Post by Admin on Jul 6, 2021 20:06:01 GMT -5
LIVE FROM THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM at the historic ELDORADO CASINO in RENO, NV JULY 10, 2021 |
INT. SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- RINGSIDE
'VIP' by Manic Drive Ft. Manwell begins to play through the Silver State Ballroom and the crowd begins to boo as CHRIS MOSH emerges at the entrance way. He stands there for a moment, confident as he soaks in the negative reaction before he's joined by all three members of THE SOCIALITES. All four of them are in high-priced street clothes, looking like they'd be better suited to a Paris runway than a wrestling show. They make a point of heading down the ramp to a break in the barrier where there's an ornate velvet rope set up and a giant mountain of a man in a black tuxedo. As the quartet arrive, he unclips the barrier and ushers them through and the camera follows, showing the action on the big screen so everyone can watch as they head up some stairs to a doorway. There's another security guard here, standing next to a door that's labelled as the VIP ROOM. The security guard opens the door and steps aside. Chris lets The Socialites walk into the private booth that overlooks the stage first and then he follows. There is a view of the entire Silver State Ballroom from the VIP Room, clearly the best seats in the house. Chris calls for their personal waitress to pour some champagne for them as The Socialites each take a seat, looking down on the Silver State Ballroom as the show cuts away to the opening video package.CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
TOTAL ANARCHY MATCH
SUICIDA vs RUBY STEELE
Both women surge forward, right into a test of strength lock up. Ruby finds herself on the losing end, slowly being pressed backwards with Suicida’s leg placed behind Ruby’s as leverage. Ruby makes the complete bridge back as her head touches the mat. Suicida tries to flatten her but before she can, Ruby falls back and pops up her legs, hoisting Suicida into the sky. With a roll back and forth Ruby uses the momentum to push them both back to their feet in the original position. Steele twirls the captured hands and gets the leverage advantage pressuring Suicida to her knees but Suicida rolls back, kicks out one of the hand locks, rolling to the side and popping back to her feet. Ruby is now held firmly in an arm wrench. Ruby pats her shoulder getting three elbows brought down roughly wearing out the arm. Not to be out done Steele rolls forward on the ground, followed by a half a nip up, returning to her back, and half nip up again. Several times she does this taunting Suicida before finally nipping all the way out. Suicida gets her a knee to gut followed by ruthless double arm DDT. She goes for a cover.
ONE!
TWO!
Ruby kicks out and Suicida slaps the taste out of her mouth before jumping up and springing to the top rope. She launches with a picture Asai Moonsault and sparks shoot from the overhead spotlights, making the lights flicker and dim before coming back on full. Steele staggers up and right into a spinning heel kick. Following up, Suicida sticks her head in under Steele’s arm and lifts in a back drop suplex but spins her around into a vicious cutter instead! Suicida signals she has grown tired of Steele and finishes her off with the Tratamiento de Choque after nailing a Tapa De Meurte! She lays back over to pin.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA SUBMISSION): SUICIDA
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- BACKSTAGE
We open up to a view of the gorilla position with a very familiar, yet eccentric trio pacing back and forth waiting for their cue. It is none other than LOVERBOY, BIG SAM and TINY TIM, THE BROTHERS BUSCH. Loverboy spots the cameraman and rushes over to it, with a huge shit-eating grin on his face.
LOVERBOY
OWWWWW, good evening Reno! It’s your favorite trio, your main entertainment source! The boys who rock your toys! The Brothers Busch and weeeee’re BAAACK!
He throws a cheesy thumbs-up before starting to talk a million miles a minute.
LOVERBOY
It’s been a hot minute since we graced the hallowed halls of the Silver State Ballroom! But don’tcha worry, ladies, Loverboy’s been keepin' an eye on things. And boy howdy are things about to get hot in here! So much stuff has been goin' on that the Brothers Busch have been struggling to make note of it all, but no matter, the only thing we need to know is that the Trios-tournament is still runnin', an' we’re still waiting to find out who gets the honor of losin' to us! Next Revolution, The Cowgirls will be taking on the winner of tonight's other trios contest and...
Loverboy finally stops to catch his breath and Tiny hops into the view, waving to the camera with the hand that Socksworth is on.
TINY TIM
And... and... and! Socksworth says he’s been anxious to see you all again! And so have I! I’ve been training hard back home in the ranch so that when it’s time for your hero to reappear, both Socksworth and I will be ready! We both promise you that we haven’t forgotten you and we will show that we still care!
Loverboy motions for the camera to turn to show Big Sam who’s shadowboxing against the wall, clearly antsy to get going. As the oldest brother taps his shoulder, Sam groans and mutters over his shoulder.
BIG SAM
Yeah. What they said.
Loverboy smacks him to the back of the head, causing the ill-tempered brother to swing around and nearly take a shot at him, but relents as he realizes he’s face to face with a camera. So he just sighs, directing his words to Loverboy.
BIG SAM
What?
Loverboy crosses his arms expectantly, and even Tiny joins in, tugging Sam’s sleeve. Finally Big Sam rolls his eyes and sighs.
BIG SAM
FIIINE. Yeah, I’m glad to be back here, too. Can we get to fighting already?
That's apparently all Loverboy needed to hear and now he's moving into the frame again, returning to his usual overly-animated oration.
LOVERBOY
Ignore Mr. Grumpypants here, Loverboy knows for a FACT that Samuel has been anxious to get back in front of your eyes. Even if he refuses to acknowledge it! But tonight, the Brothers Busch takes on…
He stops, blinks, pulls a flyer out of his pocket and snaps his fingers in an "oh, right" gesture.
LOVERBOY
The Hive? Owwww, what a name. Loverboy here has to admit that he don’t know much about them fellas, but it don’t matter anyway! We gonna go out there and give these fans the show they deserve and prove that the Three Buschketeers are well worth their spot at the finals for the Trios championship!
Tiny pushes Socksworth into the frame, talking from outside of the view himself.
TINY TIM
Socksworth says that it doesn’t matter who it is who faces us. We already proved ourselves to be the second best tag team in UPRISING and we weren’t wrasslin' with our full power there! The Hive will be a fun challenge but like a real hero does, I will triumph!
Again the two brothers turn to look at Big Sam expectantly, and with an impatient groan he speaks up.
BIG SAM
Yeah yeah yeah, enough of this yapping. I’ve been hankering for a fight for WEEKS and the longer you two keep talking, the longer it takes for the match to start. Hive, I don’t know who you are, where you’re from or what you do but it doesn’t matter one but because we got a point to prove and fuck me if we’re gonna drop a match to some no-name never-heard buncha goobers from God-knows-where. We’re the fucking Brothers Busch. We’re One for All!
He extends his hand forward, with Tiny and Loverboy putting theirs on top of his.
ALL THREE
AND ALL FOR ONE!
With each throwing out their signature poses, the view fade to black.
_____________________________________________
LOVERBOY
OWWWWW, good evening Reno! It’s your favorite trio, your main entertainment source! The boys who rock your toys! The Brothers Busch and weeeee’re BAAACK!
He throws a cheesy thumbs-up before starting to talk a million miles a minute.
LOVERBOY
It’s been a hot minute since we graced the hallowed halls of the Silver State Ballroom! But don’tcha worry, ladies, Loverboy’s been keepin' an eye on things. And boy howdy are things about to get hot in here! So much stuff has been goin' on that the Brothers Busch have been struggling to make note of it all, but no matter, the only thing we need to know is that the Trios-tournament is still runnin', an' we’re still waiting to find out who gets the honor of losin' to us! Next Revolution, The Cowgirls will be taking on the winner of tonight's other trios contest and...
Loverboy finally stops to catch his breath and Tiny hops into the view, waving to the camera with the hand that Socksworth is on.
TINY TIM
And... and... and! Socksworth says he’s been anxious to see you all again! And so have I! I’ve been training hard back home in the ranch so that when it’s time for your hero to reappear, both Socksworth and I will be ready! We both promise you that we haven’t forgotten you and we will show that we still care!
Loverboy motions for the camera to turn to show Big Sam who’s shadowboxing against the wall, clearly antsy to get going. As the oldest brother taps his shoulder, Sam groans and mutters over his shoulder.
BIG SAM
Yeah. What they said.
Loverboy smacks him to the back of the head, causing the ill-tempered brother to swing around and nearly take a shot at him, but relents as he realizes he’s face to face with a camera. So he just sighs, directing his words to Loverboy.
BIG SAM
What?
Loverboy crosses his arms expectantly, and even Tiny joins in, tugging Sam’s sleeve. Finally Big Sam rolls his eyes and sighs.
BIG SAM
FIIINE. Yeah, I’m glad to be back here, too. Can we get to fighting already?
That's apparently all Loverboy needed to hear and now he's moving into the frame again, returning to his usual overly-animated oration.
LOVERBOY
Ignore Mr. Grumpypants here, Loverboy knows for a FACT that Samuel has been anxious to get back in front of your eyes. Even if he refuses to acknowledge it! But tonight, the Brothers Busch takes on…
He stops, blinks, pulls a flyer out of his pocket and snaps his fingers in an "oh, right" gesture.
LOVERBOY
The Hive? Owwww, what a name. Loverboy here has to admit that he don’t know much about them fellas, but it don’t matter anyway! We gonna go out there and give these fans the show they deserve and prove that the Three Buschketeers are well worth their spot at the finals for the Trios championship!
Tiny pushes Socksworth into the frame, talking from outside of the view himself.
TINY TIM
Socksworth says that it doesn’t matter who it is who faces us. We already proved ourselves to be the second best tag team in UPRISING and we weren’t wrasslin' with our full power there! The Hive will be a fun challenge but like a real hero does, I will triumph!
Again the two brothers turn to look at Big Sam expectantly, and with an impatient groan he speaks up.
BIG SAM
Yeah yeah yeah, enough of this yapping. I’ve been hankering for a fight for WEEKS and the longer you two keep talking, the longer it takes for the match to start. Hive, I don’t know who you are, where you’re from or what you do but it doesn’t matter one but because we got a point to prove and fuck me if we’re gonna drop a match to some no-name never-heard buncha goobers from God-knows-where. We’re the fucking Brothers Busch. We’re One for All!
He extends his hand forward, with Tiny and Loverboy putting theirs on top of his.
ALL THREE
AND ALL FOR ONE!
With each throwing out their signature poses, the view fade to black.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. RINGSIDE -- CONTINUOUS
UNKNOWN VOICE
How sad.
The crowd looks around to see where the voice is coming from.
UNKNOWN VOICE
Up here, marks! You know the people up here in the VIP Room that are better than you? Get the spotlight on the real talent.
The light shines on that ornate balcony where "SPOILED" SUMMER PAGE stands, holding a microphone.
"SPOILED" SUMMER PAGE
How can all of you people be so blind?
Summer looks around at the audience, dumbfounded before she sighs, rolling her eyes and shaking her head.
"SPOILED" SUMMER PAGE
You were just cheering for those inbred hicks. You mark out for that girl with the dragon fetish and her sociopath of a partner. You buy Samantha Tolson merchandise and wave it around like the brainwashed sheep you are....
Cheap heat and someone in the crowd yells out "FUCK YEAH TOLSON!"
