Press Conference (DDT3) for 08.05.17

[FGA Office]

DDT3 Press Conference
Sun National Bank Center
Trenton, NJ
August 5, 2017 (in character)
Start Time: 11 am EST
Invitees: Danse Macabre, Upper Echelon, Neal Durden, Lowri Moss, Shootcamp
Deadline: August 4 at 6pm EST

The following is a press conference for the 2017 Dynamic Duos Tag Team Tournament. The names listed above are the wrestlers who have been invited to this press conference. For reporters, you are more than welcome to use FGA's (Spencer Burke and Jessie Pederson). Or you can use your home fed's interviewers if you would prefer. Or you can make up your own. Doesn't matter. IC, this press conference takes place on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at 11 am EST. Two quarterfinal matches will be taking place later on that same night.

[Dreamscape]

The buzz from those in attendance picks up a bit as Emilio Vialpando and Jinzai, better known as Upper Echelon, make their way up to the podiums. If there’s a kink in their armor due to everything that’s happened with their “Family” as of late, the duo are doing a good job of hiding it as they take a seat and pick up their mics. The two look around for a bit in search of the first question to start them off. Suddenly, Jinzai raises a hand up and captures everyone’s attention. Giving a small shake of his head, Jin raises the mic up and begins to speak.

Jinzai
Actually before you guys do the thing with the stupid questions, I’ve got a few thoughts in mind after that round that I’ve been WAITING to get off my chest.

He mockingly scratches at his chin in deep thought as his pink tresses fall all around his face.

Jinzai
Unless memory is failing me, there were a LOT of people - you guys included, I didn’t forget, that said we were arrogant when I sat in this seat RIGHT HERE and said we’d knock off Blonde Ambition and waltz right into the next round. That we were overlooking them and too focused on the next round, that we were putting a ginormous target on our backs because of what we said.

Leaning forward, Jinzai’s eyes glint as he gives a dark smile.

Jinzai
I wanna clear all that up and more right here and now with a little message. Because much like our beaten and eliminated opponents, everyone in attendance forgot just who in the fuck it is that’s sitting here in these chairs. We’re not some rich kids with time on our hands looking for kicks. We’re not these half cocked, wet behind the ear rookies that are popping off with that good shit for a soundbyte then freeze up when the moment shines.

Jin motions between himself and Emilio.

Jinzai
We’re Hebi and Drago, Emilio and Jinzai. Upper Echelon by name because that’s where we are compared to our competition. When we say we’re gonna do something, beat someone? Chances are that it’s happening and there’s nothing that’s gonna stop it.

Emilio nods and leans forward to the microphone with a smirk etched on his face.

Emilio Vialpando
You can go ahead and put them “Who Are You” flashcards away kiddos, we already know that you know who we are. Did you notice the reaction in the room each and every time we step foot inside?

He looks around for a moment.

Emilio Vialpando
Everything stops. Lights go to flashing, every one stops what they're doing because they want to bask in the moment of being in the presence of greatness. Well morning ladies and gentlemen, greatness is here and you best try to savor this moment while you can because you won't be getting another glimpse of it until next time when we're here to talk about whichever team we're set to face next round.

Vialpando gives a sly smile as the reporters begin to shout out their questions. Emilio nods over to Spencer Burke as he stands up holding a notepad and pen in hand.

Spencer Burke
Would the two of you say you shocked the world when you defeated the likes of Blonde Ambition?

Emilio shrugs his shoulders and shakes his head.

Emilio Vialpando
Not really. We went out there and did exactly what we said we'd do. We knocked of some tough competition and advanced to the next round. Exactly what we said we'd do. Those who doubt or hate us for whatever reason probably were shocked or whatever but not us. I think it'd be wise for people not take us for granted nor underestimate just how good we are. Just cause we say that we are the best doesn't mean that we aren't.

The two laugh.

