Post by Admin on Mar 16, 2021 17:00:40 GMT -5
LIVE FROM THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM at the historic ELDORADO CASINO in RENO, NV MARCH 20, 2021 |
INT. SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- RINGSIDE
We open up to a view of the Silver State Ballroom rafters, where we see "OLD SCHOOL COOL" DON TIRRI seated just like he was a month ago, staring down to the ring below him, watching the last stragglers of the socially distanced crowd filling up their seats. The crowd noise creates a steady background hum as the big Finn speaks up.
DON TIRRI
For some reason I find myself drawn to this spot again and I was half expecting to see Matt Knox skulking around. Ever since I came up here before my match against Stone, I’ve found the idea of sitting here calming. It's almost a way of gaining perspective, allowing me to center myself.
Tirri leans forward to look at the ring below.
DON TIRRI
You know, for most of my career I have been known for my mouth and the nonstop running of it. But nobody has truly realized WHY I do it. All they hear is the words that come out and not the motivation behind them. Can’t say I blame them. Very few think the way I do nowadays.
He sighs and leans back, staring at the ceiling.
DON TIRRI
We go down into that ring to try and beat the living daylights out of the other guy for a living. Yet, when the bell rings and the dust settles… we shouldn’t be enemies. Like Charlie Brown and Franz Stiegler over the British Channel in 1943, we are men and women of shared passion, fighting each other at the behest of others. We, the wrestlers, are modern day Knights. Standing on the battlefield opposite each other with honest intention of killing the one standing at the other side. But outside the battlefield? We are kin. Warriors, an exclusive brotherhood that only select few can ever enter. Bound by a code of honor and with a healthy respect of each other.
Tirri turns to face the camera and his features darken.
DON TIRRI
Or that is how it’s supposed to be. That is what it USED to be. This business has gone to shit. I talk the way I talk and do the things I do as a way to measure who really has the qualities to be one of us. If you can take my verbal barrages, fight me in the ring and shake my hand afterwards… then you do. But if you get offended and refuse to acknowledge me after our match, win lose or draw… you don’t belong. I’ve taken my licks over the years. More than I’d like to count. And the number of people I have flat out told to fuck off and die is far… FAR shorter than you’d think. I try to live by the code even if others don’t. I call myself Old School for a reason.
He stands up and stretches a bit.
DON TIRRI
That brings me to my match tonight. Sativa Nevaeh. Supremely talented wrestler who has won everywhere she went. But from our Twitter interactions, I have been able to deduct one thing: you aren’t one of us. You are arrogant, self-absorbed and PETTY. You hold onto grudges. You can’t help but to build yourself up at the expense of everyone. So tonight Sativa? After the dust settles. Whether you beat me or don’t, I am going to extend my hand to you. And you better fucking shake it. Because if you don’t… then my assumptions have been proven true. Then no matter how many times you beat me or anyone else.. I will never give you the kinda respect I give to the likes of Luther Thunder or Bradley Jackson. Refuse to shake my hand, Sativa, and you’ll be nothing more than just another generic kid who thinks they are above everyone else. See you in the ring.
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
The camera cuts backstage to the talent entranceway, the door opens to reveal MATTHEW KNOX with his old Adidas gym bag slung over one shoulder. He steps aside though, holding the door open for a pair of women, one looking to be in her twenties and the other clearly a tween with her face stuck to the screen of her iPhone. The Raven has brought both his children to Revolution for safe keeping, HOPE and IVY KNOX.
The trio make their way down the hallway, Knox’ eyes intense and looking at every face in the hallway. Out of nowhere, STEVE THE INTERN charges up, almost getting kicked in the face by Matt Knox who pushes the pair of girls behind him. Ivy does not break her engagement with the iPhone.
MATT KNOX
Steve, I swear to-
INTERN STEVE
Hey, Matt, Regan is waiting for you in Catering. Says you need to have a last minute strategy meet-
Knox lets out an exasperated sigh. Initially, he opens his mouth to tell Steve to fuck right off, but instead turns to the older of his children.
MATT KNOX
Get Ivy to my locker room, don’t go anywhere else. Maybe catering if she’s hungry. I’ll be along shortly.
Steve watches the pair of girls leave, before turning to leave himself. He stops though, turning back to Matt
INTERN STEVE
Oh and I meant her pri--
MATT KNOX
Yeah, I know. Her private catering.
Knox and the camera take off for a short walk down the hall, eventually coming to one of the pair of locker rooms he was aware of that Regan had come to occupy. He was sure one of them formerly belonged to some asshole who got fired, but he never went to confirm it. The olde style calligraphy on the sign hung upon the door with care reads "CATERING - PRIVATE".
MATT KNOX
Fuck my life.
He opens the door brazenly, stepping in to find in her ring gear, sitting in a high-backed faux leather chair. She nurses a bowl of roasted chickpeas, taking the time to eat them one by one. Her croquet mallet leans against the chair beside her. The entire time her eyes have been glued to the door, clearly waiting on Knox’s arrival.
REGAN VOORHEES
Matt, I don’t mean to be intrusive. But you seem a bit... distracted.
MATT KNOX
Have you been sitting there this wh-
Knox stops himself, swiping a hand through the air as if clearing the notion and how ridiculous it was out of existence.
MATT KNOX
Intrusive? Not at all. Distracted? Well...guess I’ll own that. But listen, about that. And before you start giving me the third degree.
Knox walks over, grabbing another equally garish chair and dragging it across the floor to sit across from REGAN. Which he does, leaning forward and paying her a pat on the shoulder.
MATT KNOX
Listen, I’ve been fucked off lately with all this SuMa shit. And every other fight I pick recklessly. But thank YOU for being the kind of partner I don’t have to worry about. It’s gonna make our title reign a walk in the park.
She forces a barely-there smile, but her eyes do not follow.
REGAN VOORHEES
I… appreciate that. Don’t think I’m thoughtless. I understand your situation and your familial obligations. But please, entertain this idea for a moment. Think of the financial advantages that come with championships, the prestige, the opportunity to improve your own standing within this company and secure your future as a provider. In addition to all the potential fights people will pick for you once we’re the champions. Is that important to you?
Matthew scoffs at this, leaning back. He mulls her words over for a minute before responding.
MATT KNOX
What matters to me is going down as one half of the best tag champs in UPRISING history. The rest? Just garnish. Good garnish but still, garnish.
Regan bites back her own retaliatory scoff.
REGAN VOORHEES
I concur. I would just hate to see anything get in the way of that.
MATT KNOX
And yet you bring Steve out with us. Now, we gonna chit chat or watch some film? Like 'em or not, our opponents tonight are nothing to sleep on.
She takes another chickpea, rolling it delicately between her thumb and index finger.
REGAN VOORHEES
I’m quite aware, but no need to fret. I have no doubt that the two of us, and perhaps Steve, can vanquish a trio of monozygotic morons. He won’t have to get involved so long as they play fair.
MATT KNOX
Brilliant strategy on our part, giving Steve a job.
He shifts in his seat, motioning.
MATT KNOX
But I digress. Game plan, from the top... partner.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
RUBY STEELE vs LOLLIPOP
Ruby Steele looks excited to be at center stage although her bandmates are still at ringside – so are the other two members of The Crush and their faithful associate Jeeves. Lolli lounges in the corner, making a show of filing her nails and looking bored so Ruby charges in – right into a big boot! She stumbles back and Lollipop slings her to the canvas with an armdrag takedown before transitioning that into an armbreaker. Steele yelps in pain but she shakes it off as they reset and this time, she catches a diving Lollipop and takes her over with a snap suplex! She looks like she wants to do more damage but when she goes for the cheap stomp, Lolli rolls aside and grabs her leg, pulling her down and into a figure four – ROPE BREAK! Lollipop pounds the mat in frustration before sliding out of the ring to regroup. Ruby takes offense to that and dives off the apron with a suicidal plancha and now they're brawling on the floor. Heidi and Caramel look to come to the aid of their partner only to be headed off by Diamond and Sapphire and now it's just a huge brawl. Jeeves tries to intervene and then gives up, shaking his head and backing off so he doesn't get pulled into the melee. The referee starts counting them out as Lollipop and Ruby are still slugging it out, taking turns smashing each other into the ring steps and the barrier until the chaos mercifully ends with the ten count.
WINNER: NO CONTEST
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
We find ourselves looking at the somewhat deserted hallways backstage; the nights proceedings are in full-swing already which means most of the fans, staff and talent alike have their attention focused on the in-ring product. But not completely deserted. The camera catches a glimpse of a very odd-looking pair traveling down the hallway. A young girl, no older than 12 being led around hand in hand by a lithe looking woman with brunette, crimson tipped hair, dressed in a long sleeveless but hooded coat. The cameraman decides to follow and we hear the girl speaking up.
GIRL
Are you sure daddy is over here? He said I shouldn’t trust strangers. I was supposed to go straight to his locker room.
The lithe woman stops and kneels down next to the girl, catching a glimpse of the cameraman from the corner of her eye as she does. She turns to look at it for a moment, allowing the viewers to catch a glimpse of her face that is painted in random-looking patterns and lines. She quickly turns to the girl and gives a disarming smile.
WOMAN
Don’t worry darlin, like I said I’m a friend of your daddy. Why else would I wear face paint like he does?
The little girl looks unsure for a moment but finally nods and the pair continue on. The paint-faced woman turns to face the cameraman for a moment and beckons him to follow, and he does. The pair take a turn into the more unused part of the building and slip into what looks like an maintenance room of sorts. The camera follows and we see that the woman is keeping the girl occupied by showing her the live feed of the show from her phone. As the girls attention is diverted, the woman glances at the camera and points off frame motioning the cameraman to turn. As the view pans around we suddenly see SUPREME MACHINE standing in the corner. This causes the cameraman to startle and back up a bit. SuMa stares a hole through the camera and speaks.
SUPREME MACHINE
Raven… you thought yourself clever. Thinking we would go away simply by evading us? All you did was make things worse for yourself. You played right into our hands… thinking you can protect the hatchling by bringing her here. You thought we wouldn’t be here, Raven? You thought we’d leave our prey alone? You are a fool, Raven. You should have finished us when you had the chance...
SuMa moves around in the room, the lithe woman gazing affectionately up at him when he does so. He hovers over the girl who is unaware of her surroundings due to having earphones in and watching the match going on in her phone. SuMa looks down at the vulnerable girl and raises both of his fists above her head, making an implicit threat without having to speak it. He raises his gaze to stare at the lens again.
SUPREME MACHINE
Now her blood will be on your hands... unless you man up and finish what you started. Want to save her, Raven? Want to end this before innocents get hurt?
SuMa walks around the girl and right up to the camera, the shaking of the view suggesting that the cameraman isn’t exactly comfortable being where he is. The monster leans right in to the lens and whispers in a menacing tone.
SUPREME MACHINE
Find us, Raven. Find.....HER.
SuMa starts to chuckle manically and turns the camera to show the girl before the feed cuts to black.
_____________________________________________
GIRL
Are you sure daddy is over here? He said I shouldn’t trust strangers. I was supposed to go straight to his locker room.
The lithe woman stops and kneels down next to the girl, catching a glimpse of the cameraman from the corner of her eye as she does. She turns to look at it for a moment, allowing the viewers to catch a glimpse of her face that is painted in random-looking patterns and lines. She quickly turns to the girl and gives a disarming smile.
WOMAN
Don’t worry darlin, like I said I’m a friend of your daddy. Why else would I wear face paint like he does?
The little girl looks unsure for a moment but finally nods and the pair continue on. The paint-faced woman turns to face the cameraman for a moment and beckons him to follow, and he does. The pair take a turn into the more unused part of the building and slip into what looks like an maintenance room of sorts. The camera follows and we see that the woman is keeping the girl occupied by showing her the live feed of the show from her phone. As the girls attention is diverted, the woman glances at the camera and points off frame motioning the cameraman to turn. As the view pans around we suddenly see SUPREME MACHINE standing in the corner. This causes the cameraman to startle and back up a bit. SuMa stares a hole through the camera and speaks.
SUPREME MACHINE
Raven… you thought yourself clever. Thinking we would go away simply by evading us? All you did was make things worse for yourself. You played right into our hands… thinking you can protect the hatchling by bringing her here. You thought we wouldn’t be here, Raven? You thought we’d leave our prey alone? You are a fool, Raven. You should have finished us when you had the chance...
SuMa moves around in the room, the lithe woman gazing affectionately up at him when he does so. He hovers over the girl who is unaware of her surroundings due to having earphones in and watching the match going on in her phone. SuMa looks down at the vulnerable girl and raises both of his fists above her head, making an implicit threat without having to speak it. He raises his gaze to stare at the lens again.
SUPREME MACHINE
Now her blood will be on your hands... unless you man up and finish what you started. Want to save her, Raven? Want to end this before innocents get hurt?
SuMa walks around the girl and right up to the camera, the shaking of the view suggesting that the cameraman isn’t exactly comfortable being where he is. The monster leans right in to the lens and whispers in a menacing tone.
SUPREME MACHINE
Find us, Raven. Find.....HER.
