Post by Admin on Mar 28, 2023 23:40:17 GMT -5
Episode #93 - March 26, 2023
Scott Parker: Welcome to Hype! We’re in for one heck of a show tonight, folks. The number one contender tournament continues here tonight as we get closer to finding out who will challenge Tia Santos for the World Championship. On top of that, Marilyn Lee Cross has a HUGE decision to make. Does she continue her reign as Primetime Champion that has now reached 876 days or does she vacate the championship and get a World Title opportunity?
Gemma Foster: She’s beaten everyone placed in front of her, Scott. How do you not give up the Primetime Championship and take the title shot?
Scott Parker: Or she can continue that reign and maybe shoot for July 27th and hit 1000 days. Something that’s just unthinkable in this day and age of wrestling.
Non-Title Tag Team Match
The Radicalliance (Josh Goldstein & Ronnie North) Vs. Freaks With Benefits (Kayla Taylor & Krista May Williams)
Scott Parker: I’m going to blow your mind, Gemma. While the Freaks with Benefits might have the most days total as EW Tag Team Champions, this is Krista’s first match in Empire Wrestling since August 14… 2019!
Gemma Foster: Krista and Kayla have, I suppose mostly, patched up their differences and are actually competing together in Limitless Wrestling and are competing for the Tag Team Titles there but they’ll have a challenge here tonight.
Taylor and Williams made their way to the ring and talked over strategy as the Tag Team Champions made their way down. North and Goldstein hit the stage to a big cheer. They made their way down and we got started with North and Taylor in the ring. Taylor tried to power North down with a hip toss but North stood his ground. North pulled Taylor at him and hit a big clothesline. North and Goldstein worked over Taylor as they tagged in and out. Taylor tried to fight back against Goldstein and he was able to hit a big suplex. He started to pull her up and she was able to hit a kick to the knee and then a superkick to the side of the head as he dropped to a knee. Taylor made a hot tag to Williams and she jumped into the ring with fire. She hit jumping clotheslines to both men but North slowed her down with a backbreaker. North lifted Williams up and they delivered Falling With Style (Doomsday Crossbody). Goldstein covered and Taylor broke it up.
Scott Parker: The Tag Team Champions almost put the match away with that!
The match continued and the Freaks started to fight back little by little. Williams hit Goldstein with the Last Breath (Swinging Inverted DDT) right after he tagged out to North. North entered the ring and pulled Williams in for a DDT but she countered into a small package and picked up a surprising victory!
WINNERS: Freaks with Benefits (Kayla Taylor & Krista May Williams) via pinfall @ 11:31
Williams popped up and jumped out of the ring as the crowd was stunned. She hugged Taylor as they made their way up the ramp.
Scott Parker: The Freaks have picked up a shocking win here tonight!
Gemma Foster: The Tag Team Champions are stunned!
#1 Contender Tournament
Hanako Vs. Melody Slayton
The next match was set to start as we continued the tournament to determine the number one contender for the World Championship. Hanako came to the ring first to a nice cheer and moved around the ring. The crowd gave Slayton a big cheer as she came down to the ring as well. The two competitors met in the center of the ring and shook hands to the delight of the crowd. The two backed up and Hanako rocked Slayton with a running shotgun dropkick! Slayton went flying into the corner and fell to the mat. Hanako ran over and hit Geitō (Starship pain) and covered, getting a shocking two count before Slayton kicked out.
Gemma Foster: Hanako nearly stole this one at the start.
Slayton rolled out of the ring to regroup. Hanako ran the ropes and dove over with a big tope suicida. Hanako rolled Slayton back into the ring but she rolled all the way through to the other side and out of the ring. Hanako walked around the ring and was speared into the barricade. Slayton stood and hit a big uppercut before rolling Hanako into the ring. The two got into the ring and went back and forth with hard strikes. Slayton laid into her strikes hard as Hanako tried to keep hers quick. Hanako looked for a roundhouse kick but missed wildly as Slayton ducked and then delivered This Magic Moment (V Trigger) as Hanako turned back to her. Slayton followed it up with Full Effect 2.0 (Superkick*, followed by a Shining Wizard). She went into a cover but Hanako kicked out to a big cheer. Slayton started to set up for the Glitter Bomb (Panama Sunrise) but Hanako countered into a back drop. Hanako turned around and flipped around Slayton and locked in Majikkuawā (Black Widow)!
Scott Parker: Melody has to tap out! Hanako has her in the center of the ring!
Slayton started to slip and fell to one knee. It looked like the referee was able to call the match when Slayton stood and took two steps and was able to grab the ropes to break the hold. Hanako quickly started to set up for Fūkiri (Reverse DDT into facebuster) but Slayton was able to slip free and hit a jawbreaker. Slayton hit This Magic Moment! Hanako hit a discus clothesline! Slayton hit a big superkick! Hanako looked for a German suplex but Slayton hit an elbow to the face and then Sonic Rainboom (Poisonrana). She jumped to the second rope and hit Glitter Bomb! She covered and picked up the pinfall.