Emilio Vialpando
I think we all know by now that we are the best team y individual talents in the competition from start to finish. The real shock of the world was Danse Macabre beating Godfathers of Wrestling. I think that was the most shocking win in the entire tournament, not us. Don't give us that honor, you give that to Artemis y Salem. The two ladies that actually deserve that honor of appreciation.

Jinzai runs a hand through his hair, looking up in a bit of thought.

Jinzai
But at the same time… what’d you guys think were gonna happen? Arty-Chan and Say-Chan are two of the best HKW has to offer, maybe two of the best our Business has to offer in general. Salem’s an accomplished singles wrestler and Artemis is a fuck-mothering madwoman of the highest order, no matter what situation stick her in. You give either of them a challenge and their taking the biggest hammer they can find and bashing their way through it. And they did just that against the team -

He pauses, then shakes his head for a moment.‘

Jinzai
-Sorry, lemme rephrase that. The OTHER that everyone was saying would breeze through this tournament, all the while making them look extra pedestrian along the way. You guys who put the odds in The Godfather’s favor picked wrong on that one by the way, but we’re nice enough peoples to let that slide.

Giving a shrug, Jinzai gave a cocky smirk.

Jinzai
But like Hebi said, we’re the best there is, individually or clicking on all cylinders as a team and we’re still standing. We don’t say we’re the best because it’s arrogance, but because it’s fact. Bottom line, point blank period this tournament’s ours to win and we have no intentions of getting sent out before we hear our names announced as the winners of DDT 3.

Emilio nods as Jinzai finishes up talking. Before you knew it a reporter stood up immediately after.

Bernard Hutchinson
Upper Echelon, over here! Bernard Hutchinson from Strangle Report, nice to meet you guys. Been following you guys careers for quite a while now. Sort of surprised to see you guys teaming up at this stage of your careers. Wanna explain that a little?

Emilio rubs his chin before answering.

Emilio Vialpando
Because timing is everything and now was the perfect time to do it. We've accomplished so much in our individual careers already and we've been waiting for a chance to finally team up. I've never been in a legit tag team tandem while Jinzai has. He went out had a successful solo career now we're here gunning for the FGA World Tag Team Championships and to win this tournament. We wanna...I mean we're proving we’re the best tag team ever in professional wrestling. We're proving in such a short amount of time that when it comes to both solo and duo, we're at the top. We are the ones looking down while everyone else is looking up. Jaja, we're even lightyears better than some of the tag teams who have been together for years.

Emilio laughs to himself.

Emilio Vialpando
The timing was just right. With all what's going on and going to be happening...this is just perfect. Especially us doing it outside of HKW. Winning the titles outside of there y sooner or later be calling ourselves the HKW World Tag Team Champions there too? I'm sure both companies would love having the best tag team in the world as their champions at the same time.

Jinzai nods in agreement, chuckling a little bit.

Jinzai
We had this all planned out and lined up months ago, so we’ve been putting in a lot of work to try and make it happen. I got one tag title reign under me… one I feel all kinds of ways about due to how it ended, but that’s neither here nor there. But the thing is, I wanted to team up with my Big Brother after everything we’ve done in HKW. He’s become a Hall of Famer and one of the first two names you think of whenever someone fixes their lips to utter the words Hard Knox Wrestling. Me? I became a more than a mainstay and a name. First Hybrid Champion and HKW’s go to for the matches a lot of people’s favorite wrestlers get squeamish about competing in.

Jin’s lips stretch out into a wide grin.

Jinzai
We wanted to start this off right, and DDT3 seemed like the best place for us to start this path we’re on and tell the world that they’re being put on notice. And it’s looking like they’re getting the message. We got put in the Death Bracket of this tournament with Legends, Would Be Legends and Legend Slayers without having had a match together before hand. Why? Because they know who we are and what we can do.

The next reporter was a familiar face as FGA’s very own Jesse Pederson stands up.