SuMa starts to chuckle manically and turns the camera to show the girl before the feed cuts to black.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
TAG TEAM DEBUT
LAST OF THE VALKYRIES vs THE RING CREW
Lilith nails Enigma with a forearm to the chin as the bell rings. Looking to keep momentum, she lands several more and pushes Enigma to the ropes before laying in a few vicious chops. The Monster Machine fires right back and then gets sent at the ropes again – he catches a springboard knee and takes Lilith over with a Samoan drop! Lilith rolls up to her knees and right into a hard backhand that has her skidding across the ring. Pyro pounds on the turnbuckle, cheering Enigma on as he looks to continue the assault and Lilith is only too happy to oblige as they collide in the middle of the ring and now that she's got him scouted, she avoids those deadly meat hooks and spears Enigma back into the corner. He crumples and she dives in to tag Christina's outstretched hand to a huge pop from the crowd!
Enigma hits Christina with a knee to the stomach after she dodges a telegraphed haymaker – she's doubled over and then on her back thanks to a stalling backdrop. Christina rolls over and immediately tags out to Lilith who dives between the ropes and hits Enigma with a rolling spear that she turns into a small package.
ONE!
TW-
NO! Enigma kicks out and Lilith dives into her corner, making another speedy tag. The Firestarter dives between the ropes just as Enigma turns around and nails him with a flying crossbody – HOLY SHIT NO! HE CATCHES HER AND SLAMS HER DOWN, LETTING OUT A FEROCIOUS ROAR! Enigma goes for a knee drop to the back of the head – NO DICE! Christina rolls aside and then immediately catches him with a missile dropkick to the face! He goes down hard and Christina hits Pyro with a shoulder to the face that knocks him off the apron. Turning around, Christina baseball slides into Enigma, taking him back down before she tags back out to Lilith. Enigma crumbles to one knee and Lilith grabs him just as Lilith scales the ropes! PILLAGE AND PLUNDER! LILITH HOOKS THE LEGS AND CHRISTINA DIVES OUT OF THE RING, CHASING PYRO AS HE TAKES OFF TOWARDS THE RAMP.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): LAST OF THE VALKYRIES
We open up backstage to see Sativa Nevaeh and the Last of the Valkyries, representatives of The Kingdom, standing together chatting. Lilith and Christina having their debut tonight.
SATIVA NEVAEH
I finally ain’t alone here. Was wondering who would decide to show up. Honestly thought Morgan would. But you two are perfect.
Lilith wraps her arms around Mary with a giggle as squeezes her tightly as Christina stands beside them, a bit of a smirk on her face as she nods her head.
CHRISTINA OLSON
Exactly. What better backup to have here than the best damn tag team going today, right? We’ve proven that fact time and time again, but here in UPRISING, we’re going to show a whole new batch of talent and teams that exact fact, one by one, until we’re standing at the top of the mountain.
LILITH MEADOWS
Yeah, Chrissy wanted more fightin' after Hybrid shut down, but neither one of us knew where, but then you showed up here, we watched you with everyone else and we called Chrissy and told her that this place would be perfect for us, plus it would give ya a couple of people to watch your back and travel here with.
Sativa smiles and nods.
SATIVA NEVAEH
Yeah, the traveling will be nice. Morgan’s little sister and her girlfriend are here. Surprised they haven't come to steal you away.
Sativa nudges Lil slightly. Lil giggles and clings a little tighter to Sativa now.
SATIVA NEVAEH
But closer allies are always better to have around. Already making enemies here. Besides the fact that a certain person on the roster hates my guts. Having you two, as well as Lana and Jamie, looking out for me will be nice. My match tonight ain’t no joke. Much as I talk shit about him, Tirri is legit. He was almost UPRISING’s first champion. Gonna demand all of my attention.
CHRISTINA OLSON
No doubt. We’re watchin that tag team tournament very close, too. Whoever comes out of that with those titles better watch their backs, because The Valkyries are comin' to send them to Valhalla eventually. But I’d be lyin' if I didn’t say I was rootin' for Morg’s sister and her girl to walk out with the titles. Just imagine the fight Daughters of Darkness and us would have. That shit would be intense. And Sativa, you know we got your back through thick and thin, we’re not liked for a reason and that’s because we’re better and people know it and can’t stand us for it.
SATIVA NEVAEH
Oh yeah. I was rubbing people the wrong way just by being here. But you know that’s never stopped any of us. Hell, the boss here already knows exactly who we are. I was the first one announced for the Elimination Chamber for the UPRISING Title at the SOLSTICE Supershow in June. But enough about the future, you two ready for your match tonight?
Christina and Lilith both nod their heads as Christina has a confident smirk on her face.
CHRISTINA OLSON
You know we're always ready for a good fight. The Ring Crew, they're just the first two to step into battle with us, thinking they are going to be able to finally walk out with a win after getting knocked out of the tournament. These two though, when the dust settles and the battle is done, we'll be flying them off to Valhalla to rest for eternity. At the end of the day, this is our opportunity to show the people here what you, me, and Lil already know and that’s that nobody can touch us in the ring as a team.
SATIVA NEVAEH
That’s what I’m talkin' about. Kingdom sweep tonight. UPRISING will get to see what a taste of the Kingdom is like. Maybe get the rest over here. Run two whole companies. That would give so many people tons to bitch and moan about.
Sativa starts to laugh. She is joined shortly by Lil and Chrissy.
SATIVA NEVAEH
So, you know how I like to look into my opponents. Want to see some of the funny stuff I found on Tirri?
Christina and Lilith both nod their agreement. Lilith is a bit more enthusiastic than Christina. The trio walks down the hall until Sativa stops in front of an unassuming door. She opens the door and the other two women walk in. The camera follows and reveals the space is packed full of an eclectic collection of technology. Some from the dawn of the computer age to things that look like they're taken straight from a sci-fi movie.
Everywhere, mounted to the walls and hanging from the ceiling, are video screens. Dozen of them help illuminate the room. On them are different scenes playing out on loop. Some are touching, some funny. Others are heartbreaking and hard to watch. All of them seem to feature a common figure: that of Don Tirri. Some of them are obviously from when he was much younger, at least a decade or more as the video quality is quite poor. Sativa turns a circle with her arms out, showing off the wonder around them. The scene fades as Lilith and Christina move around the screens watching the multitude of scenes from Don Tirri's life and career play out.
Everywhere, mounted to the walls and hanging from the ceiling, are video screens. Dozen of them help illuminate the room. On them are different scenes playing out on loop. Some are touching, some funny. Others are heartbreaking and hard to watch. All of them seem to feature a common figure: that of Don Tirri. Some of them are obviously from when he was much younger, at least a decade or more as the video quality is quite poor. Sativa turns a circle with her arms out, showing off the wonder around them. The scene fades as Lilith and Christina move around the screens watching the multitude of scenes from Don Tirri's life and career play out.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
TAG TEAM DEBUT
LAST OF THE VALKYRIES vs THE RING CREW
Lilith nails Enigma with a forearm to the chin as the bell rings. Looking to keep momentum, she lands several more and pushes Enigma to the ropes before laying in a few vicious chops. The Monster Machine fires right back and then gets sent at the ropes again – he catches a springboard knee and takes Lilith over with a Samoan drop! Lilith rolls up to her knees and right into a hard backhand that has her skidding across the ring. Pyro pounds on the turnbuckle, cheering Enigma on as he looks to continue the assault and Lilith is only too happy to oblige as they collide in the middle of the ring and now that she's got him scouted, she avoids those deadly meat hooks and spears Enigma back into the corner. He crumples and she dives in to tag Christina's outstretched hand to a huge pop from the crowd!
Enigma hits Christina with a knee to the stomach after she dodges a telegraphed haymaker – she's doubled over and then on her back thanks to a stalling backdrop. Christina rolls over and immediately tags out to Lilith who dives between the ropes and hits Enigma with a rolling spear that she turns into a small package.
ONE!
TW-
NO! Enigma kicks out and Lilith dives into her corner, making another speedy tag. The Firestarter dives between the ropes just as Enigma turns around and nails him with a flying crossbody – HOLY SHIT NO! HE CATCHES HER AND SLAMS HER DOWN, LETTING OUT A FEROCIOUS ROAR! Enigma goes for a knee drop to the back of the head – NO DICE! Christina rolls aside and then immediately catches him with a missile dropkick to the face! He goes down hard and Christina hits Pyro with a shoulder to the face that knocks him off the apron. Turning around, Christina baseball slides into Enigma, taking him back down before she tags back out to Lilith. Enigma crumbles to one knee and Lilith grabs him just as Lilith scales the ropes! PILLAGE AND PLUNDER! LILITH HOOKS THE LEGS AND CHRISTINA DIVES OUT OF THE RING, CHASING PYRO AS HE TAKES OFF TOWARDS THE RAMP.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): LAST OF THE VALKYRIES
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
The UPRISING Champion LUTHER THUNDER seems to be deep in a heated conversation with his wife as the cameras spot him and some other individuals. A hand reaches out and slaps Luther on the shoulder. The Amsterdam native jumps and glares at the beaming, pearly-white smile of one of URPRISING's fan favorites.
GASTON GILLET
Bonjour, my friend! Great match last show, le champion!
The Dutch Devil glares at the Marseilles-born American.
LUTHER THUNDER
What is that supposed to mean?
We see a murmured discussion between GASTON GILLET and his manager ARIANNA MANNING before the French buffoon turns back to Luther.
GASTON GILLET
What I mean, of course, is your match against JC and the performance you gave during that encount--
Esme claps her hands in Gaston’s face, causing him to flinch.
GASTON GILLET
MON DIEU!
ESME THUNDER
Listen here, you Franca-phony excuse for a wrestler! The champ is kinda busy right now, so if you don’t have anything other than blither to say, we’ll be...
ARIANNA MANNING
Busy with what? It’s not like he has a match?
ESME THUNDER
He may not, but you do, Mr. Gillet.
ARIANNA MANNING
Look lady, I heard all about you from Don Tirri. About how you’re all about the moneys and the glory with none of the work. So buzz off, yeah? We're here to talk to the champ!
Esme looks like she’s about to smack the ever-loving piss out of Arianna, but Gaston steps in, warding his girl back and being awfully apologetic.
GASTON GILLET
Mademoiselle Blunder, I am most humbly apologizing for interrupting you two and your conversation but since we are here in...beau Reno, Nevada!
He takes a moment to flash a wide smirk at the muffled crowd pop before he goes on.
GASTON GILLET
...I just wanted to compliment Le Champion on his fighting ways against JC and was wondering that since he is such a man of the people. I think the red, white and blue-blooded Americans around the world deserve to see their favorite wrestler.
ARIANNA MANNING
That would be you, sweetie.
GASTON GILLET
Oui, ça, c'est moi, the most 'American' American Wrestler ever to wrestle in America. I was wondering if there would be a chance of a--
We get another clap from Esme in Gaston’s face; he jumps back.
GASTON GILLET
Sacré Bleu!
ESME THUNDER
No!
ARIANNA MANNING
See here, you Pillsbury blowup doll!
*CLAP*
Another loud connect of palms and Esme sticks out her chest, pushing Arianna who gasps in horror.
ARIANNA MANNING
The nerve! The Lack Of The Manners, well I never!
Luther pulls his wife back and glares at the duo in front of them.
LUTHER THUNDER
Well, I don’t know why in the blue blazes of heck you two are here and quite frankly I don’t give a hoot either. So if I may suggest a course of action, I would kindly suggest the pair of you scoot on out before something happens that will make a change--
GASTON GILLET
See here Le Champion...
As a belated act of chivalry Gaston pulls Arianna back, stepping in front of her.
GASTON GILLET
I am here to challenge you to a duel for that belt. Ari, le glove of the duel, if you will!
As Arianna reaches for her purse, pulling out the famed glove of duel to hand it to her man, we hear a familiar voice.
ANNOYINGLY SING-SONG VOICE
Heyyyyyy, wait just a minute there, Gasty!
LUTHER THUNDER
FOR THE LOVE OF...
In skips the number one contender for the UPRISING Championship, IGNIS!
IGNIS
Hey everybody! Now Gasty, Iggle here knows that the glove of duel is a legally binding... er glove. But I already have my title shot against Luthie here, and you trying to jump in line is kinda... well, a bit much, ya know? But as UPRISING’S neighbourhood friendly Firebird, I’m all about compromises, so I’ll do you a deal. You beat me tonight, and you can slap Luthie about with all the gloves you want, but if I WIN, you wait your turn. Deal?
ESME THUNDER
This has nothing to do with...
IGNIS
Mrs. Thunder, please; we are having serious negotiations here. Please, wait your turn.
LUTHER THUNDER
Wait a minute there, Ignis. That is MY WIFE you are speaking to, I suggest you put some respect on her name before..
Then as in a bizarro-world response Gaston stuffs out his ample chest similar to the way of ESME THUNDER before to push Luther back.
