where and how she’s changed, but she’s got work to do. I hate to cut that work short, but me? I’ve got my own goals, and my own ambitions and I’m not above being honest that I want my title back for that purpose. Being Empire Wrestling’s first two time Champion? Yeah, that majorly appeals. This ladder match is MY opportunity, it’s my way back to the top. I already told you I hate these cases, but I won’t turn down the contract. I’ll just sooth my own soul by not doing any shady shit with it.”
FM sits up, as Volta finishes his popcorn and flings the bag on the floor stretching his fuzzy potato body out. Before he starts sniffing around for more snacks as FM continues to talk.
“I know, I sound confident as shit I’m gonna get this case, that’s because I am. Marilyn Cross, my own student, is my biggest threat in the match. That’s it, she’s the wild card, I can’t say she can’t beat me. I trained her, we’re both Na Fianna, the woman’s my best friend and my little wolf. We’re going to fight, that’s going to be a war, but it’s one I can handle. If she wins, she wins, and I’ll do whatever I can to help her achieve her victory once she’s got that contract. But she knows getting to that contract means going through me. That’s going to be the most interesting part of the match, hands down. Why? I’mma be honest, Fenryr ain’t shit. I beat him when I was a young hotshot after an entire gauntlet match. That cash in, is why I hate these cases by the way. That bit, I am truly sympathetic to Daniel about. That bit, sucks. Back to Fenryr, who’s only gotten older and slower, meanwhile I’ve just been honing myself. I’ve just been getting better. Karli Frost ain’t here to pick up the slack, so Fenryr ain’t got nothing. Mari’s the real wolf here.”
Voltas honks, snorting as she wiggles around in search of more snacks. FM completely distracted for a moment, fishes around and sets some dried apple slices onto the chair for her pet. The big woman smiles, and coos as she pets him and hand feeds him a slice. When she looks back up, the intensity is still there, like it’s just in who she is, and no amount of love she has for anything or anyone changes that.
“Kaito’s not a bad guy. I don’t know what crawled up his ass and died for him to come back with his attitude in a twist, but he did. Still, I’ve seen him in action, he’s solid, but not a threat. Cause sure, Kaito’s a one time Champ, but when BWF disappeared, Kaito disappeared and I went on to continue my career. I spent an entire year as a hardcore Champion, a ladder match is just another proving ground for me. I’ll be honest, I haven’t seen much out of Harper and Brighton, but I think Harper is one who failed to jump me a few weeks ago and got her ass kicked by Marilyn? That one? A pair of rookies, really? I have to be the favorite in a match that includes Fenryr and like two and a half rookies. I want that briefcase. I want MY Championship back, because I consider my loss to the Ice Queen as me dropping it, because I needed to heal. I wasn’t me, and now I’m back. I realize what this title means to me, and sure I’ve been on the kick lately that Championships aren’t the be all end all, that’s true. I AM a championship level wrestler all the time, but Empire is...Empire is special to me. EW is home, a home I was sad to have to leave, and a place I WILL always Champion, belt or not. I want what’s best for MY house, and as much this sounds dickish to say….Until better options come along. I am what’s best for Empire Wrestling...”
FM shrugs again, with a grin as she kicks her legs off the railing. Her feet hit the ground and she springs up, pulling on Volta’s leash, letting the big guy get up and hop down. Volta honks, stretches and waddles after FM as she leaves the frame.
Harper Blake
One of the biggest unknowns in this match is Harper Blake. Blake has come to Empire Wrestling under the tutelage of Kayla Taylor, at least we believe. The two have shown to have some sort of relationship between them but to what extent we are still unsure. Harper Blake took the fight to Gio DeLuca in her qualifier match and looked more than ready to compete.
Harper Blake: Who am I? I’m the girl that’s going to literally climb the ladder of Empire Wrestling. I'm the girl that is going to come from out of nowhere and win this Victorem Ladder match and then use it to become the World Champion.
