#54: September 27, 2020

Scott Parker: Welcome everyone to a special edition of Hype as we’re coming to you live on a Sunday! Tonight is full of up and coming stars within Empire Wrestling as we’ll see the first National Title defense from Alicia Monroe as she’ll take on Meg Coleman. We’ll also start to hammer out some sort of “rankings” as we see who else is in line for shots at that championship that Monroe will have to defend every single week.

Gemma Foster: We’re also going to see the debut of Lana Corvin in what should be a really good match against Harper Blake. We still haven’t heard WHY Harper attacked her partner Kayla Taylor last week to cost their team the match.

Scott Parker: And we’re told that Sara Logan will be on hand to talk about the Extreme Championship and World Championship, including a big announcement for Tainted Twilight.

Gemma Foster: And debuts from two competitors in our first match of the night!-

Rat

The lights in the arena go out and the raucous crowd hushes. The opening notes of “Armed For Peace” by SUUNS kicks up and the absurdly long intro has the lights pulsing along with it. A figure appears at the top of the ramp in a long black overcoat, complete with a hood that casts a shadow over the person’s face. As the music continues, the figure walks to the ring and try-as-he-might the cameraman can not get a good view of the person’s face.

Once at the bottom of the ramp, the figure presents their right hand as if they are revealing something and the house lights come up. We see that the black coat is decorated with ornate gold piping and linework. The figure turns their back to the camera and ascends up the stairs. They wipe their feet on the apron and then enter the ring. The figure produces a microphone and then pulls back the hood to show their face. It is none other than Benjamin Macbeth. The music fades and is overtaken by a chorus of boos. Macbeth taps the microphone against his chin and he looks...sad.

Benjamin Macbeth: We are living in interesting times are we not? I of course am talking about the time since FM Young has been Empire Wrestling World Champion. I was looking forward to my match with her at Next Level: Ascension because I was certain that one of two things would happen; I would begin my second reign as Empire Wrestling World Champion OR a truly worthy competitor would finally give me a good death.

Macbeth shook his head as if he was still trying to understand what had happened. He was upset, however, was quite obvious that he was playing up his emotions.

Benjamin Macbeth: Unfortunately...for yours truly, neither thing happened. She had to resort to some truly underhanded tactics, via putting me through an announce table, because there was nothing else she could do to beat me. A Human Error Processor from the top rope did not do it and when she realized that she could not measure up to me, that broke something inside of her. I could see it in her eyes. She wasn’t angry -- she had given up. I have seen this expression countless times before when people have realized that they just can not keep me down. It is truly sad.

He mimes crying and the fans are having none of it. They are not interested in hearing his mockery of their World Champion and yet he continues.

Benjamin Macbeth: But that was not the worst thing that she did at Next Level. Yes, she put me through the announce table but what was worse was that instead of trying to get me into the ring to give me a good death...she ran. She fled. Do you know why? It was because she knew that if she got me back into the ring and I kicked out (which I would have)...that was it for her reign. I would defeat her only moments later. She knew this to be fact so instead of trying to defeat me like a real champion...she scurried away. Not a tiger, but a rat.

The fans truly did not like that. They love their champion and they can’t stand to hear her berated for another minute. The fans are screaming into the ring, trying to drown Macbeth out. He seems to be enjoying the response.

Benjamin Macbeth: You have hurt me FM. But not in the way that you would have liked to. You hurt me because you are hurting this company by holding a championship that you do not deserve. My heart is in pieces. I wanted a good fight and we had that -- to a point. You saw that you had no chance to truly beat me so you tried to flee. Shamelessly. You do not want to face me again and that makes sense -- I would not want to fight me again either. But you did not beat me. No one has. So until you are able to defeat me, you have no right to call for other challengers. Your only challenger is standing right here. Deepest condolences.

Macbeth lobbed the microphone into the air and “Armed For Peace” by SUUNS kicks up again as The Conscience of Empire Wrestling leaves the ring.

Dokueki Vs. Paul Morgan

The “Poison Dragon” made her way out to the stage with a mixed reaction from the 150 or so fans in attendance. She quickly dismissed any reaction as she stood on the ramp and quickly made her way down to the ring.

Gemma Foster: Dokueki making a return to wrestling after a brief absence as signed here with Empire Wrestling.

Dokueki rolled into the ring and quickly readied herself as Paul Morgan made his first appearance in Empire Wrestling.

Scott Parker: Paul Morgan is a big man, almost rivaling Daniel Daemon in height.

Morgan looked around the Warehouse with a half smile, holding both fists up in the air. He made his way down to the ring and climbed up the steps before stepping into the ring. The match was set to begin and the two started to circle each other. Dokueki landed the first blow with an open palm strike to the chest but Morgan came right back with a big chop to the chest. Dokueki connected with an elbow to the face where Morgan came right back with an European uppercut and then a big boot to the face. Dokueki rolled up to her feet but was quickly lifted up into a sidewalk slam and dropped onto the knee of Morgan with a backbreaker. Morgan rolled into a cover but Dokueki easily kicked out at one. Morgan pulled her up to her feet and sent her into the corner. Morgan charged but missed in the corner as Dokueki was able to get out of the way. She connected with a dropkick to the knee that brought Morgan down. She hit the ropes and connected with Shining Black (Big Boot Shining Wizard). Dokueki looked for a pin attempt and barely got two as Morgan was able to kick out and push her off with ease. Both competitors got to their feet and Dokueki landed a handful of blows and kicks to the legs. She impressed with using power to connect with a German suplex to the much larger man.

Gemma Foster: Dokueki using pure strength to land that big move!

