Post by Admin on Mar 1, 2021 3:35:34 GMT -5
LIVE FROM THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM at the historic ELDORADO CASINO in RENO, NV MARCH 6, 2021 |
INT. SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- RINGSIDE
The first thing we see as the broadcast begins is the cheering crowd. We also see a certain FIREBIRD; the number one contender for the UPRISING Championship, Ignis is standing in the ring with a microphone.
IGNIS
Day Fourteen! IGNIS LIVES! IGNIS LIVES! Despite staying off social media for two whole weeks, a fortnight, as I hear the kids are down with, and the rumours of my demise have been greatly exaggerated! I know, I know, a certain Mr. Marou has been clamouring for anyone who would listen and some who most likely didn’t for a response from yours truly. 'WHY IGNIS? Why did you come down like a big meanie-pants and give me a boo-boo?' Well, I could have told you that two weeks ago, but your constant whining about it was kinda funny, so I decided to wait. So, just we can all be clear about where everyone stands, you can wait some more while I talk about things I want to discuss!
The crowd cheers as Ignis chuckles.
IGNIS
We’ll get to Marou-pickle soon enough, don’t worry. But yeah, it’s been a hot minute, hasn’t it? A hot minute since I won the Last Chance battle royal and stamped my ticket for a one on one championship match against the UPRISING Champion, Luther Thunder!
Pop.
IGNIS
I know, it is exciting! And anyone who knows their wrestling history knows the Leavenworths and the Thunders go back a little way. Luther used to enjoy a little bit of a thing with my eldest sister, rumour has it. Looking at his current wife he certainly traded up, huh? But hey. I know Luther is a hell of a competitor. You don’t get the reputation he does without a hell of a legacy; and I think one of the biggest compliments I can give said legacy is there’s as much untrue things laid at his door as there is true. He has that iconic, kinda mythical feel in a way. But hey, icons and myths have arms too, and I intend to put his in a world of hurt!
The crowd cheers.
IGNIS
Okay, so now I’m gonna talk about my opponent tonight, Michael Marou for realsies. You see Michaelwhingealoe, your clamouring for answers and attention is kinda adorable in a sense, but it also reminds me of this one dude who spiked my drink and cost me a championship... let’s not think about that. Look, I figured as I gave you so much time to think and reflect, this would be kinda obvious, but... as you need it spelling out... I didn’t like what you did to SAW. You went into business for yourself, and you crossed the boundaries of what constitutes being acceptable in this business. I got involved in your shit to stop you doing more shit. And yeah, I was a little late, I admit. My locker’s a fair way from the ring. But all this talk of yours, how you’re gonna beat me down, injure me, cripple me?
She shrugs.
IGNIS
Maybe you will, I ain’t a freakin’ psychic. But I’ll take that chance. I’ll fancy my armbar against every submission you have. ‘Cause for all you claim to be bad and dangerous, and the evidence of what you did to SAW may be proof of that... I’m not scared of you. I can crank limbs and crack bones with the best of them. And considering you lost to Luther, a man I have full intent on beating myself... well, this should be some good preparation. Oh, and one more thing before I go.
She waves the camera in close to her, before leaning in.
IGNIS
Don’t go whining on social media. It makes you seem like a teenage girl. And according to the locker room, that’s kinda my gimmick, so...
She laughs.
IGNIS
I guess your affinity for tweeting all week long is why you’re a FORMER marine, eh, Mikey? Well enough about Corporal Clogger. Thank you, Reno! See you later on!
The crowd claps and cheers as Ignis heads to the back and the opening video for Revolution begins.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR vs BLADE LOPEZ
The bell hasn't even rung yet, Blade Lopez still on his way to the ring when Kalinda launches herself off the top rope and almost decapitates him on the ramp with a stunner. She grabs the poor, unfortunate soul and slings him in the general direction of the ring – he has the wherewithal to roll in under the rope but Kalinda takes that hop and a jump with the aid of her manager and even as he's rising, he's on his way back down – KNIGHTY-NIGHT! CURB STOMP TO THE BACK OF THE HEAD AND THE CAREER KILLA MIGHT ACTUALLY HAVE JUST BEEN STRAIGHT UP MURDERED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING!! KALINDA RESTS A FOOT ON HIS SHOULDER, MEAN MUGGING AND POSING FOR THE CROWD AS NEIL RANA GETS IN POSITION!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
The fitness center in the Eldorado Casino is huge, full of every machine one could ever want even though they all seem to be at least a few years old. The rookie SIOBAHN MCLEOD is seen standing in front of the mirrored wall, staring at her reflection, obviously trying to psych herself up for the upcoming match.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD
You can do this. Multiple time champion means multiple times losing when the stakes were higher than this. Pressure makes diamon-
At the sound of a soft thump behind her, she whirls around quickly, fists coming up into a defensive stance as though she's expecting to be jumped by her opponent. Instead, it's ENIGMA, moving to his feet from the weight machines. At her expression, he holds up his hands and shakes his head.
ENIGMA
I did not mean to interrupt. Rituals are important.
Sighing, the younger wrestler lowers her hands and shuffles her feet, looking a little embarrassed.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD
My dad told me that at the start, he lost almost all his matches – that it took him years until he had a big win that mattered.
ENIGMA
Three years and six months. Yes. Total Anarchy was the name of the event. Hakata Star Lanes in the Hakata ward of Fukuoka City in Fukuoka Prefecture – about four hours by train from Tokyo. I remember. It was our first time in Japan. For all of us. There could not have been more than six hundred people in the place, but it was a particularly good night. Your father won a shot at the Hardcore Championship in a rumble of all the lower tier talent... a championship that was held at the time by Jackson himself.
It's the most anyone has ever heard the gentle giant say and his English is good, albeit still slightly accented – it's clear that he's been working on it recently. Siobahn stares at him, having never heard this story before.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD
What happened next?
The big man shrugs, wiping his hands on a small towel.
ENIGMA
The thing that always happens to those of us who toil in the shadows. Nothing. History forgot and the circle closed. We carry on, doing the work because that is what is important. That is what we are meant to do – elevate others. Carry our brothers and sisters when they cannot carry themselves.
The girl makes a rude noise, shaking her head.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD
No offense, but I'm not about to put twenty years into this business and have nothing to show for it. That's insane.
The bald behemoth inclines his head, staring at her in silence for a moment before turning to walk back to the machine he had vacated.
ENIGMA
Someday you will understand-
SIOBAHN MCLEOD
I'm not going to let that happen.
She storms out of the room, fired up from the conversation in a way that was probably not intended but that seems to have worked, nonetheless. As she passes by the mirrors, she makes a promise to her reflection, one she definitely plans to keep.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD
I am going to make a name for myself.
_____________________________________________
SIOBAHN MCLEOD
You can do this. Multiple time champion means multiple times losing when the stakes were higher than this. Pressure makes diamon-
At the sound of a soft thump behind her, she whirls around quickly, fists coming up into a defensive stance as though she's expecting to be jumped by her opponent. Instead, it's ENIGMA, moving to his feet from the weight machines. At her expression, he holds up his hands and shakes his head.
ENIGMA
I did not mean to interrupt. Rituals are important.
Sighing, the younger wrestler lowers her hands and shuffles her feet, looking a little embarrassed.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD
My dad told me that at the start, he lost almost all his matches – that it took him years until he had a big win that mattered.
ENIGMA
Three years and six months. Yes. Total Anarchy was the name of the event. Hakata Star Lanes in the Hakata ward of Fukuoka City in Fukuoka Prefecture – about four hours by train from Tokyo. I remember. It was our first time in Japan. For all of us. There could not have been more than six hundred people in the place, but it was a particularly good night. Your father won a shot at the Hardcore Championship in a rumble of all the lower tier talent... a championship that was held at the time by Jackson himself.
It's the most anyone has ever heard the gentle giant say and his English is good, albeit still slightly accented – it's clear that he's been working on it recently. Siobahn stares at him, having never heard this story before.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD
What happened next?
The big man shrugs, wiping his hands on a small towel.
ENIGMA
The thing that always happens to those of us who toil in the shadows. Nothing. History forgot and the circle closed. We carry on, doing the work because that is what is important. That is what we are meant to do – elevate others. Carry our brothers and sisters when they cannot carry themselves.
The girl makes a rude noise, shaking her head.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD
No offense, but I'm not about to put twenty years into this business and have nothing to show for it. That's insane.
The bald behemoth inclines his head, staring at her in silence for a moment before turning to walk back to the machine he had vacated.
ENIGMA
Someday you will understand-
SIOBAHN MCLEOD
I'm not going to let that happen.
She storms out of the room, fired up from the conversation in a way that was probably not intended but that seems to have worked, nonetheless. As she passes by the mirrors, she makes a promise to her reflection, one she definitely plans to keep.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD
I am going to make a name for myself.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
STATIC
We open up on a snowy field. The shot is a distance shot and on either side of the screen, we see what looks like two armies. The two masses of people march towards the middle of the field as 'Ride of the Valkyries' by Brothers of Metal starts to play. The two sides charge and clash, beginning to fight. We zoom in, seeing people from both sides falling. We then start to focus on a woman with bright red hair: she’s wearing chainmail and studded leather armor. She has a long sword and swings it, taking out a foe. She parries and blocks the swing of an axe from another and then a lightning bolt strikes the foe and they drop. She looks back and behind her, we see a yellow haired woman, wearing a robe with the hood down and a half masquerade mask over the left side of her face. She flashes a grin before dodging the swing of an axe from someone and then she immediately strikes them down with a ball of fire. She then does a few hand gestures and she is replaced with a falcon which flies off.
We focus on the red haired woman again who is taking out three more foes. The music continues as the music keeps going. The song hits the crescendo and we see the yellow haired woman send a massive force wave that knocks the rest of the foes back and she stands next to the red haired woman. The two of them stand there, arm in arm, breathing heavily, looking out at the carnage on the battlefield. They are the only two left standing that we can see. The two of them nod their heads as wings unfurl from both of them and they take off, flying off into the horizon.
As they disappear, on the screen, all we see are the following words:
"The Last of the Valkyries"
COMING SOON.
We focus on the red haired woman again who is taking out three more foes. The music continues as the music keeps going. The song hits the crescendo and we see the yellow haired woman send a massive force wave that knocks the rest of the foes back and she stands next to the red haired woman. The two of them stand there, arm in arm, breathing heavily, looking out at the carnage on the battlefield. They are the only two left standing that we can see. The two of them nod their heads as wings unfurl from both of them and they take off, flying off into the horizon.
As they disappear, on the screen, all we see are the following words:
"The Last of the Valkyries"
COMING SOON.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
SATIVA NEVAEH vs SIOBAHN MCLEOD
The rookie Siobahn McLeod glares at Sativa Nevaeh as the bell rings, clearly having scouted her previous matches. The tension rises high as Sativa pulls the rookie into a tie-up and for a moment it looks like Siobahn may escape before Sativa lifts her off her feet and drops her across the knee for a rib breaker – OUCH! She does it again and then goes for a third but the wily rookie nails a wild back elbow to the face and slips the hold. Back on her feet, she telegraphs a punch – NERF THIS (Pele kick) for Sativa narrowly misses as Siobahn drops down and then superman punches her in the side of the knee. Sativa crumbles and it looks like the tide's going to shift in the favor for the brash rookie. She sends Sativa into the corner and drives a knee into her midsection. As she backpedals to do it a second time, Sativa explodes – GOT 'EM (RKO) outta nowhere! She scales the ropes, looking for the Sonic Screwdriver (corkscrew 360 senton) but McLeod MOVES AT THE LAST. POSSIBLE. SECOND.
Crash and burn for the veteran Nevaeh but Siobahn seems a bit too dazed to get a whole lot of offense going as she sprawls on top of Sativa, raining down some elbows as she unleashes a bloodcurdling scream. Sativa manages to avoid the worst of the wild strikes and nails a perfectly timed uppercut that snaps Siobahn's head back. She flops down on her back and Sativa is all over her – NIGHTY NIGHT! She's got that koji clutch sunk in deep in the middle of the ring and the moment the referee checks on her, Siobahn starts tapping out!
WINNER (VIA SUBMISSION): SATIVA NEVAEH
Sativa waits until she gets a warning to break the hold, smirking as she gets to her feet before launching a boot into the midsection of her defeated opponent. She rolls out of the ring to a chorus of boos as the rookie McLeod struggles to sit up, one hand pressed to the back of her head while the other is wrapped around her middle.
CUT TO:
INT. SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- RINGSIDE
The lights go off as the sounds of a soft piano fills the air. Slowly, a flash of red takes over the crowd, and they are now all illuminated. 'I'm Not A Vampire (Revamped Instrumental)' plays throughout the arena. The crowd waits in anticipation as the song builds. Finally, from the shadows in the crowd, a figure stands. A spotlight is now shown on the figure, revealed to be none other than HAYDEN TRIGGS. He's decked out in full Freddy Krueger-inspired gear, including the claws. He grasps the microphone, before raising it to his lips.
HAYDEN TRIGGS
For many moons, I have traveled this world, putting smiles on the faces of all the people attending my shows. People have been paying to see me for years. I make one lifestyle change, albeit, a big one, and suddenly I'm the bad guy? Everyone is blaming LEGION for creating a monster. No one has even stopped to think about what I want. I want power.
He pauses for a beat.
HAYDEN TRIGGS
I want fame. I want... destruction.
At that declaration, the boo birds come out. Hayden waits them out in silence, showing no reaction whatsoever.
HAYDEN TRIGGS
It's a simple request, really. I want you all to suffer. Suffer the consequences of turning on me. Turning on THE DEVIL IN BLACK. I want you all to embrace the darkness. Close your eyes and feel the energy waiting to take over. It's fucking glorious!
Hayden licks the blade connected to his index finger, drawing blood from his tongue. His smile is sinister, as he gives a death stare to the camera. He cocks his head sideways as he continues to speak again.
HAYDEN TRIGGS
You are all my children now. Walk with me on this path of darkness as we take over UPRISING. Soon, you all will not be able to resist the strength that comes along with this transition. Join the Church of the Seventh Circle. H.O.T has officially left the building, and will now be remembered as The Premonition. MY premonition is this: my reign of terror WILL be legendary. Welcome to prime time, bitch!
With that, Hayden snaps his fingers and the lights come back on in an instant. The crowd is blinded by the light, but they quickly notice Hayden has vanished. On the heels of that eerie proclamation, we are treated to another advertising break for upcoming SplatTV content.
_____________________________________________
HAYDEN TRIGGS
For many moons, I have traveled this world, putting smiles on the faces of all the people attending my shows. People have been paying to see me for years. I make one lifestyle change, albeit, a big one, and suddenly I'm the bad guy? Everyone is blaming LEGION for creating a monster. No one has even stopped to think about what I want. I want power.
He pauses for a beat.
HAYDEN TRIGGS
I want fame. I want... destruction.
At that declaration, the boo birds come out. Hayden waits them out in silence, showing no reaction whatsoever.
HAYDEN TRIGGS
It's a simple request, really. I want you all to suffer. Suffer the consequences of turning on me. Turning on THE DEVIL IN BLACK. I want you all to embrace the darkness. Close your eyes and feel the energy waiting to take over. It's fucking glorious!
Hayden licks the blade connected to his index finger, drawing blood from his tongue. His smile is sinister, as he gives a death stare to the camera. He cocks his head sideways as he continues to speak again.
HAYDEN TRIGGS
You are all my children now. Walk with me on this path of darkness as we take over UPRISING. Soon, you all will not be able to resist the strength that comes along with this transition. Join the Church of the Seventh Circle. H.O.T has officially left the building, and will now be remembered as The Premonition. MY premonition is this: my reign of terror WILL be legendary. Welcome to prime time, bitch!
With that, Hayden snaps his fingers and the lights come back on in an instant. The crowd is blinded by the light, but they quickly notice Hayden has vanished. On the heels of that eerie proclamation, we are treated to another advertising break for upcoming SplatTV content.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
EXT. SOMEWHERE IN THE MOJAVE
It's night and the stars above glisten like so many fireflies stuck to heaven. A full moon illuminates the seemingly endless sandscape, broken up by rock formations and Joshua Trees that witnessed both native tribe and manifest destiny. The night is broken by the distant rumble of a familiar old Jaguar piloted by a familiar, old Raven.
Quick cut to the interior, focusing on MATT KNOX’s weathering, and worn out face. A three day beard has come in nicely, his hair is unkempt and the white T-shirt he’s wearing looks as if it hasn’t left his torso in longer. But his eyes? Sharp, focused and ready.
MATT KNOX
What can you tell from a face, really? Sure it’s a focal point of attraction, and maybe it’s the biggest difference between all of us polluting this earth. In wrestling, a ‘face’ can be a lot of things. It’s what the marks call the guys they don’t hate on reddit, and more importantly...it’s the guy who represents a company.
His eyes dart down to the speedometer, the camera seemingly snapping with his eyes as suddenly the view is from over his right shoulder. The speedometer reads 110 as his hands wring on the steering wheel, and suddenly he sinks his right foot even further. The engine comes to life, the needle pushing further right.
It’s Alright.
MATT KNOX
In older, established companies it’s usually a homegrown talent. Someone with a lot of history and prestige around their neck. Something as heavy and glaring as the target on their back. For Uprising? A place far younger? It’s a lot easier, there’s no debate. 'The Face' is 'The Champ'. Right now, until I do something about it, Luther Thunder is THE FACE of UPRISING.
The grip on the steering wheel slowly releases, until only the palm of his hands are pressed into the leather. Long, pale slender fingers fanned out as wide open as the Jaguar’s throttle. The camera cuts to his jawline, pale lips slowly spreading into a grinning smile.
MATT KNOX
The one common thread, no matter whether the company is old and prestigious or young, and finding its legs? The face is never, ever a sniveling, whining bitch who can’t win clean. Mosh, no one is fooled. No one is laughing. And no one is impressed. You haven’t sniffed a clean win, you haven’t sniffed relevance. Your claim to fame right now? Is being in line for the Silver Meda---sorry, Silver State Championship. Second place for you, though? That’s breaking a glass ceiling. Maybe Jackson doesn’t deserve your ire, given how much of his pity you’ve received with that opportunity? Ponder it, Mosh, between the time you wake up from what I do to you tonight, and the time you begin questioning how you lost that gimme belt to Sam fuckin' Tolson.
Matthew rolls his head back, exhaling slowly as his hands lift away from the steering wheel, he spreads his arms across the cab, his left arm going out the driver’s window. The roar of the wind, the roar of the engine. Then a sudden exhale, his eyes snap open, his hands snatching the steering wheel and his right foot letting off the accelerator.
MATT KNOX
In a company with FAKE monsters, FAKE looneys, and FAKE badasses...well, actually. He quit, didn’t he? A company with Answers, Old School Cool, Cowboys, Dragons and Hurricanes? You’re nothing but filler, Mosh. Not a face, not even a toe. Nothing. Me? I’m the Raven. I’m the shadow that looms OVER this company. I’m Raze, I’m Ruin. And I’m going to make an example out of you, child.
SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIAL CHALLENGE
CHRIS MOSH vs MATTHEW KNOX
The match starts with Mosh charging forth and driving Knox into a corner. He rises up and drives a forearm into Knox’s throat trying to choke the life out of him. The ref gets to four and Mosh breaks, smirking confidently as he steps back from Knox who suddenly explodes out of the corner with a superkick that rocks Mosh back on his heels! Knox charges in, snatching him and driving Mosh face first into the mat with a double underhook DDT! Knox isn’t done! He keeps Mosh’s arms hooked and gets to his feet, pulling Mosh with him. With a big grin, he yells out to the crowd, beckoning them to “Watch this!” as he hauls Mosh up and spikes his head with a double underhook brainbuster!! The crowd pops out loud for the high impact move as Knox gets to his feet, not ready to end the match yet as he stares down at the clearly stunned Mosh.