GASTON GILLET
See here, you tulip-sniffin', clog-wearin', windmill-lovin’ son of a fried biscuit! You do not talk to my opponent of the night in such insulting tone. Why, I do declare I may just have to challenge you to a duel! We’ll meet at St. Claire bakery at dawn, you may choose between pistols and YEOWW~!
*CLAP*
ESME THUNDER
Hush up, Frenchie, a REAL man is speaking!
ARIANNA MANNING
You take that back, you Pittsburgh Pitstop piece of..
*CRASH*
Arianna’s body limply hits the floor as an irate Esme spiked her right in the throat with her thumb.
GASTON GILLET
MON DIEU! MON PETITE FLEUR!!!
The Welsh Firebird surveys the destruction with a smile, seeing Gillet beside himself and Esme Thunder proud of herself.
ESME THUNDER
Finally shut you up, didn’t I?
She cups her ear mockingly as Arianna is gasping for breath and Gaston is trying to give her CPR.
LUTHER THUNDER
Oh my lord, what kind of people we have share this world with.
He fixes his suit and exits as Esme drops a boot to Arianna for good measure.
ESME THUNDER
And stay down...bitch!
Esme walks off, as Gaston is still seeing to Arianna. Ignis pats him on the head.
IGNIS
Don’t forget the match, mate!
Ignis skips off, leaving poor Gaston to his sorrows he kneels down and cradles his fallen manager to his chest, doing his best Brando:
GASTON GILLET
ARRRIANNNNAAAAAA!
Silence answers his call and he looks around helplessly.
GASTON GILLET
WON’T SOMEBODY PLEASE THINK OF THE REDNECKS?!?!?
With that, we slip gracefully and thankfully into another SplatTV advertising break.
_____________________________________________
GASTON GILLET
Bonjour, my friend! Great match last show, le champion!
The Dutch Devil glares at the Marseilles-born American.
LUTHER THUNDER
What is that supposed to mean?
We see a murmured discussion between GASTON GILLET and his manager ARIANNA MANNING before the French buffoon turns back to Luther.
GASTON GILLET
What I mean, of course, is your match against JC and the performance you gave during that encount--
Esme claps her hands in Gaston’s face, causing him to flinch.
GASTON GILLET
MON DIEU!
ESME THUNDER
Listen here, you Franca-phony excuse for a wrestler! The champ is kinda busy right now, so if you don’t have anything other than blither to say, we’ll be...
ARIANNA MANNING
Busy with what? It’s not like he has a match?
ESME THUNDER
He may not, but you do, Mr. Gillet.
ARIANNA MANNING
Look lady, I heard all about you from Don Tirri. About how you’re all about the moneys and the glory with none of the work. So buzz off, yeah? We're here to talk to the champ!
Esme looks like she’s about to smack the ever-loving piss out of Arianna, but Gaston steps in, warding his girl back and being awfully apologetic.
GASTON GILLET
Mademoiselle Blunder, I am most humbly apologizing for interrupting you two and your conversation but since we are here in...beau Reno, Nevada!
He takes a moment to flash a wide smirk at the muffled crowd pop before he goes on.
GASTON GILLET
...I just wanted to compliment Le Champion on his fighting ways against JC and was wondering that since he is such a man of the people. I think the red, white and blue-blooded Americans around the world deserve to see their favorite wrestler.
ARIANNA MANNING
That would be you, sweetie.
GASTON GILLET
Oui, ça, c'est moi, the most 'American' American Wrestler ever to wrestle in America. I was wondering if there would be a chance of a--
We get another clap from Esme in Gaston’s face; he jumps back.
GASTON GILLET
Sacré Bleu!
ESME THUNDER
No!
ARIANNA MANNING
See here, you Pillsbury blowup doll!
*CLAP*
Another loud connect of palms and Esme sticks out her chest, pushing Arianna who gasps in horror.
ARIANNA MANNING
The nerve! The Lack Of The Manners, well I never!
Luther pulls his wife back and glares at the duo in front of them.
LUTHER THUNDER
Well, I don’t know why in the blue blazes of heck you two are here and quite frankly I don’t give a hoot either. So if I may suggest a course of action, I would kindly suggest the pair of you scoot on out before something happens that will make a change--
GASTON GILLET
See here Le Champion...
As a belated act of chivalry Gaston pulls Arianna back, stepping in front of her.
GASTON GILLET
I am here to challenge you to a duel for that belt. Ari, le glove of the duel, if you will!
As Arianna reaches for her purse, pulling out the famed glove of duel to hand it to her man, we hear a familiar voice.
ANNOYINGLY SING-SONG VOICE
Heyyyyyy, wait just a minute there, Gasty!
LUTHER THUNDER
FOR THE LOVE OF...
In skips the number one contender for the UPRISING Championship, IGNIS!
IGNIS
Hey everybody! Now Gasty, Iggle here knows that the glove of duel is a legally binding... er glove. But I already have my title shot against Luthie here, and you trying to jump in line is kinda... well, a bit much, ya know? But as UPRISING’S neighbourhood friendly Firebird, I’m all about compromises, so I’ll do you a deal. You beat me tonight, and you can slap Luthie about with all the gloves you want, but if I WIN, you wait your turn. Deal?
ESME THUNDER
This has nothing to do with...
IGNIS
Mrs. Thunder, please; we are having serious negotiations here. Please, wait your turn.
LUTHER THUNDER
Wait a minute there, Ignis. That is MY WIFE you are speaking to, I suggest you put some respect on her name before..
Then as in a bizarro-world response Gaston stuffs out his ample chest similar to the way of ESME THUNDER before to push Luther back.
GASTON GILLET
See here, you tulip-sniffin', clog-wearin', windmill-lovin’ son of a fried biscuit! You do not talk to my opponent of the night in such insulting tone. Why, I do declare I may just have to challenge you to a duel! We’ll meet at St. Claire bakery at dawn, you may choose between pistols and YEOWW~!
*CLAP*
ESME THUNDER
Hush up, Frenchie, a REAL man is speaking!
ARIANNA MANNING
You take that back, you Pittsburgh Pitstop piece of..
*CRASH*
Arianna’s body limply hits the floor as an irate Esme spiked her right in the throat with her thumb.
GASTON GILLET
MON DIEU! MON PETITE FLEUR!!!
The Welsh Firebird surveys the destruction with a smile, seeing Gillet beside himself and Esme Thunder proud of herself.
ESME THUNDER
Finally shut you up, didn’t I?
She cups her ear mockingly as Arianna is gasping for breath and Gaston is trying to give her CPR.
LUTHER THUNDER
Oh my lord, what kind of people we have share this world with.
He fixes his suit and exits as Esme drops a boot to Arianna for good measure.
ESME THUNDER
And stay down...bitch!
Esme walks off, as Gaston is still seeing to Arianna. Ignis pats him on the head.
IGNIS
Don’t forget the match, mate!
Ignis skips off, leaving poor Gaston to his sorrows he kneels down and cradles his fallen manager to his chest, doing his best Brando:
GASTON GILLET
ARRRIANNNNAAAAAA!
Silence answers his call and he looks around helplessly.
GASTON GILLET
WON’T SOMEBODY PLEASE THINK OF THE REDNECKS?!?!?
With that, we slip gracefully and thankfully into another SplatTV advertising break.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
IGNIS vs GASTON GILLET
The bell rings and Gaston meets Ignis in the middle of the ring. The two share a very sportsmanlike handshake, earning a huge pop from the crowd. The two go to lock up but Ignis slips through, instead getting behind Gaston and nailing him with a dropkick into the ropes! Ignis moves in to capitalize but Gaston manages to shove her away, and catch her with an elbow to the face as she tries to charge back in. Gaston scoops Ignis up with a body slam, bounces off the ropes and leaps in the air going for a big leg drop but the number one contender for the UPRISING Championship moves out of the way! Gaston's in agony as Ignis runs and bounces off the ropes, nailing the big Frenchman with a shining wizard! Ignis pulls Gaston to his feet but the Frenchman shakes the cobwebs quickly and lifts Ignis up onto his shoulders before falling back– HOLY SHIT! Samoan drop!!
Gaston is to his feet first, pulling Ignis with him he lifts her vertical in a stalling suplex – NO WAY! Ignis reverses, smashing her knee into Gaston’s head and willing free! She lands deftly on her feet, and rolls Gaston up!
ONE!
TWO!
Gaston kicks out and gets to his knees but Ignis is on him quickly, spiking his head with a shortfall DDT! Ignis snatches Gaston’s arm – BURNING EMBERS! She’s locked in the armbar submission! Gaston has nowhere to go! After a valiant effort, the Frenchman taps out!!
WINNER (VIA SUBMISSION): "THE FIREBIRD" IGNIS
??
So...I have to team with Mosh against Kendrick Kross and Michael Marou. As I've heard before, 'well fuck me sideways'...
The view shifts to the locker room, showing the veteran SAMANTHA TOLSON. She's sitting in front of the monitor, watching the last few moments of the tag team debut of the Last of the Valkyries, clearly already itching for her upcoming battle. She taps her foot gently as she speaks.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
Truth be told, I would rather have either of them as my partner than Chris Mosh. I know where those two stand. I know they'll take this match seriously and try to work together despite their differences. Honestly...
She looks at the monitor, at Lilith with her hand being raised in victory.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
I'd rather have anybody else on this roster. My partner? I don't think he takes anything seriously, ever. I mean, the guy already thinks he's as good as the first Silver State Champion when the tournament hasn't even been fully set yet.
Samantha takes a deep breath, calming herself for a moment.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
Marou and I, we had a hell of a match. Got nothing but respect for the guy. Of the three others in this match, he would be my choice if I had one. But I don't.
She pauses again.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
Hell, I'd rather team up with Kross, too. We don't much care for each other, but the guy is at least a professional and is obviously serious about winning. I have no clue where your head is at Mosh. Honestly, I don't. You've denied a dubious history in tag matches. You promised that you'll be in the corner when a tag is necessary...but I don't trust that.
Her expression is grim.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
That's why I've prepared for this match as though it's gonna be a handicapped one, because it may wind up that way. I'm fairly certain that's what the General Manager was thinking when he paired us up this way. He knows I don't need a partner to get things done. He knows I can be counted on to stop any nonsense dead in its tracks. Trust me, Mosh...you pull ANY stupid stunts whatsoever and you won't make it to the Silver State tournament at INFERNO. You might not even make it out of Reno tonight.
She lets that thought sink in for a moment, the threat more than implied.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
I won't suffer stupidity, Chris. Take that to the bank. Yes, you haven't said a cross word about me and such, but the fact of the matter is I see no reason to trust you until you give me one. Kross. Marou. See you boys out there. You have my word, if Mosh bails?
Samantha grins wickedly, her eyes seemingly ablaze.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
You two will get the damnedest fight you've ever seen in a handicap match.
Samantha turns away from the camera, standing up and stretching as she begins to prepare for the match.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
IGNIS vs GASTON GILLET
The bell rings and Gaston meets Ignis in the middle of the ring. The two share a very sportsmanlike handshake, earning a huge pop from the crowd. The two go to lock up but Ignis slips through, instead getting behind Gaston and nailing him with a dropkick into the ropes! Ignis moves in to capitalize but Gaston manages to shove her away, and catch her with an elbow to the face as she tries to charge back in. Gaston scoops Ignis up with a body slam, bounces off the ropes and leaps in the air going for a big leg drop but the number one contender for the UPRISING Championship moves out of the way! Gaston's in agony as Ignis runs and bounces off the ropes, nailing the big Frenchman with a shining wizard! Ignis pulls Gaston to his feet but the Frenchman shakes the cobwebs quickly and lifts Ignis up onto his shoulders before falling back– HOLY SHIT! Samoan drop!!
Gaston is to his feet first, pulling Ignis with him he lifts her vertical in a stalling suplex – NO WAY! Ignis reverses, smashing her knee into Gaston’s head and willing free! She lands deftly on her feet, and rolls Gaston up!
ONE!
TWO!
Gaston kicks out and gets to his knees but Ignis is on him quickly, spiking his head with a shortfall DDT! Ignis snatches Gaston’s arm – BURNING EMBERS! She’s locked in the armbar submission! Gaston has nowhere to go! After a valiant effort, the Frenchman taps out!!
WINNER (VIA SUBMISSION): "THE FIREBIRD" IGNIS
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
The camera cuts backstage to unsurprisingly find MATT KNOX searching the arena feverishly for SuMa and Ivy after the message he sent. He throws every door open in the hallway, stopping any tech or stage hand to ask them if they’d seen anything. He turns a corner and all but careens into AMBER RYAN, raising a hand to snatch her arm out of reflex more than anything.
Amber throws back her hoodie instinctively, equally as startled by this collision immediately takes up a defensive stance expecting the attack to continue. Upon realizing that it's just Knox, she murmurs something about needing to be somewhere before pulling her hood back over and attempting to vanish into the midst of the backstage chaos. Knox however pursues her, reaching out a hand to firmly grasp her shoulder.
MATT KNOX
Yo..Amber, what gives? Have you seen that big son of a bitch back here?