"SPOILED" SUMMER PAGE
Seriously. You have the four best to ever grace UPRISING with their presence but we don’t get appreciated. Why is that? Is it your jealousy? Or your self-loathing that causes each of you to not see and understand that the four of us will be the ones to lead this company to further prominence? But we shouldn’t be surprised that miscreants such as yourselves wouldn’t get it. My sisters and I are without a doubt the class act of the Trios division and you all saw how we were cheated out of even being competition, my sisters forced instead to go against that crazy person and her pet dragon.
Chris Mosh moves forward to stand next to her, arms folded as he looks down over the crowd.
"SPOILED" SUMMER PAGE
No matter who says what and whomever walks out as trios champions at TOTAL ANARCHY, they will only have the privilege of saying they were the first Uprising Trios Champions because The Socialites were removed from the equation. You all know we are without a doubt the absolute best this company has ever seen. While this man, this man right here...
Summer points at Chris.
"SPOILED" SUMMER PAGE
Will climb up the ladder again to regain what is rightfully his. The Silver State title that was stolen from him several weeks ago.
Vanessa Page stands up, joining Mosh and her sister.
VANESSA PAGE
Isn't it a little strange that Samantha got a rematch immediately while Chris has yet to receive his? Really makes you think, doesn't it? Something's rotten here in Reno, that's for sure.
"SPOILED" SUMMER PAGE
That's just the foul stench of Sam Tolson fandom.
VANESSA PAGE
Ew! Gross.
"SPOILED" SUMMER PAGE
The true VIPs of UPRISING will rise to the top and continue to grow. All of you are just too blind to see it.
VANESSA PAGE
Which is good for us and bad for each of you. And another thing--
Her microphone cuts off and she furiously taps on it, her sister doing the same before music erupts over the speakers. Looks like their fifteen seconds of airtime are up and it's time for our next match!
TRIOS MATCH
BUSCH BROTHERS vs THE HIVE
Knightmare wastes no time as the contest begins, looking to prove that The Hive have a claim to stake in the trios division and she dives in, feinting a strike before she nails a forearm smash to the face of Tiny Tim – over the shoulder armdrag and he's eating canvas and then feet as she stomps away on him. Tiny Tim rolls aside and right back up to his feet and Knightmare slams a fist into his face. She follows this up with a buzzsaw kick, watching the man stumble back, shaking away the cobwebs. Knightmare doesn't let up, taking Tiny Tim down again with a vicious multiple kick combination before mounting him for a Thesz press only to get a warning from Neil Rana for the severity of her closed-fist strikes. The moment they're back up, Tiny Tim sends her packing into the corner, following her in with a splash – ELBOW TO THE FACE! He staggers back, dazed and Knightmare catches him with a Ttilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown. She transitions to an inside cradle.
ONE!
TWO!
Big Sam arrives in time to break it up, only to get tackled by Mister J for the intrusion and the two brawl back out of the ring. Back on their feet, Knightmare slings Tiny Tim at the ropes again and when he comes back, she lets loose with the BLACK MIST! HOLY SHIT! NO! SOCKSWORTH BLOCKS THE ASSAULT, SOAKING UP THE WORST OF THE MIST AS TINY TIM SLIPS AWAY FROM THE ARMBAR ATTEMPT! PUT A SOCK IN IT AND KNIGHTMARE IS CHOKING ON HER OWN POISON MIST AS TINY TIM SLAMS HER DOWN! HOT TAG AND LOVERBOY IS THE LEGAL MAN, BROTHER! CAN YOU DIG IT?!
Loverboy bounces off the ropes and nails a textbook elbow drop on the downed Knightmare. She's still in a world of hurt from that impact, still spitting out the vile taste of Socksworth from her mouth as Loverboy scales the ropes again. He launches for a knee drop but Knightmare rolls out of the way! Loverboy staggers back up, only to be met with a vicious shin kick – NO WAY! HE CAUGHT IT AND HE TURNS THAT INTO A FLAPJACK! Leaning over, he slaps hands with Big Sam and then scoops Knightmare back up, sending her into the corner and as Danae strains for a tag, runs in and nails her with an elbow to the face before the Main Squeeze (running hip attack) in the corner! Big Sam comes in with the Bumper Breaker and then they're flinging Tiny Tim in for that Alley-Oop! IT'S A DAMNED BUSCHWACKING AND KNIGHTMARE IS DOWN AND OUT! Mister J is still dazed on the ramp and Danae's out on the floor as Big Sam drops down and hooks the leg.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): THE BUSCH BROTHERS
How sad.
The crowd looks around to see where the voice is coming from.
UNKNOWN VOICE
Up here, marks! You know the people up here in the VIP Room that are better than you? Get the spotlight on the real talent.
The light shines on that ornate balcony where "SPOILED" SUMMER PAGE stands, holding a microphone.
"SPOILED" SUMMER PAGE
How can all of you people be so blind?
Summer looks around at the audience, dumbfounded before she sighs, rolling her eyes and shaking her head.
"SPOILED" SUMMER PAGE
You were just cheering for those inbred hicks. You mark out for that girl with the dragon fetish and her sociopath of a partner. You buy Samantha Tolson merchandise and wave it around like the brainwashed sheep you are....
Cheap heat and someone in the crowd yells out "FUCK YEAH TOLSON!"
"SPOILED" SUMMER PAGE
Seriously. You have the four best to ever grace UPRISING with their presence but we don’t get appreciated. Why is that? Is it your jealousy? Or your self-loathing that causes each of you to not see and understand that the four of us will be the ones to lead this company to further prominence? But we shouldn’t be surprised that miscreants such as yourselves wouldn’t get it. My sisters and I are without a doubt the class act of the Trios division and you all saw how we were cheated out of even being competition, my sisters forced instead to go against that crazy person and her pet dragon.
Chris Mosh moves forward to stand next to her, arms folded as he looks down over the crowd.
"SPOILED" SUMMER PAGE
No matter who says what and whomever walks out as trios champions at TOTAL ANARCHY, they will only have the privilege of saying they were the first Uprising Trios Champions because The Socialites were removed from the equation. You all know we are without a doubt the absolute best this company has ever seen. While this man, this man right here...
Summer points at Chris.
"SPOILED" SUMMER PAGE
Will climb up the ladder again to regain what is rightfully his. The Silver State title that was stolen from him several weeks ago.
Vanessa Page stands up, joining Mosh and her sister.
VANESSA PAGE
Isn't it a little strange that Samantha got a rematch immediately while Chris has yet to receive his? Really makes you think, doesn't it? Something's rotten here in Reno, that's for sure.
"SPOILED" SUMMER PAGE
That's just the foul stench of Sam Tolson fandom.
VANESSA PAGE
Ew! Gross.
"SPOILED" SUMMER PAGE
The true VIPs of UPRISING will rise to the top and continue to grow. All of you are just too blind to see it.
VANESSA PAGE
Which is good for us and bad for each of you. And another thing--
Her microphone cuts off and she furiously taps on it, her sister doing the same before music erupts over the speakers. Looks like their fifteen seconds of airtime are up and it's time for our next match!
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
TRIOS MATCH
BUSCH BROTHERS vs THE HIVE
Knightmare wastes no time as the contest begins, looking to prove that The Hive have a claim to stake in the trios division and she dives in, feinting a strike before she nails a forearm smash to the face of Tiny Tim – over the shoulder armdrag and he's eating canvas and then feet as she stomps away on him. Tiny Tim rolls aside and right back up to his feet and Knightmare slams a fist into his face. She follows this up with a buzzsaw kick, watching the man stumble back, shaking away the cobwebs. Knightmare doesn't let up, taking Tiny Tim down again with a vicious multiple kick combination before mounting him for a Thesz press only to get a warning from Neil Rana for the severity of her closed-fist strikes. The moment they're back up, Tiny Tim sends her packing into the corner, following her in with a splash – ELBOW TO THE FACE! He staggers back, dazed and Knightmare catches him with a Ttilt-a-whirl headscissors takedown. She transitions to an inside cradle.
ONE!
TWO!
Big Sam arrives in time to break it up, only to get tackled by Mister J for the intrusion and the two brawl back out of the ring. Back on their feet, Knightmare slings Tiny Tim at the ropes again and when he comes back, she lets loose with the BLACK MIST! HOLY SHIT! NO! SOCKSWORTH BLOCKS THE ASSAULT, SOAKING UP THE WORST OF THE MIST AS TINY TIM SLIPS AWAY FROM THE ARMBAR ATTEMPT! PUT A SOCK IN IT AND KNIGHTMARE IS CHOKING ON HER OWN POISON MIST AS TINY TIM SLAMS HER DOWN! HOT TAG AND LOVERBOY IS THE LEGAL MAN, BROTHER! CAN YOU DIG IT?!
Loverboy bounces off the ropes and nails a textbook elbow drop on the downed Knightmare. She's still in a world of hurt from that impact, still spitting out the vile taste of Socksworth from her mouth as Loverboy scales the ropes again. He launches for a knee drop but Knightmare rolls out of the way! Loverboy staggers back up, only to be met with a vicious shin kick – NO WAY! HE CAUGHT IT AND HE TURNS THAT INTO A FLAPJACK! Leaning over, he slaps hands with Big Sam and then scoops Knightmare back up, sending her into the corner and as Danae strains for a tag, runs in and nails her with an elbow to the face before the Main Squeeze (running hip attack) in the corner! Big Sam comes in with the Bumper Breaker and then they're flinging Tiny Tim in for that Alley-Oop! IT'S A DAMNED BUSCHWACKING AND KNIGHTMARE IS DOWN AND OUT! Mister J is still dazed on the ramp and Danae's out on the floor as Big Sam drops down and hooks the leg.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): THE BUSCH BROTHERS
Mister J is up, getting heckled by The Socialites who are leaning over the balcony. He flips Summer off and she flings her empty wine glass at him. Mister J catches it and smashes it against the steel barrier before running at the ring with the jagged stem in his hand. He slides in behind Big Sam, clearly planning to shank him just as he gets to his feet to have his hand raised and that's when Cara and Tamika Strader come barreling up the ramp! It's a huge brawl as The Cowgirls From Hell join the fray, helping the Busch Brothers clear out Mister J and Danae. Loverboy turns to shake hands with Tamika for the assist, only to be shoved aside as she dives at Big Sam. It takes security and Neil Rana to pull them apart as the view cuts to another advertising break for SplatTV content!
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. BACKSTAGE -- CONTINUOUS
Mac rolls out of the ring and instantly gets under the ring, retrieving a kendo stick he stalks Ravana and waits until he is on his hands and knees. He hauls back and cracks the kendo stick over his back! The sound echoes throughout the arena before being consumed in “OOOHS” from the wincing audience. Mac hauls off and hits Ravana a second time but the rookie forces himself vertical and clocks Mac in the chin as he swings back for a third shot. He then nails Mac with a suplex on the outside.
Now it’s Ravana’s turn to retrieve a weapon as he pulls a chair out from under the ring. He blasts Mac in the back of the head with the chair as he gets up. The Cowboy is shook! He stumbles away as Ravana follows. Another stiff shot! Mac falls to one knee. Ravana lifts the chair for a killing blow, but Mac Bane lunges forward, driving Ravana into the ring apron! The impact causes Ravana to drop the chair. Mac gets vertical and nails Ravana with a stiff European uppercut that turns him around. He then snatches him in a waist lock and...GERMAN SUPLEX ON THE CONCRETE!