We see Harper Blake in the training ring inside the Warehouse as she’s sitting on a folding chair in the middle of the ring. She looks around the ring and has a thoughtful look on her face.
Harper Blake: I’m trying really hard to imagine this place full of people. The people that come here to cheer on people like FM Young. Ick. People like Brighton Fischer. Blah. People that blindly cheer and root on “the good guy”. I think when this whole pandemic is over, Empire Wrestling should keep this place closed to the fans.
She smirks to herself and kicks a leg out and leans back.
Harper Blake: This match has a lot of different types in it and we’ll have that “anything can happen” feel, right? Isn’t that what they say about matches like this? All these different personalities and styles get pushed into a match together and anyone can win it!
Harper sits back up and looks into the ring.
Harper Blake: My name is Harper Blake. I’m going to climb that ladder and win this year’s Victorem Ladder match. My name is Harper Blake and I’m, like everyone, to be the World Champion. The only difference? I’m me, you’re loser.
Marilyn Lee Cross
Marilyn Lee Cross is another fresh face to recently join Empire Wrestling. She debuted on the May 29th show as she ran down to help fend off an attack on FM Young, the woman that trained her. She brings a unique style to Empire Wrestling and was able to beat Kayla Taylor to qualify for this match. It’s believed that the EW Management has high hopes for her with her resume and background. Could this be the night she shocks the world and makes a mark?
“Hi. My name is Marilyn Lee Cross.”
Sitting comfortably in a leather chair, Marilyn waves at the camera. By her feet are Benny and Joon, sleeping comfortably as Marilyn offers a small smile.
“I’m pretty new to Empire Wrestling as a whole, so I thought I’d take this time to let the fans know who I am. Some of you might be familiar with what I’ve done in the past, maybe a few of you know me from my time with Rose City or as the Rogue Queen, maybe this is your first introduction. Regardless, I want to make sure everyone knows where I stand, and what my plans are.”
Benny has lifted his head, slowly raising himself up to his feet before hopping into MLC’s lap. Marilyn takes it in stride, scratching behind his ears as she continues.
“I came here for FM Young. My best friend, my sister, someone who has looked out for me for years and helped me. She was getting attacked, and I couldn’t let that happen any longer. I came to help her. That’s what family does.”
Letting out a sigh, MLC shrugs her shoulders.
“So it’s kind of weird to be facing her, you know?”
Benny yawns before lying down, looking at the camera’s direction as Marilyn absentmindedly scratches his belly.
“She gets it. I get it. A chance like this is something neither of us can pass up, so we put aside our friendship and fight tooth and nail. I know she’s not going to pull any punches; heck, she might hit me harder than most. And I get it, because everyone else might look and say we’re taking it easy on one another, that we’re conspiring to beat everyone else. They want to try and diminish any victory we get, so they fall back on excuse after excuse rather than admit that they just don’t have what it takes to beat us.”
Another sigh as Benny rolls over, slipping off Marilyn’s lap and falling down to the ground. He lands on his feet, a little startled but ultimately okay before he walks off.
“It’s simple. Do I think it’ll come down to me and FM? Of course I do. I’m not nearly familiar with the other competitors, but even if I was, I know who I’m in the ring with. FM is a former heavyweight champion here, she’s impressed time and time again, and you’d be a fool not to have her as a favorite. Just like you’d be a fool not to consider me a strong choice. I’ve climbed my way from nothing to stand atop the mountain, I have elevated title after title to heights never before seen, I *am* the Rogue Queen. I have earned that right, and I will continue to claim it.
The Victorem Ladder match is my breakout moment. It’s where I show Empire Wrestling that I’m here to make something of myself. I love FM, I think the world of her, and I know it’ll come down to us. She wants the briefcase, I want the briefcase.”
The smile slowly drops, replaced by a look of determination as she sits up straight. The camera moves in closer, catching the look in her eyes.
