Post by Admin on Jan 19, 2021 2:58:39 GMT -5
LIVE FROM THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM at the historic ELDORADO CASINO in RENO, NV JANUARY 23, 2021 |
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
'This Means War' by Avenged Sevenfold explodes over the sound system, leaving the fans in a frenzy of boos. MICHAEL MAROU appears from behind the curtain, a cocky smile on his face and a steel chair in hand. He starts to descend the ramp, ignoring the jeers being thrown his way. Once he's to the ring, he tosses the steel chair over the ropes and slides in right after it. Making a big show of setting up the chair in the middle of the ring, he grabs a microphone and takes a seat. Marou pauses, giving the crowd a chance to settle, before he opens his mouth to speak.
MICHAEL MAROU
Ladies and gentlemen, a tragedy has occurred. Since the very first episode of Uprising's REVOLUTION, I've been bustin' my ass on every show. Undefeated, aside from one match against Luther. And yeah, that loss hurt. But you know what hurt even more?
He lowers the microphone, feigning a bit of heartache as he clutches his chest, pouting in an exaggerated manner.
MICHAEL MAROU
What hurts even more is that despite all I've done in and for this company so far... I was overlooked and went without a match tonight. Now I know... with a roster this size... not everyone gets booked every time. But god damn, I'm one of the top stars here. Look at how I handled Samantha Tolson, despite everything she threw at me. Look at how far I made it in the tournament. And to pay me now to sit at home on the last show before CORONATION?
He shakes his head.
MICHAEL MAROU
That's not my style. I don't sit at home. I make impacts everywhere I go. Tomorrow I'll go to LA to win my Valiant Chaos Title back. Next week I'll go to New York to fight my third ever GEW match. But tonight... I'm calling out anyone in the back. I don't care if it's Luther, Tirri, or that loudmouth douchebag Matt Stone. I don't care if it's Sam Tolson again... or that poodle-haired kid who runs the social media account! Whoever wants to get scrappy tonight, get your ass out here and give me the fight that I came for.
Michael tosses the microphone out of the ring and boots the chair aside. He backs up into his corner, ripping off his black Uprising shirt, as he waits to see who might accept his challenge. The show cuts to the opening montage.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
OPEN CHALLENGE
MICHAEL MAROU vs ENIGMA
When we return to ringside, 'Focus' by Hocus Pocus is still playing over the speakers, the Monster Machine Enigma halfway down the ramp when Marou slides out to meet him, laying into the bigger man right there on the ramp. He drags Enigma back to the ring by the leather coat that he's still got on and hoists him up in a gorilla press before tossing him up over the ropes. Enigma doesn't even have time to get free of that jacket before Marou's got a hold of the shoulder, dragging him forward and right into a knee. The big man falls back but Marou doesn't leg up, catching him in a Muay Thai clinch and then smashing another knee into his face. Enigma falls back, floundering and flailing to get free from that jacket and Marou stomps a mudhole before finally giving him a reprieve as he takes a moment to gloat. Enigma staggers up and flings the coat aside, but that moment of distraction is enough for Marou to nail him with a roundhouse kick! Marou is relentless, taking Enigma down again with a flurry of strikes and kicks before mounting him for a Thesz press only to get a warning from Neil Rana for the severity of those closed-fist strikes. He relents and backs off, waiting for Enigma to regain his footing – Court Martial out of nowhere (sit out piledriver)! Enigma is down like a sack of potatoes!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): MICHAEL MAROU
Marou rolls out of the ring, looking pretty pleased with himself despite the loudly booing crowd. He turns to look at them, holding his arms out to show off. He turns in a full circle and then freezes when he sees the SUPREME MACHINE standing at the top of the ramp. His handler stands next to him and as Marou's music fades out, she lifts a microphone to her lips.
JENNIFER RIVERS
Undefeated? No, Mister Marou. You are simply UNTESTED. We have a remedy for that, however. My brother would like to issue a challenge for CORONATION. Step into the ring against him, against someone worthy of your time and energy. Prove you are who you say you are.
Marou nods, his gaze locked firmly on the monster as the crowd pops and the view shifts elsewhere.
JENNIFER RIVERS
Undefeated? No, Mister Marou. You are simply UNTESTED. We have a remedy for that, however. My brother would like to issue a challenge for CORONATION. Step into the ring against him, against someone worthy of your time and energy. Prove you are who you say you are.
Marou nods, his gaze locked firmly on the monster as the crowd pops and the view shifts elsewhere.
CUT TO:
EXT. ELDORADO CASINO -- PARKING LOT
A hot pink limousine pulls into view and stops as the camera pans around, showing off decals scattered across the vehicle. Most of them are random 'rebel' logos, but the one that stands out the most is the big black lettering on the hood that spells out 'H.O.T'. The camera focuses on the door, as a red carpet rolls up to it. The door flings open and lets out a cloud of smoke. As the smoke settles, a black boot hits the concrete. Another foot emerges and soon we see Hayden Triggs standing in front of the camera. He is laughing and having a good time as he stretches out his hand back towards the limo, motioning for someone else to get out. The camera sneaks around to see that there are at least four girls that have arrived with Hayden. All of them slowly get out of the limo, giggling, as Hayden helps them out one by one. Hayden’s smile quickly turns when he notices a hooded figure standing next to a pillar in the distance. Hayden starts yelling at the figure.
H.O.T
The fuck you lookin' at homie? You better get to steppin'!
The figure starts walking towards Hayden.
H.O.T
Hey, man. I already told you, I'm not interested in the games! I got a very important match tonight, and as you can tell, I have a pre-show party planned to get my blood flowin'!
The hooded figure stops and drops his hood. It's SAW, and he is smirking from ear to ear.
H.O.T
I should have known you would be lurkin' in the shadows somewhere. We can do this right now, dude. I told you I wasn't scared of you!
Hayden starts walking towards SAW with his fists clenched. At an arm’s length away, Hayden stops. Hayden starts poking at the stoic SAW's chest as he shouts.
H.O.T
Talk to me dammit! Does cat got your tongue, Mr. 'Big Man'? You better say something or get knocked the f---
SAW says nothing. He looks at Hayden and smiles a deeper grin, causing Hayden to stop poking and stare blankly, clearly offended by the disrespect.
H.O.T
I've had enough of this shit! Let's do this now!
Hayden rears back and throws the first punch, but it's blocked. He throws another one, but SAW slaps it away. Frustrated, Hayden throws a wild kick, but SAW just shin checks him. Hayden catches SAW with a right hook now and it's on! The two start brawling as the girls scurry off, calling for help. Security run into view, now trying to tear the two men apart. Security gets them pulled off of each other, only for Hayden to rush SAW again. They continue to brawl as Hayden pushes SAW up against the limo. More security arrive at the scene as SAW has Hayden on top of the vehicle now. Security plead with the men to get down, but instead SAW delivers the 360 Adonis Driver, sending Hayden crashing through the windshield. Hayden is lifeless as the medical crew arrive to the scene, the sound of sirens already growing louder in the distance. SAW backs off, dusting his hands before holding them up, letting the staff attend to the fallen newcomer as he slips back into the shadows.
HOPE WILLIAMS vs SIOBAHN "THE SIDHE" MCLEOD
Siobahn stops Hope in her tracks with a knee to the midsection that doubles her over before locking her into a side headlock. Hope struggles against it and manages to push Siobahn off into the ropes, looking for a clothesline on the rebound but the rookie McLeod ducks under it and hits the ropes to take her down with a swinging neckbreaker! She looks to follow up but Todd catches her foot from the outside, tripping her up and giving his wife time to recover. Siobahn's manager Jude rounds the ring, coming after Todd who backs off immediately. Siobahn turns around and right into a cheap shot and a schoolgirl rollup courtesy of Hope, looking to steal her first singles win!
ONE!
TW—NO!
Siobahn breaks out and Hope starts arguing with Neil Rana about the fast count, giving the rookie opportunity to grab her in a sleeper hold. It's sloppy, but it does the job as Hope struggles to break free as the referee checks for signs of life through the whipping hair and flailing arms. Hope's fight begins to slow down and Siobahn tightens the grip, but Hope fights smarter and twists herself round, pushing herself to her feet with McLeod still attached before hitting her with elbows to the midsection to break the hold. She heads for the ropes and flies at Siobahn with a crossbody that takes her down to the mat before she hooks the leg, but Siobahn kicks out before the Rana's even in position to count. Hope drags Siobahn up by her hair and throws her into the ropes, but Hope doesn't get to attack as Siobahn spears her off her feet! She relents, letting Hope up and then whipping her into the corner, following her in with a splash and then a back elbow. Hope looks dazed and Siobahn takes her down with the CHERRY BOMB (slingshot suplex). She drops for the cover.
ONE!
Todd tries to put his wife's foot on the rope but Jude catches him in the act and clocks him with a huge sucker punch.
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): SIOBAHN "THE SIDHE" MCLEOD
H.O.T
The fuck you lookin' at homie? You better get to steppin'!
The figure starts walking towards Hayden.
H.O.T
Hey, man. I already told you, I'm not interested in the games! I got a very important match tonight, and as you can tell, I have a pre-show party planned to get my blood flowin'!
The hooded figure stops and drops his hood. It's SAW, and he is smirking from ear to ear.
H.O.T
I should have known you would be lurkin' in the shadows somewhere. We can do this right now, dude. I told you I wasn't scared of you!
Hayden starts walking towards SAW with his fists clenched. At an arm’s length away, Hayden stops. Hayden starts poking at the stoic SAW's chest as he shouts.
H.O.T
Talk to me dammit! Does cat got your tongue, Mr. 'Big Man'? You better say something or get knocked the f---
SAW says nothing. He looks at Hayden and smiles a deeper grin, causing Hayden to stop poking and stare blankly, clearly offended by the disrespect.
H.O.T
I've had enough of this shit! Let's do this now!
Hayden rears back and throws the first punch, but it's blocked. He throws another one, but SAW slaps it away. Frustrated, Hayden throws a wild kick, but SAW just shin checks him. Hayden catches SAW with a right hook now and it's on! The two start brawling as the girls scurry off, calling for help. Security run into view, now trying to tear the two men apart. Security gets them pulled off of each other, only for Hayden to rush SAW again. They continue to brawl as Hayden pushes SAW up against the limo. More security arrive at the scene as SAW has Hayden on top of the vehicle now. Security plead with the men to get down, but instead SAW delivers the 360 Adonis Driver, sending Hayden crashing through the windshield. Hayden is lifeless as the medical crew arrive to the scene, the sound of sirens already growing louder in the distance. SAW backs off, dusting his hands before holding them up, letting the staff attend to the fallen newcomer as he slips back into the shadows.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
HOPE WILLIAMS vs SIOBAHN "THE SIDHE" MCLEOD
Siobahn stops Hope in her tracks with a knee to the midsection that doubles her over before locking her into a side headlock. Hope struggles against it and manages to push Siobahn off into the ropes, looking for a clothesline on the rebound but the rookie McLeod ducks under it and hits the ropes to take her down with a swinging neckbreaker! She looks to follow up but Todd catches her foot from the outside, tripping her up and giving his wife time to recover. Siobahn's manager Jude rounds the ring, coming after Todd who backs off immediately. Siobahn turns around and right into a cheap shot and a schoolgirl rollup courtesy of Hope, looking to steal her first singles win!
ONE!
TW—NO!
Siobahn breaks out and Hope starts arguing with Neil Rana about the fast count, giving the rookie opportunity to grab her in a sleeper hold. It's sloppy, but it does the job as Hope struggles to break free as the referee checks for signs of life through the whipping hair and flailing arms. Hope's fight begins to slow down and Siobahn tightens the grip, but Hope fights smarter and twists herself round, pushing herself to her feet with McLeod still attached before hitting her with elbows to the midsection to break the hold. She heads for the ropes and flies at Siobahn with a crossbody that takes her down to the mat before she hooks the leg, but Siobahn kicks out before the Rana's even in position to count. Hope drags Siobahn up by her hair and throws her into the ropes, but Hope doesn't get to attack as Siobahn spears her off her feet! She relents, letting Hope up and then whipping her into the corner, following her in with a splash and then a back elbow. Hope looks dazed and Siobahn takes her down with the CHERRY BOMB (slingshot suplex). She drops for the cover.
ONE!
Todd tries to put his wife's foot on the rope but Jude catches him in the act and clocks him with a huge sucker punch.
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): SIOBAHN "THE SIDHE" MCLEOD
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
_____________________________________________
A cut to backstage, where the image of Kalinda's name written on a piece of tape and stuck on a door can be seen. A scraper comes into the shot, the tool wedging itself under the tape, wedging a corner loose. The camera pulls back to find a skeletal hand reaching out of a voluminous black robe with simple red trim wielding the tool.
Once the edge has been peeled, the undead abomination grips the tape between two bony fingers and tears it off. It throws the offending label in the trash, only to find that it's quite stuck to its fingers and some comedic flailing occurs before it just sticks the tape to the interior of the waste bin and gets rid of it that way.
An opened jar of mayonnaise and a spoon float over to the door, hovering in the air and held aloft by translucent motes of red and black energy. A bucket of water with a scrubby sponge follows afterward and the camera pans over to KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR with a clothespin on her nose supervising the removal and cleanup.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
Tonight...
Kalinda's voice is altered by the clothespin on her nose.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
Tonight, Don Tirri signs his contract for the UPRISING title match, two weeks removed from this affront to all that is unholy!
She gestures at the doorway where the floating objects are trying desperately to get the sticky tape residue off the door.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
The inconsiderate bastard didn't even use the right kind of tape when he insinuated that this storage closet for ballroom chairs was in fact my own private dressing room, just another misdeed to add to the list of his most grievous sins.
Kalinda turns and begins walking down the hall, the camera following.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
While yes, I do in fact have my own private dressing room, it's not like I'm lurking in the boiler room and being all antisocial. Though then again, with all the creepy quasi-CHUDs we've got around her, there's actually three to six people lurking and brooding in the boiler room at any given moment these days. ANYWAY! My dressing room is centrally located, easy to access, and my door is almost always open. How could I ever hope to recruit minions from the distraught, broken heroes who have lost faith in the light, and the dark souls that wander aimless without purpose, craving an iron hand in a velvet glove to follow devoutly if I'm not sociable?
Kalinda leads the cameraman to catering, where several wrestlers are getting something to eat and drink, all of whom seem to be steadfastly ignoring the out of place thing at the far side of the room.
Standing two stories tall is a massive, freestanding door that looks like it was made by somehow partially melting bones and sticking them together artistically. Sinister tendrils of red and black energy pour from the edges of the doorframe.
The massive central dragon skull seems to growl as the cameraman approaches. Kalinda walks right past the table where Tyson Deuce is eating a calzone and bops the door on the snoot.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
Hey! I told you to behave!
The door whines.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
That's not an excuse. It's just a little bit of paper and saliva.
Kalinda waves a hand and several spitballs that had been adorning the door burst into crimson flame and burn away.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
Sometimes you have to be the bigger person… door… undead… thingy.
She pats her doorway on the head and pushes the massive doorway inwards.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
He's been given specific instructions not to bite unless you're behaving really, really, really poorly. Normally he's quite a sweetie. Just a big, door-shaped puppy, really. Loves to chew bones.
Rather than hit the wall, the doorway opens onto a completely different space that cannot possibly exist behind that door. The cameraman steps to the side and peers at the back, the door open and Kalinda clearly visible on the other side when viewed from the back. There's just the wall there and the door somehow vanishes into it.
The cameraman comes back around to the front, the doorway showing a lushly carpeted entryway with several bits of furniture made out of bone. Chairs, small tables, coat and hat racks, as well as wall mounts for various swords, axes, polearms, even a few crossbows, bows, rifles, and one absolutely massive honking revolver.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
Don't touch the display pieces. They bite.
Kalinda steps in, dragging the cameraman along by one hand and gestures to each of the short sets of stairs in turn.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
ANYWAY! Welcome to my humble abode! The living room and the library are through here, the kitchen, dining room, and inner parlor are this way, and straight in is, of course, the pool.
You can't imagine how useful it is to be able to have a vast body of water thirty feet away at all times. It's so useful, being able to summon the door horizontally and drop things that are on fire directly into the pool.
Kalinda demonstrates by lodging her foot under one of the small tables, made of dark stained wood, and hucks it through the middle stairwell, with a splash being heard shortly thereafter.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
Now, come and see where the magic happens!
The diminutive dragoness leads the cameraman down the right hand steps and into a large kitchen of the size for a grand hotel's restaurant rather than a mere individual's kitchen. Rather than the usual assortment of appliances, everything here seems to have been made using wood, stone, metal, and bone with the occasional magical rune circle applied.
A half dozen skeletons in chef's hats and jackets are tending to various things. Two are making cookies, one is cooking bulk portions of chicken and rice, while another is making pizza, another making calzones like the one Tyson Deuce was eating, while another is peeling potatoes while another cuts them into the proper shapes for chips, fries, or outright mashing them.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
I will destroy the physical fitness of UPRISING with my delicious complimentary food! Soon you will all be so fat and out of shape that I will have no problems crushing each and every one of you and bending you to my dark purpose! And also I'm providing additional calories for power and mass, for when you all inevitably take the knee to bow before me in worship of your supreme Overlord!
Thunder rumbles and lightning flashes from the windows as the kitchen's lights flicker.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
But I don't have merely long term plots to explain to you all! I have far more dastardly scheming in store for tonight! Bereft of a match at CORONATION, I have been left with no choice but to engage in my first true and sincere dire act of supervillainy!
Kalinda rubs her hands together gleefully.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
Tonight I will be randomly attacking somebody on the roster in a most cruel fashion! When they're vulnerable and least expect it, the Dragon Empress of Professional Wrestling, the Necromancer Queen of All Monsters, the Princess of the Universe will fall like lightning and strike an unsuspecting member of the UPRISING roster!
With villainy being proactive and heroism reactive, they will have no choice but to go storming to the office of one Bradforth Jackson, demanding my head on a pike! Figuratively, of course. He's Dark Horse Jax, not Brad the Impala, after all.
Kalinda cackles gleefully once again, her house going through the full sinister effect.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
You poor fools, you have no idea when it will be! No idea whom I will strike! No idea if I'm going to be in your six man tag, killing your dudes. Or dudettes. I could hit anybody!
I could be lurking, under the table and biding my time only to strike at the contract signing and put both Don Tirri and Luther Thunder through a table to establish my dominance, which I may then follow up with by T-Posing as REVOLUTION goes off the air!
I could attack Gaston Gillet on his way to the ring to tenderize him for when Regan Voorhees runs him through the meat grinder!
I could even be lurking in the drop ceiling just above the rest rooms, waiting until you're the most vulnerable with bowels and/or bladder fit to burst, and then I pounce down on your from above, literally scaring the crap out of you!
And you have no choice, o roster of UPRISING, for no one but myself knows where and when I will strike! Cower in fear as you face your oncoming demise and wallow in the mire of the unknown! Feel your hearts grow weak with…
A soft "ding" is heard and once of the skeletons begins to take cookies out of the oven.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
And most sinister of all! I'm going to eat delicious chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies still warm from the oven on interdimensional streaming television and enjoy them, and not a single one of you can have any!
The dragon-elf scoops up a cookie directly off the sheet, her innate fire elemental alignment making her body utterly impenetrable to the hottest of fires, so a mere oven fresh cookie is no obstacle.
Kalinda virtually inhales the cookie, making exaggerated happy noises as the feed cuts away to another advertising break for SPLAT content.
Once the edge has been peeled, the undead abomination grips the tape between two bony fingers and tears it off. It throws the offending label in the trash, only to find that it's quite stuck to its fingers and some comedic flailing occurs before it just sticks the tape to the interior of the waste bin and gets rid of it that way.
An opened jar of mayonnaise and a spoon float over to the door, hovering in the air and held aloft by translucent motes of red and black energy. A bucket of water with a scrubby sponge follows afterward and the camera pans over to KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR with a clothespin on her nose supervising the removal and cleanup.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
Tonight...
Kalinda's voice is altered by the clothespin on her nose.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
Tonight, Don Tirri signs his contract for the UPRISING title match, two weeks removed from this affront to all that is unholy!
She gestures at the doorway where the floating objects are trying desperately to get the sticky tape residue off the door.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
The inconsiderate bastard didn't even use the right kind of tape when he insinuated that this storage closet for ballroom chairs was in fact my own private dressing room, just another misdeed to add to the list of his most grievous sins.
Kalinda turns and begins walking down the hall, the camera following.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
While yes, I do in fact have my own private dressing room, it's not like I'm lurking in the boiler room and being all antisocial. Though then again, with all the creepy quasi-CHUDs we've got around her, there's actually three to six people lurking and brooding in the boiler room at any given moment these days. ANYWAY! My dressing room is centrally located, easy to access, and my door is almost always open. How could I ever hope to recruit minions from the distraught, broken heroes who have lost faith in the light, and the dark souls that wander aimless without purpose, craving an iron hand in a velvet glove to follow devoutly if I'm not sociable?
Kalinda leads the cameraman to catering, where several wrestlers are getting something to eat and drink, all of whom seem to be steadfastly ignoring the out of place thing at the far side of the room.
Standing two stories tall is a massive, freestanding door that looks like it was made by somehow partially melting bones and sticking them together artistically. Sinister tendrils of red and black energy pour from the edges of the doorframe.
The massive central dragon skull seems to growl as the cameraman approaches. Kalinda walks right past the table where Tyson Deuce is eating a calzone and bops the door on the snoot.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
Hey! I told you to behave!
The door whines.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
That's not an excuse. It's just a little bit of paper and saliva.
Kalinda waves a hand and several spitballs that had been adorning the door burst into crimson flame and burn away.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
Sometimes you have to be the bigger person… door… undead… thingy.
