Backstage
Irvine was seen walking towards the entranceway when he was stopped by Carly.

Carly: Irvine, may I have a word from you?

Irvine: - urgently walking but stops - Yeah sure. What is it?

Carly: We saw you earlier stare down at both Xavi and Pat. Will this be part of your address later tonight?

Irvine: Carly, I suggest you keep your eyes on me going to the duel field now. Do not keep me here. I have your answers and - points to the exit - they deserve to know. - walks away -

Kaiba: They deserve to know? The heck is he talking about?

Jack: As a champion, this may be about finding the worthy foe he always wanted to defend his title against.

Joey: Only one way to find out...

https://youtu.be/x2o_wW-llz0

Kaiba: Well, here comes the champion.

Jack: As the champion, he can do whatever he pleases.

Joey: Pretty sure that's now how it goes....

Kaiba: No one asked you Wheeler!

Joey: -mumbles- Least I don't choke away to Yug....

Jack: Alright both of you runner up and quarter finalist better shut it! Champ's about to speak.

Irvine is holding the mic with the title belt on his shoulder. He lets the crowd cheer as he begins to talk.

Irvine: I bet you're all asking, what's up with our champion staring down someone who acts like a bloodthirsty warrior and a drifter earlier? Well, I'm intrigued by the situation at the top. Because  I see worthy contenders in both of them. 

https://youtu.be/el7BhwZOaGw

Xavi appears at the other side of the duel field

Joey: What's Xavi doing here?

Kaiba: Xavi I bet will be raring for a chance against the champion.

Xavi: So you got good eyes on you champ! Now how about you go up against me?

The crowd oooh-ed and ahh-ed at the challenge made by Xavi but the staredown then was stopped by......

https://youtu.be/Idum4bIlGdg

Kaiba: What's he doing here? He lost!

Jack: Well he lost, but he gave an impressive match against the champion. Maybe a rematch for the next time?

Strike: Alright, now don't you - points at Irvine - say I am not worthy as a contender. I nearly had you beat need I remind you. But you somehow slipped away. 

Irvine: More of you didn't want it as much and lost sight of our duel. Because had you been able to keep at it - holds the championship belt above his shoulders - this shouldn't be with me. 

Xavi: - stares down Strike - Then that makes you someone worth facing.

Strike: Oh, you. The "unsatisfied" warrior. Well, I'm gonna beat you down and humble you to show you that I can earn myself a win. My only loss came from a wimp like you.

Irvine: A wimp? So you calling me that and me beating you to remain champion makes you what then?

The crowd ooohs at Strike as he looked livid. Xavi take advantage of the double team.

Xavi: Well, this is disappointing me one bit. Now you have to prove yourself twice to me...

Strike: - interrupts Xavi - oh hell no! I will show you who the better warrior is. But you know what? I was able to advance to the 2nd round. How about you? Got beaten by someone who I find worthier?

Xavi: Oh, now you got me. See you next week!

Xavi and Strike leave as Irvine then addresses the crowd. 

Irvine: This still leaves me with no opponent? Wow. Well at least I see if Xavi and Strike deserve a duel. But now that I staked my claim on who I want to face off against for the episode after this next one. Guess I join you all in watching out who will go up against me next week and join commentary for a while. See ya!

Kaiba: Well, that is quite the announcement. Xavi v. Strike. Warrior users both.

Joey: Quite a showdown to be honest

Jack: We shall see if finally, Strike is indeed worthy

Kaiba: But right now, we have just received word of what we will have for the next episode. So as announced, (1-0, 12) Xavi versus (0-1,20) Strike.

Jack: Also, we've received word that .... wait we got something going on backstage with Carly. 

Backstage
Carly: Thanks Jack. So I have here a few announcements from the Commissioners. So to add to that big match, we have (1-0,3) Frost going up against (0-1, 21) Tempest). And, oh! We have here one of the competitors for the match. Tempest, any words for your opponent next episode?

Tempest: The winds of change come to change the tide. I shall dent that up and comer myself - walks away -

Carly: Well... back to..

As Carly starts to do her outtro, in comes Drake.

Drake: Well, is it okay if I make a statement?