She pulled Morgan into position for a piledriver but he was able to counter with a backdrop. Dokueki climbed to her feet and was flipped to the mat with Morgan jumping up and the big man hit his Front Wheelie (standing hurricanrana). Morgan was fired up and started to get the fans clapping along as Dokueki started to stand. He looked for a discus lariat as Dokueki stood but she was able to duck it and roll him up with a school boy pin for two before he kicked out.

Scott Parker: Almost!

They both rolled to their feet and Morgan flipped Dokueki around with a hard lariat! He lifted her up to her feet and then to his shoulders before delivering the Accelerated Pain (kinniku buster). He rolled her over and picked up a pinfall in his first match.

WINNER: Paul Morgan

Gemma Foster: I’d say that’s about a 7 on the pain scale.

Paul Morgan celebrated his win briefly before leaving the ring.

So Ridiculous

The show cuts backstage to Hayley Halsey who is still looking incredibly angry following the events of Next Level: Ascension. The bitterness of not being the National Champion is still getting to her and she’s about to make it clear that she’s not about to allow such a setback from happening to her again. Without any regards for the feelings of anyone else, the self-proclaimed “Chosen One” begins to speak.

Hayley Halsey: You’ve already heard my thoughts about what happened with that gimmick, ladder match bullshit so I’m not going to harp on it any further no matter how bitter I may still be about it. I can only move on and that’s what I am going to do tonight when I face Kayla Taylor in this number one contender’s tournament which I know I am going to win! I know that I’ve got Kayla tonight not just because this is a one on one match with no gimmicks or bullshit… but also because… well… I’ve done my homework and it looks like we have a little Taylor family drama here in Empire Wrestling and to that I say…. Yaaaawn…

Hayley pauses to make a mocking yawn, showing how little she cares for what happened with Kayla Taylor last week.

Hayley Halsey: Granted it IS hilarious to me! Boy, you really have been thrown for a loop lately, haven’t you, Kayla Taylor? Not only did you LOSE last week to the Social Elite… which has to be embarrassing enough… but you let down your entire family! How does that feel, Kayla? What is being an embarrassment to your family like? That’s what I’d like to know. I thank the gods that chose me to be a beacon of hope for the purity of professional wrestling that I don’t have family in this business. But hey, if losing to the Social Elite wasn’t bad enough, if embarrassing your family wasn’t bad enough… your little friend Harper Blake decided that she’s done carrying your ass… so she put you right on it after you screwed her over! Oh god, that’s so funny! Family friend! Tag team partner! The rock of your career… and… it’s gone!

Hayley gave a chuckle as she looked at the camera.

Hayley Halsey: With all of that drama in your head, how could you possibly beat me? Oh wait, I am going to give you a quick spoiler alert. You can’t! You won’t! You’ve got too much going on because not only do you have to deal with me… when I don’t have any distractions going on… you have to keep eyes on the back of your head knowing if Harper Blake is going to come out and try to screw you over which… I hope she doesn’t but that’s mainly because I don’t want you to have any excuses for the impending loss that you are going to have against me. You and Harper can have your little family drama and that’s fine with me… as long as you don’t overshadow the spotlight that belongs to me and that I’m entitled to!

She points to the camera and then points to herself.

Hayley Halsey: I’ve spent my whole career being overshadowed by something or someone else. Back during my wrestling school years, I was always overshadowed for the head trainer’s daughter and that was never fun. When I wrestled in my last company, it was always me getting the short end of the stick! I was the one that was always stuck in opening matches while wrestlers far less talented than me were getting favored and promoted all because they were going on Twitter, being your typical Twitter THOT and hashtagging BABY I’M A SAVAGE SATURDAY while the idiots in that company lapped it up and drooled over that talentless bitch!

I came to this company and left that piece of shit federation I wrestled for because I didn’t want to be overshadowed anymore… because I wanted to become the star that I know I’ve been destined to be for years and you’re not going to slow me down Kayla… not you or your stupid family drama! I am going to take advantage of your misfortune… which by the way is all your fault… and I’m going to be in the tournament finals… then I’m going to win that and become the National Champion and unfortunately… it probably won’t be against Alicia Monroe because I don’t think that one-hit wonder bitch is even going to make it past her first defense tonight…

Hayley rolled her eyes.

Hayley Halsey: I’d LOVE to face her… but… let’s not think too far ahead. I have to get by YOU first, Kayla… and I WILL… like it or not… because I’m going to do what Harper Blake did to you last week and that’s make you look… SO RIDICULOUS!

Hayley gives an arrogant scoff before she departs from the scene, clearly showing no sympathy at all for Kayla Taylor or anything she’s going through as the scene cuts.

Not Running

Elsewhere backstage, in front of the backdrop used for EW’s #Afterparty series, stood Lacy Nelson. She paced across the screen with her hat backwards and her jacket zipped up. Lacy tossed the hat and unzipped the jacket to show off her gear.

Lacy Nelson: I’m not running. So, Manic? Is that what you’re called? I could use excuses like you caught me off guard last week but that doesn’t matter. It didn’t matter when I did it and now it doesn’t matter when you do it. You want to use smoke bombs? Sneak up on me in the ring? Do your worst because I’m still standing. I have bigger fish to fry.

Lacy has finally stopped pacing and tries to take a few deep breaths.

Lacy Nelson: I still want a rematch for the World Championship. I don’t care if it’s FM, Benjamin, or anyone else. Put me in the ring with any of them and I’ll go on to write the headline and reclaim the Empire Wrestling World Championship.

She gives a big smile before pulling sunglasses up that were hanging on her top and put them on, walking off as we go ringside.