WINNER: Melody Slayton via pinfall @ 18:52
Slayton celebrated in the ring as the referee held her hand. She and Hanako once again shook hands and bowed to each other.
Scott Parker: Melody Slayton is moving on to the finals.
Feedback
The fans were treated to the arrival of FM Young. She made her way to the stage and looked around the Warehouse with a smile as she walked to the ring. FM Young takes the mic from the ring announcer as her music fades out, looking melancholy and wistful.
FM Young: So…Man. Why do I always feel like this crowd and I end up having these heavy heart to hearts when I’m out here? It looks like I’ve got to explain myself again. You guys know I was married once, right? Azurine Vibbins. Yeah, that one. Long, old story. I ruined my first marriage for my career and my pride. Those are the essential bits. Important for later.
The big woman paces back and forth in the ring, drawing a hand ritualistically through her hair as she pulls the mic back to her mouth.
FM Young: After that, I bounced from relationship to relationship. Abusive ones. Disastrous ones. I’m hammering home here, like most of us in this career field. I’ve had a really shit love life, a total train wreck. More than my fair share of it all being my fault. Well, enter Lacy Nelson, a blond bombshell of a woman. Smart, cunning, wickedly wonderful sense of humor. I gotta admit, when I asked her out, I wasn’t in the best place. Two companies had folded, and I’d just left one that was an *ordeal* to be a part of. I’d lost all of my titles. I felt *useless.*
FM Young: So I asked her out, on a crazy whim. Why not? I won’t have to be lonely tonight. My basic thought process. Honestly didn’t think she would say yes, but she did, and guys. I fell hard and fast, a bad history of that. I even proposed using Volta….I busted my ass to save her from the manic maniac. That flash dance wannabe mutant ring monster. I was fucking *terrified* during that entire ordeal.
FM Young: I still felt like I was useless, not doing enough, not saving her fast enough. So yeah, after that was over? High on a heroic victory, I swept up my princess and asked her to marry me. I was at a point where my career had dulled. My *desire* for my career had dulled. I wanted things like marriage and family. My idiot ass is backstage at Empire show’s imagining little blond kids running around…A couple of months later? Lacy Nelson moves to L.A….Becomes a Champion. I flounder MY ASS OFF. I stop getting texts, I stop getting replies. The thing is when you’re watching someone on TV week to week as pretty much your contact with them? You start to notice things. The California company folds, and Lacy disappears. Meanwhile, here comes Alma Ventari.
FM Young: My first love, the woman who stole my heart so long ago now. Can you hear the clock ticking over my head? I wanted so badly to just have a life *outside* of wrestling. To have a real family to love and care for. I had my school, and my students and I wanted a wife and kids. Alma shows back up and we start talking, slowly, because I’m still hurt that she ran off. Lacy on the other hand, I couldn’t get to her, and I start thinking…I start realizing, she’s all about the headlines. Always has to be the leading news, this woman. The things I saw in her on TV? Remember when I mentioned that my wrestler's drive and ego ruined a previous marriage? Yeah. When you’ve been that person, you can spot it. Lacy and I didn’t want the same things. She *was* my younger, driven self, and she actually *liked* a lot of that mess with Maniac. Lacy was aching from her first major hurdle and again, I just couldn’t wrench her from it. So I tried giving her space.
FM Young: But while I was trying to let Lacy sort things out, Alma dropped a bomb on me. The reason she ran away from me? The former love of my life had gotten pregnant and legged it because she didn’t want to trap me. So I’m staring at this…Young adult human, who looks *just like me.* I was…In a lot of pain and no small amount of joy. My whole world went…
FM just pantomimes explosions here.
FM Young: Unimportant how that happened semantics aside, I suddenly had everything I wanted. I had a daughter, with deep brown eyes, long dark hair…My broad jaw…My ferocious tenacity. Her mother’s sharp keen mind and infinite compassion. I realized I still loved this woman, and I wanted to know this child…I had to pounce on it. Yeah, I was a major dick about just breaking things off, but at that point, our communication had been minimal anyway. She won’t hear it now, but I’ll say it. I could have handled it better, and I’m deeply sorry for having hurt you. I should have fought harder to keep things going. But then…Something happened to make all of that null and void. For whatever it’s worth, Lacy, I did truly love you, and seeing you like this pains me. So if this is what you have to do? Is this your therapy? Dragging out our dirty laundry, and making it into a show? I’ll go with it. I owe you that at least, I’m trying to move on with my career, but if you’re going to insist on a fight? I’ll give it to you.
“Hey, I’m going to sing myself out..Just a little message to Lacy.”