Carly: Uh, sure Drake.

Drake: I've been here for quite some time. Before the Duel League began like this, seeing Wilde leave and I take over some of the old cards abandoned by Hiro, I saw to it to try to adapt and hopefully win. But I see myself not doing that. I feel threatened. I feel the need to prove myself more like this. The need to ward away any and every chance out there for me to be removed here!

As Drake makes his passion-filled speech, in comes a newcomer.

???: Try to adapt? Oh come on now. You play with two different hearts. I don't see you lasting any longer.

Drake: Just who the hell do you think you are?

Duke: Where are my manners? The name is Duke. I just got here and this is the welcome I get? Geez, now I am more than driven to put your money where your mouth is. So if you want to prove your worth and need to belong here, why don't you and I duel next episode? If you win, I won't stay on. You get one win off me. But if I win, I don't inherit your record, but you go away, FOR GOOD!

Drake: You dare threaten me? Then that gives me more of an incentive to destroy you!

Duke: Well, while you wield heroes and dragons. Let me tell you, prepare for the horrors and bombardments of war. - walks away -

Carly: There you have it, (0-1,16) Drake v. Duke. Condition Duel, Win or Retire. Back to yo...

Wallace: Wait a sec, I got something to say. I know of someone who plays out of play and I want to see his worth. - to the camera - Vaan if you're watching this, I want you next episode and let's see how it's done. - walks away -

Carly: - shocked - Okay... so we got (1-0,11) Wallace v. (0-1,22) Vaan for next week too. Now before I leave, we also have (1-0, 10) Vade against (0-1,18) Gizmo and (1-0,6) Magnus v. (0-1,15) Crow for next episode. Back to you on commentary.

Commentary
Jack: Poor Carly, having to be interrupted like that

Joey: Aye, a dame like that doesn't deserve what happened to her earlier. But we got ourselves the other 2 to promote. so Vade against Gizmo eh?

Kaiba: Gizmo must be mad for bringing himself into such a duel. Against the Sacred Beasts themselves?

Jack: Bad hand will be the only way Gizmo wins

Joey: But let's talk about Magnus v. Crow. Pendulum v. Synchros.

Kaiba: Well, we don't really have much of a representative in XYZ apart from Wallace but he's in a duel against Vaan. But it's speed v. power. It's all I can say.

Jack: And I've received word that our opener will be the Win or Retire duel between Drake and newcomer Duke.

Kaiba: As far as we know about Duke, he will be wielding machines, but not in the same way as Gizmo. 

Joey: This makes for an interesting duel. But right now, - smirks at Kaiba - time to put your money where ya mouth is Seto!

Kaiba: Then, it's time for the main event. (1-0,9) Ryu against (0-1,13) AK.

Jack: Rokkets and Red-Eyes against Blue-Eyes. Handicap match? More of a match of dominance. Let's go to our announcer.

Announcer: It's time! For the main event! First, Ryu!

https://youtu.be/DIZ5FcV64EE

Joey: Here comes the winner of the duel right there! For sure we will be seeing a victor!

Kaiba: Pretty bold to predict that Wheeler.

Joey: Aye, at least this one is not A choKer eh? 

Kaiba: Shut up!

Jack: Alright, trash talk be reserved or once the duel begins gentlemen.

Kaiba: This Wheeler's no gentleman, he's a mutt!

Joey: At least a mutt who's betting on a winner

https://youtu.be/gNrNwrVn0xQ

Announcer: And his opponent, AK!

Kaiba: Here he comes, someone who I know can prove himself in big match situations like this!

Joey: Or Choke. Just sayin'

Kaiba: I didn't hear a thing. Just a mutt's barking.

Joey: Oh then the barking will turn into bites every minute of AK losing life points and the duel!

Jack: Can we call it down the middle?

Joey and Kaiba: NO!

Jack: As I thought, announcer, take it away.

Announcer: Let the duel, begin!