Knox pulls Mosh up, and backs up to the ropes, he suddenly launches forward and lifts a boot, nailing Mosh between the eyes with his own rendition of JC’s BIG BOOT OF DEATH!! He finds the hard camera and points at the lens, paying his sometimes friend sometimes attempted murderer a grin and a nod before turning around to pick Mosh up once more. Chris Mosh fires off a sudden flurry into Knox’s midsection as he gets a second wind! He runs and bounces off the ropes, going for a clothesline but Knox leaps up and catches him with a thunderous CODEBREAKER!!
Knox gets up, fired up but freezes as the lights go out! Suddenly, the screen above the entrance comes to life! We cut to a night time view of a rooftop, pale moonlight is shining down illuminating the side profile of SUPREME MACHINE. The mountain of a man has hidden his upper body in a large hooded coat, but it is unquestionably him. He is looking at something off frame and speaks up in a gruff voice.
SUPREME MACHINE
Raven... such a predictable fool. We know you have spent the last two weeks in Vegas, watching over your nest like a stern protector… waiting for us to strike from the shadows. That was your first mistake. You take us for some simple-minded brainless brute. You sincerely thought we would broadcast our intentions to the world like that? No. We merely played you like the fool you are. In your rush to protect the youngest hatchling… you completely forgot about the one who had already flown from the nest.
SuMa turns the camera around and we are treated to a view of an apartment building, more specifically a single lit-up window. From the window you can see the silhouette of a young woman who is gazing outside absentmindedly. The view lingers there for a moment before SuMa speaks up again,
SUPREME MACHINE
You exposed your soft underbelly, Raven… and expected that nobody would dare to strike there. You relied on foolish nonsense like societal conventions or unwritten rules to keep those close to you safe. That was your second mistake. We… we don’t play by any rules, Raven. And there is nothing to prevent us from exploiting your weakness. We can hurt you in ways nobody ever has...
Suddenly the view cuts from night to day. The camera is shooting the sidewalk next to the building we saw a moment ago. More specifically a bench, where we see SuMa hunched over, the hood of the coat hiding his face. A moment later the blonde woman from earlier can be seen walking down the sidewalk, momentarily hesitating as she sees the hunched over figure of SuMa. She seems to debate what to do, but after a moment continues on, giving the hooded man a wider berth. As she passes SuMa, he makes a small but noticeable lunging motion towards her back, but doesn’t take it all the way, instead turning to stare upwards at the camera while pulling the hood back just a bit, enough to reveal a gruesome grin on his face. We are then treated to a jump-cut of SuMa back on the roof at night.
SUPREME MACHINE
It would be so easy to reduce you to a quivering mess, Raven. No matter how hard you pretend your soul to be… we know that should we take that blue-eyed beauty and break her… turn her pristine skin into a scarred mess that matches ours…turn her blonde mane to a tangled mess of blood and tears… leave her torn apart physically and mentally until nothing remains untouched but her innocence. It would break you, too. But that would be TOO easy.. That would leave the hatchling untouched… It will be so much more effective to take YOU Raven… break YOU… and watch as grief overtakes both the hatchling and the one who flew from the nest.
SuMa turns the camera to stare right down the lens, his pitch-black coal-like eyes lacking any emotion.
SUPREME MACHINE
We know you will bark and shout at us after you see this. Try to exact your vengeance on us. That will be your third mistake, Raven because our wrath cannot be escaped…
The camera cuts once more to show the window we saw earlier, but this time the silhouette behind it belongs to SuMa who is staring out of the apartment, with an eerie chuckle echoing in the recording until it cuts to black.
The lights come back to life to find Knox frozen in the ring, still staring at the now-darkened screen. He snaps to life suddenly, though, hopping out of the ring and making a beeline for the back! The ref has no choice but to count him out, and declare Mosh the winner!!
WINNER (VIA COUNT OUT): CHRIS MOSH
Quick cut to the interior, focusing on MATT KNOX’s weathering, and worn out face. A three day beard has come in nicely, his hair is unkempt and the white T-shirt he’s wearing looks as if it hasn’t left his torso in longer. But his eyes? Sharp, focused and ready.
MATT KNOX
What can you tell from a face, really? Sure it’s a focal point of attraction, and maybe it’s the biggest difference between all of us polluting this earth. In wrestling, a ‘face’ can be a lot of things. It’s what the marks call the guys they don’t hate on reddit, and more importantly...it’s the guy who represents a company.
His eyes dart down to the speedometer, the camera seemingly snapping with his eyes as suddenly the view is from over his right shoulder. The speedometer reads 110 as his hands wring on the steering wheel, and suddenly he sinks his right foot even further. The engine comes to life, the needle pushing further right.
It’s Alright.
MATT KNOX
In older, established companies it’s usually a homegrown talent. Someone with a lot of history and prestige around their neck. Something as heavy and glaring as the target on their back. For Uprising? A place far younger? It’s a lot easier, there’s no debate. 'The Face' is 'The Champ'. Right now, until I do something about it, Luther Thunder is THE FACE of UPRISING.
The grip on the steering wheel slowly releases, until only the palm of his hands are pressed into the leather. Long, pale slender fingers fanned out as wide open as the Jaguar’s throttle. The camera cuts to his jawline, pale lips slowly spreading into a grinning smile.
MATT KNOX
The one common thread, no matter whether the company is old and prestigious or young, and finding its legs? The face is never, ever a sniveling, whining bitch who can’t win clean. Mosh, no one is fooled. No one is laughing. And no one is impressed. You haven’t sniffed a clean win, you haven’t sniffed relevance. Your claim to fame right now? Is being in line for the Silver Meda---sorry, Silver State Championship. Second place for you, though? That’s breaking a glass ceiling. Maybe Jackson doesn’t deserve your ire, given how much of his pity you’ve received with that opportunity? Ponder it, Mosh, between the time you wake up from what I do to you tonight, and the time you begin questioning how you lost that gimme belt to Sam fuckin' Tolson.
Matthew rolls his head back, exhaling slowly as his hands lift away from the steering wheel, he spreads his arms across the cab, his left arm going out the driver’s window. The roar of the wind, the roar of the engine. Then a sudden exhale, his eyes snap open, his hands snatching the steering wheel and his right foot letting off the accelerator.
MATT KNOX
In a company with FAKE monsters, FAKE looneys, and FAKE badasses...well, actually. He quit, didn’t he? A company with Answers, Old School Cool, Cowboys, Dragons and Hurricanes? You’re nothing but filler, Mosh. Not a face, not even a toe. Nothing. Me? I’m the Raven. I’m the shadow that looms OVER this company. I’m Raze, I’m Ruin. And I’m going to make an example out of you, child.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIAL CHALLENGE
CHRIS MOSH vs MATTHEW KNOX
The match starts with Mosh charging forth and driving Knox into a corner. He rises up and drives a forearm into Knox’s throat trying to choke the life out of him. The ref gets to four and Mosh breaks, smirking confidently as he steps back from Knox who suddenly explodes out of the corner with a superkick that rocks Mosh back on his heels! Knox charges in, snatching him and driving Mosh face first into the mat with a double underhook DDT! Knox isn’t done! He keeps Mosh’s arms hooked and gets to his feet, pulling Mosh with him. With a big grin, he yells out to the crowd, beckoning them to “Watch this!” as he hauls Mosh up and spikes his head with a double underhook brainbuster!! The crowd pops out loud for the high impact move as Knox gets to his feet, not ready to end the match yet as he stares down at the clearly stunned Mosh.
Knox pulls Mosh up, and backs up to the ropes, he suddenly launches forward and lifts a boot, nailing Mosh between the eyes with his own rendition of JC’s BIG BOOT OF DEATH!! He finds the hard camera and points at the lens, paying his sometimes friend sometimes attempted murderer a grin and a nod before turning around to pick Mosh up once more. Chris Mosh fires off a sudden flurry into Knox’s midsection as he gets a second wind! He runs and bounces off the ropes, going for a clothesline but Knox leaps up and catches him with a thunderous CODEBREAKER!!
Knox gets up, fired up but freezes as the lights go out! Suddenly, the screen above the entrance comes to life! We cut to a night time view of a rooftop, pale moonlight is shining down illuminating the side profile of SUPREME MACHINE. The mountain of a man has hidden his upper body in a large hooded coat, but it is unquestionably him. He is looking at something off frame and speaks up in a gruff voice.
SUPREME MACHINE
Raven... such a predictable fool. We know you have spent the last two weeks in Vegas, watching over your nest like a stern protector… waiting for us to strike from the shadows. That was your first mistake. You take us for some simple-minded brainless brute. You sincerely thought we would broadcast our intentions to the world like that? No. We merely played you like the fool you are. In your rush to protect the youngest hatchling… you completely forgot about the one who had already flown from the nest.
SuMa turns the camera around and we are treated to a view of an apartment building, more specifically a single lit-up window. From the window you can see the silhouette of a young woman who is gazing outside absentmindedly. The view lingers there for a moment before SuMa speaks up again,
SUPREME MACHINE
You exposed your soft underbelly, Raven… and expected that nobody would dare to strike there. You relied on foolish nonsense like societal conventions or unwritten rules to keep those close to you safe. That was your second mistake. We… we don’t play by any rules, Raven. And there is nothing to prevent us from exploiting your weakness. We can hurt you in ways nobody ever has...
Suddenly the view cuts from night to day. The camera is shooting the sidewalk next to the building we saw a moment ago. More specifically a bench, where we see SuMa hunched over, the hood of the coat hiding his face. A moment later the blonde woman from earlier can be seen walking down the sidewalk, momentarily hesitating as she sees the hunched over figure of SuMa. She seems to debate what to do, but after a moment continues on, giving the hooded man a wider berth. As she passes SuMa, he makes a small but noticeable lunging motion towards her back, but doesn’t take it all the way, instead turning to stare upwards at the camera while pulling the hood back just a bit, enough to reveal a gruesome grin on his face. We are then treated to a jump-cut of SuMa back on the roof at night.
SUPREME MACHINE
It would be so easy to reduce you to a quivering mess, Raven. No matter how hard you pretend your soul to be… we know that should we take that blue-eyed beauty and break her… turn her pristine skin into a scarred mess that matches ours…turn her blonde mane to a tangled mess of blood and tears… leave her torn apart physically and mentally until nothing remains untouched but her innocence. It would break you, too. But that would be TOO easy.. That would leave the hatchling untouched… It will be so much more effective to take YOU Raven… break YOU… and watch as grief overtakes both the hatchling and the one who flew from the nest.
SuMa turns the camera to stare right down the lens, his pitch-black coal-like eyes lacking any emotion.
SUPREME MACHINE
We know you will bark and shout at us after you see this. Try to exact your vengeance on us. That will be your third mistake, Raven because our wrath cannot be escaped…
The camera cuts once more to show the window we saw earlier, but this time the silhouette behind it belongs to SuMa who is staring out of the apartment, with an eerie chuckle echoing in the recording until it cuts to black.
The lights come back to life to find Knox frozen in the ring, still staring at the now-darkened screen. He snaps to life suddenly, though, hopping out of the ring and making a beeline for the back! The ref has no choice but to count him out, and declare Mosh the winner!!
WINNER (VIA COUNT OUT): CHRIS MOSH
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- GM'S OFFICE
It's been a while since anyone has even seen the General Manager so when the door to his office is shown, it's a big deal. A hand reaches into the frame, does the 'shave and a haircut' and then pushes it open. JACKSON looks up from the laptop on his desk, removing the pair of reading glasses he has on and the smile on his face is actually warm, almost genuine.
JACKSON
Well, hello there. Settling in okay?
The smile seems almost ominous now as the view shifts to over his shoulder, showing that it's none other than SATIVA NEVAEH standing in front of his desk.
SATIVA NEVAEH
As can be. Just like any other place. Full of decent wrestlers and a metric ass ton of dipshits. What my biggest issue is, is being the one to open these rookie's eyes. I'm a multi-time world champion. I deserve something better than beating up the new kids.
The General Manager nods, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms across his chest.
JACKSON
I understand. Completely. And you're right, of course. What if I told you that I had something looming on the horizon that I know you're going to be thrilled about?
SATIVA NEVAEH
Well, I'd say I don't appreciate empty promises. But you already know that.
JACKSON
I do. Our second Supershow happens in four weeks – we already have our contender settled for that and it's no secret that I wasn't pleased about the less-than-definitive outcome our little rumble had. I want something that can't be tainted, something that I know you're intimately acquainted with. We're going to do something different for our third Supershow SOLSTICE coming up on June 12th. The UPRISING CHAMPIONSHIP will be on the line… defended by whoever holds it after INFERNO, of course. And it'll be defended inside an Elimination Chamber.
Sativa seems to think the idea over. Her face switches back and forth from doubt to agreement. She finally grins slightly and nods.
JACKSON
See, I knew you'd like that. Let's make it official, then. Your record thus far speaks for itself, Sativa. You're the first one who's definitively earned your way into that match.
SATIVA NEVAEH
Looks like I'll be adding another title to my name come June. Just, please, until then, give me more than rookies.
Sativa shoots Jackson a wink as she turns to leave and the view cuts out to another ad break for SplatTV content!
_____________________________________________
JACKSON
Well, hello there. Settling in okay?
The smile seems almost ominous now as the view shifts to over his shoulder, showing that it's none other than SATIVA NEVAEH standing in front of his desk.
SATIVA NEVAEH
As can be. Just like any other place. Full of decent wrestlers and a metric ass ton of dipshits. What my biggest issue is, is being the one to open these rookie's eyes. I'm a multi-time world champion. I deserve something better than beating up the new kids.
The General Manager nods, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms across his chest.
JACKSON
I understand. Completely. And you're right, of course. What if I told you that I had something looming on the horizon that I know you're going to be thrilled about?
SATIVA NEVAEH
Well, I'd say I don't appreciate empty promises. But you already know that.
JACKSON
I do. Our second Supershow happens in four weeks – we already have our contender settled for that and it's no secret that I wasn't pleased about the less-than-definitive outcome our little rumble had. I want something that can't be tainted, something that I know you're intimately acquainted with. We're going to do something different for our third Supershow SOLSTICE coming up on June 12th. The UPRISING CHAMPIONSHIP will be on the line… defended by whoever holds it after INFERNO, of course. And it'll be defended inside an Elimination Chamber.
Sativa seems to think the idea over. Her face switches back and forth from doubt to agreement. She finally grins slightly and nods.
JACKSON
See, I knew you'd like that. Let's make it official, then. Your record thus far speaks for itself, Sativa. You're the first one who's definitively earned your way into that match.
SATIVA NEVAEH
Looks like I'll be adding another title to my name come June. Just, please, until then, give me more than rookies.
Sativa shoots Jackson a wink as she turns to leave and the view cuts out to another ad break for SplatTV content!
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
Backstage, although far from the relative privacy of locker rooms and broom closets made to feel like locker rooms, Amber Ryan and Mac Bane aka the former Team Aqua now newly named Oblivion have a makeshift table dragged from catering set up with a couple of nameless employees of varying degrees of impotence scattered around. It's comically small, especially in relation to the large figure of Mac who’s sly grin seems to radiate far beyond the scope it should- still they manage to have four other players in what looks to be an ongoing game of poker.
No chip stacks are to be seen, a cash game through and through as a myriad of notes fills the middle of the table as the river card is flipped by the Painted Hurricane who’s impassive expression is far more concerning than the knowing smile of the One Man Wrecking Crew.
One of the camera guys digs into his pockets, in hopes of finding something worth throwing in- instead finding lint and a touch of frustration.
RANDOM CAMERA PERSON
Can I raise an IOU for a drink after the show?
Amber pauses for a moment, deliberating against not only her own hand- her cards untouched until now and against the growing prize pool. She glances to Mac who shrugs, the body language comfortable and readable only to those knowing what to look for.
AMBER RYAN
How about a drink, and you make us look real good with some camera voodoo shit next time we do some promo stuff.
Amber extends her fist across the table, barely having to rise from her seat 'cause the table is literally that small- a small bump between the two is enough to seal the negotiations as everyone else proceeds to match equivalent or fold. As cards are flipped, several groans arise while Amber leans back into her chair knowingly as Mac almost scoops the winnings off the table edge.
MAC BANE
You knew, didn’t you?
With a wry grin, Amber returned his question with a shrug of her own.
AMBER RYAN
What’s your is mine and what's mine is mine. That's how it goes, right?
Mac chuckles, not dignifying her response with one of his own. By now they’d grown used to each others attempts to get a rise from the other- and for that it seemed as though everyone else would suffer accordingly. Of course, there's always an interruption to such things and as per the norm- as Intern Steve materialized at the table's edge while Amber shuffled all the returned cards into the deck.
INTERN STEVE
Sorry to bother you---
AMBER RYAN
Firstly, no you’re not- but continue…
Caught off guard, Intern Steve stumbles over his next couple of words as Mac watches in amusement, everyone at the table and within earshot now watching intently as the redhead smiles sweetly.
INTERN STEVE
I- uh… Jax was wanting a word with you guys when you’re free. Preferably sooner rather than later.
Reputation was a funny thing and you can imagine that Intern Steve probably bought into a lot of what had been said about people- about Amber’s nitroglycerin nature and about Mac’s menacing presence. Of course it doesn’t help that a hush has fallen over the immediate area 'cause lord knows this could go badly and fast.
Instead, Amber continues to shuffle quietly whilst humming something under her breath.
INTERN STEVE
Uh, Miss Ryan---
AMBER RYAN
Oh, I heard you. Tell you what- how about we play a little game. You win, we go about fulfilling this little errand you’ve been sent on…
Mac gestures for Intern Steve to take a seat as the rest of the card players vacate in preparation to spectate this car crash. Amber gives Mac a slight nod, as Mac reclines further back into the flimsy chair that bends slightly against his frame.
MAC BANE
Seems only fair for you to make a wager in this game- we can't be the only ones with something on the line after all.
It isn’t a question- despite the polite inflection, anyone listening knew that it was never intended to be declined. Rummaging in his pockets, Intern Steve pulls out a rather plain looking wallet- opening it up in front of everyone, exposing a couple of notes and a few cards. He goes to rummage but catches Mac’s stare again, getting a curt head tilt for his efforts before realizing the big Texan intends for him to empty the contents out.
For those watching, it equates to probably $175 dollars and a few errant coins that tumble across the surface. No one watching dares to say a thing as Amber just continues to shuffle.
AMBER RYAN
I’m feeling generous Steve, so how about we play a little Three Card Monte. I’m a bit rough, haven’t done this in a long time so it bodes well for you- and after all it's a 1 in 3 shot to be right. Not bad odds when you think about it.
Intern Steve doesn't appear convinced, especially considering it's his money strewn on the table.
AMBER RYAN
Tell you what, how about I sweeten the pot a little. I’ll match your wager and we do a little practice run so you can be assured I’m not full of shit.
Placing the deck in full view, Amber goes into her own pockets and dumps out an approximately equivalent amount- she doesn’t bother to count it cause it doesn’t really make any difference. Intern Steve's eyes boggle slightly as the amount on the table practically doubles before his eyes- while Amber returns to her shuffle.
AMBER RYAN
I trust you understand how the game works. Three cards face down on the table, I’ll shuffle them before you and you just have to tell me which one is the Queen. Simple really.