Mac is instantly on Ravana and locks in PRAXIS!! Ravana yells in agony but refuses to tap. SUDDENLY SUPREME MACHINE HAS ARRIVED FROM THE AUDIENCE!! Mac Bane releases the hold and goes to meet the monster! They begin brawling up the ramp, leaving Ravana down on the outside. Mac and SuMa are soon out of the arena despite Rana yelling for Mac to return. With no other choice, he calls for the bell awarding the win to Ravana as Mac has abandoned the match to brawl with the monster... talk about TOTAL ANARCHY!
WINNER (VIA COUNT OUT): RAVANA
LARRY GOWAN, with a fresh electric blue streak in his now-silver hair walks side by side next to a woman down one of the side hallways within the Eldorado. To anyone paying attention to social media, it's apparent that this is Gowan's latest talent acquisition, a woman known only as VALKYRIE. Though the same height, her muscular frame somehow dwarfs him. She pulls a chunk of beef jerky from a large brown bag, chewing it as she speaks.
VALKYRIE
And he is the King?
LARRY GOWAN
He's the owner.
VALKYRIE
He owns the kingdom of Reno?
Larry realizes his mistake a moment too late, but her understanding of the slip-up is nonexistent and while he looks like he wants to correct her assumption, they've unfortunately arrived at their destination. The unlikely duo come to a stop before a plain wooden door upon which a placard rests that proclaims it to be the ATLAS CHAMBER. She offers him a piece of her meaty snack, but he declines, shaking his head. Taking a moment to steel himself, Larry knocks and a voice is heard from within, sounding gruff and annoyed.
JACKSON
What?
The door opens to reveal a spacious room, the focal point of which is a massive table that looks to be painted with a blueprint of the casino. The General Manager JACKSON stands at one end of it, looking down its length, arms folded across his chest as he watches the mop-haired INTERN STEVE trying to budge it. He attempts to pull on one end to no effect before going to push it. The poor kid is sweating, red-faced and exhausted and his evident frustration is mirrored on Jackson's face as Steve flops to the floor, panting.
INTERN STEVE
I told you, she had a team of at least a dozen guys bring this in and even then it was in pieces. They assembled it here and there-
Gowan interjects, talking over the rambling kid, his voice slightly raised.
LARRY GOWAN
Brad?
He's easily the only person in the entire casino who can get away with using Jackson's given name without a threat of imminent demise hanging over his head. It helps that they've known each other for decades, that Larry was one of the first friends in the business Jackson ever made. That intense glare lifts from the table to fix on his visitors, that furrow easing a little as he takes in the woman standing next to Larry.
JACKSON
The Feng shui in the room is all off. The table needs to be exactly thirty-seven degrees to the western quadrant for the best flow.
Steve huffs to himself and begins once again to try to push on the table. Freya's brow furrows as she watches it remain still, despite all of his obvious efforts. Larry continues.
LARRY GOWAN
Sorry to interrupt, I wanted to introduce you to the woman I was telling you about. She's got her debut tonight but I thought we should drop by and say hello.
Steve's arm slips and he drops to a knee, causing Freya to instinctually walk over to him, lifting him by the elbow. Both Larry and Brad's eyes follow her as she offers him a piece of beef jerky. Steve declines, opting instead to gather his breath in large heaping gulps.
LARRY GOWAN
This… well, she's not from around here. Her name's Freya but I thought that might be a little-
The GM rolls his eyes.
JACKSON
We've got a dragon and I just fired a woman claiming to be a faerie and two supposed witches. This broad calling herself Freya is the least—
Casting a sidelong glance at her, Gowan cuts Jackson off.
LARRY GOWAN
We're going to call her Valkyrie and—
INTERN STEVE
(interrupting)
Why Valerie?
JACKSON
Steve!
Steve snaps to and once again begins to investigate the large wooden table and the mysteries of its movement. Freya tucks the bag under her arm and steps forward, palms upright to indicate she does not have a weapon. A gentle smile casts itself across her seraphic face and she bows her head.
VALKYRIE
Forgive my intrusion into your kingdom, Owner of Reno.
The General Manager looks at her for a few seconds, one brow quirked before his dark eyes shift back to Larry.
JACKSON
Oh, isn't she delightful?
His smile is almost patronizing.
JACKSON
Reno isn't my kingdom, sweetheart. Just this building... these hallowed halls are.
Freya nods, taking it all in.
VALKYRIE
It is a fine Kingdom; I have had a chance to try some beefed jerky from your Great Hall.
She offers the bag up to Jackson who readily accepts a piece and chews it with gusto. Her head turns back to Steve who has once again began pushing on the table, though with much less gusto. She looks down at the table, eyebrows raising in admiration.
VALKYRIE
And this table is some sort of map? Why are you having Steve of the Interns press against it?
JACKSON
It was a birthday present from Regan Voorhees. You'll meet her soon enough, I'm sure. It's meant as a sort of live blueprint, so I can plan. Generals in the past have used these for great battle strategy. Honestly not sure if this is meant to be an incentive to be a stronger leader or she was just trying to hit me with the worst troll and the most ostentatious gift in the same gesture.
He shrugs, reaching for another piece of jerky from the bag, taking a bite and speaking with his mouth full.
JACKSON
The table needs to be moved a few inches closer to the wall, really. I'd do it myself, but the old war wounds are acting up today.
Freya looks to Larry.
VALKYRIE
Inches?
He holds his thumb and forefinger. Steve once again gives up, wiping his brow. He shakes his head looking down at the table.
VALKYRIE
Pardon my boldness, your lordship. I do not wish to overstep my bounds as I am a guest here, but I think I may be able to assist.
The General Manager looks her up and down, stifling a chuckle even though there's a smile on his lips.
JACKSON
You? In what way?
Freya smiles, handing the jerky bag over to the General Manager. She approaches where Steve stands and he backs up a step. She points down at the table.
VALKYRIE
Only this much?
She holds her fingers up, mirroring Larry's gesture. Nodding, Jackson sneaks another piece of jerky from the bag.
JACKSON
If you can manage that much, I'll be amazed. Ideally, I'd love it over against the other wall so there's room for the karaoke machine I've got on order but that's…
Freya reaches her hands down, grasping the edge of the table. She pulls up on it, testing the weight before squatting slightly, driving herself against the table. A loud groaning envelops the room causing everyone to grab at their ears as the table slides back a few inches along the floor. Steve yells, hands still covering his ears.
INTERN STEVE
Holy fuck!
LARRY GOWAN
Steve! Watch your language! There's a lady present.
Jax is still watching her, that smile back on his lips.
JACKSON
Well....
He clears his throat and holds out the bag of jerky towards Freya.
JACKSON
I think this latest signing of yours is going to work out far better than the last.
Larry nods, unable to keep that awestruck look off his face.
LARRY GOWAN
She will. I promise you that.
Freya strolls past Steve and retrieves her bag, popping a celebratory slice into her mouth.
VALKYRIE
I take it the Fung Shui is how you like it, your lordship?
As if remembering the nonsense he'd said as a way to explain the task he'd been torturing Steve with, Jackson nods but his reply holds a double meaning.
JACKSON
Absolutely perfect.
The exhausted intern lifts his hand to wave, seeming almost as besotted as he does when Regan is bossing him around.
INTERN STEVE
(sighing, dreamily)
Bye, Valerie.
MURDER HOSS FIGHT: NO DQ
MAC BANE vs RAVANA
As the match begins the two big hosses meet in the middle and it’s an impressive sight as Ravana stands just an inch taller than Mac Bane. The two jaw a little before Mac offers a handshake which the young man takes, the fans pop as the two back up and begin circling one another. They lock up for a test of strength and the fans cheer as it is an instant stalemate with neither one giving up more than a step before gaining it right back. Eventually they break, and resolve to solve it by shoulder tackles.
Ravana goes first, bouncing off the ropes. He charges into Mac and drives his shoulder into him. Mac doesn’t move an inch! It’s Mac’s turn now as he charges the ropes, bouncing off and driving his shoulder into Ravana who also stands tall. Mac signals for the kid to go again! Ravana eagerly runs and bounces off the ropes..and charges in...TO A DISCUS CLOTHESLINE BY MAC BANE! The veteran catches the rookie slipping! Mac wastes no time as he lifts Ravana up and throws him out of the ring over the top rope, to the outside and the concrete floor that awaits.
VALKYRIE
And he is the King?
LARRY GOWAN
He's the owner.
VALKYRIE
He owns the kingdom of Reno?
Larry realizes his mistake a moment too late, but her understanding of the slip-up is nonexistent and while he looks like he wants to correct her assumption, they've unfortunately arrived at their destination. The unlikely duo come to a stop before a plain wooden door upon which a placard rests that proclaims it to be the ATLAS CHAMBER. She offers him a piece of her meaty snack, but he declines, shaking his head. Taking a moment to steel himself, Larry knocks and a voice is heard from within, sounding gruff and annoyed.
JACKSON
What?
The door opens to reveal a spacious room, the focal point of which is a massive table that looks to be painted with a blueprint of the casino. The General Manager JACKSON stands at one end of it, looking down its length, arms folded across his chest as he watches the mop-haired INTERN STEVE trying to budge it. He attempts to pull on one end to no effect before going to push it. The poor kid is sweating, red-faced and exhausted and his evident frustration is mirrored on Jackson's face as Steve flops to the floor, panting.
INTERN STEVE
I told you, she had a team of at least a dozen guys bring this in and even then it was in pieces. They assembled it here and there-
Gowan interjects, talking over the rambling kid, his voice slightly raised.
LARRY GOWAN
Brad?
He's easily the only person in the entire casino who can get away with using Jackson's given name without a threat of imminent demise hanging over his head. It helps that they've known each other for decades, that Larry was one of the first friends in the business Jackson ever made. That intense glare lifts from the table to fix on his visitors, that furrow easing a little as he takes in the woman standing next to Larry.
JACKSON
The Feng shui in the room is all off. The table needs to be exactly thirty-seven degrees to the western quadrant for the best flow.
Steve huffs to himself and begins once again to try to push on the table. Freya's brow furrows as she watches it remain still, despite all of his obvious efforts. Larry continues.
LARRY GOWAN
Sorry to interrupt, I wanted to introduce you to the woman I was telling you about. She's got her debut tonight but I thought we should drop by and say hello.
Steve's arm slips and he drops to a knee, causing Freya to instinctually walk over to him, lifting him by the elbow. Both Larry and Brad's eyes follow her as she offers him a piece of beef jerky. Steve declines, opting instead to gather his breath in large heaping gulps.
LARRY GOWAN
This… well, she's not from around here. Her name's Freya but I thought that might be a little-
The GM rolls his eyes.
JACKSON
We've got a dragon and I just fired a woman claiming to be a faerie and two supposed witches. This broad calling herself Freya is the least—
Casting a sidelong glance at her, Gowan cuts Jackson off.