She pats her doorway on the head and pushes the massive doorway inwards.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
He's been given specific instructions not to bite unless you're behaving really, really, really poorly. Normally he's quite a sweetie. Just a big, door-shaped puppy, really. Loves to chew bones.
Rather than hit the wall, the doorway opens onto a completely different space that cannot possibly exist behind that door. The cameraman steps to the side and peers at the back, the door open and Kalinda clearly visible on the other side when viewed from the back. There's just the wall there and the door somehow vanishes into it.
The cameraman comes back around to the front, the doorway showing a lushly carpeted entryway with several bits of furniture made out of bone. Chairs, small tables, coat and hat racks, as well as wall mounts for various swords, axes, polearms, even a few crossbows, bows, rifles, and one absolutely massive honking revolver.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
Don't touch the display pieces. They bite.
Kalinda steps in, dragging the cameraman along by one hand and gestures to each of the short sets of stairs in turn.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
ANYWAY! Welcome to my humble abode! The living room and the library are through here, the kitchen, dining room, and inner parlor are this way, and straight in is, of course, the pool.
You can't imagine how useful it is to be able to have a vast body of water thirty feet away at all times. It's so useful, being able to summon the door horizontally and drop things that are on fire directly into the pool.
Kalinda demonstrates by lodging her foot under one of the small tables, made of dark stained wood, and hucks it through the middle stairwell, with a splash being heard shortly thereafter.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
Now, come and see where the magic happens!
The diminutive dragoness leads the cameraman down the right hand steps and into a large kitchen of the size for a grand hotel's restaurant rather than a mere individual's kitchen. Rather than the usual assortment of appliances, everything here seems to have been made using wood, stone, metal, and bone with the occasional magical rune circle applied.
A half dozen skeletons in chef's hats and jackets are tending to various things. Two are making cookies, one is cooking bulk portions of chicken and rice, while another is making pizza, another making calzones like the one Tyson Deuce was eating, while another is peeling potatoes while another cuts them into the proper shapes for chips, fries, or outright mashing them.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
I will destroy the physical fitness of UPRISING with my delicious complimentary food! Soon you will all be so fat and out of shape that I will have no problems crushing each and every one of you and bending you to my dark purpose! And also I'm providing additional calories for power and mass, for when you all inevitably take the knee to bow before me in worship of your supreme Overlord!
Thunder rumbles and lightning flashes from the windows as the kitchen's lights flicker.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
But I don't have merely long term plots to explain to you all! I have far more dastardly scheming in store for tonight! Bereft of a match at CORONATION, I have been left with no choice but to engage in my first true and sincere dire act of supervillainy!
Kalinda rubs her hands together gleefully.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
Tonight I will be randomly attacking somebody on the roster in a most cruel fashion! When they're vulnerable and least expect it, the Dragon Empress of Professional Wrestling, the Necromancer Queen of All Monsters, the Princess of the Universe will fall like lightning and strike an unsuspecting member of the UPRISING roster!
With villainy being proactive and heroism reactive, they will have no choice but to go storming to the office of one Bradforth Jackson, demanding my head on a pike! Figuratively, of course. He's Dark Horse Jax, not Brad the Impala, after all.
Kalinda cackles gleefully once again, her house going through the full sinister effect.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
You poor fools, you have no idea when it will be! No idea whom I will strike! No idea if I'm going to be in your six man tag, killing your dudes. Or dudettes. I could hit anybody!
I could be lurking, under the table and biding my time only to strike at the contract signing and put both Don Tirri and Luther Thunder through a table to establish my dominance, which I may then follow up with by T-Posing as REVOLUTION goes off the air!
I could attack Gaston Gillet on his way to the ring to tenderize him for when Regan Voorhees runs him through the meat grinder!
I could even be lurking in the drop ceiling just above the rest rooms, waiting until you're the most vulnerable with bowels and/or bladder fit to burst, and then I pounce down on your from above, literally scaring the crap out of you!
And you have no choice, o roster of UPRISING, for no one but myself knows where and when I will strike! Cower in fear as you face your oncoming demise and wallow in the mire of the unknown! Feel your hearts grow weak with…
A soft "ding" is heard and once of the skeletons begins to take cookies out of the oven.
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
And most sinister of all! I'm going to eat delicious chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies still warm from the oven on interdimensional streaming television and enjoy them, and not a single one of you can have any!
The dragon-elf scoops up a cookie directly off the sheet, her innate fire elemental alignment making her body utterly impenetrable to the hottest of fires, so a mere oven fresh cookie is no obstacle.
Kalinda virtually inhales the cookie, making exaggerated happy noises as the feed cuts away to another advertising break for SPLAT content.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
The camera follows a shapely brunette in a faded green dress down the hall, the click-clack of her high heels loud in the silence until she stops in front of the door to an open locker room where we find TYSON DEUCE doing some final stretches before his match, obviously needing to work off that calzone.
COLBIE DEVITT
Well Tyson, this is it. Your big debut. Are you excited?
He nods rapidly, a large smile on his face.
TYSON DEUCE
You bet! I’m gonna kick some ass tonight. Hayden and I got in some good training and it feels like I never left my high-school wrestling team!
Colbie nods, satisfied as Tyson bounces around on his feet, keeping himself loose and limber.
TYSON DEUCE
I can feel it now! The roar of the crowd, the energy that binds us together and at the end...I’m gonna be the rock that breaks the SAW.
After making such a confident quip, Colbie glares at her boyfriend with intent.
COLBIE DEVITT
You'd better. The way he disrespected us-
Tyson frowns, cutting her off.
TYSON DEUCE
Exactly! Who does he think he is, messing with the most beautiful woman on the face of this Earth? The person who probably is the only reason he has a job here! The-
COLBIE DEVITT
...starting to get a little carried away there.
Sensing his frustration, she gently puts her hand on his shoulder to calm him.
TYSON DEUCE
Sorry.
COLBIE DEVITT
It's okay. You flatter me regardless.
Colbie smirks in a suggestive manner, Tyson blushing back in response. The two lean in, preparing for a kiss when...
H. HOSS
Hello, hello, I have something to say!
The German pro-wrestler and trainer of Tyson runs towards his comrades, manically pointing southward and flailing his limbs about as he tries to catch his breath.
H. HOSS
The match card, I have seen it. They have committed addition to us!
Colbie places her hands on her hips, staring at the questionably sane wrestler.
COLBIE DEVITT
Hayden, what are you talking about?
After taking a few seconds to collect his thoughts, Hayden Hoss points at Tyson's direction.
H. HOSS
You Mr. Deuceman is to be in a handicap match. You have a partner who says that he is HOT.
Taken by surprise, Tyson scratches his chin, trying to translate Hayden's broken English. While he does this, Colbie takes a more practical approach.
COLBIE DEVITT
Do you mean Hayden Oliver Triggs?
The German gives a thumbs-up, nodding.
H. HOSS
Correct!
TYSON DEUCE
That's a good thing, isn't it? Granted, I don't know much about him but if he's on my side, that gives me the advantage-
COLBIE DEVITT
Uh...
She looks up from the screen of her phone, showing Tyson some live tweets about the show.
COLBIE DEVITT
SAW put him through the windshield of a limo, not even half an hour ago. Might just be back to a singles match after all.
H. Hoss shakes his head, oblivious to the turn of the conversation, muttering to himself.
H. HOSS
This is a very bad thing. Very bad indeed. I have failed you in the worst possible way.
I have not taught you how to do the tag teaming!
Tyson comes forward, patting his dejected trainer on the back.
TYSON DEUCE
It's okay, Hayden, I think I can manage. Besides, I've been studying a lot of Uprising matches and I think I've got the ins-and-outs of it figured out.
H. Hoss looks up, seeing the warm look on Tyson's face...and glares at him, poking him on the chest.
H. HOSS
You had better.
With that, he turns and stalks off, leaving Tyson and Colbie to stare after him in confusion.
TYSON DEUCE
What's his deal?
COLBIE DEVITT
No idea, but you'd better get ready. It's almost time to go out there.
HANDICAP RETRIBUTION
SAW vs H.O.T & TYSON DEUCE
The match starts with Tyson and SAW locking up in the middle of the ring and it looks like H.O.T might be missing in action after that earlier attack. SAW getting a quick advantage with a snap suplex. He and Tyson both pop up with the rookie Deuce charging only to get hit with an arm drag! Another charge, another deep arm drag; SAW is taking the rookie to school with a little Wrestling 101 and it's almost a good thing that this handicap match seems to have become a singles bout. He seems almost better prepared for this and when he pops up again, manages to avoid a telegraphed strike. Backing up to the ropes, he springs off and grabs SAW around the middle, an awkward tackle turning into an Alabama slam that gets a pop from the audience. This time when Tyson pops up it's to a roundhouse from SAW who snatches him by his hair and throws him into the corner, following him in for a splash and an elbow strike to the face that leaves Deuce reeling. SAW gets the upper hand thanks to his superior striking, whipping to the opposite one and charges in, hitting Tyson in the face with a leaping thrust kick that whips his head back and gets a huge pop from the crowd– WAIT NO! THEY'RE CHEERING BECAUSE H.O.T JUST HOPPED OVER THE BARRIER AND IS UP ON THE APRON! He looks a little worse for wear from the earlier exchange but SAW turns around, sees him and just reacts, nailing him with the same thrust kick! H.O.T topples off the apron to the floor and SAW follows him out to brawl on the outside!
SAW gets the upper hand in the exchange, bashing H.O.T's head against a ring post and knocking him down. SAW looks pleased with himself, not realizing he's just played right into H.O.T’s hand – the pink guitar from Twitter is under the ring and as SAW bends down to pick him up, Triggs smashes it over his head! Debris flies everywhere and SAW goes down, busted open and Triggs is on him, laying shots into the wound! Suddenly, SuMa STEPS OVER THE GUARD RAIL! THE MONSTER IS ON A WARPATH, AND HAS HIS PREY SIGHTED! He steps into the ring over the top rope and grabs Tyson from the corner just as the poor guy makes it to his feet. Supreme Machine begins bashing his face in with heavy right hands! He then lifts him up and nails the Apex Ultima (electric chair lift/inverted package piledriver)! Tyson Deuce is out cold! SAW and Triggs are still beating the holy hell out of each other at ringside! Neil Rana calls for the bell because this match has devolved into chaos!
WINNER: NO CONTEST
COLBIE DEVITT
Well Tyson, this is it. Your big debut. Are you excited?
He nods rapidly, a large smile on his face.
TYSON DEUCE
You bet! I’m gonna kick some ass tonight. Hayden and I got in some good training and it feels like I never left my high-school wrestling team!
Colbie nods, satisfied as Tyson bounces around on his feet, keeping himself loose and limber.
TYSON DEUCE
I can feel it now! The roar of the crowd, the energy that binds us together and at the end...I’m gonna be the rock that breaks the SAW.
After making such a confident quip, Colbie glares at her boyfriend with intent.
COLBIE DEVITT
You'd better. The way he disrespected us-
Tyson frowns, cutting her off.
TYSON DEUCE
Exactly! Who does he think he is, messing with the most beautiful woman on the face of this Earth? The person who probably is the only reason he has a job here! The-
COLBIE DEVITT
...starting to get a little carried away there.
Sensing his frustration, she gently puts her hand on his shoulder to calm him.
TYSON DEUCE
Sorry.
COLBIE DEVITT
It's okay. You flatter me regardless.
Colbie smirks in a suggestive manner, Tyson blushing back in response. The two lean in, preparing for a kiss when...
H. HOSS
Hello, hello, I have something to say!
The German pro-wrestler and trainer of Tyson runs towards his comrades, manically pointing southward and flailing his limbs about as he tries to catch his breath.
H. HOSS
The match card, I have seen it. They have committed addition to us!
Colbie places her hands on her hips, staring at the questionably sane wrestler.
COLBIE DEVITT
Hayden, what are you talking about?
After taking a few seconds to collect his thoughts, Hayden Hoss points at Tyson's direction.
H. HOSS
You Mr. Deuceman is to be in a handicap match. You have a partner who says that he is HOT.
Taken by surprise, Tyson scratches his chin, trying to translate Hayden's broken English. While he does this, Colbie takes a more practical approach.
COLBIE DEVITT
Do you mean Hayden Oliver Triggs?
The German gives a thumbs-up, nodding.
H. HOSS
Correct!
TYSON DEUCE
That's a good thing, isn't it? Granted, I don't know much about him but if he's on my side, that gives me the advantage-
COLBIE DEVITT
Uh...
She looks up from the screen of her phone, showing Tyson some live tweets about the show.
COLBIE DEVITT
SAW put him through the windshield of a limo, not even half an hour ago. Might just be back to a singles match after all.
H. Hoss shakes his head, oblivious to the turn of the conversation, muttering to himself.
H. HOSS
This is a very bad thing. Very bad indeed. I have failed you in the worst possible way.
I have not taught you how to do the tag teaming!
Tyson comes forward, patting his dejected trainer on the back.
TYSON DEUCE
It's okay, Hayden, I think I can manage. Besides, I've been studying a lot of Uprising matches and I think I've got the ins-and-outs of it figured out.
H. Hoss looks up, seeing the warm look on Tyson's face...and glares at him, poking him on the chest.
H. HOSS
You had better.
With that, he turns and stalks off, leaving Tyson and Colbie to stare after him in confusion.
TYSON DEUCE
What's his deal?
COLBIE DEVITT
No idea, but you'd better get ready. It's almost time to go out there.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
HANDICAP RETRIBUTION
SAW vs H.O.T & TYSON DEUCE
The match starts with Tyson and SAW locking up in the middle of the ring and it looks like H.O.T might be missing in action after that earlier attack. SAW getting a quick advantage with a snap suplex. He and Tyson both pop up with the rookie Deuce charging only to get hit with an arm drag! Another charge, another deep arm drag; SAW is taking the rookie to school with a little Wrestling 101 and it's almost a good thing that this handicap match seems to have become a singles bout. He seems almost better prepared for this and when he pops up again, manages to avoid a telegraphed strike. Backing up to the ropes, he springs off and grabs SAW around the middle, an awkward tackle turning into an Alabama slam that gets a pop from the audience. This time when Tyson pops up it's to a roundhouse from SAW who snatches him by his hair and throws him into the corner, following him in for a splash and an elbow strike to the face that leaves Deuce reeling. SAW gets the upper hand thanks to his superior striking, whipping to the opposite one and charges in, hitting Tyson in the face with a leaping thrust kick that whips his head back and gets a huge pop from the crowd– WAIT NO! THEY'RE CHEERING BECAUSE H.O.T JUST HOPPED OVER THE BARRIER AND IS UP ON THE APRON! He looks a little worse for wear from the earlier exchange but SAW turns around, sees him and just reacts, nailing him with the same thrust kick! H.O.T topples off the apron to the floor and SAW follows him out to brawl on the outside!
SAW gets the upper hand in the exchange, bashing H.O.T's head against a ring post and knocking him down. SAW looks pleased with himself, not realizing he's just played right into H.O.T’s hand – the pink guitar from Twitter is under the ring and as SAW bends down to pick him up, Triggs smashes it over his head! Debris flies everywhere and SAW goes down, busted open and Triggs is on him, laying shots into the wound! Suddenly, SuMa STEPS OVER THE GUARD RAIL! THE MONSTER IS ON A WARPATH, AND HAS HIS PREY SIGHTED! He steps into the ring over the top rope and grabs Tyson from the corner just as the poor guy makes it to his feet. Supreme Machine begins bashing his face in with heavy right hands! He then lifts him up and nails the Apex Ultima (electric chair lift/inverted package piledriver)! Tyson Deuce is out cold! SAW and Triggs are still beating the holy hell out of each other at ringside! Neil Rana calls for the bell because this match has devolved into chaos!
WINNER: NO CONTEST
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
Cut backstage to poor, downtrodden Steve. Like Atlas, he is damned to carry an unimaginable weight upon his shoulders - a black metal bingo roller full of brightly colored ping pong balls. He progresses slowly through the casino’s back halls, his journey punctuated by grunts and groans of pain and exertion. He plods up to a pencil-mustached artist, working feverishly over an easel to capture a subject off screen. The camera pulls back to reveal Regan Voorhees, wearing a translucent white raincoat over her ring attire, her red croquet mallet over one shoulder as the artist furiously paints. With superhuman instincts, she notices the arrival of the faithful intern without ever looking in his direction.
REGAN VOORHEES
Steve, you’re interrupting. I commissioned a portrait to commemorate my in-ring debut and we’re already pressed for time.
INTERN STEVE
Sorry, I just--
REGAN VOORHEES
It’s Miss Voorhees, Steve. Let’s try to maintain a little decorum.
INTERN STEVE
Right, Miss Voorhees. So the deal is, this bucket is full of balls.
REGAN VOORHEES
It certainly is. So good of you to haul it all this way so you could show me.
The poor guy stares at her for a few seconds, clearly flustered beyond words before he manages to sputter out.
INTERN STEVE
No, well yeah. I mean, it is. But this is to determine teams for the tag title tournament and I made sure you get to draw first.
REGAN VOORHEES
First, you say? Gérard, you may take a break while I resolve this business with Steve. Two minutes and not a second longer. I expect this piece done by the time my music hits.
With a nod, Gérard dashes into the nearest bathroom, driven by fear as his 120 seconds tick away. Steve manages to hoist the bingo roller in front of himself, presenting it to Regan.
INTERN STEVE
If two people draw the same color, they’re a team. If you draw a black ball, no team for you.
REGAN VOORHEES
How simplistic. Here I go then, the historic first drawing in UPRISING history.
Steve gives the roller a turn, transforming the contents to a whirlwind of color. Closing her eyes, Regan takes one, then opens her hand to reveal a lime green ball.
INTERN STEVE
Green, nice!
REGAN VOORHEES
Chartreuse, Steve.
INTERN STEVE
So you’re in the tournament and your partner is whoever else draws chartreuse.
REGAN VOORHEES
How fortunate for them.
Gérard returns from the bathroom, visibly sweating, half-panicked by the deadline but sitting back down to his easel without protest. Regan resumes her pose and the portrait continues, as Steve struggles to hold onto the bingo roller.
REGAN VOORHEES
And now back to immortalizing my impending victory over Gaston Gillet. Gérard, you may continue. Steve, that will be all.
INTERN STEVE
Uh… thank… you.
Unappreciated, Steve hoists the bingo roller back over his shoulders, trudging back down the hall as we cut to another ad for upcoming SPLAT programming.
REGAN VOORHEES
Steve, you’re interrupting. I commissioned a portrait to commemorate my in-ring debut and we’re already pressed for time.
INTERN STEVE
Sorry, I just--
REGAN VOORHEES
It’s Miss Voorhees, Steve. Let’s try to maintain a little decorum.
INTERN STEVE
Right, Miss Voorhees. So the deal is, this bucket is full of balls.
REGAN VOORHEES
It certainly is. So good of you to haul it all this way so you could show me.
The poor guy stares at her for a few seconds, clearly flustered beyond words before he manages to sputter out.
INTERN STEVE
No, well yeah. I mean, it is. But this is to determine teams for the tag title tournament and I made sure you get to draw first.
REGAN VOORHEES
First, you say? Gérard, you may take a break while I resolve this business with Steve. Two minutes and not a second longer. I expect this piece done by the time my music hits.
With a nod, Gérard dashes into the nearest bathroom, driven by fear as his 120 seconds tick away. Steve manages to hoist the bingo roller in front of himself, presenting it to Regan.
INTERN STEVE
If two people draw the same color, they’re a team. If you draw a black ball, no team for you.
REGAN VOORHEES
How simplistic. Here I go then, the historic first drawing in UPRISING history.
Steve gives the roller a turn, transforming the contents to a whirlwind of color. Closing her eyes, Regan takes one, then opens her hand to reveal a lime green ball.
INTERN STEVE
Green, nice!
REGAN VOORHEES
Chartreuse, Steve.
INTERN STEVE
So you’re in the tournament and your partner is whoever else draws chartreuse.
REGAN VOORHEES
How fortunate for them.
Gérard returns from the bathroom, visibly sweating, half-panicked by the deadline but sitting back down to his easel without protest. Regan resumes her pose and the portrait continues, as Steve struggles to hold onto the bingo roller.
REGAN VOORHEES
And now back to immortalizing my impending victory over Gaston Gillet. Gérard, you may continue. Steve, that will be all.
INTERN STEVE
Uh… thank… you.
Unappreciated, Steve hoists the bingo roller back over his shoulders, trudging back down the hall as we cut to another ad for upcoming SPLAT programming.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
EXT. SOMEWHERE IN RENO
The following PSA is brought to you by the Franco-American Bacon-Eaters Association Of America.
We open the scene where we see Gaston Gillet, standing all proud with his muscles bulging, alongside his lovely manager.
ARIANNA MANNING
Hi! I’m Arianna Manning! You may remember me from such PSAs as "Where is Your Sister Hiding?" and “Small British Men... Are They Really Useless?"... I’m here with the wrestling superstar Gaston Gillet ahead of his latest outing in UPRISING right here in gorgeous Reno, Nevada (Reno, THE REAL LAS VEGAS check out http://www.visitreno.com) and I was told you had some questions for me Gaston?
The muscular Frenchman seems befuddled, but just smiles wider. After an awkward silence it seems like he finally notices the teleprompter.
GASTON GILLET
Yes...Ari: Well what is it--
She nudges him.
ARIANNA MANNING
That’s my line there, Keanu Reeves.
GASTON GILLET
Oh sorry, who’s Keanu Reeves? I thought it was supposed to be just you and me.
Arianna sighs.