Three cards touch down on the table- a 6 of hearts on the right, a Queen of spades in the middle and a 2 of clubs on the left. Amber turns them over slowly before shuffling them in a circular, almost mesmerizing motion for a few seconds before drawing her hands away. Intern Steve pauses uncertainly before choosing the left card- and there's a collective gasp when it's revealed to be… The Queen of Spades.
A few people cheer momentarily as the smile crosses Amber’s lips, she gives Intern Steve a look as if to say ‘told you so’ before returning the cards to their original positions.
AMBER RYAN
Wasn’t so bad, was it?
A sick little twitch in her smile comes through as she lays her hands on the tabletop.
AMBER RYAN
Care to wager again? How about you throw in your watch- and we’ll throw in our obedience, hell I’ll even say something nice to Jax about you if I’m feeling cute. Either way- money stays on the table.
It's a fool's wager, and everyone knows it- but that little confidence boost is enough to nudge Intern Steve over the edge and he nods in agreeance. Slipping his watch from his wrist, he tosses it into the growing pile as Amber starts the cards moving again- this time more frenetic, faster to the point even the sharpest eyes have lost all bearing.
No one says a thing as the cards stop and the colour drains from Intern Steve’s face as he shakily chooses the middle. After all, it's a one in three. Amber smiles sweetly, turning over the 6 of hearts- as Mac starts to collect up the winnings, throwing the watch back to Steve as a gesture of pity.
MAC BANE
You go tell the boss man that we’ll be by shortly... and be grateful she didn’t demand your pants instead.
Amber murmurs something quietly about speaking from experience as Intern Steve hurries off before things take a further turn for the worse. Once Steve is out of sight and the crowd starts to dissipate, Amber goes to collect up the cards as Mac leans across the table towards his future wife.
MAC BANE
You let him win the first time.
AMBER RYAN
Why do you sound surprised?
MAC BANE
I was always taught it was impolite to play with your food.
Amber gives Mac a raised eyebrow as she turns all three cards over, the six of hearts and two of clubs. Instead of the Queen of spades, this time it's a nine of diamonds.
MAC BANE
Oh, that's just cruel.
AMBER RYAN
You love it.
MAC BANE
I do.
Exchanging a quick kiss, the two return to playing cards, knowing full well that soon enough others would want to test their luck, despite the deck always being stacked against them.
SAMANTHA TOLSON vs SUPREME MACHINE
As soon as the bell rings, Tolson shows no fear as she charges at SuMa, sending stiff kicks to the big man’s knee, trying to chop the big tree down! She ducks a wild haymaker by the monster and continues her focused assault until SuMa shoves her away with enough force she almost goes out the ring! Tolson charges back in only to eat a big boot from SuMa!! He takes a moment to walk out the kink Tolson put in his knee, before turning and dropping a knee across the woman’s back, and snatching her hair! HE IS BENDING SAMANTHA TOLSON BACKWARDS BY HER HAIR!!
??
Hey. HEY, YOU GIANT FUCK!
SuMa’s head snaps to the top of the ramp, releasing Tolson who favors her back as she drags herself away from SuMa while also looking up toward the entryway. MATT KNOX stands there with a microphone. He’s still in his face paint, moderately fresh from his non-match with Chris Mosh. He sets his feet, raising the microphone to his lips once more.
MATT KNOX
You big, stupid fucking joke of a bad sideshow. You think you can fuck with me? With my family? And get AWAY with it? You don’t want that fight with Tolson. It's clear you're going through the motions – no offense, Sam.
Tolson shakes her head as she sits up, looking like she wants to head up the ramp herself to kick The Raven's head clean off.
MATT KNOX
Why don’t you man the fuck up and we finish this RIGHT NOW.
Supreme Machine wastes no time, stepping effortlessly over the top rope as he makes a beeline up the ramp for Knox who grins, and backs up behind the curtain. As SuMa makes a leisurely stroll up the ramp despite Jenny’s best attempts at reigning him in, Neil Rana has no choice but to count out his second competitor of the night as Tolson has gotten to her feet with the help of the ropes, looking disgusted and still in severe pain.
WINNER (VIA COUNT OUT): SAMANTHA TOLSON
SuMa gets to the back, and doesn’t see Knox. He makes an annoyed, guttural noise as he begins stalking down the main hallway. The camera stays on him as he checks every corner, and every door. He reaches catering, scanning the area before moving next to the walk-in Freezer...SUDDENLY, KNOX LEAPS FORTH FROM WITHIN, HE HAS A BAT!! HE BLASTS SUMA ACROSS THE BACK OF THE HEAD, BEFORE GETTING HIM IN A CHOKEHOLD WITH THE BAT! Knox Shoves SuMa into the freezer, blasting him once more with the bat! THE MONSTER IS DOWN!!
Knox drops the bat, closing the door to the deep freeze he moves quickly, rolling an equipment crate in front of the door and kneeling, locking the wheels in place. He slaps the door of the deep freeze once, shouting.
MATT KNOX
Chill out!
And with that, Knox takes off as the view heads elsewhere.
No chip stacks are to be seen, a cash game through and through as a myriad of notes fills the middle of the table as the river card is flipped by the Painted Hurricane who’s impassive expression is far more concerning than the knowing smile of the One Man Wrecking Crew.
One of the camera guys digs into his pockets, in hopes of finding something worth throwing in- instead finding lint and a touch of frustration.
RANDOM CAMERA PERSON
Can I raise an IOU for a drink after the show?
Amber pauses for a moment, deliberating against not only her own hand- her cards untouched until now and against the growing prize pool. She glances to Mac who shrugs, the body language comfortable and readable only to those knowing what to look for.
AMBER RYAN
How about a drink, and you make us look real good with some camera voodoo shit next time we do some promo stuff.
Amber extends her fist across the table, barely having to rise from her seat 'cause the table is literally that small- a small bump between the two is enough to seal the negotiations as everyone else proceeds to match equivalent or fold. As cards are flipped, several groans arise while Amber leans back into her chair knowingly as Mac almost scoops the winnings off the table edge.
MAC BANE
You knew, didn’t you?
With a wry grin, Amber returned his question with a shrug of her own.
AMBER RYAN
What’s your is mine and what's mine is mine. That's how it goes, right?
Mac chuckles, not dignifying her response with one of his own. By now they’d grown used to each others attempts to get a rise from the other- and for that it seemed as though everyone else would suffer accordingly. Of course, there's always an interruption to such things and as per the norm- as Intern Steve materialized at the table's edge while Amber shuffled all the returned cards into the deck.
INTERN STEVE
Sorry to bother you---
AMBER RYAN
Firstly, no you’re not- but continue…
Caught off guard, Intern Steve stumbles over his next couple of words as Mac watches in amusement, everyone at the table and within earshot now watching intently as the redhead smiles sweetly.
INTERN STEVE
I- uh… Jax was wanting a word with you guys when you’re free. Preferably sooner rather than later.
Reputation was a funny thing and you can imagine that Intern Steve probably bought into a lot of what had been said about people- about Amber’s nitroglycerin nature and about Mac’s menacing presence. Of course it doesn’t help that a hush has fallen over the immediate area 'cause lord knows this could go badly and fast.
Instead, Amber continues to shuffle quietly whilst humming something under her breath.
INTERN STEVE
Uh, Miss Ryan---
AMBER RYAN
Oh, I heard you. Tell you what- how about we play a little game. You win, we go about fulfilling this little errand you’ve been sent on…
Mac gestures for Intern Steve to take a seat as the rest of the card players vacate in preparation to spectate this car crash. Amber gives Mac a slight nod, as Mac reclines further back into the flimsy chair that bends slightly against his frame.
MAC BANE
Seems only fair for you to make a wager in this game- we can't be the only ones with something on the line after all.
It isn’t a question- despite the polite inflection, anyone listening knew that it was never intended to be declined. Rummaging in his pockets, Intern Steve pulls out a rather plain looking wallet- opening it up in front of everyone, exposing a couple of notes and a few cards. He goes to rummage but catches Mac’s stare again, getting a curt head tilt for his efforts before realizing the big Texan intends for him to empty the contents out.
For those watching, it equates to probably $175 dollars and a few errant coins that tumble across the surface. No one watching dares to say a thing as Amber just continues to shuffle.
AMBER RYAN
I’m feeling generous Steve, so how about we play a little Three Card Monte. I’m a bit rough, haven’t done this in a long time so it bodes well for you- and after all it's a 1 in 3 shot to be right. Not bad odds when you think about it.
Intern Steve doesn't appear convinced, especially considering it's his money strewn on the table.
AMBER RYAN
Tell you what, how about I sweeten the pot a little. I’ll match your wager and we do a little practice run so you can be assured I’m not full of shit.
Placing the deck in full view, Amber goes into her own pockets and dumps out an approximately equivalent amount- she doesn’t bother to count it cause it doesn’t really make any difference. Intern Steve's eyes boggle slightly as the amount on the table practically doubles before his eyes- while Amber returns to her shuffle.
AMBER RYAN
I trust you understand how the game works. Three cards face down on the table, I’ll shuffle them before you and you just have to tell me which one is the Queen. Simple really.
Three cards touch down on the table- a 6 of hearts on the right, a Queen of spades in the middle and a 2 of clubs on the left. Amber turns them over slowly before shuffling them in a circular, almost mesmerizing motion for a few seconds before drawing her hands away. Intern Steve pauses uncertainly before choosing the left card- and there's a collective gasp when it's revealed to be… The Queen of Spades.
A few people cheer momentarily as the smile crosses Amber’s lips, she gives Intern Steve a look as if to say ‘told you so’ before returning the cards to their original positions.
AMBER RYAN
Wasn’t so bad, was it?
A sick little twitch in her smile comes through as she lays her hands on the tabletop.
AMBER RYAN
Care to wager again? How about you throw in your watch- and we’ll throw in our obedience, hell I’ll even say something nice to Jax about you if I’m feeling cute. Either way- money stays on the table.
It's a fool's wager, and everyone knows it- but that little confidence boost is enough to nudge Intern Steve over the edge and he nods in agreeance. Slipping his watch from his wrist, he tosses it into the growing pile as Amber starts the cards moving again- this time more frenetic, faster to the point even the sharpest eyes have lost all bearing.
No one says a thing as the cards stop and the colour drains from Intern Steve’s face as he shakily chooses the middle. After all, it's a one in three. Amber smiles sweetly, turning over the 6 of hearts- as Mac starts to collect up the winnings, throwing the watch back to Steve as a gesture of pity.
MAC BANE
You go tell the boss man that we’ll be by shortly... and be grateful she didn’t demand your pants instead.
Amber murmurs something quietly about speaking from experience as Intern Steve hurries off before things take a further turn for the worse. Once Steve is out of sight and the crowd starts to dissipate, Amber goes to collect up the cards as Mac leans across the table towards his future wife.
MAC BANE
You let him win the first time.
AMBER RYAN
Why do you sound surprised?
MAC BANE
I was always taught it was impolite to play with your food.
Amber gives Mac a raised eyebrow as she turns all three cards over, the six of hearts and two of clubs. Instead of the Queen of spades, this time it's a nine of diamonds.
MAC BANE
Oh, that's just cruel.
AMBER RYAN
You love it.
MAC BANE
I do.
Exchanging a quick kiss, the two return to playing cards, knowing full well that soon enough others would want to test their luck, despite the deck always being stacked against them.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
SAMANTHA TOLSON vs SUPREME MACHINE
As soon as the bell rings, Tolson shows no fear as she charges at SuMa, sending stiff kicks to the big man’s knee, trying to chop the big tree down! She ducks a wild haymaker by the monster and continues her focused assault until SuMa shoves her away with enough force she almost goes out the ring! Tolson charges back in only to eat a big boot from SuMa!! He takes a moment to walk out the kink Tolson put in his knee, before turning and dropping a knee across the woman’s back, and snatching her hair! HE IS BENDING SAMANTHA TOLSON BACKWARDS BY HER HAIR!!
??
Hey. HEY, YOU GIANT FUCK!
SuMa’s head snaps to the top of the ramp, releasing Tolson who favors her back as she drags herself away from SuMa while also looking up toward the entryway. MATT KNOX stands there with a microphone. He’s still in his face paint, moderately fresh from his non-match with Chris Mosh. He sets his feet, raising the microphone to his lips once more.
MATT KNOX
You big, stupid fucking joke of a bad sideshow. You think you can fuck with me? With my family? And get AWAY with it? You don’t want that fight with Tolson. It's clear you're going through the motions – no offense, Sam.
Tolson shakes her head as she sits up, looking like she wants to head up the ramp herself to kick The Raven's head clean off.
MATT KNOX
Why don’t you man the fuck up and we finish this RIGHT NOW.
Supreme Machine wastes no time, stepping effortlessly over the top rope as he makes a beeline up the ramp for Knox who grins, and backs up behind the curtain. As SuMa makes a leisurely stroll up the ramp despite Jenny’s best attempts at reigning him in, Neil Rana has no choice but to count out his second competitor of the night as Tolson has gotten to her feet with the help of the ropes, looking disgusted and still in severe pain.
WINNER (VIA COUNT OUT): SAMANTHA TOLSON
SuMa gets to the back, and doesn’t see Knox. He makes an annoyed, guttural noise as he begins stalking down the main hallway. The camera stays on him as he checks every corner, and every door. He reaches catering, scanning the area before moving next to the walk-in Freezer...SUDDENLY, KNOX LEAPS FORTH FROM WITHIN, HE HAS A BAT!! HE BLASTS SUMA ACROSS THE BACK OF THE HEAD, BEFORE GETTING HIM IN A CHOKEHOLD WITH THE BAT! Knox Shoves SuMa into the freezer, blasting him once more with the bat! THE MONSTER IS DOWN!!
Knox drops the bat, closing the door to the deep freeze he moves quickly, rolling an equipment crate in front of the door and kneeling, locking the wheels in place. He slaps the door of the deep freeze once, shouting.
MATT KNOX
Chill out!
And with that, Knox takes off as the view heads elsewhere.
CUT TO:
INT. SILVER STATE BALLROOM
We open to the hustle and bustle of the merchandise area at Silver State Ballroom. As usual, the public is flocking there, eager to get their hands on the latest products of the UPRISING roster. While on the surface the situation seems to be business as usual, there seems to be an abnormally large congregation of people in a particular spot. And as the cameraman wades close we see the reason for it. It is the three Brothers Busch who are attracting all the attention on their stand. We see Tiny Tim greeting and talking with people, especially the kids, with childlike enthusiasm and Loverboy Busch in his smooth way chatting up all the ladies. And on the back, leaning against the wall is Big Sam, harrumphing grumpily at anyone who approaches him, while still responding to questions and signing the merch. Loverboy glances up from the girl he was sweet-talking and notices the cameraman, beckoning him to approach.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
Owwww, welcome welcome to the Brothers Busch bazaar of beautiful and blissful baubles! Loverboy here is absolutely gobsmacked at just how popular the Three Buschketeers have gotten over such a short period of time! Loverboy and his brothers have spent almost the entire day thus far in here, delivering to those who seek our attention, whatever their hearts desire!
With a sly wink on the word 'whatever' Loverboy clearly implies… things which causes Big Sam to give another loud harrumph. The camera swings to focus in on him.
BIG SAM BUSCH
Don’t listen to that fool. Fact is that we’re here mostly for Tiny. I don’t know why or how, but seems like the good folks here at Reno have taken a particular shine to him.
The camera pans over to show Tiny who’s currently taking selfies with a group of kids, with Socksworth being proudly displayed. The camera turns back to Sam.
BIG SAM BUSCH
Now, when Loverboy pitched this wrasslin' gig to me, I had my doubts. But after the shit that went down with that fucking rat and his pack of misfits… it made one thing painfully obvious: we’re good at this. I knew I could throw down with the ugliest fuckers in the world. But Tiny proved that he ain’t nothing to shake a stick at and even Loverboy showed he has moves outside the back of his hippie van. So fuck it. Consider this me stating our intent: those UPRISING Tag Titles? Better make 3 of them because the Brothers Busch are gonna take 'em home to Harrison.
Tiny has finally noticed the camera as well and walks up to Sam just as the middle brother finishes. He looks at Sam, who nods and then turns to the camera.
TINY TIM BUSCH
What Ricky did was not nice. So I had to dig deep and believe in myself and I won. I saved Socksworth. And now Socksworth says that the next step in my path to becoming the hero of all these fans here is to win the championships… so I will. I already prepared Socksworth for it!
He shows Socksworth who is in his right hand to the camera and you can see that in addition to the smiley face drawn at the end, there is a crude but recognizable picture of the recently-revealed UPRISING Tag Titles drawn into the 'waist' portion of the sock puppet. Loverboy walks into the frame and pats Tiny on the head.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
Ya doin' good, my tiny main man! We’s gonna get those tag titles for sure, especially if Socksworth says so!
He turns to face the camera and gives his widest grin.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
So ladies and gentlemen, and especially the ladies… hold onto your hats because OOWWWWWw, tonight the journey of the Three Buschketeers towards fame and fortune begins! The Ring Crew is gonna be the first ones who end up stepping aside. And that’s a fact jack because ONE FOR ALL
Loverboy throws his hand in front of him and Tiny puts the sock-covered hand on top of that. After a moment of grumbling and eyerolling Big Sam joins in and the three brothers holler in unison.
BROTHERS BUSCH
AND ALL FOR ONE!
LOVERBOY BUSCH
Owwww, welcome welcome to the Brothers Busch bazaar of beautiful and blissful baubles! Loverboy here is absolutely gobsmacked at just how popular the Three Buschketeers have gotten over such a short period of time! Loverboy and his brothers have spent almost the entire day thus far in here, delivering to those who seek our attention, whatever their hearts desire!
With a sly wink on the word 'whatever' Loverboy clearly implies… things which causes Big Sam to give another loud harrumph. The camera swings to focus in on him.
BIG SAM BUSCH
Don’t listen to that fool. Fact is that we’re here mostly for Tiny. I don’t know why or how, but seems like the good folks here at Reno have taken a particular shine to him.
The camera pans over to show Tiny who’s currently taking selfies with a group of kids, with Socksworth being proudly displayed. The camera turns back to Sam.
BIG SAM BUSCH
Now, when Loverboy pitched this wrasslin' gig to me, I had my doubts. But after the shit that went down with that fucking rat and his pack of misfits… it made one thing painfully obvious: we’re good at this. I knew I could throw down with the ugliest fuckers in the world. But Tiny proved that he ain’t nothing to shake a stick at and even Loverboy showed he has moves outside the back of his hippie van. So fuck it. Consider this me stating our intent: those UPRISING Tag Titles? Better make 3 of them because the Brothers Busch are gonna take 'em home to Harrison.
Tiny has finally noticed the camera as well and walks up to Sam just as the middle brother finishes. He looks at Sam, who nods and then turns to the camera.
TINY TIM BUSCH
What Ricky did was not nice. So I had to dig deep and believe in myself and I won. I saved Socksworth. And now Socksworth says that the next step in my path to becoming the hero of all these fans here is to win the championships… so I will. I already prepared Socksworth for it!
He shows Socksworth who is in his right hand to the camera and you can see that in addition to the smiley face drawn at the end, there is a crude but recognizable picture of the recently-revealed UPRISING Tag Titles drawn into the 'waist' portion of the sock puppet. Loverboy walks into the frame and pats Tiny on the head.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
Ya doin' good, my tiny main man! We’s gonna get those tag titles for sure, especially if Socksworth says so!
He turns to face the camera and gives his widest grin.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
So ladies and gentlemen, and especially the ladies… hold onto your hats because OOWWWWWw, tonight the journey of the Three Buschketeers towards fame and fortune begins! The Ring Crew is gonna be the first ones who end up stepping aside. And that’s a fact jack because ONE FOR ALL
Loverboy throws his hand in front of him and Tiny puts the sock-covered hand on top of that. After a moment of grumbling and eyerolling Big Sam joins in and the three brothers holler in unison.