Amber pauses, biting her lip in an attempt to remain civil. Unwarranted physical contact was usually synonymous with knock outs around here, but in this moment Amber found discretion to be the greater form of valor.
AMBER RYAN
If I had, he'd be on the floor in a bloody pile for what it's worth. I'll be sure to keep an eye out, though.
Gently, although with a distinct disdain, Amber removes Knox's hand from her shoulder while keeping her head slightly bowed and eyes averted. Knox’s gaze shifts around the crowd, he’s obviously still on edge.
MATT KNOX
That weird...painted chick from Level Up convinced the kid she was some kind of pal of mine and now they’ve g--
His eyes fall on her again, brow furrowing.
MATT KNOX
You good, red? Didn’t pre-game before a show, did you?
Amber stifles a chuckle, 'cause this is still a serious matter after all.
AMBER RYAN
Don't be daft, pre-game is during the show.
Another awkward pause while she looks for a reason to leave, just any reason to avoid what would surely be a worse conversation than the current small talk.
AMBER RYAN
Seriously though, I'm fine. Always am... SuMa will get what he's got coming- whether it be from you, me or the universe realizing he's still wandering around with a rented brain. Anyone who walks with him is as dead as he is, at least as far as I'm concerned.
She gestures vaguely as if requesting permission to finally walk away and not be grabbed, if only because she's running out of warnings as fast as she is patience. Knox silently sizes her up, before taking a step back to let some sap delivering iced coffees pass between the two in the hallway.
MATT KNOX
If you’re sure...look. Hope told me...some shit happened. I appreciate what you did, know that alright? I know you said debt repaid, debt owed but you got forever for this one, Ryan.
Allowing the moment to sink in, Amber finally locks eyes with the morbid corvid and gives him an acknowledging nod.
AMBER RYAN
Take care of business and then you can buy me a drink or something.
Knox remains silent for a beat as he holds her gaze. Did she always layer on the foundation like that? His hand begins to lift, going to smudge the interloping makeup before his brain reminds him that it’s currently applied to a bear trap. So, like the nuns taught, Matthew uses his words.
MATT KNOX
Never known you to wear that much foundation, Amber. And I know it ain’t Mac, or you’d be on the news for the killing...what went down?
Amber pulls away with a scowl, swatting his hand away.
AMBER RYAN
SuMa showed up. Things got a little wild… as expected.
Deliberately vague yet highly irritated by the violation of privacy and her physical bubble for a third time, Amber throws back her hoodie long enough to show the badly covered bruises tracing across the bridge of her nose to under her eyes, and the hand prints stretched across her throat.
AMBER RYAN
I did what I had to, to keep your kids safe, and if that sick fuck wants a round two...
Amber steps up to Knox, her expression having pacified with the passing moments.
AMBER RYAN
Whatever you think you're gonna do Knox... be careful. Those kids still need you, this company needs you. I... nah, I can't fucking say that. Just... SuMa cares far less than you do about everything and everyone. Don't drop to his level.
Matthew soaks in her words, biting back at the bile rushing up from the pit of his stomach that begins to boil along with every drop of blood in his veins. His kids. His friends. This has to end, and there's only one way to do it.
MATT KNOX
For you, for them. For the sake of everyone back here not having to deal with his shit...
He takes a step back, eyes looking away, too ashamed to meet her eyes as the bile reveals itself to be something darker, crazier. Something hardly seen and expertly buried within the Raven.
MATT KNOX
...I'll go lower. Good luck out there tonight, Amber. I'll see you in the finals and after I finish this shit. One way or another.
_____________________________________________
Amber throws back her hoodie instinctively, equally as startled by this collision immediately takes up a defensive stance expecting the attack to continue. Upon realizing that it's just Knox, she murmurs something about needing to be somewhere before pulling her hood back over and attempting to vanish into the midst of the backstage chaos. Knox however pursues her, reaching out a hand to firmly grasp her shoulder.
MATT KNOX
Yo..Amber, what gives? Have you seen that big son of a bitch back here?
Amber pauses, biting her lip in an attempt to remain civil. Unwarranted physical contact was usually synonymous with knock outs around here, but in this moment Amber found discretion to be the greater form of valor.
AMBER RYAN
If I had, he'd be on the floor in a bloody pile for what it's worth. I'll be sure to keep an eye out, though.
Gently, although with a distinct disdain, Amber removes Knox's hand from her shoulder while keeping her head slightly bowed and eyes averted. Knox’s gaze shifts around the crowd, he’s obviously still on edge.
MATT KNOX
That weird...painted chick from Level Up convinced the kid she was some kind of pal of mine and now they’ve g--
His eyes fall on her again, brow furrowing.
MATT KNOX
You good, red? Didn’t pre-game before a show, did you?
Amber stifles a chuckle, 'cause this is still a serious matter after all.
AMBER RYAN
Don't be daft, pre-game is during the show.
Another awkward pause while she looks for a reason to leave, just any reason to avoid what would surely be a worse conversation than the current small talk.
AMBER RYAN
Seriously though, I'm fine. Always am... SuMa will get what he's got coming- whether it be from you, me or the universe realizing he's still wandering around with a rented brain. Anyone who walks with him is as dead as he is, at least as far as I'm concerned.
She gestures vaguely as if requesting permission to finally walk away and not be grabbed, if only because she's running out of warnings as fast as she is patience. Knox silently sizes her up, before taking a step back to let some sap delivering iced coffees pass between the two in the hallway.
MATT KNOX
If you’re sure...look. Hope told me...some shit happened. I appreciate what you did, know that alright? I know you said debt repaid, debt owed but you got forever for this one, Ryan.
Allowing the moment to sink in, Amber finally locks eyes with the morbid corvid and gives him an acknowledging nod.
AMBER RYAN
Take care of business and then you can buy me a drink or something.
Knox remains silent for a beat as he holds her gaze. Did she always layer on the foundation like that? His hand begins to lift, going to smudge the interloping makeup before his brain reminds him that it’s currently applied to a bear trap. So, like the nuns taught, Matthew uses his words.
MATT KNOX
Never known you to wear that much foundation, Amber. And I know it ain’t Mac, or you’d be on the news for the killing...what went down?
Amber pulls away with a scowl, swatting his hand away.
AMBER RYAN
SuMa showed up. Things got a little wild… as expected.
Deliberately vague yet highly irritated by the violation of privacy and her physical bubble for a third time, Amber throws back her hoodie long enough to show the badly covered bruises tracing across the bridge of her nose to under her eyes, and the hand prints stretched across her throat.
AMBER RYAN
I did what I had to, to keep your kids safe, and if that sick fuck wants a round two...
Amber steps up to Knox, her expression having pacified with the passing moments.
AMBER RYAN
Whatever you think you're gonna do Knox... be careful. Those kids still need you, this company needs you. I... nah, I can't fucking say that. Just... SuMa cares far less than you do about everything and everyone. Don't drop to his level.
Matthew soaks in her words, biting back at the bile rushing up from the pit of his stomach that begins to boil along with every drop of blood in his veins. His kids. His friends. This has to end, and there's only one way to do it.
MATT KNOX
For you, for them. For the sake of everyone back here not having to deal with his shit...
He takes a step back, eyes looking away, too ashamed to meet her eyes as the bile reveals itself to be something darker, crazier. Something hardly seen and expertly buried within the Raven.
MATT KNOX
...I'll go lower. Good luck out there tonight, Amber. I'll see you in the finals and after I finish this shit. One way or another.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- GM'S OFFICE
The General Manager's office looks like it's had a bit more of a facelift with framed posters for CORONATION and INFERNO on the wall beside his desk. There looks to be space for more than those two, as though he plans to frame the promotional material for each special event going forward. Like usual, the silver-haired veteran JACKSON sits behind the desk. For a moment, he stares at those two larger than life posters before clearing his throat.
JACKSON
It's been a year now, since our lives were irreparably changed... since the wrestling business was flipped upside down. So many companies have closed their doors in the last year and when I sat down with those individuals who became my primary investors with my pitch for something new, something unique and different that was going to be a throwback to better times, I thought I was going to be laughed out of the building.
He shakes his head, his expression wistful.
JACKSON
I was cautioned to be careful. To not take anything for granted in this precarious world we find ourselves in. I reached out to folks I'd worked with in the past and extended invitations for the best and the brightest stars in the business to come work for me. I didn't promise everyone a title opportunity in their first match. I was honest. I told them that hard work would be recognized and rewarded. I told them that I wanted to do something good with the time we have left. I wanted to create something special. Now that we're about to head into our second Supershow in just two weeks' time, I feel like I can say we've made good on that promise. Every episode, we push the envelope. Every show we put out is better than the last. Sure, we've had some folks come and go over the course of these few months but the fact that the end of April marks half a year since we inked our contracts here with the legendary ELDORADO CASINO speaks volumes. I couldn't have done this without you. This isn't about me. It's about you, each and every one of you down in that locker room right now.
There's another pause before he reaches down and lifts a briefcase up onto the desk. By now, it's no real surprise what that might contain and he rests his hand on top of that.
JACKSON
Inside this case, is our workhorse title, a championship that will be defended on every REVOLUTION episode following the crowning of our inaugural champion. Those of you chosen to compete for this championship have shown that you have what it takes to be the backbone of this company. I know I can trust you to show up every week and give it your all. Tonight, if Michael Marou and Kendrick Kross are successful against Chris Mosh and Samantha Tolson, they'll be the final two to step into the ring at INFERNO and seize the brass ring. If not, we'll have a singles match between our victors for this...
He snaps open the case, turning and tilting it so that the pristine silver championship is visible.
JACKSON
Behold, the SILVER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
The camera focuses in on the title belt, and that's the last thing we see before the view returns back to ringside.
STRANGE BEDFELLOWS: SILVER STATE EDITION
KENDRICK KROSS & MICHAEL MAROU vs SAMANTHA TOLSON & CHRIS MOSH
Marou and Tolson kick off the match and Samantha looks to take control, coming in with a knee lift only to be caught and slammed down with a backbreaker – the crowd groans collectively as Marou rolls his shoulders and then scoops Tolson back up, sending her crashing back down with a powerbomb and then hangs on, lifting her up as he steps over, locking in a Boston crab – OH NO! HE'S GOING FOR A KIMURA BUT TOLSON MANAGES TO BREAK OUT!! The pair are back on their feet in an instant and this time Tolson ducks under a roundhouse kick – BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX AND SHE BRIDGES FOR A PIN!
ONE!
Marou kicks out with authority and is back on his feet in an instant, a look of determination on his face now as he collides with Tolson, rushing her back-first into the ring post. Kross slaps Marou on the shoulder and tags himself in, right into a dragon sleeper that's broken up with a boot to the face from Marou before he slaps Kross on the back, making himself the legal man yet again! Tolson's shaking off the cobwebs and Marou grabs her and drags her from the corner before trapping her into a triangle choke – HOLY SHIT, REVERSAL! It's a technical wrestling clinic out there and the crowd is eating it up as the two keep reversing each other all the way across the ring before Tolson's hand closes over the bottom rope. They're on their feet in an instant, almost as though feeding off the enthusiastic crowd.
Tolson whirls around, and grabs Marou's hand, slinging him at the corner, immediately charging after him for a hard shoulder block. She gives him no reprieve, slamming him down with a suplex before transitioning over into a belly to back wristlock with neck submission. Marou tries like hell to break free, but it just isn't happening as Tolson cinches the hold in tighter – CRACK! Tolson crumples thanks to a big boot from Chris Mosh who shrugs it off as though it was an accident and starts stomping a mudhole into the downed Marou. Tolson is back up, seeing red (literally since she's busted open above her eye) and she jumps on Mosh's back, taking him down with a backstabber! Kendrick Kross dives into the ring just as Tyson Deuce comes charging down the ramp, as if he's decided to stop leaving his appearances on the card up to being booked in a match! HOLY SHIT, KENZIE'S RIGHT BEHIND HIM AND THE PAIR HIT THE RING, IMMEDIATELY CLASHING WITH KENDRICK KROSS FROM EITHER SIDE! IT'S BEDLAM, ABSOLUTE CHAOS, LEAVING THE REFEREE NO CHOICE BUT TO CALL FOR THE BELL AND WAVE OFF THE CONTEST!
WINNER: NO CONTEST
JACKSON
It's been a year now, since our lives were irreparably changed... since the wrestling business was flipped upside down. So many companies have closed their doors in the last year and when I sat down with those individuals who became my primary investors with my pitch for something new, something unique and different that was going to be a throwback to better times, I thought I was going to be laughed out of the building.
He shakes his head, his expression wistful.
JACKSON
I was cautioned to be careful. To not take anything for granted in this precarious world we find ourselves in. I reached out to folks I'd worked with in the past and extended invitations for the best and the brightest stars in the business to come work for me. I didn't promise everyone a title opportunity in their first match. I was honest. I told them that hard work would be recognized and rewarded. I told them that I wanted to do something good with the time we have left. I wanted to create something special. Now that we're about to head into our second Supershow in just two weeks' time, I feel like I can say we've made good on that promise. Every episode, we push the envelope. Every show we put out is better than the last. Sure, we've had some folks come and go over the course of these few months but the fact that the end of April marks half a year since we inked our contracts here with the legendary ELDORADO CASINO speaks volumes. I couldn't have done this without you. This isn't about me. It's about you, each and every one of you down in that locker room right now.