LARRY GOWAN
We're going to call her Valkyrie and—
INTERN STEVE
(interrupting)
Why Valerie?
JACKSON
Steve!
Steve snaps to and once again begins to investigate the large wooden table and the mysteries of its movement. Freya tucks the bag under her arm and steps forward, palms upright to indicate she does not have a weapon. A gentle smile casts itself across her seraphic face and she bows her head.
VALKYRIE
Forgive my intrusion into your kingdom, Owner of Reno.
The General Manager looks at her for a few seconds, one brow quirked before his dark eyes shift back to Larry.
JACKSON
Oh, isn't she delightful?
His smile is almost patronizing.
JACKSON
Reno isn't my kingdom, sweetheart. Just this building... these hallowed halls are.
Freya nods, taking it all in.
VALKYRIE
It is a fine Kingdom; I have had a chance to try some beefed jerky from your Great Hall.
She offers the bag up to Jackson who readily accepts a piece and chews it with gusto. Her head turns back to Steve who has once again began pushing on the table, though with much less gusto. She looks down at the table, eyebrows raising in admiration.
VALKYRIE
And this table is some sort of map? Why are you having Steve of the Interns press against it?
JACKSON
It was a birthday present from Regan Voorhees. You'll meet her soon enough, I'm sure. It's meant as a sort of live blueprint, so I can plan. Generals in the past have used these for great battle strategy. Honestly not sure if this is meant to be an incentive to be a stronger leader or she was just trying to hit me with the worst troll and the most ostentatious gift in the same gesture.
He shrugs, reaching for another piece of jerky from the bag, taking a bite and speaking with his mouth full.
JACKSON
The table needs to be moved a few inches closer to the wall, really. I'd do it myself, but the old war wounds are acting up today.
Freya looks to Larry.
VALKYRIE
Inches?
He holds his thumb and forefinger. Steve once again gives up, wiping his brow. He shakes his head looking down at the table.
VALKYRIE
Pardon my boldness, your lordship. I do not wish to overstep my bounds as I am a guest here, but I think I may be able to assist.
The General Manager looks her up and down, stifling a chuckle even though there's a smile on his lips.
JACKSON
You? In what way?
Freya smiles, handing the jerky bag over to the General Manager. She approaches where Steve stands and he backs up a step. She points down at the table.
VALKYRIE
Only this much?
She holds her fingers up, mirroring Larry's gesture. Nodding, Jackson sneaks another piece of jerky from the bag.
JACKSON
If you can manage that much, I'll be amazed. Ideally, I'd love it over against the other wall so there's room for the karaoke machine I've got on order but that's…
Freya reaches her hands down, grasping the edge of the table. She pulls up on it, testing the weight before squatting slightly, driving herself against the table. A loud groaning envelops the room causing everyone to grab at their ears as the table slides back a few inches along the floor. Steve yells, hands still covering his ears.
INTERN STEVE
Holy fuck!
LARRY GOWAN
Steve! Watch your language! There's a lady present.
Jax is still watching her, that smile back on his lips.
JACKSON
Well....
He clears his throat and holds out the bag of jerky towards Freya.
JACKSON
I think this latest signing of yours is going to work out far better than the last.
Larry nods, unable to keep that awestruck look off his face.
LARRY GOWAN
She will. I promise you that.
Freya strolls past Steve and retrieves her bag, popping a celebratory slice into her mouth.
VALKYRIE
I take it the Fung Shui is how you like it, your lordship?
As if remembering the nonsense he'd said as a way to explain the task he'd been torturing Steve with, Jackson nods but his reply holds a double meaning.
JACKSON
Absolutely perfect.
The exhausted intern lifts his hand to wave, seeming almost as besotted as he does when Regan is bossing him around.
INTERN STEVE
(sighing, dreamily)
Bye, Valerie.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
MURDER HOSS FIGHT: NO DQ
MAC BANE vs RAVANA
As the match begins the two big hosses meet in the middle and it’s an impressive sight as Ravana stands just an inch taller than Mac Bane. The two jaw a little before Mac offers a handshake which the young man takes, the fans pop as the two back up and begin circling one another. They lock up for a test of strength and the fans cheer as it is an instant stalemate with neither one giving up more than a step before gaining it right back. Eventually they break, and resolve to solve it by shoulder tackles.
Ravana goes first, bouncing off the ropes. He charges into Mac and drives his shoulder into him. Mac doesn’t move an inch! It’s Mac’s turn now as he charges the ropes, bouncing off and driving his shoulder into Ravana who also stands tall. Mac signals for the kid to go again! Ravana eagerly runs and bounces off the ropes..and charges in...TO A DISCUS CLOTHESLINE BY MAC BANE! The veteran catches the rookie slipping! Mac wastes no time as he lifts Ravana up and throws him out of the ring over the top rope, to the outside and the concrete floor that awaits.
Mac rolls out of the ring and instantly gets under the ring, retrieving a kendo stick he stalks Ravana and waits until he is on his hands and knees. He hauls back and cracks the kendo stick over his back! The sound echoes throughout the arena before being consumed in “OOOHS” from the wincing audience. Mac hauls off and hits Ravana a second time but the rookie forces himself vertical and clocks Mac in the chin as he swings back for a third shot. He then nails Mac with a suplex on the outside.
Now it’s Ravana’s turn to retrieve a weapon as he pulls a chair out from under the ring. He blasts Mac in the back of the head with the chair as he gets up. The Cowboy is shook! He stumbles away as Ravana follows. Another stiff shot! Mac falls to one knee. Ravana lifts the chair for a killing blow, but Mac Bane lunges forward, driving Ravana into the ring apron! The impact causes Ravana to drop the chair. Mac gets vertical and nails Ravana with a stiff European uppercut that turns him around. He then snatches him in a waist lock and...GERMAN SUPLEX ON THE CONCRETE!
Mac is instantly on Ravana and locks in PRAXIS!! Ravana yells in agony but refuses to tap. SUDDENLY SUPREME MACHINE HAS ARRIVED FROM THE AUDIENCE!! Mac Bane releases the hold and goes to meet the monster! They begin brawling up the ramp, leaving Ravana down on the outside. Mac and SuMa are soon out of the arena despite Rana yelling for Mac to return. With no other choice, he calls for the bell awarding the win to Ravana as Mac has abandoned the match to brawl with the monster... talk about TOTAL ANARCHY!
WINNER (VIA COUNT OUT): RAVANA
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
STATIC
We are offered a pre-taped segment from Graceland of Wales the great outside view is a whole bunch of sheep eating up the grass, inside the perfectly re-created replica of the actual Graceland in Memphis Tennessee. We are met by Lucha Elvis who looks surprisingly alike of one Ignis of UPRISING Wrestling, except she still has the suit, sunglasses and the outlandish hairdo next to her sits the manager Justice Parker sitting next to her smoking his pipe with the dangly earing and the shaved head along with sunglasses. They tap on the microphones in front of them.
LUCHA ELVIS
Say there Colonel Justice do you have any of that there..cherry pie left?
COLONEL DEVILLE
I cannot tell a lie, I ate the whole thing!
BOTH
OH MERCY~
COLONEL DEVILLE is puffing his pipe.
COLONEL DEVILLE
Lucha Elvis, are you ready for the "Elvis Has Left the Building" match in UPRISING Wrestling’s Revolution 14?
LUCHA ELVIS
You are dang right I am!
Lucha Elvis throws a mean karate pose, flicking the impressive dew.
LUCHA ELVIS
The old sage wisdom of wrestling is sizzle and steak, well when you are Lucha Elvis you got plenty of sizzle and steak to put all the blokes to shame, ohhh mercy~!
She jiggles her top and giggles, fixing her sunglasses.
COLONEL DEVILLE
Dang it Lucha Elvis, can you go out there jiggling your whats’it’s for all the people to see?!?
LUCHA ELVIS
Wait just one Memphis minute, who the dang is judging me?! Don’t make me pull out my karate for the oppressive patriarchy. What Lucha Elvis is doing is empowering all of the gals and girls of embrace of your inner king..
COLONEL DEVILLE
Lucha Elvis have you heard of Social Justice Warriors?
LUCHA ELVIS
No, but if you hum a few bars I’ll be happy to sing along! Because in Reno the REVOLUTION IS TELEVISED and Brad Jackson is shaking his hips like there’s no tomorrow!
We see the colonel smoking his pipe, puffing along deep in thought.
COLONEL DEVILLE
Now there, Lucha Elvis you got some tough competitors in this here match There’s Reno Nevada the mastermind behind it all, there’s Griffin Hawkings the 80’s man who refuses to fall and there is Don Tirri the old school one who has seen and done most of all, how or how are you supposed to slay these gallant Graceland beasts?
She giggles out, jiggling her top and chuckles
LUCHA ELVIS
Well I got something all them boys lack and that is one hell of an impressive rack, my tiddies go together perfectly just like roast beef and barbecue meat!
COLONEL DEVILLE
OHH MERCY, but isn’t that there objectifying?
LUCHA ELVIS
Whatchu talking about Colonel I’m empowering, Elvis is for everybody and anyone who strives for their best deserves to be the KING I cand you sing you a whole bunch of songs swing my hips like an’ old hound dog and you’d still be no friend of mine! This ia s match where all of us competitors are set loose in the Silver State Arena and the first one who makes it out of there is the winner, but when Lucha Elvis is concerned, it is not all about the KFC seasoned chips dinner, what I am set out to do is to show for the world that anyone from everywhere could end up at the best promotion in the world..
COLONEL DEVILLE
Even from..in the ghetto??~
We hear the soft and serene tunes of Lucha Elvis singing along.
LUCHA ELVIS
(singing)
As the sand flies..on a cold and dark Reno morning a poor little baby child is born..in the Reno…
COLONEL DEVILLE
In the Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
And his momma cries. Because if there’s one that thing she don’t need is another hungry wrestler looking for the championships in Reno.
COLONEL DEVILLE
In the Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
Now people don’t you understand a champ needs an every fan Or they’ll grow up the be an angry young Mosh some day and what we really don’t need is one more pissy primadonna-to-be, in the Reno...
COLONEL DEVILLE
In the Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
As the world turns we go to this match with an 80’s man and a man that is old enough to be my dad, in the Reno.
COLONEL DEVILLE
In The Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
Take a look at me and he? Are you too blind to see... Reno next to these double D’s~
She wiggles her chest as the chorus responds.
COLONEL DEVILLE
In The Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
And the hunger burns because all of us want to get out first but because of violence we won’t be waiting for turns in Reno~
COLONEL DEVILLE
In The Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
Do we really need to see which of these boys has the balls to fight? In the Reno~
COLONEL DEVILLE
In The Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
Because I got just as many kicks as you pretend big men think you have dicks, in the Reno.
COLONEL DEVILLE
In The Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
One of us will make it out but none of you will treat me as a pawn, in the Reno.
COLONEL DEVILLE
In The Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
You got it on with a Elvis with a pair of tits and let’s face it in 2021 in comparison the three of your are the shits, in the Reno.
COLONEL DEVILLE
In The Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
So tonight I’m gonna go out there and kick you all in the derrière!
COLONEL DEVILLE
In The Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
Then I’m gonna walk out, toodle doo, win the match and get some barbecue.