“I been keeping on the gas when I break down
I'm in here, running laps when it rains now
But I can't find relief, gotta lean back
If she can't stand to know, I want the feedback
Here's what I'm thinking of right now
I'm involved but I wanna be left out
Recognize I got lost upriver
Hopin' I won't wanna leave, uh
I just wanna know I'm in the deep end
Get a taste for what's lying on the seabed
Baby, now I'm in the game, I wanna play along”
Young dropped her microphone and made her way to the back.
Tia Santos Vs. Jason Evans
Evans was awaiting the champion as we came back from the commercial break. Santos hit the stage to a solid pop. She moved through smoke on the stage and held up the World Championship.
Scott Parker: We talked about the unprecedented title reign of Marilyn Lee Cross as Primetime Champion but what about Tia Santos and the World Championship? We are currently on day 352 as Tia Santos as EW World Champion. She’s coming up quickly on Daniel Daemon’s record of 366 days and she will end up passing him, Gemma. Her next defense is set for April 15th where she’ll hit 371 days.
Santos showed off the World Title as Evans quickly got in her face and the champion was having none of it as she pushed him away. The bell rang and she and Evans came to blows quickly. Evans and Santos exchanged chops and kicks to start things off. Evans looked for a belly to back suplex but Santos countered into a headscissors takedown. Evans got to his feet and looked for a suplex but she countered into a DDT.
Gemma Foster: Santos is countering everything that Evans throws at her.
Santos hit a big corner splash as Evans tried to get away and she was fired up. She hit a big running bulldog as she went into a split and rolled to her feet. Santos looked for a swinging neckbreaker that Evans kept swinging her around and hit one of his own. Evans lifted Santos and hit a blue thunder bomb and covered for just a one count. The two started to stand and Evans hit a pump kick to the chest. Santos rolled backwards and got to her knees. Evans lifted Santos up and hit Fate’s Dagger (Falcon Arrow). He covered and Santos powered up at two. She hit the mat and fired herself up as she stood. Evans charged and ran into a forearm to the face. Santos hit Beso de Muerte ([Kiss of Death] Dream DDT)! She covered and picked up the victory.
WINNER: Tia Santos via pinfall @ 12:03
Santos was handed the World Championship as we cut to see Marilyn Lee Cross watching backstage on a tv.
Martin West Vs. Austin Scott
This match was set to be next but as Austin Scott’s music played no one came out. The cameras cut backstage to show us Austin Scott being attended to by medics as he had been laid out. ‘The Empire Strikes First’ by Bad Religion begins playing, a tune unfamiliar to the crowd. Suddenly the crowd begins booing as Daniel Daemon emerges with Reverend Martin West beside him. Daniel is wearing a very nice bespoke suit but on his white pocket square, he has a symbol, a black ‘King’ chess piece. Reverend Martin similarly has a pocket square with the image of a black ‘Bishop’ chess piece on the suit jacket he wears as part of his vestments. The freshly polished EW Spartan Championship is around the Reverend’s waist under the open jacket.
Scott Parker: I wonder if we can start calling them the chess club?
Gemma Foster:: Uh….he might be able to hear us.
Scott Parker: ….I mean….ALL HAIL THE UNTETHERED EMPEROR!
Daniel steps over the top rope and enters the ring. A ring attendant is about to hand him a microphone but an unknown individual takes the microphone from him and enters the ring. They are wearing a considerably cheaper suit than the Emperor as well as a black mask that entirely conceals their face. A black ‘pawn’ pocket square sticks out of their blazer. The pawn brings Daniel the microphone and is quickly joined by a second pawn who is protectively carrying the Victorem briefcase. Daniel starts to say something and loud boos shower him. He only chuckles in return.
Daniel Daemon: If we could please have some decorum, your Emperor has something to say.
The boos grow even louder and Daniel chuckles harder, seemingly pleased with this chaotic reception.
Daniel Daemon: Well played, well played. I’ll never tire of it. Anyway… so it seems the big talk of this company is the tournament to crown a new number one contender to a title I once held and defended for a calendar year. The Empire Wrestling World Championship. There is no finer prize in this industry and you have individuals like myself and perhaps a few others to thank for such prestige… but as such a fuss is made about this tournament it seems like you all have forgotten about something.
Daniel gestures to the pawn holding his briefcase who holds it up for all to see.
Daniel Daemon: You see, I have watched this tournament with a great deal of interest… the interest one would watch with as several mice argue over a bit of cheese… that they don’t know is attached to a mousetrap. One of you will get that piece of cheese. You will have worked hard for it and you will have earned it… and then there will be a ‘snap’.
As Daniel says this, the pawn opens and slams shut the Victorem Briefcase, creating a loud noise.
Daniel Daemon: Now I’m not saying I’ll cash it in right then and there… I’m just saying that winning the Empire Wrestling World Championship will earn you the additional prize of an eventual fight with me…. And that is no prize to be eager to receive.