There's another pause before he reaches down and lifts a briefcase up onto the desk. By now, it's no real surprise what that might contain and he rests his hand on top of that.
JACKSON
Inside this case, is our workhorse title, a championship that will be defended on every REVOLUTION episode following the crowning of our inaugural champion. Those of you chosen to compete for this championship have shown that you have what it takes to be the backbone of this company. I know I can trust you to show up every week and give it your all. Tonight, if Michael Marou and Kendrick Kross are successful against Chris Mosh and Samantha Tolson, they'll be the final two to step into the ring at INFERNO and seize the brass ring. If not, we'll have a singles match between our victors for this...
He snaps open the case, turning and tilting it so that the pristine silver championship is visible.
JACKSON
Behold, the SILVER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
The camera focuses in on the title belt, and that's the last thing we see before the view returns back to ringside.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
STRANGE BEDFELLOWS: SILVER STATE EDITION
KENDRICK KROSS & MICHAEL MAROU vs SAMANTHA TOLSON & CHRIS MOSH
Marou and Tolson kick off the match and Samantha looks to take control, coming in with a knee lift only to be caught and slammed down with a backbreaker – the crowd groans collectively as Marou rolls his shoulders and then scoops Tolson back up, sending her crashing back down with a powerbomb and then hangs on, lifting her up as he steps over, locking in a Boston crab – OH NO! HE'S GOING FOR A KIMURA BUT TOLSON MANAGES TO BREAK OUT!! The pair are back on their feet in an instant and this time Tolson ducks under a roundhouse kick – BELLY TO BACK SUPLEX AND SHE BRIDGES FOR A PIN!
ONE!
Marou kicks out with authority and is back on his feet in an instant, a look of determination on his face now as he collides with Tolson, rushing her back-first into the ring post. Kross slaps Marou on the shoulder and tags himself in, right into a dragon sleeper that's broken up with a boot to the face from Marou before he slaps Kross on the back, making himself the legal man yet again! Tolson's shaking off the cobwebs and Marou grabs her and drags her from the corner before trapping her into a triangle choke – HOLY SHIT, REVERSAL! It's a technical wrestling clinic out there and the crowd is eating it up as the two keep reversing each other all the way across the ring before Tolson's hand closes over the bottom rope. They're on their feet in an instant, almost as though feeding off the enthusiastic crowd.
Tolson whirls around, and grabs Marou's hand, slinging him at the corner, immediately charging after him for a hard shoulder block. She gives him no reprieve, slamming him down with a suplex before transitioning over into a belly to back wristlock with neck submission. Marou tries like hell to break free, but it just isn't happening as Tolson cinches the hold in tighter – CRACK! Tolson crumples thanks to a big boot from Chris Mosh who shrugs it off as though it was an accident and starts stomping a mudhole into the downed Marou. Tolson is back up, seeing red (literally since she's busted open above her eye) and she jumps on Mosh's back, taking him down with a backstabber! Kendrick Kross dives into the ring just as Tyson Deuce comes charging down the ramp, as if he's decided to stop leaving his appearances on the card up to being booked in a match! HOLY SHIT, KENZIE'S RIGHT BEHIND HIM AND THE PAIR HIT THE RING, IMMEDIATELY CLASHING WITH KENDRICK KROSS FROM EITHER SIDE! IT'S BEDLAM, ABSOLUTE CHAOS, LEAVING THE REFEREE NO CHOICE BUT TO CALL FOR THE BELL AND WAVE OFF THE CONTEST!
WINNER: NO CONTEST
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
The cameras cut to the back to find a distraught MATT KNOX entering the maintenance area of the Casino. He picks a random door, throwing it open and stepping into the dreary room behind it filled with iron, electricity and above all? Drear. Knox’s eyes scan the dim room as he steps in, the camera holding tight.
MATT KNOX
Ivy? Ivy are you in here?
His voice is heavy with concern as he calls out for his youngest but there is no response. Instead we hear a chuckle. We then see the same lithe woman from earlier seated on top of a stack of boxes. She cocks her head and grins.
WOMAN
Oh hey, Broody Boy. Didn’t think you’d actually show. Well actually, HE didn’t think you’d show. Don’t worry, the little one is unharmed. He wanted to do something but she was too adorable to hurt. But hey, you shouldn’t waste too much time, he’s deeper in there. Go on. Get the little one, broody boy, or Queenie will be cross with ya. I mean, I’m the one who’s gotta clean the mess he makes if you don’t hurry.
She chuckles once more, hops down and pats Knox on the cheek before jumping backwards out of his reach.
WOMAN
Go on, Broody Boy. It’s go time!
Knox stares daggers at the woman. Was that..? No. Fuck, didn’t matter. He walks deeper into the room, sliding his leather jacket off and dropping it on the floor. Eventually, he comes across them. The little girl seems lost in her own little world as she usually is. SUPREME MACHINE is looming over her, standing all too close. Knox sets his feet, narrowing his eyes.
MATT KNOX
Ivy. Come here, hon.
His voice louder than usual, her head lifts to see her dad across the way. She pops the earbuds out and takes a step, only for SuMa to drop his hand in front of her. This seems to be the first time the girl sees the monster, and it causes her to take a step back.
SUPREME MACHINE
So you came, Raven… time to settle this.
The woman from earlier slips into the room and takes the girl, who looks petrified. And just like that SuMa charges forward at Knox. Matthew times it the best he can, before stepping to the side and shoving SuMa as hard as he can, using the big man's momentum to slam him into a stack of equipment crates. He follows this up with a leaping thrust kick to the back of SuMa’s head which doubles the big man over. Knox takes a step back, bouncing on his feet now with his hands raised.
MATT KNOX
Come on, you big dumb bastard! You wanted this!
SuMa straightens up slowly, turning toward Knox unfazed by the kick. He takes a few plodding steps forward and Knox is only too happy to meet him, firing off a hard kick to the big man’s shin but SuMa keeps advancing, Knox bounces backward, now firing a kick into SuMa’s midsection but the big man catches it this time and with what seems like a flick of his wrist he swings the 6'6" Raven into the wall with a sickening thud!
SuMa reaches down to the stunned Knox and snatches him with a Von Erich Claw, squeezing the man's face and eliciting a cry of pain as he lifts him up, and begins bashing his head into the wall before throwing him roughly to the ground. He steps onto the small of Knox's back, driving all his weight down on it! SuMa lifts Knox up when he’s satisfied, gripping him by his hair as Knox twists away from the pain in his back.
SuMa goes for a right hand but Knox manages to rip from his grip, ducking the blow he leaps up and headbutts SuMa which seems to stun the big man! Knox steps back, and fires off a superkick that sends him stumbling..He leaps forth with a superman punch but SuMa catches him by the throat, lifting him and slamming him to the concrete with a sickening Chokeslam! Before Knox can even react SuMa grabs his hands and twists them upwards into a modified surfboard and in measured moves, puts his foot on the back of his head.
SUPREME MACHINE
And thus… the Raven fell..
He stomps down with all his might, the DEUS EX MACHINAE leaving Knox bloodied against the concrete. SuMa stares down at Knox’s still frame, he lets out a satisfied breath but his eyes suddenly snap down as Knox has had the TEMERITY to lift his head. With a guttural sound, SuMa turns and snatches one of the smaller crates filled with equipment and with a show of inhuman strength, HE LIFTS IT ABOVE HIS HEAD, TURNING BACK TO KNOX’S DOWNED FIGURE...
...ONLY TO BE NAILED IN THE FACE BY JC AND HIS BIG BOOT OF DEATH! SuMa falls backward, the crate crashing to the floor. JC leaps upon SuMa and the two big men begin trading hard blows! AMBER RYAN runs into the room, instantly going to check on the downed Knox! She yells out for EMTs who begin to flood in just as SuMa nails JC with a hard right hand that turns him around and careening into the cameraman!
As the camera stabilizes, we find JC has turned around to discover SUMA HAS DISAPPEARED! JC yells out obscenities before going to Knox’s side with Amber! Mac Bane has entered the fray as well, walking toward where SuMa was and looking like a man on the hunt as Matthew Knox continues to lay face down, bleeding on the cold concrete.
_____________________________________________
MATT KNOX
Ivy? Ivy are you in here?
His voice is heavy with concern as he calls out for his youngest but there is no response. Instead we hear a chuckle. We then see the same lithe woman from earlier seated on top of a stack of boxes. She cocks her head and grins.
WOMAN
Oh hey, Broody Boy. Didn’t think you’d actually show. Well actually, HE didn’t think you’d show. Don’t worry, the little one is unharmed. He wanted to do something but she was too adorable to hurt. But hey, you shouldn’t waste too much time, he’s deeper in there. Go on. Get the little one, broody boy, or Queenie will be cross with ya. I mean, I’m the one who’s gotta clean the mess he makes if you don’t hurry.
She chuckles once more, hops down and pats Knox on the cheek before jumping backwards out of his reach.
WOMAN
Go on, Broody Boy. It’s go time!
Knox stares daggers at the woman. Was that..? No. Fuck, didn’t matter. He walks deeper into the room, sliding his leather jacket off and dropping it on the floor. Eventually, he comes across them. The little girl seems lost in her own little world as she usually is. SUPREME MACHINE is looming over her, standing all too close. Knox sets his feet, narrowing his eyes.
MATT KNOX
Ivy. Come here, hon.
His voice louder than usual, her head lifts to see her dad across the way. She pops the earbuds out and takes a step, only for SuMa to drop his hand in front of her. This seems to be the first time the girl sees the monster, and it causes her to take a step back.
SUPREME MACHINE
So you came, Raven… time to settle this.
The woman from earlier slips into the room and takes the girl, who looks petrified. And just like that SuMa charges forward at Knox. Matthew times it the best he can, before stepping to the side and shoving SuMa as hard as he can, using the big man's momentum to slam him into a stack of equipment crates. He follows this up with a leaping thrust kick to the back of SuMa’s head which doubles the big man over. Knox takes a step back, bouncing on his feet now with his hands raised.
MATT KNOX
Come on, you big dumb bastard! You wanted this!
SuMa straightens up slowly, turning toward Knox unfazed by the kick. He takes a few plodding steps forward and Knox is only too happy to meet him, firing off a hard kick to the big man’s shin but SuMa keeps advancing, Knox bounces backward, now firing a kick into SuMa’s midsection but the big man catches it this time and with what seems like a flick of his wrist he swings the 6'6" Raven into the wall with a sickening thud!
SuMa reaches down to the stunned Knox and snatches him with a Von Erich Claw, squeezing the man's face and eliciting a cry of pain as he lifts him up, and begins bashing his head into the wall before throwing him roughly to the ground. He steps onto the small of Knox's back, driving all his weight down on it! SuMa lifts Knox up when he’s satisfied, gripping him by his hair as Knox twists away from the pain in his back.
SuMa goes for a right hand but Knox manages to rip from his grip, ducking the blow he leaps up and headbutts SuMa which seems to stun the big man! Knox steps back, and fires off a superkick that sends him stumbling..He leaps forth with a superman punch but SuMa catches him by the throat, lifting him and slamming him to the concrete with a sickening Chokeslam! Before Knox can even react SuMa grabs his hands and twists them upwards into a modified surfboard and in measured moves, puts his foot on the back of his head.
SUPREME MACHINE
And thus… the Raven fell..
He stomps down with all his might, the DEUS EX MACHINAE leaving Knox bloodied against the concrete. SuMa stares down at Knox’s still frame, he lets out a satisfied breath but his eyes suddenly snap down as Knox has had the TEMERITY to lift his head. With a guttural sound, SuMa turns and snatches one of the smaller crates filled with equipment and with a show of inhuman strength, HE LIFTS IT ABOVE HIS HEAD, TURNING BACK TO KNOX’S DOWNED FIGURE...
...ONLY TO BE NAILED IN THE FACE BY JC AND HIS BIG BOOT OF DEATH! SuMa falls backward, the crate crashing to the floor. JC leaps upon SuMa and the two big men begin trading hard blows! AMBER RYAN runs into the room, instantly going to check on the downed Knox! She yells out for EMTs who begin to flood in just as SuMa nails JC with a hard right hand that turns him around and careening into the cameraman!
As the camera stabilizes, we find JC has turned around to discover SUMA HAS DISAPPEARED! JC yells out obscenities before going to Knox’s side with Amber! Mac Bane has entered the fray as well, walking toward where SuMa was and looking like a man on the hunt as Matthew Knox continues to lay face down, bleeding on the cold concrete.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- GM'S OFFICE
TYSON DEUCE stands in the hallway outside the office door, staring at the frosted glass where the words GENERAL MANAGER are painted. His eyes shift to the left, fixing on the nameplate that reads JACKSON in bold letters. He looks conflicted, as though he doesn't want to be here even though he knows he has to take this step. Coming out to the ring was the first step and he can only hope that the boss was watching as he came out to even the odds and keep Samantha Tolson from getting murdered in a three-on-one situation.