Gio DeLuca Vs. Johnny Draco

The fans booed as Johnny Draco and Tiffany Page stepped out from behind the curtain for the match next. Page briefly shouted at the fans to look at her client as they made their way to the ring.

Scott Parker: Johnny Draco made his debut last week on the Next Level: Ascension preshow with a win over Jack Williams of the Crew. We’ll see them later on tonight as they take on the Social Elite in tag team action.

Gio DeLuca: You know what I hate?

The fans in attendance gave a mixed reaction to Gio DeLuca as he stepped out to the stage with his microphone. He looked around and practically sighed as he walked to the ramp.

Gio DeLuca: Bitches named AJ Jerkoff. Last week, durin’ our match, I played possum. I laid on the table an’ had AJ thinkin’ that he was able to win the match. I moved and he went crashin’ through the table yet I didn’t win. I call bullshit.

DeLuca is in the ring now and tried to clock Draco with the microphone but Draco ducked it and rolled DeLuca up but he kicked out at one. They both rolled to their feet and DeLuca clocked him with a discus punch. Draco stumbled backwards and DeLuca took him down with a swinging neckbreaker. DeLuca started to move to the corner and Page jumped on the apron and yelled at him for attacking before Draco was ready. DeLuca turned away from her and walked right into a dropkick from Draco.

Gemma Foster: Just having someone like Tiffany Page in your corner is going to help you win a match here and there because she’s already shown she’s not afraid to get involved.

DeLuca climbed to his feet and Draco dropped him with a drop toe hold. Draco jumped up and hit DeLuca with an elbow drop. Draco rolled up to his feet and jumped up to the top rope. DeLuca started to stand and Draco connected with the Endgame (Flying Neckbreaker)! Draco climbed to his feet and looked for the FUBAR (Superman Punch) but DeLuca moved out of the way and then hit Draco with a flapjack. They both got to their feet and DeLuca ducked a clothesline and lifted Draco up and drove him to the mat with a blue thunder bomb and covered for two. DeLuca was fired up and pulled his ponytail out and started to shake the ropes. DeLuca charged at the standing Draco but was lifted and driven into the mat with the Regime Drop (Rock Bottom)! Draco covered and picked up the win.

WINNER: Johnny Draco

Page clapped on the outside as Draco took a few moments to celebrate before rolling out to meet her.

Gemma Foster: Another tough loss for Gio DeLuca here tonight as he was starting to build the momentum.

Scott Parker: Johnny Draco walking away with a win here tonight.


Honor the past… Embrace the future.

NATIONAL TITLE #1 CONTENDER TOURNAMENT MATCH
Hayley Halsey Vs. Kayla Taylor

When we came back from commercial Kayla Taylor was already standing in the ring. She had a microphone and took a few moments to talk to the camera.

Kayla Taylor: Harper. I know you’re listening. You’ve dodged me all week long because you’re an ungrateful bitch. If it weren’t for me you wouldn’t even have a job here in Empire Wrestling. I will be looking for you backstage and you better run. Run and hide because I am going to make you regret what you did.

Taylor was cut off as Hayley Halsey started to make her way out to the stage. The fans gave the “Chosen One” a round of boos as she centered herself on the stage.

Gemma Foster: Hayley has been very vocal this week about her match at Next Level: Ascension. She believes that no one can compete with her in the ring and that the only reason she didn’t win the National Title is because of the style of match it was.

Halsey climbed into the ring and posed as the fans booed. The match started and the two locked up and exchanged a quick series of arm drags. Halsey connected with a hip toss and then a running bulldog as Taylor started to stand. They both got to their feet and Taylor was sent into the corner. Halsey charged and connected with a clothesline and then jumped up and took Taylor to the mat with a headscissors takedown. Taylor rolled to her feet and had to quickly dodge a springboard dropkick. Taylor landed a hard kick to the gut before lifting Halsey up and hit her with the Atonement (Spin Sit-out Powerbomb). Taylor sat for the pin and Halsey kicked out at two. Taylor tried to roll into a Boston crab but Halsey was able to quickly make it to the ropes and she rolled out to the apron.

Scott Parker: Hayley Halsey with the technical know-how to quickly get to the ropes there.

Halsey got to her feet on the apron and grabbed Taylor and hit her with an uppercut and then jumped up with a knee to the face. Halsey climbed back into the ring and took Taylor down with a short arm clothesline and pulled her right back up to her feet. Halsey connected with the Facebuster of Fate (Double underhook facebuster) and rolled Taylor into a cover for two. Halsey quickly moved into a headscissors headlock and tried to get Taylor to fall asleep. Taylor started to slip but refused to stay down. She tried to get to her feet and took a hard kick to the face from Halsey. Halsey kipped up and rocked Taylor with the Desti-Knee Kick (Busaiku Knee Kick) and rolled right up.

Gemma Foster: This might be it, Scott!

Halsey was on the top rope and dove, hitting SO RIDICULOUS (Corkscrew Moonsault) and she picked up the victory.

WINNER: Hayley Halsey

Halsey celebrated as Taylor crawled over to the corner and sat.

Scott Parker: Hayley has moved on and will face either Noavrra or Austin Scott.

Halsey celebrated a little more before laughing at Taylor in the corner before leaving the ring.

A Reason to Smile

We fade in through a blue haze that has become customary for entering into the land of the YEET Machine. As the swaths of smoke clear up, we find Noavrra standing, in something of a predatory stance. Her frame is leaning in towards the lens, but her smile belies her aggressive posture.

Noavrra: While I don’t have the best news to share...I find myself having reasons to smile.

She straightens up slightly, then slides her hands along her midsection for a moment.

Noavrra: You will note that there is no National Title around this waist, but I had quite the fantastic time in that King of the Mountain match at Next Level: Ascension. I relish the opportunity I was given then, just like I do for this one.