“And the best woman will win. I guarantee it.”
Her eyes remain locked with the camera for a few moments before she suddenly rises, walking away. Joon is quick to follow along, the pitter patter of her feet the last thing we see before cutting away.
Kaito Hirano
Kaito Hirano’s run in Empire Wrestling hasn’t gone the way anyone thought it would. The 25 year old came to EW with high hopes and a lot of heart. His wrestling journey began almost 6 years ago in the BWF after being trained in the original Empire Wrestling (then Empire Wrestling Academy) for a year. He captured his only singles championship in 2015. BWF management saw potential in Kaito Hirano and his seemingly natural talent but he suffered an injury to the hands of Fenryr Wulfsson that put him out of action for a few months. After that, Kaito lost himself as he stopped believing in himself. He came to EW with hopes of finding that same talent and redeeming himself but he’s had nothing but a string of bad luck. On May 22nd, Kaito showed the world he was no longer alone as he had brought a man by the name of Jason Evans to Empire Wrestling. The two go by DISHONOR.
Jason Evans: DISHONOR is a lot of things. It’s a state of shame or disgrace. For a while now, that’s what my friend Kaito has felt. The man responsible for that is Fenryr Wulfsson. Fenryr disgraced Kaito and since that moment he’s been a different person. Now, we will bring shame to the superstars of Empire Wrestling as we dismantle them.
Kaito Hirano: Where there was once respect, now is none.
Evans and Hirano are in the depths of the Warehouse surrounded by boxes, the light dimmed as it’s later in the evening and most of the workers are gone.
Kaito Hirano: I will use this match to begin to redeem my name. There was a time when my name meant future to people in this industry. Now it just means dishonor.
Jason Evans: We see Fenryr in this match and know that Kaito will cross paths with him and he’s ready. It’s a moment that has been a long time coming, years in fact. Kaito is going to put his knee through the skull of Fenryr and take back his manhood. He sees FM Young in this match and sees someone that is also on their own redemption journey.
Kaito Hirano: You will take detour, FM.
Jason Evans: Sorry, FM. It’s time for someone else to shine.
Evans turns to Hirano and gives him a pat on the shoulder.
Jason Evans: It’s time for Kaito to shine. Harper Blake? Keep hoping, wishing, thinking, and praying cause it ain’t your time either. We think you have spunk but Kaito is going to kick your head off your shoulders. Brighton Fischer? The Grrrls might have the numbers game here in Empire Wrestling but right now it’s like everyone has someone’s back. Your girls get involved, someone will step in to stop it.
Kaito Hirano: Road block.
Jason Evans: Marilyn? You might have talent, you might have been trained by someone like FM, but my guy here was trained by a 5-time World Champion and a Hall of Famer. My man has so much potential and he’s yet to even soar to the heights he’s capable of. You might’ve come here as FM’s friend but in this match there isn’t much room for friends. It’s not going to get you very far. In fact, it might prove to be the reason the two of you lose.
Kaito Hirano: Bumpy ride. You two fight each other while I climb to the top of the ladder and take briefcase.
Evans and Hirano bow to each other and then face the camera once again.
Kaito Hirano: I will be the victor. DISHONOR will reign.
Scott Parker: There you have it folks. Six competitors, one briefcase, one opportunity of a lifetime. We hope that you join us tomorrow night for this match and so much more as we present to you Next Level: Victorem. Thank you and goodnight.
Scott Parker: We are less than 24 hours away from Next Level: Victorem and tonight we are going to take a small inside look at the Victorem Ladder Match. This will be the second Victorem Ladder Match in Empire Wrestling’s history and, as we saw last year, it’s a match that can change someone’s career.
Scott pauses for a moment as the screen shows us a clip from last year’s match: Grey fell off her ladder and took out Young. Nelson pushed Adams off the top of the ladder onto Grey and Young. She reached up and unhooked the briefcase!
We come back to today and Scott keeps speaking.
Scott Parker: In a match that was filled with destruction…
*With a ladder stretching from across the barricade to the apron* Fenryr pulled Goldstein over the top step of the ladder and held him above his head.
Gemma Foster: Fenryr is about 5 steps up that ladder. What is he thinking here!?
Fenryr tossed Goldstein down with the 9-9-9 (Gorilla Press Slam) to the outside and through the ladder!
Scott Parker: Excitement.
Holy shit chants filled the Warehouse as Fenryr looked down at Goldstein. Grey pulled Fenryr off the ladder and hit the Breath Mint. Nelson stepped up and hit him with a superkick. Adams then grabbed him and delivered the Legacy Maker (Sister Abigail).
Scott Parker: And emotion.
A shot is shown of Lacy Nelson clutching the briefcase. Nelson swung the briefcase around in celebration and then rolled out of the ring. She fell to her knees and then was quickly attacked by Young!
Gemma Foster: Young still not done with Nelson!
Young grabbed the briefcase and smashed it into the skull of Nelson and sat beside her.
Scott Parker: FM had the briefcase in her hands but couldn’t secure it off the hook.
Young grabbed the briefcase and took it with her.
Gemma Foster: FM is leaving with the contract!
Scott Parker: And memorable moments. This year six competitors are going to be looking to make their own moment and to guarantee themselves a championship opportunity. Tonight we’ll take a brief look at each of those competitors and hear a little bit from a few of them.
Fenryr Wulfsson
Fenryr Wulfsson is the powerhouse of the Ragnarok team. While he and Karli Frost spend most of their time teaming up in Empire Wrestling, he’s a former World Champion in his own right. Even when he doesn’t need it with his size and power, he’ll do whatever it takes to win. He’s not above throwing a thumb into your eye or hitting you with a low blow to gain an advantage. Going into Next Level: Victorem, Fenryr has only competed in a handful of non-tag matches but defeated Caitlin Shay on the June 19th episode of Hype to qualify for the ladder match.
The scene opens up with Kevin Olson sitting across from Fenryr Wulfsson and Rune Sigidottir. Fenryr is watching Kevin malevolently, Rune is hyperfocused on her emery board and fingernails, and Kevin looks like he’d prefer to be just about anywhere but where he is at the moment.
Kevin Olson: Hello, Empire Wrestling fans, we’re here today with ladder match competitor Fenryr Wulfsson and his manager, Rune Sigidottir. As all of you know we are interviewing everyone involved in the upcoming ladder match at Next Level. So, tell me what’s going through your mind, Fenryr. How does it feel to be a part of this match and having a chance at this opportunity?
Fenryr Wulfsson: Let me tell you something first of all, Kevin. I don’t give a damn about this match. Just another opportunity to hurt a bunch of clowns that desperately deserve it. I’ll take my title shots the old-fashioned way, by breaking everyone that gets put up against me. I don’t need that briefcase. In fact, when I do get it, I’m going to deep six it into the Hudson Bay.
Kevin Olson: That’s…insane.
Fenryr Wulfsson: Is it? Why should I care about it? It’s a gimmick. Some circus act where a two-bit nothing can steal the title from a deserving champion.
Kevin Olson: You’re speaking of Daniel Daemon—
Fenryr Wulfsson: Of course I’m speaking of Daniel Daemon. Who else? By any stretch of the imagination he’d done an excellent job as the champion. Nearly unbeatable it seems. Then Nelson comes along, hands in a briefcase, and now she’s the champion for it? Come on, Kevin. It’s a joke and if you don’t see it you’re one too.
Rune Sigidottir: It’s theft. Theft is wrong.
Kevin Olson: Really? You stole Casey Grey’s car!
Rune Sigidottir: That was different.
Kevin Olson: Yeah! Stealing a car is a crime!
Rune Sigidottir: Joyriding at best. She got it back. That makes it not theft.