Jesse Pederson
Upper Echelon, you’re going up against two ladies that you both are very familiar with Salem Cartier & Artemis Kaiser teaming up with one another. Seeing how hard they fought to eliminate The Godfathers Of Wrestling and it sort of seemed like a lot of people were counting them out, how does it feel to be taking them on this upcoming round? With all the history between you guys and everything?

Emilio finishes taking a sip from his Body Armour Sports Drink bottle and twists back on the cap as he leans into the microphone.

Emilio Vialpando
First off, hola Jesse. I think it’s pretty cool to be able to step in the ring with Artemis again after having such a tough, fun and potential match of the year worthy match with her back on Defiance a few weeks ago. I can’t wait to step back in there with her honestly. Then Salem...Well I...Or I don’t know, nobody has seen Salem in a while. Obviously you seen she was able to hold her own in that match so kudos to her there. But she’s about to step in there with a whole different animal. She hasn’t been in the ring with likes of myself or Jinzai ever before I don’t think, so it’s gonna be as big of a pill to swallow as it was to notice she wasn’t as big or nearly as good as she thought she was when she chose to leave the company and noticed that potential y skill didn’t exactly translate. I really don’t know how much she is into this to be quite honest. I honestly can’t sit here and tell you how invested Salem is to being in this tournament nor winning gold here in FGA. Sure she may have before but does she have it in her to go against the grain and try to beat two guys she’s been around since the start of her wrestling career? Two guys she seen go from the same level she was on and climb all the way top into the heavens?

Emilio looks down the table at Salem and shrugs his shoulders as he looks back at Jesse.

Emilio Vialpando
I don’t know. She had a chance to be great in this sport but now, not so much. Jinzai might be overselling her a little bit. Giving her a little bit too much credit where it hasn’t actually been deserved. It could have been way back when but now? Nah cuzz. It ain’t there for her no more. I’m not gonna sit up here and say I view Salem Cartier as a legit threat to take either of us out, because I just don’t. Artemis maybe, but not Salem cuzz. She gonna need to show me she still has what it takes to be a star in this sport because I honestly haven’t seen that since her first run in HKW. Am I still excited to be in the ring the with both of them? Sure. Of course. We’re gonna tear the house down. It’s Showtime, baby, I always tear the house down. And it’s theeeeeee Main Event. And knowing I’m gonna be in there with mi hermano Drago going up against Artemis? Yeah this is definitely gonna be a match you all are gonna wanna tune in for and not miss a minute of it. Hell, don’t even fucking blink!

Vialpando laughs a little.

Emilio Vialpando
Nah but seriously. Credit to them for proving people wrong, myself included when it came to taking out Andreas Lasiewicz y Chandler Scott. Forreal, round of applause to them ladies cuzz.

Emilio starts to clap and looks over to Artemis and Salem. The others in the room begin to clap until Emilio stops.

Emilio Vialpando
But all that shit stops tonight. You’re stepping in the ring with the Upper Echelon. The best. Best of the best. Two Gods. You two best be like Diana Prince and become a pair of God Killers because that’s the only way you’re gonna be able to get pass mi y Drago. You beat us? Who's to say you won’t win this whole thing? Well us obviously, but if you were to take us out right after defeating Godfathers of Wrestling. The possibilities are endless. The sad thing is...Those hopes aren’t gonna be needed. Your road ends here. I’m gonna tell you the exact same thing we told Blonde Ambition a couple weeks ago...You had better be ready to die for this. You better give it your all tonight. You’re gonna need everything you can muster to defeat us. Artemis, you know exactly what I’m talkin about. You had a glimpse of what it was going to take to defeat me. But what good is a glimpse when you can’t even get the job done...Granted, there was a time limit.

Jinzai leans forward a bit with a dark smile on his face.

Jinzai
I like both of you, but this is where your chapter in this tourney ends and where we add onto ours. We didn’t come this far, sink so much time into preparing for this tournament just for it to blow up in our faces two matches in Dancing With Death. You two are good, great even. Knocking off The GoF proved that in spades and then some. Us? We’re beyond that, and everyone in this room knows it despite whatever bullshit label of “Arrogance” they wanna slap onto us with what we say.