She lets her eyes flutter closed, and she tilts her head back.

Noavrra: Tonight...Austin Scott, a former Extreme champion here in Empire Wrestling. 206 days of violence. A man who is very likely going to want to add another championship to his resume. He’ll have to beat me tonight to do that.

Keen eyed viewers might see goosebumps rise on the skin of her exposed arms.

Noavrra: I just love that I am getting to face off against a man who knows the meaning of the words “no limits”. Unfortunately, I don’t get the benefit of a ‘weapons free’ Austin Scott. I’ll find some way to cope.

She clicks her tongue in disappointment.

Noavrra: Austin, you’re the first opponent I’ve run into that might actually be able to lift this thick cake and work with it. I don’t take that knowledge lightly. I also know that you have me well beat in terms of experience...wrestling experience. Even so, I am going to do to him what I did to Alicia Monroe in the beginning of that match. Gonna drop this cake right on your face and see how long you can last.

She emphasizes it with a cock of her hips and a slap across her ass.

Noavrra: By the end of the night, you’ll be calling me Mommy, and I will move one step closer to a date with Alicia.

She lets her flirtatious nature drop in favor of something a bit more serious.

Noavrra: Speaking of...I listened very closely to what you had to say, Alicia...about winning the National Championship.

Her face hardens further as she recalls the words.

Noavrra: “I have a championship title, me? How? I’m the least serious person here.”

A disgusted expression places itself on her face.

Noavrra: The fact that you ever-so-cavalierly threw that out there. I may be new to the business, but to me it sounds like you went out there not expecting to win. And honestly, that bothers me. It feels like you're cheapening our efforts out there. I’m honestly looking forward to getting through this tournament so that I can release the tension I’ve got over your comments. Because if you’re feeling...unequipped to handle that responsibility, babe? I would be more than happy to take up the burden.

She relaxes a little, putting a smile.

Noavrra: But that’s for later. Tonight, Austin Scott gets a near death experience that will be sure to have him begging...for more; Courtesy of these thighs. See you soon, big boy…

She winks and nods, then manipulates some of the smoke around with her fingers as the scene cuts elsewhere.

A Wild Ride

Empire Wrestling’s resident cowboy just finished up lacing his boots as the camera came on with Kevin Olson standing next to him. KO gave the camera a smile as Scott started to tape his wrists for the upcoming match.

Kevin Olson: Mr. Scott, tonight you have-

Scott rips off the tape and secures it and starts talking.

Austin Scott: I have a match with a young lady lookin’ to make a name for herself here in Empire Wrestlin’. She’s a tough ‘ol gal too. You see her pull me off that ladder last week and powerbomb me? Mighty fine powerbomb too. I don’t know how Meg got that shot tonight when you and I were the last ones standin’ but that ain’t matter much. Tonight you’re itchin’ for a moment.

Austin Scott nodded and stood up.

Austin Scott: Honey, I’ll help ya scratch that itch tonight. This cowboy is ready to take you for a ride.

He tossed the roll of tape to Kevin Olson and walked away.

Social Elite (Angel Kash/Summer Page) Vs. The Crew (Jack and Josh Williams)

Superficial" by Heidi Montang hits as Angel Kash emerges from behind the curtain. The crowd is booing her, shouting their words of displeasure at her as she makes her way down to ringside.

Gemma Foster: And here comes your favorite wrestler and mine...

Scott Parker: I know you mean that with sarcasm. These people don't seem happy to see her.

Gemma Foster: Are they ever happy to see her? I’m told she has a couple things to say before her upcoming match.

She gets into the ring and grabs a microphone as her music comes to a close.

Angel Kash: Now, here in a few moments...you low class uneducated peasants will be graced with the presence of The Social Elite when we take care of those two imbeciles...The Crew.

The crowd begins to boo louder...she doesn't allow it to get to her.

Angel Kash: See, I can see why you all hate us. I mean look at Summer and I and look at you. We're good looking, you're not. We got money, you don't. We got status, we can get into any nightclub, red carpet party and every other social event in the country, you can't. And why? Because we are better than you. Your petty jealousy only makes us laugh.

An "Angel sucks" chant breaks out.

Angel Kash: Don't hate me because I'm beautiful. But if you think we look good now, just wait till we win the Empire Wrestling Tag Te-

Just then she's interrupted by an unfamiliar theme. On the tron there's an unfamiliar man riding a Motorcycle down a desert highway. We then see glimpses of a young man with long blonde hair as a GH symbol flashes through the screen, followed by the words "Griffin Hawkins". The newly signed Griffin Hawkins steps up the ramp to a pop from the crowd.

Scott Parker: Do not adjust your set. That, ladies and gentlemen, is Griffin Hawkins.

Gemma Foster: He said last week on the Afterparty that he'd make his presence known here tonight and he's a man of his word!

Scott Parker: A 7 time World Champion one of the more exciting and popular superstars in the sport today and he's interrupting Angel Kash. These two have a lot of history with one another and none of it is good.

The 150 or so fans give him a nice cheer as he gets in the ring, stepping on the turnbuckles and raising the Devil Horns in the air, soaking in all the positive reaction from the EW Fans. He grabs a microphone as the music dies down.

Angel Kash: Shut up!

The crowd only proceeds to cheer louder as she glares at Griffin.

Angel Kash: What the hell do you think you're doing here?! I didn't invite you to come out here! This is my time and you're on it!

Griffin Hawkins: This is the reception I get from you? After these years...after everything we've been through, this is the greeting you give me? Come on Angel, this is the official debut of Griffin Hawkins! You should be happy!