He's never seen the inside of a wrestling promotor's office before, much less the office of anyone's after college. In a way, it feels like a return to that old life. Except this time instead of it being a mandatory visit, this one is by choice. He takes a deep breath, look at the door and knocks three times.
JACKSON
It's open.
Tyson opens the door the rest of the way and walks in, trying not to flinch under the stern, unrelenting gaze firing back at him as he takes a seat.
JACKSON
Mr. Deuce, nice to see you.
Tyson nods.
TYSON DEUCE
Likewise.
The General Manager leans forward, trying his best to calculate Tyson's expression.
JACKSON
I'm assuming this isn't a social call and you're not going to ask me to buy a boy of Girl Scout cookies for your daughter or something... so why don't we just cut to the chase, hmm?
Tyson pauses for a few seconds, trying to determine the best way to address his statement before beginning.
TYSON DEUCE
Well, I suppose I'd better just get to the point and ask...why wasn't I booked for the last two episodes?
The pause is awkward, almost deliberately so before Jackson clears his throat.
JACKSON
You want the honest answer? We were a bit light on scraps to throw around.
At the look Deuce gives him, the General Manager elaborates.
JACKSON
Scott Dunn, Mad Max and Jenson Idol asked for their release. Logan Lewis and Maddi Brooks were injured. SAW lost his ball and chose to go home like a bitch. There was a lot of shit going on, kid... and I didn't have anyone suitable to fill your dance card. Pretty sure you're aware how many hungry, determined wrestlers we've still got in that locker room, all drooling over the same opportunities as you.
TYSON DEUCE
Yeah...
A hint of concern begins to appear on Tyson's face as he continues onward.
TYSON DEUCE
So how am I supposed to stand out from the pack, then?
There's a ghost of a smile on Jackson's lips for a moment, fleeting at best.
JACKSON
Taking initiative's a start.
Jax shifts in his chair, leaning forward.
JACKSON
Listen, chief, I can tell you're still trying to suss out the differences between professional and amateur wrestling and let me tell you, it's not something you can pick up by reading a book. You need to get out there, be thrown to the wolves and find out if you're able to think on your feet. You've got to learn how to adapt, otherwise, this industry... and the rest of those assholes in the locker room'll pick you apart.
Tyson crosses his arms, almost defiant.
TYSON DEUCE
With all due respect, Mr. Jackson, I think I am ready for these opportunities. I proved it in my match with Hope Williams. I can prove it against other workers, too. I've seen some of the talent that you've brought in. People like Regan Voorhees, Chris Mosh, Matthew Knox... all those guys. If you give me the time and the place, I know I can take them down and pick up the win.
He remains stoic as Tyson presents his case, only tilting his head forward upon its conclusion.
JACKSON
You just namedropped three of the biggest names we've got... one of whom's being tended to by EMT's right now, thanks to his own suicidal tendencies. I'm not keen on losing more talent to injury right now; I'm sure that comes as no surprise. I know you feel ten feet tall and bulletproof after taking down Todd Williams' bimbo arm candy ten seconds before I fired her for being hopeless, but you need to trust me when I tell you-
TYSON DEUCE
No. You need to trust me when I tell you I'm ready. Give me a chance. I'll prove it.
Tyson stares at Jackson, expecting to get his ass kicked for the interruption. To his surprise, however, he notices that smile creeping back at the corners of the boss' lips.
JACKSON
You got guts, kid. I'll give you that. Either that or you're fucking stupid. Either way...
Tyson looked up, smiling in relief when he hears the boss chuckle. He begins to open his mouth, only to see Jackson's demeanor grow serious again.
JACKSON
I'm going to give you a chance at INFERNO. Against a former champion, no less.
Tyson stands up, nodding as he makes a quick beeline for the door, looking to get out before Jackson changes his mind.
TYSON DEUCE
Thank you, Mr. Jackson. You won't regret this.
JACKSON
That remains to be seen.
He says nothing further, opening up his laptop and pointedly ignoring the kid who's still lingering in the doorway. Realizing that his conversation has effectively been terminated, Tyson closes the door and walks away as the view returns back to ringside.
DON TIRRI vs SATIVA NEVAEH
The bell rings and Sativa charges right at Tirri, not intimidated in the least as she lays in the strikes, trying to overwhelm him with sheer speed and tenacity, but Tirri shoves her away, rearing back with his left fist and connecting with a solid European uppercut. Sativa doesn't falter, so Tirri smashes her in the face with an elbow strike and as she staggers back into the corner, he spins her around – KNOW YOUR PLACE (corner facewash)! Sativa nails a back elbow and Tirri backs off, giving her space and it proves to be a mistake as she catches him with a stiff knick to the midsection. Before Don Tirri can even double over, he's down from a belly to back release suplex. Not wasting a moment's time, Sativa lays the boots to the former contender but Tirri rolls asides and lurches to his feet, trying to shake off the damage. Sativa goes for a fast clothesline but Tirri ducks and reverses that with a single-arm DDT. Tirri waits for Sativa to regain his footing, making a huge show of backing off. Sativa gets up a little slower this time and right into THE BOOT! Sativa goes down hard, busted open above her eye and the moment Tirri drops down for the cover, she gets a knee up between his legs and rolls him over, looking for a crossface chickenwing – ROPE BREAK! Tirri rolls over, reversing the trap and dropping a few stiff strikes to the face before the referee warns him off.
Tirri stomps on Sativa's shoulders, driving her down before slamming his knees into her throat. Out of the blue Sativa manages to grab Tirri's leg as he tries to rise, pulling him down into a sloppy backslide.
ONE!
TW-
Tirri kicks out with authority and then his fist slams into the back of Sativa's head – SHE'S STUNNED AND HE GOES FOR THE CHOKEOUT! SATIVA RESISTS AND TIRRI SMASHES HIS FOREHEAD INTO THE BACK OF HER SKULL! SATIVA GOES LIMP AND TIRRI BREAKS THE HOLD, DECIDING TO INFLICT MORE DAMAGE INSTEAD! It's a huge mistake as the moment he flips Sativa over, she kicks him in the face and kips up to her feet! Tirri staggers back and Sativa launches herself from the middle rope. Tirri seems a bit dazed as he goes for THE BOOT! It misses and Sativa catches his head – GOT 'EM (RKO) REVERSAL! TIRRI'S DOWN AND SATIVA GOES TO THE TOP ROPE! SONIC SCREWDRIVER (corkscrew senton) AND SHE HOOKS THE LEG DEEP!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): SATIVA NEVAEH
He's never seen the inside of a wrestling promotor's office before, much less the office of anyone's after college. In a way, it feels like a return to that old life. Except this time instead of it being a mandatory visit, this one is by choice. He takes a deep breath, look at the door and knocks three times.
JACKSON
It's open.
Tyson opens the door the rest of the way and walks in, trying not to flinch under the stern, unrelenting gaze firing back at him as he takes a seat.
JACKSON
Mr. Deuce, nice to see you.
Tyson nods.
TYSON DEUCE
Likewise.
The General Manager leans forward, trying his best to calculate Tyson's expression.
JACKSON
I'm assuming this isn't a social call and you're not going to ask me to buy a boy of Girl Scout cookies for your daughter or something... so why don't we just cut to the chase, hmm?
Tyson pauses for a few seconds, trying to determine the best way to address his statement before beginning.
TYSON DEUCE
Well, I suppose I'd better just get to the point and ask...why wasn't I booked for the last two episodes?
The pause is awkward, almost deliberately so before Jackson clears his throat.
JACKSON
You want the honest answer? We were a bit light on scraps to throw around.
At the look Deuce gives him, the General Manager elaborates.
JACKSON
Scott Dunn, Mad Max and Jenson Idol asked for their release. Logan Lewis and Maddi Brooks were injured. SAW lost his ball and chose to go home like a bitch. There was a lot of shit going on, kid... and I didn't have anyone suitable to fill your dance card. Pretty sure you're aware how many hungry, determined wrestlers we've still got in that locker room, all drooling over the same opportunities as you.
TYSON DEUCE
Yeah...
A hint of concern begins to appear on Tyson's face as he continues onward.
TYSON DEUCE
So how am I supposed to stand out from the pack, then?
There's a ghost of a smile on Jackson's lips for a moment, fleeting at best.
JACKSON
Taking initiative's a start.
Jax shifts in his chair, leaning forward.
JACKSON
Listen, chief, I can tell you're still trying to suss out the differences between professional and amateur wrestling and let me tell you, it's not something you can pick up by reading a book. You need to get out there, be thrown to the wolves and find out if you're able to think on your feet. You've got to learn how to adapt, otherwise, this industry... and the rest of those assholes in the locker room'll pick you apart.
Tyson crosses his arms, almost defiant.
TYSON DEUCE
With all due respect, Mr. Jackson, I think I am ready for these opportunities. I proved it in my match with Hope Williams. I can prove it against other workers, too. I've seen some of the talent that you've brought in. People like Regan Voorhees, Chris Mosh, Matthew Knox... all those guys. If you give me the time and the place, I know I can take them down and pick up the win.
He remains stoic as Tyson presents his case, only tilting his head forward upon its conclusion.
JACKSON
You just namedropped three of the biggest names we've got... one of whom's being tended to by EMT's right now, thanks to his own suicidal tendencies. I'm not keen on losing more talent to injury right now; I'm sure that comes as no surprise. I know you feel ten feet tall and bulletproof after taking down Todd Williams' bimbo arm candy ten seconds before I fired her for being hopeless, but you need to trust me when I tell you-
TYSON DEUCE
No. You need to trust me when I tell you I'm ready. Give me a chance. I'll prove it.
Tyson stares at Jackson, expecting to get his ass kicked for the interruption. To his surprise, however, he notices that smile creeping back at the corners of the boss' lips.
JACKSON
You got guts, kid. I'll give you that. Either that or you're fucking stupid. Either way...
Tyson looked up, smiling in relief when he hears the boss chuckle. He begins to open his mouth, only to see Jackson's demeanor grow serious again.
JACKSON
I'm going to give you a chance at INFERNO. Against a former champion, no less.
Tyson stands up, nodding as he makes a quick beeline for the door, looking to get out before Jackson changes his mind.
TYSON DEUCE
Thank you, Mr. Jackson. You won't regret this.
JACKSON
That remains to be seen.
He says nothing further, opening up his laptop and pointedly ignoring the kid who's still lingering in the doorway. Realizing that his conversation has effectively been terminated, Tyson closes the door and walks away as the view returns back to ringside.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
DON TIRRI vs SATIVA NEVAEH
The bell rings and Sativa charges right at Tirri, not intimidated in the least as she lays in the strikes, trying to overwhelm him with sheer speed and tenacity, but Tirri shoves her away, rearing back with his left fist and connecting with a solid European uppercut. Sativa doesn't falter, so Tirri smashes her in the face with an elbow strike and as she staggers back into the corner, he spins her around – KNOW YOUR PLACE (corner facewash)! Sativa nails a back elbow and Tirri backs off, giving her space and it proves to be a mistake as she catches him with a stiff knick to the midsection. Before Don Tirri can even double over, he's down from a belly to back release suplex. Not wasting a moment's time, Sativa lays the boots to the former contender but Tirri rolls asides and lurches to his feet, trying to shake off the damage. Sativa goes for a fast clothesline but Tirri ducks and reverses that with a single-arm DDT. Tirri waits for Sativa to regain his footing, making a huge show of backing off. Sativa gets up a little slower this time and right into THE BOOT! Sativa goes down hard, busted open above her eye and the moment Tirri drops down for the cover, she gets a knee up between his legs and rolls him over, looking for a crossface chickenwing – ROPE BREAK! Tirri rolls over, reversing the trap and dropping a few stiff strikes to the face before the referee warns him off.
Tirri stomps on Sativa's shoulders, driving her down before slamming his knees into her throat. Out of the blue Sativa manages to grab Tirri's leg as he tries to rise, pulling him down into a sloppy backslide.
ONE!
TW-
Tirri kicks out with authority and then his fist slams into the back of Sativa's head – SHE'S STUNNED AND HE GOES FOR THE CHOKEOUT! SATIVA RESISTS AND TIRRI SMASHES HIS FOREHEAD INTO THE BACK OF HER SKULL! SATIVA GOES LIMP AND TIRRI BREAKS THE HOLD, DECIDING TO INFLICT MORE DAMAGE INSTEAD! It's a huge mistake as the moment he flips Sativa over, she kicks him in the face and kips up to her feet! Tirri staggers back and Sativa launches herself from the middle rope. Tirri seems a bit dazed as he goes for THE BOOT! It misses and Sativa catches his head – GOT 'EM (RKO) REVERSAL! TIRRI'S DOWN AND SATIVA GOES TO THE TOP ROPE! SONIC SCREWDRIVER (corkscrew senton) AND SHE HOOKS THE LEG DEEP!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): SATIVA NEVAEH
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- PARKING LOT
An ambulance with lights flashing and sirens blaring pulls out of the parking lot. A stunned and stricken-looking GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX stands there, watching as it disappears from view before turning to the camera.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Matthew Knox... is on his way to the hospital after the horrible and senseless attack he suffered just moments ago the hands of the Supreme Machine backstage. The General Manager has told me that as a result of the escalating violence, SuMa and his manager, Jennifer Rivers will be barred from the building for the INFERNO Supershow on April 3rd.