Jin looks over at Danse Macabre.

Jinzai
So bring everything you’ve got and pray that you can catch us slipping on an off night because that’s the only chance we’re giving for anyone going forward. But hey, if you fall like Blonde Ambition before you? You can at least take some pride in the fact that you got peaced out by the best Pro Wrestling has to offer, right?

Before any other reporter could ask a question someone speaks up.

William Cumberbatch
Hey! Hey! Over here! You two are some real assholes, you know that? You two come up here thinking you’re hot shit. Thinking you can’t be touched. Calling yourselves the Upper Echelon. Gods? The audacity! You two are nothing but 22 and 25 years old! How dare you--

Emilio Vialpando
I’m sorry who are you?

William Cumberbatch
Bill! Bill Cumberbatch!

Emilio Vialpando
Of?

William Cumberbatch
The Wrassling Cucumber Podcast Show!

Both Jinzai and Emilio sigh, with Jin muttering something to the effect of “This fucking guy”.

William Cumberbatch
Ha! Looks like you two heard of me huh?!

Emilio rubs his forehead.

William Cumberbatch
Thought so! You two make me sick! You guys in your inflated egos for no good reason!

Emilio Vialpando
What is your question, Bill?

Jinzai rolls his eyes, his words dripping with sarcasm as he speaks.

Jinzai
Yes, please. Don’t keep us in suspense while we wait on you to bless us with one of your brilliant questions.

William laughs.

William Cumberbatch
My question? My question is what’s gonna happen when you two pricks lose, huh! Cause I bet your ass you’re not gonna win this! You two are the type who thinks every single thing should be handed to you. Well I tell you what, you kiddos ain’t winning a goddamn thing alright?! Ain’t nothing being handed to you two here!

Emilio Vialpando
And who the fuck said anything was? We don’t need to be handed a goddamn thing, we take what we feel we deserve just like we’re gonna take those goddamn FGA World Tag Team Belts once we win this tournament. I don’t know who the fuck you think you are coming up here tryna disrespect us like we fucked your mom or your girl, but you can sit down and shut the hell up cuzz. We call ourselves the Upper Echelon because we are the Upper Echelon. We are at the top of this business. We just are, and there’s really nobody anywhere that can dispute that. What? Because your fat ass sits on a podcast shaming each and every wrestling talent in the world that have made a name for themselves in this sport you think you have a right to say something? Jaja, hell no. We don’t care about what people like you have to say. You're just a tiny fish in OUR ocean. Just because we let you swim in it doesn’t mean we have to give a shit about you and those like you.

Emilio grunts.

Emilio Vialpando
Mi y Drago? We are two of the best in ring performers in this tournament. The world even. Fuck it, the whole entire solar system. You’re not gonna find anything or anyone better than the Upper Echelon. Sure, you can go out there and look. Good luck searching for something you’ll never find. We don’t regret saying that we are the best. We don’t regret telling you people the truth. The truth is in front of your eyes, just wondering how long it’s gonna take all of you to realize it.

Jinzai gives Will a hard glare, though for the most part he’s stayed calm despite the disrespect.

Jinzai
What my dear Hebi-Chan here is trying to say here in the most polite way imaginable, Will? Fuck you, fuck your podcast, and fuck your life. We’re everything we SAY we are. We’re the best Tag Team this tournament has off of sheer talent and potential, Bar None. Our resumes speak for themselves. We’re the measuring stick for what these other teams have to look forward to because of that realization that no matter who they beat along the way, they have to see us if they want ANY chance of winning DDT 3. Do we expect this to be handed to us? Fuck no, we don’t want it if it’s that easy, nobody here does. But you can believe that we’re making any and every one who’s hoping that they can add this tournament OR the FGA Tag Team Titles to their accomplishments list weak and weary at the idea of us standing across the ring from them.