COLONEL DEVILLE
OH MERCYYYYY~!
With that we fade to black & that’s a wrap, jack!
SPECIAL CHALLENGE MATCH
MATT KNOX vs CODA
As the bell rings, Matt Knox takes an extra second leaning in his corner as Coda walks to the center of the ring. He pushes out of it, nodding and the two begin to circle one another. They share a fist bump, then go to lock up. Coda quickly transitions to a rear waist lock but breaks it almost immediately and kicks the back of Knox’s knee to bring him down to just one and then bounces off the ropes and nails him with a forearm smash to the back of the head! Knox is up rather quickly though and catches Coda as she bounces off the ropes again and takes her over with a powerslam!
But he gets up quickly, instantly favoring the shoulder he injured at SOLSTICE. Neil Rana confers with him as Coda gets to her feet. Seeing an opportunity, she rushes in and goes to lock in an arm bar but Knox fights like the devil, ripping his arm away and using the momentum to spin and catch Coda in the face with an elbow strike. She stumbles back and Knox follows it up with a sloppier than usual super kicker. He falls to one knee as Coda is leveled. He rolls over onto her, using his good arm to hook a leg.
ONE!
TWO!
Kickout! Knox sits up, wincing and goes to get to his feet..BUT CODA SPRINGS TO LIFE!! AS KNOX GETS UP SHE DIVES FOR HIS LEGS TAKING HIM DOWN AND LOCKS IN THE RHASPHODY ON HIS INJURED ARM!! Knox is in agony as he tries to claw to the ropes. He waves Rana away. He manages to get to his knees as Coda continues jerking on the injured arm. Knox lets out a yell and begins trying to lift Coda off the mat. As he gets her up, she suddenly undoes the body scissors and begins kicking at his injured shoulder!! Knox instantly drops back down and after another second of valiant resistance, he taps! HOLY SHIT! CODA JUST MADE MATT KNOX TAP OUT!
WINNER (VIA SUBMISSION): CODA
The Socialites are back to heckling, this time their target is Matt Knox as he rolls out of the ring, slinking up the ramp as Coda has her hand raised in victory. He seems oblivious to the noise, clearly in agony thanks to that nagging shoulder injury and the feed cuts away backstage before anything further develops on that front.
LUCHA ELVIS
Say there Colonel Justice do you have any of that there..cherry pie left?
COLONEL DEVILLE
I cannot tell a lie, I ate the whole thing!
BOTH
OH MERCY~
COLONEL DEVILLE is puffing his pipe.
COLONEL DEVILLE
Lucha Elvis, are you ready for the "Elvis Has Left the Building" match in UPRISING Wrestling’s Revolution 14?
LUCHA ELVIS
You are dang right I am!
Lucha Elvis throws a mean karate pose, flicking the impressive dew.
LUCHA ELVIS
The old sage wisdom of wrestling is sizzle and steak, well when you are Lucha Elvis you got plenty of sizzle and steak to put all the blokes to shame, ohhh mercy~!
She jiggles her top and giggles, fixing her sunglasses.
COLONEL DEVILLE
Dang it Lucha Elvis, can you go out there jiggling your whats’it’s for all the people to see?!?
LUCHA ELVIS
Wait just one Memphis minute, who the dang is judging me?! Don’t make me pull out my karate for the oppressive patriarchy. What Lucha Elvis is doing is empowering all of the gals and girls of embrace of your inner king..
COLONEL DEVILLE
Lucha Elvis have you heard of Social Justice Warriors?
LUCHA ELVIS
No, but if you hum a few bars I’ll be happy to sing along! Because in Reno the REVOLUTION IS TELEVISED and Brad Jackson is shaking his hips like there’s no tomorrow!
We see the colonel smoking his pipe, puffing along deep in thought.
COLONEL DEVILLE
Now there, Lucha Elvis you got some tough competitors in this here match There’s Reno Nevada the mastermind behind it all, there’s Griffin Hawkings the 80’s man who refuses to fall and there is Don Tirri the old school one who has seen and done most of all, how or how are you supposed to slay these gallant Graceland beasts?
She giggles out, jiggling her top and chuckles
LUCHA ELVIS
Well I got something all them boys lack and that is one hell of an impressive rack, my tiddies go together perfectly just like roast beef and barbecue meat!
COLONEL DEVILLE
OHH MERCY, but isn’t that there objectifying?
LUCHA ELVIS
Whatchu talking about Colonel I’m empowering, Elvis is for everybody and anyone who strives for their best deserves to be the KING I cand you sing you a whole bunch of songs swing my hips like an’ old hound dog and you’d still be no friend of mine! This ia s match where all of us competitors are set loose in the Silver State Arena and the first one who makes it out of there is the winner, but when Lucha Elvis is concerned, it is not all about the KFC seasoned chips dinner, what I am set out to do is to show for the world that anyone from everywhere could end up at the best promotion in the world..
COLONEL DEVILLE
Even from..in the ghetto??~
We hear the soft and serene tunes of Lucha Elvis singing along.
LUCHA ELVIS
(singing)
As the sand flies..on a cold and dark Reno morning a poor little baby child is born..in the Reno…
COLONEL DEVILLE
In the Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
And his momma cries. Because if there’s one that thing she don’t need is another hungry wrestler looking for the championships in Reno.
COLONEL DEVILLE
In the Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
Now people don’t you understand a champ needs an every fan Or they’ll grow up the be an angry young Mosh some day and what we really don’t need is one more pissy primadonna-to-be, in the Reno...
COLONEL DEVILLE
In the Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
As the world turns we go to this match with an 80’s man and a man that is old enough to be my dad, in the Reno.
COLONEL DEVILLE
In The Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
Take a look at me and he? Are you too blind to see... Reno next to these double D’s~
She wiggles her chest as the chorus responds.
COLONEL DEVILLE
In The Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
And the hunger burns because all of us want to get out first but because of violence we won’t be waiting for turns in Reno~
COLONEL DEVILLE
In The Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
Do we really need to see which of these boys has the balls to fight? In the Reno~
COLONEL DEVILLE
In The Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
Because I got just as many kicks as you pretend big men think you have dicks, in the Reno.
COLONEL DEVILLE
In The Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
One of us will make it out but none of you will treat me as a pawn, in the Reno.
COLONEL DEVILLE
In The Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
You got it on with a Elvis with a pair of tits and let’s face it in 2021 in comparison the three of your are the shits, in the Reno.
COLONEL DEVILLE
In The Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
So tonight I’m gonna go out there and kick you all in the derrière!
COLONEL DEVILLE
In The Reno~
LUCHA ELVIS
Then I’m gonna walk out, toodle doo, win the match and get some barbecue.
COLONEL DEVILLE
OH MERCYYYYY~!
With that we fade to black & that’s a wrap, jack!
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
SPECIAL CHALLENGE MATCH
MATT KNOX vs CODA
As the bell rings, Matt Knox takes an extra second leaning in his corner as Coda walks to the center of the ring. He pushes out of it, nodding and the two begin to circle one another. They share a fist bump, then go to lock up. Coda quickly transitions to a rear waist lock but breaks it almost immediately and kicks the back of Knox’s knee to bring him down to just one and then bounces off the ropes and nails him with a forearm smash to the back of the head! Knox is up rather quickly though and catches Coda as she bounces off the ropes again and takes her over with a powerslam!
But he gets up quickly, instantly favoring the shoulder he injured at SOLSTICE. Neil Rana confers with him as Coda gets to her feet. Seeing an opportunity, she rushes in and goes to lock in an arm bar but Knox fights like the devil, ripping his arm away and using the momentum to spin and catch Coda in the face with an elbow strike. She stumbles back and Knox follows it up with a sloppier than usual super kicker. He falls to one knee as Coda is leveled. He rolls over onto her, using his good arm to hook a leg.
ONE!
TWO!
Kickout! Knox sits up, wincing and goes to get to his feet..BUT CODA SPRINGS TO LIFE!! AS KNOX GETS UP SHE DIVES FOR HIS LEGS TAKING HIM DOWN AND LOCKS IN THE RHASPHODY ON HIS INJURED ARM!! Knox is in agony as he tries to claw to the ropes. He waves Rana away. He manages to get to his knees as Coda continues jerking on the injured arm. Knox lets out a yell and begins trying to lift Coda off the mat. As he gets her up, she suddenly undoes the body scissors and begins kicking at his injured shoulder!! Knox instantly drops back down and after another second of valiant resistance, he taps! HOLY SHIT! CODA JUST MADE MATT KNOX TAP OUT!
WINNER (VIA SUBMISSION): CODA
The Socialites are back to heckling, this time their target is Matt Knox as he rolls out of the ring, slinking up the ramp as Coda has her hand raised in victory. He seems oblivious to the noise, clearly in agony thanks to that nagging shoulder injury and the feed cuts away backstage before anything further develops on that front.
CUT TO:
INT. BACKSTAGE -- CONTINUOUS
We open up to show a rare sight: the recognizable frame of SUPREME MACHINE stalking the backstage area of the Silver State Ballroom, moving through the crowd of staff members that parts like the red sea on his path with determined gait. He reaches the locker room areas, with the cameraman barely able to keep up with the big man and stops in front of a door that leads to one of the rooms at the disposal of the UPRISING talent. SuMa throws a cold stare to the cameraman before opening the door and entering.
In the room, seated with her back towards the door is one of UPRISING’s newest hires, the woman who ended up brawling with SuMa at the conclusion of his bout in the previous episode, the well-known URSULA VON ROSSBACH. The lady terminator is in the process of putting her gloves on, when SuMa’s presence catches her attention and slowly she rises to turn and face the intruder. SuMa stands in the doorway, surveying her with a stoic demeanor, speaking out after cocking his head from side to side.
SUPREME MACHINE
You are brave, Terminator. Not many specifically seek us out for conflict. But you managed to intrigue us. Was it foolish bravado, or a calculated move?
She gives her glove a modest adjustment.
URSULA VON ROSSBACH
I sought to test a hypothesis and your presence here has given me the answer I seek, Mr. Machine.
The answer he gets from her isn’t what he had expected, but any sign of surprise is quickly wiped away, and the masked man gives out a quiet chuckle.
SUPREME MACHINE
A hypothesis? Pray tell then, Terminator, what insight have you gained from us? Has our presence here confirmed some suspicion of what we might think of you? Or has it dashed a hope that we might be intimidated?
Ursula crosses her hands behind her back, standing at attention.
URSULA VON ROSSBACH
On the contrary, your calm demeanor and presence indicates curiosity and uncertainty. You do not know what to make of my actions and thus the confusion permeates within your troubled mind. If you were properly intimidated, you would have attempted to take my exposed back long before I rose from this chair, yet in that same instance, your caution speaks greatly of wisdom being applied.
A small smile creases her lips.
URSULA VON ROSSBACH
Feel free to dispute my observations. I love to be challenged.
SuMa paces around the room, his eyes never leaving Ursula as he does. He intentionally puts himself back against the wall as a silent statement.
SUPREME MACHINE
There is little to dispute. We had heard of your reputation, Terminator. One of fierce combatant and an intelligent strategist. It is pleasant to see said reputation is not exaggerated. It is rare for us to witness someone who possesses the physical traits to match us in strength. In a world filled with prey… You are clearly a predator. More similar to us than any of these pretenders who claim to be what they aren’t.
