Post by Admin on Feb 15, 2021 7:51:52 GMT -5
LIVE FROM THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM at the historic ELDORADO CASINO in RENO, NV FEBRUARY 20, 2021 |
INT. SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- RINGSIDE
'Human' by Rag 'n' Bone Man erupts over the speakers, getting an almost nuclear reaction from the crowd. Even though the boos are loud, there are quite a few cheers mixed in as LUTHER THUNDER appears at the top of the ramp. He's backlit by the spotlight, his shadow looming large down the ramp to the ring and he almost seems oblivious to the negative reaction, as though he's only hearing the cheers as he basks in his moment for a few seconds before striking out towards the ring.
He's dressed to the nines, as usual, groomed to perfection and of course with the prestigious UPRISING Championship draped over his shoulder he looks fantastic AND intimidating. His darling wife Esme is in tow and she's beaming with almost as much pride as the champion himself. Being the consummate gentleman, he holds the ropes for her to get into the ring and she gestures for a microphone before handing it over to him.
LUTHER THUNDER
UPRISING, doesn't it feel great being home?
The crowd shows its displeasure and admiration in less than equal portions, which still doesn’t even seem to faze the champ as he goes on.
LUTHER THUNDER
First of all, I would like to express my humble gratitude to you: the fans, my peers in the back and every great worker who helped make all this possible. For your undying, unwavering support since day one. Without your love, your support and your undeniable faith put in me since I showed up, I wouldn't be standing here tonight as the triumphant and inaugural UPRISING CHAMPION.
He holds his hands out to his sides, and it's unclear if he's being sincere or if he's laying the false humility on too thick.
LUTHER THUNDER
Your words have been the wind in my sails, pushing me towards the shores of victory. They have driven me where I needed to go, pushed me further than anyone thought I could be. You know, since I started in this business some 13+ years ago, I’ve accomplished a lot: championships, a hall of fame status and countless legendary matches with equally legendary opponents. So when I signed my name on the dotted line and offered my services to this fine organization and the esteemed General Manager Bradley Jackson, a legend of his own right and my dear friend for years, I must be honest with you all. There were a lot of people who assumed I couldn’t do it, there were even more of those who thought my time was out, that my career or what was left of it was spiralling down the drain. Yet I got the coveted first seed in one of the single most prestigious tournaments the great state of Nevada had ever witnessed and made my way to the finals and as a result of all that happened in CORONATION: I stand here, humbled as the first UPRISING Champion.
Some cheers, some boos but nobody seems prouder than Esme Thunder, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye as Luther seems somewhat emotional himself.
LUTHER THUNDER
This business has given me so much over the years, I have been blessed, I’ve been lucky and I’ve done my damndest to be the best man that I can be. Of course, over time I have matured as a person, and perfected myself as an athlete but I’ve never forgotten the simplest life lesson of this business: if you get, you give. So when I stand here in front of you all tonight, I could not be prouder than I am to be right here in the legendary Silver State Ballroom to say that I am a champion this great company deserves. Because I am the most honest, modest and best choice for one. Not a matter of mere opinion anymore. I beat Don Tirri, I beat all those great people in the tournament leading up to this and for those of you who remember what I said on my first night here: we are all given a new chance, an opportunity to be the best we can be, to leave our baggage and mistakes of the past where they belong and start anew. I said it then that only time would show how each of us from the first show would use that opportunity. I’d say I did my best with the chance I had. Wouldn’t you agree?
He smiles and nods to his wife who chuckles.
LUTHER THUNDER
So what am I giving back to the business that gave me so much you are asking? I am giving this business and future generations of UPRISING talent the same values that I learned: honesty, compassion and fair play. Year 2021 is barely started and I would say we are going to make it a whole lot bigger and better than 2020 ever was. Going forward, there is no place I’d rather make it happen than right here: IN RENO, NEVADA!
Esme taps a fist to her chest as if trying to stop her beating heart from punching out of her chest as Luther smiles wider.
LUTHER THUNDER
Welcome to the REVOLUTION brothers and sisters. I hope you all have a great night and enjoy the show and in case you wanna relive it, or clue in your friends and loved ones to something good, don’t forget: the revolution will be televised...now what did I say: The revolution will be what?!
He holds up the microphone and we hear Esme bellowing.
ESME THUNDER
TELEVISED!
LUTHER THUNDER
Thank you to each and every one of you for being here tonight, because without all of you. I would have never been able to make all this happen.
He hands the microphone to his wife who tosses it to a crew member and the duo exit the ring to Luther’s theme blaring. He holds up the UPRISING championship up high while walking backstage, that view fading into the REVOLUTION INTRO VIDEO.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
BLADE LOPEZ vs MADDI "SKITTLEZ" BROOKS
The match begins with Blade turning Skittles inside out thanks to a thunderous clothesline! He then yells at her to get up, pacing back and forth until she does before he snatches and nails her with a brain buster. He rolls through for the pin!
ONE!
Skittles kicks out, and Blade goes right to laying in stiff right hands on her face! It’s bowling shoe ugly but it works! Skittles looks too dazed to even cover up! Thankfully for her, Blade takes some mercy and pulls her to her feet before nailing her with a standing side kick that turns her all the way around, he nails her with a codebreaker! Skittles bounces off Blade’s knees and writhes around the ring, screaming in pain and arching her back. Blade stands cockily, signaling for the end as Skittles starts getting to her feet.
Skittles looks absolutely out of it! She hasn’t been able to get out of the gate at all! And nothing is changing as Blade snatches her, and lifts her up before spiking her head! Jagged Edge (vertical suplex into DDT) Blade covers her once more.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): BLADE LOPEZ
Blade’s music hits and he stands cockily, soaking in the cheers...BUT THEY AREN'T FOR HIM! SUPREME MACHINE HAS SLID OUT FROM UNDER THE RING! HE STEPS IN OVER THE TOP ROPE AND BLADE TURNS AROUND ONLY TO GET HIS FACE SNATCHED IN A VON ERICH CLAW!!! BLADE SCREAMS AND STRUGGLES BUT SUMA DRIVES HIM INTO THE MAT, AND BEGINS BASHING HIS HEAD INTO IT OVER AND OVER AND OVER!
Skittles gets up, still wobbly, and Suma’s head snaps to her! He lets go of the knocked out Blade and snatches her by the back of her neck! He lifts her before charging the ropes and slamming her to the floor on the outside with a reverse chokeslam! Skittles lays still, seemingly out cold! SuMa steps out onto the apron and stands there, staring at her...THEN LEAPS OFF THE APRON AND LANDS DEAD CENTER OF HER BACK WITH A GIANT DOUBLE FOOT STOMP! THE CROWD IS BESIDE THEMSELVES, HORRIFIED!
SuMa overlooks his work with an air of satisfaction before sauntering to the back as the medical crew rushes out! The feed cuts away as they tend to the fallen superstar.
The wall behind the desk has been repaired and newly painted, the Salvador Dali print that was trashed obviously replaced and back to hanging in its place of prominence over the desk. Rather than finding the actual General Manager sitting there, it's none other than LARRY GOWAN, the newly appointed overseer of the TAG TEAM DIVISION. He has an almost sad look on his face before he folds his hands and looks up into the camera.
LARRY GOWAN
I wish I had better news to share, but it's with a bit of a heavy heart that I come before you today. As I'm sure most of you fans are already aware, we had a little bit of a purge to our ranks a few days ago...one which unfortunately affected the tournament. As such, I've had to make a few changes.
The image of the update flashes up on the screen as Gowan continues speaking.
LARRY GOWAN
As you can see, one of our randomly drawn teams has been removed. We've also unfortunately parted ways with the Super Ultra Friendship Gang, a reality that I wasn't made aware of... so we were down to only eight teams. I was just about to redraft the brackets when I got a call from an old friend who told me about this promising young team that had a bit of a rough time in another company so I encouraged them to make the trip to Reno. Lo and behold, now we've got nine teams. It's a little awkward, sure, but a single elimination tournament works just fine without having to break things too badly. As you can see, in the interest of fairness, the match between the random (and fortuitous) pairing of Amber Ryan & Mac Bane versus the Smiles Protection Agency will still happen tonight, kicking off the first round!
He pauses and the image disappears from the screen, returning to the smiling man with the electric blue and lime green streaks at the temples of his silver hair.
LARRY GOWAN
We're down to three rounds, where the losers from the semi-finals will go on to compete for the right to become the number one contender to whomever is crowned champion! After a little bit of a rough start, the four tournament matches for the second round will be showcased in two weeks... and I'm thrilled to be able to bring the best of the best of tag team wrestling to Reno.
Grinning, the hall of famer and former tag team wrestler stands up from behind the desk, walking towards the camera with that bright smile firmly in place.
LARRY GOWAN
I hope any tag teams looking for a new home are watching tonight. This is my appeal to you, from one fan of hot tags to any others: we need you. Duos. Trios. Stables. It doesn't matter! All are welcome and we don't discriminate! Moreover, we want you so come to Reno! Show us what you've got!
Skittles gets up, still wobbly, and Suma’s head snaps to her! He lets go of the knocked out Blade and snatches her by the back of her neck! He lifts her before charging the ropes and slamming her to the floor on the outside with a reverse chokeslam! Skittles lays still, seemingly out cold! SuMa steps out onto the apron and stands there, staring at her...THEN LEAPS OFF THE APRON AND LANDS DEAD CENTER OF HER BACK WITH A GIANT DOUBLE FOOT STOMP! THE CROWD IS BESIDE THEMSELVES, HORRIFIED!
SuMa overlooks his work with an air of satisfaction before sauntering to the back as the medical crew rushes out! The feed cuts away as they tend to the fallen superstar.
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- GM'S OFFICE
The wall behind the desk has been repaired and newly painted, the Salvador Dali print that was trashed obviously replaced and back to hanging in its place of prominence over the desk. Rather than finding the actual General Manager sitting there, it's none other than LARRY GOWAN, the newly appointed overseer of the TAG TEAM DIVISION. He has an almost sad look on his face before he folds his hands and looks up into the camera.
LARRY GOWAN
I wish I had better news to share, but it's with a bit of a heavy heart that I come before you today. As I'm sure most of you fans are already aware, we had a little bit of a purge to our ranks a few days ago...one which unfortunately affected the tournament. As such, I've had to make a few changes.
The image of the update flashes up on the screen as Gowan continues speaking.
LARRY GOWAN
As you can see, one of our randomly drawn teams has been removed. We've also unfortunately parted ways with the Super Ultra Friendship Gang, a reality that I wasn't made aware of... so we were down to only eight teams. I was just about to redraft the brackets when I got a call from an old friend who told me about this promising young team that had a bit of a rough time in another company so I encouraged them to make the trip to Reno. Lo and behold, now we've got nine teams. It's a little awkward, sure, but a single elimination tournament works just fine without having to break things too badly. As you can see, in the interest of fairness, the match between the random (and fortuitous) pairing of Amber Ryan & Mac Bane versus the Smiles Protection Agency will still happen tonight, kicking off the first round!
He pauses and the image disappears from the screen, returning to the smiling man with the electric blue and lime green streaks at the temples of his silver hair.
LARRY GOWAN
We're down to three rounds, where the losers from the semi-finals will go on to compete for the right to become the number one contender to whomever is crowned champion! After a little bit of a rough start, the four tournament matches for the second round will be showcased in two weeks... and I'm thrilled to be able to bring the best of the best of tag team wrestling to Reno.
Grinning, the hall of famer and former tag team wrestler stands up from behind the desk, walking towards the camera with that bright smile firmly in place.
LARRY GOWAN
I hope any tag teams looking for a new home are watching tonight. This is my appeal to you, from one fan of hot tags to any others: we need you. Duos. Trios. Stables. It doesn't matter! All are welcome and we don't discriminate! Moreover, we want you so come to Reno! Show us what you've got!
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
Back in the building for the first time since his beatdown by SAW, Tyson Deuce is spotted with his trainer Hayden Von Hoss, doing some final sit-ups before his match with Hope Dawson, the latter taking ghoulish delight in watching the rookie wrestler struggle.
HAYDEN VON HOSS
Yes, yes, that it is! Keep going until you can go no more!
With sweat flowing down from his forehead, Tyson looks at his trainer with a pained expression.
TYSON DEUCE
Hayden, can I stop now? I think we got it all out.
Incredulous, Hayden lunges towards his pupil, glaring at him with his bulging eyes.
HAYDEN VON HOSS
And give up like a little baby? Nonsense! You have to show that SAW man who you really are!
Tyson groans, lying on his back.
TYSON DEUCE
Fuck's sake man, we don't even know if I'm gonna have a match with him!
Hayden crosses his arms, staring at the fatigued athlete with a look of disdain.
HAYDEN VON HOSS
And you never will unless you show to them what you are capable of, now...
Hoping to prove a point, Hayden stomps on Tyson's left foot. Despite the intense jolt of pain, Tyson holds his tongue in an attempt not to burst out screaming.
HAYDEN VON HOSS
Get back to your sit-ups!
Sure enough, Tyson forces himself back into position, trying his best to complete this seemingly eternal exercise. Before he gets far into it however, Tyson looks at Hayden in the eye, almost pleading in a sense.
TYSON DEUCE
Can I at least address my opponent?
Hayden observes the look of desperation on Tyson's face, the sweaty and potentially achy mess that he has become and nods.
HAYDEN VON HOSS
Fine, you may address this...Hope Williams.
Tyson nods, thanking God inside his mind before standing up and looking at the nearest camera.
TYSON DEUCE
Hope, you may have the experience, but I've got more skill than you could ever hope to have.
He brushes the sweat off his brow, pointing towards Hayden Von Hoss.
TYSON DEUCE
See, what Hayden and I are doing, it's something we call hard work. Something you don't seem to get. I'm aware you've got your husband out there to help you out, I don't mind that. But I've got a secret weapon of my own!
Almost as if it was coordinated, Colbie Devitt struts over to Tyson's side, taking him by the hand and smirking at the camera.
TYSON DEUCE
My girlfriend Colbie. So if this Todd Williams thinks he's going to steal you a win...let's just say, you've got another thing coming.
COLBIE DEVITT
Tyson, why are you so sweaty?
Colbie takes her hand off of Tyson's, glancing at him in confusion. Exasperated, Tyson points to Hayden.
TYSON DEUCE
Ask him.
Silence reigns as Colbie stares at Hayden, amazed and somewhat concerned with how rigorous he was training mere moments before his return match. Before she has time to question it further, Tyson's music erupts over the sound system and we cut back to ringside.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
HOPE DAWSON vs TYSON DEUCE
Hope Dawson comes in like a house on fire, looking to find her footing and secure an easy win over the rookie Deuce but he's got her cheap shots scouted and when she goes to fire in some chops, he catches her arm and scoops her up – ROYAL FLUSH (spinning sidewalk slam)! He drops down with a knee to the body and then hooks her leg!
ONE!
TW—NO!
Hope kicks out and rakes his eyes for good measure. She goes for a mudhole stomping as he rubs away the tears in his eyes and she misses when Deuce rolls aside and slips behind to take her over with a German suplex. Dawson pops back up like a demon-possessed jack-in-the-box and goes for a dropkick to the knee – DENIED! Deuce catches her midair and slams her back down with a thunderous Alabama slam! She rolls over and doggedly gets back up as Todd shouts encouragement from the apron, trying to get the lukewarm crowd to rally behind his poor wife. They do pop, but only because she goes for a low blow only for Deuce to avoid – DEUCES WILD OUT OF NOWHERE! He hooks the leg.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): TYSON DEUCE
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
We come backstage where we see current main event MEGA STAR MATT STONE looking at his phone, being approached by one of those annoying backstage interview people who are always roaming around these days. Let’s say Moe. Matt sees Moe approaching and rolls his eyes, looking up from his phone for a few seconds, but cuts Moe off before he can ask a question.
MATT STONE
You’re going to ask me about my match, right?
Moe nods and Stone continues.
MATT STONE
Well I’ve said all I need to about this match, really. Don Tirri doesn’t want to win and instead wants to partake in online debates and dismissive comments and I’m sure he’d love to talk to you about the horrors of an unclean bowl if you let him, so go find him. All I’m concerned about tonight is getting back on track, but while the camera is here, I may as well set the record straight.
Stone shows the camera his phone, zooming in on a particular tweet from Don Tirri’s account.
MATT STONE
Clear evidence that he looked past Luther, and he’s doing the same thing with me. Now run along, guy who’s name I don’t remember, I have important things to do.
"MOE"
My name is...
UNKNOWN
IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT THE FRICK YOUR NAME IS! GET OUT THE FRACK OUT OF HERE!
We see ARIANNA MANNING storming in, damn near shoulder tackling poor "Moemar" out of the shot with the proudest American originally from France ever: GASTON GILLET in tow.
GASTON GILLET
Salut, mes amis! Bonjour, my friends. Since this is the greatest country in the world, the land of the opportunity, I am hereby commandeering this situation as my opportunity to deliver a message to...Ari, who was I delivering a message to again?
Ari sighs.
ARIANNA MANNING
The world, silly. We come bringing great tidings of meaty goodness.
Matt’s looking from Gaston to Ari, then back to Moe who’s already elected to take the better form of valor and get the heck out of there before Gaston decides a meat bath would be a good idea.
MATT STONE
Excuse you, I was trying to get rid of that guy and you barge in here and get rid of that guy?! That’s rude.
GASTON GILLET
Hogwash! That’s my constitutional right as a proud American citizen!
MATT STONE
You know what’s sad? I don’t even know if that’s correct or not but based on my experiences here I wouldn’t doubt it. Is there a particular reason why you two proud ‘Muricans decided to butt in here or are you just looking to hog my spotlight?
GASTON GILLET
Well first and foremost there is a pseudo serious hypothetical $50,000 bounty for anyone who kills me on behest of the lady obsessed with pigs. I mean for all the squealing she’s doing about how me and Ari are horrible people, I’d say suggesting to put a contract hit on someone is much to oink about.
ARIANNA MANNING
Or snort about!
GASTON GILLET
That too!
MATT STONE
So for clarification, you have a Schrodinger’s Bounty on your head and your response is to go around interrupting and annoying as many people as you can just to see if anyone is looking to cash in?
ARIANNA MANNING
.....this may have worked better in my head. Look, we just wanted to assure people that any cashing in of such a fictitious bounty is an animal rights issue: it stands against our constitutional right to eat animals! I mean, if God didn’t want us to eat pigs, why did he make them out of bacon?
GASTON GILLET
Oui! I mean if God didn’t want us to eat animals he would have given them guns!
MATT STONE
Uhhhh….huh. I guess as a proud American it’s your constitutional right to put all your bad faith arguments in the name of God, so you’ve got that going for you.
Gaston and Arianna just stare at Matt for a few seconds.
MATT STONE
Oh calm down, I’m just bustin’ your chops. Get it? Chops? Yeah, this gimmick is really going places.
GASTON GILLET
What gimmick?! Mon Dieu, that woman wants me DEAD!
He looks over to Ari.
GASTON GILLET
What did he mean with the chops? I don’t get it.
ARIANNA MANNING
You usually don’t. Look, we’ve said what we came for. You can finish what you came to start. Get it? Coz your opponent’s FINNISH?
MATT STONE
Another proud American trait you have, know where all the foreigners are from. Kudos to you two.
GASTON GILLET
Not America, so nobody cares, DUH That’s why they are called FOREIGNERS.
MATT STONE
Unlike you, Gaston.
GASTON GILLET
Well my name is Gaston so I can’t be called a foreigner can I?
He taps his temple, that’s some Hercule Poirot level deduction executed with Clouseau-esque class! Matt just stares at him for a few more seconds, then turns to Arianna.
MATT STONE
He’s got me there.
ARIANNA MANNING
See? I told y’all he was smart. Cya, Mattie; good luck against the drunk!
Arianna leads Gaston away before he can do something stupid. Stone shakes his head as we head back to ringside.
MATT STONE
You’re going to ask me about my match, right?
Moe nods and Stone continues.
MATT STONE
Well I’ve said all I need to about this match, really. Don Tirri doesn’t want to win and instead wants to partake in online debates and dismissive comments and I’m sure he’d love to talk to you about the horrors of an unclean bowl if you let him, so go find him. All I’m concerned about tonight is getting back on track, but while the camera is here, I may as well set the record straight.
Stone shows the camera his phone, zooming in on a particular tweet from Don Tirri’s account.
MATT STONE
Clear evidence that he looked past Luther, and he’s doing the same thing with me. Now run along, guy who’s name I don’t remember, I have important things to do.
"MOE"
My name is...
UNKNOWN
IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT THE FRICK YOUR NAME IS! GET OUT THE FRACK OUT OF HERE!
We see ARIANNA MANNING storming in, damn near shoulder tackling poor "Moemar" out of the shot with the proudest American originally from France ever: GASTON GILLET in tow.
GASTON GILLET
Salut, mes amis! Bonjour, my friends. Since this is the greatest country in the world, the land of the opportunity, I am hereby commandeering this situation as my opportunity to deliver a message to...Ari, who was I delivering a message to again?
Ari sighs.
ARIANNA MANNING
The world, silly. We come bringing great tidings of meaty goodness.
Matt’s looking from Gaston to Ari, then back to Moe who’s already elected to take the better form of valor and get the heck out of there before Gaston decides a meat bath would be a good idea.
MATT STONE
Excuse you, I was trying to get rid of that guy and you barge in here and get rid of that guy?! That’s rude.
GASTON GILLET
Hogwash! That’s my constitutional right as a proud American citizen!
MATT STONE
You know what’s sad? I don’t even know if that’s correct or not but based on my experiences here I wouldn’t doubt it. Is there a particular reason why you two proud ‘Muricans decided to butt in here or are you just looking to hog my spotlight?
GASTON GILLET
Well first and foremost there is a pseudo serious hypothetical $50,000 bounty for anyone who kills me on behest of the lady obsessed with pigs. I mean for all the squealing she’s doing about how me and Ari are horrible people, I’d say suggesting to put a contract hit on someone is much to oink about.
ARIANNA MANNING
Or snort about!
GASTON GILLET
That too!
MATT STONE
So for clarification, you have a Schrodinger’s Bounty on your head and your response is to go around interrupting and annoying as many people as you can just to see if anyone is looking to cash in?
ARIANNA MANNING
.....this may have worked better in my head. Look, we just wanted to assure people that any cashing in of such a fictitious bounty is an animal rights issue: it stands against our constitutional right to eat animals! I mean, if God didn’t want us to eat pigs, why did he make them out of bacon?
GASTON GILLET
Oui! I mean if God didn’t want us to eat animals he would have given them guns!
MATT STONE
Uhhhh….huh. I guess as a proud American it’s your constitutional right to put all your bad faith arguments in the name of God, so you’ve got that going for you.
Gaston and Arianna just stare at Matt for a few seconds.
MATT STONE
Oh calm down, I’m just bustin’ your chops. Get it? Chops? Yeah, this gimmick is really going places.
GASTON GILLET
What gimmick?! Mon Dieu, that woman wants me DEAD!
He looks over to Ari.
GASTON GILLET
What did he mean with the chops? I don’t get it.
ARIANNA MANNING
You usually don’t. Look, we’ve said what we came for. You can finish what you came to start. Get it? Coz your opponent’s FINNISH?
MATT STONE
Another proud American trait you have, know where all the foreigners are from. Kudos to you two.
GASTON GILLET
Not America, so nobody cares, DUH That’s why they are called FOREIGNERS.
MATT STONE
Unlike you, Gaston.
GASTON GILLET
Well my name is Gaston so I can’t be called a foreigner can I?
He taps his temple, that’s some Hercule Poirot level deduction executed with Clouseau-esque class! Matt just stares at him for a few more seconds, then turns to Arianna.
MATT STONE
He’s got me there.
ARIANNA MANNING
See? I told y’all he was smart. Cya, Mattie; good luck against the drunk!
Arianna leads Gaston away before he can do something stupid. Stone shakes his head as we head back to ringside.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
KENZIE vs SIOBAHN "THE SIDHE" MCLEOD
Kenzie looks like she wants to get the match over with the moment it starts, charging in at the rookie with a running bulldog but Siobahn dodges and takes her over with a quick and effective basic arm drag. Once they're back on their feet, Kenzie sweeps in with a quick movement, grabbing Siobahn's waistband and hurling her into the corner. Before she can turn around, Kenzie charges in, connecting with a spear that crumples the rookie in the corner and she's ripe for a stomping – OH HELL NO! The rookie hauls off and sucker punches The Luminary and Kenzie staggers back. Siobahn looks to capitalize with a suplex but Kenzie resists and rolls her up into a schoolgirl with her feet on the ropes for leverage!
ONE!
TW—NO!
Neil Rana notices the blatant cheating and stops the count! Siobahn rolls to her feet and right into a stiff bitch slap courtesy of Kenzie that sends her staggering back and right into a perfectly timed savate kick! Kenzie reaches down and grabs a handful of McLeod's hair only to get caught with a sloppy but effective European uppercut and then she's off to the ropes – clothesline on the rebound! REVERSAL OUT OF NOWHERE! Kenzie catches Siobahn's arm and spins around in the air, hooking her with a crucifix pin but before Rana can even get in position for a pin, Siobahn catches the middle rope with the toe of her boot! The crowd boos as Kenzie argues with the official, berating him for not counting the fall and then erupt when Siobahn catches her from behind with the CHERRY BOMB (slingshot suplex)! She drops for the cover, hooking the leg.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): SIOBAHN "THE SIDHE" MCLEOD
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
We open up to a view of the backstage area, with the lithe frame of JENNIFER RIVERS moving about the hallways and corridors, as if looking for something. The so-called "handler" of Supreme Machine stops every now and then to accost crew members and staff, asking for some directions until she finally finds who she was looking for.
_____________________________________________
We open up to a view of the backstage area, with the lithe frame of JENNIFER RIVERS moving about the hallways and corridors, as if looking for something. The so-called "handler" of Supreme Machine stops every now and then to accost crew members and staff, asking for some directions until she finally finds who she was looking for.
JENNIFER RIVERS
Mr. Knox.
She pauses, making sure the figure in the shadows hears her.
JENNIFER RIVERS
I wasn’t sure whether you’d be present but I am glad I did find you. We need to talk. About you and my brother.
She pauses, making sure the figure in the shadows hears her.
JENNIFER RIVERS
I wasn’t sure whether you’d be present but I am glad I did find you. We need to talk. About you and my brother.
She looks the man across her up and down with intrigue before continuing.
JENNIFER RIVERS
I know you are fond of taking on all who dare to challenge you, Mr. Knox, but this is one fight I suggest you let slide. He is not the kind of foe you wanna have against you. A wise man would know when to fold.
Matt Knox looks like he’s been through hell, his face scuffed and even stitched on one cheek. He stands slightly hunched over, leaning on an old wooden baseball bat as he stares down at Jennifer, his face flat and exhausted.
MATT KNOX
Never been accused of bein’ wise. Your brother came, barked, toed the line Dunn did like he didn’t see where it got him. If he thinks he can have a different fate? I’m not going to stand in his way of gaining knowledge. Might do him some good, learning something.
Vitriolic as ever, despite the month and a half of punishment he has endured between The Legacy Qualifier Scaffold Match and the Legacy Chamber in Project: Honor and the car wreck of an ending with his saga against Scott Dunn. Obviously, Jennifer’s words have fallen upon deaf ears. The woman just looks at him and shook her head.
JENNIFER RIVERS
The chance of him learning anything are very slim Mr. Knox. I am very aware of his threats towards you. And herein lies the problem: he is going off on his own. And when that happens, the end result won’t be pretty. You can be certain that if he "toes the line Dunn did," he will do more than just swing weapons and bark idle words. I have attempted to reign him in to the best of my ability, but the fact that you are egging him on is making that nigh impossible.
The chance of him learning anything are very slim Mr. Knox. I am very aware of his threats towards you. And herein lies the problem: he is going off on his own. And when that happens, the end result won’t be pretty. You can be certain that if he "toes the line Dunn did," he will do more than just swing weapons and bark idle words. I have attempted to reign him in to the best of my ability, but the fact that you are egging him on is making that nigh impossible.
She looks concerned for a moment.
JENNIFER RIVERS
But if you insist on digging your own grave, Mr. Knox, a deed you seem well versed in, I cannot aid you. Stand down or I can assure you that whatever you went through to look like this will feel like a day at the beach. I might not agree with all his methods, but I cannot deny the fact that he is very efficient at what he does. And he has no qualms about taking things too far. Please, for the sake of your family, Mr. Knox, heed this warning.
Knox suddenly lifts the bat, resting it on her shoulder. He rolls it idly, until it rests against her neck. He clicks his tongue, and chuckles.
MATT KNOX
Know this. All your concern, doesn’t make you any less complicit in my eyes. Because while you still squawk for him, in warning or in praise? You carry the same pail of water he does. And if he crosses that line? If he goes near my girls? I’ll break you, first. Savvy?
Jenny looks at the bat on her shoulder almost nonchalantly before meeting Knox’s eyes.
JENNIFER RIVERS
If that makes you feel better, then you are welcome to try. But if you think going through me will upset him, you are wrong. If he crosses that line then it is your cross to bear.
She pushes the bat off, but doesn’t back off.
JENNIFER RIVERS
Do keep in mind though, Mr. Knox, I am not as helpless as you seem to think. I would prefer to keep away from this whole mess, but if you insist on dragging me in… then I will fight back. I have nothing further to add. I came to try and talk sense into you but it seems that is a fools errand.
She turns around and begins to leave
MATT KNOX
Barely figuring that out?
He leans back on the bat like a walking stick, shaking his head as he limps off down the hallway, disappearing back into the shadows as the view cuts away advertising for the replay of the finale of THE RESTAURANT! Stream the whole show right now, only on SplatTV!
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
EXT. ELDORADO CASINO -- SIDEWALK
The words RECORDED EARLIER flash across the screen, the time looking to be an hour before bell time. The UPRISING fans form a socially-distanced line outside the Eldorado Casino in anticipation of the evening’s show. As they mill about, conversing and cavorting, the buzz of their babbling is eclipsed by a metallic screeching, enough to send them covering their ears. The camera pans to find INTERN STEVE shakily holding a megaphone as he addresses the crowd.
INTERN STEVE
(weakly)
Uh. Hello? Excuse me...
The line turns their attention to the intern.
INTERN STEVE
If I could have just a moment of your time...
REGAN VOORHEES steps from behind Steve, snatching the megaphone from his hand.
REGAN VOORHEES
Not like that, Steve. You have to establish dominance.
Adjusting the lavender shoulders of her faux-fur coat, Regan reveals a black and pink piglet hoisted under one arm. The piglet, wearing a matching lavender bandana, is pushed into the arms of Steve by Regan as she addresses the line.
REGAN VOORHEES
Citizens of Reno, I have come here to shame, to berate, to decry you in the name of my meatless revolution. Two weeks ago, I watched you revel in pork excess alongside the ghoulish Gaston Gillet and that hayseed Arianna Manning. I have come to warn you that this aggression will not stand. This is an attack on me, an attack on Atticus, an attack on Steve.
INTERN STEVE
Uhhhh.........
REGAN VOORHEES
An attack on the animal world, writ large. And we will strike back at you with all the faunal fury at that world’s command. The speed of a cheetah, the strength of a silverback, the vitriol of a parrot that’s watched nothing but roast battles on YouTube. I will sauté my tofurky in your tears. This is your first and only warning. Gaston and Arianna have doomed themselves, but for the sake of this promotion’s income and for the middling sanctity of human life, you have a second chance. You may fancy yourselves predators, but make no mistake, I will make each and every one of you my prey. Douse them with the blood, Steve.
Regan snatches Atticus back from Steve. As she adjusts the piglet’s bandana, Steve retrieves a ten gallon bucket overflowing with ¾ corn syrup, ¼ water, and red food coloring. The crowd gasps as he gets the bucket up, before it overturns on top of him, leaving Steve a blood-covered nightmare in the tradition of Stephen King’s Carrie. The crowd murmurs in disgust, as Regan takes a step back, determined not to get any fake blood on her.
REGAN VOORHEES
Remember what you’ve seen here today. This could be you. Cross me, and it will be.
Her point made(??) Regan walks back into the arena with the megaphone and Atticus in hand. Steve attempts to wring the fake blood from his clothes for a few moments before giving up and following, dragging the bucket with him and leaving a trail of 'bloody' footprints in his wake.
H.O.T vs GASTON GILLET
The bell rings, and the match gets underway. The two men start grappling in the ring, meanwhile Arianna at ringside has a hot dog vendor tray around her neck, reading "PORK REVOLUTION" and is handing out hot dogs to the fans at ringside.
Hayden starts to lay in some stiff punches on the big Frenchman, but Gaston eats them up like a bacon baguette, telling Hayden to keep hitting him. His big chest absorbs a couple more blows, before he chops H.O.T down on the top of his head, before shoving him into the corner and unleashing some vicious knife edge chops that light his chest up. He yanks Triggs out with force, but gets kicked sharply in the leg, one, two, three times, dropping the big man to a knee. He smacks stiff elbows into Gillet’s head; Gaston roars, getting to his feet, shoving Triggs back, only to eat a big headbutt to the jaw. Hayden hits a body slam, but Gillet gets up waggling his finger, before hoisting Triggs up into a HIGH ANGLE body slam. Hayden bounces on up, and Gaston grabs him, hoisting him up into a vertical suplex, holding him up in the air, letting the blood flow, before jiggling his pecs before slamming him down to the ground, going for a quick cover but only finding two.
Arianna has run out of hot dogs, and is now focused on the match, barking instructions to her man. Gaston pulls him up, but starts getting some sharp kicks in recompense. Gaston tries to slam him down, but the strikes keep coming, and even Gaston’s impressive physique can’t absorb them all unscathed. Finally doubling him over with a toe kick, Triggs is able to land his draping DDT "Tear Drops" and he makes the quick cover.
ONE!
TWO!
Denied as the feisty Frenchman kicks out! H.O.T signals for the Killshot, wrenching Gaston’s arms behind his back. He tries to lift him up, but the big Frenchie isn’t having it. With a show of pure power, he bends Hayden’s arms out of the lock, before grabbing him and squeezing him in a huge bearhug! The Bear Necessities are locked in, and Hayden fades out, causing Gaston to not only forget about his trouble and his strife, but also pick up the win!
WINNER (VIA REFEREE STOPPAGE): GASTON GILLET
Arianna squeals happily, and tries to dive in the ring, which doesn’t really work because of her vendor tray. Looking a little sheepish for a moment, she just starts clapping for her man who shows off his biceps to the crowd before exiting the ring to a pretty rousing ovation. Hayden finally struggles back to his feet after the duo have cleared up the ramp and he calls for a microphone, looking furious.
H.O.T
Week after week I have failed. I have failed all of you, myself included. I came here to become the best and clearly I have failed at doing that as well. Tonight is another example of my failures. I’m not sure what’s next for me, but I can't stand another loss. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. I was supposed to come here and become the main attraction. Instead, I’ve become the laughing stock of UPRISING. I refuse to become the guy that people tune in to watch fail. From the moment I signed with this company, I was laughed at, because I wasn’t tough enough. I wasn’t experienced enough. I was never going to BE enough!
LIGHTS OUT! The sound of the crowd swells in anticipation. In the ring Hayden stands under a white spotlight, staring up the aisle toward the entrance. Around the ballroom lights from cell phones and lighters dot the black tapestry like stars in a midnight sky. After several seconds pass without an explanation, Hayden raises the microphone to speak but no one can hear him. He looks down and gives the top of it a few taps. Nothing. Someone has cut the mic. He throws it down and marches over to the ropes to demand another one from the crewman at ringside; but before a different microphone reaches his hand a voice calls out from the sound system. It’s a child’s voice, beautiful and innocent, and it’s singing.
CREEPY CHILD
♪ This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Oh, this little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine ♪
Hayden’s face fills with confusion as he walks back across the ring to look up the aisle where now he sees a small silhouette holding a single wick candle. He mouths What the fuck and paces back and forth rapidly. More voices join in now and nineteen more candles light up across the stage, each one held in small hands peeking out from black robes. Their faces are hidden beneath black porcelain venetian masks. As they sing, they begin walking down the aisle two at a time.
CREEPY CHILDREN
♪ This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Oh, this little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine ♪
As they reach ringside, they split apart and walk around the opposite sides, until finally they completely surround the ring. Hayden walks over and starts trying to talk to the children, but they ignore him and continue singing, until the final Let It Shine utters from their lips. Then at once all the candles are snuffed out and the ballroom goes dark, but for only a moment. When the house lights up the children are now standing in the ring, lined around the ropes, turnbuckle to turnbuckle. Hayden stumbles back until he’s dead center and, wide eyed, looks around him at the black masks.
H.O.T
(screaming)
What do you want from me?!
Something answers him but not the children. It comes in the form of a tolling bell, high pitched and off key. The audience disappears in darkness and every light in the building aims at the entrance which is now filled with dark red smoke; and beyond the crimson billows a black shape stands with lights at its back projecting a menacing silhouette.
Back in the ring, Hayden stands in near pitch black with his hands waving no. Dim red tints his features which twist in fear when a low, growling chorus of chanting voices rattle the ballroom down to the foundation.
At the stage, the dark man steps through the fog and into the light. Like the children a black venetian mask hides his face, only his mask is a devil’s face with horns and a pointed mouth. He’s dressed in a priestly cassock made from ornately decorated black twill, and though a cross does hang from his neck, it’s not that of a Christian. Below the blasphemous symbol, his hands are clutching something. It’s hard to make out at first, not until he takes his first step down the aisle—then a ray of light catches it, revealing the hideous truth: It’s a head, mummified with rotten, leathery skin tightly pulled around a skull with two empty holes for eyes.
The guttural chant continues as he makes his walk to the ring. Every few seconds the production booth cuts back to Hayden. He appears to be looking for a way out of the ring but is afraid to go near the children.
When the Devil In Black reaches the ring he walks up the stairs and down the apron. The children part and sit on the middle ropes, lowering it down in reverence to let him step through. Hayden is shaking his head no as the Devil raises his head inside the ring and stares out from the two black holes in the mask.
Under beams of red light the Devil looks from Hayden and then around to the children. With one hand he raises the skull into the air and, as if on cue, the children rush at Hayden. He tries to get away as the crowd shrieks at the sight, but there are too many of them. They pull him into a corner and hold him in back. He fights and pulls at their grips but he can’t free himself.
The Devil In Black slowly walks toward Hayden. As he nears, the skull is lowered down to chest level, until he stands in front of the captured man. He then holds the mummified head out until it’s over Hayden’s quivering lips. Hands seize the man’s head, pulling it back as the Devil tilts the skull. A black viscous fluid pours from its dried mouth and spills over Hayden’s face. He can’t turn away, even as it runs into his eyes and down into his mouth, staining his lips, gums and teeth.
The Devil walks away. Hayden has stopped fighting and his body has gone limp. The children release him, letting him rest against the turnbuckles. In the center of the ring, under a red spotlight, the Devil kneels to the ground. He carefully places the mummified head on the mat. Then, with his head bent down, he grabs his mask with his gloved hands and slowly removes it.
The crowd reacts with screams but the camera still can’t see his face. He places the mask down face up on the canvas then grabs the mummified head and stands straight. Once on his feet his chin lifts slowly to reveal his identity. The Devil In Black is LEGION. His face is painted black and his eyes are seas of nothingness. White is smeared across his mouth and neck, and his lips are covered in a splash of red. He opens his mouth wide, like a hyena, and raises the head by its hair.
The children walk into frame, forming lines behind him, while continuing to sing 'This Little Light of Mine'. LEGION’s gaze has tilted down with a Kubrikian glare and a low, droning laugh is causing his shoulders to buck up and down.
After a beat, Hayden has gotten to his feet and is walking into view. He comes to stand at LEGION’s left but there’s something different about him. Gone is the fear and confusion, replaced with a sinister glare and a madman’s scowl on his black-spattered face.
Slowly LEGION raises his arms out to his side into a crucifix pose. He holds it for a beat, then throws them down, and with them the lights cut out.
The words RECORDED EARLIER flash across the screen, the time looking to be an hour before bell time. The UPRISING fans form a socially-distanced line outside the Eldorado Casino in anticipation of the evening’s show. As they mill about, conversing and cavorting, the buzz of their babbling is eclipsed by a metallic screeching, enough to send them covering their ears. The camera pans to find INTERN STEVE shakily holding a megaphone as he addresses the crowd.
INTERN STEVE
(weakly)
Uh. Hello? Excuse me...
The line turns their attention to the intern.
INTERN STEVE
If I could have just a moment of your time...
REGAN VOORHEES steps from behind Steve, snatching the megaphone from his hand.
REGAN VOORHEES
Not like that, Steve. You have to establish dominance.
Adjusting the lavender shoulders of her faux-fur coat, Regan reveals a black and pink piglet hoisted under one arm. The piglet, wearing a matching lavender bandana, is pushed into the arms of Steve by Regan as she addresses the line.
REGAN VOORHEES
Citizens of Reno, I have come here to shame, to berate, to decry you in the name of my meatless revolution. Two weeks ago, I watched you revel in pork excess alongside the ghoulish Gaston Gillet and that hayseed Arianna Manning. I have come to warn you that this aggression will not stand. This is an attack on me, an attack on Atticus, an attack on Steve.
INTERN STEVE
Uhhhh.........
REGAN VOORHEES
An attack on the animal world, writ large. And we will strike back at you with all the faunal fury at that world’s command. The speed of a cheetah, the strength of a silverback, the vitriol of a parrot that’s watched nothing but roast battles on YouTube. I will sauté my tofurky in your tears. This is your first and only warning. Gaston and Arianna have doomed themselves, but for the sake of this promotion’s income and for the middling sanctity of human life, you have a second chance. You may fancy yourselves predators, but make no mistake, I will make each and every one of you my prey. Douse them with the blood, Steve.
Regan snatches Atticus back from Steve. As she adjusts the piglet’s bandana, Steve retrieves a ten gallon bucket overflowing with ¾ corn syrup, ¼ water, and red food coloring. The crowd gasps as he gets the bucket up, before it overturns on top of him, leaving Steve a blood-covered nightmare in the tradition of Stephen King’s Carrie. The crowd murmurs in disgust, as Regan takes a step back, determined not to get any fake blood on her.
REGAN VOORHEES
Remember what you’ve seen here today. This could be you. Cross me, and it will be.
Her point made(??) Regan walks back into the arena with the megaphone and Atticus in hand. Steve attempts to wring the fake blood from his clothes for a few moments before giving up and following, dragging the bucket with him and leaving a trail of 'bloody' footprints in his wake.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
H.O.T vs GASTON GILLET
The bell rings, and the match gets underway. The two men start grappling in the ring, meanwhile Arianna at ringside has a hot dog vendor tray around her neck, reading "PORK REVOLUTION" and is handing out hot dogs to the fans at ringside.
Hayden starts to lay in some stiff punches on the big Frenchman, but Gaston eats them up like a bacon baguette, telling Hayden to keep hitting him. His big chest absorbs a couple more blows, before he chops H.O.T down on the top of his head, before shoving him into the corner and unleashing some vicious knife edge chops that light his chest up. He yanks Triggs out with force, but gets kicked sharply in the leg, one, two, three times, dropping the big man to a knee. He smacks stiff elbows into Gillet’s head; Gaston roars, getting to his feet, shoving Triggs back, only to eat a big headbutt to the jaw. Hayden hits a body slam, but Gillet gets up waggling his finger, before hoisting Triggs up into a HIGH ANGLE body slam. Hayden bounces on up, and Gaston grabs him, hoisting him up into a vertical suplex, holding him up in the air, letting the blood flow, before jiggling his pecs before slamming him down to the ground, going for a quick cover but only finding two.
Arianna has run out of hot dogs, and is now focused on the match, barking instructions to her man. Gaston pulls him up, but starts getting some sharp kicks in recompense. Gaston tries to slam him down, but the strikes keep coming, and even Gaston’s impressive physique can’t absorb them all unscathed. Finally doubling him over with a toe kick, Triggs is able to land his draping DDT "Tear Drops" and he makes the quick cover.
ONE!
TWO!
Denied as the feisty Frenchman kicks out! H.O.T signals for the Killshot, wrenching Gaston’s arms behind his back. He tries to lift him up, but the big Frenchie isn’t having it. With a show of pure power, he bends Hayden’s arms out of the lock, before grabbing him and squeezing him in a huge bearhug! The Bear Necessities are locked in, and Hayden fades out, causing Gaston to not only forget about his trouble and his strife, but also pick up the win!
WINNER (VIA REFEREE STOPPAGE): GASTON GILLET
Arianna squeals happily, and tries to dive in the ring, which doesn’t really work because of her vendor tray. Looking a little sheepish for a moment, she just starts clapping for her man who shows off his biceps to the crowd before exiting the ring to a pretty rousing ovation. Hayden finally struggles back to his feet after the duo have cleared up the ramp and he calls for a microphone, looking furious.
H.O.T
Week after week I have failed. I have failed all of you, myself included. I came here to become the best and clearly I have failed at doing that as well. Tonight is another example of my failures. I’m not sure what’s next for me, but I can't stand another loss. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. I was supposed to come here and become the main attraction. Instead, I’ve become the laughing stock of UPRISING. I refuse to become the guy that people tune in to watch fail. From the moment I signed with this company, I was laughed at, because I wasn’t tough enough. I wasn’t experienced enough. I was never going to BE enough!
LIGHTS OUT! The sound of the crowd swells in anticipation. In the ring Hayden stands under a white spotlight, staring up the aisle toward the entrance. Around the ballroom lights from cell phones and lighters dot the black tapestry like stars in a midnight sky. After several seconds pass without an explanation, Hayden raises the microphone to speak but no one can hear him. He looks down and gives the top of it a few taps. Nothing. Someone has cut the mic. He throws it down and marches over to the ropes to demand another one from the crewman at ringside; but before a different microphone reaches his hand a voice calls out from the sound system. It’s a child’s voice, beautiful and innocent, and it’s singing.
CREEPY CHILD
♪ This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Oh, this little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine ♪
Hayden’s face fills with confusion as he walks back across the ring to look up the aisle where now he sees a small silhouette holding a single wick candle. He mouths What the fuck and paces back and forth rapidly. More voices join in now and nineteen more candles light up across the stage, each one held in small hands peeking out from black robes. Their faces are hidden beneath black porcelain venetian masks. As they sing, they begin walking down the aisle two at a time.
CREEPY CHILDREN
♪ This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Oh, this little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine
Let it shine, all the time, let it shine ♪
As they reach ringside, they split apart and walk around the opposite sides, until finally they completely surround the ring. Hayden walks over and starts trying to talk to the children, but they ignore him and continue singing, until the final Let It Shine utters from their lips. Then at once all the candles are snuffed out and the ballroom goes dark, but for only a moment. When the house lights up the children are now standing in the ring, lined around the ropes, turnbuckle to turnbuckle. Hayden stumbles back until he’s dead center and, wide eyed, looks around him at the black masks.
H.O.T
(screaming)
What do you want from me?!
Something answers him but not the children. It comes in the form of a tolling bell, high pitched and off key. The audience disappears in darkness and every light in the building aims at the entrance which is now filled with dark red smoke; and beyond the crimson billows a black shape stands with lights at its back projecting a menacing silhouette.
Back in the ring, Hayden stands in near pitch black with his hands waving no. Dim red tints his features which twist in fear when a low, growling chorus of chanting voices rattle the ballroom down to the foundation.
At the stage, the dark man steps through the fog and into the light. Like the children a black venetian mask hides his face, only his mask is a devil’s face with horns and a pointed mouth. He’s dressed in a priestly cassock made from ornately decorated black twill, and though a cross does hang from his neck, it’s not that of a Christian. Below the blasphemous symbol, his hands are clutching something. It’s hard to make out at first, not until he takes his first step down the aisle—then a ray of light catches it, revealing the hideous truth: It’s a head, mummified with rotten, leathery skin tightly pulled around a skull with two empty holes for eyes.
The guttural chant continues as he makes his walk to the ring. Every few seconds the production booth cuts back to Hayden. He appears to be looking for a way out of the ring but is afraid to go near the children.
When the Devil In Black reaches the ring he walks up the stairs and down the apron. The children part and sit on the middle ropes, lowering it down in reverence to let him step through. Hayden is shaking his head no as the Devil raises his head inside the ring and stares out from the two black holes in the mask.
Under beams of red light the Devil looks from Hayden and then around to the children. With one hand he raises the skull into the air and, as if on cue, the children rush at Hayden. He tries to get away as the crowd shrieks at the sight, but there are too many of them. They pull him into a corner and hold him in back. He fights and pulls at their grips but he can’t free himself.
The Devil In Black slowly walks toward Hayden. As he nears, the skull is lowered down to chest level, until he stands in front of the captured man. He then holds the mummified head out until it’s over Hayden’s quivering lips. Hands seize the man’s head, pulling it back as the Devil tilts the skull. A black viscous fluid pours from its dried mouth and spills over Hayden’s face. He can’t turn away, even as it runs into his eyes and down into his mouth, staining his lips, gums and teeth.
The Devil walks away. Hayden has stopped fighting and his body has gone limp. The children release him, letting him rest against the turnbuckles. In the center of the ring, under a red spotlight, the Devil kneels to the ground. He carefully places the mummified head on the mat. Then, with his head bent down, he grabs his mask with his gloved hands and slowly removes it.
The crowd reacts with screams but the camera still can’t see his face. He places the mask down face up on the canvas then grabs the mummified head and stands straight. Once on his feet his chin lifts slowly to reveal his identity. The Devil In Black is LEGION. His face is painted black and his eyes are seas of nothingness. White is smeared across his mouth and neck, and his lips are covered in a splash of red. He opens his mouth wide, like a hyena, and raises the head by its hair.
The children walk into frame, forming lines behind him, while continuing to sing 'This Little Light of Mine'. LEGION’s gaze has tilted down with a Kubrikian glare and a low, droning laugh is causing his shoulders to buck up and down.
After a beat, Hayden has gotten to his feet and is walking into view. He comes to stand at LEGION’s left but there’s something different about him. Gone is the fear and confusion, replaced with a sinister glare and a madman’s scowl on his black-spattered face.
Slowly LEGION raises his arms out to his side into a crucifix pose. He holds it for a beat, then throws them down, and with them the lights cut out.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
MICHAEL MAROU vs SAW
Both men lock up and they are all over the place with an aggressive collar and elbow tie-up with neither giving an inch before they break apart. Marou goes for a headlock but SAW slips out of it with ease and goes for an armbar – nope it's a deep and fancy armdrag to the mat and Marou upkicks to SAW's face, getting a break and he immediately goes for a hard lariat, flattening SAW. He starts dropping bombs from a Thesz press, getting a warning from Neil Rana that he ignores until the last possible second. Back on their feet, both Marou and SAW deliver some lightning-quick escapes before Marou snaps off a hard roundhouse kick that has SAW stagger back against the ropes – OH SHIT! Knee to the face from a clinch and SAW is eating canvas again, much to the crowd's disapproval. Marou doesn't stop to gloat, rather dropping another knee to the face before locking the Master into a guillotine choke! NO! SAW GETS FREE AND MAROU DOESN'T WANT TO RELEASE!
The moment they're back on their feet, Marou goes for a knucklelock but it's sloppy and SAW breaks out with a back elbow to the face! Momentum shift and SAW is in charge with an Adonis Kick (claymore kick) and Marou goes down hard! The Master looks like he wants to get an arm triangle choke going but Marou nails a throat thrust and then another palm strike to the face that takes SAW down – HOLY SHIT! He's trying for the Gogoplata but SAW has enough presence of mind to resist and he almost breaks his own arm off in the process of rolling through. Marou grabs an arm wringer and then nails a shoulder block into the twisted arm before sweeping SAW's legs from him – he's using his mass to control his opponent and when SAW falls, Marou lands on top of him, grabs that weakened arm and wrenches him into a kimura in the middle of the ring. The crowd is on their feet, going nuts as Rana moves into position, checking to see if SAW submits. He shakes his head, trying to break out of the hold by twisting and turning but Marou's got it sunk in deep. The more he twists, the more pressure is being put on that arm until SAW is writhing in pain. A few seconds later he taps out!
WINNER (VIA SUBMISSION): MICHAEL MAROU
Marou doesn't let go, refusing to break the hold even after the bell, continuing to wrench on the already injured arm. The crowd gets even louder as the IGNIS charges down the ramp, diving into the ring. Before Marou can even register this arrival, he's been punted in the face, forcing him to break the hold he's got on SAW. Falling back, he shakes off the cobwebs from the blow, a dark look of anger on his face as he stares at The Firebird. Medical personnel flood out from the back as Marou sits up, rubbing his jaw as he stares at Ignis, standing there defiantly in the middle of the ring as the crowd cheers before we cut elsewhere.
CUT TO:
INT. SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- CATERING
After a short time of panning around the commissary, the camera focuses on three men seated at a table in the corner. Without even having to look too closely you can recognize them as the three Brothers Busch: LOVERBOY, TINY TIM and BIG SAM. The trio are enjoying catering's plentiful boons, with Tiny Tim especially looking like he’s on cloud nine chowing down hotdogs and large pieces of bacon with the two older brothers looking over him with pride.
LOVEBOY BUSCH
Eat up, Timothy, you’ve earned all those hotdogs! The way ya took Rickydicky to school was abso-friggin-lutely sweeeeet!
Loverboy pats Tiny on the head as Big Sam, being the grump he always is turns to the oldest brother.
BIG SAM BUSCH
Why are we here, Tom? I get it, you wanted to give Tiny the hotdogs you promised a month ago but still. It’s not exactly a short drive from Harrison to here, and we ain’t even booked. Or did ya forget to check the damn card?
As a reaction to Big Sam’s grumpiness, Loverboy tries one of his disarming smiles. It has little effect, but still.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
Owww, ya of little faith! Don’t worry Sammy-o, Loverboy has it all figured out. There’s a tournament for dem big gold belts that dem tag team champions get ya know? An' Loverboy here figured we’d come here to do some scouting ya know? Sure, we coulda just sat home at the ranch and watched from the telly, but it’s always better to be in person to see what ya future foes can do.
This didn’t exactly sway Big Sam, especially since he sees Loverboy making heavy eye contact with the female cook in the food line. He reaches over to slap Loverboy.
BIG SAM BUSCH
Goddammit, Tom, can you behave? I can buy coming here to do some scouting but I swear if we came ALL THE WAY over here just so you can hit on the cook over there I’ll give you a whacking of a lifetime. So eyes front, Tom.
The oldest brother looks like a kid caught with his hand in a cookie jar and quickly tries to change the subject
LOVERBOY BUSCH
So how about dem opponents, eh? Just the one match tonight but that married couple's heavily favored to wipe the floor with the Smiles Protection Agency.
BIG SAM BUSCH
Did you catch what Mr. Gowan said earlier? The brackets have been shuffled around and we have a new team that's just signed on. We'll be facing-
LOVERBOY BUSCH
The Ring Crew, Sammy-o. Big Bad Monster Machine ENIGMA and his masked mystery-o of a partner! All of us could stand to learn a thing or two from those cool cats!
Seeing right through the not-so-subtle change of subject, Big Sam is about to respond when Tiny speaks up.
TINY TIM BUSCH
I hope we get to wrassle the girls from the Crush. I had fun with them and Heidi especially is nice. Socksworth wants to thank them for their help anyway. Can we go see them, Sammy? Please?
Whatever annoyance he had towards Loverboy just melts away as Big Sam looks at the youngest Busch.
BIG SAM BUSCH
I don’t think they are here tonight, Tiny, but I promise you that the next time we’re in the same building I’ll take you to meet them. Even if I’d rather not be anywhere close that Lollipop-girl.
He grits his teeth. Him and Lolly had a bit of a schism going, both of them being the rough and tough ones of their respective teams. Loverboy interjects.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
Owww, don’tcha worry bout dem Samuel! The girls are cool as far as Loverboy is concerned, and if things get tense all we need is a bit of that old Busch charm to make 'em melt in our laps! Besides. Just let Tiny do the talkin'. He’s got a heart of gold!
Big Sam grumbles a bit to himself
BIG SAM BUSCH
As long as we don’t have to fight the pig lady and the broody bastard. Or those TRINACRIA fucks. I guess we'll see how things play out in the next couple rounds.
TINY TIM BUSCH
The pig lady is beautiful. And who can hate cute piggies? Socksworth would love to wrassle her…
LOVERBOY BUSCH
Loverboy wouldn’t mind havin' a bit of a roll-around with that fine Alabama-lass! The guy she’s stuck with is more ya speed though, Samuel, you an him oughta have a good ol' fistfight!
Big Sam stares at the two brothers and just buries his face at his hands.
BIG SAM BUSCH
If only they weren’t my brothers…
As the trio begin to bicker in earnest, the view cuts back to ringside.
After a short time of panning around the commissary, the camera focuses on three men seated at a table in the corner. Without even having to look too closely you can recognize them as the three Brothers Busch: LOVERBOY, TINY TIM and BIG SAM. The trio are enjoying catering's plentiful boons, with Tiny Tim especially looking like he’s on cloud nine chowing down hotdogs and large pieces of bacon with the two older brothers looking over him with pride.
LOVEBOY BUSCH
Eat up, Timothy, you’ve earned all those hotdogs! The way ya took Rickydicky to school was abso-friggin-lutely sweeeeet!
Loverboy pats Tiny on the head as Big Sam, being the grump he always is turns to the oldest brother.
BIG SAM BUSCH
Why are we here, Tom? I get it, you wanted to give Tiny the hotdogs you promised a month ago but still. It’s not exactly a short drive from Harrison to here, and we ain’t even booked. Or did ya forget to check the damn card?
As a reaction to Big Sam’s grumpiness, Loverboy tries one of his disarming smiles. It has little effect, but still.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
Owww, ya of little faith! Don’t worry Sammy-o, Loverboy has it all figured out. There’s a tournament for dem big gold belts that dem tag team champions get ya know? An' Loverboy here figured we’d come here to do some scouting ya know? Sure, we coulda just sat home at the ranch and watched from the telly, but it’s always better to be in person to see what ya future foes can do.
This didn’t exactly sway Big Sam, especially since he sees Loverboy making heavy eye contact with the female cook in the food line. He reaches over to slap Loverboy.
BIG SAM BUSCH
Goddammit, Tom, can you behave? I can buy coming here to do some scouting but I swear if we came ALL THE WAY over here just so you can hit on the cook over there I’ll give you a whacking of a lifetime. So eyes front, Tom.
The oldest brother looks like a kid caught with his hand in a cookie jar and quickly tries to change the subject
LOVERBOY BUSCH
So how about dem opponents, eh? Just the one match tonight but that married couple's heavily favored to wipe the floor with the Smiles Protection Agency.
BIG SAM BUSCH
Did you catch what Mr. Gowan said earlier? The brackets have been shuffled around and we have a new team that's just signed on. We'll be facing-
LOVERBOY BUSCH
The Ring Crew, Sammy-o. Big Bad Monster Machine ENIGMA and his masked mystery-o of a partner! All of us could stand to learn a thing or two from those cool cats!
Seeing right through the not-so-subtle change of subject, Big Sam is about to respond when Tiny speaks up.
TINY TIM BUSCH
I hope we get to wrassle the girls from the Crush. I had fun with them and Heidi especially is nice. Socksworth wants to thank them for their help anyway. Can we go see them, Sammy? Please?
Whatever annoyance he had towards Loverboy just melts away as Big Sam looks at the youngest Busch.
BIG SAM BUSCH
I don’t think they are here tonight, Tiny, but I promise you that the next time we’re in the same building I’ll take you to meet them. Even if I’d rather not be anywhere close that Lollipop-girl.
He grits his teeth. Him and Lolly had a bit of a schism going, both of them being the rough and tough ones of their respective teams. Loverboy interjects.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
Owww, don’tcha worry bout dem Samuel! The girls are cool as far as Loverboy is concerned, and if things get tense all we need is a bit of that old Busch charm to make 'em melt in our laps! Besides. Just let Tiny do the talkin'. He’s got a heart of gold!
Big Sam grumbles a bit to himself
BIG SAM BUSCH
As long as we don’t have to fight the pig lady and the broody bastard. Or those TRINACRIA fucks. I guess we'll see how things play out in the next couple rounds.
TINY TIM BUSCH
The pig lady is beautiful. And who can hate cute piggies? Socksworth would love to wrassle her…
LOVERBOY BUSCH
Loverboy wouldn’t mind havin' a bit of a roll-around with that fine Alabama-lass! The guy she’s stuck with is more ya speed though, Samuel, you an him oughta have a good ol' fistfight!
Big Sam stares at the two brothers and just buries his face at his hands.
BIG SAM BUSCH
If only they weren’t my brothers…
As the trio begin to bicker in earnest, the view cuts back to ringside.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
GRUDGE MATCH
KENDRICK KROSS vs CHRIS MOSH
Mosh and Kross circle each other in the ring for a moment before Mosh dives at Kross with a stiff clothesline but Kross ducks under it, paying Mosh a dropkick to the back of his head that sends him into the ropes. Mosh turns around, charging again only for Kross to take him down in a hip toss, locking in an armbar! But Mosh pushes himself up, and frees himself with some hard elbows to the midsection. He then nails Kross with a snap suplex, pulling him up and nailing him with a brainbuster! He goes for the cover!
ONE!
Kross kicks out! Mosh is on him, locking in a sleeper hold in the middle of the ring. The ref checks on Kross who refuses to give up, instead getting to his feet slowly, and elbowing Mosh in the midsection until he lets him go. He then whips Mosh into the ropes before taking him down hard with a snap powerslam! Back up, he keeps the momentum going with a standing moonsault, going for the pin and hooking both of Mosh’s legs!
ONE!
TWO!
Mosh kicks out, but Kross is back on him. HE LOCKS IN THE KROSS BAR! MOSH SCREAMS IN PAIN AS HIS LEG IS WRENCHED UNMERCIFULLY! MOSH TRIES TO DRAG HIMSELF TO THE ROPES BUT KROSS PULLS HIM BACK! THE DAMAGE OF HIS WAR WITH RYAN AND BANE CATCHES UP TO MOSH AS HE IS FORCED TO TAP OUT WHILE YELLING IN ANGER AND DEFIANCE!!
WINNER (VIA SUBMISSION): KENDRICK KROSS
____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- MEDICAL OFFICES
SAW sits on an examination table, staring down at the floor. His arm is immobilized in a sling, kinesiology tape strategically placed on his shoulder as the resident medic ASH DEVEREAUX writes something on a form.
ASH DEVEREAUX
I'm requesting an MRI... that's the best way we'll get a look inside but from your rage of movement and the pain I can tell you're in, it doesn't look good.
SAW says nothing, jaw clenched but it isn't clear if that's from the pain or holding back his anger.
ASH DEVEREAUX
If it's a torn rotator cuff, you're looking at a good possibility of months out of action. Not all tears require surgery, but it'll take a while to heal. You're looking at PT and a slow rehabilitation. Worse case, with surgery, you might be able to return to action in a year or so. If you're lucky. I'll write you a scrip for some pain-
SAW cuts him off, moving to his feet.
SAW
Tell Jackson I want out. Right now.
Almost as if he's afraid of a repeat of the Mosh situation from a few weeks back, Devereaux takes a step back, nodding.
ASH DEVEREAUX
Yeah, man. I'll tell him.
Without another word, The Master storms out of the room, leaving the doc behind to be the bearer of more bad news to the man in charge.
ASH DEVEREAUX
I'm requesting an MRI... that's the best way we'll get a look inside but from your rage of movement and the pain I can tell you're in, it doesn't look good.
SAW says nothing, jaw clenched but it isn't clear if that's from the pain or holding back his anger.
ASH DEVEREAUX
If it's a torn rotator cuff, you're looking at a good possibility of months out of action. Not all tears require surgery, but it'll take a while to heal. You're looking at PT and a slow rehabilitation. Worse case, with surgery, you might be able to return to action in a year or so. If you're lucky. I'll write you a scrip for some pain-
SAW cuts him off, moving to his feet.
SAW
Tell Jackson I want out. Right now.
Almost as if he's afraid of a repeat of the Mosh situation from a few weeks back, Devereaux takes a step back, nodding.
ASH DEVEREAUX
Yeah, man. I'll tell him.
Without another word, The Master storms out of the room, leaving the doc behind to be the bearer of more bad news to the man in charge.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT ROUND 1
AMBER RYAN & MAC BANE vs SMILES PROTECTION AGENCY
The bell rings and Jessi Smiles charges at Amber Ryan, backing her into the ropes as she unleashes a flurry of forearm smashes! Amber does her best to cover up as Jessi has come out like a house on fire! She is showing NO FEAR against the hurricane painted red! She whips Amber into the ropes and follows her, nailing her in the midsection with a knee! She whips her to the ropes once more and goes for the DIWS superkick, but AMBER CATCHES HER FOOT! She walks Jessi back, causing her to hop on one foot before she throws her foot down and kicks her in the gut! She nails ORIGINAL SIN!!! She keeps her arms locked and kips over, locking in BURNING THE LOT! Smiles isn't smiling now. No. SHE'S SCREAMING IN AGONY!
TAYLOR CHARGES IN TO BREAK UP THE COUNT BUT MAC BANE HAS ENTERED THE RING AND NEARLY CUTS TAYLOR IN HALF WITH "THE BAR" AND THE CROWD IS GOING BANANAS! Jessi realizes help isn’t coming and desperately taps out! Amber releases the hold, standing up and taking her place beside Mac as the referee raises both their hands. The fans cheer loudly for the dominant display by the couple who without a doubt are the early favorites to win it all and become the inaugural Uprising Tag Champs!
WINNER (VIA SUBMISSION): AMBER RYAN & MAC BANE
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
A cloud of smoke wafts by as SATIVA NEVAEH is shown, sitting near the gorilla position on one of the production crates, enjoying what's very obviously NOT a cigarette. She's the very portrait of relaxed, head back and eyes closed as she takes another long haul off the spliff between her fingers. Breath held for a few moments, she finally exhales and her eyes snap open, looking down as she expertly crushes out the remains, leaving a greasy smear of ash on the wall. She hops down off the crate, staring towards the curtain and then she's jostled from behind as a limping SKITTLES bumps into her, mumbling an apology. Sativa doesn't even hesitate or blink, taking a step closer before reaching out to smash the poor girl's face off the wall. She doesn't pause to survey the damage, just stepping over the blue-haired girl as she crumbles to the floor. Rolling her shoulders, Sativa steps through the curtain just as her music hits and the cold smirk on her lips is a little ominous indeed.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
LOGAN LEWIS vs SATIVA NEVAEH
The bell rings and Logan Lewis wastes no time, trying for the surprise attack with a jumping sidekick – NOPE! Sativa dodges and nails Logan with a stiff kick to the hamstring. Logan tries again but to the same result, limping slightly as Sativa's foot hits the target again. Frustrated, Lewis tries to mount offense once again but Sativa ducks under a telegraphed strike and lands another kick to the hamstring area. She follows up with a few more swift kicks, leaving Logan almost hobbled on one leg as she hops back into the corner. Sativa charges in for another attack, but Logan cuts her off with a stiff elbow smash to the face that brings Sativa to her knees. Logan drags her up by the hair and hits a hard headbutt to the face – BUSTED FACE DROP (RKO) OUT OF NOWHERE! Logan Lewis drops for the cover!
ONE—NO! SATIVA KICKS OUT WITH AUTHORITY!
Logan attempts to get to her feet, reaching the corner to find her balance and gets caught with a Nerf This (Pele kick)! Logan staggers out of the corner and Sativa grabs her as the crowd shouts "EXECUTE ORDER 66!" The tiger suplex connects and Logan's shoulders are pinned!
ONE!
TW—NO!
LOGAN LEWIS GETS THE SHOULDER UP AND SATIVA SMASHES HER IN THE THROAT BEFORE LEAVING THERE GASPING FOR AIR IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING! She backs off and scales the ropes, posing.
SATIVA NEVAEH
I'm a Leaf on the Wind!
The crowd responds back with a thunderous "WATCH HOW I SOAR!" as Sativa launches herself just as Logan starts to sit up – OH NO! Sativa crashes down on her and Logan's head bounces hard against the canvas, the impact looking awkward. Sativa hooks both legs, overkill really when Logan Lewis isn't moving.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): SATIVA NEVAEH
Logan Lewis still isn't moving as Sativa gets to her feet, having her hand raised in victory. When she notices that Lewis is still laying there, she scoffs and shakes her head, mockingly rubbing at her eyes and feigning crying before stomping on the downed rookie. The crowd seems restless as Sativa turns and looks up the ramp at a commotion there, seeing medical personnel and security coming from the back. Rather than deal with that situation, she lays one last boot to the ribs on Logan Lewis before dropping down and rolling out of the ring, making her way back up the ramp to a very mixed reaction.
CUT TO:
INT. SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- RINGSIDE
The view cuts to the rafters, showing a bird's eye view looking down over the ring and the audience as Logan Lewis is helped from the ring. As the camera pans to the side we can see "Old School Cool" DON TIRRI sitting down on the catwalk amongst all the lighting rigs and other various sundry PA-equipment that litter the area. His legs are hanging over the edge as he leans against the guardrail, staring down into the mass of people enjoying the night's festivities. As he speaks up his voice is serious, almost wistful.
DON TIRRI
Back at CORONATION the masked freak sat on the roof of this building and spoke how everything looked so small from up there. I’ve sat here all through the show and part of me wants to agree with him, as inane as it sounds. But not in the way he meant it.
The big Finn sips on what looks like a can of soda, a strange thing to see in his hands, all things considered.
DON TIRRI
I came up here to get some perspective. CORONATION was a culmination point of 3 months of drive and desire, and I fell short. Since then I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching. A lot of thinking. Where did I go wrong? I had it all figured out. I was the man destined to lead UPRISING into greatness. Or was I? It all seemed so perfect. Justification for so much pain, agony, disappointment and failure. To finally taste that elusive top gold. But I failed.
He sighs and lights up a cigarette.
DON TIRRI
I’ve been talking on promos and on Twitter how it’s time to go to the old me. And I have been feeling better ever since. And now as I look down from here I find myself wondering why did I ever care about what the people thought? I tried to clean up my act to get them to cheer for me. And for what? I went MIA for days and nobody even cared to wonder where I was. That alone told everything I needed to know.
Tirri throws a sideways glance at the camera, a weary smile on his lips.
DON TIRRI
So I won’t even try. Hell or high water, I’ll go down as myself. Most won’t like what I have to say going forward. But I don’t care. Tonight I am coming down from here and get into that ring to beat the living crap out of Matt Stone. And in two weeks I am going to climb the Stairway to Heaven to relieve Lash Donohue of his SplatTV Multiuniversal title. Before CORONATION I felt that I wanted to go around the world defending that belt to represent UPRISING as its champion. But now? I am still going to be repping UPRISING when I win that title, but I will be aiming more for my own glory. UPRISING has its face already. The face of Luther Thunder. He is the one who will carry the promotion going forward. And me? I am going to make most of what I have left. The next generation is waiting on the sidelines. Raring to go. Raring to replace the old guard and make their own mark on this business. And eventually they will do just that.
Standing up, The Finn leans over the railing and spits down.
DON TIRRI
But not yet. Not now. I’m not done yet. And any motherfucker who thinks they can just walk all over me is in for a rude awakening. Starting with Matt Stone. This old yeller can still bite back. See you in the ring, fuckers.
_____________________________________________
DON TIRRI
Back at CORONATION the masked freak sat on the roof of this building and spoke how everything looked so small from up there. I’ve sat here all through the show and part of me wants to agree with him, as inane as it sounds. But not in the way he meant it.
The big Finn sips on what looks like a can of soda, a strange thing to see in his hands, all things considered.
DON TIRRI
I came up here to get some perspective. CORONATION was a culmination point of 3 months of drive and desire, and I fell short. Since then I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching. A lot of thinking. Where did I go wrong? I had it all figured out. I was the man destined to lead UPRISING into greatness. Or was I? It all seemed so perfect. Justification for so much pain, agony, disappointment and failure. To finally taste that elusive top gold. But I failed.
He sighs and lights up a cigarette.
DON TIRRI
I’ve been talking on promos and on Twitter how it’s time to go to the old me. And I have been feeling better ever since. And now as I look down from here I find myself wondering why did I ever care about what the people thought? I tried to clean up my act to get them to cheer for me. And for what? I went MIA for days and nobody even cared to wonder where I was. That alone told everything I needed to know.
Tirri throws a sideways glance at the camera, a weary smile on his lips.
DON TIRRI
So I won’t even try. Hell or high water, I’ll go down as myself. Most won’t like what I have to say going forward. But I don’t care. Tonight I am coming down from here and get into that ring to beat the living crap out of Matt Stone. And in two weeks I am going to climb the Stairway to Heaven to relieve Lash Donohue of his SplatTV Multiuniversal title. Before CORONATION I felt that I wanted to go around the world defending that belt to represent UPRISING as its champion. But now? I am still going to be repping UPRISING when I win that title, but I will be aiming more for my own glory. UPRISING has its face already. The face of Luther Thunder. He is the one who will carry the promotion going forward. And me? I am going to make most of what I have left. The next generation is waiting on the sidelines. Raring to go. Raring to replace the old guard and make their own mark on this business. And eventually they will do just that.
Standing up, The Finn leans over the railing and spits down.
DON TIRRI
But not yet. Not now. I’m not done yet. And any motherfucker who thinks they can just walk all over me is in for a rude awakening. Starting with Matt Stone. This old yeller can still bite back. See you in the ring, fuckers.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- GM'S OFFICE
The GENERAL MANAGER sits behind his desk, scowling at the screen on his laptop for a good ten seconds before he realizes that he's being watched. When he looks up, he forces that neutral expression onto his face but the crease between his brows doesn't smooth out. He reaches for a black case on his desk – it looks a lot like the same one the UPRISING CHAMPIONSHIP was in when it was unveiled in the ring. Rather than open it and show off the contents, JACKSON taps his hand against the top of the box, his wedding ring clinking off the metallic surface.
JACKSON
It occurred to me a few weeks ago that our roster's grown a bit too deep to have everyone competing for one single championship. As much as I'm sure Luther is up for the challenge, that doesn't make for compelling entertainment, does it?
He pauses for a moment to let that question hang as though waiting for an answer.
JACKSON
When I said we were going to cap the singles roster at 30 unique participants, I never thought we'd reach that number, let alone surpass it. Granted, we've broken a few eggs along the way. We've had a few drop off over the weeks – those who overcommitted themselves. Those who just couldn't cut it. Those who picked up unfortunate injuries... either here or elsewhere.
He takes a breath, a grim smile on his lips.
JACKSON
Inside this case is another championship – this one unique in that it will be defended on EVERY SINGLE EPISODE OF REVOLUTION. Once crowed, the SILVER STATE CHAMPION will be our gatekeeper – they will defend with pride against all comers. Someone in this locker room has already earned themselves a spot in the match for this championship for our next Supershow event, aptly named INFERNO. Samantha Tolson was the first eliminated in the last chance rumble – a match she worked quite hard to make it to. She took on some of the finest on this roster and never once complained although I know she wanted to. She's my first choice for this match – since I'm feeling oh-so-generous tonight, I'm going to reward someone else's improved behavior. We haven't had any assaults on my staff tonight. No equipment has been broken backstage and those damned cement cookies have finally been cleared away in catering – the other entrant I'm going to announce tonight will be Chris Mosh. Those two have already secured their spots. There will be two more up for grabs in coming weeks as we draw closer to our April Supershow where we look to crown both our first TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS and our very first SILVER STATE CHAMPION.
Jackson taps the box one more time for emphasis before the view cuts back to ringside for the main event.
MAIN EVENT
MATT STONE vs DON TIRRI
The match begins with Matt Stone and Don Tirri locking up in the middle of the ring. Tirri doesn’t take long to overpower Stone and shove him halfway across the ring. Stone is undeterred though as he hurries to his feet and hurls himself at Don, sending a flurry of stiff forearms to the side of the bigger veteran’s head! Tirri manages to block though, and traps Stone! He begins to headbutt him! THE MORNING AFTER!! Don then whip Stone into the ropes and charges after, going for THE BOOT but Matt ducks, pulling the top rope down! Don gets high up on it, and Stone nails him with a high standing dropkick that sends Tirri crashing to the floor. Stone paces the ring, miming a long, bored yawn before bouncing off the ropes and nailing Tirri in the mug with a baseball slide! He doesn’t go to the outside though, instead taking a moment to go to a corner and pull himself up to lay across the corner ropes, fixing his hair and grinning at the camera.
MATT STONE
This is how a CHAMPION competes! Take notes Iggy, you THIEF!
And with that, he hops down as Tirri rolls into the ring, still shaking the cobwebs loose. Stone is on home, locking in a side headlock and dropping him DDT, before transitioning it into a chokehold with body scissors applied! The ref drops down to check on Old School Cool but Tirri refuses to quit! He pushes himself up slowly, getting to his knees! Then to his feet! Stone keeps the hold locked in but Tirri is standing up now AND LOCKS A BEARHUG ONTO STONE! THE TWO BEGIN TRYING TO SQUEEZE THE LIFE OUT OF ONE ANOTHER AND THE CROWD IS GOING ABSOLUTELY APESHIT!
Stone breaks his hold first as the pressure on his back becomes too much! He begins laying elbows into the side of Tirri’s head, trying to get him to break the hold but Tirri responds by rag-dolling Stone! The ref stands behind Tirri so he can talk to Stone face to face, he doesn’t see Stone suddenly kick Tirri right in the yam bags! Tirri lets go of the hold, dropping to his knees! Stone pays him a middle finger, before bashing his head into his knee! Stone hurries behind him, going to lock in THE DANGER ZONE! BUT TIRRI FIGHTS THROUGH IT! HE REACHES BACK AND GRABS STONE BY THE BACK OF HIS HEAD, PULLING HIM OVER HIS SHOULDER AND SPIKING HIS FACE INTO THE MAT! Don stands up and backs into the ropes as Stone gets up to his feet wobbly, he turns around only to get nailed by a charging Tirri and THE BOOT! Tirri drops down, pinning Stone and hooking the leg!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): DON TIRRI
JACKSON
It occurred to me a few weeks ago that our roster's grown a bit too deep to have everyone competing for one single championship. As much as I'm sure Luther is up for the challenge, that doesn't make for compelling entertainment, does it?
He pauses for a moment to let that question hang as though waiting for an answer.
JACKSON
When I said we were going to cap the singles roster at 30 unique participants, I never thought we'd reach that number, let alone surpass it. Granted, we've broken a few eggs along the way. We've had a few drop off over the weeks – those who overcommitted themselves. Those who just couldn't cut it. Those who picked up unfortunate injuries... either here or elsewhere.
He takes a breath, a grim smile on his lips.
JACKSON
Inside this case is another championship – this one unique in that it will be defended on EVERY SINGLE EPISODE OF REVOLUTION. Once crowed, the SILVER STATE CHAMPION will be our gatekeeper – they will defend with pride against all comers. Someone in this locker room has already earned themselves a spot in the match for this championship for our next Supershow event, aptly named INFERNO. Samantha Tolson was the first eliminated in the last chance rumble – a match she worked quite hard to make it to. She took on some of the finest on this roster and never once complained although I know she wanted to. She's my first choice for this match – since I'm feeling oh-so-generous tonight, I'm going to reward someone else's improved behavior. We haven't had any assaults on my staff tonight. No equipment has been broken backstage and those damned cement cookies have finally been cleared away in catering – the other entrant I'm going to announce tonight will be Chris Mosh. Those two have already secured their spots. There will be two more up for grabs in coming weeks as we draw closer to our April Supershow where we look to crown both our first TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS and our very first SILVER STATE CHAMPION.
Jackson taps the box one more time for emphasis before the view cuts back to ringside for the main event.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
MAIN EVENT
MATT STONE vs DON TIRRI
The match begins with Matt Stone and Don Tirri locking up in the middle of the ring. Tirri doesn’t take long to overpower Stone and shove him halfway across the ring. Stone is undeterred though as he hurries to his feet and hurls himself at Don, sending a flurry of stiff forearms to the side of the bigger veteran’s head! Tirri manages to block though, and traps Stone! He begins to headbutt him! THE MORNING AFTER!! Don then whip Stone into the ropes and charges after, going for THE BOOT but Matt ducks, pulling the top rope down! Don gets high up on it, and Stone nails him with a high standing dropkick that sends Tirri crashing to the floor. Stone paces the ring, miming a long, bored yawn before bouncing off the ropes and nailing Tirri in the mug with a baseball slide! He doesn’t go to the outside though, instead taking a moment to go to a corner and pull himself up to lay across the corner ropes, fixing his hair and grinning at the camera.
MATT STONE
This is how a CHAMPION competes! Take notes Iggy, you THIEF!
And with that, he hops down as Tirri rolls into the ring, still shaking the cobwebs loose. Stone is on home, locking in a side headlock and dropping him DDT, before transitioning it into a chokehold with body scissors applied! The ref drops down to check on Old School Cool but Tirri refuses to quit! He pushes himself up slowly, getting to his knees! Then to his feet! Stone keeps the hold locked in but Tirri is standing up now AND LOCKS A BEARHUG ONTO STONE! THE TWO BEGIN TRYING TO SQUEEZE THE LIFE OUT OF ONE ANOTHER AND THE CROWD IS GOING ABSOLUTELY APESHIT!
Stone breaks his hold first as the pressure on his back becomes too much! He begins laying elbows into the side of Tirri’s head, trying to get him to break the hold but Tirri responds by rag-dolling Stone! The ref stands behind Tirri so he can talk to Stone face to face, he doesn’t see Stone suddenly kick Tirri right in the yam bags! Tirri lets go of the hold, dropping to his knees! Stone pays him a middle finger, before bashing his head into his knee! Stone hurries behind him, going to lock in THE DANGER ZONE! BUT TIRRI FIGHTS THROUGH IT! HE REACHES BACK AND GRABS STONE BY THE BACK OF HIS HEAD, PULLING HIM OVER HIS SHOULDER AND SPIKING HIS FACE INTO THE MAT! Don stands up and backs into the ropes as Stone gets up to his feet wobbly, he turns around only to get nailed by a charging Tirri and THE BOOT! Tirri drops down, pinning Stone and hooking the leg!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): DON TIRRI
Tirri bails out of the ring rather than have his hand raised, taunting and pointing as he makes his way back up the ring. Matt Stone gets to his knees, frustration written all over his face as he simply glares back at the laughing Don. The last image is that of the hatred and sheer loathing on the face of The Abominable Showman before the credits begin to roll.
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© UPRISING 2021
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QUICKIE RESULTS:
BLADE LOPEZ vs MADDI "SKITTLEZ" BROOKS
HOPE DAWSON vs TYSON DEUCE
KENZIE vs SIOBAHN "THE SIDHE" MCLEOD
H.O.T vs GASTON GILLET
MICHAEL MAROU vs SAW
KENDRICK KROSS vs CHRIS MOSH
AMBER RYAN & MAC BANE vs SMILES PROTECTION AGENCY
LOGAN LEWIS vs SATIVA NEVAEH
MATT STONE vs DON TIRRI
BLADE LOPEZ vs MADDI "SKITTLEZ" BROOKS
HOPE DAWSON vs TYSON DEUCE
KENZIE vs SIOBAHN "THE SIDHE" MCLEOD
H.O.T vs GASTON GILLET
MICHAEL MAROU vs SAW
KENDRICK KROSS vs CHRIS MOSH
AMBER RYAN & MAC BANE vs SMILES PROTECTION AGENCY
LOGAN LEWIS vs SATIVA NEVAEH
MATT STONE vs DON TIRRI