Jinzai sneers at Will

Jinzai
So when this tournament’s over, and you’re sitting in some dimly lit little room recording your podcast and adjusting that hate boner you seem to have for us while scrambling to find a guest worth two squirts of piss to get more than just that one viewer who tunes in and has your show on as background noise? We’ll be right here, saying the same shit we’re saying now while we make sure FGA’s Tag Team Champions know that they’re about to step in the ring with Greatness.

There was some commotion from the crowd of the media after that but it surely did shut up the angry podcaster. A woman stands up in the back and speaks up to the duo of Upper Echelon.

Raquel Morrison
Hi, Raquel Morrison from Wrestling Pro Insider. Do you guys think you’re overlooking Danse Macabre at all? Sort of like you made it seem you overlooked Blonde Ambition?

Emilio shakes his head.

Emilio Vialpando
We didn’t overlook Blonde Ambition. We said that numerous times last press conference. Are we looking over Danse Macabre? No. How can we? I just got done going to war with Artemis a few weeks ago jaja, how can I overlook that? How can either of us overlook current y past champions en our very own company? Especially when one is a former World Tag Team Champion in her own right. Do I think we are going to win?

He scoffs.

Emilio Vialpando
You goddamn right I do. I’m thought that last round. Think it this round. And I’m going to keep thinking it as long as we are in this tournament and when we challenge for the tag team belts. Simple as that breh. We want to win this tournament and we want those titles. We don’t think anybody in this tournament or the reigning World Tag Team Champions can stop us. And we haven’t met a team that could do that yet. Sure, it’ll be a battle for the ages each and every time because the opposing team's knows they’re going to have to do that just to beat us. And we’re going to have to do that because of how bad we want this. Only difference is, we’re going to be the ones walking out with our hands raised regardless of what the other team does.

Jinzai doesn’t speak for a moment, looking over at Raquel with suspicion.

Jinzai
...Weren’t you the one who asked this EXACT stupid ass question the last time and we had to correct you?

Raquel looks a little surprised at that.

Raquel Morrison
N-No? That was -

Jinzai cuts Raquel off and waves her off dismissively.

Jinzai
Not important. Swear to Zamas you reporters and interviewers are starting to blend together. I’m not gonna ball you out THIS TIME, but let me retread so this isn’t lost in translation. We’re NOT overlooking Danse Macabre. Hell, compared to how we were with Blonde Ambition after they went and made the dumbass decision of pissing Hebi and I off, we’ve been heaping on the praise to them and rightfully so. They’re THAT fucking good.

Jin gives a smirk.

Jinzai
But ya wanna know a secret, boys and girls? We’re that much better. We’re the best Team. We’re the best talents. We’re the total package. Whatever form of measure you wanna use to quantify, WE. ARE. IT. Nobody compares now, and nobody will when we advance forward and the narrative shifts from “Jinzai, Emilio, you’re downplaying the competition” to “You guys are giving them way too much credit” while the wins and eliminations pile up. We called our shot last round and what happened? We knocked off a major threat clean as a sheet, 1,2,3 in the middle of the ring last Flashpoint. Look for no different results when Danse Macabre and Upper Echelon meet in the ring and they see first hand why UE Runs the business today.

[Izzy Anders]

Ever since stepping inside the conference room, Danse Macabre were immediately bombarded by questions, some antsy reporters trying to get their quotes on their brilliant victory over the tournament favorites, the Godfathers of Wrestling. Artemis slowly brings down her shades, and puts up her hands. Salem seems to be bothered, processing the words she just heard while Artemis proceeds to calm the audience down with some hand movements and an incredulous look. It was their turn for questioning, but this was too much. Once the audience calmed down enough, Artemis sits back down in her chair, giving an almost friendly look to the Upper Echelon. Salem sits her seat like she did last time, but she throws them down onto the ground. Artemis waits for the

Ashley Reeves: Hi, Ashley Reeves from the--

Salem snatches her microphone from its stand and shoves the stand off the table. The noise shuts Ashley up, and Salem stands up to gaze at the Upper Echelon, namely Emilio Vialpando.