Kevin Olson shakes his head and rolls his eyes, a gesture Rune imitates before she resumes filing her nails.
Kevin Olson: Anyway, back on the subject. Fenryr, why didn’t you ever challenge Daemon for the title?
Fenryr Wulfsson: Why would I? I don’t mind a guy like Daemon being our champion.
Kevin Olson: Sounds like you might actually be afraid.
Rune’s eyes widen as she looks at Kevin. There is a long moment of silence. Kevin shifts uneasily an instant before Fenryr lunges at him. Rune steps between them.
Rune Sigidottir: Whoa, whoa, whoa…let’s all just calm down a bit here before someone gets murdered and I have to think of a legitimate court defense as to why stupidity should be painful. Kevin, look. We’re not necessarily after title shots here. I would be pushing for it if that was the case. I am only hear to tear out peoples’ hearts and expose them for who they truly are. But this opportunity has fallen into our lap and if we have to steal the title from someone else that stole it in the first place then that’s what we’ll do. Now, as far as the rest of the interview and your questions go, you’ve gone somewhere that most people don’t make it back from, but I’m going to be generous. You have ten seconds to escape, because this interview is over.
Kevin Olson: What?
Rune Sigidottir: No, seriously. This is the part where you run away.
Fenryr smiles. A look of horror crosses Kevin’s face as he stands and runs off screen. Rune holds up five fingers.
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Rune Sigidottir: You can go, now.
Fenryr chases after Kevin as Rune sits down in her chair again, unwrapping a blowpop and putting it in her mouth. She sits back, admiring her manicure.
Brighton Fischer
Brighton Fischer is a young upstart in Empire Wrestling. The former amateur skateboarder started training to wrestle at the age of 16. Now, 19, she has come to Empire Wrestling and immediately made splashes in her short career. She’s now aligned with the Grrrls group and looks to continue to climb to the top. Just ask her, the future is Brighton.
Brighton competed against the BWF Hall of Famer and former World Champion Outlaw on the June 5th show and was able to defeat him to win her way into the ladder match. She’s shown that she has the toughness and explosiveness to be able to not only compete but win a match of this caliber. With the Grrrls behind her and a briefcase in hand, could anyone stop her from becoming a World Champion?
FM Young
FM Young was the first Heavyweight Champion when Empire Wrestling returned back in 2018 as she was able to defeat 4 other former or future World Champions in a King of the Mountain match. FM would eventually drop the championship and find herself in a heated rivalry with FM Young. FM, at the time (admittedly now), stretched herself too thin and worked herself too hard. She traveled the world fighting anyone that dared and it quickly tore her down. After a hiatus to heal and do a little soul searching, FM is back and better than ever with the heart of a phoenix. She’s been in matches like this before and has proven that she has what it takes as a former two time World Champion. She was able to beat Karli Frost on June 5th to become the first competitor to qualify for this match. Will Victorem be the start of her redemption?
FM Young sat in the Warehouse in the stands with her feet kicked up. She’s wearing a crop top t-shirt with the wonder woman logo on it, ripped jeans and scuffed up kicks. There’s a pair of headphones around her neck. The big woman looks calm, collected and cool, far from her usual fired up self. Her golden eyes are sparkling though, with that inner strength and determination. Volta, the capybara is beside her with his nose stuffed into a bag of popcorn, munching away in his purple harness stretched out on another set of seats.
“Normally, I’d do stuff like this in the ring. I like being in the ring, I like seeing the fans and talking with them. I can’t do that now, and instead of just walking through the woods at my house or something. I came here to train, and I figured I’d do this address. I’m not gonna beat around it. My first tenure as EW Heavyweight Champion wasn’t a good one. I was hurting, I was burning out and I took it for complete granted. I wasn’t a good Champion. I wasn’t the Champion I should have been. That’s on me and it’s up to me to fix it. I want my belt back, sure DanDan was a record setting Champion, but that doesn’t a GOOD Champion make. The World Champion, the top Champ, is supposed to lead by example, they’re not only supposed to be the toughest and best on the roster...They’re supposed to continue proving it. They are there to make the company and belt look good.”