(A/N: Before we begin, this will take effect for the next few duels. Apparently I overlooked a rule and assumed that this was Duel Links only, players who go first are not to draw for turn. So they start with the 5 cards as starting hand and can only draw after their opponent's 2nd turn. My bad and back to the duel)

Turn 1 (Ryu 8000/ AK 8000)
Main Phase 1 Ryu

Ryu: I summon Paladin of Felgrand (LIGHT/4*/Warrior/Effect/ATK1700/DEF300). I activate its effect since it was Normal Summoned. I can equip 1 Level 7 or 8 (7* or 8*) from my hand or Deck to this card. This card will be unaffected by other monsters' efects while equipped with an Equip Card. I equip from my hand, Red-Eyes Black Dragon (DARK/7*/Dragon/ATK2400/DEF2000) to end my turn.

Joey: Aw right! Red-Eyes on the field already!

Kaiba: Don't be too excited about it Wheeler.

Joey: AK's chokin' anyway.

Turn 2 (Ryu 8000/ AK 8000)
AK Draws a card

AK: I summon Alexandrite Dragon (LIGHT/4*/Dragon/ATK2000/DEF100). I attack your pathetic Paladin of Felgrand! 

Alexandrite Dragon (ATK2000) destroys Paladin of Felgrand (ATK1700). Paladin of Felgrand (with Red-Eyes Black Dragon) is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard (300LP damage to Ryu)

Ryu 7700/ AK 8000

AK: I end my turn.

Kaiba: Where's that Red-Eyes now, Wheeler? - smirks -

Joey: Lucky break but for how long? 

Turn 3 (Ryu 7700/ AK 8000)
Ryu draws a card

Ryu: I set a monster in facedown defense to end my turn

Joey: Hey hey Wait! What's going on here?

Kaiba: You jinxed him by cheering, amateur!

Turn 4 (Ryu 7700/ AK 8000)
AK Draws a card

AK: I set a card and summon, Vanguard of the Dragon (EARTH/4*/Dragon/Effect/ATK1700/DEF1300). I activate its effect to discard a card from my hand to add 300 points to its ATK. I discard from hand, Eclipse Wyvern (LIGHT/4*/Dragon/Effect/ATK1600/DEF1000). 

Due to effect
Vanguard of the Dragon ATK (1700 -> 2000)

AK: This activates Eclipse Wyvern's effect. Since this card is sent to the Graveyard, I banish 1 Level 7 or Higher LIGHT or DARK Dragon Type monster from my deck. I select, Blue-Eyes White Dragon (LIGHT/8*/Dragon/ATK3000/DEF2500)

Kaiba: HAVE YOU GONE MAD?

Joey: See? Choker!

Jack: His turn isn't done yet.

AK: I attack your facedown with Alexandrite Dragon!

Alexandrite Dragon (ATK2000) attacks Ryu's facedown monster, which was Defrag Dragon (DARK/3*/Dragon/Effect/3*/ATK1000/DEF600). Defrag Dragon is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard.

AK: I attack you directly with VAnguard of the Dragon (2000LP damage to Ryu)

Ryu 5700/ AK 8000

AK: I end my turn

Turn 5 (Ryu 5700/ AK 8000)
Ryu draws a card

Ryu: I activate a Field Spell Card, Boot Sector Launch. It gives All Rokket monsters on the field 300 ATK and DEF points. 

Kaiba: Pathetic!

Ryu: I summon Rokket Tracer (DARK/4*/Dragon/Tuner/Effect/ATK1600/DEF1000). But due to Boot Sector Launch, it gains 300 ATK/DEF (DARK/4*/Dragon/Tuner/Effect/ATK1900/DEF1300)

Kaiba: Still not enough!

Ryu: I activate Rokket Tracer's effect. I can target 1 face-up card I control and destroy it to Special Summon 1 Rokket monster from my Deck except Rokket Tracer. I destroy Rokket Tracer to Special Summon from the deck, Silverokket Dragon (DARK/4*/Dragon/Effect/ATK1900/DEF100) but due to Boot Sector Launch, it gains 300 ATK/DEF (DARK/4*/Dragon/Effect/ATK2200/DEF400).

Joey: There we go!

Ryu: I attack Vanguard of the Dragon!

AK: I activate a Quick-Play Spell Card, Mystical Space Typhoon.

Jack: MST?!?!

AK: I destroy Boot Sector Launch. Your Silverrokket Dragon's attack points return to original values (DARK/4*/Dragon/Effect/ATK1900/DEF100).

Silverrokket Dragon (ATK1900) is destroyed by Vanguard of the Dragon (ATK2000) by means of battle and sent to the Graveyard. (100LP damage to Ryu)

Ryu 5600/ AK 8000

Ryu: I end...my turn and since this is my End Phase when Silverrokket Dragon was destroyed, I can special summon 1 Rokket mosnter from my Deck. I special summon, Rokket Recharger in Defense Position (DARK/4*/Dragon/Effect/ATK0/DEF2100). 

Joey: He saved himself. No way will AK get someone out with a bigger attack power than that!

Turn 6 (Ryu 5600/ AK 8000)
AK Draws a card

AK: I set a card and summon Divine Dragon Apocrylaph (DARK/4*/Dragon/Effect/ATK1000/DEF1500). And I activate a Spell Card, Dragonic Tactics! I tribute 2 Dragon-Type Monsters in my field to Special Summon 1 Level 8 Dragon Type monster from my Deck. I tribute Vanguard of the Dragon and Divine Dragon Apocrylaph to summon, the blood, heart and soul of Kaiba. Blue-Eyes White Dragon! (LIGHT/8*/Dragon/ATK3000/DEF2500)

Joey: Another one?!?!?

Kaiba: Pathetic Wheeler.

AK: Blue-Eyes, remove that Rokket Recharger from my sight. Burst Stream! 

Blue-Eyes White Dragon (ATK3000) destroys Rokket Recharger (DEF2100) and sends it to the Graveyard.

AK: Alexandrite Dragon, attack directly! (2000LP Damage to Ryu)

Ryu 3600/ AK 8000

AK: I end my turn.

Turn 7 (Ryu 3600/ AK 8000)
Ryu draws a card

Ryu: I end my turn

Joey: No!

Kaiba: Watch this Wheeler!

Turn 8 (Ryu 3600/ AK 8000)
AK Draws a card

AK: I set a card. - looks at Kaiba and Joey from the field to their position in the Commentary area - Time to show you that you have no place here! Alexandrite Dragon, direct attack! (2000LP damage to Ryu)

Ryu 1600/ AK 8000

AK: AcKnowledge me. Blue-Eyes, finish this insect off! Burst Stream! (3000 LP damage to Ryu)

Ryu 0/ AK 8000

Announcer: The winner, AK!

Kaiba: What was that Wheeler? AK was gonna choke? Well, Ryu choked for real! - stands up to applaud AK - What a show of destructive force

Jack: Alright calm down you two.

Joey: Ryu had a bad hand is all!

Kaiba: Losers make excuses for incompetence. Ryu was nothing more than a fourth-rate amateur duelist with a fourth-rate deck. 

AK was victorious but Ryu wanted to show sportsmanship and offer his hand as congratulations. AK slapped his hand away and turns his back.

AK: Amateur...

Kaiba: Taught him well

Jack: That is just pathetic

Joey: Sportsmanship to be replied to like that? IT's sad Seto

Kaiba: Like your bet to stop AK? Ha!

Jack: Alright, we end here for tonight's broadcast. Tune in next time. For Seto Kaiba and Joey Wheeler, I am Jack Atlas. Always get your duel on!

DUEL LEAGUE RATING
1. Cloud (1 - 1)
2. Dino (2 - 0)
3. Frost (1 - 0)
4. Hiro (2 - 0)
5. Irvine (1 - 0) - Duel League Champion
6. Magnus (1 - 0)
7. Odin (1 - 1)
8. Pat (2 - 0)
9. Ryu (1 - 1)
10. Vade (1 - 0)
11. Wallace (1 - 0)
12. Xavi (1 -0)
13. AK (1 -1)
14. Blaze (1 - 1)
15. Crow (0 - 1)
16. Drake (0 -1)
17. Fenix (0 - 2)
18. Gizmo (0 - 1)
19. Mahad (0 - 2)
20. Strike (0 - 1)
21. Tempest (0 - 1)
22, Vaan (0 - 1)
23. Viper (0 - 2)
24. Wolfe (1 - 1)