ARIANNA MANNING
Restart the totally non-existent teleprompter, please? Gaston, sweetie, you’re supposed to read your lines, while acting like you’re not reading them. It’s not rocket surgery.
He nods.
GASTON GILLET
Gotcha.
The oaf looks at the teleprompter and goes off.
GASTON GILLET
Hi, I’m Arianna Manning! You may remember me from such PSA’s as--
ARIANNA MANNING
QUIET!
He blushes.
GASTON GILLET
Where does it say that? I can’t find it. Ari, you think I need glasses?
She grumbles.
ARIANNA MANNING
You are lucky you are so well-endowed and dumb.
GASTON GILLET
What?
ARIANNA MANNING
I said boy howdy, working on PSA’s with you sure is fun!
GASTON GILLET
Gee, thanks; you too! Wanna go again?
ARIANNA MANNING
I think we must...hey! Discount Scorsese! Get it right this time!
We get a quick and rather illustrious edit to the starting setting, again.
GASTON GILLET
Gaston: Hey Ari! I have a crazy friend who says pigs eat people? Is she crazy?
ARIANNA MANNING
Close enough.
She composes herself for a second, before going full ham and cheese.
ARIANNA MANNING
Not crazy, just ignorant! And slightly crazy. You see, your crazy friend has never heard about the food chain!
A little diagram appears on screen which shows a load of pigs surrounding a human with arrows leading from the pigs to the human.
ARIANNA MANNING
You see, Gaston, us human beings are at the top of the food chain, which means we can eat anything we want, from chickens to rabbits to even elephants. But the one thing we always eat, 100% of the time is PIGS.
GASTON GILLET
Yeah?
ARIANNA MANNING
Yeah! Pigs aren’t even real animals, they’re basically a factory for tasty meaty goodness. You like pork?
GASTON GILLET
Yeah!
ARIANNA MANNING
Ham?
GASTON GILLET
Yeah!
ARIANNA MANNING
Bacon?
GASTON GILLET
HELL YEAH!
Arianna reaches off camera, and an intern (probably Steve, the fucking mark) hands Arianna a large bacon baguette.
ARIANNA MANNING
This is the way of the world! Yummy pig meat and a big baguette, straight in my mouth!
She takes a big bite.
ARIANNA MANNING
MM-MMM!!! TASTY!!!
GASTON GILLET
...but Ari, if we have to eat pigs, does that mean we eat even itty-bitty piglets, those adorable little rascals who build houses to keep them safe from wolves?
ARIANNA MANNING
Of course not, Gaston. We don’t eat cute, itty bitty piglets.
She grins.
ARIANNA MANNING
Let them grow up first, into big fat piggies, and you get so much more meat from them! Plus, you don’t feel bad for eating something totally adorable! Everybody wins!
He shrugs.
GASTON GILLET
Gosh Ari, that sure explained things; I bet only a real numbskull would not understand the truth about how the world works. I mean imagine never hearing of the food chain?
The two of them lean back and do a wholeheartedly mocking belly laughter:
BOTH
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!
ARIANNA MANNING
Ain’t that the truth! And these are facts, folks, nothing to squeal about!
Following that we get a disclaimer:
**ALL FACTS PROVIDED BY BACON LOVERS GLOBAL- THE PORK OF PERFECTLY PIG-PROOF REALITY**
GASTON GILLET vs REGAN VOORHEES
Regan looks up to Gaston as the two of them meet in the middle of the ring, Gaston offering a handshake before the match but sportsmanship is hogwash to Regan who slaps him across the face for the sheer insolence. Gaston doesn’t very much appreciate that and retaliates with a right hand that Regan blocks! She slaps Gaston again! Arianna is screaming on the outside for him to do something else so he instead does the opposite and goes for another right hand that is once again blocked, though Regan’s follow up slap is avoided by a step back and Gaston swings his head down and pops Voorhees right on the snout! She backs up, holding her nose and that leaves her open for the right hand from Gaston, much to the glee of Arianna on the outside. Gaston hits the ropes and Reagan wishes this little piggy stayed home as she eats a running lariat to the face! Gaston goes to the bottom rope and leaps off with an elbow to the lower back of Regan who squeals out in pain before being rolled over, Gaston going for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
Regan kicks out, shrieking in outrage. Gaston picks Regan up and attempts a scoop slam, but she's got other plans as she slides down his back and grabs his head in a sleeper, wrapping her legs around Gaston’s waist and pulling him down on the mat. She adjusts herself so she’s grabbing his arm to slip in a Buffalo sleeper, the referee coming to see if Gaston will give up but he manages to croak out a no and reach his leg over to the ropes to break up the hold. Regan keeps it on for as long as she can before releasing it, getting to her feet and sending a head kick to Gaston, rolling him over and allowing for her to stomp right on his right hand and, specifically, his index finger. Gaston starts getting to his feet holding his hand as Regan hits the ropes and flips over him as he’s getting up with a swinging neckbreaker! Gaston hits the mat and Regan makes the cover this time!
ONE!
TW—NO!
Looking to finish off the Frenchman, Regan tries to lock in a crossface chicken wing, but no one overpowers like Gaston as he sweeps her off her feet and plants Voorhees with a spinebuster! Arianna cheers on Gaston as he grabs the blonde’s hair and takes her to market some with stiff chops, the third one sending her backwards into the corner where he lands on the mat. Arianna sees Regan grabbing her croquet mallet out of the corner and rushes over, grabbing it. The two begin a tug of war that the referee quickly intervenes in, grabbing the weapon and admonishing Arianna. Gaston looks to capitalize on the confusion by grabbing Regan, though she quickly spins around and sprays red mist in his face! Temporarily blinded, Gaston can’t counter the hammerlock DDT, Regan’s Abattoir, and she’s able to roll him over and hook the leg!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): REGAN VOORHEES
We cut backstage when we hear the voice of a bird.
"BAW! BAD BOY SEASON! BAW!"
Appearing into the frame is none other than JENSON IDOL, who soon has his parrot named Perry fly down onto his shoulder.
JENSON IDOL
Today is the beginning of Bad Boy season in UPRISING! What a glorious day it is, aye?
Jenson pauses and smiles widely.
JENSON IDOL
I started off here in UPRISING by making a statement by knocking some heads in but this? This will be the real statement when I beat down UPRISING’s favourite daughter, Logan Lewis. Logan, love, you’re adorable, you really are. And I’ll even admit, you have some talent but the fact remains that you are not on my level.
PERRY THE PARROT
BAW! NOT ON HIS LEVEL! BAW!
JENSON IDOL
Exactly, Perry! There’s a reason Logan has been a fan of mine since her teenage years and it’s simply because I am one of the best. No matter what company I’ve joined, I’ve been at the top. The main event scene is where I belong and Logan? She had a quick taste of it here. Maybe even got a little bit in over her head, yeah?
Jenson shrugs.
JENSON IDOL
Just like she’s about to be in over her head tonight. Because the experience and talent gap between us? It’s immeasurable. This isn’t some shite about, “what have you done in UPRISING though!?” Don is a bloody idiot. He makes it seem like what you’ve done before doesn’t matter and if that were the case, I would be at the disadvantage here but I’m simply not. I have all of the advantages. Not just in experience but in motivation.
PERRY THE PARROT
BAW! MOTIVATION! BAW!
JENSON IDOL
Aye, exactly, Perry! I’m motivated to be at the top here in UPRISING, and I’m not going to let one of my fans get in my way, because that’s what Logan is, a fan. While I do take this match seriously? She clearly isn’t on my leave. The training, the experience, the time as a champion and leading a company? She has no clue what any of that is about but tonight? She’ll get a taste of it through me... when I drop her face onto the canvas with the FC Cutter.
Idol nods and walks out of the frame before the scene cuts away.
We open the scene where we see Gaston Gillet, standing all proud with his muscles bulging, alongside his lovely manager.
ARIANNA MANNING
Hi! I’m Arianna Manning! You may remember me from such PSAs as "Where is Your Sister Hiding?" and “Small British Men... Are They Really Useless?"... I’m here with the wrestling superstar Gaston Gillet ahead of his latest outing in UPRISING right here in gorgeous Reno, Nevada (Reno, THE REAL LAS VEGAS check out http://www.visitreno.com) and I was told you had some questions for me Gaston?
The muscular Frenchman seems befuddled, but just smiles wider. After an awkward silence it seems like he finally notices the teleprompter.
GASTON GILLET
Yes...Ari: Well what is it--
She nudges him.
ARIANNA MANNING
That’s my line there, Keanu Reeves.
GASTON GILLET
Oh sorry, who’s Keanu Reeves? I thought it was supposed to be just you and me.
Arianna sighs.
ARIANNA MANNING
Restart the totally non-existent teleprompter, please? Gaston, sweetie, you’re supposed to read your lines, while acting like you’re not reading them. It’s not rocket surgery.
He nods.
GASTON GILLET
Gotcha.
The oaf looks at the teleprompter and goes off.
GASTON GILLET
Hi, I’m Arianna Manning! You may remember me from such PSA’s as--
ARIANNA MANNING
QUIET!
He blushes.
GASTON GILLET
Where does it say that? I can’t find it. Ari, you think I need glasses?
She grumbles.
ARIANNA MANNING
You are lucky you are so well-endowed and dumb.
GASTON GILLET
What?
ARIANNA MANNING
I said boy howdy, working on PSA’s with you sure is fun!
GASTON GILLET
Gee, thanks; you too! Wanna go again?
ARIANNA MANNING
I think we must...hey! Discount Scorsese! Get it right this time!
We get a quick and rather illustrious edit to the starting setting, again.
GASTON GILLET
Gaston: Hey Ari! I have a crazy friend who says pigs eat people? Is she crazy?
ARIANNA MANNING
Close enough.
She composes herself for a second, before going full ham and cheese.
ARIANNA MANNING
Not crazy, just ignorant! And slightly crazy. You see, your crazy friend has never heard about the food chain!
A little diagram appears on screen which shows a load of pigs surrounding a human with arrows leading from the pigs to the human.
ARIANNA MANNING
You see, Gaston, us human beings are at the top of the food chain, which means we can eat anything we want, from chickens to rabbits to even elephants. But the one thing we always eat, 100% of the time is PIGS.
GASTON GILLET
Yeah?
ARIANNA MANNING
Yeah! Pigs aren’t even real animals, they’re basically a factory for tasty meaty goodness. You like pork?
GASTON GILLET
Yeah!
ARIANNA MANNING
Ham?
GASTON GILLET
Yeah!
ARIANNA MANNING
Bacon?
GASTON GILLET
HELL YEAH!
Arianna reaches off camera, and an intern (probably Steve, the fucking mark) hands Arianna a large bacon baguette.
ARIANNA MANNING
This is the way of the world! Yummy pig meat and a big baguette, straight in my mouth!
She takes a big bite.
ARIANNA MANNING
MM-MMM!!! TASTY!!!
GASTON GILLET
...but Ari, if we have to eat pigs, does that mean we eat even itty-bitty piglets, those adorable little rascals who build houses to keep them safe from wolves?
ARIANNA MANNING
Of course not, Gaston. We don’t eat cute, itty bitty piglets.
She grins.
ARIANNA MANNING
Let them grow up first, into big fat piggies, and you get so much more meat from them! Plus, you don’t feel bad for eating something totally adorable! Everybody wins!
He shrugs.
GASTON GILLET
Gosh Ari, that sure explained things; I bet only a real numbskull would not understand the truth about how the world works. I mean imagine never hearing of the food chain?
The two of them lean back and do a wholeheartedly mocking belly laughter:
BOTH
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!
ARIANNA MANNING
Ain’t that the truth! And these are facts, folks, nothing to squeal about!
Following that we get a disclaimer:
**ALL FACTS PROVIDED BY BACON LOVERS GLOBAL- THE PORK OF PERFECTLY PIG-PROOF REALITY**
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
GASTON GILLET vs REGAN VOORHEES
Regan looks up to Gaston as the two of them meet in the middle of the ring, Gaston offering a handshake before the match but sportsmanship is hogwash to Regan who slaps him across the face for the sheer insolence. Gaston doesn’t very much appreciate that and retaliates with a right hand that Regan blocks! She slaps Gaston again! Arianna is screaming on the outside for him to do something else so he instead does the opposite and goes for another right hand that is once again blocked, though Regan’s follow up slap is avoided by a step back and Gaston swings his head down and pops Voorhees right on the snout! She backs up, holding her nose and that leaves her open for the right hand from Gaston, much to the glee of Arianna on the outside. Gaston hits the ropes and Reagan wishes this little piggy stayed home as she eats a running lariat to the face! Gaston goes to the bottom rope and leaps off with an elbow to the lower back of Regan who squeals out in pain before being rolled over, Gaston going for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
Regan kicks out, shrieking in outrage. Gaston picks Regan up and attempts a scoop slam, but she's got other plans as she slides down his back and grabs his head in a sleeper, wrapping her legs around Gaston’s waist and pulling him down on the mat. She adjusts herself so she’s grabbing his arm to slip in a Buffalo sleeper, the referee coming to see if Gaston will give up but he manages to croak out a no and reach his leg over to the ropes to break up the hold. Regan keeps it on for as long as she can before releasing it, getting to her feet and sending a head kick to Gaston, rolling him over and allowing for her to stomp right on his right hand and, specifically, his index finger. Gaston starts getting to his feet holding his hand as Regan hits the ropes and flips over him as he’s getting up with a swinging neckbreaker! Gaston hits the mat and Regan makes the cover this time!
ONE!
TW—NO!
Looking to finish off the Frenchman, Regan tries to lock in a crossface chicken wing, but no one overpowers like Gaston as he sweeps her off her feet and plants Voorhees with a spinebuster! Arianna cheers on Gaston as he grabs the blonde’s hair and takes her to market some with stiff chops, the third one sending her backwards into the corner where he lands on the mat. Arianna sees Regan grabbing her croquet mallet out of the corner and rushes over, grabbing it. The two begin a tug of war that the referee quickly intervenes in, grabbing the weapon and admonishing Arianna. Gaston looks to capitalize on the confusion by grabbing Regan, though she quickly spins around and sprays red mist in his face! Temporarily blinded, Gaston can’t counter the hammerlock DDT, Regan’s Abattoir, and she’s able to roll him over and hook the leg!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): REGAN VOORHEES
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
We cut backstage when we hear the voice of a bird.
"BAW! BAD BOY SEASON! BAW!"
Appearing into the frame is none other than JENSON IDOL, who soon has his parrot named Perry fly down onto his shoulder.
JENSON IDOL
Today is the beginning of Bad Boy season in UPRISING! What a glorious day it is, aye?
Jenson pauses and smiles widely.
JENSON IDOL
I started off here in UPRISING by making a statement by knocking some heads in but this? This will be the real statement when I beat down UPRISING’s favourite daughter, Logan Lewis. Logan, love, you’re adorable, you really are. And I’ll even admit, you have some talent but the fact remains that you are not on my level.
PERRY THE PARROT
BAW! NOT ON HIS LEVEL! BAW!
JENSON IDOL
Exactly, Perry! There’s a reason Logan has been a fan of mine since her teenage years and it’s simply because I am one of the best. No matter what company I’ve joined, I’ve been at the top. The main event scene is where I belong and Logan? She had a quick taste of it here. Maybe even got a little bit in over her head, yeah?
Jenson shrugs.
JENSON IDOL
Just like she’s about to be in over her head tonight. Because the experience and talent gap between us? It’s immeasurable. This isn’t some shite about, “what have you done in UPRISING though!?” Don is a bloody idiot. He makes it seem like what you’ve done before doesn’t matter and if that were the case, I would be at the disadvantage here but I’m simply not. I have all of the advantages. Not just in experience but in motivation.
PERRY THE PARROT
BAW! MOTIVATION! BAW!
JENSON IDOL
Aye, exactly, Perry! I’m motivated to be at the top here in UPRISING, and I’m not going to let one of my fans get in my way, because that’s what Logan is, a fan. While I do take this match seriously? She clearly isn’t on my leave. The training, the experience, the time as a champion and leading a company? She has no clue what any of that is about but tonight? She’ll get a taste of it through me... when I drop her face onto the canvas with the FC Cutter.
Idol nods and walks out of the frame before the scene cuts away.
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- CASINO FLOOR
We are treated to a view of the entrance hall of the Silver State Ballroom, slightly earlier in the night. The doors open and in walks a trio of men of almost identical size and shape. They are the three BROTHERS BUSCH, carrying their bags and generally looking like they just got out of the car. LOVERBOY, the oldest of the three and the most loudest-dressed in his tie-dyed clothing takes a gander around the arena and begins chuckling.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
OWWWWW, yea baby! That’s what I’m talkin about! Revolution baby! We’re finally here in person, ain’t this something! Time for Loveryboy to get his groove on! Gonna be a night to remember!
Next to Loverboy stands BIG SAM, the surly trucker dressed in simple black jeans and t-shirt with the snakeskin boots of his tapping the floor of the arena impatiently.
BIG SAM BUSCH
Yeah yeah, can we get goin already, Tom? We’ve wasted so much time already. We still need to find our lockers and get dressed and whatnot. Besides, I think Tiny is about ready to burst.
Indeed, next to Big Sam we see the third Brother Busch, TINY TIM with his misbuttoned, but carefully pressed dress-shirt, odd leather mask and faithful companion Socksworth in hand. His head is darting around trying to look and see everything, with a wide-eyed kid in a candy-shop look on his face.
TINY TIM
OMG SO COOL! LOOK! SO MUCH PEOPLE AND SO MUCH SHINY STUFF!
He starts running back and forth the main hall, going to the merch tables and the concession stands, with Big Sam trying to keep up with him to the best of his ability.
TINY TIM
Sammy, look! That shirt is so cool! And look, there’s the poster for the big show! This is SOOO COOOOOOL!!!
Big Sam, looking like he’s about pop a gasket, tries to grab Tiny but the youngest brother slips from his grasp.
BIG SAM
TINY! Calm down will ya, we got places to be and things to do. We can come check these out AFTER our match. Right Tom?...Tom?
As he gets no answer from Loverboy who he expected to be right next to him, Big Sam turns around and sees Loverboy trying to talk up a female attendant at the merch table. Muttering "you gotta be kidding me" to himself, Big Sam heads over to Loverboy.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
Hey there, baby! I see you're peddling the fine wares of the stars of the show! Ya know, maybe next time ya get here you’ll have some of Loverboy's gear there, ya dig? It’d be nice for someone as easy on the eyes as you are handing Loverboy's junk, if ya know what I mean? After all, Loverboy gives a satisfaction, guaranteed! A promise the Loverboy can always make because the Loverboy NEVER comes alone, ya dig?
The attendant looks like she’s about to slap Loverboy upside the head, but before she can do that, Big Sam does it for her, giving his brother a solid thwack on the back of the head. Loverboy’s knees buckle, showing that Big Sam didn’t exactly hold back, and is about to start cussing out when he sees who slapped him. Big Sam stares him down and yanks him to the side by the collar.
BIG SAM BUSCH
I can’t fucking believe you, Tom. Have you forgotten what we are here to do? We’re not here for you to get your groove on, we’re here to wrassle. Ya know, since it was your idea and everything. So leave the poor girls alone and let's go find the lockers, aight?
Loverboy nods.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
I feel ya, Sammy. Where’s Tiny though?
Big Sam blinks and looks around, and it takes him a while to spot Tiny who is standing in front of a hot dog stand. Cussing under his breath he yanks Loverboy by the collar so he’ll follow and makes his way to Tiny, who is staring at the hotdogs. Once Sam gets there, Tiny turns to him with the most adorable puppy eyes the world has seen.
TINY TIM BUSCH
Can I get a hotdog Sammy? Pretty please? I’m hungry and Socksworth says they look good! Please please please please?!
Loverboy is about to speak but Big Sam elbows him and responds to Tiny.
BIG SAM BUSCH
No Tiny, not before the match. We got some snacks on the bag that’ll tide you over. Let’s just find our lockers so we can get ready.
His response isn’t what Tiny wanted to hear and he begins to jump up and down.
TINY TIM BUSCH
BUT I WANT A HOTDOG I WANT A HOTDOG I’M HUNGRY I WANT A HOTDOG!!!!!
This time it’s Loverboy who intervenes, pulling Tiny into a brotherly hug.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
There there Tiny, calm down. Let's do it like this: If you do a good job out there in the ring, I’ll get you THREE hotdogs. How does that sound?
After a few moments of struggling Tiny calms down and hugs Loverboy back. We hear a mumbling voice from the embrace that can only be construed as "Okay…" Loverboy glances over to Big Sam and gives a thumbs up, causing Big Sam to roll his eyes.
BIG SAM BUSCH
...can we FINALLY get going? We’re gonna be late at this rate.
Loverboy nods and untangles himself from Tiny Tim, who clings onto Loverboy's arm as the trio start making their way towards the backstage area and the view fades out to another ad break for SPLAT content!
_____________________________________________
LOVERBOY BUSCH
OWWWWW, yea baby! That’s what I’m talkin about! Revolution baby! We’re finally here in person, ain’t this something! Time for Loveryboy to get his groove on! Gonna be a night to remember!
Next to Loverboy stands BIG SAM, the surly trucker dressed in simple black jeans and t-shirt with the snakeskin boots of his tapping the floor of the arena impatiently.
BIG SAM BUSCH
Yeah yeah, can we get goin already, Tom? We’ve wasted so much time already. We still need to find our lockers and get dressed and whatnot. Besides, I think Tiny is about ready to burst.
Indeed, next to Big Sam we see the third Brother Busch, TINY TIM with his misbuttoned, but carefully pressed dress-shirt, odd leather mask and faithful companion Socksworth in hand. His head is darting around trying to look and see everything, with a wide-eyed kid in a candy-shop look on his face.