The pawn lowers the briefcase.
Daniel Daemon: But onto other business…I’m sure many of you have noticed a bit of a theme regarding how I do business… The Untethered Empire. I am the King and the good Reverend here is the Bishop and we are actively recruiting. We are still looking for a Rook, a Knight, and… well then there’s the matter of The Queen.
A pause, the booing has stopped as the audience is interested in what the Emperor has to say.
Daniel Daemon: On the last episode of Hype I saw a kindred spirit. Someone scorned who sought to make it the world's problem. I see an equal. I see…someone who I would like to be equal to myself in this new venture. An equal partner in the Untethered Empire… so I have my offer…and let me assure you this offer is meant to be entirely in a professional capacity.
Daniel reaches into his suit jacket and takes out a white piece of cloth. After a few moments he turns the cloth over and the camera zooms in to show that a picture of a ‘Queen’ chess piece is visible.
Daniel Daemon: You know who you are and… if you are interested in helping me make the headline of the CENTURY then you know where to find me. I believe that we could take this place over. I await your reply. Take your time.
Daniel drops the pocket square to the mat and ‘The Empire Strikes First’ begins to play once more, Daniel exits the ring as we cut to commercial, the camera focusing on the cloth left in the ring as it fades out.
#1 Contender Tournament
Harper Blake Vs. Casey Grey
It was main event time and Casey Grey was out first before the Extreme Champion Harper Blake came out. These two brawlers laid into each other throughout the match with hard blows. A pump kick from Blake had Grey into the ropes before Blake hit a clothesline to send her to the outside. Blake followed and the two fought near the announce table and Grey hit a belly to back release suplex that dropped Blake on to the table. Grey smashed Blake’s face off the table before rolling her into the ring.
Scott Parker: Casey Grey letting that mean streak show here tonight.
Grey stomped on Blake before pulling her up and sending her into the corner. Grey charged and hit a corner Breath Mint (Forearm Smash). Grey pulled Blake out of the corner and delivered her GTO (Fisherman Driver) and covered for just two. Blake was able to kick out and used the ropes to pull herself up. Blake walked into a kick to the gut. Grey looked for Breath Mint but was hit with Future Sight (V-Trigger)! Blake screamed and hit a second one. She connected with CMS (Quasedora Flipping Facebuster) and rolled Grey into a cover for just two.
Gemma Foster: Harper Blake with a close two count!
Blake made her way to the top rope and looked for DDS (Diving Double Stomp) but Grey rolled out of the way. Blake rolled forward and got to her feet but Grey quickly grabbed her from behind and hit Copperhead Road (Cobra Clutch/Single Knee Backstabber)! Grey pulled Blake up and connected with the Racklash (Rack Attack)! Grey covered Blake and Blake kicked out at two! Grey couldn’t believe it. Blake started to use the ropes to pull herself up and had to dodge the Breath Mint and Grey hit the referee.
Scott Parker: The referee is down!
Blake turned and hit Future Sight! She stood over Grey but was grabbed from behind by Manic! Manic delivered the Death Inside (Murphy's Law) on Blake. Manic laughed as she jumped out of the ring and into the crowd. A referee ran down to the ring as Grey grabbed Blake and locked in the Bitch Muzzle (Crossface). The referee checked on Blake and she was unresponsive so he called for the bell!
WINNER: Casey Grey via TKO @ 18:34
Grey celebrated in the ring before rolling out. Blake started to come to as she was handed her Extreme Championship and realized what happened and shook her head.
Gemma Foster: Casey Grey versus Melody Slayton next week!
Decision Made
After a brief commercial we came back to find Tom Carr standing in the ring with a microphone in hand.
Tom Carr: Ladies and gentlemen we’re at the end of the night but I have two more items for all of you. April 15th is coming and I promised all of you a new event here in Empire Wrestling. While Next Level events will continue, it was important to mark that Empire Wrestling is back and on the path to be better than ever. That night we will bring to you, REBIRTH!
The new logo for EW REBIRTH flashed on the jumbotron at the top of the ramp as Tom Carr looked on.
Tom Carr: Tonight we learned that next week we’ll see Melody Slayton and Casey Grey fight each other to be in the main event of Rebirth and fight Tia Santos for the top prize. But I gave an offer and it’s time we learn of a decision. Marilyn Lee Cross has the opportunity, after doing something never before seen here in Empire Wrestling, to vacate the Primetime Championship and guarantee a World Championship opportunity at Rebirth. Miss Cross?
There was a hush over the crowd before they popped for the Primetime Champion walking out onto the stage. She carried the title on her shoulder as she walked to the ring and climbed inside. She looked around for a few moments and looked at the Primetime Championship. She gave Carr a nod and handed him the title belt as the crowd popped once again. She jumped onto a turnbuckle and shouted for the fans to SAY. HER. NAME.
Scott Parker: Marilyn Lee Cross will be in the main event of Rebirth and compete for the EW World Championship!
Cross jumped down and rolled out of the ring as we came to a close.
Gemma Foster: She’s beaten everyone placed in front of her, Scott. How do you not give up the Primetime Championship and take the title shot?
Scott Parker: Or she can continue that reign and maybe shoot for July 27th and hit 1000 days. Something that’s just unthinkable in this day and age of wrestling.
Non-Title Tag Team Match
The Radicalliance (Josh Goldstein & Ronnie North) Vs. Freaks With Benefits (Kayla Taylor & Krista May Williams)
Scott Parker: I’m going to blow your mind, Gemma. While the Freaks with Benefits might have the most days total as EW Tag Team Champions, this is Krista’s first match in Empire Wrestling since August 14… 2019!
Gemma Foster: Krista and Kayla have, I suppose mostly, patched up their differences and are actually competing together in Limitless Wrestling and are competing for the Tag Team Titles there but they’ll have a challenge here tonight.
Taylor and Williams made their way to the ring and talked over strategy as the Tag Team Champions made their way down. North and Goldstein hit the stage to a big cheer. They made their way down and we got started with North and Taylor in the ring. Taylor tried to power North down with a hip toss but North stood his ground. North pulled Taylor at him and hit a big clothesline. North and Goldstein worked over Taylor as they tagged in and out. Taylor tried to fight back against Goldstein and he was able to hit a big suplex. He started to pull her up and she was able to hit a kick to the knee and then a superkick to the side of the head as he dropped to a knee. Taylor made a hot tag to Williams and she jumped into the ring with fire. She hit jumping clotheslines to both men but North slowed her down with a backbreaker. North lifted Williams up and they delivered Falling With Style (Doomsday Crossbody). Goldstein covered and Taylor broke it up.
Scott Parker: The Tag Team Champions almost put the match away with that!
The match continued and the Freaks started to fight back little by little. Williams hit Goldstein with the Last Breath (Swinging Inverted DDT) right after he tagged out to North. North entered the ring and pulled Williams in for a DDT but she countered into a small package and picked up a surprising victory!
WINNERS: Freaks with Benefits (Kayla Taylor & Krista May Williams) via pinfall @ 11:31
Williams popped up and jumped out of the ring as the crowd was stunned. She hugged Taylor as they made their way up the ramp.
Scott Parker: The Freaks have picked up a shocking win here tonight!
Gemma Foster: The Tag Team Champions are stunned!
#1 Contender Tournament
Hanako Vs. Melody Slayton
The next match was set to start as we continued the tournament to determine the number one contender for the World Championship. Hanako came to the ring first to a nice cheer and moved around the ring. The crowd gave Slayton a big cheer as she came down to the ring as well. The two competitors met in the center of the ring and shook hands to the delight of the crowd. The two backed up and Hanako rocked Slayton with a running shotgun dropkick! Slayton went flying into the corner and fell to the mat. Hanako ran over and hit Geitō (Starship pain) and covered, getting a shocking two count before Slayton kicked out.
Gemma Foster: Hanako nearly stole this one at the start.
Slayton rolled out of the ring to regroup. Hanako ran the ropes and dove over with a big tope suicida. Hanako rolled Slayton back into the ring but she rolled all the way through to the other side and out of the ring. Hanako walked around the ring and was speared into the barricade. Slayton stood and hit a big uppercut before rolling Hanako into the ring. The two got into the ring and went back and forth with hard strikes. Slayton laid into her strikes hard as Hanako tried to keep hers quick. Hanako looked for a roundhouse kick but missed wildly as Slayton ducked and then delivered This Magic Moment (V Trigger) as Hanako turned back to her. Slayton followed it up with Full Effect 2.0 (Superkick*, followed by a Shining Wizard). She went into a cover but Hanako kicked out to a big cheer. Slayton started to set up for the Glitter Bomb (Panama Sunrise) but Hanako countered into a back drop. Hanako turned around and flipped around Slayton and locked in Majikkuawā (Black Widow)!
Scott Parker: Melody has to tap out! Hanako has her in the center of the ring!
Slayton started to slip and fell to one knee. It looked like the referee was able to call the match when Slayton stood and took two steps and was able to grab the ropes to break the hold. Hanako quickly started to set up for Fūkiri (Reverse DDT into facebuster) but Slayton was able to slip free and hit a jawbreaker. Slayton hit This Magic Moment! Hanako hit a discus clothesline! Slayton hit a big superkick! Hanako looked for a German suplex but Slayton hit an elbow to the face and then Sonic Rainboom (Poisonrana). She jumped to the second rope and hit Glitter Bomb! She covered and picked up the pinfall.