FM shrugs and pets her capybara, running her fingers through his fur as she looks thoughtful for a moment.
“I gotta admit, I missed a lot of his reign, but we all know what the guy’s like...I think he thinks that fits the bill for his reign, but I think that’s true and Lacy? I mean, I can see where and how she’s changed, but she’s got work to do. I hate to cut that work short, but me? I’ve got my own goals, and my own ambitions and I’m not above being honest that I want my title back for that purpose. Being Empire Wrestling’s first two time Champion? Yeah, that majorly appeals. This ladder match is MY opportunity, it’s my way back to the top. I already told you I hate these cases, but I won’t turn down the contract. I’ll just sooth my own soul by not doing any shady shit with it.”
FM sits up, as Volta finishes his popcorn and flings the bag on the floor stretching his fuzzy potato body out. Before he starts sniffing around for more snacks as FM continues to talk.
“I know, I sound confident as shit I’m gonna get this case, that’s because I am. Marilyn Cross, my own student, is my biggest threat in the match. That’s it, she’s the wild card, I can’t say she can’t beat me. I trained her, we’re both Na Fianna, the woman’s my best friend and my little wolf. We’re going to fight, that’s going to be a war, but it’s one I can handle. If she wins, she wins, and I’ll do whatever I can to help her achieve her victory once she’s got that contract. But she knows getting to that contract means going through me. That’s going to be the most interesting part of the match, hands down. Why? I’mma be honest, Fenryr ain’t shit. I beat him when I was a young hotshot after an entire gauntlet match. That cash in, is why I hate these cases by the way. That bit, I am truly sympathetic to Daniel about. That bit, sucks. Back to Fenryr, who’s only gotten older and slower, meanwhile I’ve just been honing myself. I’ve just been getting better. Karli Frost ain’t here to pick up the slack, so Fenryr ain’t got nothing. Mari’s the real wolf here.”
Voltas honks, snorting as she wiggles around in search of more snacks. FM completely distracted for a moment, fishes around and sets some dried apple slices onto the chair for her pet. The big woman smiles, and coos as she pets him and hand feeds him a slice. When she looks back up, the intensity is still there, like it’s just in who she is, and no amount of love she has for anything or anyone changes that.
“Kaito’s not a bad guy. I don’t know what crawled up his ass and died for him to come back with his attitude in a twist, but he did. Still, I’ve seen him in action, he’s solid, but not a threat. Cause sure, Kaito’s a one time Champ, but when BWF disappeared, Kaito disappeared and I went on to continue my career. I spent an entire year as a hardcore Champion, a ladder match is just another proving ground for me. I’ll be honest, I haven’t seen much out of Harper and Brighton, but I think Harper is one who failed to jump me a few weeks ago and got her ass kicked by Marilyn? That one? A pair of rookies, really? I have to be the favorite in a match that includes Fenryr and like two and a half rookies. I want that briefcase. I want MY Championship back, because I consider my loss to the Ice Queen as me dropping it, because I needed to heal. I wasn’t me, and now I’m back. I realize what this title means to me, and sure I’ve been on the kick lately that Championships aren’t the be all end all, that’s true. I AM a championship level wrestler all the time, but Empire is...Empire is special to me. EW is home, a home I was sad to have to leave, and a place I WILL always Champion, belt or not. I want what’s best for MY house, and as much this sounds dickish to say….Until better options come along. I am what’s best for Empire Wrestling...”
FM shrugs again, with a grin as she kicks her legs off the railing. Her feet hit the ground and she springs up, pulling on Volta’s leash, letting the big guy get up and hop down. Volta honks, stretches and waddles after FM as she leaves the frame.
Harper Blake
One of the biggest unknowns in this match is Harper Blake. Blake has come to Empire Wrestling under the tutelage of Kayla Taylor, at least we believe. The two have shown to have some sort of relationship between them but to what extent we are still unsure. Harper Blake took the fight to Gio DeLuca in her qualifier match and looked more than ready to compete.
Harper Blake: Who am I? I’m the girl that’s going to literally climb the ladder of Empire Wrestling. I'm the girl that is going to come from out of nowhere and win this Victorem Ladder match and then use it to become the World Champion.
We see Harper Blake in the training ring inside the Warehouse as she’s sitting on a folding chair in the middle of the ring. She looks around the ring and has a thoughtful look on her face.
Harper Blake: I’m trying really hard to imagine this place full of people. The people that come here to cheer on people like FM Young. Ick. People like Brighton Fischer. Blah. People that blindly cheer and root on “the good guy”. I think when this whole pandemic is over, Empire Wrestling should keep this place closed to the fans.
She smirks to herself and kicks a leg out and leans back.
Harper Blake: This match has a lot of different types in it and we’ll have that “anything can happen” feel, right? Isn’t that what they say about matches like this? All these different personalities and styles get pushed into a match together and anyone can win it!
Harper sits back up and looks into the ring.
Harper Blake: My name is Harper Blake. I’m going to climb that ladder and win this year’s Victorem Ladder match. My name is Harper Blake and I’m, like everyone, to be the World Champion. The only difference? I’m me, you’re loser.
Marilyn Lee Cross
Marilyn Lee Cross is another fresh face to recently join Empire Wrestling. She debuted on the May 29th show as she ran down to help fend off an attack on FM Young, the woman that trained her. She brings a unique style to Empire Wrestling and was able to beat Kayla Taylor to qualify for this match. It’s believed that the EW Management has high hopes for her with her resume and background. Could this be the night she shocks the world and makes a mark?
“Hi. My name is Marilyn Lee Cross.”
Sitting comfortably in a leather chair, Marilyn waves at the camera. By her feet are Benny and Joon, sleeping comfortably as Marilyn offers a small smile.
“I’m pretty new to Empire Wrestling as a whole, so I thought I’d take this time to let the fans know who I am. Some of you might be familiar with what I’ve done in the past, maybe a few of you know me from my time with Rose City or as the Rogue Queen, maybe this is your first introduction. Regardless, I want to make sure everyone knows where I stand, and what my plans are.”
Benny has lifted his head, slowly raising himself up to his feet before hopping into MLC’s lap. Marilyn takes it in stride, scratching behind his ears as she continues.
“I came here for FM Young. My best friend, my sister, someone who has looked out for me for years and helped me. She was getting attacked, and I couldn’t let that happen any longer. I came to help her. That’s what family does.”
Letting out a sigh, MLC shrugs her shoulders.
“So it’s kind of weird to be facing her, you know?”
Benny yawns before lying down, looking at the camera’s direction as Marilyn absentmindedly scratches his belly.
“She gets it. I get it. A chance like this is something neither of us can pass up, so we put aside our friendship and fight tooth and nail. I know she’s not going to pull any punches; heck, she might hit me harder than most. And I get it, because everyone else might look and say we’re taking it easy on one another, that we’re conspiring to beat everyone else. They want to try and diminish any victory we get, so they fall back on excuse after excuse rather than admit that they just don’t have what it takes to beat us.”
Another sigh as Benny rolls over, slipping off Marilyn’s lap and falling down to the ground. He lands on his feet, a little startled but ultimately okay before he walks off.
“It’s simple. Do I think it’ll come down to me and FM? Of course I do. I’m not nearly familiar with the other competitors, but even if I was, I know who I’m in the ring with. FM is a former heavyweight champion here, she’s impressed time and time again, and you’d be a fool not to have her as a favorite. Just like you’d be a fool not to consider me a strong choice. I’ve climbed my way from nothing to stand atop the mountain, I have elevated title after title to heights never before seen, I *am* the Rogue Queen. I have earned that right, and I will continue to claim it.
The Victorem Ladder match is my breakout moment. It’s where I show Empire Wrestling that I’m here to make something of myself. I love FM, I think the world of her, and I know it’ll come down to us. She wants the briefcase, I want the briefcase.”
The smile slowly drops, replaced by a look of determination as she sits up straight. The camera moves in closer, catching the look in her eyes.
“And the best woman will win. I guarantee it.”
Her eyes remain locked with the camera for a few moments before she suddenly rises, walking away. Joon is quick to follow along, the pitter patter of her feet the last thing we see before cutting away.
Kaito Hirano
Kaito Hirano’s run in Empire Wrestling hasn’t gone the way anyone thought it would. The 25 year old came to EW with high hopes and a lot of heart. His wrestling journey began almost 6 years ago in the BWF after being trained in the original Empire Wrestling (then Empire Wrestling Academy) for a year. He captured his only singles championship in 2015. BWF management saw potential in Kaito Hirano and his seemingly natural talent but he suffered an injury to the hands of Fenryr Wulfsson that put him out of action for a few months. After that, Kaito lost himself as he stopped believing in himself. He came to EW with hopes of finding that same talent and redeeming himself but he’s had nothing but a string of bad luck. On May 22nd, Kaito showed the world he was no longer alone as he had brought a man by the name of Jason Evans to Empire Wrestling. The two go by DISHONOR.
Jason Evans: DISHONOR is a lot of things. It’s a state of shame or disgrace. For a while now, that’s what my friend Kaito has felt. The man responsible for that is Fenryr Wulfsson. Fenryr disgraced Kaito and since that moment he’s been a different person. Now, we will bring shame to the superstars of Empire Wrestling as we dismantle them.
Kaito Hirano: Where there was once respect, now is none.
Evans and Hirano are in the depths of the Warehouse surrounded by boxes, the light dimmed as it’s later in the evening and most of the workers are gone.
Kaito Hirano: I will use this match to begin to redeem my name. There was a time when my name meant future to people in this industry. Now it just means dishonor.
Jason Evans: We see Fenryr in this match and know that Kaito will cross paths with him and he’s ready. It’s a moment that has been a long time coming, years in fact. Kaito is going to put his knee through the skull of Fenryr and take back his manhood. He sees FM Young in this match and sees someone that is also on their own redemption journey.
Kaito Hirano: You will take detour, FM.
Jason Evans: Sorry, FM. It’s time for someone else to shine.
Evans turns to Hirano and gives him a pat on the shoulder.
Jason Evans: It’s time for Kaito to shine. Harper Blake? Keep hoping, wishing, thinking, and praying cause it ain’t your time either. We think you have spunk but Kaito is going to kick your head off your shoulders. Brighton Fischer? The Grrrls might have the numbers game here in Empire Wrestling but right now it’s like everyone has someone’s back. Your girls get involved, someone will step in to stop it.
Kaito Hirano: Road block.
Jason Evans: Marilyn? You might have talent, you might have been trained by someone like FM, but my guy here was trained by a 5-time World Champion and a Hall of Famer. My man has so much potential and he’s yet to even soar to the heights he’s capable of. You might’ve come here as FM’s friend but in this match there isn’t much room for friends. It’s not going to get you very far. In fact, it might prove to be the reason the two of you lose.
Kaito Hirano: Bumpy ride. You two fight each other while I climb to the top of the ladder and take briefcase.
Evans and Hirano bow to each other and then face the camera once again.
Kaito Hirano: I will be the victor. DISHONOR will reign.
Scott Parker: There you have it folks. Six competitors, one briefcase, one opportunity of a lifetime. We hope that you join us tomorrow night for this match and so much more as we present to you Next Level: Victorem. Thank you and goodnight.