Angel Kash: Happy? Happy? Happy that you're out here once again trying to steal my spotlight?

Griffin Hawkins: Hey, I'm my own spotlight....

Angel Kash: What is it with you?! I swear to God I just don't get it! No matter what company I go to, you're there hogging all the spotlight. I work hard for everything that I have and do people notice that? No..instead they say, “oh my god, Griffin Hawkins is in the building”, and that makes me absolutely SICK! I'm done being in your shadow. People should be talking about me and not some bootleg Axl Rose. This is one company where you are not going to overshadow me.

Griffin Hawkins: ...whoa whoa whoa..hold on a sec Regina George. First of all...work hard? You have NEVER worked for anything! You have been handed things your entire life..you'd rather do things the easy way with no effort whatsoever. Unlike you, nobody ever gave me anything. I got where I am today because of me. I worked my ass off for everything that I have accomplished, something you don't seem to have any concept of. See, I didn't sign with this company just to sit around and eat sushi and drink champagne like you're used to doing..I'm here to prove that I'm the best in the industry, and to get gold around my waist.

Angel Kash: You forgot who you're dealing with Griffin. I ALWAYS get what I want. And I can see to it that you never become champion here in Empire Wrestling if you continue to get in my way.

Griffin Hawkins: Get in your way? I'm not here for that Angel. I'm here to help you. See, you said the fans hate you because they are jealous so why don't we ask them?

The crowd begins to cheer.

Griffin Hawkins: Now don't be shy people but do you hate Angel because she's incredibly annoying?

The crowd cheers.

Griffin Hawkins: Do you hate her because she's just unbearable to listen to?

The crowd cheers louder.

Griffin Hawkins: Or do you hate her because she's a narcissistic spoiled prissy little rich girl who throws a temper tantrum whenever she doesn't get her way?

He gets a loud reaction as Angel looks like she's about to explode. Before Griffin could continue, down comes Summer Page who gives him a Chick Kick right in the back of the head, sending him to the mat.

Gemma Foster: Oh come on! Was there any need for that?!

Summer shouts down at Griffin "You want to disrespect my best friend?!" and begins punching on him. Eventually he begins to rise up and blocks a punch from her, sending her backwards with a hard right hand. Angel goes to punch Griffin as well but gets the same treatment as he hits her with a quick punch that sends her reeling. Summer, who recovers, holds Griffin's ankle, keeping him from moving long enough for Angel to rush over and hits a nasty clothesline, sending him to the mat. They begin to stomp on him as trainers come out to break things up as the Social Elite roll out of the ring.

Scott Parker: The Social Elite standing tall tonight even without their match happening.


Take the pledge

NATIONAL TITLE #1 CONTENDER TOURNAMENT MATCH
Austin Scott Vs. Noavrra

Noavraa and Scott were up next and both were ready to get things going. The two put up their dukes and circled. The bell rang and Noavrra stepped right up to Scott with a stiff forearm to the face. Scott spun with a discus lariat that made her stumble to the ropes. Scott charged but was lifted up and over to the apron. Noavrra turned powered Scott into the ring with a suplex. They both climbed to their feet and she met him with a belly to belly slam and quickly wrapped her legs around his head and started to squeeze.

Scott Parker: Noavrra using those powerful legs to try and suffocate Austin Scott.

Scott struggled and was able to flip himself over her and she had to quickly let go to break up a pin. They got to their feet and Noavrra was able to roll Scott up with the Bridge to Terabithia (Backslide with bridge [Ala Jordynne Grace]) and Scott kicked out at two. Noavrra got to her feet and was rocked with a boot to the face. Scott hit the ropes and dropped her with Straight Whiskey (Running lariat). He tried to end things with his Lock 'em Up (Rings of Saturn) but Noavrra was able to fight him off before he could lock it in. She landed hard elbows to the face and Scott rolled away into a seated spot in the corner. She charged and rammed her hip into the head of Scott and then put him in the Dream Chamber (Noavrra uses her hips/butt to suffocate the opponent in the corner). Scott’s arms were trying to push her away as the referee started a 5 count and she walked away. Scott pulled himself up using the ropes in the corner and Noavrra charged and hit the Stampede (3 Repeated running Meteora knee strikes to a cornered opponent). She looked for a 4th meteora but Scott was able to move out of the way. She stumbled to her feet and he rolled her up with a school boy and she kicked out at two.

Scott Parker: So close!

Noavrra got to her feet and grabbed Scott and drove him to the mat with a spinebuster.

Gemma Foster: I think Austin Scott is gassed after those three hard knees to the chest.

Noavrra pulled Scott to his feet and landed a series of strikes to the head and then hit a big belly to belly slam. She popped up to her feet and quickly hit Down With The Thiccness (Seated senton) as she sat on the chest of Scott and picked up the pinfall!

WINNER: Noavrra

Gemma Foster: It’ll be Noavrra versus Hayley Halsey!

Noavrra celebrated in the ring as the fans gave her a cheer and she rolled out of the ring.



Tainted Victories

When we came back from commercial we were greeted with Sara Logan standing in the ring with a microphone in hand.

Gemma Foster: I’ve heard that Sara Logan has some announcements.

Logan smiled as she stood in front of the fans in attendance and looked out to the crowd.

Sara Logan: It’s been really great having even just a handful of you inside the Warehouse again. Your energy is felt by the roster and it was missed. That’s one of the reasons I’m standing out here tonight. Empire Wrestling strives to give all of you the best matches possible and you didn’t get that at Next Level: Ascension. Riley Rouse, they’re disappointed in you. These fans deserved to see you go all out against Tia Santos and you let them all down. That’s why, next week, it’ll be Riley Rouse versus Tia Santos in a rematch for the Extreme Championship.