Standing up to his full height, SuMa lowers his arms to his side in a gesture meant to signal considering her an equal.
SUPREME MACHINE
From the moment we saw you sign up, we knew we would clash. Sooner than later. It was inevitable as when two alphas arrive in the same hunting ground, a hierarchy must be established. We did not expect you to move this fast. But your challenge is welcome. You have entered our domain. Here, we are the established force and you are the intruder.
The Lady Terminator inclines her head forward in acknowledgement, her eyes having never left him during his travel around her modest locker room.
URSULA VON ROSSBACH
Once upon a time, I imagine you too were the invasive predator, feasting upon those who dared cross your path until this became your kingdom and you it’s self-proclaimed ruler by force. To myself, you are a curiosity, Mr. Machine. I see in you elements of myself in a larger package. Forceful, dominant, and destructive, yet possessive of an intellect few of your kind have shown. Had you been a typical monster this matter would have been settled far more quickly at the expense of this locker room and a few pints of combined blood.
She remains so perfectly still, her breathing almost non-existent and her poise so perfect. Each subtle movement of her body seems as if a calculated act, even as she fully turns her head to face him for a sideways glance.
URSULA VON ROSSBACH
I suspect you will exceed my expectations in our encounter on this night.
The man nods and moves towards the door, intentionally showing a vulnerability in his defense in an effort to bait her to a strike. When none comes, he stops at the doorway, speaking over his shoulder.
SUPREME MACHINE
All that needs to be settled shall be settled in the ring, Terminator. Only one of us can exist at the top of the food chain. Whether it is you or us, remains to be seen. Do not disappoint.
And with that, he walks out, leaving Ursula to finish her preparations.
_____________________________________________
We open up to show a rare sight: the recognizable frame of SUPREME MACHINE stalking the backstage area of the Silver State Ballroom, moving through the crowd of staff members that parts like the red sea on his path with determined gait. He reaches the locker room areas, with the cameraman barely able to keep up with the big man and stops in front of a door that leads to one of the rooms at the disposal of the UPRISING talent. SuMa throws a cold stare to the cameraman before opening the door and entering.
In the room, seated with her back towards the door is one of UPRISING’s newest hires, the woman who ended up brawling with SuMa at the conclusion of his bout in the previous episode, the well-known URSULA VON ROSSBACH. The lady terminator is in the process of putting her gloves on, when SuMa’s presence catches her attention and slowly she rises to turn and face the intruder. SuMa stands in the doorway, surveying her with a stoic demeanor, speaking out after cocking his head from side to side.
SUPREME MACHINE
You are brave, Terminator. Not many specifically seek us out for conflict. But you managed to intrigue us. Was it foolish bravado, or a calculated move?
She gives her glove a modest adjustment.
URSULA VON ROSSBACH
I sought to test a hypothesis and your presence here has given me the answer I seek, Mr. Machine.
The answer he gets from her isn’t what he had expected, but any sign of surprise is quickly wiped away, and the masked man gives out a quiet chuckle.
SUPREME MACHINE
A hypothesis? Pray tell then, Terminator, what insight have you gained from us? Has our presence here confirmed some suspicion of what we might think of you? Or has it dashed a hope that we might be intimidated?
Ursula crosses her hands behind her back, standing at attention.
URSULA VON ROSSBACH
On the contrary, your calm demeanor and presence indicates curiosity and uncertainty. You do not know what to make of my actions and thus the confusion permeates within your troubled mind. If you were properly intimidated, you would have attempted to take my exposed back long before I rose from this chair, yet in that same instance, your caution speaks greatly of wisdom being applied.
A small smile creases her lips.
URSULA VON ROSSBACH
Feel free to dispute my observations. I love to be challenged.
SuMa paces around the room, his eyes never leaving Ursula as he does. He intentionally puts himself back against the wall as a silent statement.
SUPREME MACHINE
There is little to dispute. We had heard of your reputation, Terminator. One of fierce combatant and an intelligent strategist. It is pleasant to see said reputation is not exaggerated. It is rare for us to witness someone who possesses the physical traits to match us in strength. In a world filled with prey… You are clearly a predator. More similar to us than any of these pretenders who claim to be what they aren’t.
Standing up to his full height, SuMa lowers his arms to his side in a gesture meant to signal considering her an equal.
SUPREME MACHINE
From the moment we saw you sign up, we knew we would clash. Sooner than later. It was inevitable as when two alphas arrive in the same hunting ground, a hierarchy must be established. We did not expect you to move this fast. But your challenge is welcome. You have entered our domain. Here, we are the established force and you are the intruder.
The Lady Terminator inclines her head forward in acknowledgement, her eyes having never left him during his travel around her modest locker room.
URSULA VON ROSSBACH
Once upon a time, I imagine you too were the invasive predator, feasting upon those who dared cross your path until this became your kingdom and you it’s self-proclaimed ruler by force. To myself, you are a curiosity, Mr. Machine. I see in you elements of myself in a larger package. Forceful, dominant, and destructive, yet possessive of an intellect few of your kind have shown. Had you been a typical monster this matter would have been settled far more quickly at the expense of this locker room and a few pints of combined blood.
She remains so perfectly still, her breathing almost non-existent and her poise so perfect. Each subtle movement of her body seems as if a calculated act, even as she fully turns her head to face him for a sideways glance.
URSULA VON ROSSBACH
I suspect you will exceed my expectations in our encounter on this night.
The man nods and moves towards the door, intentionally showing a vulnerability in his defense in an effort to bait her to a strike. When none comes, he stops at the doorway, speaking over his shoulder.
SUPREME MACHINE
All that needs to be settled shall be settled in the ring, Terminator. Only one of us can exist at the top of the food chain. Whether it is you or us, remains to be seen. Do not disappoint.
And with that, he walks out, leaving Ursula to finish her preparations.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
BACKSTAGE -- CONTINUOUS
The lovely GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX is shown backstage with a mic in hand as she goes towards the locker room area.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am set to talk to one of the combatants for the Elvis Has Left The Building match, Griffin Hawkins. He should be in here.
She knocks on the door, opening it...seeing GRIFFIN HAWKINS, only he's dressed exactly like GOSPEL ELVIS in an all white suit and a red tie with a black Elvis wig which amazingly fits over his long hair he has tucked away into it.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
...Griffin? Hi. I hope I'm not interrupting any last-minute preparations.
He notices her and smiles as he speaks in his Elvis voice.
GRIFFIN HAWKINS
Hey there, Gretchen, good to seeya. It's good to be back in my favorite city.....Reno!
He strikes Elvis' trademark pose as the crowd loses it.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Oh yes, it's good to be here, Grif--
GRIFFIN HAWKINS
Please, Mama...call me The King, all my friends do.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Right...well...King. Before we get to tonight's festivities...for the last month, Chris Mosh has been meddling in your matches. Something needs to be settled between you two, wouldn't you agree?
GRIFFIN HAWKINS
Well, Gretchen...the way I see it....
He begins to sing and starts swinging his hips as does, his Elvis impression pretty spot-on.
GRIFFIN HAWKINS
(singing)
🎵He ain't nothin' but a hound dog
Cryin' all the time
Well, he ain't never caught a rabbit
And he ain't no friend of mine🎵
The crowd cheers once again as Gretchen looks taken aback...yet amused somewhat at his Elvis impersonation. He stops for a moment and then gets back to the interview, still talking like Elvis.
GRIFFIN HAWKINS
Let The King tell ya about Chris Mosh. That boy there...he's a coward. He can never step to The King of Rock and Roll because he knows that I'll send right down to the lonely street at the Heartbreak Hotel. Sooner or later that boy is gonna have to stop runnin'. His time is comin', I guarantee ya.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Well then, tonight you face three other opponents...Don Tirri and Ignis, who've been with UPRISING since day one and the newcomer Reno Nevada. What's your strategy for them?
GRIFFIN HAWKINS
Well, I thought about it darlin'. I was cruisin' down the Reno Strip earlier today in my big pink Cadillac, just thinkin to myself..how in the lord's name am I gonna win this tonight? Then I remembered..hey, I'm Elvis, I'm the King...I'll just do what I always do and leave em' layin..and give the people of Reno the show of a life time! Don Tirri is big tough man...but not tougher than me. One mistake and I'll be all over him like a Peanut Butter and Nana Sandwich! Then we have Ignis...she seems like a real nice girl, but looks can be deceivin', so I ain't lettin' my guard down around her. And Reno Nevada...my God, that's gonna be a tough one to beat. But when it's all said and done, I'll be the last one standing and the last thing you'll hear is...Ladies and Gentlemen, Elvis Presley has left the building!
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Well good luck to you tonight uhh..Elvis. Back to you all at ringside!
DOUBLE DEBUT
VALKYRIE vs CLARISSA CLAIRE
The contest starts off quick with Clarissa Claire eager to show off her technical wrestling prowess, keeping the rookie warrior on the defensive through a series of speedy takedowns and reversals. As Valkyrie stumbles to her feet, she manages to avoid another series of strikes after a cheap face rake and she whips Clarissa her into the far side ropes, almost taking her head off with a hard clothesline. Clarissa's unceremoniously pulled to her feet and is quickly wrapped up in a side bearhug by Valkyrie – REVERSAL INTO A BACKSLIDE!
ONE!
TW—NO!
Valkyrie breaks out and Clarissa pops back to her feet. The second her opponent's up, she's staggered with a roundhouse kick and Clarissa has her back into the corner thanks to a fistful of her opponent's hair – ENVIOUS ENDING (reverse cutter) as she runs the ropes and takes Valkyrie down hard but the moment she drops for a pinfall, she's sent flying, tossed off with a level of force that surprises both her and the crowd.
Valkyrie pulls herself to her feet, shaking her head as though to clear the cobwebs. Clarissa waits, coiled like a spring, until Valkyrie makes it upright. Clarissa goes for a German suplex but Valkyrie manages to reverse it into an overhead press slam! HOLY SHIT, THE POWER! The crowd is getting into it and Clarissa seems outraged as she ducks under a telegraphed clothesline to nail Valkyrie in the back of the head with a punch before a tornado DDT puts her down again! Valkyrie's slow to get to a sitting position, but Clarissa catches her in the back regardless with a dropkick to the shoulder, still trying to soften her up. Valkyrie sprawls into the bottom rope – BLATANT BOOT CHOKE GETS CAUGHT BY NEIL RANA AND HE FORCES CLARISSA TO GIVE THE ROOKIE SOME SPACE. She turns around, gloating to the boo birds in the crowd and that turns out to be a mistake as Valkyrie's received Odin's Gift and is back on her feet! Clarissa turns around into a ripcord clothesline and the crowd goes insane.
Valkyrie scoops up Clarissa and launches her at the ropes with a giant swing that unfortunately catches a piece of the ref. Rana falls hard, nearly falling right out of the ring and Valkyrie stops the assault, looking horrified as she apologizes profusely, trying to help him back to his feet only to be grabbed from behind – MIAMI MELTDOWN (coquina clutch) AND VALKYRIE IS DOWN TO ONE KNEE, HER FACE GOING RED AS SHE TRIES TO BREAK THE HOLD! Fans are on their feet exploding in a wall of sound and Valkyrie is fading fast. Neil Rana drops down to check on her, his movements slow and then he waves off the contest as Clarissa gets body scissors locked in, pulling Valkyrie to the canvas and forcing her to pass out.