TINY TIM
OMG SO COOL! LOOK! SO MUCH PEOPLE AND SO MUCH SHINY STUFF!
He starts running back and forth the main hall, going to the merch tables and the concession stands, with Big Sam trying to keep up with him to the best of his ability.
TINY TIM
Sammy, look! That shirt is so cool! And look, there’s the poster for the big show! This is SOOO COOOOOOL!!!
Big Sam, looking like he’s about pop a gasket, tries to grab Tiny but the youngest brother slips from his grasp.
BIG SAM
TINY! Calm down will ya, we got places to be and things to do. We can come check these out AFTER our match. Right Tom?...Tom?
As he gets no answer from Loverboy who he expected to be right next to him, Big Sam turns around and sees Loverboy trying to talk up a female attendant at the merch table. Muttering "you gotta be kidding me" to himself, Big Sam heads over to Loverboy.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
Hey there, baby! I see you're peddling the fine wares of the stars of the show! Ya know, maybe next time ya get here you’ll have some of Loverboy's gear there, ya dig? It’d be nice for someone as easy on the eyes as you are handing Loverboy's junk, if ya know what I mean? After all, Loverboy gives a satisfaction, guaranteed! A promise the Loverboy can always make because the Loverboy NEVER comes alone, ya dig?
The attendant looks like she’s about to slap Loverboy upside the head, but before she can do that, Big Sam does it for her, giving his brother a solid thwack on the back of the head. Loverboy’s knees buckle, showing that Big Sam didn’t exactly hold back, and is about to start cussing out when he sees who slapped him. Big Sam stares him down and yanks him to the side by the collar.
BIG SAM BUSCH
I can’t fucking believe you, Tom. Have you forgotten what we are here to do? We’re not here for you to get your groove on, we’re here to wrassle. Ya know, since it was your idea and everything. So leave the poor girls alone and let's go find the lockers, aight?
Loverboy nods.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
I feel ya, Sammy. Where’s Tiny though?
Big Sam blinks and looks around, and it takes him a while to spot Tiny who is standing in front of a hot dog stand. Cussing under his breath he yanks Loverboy by the collar so he’ll follow and makes his way to Tiny, who is staring at the hotdogs. Once Sam gets there, Tiny turns to him with the most adorable puppy eyes the world has seen.
TINY TIM BUSCH
Can I get a hotdog Sammy? Pretty please? I’m hungry and Socksworth says they look good! Please please please please?!
Loverboy is about to speak but Big Sam elbows him and responds to Tiny.
BIG SAM BUSCH
No Tiny, not before the match. We got some snacks on the bag that’ll tide you over. Let’s just find our lockers so we can get ready.
His response isn’t what Tiny wanted to hear and he begins to jump up and down.
TINY TIM BUSCH
BUT I WANT A HOTDOG I WANT A HOTDOG I’M HUNGRY I WANT A HOTDOG!!!!!
This time it’s Loverboy who intervenes, pulling Tiny into a brotherly hug.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
There there Tiny, calm down. Let's do it like this: If you do a good job out there in the ring, I’ll get you THREE hotdogs. How does that sound?
After a few moments of struggling Tiny calms down and hugs Loverboy back. We hear a mumbling voice from the embrace that can only be construed as "Okay…" Loverboy glances over to Big Sam and gives a thumbs up, causing Big Sam to roll his eyes.
BIG SAM BUSCH
...can we FINALLY get going? We’re gonna be late at this rate.
Loverboy nods and untangles himself from Tiny Tim, who clings onto Loverboy's arm as the trio start making their way towards the backstage area and the view fades out to another ad break for SPLAT content!
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
Backstage, the camera is zoomed in on a stitched cut on someone's hairline, and it zooms out to reveal that it belongs to "THE ANSWER" JC. The cut is no longer as red as it was and it seems that it will soon be time for the stitches to come out. But for now, there they sit, and JC is leaning against a wall somewhere in the venue, his eyes closed as he tries to remain composed.
"THE ANSWER" JC
Legionem autem multi sumus. We are legion, for we are many.
He scoffs and then spits on the floor in disgust.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I came to Uprising with a very specific goal. I wanted to get back on my feet after 2020 ended rough. And my debut started out well enough. I kicked two annoying jerks in the face and pinned them simultaneously. They'll never live that down. It should have been a good debut. Should have been.
JC has yet to open his eyes, perhaps because he knows if he does, he may not be able to remain calm much longer.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I've yet to really introduce myself. I thought actions would speak louder than words. But let me go ahead and do that now.
He opens his eyes and glares into the camera, looking through the camera, right into Legion, who he knows will be watching at some point, if he's not already.
"THE ANSWER" JC
My name is JC. I am the Answer. I am the biggest motherfucking threat that has ever or will ever walk into UPRISING. I've spent twenty years in this business winning championships and beating some of the toughest people to ever lace 'em up. I've also done a lot I'm not proud of.
He pauses for a beat.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I've ended careers. And I don't mean I went out there and spiked some jobber's head into the mat so bad he quit the business. I mean I put wrestlers that Legion couldn't hang with in comas. I've brutalized people that made a habit of competing in brutal matches, to the point they never returned. I tore a man's leg to pieces and made him end his own career by submitting.
Am I proud of those things? No. They're some of the worst memories I have.
He closes his eyes again and shrugs, before crossing his arms. He breathes in and lets a slow breath out. After a moment of near-uncomfortable silence, he continues.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I'm not telling you these things to play 'tough guy', Legion. Honestly, I don't give a shit how tough you think I am or how intimidated you are by me. You seem to think that I'm just like that idiot Supreme Machine, another run-of-the-mill monster incapable of thinking for myself.
He shakes his head in disgust.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I'm not even telling you this to warn you. Because the time for warnings are over. You ignored the signs and walked willingly into the old lion's den. You mocked the lion, thinking it was tame. It can't possibly hurt you, right? This isn't the king of the jungle, it's an animal in a zoo.
JC's eyes open again and he narrows his focus.
"THE ANSWER" JC
But the only time you were safe was when you were outside the cage. Now you're here and there's no getting out. The lion has been waiting for someone stupid enough to cross its border. It's tired of being fed. It wants to hunt. And as the lion's biting into you, severing tendons, spilling blood and setting your nerves on fire...you'll realize the location doesn't matter. Zoo or the jungle, the old lion is still king.
He pushes himself off the wall and his face gets closer to the camera, so he can look directly inside of it, hoping that Legion is in the abyss and can stare back at him right now.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I don't believe for a second I'm going to hurt you because I'm bigger. I'm going to hurt you because I that's the law of the jungle. This isn't 'tough guy talk', Legion. This is brutal honesty. I've broken men better than you for less. But you had to spill my blood. Attack me. Humiliate me. And your flippant attitude, your 'Magic's Greatest Secrets Revealed' bullshit isn't going to save you. I may be older, you may have surprised me, but now I'm on the hunt. And I'm not going to be satisfied until I've fed.
He shoves the camera away to indicate he's done, and the cameraman backs away quickly, only getting a quick shot of JC resuming his stance. He's once again leaning against the wall, arms crossed, eyes closed, maintaining his eerie sense of calm as the feed cuts away to ringside.
"THE ANSWER" JC
Legionem autem multi sumus. We are legion, for we are many.
He scoffs and then spits on the floor in disgust.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I came to Uprising with a very specific goal. I wanted to get back on my feet after 2020 ended rough. And my debut started out well enough. I kicked two annoying jerks in the face and pinned them simultaneously. They'll never live that down. It should have been a good debut. Should have been.
JC has yet to open his eyes, perhaps because he knows if he does, he may not be able to remain calm much longer.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I've yet to really introduce myself. I thought actions would speak louder than words. But let me go ahead and do that now.
He opens his eyes and glares into the camera, looking through the camera, right into Legion, who he knows will be watching at some point, if he's not already.
"THE ANSWER" JC
My name is JC. I am the Answer. I am the biggest motherfucking threat that has ever or will ever walk into UPRISING. I've spent twenty years in this business winning championships and beating some of the toughest people to ever lace 'em up. I've also done a lot I'm not proud of.
He pauses for a beat.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I've ended careers. And I don't mean I went out there and spiked some jobber's head into the mat so bad he quit the business. I mean I put wrestlers that Legion couldn't hang with in comas. I've brutalized people that made a habit of competing in brutal matches, to the point they never returned. I tore a man's leg to pieces and made him end his own career by submitting.
Am I proud of those things? No. They're some of the worst memories I have.
He closes his eyes again and shrugs, before crossing his arms. He breathes in and lets a slow breath out. After a moment of near-uncomfortable silence, he continues.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I'm not telling you these things to play 'tough guy', Legion. Honestly, I don't give a shit how tough you think I am or how intimidated you are by me. You seem to think that I'm just like that idiot Supreme Machine, another run-of-the-mill monster incapable of thinking for myself.
He shakes his head in disgust.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I'm not even telling you this to warn you. Because the time for warnings are over. You ignored the signs and walked willingly into the old lion's den. You mocked the lion, thinking it was tame. It can't possibly hurt you, right? This isn't the king of the jungle, it's an animal in a zoo.
JC's eyes open again and he narrows his focus.
"THE ANSWER" JC
But the only time you were safe was when you were outside the cage. Now you're here and there's no getting out. The lion has been waiting for someone stupid enough to cross its border. It's tired of being fed. It wants to hunt. And as the lion's biting into you, severing tendons, spilling blood and setting your nerves on fire...you'll realize the location doesn't matter. Zoo or the jungle, the old lion is still king.
He pushes himself off the wall and his face gets closer to the camera, so he can look directly inside of it, hoping that Legion is in the abyss and can stare back at him right now.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I don't believe for a second I'm going to hurt you because I'm bigger. I'm going to hurt you because I that's the law of the jungle. This isn't 'tough guy talk', Legion. This is brutal honesty. I've broken men better than you for less. But you had to spill my blood. Attack me. Humiliate me. And your flippant attitude, your 'Magic's Greatest Secrets Revealed' bullshit isn't going to save you. I may be older, you may have surprised me, but now I'm on the hunt. And I'm not going to be satisfied until I've fed.
He shoves the camera away to indicate he's done, and the cameraman backs away quickly, only getting a quick shot of JC resuming his stance. He's once again leaning against the wall, arms crossed, eyes closed, maintaining his eerie sense of calm as the feed cuts away to ringside.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
TRIOS MATCH
THE BROTHERS BUSCH vs THE CRUSH
Loverboy & Carrie Cane win the obligatory 'starting the match' pools and we get this trios contest underway. Carrie offers up her hand for a test of strength, a tactic she has been known to abuse in the past, and Loverboy looks like he’s going to oblige, before he starts shaking his leg. Carrie looks confused, and LB keeps on shaking, before saying "you feel that daddi-o?" before he shake stomps on her foot really hard, which catches Cane completely off guard. She yells "OW", he yells "OWW!!!" and takes her down with a double axe to the face! Cane slithers round, trying to get some kind of foothold in the match with her usual underhanded machinations, but LB either seems oblivious to her schemes or is too invested in his own jive to really give a damn. Cane starts getting frustrated, hitting the ropes and diving at Loverboy with a crossbody, but he catches her in mid-air, ruffling her hair like she’s betrothed and he’s carrying her over the threshold, before he dumps her back first on the canvas, and going into a dance break.
Samuel barks at his brother to stop with this nonsense, forcing a tag and getting ready for a fight. Carrie looked like she was gonna tag too, but her grumpiness gets the better of her, and she charges at Samuel, firing off a series of Quick punches and kicks that if anything, seem to bring a smile from Sam. He then fires back with two big punches, right in Carrie’s skull, daring her to come at him again. Carrie is reeled, and Lolly yells "ENOUGH" yanking Carrie to her corner and tagging in. The two most aggressive and violent members of the two teams just go to war, Lollipop using her speed for relentless offense, Sam eating up attacks and firing back big heavy attacks that send Pop flying, but true to form she keeps buzzing right back at him like a particularly annoying wasp.
Satisfied at a good fight, Sam turns to Tiny on the apron asking if he wants in, but it seems he’s a little apprehensive of the crazy Lollipop, made more so by Pop taunting and yelling as she is wont to do. Heidi calls Pop over to the Crush corner, where she tags in, before signalling to Jeeves at ringside to hand her something. She does, and it’s her dinosaur plushie, T-Rex Tex! Tiny is happy to see Heidi and Tex, and he eagerly tags in, running up with Socksworth and the two friends have a little friendly mess about, when...
*CRACK*
Screams are heard from the Crush’s corner and as Heidi wheels around her partners and laid out, and there stands Trinacria, wielding steel chairs. Tiny looks scared and hides behind Heidi as Sam and Loverboy charge in, but with the Sicilian team having weapons, they start laying out opponents, especially without fatigue from fighting. Ricky bears down on a scared Tiny, grinning like an evil villain, and Heidi actcually dives in as he swings, trying to protect her masked friend, but gets laid out. As Nico & Vincenzo clear the rest of the field with their hardware, it’s just Ricky and Tiny, but seeing Ricky hurt Heidi made Tiny angry and braver, as he yells out and starts attacking Ricky, trying to stick Socksworth down his throat. Vincenzo comes across however, and lays him out with a chair before Ricky can choke on his own guts.
Samuel barks at his brother to stop with this nonsense, forcing a tag and getting ready for a fight. Carrie looked like she was gonna tag too, but her grumpiness gets the better of her, and she charges at Samuel, firing off a series of Quick punches and kicks that if anything, seem to bring a smile from Sam. He then fires back with two big punches, right in Carrie’s skull, daring her to come at him again. Carrie is reeled, and Lolly yells "ENOUGH" yanking Carrie to her corner and tagging in. The two most aggressive and violent members of the two teams just go to war, Lollipop using her speed for relentless offense, Sam eating up attacks and firing back big heavy attacks that send Pop flying, but true to form she keeps buzzing right back at him like a particularly annoying wasp.
Satisfied at a good fight, Sam turns to Tiny on the apron asking if he wants in, but it seems he’s a little apprehensive of the crazy Lollipop, made more so by Pop taunting and yelling as she is wont to do. Heidi calls Pop over to the Crush corner, where she tags in, before signalling to Jeeves at ringside to hand her something. She does, and it’s her dinosaur plushie, T-Rex Tex! Tiny is happy to see Heidi and Tex, and he eagerly tags in, running up with Socksworth and the two friends have a little friendly mess about, when...
*CRACK*
Screams are heard from the Crush’s corner and as Heidi wheels around her partners and laid out, and there stands Trinacria, wielding steel chairs. Tiny looks scared and hides behind Heidi as Sam and Loverboy charge in, but with the Sicilian team having weapons, they start laying out opponents, especially without fatigue from fighting. Ricky bears down on a scared Tiny, grinning like an evil villain, and Heidi actcually dives in as he swings, trying to protect her masked friend, but gets laid out. As Nico & Vincenzo clear the rest of the field with their hardware, it’s just Ricky and Tiny, but seeing Ricky hurt Heidi made Tiny angry and braver, as he yells out and starts attacking Ricky, trying to stick Socksworth down his throat. Vincenzo comes across however, and lays him out with a chair before Ricky can choke on his own guts.
WINNER: NO CONTEST
Ricky takes a moment as he surveys the carnage, before reaching down and yanking Socksworth off of Tiny’s hand, putting it on his own and cackling as he takes it as a personal trophy. The crowd shower Trinacria with boos as they head backstage, Ricky turning to wave at the booing fans with Socksworth before leaving. Tiny is inconsolable as he finds Socksworth gone; Heidi tries to comfort him as Loverboy, Sam, Lolly & Carrie run screaming after Trinacria.
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
SATIVA NEVAEH
Well, what do we have here? Reno Nevada and UPRISING Wrestling. I would ask if I needed to introduce myself, but from what I’ve seen, it seems like I need to. Though I’m not sure some senile geriatric would be an accurate representation of the Uprising roster as a whole. The whole 'who even are you' line is such a joke. Either you know, or you’re about to learn.
A mocking chuckle escapes her.
SATIVA NEVAEH
At least a couple people here know me. Amber Ryan and I go way back. Though it’s been ages since we’ve spoken let alone work in the same place. Then there's Kendrick Kross. He REALLY knows me. I’ve kept him from things he wanted. It’s becoming a thing, I guess. So, I’ll have to keep on with that.
Sativa offers a playful wink and a shrug.
SATIVA NEVAEH
Ignis, you know, like I tweeted out the other day: I’d say sorry but I’d be lying. You see, I’ve had a really shitty last few weeks. I got a lot of shit to get out of my system. You just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’ll try and go easy on you, since you did compliment my hair but this is my debut; I ain’t going down easy.
Another wink and there’s something in her tone that's almost ominous.
SATIVA NEVAEH
To everyone else: hello. My name is Sativa Nevaeh. Darth Ganja as I was once called. You’ll be seeing plenty of me around. I will be going straight to where I belong. The top. Doesn’t matter who is there or who tries to stop me. That’s where I belong so that’s where I’m going. You’ll thank me later.
Sativa chuckles again. She offers a small salute and then walks off camera as the feed drops off into another ad break! SUBSCRIBE TO SPLATTV PREMIUM TODAY FOR AD-FREE STREAMING OF THE GREATEST ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING AND PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING CONTENT!
_____________________________________________
Backstage, we find one of the newest UPRISING signings, SATIVA NEVAEH as she’s tightening the laces on her boots in final preparation for her match later tonight. Satisfied with her laces, she turns to see the camera and gives a smirk before addressing it.
SATIVA NEVAEH
Well, what do we have here? Reno Nevada and UPRISING Wrestling. I would ask if I needed to introduce myself, but from what I’ve seen, it seems like I need to. Though I’m not sure some senile geriatric would be an accurate representation of the Uprising roster as a whole. The whole 'who even are you' line is such a joke. Either you know, or you’re about to learn.
A mocking chuckle escapes her.
SATIVA NEVAEH
At least a couple people here know me. Amber Ryan and I go way back. Though it’s been ages since we’ve spoken let alone work in the same place. Then there's Kendrick Kross. He REALLY knows me. I’ve kept him from things he wanted. It’s becoming a thing, I guess. So, I’ll have to keep on with that.
Sativa offers a playful wink and a shrug.
SATIVA NEVAEH
Ignis, you know, like I tweeted out the other day: I’d say sorry but I’d be lying. You see, I’ve had a really shitty last few weeks. I got a lot of shit to get out of my system. You just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’ll try and go easy on you, since you did compliment my hair but this is my debut; I ain’t going down easy.
Another wink and there’s something in her tone that's almost ominous.
SATIVA NEVAEH
To everyone else: hello. My name is Sativa Nevaeh. Darth Ganja as I was once called. You’ll be seeing plenty of me around. I will be going straight to where I belong. The top. Doesn’t matter who is there or who tries to stop me. That’s where I belong so that’s where I’m going. You’ll thank me later.
Sativa chuckles again. She offers a small salute and then walks off camera as the feed drops off into another ad break! SUBSCRIBE TO SPLATTV PREMIUM TODAY FOR AD-FREE STREAMING OF THE GREATEST ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING AND PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING CONTENT!
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CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
A staggered line has formed next to the giant bingo roller, one of the backstage workers giving it a huge stir between each person as numerous roster members try their hand at entering this latest tournament for UPRISING championship gold. Those willing to swallow their pride and risk tagging with a total stranger, or enemy reach in one by one, drawing a ball and hoping for a color. At the front of the line is a wounded and battered HOPE WILLIAMS. Her luck holds out as she draws a black ball, holding it up to show her husband. The same happens to SAMANTHA TOLSON and KENDRICK KROSS.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD draws a black ball, and huffs. She turns around to the smarmy grin of one of Uprising's newest signings JENSON IDOL who made his debut interfering in a tag match two weeks ago!
JENSON IDOL
Shame really, was hoping we'd be a perfect match!
His remarks only bring a roll of the eyes from Sam as she bumps his shoulder walking past. He waves his fingers in a 'so scary' motion after her before drawing his own ball... a neon orange one! He punches the air in excitement and turns, bumping into SUPREME MACHINE. The two stand there, Idol frozen in awe and SuMa staring down at him until Idol finally steps aside, watching as SuMa draws a ball. It's black. The monster sneers and drops it to the floor, stepping on the ping pong ball and shattering it as he walks away.
JENSON IDOL
I've no luck at all.
And with that, Idol walks off as the line carries on and the feed cuts back to ringside.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD draws a black ball, and huffs. She turns around to the smarmy grin of one of Uprising's newest signings JENSON IDOL who made his debut interfering in a tag match two weeks ago!
JENSON IDOL
Shame really, was hoping we'd be a perfect match!
His remarks only bring a roll of the eyes from Sam as she bumps his shoulder walking past. He waves his fingers in a 'so scary' motion after her before drawing his own ball... a neon orange one! He punches the air in excitement and turns, bumping into SUPREME MACHINE. The two stand there, Idol frozen in awe and SuMa staring down at him until Idol finally steps aside, watching as SuMa draws a ball. It's black. The monster sneers and drops it to the floor, stepping on the ping pong ball and shattering it as he walks away.
JENSON IDOL
I've no luck at all.
And with that, Idol walks off as the line carries on and the feed cuts back to ringside.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
"THE FIREBIRD" IGNIS vs SATIVA NEVAEH
'Thundersmith' by Kobra and Lotus booms through the PA system but Ignis is nowhere to be found! The camera cuts to the backstage area where we find that Sativa Nevaeh has apparently attacked Ignis on her way to the gorilla position! HOLY SHIT! SHE'S OUT OF CONTROL! Sativa's bashing her head onto an equipment crate! IGNIS IS ALREADY BLEEDING BUT SHE LASHES OUT WITH A DESPERATION KICK AND NAILS SATIVA IN THE KNEE! Sativa lets out a cry of fury and snatches Ignis by her hair, throwing her so hard into the wall that it leaves a huge dent in the drywall! Ignis crumples to the ground as Sativa begins to stomp a mudhole through her. The referee charges in to try and break it up, but Sativa turns around and clocks him, knocking Neil Rana out before diving down and beginning to rain right hands down on the bloody face of Ignis!
Suddenly Kendrick Kross charges in, tackling Sativa with a little payback for her interference in the CGW Championship match on REVOLUTION 4! The two begin brawling when suddenly Sativa is pulled off him and hurled against the same dented wall she'd thrown Ignis into – HOLY SHIT, IT'S KALINDA AND SHE JUST SAVED KENDRICK KROSS FROM BEING MAULED BY A RABID SATIVA NEVAEH! Sativa staggers up to her feet, eyes narrowed as she turns on Kalinda who almost seems to be protectively shielding Ignis with her tail. Things might have gotten even more violent but security finally manages to get between and they drag both Sativa and Kalinda back. Sativa's laughing, her mouth bloody as she lifts her hand up and uses the back of it to wipe the blood away. Kross looks like he wants to murder someone, be it the dragoness or Sativa but he can't do anything when there are three security guards between them. The last view is of Ignis being tended to by medical staff.
Suddenly Kendrick Kross charges in, tackling Sativa with a little payback for her interference in the CGW Championship match on REVOLUTION 4! The two begin brawling when suddenly Sativa is pulled off him and hurled against the same dented wall she'd thrown Ignis into – HOLY SHIT, IT'S KALINDA AND SHE JUST SAVED KENDRICK KROSS FROM BEING MAULED BY A RABID SATIVA NEVAEH! Sativa staggers up to her feet, eyes narrowed as she turns on Kalinda who almost seems to be protectively shielding Ignis with her tail. Things might have gotten even more violent but security finally manages to get between and they drag both Sativa and Kalinda back. Sativa's laughing, her mouth bloody as she lifts her hand up and uses the back of it to wipe the blood away. Kross looks like he wants to murder someone, be it the dragoness or Sativa but he can't do anything when there are three security guards between them. The last view is of Ignis being tended to by medical staff.
WINNER: NO CONTEST
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
Backstage, LOGAN LEWIS stands next to the giant black bingo drum, watching it spin for a few moments before she nods her head, almost like she’s psyching herself up for the moment. Finally, she walks over and reaches in, looking almost relieved when she pulls out one of the black ping pong balls. That look is still on her face as she turns away from the rest of the straggling line of talent waiting for their turn and stops short, realizing that LUIS MONTES is standing there with a microphone in hand. He looks down at the black ball in her hand and then back up at Lewis.
LUIS MONTES
So far we’ve seen Jenson Idol and Regan Voorhees pick up opposing colors. Are you disappointed that you’re not going to be included in the Tag Team Round Robin?
The rookie shakes her head, looking down at the ball for a moment longer before she replies.
LOGAN LEWIS
Honestly? No. I mean, I’ll work with someone if I absolutely have to, but I think this whole thing is…
She pauses, clearly at a loss for words.
LUIS MONTES
A bit too random for your tastes?
LOGAN LEWIS
Bruhhhh...no. I was thinking 'stupid af'. Besides, I have much more important things to focus my energy on than this. Like beating Jenson Idol. Like winning that rumble at CORONATION in two weeks. I’m definitely not about to waste the second chance--
LUIS MONTES
Technically, isn’t it a third chance? I mean, Jackson put you back into the tournament after your controversial loss to Don Tirri in the first round only for you to lose again and now you’ve got this--
LOGAN LEWIS
Uh... technically? No. I should have already been in the rumble because of what Don Tirri pulled in that first round so really, this is a no-brainer. Just like me winning that rumble is going to be. I might not get to be the first champion, but there’s nothing that says I can’t be the longest running or the best or the--
MATT STONE
Well there’s me.
A voice from offscreen interjects and is quickly shown to be the undefeated Matt Stone as he saunters up to the pair of them. Matt's looking as confident as ever despite not competing on this particular night.
MATT STONE
Gonna be hard for you to be the best or even get your hands on it once I win this battle royal and then go on to be the second Uprising champion.
The brash rookie rolls her eyes.
LOGAN LEWIS
You think I’m just gonna roll over and play dead after working my butt off to get back into this thing? Like don’t even try and give me that crap! On paper, Chris Mosh looked like he was going to be better than me and everybody saw how that turned out.
MATT STONE
Don’t compare me to Chris Mosh, child; I’m a premier athlete in this business and he’s a meme. As for you, Gretchen…
Matt turns to Luis only to see that he’s mistaken.
MATT STONE
Who the devil are you?
The senior interviewer smirks, his professionalism intact as he quips right back.
LUIS MONTES
(Chuckling)
Clearly not Gretchen. Although if you get a few shots of Tequila in me, I might be persuaded to put on a blonde wig and pretend.
He looks to Logan Lewis, catching her eye as he smiles.
LUIS MONTES
I’d ask you the same question, but I feel like that might get you off on some enormous rant and we’d end up running over on our allotted time with the streaming service.
MATT STONE
First of all? Gross. Second of all, how can you not know who I am? I was in the main event last show for God’s sake! You should be interviewing me, not little Loggy over there!
LOGAN LEWIS
Little...WHAT?!
She smacks her gum, rolling her eyes theatrically.
LOGAN LEWIS
Lil Miss Reno. Just because you’ve got a little undefeated streak going doesn’t make you anything special. You got here late and now you’re trying to skip the line and steal my spotlight, steal my moment that I’ve had to work my ass off to get? Yeah, no. I don’t think so. Listen, Luis knows what he’s doing, interviewing the true star… the one who’s going to make that rumble the show-stopping show-stealer of CORONATION. All eyes on me because I’m not about to let this slip through my fingers again.
She takes a step closer to Stone, almost cutting Montes out of frame completely as she almost shoves him aside.
LOGAN LEWIS
You feel me?
MATT STONE
I’m not trying to steal anything. I earned my shot to be where I am; I didn’t go beg Jackson after losing over and over again to get to where you are. So you better check yourself before I put you back in your place in the back of the line, Loggy.
The look on her face makes it clear that she wants to say something else; so does the way she’s clenching her fists but she smiles instead after taking a deep breath.
LOGAN LEWIS
I guess we’ll see who’s right and who’s wrong in two weeks. Think fast-
She throws the black ping pong ball at Stone and turns on her heels, walking away as she throws a peace sign up over her shoulder. Matt catches the ping pong ball in his hand and looks at it for a second.
MATT STONE
What am I supposed to do with your custom-sized dumbbell?
Matt calls after her, chuckling as he looks back at Luis who's completely stone-faced.
MATT STONE
Get it? Cause she’s small and can’t lift much! Well, I thought it was funny, anyway.
He shrugs and drops the ball, heading off in the opposite direction, pleased with his douchebaggery.
LUIS MONTES
So far we’ve seen Jenson Idol and Regan Voorhees pick up opposing colors. Are you disappointed that you’re not going to be included in the Tag Team Round Robin?
The rookie shakes her head, looking down at the ball for a moment longer before she replies.
LOGAN LEWIS
Honestly? No. I mean, I’ll work with someone if I absolutely have to, but I think this whole thing is…
She pauses, clearly at a loss for words.
LUIS MONTES
A bit too random for your tastes?
LOGAN LEWIS
Bruhhhh...no. I was thinking 'stupid af'. Besides, I have much more important things to focus my energy on than this. Like beating Jenson Idol. Like winning that rumble at CORONATION in two weeks. I’m definitely not about to waste the second chance--
LUIS MONTES
Technically, isn’t it a third chance? I mean, Jackson put you back into the tournament after your controversial loss to Don Tirri in the first round only for you to lose again and now you’ve got this--
LOGAN LEWIS
Uh... technically? No. I should have already been in the rumble because of what Don Tirri pulled in that first round so really, this is a no-brainer. Just like me winning that rumble is going to be. I might not get to be the first champion, but there’s nothing that says I can’t be the longest running or the best or the--
MATT STONE
Well there’s me.
A voice from offscreen interjects and is quickly shown to be the undefeated Matt Stone as he saunters up to the pair of them. Matt's looking as confident as ever despite not competing on this particular night.
MATT STONE
Gonna be hard for you to be the best or even get your hands on it once I win this battle royal and then go on to be the second Uprising champion.
The brash rookie rolls her eyes.
LOGAN LEWIS
You think I’m just gonna roll over and play dead after working my butt off to get back into this thing? Like don’t even try and give me that crap! On paper, Chris Mosh looked like he was going to be better than me and everybody saw how that turned out.
MATT STONE
Don’t compare me to Chris Mosh, child; I’m a premier athlete in this business and he’s a meme. As for you, Gretchen…
Matt turns to Luis only to see that he’s mistaken.
MATT STONE
Who the devil are you?
The senior interviewer smirks, his professionalism intact as he quips right back.
LUIS MONTES
(Chuckling)
Clearly not Gretchen. Although if you get a few shots of Tequila in me, I might be persuaded to put on a blonde wig and pretend.
He looks to Logan Lewis, catching her eye as he smiles.
LUIS MONTES
I’d ask you the same question, but I feel like that might get you off on some enormous rant and we’d end up running over on our allotted time with the streaming service.
MATT STONE
First of all? Gross. Second of all, how can you not know who I am? I was in the main event last show for God’s sake! You should be interviewing me, not little Loggy over there!
LOGAN LEWIS
Little...WHAT?!
She smacks her gum, rolling her eyes theatrically.
LOGAN LEWIS
Lil Miss Reno. Just because you’ve got a little undefeated streak going doesn’t make you anything special. You got here late and now you’re trying to skip the line and steal my spotlight, steal my moment that I’ve had to work my ass off to get? Yeah, no. I don’t think so. Listen, Luis knows what he’s doing, interviewing the true star… the one who’s going to make that rumble the show-stopping show-stealer of CORONATION. All eyes on me because I’m not about to let this slip through my fingers again.
She takes a step closer to Stone, almost cutting Montes out of frame completely as she almost shoves him aside.
LOGAN LEWIS
You feel me?
MATT STONE
I’m not trying to steal anything. I earned my shot to be where I am; I didn’t go beg Jackson after losing over and over again to get to where you are. So you better check yourself before I put you back in your place in the back of the line, Loggy.
The look on her face makes it clear that she wants to say something else; so does the way she’s clenching her fists but she smiles instead after taking a deep breath.
LOGAN LEWIS
I guess we’ll see who’s right and who’s wrong in two weeks. Think fast-
She throws the black ping pong ball at Stone and turns on her heels, walking away as she throws a peace sign up over her shoulder. Matt catches the ping pong ball in his hand and looks at it for a second.
MATT STONE
What am I supposed to do with your custom-sized dumbbell?
Matt calls after her, chuckling as he looks back at Luis who's completely stone-faced.
MATT STONE
Get it? Cause she’s small and can’t lift much! Well, I thought it was funny, anyway.
He shrugs and drops the ball, heading off in the opposite direction, pleased with his douchebaggery.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
JENSON IDOL vs LOGAN LEWIS
With the sound of the bell, Jenson and Logan are quick to lock up with the veteran Idol having the obvious power advantage. He's able to back Lewis up to the corner where we get a clean break, Jenson looking proud of himself for getting the first one-up of the match. It's short-lived as Logan kicks him in the midsection and pulls him closer, sitting herself on the middle rope and leaping off with a tornado DDT, driving Idol to the mat and going for a quick cover!
ONE!
TW—NO!
Idol powers up and scurries to his feet. He doesn’t look so smug now as he goes for another lockup, but Lewis ducks under the attempt and dropkicks him in the back, sending him forward into the ropes. He rebounds backwards and she rolls him up, straight into another quick two-count. She’s quick to her feet and hits the ropes, coming back with a low dropkick that he’s able to block and rolls out of the ring to catch his breath. Things aren’t exactly going his way which isn’t helped by Lewis diving through the ropes and connecting with Jenson, pushing them both back into the barricade! The crowd cheers as Logan struggles to lift Idol up and roll him back in the ring, wanting to head into CORONATION with a win streak. She quickly slides in after him and hooks both legs but Jenson kicks out before Ref Stef can even get into position for a count. Logan looks annoyed but doesn't waste any time, going to the outside and climbing to the top, waiting for Idol to get his feet before leaping off for a double axehandle – DENIED! She eats a crescent kick to the face for her troubles! A gasp throughout the arena can be heard as she falls to her back and Idol falls down next to her, reaching his arm over her.
ONE!
TW—NO!
Logan gets the shoulder up and Jenson lifts her onto her feet, saying something to her before she’s quickly back on the canvas thanks to a snap suplex. Jenson hits the ropes, somersaulting over and flipping in the air for a backsplash Rolling Thunder. He goes for the cover yet again!
ONE!
TWO—NO!
Ref Stef waves the two fingers and Jenson is starting to look a little frustrated as he scoops the rookie up yet again, whipping her into the far corner and charging in for a shoulder tackle but Lewis flips up and over him, rolling behind him with a sunset flip. She gets his shoulders locked down but Idol kicks out immediately. Both getting to their feet, Logan hits the ropes and connects with a spinning leg kick that drops Jenson to the mat and Logan goes for the big finish, dashing towards the idle rope and springboarding off them for her patented moonsault, but as she’s coming down it’s right into the arms of Jenson and his FC Cutter! Logan’s head bounces off the mat and he rolls her over, hooking both legs as the referee gets down for the count.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
ONE!
TW—NO!
Idol powers up and scurries to his feet. He doesn’t look so smug now as he goes for another lockup, but Lewis ducks under the attempt and dropkicks him in the back, sending him forward into the ropes. He rebounds backwards and she rolls him up, straight into another quick two-count. She’s quick to her feet and hits the ropes, coming back with a low dropkick that he’s able to block and rolls out of the ring to catch his breath. Things aren’t exactly going his way which isn’t helped by Lewis diving through the ropes and connecting with Jenson, pushing them both back into the barricade! The crowd cheers as Logan struggles to lift Idol up and roll him back in the ring, wanting to head into CORONATION with a win streak. She quickly slides in after him and hooks both legs but Jenson kicks out before Ref Stef can even get into position for a count. Logan looks annoyed but doesn't waste any time, going to the outside and climbing to the top, waiting for Idol to get his feet before leaping off for a double axehandle – DENIED! She eats a crescent kick to the face for her troubles! A gasp throughout the arena can be heard as she falls to her back and Idol falls down next to her, reaching his arm over her.
ONE!
TW—NO!
Logan gets the shoulder up and Jenson lifts her onto her feet, saying something to her before she’s quickly back on the canvas thanks to a snap suplex. Jenson hits the ropes, somersaulting over and flipping in the air for a backsplash Rolling Thunder. He goes for the cover yet again!
ONE!
TWO—NO!
Ref Stef waves the two fingers and Jenson is starting to look a little frustrated as he scoops the rookie up yet again, whipping her into the far corner and charging in for a shoulder tackle but Lewis flips up and over him, rolling behind him with a sunset flip. She gets his shoulders locked down but Idol kicks out immediately. Both getting to their feet, Logan hits the ropes and connects with a spinning leg kick that drops Jenson to the mat and Logan goes for the big finish, dashing towards the idle rope and springboarding off them for her patented moonsault, but as she’s coming down it’s right into the arms of Jenson and his FC Cutter! Logan’s head bounces off the mat and he rolls her over, hooking both legs as the referee gets down for the count.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): JENSON IDOL
CUT TO:
EXT. ELDORADO CASINO -- PARKING LOT
A camera is found in the parking lot where we see a limo pull up. Given all the high profile signings lately, this could be anybody. But the door opens and we see LEGION step out, his face free of his usual paint. Instead, he has on a nice suit, which he adjusts as he gets to his feet. A young kid is walking by with a tray full of Starbucks coffee cups. Legion reaches out to snatch him by the scruff of his neck and pulls him in real close.
LEGION
Well, well, well, if it isn’t the world famous Steve the Intern I’ve been hearing so much about.
INTERN STEVE
(Gulps)
I don’t know about world famous…
LEGION
Figure of speech. Listen. I’m looking for Jackson. We have some business to go over. Do you know where he is?
INTERN STEVE
He should be in his office. One of these coffees is actually his.
LEGION
Beautiful. Lead the way.
Steve gulps again as he shoves off, walking quickly toward one of the hallways with Legion trailing close behind. The two eventually get to a door and the young man points it out. BRAD JACKSON is written in bold letters on a plaque underneath the words UPRISING GENERAL MANAGER. Legion lets go of Steve and pushes him aside, knocking him to his knees and sending the tray full of hot beverages tumbling onto the floor.
INTERN STEVE
The coffees! Nooo!!
(turns to Legion)
Dangit! Why’d you have to go and do that?
Legion shoots him a glare.
INTERN STEVE
(stutters)
I, uh, I mean, why did I have to go and drop that?
LEGION
Good point. You should go get refills.
INTERN STEVE
(Looking at the mess)
What about that? Should I get a mop?
LEGION
(menacingly)
Go. Now.
Steve gulps one last time then scurries off, careful not to slip on the mess. Legion turns back to the door. He doesn't bother knocking, instead choosing to go right on inside. The camera follows just behind him, but no one is visible right away. Instead a chair at the desk is turned away from the door. Perhaps someone is in it, perhaps not.
LEGION
You've got some nerve...
Legion takes a step into the office when suddenly a boot comes out of nowhere from the side and connects with the side of his face, knocking him down and out. A large man steps forward, a 6'5, 255 lb man to be precise, wearing a crudely designed Jackson mask. It's obvious to everyone who this is, but he lifts up the mask to reveal that indeed, it's JC underneath. He puts the mask back on to hammer home to keep mocking Legion's disguise from the last show.
"THE ANSWER" JC
Oh I've got a lot of nerve. But so do you. Lots of nerves. And I'm going to set them on fire.
To prove his point, JC grabs the hand of Legion and lifts it up, manipulating the small joints and snapping his fingers. The pain seems to wake him up, but JC grabs him by the back of the head and sends him sailing over Jackson's desk colliding with the chair and falling over. JC yells at him and grabs the ends of the desk, tipping it over on top of him.
"THE ANSWER" JC
What is it with you fucks thinking you can get one over on me and not suffer the consequences?
Legion crawls out from under the desk and tries to get to his feet, but JC comes over and drives his boot hard into his ribcage. He then grabs Legion and picks him up, before looking at the nearby wall.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I want you to remember this when it comes time for Coronation. Remember what happened when you tried to dance with the devil.
JC roars again and charges forward, throwing Legion headfirst into the wall. His head doesn't bounce off, but instead goes THROUGH the drywall, and he slumps there unconscious, or at least too out of it to bother getting out of the hole right now.
JC, still wearing his mask, turns around to leave, when he comes face-to-face with...Jackson. The General Manager looks from JC to the destruction of his office and back again, searching for an explanation he knows he's not going to get.
JACKSON
...what the fuck?
"THE ANSWER" JC
Bill me.
"JaxC" moves past Jackson and exits stage right, leaving the head of Uprising to survey the damage to his office and one of his performers while the feed cuts away to another SPLAT ad break.
LEGION
Well, well, well, if it isn’t the world famous Steve the Intern I’ve been hearing so much about.
INTERN STEVE
(Gulps)
I don’t know about world famous…
LEGION
Figure of speech. Listen. I’m looking for Jackson. We have some business to go over. Do you know where he is?
INTERN STEVE
He should be in his office. One of these coffees is actually his.
LEGION
Beautiful. Lead the way.
Steve gulps again as he shoves off, walking quickly toward one of the hallways with Legion trailing close behind. The two eventually get to a door and the young man points it out. BRAD JACKSON is written in bold letters on a plaque underneath the words UPRISING GENERAL MANAGER. Legion lets go of Steve and pushes him aside, knocking him to his knees and sending the tray full of hot beverages tumbling onto the floor.
INTERN STEVE
The coffees! Nooo!!
(turns to Legion)
Dangit! Why’d you have to go and do that?
Legion shoots him a glare.
INTERN STEVE
(stutters)
I, uh, I mean, why did I have to go and drop that?
LEGION
Good point. You should go get refills.
INTERN STEVE
(Looking at the mess)
What about that? Should I get a mop?
LEGION
(menacingly)
Go. Now.
Steve gulps one last time then scurries off, careful not to slip on the mess. Legion turns back to the door. He doesn't bother knocking, instead choosing to go right on inside. The camera follows just behind him, but no one is visible right away. Instead a chair at the desk is turned away from the door. Perhaps someone is in it, perhaps not.
LEGION
You've got some nerve...
Legion takes a step into the office when suddenly a boot comes out of nowhere from the side and connects with the side of his face, knocking him down and out. A large man steps forward, a 6'5, 255 lb man to be precise, wearing a crudely designed Jackson mask. It's obvious to everyone who this is, but he lifts up the mask to reveal that indeed, it's JC underneath. He puts the mask back on to hammer home to keep mocking Legion's disguise from the last show.
"THE ANSWER" JC
Oh I've got a lot of nerve. But so do you. Lots of nerves. And I'm going to set them on fire.
To prove his point, JC grabs the hand of Legion and lifts it up, manipulating the small joints and snapping his fingers. The pain seems to wake him up, but JC grabs him by the back of the head and sends him sailing over Jackson's desk colliding with the chair and falling over. JC yells at him and grabs the ends of the desk, tipping it over on top of him.
"THE ANSWER" JC
What is it with you fucks thinking you can get one over on me and not suffer the consequences?
Legion crawls out from under the desk and tries to get to his feet, but JC comes over and drives his boot hard into his ribcage. He then grabs Legion and picks him up, before looking at the nearby wall.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I want you to remember this when it comes time for Coronation. Remember what happened when you tried to dance with the devil.
JC roars again and charges forward, throwing Legion headfirst into the wall. His head doesn't bounce off, but instead goes THROUGH the drywall, and he slumps there unconscious, or at least too out of it to bother getting out of the hole right now.
JC, still wearing his mask, turns around to leave, when he comes face-to-face with...Jackson. The General Manager looks from JC to the destruction of his office and back again, searching for an explanation he knows he's not going to get.
JACKSON
...what the fuck?
"THE ANSWER" JC
Bill me.
"JaxC" moves past Jackson and exits stage right, leaving the head of Uprising to survey the damage to his office and one of his performers while the feed cuts away to another SPLAT ad break.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
STATIC
The opening riff of 'Zetite' by Illnath starts playing as the screen turns first to black and we hear Jennifer Rivers speaking from the void.
JENNIFER RIVERS
This world is full of supposed monsters. Beings of terror who draw inspiration from fairytales and urban legends. Created to scare and shock the public. Fabrications of creative minds who stalk the land in search of their next prey. Monsters have always been a staple of any fiction. From slasher fiction to fantasy fiction. From serial killers to otherworldly beings.
A black and white slideshow of the most famous movie monsters, both slasher and Universal starts playing rapidly on the screen as Jenny continues.
JENNIFER RIVERS
But this business of ours… it attracts its own kind of monsters. Men and women who relish in the buffet of violence and mayhem that the squared circle provides for one willing to go the extra mile. Men and women who seek out likeminded individuals or hapless victims to rip and tear in the ring.
The white gets replaced by a red hue as images of wrestling's most famous monsters being flipped through on the screen, slowly fading into an image of Supreme Machine seated on the corner.
JENNIFER RIVERS
Yet, my brother is different. He is different from all the supposed monsters that have set their foot in that ring. Once upon a time he was like you and I. A big friendly giant. His size and stature making him a perfect attraction in the wrestling business. A fierce competitor, but a kind, gentle soul outside the ring. Never overstepping the bounds. Never going too far. Popular and loved.
An image of a young man with a warm smile on his face flashes on the screen in an almost epilepsy-inducing manner, overlaid on SuMa who has stood up. The proportions fit almost perfectly, making it obvious that we are seeing a picture of him in his youth.
JENNIFER RIVERS
Too popular. Too well-loved. Unlike so many other monsters my brother does not have trauma from childhood or pre-existing mental conditions. No. He is what he is today because of this business. Held down. Placed in matches where the human body is pushed to its limits. Week after week he chased his dream of being a star. Enduring the pain and suffering. Week in. Week out. First it was tables. It was ladders. It was chairs. Then came the thumbtacks. The barbed wire. The light tubes. The explosives. And as the scars on his skin multiplied and deepened, the scars on his mind grew larger and larger. Until he reached his breaking point.
A glass-breaking graphic hits the screen and as the shards fall away we are treated to a closeup of SuMa’s face, his black eyes staring lifelessly to the camera.
JENNIFER RIVERS
What you see in front of you is not a monster in the traditional sense. He is not a fairytale. He is not a slasher-film villain. He is not a boogeyman. He is worse. He is a human being. A human being at their worst. This business beat whatever was left of the kind, gentle giant my brother was out of him without mercy. What remains is what you see. An empty shell. A shell that got filled with something more terrifying and more dangerous than mere hatred. Than mere anger.
The camera pulls back and we see Jenny standing next to him, a hint of red eyeshadow on her face as a nod to Legion's mist. She is smiling, yet there is no warmth to it whatsoever. It is a cold and fearsome expression.
JENNIFER RIVERS
My brother calls himself the Supreme Machine because that is what he became. A machine. The empty shell he had become was filled with nothing but cold darkness. A machine programmed to hurt. You might think that it is the desire for vengeance or lust for mayhem that fuels him. No. All it is is a logical calculation of doing what he is best suited for. And that… is why you should all be wary of him. What Legion succeeded in at Revolution 4 will not be repeated anytime soon. He has been shown his limits. And now he has learned. Whoever is the unlucky man or woman who crosses his path next will find out just what he is capable off…
The screen fades to black and in deep crimson, a sentence forms on the blackness, spelling out an ominous warning:
THIS IS MERELY THE BEGINNING.
The words grow darker, fading into the black void just before the feed cuts back to static.
JENNIFER RIVERS
This world is full of supposed monsters. Beings of terror who draw inspiration from fairytales and urban legends. Created to scare and shock the public. Fabrications of creative minds who stalk the land in search of their next prey. Monsters have always been a staple of any fiction. From slasher fiction to fantasy fiction. From serial killers to otherworldly beings.
A black and white slideshow of the most famous movie monsters, both slasher and Universal starts playing rapidly on the screen as Jenny continues.
JENNIFER RIVERS
But this business of ours… it attracts its own kind of monsters. Men and women who relish in the buffet of violence and mayhem that the squared circle provides for one willing to go the extra mile. Men and women who seek out likeminded individuals or hapless victims to rip and tear in the ring.
The white gets replaced by a red hue as images of wrestling's most famous monsters being flipped through on the screen, slowly fading into an image of Supreme Machine seated on the corner.
JENNIFER RIVERS
Yet, my brother is different. He is different from all the supposed monsters that have set their foot in that ring. Once upon a time he was like you and I. A big friendly giant. His size and stature making him a perfect attraction in the wrestling business. A fierce competitor, but a kind, gentle soul outside the ring. Never overstepping the bounds. Never going too far. Popular and loved.
An image of a young man with a warm smile on his face flashes on the screen in an almost epilepsy-inducing manner, overlaid on SuMa who has stood up. The proportions fit almost perfectly, making it obvious that we are seeing a picture of him in his youth.
JENNIFER RIVERS
Too popular. Too well-loved. Unlike so many other monsters my brother does not have trauma from childhood or pre-existing mental conditions. No. He is what he is today because of this business. Held down. Placed in matches where the human body is pushed to its limits. Week after week he chased his dream of being a star. Enduring the pain and suffering. Week in. Week out. First it was tables. It was ladders. It was chairs. Then came the thumbtacks. The barbed wire. The light tubes. The explosives. And as the scars on his skin multiplied and deepened, the scars on his mind grew larger and larger. Until he reached his breaking point.
A glass-breaking graphic hits the screen and as the shards fall away we are treated to a closeup of SuMa’s face, his black eyes staring lifelessly to the camera.
JENNIFER RIVERS
What you see in front of you is not a monster in the traditional sense. He is not a fairytale. He is not a slasher-film villain. He is not a boogeyman. He is worse. He is a human being. A human being at their worst. This business beat whatever was left of the kind, gentle giant my brother was out of him without mercy. What remains is what you see. An empty shell. A shell that got filled with something more terrifying and more dangerous than mere hatred. Than mere anger.
The camera pulls back and we see Jenny standing next to him, a hint of red eyeshadow on her face as a nod to Legion's mist. She is smiling, yet there is no warmth to it whatsoever. It is a cold and fearsome expression.
JENNIFER RIVERS
My brother calls himself the Supreme Machine because that is what he became. A machine. The empty shell he had become was filled with nothing but cold darkness. A machine programmed to hurt. You might think that it is the desire for vengeance or lust for mayhem that fuels him. No. All it is is a logical calculation of doing what he is best suited for. And that… is why you should all be wary of him. What Legion succeeded in at Revolution 4 will not be repeated anytime soon. He has been shown his limits. And now he has learned. Whoever is the unlucky man or woman who crosses his path next will find out just what he is capable off…
The screen fades to black and in deep crimson, a sentence forms on the blackness, spelling out an ominous warning:
THIS IS MERELY THE BEGINNING.
The words grow darker, fading into the black void just before the feed cuts back to static.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
"CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR" FALLOUT -- NO DQ
CHRIS MOSH vs AMBER RYAN
The fans pop loudly for Amber Ryan, who has officially stepped into a ring for the first time since November of 2020. Mosh bounces on his feet, grinning and brimming with confidence despite that knowledge, oblivious in the opening seconds of his "punishment" as set forth by the General Manager. As the bell rings, the two meet in the middle for a lockup, but Amber Ryan quickly disengages and limps away! She's favoring her damaged ankle and Mosh's sadistic grin broadens as the ref goes to check on Amber. He makes the dreaded "X" above his head, just as Mosh has turned to an audience that jeers now, disappointed in the tragedy that has befallen them. BUT WAIT! Amber Ryan suddenly springs to her feet! She charges at Mosh and nails him with a vicious bulldog, hanging him up on the top rope and landing deftly on the outside! The crowd pops huge to the swerve and Amber Ryan is in her element as she searches under the ring for some weapons of MOSH destruction. An unnervingly small smirk plays across her face as she tosses a crowbar into the ring, while standing with a length of chain as well. She slides into the ring, stalking toward Mosh but finds out quickly the crowbar landed a little too close as Mosh nails her in the previously injured ankle with it! Amber hops away, yelling in agony as Mosh gets up and stalks after her. In his relentless pursuit, he doesn't see the redhead wrapping the chain around her fist!
As Mosh follows her into a corner, he raises the crowbar to deliver another blow, but Amber fires out of the corner with a hard straight punch to the middle of Mosh's face! The crunch of his nose is audible as the hard fist and harder chain find their mark! The smirk broadens into a smile on the Hurricane's face and she sets to work wrapping the chain around Mosh’s neck. She drags the mouthy bastard to the ropes, slings him over and snatches the excess chain! AMBER RYAN IS HANGING CHRIS MOSH AND THE CROWD IS GOING BERSERK! Amber loops the chain through the turnbuckles, ripping off the middle one to secure a clasp at the end of the chain to it and now poor Mosh is chained like a dog to the ring! He gasps, trying to breathe through a broken nose and a constricted throat! Amber Ryan grabs the crowbar and approaches him with a dangerous look in her eyes! She begins swinging on Mosh’s midsection and the fans seem torn between aghast and thrilled! After the third defenseless swing, the ref calls for the bell and goes to pull Amber off!
WINNER (VIA REFEREE INTERVENTION): AMBER RYAN
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- GM'S OFFICE
We're back in the corridor outside of the General Manager's office where a large rolling whiteboard is set up, block printing on it spelling out the following in black ink.
1. THE RING CREW
2. SMILES PROTECTION AGENCY
3. SUPER ULTRA FRIENDSHIP CREW
4. THE CRUSH
5. TRINACRIA
6. THE GEMSTONES
7. THE BROTHERS BUSCH
8. ??
9. ??
10. ??
JACKSON walks into view, followed by a man who looks to be almost a foot shorter. For those with an ear to the ground and an eye on history of the wrestling business, particularly tag team wrestling throughout the Midwest in the late 90’s through the early 2000’s, the diminutive man is no stranger at all. It’s none other than the retired legend and one half of the infamous Knights of Anarchy, LARRY GOWAN. Pointing at the board, Jackson begins to explain.
JACKSON
I commissioned tag team championships the same time I had the UPRISING championship started. The belts are ready, but we’ve only got seven teams, four of those actually having more than two members – we’ll do a Freebird rule, of course. No restrictions. I figured we need at least 10 teams to get a good tournament going. I don't know if you saw, I've got the roster drawing to see who gets into those last three teams. It's voluntary right now. We'll see how it goes. Appreciate you coming out here for this, Larry. I really do.
The smaller man nods.
LARRY GOWAN
Not like I've been doing much these days outside of noodling around in the studio. Recorded a song for Christmas with a local band from Toronto. Otherwise, I've been enjoying the heck out of retirement.
The general manager erases the question marks under two of the spaces and starts updating what he's got on the board. Now it reads:
1. THE RING CREW
2. SMILES PROTECTION AGENCY
3. SUPER ULTRA FRIENDSHIP CREW
4. THE CRUSH
5. TRINACRIA
6. THE GEMSTONES
7. THE BROTHERS BUSCH
8. REGAN VOORHEES/??
9. JENSON IDOL/??
10. ??/??
JACKSON
So, we'll roll with this, then. You'll spearhead that division and I'll leave it up to you to figure out the logistics on the tournament once we've got those other 3 teams settled. I'm looking to start with that on the first show back after CORONATION. Not sure if you've been following so far, but we've gone off like a rocket. It's insane. We're already turning profit. We've got a whole line of merchandise ready to launch in the next month or so. We're about to crown our first champion in two weeks. I can't think of anyone else I'd rather have by my side to launch this tag team division properly. So, whaddya say, Lare? The job's yours if you want it.
LARRY GOWAN
Sounds good. Count me in.
He holds out his hand for Jackson to shake, looking surprised when the bigger man grabs it and pulls him into a hug.
JACKSON
It's good to have you back, little buddy. We missed you.
Gowan's smile is almost wistful as he steps back, shaking his head even though he can clearly see the destruction inside the office.
LARRY GOWAN
Not gonna lie. I missed this, too. So much.
Backstage, SCOTT DUNN is pacing around on his own in an open area. The camera catches him on the phone, talking to...no idea. Whoever it is, he clearly wants it kept private and he quickly ends the call.
SCOTT DUNN
Oi, twat, you never heard of knocking?
Is there even a door? Who knows.
SCOTT DUNN
Aye, well, since you’re here you can make yourself useful. Stand the fuck still, I’m talking.
He positions the camera where he wants it.
SCOTT DUNN
Listen up, Knox, you fucking knobhead. I’m sick of your shite, lad. Sick of your whining on social media, painting yourself up to look less like a turd. All you do is cry, lad. Whaaaa, Scotty hit me with a chair. Whaaaa, Scotty pointed out I’m a shite father – twice. Whaaaa, Scotty used my words against me.
He laughs.
SCOTT DUNN
Dumb bitch, always got teary eyes lately. All you wanna do is talk yourself up and me down, then say what I do doesn’t bother you and yet it’s got you coming here tonight doesn’t it? Got you so fuming that you’re gonna interfere in a match, just for a match, and help that scrub Kendrick Kandyfloss or whatever the fuck he’s called win?
Shaking his head, he huffs.
SCOTT DUNN
All because you have little dick energy? You think that’ll stop me somehow? You’re gonna have to learn there’s no stopping me. You should have taken your crooked dub and fucked off while you could, all proud over a DQ win like the sad little fuck you are. But you couldn’t, you had to push and look what happened. I push back, you cry even more.
Wagging a finger, Scotty smirks.
SCOTT DUNN
Do it, I dare you. Show your worst, because it won’t do anything. It’s just even more reason to blast your teeth out of your mouth.
He needs a moment to regain himself.
SCOTT DUNN
As for you, Kenny...
He dismissively waves the camera off.
SCOTT DUNN
Who am I kidding, you don’t fucking matter.
And he turns to leave, not finishing whatever he was going to say as the feed cuts out to an ad for the next installment of THE DEMON OF DURANGO, only on SplatTV!
_____________________________________________
1. THE RING CREW
2. SMILES PROTECTION AGENCY
3. SUPER ULTRA FRIENDSHIP CREW
4. THE CRUSH
5. TRINACRIA
6. THE GEMSTONES
7. THE BROTHERS BUSCH
8. ??
9. ??
10. ??
JACKSON walks into view, followed by a man who looks to be almost a foot shorter. For those with an ear to the ground and an eye on history of the wrestling business, particularly tag team wrestling throughout the Midwest in the late 90’s through the early 2000’s, the diminutive man is no stranger at all. It’s none other than the retired legend and one half of the infamous Knights of Anarchy, LARRY GOWAN. Pointing at the board, Jackson begins to explain.
JACKSON
I commissioned tag team championships the same time I had the UPRISING championship started. The belts are ready, but we’ve only got seven teams, four of those actually having more than two members – we’ll do a Freebird rule, of course. No restrictions. I figured we need at least 10 teams to get a good tournament going. I don't know if you saw, I've got the roster drawing to see who gets into those last three teams. It's voluntary right now. We'll see how it goes. Appreciate you coming out here for this, Larry. I really do.
The smaller man nods.
LARRY GOWAN
Not like I've been doing much these days outside of noodling around in the studio. Recorded a song for Christmas with a local band from Toronto. Otherwise, I've been enjoying the heck out of retirement.
The general manager erases the question marks under two of the spaces and starts updating what he's got on the board. Now it reads:
1. THE RING CREW
2. SMILES PROTECTION AGENCY
3. SUPER ULTRA FRIENDSHIP CREW
4. THE CRUSH
5. TRINACRIA
6. THE GEMSTONES
7. THE BROTHERS BUSCH
8. REGAN VOORHEES/??
9. JENSON IDOL/??
10. ??/??
JACKSON
So, we'll roll with this, then. You'll spearhead that division and I'll leave it up to you to figure out the logistics on the tournament once we've got those other 3 teams settled. I'm looking to start with that on the first show back after CORONATION. Not sure if you've been following so far, but we've gone off like a rocket. It's insane. We're already turning profit. We've got a whole line of merchandise ready to launch in the next month or so. We're about to crown our first champion in two weeks. I can't think of anyone else I'd rather have by my side to launch this tag team division properly. So, whaddya say, Lare? The job's yours if you want it.
LARRY GOWAN
Sounds good. Count me in.
He holds out his hand for Jackson to shake, looking surprised when the bigger man grabs it and pulls him into a hug.
JACKSON
It's good to have you back, little buddy. We missed you.
Gowan's smile is almost wistful as he steps back, shaking his head even though he can clearly see the destruction inside the office.
LARRY GOWAN
Not gonna lie. I missed this, too. So much.
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
Backstage, SCOTT DUNN is pacing around on his own in an open area. The camera catches him on the phone, talking to...no idea. Whoever it is, he clearly wants it kept private and he quickly ends the call.
SCOTT DUNN
Oi, twat, you never heard of knocking?
Is there even a door? Who knows.
SCOTT DUNN
Aye, well, since you’re here you can make yourself useful. Stand the fuck still, I’m talking.
He positions the camera where he wants it.
SCOTT DUNN
Listen up, Knox, you fucking knobhead. I’m sick of your shite, lad. Sick of your whining on social media, painting yourself up to look less like a turd. All you do is cry, lad. Whaaaa, Scotty hit me with a chair. Whaaaa, Scotty pointed out I’m a shite father – twice. Whaaaa, Scotty used my words against me.
He laughs.
SCOTT DUNN
Dumb bitch, always got teary eyes lately. All you wanna do is talk yourself up and me down, then say what I do doesn’t bother you and yet it’s got you coming here tonight doesn’t it? Got you so fuming that you’re gonna interfere in a match, just for a match, and help that scrub Kendrick Kandyfloss or whatever the fuck he’s called win?
Shaking his head, he huffs.
SCOTT DUNN
All because you have little dick energy? You think that’ll stop me somehow? You’re gonna have to learn there’s no stopping me. You should have taken your crooked dub and fucked off while you could, all proud over a DQ win like the sad little fuck you are. But you couldn’t, you had to push and look what happened. I push back, you cry even more.
Wagging a finger, Scotty smirks.
SCOTT DUNN
Do it, I dare you. Show your worst, because it won’t do anything. It’s just even more reason to blast your teeth out of your mouth.
He needs a moment to regain himself.
SCOTT DUNN
As for you, Kenny...
He dismissively waves the camera off.
SCOTT DUNN
Who am I kidding, you don’t fucking matter.
And he turns to leave, not finishing whatever he was going to say as the feed cuts out to an ad for the next installment of THE DEMON OF DURANGO, only on SplatTV!
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX’s heels click quickly down the backstage corridor as she rushes by with microphone in hand. The camera is focused not on her, but over her shoulder, to the stretcher flanked by two EMTs who are wheeling it in a hurry; and to the person lying on the stretcher with electrodes all over their chest and gauze wrapped around their blood-covered face.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
(Out of Breath)
We’re coming to you live. Legion was discovered in Brad Jackson’s office only moments ago after a vicious attack perpetrated by a masked man who has been identified as J.C. (to the first EMT) Ma’am, can you give us an update on their condition?
The first EMT is a woman, thirties, fit, with sandy blonde hair. She tells the second EMT to keep going and turns around to face the reporter. The badge clipped to her shirt says L. POTTS.
POTTS (EMT 1)
I can’t tell you that. All I can say is we’re taking him—
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Them.
POTTS (EMT 1)
What?
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Legion has recently indicated online and with our production staff that they prefer gender neutral pronouns.
POTTS (EMT 1)
Um, okay, ah…anyway, we’re taking them to Renown Regional Hospital. They’re in stable condition but we need to get them to the ER stat. Excuse me, I have to go.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
(chasing after)
Just one more question!
EMT Potts turns to hurry after her partner and the reporter and cameraman give chase down the corridor, which goes another thirty feet before taking a sharp turn and opening into the LOADING DOCK. The second EMT is waiting behind the ambulance. As Potts jogs toward the medical bus she hollers.
POTTS (EMT 1)
Rodriguez, let’s get him locked and loaded.
RODRIGUEZ (EMT 2)
Just waiting on you, boss lady.
They take either side of the gurney, lower it to the ground, and then lift it into the back cabin. The cameraman makes sure to get closeup shots of the blood-drenched bandages covering Legion’s face. Their eyes, closed, peer through the only breaks in the gauze. Potts pushes the camera away and climbs into the back of the ambulance while Rodriguez rushes around to hop in the front seat. Seconds later the engine fires up and alternating red and yellow lights spin across the concrete support pillars.
Gretchen sticks the microphone in the EMTs face before she can get both rear doors shut.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Please, there are thousands of people in the Silver State Ballroom and countless more watching at home who deserve to know if Legion’s going to be okay. I think they deserve to know.
POTTS (EMT 1)
(sighs)
He—I mean they suffered severe head trauma, loss of consciousness, and lost not an insignificant amount of blood. We stabilized them but their condition remains critical. I can’t say anymore.