The fans cheer for the match announcement.

Sara Logan: This time, Riley, if you hold back as you did, you’ll be fined $10,000 and will be barred from competing for Empire Wrestling ever again.

There’s an “oooh” in the crowd as Logan continues.

Sara Logan: That’s not the only reason I’m out here. There’s been all sorts of finger pointing about the ending of the World Title match. It was a draw because of FM, it was a draw because of Mr. Macbeth. The fact is that we want to make sure there’s a clear and distinct winner. That’s why, on October 30th at Tainted Twilight, FM Young will defend the World Title against Benjamin Macbeth… INSIDE A STEEL CAGE.

The fans roar at the announcement as Logan smiles and leaves the ring.

Gemma Foster: Two huge announcements, Scott!

Scott Parker: An Extreme Title match next week, a steel cage World Title match at Tainted Twilight. These fans are ecstatic.

NATIONAL TITLE #1 CONTENDER MATCH
AJ Jenkynx Vs. Casey Grey Vs. AJ Adams

The next match was set to begin as all three competitors were in the ring.

Gemma Foster: AJ and Casey had a great match at Next Level: Ascension and AJ was not happy with how he lost.

Scott Parker: Hell’s Belles could be a formidable group if things start clicking for them. The winner of this match will take on Alicia Monroe next week and we could easily see a rematch of the great Monroe/Grey series.

Adams quickly lifted Grey up as he wanted to hit her with the GTS but she grabbed the ropes and held on. Jenkynx pulled Grey down from Adams’ shoulders and sent her into the corner with a hard whip. He turned and was hit with a hard chop to the chest from Adams. Jenkynx gave him a chop back and this caused Adams to unload with a series of hard right hands to the head. Adams kicked Jenkynx in the gut and dropped him with the Rough Landing (Blackheart Buster). Adams turned and Grey caught him with the Breath Mint (Forearm Smash). Grey pulled Jenkynx to his feet and took him right back down with GTO (Fisherman Driver). Grey rolled him into a cover but Adams pulled her off and then tossed her through the middle ropes to the apron. The two battled with the ropes between then as Jenkynx started to stand. Jenkynx charged as Adams moved and Jenkynx speared Grey through the ropes and off the apron to the floor!

Gemma Foster: What a spear!

Both Grey and Jenkynx were slow to get up on the outside as Adams climbed to the apron. He jumped down and hit Grey with a double axe handle smash. Jenkynx got up and Adams started to drive his knee into his gut repeatedly before sending him into the steel steps. Jenkynx stepped up and hit Adams with a spinning heel kick. Jenkynx turned and Grey hit him with a spear on the floor. She pulled him up and rolled him into the ring and followed. Grey slid inside but Adams pulled her right back out. He lifted her again for the GTS but Annabelle appeared from under the ring and pulled her off his shoulders. Adams turned and Annabelle blew green mist into his eyes!

Scott Parker: Annabelle is here!

Adams grabbed at his face and Grey hit him with another Breath Mint. Jenkynx came flying off the top rope to the outside with a crossbody that took out both Grey and Annabelle. Jenkynx grabbed Adams and rolled him into the ring. Adams climbed up to his feet and was trying to wipe the mist away from his eyes. This allowed Jenkynx to sneak up and roll him up for a three count!

WINNER AND #1 CONTENDER TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: AJ Jenkynx

Gemma Foster: Oh my god, Scott!

Scott Parker: AJ Jenkynx is getting a shot at the National Title.

Jenkynx looked around in shock as he slid out of the ring and the fans booed. He laughed as he started to walk up the ramp. Adams looked up the ramp as Grey and Annabelle looked into the ring at him.

Unfinished

FM clearly on a leather couch at what’s probably her home smiles at the camera. Volta the Capybara sits comfortably on his “mom's” lap, eating a carrot and giving the camera a long side eye. FM stretches a bit and settles to make herself more comfortable, she looks calm and perfectly at home in the relatively sparse living room.

FM Young: Hello all, normally I do this kind of thing in the ring where I can be eye to eye with fans, even lately just because I want them to watch me at home in what is very much my natural environment. This week though, not gonna lie, I’ve got a job to do over in Empire’s other sister company BWF. Yeah, I work for all three companies. Macbeth paints this as a bad thing, but it is what it is. As if I’m not at a 100% during every match. As if I’m thinking about another match in my matches.

FM shakes her head and scratches Volta’s ears, letting the capy have his moment to chitter and chuff happily.

FM Young: Benny likes to talk, and talk, and talk. It’s a distraction, the man’s got a record so filled with asterisks that they had to add a chapter dedicating to all the footnotes explaining why he didn’t lose. He’s stuck on his technicalities, all his promise of being the voice of Empire. It’s talk. It’s self serving talk. He never does the afterparties, he only comes out when required. He never takes time to show his care, he just talks and talks and you know how this goes. I haven’t been the best Champion, but I admit that and I do my work, I take time for the company and the audience. Empire Wrestling has grown since I’ve been back, why? Largely because I’ve gone around passionately telling everyone in earshot how much I love the place. When you love something, when you try to be the spirit of something, when you do it honestly...People take notice, and want to share in that joy and passion. That’s my gift as Champion, that’s the passion I have for Empire Wrestling.

Volta finished his carrot and let out a small burp. FM picked up the carrot stump and threw it into a nearby trash can. She scratched under snoot, all calm smiles for her pet. When she turns back to the camera she's still calm.

FM Young: When we started this song and dance, I told Macbeth that god was already bleeding. I knew he was beatable, formidable, but beatable, and now? You ready Benjamin, cause I got a new one for you. The Emperor has no clothes, now that everyone is paying attention? Everyone can see your unbeaten streak for what it really is, a check marked sheet riddled with inconsistencies. You put all this emphasis on your image, the shades, the flashy suits, the flowery language. You want to be taken seriously, desperately. It’s all because you know if people look too far past the surface they're gonna find a whole lot of nothing. Now, I could go back over what happened at NLA, but I don’t have to, I don’t have to talk about it. Everyone with eyes can see what happened, and everyone who matters knows you came out looking worse for wear.

Volta stretches and turns on his side, exposing a big hairy flank that causes FM to stop and pet him more, baby talking at him and scratching his belly, as she giggles and enjoys the moment with her beloved animal. Even talking about Ben now doesn’t seem to phase her all that much.

FM Young: I don’t like check marks, or black spots, or asterisks. Had you beaten me into the ring? I would have lost outright, a count out is still a loss. I would have been the first to shake your hand, I like to win or lose on my own merit. So naturally I want to correct this black mark on my record, I don’t like unfinished business. I’m not like you, I’d rather be beaten, than not technically lose. I already know you’re gonna get your rematch, and I’ve been clued in as to how. This time, there won’t be anywhere for you to run, no tricks you can pull when you know you can’t just win under your own power. I’ve been using a lot of metaphors recently, and normally that’s not my style, but you like the flowery stuff so I figured why not communicate with you on your level? Certainly, you aren’t fighting on mine.

FM snaps her fingers, making Volta sit up, she whistles gently which makes the big rodent get off the couch, of course he scrambled right back up when his master got herself to her feet. FM approached the camera, looking serious but as not fury driven as she’d been before.

FM Young: I’ve let you get under my skin on twitter, and I gotta say, it hurt when AJ backed you up. That shit felt like a backstab, but honestly? I’m over it, you and I, we work on different wavelengths. I live a life that isn’t an illusion, this is my real home, that’s my actual pet. What you see is generally what you get. I’m the living breathing, real, Heart and Soul of Empire Wrestling. You might call yourself it’s voice, but so far all you’ve done is shriek into the void and honestly you can keep shrieking. Are you ready for another metaphor? I stole this one and I don’t mind saying that, because I want you and everyone else to know I’m being honest about everything and that I’m very serious when I tell you this, Macbeth. Keep bitching, and whining and saying “You didn’t lose.” There’s gonna be a rematch, and when that happens, everyone is going to know. No matter how much the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it.

FM smiles, and gives a jaunty wave at the camera as she reaches out to turn it off.


Harper Blake Vs. Lana Corvin

The fans were giving Blake some cheers on her way to the ring after turning on Kayla Taylor. Lana Corvin stepped out and was all business as she made her way to the ring quickly. The match started and Blake pushed Corvin into the corner and the two struggled to gain the upper hand.

Gemma Foster: These two shared a few brief words online this week and Lana isn’t making many friends so far.

Scott Parker: Lana Corvin isn’t here to make friends.

Corvin slapped Blake and pushed her backwards out of the corner. Corvin grabbed Blake and used the ropes to help her hit a tornado DDT before rolling to her feet. Corvin jumped and dropped her knees across the chest of Blake before rolling forward. Corvin took a second to strut around the ring as the fans booed. Blake climbed up to her feet and the two locked back up. Corbin looked for a suplex but Blake blocked and spun into a Russian legsweep and rolled backwards before hitting a running senton. Corvin started to sit up but was caught with a PK kick! Blake pulled Corvin up and sent her into the corner and charged with a big corner big boot. Blake hit the ropes and came back to deliver the Facial (Running Facewash). Blake pulled Corvin out of the corner and cover but didn’t hook a leg, which allowed Corvin to put her foot on the rope at two.

Scott Parker: A small mistake there that was likely fueled by emotions and not thinking about the positioning there in the ring.

Blake grabbed Corvin as she started to stand and wanted to hit a double chickening facebuster but Corvin was able to slip free. Blake sent Corvin into the ropes and Corvin came back and hit Through the Veil (Satellite DDT) and planted Blake on the mat. Both competitors were slow to get up as the fans clapped along as they started to stand. The referee made it to the count of 7 as they both got up. Blake looked for a pump kick but Corvin dodged it and landed Hecate’s Dagger (Shotei Palm Strike). Blake staggered backwards off the ropes and came back with her Future Sight (V-Trigger)!

Gemma Foster: Future Sight!

Corvin fell to a knee and Blake pulled her in. She lifted her for the Falcon Arrow but Corvin countered into a spiking DDT. Corvin slowly crawled to the corner and pulled herself up. She looked backwards and jumped up and delivered the Goddess's Favor (Best Moonsault Ever [Double Jump Moonsault])! Corvin hooked a leg for the pin and Blake kicked out just before three. The fans cheered as Blake started to get to her feet and Corvin readied herself. Blake ducked Hecate's Dagger and ran the ropes and this time Corvin side-stepped the Future Sight. Blake stumbled and turned into Corvin’s Spear of Diana (Stalling suplex into a neck breaker [Nead/neck dropped across her knee]). Corvin covered and picked up the pinfall.

WINNER: Lana Corvin

Scott Parker: Impressive outing from both of these two but Lana Corvin picks up a win in her Empire Wrestling debut.

Corvin sat on her knees and put her arms out with a grin. She rolled out of the ring before the referee could raise her hand and she made her way up the ramp.

Watching

Lacy Nelson was walking down the hall to her locker room with the plan of grabbing her bag as she was going to slowly start leaving the Warehouse for the night. As she opened the door her bag had been torn apart and her gear, clothes, and belongings were scattered. She turned to someone nearby and shouted.

Lacy Nelson: You see who all has been in and out of the locker room recently?

The person shook their head and shrugged as she sighed and looked around. She peered inside and didn’t see anyone so she walked inside and started to collect her things and shove them into the bag. Her locker was open and she grabbed her jacket out of it and shut it to reveal a picture taped to it.



It spooked Lacy and she jumped back a little and took a breath. She grabbed her back and left the room as the lights started to flicker.

Gemma Foster: Get out of there, Lacy!

Scott Parker: It is spooky season.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Alicia Monroe (c) Vs. Meg Coleman

Scott Parker: Let’s go over the rules for this bout, Gemma. All National Championship matches will be contested under them. Each wrestler has three rope breaks to stop submission holds and pinfalls during the match. After a wrestler exhausts his rope breaks, submission and pin attempts under the ropes by the opponent are considered legal. A wrestler is subject to a twenty count by the referee if the wrestler goes to the floor. Unlike other championships, the National Title can change hands on a disqualification or countout.

Gemma Foster: Let’s do this, Scott!

Meg Coleman was out first and got a nice round of cheers and made her way down.

Gemma Foster: Meg had an impressive showing at Next Level: Ascension and has a big opportunity here tonight.

She moved around the ring as she adjusted her gloves and softly punched the top turnbuckle and moved around. The reaction was more mixed but some loud cheers came down for Alicia Monroe as she stepped out to the stage next. The National Title was around her waist as she had a big smile on her face.

Scott Parker: That was a career defining moment for Alicia last week as she captured her first championship.

Monroe made her way into the ring and held up the title to a cheer. She handed it off as the match was announced and we were set to get things underway. As soon as the bell rang, Coleman was on top of Monroe with a tackle to the mat and mounted punches, trying to wear her out. Monroe was able to block a lot of the shots but a few landed. Coleman pulled Monroe up to her feet and drove her to the mat with a belly to back suplex.

Scott Parker: Coleman coming out of the gate strong and trying to end things quickly by never letting the vertern Monroe get her footing.

Coleman pulled Monroe up and looked for another belly to back suplex but Monroe flipped backwards and landed on her feet. Monroe grabbed Coleman and delivered a neckbreaker. She rolled into a sleeper hold but Coleman was able to easily slip out. Coleman kicked the leg out from Monroe and locked in an ankle lock. Monroe was able to crawl to the corner and used her first rope break. Monroe used the ropes to get to her feet and Coleman was ready for her. Coleman landed a couple jabs as Monroe approached and then Coleman locked in a headlock.

Gemma Foster: A very MMA style approach from Meg here and it’s really keeping Alicia stunned.

Monroe pushed Coleman into the ropes but Coleman hit her with a shoulder tackle. Coleman went right back into the ankle lock and Monroe grabbed the ropes again which were close by, using her second rope break.

Scott Parker: I think I see what Meg is doing, Gemma. Make Alicia use all three rope breaks and then she can lock in that ankle lock as long as she wants!

Monroe was able to spear Coleman into the corner and landed a few hard shots to the sides. Monroe hit a corner lariat and then flipped Coleman forward to the mat. Monroe hit the ropes with a springboard moonsault off the second ropes and covered for almost two. They both got to their feet and Monroe ducked a clothesline before pulling Coleman in and following it up with the Freebird (Running Bulldog). Monroe was feeling it now as she started to climb to the top rope. She looked for White Lightning (Moonsault) but Coleman rolled out of the way. However, Monroe landed on her feet. Coleman took her down with a chop block and went right into the ankle lock. Monroe was in the middle of the ring and had to slowly crawl to the ropes and used her last rope break.

Gemma Foster: No more rope breaks for Alicia!

Coleman pulled Monroe to the middle of the right and wanted to lock in another ankle lock but Monroe was able to roll forward and sent Coleman face first into the middle turnbuckle. Coleman staggered out of the corner and Monroe hit her with a sitout facebuster. Monroe was a little hobbled but got to her feet and pulled Coleman up. Coleman landed a hard right hand and then a kick to the gut. Coleman ran the ropes and hit Monroe with the Superwoman Punch! Monroe dropped to the mat and Coleman tried to cover but Monroe rolled out of the ring.

Scott Parker: The ring awareness there just saved Alicia a little longer.

Coleman couldn’t believe it and let the referee start the count.

Gemma Foster: Remember, Alicia can still lose the title in a count-out loss!

Monroe crawled to the barricade as the fans were cheering on the match. Monroe got up around 9 and took a few moments to look into the ring. The referee was at 12 and Monroe climbed back to the apron. Coleman flipped Monroe into the ring and moved across the ring quickly. Coleman looked for another Superwoman Punch as Monroe stood but Monroe dodged it. Monroe hit Coleman with a step up enziguri but took a little to stand as her ankle was clearly bothering her. Monroe grabbed Coleman and started to lift her for the Down in Flames (Burning Hammer) but couldn’t get it with her ankle and put her down. Coleman sent Monroe into the corner and hit her with a big clothesline. Coleman lifted Monroe to the top rope and started to follow. Coleman was trying to a superplex but Monroe was able to block it. Monroe pushed Coleman backwards and she hit the mat hard. Monroe turned and flipped backwards with White Lighting and covered and got a three count!

WINNER AND STILL NATIONAL CHAMPION: Alicia Monroe

Gemma Foster: The first defense is in the books for Alicia Monroe!

Scott Parker: But don’t take anything away from Meg Coleman here tonight. That was an impressive showing!

Monroe was handed the title as she celebrated and Coleman started to get up to her feet. The two ladies shook hands as the fans cheered before Coleman left the ring. Monroe celebrated with her prize as we faded out.