Salem Cartier: You do not get to speak down to me like that. You might not have seen me in a while, Emilio, but why do you think I’m back, hm?

A wry grin dawns on her face as she steps closer to the former World Champion.

Salem Cartier: You don’t know anything that has happened in the time that I’ve been gone. Just maybe...I’ve eclipsed you entirely.

Artemis puts out her hand as she feels Salem starting to encroach further and further to Emilio. Salem looks down at her wife, who shakes her head ‘no’. Salem begrudgingly goes back to her seat, forced to wait until it is time for their fight.

Artemis Kaiser: You.

She points to Ashley Reeves.

Artemis Kaiser: What was your question?

Ashley Reeves straightens out her hair, and beams at the Bloodlust Champion.

Ashley Reeves: Well, I’m going to go against the grain and not ask you about the Godfathers. Artemis, what sort of preparations have you gone into when being faced with the Upper Echelon here.

Artemis snickers, before lolling her tongue in her mouth.

Artemis Kaiser: Once more, my preparations will not be spoken of. I will say that I have tasted blood before--

She stares intently at Emilio.

Artemis Kaiser: And I want to push this series of matches in my favor, Emilio. So, you best believe that I’m looking at you when this match is going on. Yeah, Jin-chan is another person I have to watch out for, but I cannot tell you a lie and say I’m not looking to drive this elbow.

She pats on her elbow.

Artemis Kaiser: Right into your head.

The champion turns back to Ashley.

Artemis Kaiser: Is that it?

Ashley seems answered, and opts to sit down. Elena Musgrave, as seen in another press conference, stands up.

Elena G. Musgrave: Hello, Artemis, nice to see you again.

Artemis merely shrugs.

Elena G. Musgrave: My question is what is in the duffel bag? You lugged that thing around and it sounded like it had some weight to it.

Artemis looks to Salem, who shrugs as well. That encourages her to lift the bag up and place it on the table. The impact makes some of the closer spectators jump a little. Artemis unzipped it and proceeds to take out something bright. She places it on the table, propping it on a stand that she also brought. It was a championship belt, the MSW Tag Team Championship with her name on it. She produces another one, the GPW Tag Team Championship with her name on it. She follows suit by bringing forth the ECWF Tag Team Championship, but she uses them all as a background for the one belt that means the most to everyone involved in the match.

Snugly resting it on the table, she places both of the HKW World Tag Team Championships. One bears the name of Scarlet Flint on it, while stained in blood. Artemis’s belt is clean and crisp, but bears a dent from some injury earlier. She sits back down with the microphone resting nicely in her hand.

Artemis Kaiser: You see, I’ll answer this one in full, since I know it brought up another question. Why did I bring all these belts here?

Artemis chuckled.

Artemis Kaiser: Isn’t it simple? I brought them all here because I’m 100% when it comes to tag team wrestling. Any time that I make a team, we make it to the gold. I’ve had all my fair shares of partners. I had my brothers in the Kaiser Dynasty, where we were an engineered, undefeated machine. We took these belts home when the place died its final death. 638 days we spent holding these belts here.

She points to the GPW Tag Team Championship.

Artemis Kaiser: I brought filth into fame and fortune from the ground up. I commanded Hail Britannia, a team consisting of Alexis Terry and myself. The crack whore had to play competent for a little while and we made history with these belts. We won a contest similar to this one to win these belts here. The Pistols remember that ass beating too.

The egotistical champion even brought out her “Tagstravaganza” trophy, adding more prestigious clutter to the table.

Artemis Kaiser: The ECWF Tag Team Championships, where I simply walked into the place and tagged with the most hated woman, and the statistical best roster member there, Kyra McKnight. In my only matches there, we won the Universal Cup in commanding fashion and took the belts with us. No one could really stop us until we stopped acting like we cared.

Another trophy, the shining Universal Cup that she spoke of.

Artemis Kaiser: Finally, let me bring you back to an image that wasn’t so long ago. And let me merge it a little with some of the current times, yes?

She reaches into the bag and brings out the HKW Bloodlust Champion. She moves around the table, fastening it around her waist. Scooping up both HKW World Tag Team Championships, Artemis poses for the cameras before continuing.

Artemis Kaiser: I’m sorry, Jin-chan, I know you won the belt too, but I define this belt right here. And who the fuck remembers your partner? Poor choice, bud.

She gives the HKW World Tag Team Championship a stroke.

Artemis Kaiser: Scarlet, no matter how silly she may have been, proved to be a wonderful accessory to my overwhelming dominance over the tag team division at the time. Sine Mora broke every single record for the HKW World Tag Team Championship, and Team DLC is working their way up the big mountain we erected to make those belts prestigious again. We left bloodied bodies and broken dreams in our wake, and it was the coming out party for Artemis Kaiser. I know you both know this.

She points out the Upper Echelon.

Artemis Kaiser: So, let me now give some additional context to why I’m walking around with a good thirty extra--wait a minute.

Artemis goes back to her bag and takes out her Team of the Mid-Year trophy too. It rests in one hand while she takes out the Divine Supremacy trophy as well. She asks for the moderator to hold the microphone while she speaks.

Artemis Kaiser: Excuse me, let me give some context to why I just put on a good fifty extra pounds on. It wasn’t just for the cameras or for my ego. It’s a reminder. The Upper Echelon might be trying to run stuff in HKW right now, I get it. I respect you both and I’m glad that it’s you two that Danse Macabre gets to fight next. But I need you to know that you two, no matter what you may believe, are the underdogs. Because I, alone, am the strongest tag team wrestler in the damn world. Sans maybe the Super Mario Wrestling Bros.

She gives a wink to the camera.

Artemis Kaiser: I make bad teams great. I make good teams better than great. And it’s a shame that I have to kick you two in the ass to make you understand what the hell you’re walking into. I know I’m facing the first Hybrid Champion, but I know that Jinzai works better as a side ho sometimes. We just switch Captain Jaxon in for Black Mamba right here. Emilio, I know you’ve been on top of the world, but don’t let your brotherhood and your success get you in a bad situation now. This side of the bracket is called the Death Bracket. It’s not because of the Godfathers. It sure as hell wasn’t because of Izzy’s little posse. It’s not going to be because of Upper Echelon either. Here, in FGA, in DDT, I’m not letting you all try to monopolize or encroach on what I saw as my prize. I want to add those FGA World Tag Team Championships to my collection. Call me selfish, but that’s what I want. Salem wants them too. She wants to add more onto her FGA resume.

A beat.

Artemis Kaiser: Just remember that not only are you walking into a tough match against one of the best damn wrestlers on the Earth right now and a woman with all the potential in the world whose tapping it into. You’re walking into a warzone with two people who pay attention. You’re not nobodies. You’re not getting the dismissive treatment. Salem and I see you, and we know you. We know how to lay ruin to you. I look forward to the match, but allow me to end this whole conference with a final statement.

Artemis Kaiser: I heard you two proclaim yourselves as Gods. I almost laughed. Don’t forget that I’m the God of Anger, gentlemen.

A small cheer comes out over the moniker drop.

Artemis Kaiser: I know how to slay dragons, and I take pleasure in stomping out snakes. Danse Macabre will advance on past the Upper Echelon and carry the soul of HKW as we take DDT3 and the FGA World Tag Team Championships back to home base. Don’t worry, you’ll get to touch them. I’m a benevolent god.

Artemis heads back to her place at the press conference while Salem sends glares at Upper Echelon’s way.