Potts shuts the second door and at once the ambulance speeds off with a wailing siren. Gretchen turns back and looks into the camera with her microphone ready. The camera zooms in on the back of the cab just before it dips down an incline and leaves the frame.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
(Out of Breath)
We’re coming to you live. Legion was discovered in Brad Jackson’s office only moments ago after a vicious attack perpetrated by a masked man who has been identified as J.C. (to the first EMT) Ma’am, can you give us an update on their condition?
The first EMT is a woman, thirties, fit, with sandy blonde hair. She tells the second EMT to keep going and turns around to face the reporter. The badge clipped to her shirt says L. POTTS.
POTTS (EMT 1)
I can’t tell you that. All I can say is we’re taking him—
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Them.
POTTS (EMT 1)
What?
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Legion has recently indicated online and with our production staff that they prefer gender neutral pronouns.
POTTS (EMT 1)
Um, okay, ah…anyway, we’re taking them to Renown Regional Hospital. They’re in stable condition but we need to get them to the ER stat. Excuse me, I have to go.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
(chasing after)
Just one more question!
EMT Potts turns to hurry after her partner and the reporter and cameraman give chase down the corridor, which goes another thirty feet before taking a sharp turn and opening into the LOADING DOCK. The second EMT is waiting behind the ambulance. As Potts jogs toward the medical bus she hollers.
POTTS (EMT 1)
Rodriguez, let’s get him locked and loaded.
RODRIGUEZ (EMT 2)
Just waiting on you, boss lady.
They take either side of the gurney, lower it to the ground, and then lift it into the back cabin. The cameraman makes sure to get closeup shots of the blood-drenched bandages covering Legion’s face. Their eyes, closed, peer through the only breaks in the gauze. Potts pushes the camera away and climbs into the back of the ambulance while Rodriguez rushes around to hop in the front seat. Seconds later the engine fires up and alternating red and yellow lights spin across the concrete support pillars.
Gretchen sticks the microphone in the EMTs face before she can get both rear doors shut.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Please, there are thousands of people in the Silver State Ballroom and countless more watching at home who deserve to know if Legion’s going to be okay. I think they deserve to know.
POTTS (EMT 1)
(sighs)
He—I mean they suffered severe head trauma, loss of consciousness, and lost not an insignificant amount of blood. We stabilized them but their condition remains critical. I can’t say anymore.
Potts shuts the second door and at once the ambulance speeds off with a wailing siren. Gretchen turns back and looks into the camera with her microphone ready. The camera zooms in on the back of the cab just before it dips down an incline and leaves the frame.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
WHO'S THE BIGGER ASSHOLE
"SAVAGE" SCOTT DUNN vs KENDRICK KROSS
As soon as the bell rings, Dunn has scooped Kross up and bull-rushes him into a corner! He begins driving his shoulders into the younger man’s midsection, causing him to yell out in pain! After four or five shots, Dunn snatches him by his head, catching him as he falls and flings him clear across the ring! Kross scrambles to a seated position in the corner as Dunn flexes his impressive physique. He gets a pretty negative response from the crowd that seems to please him before he lets out a battle cry at Kross, waving him back in as he hunkers down and widens his base. Kross charges out of the corner, ducking a clothesline! Dunn turns to face him only to be nailed up a step-up enziguri! Then another! Then another! Dunn begins to wobble! Kross goes for a Pele kick, but Dunn leaps forth, catching him on his shoulder and taking him down with a hard running powerslam dead center in the middle of the ring! With a bellow of effort, Dunn lifts Kross up once more and runs to each corner, bashing him into them, before once more turning and nailing him with a powerslam! He goes for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!
THR—NO!
Dunn gets up and backs the referee Neil Rana into a corner, screaming at him for what he perceives as a slow count! Kross gets a second wind, and charges behind Dunn, nailing him with a backstabber! He then kips up and bounces off the ropes, nailing Dunn dead in the middle of his chest with a springboard double stomp and the crowd is going bananas at the fast-paced momentum shift. Kross goes to run the ropes once more, catching Dunn as he gets up with a running DDT! He goes for the pin now!
ONE!
Dunn HURLS Kross off of him! Dunn gets to his feet. Kross does too and the crowd goes absolutely apeshit because MATT KNOX HAS COME THROUGH THE CROWD AND HIT THE RING! He stares Dunn down with murderous intent, before smiling broadly and nailing Kross with a superkick! The ref calls the match for Kross just as Dunn charges Knox!
WINNER (VIA DISQUALIFICATION): KENDRICK KROSS
Dunn goes to clothesline Knox out of his shoes but Knox ducks under it and Dunn turns that into a stiff right hand that splits his lip! The crowd comes alive as Dunn grins, touching his lip and laughing as Knox takes a traditional Muay Thai stance, waiting for Dunn to attack which the big man happily obliges. He swings wild haymakers at Knox, trying to knock his head from his shoulders but Knox manages to deflect each one, waiting until a hole opens up and he makes Dunn pay with another lightning quick shot to the face! Knox then wraps Dunn’s head in a traditional Muay Thai plum and begins driving his knees into the midsection of the big man as the crowd continues to lose it at the preview for CORONATION!
Kendrick Kross gets to his feet, favoring his jaw and locks in on the pair. Feeling slighted by the interference, and still full of the rage that started this fight with Dunn, he charges in, spearing Knox and causing all three to come crashing down as Knox drags Dunn down in the plum! Kross pulls Dunn up first, paying Knox a punt to the head in the process as he begins raining right hands down on Dunn’s face but the big man's had enough as he lifts Kross and nails him with a thunderous spinebuster!!!
Knox leaps upon Dunn’s back as he stands up, yelling obscenities as Kross and goes to lock in The Mercy, The Murder – HOLY SHIT! KENZIE has entered the fray from the audience, steel chair in hand and she blasts Knox in the back! He releases the hold, arching his back in pain and turning into another stiff chair shot that sends him out of the ring, over the top rope. He manages to get to his feet but thinks better of getting back in the ring as he checks his forehead, finding that he's busted open! The poor overworked security personnel rushes out to restore order as the feed cuts elsewhere!
Kendrick Kross gets to his feet, favoring his jaw and locks in on the pair. Feeling slighted by the interference, and still full of the rage that started this fight with Dunn, he charges in, spearing Knox and causing all three to come crashing down as Knox drags Dunn down in the plum! Kross pulls Dunn up first, paying Knox a punt to the head in the process as he begins raining right hands down on Dunn’s face but the big man's had enough as he lifts Kross and nails him with a thunderous spinebuster!!!
Knox leaps upon Dunn’s back as he stands up, yelling obscenities as Kross and goes to lock in The Mercy, The Murder – HOLY SHIT! KENZIE has entered the fray from the audience, steel chair in hand and she blasts Knox in the back! He releases the hold, arching his back in pain and turning into another stiff chair shot that sends him out of the ring, over the top rope. He manages to get to his feet but thinks better of getting back in the ring as he checks his forehead, finding that he's busted open! The poor overworked security personnel rushes out to restore order as the feed cuts elsewhere!
CUT TO:
EXT. ELDORADO CASINO -- PARKING LOT
The camera cuts outside, where we find MAD MAX and SCOTT NASH STRADER seated in the back of a pickup truck. Between them, there's a case of beer and an old motorcycle helmet set on its top like a bowl, full of what looks like little scraps of paper. As the camera approaches, SNS nudges Mad Max and points it out.
MAD MAX
Well it's about time Steve, you weasel.
The camera twitches as Steve flinches. Mad Max grins and SNS just laughs like a jackal.
MAD MAX
That first Coronation Card dropped, and I noticed I'm not on it. So me and Scott here figured we'd save that old fuck who signs my paycheck some time and pick myself an opponent.
She lifts the helmet up to the camera, smirking as she gives it a little shake.
SNS
All the names of everyone who hasn't been announced for a match has been written done here and whoever Max picks, she's challengi-
MAD MAX
Fuck that, I'm DEMANDING to fight them at Coronation, because I'm not gonna be left off the first BIG show in Uprising history!
She dips a hand in, rummaging around the paper scraps for a minute before plucking one. Before reading it, she narrows her eyes into the camera.
MAD MAX
I don't give a fuck if this is Regan, Puff the Magic Cunt, The Used Tampon, Amber Ryan. Hell, I don't give a fuck if it's Jax himself. Book it, or I'll just find them at CORONATION and make an example out of them!
Max looks down, reading the name to herself and grinning before turning the slip of paper to face the camera: it's none other than SAVANNAH ANDREWS.
MAD MAX
Looks like you’re the unlucky one, 'Vannah baby. I'll see you at Coronation, whether you see me or not. NOW FUCK OFF, STEVE!
Max throws an empty at the camera as SNS laughs again, Max joining him soon after as the camera speeds away from the rowdy couple and the view cuts to a trailer for MADISON TOWER, to be released on SplatTV in May 2021 and starring our very own MATTHEW KNOX, AMBER RYAN and CHRIS MOSH!
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- CONCESSIONS
We open up to a view of the UPRISING concession stands at the Silver State Ballroom: it’s all hustle and bustle as the fans are flocking to purchase the latest merch from their favorite superstars and all the new arrivals. And in the middle of the crowd getting busy with business, is the one and only Don Tirri. The Finn is haggling, cashing, wrapping and signing with ease gotten over years of practice.
The way he chats up every customer, smiles, nods, signs and laughs without spending any more time on each customer than he needs to while leaving the fan satisfied with the experience is a sight to behold. And from the corner of his eye he spots the camera and beckons it closer.
DON TIRRI
Yo, welcome to my parlor! It’s been a few shows since I last got myself busy on my merch stand, and since I’m not booked to wrestle tonight I figured what better way to talk up and hype the big match at CORONATION than to mingle with the fans. After all, without these fine folks here and elsewhere in the arena, there would be no UPRISING, no Revolution and no Don Tirri.
He stops for a moment to smile and pose for a selfie with a guy who bought the newest shirt he had revealed on Twitter a few nights prior. He spots something from the corner of his eye and hollers to the huge man working the stands with him.
DON TIRRI
Yo Donny, give the fine lady a complimentary 'Old School Cool' patch. Looks like her jacket could use one more!
The big man called Donny looks at Tirri and nods, doing as he’s told while Tirri turns back to the camera.
DON TIRRI
I gotta say, business is booming. Had to hire some extra help because quite frankly, I never expected my stuff to get this popular. But then again, if you look at it analytically, it’s not really that much of a surprise. I am arguably one of the biggest stars in this company, heading for a match of a lifetime in just 2 weeks at CORONATION, going for a contract signing later tonight and when you look at the guy standing across me in the ring, Luther Thunder, it’s not hard to figure out why people would flock to me instead of him.
Again he stops talking and starts selling, a girl in her early 20’s or so leaving the stand with a brand new T-shirt, a signed picture of the Finn and a little cheer-up message Tirri improvised for her friend stuck at home sick. Tirri turns back to the camera and continues.
DON TIRRI
See Luther, here’s the deal. I have never been particularly liked anywhere I went because, as you and most others know, I have a habit of speaking my mind and not giving the slightest of shits about the consequences. So I’ve easily slipped into the role of the bad guy more often than not. But this time Luthie? This time I find myself in the position of the good guy. The one people WANT to see win. And really, is anyone surprised? After all Luthie, you are exactly the kinda guy people can’t stand. You’re clearly rich, always immaculately dressed, spinning words in ways the politicians on the capitol hill wish they could Always saying much but never saying what you mean. You clearly hold yourself to a pedestal way above the common folk. And your wife especially make sure everyone knows that the people who pay for the tickets to come watch and the men and women you lock horns with to entertain said people aren’t worth shit.
Tirri hollers to Donny to take over for him as he steps out behind the merch table to clear the crowd a bit.
DON TIRRI
Thinking about it, Luther, in your mind you’d probably be the perfect man to become the first UPRISING champion. Well-spoken, well-dressed, well-behaved. Just the kind of company man that would be perfect to be the face of this upstart promotion. To give UPRISING legitimacy. To give Brad Jackson a marketable face to make his mark. But see, Luthie, UPRISING is different. The Revolution is Televised is the tagline for a reason. You can’t have a Revolution if the face of the company is just another one-percenter. No. To head a Revolution and to lead an UPRISING you need a man of the people. A common man. Someone who can connect with the people on a primal level. You need someone like ME.
Tirri is distracted by a married couple about his age asking for an autograph, which he gladly gives, the man shaking his hand and telling him that they’re rooting for him before leaving.
DON TIRRI
See, Luthie, I am not above these people. When they look at me, they see someone that could very well be sitting next to them in the crowd. I am a charismatic everyman, someone who would be a perfect leading man for the new wave of professional wrestling, a change in the business that UPRISING is trying to bring forth. To shake the established tropes and convections. To rattle the cages of businessmen and promoters who have removed themselves from the reality of the real world. And that, Luthie, is why I will be coming to CORONATION to claim what I deserve. See you later tonight. And leave the pretty lady at home, alright?
Tirri winks to the camera and returns back to the merch table, having a quick conversation with the big guy, Donny, before getting right back to his business as the view fades to black.
The way he chats up every customer, smiles, nods, signs and laughs without spending any more time on each customer than he needs to while leaving the fan satisfied with the experience is a sight to behold. And from the corner of his eye he spots the camera and beckons it closer.
DON TIRRI
Yo, welcome to my parlor! It’s been a few shows since I last got myself busy on my merch stand, and since I’m not booked to wrestle tonight I figured what better way to talk up and hype the big match at CORONATION than to mingle with the fans. After all, without these fine folks here and elsewhere in the arena, there would be no UPRISING, no Revolution and no Don Tirri.
He stops for a moment to smile and pose for a selfie with a guy who bought the newest shirt he had revealed on Twitter a few nights prior. He spots something from the corner of his eye and hollers to the huge man working the stands with him.
DON TIRRI
Yo Donny, give the fine lady a complimentary 'Old School Cool' patch. Looks like her jacket could use one more!
The big man called Donny looks at Tirri and nods, doing as he’s told while Tirri turns back to the camera.
DON TIRRI
I gotta say, business is booming. Had to hire some extra help because quite frankly, I never expected my stuff to get this popular. But then again, if you look at it analytically, it’s not really that much of a surprise. I am arguably one of the biggest stars in this company, heading for a match of a lifetime in just 2 weeks at CORONATION, going for a contract signing later tonight and when you look at the guy standing across me in the ring, Luther Thunder, it’s not hard to figure out why people would flock to me instead of him.
Again he stops talking and starts selling, a girl in her early 20’s or so leaving the stand with a brand new T-shirt, a signed picture of the Finn and a little cheer-up message Tirri improvised for her friend stuck at home sick. Tirri turns back to the camera and continues.
DON TIRRI
See Luther, here’s the deal. I have never been particularly liked anywhere I went because, as you and most others know, I have a habit of speaking my mind and not giving the slightest of shits about the consequences. So I’ve easily slipped into the role of the bad guy more often than not. But this time Luthie? This time I find myself in the position of the good guy. The one people WANT to see win. And really, is anyone surprised? After all Luthie, you are exactly the kinda guy people can’t stand. You’re clearly rich, always immaculately dressed, spinning words in ways the politicians on the capitol hill wish they could Always saying much but never saying what you mean. You clearly hold yourself to a pedestal way above the common folk. And your wife especially make sure everyone knows that the people who pay for the tickets to come watch and the men and women you lock horns with to entertain said people aren’t worth shit.
Tirri hollers to Donny to take over for him as he steps out behind the merch table to clear the crowd a bit.
DON TIRRI
Thinking about it, Luther, in your mind you’d probably be the perfect man to become the first UPRISING champion. Well-spoken, well-dressed, well-behaved. Just the kind of company man that would be perfect to be the face of this upstart promotion. To give UPRISING legitimacy. To give Brad Jackson a marketable face to make his mark. But see, Luthie, UPRISING is different. The Revolution is Televised is the tagline for a reason. You can’t have a Revolution if the face of the company is just another one-percenter. No. To head a Revolution and to lead an UPRISING you need a man of the people. A common man. Someone who can connect with the people on a primal level. You need someone like ME.
Tirri is distracted by a married couple about his age asking for an autograph, which he gladly gives, the man shaking his hand and telling him that they’re rooting for him before leaving.
DON TIRRI
See, Luthie, I am not above these people. When they look at me, they see someone that could very well be sitting next to them in the crowd. I am a charismatic everyman, someone who would be a perfect leading man for the new wave of professional wrestling, a change in the business that UPRISING is trying to bring forth. To shake the established tropes and convections. To rattle the cages of businessmen and promoters who have removed themselves from the reality of the real world. And that, Luthie, is why I will be coming to CORONATION to claim what I deserve. See you later tonight. And leave the pretty lady at home, alright?
Tirri winks to the camera and returns back to the merch table, having a quick conversation with the big guy, Donny, before getting right back to his business as the view fades to black.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
DREAM MATCH
"THE ANSWER" JC vs MAC BANE
Mac and JC meet in the middle of the ring, slapping hands once in a show of respect as they begin to circle each other. JC feints a dive but Mac doesn’t flinch which earns a grin from JC as the two old bulls lock up in the middle of the ring! Neither man gives any ground! JC finally pushes Mac back a step, but Mac pushes him right back! They break the lockup to a loud pop as they begin circling each other once again. They go for another lockup but JC is quicker this time, getting behind JC and locking him in a rear waistlock. Mac widens his base, and sets to prying JC’s hands off him but it proves a fruitless effort as with a surge of strength, JC lifts Mac and takes him down to the mat, now locking in a side headlock. Mac manages to get back to a vertical base though, and goes to lift JC in a vertical suplex but JC now widens HIS base and hunkers down, preventing Mac from lifting him!
Mac finally breaks free with a stiff shot to JC’s ribs that cases him to back off. The two lock eyes and share a smile once more. It’s evident that they can’t out-grapple one another, so the two set to finish things the old fashioned way. They charge into the middle of the ring and begin trading right hands, their lefts locked behind the other’s head as if to hold the target firmly in place! NEITHER MAN GIVES AN INCH as they continue bludgeoning one another! Eventually Mac ducks a wild swing, and runs the ropes. He bounces off and floors JC with a thunderous clothesline! He goes for the pin!
ONE!
T—NO!
JC kicks out, and hurries to his feet as Mac runs the ropes once more. JC ducks a clothesline attempt, running the ropes himself he charges at the incoming Mac going for the BIG BOOT OF DEATH but Mac ducks under it!! He goes to scoop JC up in a scoop slam but JC gets loose, sliding down Mac’s back. He goes for a rear naked choke but Mac manages to get loose, he whips JC into the ropes and goes for THE STANDARD but JC catches him with a chokehold and locks in a body scissors! He hits the ground hard but holds on, rotating a shoulder off the mat and wrenching harder on Mac’s neck!
Suddenly, the live feed CUTS TO backstage where an ambulance plows through the craft services area, sending food, tables, and chairs flying in every direction. Its sirens wail and lights strobe as wrestlers, staff, and crew members scramble out of the way. As the emergency vehicle passes the cameraman, the driver’s face is caught momentarily on screen. It’s Rodriguez, one of the EMTs from earlier that was taking Legion to the hospital, and he looks terrified.
BACK IN THE ARENA, the ambulance pushes through the curtains and turns to drive down the aisle, fitting tightly between the barriers with little room for error. In the ring JC lets go of the chokehold on Mac and they both turn their attention toward the ambulance speeding toward them! Seconds before crashing into the ring, the ambulance brakes hard and skids several more yards before coming to a stop just shy of the apron. The siren cuts off but the lights continue to spin. JC and Mac jaw with the driver but Rodriguez just sits there with a blank expression in his eyes. His mouth is covered in layers of medical tape and drawn over it in black marker is a crudely scribbled, toothy smile. The poor guy looks absolutely traumatized.
In the ring, JC waves off the ambulance and hits Mac from behind with a double axe handle. Meanwhile, the ambulance’s rear doors fly open and out the back leaps Potts, the other EMT, who goes running and screaming up the aisle toward the back. The two brawlers seem oblivious as they go back to their slugfest, looking to put an exclamation mark on this intense match.
ANGLE ON the top of the ambulance. A blooded hand reaches up and places itself flat on the roof, followed by the other hand, and together they pull up, until a FACE SLOWLY EMERGES into view like Martin Sheen slowly rising out of the water in Apocalypse Now. It’s LEGION. Blood has dried in crusty streaks down his face from the head wound caused by JC’s attack earlier in the show. The two wrestlers in the ring have not yet seen him, even as he climbs atop the ambulance and the crowd screams at the sight. JC has Mac trapped back in that chokehold in the middle of the ring while Bane tries to break free and that's the moment when Legion launches himself, crashing down on top of them both. The crowd is going absolutely insane, screaming and freaking out with the referee tries to make sense of what's happening. Security pours out from the back just as JC and Legion hit their feet, blood and fists flying before they're both tackled by Mac Bane. It's an all-out slugfest before security hits the ring, pulling them apart and the referee calls for the bell, waving off the contest.
BACK IN THE ARENA, the ambulance pushes through the curtains and turns to drive down the aisle, fitting tightly between the barriers with little room for error. In the ring JC lets go of the chokehold on Mac and they both turn their attention toward the ambulance speeding toward them! Seconds before crashing into the ring, the ambulance brakes hard and skids several more yards before coming to a stop just shy of the apron. The siren cuts off but the lights continue to spin. JC and Mac jaw with the driver but Rodriguez just sits there with a blank expression in his eyes. His mouth is covered in layers of medical tape and drawn over it in black marker is a crudely scribbled, toothy smile. The poor guy looks absolutely traumatized.
In the ring, JC waves off the ambulance and hits Mac from behind with a double axe handle. Meanwhile, the ambulance’s rear doors fly open and out the back leaps Potts, the other EMT, who goes running and screaming up the aisle toward the back. The two brawlers seem oblivious as they go back to their slugfest, looking to put an exclamation mark on this intense match.
ANGLE ON the top of the ambulance. A blooded hand reaches up and places itself flat on the roof, followed by the other hand, and together they pull up, until a FACE SLOWLY EMERGES into view like Martin Sheen slowly rising out of the water in Apocalypse Now. It’s LEGION. Blood has dried in crusty streaks down his face from the head wound caused by JC’s attack earlier in the show. The two wrestlers in the ring have not yet seen him, even as he climbs atop the ambulance and the crowd screams at the sight. JC has Mac trapped back in that chokehold in the middle of the ring while Bane tries to break free and that's the moment when Legion launches himself, crashing down on top of them both. The crowd is going absolutely insane, screaming and freaking out with the referee tries to make sense of what's happening. Security pours out from the back just as JC and Legion hit their feet, blood and fists flying before they're both tackled by Mac Bane. It's an all-out slugfest before security hits the ring, pulling them apart and the referee calls for the bell, waving off the contest.
WINNER: NO CONTEST
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- MEDICAL OFFICES
A primal scream rips through the silent hall in the medical area and then there's a crash and a clatter. The camera quickly rushes down towards the open door just as ASH DEVEREAUX staggers out into the hallway, the hands of CHRIS MOSH locked around his neck. Mosh is still bellowing that unholy scream, spittle flying from his lips. Devereaux's face is turning dusky as he struggles for breath. The last thing he wants to do is assault a wounded, and obviously deranged patient any further but when Mosh doesn't relent, he pulls the pair of medical scissors from the pocket of his lab coat and stabs them into Mosh’s wrist. Blood spurts and the glazed look in Mosh's eyes clears. That scream stops and he blinks, staggering back a step as he releases his grip on the doctor, staring at the silver scissors that are now sticking out of his skin. The doctor slumps down the wall, gasping for air and Mosh stands there, looking like he’s not even sure where he is before he pulls the scissors free and flings them off down the hall.
CHRIS MOSH
Where's Amber Ryan?
The doctor looks up, coughing as he rubs the bruises that are forming on his neck.
CHRIS MOSH
I SAID, WHERE THE HELL IS AMBER RYAN?!
ASH DEVEREAUX
(sputtering and hoarse)
I... I don’t know. Her locker room, maybe? She might've gone home already. We're just about—WHUUUF!
The last sound is a hard exhale as Mosh's boot slams into the doctor's gut. Mosh has that cold, almost detached look on his face again but as he watches the doctor struggling to breathe, the corners of his lips lift in a frightening smile. He lifts up his boot and—
CLANG!
The sound of metal impacting with flesh is almost deafening in the silence before Mosh's eyes roll up in his head and he falls to the floor unconscious. Ignis, her face a mess of dried blood, stands there with a metal bedpan in hand, looking as shocked as the doctor on the floor. She stares at Mosh for a few seconds before shaking her head, muttering under her breath at the irony of that choice of weapon and its effectiveness against the raging Mosh.
"THE FIREBIRD" IGNIS
...well, it took the piss right out of him, didn’t it?
She holds out her hand, helping the doctor to his feet as the feed cuts away to the last advertising break of the evening.
CHRIS MOSH
Where's Amber Ryan?
The doctor looks up, coughing as he rubs the bruises that are forming on his neck.
CHRIS MOSH
I SAID, WHERE THE HELL IS AMBER RYAN?!
ASH DEVEREAUX
(sputtering and hoarse)
I... I don’t know. Her locker room, maybe? She might've gone home already. We're just about—WHUUUF!
The last sound is a hard exhale as Mosh's boot slams into the doctor's gut. Mosh has that cold, almost detached look on his face again but as he watches the doctor struggling to breathe, the corners of his lips lift in a frightening smile. He lifts up his boot and—
CLANG!
The sound of metal impacting with flesh is almost deafening in the silence before Mosh's eyes roll up in his head and he falls to the floor unconscious. Ignis, her face a mess of dried blood, stands there with a metal bedpan in hand, looking as shocked as the doctor on the floor. She stares at Mosh for a few seconds before shaking her head, muttering under her breath at the irony of that choice of weapon and its effectiveness against the raging Mosh.
"THE FIREBIRD" IGNIS
...well, it took the piss right out of him, didn’t it?
She holds out her hand, helping the doctor to his feet as the feed cuts away to the last advertising break of the evening.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
We return from backstage to find the ring laid with a red carpet. There’s a table in the middle with two folding chairs on either side of it. In the middle of the table is a clipboard and two ballpoint pens. The lights dim, heavy mist filling the ramp as strobe lights begin to pulse slowly while the sound of rushing wind comes over the speakers. On the screen, a storm is brewing above a windswept desert wasteland. A dark point appears far off in the distance, growing nearer. A voice screams, "he's coming! The dark horse is coming," over the sound of pounding hoof beats and the video wall shows a dark horse charging across the desert, his nostrils flaring, foam dripping from his lips, a look of fierce determination in brown eyes that gleam reddish as the lightning courses across the sky. Suddenly the horse rears, letting out an enraged shriek that's drowned out by mocking laughter and Jackson's voice hurling insults before the music skips, and then the sounds of 'Lies' by Evanescence filters through the speakers. The strobes shift to red and continue to pulsate on the entranceway, revealing the unmistakable, heavily tattooed silhouette of a man. He’s dressed in a black suit with a deep crimson dress shirt and there’s a large silver briefcase in his hand as he strides confidently down to the ring. He climbs the stairs slowly, wiping his feet on the apron before stepping between the ropes and the moment he picks up one of the microphones off the table, his music cuts.
A hush falls over the crowd as Jackson sets that case down on the table, pausing for a moment to let the anticipation build before he brings the microphone to his lips.
JACKSON
Reno.
There's a pop before they settle down, waiting for Jackson to unload what's on his mind.
JACKSON
I love this city. It's why I've called it home for almost a decade now. It's why I chose to set up shop in this very casino. But I didn't come out here tonight just to have one last moment in the spotlight. I'm out here because I've got something to say. We're two weeks away from our sixth event – our very first SUPERSHOW here in UPRISING and I feel like I'd be remiss if I didn't take a moment to say a special something to everyone who said we couldn't do this, who said that this was nothing more than a poor man's rip-off of some other company who just happens to use Uprising as the name of their show. The message is a simple one—
He laughs, extending his middle finger and pointing it at the canvas.
JACKSON
Can't hear it up there in the cheap seats? Lemme turn it up for you!
He turns his hand and thrusts it in the air, lifting his hand high over his head to another thunderous pop from the crowd. Nodding to himself, he sets down the microphone for a moment and unlatches the case, slowly flipping it open. Whatever's inside is shiny, the glare flashing the camera before Jackson removes the belt from inside, unfolding it and setting it gently on the table. The camera moves in and focuses on it, the image of the belt showing up on the video wall for everyone to see, from the textured red leather to the sparkling jewels on either side of the faceplate. It's gorgeous.
JACKSON
This is the UPRISING CHAMPIONSHIP, a one-of-a-kind original created by our good friends at FullMetal. This beauty will be the most coveted championship in the company... hell, let's be honest... soon to be the rest of the industry as well. Tonight, two of the best damn fighters I've ever known are going to come down here, have their first look at this beautiful piece of hardware and sign the contract for their match. And now, without further ado…
He looks up the ramp as Rag 'n' Bone Man’s 'Human' erupts over the sound system. A very dapper Luther Thunder steps to the rampway, dressed in immaculate fashion, shoes shined up almost as bright as that pearly white smile. He opens up his arms wide as if to embrace the crowd's reactions before walking down to the ring. He takes his time climbing the steps, steps over the ropes and extends a hand to Jackson. The General Manager shakes his hand firmly, saying something that's lost in the crowd noise before Luther's music fades away into the opening punchline of 'Ace of Spades' by Motörhead, and the Finnish foulmouth Don Tirri walks through the curtains and down the aisle. He’s dressed to impress, as much as he ever is. As he slides into the ring he scans his surroundings and silently mouths "you’re alone, good" to Luther before offering his hand up for Jackson. Again, the General Manager shakes Tirri’s hand, mouthing the words "play nice," before he takes a step back, gesturing to the belt on the table.
JACKSON
There you go, gentlemen. Take a good look. One of you will be leaving the building in two weeks with that gorgeous piece of finery around your waist.
Tirri takes a good long look at the belt, his facial expression a mixture of excitement and worry. He reaches out to touch the belt, stopping just an inch before doing so, as if it's a superstition. He then turns to Jackson.
DON TIRRI
Boss, I can’t properly explain just how much having a chance like this means to me. I know my road to Coronation hasn’t exactly been smooth, with the shenanigans with Flix and Pinky and whatnot. But I am here. And that belt? It’s going right around my waist in two weeks. I mean, with all due respect to you Luthie, it’s my time now. And you? You are bound to be the bridesmaid. I’ve been on that spot way too long.
Eyeing the General Manager and his fellow competitor, Luther seems pleased with the situation before he lets that impassive gaze be drawn to the title. Rubbing his palms together, he smirks and nods before turning to Tirri.
LUTHER THUNDER
A fine speech, Mr. Tirri, very fine speech. Heartfelt and earnest like anyone would expect from a true Finnish national treasure, despite your disheveled appearance, rather coarse expression of your thoughts and opinions, you do tend to match to the perfect embodiment of your nation. To a T, even. No pun intended, of course.
He smirks a bit wider before wiping the expression off his face.
LUTHER THUNDER
However, you of anyone should know that I’ve done more than my fair share standing in the shadows of others. Even then, I was never good at just taking a backseat to others when there is success and championship gold on the line. You see, this match between us in two weeks is not just any ol’ title bout; it’s the first ever main event between the pair of us. It is YOUR first ever chance at the brightest and biggest prize in the company and it is the inaugural position as UPRISING’s champion and no matter what happens after, no matter how many champions this fine title will have, no one can ever replace the very first. I don’t think I can just hand you a spot like that. No. Seems to me like you just may have to...
He gets right in Tirri’s face, his voice cold as ice.
LUTHER THUNDER
...Fight me for it.
Tirri stares Luther down, the two men surprisingly evenly matched in size. There is no backing down for either one and the crowd knows it. There is a hush that falls over the Silver State Ballroom as the crowd expects things to break down. Leaning back, Tirri looks like he’s gonna take a swing at Luther, but stops his fist just in time. Luther, to his credit, doesn't even flinch, a fact that brings a smile to Tirri’s face.
DON TIRRI
Ya know, Luthie, you’re such a quiet and reserved man that I always forget just how eloquent you truly are. But you’re right. This is not only the first time the UPRISING title is contested, but also my chance of gaining my first top belt. And because of that, you know what? If it is a fight you want, that is exactly what you will get from me. I have gotten through SO much bullshit on the weeks leading up to this moment that I have proven my worth time and time again while you’ve had smooth sailing from week one. I have been forged in the fire of combat while you’ve barely broken a sweat in your journey.
He pauses for a moment, taking a step back.
DON TIRRI
Fact remains, Luthie, that at CORONATION I am going to come at you with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Over these weeks and months in UPRISING I have built myself a niche that has carried me here. I am the fast-talking asshole that you can’t help but love. I am not a rich man. I am not a refined man. I am just a man. A man on a mission. A man with a plan. A man who is looking to justify all the shit he has gone through over the years and finally prove ALL the doubters wrong. That is me. So Luthie, at CORONATION I expect you to bring everything ýou've got in that slick presentation of yours. I don’t want to fight Luther the businessman. Or Luther the family man. Who I want to fight is Luther the thug. Luther the badass. Luther the monster. I know that deep down below that exterior of calm and collectedness resides a badass unlike anything this world has seen. Bring THAT to CORONATION Luther. And then we’ll have a match worthy of the UPRISING title.
Tirri reaches over to the pen and signs the contract in one smooth move before offering the pen to Luther.
DON TIRRI
Your turn, big guy.
His opponent eyes at the pen, the hand offering it, the man at the end of the hand. Eventually, he takes it, carefully signing his name on the line. Then, with careful movements and that same neutral expression, he slides the pen down into the side pocket of Tirri’s jacket.
LUTHER THUNDER
You keep it, as a memento of this historic moment. Or, if you need to sell it off on eBay in a few weeks to cover some of those bets you’ve lost with wagering on all the wrong horses in this company. You are about to see that this is no place for geldings, my friend. You’ve been a stallion amongst the ponies, now. Come CORONATION, we’ll see just how much of a stud you really are.
He tosses his microphone down on the table and patronizingly pats at Tirri’s shoulder with a smirk only for the Finn to grab Luther’s wrist, yanking him in face to face again. He's still got a grip on Thunder's wrist and they both stare daggers at each other as the crowd holds their breath. Things seem ready to erupt into a brawl at any given moment. Even Brad Jackson spends a moment checking to make sure he’s not in the line of fire with the table before the GM smiles and puts his palm on the two fists, his last words caught by the microphones on the table.
JACKSON
Save it for CORONATION, boys.
The last image seen is those two men, standing toe to toe in front of the belt laid out on the table, each wearing identical looks of determination before the show fades out to credits.
A hush falls over the crowd as Jackson sets that case down on the table, pausing for a moment to let the anticipation build before he brings the microphone to his lips.
JACKSON
Reno.
There's a pop before they settle down, waiting for Jackson to unload what's on his mind.
JACKSON
I love this city. It's why I've called it home for almost a decade now. It's why I chose to set up shop in this very casino. But I didn't come out here tonight just to have one last moment in the spotlight. I'm out here because I've got something to say. We're two weeks away from our sixth event – our very first SUPERSHOW here in UPRISING and I feel like I'd be remiss if I didn't take a moment to say a special something to everyone who said we couldn't do this, who said that this was nothing more than a poor man's rip-off of some other company who just happens to use Uprising as the name of their show. The message is a simple one—
He laughs, extending his middle finger and pointing it at the canvas.
JACKSON
Can't hear it up there in the cheap seats? Lemme turn it up for you!
He turns his hand and thrusts it in the air, lifting his hand high over his head to another thunderous pop from the crowd. Nodding to himself, he sets down the microphone for a moment and unlatches the case, slowly flipping it open. Whatever's inside is shiny, the glare flashing the camera before Jackson removes the belt from inside, unfolding it and setting it gently on the table. The camera moves in and focuses on it, the image of the belt showing up on the video wall for everyone to see, from the textured red leather to the sparkling jewels on either side of the faceplate. It's gorgeous.
JACKSON
This is the UPRISING CHAMPIONSHIP, a one-of-a-kind original created by our good friends at FullMetal. This beauty will be the most coveted championship in the company... hell, let's be honest... soon to be the rest of the industry as well. Tonight, two of the best damn fighters I've ever known are going to come down here, have their first look at this beautiful piece of hardware and sign the contract for their match. And now, without further ado…
He looks up the ramp as Rag 'n' Bone Man’s 'Human' erupts over the sound system. A very dapper Luther Thunder steps to the rampway, dressed in immaculate fashion, shoes shined up almost as bright as that pearly white smile. He opens up his arms wide as if to embrace the crowd's reactions before walking down to the ring. He takes his time climbing the steps, steps over the ropes and extends a hand to Jackson. The General Manager shakes his hand firmly, saying something that's lost in the crowd noise before Luther's music fades away into the opening punchline of 'Ace of Spades' by Motörhead, and the Finnish foulmouth Don Tirri walks through the curtains and down the aisle. He’s dressed to impress, as much as he ever is. As he slides into the ring he scans his surroundings and silently mouths "you’re alone, good" to Luther before offering his hand up for Jackson. Again, the General Manager shakes Tirri’s hand, mouthing the words "play nice," before he takes a step back, gesturing to the belt on the table.
JACKSON
There you go, gentlemen. Take a good look. One of you will be leaving the building in two weeks with that gorgeous piece of finery around your waist.
Tirri takes a good long look at the belt, his facial expression a mixture of excitement and worry. He reaches out to touch the belt, stopping just an inch before doing so, as if it's a superstition. He then turns to Jackson.
DON TIRRI
Boss, I can’t properly explain just how much having a chance like this means to me. I know my road to Coronation hasn’t exactly been smooth, with the shenanigans with Flix and Pinky and whatnot. But I am here. And that belt? It’s going right around my waist in two weeks. I mean, with all due respect to you Luthie, it’s my time now. And you? You are bound to be the bridesmaid. I’ve been on that spot way too long.
Eyeing the General Manager and his fellow competitor, Luther seems pleased with the situation before he lets that impassive gaze be drawn to the title. Rubbing his palms together, he smirks and nods before turning to Tirri.
LUTHER THUNDER
A fine speech, Mr. Tirri, very fine speech. Heartfelt and earnest like anyone would expect from a true Finnish national treasure, despite your disheveled appearance, rather coarse expression of your thoughts and opinions, you do tend to match to the perfect embodiment of your nation. To a T, even. No pun intended, of course.
He smirks a bit wider before wiping the expression off his face.
LUTHER THUNDER
However, you of anyone should know that I’ve done more than my fair share standing in the shadows of others. Even then, I was never good at just taking a backseat to others when there is success and championship gold on the line. You see, this match between us in two weeks is not just any ol’ title bout; it’s the first ever main event between the pair of us. It is YOUR first ever chance at the brightest and biggest prize in the company and it is the inaugural position as UPRISING’s champion and no matter what happens after, no matter how many champions this fine title will have, no one can ever replace the very first. I don’t think I can just hand you a spot like that. No. Seems to me like you just may have to...
He gets right in Tirri’s face, his voice cold as ice.
LUTHER THUNDER
...Fight me for it.
Tirri stares Luther down, the two men surprisingly evenly matched in size. There is no backing down for either one and the crowd knows it. There is a hush that falls over the Silver State Ballroom as the crowd expects things to break down. Leaning back, Tirri looks like he’s gonna take a swing at Luther, but stops his fist just in time. Luther, to his credit, doesn't even flinch, a fact that brings a smile to Tirri’s face.
DON TIRRI
Ya know, Luthie, you’re such a quiet and reserved man that I always forget just how eloquent you truly are. But you’re right. This is not only the first time the UPRISING title is contested, but also my chance of gaining my first top belt. And because of that, you know what? If it is a fight you want, that is exactly what you will get from me. I have gotten through SO much bullshit on the weeks leading up to this moment that I have proven my worth time and time again while you’ve had smooth sailing from week one. I have been forged in the fire of combat while you’ve barely broken a sweat in your journey.
He pauses for a moment, taking a step back.
DON TIRRI
Fact remains, Luthie, that at CORONATION I am going to come at you with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Over these weeks and months in UPRISING I have built myself a niche that has carried me here. I am the fast-talking asshole that you can’t help but love. I am not a rich man. I am not a refined man. I am just a man. A man on a mission. A man with a plan. A man who is looking to justify all the shit he has gone through over the years and finally prove ALL the doubters wrong. That is me. So Luthie, at CORONATION I expect you to bring everything ýou've got in that slick presentation of yours. I don’t want to fight Luther the businessman. Or Luther the family man. Who I want to fight is Luther the thug. Luther the badass. Luther the monster. I know that deep down below that exterior of calm and collectedness resides a badass unlike anything this world has seen. Bring THAT to CORONATION Luther. And then we’ll have a match worthy of the UPRISING title.
Tirri reaches over to the pen and signs the contract in one smooth move before offering the pen to Luther.
DON TIRRI
Your turn, big guy.
His opponent eyes at the pen, the hand offering it, the man at the end of the hand. Eventually, he takes it, carefully signing his name on the line. Then, with careful movements and that same neutral expression, he slides the pen down into the side pocket of Tirri’s jacket.
LUTHER THUNDER
You keep it, as a memento of this historic moment. Or, if you need to sell it off on eBay in a few weeks to cover some of those bets you’ve lost with wagering on all the wrong horses in this company. You are about to see that this is no place for geldings, my friend. You’ve been a stallion amongst the ponies, now. Come CORONATION, we’ll see just how much of a stud you really are.
He tosses his microphone down on the table and patronizingly pats at Tirri’s shoulder with a smirk only for the Finn to grab Luther’s wrist, yanking him in face to face again. He's still got a grip on Thunder's wrist and they both stare daggers at each other as the crowd holds their breath. Things seem ready to erupt into a brawl at any given moment. Even Brad Jackson spends a moment checking to make sure he’s not in the line of fire with the table before the GM smiles and puts his palm on the two fists, his last words caught by the microphones on the table.
JACKSON
Save it for CORONATION, boys.
The last image seen is those two men, standing toe to toe in front of the belt laid out on the table, each wearing identical looks of determination before the show fades out to credits.
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© UPRISING 2021
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QUICKIE RESULTS:
HOPE WILLIAMS vs SIOBAHN "THE SIDHE" MCLEOD
SAW vs H.O.T. & TYSON DEUCE (NO CONTEST)
GASTON GILLET vs REGAN VOORHEES
THE BROTHERS BUSCH vs THE CRUSH (NO CONTEST)
"THE FIREBIRD" IGNIS vs SATIVA NEVAEH (NO CONTEST)
JENSON IDOL vs LOGAN LEWIS
CHRIS MOSH vs AMBER RYAN
"SAVAGE" SCOTT DUNN vs KENDRICK KROSS (DQ)
"THE ANSWER" JC vs MAC BANE (NO CONTEST)
SPECIAL THANKS TO KNOX, IGGY AND MATT STONE FOR THEIR MATCH WRITING THIS WEEK AND TO JC AND LEGION FOR A SERIES OF AWESOME SPOTS. EVERYONE KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK THIS WEEK FOR OUR GO-HOME SHOW AND I COULDN'T BE PROUDER OF THIS ROSTER!