WINNER (VIA SUBMISSION): CLARISSA CLAIRE
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am set to talk to one of the combatants for the Elvis Has Left The Building match, Griffin Hawkins. He should be in here.
She knocks on the door, opening it...seeing GRIFFIN HAWKINS, only he's dressed exactly like GOSPEL ELVIS in an all white suit and a red tie with a black Elvis wig which amazingly fits over his long hair he has tucked away into it.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
...Griffin? Hi. I hope I'm not interrupting any last-minute preparations.
He notices her and smiles as he speaks in his Elvis voice.
GRIFFIN HAWKINS
Hey there, Gretchen, good to seeya. It's good to be back in my favorite city.....Reno!
He strikes Elvis' trademark pose as the crowd loses it.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Oh yes, it's good to be here, Grif--
GRIFFIN HAWKINS
Please, Mama...call me The King, all my friends do.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Right...well...King. Before we get to tonight's festivities...for the last month, Chris Mosh has been meddling in your matches. Something needs to be settled between you two, wouldn't you agree?
GRIFFIN HAWKINS
Well, Gretchen...the way I see it....
He begins to sing and starts swinging his hips as does, his Elvis impression pretty spot-on.
GRIFFIN HAWKINS
(singing)
🎵He ain't nothin' but a hound dog
Cryin' all the time
Well, he ain't never caught a rabbit
And he ain't no friend of mine🎵
The crowd cheers once again as Gretchen looks taken aback...yet amused somewhat at his Elvis impersonation. He stops for a moment and then gets back to the interview, still talking like Elvis.
GRIFFIN HAWKINS
Let The King tell ya about Chris Mosh. That boy there...he's a coward. He can never step to The King of Rock and Roll because he knows that I'll send right down to the lonely street at the Heartbreak Hotel. Sooner or later that boy is gonna have to stop runnin'. His time is comin', I guarantee ya.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Well then, tonight you face three other opponents...Don Tirri and Ignis, who've been with UPRISING since day one and the newcomer Reno Nevada. What's your strategy for them?
GRIFFIN HAWKINS
Well, I thought about it darlin'. I was cruisin' down the Reno Strip earlier today in my big pink Cadillac, just thinkin to myself..how in the lord's name am I gonna win this tonight? Then I remembered..hey, I'm Elvis, I'm the King...I'll just do what I always do and leave em' layin..and give the people of Reno the show of a life time! Don Tirri is big tough man...but not tougher than me. One mistake and I'll be all over him like a Peanut Butter and Nana Sandwich! Then we have Ignis...she seems like a real nice girl, but looks can be deceivin', so I ain't lettin' my guard down around her. And Reno Nevada...my God, that's gonna be a tough one to beat. But when it's all said and done, I'll be the last one standing and the last thing you'll hear is...Ladies and Gentlemen, Elvis Presley has left the building!
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Well good luck to you tonight uhh..Elvis. Back to you all at ringside!
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
DOUBLE DEBUT
VALKYRIE vs CLARISSA CLAIRE
The contest starts off quick with Clarissa Claire eager to show off her technical wrestling prowess, keeping the rookie warrior on the defensive through a series of speedy takedowns and reversals. As Valkyrie stumbles to her feet, she manages to avoid another series of strikes after a cheap face rake and she whips Clarissa her into the far side ropes, almost taking her head off with a hard clothesline. Clarissa's unceremoniously pulled to her feet and is quickly wrapped up in a side bearhug by Valkyrie – REVERSAL INTO A BACKSLIDE!
ONE!
TW—NO!
Valkyrie breaks out and Clarissa pops back to her feet. The second her opponent's up, she's staggered with a roundhouse kick and Clarissa has her back into the corner thanks to a fistful of her opponent's hair – ENVIOUS ENDING (reverse cutter) as she runs the ropes and takes Valkyrie down hard but the moment she drops for a pinfall, she's sent flying, tossed off with a level of force that surprises both her and the crowd.
Valkyrie pulls herself to her feet, shaking her head as though to clear the cobwebs. Clarissa waits, coiled like a spring, until Valkyrie makes it upright. Clarissa goes for a German suplex but Valkyrie manages to reverse it into an overhead press slam! HOLY SHIT, THE POWER! The crowd is getting into it and Clarissa seems outraged as she ducks under a telegraphed clothesline to nail Valkyrie in the back of the head with a punch before a tornado DDT puts her down again! Valkyrie's slow to get to a sitting position, but Clarissa catches her in the back regardless with a dropkick to the shoulder, still trying to soften her up. Valkyrie sprawls into the bottom rope – BLATANT BOOT CHOKE GETS CAUGHT BY NEIL RANA AND HE FORCES CLARISSA TO GIVE THE ROOKIE SOME SPACE. She turns around, gloating to the boo birds in the crowd and that turns out to be a mistake as Valkyrie's received Odin's Gift and is back on her feet! Clarissa turns around into a ripcord clothesline and the crowd goes insane.
Valkyrie scoops up Clarissa and launches her at the ropes with a giant swing that unfortunately catches a piece of the ref. Rana falls hard, nearly falling right out of the ring and Valkyrie stops the assault, looking horrified as she apologizes profusely, trying to help him back to his feet only to be grabbed from behind – MIAMI MELTDOWN (coquina clutch) AND VALKYRIE IS DOWN TO ONE KNEE, HER FACE GOING RED AS SHE TRIES TO BREAK THE HOLD! Fans are on their feet exploding in a wall of sound and Valkyrie is fading fast. Neil Rana drops down to check on her, his movements slow and then he waves off the contest as Clarissa gets body scissors locked in, pulling Valkyrie to the canvas and forcing her to pass out.
WINNER (VIA SUBMISSION): CLARISSA CLAIRE
CUT TO:
INT. BACKSTAGE -- CONTINUOUS
Carrie ducks Ricky's attempt to launch an offensive attack and follows up with a spinning wheel kick to the face but as he falls, he grabs her and pulls her down with him. Her head cracks against the floor and she falls back, dazed but doesn't stay still for long. She tries to sit up but Rhodes hauls off and punches her in the midsection, doubling her up and then smashing both fists down on her back with a double axehandle before crashing his weight down on her bent back, smashing her face off his knees. She's out, Heidi is still brawling with Riina and Lollipop is nowhere to be found as Rhodes drops for the cover, much to the disapproval of the crowd.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
We are backstage at world renown Silver State Arena when the halls echo a familiar hoarse yell.
RICKY RHODES
FREE AT LAST, FREE AT LAST THANK GOD ALMIGHTY WE ARE FREE AT LAST!
Yes it was RICHARD RHODES III with NICO PAZZINI right by his side and behind them the towering massive figure of the ever-silent VINCENZO RIINA. Rhodes pulling Nico in and the pair of them look like they might just crack their faces from those smiles at any given moment. All three with dark shades even at indoors, Rhodes waves his free arm wide in front of them.
RICKY RHODES
Absolved, do you know what that means Nicolo? All those accusations against us? FALSE, all those claims that we are some trio of murderous dangerous sociopaths? Trash and everyone who laid it into us online? Null and void, know why?
NICO PAZZINI
No, why Rick?
RICKY RHODES
Because of Bradley Jackson. DA BOSS, Il Capo Dei Capi
NICO PAZZINI
Boss of bosses? I didn’t know you speak Italian!?
Rhodes chuckles.
RICKY RHODES
I don’t, but check this out. Bradley Jackson himself apologized to us. We are gonna have that tweet printed, framed and displayed in a prominent place because Brad Jackson doesn't apologize to anybody. The Dark Horse is not known for making one mistake or error in his judgement if God himself stepped down from heaven’s above and said: “Bradley, I think you should reconsider this,” he'd take a bat to the skull of the almighty. This is the guy who’d tell the pope, president and the richest man in the world all to take turns and go shit in their hats, yet he apologized to US.
NICO PAZZINI
Madonna! That’s pretty fucking great!
RICKY RHODES
Great does not even begin to describe it, he knows that he was wrong, he could have just threatened to fire us or just decide to fine us or some sort of chickenshit move but Jax decided to nut up and admit he was wrong. THAT means he knows just what kind of level of talent we are. He knows there’s no better team on this roster than TRINACRIA, never was and never will be.
NICO PAZZINI
My man, B-Rad! A legit G!
Rhodes grabs Pazzini by the scruff of his neck, sticking a finger in Nico’s face.
RICKY RHODES
Promise me, that you will NEVER use that name about him, around him especially.
NICO PAZZINI
Like he’d dare to do a thing to me, we are untouchable--
They turn a corner and without looking where they are going bump into someone.
??
Hey, watch where you are going-- Nico?!
Indeed what stood before them was the collective duo of perhaps the the greatest pair of female wrestling talent to ever walk through the doors of Uprising: Sistermatic Destruction. ISABELLA and CAMILLA PAZZINI, respectively.
NICO PAZZINI
Auntie Izzy?! What a surprise, Rick here was just telling me how we are the greatest team this company has ever had or will ever have.
Isabella, the older one of the duo, glares at her nephew, then Ricky, nodding quietly at Riina who steps back a few paces.
ISABELLA PAZZINI
Oh he did, did he? Well that may just have to be seen to be believed, what is this though? This disrespect towards your old auntie Izzy? Where’s my kisses, huh? Where’s my hugs?! Madonna, a few months here and you’ve lost all of your manners!
Nico obliges, jumping to Isabella’s embrace, exchanging the complimentary pecks on the cheek as Isabella pinches his cheek just a bit harder than she had planned. As she releases Nico, Bella steps up to Ricky.
ISABELLA
Richard.
RICKY RHODES
Bella.
She sizes him up.
ISABELLA
You look dreadful, who dresses you these days?
RICKY RHODES
I’m capable of doing it myself.
ISABELLA
And it shows, gah. Look I’m saying this nicely, once: don’t go putting stupid ideas into that boy's head.
RICKY RHODES
I’m not, he has his own idiotic ideas.
She waves it off.
ISABELLA
Not today Richard, not today. Good luck with the match. I think you might need it.
She steps away and Nico who seems to be done with the compliments is beside himself.
NICO PAZZINI
YO! PAZZINI’S OWN THIS HOUSE TONIGHT! YA’LL BITCHES AND PLAY-ASS GANGSTA’S BEEN TOLD! WE DON’T PLAY AROUND!
We see Camilla, the younger aunt of Nico’s roll her eyes.
CAMILLA
Nicky, please, let it go for two fucking minutes, will you?
He looks back at her.
NICO PAZZINI
Nah, we got a match we gotta put some bitches in the ground yo! Send them a message!
While this was going on Isabella had slid closer to Vincenzo murmuring something inaudible to him while looking at Ricky and Nico in turn.
CAMILLA
Vincenzo, be a dear and get Nico to the ring, per favore.
Vincenzo looks at Isabella.
CAMILLA
What do you gotta look at her for?! I said please!