She pauses to let that information sink in, her gaze shifting to the security personnel who are waiting near the door.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Unfortunately, as a result of his injuries, Matt Knox will be unable to compete in his semi-final tag team match tonight, meaning that his team will have to forfeit and The Busch-
??
WAIT A SECOND!
Both Gretchen and the camera turn towards the door where a breathless INTERN STEVE bursts through the gaggle of security, waving what looks like an envelope. He runs over to the interviewer, red-faced and panting as he shoves it into her hands.
INTERN STEVE
I... Regan... j-just...
He holds up a finger, trying to catch his breath as Gretchen looks down at the glossy parchment paper in her hand, staring at the red wax seal holding the flap closed. On the front of it, in perfect calligraphy are scrawled the words CONTINGENCY PLAN.
INTERN STEVE
Regan gave that to me last Revolution. For safe-keeping. Just in case something happened. My instructions were to deliver it if... uhm... something happened? So. That's what I'm doing. Because... something happened. Okay?
Gretchen stares at him for a few moments, until it grows uncomfortable and then she sighs, shaking her head and opening the envelope to pull out the slip of paper inside.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
(reading off the paper)
I, Regan Voorhees, being of sound mind and perfect body, do hereby decree that if anything untoward and/or unforeseen is to happen to my partner, one Matthew Aloysius Knox, his place in Swine Flew is to be immediately and heretofore filled by the only person on the roster worthy of such a noble position.
She looks up at Steve in confusion.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Okay. That's... something, I guess? But she doesn't say who that person is. How do we even know they're in the building tonight, ready to compete?
INTERN STEVE
Oh, they're here. She'd never leave something as important as this up to chance.
The blonde shrugs.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Well, I guess the Busch Brothers will still have a match tonight after all. I'd better go let Jackson know about this change.
She turns back towards the casino, leaving Steve to stare at the camera for a few seconds.
INTERN STEVE
Uh... hey, what's that?!
When the camera turns, he bolts from view, leaving the feed to cut away to another advertising segment for SplatTV content.
_____________________________________________
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Matthew Knox... is on his way to the hospital after the horrible and senseless attack he suffered just moments ago the hands of the Supreme Machine backstage. The General Manager has told me that as a result of the escalating violence, SuMa and his manager, Jennifer Rivers will be barred from the building for the INFERNO Supershow on April 3rd.
She pauses to let that information sink in, her gaze shifting to the security personnel who are waiting near the door.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Unfortunately, as a result of his injuries, Matt Knox will be unable to compete in his semi-final tag team match tonight, meaning that his team will have to forfeit and The Busch-
??
WAIT A SECOND!
Both Gretchen and the camera turn towards the door where a breathless INTERN STEVE bursts through the gaggle of security, waving what looks like an envelope. He runs over to the interviewer, red-faced and panting as he shoves it into her hands.
INTERN STEVE
I... Regan... j-just...
He holds up a finger, trying to catch his breath as Gretchen looks down at the glossy parchment paper in her hand, staring at the red wax seal holding the flap closed. On the front of it, in perfect calligraphy are scrawled the words CONTINGENCY PLAN.
INTERN STEVE
Regan gave that to me last Revolution. For safe-keeping. Just in case something happened. My instructions were to deliver it if... uhm... something happened? So. That's what I'm doing. Because... something happened. Okay?
Gretchen stares at him for a few moments, until it grows uncomfortable and then she sighs, shaking her head and opening the envelope to pull out the slip of paper inside.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
(reading off the paper)
I, Regan Voorhees, being of sound mind and perfect body, do hereby decree that if anything untoward and/or unforeseen is to happen to my partner, one Matthew Aloysius Knox, his place in Swine Flew is to be immediately and heretofore filled by the only person on the roster worthy of such a noble position.
She looks up at Steve in confusion.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Okay. That's... something, I guess? But she doesn't say who that person is. How do we even know they're in the building tonight, ready to compete?
INTERN STEVE
Oh, they're here. She'd never leave something as important as this up to chance.
The blonde shrugs.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Well, I guess the Busch Brothers will still have a match tonight after all. I'd better go let Jackson know about this change.
She turns back towards the casino, leaving Steve to stare at the camera for a few seconds.
INTERN STEVE
Uh... hey, what's that?!
When the camera turns, he bolts from view, leaving the feed to cut away to another advertising segment for SplatTV content.
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CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- LOCKER ROOM
The view opens up on the three Brothers Busch who are seated in a circle. They are quiet, but you can see from the movements of their hands that they are playing Rock-Paper-Scissors, probably to determine which two of the three take on the match later tonight against Knox and Voorhees, team Puke Green or Swine Flew as they want to be known. Of the three, Loverboy notices the camera and mutters something under his breath, causing the three brothers to stop and all of them to turn to the camera. It is Loverboy who speaks up first.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
Owww, good evening, Reno! Seems like the good folks have found us! If this was Loverboy here alone, you’d be walking through smoke and navigating on the sounds of love but since it's all three of us, this is what we've been doin'!
Loverboy gives a toothy smile and continues.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
But it ain’t all fun and games here tonight, the three Buschketeers are here to WRASSLE! An' oooh mama what a match we got ahead of ourselves! We got Matthew Knox, the man who loves to get others angry and Regan Voorhees, the lady who creeps out everyone. Well not Loverboy because he knows love comes in all shapes an' sizes. And boy howdy can THEY wrassle! It's gonna be one intense bout that we brothers have ahead of ourselves! But there ain't no stoppin this love train, there is gold in the distance and we ain't gonna give up 'til it's ours!
The mention of gold makes Tiny perk up and he interjects.
TINY TIM BUSCH
Socksworth says that winning championships is the main reason people wrassle. I don’t agree fully but it would be nice to have a big belt to carry around. I want to be the hero of UPRISING and having that belt means all the bad guys would be coming for me instead of me having to go for them. Socksworth says that being a champion is hard work, though. But I’m not afraid of that! I’ve watched wrasslin on TV ever since I was a little kid and I know that everybody looks up to the champions… Even after they have left they are still remembered. I want to be the best wrassler out there and winning that belt is the fastest way of getting there. So even though I like the pretty lady and her cute pigs... I won’t hold back. Socksworth says that I sometimes have to wrassle people I like and I’m okay with it.
This causes Big Sam to groan in exasperation and he steps in.
BIG SAM BUSCH
Bottom line is you fuckers, no matter which of us three you’re gonna be wrasslin', your little upperclass get-together is gonna end right here tonight. We brothers are gonna be going to INFERNO an' wrassle for the Tag Team Championships. And there ain’t jack shit you guys are gonna be able to do about it. Especially you, Knox. Way to get yourself eliminated, you loudmouth cunt. Thinkin' ya can go around pissin' off everyone you don't like an' it won't come back to bite ya right on the ass? Serves you right, you dumb motherfucker. The masked freak gets the last laugh an' you can watch while we run roughshod over that dainty little dahlia to get ourselves into the finals, no matter who she digs up from the back as your replacement. The Supreme Machine isn't Swine Flew's worst nightmare tonight. I am. So bring it, both of ya fuckers. Ain't no stoppin' this truck. Honk Honk motherfuckers. Because Brothers Busch are back in town. One for All.
The three brothers all throw their hands together in a circle and shout in unison.
BROTHERS BUSCH
AND ALL FOR ONE!
With all three throwing their trademark poses to the camera, we head back to ringside to await the arrival of Regan's new partner.
TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT SEMI FINALS
REGAN VOORHEES & KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR vs THE BROTHERS BUSCH
The instrumental of "Princess Of The Universe" is still blasting over the speakers while Big Sam Busch and Loverboy Busch confer in their corner. Kalinda and Regan break off from their last-minute strategy session to start lecturing poor Steve about post-match celebratory dining and the reservations required therein. Losing patience with both his brother and the pseudo debutants, Big Sam charges Kalinda and Regan, bashing Kalinda in the back of the head and knocking her into Regan who falls off the apron AND IS CAUGHT BY STEVE! Steve however falls on his ass, which earns him an unimpressed, almost pitying look from Regan on the outside.
In the ring, Sam Busch whips Kalinda into the ropes and catches her in the midsection with a big knee as she rebounds! He then nails her with a fist drop before locking in a rear naked choke. Kalinda tries to spit...WAS THAT FIRE? NO PROBABLY MIST at Sam Busch but he manages to tuck his face down behind her head, evading it. He does break the choke though, paying Kalinda a disrespectful kick to the back of the head before going and tagging Loverboy in. Together, they lift Kalinda and nail her with a double flapjack! Loverboy goes to cover!
ONE!
TWO!
Kalinda kicks out! Loverboy gets up, pulling Kalinda with him but she sweeps his legs out from under him! She then rolls to her corner, tagging in Regan Vorhees! Loverboy stands up and and instantly does his best Zoolander Blue Steel look as he lays eyes on Regan! The duchess smiles sweetly, and begins approaching Loverboy who has taken to outlining Regan’s curves with his hands. As she nears he reaches out to embrace her and Regan makes him pay with a hard chop to the Adam’s apple. She then steps back and launches a hard superkick into the crown of the Busch Brother’s head!
She nails Loverboy in the back of the head with a stiff knee before following through and nailing Sam Busch in the face with a hard forearm shot that almost knocks him off the apron, but Tiny Tim is there to restore his balance! Sam kicks him in the face for touching his ass to do so, before turning around and yelling at Loverboy who has just been dropped with a DDT by Regan! She goes for the pin and the win!
ONE!
Sam Busch has broken the count up. He lifts Regan and kicks her in the stomach, before lifting her and running her to her corner, launching her into the ring post with a buckle bomb! He cusses at Kalinda before dragging his brother to his own corner, stepping out, and tagging himself in as Kalinda tags herself in as well. Regan looks to be out cold as Steve looks awestruck! Kalinda and Sam begin to brawl in the ring! Kalinda whips Sam into the ropes but he ducks, rebounding and taking Kalinda down with a hard clothesline! Sam pulls Kalinda up, signaling for the end he nails her with the END OF THE ROAD! The pulling piledriver! Sam gets up, backing into the corner he shimmies up to the second rope, signals at Kalinda before leaping and nailing her with THE TRUCK STOP ELBOW! HE GOES FOR THE PIN!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): THE BROTHERS BUSCH
LOVERBOY BUSCH
Owww, good evening, Reno! Seems like the good folks have found us! If this was Loverboy here alone, you’d be walking through smoke and navigating on the sounds of love but since it's all three of us, this is what we've been doin'!
Loverboy gives a toothy smile and continues.
LOVERBOY BUSCH
But it ain’t all fun and games here tonight, the three Buschketeers are here to WRASSLE! An' oooh mama what a match we got ahead of ourselves! We got Matthew Knox, the man who loves to get others angry and Regan Voorhees, the lady who creeps out everyone. Well not Loverboy because he knows love comes in all shapes an' sizes. And boy howdy can THEY wrassle! It's gonna be one intense bout that we brothers have ahead of ourselves! But there ain't no stoppin this love train, there is gold in the distance and we ain't gonna give up 'til it's ours!
The mention of gold makes Tiny perk up and he interjects.
TINY TIM BUSCH
Socksworth says that winning championships is the main reason people wrassle. I don’t agree fully but it would be nice to have a big belt to carry around. I want to be the hero of UPRISING and having that belt means all the bad guys would be coming for me instead of me having to go for them. Socksworth says that being a champion is hard work, though. But I’m not afraid of that! I’ve watched wrasslin on TV ever since I was a little kid and I know that everybody looks up to the champions… Even after they have left they are still remembered. I want to be the best wrassler out there and winning that belt is the fastest way of getting there. So even though I like the pretty lady and her cute pigs... I won’t hold back. Socksworth says that I sometimes have to wrassle people I like and I’m okay with it.
This causes Big Sam to groan in exasperation and he steps in.
BIG SAM BUSCH
Bottom line is you fuckers, no matter which of us three you’re gonna be wrasslin', your little upperclass get-together is gonna end right here tonight. We brothers are gonna be going to INFERNO an' wrassle for the Tag Team Championships. And there ain’t jack shit you guys are gonna be able to do about it. Especially you, Knox. Way to get yourself eliminated, you loudmouth cunt. Thinkin' ya can go around pissin' off everyone you don't like an' it won't come back to bite ya right on the ass? Serves you right, you dumb motherfucker. The masked freak gets the last laugh an' you can watch while we run roughshod over that dainty little dahlia to get ourselves into the finals, no matter who she digs up from the back as your replacement. The Supreme Machine isn't Swine Flew's worst nightmare tonight. I am. So bring it, both of ya fuckers. Ain't no stoppin' this truck. Honk Honk motherfuckers. Because Brothers Busch are back in town. One for All.