WINNER: Melody Slayton via pinfall @ 18:52
Slayton celebrated in the ring as the referee held her hand. She and Hanako once again shook hands and bowed to each other.
Scott Parker: Melody Slayton is moving on to the finals.
Feedback
The fans were treated to the arrival of FM Young. She made her way to the stage and looked around the Warehouse with a smile as she walked to the ring. FM Young takes the mic from the ring announcer as her music fades out, looking melancholy and wistful.
FM Young: So…Man. Why do I always feel like this crowd and I end up having these heavy heart to hearts when I’m out here? It looks like I’ve got to explain myself again. You guys know I was married once, right? Azurine Vibbins. Yeah, that one. Long, old story. I ruined my first marriage for my career and my pride. Those are the essential bits. Important for later.
The big woman paces back and forth in the ring, drawing a hand ritualistically through her hair as she pulls the mic back to her mouth.
FM Young: After that, I bounced from relationship to relationship. Abusive ones. Disastrous ones. I’m hammering home here, like most of us in this career field. I’ve had a really shit love life, a total train wreck. More than my fair share of it all being my fault. Well, enter Lacy Nelson, a blond bombshell of a woman. Smart, cunning, wickedly wonderful sense of humor. I gotta admit, when I asked her out, I wasn’t in the best place. Two companies had folded, and I’d just left one that was an *ordeal* to be a part of. I’d lost all of my titles. I felt *useless.*
FM Young: So I asked her out, on a crazy whim. Why not? I won’t have to be lonely tonight. My basic thought process. Honestly didn’t think she would say yes, but she did, and guys. I fell hard and fast, a bad history of that. I even proposed using Volta….I busted my ass to save her from the manic maniac. That flash dance wannabe mutant ring monster. I was fucking *terrified* during that entire ordeal.
FM Young: I still felt like I was useless, not doing enough, not saving her fast enough. So yeah, after that was over? High on a heroic victory, I swept up my princess and asked her to marry me. I was at a point where my career had dulled. My *desire* for my career had dulled. I wanted things like marriage and family. My idiot ass is backstage at Empire show’s imagining little blond kids running around…A couple of months later? Lacy Nelson moves to L.A….Becomes a Champion. I flounder MY ASS OFF. I stop getting texts, I stop getting replies. The thing is when you’re watching someone on TV week to week as pretty much your contact with them? You start to notice things. The California company folds, and Lacy disappears. Meanwhile, here comes Alma Ventari.
FM Young: My first love, the woman who stole my heart so long ago now. Can you hear the clock ticking over my head? I wanted so badly to just have a life *outside* of wrestling. To have a real family to love and care for. I had my school, and my students and I wanted a wife and kids. Alma shows back up and we start talking, slowly, because I’m still hurt that she ran off. Lacy on the other hand, I couldn’t get to her, and I start thinking…I start realizing, she’s all about the headlines. Always has to be the leading news, this woman. The things I saw in her on TV? Remember when I mentioned that my wrestler's drive and ego ruined a previous marriage? Yeah. When you’ve been that person, you can spot it. Lacy and I didn’t want the same things. She *was* my younger, driven self, and she actually *liked* a lot of that mess with Maniac. Lacy was aching from her first major hurdle and again, I just couldn’t wrench her from it. So I tried giving her space.
FM Young: But while I was trying to let Lacy sort things out, Alma dropped a bomb on me. The reason she ran away from me? The former love of my life had gotten pregnant and legged it because she didn’t want to trap me. So I’m staring at this…Young adult human, who looks *just like me.* I was…In a lot of pain and no small amount of joy. My whole world went…
FM just pantomimes explosions here.
FM Young: Unimportant how that happened semantics aside, I suddenly had everything I wanted. I had a daughter, with deep brown eyes, long dark hair…My broad jaw…My ferocious tenacity. Her mother’s sharp keen mind and infinite compassion. I realized I still loved this woman, and I wanted to know this child…I had to pounce on it. Yeah, I was a major dick about just breaking things off, but at that point, our communication had been minimal anyway. She won’t hear it now, but I’ll say it. I could have handled it better, and I’m deeply sorry for having hurt you. I should have fought harder to keep things going. But then…Something happened to make all of that null and void. For whatever it’s worth, Lacy, I did truly love you, and seeing you like this pains me. So if this is what you have to do? Is this your therapy? Dragging out our dirty laundry, and making it into a show? I’ll go with it. I owe you that at least, I’m trying to move on with my career, but if you’re going to insist on a fight? I’ll give it to you.
“Hey, I’m going to sing myself out..Just a little message to Lacy.”
“I been keeping on the gas when I break down
I'm in here, running laps when it rains now
But I can't find relief, gotta lean back
If she can't stand to know, I want the feedback
Here's what I'm thinking of right now
I'm involved but I wanna be left out
Recognize I got lost upriver
Hopin' I won't wanna leave, uh
I just wanna know I'm in the deep end
Get a taste for what's lying on the seabed
Baby, now I'm in the game, I wanna play along”
Young dropped her microphone and made her way to the back.