BROTHERS BUSCH
AND ALL FOR ONE!
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT ROUND 2
THE RING CREW vs THE BROTHERS BUSCH
The match starts with Big Sam Busch and PYRO. The masked one, not the spoopy cunt who always loses. Well, this one loses a lot, too. And it’s looking like tonight will be no different as Big Sam sets to his awful kind of work. He bullies PYRO into the corner and begins laying stiff right hands into the smaller fella’s head. Enigma reaches in and tries to shove Big Sam from his corner but Sam responds by turning his wrath upon Enigma with a big right hand that sends the big man off the apron. Sam then turns and lifts Pyro onto the top of the turnbuckle, before joining him and nailing a thunderous superplex! Sam gets up slowly while PYRO rolls around in a pathetic sort of pain. Sam gives Loverboy a look akin to "this really it?" as he stalks PYRO for his finish, which he nails! END OF THE ROAD FOR PYRO! Big Sam goes for the pin and Enigma doesn't even bother to intervene!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): THE BROTHERS BUSCH
Enigma doesn't even wait for the bell, opting to storm up the ramp, clearly embarrassed as the crowd erupts in cheers for the fan favorite Busch Brothers.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
STATIC
Cut to a dark room illuminated only by a wall projector, the device casting from a laptop positioned on a mahogany desk at the back of the room. The screen on the opposite side plays footage of the SMILES PROTECTION AGENCY vs THE GEMSTONES from Coronation four weeks earlier. Diamond Steel cracks Taylor Samuels with a pipe on the screen, as a sigh echoes through the room. Regan Voorhees watches from a white high-backed faux-leather armchair, a white marble table beside her decorated with a vase full of red camellias. A silver tray on the same table is topped with numerous non-dairy cheeses. It sits beside a glass of red wine. As the on-screen assault continues, Regan delicately takes a cube of brie and bites off a piece.
MATT KNOX
"THE FIREBIRD" IGNIS vs MICHAEL MAROU
The two start off circling cautiously, with Marou running his mouth nonstop at Ignis, still demanding an explanation for her intervention on the previous episode. She doesn't answer so he stops and poses for the crowd, trying to rile her up but Ignis responds by running to the corner and throwing a pose that the crowd pops louder for. The Ironman, annoyed now, bum-rushes Ignis – nope! She sees it coming, hops over and as Marou eats the buckle, goes to town with some speedy strikes. Marou's doing his best to grab her, but whenever he gets close, Ignis shakes him off with a quick deflection or parry. The crowd is clearly behind Ignis as she slows down her initial charge and begins to systematically work on Marou's arm, hitting several arm drags in a row before cinching in a hammerlock. Huge mistake as Marou uses his superior strength to power out of the lock, sending Ignis reeling with a Muay Thai-style knee. Ironman grins at Ignis and takes a MMA pose, to which the Firebird nods, as if agreeing to do it his way.
They start circling again, both looking for an opening. Marou keeps Ignis at an arm's length with his longer reach while Ignis uses her superior agility to dodge the Ironman's attempts. Finally Ignis sees an opening and dives in for a takedown, but Ironman has her scouted and she eats a face-full of knee! Without wasting a second, Marou rushes on top of her, raining down the blows! Ignis pulls her guard up, preventing Marou from inflicting major damage on her but as Marou keeps coming down with fury, you can see the punishment taking its toll. Finally, Marou gets a blow through and as Ignis reels from the hit he slaps in a Kimura that causes the Firebird to start screaming in agony. Ref Stef immediately checks for the submission but Ignis refuses, starting to slowly inch towards the ropes. Ironman yanks her back, but exposes his guard for a moment, allowing the Firebird to headbutt him in the face! They roll away from each other and we have a stare down as Ignis tries to get the feeling back to her arm and ignore Marou's taunts.
They're right back to circling each other again and this time Marou is on the offensive, having maybe sense that he had the upper hand on Ignis after the previous exchange. The Ironman keeps lunging at the Firebird aggressively and it’s obvious that the pounding and the Kimura have taken their toll. Finally, her arm buckles as she tries to block a strike and that's all the Ironman needs to get back on the offensive! He nails a few devastating strikes before diving in with a takedown, grounding her with a thud. Again Ignis finds herself on the guard as Marou attempts to assert himself, but this time she knows she won’t last so with a little feeding of her bad arm, she fools Marou into going for the easy target and manages to throw him off balance enough to shift them around. She makes it on top, trying to smash her way through Marou's guard with hammer blows. This continues for a few seconds until the look on the Ironman's face tips Ignis that something is off, but that's too late. In a quick shuffle, she finds herself locked in THE GOGOPLATA submission!
The crowd falls to a hush as Ref Stef gets down to check on Ignis, who is struggling mightily in the submission, but no matter how hard she tries, the Ironman won’t let go, squeezing harder and harder! Finally her thrashing ends and Marou shouts at the referee to check on her again. The official, after asking her twice verbally, lifts her arm up and lets go.
ONE.
Still wrenching like a maniac, Marou's shouting at the referee to go faster. Ref Stef lifts the hand again and lets go a second time.
TWO.
Marou looks like he’s about to pop a vein from the exertion of attempting to squeeze the life out of Ignis as the referee lifts the arm for the third time and lets go.
THR—NO!
The crowd erupts with a massive pop as Ignis snaps back to life and holds her arm aloft. Marou's eyes almost bulge out of his skull as the Firebird begins to use her free arm to pound on the side of his skull, using the trapped arm to sink her claws into his chest, Marou finally lets go of the submission and rolls away to his feet. The crowd is on their feet, going nuts and Marou pounds the turnbuckle in frustration before turning back to face the Firebird again, just in time to see her beckon for him to "bring it on". Marou launches himself from the corner, managing to knock her down with a shoulder tackle before signaling to the crowd for his CORPORAL PUNISHMENT superkick. He watches as Ignis gets up and strikes – DENIED! IGNIS HAD IT SCOUTED AND SHE DUCKS UNDER! Marou goes for a spinning backfist – AND SHE BLOCKS IT, GRABBING HIS ARM AND LOCKING HIM INTO THE BURNING EMBERS (cross armbar)!
Marous tries to fight his way out, telling the referee to piss off when she asks if he wants to submit. Turnabout's fair play as Ignis pulls harder and harder and you start to hear Ironman's joints pop without him tapping out. Ref Stef makes a judgement call and calls for the bell to prevent Marou from suffering permanent damage.
WINNER (VIA REFEREE STOPPAGE): "THE FIREBIRD" IGNIS
The second the bell rings, Ignis lets go of the hold and collapses on her back, completely spent. The referee helps her up to her feet and she celebrates her victory for a moment, warily watching as Marou makes it to his feet. He's favoring the arm that was nearly yanked from its socket and the two stare each other down for a tense moment before he begrudgingly gives her a nod to an enormous pop from the crowd.
Cut to a dark room illuminated only by a wall projector, the device casting from a laptop positioned on a mahogany desk at the back of the room. The screen on the opposite side plays footage of the SMILES PROTECTION AGENCY vs THE GEMSTONES from Coronation four weeks earlier. Diamond Steel cracks Taylor Samuels with a pipe on the screen, as a sigh echoes through the room. Regan Voorhees watches from a white high-backed faux-leather armchair, a white marble table beside her decorated with a vase full of red camellias. A silver tray on the same table is topped with numerous non-dairy cheeses. It sits beside a glass of red wine. As the on-screen assault continues, Regan delicately takes a cube of brie and bites off a piece.
MATT KNOX
Not a lot of meat on the bone, here. Seemed more like a mugging than anything. All I know about these girls is they like weapons and shitty music.
Matt Knox stands near the whole set up, arms crossed and all business after the long night he’s had. He looks to be taking himself far too seriously for a man in face paint. After a moment, he speaks up once more.
MATT KNOX
And, just for the record... why is Steve with us for this strategy meeting?
Regan motions at a small, less comfortable looking wooden chair on the opposite side of the table. Steve starts to sit in it, then stops himself, then motions for Knox to take the seat instead.
REGAN VOORHEES
For one, he’s reliable. Barring any conflicts of interest based on his position, I may require him to even the odds in our favor. Did you consider our numerical disadvantage while you were out monster hunting?
Knox, almost unwillingly, takes his place in the wooden chair, bringing one leg over the other as he listens to Regan pontificate. He almost guffaws at her suggestion to bring Steve, but decides not to object. Very much in the 'go along to get along' gear.
MATT KNOX
I figured the best tactic there was we wait and see if they plan to play their numbers to their advantage. If they keep it clean, we do, too. If they start fucking around? There’s no rule against superkicking the stragglers. They just cant touch us in front of the ref or their bandmates get DQed. It’s not rocket science, O Duchess. And it certainly doesn’t need to be gang warfare.
Knox reaches over, plucking his own square of brie rather brazenly and popping it in his mouth like a piece of popcorn. Regan’s eyes stay on the screen, as the Gem Stones score a three-count and take the victory. She sighs again, as the video restarts.
REGAN VOORHEES
Steve, tell Mr. Knox how many Gem Stones there are.
INTERN STEVE
Like... minerals?
REGAN VOORHEES
The answer is four, Steve. That’s four members of their team, six potential combinations of opponents in the match, with any two left over on the outside. You’ll notice in the footage, that they have no reservations about unfair play. Which would be less of a problem if they didn’t have a numerical advantage, and more experience working as a team. I thought a strategy session might allow us to brainstorm ways to mitigate the disadvantages. How much research have you done?
Knox averts his eyes to her, and scoffs a bit.
MATT KNOX
You do this as long as I have, you learn that research doesn’t really go a long way. You surmised everything there is to know. They run on a 'Freebird' system, so they can pick the best two for the opponents on the card. They play dirty. Sure it’s two on four but, and forgive the chauvinism, you’re partnered with a 6 and a half foot former five-time tag team champion, former world champion, and a guy who Spanish Fly’d a walking muscle off a balcony to prove a point. We’re going to be fine tonight, Regan. I got your back.
Knox grabs another square of brie, popping it once more and chewing while he considers his next words. He eyes Steve for a moment, feeling the kid shrink under his gaze.
MATT KNOX
You might be onto something with Steve, though. I’m willing to bet they won’t strike a company employee. Especially the nephew of our media person. So, if you’re thinking Operation Steven Shield...I think I’m in.
REGAN VOORHEES
I can’t imagine he has the constitution to take more than a shot or two from a trained wrestler. If we sacrifice him, it needs to be with the intent to checkmate. Unfortunately, if anyone attacks him, it wouldn’t get them disqualified. Steve, do you think you can nullify whichever two Gem Stones aren’t participating in the match?
He swallows hard, that adoration for her written all over his face as he stammers.
He swallows hard, that adoration for her written all over his face as he stammers.
INTERN STEVE
Uh... maybe? I... no. Probably. Not really.
REGAN VOORHEES
I have faith in you. That would at least keep things two-on-two. And derail any game plan of theirs that doesn’t rely on outside interference. A Steve’s Gambit, as it were.
Ever the patient one, Knox stands up and grabs a handful of the brie cubes, he eyes the pair, the gears obviously turning in his head before he speaks.
MATT KNOX
Tell ya what, Steve. If it looks like they’re going to try and fuck with us, hit us with their keytars and harmonicas? Slap me or Regan across the face as hard as you can in front of the ref. Turn it against them.
REGAN VOORHEES
Slap him, Steve.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
"THE FIREBIRD" IGNIS vs MICHAEL MAROU
The two start off circling cautiously, with Marou running his mouth nonstop at Ignis, still demanding an explanation for her intervention on the previous episode. She doesn't answer so he stops and poses for the crowd, trying to rile her up but Ignis responds by running to the corner and throwing a pose that the crowd pops louder for. The Ironman, annoyed now, bum-rushes Ignis – nope! She sees it coming, hops over and as Marou eats the buckle, goes to town with some speedy strikes. Marou's doing his best to grab her, but whenever he gets close, Ignis shakes him off with a quick deflection or parry. The crowd is clearly behind Ignis as she slows down her initial charge and begins to systematically work on Marou's arm, hitting several arm drags in a row before cinching in a hammerlock. Huge mistake as Marou uses his superior strength to power out of the lock, sending Ignis reeling with a Muay Thai-style knee. Ironman grins at Ignis and takes a MMA pose, to which the Firebird nods, as if agreeing to do it his way.
They start circling again, both looking for an opening. Marou keeps Ignis at an arm's length with his longer reach while Ignis uses her superior agility to dodge the Ironman's attempts. Finally Ignis sees an opening and dives in for a takedown, but Ironman has her scouted and she eats a face-full of knee! Without wasting a second, Marou rushes on top of her, raining down the blows! Ignis pulls her guard up, preventing Marou from inflicting major damage on her but as Marou keeps coming down with fury, you can see the punishment taking its toll. Finally, Marou gets a blow through and as Ignis reels from the hit he slaps in a Kimura that causes the Firebird to start screaming in agony. Ref Stef immediately checks for the submission but Ignis refuses, starting to slowly inch towards the ropes. Ironman yanks her back, but exposes his guard for a moment, allowing the Firebird to headbutt him in the face! They roll away from each other and we have a stare down as Ignis tries to get the feeling back to her arm and ignore Marou's taunts.
They're right back to circling each other again and this time Marou is on the offensive, having maybe sense that he had the upper hand on Ignis after the previous exchange. The Ironman keeps lunging at the Firebird aggressively and it’s obvious that the pounding and the Kimura have taken their toll. Finally, her arm buckles as she tries to block a strike and that's all the Ironman needs to get back on the offensive! He nails a few devastating strikes before diving in with a takedown, grounding her with a thud. Again Ignis finds herself on the guard as Marou attempts to assert himself, but this time she knows she won’t last so with a little feeding of her bad arm, she fools Marou into going for the easy target and manages to throw him off balance enough to shift them around. She makes it on top, trying to smash her way through Marou's guard with hammer blows. This continues for a few seconds until the look on the Ironman's face tips Ignis that something is off, but that's too late. In a quick shuffle, she finds herself locked in THE GOGOPLATA submission!
The crowd falls to a hush as Ref Stef gets down to check on Ignis, who is struggling mightily in the submission, but no matter how hard she tries, the Ironman won’t let go, squeezing harder and harder! Finally her thrashing ends and Marou shouts at the referee to check on her again. The official, after asking her twice verbally, lifts her arm up and lets go.
ONE.
Still wrenching like a maniac, Marou's shouting at the referee to go faster. Ref Stef lifts the hand again and lets go a second time.
TWO.
Marou looks like he’s about to pop a vein from the exertion of attempting to squeeze the life out of Ignis as the referee lifts the arm for the third time and lets go.
THR—NO!
The crowd erupts with a massive pop as Ignis snaps back to life and holds her arm aloft. Marou's eyes almost bulge out of his skull as the Firebird begins to use her free arm to pound on the side of his skull, using the trapped arm to sink her claws into his chest, Marou finally lets go of the submission and rolls away to his feet. The crowd is on their feet, going nuts and Marou pounds the turnbuckle in frustration before turning back to face the Firebird again, just in time to see her beckon for him to "bring it on". Marou launches himself from the corner, managing to knock her down with a shoulder tackle before signaling to the crowd for his CORPORAL PUNISHMENT superkick. He watches as Ignis gets up and strikes – DENIED! IGNIS HAD IT SCOUTED AND SHE DUCKS UNDER! Marou goes for a spinning backfist – AND SHE BLOCKS IT, GRABBING HIS ARM AND LOCKING HIM INTO THE BURNING EMBERS (cross armbar)!
Marous tries to fight his way out, telling the referee to piss off when she asks if he wants to submit. Turnabout's fair play as Ignis pulls harder and harder and you start to hear Ironman's joints pop without him tapping out. Ref Stef makes a judgement call and calls for the bell to prevent Marou from suffering permanent damage.
WINNER (VIA REFEREE STOPPAGE): "THE FIREBIRD" IGNIS
The second the bell rings, Ignis lets go of the hold and collapses on her back, completely spent. The referee helps her up to her feet and she celebrates her victory for a moment, warily watching as Marou makes it to his feet. He's favoring the arm that was nearly yanked from its socket and the two stare each other down for a tense moment before he begrudgingly gives her a nod to an enormous pop from the crowd.
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
The view shifts away from ringside to show the last addition to the UPRISING Tag Team Title Tournament, the DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS. Both LANA CORVIN and JAMIE EMMERSON are dressed for their debut match later in the evening. They stand in a semi-dark section of the casino’s back hallways.
LANA CORVIN
Well, here we are. Little Sister and I are back in the business. We did alright in that Trios Tournament we were in with my brother and it got that itch back. So to speak. So, again, here we are. And not only are we debuting officially tonight, but it’s the second round of a tournament to crown the first-ever UPRISING tag team champions.
Lana looks over at Jamie. The pair share a look and Lana chuckles. Jamie gets an almost unsettling little smirk on her face as they look into the camera again.
LANA CORVIN
It’s a fitting debut for us. Given Little Sister’s early success in her career, and my family’s legacy. My dad made winning tag titles easy. He’s had as many partners as he has tag title reigns. Pairing on occasion, with great success, with my uncle and my mother. You could say I was literally BORN to do this.
JAMIE EMMERSON
One born. Built and bred for greatness. The other: forged and remolded. Carving out a new path.
Unlike Lana, who carries herself like a second-generation star with fire and outspokenness, Jamie’s demeanor is calmer. Eerily calm even, as she takes a step towards the camera, with a slow tilt of her head.
JAMIE EMMERSON
Who is it that stands in our way first? Who is it that will be cut down, first?
Jamie falls silent, slowly craning her head to look at Lana.
LANA CORVIN
The Crush. A trio of schlocky and campy named members. Not sure which two we will be facing. Though I guess it doesn’t matter. Well, it kinda does I guess. It matters which two of the poor Schumacher cartoony villains.
Lana shakes her head and rolls her eyes.
LANA CORVIN
But I guess if we are burdened with campy villains we can be the dark knights. Not really our thing, but when in Rome. Or this case, Reno.
Lana shrugs.
LANA CORVIN
It doesn’t matter if they are as campy and schlocky as their names imply. It doesn’t matter if they are some decent trio that makes a passable tag team on occasion. The Daughters of Darkness are going to do what we do best. Go out there and win. We will show why no other team in this tournament deserves those titles. I hope the other teams are paying attention. This will be your introduction to us. Take note and when it’s your turn to face us. Do the smart thing...
Lana takes a step up next to Jamie and throws an arm over her shoulders. Jamie reaches up, immediately, and interlocks their fingers.
LANA CORVIN
Walk away. See you soon, Crush.
Lana gives one of her family’s trademark condescending smirks. She and Jamie then turn and walk down the hall and out of frame. The last thing Jamie does before they leave view, oddball that she is, she sticks her finger in her mouth and makes the “pop” sound from The Chordette’s 'Lollipop' and the instrumental plays softly for a few seconds before the view cuts back to ringside.
LANA CORVIN
Well, here we are. Little Sister and I are back in the business. We did alright in that Trios Tournament we were in with my brother and it got that itch back. So to speak. So, again, here we are. And not only are we debuting officially tonight, but it’s the second round of a tournament to crown the first-ever UPRISING tag team champions.
Lana looks over at Jamie. The pair share a look and Lana chuckles. Jamie gets an almost unsettling little smirk on her face as they look into the camera again.
LANA CORVIN
It’s a fitting debut for us. Given Little Sister’s early success in her career, and my family’s legacy. My dad made winning tag titles easy. He’s had as many partners as he has tag title reigns. Pairing on occasion, with great success, with my uncle and my mother. You could say I was literally BORN to do this.
JAMIE EMMERSON
One born. Built and bred for greatness. The other: forged and remolded. Carving out a new path.
Unlike Lana, who carries herself like a second-generation star with fire and outspokenness, Jamie’s demeanor is calmer. Eerily calm even, as she takes a step towards the camera, with a slow tilt of her head.
JAMIE EMMERSON
Who is it that stands in our way first? Who is it that will be cut down, first?
Jamie falls silent, slowly craning her head to look at Lana.
LANA CORVIN
The Crush. A trio of schlocky and campy named members. Not sure which two we will be facing. Though I guess it doesn’t matter. Well, it kinda does I guess. It matters which two of the poor Schumacher cartoony villains.
Lana shakes her head and rolls her eyes.
LANA CORVIN
But I guess if we are burdened with campy villains we can be the dark knights. Not really our thing, but when in Rome. Or this case, Reno.
Lana shrugs.
LANA CORVIN
It doesn’t matter if they are as campy and schlocky as their names imply. It doesn’t matter if they are some decent trio that makes a passable tag team on occasion. The Daughters of Darkness are going to do what we do best. Go out there and win. We will show why no other team in this tournament deserves those titles. I hope the other teams are paying attention. This will be your introduction to us. Take note and when it’s your turn to face us. Do the smart thing...
Lana takes a step up next to Jamie and throws an arm over her shoulders. Jamie reaches up, immediately, and interlocks their fingers.
LANA CORVIN
Walk away. See you soon, Crush.
Lana gives one of her family’s trademark condescending smirks. She and Jamie then turn and walk down the hall and out of frame. The last thing Jamie does before they leave view, oddball that she is, she sticks her finger in her mouth and makes the “pop” sound from The Chordette’s 'Lollipop' and the instrumental plays softly for a few seconds before the view cuts back to ringside.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
LEGION vs KENDRICK KROSS
Kendrick Kross charges in as the bell rings, sending a vicious sidekick into LEGION's midsection and then follows up with a straight up sucker punch that sends LEGION down hard. Not wasting a moment's time, Kross starts a mudhole stomping, looking to keep the dangerous Devil in Black grounded – NO DICE! LEGION GRABS HIS FOOT, PUNCHES KROSS IN THE GROIN AND JERKS HIM RIGHT OFF HIS FEET AND INTO THE BLOOD EAGLE (inverted sharpshooter with double chickenwing). Kross flails and catches the bottom rope and for a moment it looks like LEGION isn't going to let go. Finally, they relent, and the pair are back up. LEGION springs into action, going for a short-armed lariat but Kross ducks and follows up with a double-arm DDT. Kross is still trying to keep him grounded so the moment LEGION starts upright, Kross nails a soccer kick to the face, sending him crashing back to the mat, immediately scrambling into position for a high angle Boston crab, but LEGION is too fresh and breaks the hold almost immediately. LEGION gets back to his feet and charges, enraged by the sloppy submission attempt and when Kross tries to grapple, he grabs a wristlock and nails a short-armed high knee strike! Kross hits the deck and rolls out of the ring to get a breather, only to be caught out by Triggs. He's sent into the apron back-first and LEGION nails a sliding kick to the back before grabbing him by the head and choking Kross against the bottom rope!
Ref Stef forces him to break off the illegal choke and Kross slumps to his knees on the floor, trying to remember how to breathe. Triggs looks to get a little cheap shot assault going as he lashes out with a boot but Kross avoids it, grabbing for the ornately carved box in The Premonition's hands instead. Triggs immediately backs off – IT WAS A FAKE OUT! LEGION springs over the top rope; Kross tries to duck, but somehow misjudges The Devil in Black's momentum as LEGION sails over his head, catching the back of his head for a DDT! Kross slams into the floor and LEGION grabs his arm, hauling him back up and slinging him at the ring. Kross hits back first and The Devil in Black charges in with a lariat that misses the mark when Kross moves! LEGION spins around and Kross nails him in the face with an elbow – BLOOD MIST AND LEGION IS LAUGHING AS KROSS GOES DOWN, CLAWING AT HIS EYES.
The Devil in Black scoops him back up and tosses him over the ropes, following him back into the ring. Back on their feet, Kross grabs LEGION, sending them packing into the ropes with a slingshot. On the return, Kross goes for a telegraphed clothesline but LEGION ducks and follows up with a knee lift to the sternum. Kross staggers back, still trying to clear his blurred vision – DEATH STROKE (one-legged dropkick) OUT OF NOWHERE! OH SHIT! HE'S GOT KROSS UP ON HIS SHOULDERS! THE DOOM THAT CAME TO RENO AND THE RING SHAKES FROM THE IMPACT!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): LEGION
LEGION’S music is blasting in the Silver State Ballroom as he walks around the ring with a hyena-like smile across his blood red lips. In the background, Kross rolls out of the ring to the floor just as Legion’s disciple, The Premonition Hayden Triggs climbs the steel stairs and steps through the ropes. He’s carrying the rune-carved wooden box he brought with him during their entrance.
The music fades out as Legion, the Devil In Black, walks to the center of the squared circle. His blacked out eyes look out over the sea of angry faces. Their boos are a slurry of obscenity-laced heckles and screams of condemnation. He closes his eyes and tilts his head back, soaking in their hatred. Several seconds pass, until he lifts his left arm and points directly at the entrance.
Emerging from the back is a Nameless Ghoul in a devil mask, similar to the one Legion wears to the ring, but silver instead of black. Over his shoulder he’s carrying a woman who’s fighting to get free but she can’t break the hold around her waist. A camera moves down the aisle and swings behind him, revealing to the audience that the woman is SIOBAHN MCLEOD!
As the Nameless Ghoul approaches the ring Hayden carefully hands the ritual box to Legion before stepping over to the ropes. The Nameless climbs the steps and hands her over to Triggs. She manages to catch him in the face with an errant punch, causing him to drop her to the mat. She scrambles, trying to get away, but a black painted hand darts after her and grabs a fistful of her blonde hair.
LEGION pulls her back with one hand while carefully handing the ritual box back to Hayden. The Nameless enters the ring and rushes to help His Unholiness, picking her up and dragging her to the ropes opposite the camera. Triggs meets him there and together they fold her arms between the top and middle ropes, preventing her from escaping.
Legion kneels down to place the ritual box on the canvas and slowly opens the iron lock to release the lid. He reaches inside and grabs a hold of something. The feed cuts to a ringside camera, capturing the dried head of a corpse being lifted from the box by its graying, black hair.
The Devil In Black stands to his feet and slowly raises the head in the air. The skin is dried and eyes sunken. It’s mouth contorted in a hideous scowl. After turning to show the entire arena what he holds, he stops to look at Siobahn with a cold stare.
SIOBAHN MCLEOD
Please, no! Help me! Help!
Someone answers the call. Cutting to the entrance we see Jude, her boyfriend and manager, come running from the back and barreling toward the ring. He dives head first under the ropes then quickly springs to his feet to deliver an axe handle to Legion’s back but the Devil In Black is unfazed.
Seeing Legion stop and turn toward him Jude takes a step back. The Devil In Black hands the head over to Triggs as the Nameless jumps after Jude. The two struggle and for a moment Jude gains the upper hand, pushing the other man into the far turnbuckle. Legion walks over to them and bends down to lift Jude up onto his shoulders. Siobahn’s boyfriend rains down punches but Legion shakes them off. Then, with a quick turn, he throws Jude forward and drives him down into the mat. THE DOOM THAT CAME TO RENO!
He leaps to his feet and cuts his thumb across his mouth while laughing maniacally. Then, as the Nameless shoves Jude out of the ring, Legion returns to Siobahn. He takes the head from Triggs and with his other hand he grabs the woman’s hair, pinning her head back to expose her nose and mouth.
Suddenly another body comes running down the aisle. It’s Enigma! The Monster Machine won’t let this bastard ceremony stand! He climbs onto the apron and sends his shoulder through the ropes, straight into the Nameless’ gut! The masked man stumbles back, letting Enigma enter the ring. The big man grabs the Nameless by the throat and delivers QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (Sit-out Chokeslam).
The impact shakes the ring and alerts Triggs. Legion tells him to go as he tips the mummified head back, releasing a stream of black to splash across Siobahn’s nose and mouth. As she struggles, The Premonition bounces off the side ropes and darts across the ring to deliver a spear to Enigma, snapping his head and slamming him back first on the mat.
Back to Siobahn, the fight is starting to fade from her. No more kicks, no more jerking the ropes, now she’s slumped, hanging from her arms. Legion let’s go of her hair but her head doesn’t fall forward. It stays back, and now her mouth is open, and she’s drinking the ichor!
Women and men in the front row are disgusted as she takes in the vile blood. Her eyes open, wild and crazed as Legion takes two steps back and holds the mummified head into the air once more. Meanwhile, Triggs has shoved Enigma out of the ring and is now moving back to Siobahn. He grabs the two ropes and opens them, releasing her from their grip. She falls to her hands and knees, whips her head back, and crawls forward until she’s next to Legion’s left leg. She looks up at him and curls an arm around his thigh.
Triggs helps the Nameless Ghoul to his feet and they join the others in the center of the ring. The four of them look at the main camera. Triggs takes the mummified head and bows his head in reference as Legion holds his arms out like a cross and holds his head back. The feed lingers for a few more seconds before cutting away.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT ROUND 2
DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS vs THE CRUSH
After conferring on the apron for a moment with her partner, Lana springs over the ropes. Lollipop refuses to budge from the ring, and Carrie Cane shakes her head before climbing between the ropes to the apron. Lana wastes no time as the bell rings, firing a chop into Lollipop's chest – she's obviously a bit incensed over the previous vignette. Lollipop grins, slapping her chest as she starts jaw-jacking, inviting more of an assault. Lana obliges, feinting a strike before grabbing Lollipop and slinging her into the corner – a second later she nails a charging high knee before laying into her with some knife-edged chops. Lollipop spits in her face and then grabs Lana by the head, pasting her to the canvas with an implant DDT. She laughs and it looks like she might shift the tide after dropping a knee in the back of Lana Corvin but they're too close to the corner and Jamie Emmerson reaches down, slapping Lana's arm before leaping over the ropes, and catching Lollipop with a bulldog as she's rising. Lollipop gets back up and charges Emmerson, taking her down with a football tackle and then laying in some vicious slaps from a Thesz press before she gets tossed aside. Emmerson surges to her feet, immediately charging at Lollipop with a full head of steam. Lollipop lashes out with a boot, catching Jamie in the midsection with a stiff kick that Lollipop can't capitalize on as she makes the hot tag. Lana springs over the rope, charges in for a clothesline, but Lolli drops down just as she's about to connect. Lana hits the corner hard. Lollipop grabs a handful of the tights and rolls Lana back into a cheap schoolgirl.
ONE!
TW—OH HELL NO!
Jamie Emmerson kicks Lollipop in the back, breaking the attempt, and shifting the tide of the match yet again. Back on their feet, Lana goes for a fast clothesline but Lollipop ducks and follows up with a double-arm DDT. Lollipop goes for a knee drop across the neck, but Lana rolls aside and dives into the corner, tagging out. Lollipop nails Emmerson in the face with a lariat as she attempts to step between the ropes, knocking her off the apron. Lollipop lays the boots to Lana, who's still down in the corner. Carrie's watching it all from her corner, leaning on the top rope and laughing. Heidi is at ringside, clapping and trying to hype up the crowd as Lolli turns and gloats. The crowd erupts and Lollipop turns around just in time to get a chop block to the knees that takes her down hard. Lana pulls Lollipop up, putting her into position for a spinebuster as Jamie springs to the top rope – BALEFIRE! Jamie hooks the legs and Lana dives across the ring, spearing Carrie off the apron. She crashes into Heidi and Lana launches herself over the ropes, flattening them both.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS
We head backstage where THE CRUSH girls; CARAMEL, HEIDI & LOLLIPOP are sitting on production crates, swigging out of hip flasks. Carrie starts us off.
CARAMEL CANE
What up Reno, people of the internet! It’s your girls the Crush...
HEIDI AUSTIN
Live and in person...
LOLLIPOP
Bringing the party...
CARAMEL CANE
And tonight UPRISING’s tag team title tournament extravaganzzzzzza starts! With your girls as the number one seeds, BUT OF COURSE!
LOLLIPOP
Does that make any difference, really?
CARAMEL CANE
Probably not, but they kept banging on about seeds in the singles tourney. I’ve seen sperm banks with less seed talk. Anyway, we’ve got a match against the Daughters of Darkness tonight...
LOLLIPOP
Who?
CARAMEL CANE
Does it matter?
HEIDI AUSTIN
Wait, wasn’t Darkness a crazy Mexican midget luchador who was big, er proverbially speaking, in Puerto Rico?
LOLLIPOP
Ooh second generation? Noice!
CARAMEL CANE
Either that, or they came out of one of your former employers’ "harnessing the darkness" episodes.
LOLLIPOP
That involved a midget too... so we’ve established they’re in some way related to midgets, right?
HEIDI AUSTIN
I think they prefer to be called 'little people'.
CARAMEL CANE
I don’t give a blind bollock what they or the Daughters of Darkness wanna be called. What kinda generic ass BS name is that anyway?! Next you’ll be telling me they come out to that godawful Halestorm song...
HEIDI AUSTIN
They do, actually...
CARAMEL CANE
KILMISTER PRESERVE US!
The shaken Mancunian takes a moment to compose herself.
CARAMEL CANE
Look, DOD. Not gonna lie, we don’t know who you are, and frankly we don’t really care. We’re not big on the strats and the tapes and the research. We’re big on getting between those ropes and causing absolute unbridled bloody chaos. And while playing support for the rat getting a sock stuffed down his gullet was fun, now the real party is starting.
LOLLIPOP
Rest assured girls, you don’t wanna fuck with us. We’ve been smashing shit up, in and out of the ring for the better part of a decade; we’ve had the gold, we’ve had the parties, the fame, and it just never gets old. The Crush didn’t just waltz on in here with a funky name acting hard. We are hard. We’re harder than Don Tirri’s dick when he sees a teenage pretty girl.
HEIDI AUSTIN
Remember your nonce sense, people!
LOLLIPOP
I kid. Maybe. Still, get a gal your own age, dude.
HEIDI AUSTIN
Jokes aside, we might like our fun, and we might like our little jabs and jibes, but if you think a second in that ring with us is gonna be a laugh then you are MISTAKEN, girlies and everyone else in this tournament, too. We bring pain, we bring chaos and we will, as the name suggests, CRUSH the competition.
CARAMEL CANE
It does exactly what it says on the tin!
Suddenly, a tall, ruggedly handsome man walks in.
MAN
Shit, this ain’t the line for fish & chips!
He has a gruff northern British accent. Heidi jumps up and gives him a little squeeze.
LOLLIPOP
Yo Bobby, you heard of a tag team called the Daughters of Darkness?
BOBBY EARS
Daughters of Dorkness? Sure I have, these be the pair of proper slapper bints who think they are all bloody edgy and shite since they are called daughters of darkness? Newsflash lasses even the council flats got lights these days this isn't the Victorian era, Jack The Knife is not out to get a slice of your implanted backsides, besides who do you think you are intimidating? We got muted COVID-19 AND Boris Johnson, there anything worse you could do? Be honest ladies. Whatever you do to The Crush is an IMPROVEMENT to UK so how much of a threat is that really?
Caramel looks to Bobby, then to Heidi.
CARAMEL CANE
Is he drunk?
LOLLIPOP
Aren’t we all?
This gets a collective shrug and nod from the Crush.
CARAMEL CANE
We’ll see you out there, edge lords. And you’ll wish you were facing Jack the Knife when we’re through with you.
Mercifully, we head back to ringside.
CARAMEL CANE
What up Reno, people of the internet! It’s your girls the Crush...
HEIDI AUSTIN
Live and in person...
LOLLIPOP
Bringing the party...
CARAMEL CANE
And tonight UPRISING’s tag team title tournament extravaganzzzzzza starts! With your girls as the number one seeds, BUT OF COURSE!
LOLLIPOP
Does that make any difference, really?
CARAMEL CANE
Probably not, but they kept banging on about seeds in the singles tourney. I’ve seen sperm banks with less seed talk. Anyway, we’ve got a match against the Daughters of Darkness tonight...
LOLLIPOP
Who?
CARAMEL CANE
Does it matter?
HEIDI AUSTIN
Wait, wasn’t Darkness a crazy Mexican midget luchador who was big, er proverbially speaking, in Puerto Rico?
LOLLIPOP
Ooh second generation? Noice!
CARAMEL CANE
Either that, or they came out of one of your former employers’ "harnessing the darkness" episodes.
LOLLIPOP
That involved a midget too... so we’ve established they’re in some way related to midgets, right?
HEIDI AUSTIN
I think they prefer to be called 'little people'.
CARAMEL CANE
I don’t give a blind bollock what they or the Daughters of Darkness wanna be called. What kinda generic ass BS name is that anyway?! Next you’ll be telling me they come out to that godawful Halestorm song...
HEIDI AUSTIN
They do, actually...
CARAMEL CANE
KILMISTER PRESERVE US!
The shaken Mancunian takes a moment to compose herself.
CARAMEL CANE
Look, DOD. Not gonna lie, we don’t know who you are, and frankly we don’t really care. We’re not big on the strats and the tapes and the research. We’re big on getting between those ropes and causing absolute unbridled bloody chaos. And while playing support for the rat getting a sock stuffed down his gullet was fun, now the real party is starting.
LOLLIPOP
Rest assured girls, you don’t wanna fuck with us. We’ve been smashing shit up, in and out of the ring for the better part of a decade; we’ve had the gold, we’ve had the parties, the fame, and it just never gets old. The Crush didn’t just waltz on in here with a funky name acting hard. We are hard. We’re harder than Don Tirri’s dick when he sees a teenage pretty girl.
HEIDI AUSTIN
Remember your nonce sense, people!
LOLLIPOP
I kid. Maybe. Still, get a gal your own age, dude.
HEIDI AUSTIN
Jokes aside, we might like our fun, and we might like our little jabs and jibes, but if you think a second in that ring with us is gonna be a laugh then you are MISTAKEN, girlies and everyone else in this tournament, too. We bring pain, we bring chaos and we will, as the name suggests, CRUSH the competition.
CARAMEL CANE
It does exactly what it says on the tin!
Suddenly, a tall, ruggedly handsome man walks in.
MAN
Shit, this ain’t the line for fish & chips!
He has a gruff northern British accent. Heidi jumps up and gives him a little squeeze.
LOLLIPOP
Yo Bobby, you heard of a tag team called the Daughters of Darkness?
BOBBY EARS
Daughters of Dorkness? Sure I have, these be the pair of proper slapper bints who think they are all bloody edgy and shite since they are called daughters of darkness? Newsflash lasses even the council flats got lights these days this isn't the Victorian era, Jack The Knife is not out to get a slice of your implanted backsides, besides who do you think you are intimidating? We got muted COVID-19 AND Boris Johnson, there anything worse you could do? Be honest ladies. Whatever you do to The Crush is an IMPROVEMENT to UK so how much of a threat is that really?
Caramel looks to Bobby, then to Heidi.
CARAMEL CANE
Is he drunk?
LOLLIPOP
Aren’t we all?
This gets a collective shrug and nod from the Crush.
CARAMEL CANE
We’ll see you out there, edge lords. And you’ll wish you were facing Jack the Knife when we’re through with you.
Mercifully, we head back to ringside.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT ROUND 2
DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS vs THE CRUSH
After conferring on the apron for a moment with her partner, Lana springs over the ropes. Lollipop refuses to budge from the ring, and Carrie Cane shakes her head before climbing between the ropes to the apron. Lana wastes no time as the bell rings, firing a chop into Lollipop's chest – she's obviously a bit incensed over the previous vignette. Lollipop grins, slapping her chest as she starts jaw-jacking, inviting more of an assault. Lana obliges, feinting a strike before grabbing Lollipop and slinging her into the corner – a second later she nails a charging high knee before laying into her with some knife-edged chops. Lollipop spits in her face and then grabs Lana by the head, pasting her to the canvas with an implant DDT. She laughs and it looks like she might shift the tide after dropping a knee in the back of Lana Corvin but they're too close to the corner and Jamie Emmerson reaches down, slapping Lana's arm before leaping over the ropes, and catching Lollipop with a bulldog as she's rising. Lollipop gets back up and charges Emmerson, taking her down with a football tackle and then laying in some vicious slaps from a Thesz press before she gets tossed aside. Emmerson surges to her feet, immediately charging at Lollipop with a full head of steam. Lollipop lashes out with a boot, catching Jamie in the midsection with a stiff kick that Lollipop can't capitalize on as she makes the hot tag. Lana springs over the rope, charges in for a clothesline, but Lolli drops down just as she's about to connect. Lana hits the corner hard. Lollipop grabs a handful of the tights and rolls Lana back into a cheap schoolgirl.
ONE!
TW—OH HELL NO!
Jamie Emmerson kicks Lollipop in the back, breaking the attempt, and shifting the tide of the match yet again. Back on their feet, Lana goes for a fast clothesline but Lollipop ducks and follows up with a double-arm DDT. Lollipop goes for a knee drop across the neck, but Lana rolls aside and dives into the corner, tagging out. Lollipop nails Emmerson in the face with a lariat as she attempts to step between the ropes, knocking her off the apron. Lollipop lays the boots to Lana, who's still down in the corner. Carrie's watching it all from her corner, leaning on the top rope and laughing. Heidi is at ringside, clapping and trying to hype up the crowd as Lolli turns and gloats. The crowd erupts and Lollipop turns around just in time to get a chop block to the knees that takes her down hard. Lana pulls Lollipop up, putting her into position for a spinebuster as Jamie springs to the top rope – BALEFIRE! Jamie hooks the legs and Lana dives across the ring, spearing Carrie off the apron. She crashes into Heidi and Lana launches herself over the ropes, flattening them both.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS
CUT TO:
EXT. SOMEWHERE PERFECT
The view shows a vast field of the greenest grass imaginable – rolling hills and a few wind turbines off in the distance. It's like an updated version of that old Windows default wallpaper. Clear blue sky against that verdant green as the camera pans across.
UPBEAT VOICEOVER
We here at Applied Necrotechnologies Incorporated have begun to revolutionize the very fabric of modern industry.
Those perfect rolling hills give way to an orchard. Bushel baskets cover the ground, some overflowing already with their ripe, luscious burdens. Apples and pears (no oranges), oh my! The view approaches skeleton laborers picking fruit, perfectly in sync with each other in an uncanny and almost eerie silence.
UPBEAT VOICEOVER
Unionization and disgruntled laborers are a thing of the past. With our new necromanager apprenticeship program, you can learn how to command the undead in as little as four to six weeks!
The view continues to expand and now we're in a park. Kids are running around, flying kites, playing with puppies and there's a very happy nuclear family having a wonderful picnic in the midst of this perfect utopia while a dude with a straw hat and a staff with a skull on it directs skeletal traffic away from and around this perfect little pocket of land. Gardeners and landscapers are poring over their work, perfectly synchronized like the brooms from Disney's Fantasia.
UPBEAT VOICEOVER
Join today and let Necrotechnology help you make manual labor a thing of the past! Applied Necrotechnologies Incorporated; Working together to bring the downfall of the Light.
_____________________________________________
UPBEAT VOICEOVER
We here at Applied Necrotechnologies Incorporated have begun to revolutionize the very fabric of modern industry.
Those perfect rolling hills give way to an orchard. Bushel baskets cover the ground, some overflowing already with their ripe, luscious burdens. Apples and pears (no oranges), oh my! The view approaches skeleton laborers picking fruit, perfectly in sync with each other in an uncanny and almost eerie silence.
UPBEAT VOICEOVER
Unionization and disgruntled laborers are a thing of the past. With our new necromanager apprenticeship program, you can learn how to command the undead in as little as four to six weeks!
The view continues to expand and now we're in a park. Kids are running around, flying kites, playing with puppies and there's a very happy nuclear family having a wonderful picnic in the midst of this perfect utopia while a dude with a straw hat and a staff with a skull on it directs skeletal traffic away from and around this perfect little pocket of land. Gardeners and landscapers are poring over their work, perfectly synchronized like the brooms from Disney's Fantasia.
UPBEAT VOICEOVER
Join today and let Necrotechnology help you make manual labor a thing of the past! Applied Necrotechnologies Incorporated; Working together to bring the downfall of the Light.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
Backstage time, as Amber Ryan enjoys arguably her third favourite thing besides wrestling and Mac, but just ahead of using the ‘F’ word- people watching. Pickings are slim on this night though, most of the nameless minions are busy being busy elsewhere and most of the talent seems caught up in the fragile bubbles that make up their careers.
A couple give her a glance as they pass, some minions scurry by when they realize they’ve been caught staring a fraction too long- as if the redhead might cover twenty feet in the time it takes them to register the movement and a second longer for their heads to hit the floor. Realistically though, Amber is as calm as a hurricane might be. No one has upset the status quo, no one has made her hate the universe any more than usual…
AMBER RYAN
Thought you might be lurking around somewhere.
Before the corner can even be rounded completely, Matt Knox is stopped in his tracks by the knowing smile spreading across the redhead's rather scratched features, the kinda scratches that- although mostly healed- make you wonder what lawnmower she might have pissed off in her spare time. Matthew’s gait breaks before halting. He takes in the damage done to her face for a beat, deciding against a quip declaring Mac the pretty one in the relationship now.
MATT KNOX
You...keeping busy in Vegas?
Surprisingly tactful for the pugnacious corvid, who’s own facial scuffs were mostly covered by makeup that had half run off from his first match, and the events with SuMa prior. Amber smiles something tactful of her own, taking a beat before she drags herself upright from her lean against the wall.
AMBER RYAN
Usually this would be the point where I say 'you should have seen the other guy' but this time, well let's just say I’m not planning on taking up gardening anytime soon... Despite a rose running around that could definitely use its head being lopped off.
Another smile, although faintly more venomous in its delivery.
AMBER RYAN
Looks as though you’re keeping just as busy. I knew SuMa needing cooling off but I don’t suppose it was meant quite that… literally.
At the quip, Matthew’s painted face breaks in a smile of its own and a chuckle escapes his painted lips. He pays Amber a sheepish, boyish shrug.
MATT KNOX
Never dealt in subtleties, you ought to know that by now. Hopefully waking up with his dick shrunk inside of him will make him think twice before playing creepy fuck with my kids.
He sneers, trailing off as the smile dies as quick as it was brought into the world. He flattens his expression, speaking up to veer away from his own issues and actions
MATT KNOX
How are you and Mac feeling? Confident?
With a nonchalant shrug, Amber leans back into the comfort of the wall.
AMBER RYAN
You know me, I like to play my cards a little closer to the chest than that. You know better than to assume about either of us- although I strongly suggest you make your way to the finals. A score to settle is nothing to turn ones nose up at…
Amber's smile twitches slightly, her nose wrinkling.
AMBER RYAN
Still chartreuse, right? If you don’t mind me commenting, I feel a little more like Team Absinthe is a touch more fitting.
MATT KNOX
You better not be calling me a faerie.
AMBER RYAN
Wouldn't dream of it. Delusional, though? Well, that's certainly another story.
Curtly and fluidly, Amber slips away from the wall and past Knox as he processes the comment- preparing to disappear into the depths of the arena in search of activity a little more… watchable. Matthew stands still, waiting until she is out of the actual charging distance as he had experienced, before calling out his own childish quip.
MATT KNOX
So...Aqua, right? That make you, or Mac the Barbie Girl?
Amber doesn’t turn nor break stride as she slips by two employees who quickly, albeit too late, trying to move out of potential striking range.
AMBER RYAN
That would have been funny weeks ago, now it's just sad. Besides, we’ve come to an agreement on a different, more fitting name- more than can be said for team Green Faerie. See you in the finals, Knox. Don’t trip over your tongue before you get there.
Matthew pays a knowing chuckle, shaking his head as he takes a moment to consider, then shaking his head once more before heading towards the curtain at the gorilla position while the view shifts back to ringside.
TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT ROUND 2
REGAN VOORHEES & MATT KNOX vs THE GEMSTONES
The match begins with Regan and Sapphire as Knox and Emerald take their place on the apron. Knox, a veteran of tag team wrestling makes it a point to snatch on the tag rope. He shouts a couple words of encouragement to Regan, followed by Steve who has joined his...whatever he thinks Regan is to him at ringside, per their strategy meeting. Ruby and Diamond stand near their team's corner opposite, their respective instruments in hand as they eye the opposition. Sapphire offers a handshake to Regan, who stares at the hand unimpressed for a split second...before daintily walking to her corner, demanding her clutch from Steve and retrieving a white glove from it. She slips it on her right hand and returns to Sapphire who smiles broadly that her gesture is going to be accepted. Regan does indeed take her hand in her now gloved right hand….AND PULLS SAPPHIRE IN WITH A VICIOUS DDT! Emerald yells out in fury as Knox has a simultaneously impressed and bemused expression etched onto his painted face. Regan rolls Sapphire over and mounts her, grabbing a handful of hair and driving hard right hands into her face!
The ref does eventually get Regan off but not until the count of four. Regan stands up, snatching Sapphire by her hair and dragging her up with her before whipping her into her own corner, and charging in before popping her hips, turning and nailing Sapphire in the face with a leaping back elbow! Emerald tries to enter the ring across the way which distracts the ref! Regan goes to tag Knox in but Sapphire has made it past Steve's pathetic defenses, and snatches Knox by his leg before yanking him off the apron! She goes to clothesline Knox but he ducks under it! She almost nails Steve but stops short and turns around into a SUPERKICK BY MATT KNOX! In the ring, Regan barks orders for Knox to return to the apron which gives Sapphire the opening she needs as she bursts out of the corner with a bulldog, driving Regan’s face into the mat! She pops up, running the ropes and timing it perfects as Regan has gotten to her knees in time to eat a shining wizard from Sapphire! Sapphire goes for the pin just as Emerald gets back on her apron!
ONE!
TW—NO!
Regan kicks out! Sapphire gets to her feet, pulling Regan with her now. Regan reaches for Knox’s outstretched arm but Sapphire yanks her away! She drags her to her corner where she tags in Emerald, the two whip Regan into the ropes and drop her with a double superkick! Emerald leaps upon Regan for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!!
TH—NO!
Regan gets a shoulder up as Matt Knox is halfway in the ring to break up the count! He dutifully steps out and begins stomping on the apron, beating on the ring post and shouting for Regan to get him in there! Emerald yanks Regan up though, locking her in a headlock and looking for the CHAOS EMERALD but Regan reverses it into a northern lights suplex! Both women are down! Knox begins stomping even harder on the apron! He’s chomping at the bit! Regan crawls to her corner. As Emerald gets up, she moves to intercept Regan but it's too late! Regan tags Knox in and he leaps over the top rope, charging in and spearing Emerald before popping up and delivering a thunderous superkick to Sapphire, knocking her off the apron, much to the ire of Ruby and Diamond! He turns around, stalking Emerald, who has gotten to her feet. He fires off another superkick but Emerald ducks under it! She attempts to nail Knox with a reverse DDT but he snatches her around her waist and using his size and strength advantage stands, pulling Emerald with him! He charges forth and hits a thunderous powerslam!
Diamond distracts the referee then, hopping on the apron as Sapphire slides in with a bass guitar...BUT SHE IS MET BY REGAN! AND HER CROQUET MALLET! REGAN NAILS HER BETWEEN THE EYES AND HURRIEDLY SLIDES OUT OF THE RING AS THE REF TURNS AROUND! Knox snatches Sapphire, throwing her over the top rope! He turns around and is instantly assaulted by Emerald who is throwing stiff kicks into his knee, trying to bring the bigger man down! He does his best to block but eventually just shoves her away! Emerald comes in with a clothesline attempt but Knox steps aside and grabs her – THE MERCY, THE MURDER!! Sapphire moves to get into the ring – OH NO! STEVE IS HOLDING ONTO HER ANKLE AND NEIL RANA DOESN’T SEE IT! EMERALD TAPS OUT!!!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): REGAN VOORHEES & MATT KNOX
A couple give her a glance as they pass, some minions scurry by when they realize they’ve been caught staring a fraction too long- as if the redhead might cover twenty feet in the time it takes them to register the movement and a second longer for their heads to hit the floor. Realistically though, Amber is as calm as a hurricane might be. No one has upset the status quo, no one has made her hate the universe any more than usual…
AMBER RYAN
Thought you might be lurking around somewhere.
Before the corner can even be rounded completely, Matt Knox is stopped in his tracks by the knowing smile spreading across the redhead's rather scratched features, the kinda scratches that- although mostly healed- make you wonder what lawnmower she might have pissed off in her spare time. Matthew’s gait breaks before halting. He takes in the damage done to her face for a beat, deciding against a quip declaring Mac the pretty one in the relationship now.
MATT KNOX
You...keeping busy in Vegas?
Surprisingly tactful for the pugnacious corvid, who’s own facial scuffs were mostly covered by makeup that had half run off from his first match, and the events with SuMa prior. Amber smiles something tactful of her own, taking a beat before she drags herself upright from her lean against the wall.
AMBER RYAN
Usually this would be the point where I say 'you should have seen the other guy' but this time, well let's just say I’m not planning on taking up gardening anytime soon... Despite a rose running around that could definitely use its head being lopped off.
Another smile, although faintly more venomous in its delivery.
AMBER RYAN
Looks as though you’re keeping just as busy. I knew SuMa needing cooling off but I don’t suppose it was meant quite that… literally.
At the quip, Matthew’s painted face breaks in a smile of its own and a chuckle escapes his painted lips. He pays Amber a sheepish, boyish shrug.
MATT KNOX
Never dealt in subtleties, you ought to know that by now. Hopefully waking up with his dick shrunk inside of him will make him think twice before playing creepy fuck with my kids.
He sneers, trailing off as the smile dies as quick as it was brought into the world. He flattens his expression, speaking up to veer away from his own issues and actions
MATT KNOX
How are you and Mac feeling? Confident?
With a nonchalant shrug, Amber leans back into the comfort of the wall.
AMBER RYAN
You know me, I like to play my cards a little closer to the chest than that. You know better than to assume about either of us- although I strongly suggest you make your way to the finals. A score to settle is nothing to turn ones nose up at…
Amber's smile twitches slightly, her nose wrinkling.
AMBER RYAN
Still chartreuse, right? If you don’t mind me commenting, I feel a little more like Team Absinthe is a touch more fitting.
MATT KNOX
You better not be calling me a faerie.
AMBER RYAN
Wouldn't dream of it. Delusional, though? Well, that's certainly another story.
Curtly and fluidly, Amber slips away from the wall and past Knox as he processes the comment- preparing to disappear into the depths of the arena in search of activity a little more… watchable. Matthew stands still, waiting until she is out of the actual charging distance as he had experienced, before calling out his own childish quip.
MATT KNOX
So...Aqua, right? That make you, or Mac the Barbie Girl?
Amber doesn’t turn nor break stride as she slips by two employees who quickly, albeit too late, trying to move out of potential striking range.
AMBER RYAN
That would have been funny weeks ago, now it's just sad. Besides, we’ve come to an agreement on a different, more fitting name- more than can be said for team Green Faerie. See you in the finals, Knox. Don’t trip over your tongue before you get there.
Matthew pays a knowing chuckle, shaking his head as he takes a moment to consider, then shaking his head once more before heading towards the curtain at the gorilla position while the view shifts back to ringside.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT ROUND 2
REGAN VOORHEES & MATT KNOX vs THE GEMSTONES
The match begins with Regan and Sapphire as Knox and Emerald take their place on the apron. Knox, a veteran of tag team wrestling makes it a point to snatch on the tag rope. He shouts a couple words of encouragement to Regan, followed by Steve who has joined his...whatever he thinks Regan is to him at ringside, per their strategy meeting. Ruby and Diamond stand near their team's corner opposite, their respective instruments in hand as they eye the opposition. Sapphire offers a handshake to Regan, who stares at the hand unimpressed for a split second...before daintily walking to her corner, demanding her clutch from Steve and retrieving a white glove from it. She slips it on her right hand and returns to Sapphire who smiles broadly that her gesture is going to be accepted. Regan does indeed take her hand in her now gloved right hand….AND PULLS SAPPHIRE IN WITH A VICIOUS DDT! Emerald yells out in fury as Knox has a simultaneously impressed and bemused expression etched onto his painted face. Regan rolls Sapphire over and mounts her, grabbing a handful of hair and driving hard right hands into her face!
The ref does eventually get Regan off but not until the count of four. Regan stands up, snatching Sapphire by her hair and dragging her up with her before whipping her into her own corner, and charging in before popping her hips, turning and nailing Sapphire in the face with a leaping back elbow! Emerald tries to enter the ring across the way which distracts the ref! Regan goes to tag Knox in but Sapphire has made it past Steve's pathetic defenses, and snatches Knox by his leg before yanking him off the apron! She goes to clothesline Knox but he ducks under it! She almost nails Steve but stops short and turns around into a SUPERKICK BY MATT KNOX! In the ring, Regan barks orders for Knox to return to the apron which gives Sapphire the opening she needs as she bursts out of the corner with a bulldog, driving Regan’s face into the mat! She pops up, running the ropes and timing it perfects as Regan has gotten to her knees in time to eat a shining wizard from Sapphire! Sapphire goes for the pin just as Emerald gets back on her apron!
ONE!
TW—NO!
Regan kicks out! Sapphire gets to her feet, pulling Regan with her now. Regan reaches for Knox’s outstretched arm but Sapphire yanks her away! She drags her to her corner where she tags in Emerald, the two whip Regan into the ropes and drop her with a double superkick! Emerald leaps upon Regan for the pin!
ONE!
TWO!!
TH—NO!
Regan gets a shoulder up as Matt Knox is halfway in the ring to break up the count! He dutifully steps out and begins stomping on the apron, beating on the ring post and shouting for Regan to get him in there! Emerald yanks Regan up though, locking her in a headlock and looking for the CHAOS EMERALD but Regan reverses it into a northern lights suplex! Both women are down! Knox begins stomping even harder on the apron! He’s chomping at the bit! Regan crawls to her corner. As Emerald gets up, she moves to intercept Regan but it's too late! Regan tags Knox in and he leaps over the top rope, charging in and spearing Emerald before popping up and delivering a thunderous superkick to Sapphire, knocking her off the apron, much to the ire of Ruby and Diamond! He turns around, stalking Emerald, who has gotten to her feet. He fires off another superkick but Emerald ducks under it! She attempts to nail Knox with a reverse DDT but he snatches her around her waist and using his size and strength advantage stands, pulling Emerald with him! He charges forth and hits a thunderous powerslam!
Diamond distracts the referee then, hopping on the apron as Sapphire slides in with a bass guitar...BUT SHE IS MET BY REGAN! AND HER CROQUET MALLET! REGAN NAILS HER BETWEEN THE EYES AND HURRIEDLY SLIDES OUT OF THE RING AS THE REF TURNS AROUND! Knox snatches Sapphire, throwing her over the top rope! He turns around and is instantly assaulted by Emerald who is throwing stiff kicks into his knee, trying to bring the bigger man down! He does his best to block but eventually just shoves her away! Emerald comes in with a clothesline attempt but Knox steps aside and grabs her – THE MERCY, THE MURDER!! Sapphire moves to get into the ring – OH NO! STEVE IS HOLDING ONTO HER ANKLE AND NEIL RANA DOESN’T SEE IT! EMERALD TAPS OUT!!!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): REGAN VOORHEES & MATT KNOX
CUT TO:
INT. SOMEWHERE IN RENO
The view opens up to show the menacing trio of TRINACRIA: VINCENZO RIINA on one side, RICKY RHODES on the other and NICO PAZZINI in the middle holding up a microphone.
NICO PAZZINI
CIAO! It's da real mothafuckin' G Nico to the P-A-Double Z-I-N-I. I’m here to lay it like it really is. Brothers Busch & The Crush... they think what they know is tag team wrestling as it’s finest but in the truest, purest form paizanos it’s it the Sicilianos who are in control. Yeah, we got a Cali boy in tow but he is just here to learn how things roll.
Vincenzo simply inclines his head.
NICO PAZZINI
However, tag teams are not as tasty as tagliatelle, all the pasta in the world is not worth the pounding Amber Ryan and Mac Bane are catching tonight in this shithole of a venue. Because as you all know, Reno isn’t even worth Rome and Rome isn’t shit compared to Palermo. Sicily fought off attackers and offenders for centuries, so why would TRINACRIA give in to a broad well over her worth and her over the hill boyfriend? You two think you can actually match up against us? Against proper, real to life Sicilianos? You fuckin’ come and try. See how that works out. We’ll send you to sleep with the fishes, give you a pair of concrete shoes.
He flails his arms like a menacing scarecrow. Rhodes looks like he's regretting the choice to let Pazzini take point on this and Vincenzo remains as expressionless as ever. Pazzini goes over without paying attention to either of them. Once he starts rolling, it's impossible to get that mouth to stop, after all.
NICO PAZZINI
I am what I am and that’s all and that I am. I am a P-A-Double Z-I-N-I which means I am wrestling royalty by blood, by heritage but what are you? Some Atlantic City trash they found under the Boardwalk and her walking hairball brute sidekick? You two aren’t worth my decree, you aren’t even worth the pasta sauce flowing through my veins. My Auntie Isabella cooks thicker sauce than you two are as competitors. You wanna be legit? You wanna do the G thang?! Come at me, one and all I’ll take both of you down? Because I am Nico Ludovico Pazzini. I am the real life Rocky, The Sicilian Success Story, Muscles Marinara and Bolognese Bull, my Aunties could kick your Aunties rear ends. You two just don’t understand what kind pedigree you are dealing with. My Aunties are hall of famers and I am a guaranteed future hall of famer myself, so losing to me will be a step up in your career or whatever is left of it. Enjoy it while it lasts because at the end of the day? #PAW Pazzinis Always Win!
Nico drops the microphone. It actually hits the ground and he walks off, flanked by Vincenzo. Rhodes lingers for a moment, looking as though he's got a migraine and is seconds from vomiting before he follows and the view cuts back to ringside.
NICO PAZZINI
CIAO! It's da real mothafuckin' G Nico to the P-A-Double Z-I-N-I. I’m here to lay it like it really is. Brothers Busch & The Crush... they think what they know is tag team wrestling as it’s finest but in the truest, purest form paizanos it’s it the Sicilianos who are in control. Yeah, we got a Cali boy in tow but he is just here to learn how things roll.
Vincenzo simply inclines his head.
NICO PAZZINI
However, tag teams are not as tasty as tagliatelle, all the pasta in the world is not worth the pounding Amber Ryan and Mac Bane are catching tonight in this shithole of a venue. Because as you all know, Reno isn’t even worth Rome and Rome isn’t shit compared to Palermo. Sicily fought off attackers and offenders for centuries, so why would TRINACRIA give in to a broad well over her worth and her over the hill boyfriend? You two think you can actually match up against us? Against proper, real to life Sicilianos? You fuckin’ come and try. See how that works out. We’ll send you to sleep with the fishes, give you a pair of concrete shoes.
He flails his arms like a menacing scarecrow. Rhodes looks like he's regretting the choice to let Pazzini take point on this and Vincenzo remains as expressionless as ever. Pazzini goes over without paying attention to either of them. Once he starts rolling, it's impossible to get that mouth to stop, after all.
NICO PAZZINI
I am what I am and that’s all and that I am. I am a P-A-Double Z-I-N-I which means I am wrestling royalty by blood, by heritage but what are you? Some Atlantic City trash they found under the Boardwalk and her walking hairball brute sidekick? You two aren’t worth my decree, you aren’t even worth the pasta sauce flowing through my veins. My Auntie Isabella cooks thicker sauce than you two are as competitors. You wanna be legit? You wanna do the G thang?! Come at me, one and all I’ll take both of you down? Because I am Nico Ludovico Pazzini. I am the real life Rocky, The Sicilian Success Story, Muscles Marinara and Bolognese Bull, my Aunties could kick your Aunties rear ends. You two just don’t understand what kind pedigree you are dealing with. My Aunties are hall of famers and I am a guaranteed future hall of famer myself, so losing to me will be a step up in your career or whatever is left of it. Enjoy it while it lasts because at the end of the day? #PAW Pazzinis Always Win!
Nico drops the microphone. It actually hits the ground and he walks off, flanked by Vincenzo. Rhodes lingers for a moment, looking as though he's got a migraine and is seconds from vomiting before he follows and the view cuts back to ringside.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT ROUND 2
AMBER RYAN & MAC BANE vs TRINACRIA
Amber and Nico start the match out by circling each other as soon as the bell rings. The two meet in the middle for a lock up and neither one makes much ground pushing against the other. They break eventually before half circling and locking up again with Nico slipping it and getting Amber in a side headlock then taking her to the mat. He springs to his feet, running the ropes and going for an elbow drop but Amber evades and gives him a receipt for his hubris in the form of a stiff kick to the jaw!
Amber pulls Nico up and whips him into the ropes. She goes for a clothesline but Nico ducks under it, rebounding off the ropes once more and nailing Amber with a flying crossbody! He hooks both her legs but Rana doesn’t even get a one before Amber kicks out and they’re both to their feet, locking up for a split second before Amber transitions into a Plum and begins driving earth shattering Knees into Nico’s ribs! When she finishes, she roughly hurls him into the ropes and nails him with a superkick as he returns.
Amber pulls Nico up hurriedly, hooking both arms. Ricky steps in, sensing that his partner is in danger but Mac cuts him off, nailing THE STANDARD! THE SPEAR ALMOST CUTS RICKY IN HALF! AMBER NAILS NICO WITH ORIGINAL SIN! HIS HEAD SPIKES SICKLY INTO THE MAT AS AMBER ROLLS HIM ONTO HIS BACK!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): OBLIVION (AMBER RYAN & MAC BANE)
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
We open up to a view of one half of the night's main event, "OLD SCHOOL COOL" DON TIRRI walking down the corridor leading to the locker room area, glancing at the doors as he does. He finally finds the one with a big 'GUEST' sign on it and stops in front of it, straightening his leather jacket before knocking on the door. He opens it after hearing a muffled voice from the inside. As he steps in, he sees his opponent for the night, "DIAMOND" LASH DONOHUE in there and looks him up and down in a measuring way. In the very corner of the room, glimmering gloriously on its hook, is the Splat! MultiUniversal Championship.
DON TIRRI
Thought you’d be taller...
He chuckles, flashing a smirk.
DON TIRRI
Anyway. Welcome to Reno, kiddo. Figured it’d be polite to come meet you face-to-face before that Main Event gets underway.
He offers his hand for a shake. Lash cocks an eyebrow and offers a sideways smirk as he looks down at Don's hand for a second before shaking it in earnest, the whole time meeting Don's gaze.
LASH DONOHUE
I thought you would be younger.
The return of his jab makes the Finn chuckle as Lash continues.
LASH DONOHUE
Appreciate the welcome. Truly.
Lash withdraws his hand from the grip of Don Tirri.
LASH DONOHUE
You're not afraid to be that guy. I like that. But hey, my mouth is dry as a nun's you-know-what. I was actually just gonna get some H20 from catering. Walk with me?
Tirri motions towards the door and the two start walking.
DON TIRRI
I know we’ve been running our mouths on Twitter but honestly? I’m glad you’re here.
Lash smirks when Don mentions their Twitter 'spats', yet there is something of a fondness to it.
LASH DONOHUE
You're just glad I got out of Mexico alive... with the goods.
He's clearly joking, even though there's a bit of a serious look on his face.
DON TIRRI
I meant more fresh blood over the hardware. Shaking things up a bit and whatnot.
They reach catering and Don grabs a drink for both of them.
DON TIRRI
And as far as coming to greet you? Old traditions die hard.
Lash nods as he rips into his water, knocking back a good half the bottle, burping appreciatively.
LASH DONOHUE
The fact that you uphold tradition? It's so rare now that most of us "greenhorns" wouldn't know it if it gave us herpes. So thanks. I'm glad to be getting to sample what UPRISING is all about, outside of secondhand knowledge passed down from Twitter.
DON TIRRI
Don't believe everything you read online. Doubly so for anything you see about me.
There's a knowing smirk on the lips of Tirri and Lash laughs before continuing.
LASH DONOHUE
That ol' Twitter machine, right? It's gonna be the death of us. Yeah, we have been going for gold on that social media. But, you know. We're dudes. We do that.
Lash 'clinks' his water with Don's. Smirking at the younger mans gesture, Don returns it and sips his own water and chuckles.
DON TIRRI
It’s funny, really. I kept hearing how you’re a moron and a turd and whatnot but seems like you got a brain in that head, anyway. It takes a special kinda personality to not take my jabs personally. So kudos for that.
Lash simply laughs this off.
LASH DONOHUE
Oh no. Make no mistake. I'm the biggest moron. I'm the littlest turd. And I am absolutely a whatnot. But why get cheesed over a few jabs? It's all in good fun. Besides, the real transactions are gonna take place atop the Stairway to Heaven, right?
A dark look passes over the veteran's features.
DON TIRRI
That belt is the business part. But at least you’ve proven to be a good enough sport that I haven’t needed to take it personal. Just two dudes beating the fuck out of each other for honor and glory. And shiny belts. Just as it should be.
He grins at Lash.
DON TIRRI
So. After we finish whipping each other senseless and one man walks away with the belt… maybe we oughta sit down and have a few drinks, with the loser paying. Whaddaya say, put it there?
He chuckles and raises his hand as high up as he can, looking for a high five. Lash looks up at Don's hand, and it actually seems as though he is gonna slam dunk the high five, yet a soft "oof!" issues from Tirri as Lash backhands him gently in the lower abdominals. He misses the danger zone by the smallest of margins. Deliberately.
LASH DONOHUE
You GOT IT, buddy ol' pal! A drink or ten after this match would be more than satisfactory. I get to clobber a dude with a ladder AND drain his paycheck. Works for me!
Lash is of course, just teasing. Don shakes his head, chuckling.
DON TIRRI
Cheeky fucker. Though I have a feeling that you might have more of a chance of beating me in the ring than in the bar.
He winks and then grows serious.
DON TIRRI
Those fans out there? They deserve a show. So let's give them one they won’t soon forget. Mano y mano, for a championship. The best kinda entertainment.
Don pats Lash on the back and we cut to another ad break for SplatTV content!
_____________________________________________
DON TIRRI
Thought you’d be taller...
He chuckles, flashing a smirk.
DON TIRRI
Anyway. Welcome to Reno, kiddo. Figured it’d be polite to come meet you face-to-face before that Main Event gets underway.
He offers his hand for a shake. Lash cocks an eyebrow and offers a sideways smirk as he looks down at Don's hand for a second before shaking it in earnest, the whole time meeting Don's gaze.
LASH DONOHUE
I thought you would be younger.
The return of his jab makes the Finn chuckle as Lash continues.
LASH DONOHUE
Appreciate the welcome. Truly.
Lash withdraws his hand from the grip of Don Tirri.
LASH DONOHUE
You're not afraid to be that guy. I like that. But hey, my mouth is dry as a nun's you-know-what. I was actually just gonna get some H20 from catering. Walk with me?
Tirri motions towards the door and the two start walking.
DON TIRRI
I know we’ve been running our mouths on Twitter but honestly? I’m glad you’re here.
Lash smirks when Don mentions their Twitter 'spats', yet there is something of a fondness to it.
LASH DONOHUE
You're just glad I got out of Mexico alive... with the goods.
He's clearly joking, even though there's a bit of a serious look on his face.
DON TIRRI
I meant more fresh blood over the hardware. Shaking things up a bit and whatnot.
They reach catering and Don grabs a drink for both of them.
DON TIRRI
And as far as coming to greet you? Old traditions die hard.
Lash nods as he rips into his water, knocking back a good half the bottle, burping appreciatively.
LASH DONOHUE
The fact that you uphold tradition? It's so rare now that most of us "greenhorns" wouldn't know it if it gave us herpes. So thanks. I'm glad to be getting to sample what UPRISING is all about, outside of secondhand knowledge passed down from Twitter.
DON TIRRI
Don't believe everything you read online. Doubly so for anything you see about me.
There's a knowing smirk on the lips of Tirri and Lash laughs before continuing.
LASH DONOHUE
That ol' Twitter machine, right? It's gonna be the death of us. Yeah, we have been going for gold on that social media. But, you know. We're dudes. We do that.
Lash 'clinks' his water with Don's. Smirking at the younger mans gesture, Don returns it and sips his own water and chuckles.
DON TIRRI
It’s funny, really. I kept hearing how you’re a moron and a turd and whatnot but seems like you got a brain in that head, anyway. It takes a special kinda personality to not take my jabs personally. So kudos for that.
Lash simply laughs this off.
LASH DONOHUE
Oh no. Make no mistake. I'm the biggest moron. I'm the littlest turd. And I am absolutely a whatnot. But why get cheesed over a few jabs? It's all in good fun. Besides, the real transactions are gonna take place atop the Stairway to Heaven, right?
A dark look passes over the veteran's features.
DON TIRRI
That belt is the business part. But at least you’ve proven to be a good enough sport that I haven’t needed to take it personal. Just two dudes beating the fuck out of each other for honor and glory. And shiny belts. Just as it should be.
He grins at Lash.
DON TIRRI
So. After we finish whipping each other senseless and one man walks away with the belt… maybe we oughta sit down and have a few drinks, with the loser paying. Whaddaya say, put it there?
He chuckles and raises his hand as high up as he can, looking for a high five. Lash looks up at Don's hand, and it actually seems as though he is gonna slam dunk the high five, yet a soft "oof!" issues from Tirri as Lash backhands him gently in the lower abdominals. He misses the danger zone by the smallest of margins. Deliberately.
LASH DONOHUE
You GOT IT, buddy ol' pal! A drink or ten after this match would be more than satisfactory. I get to clobber a dude with a ladder AND drain his paycheck. Works for me!
Lash is of course, just teasing. Don shakes his head, chuckling.
DON TIRRI
Cheeky fucker. Though I have a feeling that you might have more of a chance of beating me in the ring than in the bar.
He winks and then grows serious.
DON TIRRI
Those fans out there? They deserve a show. So let's give them one they won’t soon forget. Mano y mano, for a championship. The best kinda entertainment.
Don pats Lash on the back and we cut to another ad break for SplatTV content!
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO-- BACKSTAGE
The camera cuts backstage, the home of many tropes in professional wrestling. From announcers and interviewers popping up in the living rooms and dressing rooms of stars looking for some privacy to wrestlers staring blankly at randomly placed monitors. Matt Knox has taken to the Amber Ryan lie-in-wait for your preferred party while the rest of the staff gives you a wide berth tactic for the last bit of his at work socialization. He’s finally free of face paint and sitting on an equipment crate when the person he’s looking for rounds the corner, hopefully ready to ANSWER to some questions.
MATT KNOX
Shit, you are here. I was thinking you’d have fallen off the face of the earth, the way you took off at CORONATION.
JC side-eyes Knox and steps off to the side, giving him a wide berth before leaning against an adjacent wall.
"THE ANSWER" JC
Do you have a habit of stalking people? Because I’m spoken for, Knox.
At this, Knox laughs out loud, casting his gaze off down the hall a moment.
MATT KNOX
Wouldn’t dream of it. Lucy scares the shit out of me. And as for this...well. Seen Amber do it a million times, it’s how she keeps catching me when I’m trying to brood around here. But shit, enough about me. Are you good?
JC grunts a non-committal answer and shrugs his shoulders. He then decides that’s not enough.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I’m here, aren’t I? I went and fought someone bloodthirsty at my other job and got it out of my system.
He adjusts his ring gloves as he speaks and doesn’t look Knox in the eye, which to the keen observer may be a tell that he’s lying. Knox for his part doesn’t show his hand, simply nodding a minute before piping up.
MATT KNOX
I don’t believe anything is ever out of your system, out here getting Jack old and getting shots at the big man. You know Jackson is eyeing you for something, if he’s throwing you at Luther like he is...far as Legion, all that shit? I’m not going to play pretend and act like I know you better than I do, but if you got anything left for him, or he decides he has something for you? He isn’t alone now, dude.
Knox slides off the equipment crate then, balling up a fist and tapping JC on the shoulder once.
MATT KNOX
And neither are you, alright? He goes all crazy cult douche, raising a left hand and trying to blood sacrifice you? I’ll be right there and so will Red and the cowpoke, if I may be so bold as to speak for team Barbie Girl.
JC scoffs, rolling his shoulder in response to the faux-punch and then rolling his eyes at the follow-up.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I think you’ve got enough on your plate. Two matches a show, picking fights with Supreme Douchebag...I mean Jesus, Knox, you just got thrown through a wall not too long ago. Maybe instead of worrying about my house you need to make sure yours is clean first.
He looked over at him now, smirking a bit.
"THE ANSWER" JC
And don’t steal moves you can’t properly execute. Between you and Tirri, you’re giving my move a bad name.
Anyone watching would have seen the facial twitch at the mention of SuMa but Knox covered it with a smirk of his own, nodding.
MATT KNOX
Yeah that boot could have been better. Far as my house...I’m here. Got the double booking out of my system. Hopefully throwing that big fuck in the freezer earlier will end that too... so, I’m good. Now go kick Luther’s ass and show us how to throw a boot.
JC pushes himself off the wall, but before he takes off, he gets in a last bit of what was on his mind.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I planned to, before some jerkoff stopped me.
He turns and begins to walk away, before stopping for a moment. He doesn’t turn his head back, but makes sure he can heard just the same.
"THE ANSWER" JC
And Knox? If that big bastard comes at you again...he’ll cripple you. So you’d better hope you took care of it. I may not be a monster...
He kept walking as his final words echoed off the walls.
"THE ANSWER" JC
...but I know how they think.
NON-TITLE MATCH
LUTHER THUNDER vs "THE ANSWER" JC
JC and Luther stand under the arena lights as the fans have come unglued for what could have been tonight’s main event, even with the Multiverse Title on the line directly after! They look out over the audience, before settling their gazes on one another and charging forth, the crowd reaches a fever pitch as the two legends begin exchanging right hands in the center of the ring! Neither man gives an inch to the other! JC snatches Luther in a quick headlock and nails him with a knee followed by a thunderous European uppercut! Luther is rocked and JC snatches him in a half nelson, before lifting him over and flooring the champ with a half nelson suplex!!