The three brothers all throw their hands together in a circle and shout in unison.
BROTHERS BUSCH
AND ALL FOR ONE!
With all three throwing their trademark poses to the camera, we head back to ringside to await the arrival of Regan's new partner.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT SEMI FINALS
REGAN VOORHEES & KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR vs THE BROTHERS BUSCH
The instrumental of "Princess Of The Universe" is still blasting over the speakers while Big Sam Busch and Loverboy Busch confer in their corner. Kalinda and Regan break off from their last-minute strategy session to start lecturing poor Steve about post-match celebratory dining and the reservations required therein. Losing patience with both his brother and the pseudo debutants, Big Sam charges Kalinda and Regan, bashing Kalinda in the back of the head and knocking her into Regan who falls off the apron AND IS CAUGHT BY STEVE! Steve however falls on his ass, which earns him an unimpressed, almost pitying look from Regan on the outside.
In the ring, Sam Busch whips Kalinda into the ropes and catches her in the midsection with a big knee as she rebounds! He then nails her with a fist drop before locking in a rear naked choke. Kalinda tries to spit...WAS THAT FIRE? NO PROBABLY MIST at Sam Busch but he manages to tuck his face down behind her head, evading it. He does break the choke though, paying Kalinda a disrespectful kick to the back of the head before going and tagging Loverboy in. Together, they lift Kalinda and nail her with a double flapjack! Loverboy goes to cover!
ONE!
TWO!
Kalinda kicks out! Loverboy gets up, pulling Kalinda with him but she sweeps his legs out from under him! She then rolls to her corner, tagging in Regan Vorhees! Loverboy stands up and and instantly does his best Zoolander Blue Steel look as he lays eyes on Regan! The duchess smiles sweetly, and begins approaching Loverboy who has taken to outlining Regan’s curves with his hands. As she nears he reaches out to embrace her and Regan makes him pay with a hard chop to the Adam’s apple. She then steps back and launches a hard superkick into the crown of the Busch Brother’s head!
She nails Loverboy in the back of the head with a stiff knee before following through and nailing Sam Busch in the face with a hard forearm shot that almost knocks him off the apron, but Tiny Tim is there to restore his balance! Sam kicks him in the face for touching his ass to do so, before turning around and yelling at Loverboy who has just been dropped with a DDT by Regan! She goes for the pin and the win!
ONE!
Sam Busch has broken the count up. He lifts Regan and kicks her in the stomach, before lifting her and running her to her corner, launching her into the ring post with a buckle bomb! He cusses at Kalinda before dragging his brother to his own corner, stepping out, and tagging himself in as Kalinda tags herself in as well. Regan looks to be out cold as Steve looks awestruck! Kalinda and Sam begin to brawl in the ring! Kalinda whips Sam into the ropes but he ducks, rebounding and taking Kalinda down with a hard clothesline! Sam pulls Kalinda up, signaling for the end he nails her with the END OF THE ROAD! The pulling piledriver! Sam gets up, backing into the corner he shimmies up to the second rope, signals at Kalinda before leaping and nailing her with THE TRUCK STOP ELBOW! HE GOES FOR THE PIN!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): THE BROTHERS BUSCH
CUT TO:
EXT. SOMEWHERE IN RENO
JAMIE EMMERSON
We open up into a room lit by candles. In the middle of the room, eerily standing there in the flickering candlelight, are the Daughters of Darkness. Lana and Jamie are in their typical, everyday street clothes. A small table covered with candles, an open book and a small knife stands slightly behind the pair.
LANA CORVIN
I think a little explanation is in order. You see, Little Sister and I are more than a great second-generation wrestler and proven prodigy. We are also practicing witches. Yes, that is still a thing. I know you are probably sitting there saying we don’t LOOK Like witches. What, are you expecting us to look more like this?
Lana lifts her hands and waves them back and from in front of her. There is a red glow coming from her hands as they moved. The motion causes their attire to change. Both are slowly adorned in stereotypical witch attire. Big pointy hat and long flowing robes.
LANA CORVIN
This more what you are expecting? I know at least one person out there who is. But you see, that’s the problem. People get an idea in their head and they think that’s how things are. They can’t accept that things might not be what they think. Like people look at Little Sister and I see two young girls and assume we have no idea what we are doing. That we’ll be pushovers.
Jamie suddenly perks, bringing a finger up and turning her head a little to address Lana. It’s not much of a change in her demeanor but she seems to really wanna say something in her own way.
JAMIE EMMERSON
Ooh. There’s a track record with people that think that. Something they have in common.
She pauses, just slightly rocking side to side as if she’s giving time for viewers, maybe even Lana as well, to guess the answer. Finally, Jamie gives the faintest smile.
JAMIE EMMERSON
We always prove them wrong….
She smirks and tips the brim of her stereotypical witch hat at the camera. There’s a tiny giggle and a shrug of her shoulders. Lana grins and nods.
LANA CORVIN
You got a point there, Little Sister. You know, I never was one for this stereotypical attire.
Lana waves her hand and their clothes switch back to their street clothes.
LANA CORVIN
There, that’s better. Now, that was just a general statement for everyone. I have been assured from a very reliable source that at least one of our opponents will have some foreknowledge of us. That she will do her due diligence and be prepared. That’s good. Something most people today don’t know how to do.
JAMIE EMMERSON
Is it the one who said our name was unoriginal? Said she who’s part of a team called "OBLIVION".
Jamie makes quotation marks with the word Oblivion then wiggles her fingers at the camera with an "ooh, I’m so scared" look on her face. Then, her face drops with her hands. Well, one hand does. Her left hand stays up long enough for her to snap in her fingers and in another puff of that red energy, a visage of a hand throwing the middle finger appears for a few seconds before dissipating. Jamie’s eyes go wide with excitement, though as she nudges Lana and whispers....
JAMIE EMMERSON
Hey! I did it!
Lana smiled and she leans into Jamie slightly.
LANA CORVIN
I knew you could, little sister.
Lana’s demeanor changes in the blink of an eye. The smile she gave to her girlfriend and tag partner vanished. It was replaced with that arrogant Corvin smirk.
LANA CORVIN
Oh yes, Oblivion. Quite the original name you two have there. Typical of a pair of people going through their mid-life crisis together. You gotta stay cool and edgy. Can’t let on that you are getting older or people won’t want to watch you hobble around the ring. What better way than you give yourselves a name that I would have come up with a few years ago when I was an angsty teenager.
Lana gives a thumbs-up along with a mocking nod and smile.
LANA CORVIN
Sad that a team that is old enough, barely, to be our parents have to try and come up with a name that would appeal to edgy teenagers and the neckbeards of Reddit. But hey, at least you thought about the name right? Had to pick something JUST RIGHT to get the kids to jump on your hype train. Oblivion. You two sound like wanna be Thanos rejects. I’m sure you both saw End Game. Who was the one that was about to destroy Thanos until he had to call in an orbital strike, killing his own men? Hmmm?
Lana raises her hands up, waiting for an answer.
LANA CORVIN
Wanda Maximoff. The Scarlet WITCH. What are Little Sister and I? Witches. Do you two follow the logic? Or should I spell it out for you? I know wrestlers of your age tend to have bad memories. All those shots, and belt buckles, to the head. You see, Little Sister and I came up with our name easily. We are both witches, though Little Sister is newer. Most people, and society as a whole really, still consider witchcraft a dark and evil practice. We are both daughters, in our respective families and our faith. A faith that is considered dark. Hell, my father, and now brother, call themselves the King of Darkness. The Daughters of Darkness was a simple and fitting choice. Far better than Oblivion.
Lana rolls her eyes and shakes her head. As she starts getting more worked up, Jamie sits beside her, visibly getting a little excited. She gets an odd sense of joy out of watching Lana start going in on people.
LANA CORVIN
Though as I have thought about it, Oblivion is a fitting name for you two. Two who think they are the end all be all. The greatest things in the sport. Yet you don’t see what is happening around you. You are unaware of the changes that are going on. You are the old guard. The fading dynasty. You do not see the rising stars. The next generation. You blindly hold on to your failing talent because you know without that your lives have nothing. You are too stubborn, or stupid, to know when it’s time to give it up. Knowing when you quit is key to your longevity.
As Lana speaks, her clothing slowly changes. Gone are her street clothes and she stands there now in a gown of the darkest black imaginable, with an equally dark crown sitting on her head. Jamie’s, too, transforms; changing to a black Victorian-era gown with her signature crown of thorns and black roses to top it off.
LANA CORVIN
My Father knew that. He instilled it in me from the start. You can’t wrestle forever. Make your name quick and large. Build your name and live off of the legacy you create for yourself. One of you is beyond the point of intelligent leaving and the other is closing in on it. I doubt you’d take the advice of a barely adult girl. You two seem far too proud for that. But that is the downfall of blind arrogance. We might not be the ones to end your careers. But we will be PART of that. When that time comes, remember it will be your own fault. No matter who you want to blame. But until then, you face us tonight. Tonight you get eliminated and your hopes and dreams for gold in Uprising shatters. All that will be left is...
Lana holds a hand out to Jamie who takes it and stands next to her. Their clothing changes once again. This time they are in the ring gear. Ready for the match tonight.
LANA & JAMIE
Darkness.
The pair grins wickedly as the scene fades right back to ringside.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT SEMI FINALS
OBLIVION vs DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS
Mac starts for Oblivion, him and Amber sharing some last minute words until suddenly he turns and both the Daughters of Darkness fly into him with a shoulder tackle! Neil Rana instantly cuts Amber Ryan off as she tries to get in the ring in an attempt to keep some semblance of control in the match. Amber only loses her shit further as the DoD stomp a mudhole in Mac Bane while she argues with Rana, pleading for him to turn the fuck around. Eventually Amber calms down and Rana is able to turn and back Lana to her corner and out on the apron. Jamie has focused her attack on Mac Bane’s left arm, paying it a series of vicious stomps until he is able to get to one knee and shove the smaller competitor away. Jamie charges back in, evading a clothesline and nailing Mac with a sling blade that sends him flying to her corner. She tags Lana in and the two once again take to stomping a mudhole in Mac Bane. Lana pulls Mac up by his left arm, and Jamie delivers a stiff kick right in the elbow! Mac staggers back and Lana comes at him like a house on fire, delivering a flurry of strikes before shoving him back into the corner. Lana springboards off the second rope and nails a stiff kick to the solar plexus, driving the wind from Mac's lungs, and then as he's falling, catches him with an armbar! It's simple but effective with the damage done for a moment it looks like he might actually tap out – HERE COMES AMBER RYAN WITH THE SAVE AND A FLYING FISTDROP ON TOP OF LANA.
Mac stumbles away cradling his arm, trying to create some distance between himself and his opponents but Lana stays on him as Rana forces Amber back out of the ring, taking the big man down with a chop block. She goes to run and rebound off the ropes, going for a shining Wizard but MAC CATCHES HER AND EVEN THOUGH IT'S SHAKY, HE NAILS A POWERBOMB! Rather than make the pin, he dives into the corner, cradling his damaged arm close as he tags in Amber Ryan who leaps over the top rope, charging the opposite corner and nailing Jamie with a pump kick that knocks her off the apron!
Amber turns to find Lana on the move and she takes the Hurricane Painted Red down with a spear! She hurries to the top rope, taunting Amber to get up as soon as she’s perched. When she does so, Lana leaps at her going for WRATH OF THE GODDESS – HOLY SHIT NO! SOMEHOW, SOME WAY, AMBER REVERSES IT! LANA EATS ANOTHER POWERBOMB! Amber Ryan isn't done yet though as she lifts Lana to her feet, kicking her in the gut and hooking both arms – ORIGINAL SIN! LANA'S HEAD SPIKES INTO THE MAT! Amber Ryan rolls her over, going for a cover without even hooking the leg!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): OBLIVION
Jamie dives through the ropes but it's too late to make the save as Rana signals for the bell. Amber Ryan rolls over on her back and then as though she notices Jamie, gets back up to her feet. The two stare each other down for a moment before Amber turns and holds out a hand to Lana, helping her to her feet. Words are exchanged between the two that's lost in the roar of the crowd and the music blasting over the speakers but Lana nods and steps back, going over to embrace Jamie. Amber rolls out of the ring, joining Mac Bane at ringside and the last view is of the two couples staring each other down, making it clear that this match has settled nothing where they're concerned. Oblivion may be going on to the finals, but The Daughters have an opportunity to become the number one contenders at INFERNO, after all.
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© UPRISING 2021
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QUICKIE RESULTS:
RUBY STEELE vs LOLLIPOP (NO CONTEST)
LAST OF THE VALKYRIES vs THE RING CREW
IGNIS vs GASTON GILLET
KENDRICK KROSS & MICHAEL MAROU vs SAMANTHA TOLSON & CHRIS MOSH (NO CONTEST)
DON TIRRI vs SATIVA NEVAEH
REGAN VOORHEES & KALINDA KRIEGSDOTTIR vs THE BROTHERS BUSCH
OBLIVION vs DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS