Post by Admin on Sept 13, 2020 11:51:36 GMT -5
Episode #53 - September 11, 2020
Scott Parker: Welcome ladies and gentlemen to Empire Wrestling Hype! We are one week away from Next Level: Ascension. One week away from the showdown between FM Young and Ben Macbeth.
Gemma Foster: The Tomorrow Man versus the Tiger. The undefeated man versus the World Champion. It’s going to be an amazing main event, Scott. It’s nice to once again have a handful of fans here inside the Warehouse as well.
Scott Parker: Tonight is another action packed night of Hype. The Social Elite will team up for the first time as they’ll take on KayHarp. We’ll see AJ Adams and Molly Hatchet later on tonight and so much more. Let’s get right into tonight’s action with an Empire Wrestling debut.
Hayley Halsey Vs. Gio DeLuca
Gio DeLuca: You know what I hate?
The 150 or so fans in attendance gave a mixed reaction, generally boos as Gio DeLuca stepped out with his microphone in hand.
Gio DeLuca: I stood in front of a camera, like a man, laid out a challenge to AJ Jerkoff, and he’s too scared to own up to it like a man. He wants to hide behind his Twitter and make threats. He’s nothing but a bitch.
Gio is in the ring and looks into the camera.
Gio DeLuca: AJ, if you aren’t too scared to show up at Next Level: Ascension then your ass is going through a table.
Hayley Halsey made her debut as she stepped out onto the stage with "Girlfriend" by Avril Lavigne playing. She moved around the stage as she put her arms out to soak in the lights.
Gemma Foster: The “Chosen One” is making her debut here in Empire Wrestling. Hayley has already seen some success around the wrestling world and looks to find some here in EW.
Hayley made her way to the ring and climbed inside. She posed for the camera and the fans as she turned to DeLuca and smacked him in the face with a forearm before the bell. She was ready for a fight and battled DeLuca into the corner.
Scott Parker: Halsey is here to compete, not make friends. She’s not holding back against Gio!
Halsey grabbed DeLuca and delivered a running bulldog before rolling to her feet. DeLuca got up and rocked her with a hard right hand. DeLuca got behind Halsey and delivered a blue thunder bomb and tried for a pin, getting one before she kicked out. They both got to their feet and Halsey landed a kick to the gut. She started to set up for a suplex but DeLuca battled back and slipped away. He looked for a clothesline but Halsey ducked and ran the ropes, coming back with the Desti-Knee Kick (Busaiku Knee Kick)! Halsey rolled DeLuca over and covered, getting two before he kicked out. DeLuca looked around, dazed, as he started to get up. Halsey caught DeLuca with a knee to the gut before taking him down with a neckbreaker. She moved to the ropes and connected with the Desti-Knee Smash (Springboard Somersault Double Knee)! She pulled on both legs of DeLuca for a cover and picked up the victory.
WINNER: Hayley Halsey
Halsey climbed to her feet and had her hand raised in victory as she grinned.
Scott Parker: Hayley Halsey with the victory here tonight.
Hayley was seen standing on the second turnbuckle as we cut away.
Honor the past… Embrace the future.
The Stress Before the Storm
Karli is running through the back of the warehouse. She looks over her shoulder and stops when she comes upon Casey standing by the locker rooms.
Karli Frost: I was just walking over here and I heard from Sara Logan that you…you set up this match between Alicia and Fenryr? Why?
Casey looks at Karli with a serious, almost worried expression. Karli’s face morphs to mimic it.
Karli Frost: What have you done?
Casey shrugs.
Casey Grey: Nothing. Just…follow my lead on this and do what I do. We deal with our enemies tonight. The reckoning is at hand.
Casey walks away, leaving Karli to watch after her. She shakes her head and shrugs before following.
Social Elite (Angel Kash & Summer Page) Vs. Kayla Taylor & Harper Blake
When we came back to ringside we could see Taylor and Blake moving around the ring. Kash and Page step out to “Diamonds” by Rihanna. The two stepped to the middle of the stage and stood back to back and posed.
Scott Parker: Here comes the Social Elite. Page and Kash have been battling with Taylor and Blake for a couple weeks now and they’re looking for a tag team win tonight.
Page and Kash made their way to the ring and were ready for the match. Page and Blake were going to get things started and locked up. Page tried to flip Blake over but Blake drove a knee into her gut. Blake sent Page into the corner and charged with a running corner big boot. Blake tagged in Taylor who climbed into the ring. They sent Page into the ring and then caught her with a double flapjack. Taylor rolled Page into starting to set up for a Texas Cloverleaf and Page struggled. Page was able to kick Taylor away and roll to her feet. Taylor charged and ran into a forearm to the face. Page jumped up and caught Taylor with a spike DDT. Page made a tag to Kash who entered the ring. Kash and Page had Taylor up to her feet and hit her with a hip toss. Kash taunted Taylor as she walked around the ring to some boos from the fans. Kash scoffed at them as Taylor got up.
Gemma Foster: Kash and Page fully believe that no one is on their level.
Kash rubbed her hand in the face of Taylor and then pulled her by the hair and whipped her across the ring. Kash rubbed her boot in the face of Taylor as she tried to stand and got a warning from the referee. Taylor got to her feet and leaned on the ropes but Page grabbed her by the hair and pulled her down as Kash distracted the referee.
Scott Parker: They will also do whatever it takes to win a match.
Blake tried to jump into the ring and the referee stopped her. This allowed Kash and Page to double team Taylor with stomps for a few seconds. Kash pulled Taylor up and got her into her own corner and tagged in Page. Page hit the ropes and took Taylor down with the Total Knockout (Springboard Bulldog) and rolled right into Spoiled Rotten (Banks Statement). Taylor refused to tap and tried to get to the ropes. Blake tried reaching in for Taylor but Kash pulled her off the apron and hit her with a suplex and then ran back over to her corner. Taylor was able to get some leverage and roll herself and got Page into a pin attempt and got two before Page kicked out.
Gemma Foster: Kayla Taylor with a great reversal there but she doesn’t have anyone to tag.
Page started to pull Taylor back to her corner but Taylor turned and kicked Page to the face. Blake was back on the apron and Taylor made a big tag. Blake jumped in as Page made a tag as well and clotheslined Page. Blake hit the ropes and ducked a clothesline from Kash and then delivered the CMS (Quasedora Flipping Facebuster). Blake got to her feet and caught Page with her Future Sight (V-Trigger). Blake was fired up and had the fans getting behind her as she turned to Kash getting to her feet. Blake started to look for the Falcon Arrow but Kash countered into a small package. At the two count, Taylor moved the pile and moved Kash’s shoulders to the mat and Blake picked up the pin as Taylor and Page fought nearby!
WINNER: Kayla Taylor & Harper Blake
Gemma Foster: Kayla and Harper steal one from the Social Elite!
Taylor and Blake hurry out of the ring and laugh and hug as Page and Kash are furious. They scream at the referee as their opponents leave.
Extreme Cowboy Will Ride Again
We’re backstage where we see the former Extreme Champion Austin Scott pacing around a room. Scott stopped and adjusted his cowboy hat as he looked into the camera.
Austin Scott: I’ve been doin’ this here thing for a long time now and I’m glad that I’ve accomplished a handful of things. 7 years now. I know that it ain’t THAT long of a time but havin’ turned 30 this year you start to look at things. I looked at the fact that I ain’t got no gold anymore. I look to see that this Tia Santos is walkin’ around Empire Wrestlin’ with the Extreme Title. A title that I want back. A title that I have yet to get a rematch for since I lost it. Tonight I’m going to show you why this extreme cowboy is going to ride again.
Scott slammed a locker shut and walked out.
Meg Coleman Vs. AJ Jenkynx
AJ Jenkynx came out to the ring first to a big boo from the fans. He walked straight to the ring with no fuss and climbed inside. Out next, to a decent pop, was Meg Coleman. Coleman threw a few punches on the stage and looked down to the ring.
Gemma Foster: Meg Coleman with some fans in attendance tonight it sounds like.
Scott Parker: Or just people excited to see AJ Jenkynx get punched in the face.
Coleman and Jenkynx were ready to compete and the bell rang to kick us off. Coleman walked up to Jenynkx and caught him with a series of quick jabs and punches to the gut. She tried to take him down with an arm drag but he countered into one of his own. He connected with a headbutt and then side Russian leg sweep. He tried to quickly lock in the 7 Deadly Sins (Rings Of Saturn) but Coleman was able to counter and roll away. She caught Jenkynx with a spear as he stood and she locked in an arm wrench and put pressure on the shoulder and elbow. Jenkynx was able to get to the ropes to force the break and Coleman backed up. Jenkynx got to his feet and Coleman charged but he lifted her up and over the top and she landed on the apron. He caught her with a spinning heel kick to the head and fell to the floor. Jenkynx hit the far ropes and came back as Coleman stood and he jumped over the top and took her out with a tope con hilo.
Gemma Foster: AJ taking flight!
Jenkynx pulled Coleman to her feet and rolled her inside as he jumped to the apron. She started to stand and he hit her with a rope hung stunner. He quickly jumped on the apron and climbed to the top. He looked for a diving headbutt but Coleman rolled out of the way. Both competitors were on their feet and Coleman hit Jenkynx with the MEG KICK (Standing kick to the left side of head). He dropped to a knee and she dropped him with a DDT and covered, only getting two before he kicked out. She started to pull him to his feet but Jenkynx looked for a small package and got a two count. Coleman popped up to her feet and hit Jenkynx with a belly to belly slam and started to hit him with mounted punches. The referee told her to break at five and she popped up. Jenkynx got to his feet and lifted Coleman as she charged and drove her into the mat with a Samoan drop. He was trying to fire himself up and he lifted Coleman to her feet. He started to set up for the Broken Dreams (Tiger Driver) but Coleman countered into a headscissors takedown. They both got up and Coleman hit the Superwoman Punch out of nowhere! Coleman flipped Jenkynx around with an Oklahoma roll and got a three count!
WINNER: Meg Coleman
Coleman jumped up to her feet in celebration and had her hand raised as Jenkynx looked around in shock.
Scott Parker: AJ Jenkynx was starting to heat up there and Coleman picked up the win out of nowhere.
Gemma Foster: An unlucky night for AJ.
Coleman rolled out of the ring and Gio DeLuca came rushing by as he slid into the ring. He and AJ started to exchange blows as trainers started to pull them apart.
Scott Parker: Gio and AJ can’t wait a week!
We get a shot of AJ and Gio trying to get at each other as we cut to the back. Coleman walks through the curtain with a big smile as we see Sara Logan standing there.
Sara Logan: Miss Coleman. Great job out there tonight. I just wanted to take a second and let you know you’re in the King of the Mountain match next week for the brand new National Championship. Good luck.
Coleman smiled as she caught her breath and walked away.
Scott Parker: Meg Coleman has been added to the King of the Mountain match! She’ll join Alicia Monroe and 3 more!
SMACK Talk
We zoom into a hazy area backstage of the EW warehouse. On a chaise lounge, posing sensually is Noavrra. A plate of grapes lies around her abdomen that she picks at before putting a few in her hand and dropping sensually into her mouth. Her eyes flutter in pleasure before she looks straight down the barrel of the camera lens and winks.
Noavrra: Last week was just...delish. I loved getting to introduce myself to y’all by way of brutalizing Josh. It’s a bummer he didn’t use his safeword, but I guess that just means I’ll get to save that for next time.
She picks up an especially juicy grape from the plate and squeezes it lightly.
Noavrra: And there will be a next time, loves. So I guess the question is...when?
She draws her eyes towards the space on her right wrist where a watch would be. She appears to study it hard before smiling and looking back at the camera.
Noavrra: So I’ll bide my time. But I really have gotten used to the feeling of being in that ring, taking the best you have to oppose me with. I know you’ve got big plans coming up...but please.
She puts a pout on her face, blinking rapidly a few times.
Noavrra: Don’t you forget about Big Momma, okay? I’m just dying to write another chapter in the Holy Thighble.
She winks, and then draws her left hand up and then brings it down with force on her massive thighs. The ‘smack’ echoes through the space, and as the slap connects, the camera smash cuts to black.
Take the pledge
Austin Scott Vs. Tia Santos
Austin Scott made his way out to the ring to a mixed reaction as he stormed to the ring, ready to compete.
Scott Parker: It’s been an up and down 2020 for Austin Scott. He spent the first 4 months of it as Extreme Champion, had a 206 day reign end, and is still trying to get a one on one rematch since losing the belt. A win here could earn him a shot.
Tia Santos came out next to a mixed reaction as well as she held the Extreme Title over her shoulder. She looked around and took in the 150 or so fans in the Warehouse and just grinned. She held up the title and Scott was fired up.
Gemma Foster: Tia Santos has been Extreme Champion for little over a month and has looked amazing since joining EW.
Santos quickly makes her way to the ring, ready to meet Scott in the ring. As soon as she starts to slide under the bottom rope he’s all over her with punches on the mat and jumps to his feet with a stomp. The bell rings and Scott pulls her to her feet and pushes her into the corner. He starts to unload right hands before hitting her with a big discus lariat. Scott stomped around the ring and was fired up.
Gemma Foster: Scott coming out of the gate with a head full of steam!
Scott turns and grabs Santos by the hand and whips her across the ring to the opposite corner and charges after but she gets a pop as she runs up the turnbuckles and hits Vela en la Noche ([Candle in the Night] Tia either climbs or runs up the turnbuckle (depending on the pace of the match) and performs a Whisper In The Wind leap off the top. She comes down onto her opponent’s shoulders and nails a hurricanrana.). Santos pops up to her feet and Scott rolls to his knees. She charges and hits a spiking hurricanrana that plants him face first into the mat. Santos tries to pin but only gets one as Scott kicks out and starts to try and shake off the blow. Santos pulls Scott the rest of the way to his feet and takes him down with a drop toe hold and starts to transition into a STF. Scott struggles and doesn’t let her get a good hold and is able to slip to the ropes and gets free. Scott got to his feet and caught a charging Santos with a boot to the face. She charged again and was lifted and driven into the mat with a hard spinebuster. Scott rolled onto Santos for a cover and got one before she kicked out.
Scott Parker: Back and forth they go, Gemma.
Scott took a moment to slow things down and pulled Santos up. He lifted her to her feet and speared her into the corner. He lifted Santos up and rammed her back first into the corner and connected with the Booze Cruisin' (Oklahoma Slam). Scott thought about a pin but pulled Santos up instead. He started to set up for Law and Order (Pumphandle Slam) but Santos countered into a DDT as he lifted her up! Santos wanted to go for a cover but Scott rolled out of the ring.
Gemma Foster: Smart move by Austin Scott. Rolling out of the ring here doesn’t let Tia go for the cover and gives him a moment to breathe.
Santos sat on her knees for a moment as the referee started a ten count. Scott slowly got to his feet and Santos ran over to the corner. She climbed up and readied herself and dove, taking Scott out with the Muerta Caída ([Dead Drop] Torpedo Plancha).
Scott Parker: Tia Santos putting it all on the line here once again tonight!
Santos slowly got up and pulled Scott to his feet and rolled him into the ring. As she stood on the apron she readied herself as Scott stood. She flipped into the ring and took him to the mat with a Crucifix Bomb! The referee jumped into position for the count and Scott kicked out at two. Santos got to her feet and landed a big kick to the gut on Scott before hitting Beso de Muerte [(Kiss of Death] Tia wraps an arm around the opponent’s neck and bends them back (think Bray Wyatt’s Sister Abigail). She places a kiss on the forehead of her opponent before transitioning her arm around the back of their neck and performs a Dream DDT.). Santos slid onto Scott and looked into the camera as she picked up the pinfall.
WINNER: Tia Santos
Scott Parker: Tia Santos picks up another victory here tonight.
Santos climbed to her feet and took the Extreme Title before jumping onto the second turnbuckle facing the ramp and held it up. She placed it on her shoulder and started to motion as if she was ready for the next challenger. The fans came to life as “Dance Apocalyptic” by Janelle Monáe kicked up and they were treated to a returning Riley Rouse.
Gemma Foster: Oh my god! Riley Rouse is in the Warehouse, Scott!
Scott Parker: The former Tag Team Champion is here!
Rouse stood on the stage and pointed down to Santos with a smile. They ruffled their leather jacket before calling for the belt. Santos held the title up even higher and nodded.
Scott Parker: I think Riley just called their shot, folks.
Gemma Foster: Next Level: Ascension really is shaping up to be a huge show!
Ascended
Sara Logan: Thank you for tuning in tonight, everyone.
In the backstage area we find Sara Logan standing in front of a Hype banner as she holds her hands together in front of her.
Sara Logan: Earlier I let Meg Coleman know that she’d be involved in the King of the Mountain match but we’re still short three people. So, I thought I’d take a moment to let everyone know who those final three are. Joining Alicia Monroe and Meg Coleman will be Hayley Halsey, Noavrra, and Austin Scott.
There’s a nice cheer from the fans as Logan continues.
Sara Logan: All of these competitors have shown flashes of having something special and could use a big moment like Next Level: Ascension to make a moment here in Empire Wrestling. Just like needing an opportunity, I wanted to take a moment to announce another match that I hand picked. I see this competitor and see potential for something great so they’ll get a chance to see how great they are. Daniel Daemon will be defending his Primetime Title against this persona; Marilyn Lee Cross.
There’s a nice reaction to that news. Before she can speak again, Logan is interrupted by the Social Elite.
Angel Kash: Look, Summer, it’s the help. Listen, I don’t know who we need to talk to but we DESERVE a rematch against those bitches Kayla and Harper. They totally cheated tonight and it’s just not right.
Summer Page: Yeah! Next week!
Sara Logan: Sorry, ladies. Harper and Blake are already booked for the show next week.
Mystery Woman: Actually, you might want to look at that again.
The camera pans just enough to show a woman walk up between Kash and Page as they both smile.
Tiffany Lynn Page: My clients here are getting their match next week, Miss Logan. You see, when Harper Blake was busy playing to the crowd and getting ready to attack Angel, Summer tagged herself in and the referee missed it. Once again someone under your watch couldn’t do their jobs. Therefore, unless you’d like to be sued, they’ll get their match.
Gemma Foster: That’s Tiffany Lynn Page, Scott. Summer’s older sister and it looks like she’s managing them as well.
Logan looks annoyed and shrugs.
Sara Logan: Fine. Social Elite versus KayHarp at Next Level: Ascension.
Logan walks off screen as the Social Elite gossip.
Fenryr Wulfsson Vs. Alicia Monroe
Alicia makes her way to the ring as “Fire Woman” blasts through the warehouse. She waves at the fans as she passes them, and hops up to the apron and vaults over the top rope. She seems to be in high spirits as she climbs up a turnbuckle to hype up the crowd. When she jumps down to the mat her music stops. "Fenrir" by Fferyllt begins and immediately Fenryr and Rune step out onto the stage. Alicia stretches in the ring as Fenryr stalks to the ring.
The music stops. The lights go out. The screen goes black.
Scott Parker: What the hell is going on here?
An instant later an ominous bell rings through the warehouse as a bell flashes on the screen for an instant before being replaced by the blackness. Again, and again, until after a fourth ringing of the bell the lights come back on and Fenryr’s music resumes. He climbs up the steps and into the ring. Alicia is busy trash talking Rune and misses Fenryr charging at her without waiting for the bell. Alicia dodges in the nick of time and gets a single leg dropkick on Fenryr. The move doesn’t faze him at all. Fenryr grabs Alicia with a German Suplex, throwing her into the turnbuckle. He follows up by grabbing her and just throwing her into the center of the ring. He next throws Alicia into the ropes and hits a kitchen sink. He follows up a Maul (Double Axe Handle) with the Nine Days (Two-handed Suspended Choke Hold) and throws Alicia into the corner after using up the referee’s count. A rolling belly to belly suplex gets Alicia back into the center of the ring. Fenryr drags a thumb across his throat as he lifts Alicia for the Oathbreaker (Vertical Suplex Piledriver). Alicia fights out at the top, reversing the move into Casey Grey’s Copperhead Road (Cobra Clutch/Single Knee Backstabber).
Gemma Foster: Alicia is just stealing all of Casey’s moves, it seems.
Alicia crawls to the ropes and pulls herself up in a position behind Fenryr. When he gets to his knees Alicia comes off of the ropes and lands a shining wizard to the back of Fenryr’s head. Fenryr remains down. Alicia leans against the ropes, and once Fenryr is back on his feet she attacks his knee with a basement dropkick. Alicia locks in a cross kneelock. Fenryr drags himself and Alicia to the ropes, and Alicia refuses to release the hold until the referee gets to a count of four. Fenryr stands but Alicia immediately kicks his knee from the side. Fenryr goes down to his knee again, and Alicia grabs his leg. The fans begin to buzz as Casey Grey and Karli Frost run to the ring. Each of them carry a chair.
Scott Parker: I knew it! I knew Fenryr attacking Karli was a ruse and they were going to attack Alicia! Casey has obviously joined Ragnarok!
Alicia moves to a far corner to avoid Casey and Karli as Fenryr turns around to face them. In a move that seems to run contrary to Scott Parker’s assessment, Fenryr charges both women and takes them out with a double clothesline. Each of them go to a separate corner. With the attack on Fenryr, the referee calls for the bell and awards the match to him.
Rune enters the ring. Suddenly, the lights go out in the warehouse. The screen flickers to life with a grainy image marred with static. A phrase appears:
“LOOK AND SEE”.
The screen shuts off and the lights come back on. There is now another person in the ring, wearing a black cloak with a hood, apparently the same someone from the Strange Magic videos. Fenryr turns around as she takes her hood off. He takes a step forward towards her but she sprays him in the face with black poison mist. Fenryr swings wildly as the poison begins to work. He falls to a knee and the new person in the ring, Annabelle, turns to the side towards Rune to let him go down completely. Rune launches into an attack as well, but Annabelle throws a ball of fire into her face! Rune, smoking and singed, falls onto the mat, writhing in pain. Fenryr is trying to stand back up, but seems lethargic and only barely able to move.
At this point all hell breaks loose in the ring. Casey begins stomping Fenryr viciously, while Alicia grabs a chair. Annabelle locks in the Venomoid (Mandible Claw) on Rune. Karli looks honestly conflicted for a moment when Alicia starts bashing Fenryr’s leg with the chair and driving the end of it into his knee. He struggles to escape but it seems like he just doesn’t have the strength. Rune succumbs to the Venomoid and passes out before Annabelle kicks her out of the ring. Annabelle joins Casey in stomping on Fenryr next. Alicia throws the mangled chair away and locks in her Tangled Web (Reverse Indian Deathlock), and Casey and the others stomp on him in a frenzy. Trainers begin to rush to the ring, but Annabelle heads them off. She clotheslines the first one and he falls off the apron, knees the second one in the gut, and the third one gets green Mojo (Poison Mist) for his efforts. The next three that come out check on their comrades as Annabelle stands in the ring, blocking access and laughing as black and green drool drips down the front of her chin. Casey and Karli stop stomping Fenryr’s leg and Alicia releases her hold. Fenryr holds onto his knee but still can’t move well. Casey throws the mangled chair to the ground and turns to Alicia. She’s saying something, and then the two hug. Annabelle joins them in the celebration. Karli looks nervous, but Casey grabs her by the shoulders and says something to her. She begins to celebrate as well over Fenryr’s broken body. More trainers arrive to help him, and the women roll out of the ring. Karli backs up the ramp slowly, as Casey, Alicia, and Annabelle hover over Rune for a moment. Annabelle heads towards the ring steps, and Casey joins her. Alicia stops them from lifting the steps, saying something. Casey and Annabelle abandon their efforts, but Annabelle gets in an Attempted Murder (curbstomp) to Rune’s head before they join Karli. The four of them walk to the back together, stopping at the top of the ramp. Casey grabs a microphone.
Casey Grey: Hey, let me tell you all something. In case what just happened has left any of you confused, I’m letting you all know that the Hell’s Belles is officially back together. And if there is anyone out there that doesn’t grasp the subtle warning that we’ve left in the ring, let me lay it on the line. You disrespect, denigrate, or otherwise piss us off, that’s how you end up. On a meat cart. Take it to the bank.
Casey leads the other three women through the curtain as the trainers begin loading Rune and Fenryr on stretchers, leaving a crowd uncertain as to how they should react.
Scott Parker: What did we just witness, Gemma?
Gemma Foster: I don’t know, Scott. Casey, Alicia, Karli, and friend in tow just took our Rune and Fenryr.
Molly Hatchet Vs. AJ Adams
Scott Parker: It’s time for our main event bout, folks. This one should be a treat but you have to believe that Molly Hatchet is going to be distracted going into this one. She’ll face off against Ursula Von Rossbach next week in a deathmatch!
The fans give Molly Hatchet a nice pop as she starts to make her way out to the stage and is excited for the match. She looks around and skips down the ramp before sliding in under the ropes and rolling to her feet. She moves around the ring and starts to stretch as the fans come to life for AJ Adams. He slowly walks out and takes a knee.
Scott Parker: AJ Adams getting a big welcome here inside the Warehouse from these fans.
Adams soaks it in as he makes his way down to the ring. He climbs up the steel steps and steps inside to the ring. He takes off his tee and tosses it over the top ropes. The bell sounded as things were set to begin. The two locked up and Adams drove his knee into the gut of Hatchet before hitting her with a hard chop, then a forearm, and then he started to lift her for a suplex but she blocked it. Hatchet hit Adams with a jawbreaker and then an atomic drop. He pushed her into the ropes and she came back with the Glasgow Kiss (Jumping Headbutt)! Adams stumbled and was staggered as he moved around the ring. Hatchet looked for a headscissors takedown but Adams countered into a powerbomb. He rolled her backwards and she ended up on her knees and he hit her with a PK kick.
Gemma Foster: A vicious kick there from AJ!
Hatchet staggered up to her feet and Adams pulled her into position and delivered the LA to NY (Sitout inverted DDT). He looked for a pin attempt and Hatchet was able to kick out right at two. She powered to her feet and ducked a running forearm smash and a backhand. She charged at Adams and caught him with the Whiskey Bomb (Superwoman Punch) that made him stumble into the corner. She moved into position and charged again and hit the Splash of Ginger (Stinger Splash in the corner)!
Scott Parker: The energy from Molly is like a firecracker.
Hatchet climbed to the second rope as Adams stumbled out of the corner and she hit a diving cutter! Hatchet rolled Adams into a cover for two before he kicked out. Adams got to his feet and Hatchet tried to set up for the Ginger Snap (German Suplex) but Adams caught her with a hard elbow to the side of the head. Adams lifted Hatchet up onto his shoulders for a GTS when the jumbotron started to show static and Adams dropped Hatchet and looked up.
Gemma Foster: What’s this?
The tron showed Lacy Nelson walking around the back, as if she doesn’t notice the camera.
Scrambled Voice: Peek a boo. I see you.
Nelson walked into a locker room and shut the door behind her and a loud BANG could be heard and smoke started to to seep out from under the door.
Gemma Foster: Oh no, Scott.
Adams rolled out of the ring as Hatchet was coming to and he ran to the back. She looked around confused as the referee counted him out.
WINNER: Molly Hatchet
Smokescreen
The camera followed Adams rushing behind the curtain and trying to track down the room Lacy went into. A pounding could be heard as Adams ran down the hall and a guard ran with him. He found the room as more smoke poured out of the room and Lacy could be heard pounding on the door and yelling for help, saying the door was locked from the outside. The guard got the door opened as Adams helped Nelson out of the room and EMTs checked on her as a crew went in with extinguishers.
Scott Parker: Lacy appears to be okay, folks.
Nelson coughed a bunch and was handed some water.
Lacy Nelson: I think it was just a smoke bomb. I’m okay. I’m okay.
The camera showed us someone standing off in the distance watching but only their silhouette could be seen as Adams looked around.
The World Title Contract Signing
Featuring the Champion FM Young and the Challenger Ben Macbeth
The ring is dressed quite differently now with a dark turquoise canvas and the lighting is focussed on a long mahogany table where a black leather dossier sits. On either side of the table are two office chairs with microphones on short stands positioned facing them.
“The Parable” cues up and there is a decent reaction for “The Tomorrow Man” Benjamin Macbeth as he walks out onto the ramp. In his hand he had the original EW Heavyweight Championship. He holds it like the Southern wrestlers of old and is dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, white button down (sans tie), and black Ray Ban Clubmasters.
The fans started a brief “TO-MORR-OW MAN” chant and Macbeth just exhales sharply before walking down the ramp to enter the ring. Macbeth wipes his feet on the apron before proceeding into the ring.
The lights in the Empire Wrestling Warehouse go down, and “Helix” by Amaranthe cues up the driving beat giving way to the lyrics as the lights come back up to reveal "The Tiger" FM Young. She's standing in the wonder woman pose, hands in front of her chest, head tucked. She breaks stance, with a huge grin the exact opposite of Macbeth’s controlled entrance, her excitement is infectious and quickly spreads to the cheering crowd.
Dressed casually in a Japanese style motorcycle jacket, a wonder woman t-shirt and black hip huggers. Around her chest bandolier style is her custom Empire World Championship, around her waist is the OATH Pro Wrestling Intrepid Championship, she turns halfway down the ramp, spreads her arms and lets out a roar that is echoed back by the crowd. From there she jumps up the steel steps and leans against the turnbuckle waiting for Ben to make his move.
Macbeth appeared to be making a point of not looking in Young’s direction. Macbeth casually walked over to the table and lay his Heavyweight Title on top of it. The Tomorrow Man took a seat and gestured for Young to do the same.
Young with the help of the ring announcer takes the World Championship off, and sets it on the table without comment directly next to the Heavyweight belt. She takes a deliberate moment to hitch the Intrepid title further up to be able to sit before sitting and sliding a mic in front of her.
FM Young: Welp, here we are, Benny. How you doin today?
Ben Macbeth: Still undefeated it seems. Perhaps I am the only person not surprised by this. Does it come as a shock to you?
FM Young: It's a surprise you waited this long playing kiddie games. Yeah. I'm not undefeated, but I'm getting by pretty well as you can see. Didn't get run out of a company, have a legitimate title belt in two places.
Ben Macbeth: It did not take long for you to bring that up. I did lose my OATH contract and I did so in an attempt to win the World Championship. High risk, high reward. I gambled and I lost. Such is life. But we are not in an OATH ring. We are in Empire Wrestling. A company that was built off of the hard work of a great many people. However, the biggest contributor to this company’s success sits across from you right now.
FM Young: It really didn't take you too long to point out the undefeated thing. I figured I'd remind everyone that was a technicality. However I think that's fair enough to say. You have been pretty instrumental in Empire's success. No minor feat, what you've accomplished, but I haven't been beaten this run either. So here's my question Benny, why me? You could have done this song and dance anytime.
The Tomorrow Man smiled ever so slightly.
Ben Macbeth: You were not a factor in the decision.
He takes a beat to let that line resonate.
Ben Macbeth: Whomever was champion would have become my target. For the better part of this year I was preoccupied with the Primetime Championship, having a record breaking reign with it. The World Title is always the main goal but I saw an opportunity to elevate that championship — so I did. Then EMBLEM won the first ever Warfare Series.
Macbeth shot his cuffs and adjusted his cufflinks.
Ben Macbeth: That is my legacy in Empire, elevating everything and everyone around me. Now it is time for me to win back the championship that means a lot now than it did before I held it and had a record setting reign.
FM Young: You know how to flatter a girl, Benny. You really do. Look, I just wanted to beat you before because it would have been a big prestigious deal to do so. Now I wanna kick your ass for being just another in the long line of doofus's who think I can't hack it. More motivation for me in the long run. I told you before, God's already bleeding, Mcbeth. Regardless of your Empire run, I know you can be beaten. Me? I'm perfect at being the underdog, I do my best work with all the cards stacked against me, so I want you to bring it right to my doorstep. Because after beating you? My legacy will be set in stone. You and your old belt, beauty as it is will be history Tomorrow Man.
Macbeth smirks and drums his fingers on the main plate of the Heavyweight Title.
Ben Macbeth: I never said that you are not skilled. You took that inference. I simply stated that I do not care who holds the EW World Title — I want it and I will take it. Truth is, I expect us to have a sterling contest the likes that EW has yet to see. I look forward to it. I do not look backward.
He glances down at the title belt in his possession.
Ben Macbeth: This title that I own is merely representative of the first era of EW. It represents what was not what is. With that being said…
With one final look at the Heavyweight Title Macbeth slides it across the table.
Ben Macbeth: It belongs to you. Have all three of them. When I put a championship over my shoulder I want to have earned it. You want to say that God is bleeding and that is more telling than you realize. I have never claimed to be a God, I just claim to be the best. The verified standard of Empire Wrestling. If you beat me, which you are certainly capable of, that will be quite the feather in your cap. But when I beat you? That is just another day for The Tomorrow Man.
Macbeth pulls a fountain pen out of his jacket pocket, removes the cap, and signs the contract. He then slides the leather dossier across the table to Young.
Ben Macbeth: Deepest condolences.
Standing up, Macbeth slides his pen back into his pocket and moves to leave, not waiting for Young to sign.
FM Young: Gotta admit, I stole that line a couple of times. It's a good one. If you win? Yeah, it will be another day and it'll be a day I survive. Looking forward to the fight too, Benny. Thanks for the belt.
FM Young stands up, leans over and signs the contract with one of the pens already on the table. Not needing anything fancy, she then sits back and let's Macbeth exit the ring first, then follows him to the ropes as she watches him walk up the ramp. He turns midway and the two stare at each other as the fans sit on the edge of their seat for Next Level: Ascension and we go off air.
Gemma Foster: The Tomorrow Man versus the Tiger. The undefeated man versus the World Champion. It’s going to be an amazing main event, Scott. It’s nice to once again have a handful of fans here inside the Warehouse as well.
Scott Parker: Tonight is another action packed night of Hype. The Social Elite will team up for the first time as they’ll take on KayHarp. We’ll see AJ Adams and Molly Hatchet later on tonight and so much more. Let’s get right into tonight’s action with an Empire Wrestling debut.
Hayley Halsey Vs. Gio DeLuca
Gio DeLuca: You know what I hate?
The 150 or so fans in attendance gave a mixed reaction, generally boos as Gio DeLuca stepped out with his microphone in hand.
Gio DeLuca: I stood in front of a camera, like a man, laid out a challenge to AJ Jerkoff, and he’s too scared to own up to it like a man. He wants to hide behind his Twitter and make threats. He’s nothing but a bitch.
Gio is in the ring and looks into the camera.
Gio DeLuca: AJ, if you aren’t too scared to show up at Next Level: Ascension then your ass is going through a table.
Hayley Halsey made her debut as she stepped out onto the stage with "Girlfriend" by Avril Lavigne playing. She moved around the stage as she put her arms out to soak in the lights.
Gemma Foster: The “Chosen One” is making her debut here in Empire Wrestling. Hayley has already seen some success around the wrestling world and looks to find some here in EW.
Hayley made her way to the ring and climbed inside. She posed for the camera and the fans as she turned to DeLuca and smacked him in the face with a forearm before the bell. She was ready for a fight and battled DeLuca into the corner.
Scott Parker: Halsey is here to compete, not make friends. She’s not holding back against Gio!
Halsey grabbed DeLuca and delivered a running bulldog before rolling to her feet. DeLuca got up and rocked her with a hard right hand. DeLuca got behind Halsey and delivered a blue thunder bomb and tried for a pin, getting one before she kicked out. They both got to their feet and Halsey landed a kick to the gut. She started to set up for a suplex but DeLuca battled back and slipped away. He looked for a clothesline but Halsey ducked and ran the ropes, coming back with the Desti-Knee Kick (Busaiku Knee Kick)! Halsey rolled DeLuca over and covered, getting two before he kicked out. DeLuca looked around, dazed, as he started to get up. Halsey caught DeLuca with a knee to the gut before taking him down with a neckbreaker. She moved to the ropes and connected with the Desti-Knee Smash (Springboard Somersault Double Knee)! She pulled on both legs of DeLuca for a cover and picked up the victory.
WINNER: Hayley Halsey
Halsey climbed to her feet and had her hand raised in victory as she grinned.
Scott Parker: Hayley Halsey with the victory here tonight.
Hayley was seen standing on the second turnbuckle as we cut away.
Honor the past… Embrace the future.
The Stress Before the Storm
Karli is running through the back of the warehouse. She looks over her shoulder and stops when she comes upon Casey standing by the locker rooms.
Karli Frost: I was just walking over here and I heard from Sara Logan that you…you set up this match between Alicia and Fenryr? Why?
Casey looks at Karli with a serious, almost worried expression. Karli’s face morphs to mimic it.
Karli Frost: What have you done?
Casey shrugs.
Casey Grey: Nothing. Just…follow my lead on this and do what I do. We deal with our enemies tonight. The reckoning is at hand.
Casey walks away, leaving Karli to watch after her. She shakes her head and shrugs before following.
Social Elite (Angel Kash & Summer Page) Vs. Kayla Taylor & Harper Blake
When we came back to ringside we could see Taylor and Blake moving around the ring. Kash and Page step out to “Diamonds” by Rihanna. The two stepped to the middle of the stage and stood back to back and posed.
Scott Parker: Here comes the Social Elite. Page and Kash have been battling with Taylor and Blake for a couple weeks now and they’re looking for a tag team win tonight.
Page and Kash made their way to the ring and were ready for the match. Page and Blake were going to get things started and locked up. Page tried to flip Blake over but Blake drove a knee into her gut. Blake sent Page into the corner and charged with a running corner big boot. Blake tagged in Taylor who climbed into the ring. They sent Page into the ring and then caught her with a double flapjack. Taylor rolled Page into starting to set up for a Texas Cloverleaf and Page struggled. Page was able to kick Taylor away and roll to her feet. Taylor charged and ran into a forearm to the face. Page jumped up and caught Taylor with a spike DDT. Page made a tag to Kash who entered the ring. Kash and Page had Taylor up to her feet and hit her with a hip toss. Kash taunted Taylor as she walked around the ring to some boos from the fans. Kash scoffed at them as Taylor got up.
Gemma Foster: Kash and Page fully believe that no one is on their level.
Kash rubbed her hand in the face of Taylor and then pulled her by the hair and whipped her across the ring. Kash rubbed her boot in the face of Taylor as she tried to stand and got a warning from the referee. Taylor got to her feet and leaned on the ropes but Page grabbed her by the hair and pulled her down as Kash distracted the referee.
Scott Parker: They will also do whatever it takes to win a match.
Blake tried to jump into the ring and the referee stopped her. This allowed Kash and Page to double team Taylor with stomps for a few seconds. Kash pulled Taylor up and got her into her own corner and tagged in Page. Page hit the ropes and took Taylor down with the Total Knockout (Springboard Bulldog) and rolled right into Spoiled Rotten (Banks Statement). Taylor refused to tap and tried to get to the ropes. Blake tried reaching in for Taylor but Kash pulled her off the apron and hit her with a suplex and then ran back over to her corner. Taylor was able to get some leverage and roll herself and got Page into a pin attempt and got two before Page kicked out.
Gemma Foster: Kayla Taylor with a great reversal there but she doesn’t have anyone to tag.
Page started to pull Taylor back to her corner but Taylor turned and kicked Page to the face. Blake was back on the apron and Taylor made a big tag. Blake jumped in as Page made a tag as well and clotheslined Page. Blake hit the ropes and ducked a clothesline from Kash and then delivered the CMS (Quasedora Flipping Facebuster). Blake got to her feet and caught Page with her Future Sight (V-Trigger). Blake was fired up and had the fans getting behind her as she turned to Kash getting to her feet. Blake started to look for the Falcon Arrow but Kash countered into a small package. At the two count, Taylor moved the pile and moved Kash’s shoulders to the mat and Blake picked up the pin as Taylor and Page fought nearby!
WINNER: Kayla Taylor & Harper Blake
Gemma Foster: Kayla and Harper steal one from the Social Elite!
Taylor and Blake hurry out of the ring and laugh and hug as Page and Kash are furious. They scream at the referee as their opponents leave.
Extreme Cowboy Will Ride Again
We’re backstage where we see the former Extreme Champion Austin Scott pacing around a room. Scott stopped and adjusted his cowboy hat as he looked into the camera.
Austin Scott: I’ve been doin’ this here thing for a long time now and I’m glad that I’ve accomplished a handful of things. 7 years now. I know that it ain’t THAT long of a time but havin’ turned 30 this year you start to look at things. I looked at the fact that I ain’t got no gold anymore. I look to see that this Tia Santos is walkin’ around Empire Wrestlin’ with the Extreme Title. A title that I want back. A title that I have yet to get a rematch for since I lost it. Tonight I’m going to show you why this extreme cowboy is going to ride again.
Scott slammed a locker shut and walked out.
Meg Coleman Vs. AJ Jenkynx
AJ Jenkynx came out to the ring first to a big boo from the fans. He walked straight to the ring with no fuss and climbed inside. Out next, to a decent pop, was Meg Coleman. Coleman threw a few punches on the stage and looked down to the ring.
Gemma Foster: Meg Coleman with some fans in attendance tonight it sounds like.
Scott Parker: Or just people excited to see AJ Jenkynx get punched in the face.
Coleman and Jenkynx were ready to compete and the bell rang to kick us off. Coleman walked up to Jenynkx and caught him with a series of quick jabs and punches to the gut. She tried to take him down with an arm drag but he countered into one of his own. He connected with a headbutt and then side Russian leg sweep. He tried to quickly lock in the 7 Deadly Sins (Rings Of Saturn) but Coleman was able to counter and roll away. She caught Jenkynx with a spear as he stood and she locked in an arm wrench and put pressure on the shoulder and elbow. Jenkynx was able to get to the ropes to force the break and Coleman backed up. Jenkynx got to his feet and Coleman charged but he lifted her up and over the top and she landed on the apron. He caught her with a spinning heel kick to the head and fell to the floor. Jenkynx hit the far ropes and came back as Coleman stood and he jumped over the top and took her out with a tope con hilo.
Gemma Foster: AJ taking flight!
Jenkynx pulled Coleman to her feet and rolled her inside as he jumped to the apron. She started to stand and he hit her with a rope hung stunner. He quickly jumped on the apron and climbed to the top. He looked for a diving headbutt but Coleman rolled out of the way. Both competitors were on their feet and Coleman hit Jenkynx with the MEG KICK (Standing kick to the left side of head). He dropped to a knee and she dropped him with a DDT and covered, only getting two before he kicked out. She started to pull him to his feet but Jenkynx looked for a small package and got a two count. Coleman popped up to her feet and hit Jenkynx with a belly to belly slam and started to hit him with mounted punches. The referee told her to break at five and she popped up. Jenkynx got to his feet and lifted Coleman as she charged and drove her into the mat with a Samoan drop. He was trying to fire himself up and he lifted Coleman to her feet. He started to set up for the Broken Dreams (Tiger Driver) but Coleman countered into a headscissors takedown. They both got up and Coleman hit the Superwoman Punch out of nowhere! Coleman flipped Jenkynx around with an Oklahoma roll and got a three count!
WINNER: Meg Coleman
Coleman jumped up to her feet in celebration and had her hand raised as Jenkynx looked around in shock.
Scott Parker: AJ Jenkynx was starting to heat up there and Coleman picked up the win out of nowhere.
Gemma Foster: An unlucky night for AJ.
Coleman rolled out of the ring and Gio DeLuca came rushing by as he slid into the ring. He and AJ started to exchange blows as trainers started to pull them apart.
Scott Parker: Gio and AJ can’t wait a week!
We get a shot of AJ and Gio trying to get at each other as we cut to the back. Coleman walks through the curtain with a big smile as we see Sara Logan standing there.
Sara Logan: Miss Coleman. Great job out there tonight. I just wanted to take a second and let you know you’re in the King of the Mountain match next week for the brand new National Championship. Good luck.
Coleman smiled as she caught her breath and walked away.
Scott Parker: Meg Coleman has been added to the King of the Mountain match! She’ll join Alicia Monroe and 3 more!
SMACK Talk
We zoom into a hazy area backstage of the EW warehouse. On a chaise lounge, posing sensually is Noavrra. A plate of grapes lies around her abdomen that she picks at before putting a few in her hand and dropping sensually into her mouth. Her eyes flutter in pleasure before she looks straight down the barrel of the camera lens and winks.
Noavrra: Last week was just...delish. I loved getting to introduce myself to y’all by way of brutalizing Josh. It’s a bummer he didn’t use his safeword, but I guess that just means I’ll get to save that for next time.
She picks up an especially juicy grape from the plate and squeezes it lightly.
Noavrra: And there will be a next time, loves. So I guess the question is...when?
She draws her eyes towards the space on her right wrist where a watch would be. She appears to study it hard before smiling and looking back at the camera.
Noavrra: So I’ll bide my time. But I really have gotten used to the feeling of being in that ring, taking the best you have to oppose me with. I know you’ve got big plans coming up...but please.
She puts a pout on her face, blinking rapidly a few times.
Noavrra: Don’t you forget about Big Momma, okay? I’m just dying to write another chapter in the Holy Thighble.
She winks, and then draws her left hand up and then brings it down with force on her massive thighs. The ‘smack’ echoes through the space, and as the slap connects, the camera smash cuts to black.
Take the pledge
Austin Scott Vs. Tia Santos
Austin Scott made his way out to the ring to a mixed reaction as he stormed to the ring, ready to compete.
Scott Parker: It’s been an up and down 2020 for Austin Scott. He spent the first 4 months of it as Extreme Champion, had a 206 day reign end, and is still trying to get a one on one rematch since losing the belt. A win here could earn him a shot.
Tia Santos came out next to a mixed reaction as well as she held the Extreme Title over her shoulder. She looked around and took in the 150 or so fans in the Warehouse and just grinned. She held up the title and Scott was fired up.
Gemma Foster: Tia Santos has been Extreme Champion for little over a month and has looked amazing since joining EW.
Santos quickly makes her way to the ring, ready to meet Scott in the ring. As soon as she starts to slide under the bottom rope he’s all over her with punches on the mat and jumps to his feet with a stomp. The bell rings and Scott pulls her to her feet and pushes her into the corner. He starts to unload right hands before hitting her with a big discus lariat. Scott stomped around the ring and was fired up.
Gemma Foster: Scott coming out of the gate with a head full of steam!
Scott turns and grabs Santos by the hand and whips her across the ring to the opposite corner and charges after but she gets a pop as she runs up the turnbuckles and hits Vela en la Noche ([Candle in the Night] Tia either climbs or runs up the turnbuckle (depending on the pace of the match) and performs a Whisper In The Wind leap off the top. She comes down onto her opponent’s shoulders and nails a hurricanrana.). Santos pops up to her feet and Scott rolls to his knees. She charges and hits a spiking hurricanrana that plants him face first into the mat. Santos tries to pin but only gets one as Scott kicks out and starts to try and shake off the blow. Santos pulls Scott the rest of the way to his feet and takes him down with a drop toe hold and starts to transition into a STF. Scott struggles and doesn’t let her get a good hold and is able to slip to the ropes and gets free. Scott got to his feet and caught a charging Santos with a boot to the face. She charged again and was lifted and driven into the mat with a hard spinebuster. Scott rolled onto Santos for a cover and got one before she kicked out.
Scott Parker: Back and forth they go, Gemma.
Scott took a moment to slow things down and pulled Santos up. He lifted her to her feet and speared her into the corner. He lifted Santos up and rammed her back first into the corner and connected with the Booze Cruisin' (Oklahoma Slam). Scott thought about a pin but pulled Santos up instead. He started to set up for Law and Order (Pumphandle Slam) but Santos countered into a DDT as he lifted her up! Santos wanted to go for a cover but Scott rolled out of the ring.
Gemma Foster: Smart move by Austin Scott. Rolling out of the ring here doesn’t let Tia go for the cover and gives him a moment to breathe.
Santos sat on her knees for a moment as the referee started a ten count. Scott slowly got to his feet and Santos ran over to the corner. She climbed up and readied herself and dove, taking Scott out with the Muerta Caída ([Dead Drop] Torpedo Plancha).
Scott Parker: Tia Santos putting it all on the line here once again tonight!
Santos slowly got up and pulled Scott to his feet and rolled him into the ring. As she stood on the apron she readied herself as Scott stood. She flipped into the ring and took him to the mat with a Crucifix Bomb! The referee jumped into position for the count and Scott kicked out at two. Santos got to her feet and landed a big kick to the gut on Scott before hitting Beso de Muerte [(Kiss of Death] Tia wraps an arm around the opponent’s neck and bends them back (think Bray Wyatt’s Sister Abigail). She places a kiss on the forehead of her opponent before transitioning her arm around the back of their neck and performs a Dream DDT.). Santos slid onto Scott and looked into the camera as she picked up the pinfall.
WINNER: Tia Santos
Scott Parker: Tia Santos picks up another victory here tonight.
Santos climbed to her feet and took the Extreme Title before jumping onto the second turnbuckle facing the ramp and held it up. She placed it on her shoulder and started to motion as if she was ready for the next challenger. The fans came to life as “Dance Apocalyptic” by Janelle Monáe kicked up and they were treated to a returning Riley Rouse.
Gemma Foster: Oh my god! Riley Rouse is in the Warehouse, Scott!
Scott Parker: The former Tag Team Champion is here!
Rouse stood on the stage and pointed down to Santos with a smile. They ruffled their leather jacket before calling for the belt. Santos held the title up even higher and nodded.
Scott Parker: I think Riley just called their shot, folks.
Gemma Foster: Next Level: Ascension really is shaping up to be a huge show!
Ascended
Sara Logan: Thank you for tuning in tonight, everyone.
In the backstage area we find Sara Logan standing in front of a Hype banner as she holds her hands together in front of her.
Sara Logan: Earlier I let Meg Coleman know that she’d be involved in the King of the Mountain match but we’re still short three people. So, I thought I’d take a moment to let everyone know who those final three are. Joining Alicia Monroe and Meg Coleman will be Hayley Halsey, Noavrra, and Austin Scott.
There’s a nice cheer from the fans as Logan continues.
Sara Logan: All of these competitors have shown flashes of having something special and could use a big moment like Next Level: Ascension to make a moment here in Empire Wrestling. Just like needing an opportunity, I wanted to take a moment to announce another match that I hand picked. I see this competitor and see potential for something great so they’ll get a chance to see how great they are. Daniel Daemon will be defending his Primetime Title against this persona; Marilyn Lee Cross.
There’s a nice reaction to that news. Before she can speak again, Logan is interrupted by the Social Elite.
Angel Kash: Look, Summer, it’s the help. Listen, I don’t know who we need to talk to but we DESERVE a rematch against those bitches Kayla and Harper. They totally cheated tonight and it’s just not right.
Summer Page: Yeah! Next week!
Sara Logan: Sorry, ladies. Harper and Blake are already booked for the show next week.
Mystery Woman: Actually, you might want to look at that again.
The camera pans just enough to show a woman walk up between Kash and Page as they both smile.
Tiffany Lynn Page: My clients here are getting their match next week, Miss Logan. You see, when Harper Blake was busy playing to the crowd and getting ready to attack Angel, Summer tagged herself in and the referee missed it. Once again someone under your watch couldn’t do their jobs. Therefore, unless you’d like to be sued, they’ll get their match.
Gemma Foster: That’s Tiffany Lynn Page, Scott. Summer’s older sister and it looks like she’s managing them as well.
Logan looks annoyed and shrugs.
Sara Logan: Fine. Social Elite versus KayHarp at Next Level: Ascension.
Logan walks off screen as the Social Elite gossip.
Fenryr Wulfsson Vs. Alicia Monroe
Alicia makes her way to the ring as “Fire Woman” blasts through the warehouse. She waves at the fans as she passes them, and hops up to the apron and vaults over the top rope. She seems to be in high spirits as she climbs up a turnbuckle to hype up the crowd. When she jumps down to the mat her music stops. "Fenrir" by Fferyllt begins and immediately Fenryr and Rune step out onto the stage. Alicia stretches in the ring as Fenryr stalks to the ring.
The music stops. The lights go out. The screen goes black.
Scott Parker: What the hell is going on here?
An instant later an ominous bell rings through the warehouse as a bell flashes on the screen for an instant before being replaced by the blackness. Again, and again, until after a fourth ringing of the bell the lights come back on and Fenryr’s music resumes. He climbs up the steps and into the ring. Alicia is busy trash talking Rune and misses Fenryr charging at her without waiting for the bell. Alicia dodges in the nick of time and gets a single leg dropkick on Fenryr. The move doesn’t faze him at all. Fenryr grabs Alicia with a German Suplex, throwing her into the turnbuckle. He follows up by grabbing her and just throwing her into the center of the ring. He next throws Alicia into the ropes and hits a kitchen sink. He follows up a Maul (Double Axe Handle) with the Nine Days (Two-handed Suspended Choke Hold) and throws Alicia into the corner after using up the referee’s count. A rolling belly to belly suplex gets Alicia back into the center of the ring. Fenryr drags a thumb across his throat as he lifts Alicia for the Oathbreaker (Vertical Suplex Piledriver). Alicia fights out at the top, reversing the move into Casey Grey’s Copperhead Road (Cobra Clutch/Single Knee Backstabber).
Gemma Foster: Alicia is just stealing all of Casey’s moves, it seems.
Alicia crawls to the ropes and pulls herself up in a position behind Fenryr. When he gets to his knees Alicia comes off of the ropes and lands a shining wizard to the back of Fenryr’s head. Fenryr remains down. Alicia leans against the ropes, and once Fenryr is back on his feet she attacks his knee with a basement dropkick. Alicia locks in a cross kneelock. Fenryr drags himself and Alicia to the ropes, and Alicia refuses to release the hold until the referee gets to a count of four. Fenryr stands but Alicia immediately kicks his knee from the side. Fenryr goes down to his knee again, and Alicia grabs his leg. The fans begin to buzz as Casey Grey and Karli Frost run to the ring. Each of them carry a chair.
Scott Parker: I knew it! I knew Fenryr attacking Karli was a ruse and they were going to attack Alicia! Casey has obviously joined Ragnarok!
Alicia moves to a far corner to avoid Casey and Karli as Fenryr turns around to face them. In a move that seems to run contrary to Scott Parker’s assessment, Fenryr charges both women and takes them out with a double clothesline. Each of them go to a separate corner. With the attack on Fenryr, the referee calls for the bell and awards the match to him.
Rune enters the ring. Suddenly, the lights go out in the warehouse. The screen flickers to life with a grainy image marred with static. A phrase appears:
“LOOK AND SEE”.
The screen shuts off and the lights come back on. There is now another person in the ring, wearing a black cloak with a hood, apparently the same someone from the Strange Magic videos. Fenryr turns around as she takes her hood off. He takes a step forward towards her but she sprays him in the face with black poison mist. Fenryr swings wildly as the poison begins to work. He falls to a knee and the new person in the ring, Annabelle, turns to the side towards Rune to let him go down completely. Rune launches into an attack as well, but Annabelle throws a ball of fire into her face! Rune, smoking and singed, falls onto the mat, writhing in pain. Fenryr is trying to stand back up, but seems lethargic and only barely able to move.
At this point all hell breaks loose in the ring. Casey begins stomping Fenryr viciously, while Alicia grabs a chair. Annabelle locks in the Venomoid (Mandible Claw) on Rune. Karli looks honestly conflicted for a moment when Alicia starts bashing Fenryr’s leg with the chair and driving the end of it into his knee. He struggles to escape but it seems like he just doesn’t have the strength. Rune succumbs to the Venomoid and passes out before Annabelle kicks her out of the ring. Annabelle joins Casey in stomping on Fenryr next. Alicia throws the mangled chair away and locks in her Tangled Web (Reverse Indian Deathlock), and Casey and the others stomp on him in a frenzy. Trainers begin to rush to the ring, but Annabelle heads them off. She clotheslines the first one and he falls off the apron, knees the second one in the gut, and the third one gets green Mojo (Poison Mist) for his efforts. The next three that come out check on their comrades as Annabelle stands in the ring, blocking access and laughing as black and green drool drips down the front of her chin. Casey and Karli stop stomping Fenryr’s leg and Alicia releases her hold. Fenryr holds onto his knee but still can’t move well. Casey throws the mangled chair to the ground and turns to Alicia. She’s saying something, and then the two hug. Annabelle joins them in the celebration. Karli looks nervous, but Casey grabs her by the shoulders and says something to her. She begins to celebrate as well over Fenryr’s broken body. More trainers arrive to help him, and the women roll out of the ring. Karli backs up the ramp slowly, as Casey, Alicia, and Annabelle hover over Rune for a moment. Annabelle heads towards the ring steps, and Casey joins her. Alicia stops them from lifting the steps, saying something. Casey and Annabelle abandon their efforts, but Annabelle gets in an Attempted Murder (curbstomp) to Rune’s head before they join Karli. The four of them walk to the back together, stopping at the top of the ramp. Casey grabs a microphone.
Casey Grey: Hey, let me tell you all something. In case what just happened has left any of you confused, I’m letting you all know that the Hell’s Belles is officially back together. And if there is anyone out there that doesn’t grasp the subtle warning that we’ve left in the ring, let me lay it on the line. You disrespect, denigrate, or otherwise piss us off, that’s how you end up. On a meat cart. Take it to the bank.
Casey leads the other three women through the curtain as the trainers begin loading Rune and Fenryr on stretchers, leaving a crowd uncertain as to how they should react.
Scott Parker: What did we just witness, Gemma?
Gemma Foster: I don’t know, Scott. Casey, Alicia, Karli, and friend in tow just took our Rune and Fenryr.
Molly Hatchet Vs. AJ Adams
Scott Parker: It’s time for our main event bout, folks. This one should be a treat but you have to believe that Molly Hatchet is going to be distracted going into this one. She’ll face off against Ursula Von Rossbach next week in a deathmatch!
The fans give Molly Hatchet a nice pop as she starts to make her way out to the stage and is excited for the match. She looks around and skips down the ramp before sliding in under the ropes and rolling to her feet. She moves around the ring and starts to stretch as the fans come to life for AJ Adams. He slowly walks out and takes a knee.
Scott Parker: AJ Adams getting a big welcome here inside the Warehouse from these fans.
Adams soaks it in as he makes his way down to the ring. He climbs up the steel steps and steps inside to the ring. He takes off his tee and tosses it over the top ropes. The bell sounded as things were set to begin. The two locked up and Adams drove his knee into the gut of Hatchet before hitting her with a hard chop, then a forearm, and then he started to lift her for a suplex but she blocked it. Hatchet hit Adams with a jawbreaker and then an atomic drop. He pushed her into the ropes and she came back with the Glasgow Kiss (Jumping Headbutt)! Adams stumbled and was staggered as he moved around the ring. Hatchet looked for a headscissors takedown but Adams countered into a powerbomb. He rolled her backwards and she ended up on her knees and he hit her with a PK kick.
Gemma Foster: A vicious kick there from AJ!
Hatchet staggered up to her feet and Adams pulled her into position and delivered the LA to NY (Sitout inverted DDT). He looked for a pin attempt and Hatchet was able to kick out right at two. She powered to her feet and ducked a running forearm smash and a backhand. She charged at Adams and caught him with the Whiskey Bomb (Superwoman Punch) that made him stumble into the corner. She moved into position and charged again and hit the Splash of Ginger (Stinger Splash in the corner)!
Scott Parker: The energy from Molly is like a firecracker.
Hatchet climbed to the second rope as Adams stumbled out of the corner and she hit a diving cutter! Hatchet rolled Adams into a cover for two before he kicked out. Adams got to his feet and Hatchet tried to set up for the Ginger Snap (German Suplex) but Adams caught her with a hard elbow to the side of the head. Adams lifted Hatchet up onto his shoulders for a GTS when the jumbotron started to show static and Adams dropped Hatchet and looked up.
Gemma Foster: What’s this?
The tron showed Lacy Nelson walking around the back, as if she doesn’t notice the camera.
Scrambled Voice: Peek a boo. I see you.
Nelson walked into a locker room and shut the door behind her and a loud BANG could be heard and smoke started to to seep out from under the door.
Gemma Foster: Oh no, Scott.
Adams rolled out of the ring as Hatchet was coming to and he ran to the back. She looked around confused as the referee counted him out.
WINNER: Molly Hatchet
Smokescreen
The camera followed Adams rushing behind the curtain and trying to track down the room Lacy went into. A pounding could be heard as Adams ran down the hall and a guard ran with him. He found the room as more smoke poured out of the room and Lacy could be heard pounding on the door and yelling for help, saying the door was locked from the outside. The guard got the door opened as Adams helped Nelson out of the room and EMTs checked on her as a crew went in with extinguishers.
Scott Parker: Lacy appears to be okay, folks.
Nelson coughed a bunch and was handed some water.
Lacy Nelson: I think it was just a smoke bomb. I’m okay. I’m okay.
The camera showed us someone standing off in the distance watching but only their silhouette could be seen as Adams looked around.
The World Title Contract Signing
Featuring the Champion FM Young and the Challenger Ben Macbeth
The ring is dressed quite differently now with a dark turquoise canvas and the lighting is focussed on a long mahogany table where a black leather dossier sits. On either side of the table are two office chairs with microphones on short stands positioned facing them.
“The Parable” cues up and there is a decent reaction for “The Tomorrow Man” Benjamin Macbeth as he walks out onto the ramp. In his hand he had the original EW Heavyweight Championship. He holds it like the Southern wrestlers of old and is dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, white button down (sans tie), and black Ray Ban Clubmasters.
The fans started a brief “TO-MORR-OW MAN” chant and Macbeth just exhales sharply before walking down the ramp to enter the ring. Macbeth wipes his feet on the apron before proceeding into the ring.
The lights in the Empire Wrestling Warehouse go down, and “Helix” by Amaranthe cues up the driving beat giving way to the lyrics as the lights come back up to reveal "The Tiger" FM Young. She's standing in the wonder woman pose, hands in front of her chest, head tucked. She breaks stance, with a huge grin the exact opposite of Macbeth’s controlled entrance, her excitement is infectious and quickly spreads to the cheering crowd.
Dressed casually in a Japanese style motorcycle jacket, a wonder woman t-shirt and black hip huggers. Around her chest bandolier style is her custom Empire World Championship, around her waist is the OATH Pro Wrestling Intrepid Championship, she turns halfway down the ramp, spreads her arms and lets out a roar that is echoed back by the crowd. From there she jumps up the steel steps and leans against the turnbuckle waiting for Ben to make his move.
Macbeth appeared to be making a point of not looking in Young’s direction. Macbeth casually walked over to the table and lay his Heavyweight Title on top of it. The Tomorrow Man took a seat and gestured for Young to do the same.
Young with the help of the ring announcer takes the World Championship off, and sets it on the table without comment directly next to the Heavyweight belt. She takes a deliberate moment to hitch the Intrepid title further up to be able to sit before sitting and sliding a mic in front of her.
FM Young: Welp, here we are, Benny. How you doin today?
Ben Macbeth: Still undefeated it seems. Perhaps I am the only person not surprised by this. Does it come as a shock to you?
FM Young: It's a surprise you waited this long playing kiddie games. Yeah. I'm not undefeated, but I'm getting by pretty well as you can see. Didn't get run out of a company, have a legitimate title belt in two places.
Ben Macbeth: It did not take long for you to bring that up. I did lose my OATH contract and I did so in an attempt to win the World Championship. High risk, high reward. I gambled and I lost. Such is life. But we are not in an OATH ring. We are in Empire Wrestling. A company that was built off of the hard work of a great many people. However, the biggest contributor to this company’s success sits across from you right now.
FM Young: It really didn't take you too long to point out the undefeated thing. I figured I'd remind everyone that was a technicality. However I think that's fair enough to say. You have been pretty instrumental in Empire's success. No minor feat, what you've accomplished, but I haven't been beaten this run either. So here's my question Benny, why me? You could have done this song and dance anytime.
The Tomorrow Man smiled ever so slightly.
Ben Macbeth: You were not a factor in the decision.
He takes a beat to let that line resonate.
Ben Macbeth: Whomever was champion would have become my target. For the better part of this year I was preoccupied with the Primetime Championship, having a record breaking reign with it. The World Title is always the main goal but I saw an opportunity to elevate that championship — so I did. Then EMBLEM won the first ever Warfare Series.
Macbeth shot his cuffs and adjusted his cufflinks.
Ben Macbeth: That is my legacy in Empire, elevating everything and everyone around me. Now it is time for me to win back the championship that means a lot now than it did before I held it and had a record setting reign.
FM Young: You know how to flatter a girl, Benny. You really do. Look, I just wanted to beat you before because it would have been a big prestigious deal to do so. Now I wanna kick your ass for being just another in the long line of doofus's who think I can't hack it. More motivation for me in the long run. I told you before, God's already bleeding, Mcbeth. Regardless of your Empire run, I know you can be beaten. Me? I'm perfect at being the underdog, I do my best work with all the cards stacked against me, so I want you to bring it right to my doorstep. Because after beating you? My legacy will be set in stone. You and your old belt, beauty as it is will be history Tomorrow Man.
Macbeth smirks and drums his fingers on the main plate of the Heavyweight Title.
Ben Macbeth: I never said that you are not skilled. You took that inference. I simply stated that I do not care who holds the EW World Title — I want it and I will take it. Truth is, I expect us to have a sterling contest the likes that EW has yet to see. I look forward to it. I do not look backward.
He glances down at the title belt in his possession.
Ben Macbeth: This title that I own is merely representative of the first era of EW. It represents what was not what is. With that being said…
With one final look at the Heavyweight Title Macbeth slides it across the table.
Ben Macbeth: It belongs to you. Have all three of them. When I put a championship over my shoulder I want to have earned it. You want to say that God is bleeding and that is more telling than you realize. I have never claimed to be a God, I just claim to be the best. The verified standard of Empire Wrestling. If you beat me, which you are certainly capable of, that will be quite the feather in your cap. But when I beat you? That is just another day for The Tomorrow Man.
Macbeth pulls a fountain pen out of his jacket pocket, removes the cap, and signs the contract. He then slides the leather dossier across the table to Young.
Ben Macbeth: Deepest condolences.
Standing up, Macbeth slides his pen back into his pocket and moves to leave, not waiting for Young to sign.
FM Young: Gotta admit, I stole that line a couple of times. It's a good one. If you win? Yeah, it will be another day and it'll be a day I survive. Looking forward to the fight too, Benny. Thanks for the belt.
FM Young stands up, leans over and signs the contract with one of the pens already on the table. Not needing anything fancy, she then sits back and let's Macbeth exit the ring first, then follows him to the ropes as she watches him walk up the ramp. He turns midway and the two stare at each other as the fans sit on the edge of their seat for Next Level: Ascension and we go off air.