JC is up quickly and turns to find Luther has gotten to his knees in a display of toughness. JC is instantly all over him and gets a side headlock in before beginning to cinch in a chokehold. Luther tries to lift JC but JC widens his base, countering the move! After dropping to one knee, Luther lets out a cry of extreme effort and suddenly drives JC back into a corner with all his might! He begins thrusting his shoulder into JC’s midsection before straightening up and paying The Answer a stiff right hand across the jaw! JC slowly turns his head back and screams for Luther to hit him again! Luther obliges! JC yells for more! Luther uncorks one that almost sends JC toppling but he fires back with a headbutt that rocks the champion!
JC begins driving Luther back with an onslaught of haymakers, however Luther blocks one and fires another one back! Its devolved back into a fist fight! Luther backs JC into the ropes before backing off and giving him a big boot that sends JC over the top rope and to the outside! Luther steps out onto the apron, stalking JC in a rare move! As JC gets to his feet and turns Luther leaps with a big crossbody but JC catches him and nails a thunderous power slam on the outside! JC gets to his feet, pulling Luther with him and sliding him back into the ring! He goes for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
The champ gets his shoulder up!! JC looks slightly annoyed but gets to his feet, dropping a knee across Luther’s face! Luther rolls on his stomach, kicking his feet and dragging himself up on the ropes. JC is stalking and lunges forward going for THE BIG BOOT OF DEATH BUT LUTHER DUCKS UNDER IT!! He snatches JC and lifts him into the torture rack! He steps to the middle of the ring and begins bending JC over his shoulders in a show of brutal strength by the champion! JC yells in pain but swats the referee away!!
When Luther realizes JC isn’t going to tap, he falls back, slamming JC into the mat and driving the wind out of him. Luther sits up looking frustrated. What would he have to do to put away the man? He gets to his feet, signaling for the end. As JC gets up, Luther hits him with THUNDERSTRUCK! BUT JC DOESN’T GO DOWN!! HE WOBBLES! LUTHER SNATCHES HIM AND NAILS THE SWORD OF DAMOCLES!! THE CHAMP GOES FOR THE PIN!
ONE!
TWO!
TH--NO!!! JC HAS GOTTEN A BOOT ON THE ROPES!!
LUTHER IS LIVID! He punches the mat, and grips his hair as he stares at JC who lays still, foot still on the rope as he lay there recovering, trying to will himself up. Luther slides out of the ring, snatching his championship from Esme! Neil Rana tries to stop Luther, but he gets shoved out of the way, landing on his ass as Luther walks right over him. RANA CALLS FOR THE BELL AS JC IS GETTING UP!
WINNER (VIA DISQUALIFICATION): "THE ANSWER" JC
LUTHER IS LIVID! HE SCREAMS AT THE REF UNTIL HE NOTICES JC IS UP AND THEN HE SPINS AROUND AND CHARGES HIM WITH THE BELT! JC DUCKS! HOLY SHIT REVERSAL AND JC NAILS THE BIG BOOT OF DEATH! THE CHAMP IS DOWN AND THE CROWD IS GOING INSANE!!
JC stands over Luther for a moment before reaching down and lifting the UPRISING CHAMPIONSHIP from the prone champion, even though Esme is up on the apron, reading him the riot act. JC admires it for a moment before lifting it up over his head to a pop from the crowd. He drops it on Luther's chest before heading out of the ring. He doesn’t even look back over his shoulder as Luther drags himself to the ropes, clutching his championship to his chest as he stares daggers at JC as he exits.
MATT KNOX
Shit, you are here. I was thinking you’d have fallen off the face of the earth, the way you took off at CORONATION.
JC side-eyes Knox and steps off to the side, giving him a wide berth before leaning against an adjacent wall.
"THE ANSWER" JC
Do you have a habit of stalking people? Because I’m spoken for, Knox.
At this, Knox laughs out loud, casting his gaze off down the hall a moment.
MATT KNOX
Wouldn’t dream of it. Lucy scares the shit out of me. And as for this...well. Seen Amber do it a million times, it’s how she keeps catching me when I’m trying to brood around here. But shit, enough about me. Are you good?
JC grunts a non-committal answer and shrugs his shoulders. He then decides that’s not enough.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I’m here, aren’t I? I went and fought someone bloodthirsty at my other job and got it out of my system.
He adjusts his ring gloves as he speaks and doesn’t look Knox in the eye, which to the keen observer may be a tell that he’s lying. Knox for his part doesn’t show his hand, simply nodding a minute before piping up.
MATT KNOX
I don’t believe anything is ever out of your system, out here getting Jack old and getting shots at the big man. You know Jackson is eyeing you for something, if he’s throwing you at Luther like he is...far as Legion, all that shit? I’m not going to play pretend and act like I know you better than I do, but if you got anything left for him, or he decides he has something for you? He isn’t alone now, dude.
Knox slides off the equipment crate then, balling up a fist and tapping JC on the shoulder once.
MATT KNOX
And neither are you, alright? He goes all crazy cult douche, raising a left hand and trying to blood sacrifice you? I’ll be right there and so will Red and the cowpoke, if I may be so bold as to speak for team Barbie Girl.
JC scoffs, rolling his shoulder in response to the faux-punch and then rolling his eyes at the follow-up.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I think you’ve got enough on your plate. Two matches a show, picking fights with Supreme Douchebag...I mean Jesus, Knox, you just got thrown through a wall not too long ago. Maybe instead of worrying about my house you need to make sure yours is clean first.
He looked over at him now, smirking a bit.
"THE ANSWER" JC
And don’t steal moves you can’t properly execute. Between you and Tirri, you’re giving my move a bad name.
Anyone watching would have seen the facial twitch at the mention of SuMa but Knox covered it with a smirk of his own, nodding.
MATT KNOX
Yeah that boot could have been better. Far as my house...I’m here. Got the double booking out of my system. Hopefully throwing that big fuck in the freezer earlier will end that too... so, I’m good. Now go kick Luther’s ass and show us how to throw a boot.
JC pushes himself off the wall, but before he takes off, he gets in a last bit of what was on his mind.
"THE ANSWER" JC
I planned to, before some jerkoff stopped me.
He turns and begins to walk away, before stopping for a moment. He doesn’t turn his head back, but makes sure he can heard just the same.
"THE ANSWER" JC
And Knox? If that big bastard comes at you again...he’ll cripple you. So you’d better hope you took care of it. I may not be a monster...
He kept walking as his final words echoed off the walls.
"THE ANSWER" JC
...but I know how they think.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
NON-TITLE MATCH
LUTHER THUNDER vs "THE ANSWER" JC
JC and Luther stand under the arena lights as the fans have come unglued for what could have been tonight’s main event, even with the Multiverse Title on the line directly after! They look out over the audience, before settling their gazes on one another and charging forth, the crowd reaches a fever pitch as the two legends begin exchanging right hands in the center of the ring! Neither man gives an inch to the other! JC snatches Luther in a quick headlock and nails him with a knee followed by a thunderous European uppercut! Luther is rocked and JC snatches him in a half nelson, before lifting him over and flooring the champ with a half nelson suplex!!
JC is up quickly and turns to find Luther has gotten to his knees in a display of toughness. JC is instantly all over him and gets a side headlock in before beginning to cinch in a chokehold. Luther tries to lift JC but JC widens his base, countering the move! After dropping to one knee, Luther lets out a cry of extreme effort and suddenly drives JC back into a corner with all his might! He begins thrusting his shoulder into JC’s midsection before straightening up and paying The Answer a stiff right hand across the jaw! JC slowly turns his head back and screams for Luther to hit him again! Luther obliges! JC yells for more! Luther uncorks one that almost sends JC toppling but he fires back with a headbutt that rocks the champion!
JC begins driving Luther back with an onslaught of haymakers, however Luther blocks one and fires another one back! Its devolved back into a fist fight! Luther backs JC into the ropes before backing off and giving him a big boot that sends JC over the top rope and to the outside! Luther steps out onto the apron, stalking JC in a rare move! As JC gets to his feet and turns Luther leaps with a big crossbody but JC catches him and nails a thunderous power slam on the outside! JC gets to his feet, pulling Luther with him and sliding him back into the ring! He goes for the cover!
ONE!
TWO!
The champ gets his shoulder up!! JC looks slightly annoyed but gets to his feet, dropping a knee across Luther’s face! Luther rolls on his stomach, kicking his feet and dragging himself up on the ropes. JC is stalking and lunges forward going for THE BIG BOOT OF DEATH BUT LUTHER DUCKS UNDER IT!! He snatches JC and lifts him into the torture rack! He steps to the middle of the ring and begins bending JC over his shoulders in a show of brutal strength by the champion! JC yells in pain but swats the referee away!!
When Luther realizes JC isn’t going to tap, he falls back, slamming JC into the mat and driving the wind out of him. Luther sits up looking frustrated. What would he have to do to put away the man? He gets to his feet, signaling for the end. As JC gets up, Luther hits him with THUNDERSTRUCK! BUT JC DOESN’T GO DOWN!! HE WOBBLES! LUTHER SNATCHES HIM AND NAILS THE SWORD OF DAMOCLES!! THE CHAMP GOES FOR THE PIN!
ONE!
TWO!
TH--NO!!! JC HAS GOTTEN A BOOT ON THE ROPES!!
LUTHER IS LIVID! He punches the mat, and grips his hair as he stares at JC who lays still, foot still on the rope as he lay there recovering, trying to will himself up. Luther slides out of the ring, snatching his championship from Esme! Neil Rana tries to stop Luther, but he gets shoved out of the way, landing on his ass as Luther walks right over him. RANA CALLS FOR THE BELL AS JC IS GETTING UP!
WINNER (VIA DISQUALIFICATION): "THE ANSWER" JC
LUTHER IS LIVID! HE SCREAMS AT THE REF UNTIL HE NOTICES JC IS UP AND THEN HE SPINS AROUND AND CHARGES HIM WITH THE BELT! JC DUCKS! HOLY SHIT REVERSAL AND JC NAILS THE BIG BOOT OF DEATH! THE CHAMP IS DOWN AND THE CROWD IS GOING INSANE!!
JC stands over Luther for a moment before reaching down and lifting the UPRISING CHAMPIONSHIP from the prone champion, even though Esme is up on the apron, reading him the riot act. JC admires it for a moment before lifting it up over his head to a pop from the crowd. He drops it on Luther's chest before heading out of the ring. He doesn’t even look back over his shoulder as Luther drags himself to the ropes, clutching his championship to his chest as he stares daggers at JC as he exits.
CUT TO:
STATIC
Absolute darkness engulfs the screen. Faintly, a sound can be heard, muffled at first.
SNAP. SNICK.
It keeps repeating, growing louder. Our eyes must be adjusting to the gloom because a shape of something is visible now. Something metallic, gleaming dully. The sound comes again and this time it's unmistakable.
SNAP. SNICK.
It's a Zippo lighter, held in a man's hand with the thumb flicking the lid open and then closing it forcefully again. This time the lid snaps open and there's the flick of the wheel. A spark flares in the dark and a meagre flame springs to life, wavering. The hand lowers, drawing closer and closer to a slip of paper with the name LUTHER THUNDER written on it. The flame gutters but refuses to go out. Suddenly...
FWOOOSH!
The paper goes up in an instant and a split second later the entire screen is engulfed in flames, letters forming in the midst of that raging fire.
Holy shit! It's an ad for our next SUPERSHOW coming up on April 3, 2021, live from the SILVER STATE BALLROOM!
_____________________________________________
SNAP. SNICK.
It keeps repeating, growing louder. Our eyes must be adjusting to the gloom because a shape of something is visible now. Something metallic, gleaming dully. The sound comes again and this time it's unmistakable.
SNAP. SNICK.
It's a Zippo lighter, held in a man's hand with the thumb flicking the lid open and then closing it forcefully again. This time the lid snaps open and there's the flick of the wheel. A spark flares in the dark and a meagre flame springs to life, wavering. The hand lowers, drawing closer and closer to a slip of paper with the name LUTHER THUNDER written on it. The flame gutters but refuses to go out. Suddenly...
FWOOOSH!
The paper goes up in an instant and a split second later the entire screen is engulfed in flames, letters forming in the midst of that raging fire.
Holy shit! It's an ad for our next SUPERSHOW coming up on April 3, 2021, live from the SILVER STATE BALLROOM!
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
SPLAT MULTIUNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP: STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN LADDER MATCH
LASH DONOHUE (C) vs DON TIRRI
Luis Montes steps into the ring, speaking as the referee places the belt on the hook and it's raised high towards the rafters.
LUIS MONTES
There will be no count-outs, no disqualifications. A winner will be declared when one of these fine gentlemen retrieves the Multiuniversal Championship.
He turns and points to the title that's now suspended high above the ring.
LUIS MONTES
Ah, but there's a twist! Only the person who gained the last pinfall or submission can retrieve the belt. The referee can also declare a winner if he feels that a participant can no longer continue the match. Also, anyone without the advantage who grabs the belt will be immediately disqualified. Remember, folks, whoever wins this match will go to XWF to take on their contender, the superhero Ruby, in a Double Jeopardy match!
The bell rings and they spend the first few minutes trading shots. Lash uses his speed, while Tirri uses his strength. Lash takes a massive shoulderblock off the ropes and goes down hard. Tirri poses. Lash tries to kick Tirri low, but Tirri catches his boot and clotheslines him to the mat. Lash rolls out to rethink his game plan. Tirri turns to play to the crowd, shouting that the champ is ducking him. A huge pop alerts him as Lash scales the turnbuckles, but as he comes off, Tirri nails him with The Boot!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Tirri's immediately slides out of the ring to grab a ladder and sets it up in the center of the ring. He starts to climb, but Lash gets to his feet and climbs the turnbuckle. As Tirri gets within grabbing distance from the Multiuniversal Championship, Lash leaps and latches onto Tirri’s back – HOLY SHIT! GIANT BACKSTABBER OFF THE LADDER! Lash rolls Tirri over!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Tirri's still clutching his back in pain and Lash repositions the ladder, starting to climb up. He’s still a bit loopy from the boot, but as he climbs, Tirri gets to his feet and tips the ladder over, sending Lash over the top rope and crashing to the floor outside of the ring. Tirri knows he can’t climb the ladder until he gets another pinfall, so he drops goes after Lash on the floor instead. He grabs him by the back of the head, hauling him up and tossing him back into the ring – a moment later Lash is flapjacked into the ladder and Tirri's on him again, hooking the leg!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
The veteran grabs the ladder and sets it up, but Lash grabs his ankle as he starts to climb. Tirri kicks him off and stomps him on the head. Instead of climbing, Tirri pulls up Lash, whips him into the ropes, and as he tries to throw him on the rebound, Lash latches onto the ladder and starts to climb, but the referee reminds him he doesn’t have the advantage. Tirri climbs behind him and grabs him around the waist for a possible belly to back suplex off the ladder, but as they fall, Lash flips all the way over and lands on his feet. Lash locks in the Donohue Deathlock, and Tirri quickly taps, clearly not willing to risk permanent injury with gold on the line. Lash is back to scrambling up the ladder but as he nears the title, Tirri is on his feet. He gingerly moves to the opposite side of the ladder and starts climbing. As Lash reaches up, Tirri socks him in the gut and slams his head onto the top of the ladder. He hits Lash’s head one more time, and Lash crashes and burns on the canvas down below. Tirri looks up at the belt for a moment, shaking his head before he hops down off the ladder, folding it up and tossing it into the corner. He pulls Lash to his feet and tries to whip him into the corner, but Lash leaps onto the ladder and springboards back with a crossbody block – HOLY SHIT! Tirri catches him and charges forward, ramming Lash’s back right into the ladder. Both men go down hard, both clearly in pain.
Both men grab at their backs, Tirri’s back still hurting from the backstabber from early in the match. Tirri is the first to his feet as he slides out, grabs a second ladder, and puts it into the ring. Tirri starts to climb onto the apron when Lash kicks the ladder into Tirri’s midsection, and Tirri goes down. Lash still has the advantage as he slowly sets up the ladder again. He starts to climb up as Tirri rolls into the ring, staggering to his feet, obviously in pain. He picks up the first ladder from the corner and just rams it into Lash, knocking him down. Lash clotheslines himself on the top rope as he comes down and stumbles into another THE BOOT!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Lash looks completely out of it as Tirri pulls the ladder into position. He checks back to make sure Lash is still down, and once satisfied, begins to climb. When he notices that Lash is getting to his feet, he decides not to risk it and climbs back down. He goes for another The Boot. Lash ducks underneath, scrambles up the ladder, and moonsaults off it onto Tirri – OH SHIT! Tirri catches him over his shoulder and drops him outside the ring. Tirri immediately repositions the ladder and begins to climb. As he reaches near the top, he reaches up, and his fingers graze over the leather of the belt, but he’s not high enough to unhook it. He takes another step up, the ladder wobbling a little from the previous damage and then Lash baseball slides into the ladder. Tirri loses his grip on the title and falls, straddling himself on the top rope. Lash springboards off the ropes and dropkicks Tirri back into the ring. He pulls him up and drops him with the Bury-Go-Round. He covers Tirri to a chorus of surprising boos as the Reno crowd seems to be firmly behind Don Tirri in this moment!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Lash starts climbing, painfully slow and Tirri is still motionless on the canvas. Lash is almost halfway up now and Tirri finally stirs, rolling over onto his stomach. He looks up to see Lash almost to the top of the ladder and he lets out a frustrated roar as he crawls towards the ladder, pulling himself up using the rungs. Lash reaches up and brushes his fingers against the title. Tirri climbs but Lash kicks him right in the face and sends him crashing back to the mat. Lash straddles the top of the ladder and unhooks the belt, immediately hugging it to his chest as the bell rings.
WINNER (VIA BELT RETRIEVAL): LASH DONOHUE
Lash hoists the belt up high as his music erupts over the speakers. Don Tirri sits up, looking disappointed and exhausted but he waits until Lash Donohue makes his way back down from the top of the ladder. The veteran's eyes are on the championship for a moment before and he reaches out to shake his hand and that surprising display of sportsmanship is the last thing seen before the credits begin to roll.
_____________________________________________
© UPRISING 2021
____________________________________________
QUICKIE RESULTS:
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR vs BLADE LOPEZ
SATIVA NEVAEH vs SIOBAHN MCLEOD
CHRIS MOSH vs MATTHEW KNOX
SAMANTHA TOLSON vs SUPREME MACHINE
THE RING CREW vs THE BROTHERS BUSCH
"THE FIREBIRD" IGNIS vs MICHAEL MAROU
LEGION vs KENDRICK KROSS
DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS vs THE CRUSH
REGAN VOORHEES & MATT KNOX vs THE GEMSTONES
AMBER RYAN & MAC BANE vs TRINACRIA
LUTHER THUNDER vs "THE ANSWER" JC
LASH DONOHUE vs DON TIRRI
KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR vs BLADE LOPEZ
SATIVA NEVAEH vs SIOBAHN MCLEOD
CHRIS MOSH vs MATTHEW KNOX
SAMANTHA TOLSON vs SUPREME MACHINE
THE RING CREW vs THE BROTHERS BUSCH
"THE FIREBIRD" IGNIS vs MICHAEL MAROU
LEGION vs KENDRICK KROSS
DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS vs THE CRUSH
REGAN VOORHEES & MATT KNOX vs THE GEMSTONES
AMBER RYAN & MAC BANE vs TRINACRIA
LUTHER THUNDER vs "THE ANSWER" JC
LASH DONOHUE vs DON TIRRI