Tia Santos Vs. Jason Evans
Evans was awaiting the champion as we came back from the commercial break. Santos hit the stage to a solid pop. She moved through smoke on the stage and held up the World Championship.
Scott Parker: We talked about the unprecedented title reign of Marilyn Lee Cross as Primetime Champion but what about Tia Santos and the World Championship? We are currently on day 352 as Tia Santos as EW World Champion. She’s coming up quickly on Daniel Daemon’s record of 366 days and she will end up passing him, Gemma. Her next defense is set for April 15th where she’ll hit 371 days.
Santos showed off the World Title as Evans quickly got in her face and the champion was having none of it as she pushed him away. The bell rang and she and Evans came to blows quickly. Evans and Santos exchanged chops and kicks to start things off. Evans looked for a belly to back suplex but Santos countered into a headscissors takedown. Evans got to his feet and looked for a suplex but she countered into a DDT.
Gemma Foster: Santos is countering everything that Evans throws at her.
Santos hit a big corner splash as Evans tried to get away and she was fired up. She hit a big running bulldog as she went into a split and rolled to her feet. Santos looked for a swinging neckbreaker that Evans kept swinging her around and hit one of his own. Evans lifted Santos and hit a blue thunder bomb and covered for just a one count. The two started to stand and Evans hit a pump kick to the chest. Santos rolled backwards and got to her knees. Evans lifted Santos up and hit Fate’s Dagger (Falcon Arrow). He covered and Santos powered up at two. She hit the mat and fired herself up as she stood. Evans charged and ran into a forearm to the face. Santos hit Beso de Muerte ([Kiss of Death] Dream DDT)! She covered and picked up the victory.
WINNER: Tia Santos via pinfall @ 12:03
Santos was handed the World Championship as we cut to see Marilyn Lee Cross watching backstage on a tv.
Martin West Vs. Austin Scott
This match was set to be next but as Austin Scott’s music played no one came out. The cameras cut backstage to show us Austin Scott being attended to by medics as he had been laid out. ‘The Empire Strikes First’ by Bad Religion begins playing, a tune unfamiliar to the crowd. Suddenly the crowd begins booing as Daniel Daemon emerges with Reverend Martin West beside him. Daniel is wearing a very nice bespoke suit but on his white pocket square, he has a symbol, a black ‘King’ chess piece. Reverend Martin similarly has a pocket square with the image of a black ‘Bishop’ chess piece on the suit jacket he wears as part of his vestments. The freshly polished EW Spartan Championship is around the Reverend’s waist under the open jacket.
Scott Parker: I wonder if we can start calling them the chess club?
Gemma Foster:: Uh….he might be able to hear us.
Scott Parker: ….I mean….ALL HAIL THE UNTETHERED EMPEROR!
Daniel steps over the top rope and enters the ring. A ring attendant is about to hand him a microphone but an unknown individual takes the microphone from him and enters the ring. They are wearing a considerably cheaper suit than the Emperor as well as a black mask that entirely conceals their face. A black ‘pawn’ pocket square sticks out of their blazer. The pawn brings Daniel the microphone and is quickly joined by a second pawn who is protectively carrying the Victorem briefcase. Daniel starts to say something and loud boos shower him. He only chuckles in return.
Daniel Daemon: If we could please have some decorum, your Emperor has something to say.
The boos grow even louder and Daniel chuckles harder, seemingly pleased with this chaotic reception.
Daniel Daemon: Well played, well played. I’ll never tire of it. Anyway… so it seems the big talk of this company is the tournament to crown a new number one contender to a title I once held and defended for a calendar year. The Empire Wrestling World Championship. There is no finer prize in this industry and you have individuals like myself and perhaps a few others to thank for such prestige… but as such a fuss is made about this tournament it seems like you all have forgotten about something.
Daniel gestures to the pawn holding his briefcase who holds it up for all to see.
Daniel Daemon: You see, I have watched this tournament with a great deal of interest… the interest one would watch with as several mice argue over a bit of cheese… that they don’t know is attached to a mousetrap. One of you will get that piece of cheese. You will have worked hard for it and you will have earned it… and then there will be a ‘snap’.
As Daniel says this, the pawn opens and slams shut the Victorem Briefcase, creating a loud noise.
Daniel Daemon: Now I’m not saying I’ll cash it in right then and there… I’m just saying that winning the Empire Wrestling World Championship will earn you the additional prize of an eventual fight with me…. And that is no prize to be eager to receive.
The pawn lowers the briefcase.
Daniel Daemon: But onto other business…I’m sure many of you have noticed a bit of a theme regarding how I do business… The Untethered Empire. I am the King and the good Reverend here is the Bishop and we are actively recruiting. We are still looking for a Rook, a Knight, and… well then there’s the matter of The Queen.
A pause, the booing has stopped as the audience is interested in what the Emperor has to say.
Daniel Daemon: On the last episode of Hype I saw a kindred spirit. Someone scorned who sought to make it the world's problem. I see an equal. I see…someone who I would like to be equal to myself in this new venture. An equal partner in the Untethered Empire… so I have my offer…and let me assure you this offer is meant to be entirely in a professional capacity.
Daniel reaches into his suit jacket and takes out a white piece of cloth. After a few moments he turns the cloth over and the camera zooms in to show that a picture of a ‘Queen’ chess piece is visible.
Daniel Daemon: You know who you are and… if you are interested in helping me make the headline of the CENTURY then you know where to find me. I believe that we could take this place over. I await your reply. Take your time.
Daniel drops the pocket square to the mat and ‘The Empire Strikes First’ begins to play once more, Daniel exits the ring as we cut to commercial, the camera focusing on the cloth left in the ring as it fades out.
#1 Contender Tournament
Harper Blake Vs. Casey Grey
It was main event time and Casey Grey was out first before the Extreme Champion Harper Blake came out. These two brawlers laid into each other throughout the match with hard blows. A pump kick from Blake had Grey into the ropes before Blake hit a clothesline to send her to the outside. Blake followed and the two fought near the announce table and Grey hit a belly to back release suplex that dropped Blake on to the table. Grey smashed Blake’s face off the table before rolling her into the ring.
Scott Parker: Casey Grey letting that mean streak show here tonight.
Grey stomped on Blake before pulling her up and sending her into the corner. Grey charged and hit a corner Breath Mint (Forearm Smash). Grey pulled Blake out of the corner and delivered her GTO (Fisherman Driver) and covered for just two. Blake was able to kick out and used the ropes to pull herself up. Blake walked into a kick to the gut. Grey looked for Breath Mint but was hit with Future Sight (V-Trigger)! Blake screamed and hit a second one. She connected with CMS (Quasedora Flipping Facebuster) and rolled Grey into a cover for just two.
Gemma Foster: Harper Blake with a close two count!
Blake made her way to the top rope and looked for DDS (Diving Double Stomp) but Grey rolled out of the way. Blake rolled forward and got to her feet but Grey quickly grabbed her from behind and hit Copperhead Road (Cobra Clutch/Single Knee Backstabber)! Grey pulled Blake up and connected with the Racklash (Rack Attack)! Grey covered Blake and Blake kicked out at two! Grey couldn’t believe it. Blake started to use the ropes to pull herself up and had to dodge the Breath Mint and Grey hit the referee.
Scott Parker: The referee is down!
Blake turned and hit Future Sight! She stood over Grey but was grabbed from behind by Manic! Manic delivered the Death Inside (Murphy's Law) on Blake. Manic laughed as she jumped out of the ring and into the crowd. A referee ran down to the ring as Grey grabbed Blake and locked in the Bitch Muzzle (Crossface). The referee checked on Blake and she was unresponsive so he called for the bell!
WINNER: Casey Grey via TKO @ 18:34
Grey celebrated in the ring before rolling out. Blake started to come to as she was handed her Extreme Championship and realized what happened and shook her head.
Gemma Foster: Casey Grey versus Melody Slayton next week!
Decision Made
After a brief commercial we came back to find Tom Carr standing in the ring with a microphone in hand.
Tom Carr: Ladies and gentlemen we’re at the end of the night but I have two more items for all of you. April 15th is coming and I promised all of you a new event here in Empire Wrestling. While Next Level events will continue, it was important to mark that Empire Wrestling is back and on the path to be better than ever. That night we will bring to you, REBIRTH!
The new logo for EW REBIRTH flashed on the jumbotron at the top of the ramp as Tom Carr looked on.
Tom Carr: Tonight we learned that next week we’ll see Melody Slayton and Casey Grey fight each other to be in the main event of Rebirth and fight Tia Santos for the top prize. But I gave an offer and it’s time we learn of a decision. Marilyn Lee Cross has the opportunity, after doing something never before seen here in Empire Wrestling, to vacate the Primetime Championship and guarantee a World Championship opportunity at Rebirth. Miss Cross?
There was a hush over the crowd before they popped for the Primetime Champion walking out onto the stage. She carried the title on her shoulder as she walked to the ring and climbed inside. She looked around for a few moments and looked at the Primetime Championship. She gave Carr a nod and handed him the title belt as the crowd popped once again. She jumped onto a turnbuckle and shouted for the fans to SAY. HER. NAME.
Scott Parker: Marilyn Lee Cross will be in the main event of Rebirth and compete for the EW World Championship!
Cross jumped down and rolled out of the ring as we came to a close.