Isabella nodded and Vicenzo grabs Nico, heading down the hall. Camillla looks at the lonesome Ricky, who seems confused.
RICKY RHODES
Camilla..
CAMILLA
Richard.
RICKY RHODES
You are looking great, great seeing you again.
The two seem hesitant on how to go on until we hear Isabella’s voice.
ISABELLA
Camilla, today! Can’t keep the big man waiting.
She looks at Ricky and smiles before following her sister. Ricky took a moment to watch her disappear before rushing after his crew, when he catches up to them in the middle of Nico boasting to Riina.
NICO PAZZINI
The Crush? Forgetabout it, we gonna smash those bitches like they were pumpkins and Billy Corgan was in town, it’s gonna be a total--
Before he manages to finish someone turns a corner before them and bumps into Nico.
NICO PAZZINI
Manache! These halls sure get crowded during shows don’t they?
He chuckles at his friends, seeing Ricky’s face being white as a sheet Nico turns around to look at the collective known simply as The Crush: Caramel Cane, Lollipop and Heidi Austin.
CARAMEL CANE
Well if it isn’t Ricky Rhodes and his terrible twosome? You know I figured for once you would be smart enough not to appear..
HEIDI AUSTIN
Carrie..
Rhodes steps up, but just enough to still stand behind Nico and close enough to duck behind Vincenzo if need be.
RICKY RHODES
You know that whole thing with Hayden Triggs was made up charges anyway! Jax apologized himself, we are clear on that shit and if you keep bringing it up, I’ll take you to court and--!
The Manchester native smirks.
CARAMEL CANE
Court? Oh no,Ricky we ain’t going to no bloody court, this isn’t about the Church either. This is some personal shit you did down in Memphis you rancid rodent..ring any bells?
Pazzini looks at Rhodes
NICO PAZZINI
What’s this puttana on about?!
LOLLIPOP
Don’t you call her that!
CARAMEL CANE
Oh, you got a selective memory too, Nicky? I’m not talking about that ancient history. Rick here was in charge and on his watch someone near and dear could have lost their life and you know what he got for it? Fuck all!
HEIDI AUSTIN
Carrie..this is not the time.
She grabs Caramel by the shoulder but Cane shoves her away.
CARAMEL CANE
No! I want this sniveling shit to know that I haven’t forgotten and I never will. He will pay dearly, one way or another.
NICO PAZZINI
Listen here you..
Rhodes places a gloved hand on Nico’s shoulder trying his most sympathetic approach.
RICKY RHODES
I..had nothing to do with that and you know this, Caramel. What Jonas did was his own choosing and you know how those MMA guys can get..
CARAMEL CANE
Well he’s not here is he!? But you are..Ricky and from what social media tells me. So is your little “ass-istant” You may not have been the one causing it but YOU were supposed to be in charge, YOU could have done thing things after it all happened, YOU did NOTHING to punish him for what happened OR to compensate us for the treatments, damage done mentally and physically. Not one goddamn dime out of it all Rhodes!
RICKY RHODES
Carrie..times were tough, the company barely stayed afloat. I had to make some drastic decisions sometimes. Not all of them were to my liking.
CARAMEL CANE
You are bloody lucky to even be alive, Rhodes, if it was another time and place. I’d do something, bloody hell my money was on Rose Jenkins ripping you in half over the shit you pulled..guess she figured you weren’t worth it either.
RICKY RHODES
Whatever business I have with Rose Jenkins is none of yours Miss Cane, even if it was I wouldn’t tell you because I don’t owe you a goddamn explanation.
CARAMEL CANE
Maybe not, but you DO owe me Rhodes, BIG TIME. AND YOU’LL HAVE YOURS SO HELP ME GOD--
HEIDI AUSTIN
ENOUGH!
CARAMEL CANE
Stay out of this one Heidi! Look, you three assholes could have killed Hayden Triggs with what you did, you didn’t and that’s good for him and you..but it brought back some ugly memories for all of us and if I can do anything to stop you from ever doing that shit again. Tonight or another time I will because you are a monster, Richard Rhodes, a selfish, pitiful little shit but a monster still and what you did to me and my family, I will never forgive you, ever--
RICKY RHODES
I'm sorry you feel that way.
An enraged shriek is his only answer before Carrie has lunged at him, elbowing her way past Lollipop as the de-facto leader tries to restrain her. SHE SMASHES INTO THE WALL AND CARRIE SPEARS RHODES INTO ONE OF THE EQUIPMENT CONTAINERS! NEIL RANA COMES RUNNING IN FROM GOD-KNOWS-WHERE AND APPARENTLY THE MATCH IS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW, RIGHT HERE!
TRIOS TOURNAMENT ROUND 2
TRINACRIA vs THE CRUSH
Carrie is still on Rhodes, pummeling him mercilessly. She's absolutely snapped and as Heidi steps in to attempt to intervene, she's cut off by Riina who grabs her in a bearhug, lifting her off her feet. Lollipop is still slumped against the wall, looking dazed from the impact and Nico's only to happy to keep an eye on her, close enough to spring at her the moment things change. Rhodes finally bucks her off and Carrie stumbles up to her feet, right into a cheap upkick to the face that sends her back down, blood coming from a cut on her forehead. She's clearly beyond the point of reason and even as Heidi is slung lifelessly to the floor by Riina, she surges back to her feet and is cut off by Nico as he grabs her by the hair, taking her down over his leg and then Rhodes is slamming a knee into her throat. Her fallen teammates and the other two members of Trinacria are forming a sort of small circle, hemmed in by equipment crates as Carrie and Rhodes circle each other. She's wiping blood off her lips and he's looking quite a bit less dapper than he did a few moments ago, his tie askew and his jacket dusty. She charges and he feints, dodging and catching her for an easy judo toss down to the hard floor and another stomp to her body. Rhodes leans in, whispering something that only Carrie hears before he stands up slowly, his hands locked around her throat. He slowly brings his hand back, and Carrie suddenly lunges forward, driving him back with a series of vicious chops.
Carrie ducks Ricky's attempt to launch an offensive attack and follows up with a spinning wheel kick to the face but as he falls, he grabs her and pulls her down with him. Her head cracks against the floor and she falls back, dazed but doesn't stay still for long. She tries to sit up but Rhodes hauls off and punches her in the midsection, doubling her up and then smashing both fists down on her back with a double axehandle before crashing his weight down on her bent back, smashing her face off his knees. She's out, Heidi is still brawling with Riina and Lollipop is nowhere to be found as Rhodes drops for the cover, much to the disapproval of the crowd.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL): TRINACRIA
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
SUPREME MACHINE vs URSULA VON ROSSBACH
The match begins with a defiant UVR stepping up to meet SuMa in the middle of the ring. SuMa stares coldly down at her, unimpressed as she returns the cold gaze. And suddenly we’re off! UVR lays into Suma with clubbing overhand blows and chops! She backs the monster into the ropes, then whips him but Suma reverses! He goes for a clothesline but UVR ducks. She comes back in and goes for a shoulder tackle...NEITHER OF THEM MOVE AN INCH FROM THE IMPACT! THE FANS CHEER AT THE SPECTACLE OF THE TWO TITANS CLASHING AS THEY STARE EACH OTHER DOWN ONCE MORE!!
This time UVR draws back and goes for a haymaker but SuMa catches the fist and begins to push against it! UVR swings the other and SuMa catches it as well! Now suddenly, the two are locked dead center in the ring like a pair of elk battling to establish dominance and mating rights but the only thing getting fucked tonight are Brad Jackson’s insurance rates! Suddenly SuMa rears off and headbutts UVR! She eats it and returns the headbutt! SuMa takes a step back, shook by the metal plate!
UVR charges in, only for SuMa to catch her and send her crashing down with a huge Boss Man Slam! He gets to his feet...AND MAC BANE HAS HIT THE RING! HE HAS A CHAIR! HE BLASTS SUMA WITH IT! THE MONSTER GOES OVER THE TOP ROPE AS NEIL RANA CALLS FOR THE BELL! UVR gets up, furious...AND MAC BLASTS HER AS WELL, THE DEFIANT COWBOY SHIT MAKING IT CLEAR WHO PLANS TO BE THE TOP OF THE TOTAL ANARCHY DIVISION!
WINNER (VIA DISQUALIFICATION): SUPREME MACHINE
CUT TO:
BLACK.
'ALSO SPRACH ZARATHUSTRA' PLAYS.
FADE IN.
EXT. ELDORADO CASINO — ENTRANCE
Lights flash around a towering sign above the entrance to the Eldorado Casino. The marquee features an advertisement for UPRISING’s Revolution 14 headline match between the fan poll winners Amber Ryan, Lil Juicy and the champion Legion. We BOOM DOWN the sign until the shot focuses on the doors just as the first crescendo of the brass instruments sound and the timpani booms.
The doors open and out walks Nicolas Cage dressed in a gold lamé tuxedo with white trim. The same one featured on the cover of Elvis’s LP, "50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can’t Be Wrong". He walks toward the camera until he fills the frame from chest up. His hand lifts to his matching gold sunglasses and slides them from his angled face.
NIC CAGE
Elvis Aaron Presley was no stranger to this town. He played here many times. His last concert in Reno was in November of ‘76, less than a year before his death, but you would never have known it based on his performances.
Nic starts walking. The camera moves aside and locks onto his profile. As he follows the center line of Virginia Street the camera trucks next to him, keeping him centered in the frame. Suddenly a cheering crowd comes into view, hundreds of fans lining the street on the other side of a line of barricades.
NIC CAGE
Tonight four competitors will face off on the world stage for the opportunity to go down in history in the greatest battle of their lives. Not on a patch of worn canvas. Not in a squared circle surrounded by ropes. You will see these modern-day gladiators channel the King in all his glory in a bout worthy of his name. Right now they stand on the roof of the Eldorado Casino. From there will fight their way down through the building, floor by floor, and out the entrance you saw behind me. Once they escape the casino it’s 150 feet to the finish line, here.
He stops but the camera keeps moving. It turns, once again angling on his face then, in fast motion, the camera zips backward until we see that he’s standing under the famous Reno Arch which reads the Biggest Little City In the World in flashing neon lights.
NIC CAGE
Every inch of the casino has been outfitted with cameras to ensure you miss none of the action. Victory will go to the one willing to fight and risk everything, to ignore pain, to get hit and keep moving forward. The names of the defeated will be lost in obscurity while the winner will be remembered forever.
FOCUS ON NIC. He tilts his head down to slowly slide the sunglasses on his face, then raises his gaze to level with the camera. The final bars of 'Also Sprach Zarathustra' crescendos to the final note.
NIC CAGE
Pain is temporary. Glory is forever. And there can be only one King.
CUT TO:
INT. ELDORADO CASINO -- THIRD FLOOR
The view opens up to show the one and only “OLD SCHOOL COOL” DON TIRRI wandering the casino floor at the Eldorado Casino, all decked out in suitable gear for his upcoming 'Elvis Has Left the Building' bout. The surprisingly popular Finn is clearly doing last minute scouting on the premises, seeking shortcuts and passageways to utilize later in the night. But despite that he had no problem stopping to chat with fans, taking selfies, signing autographs and doing a surprisingly passable impression of the King himself when asked. One particular female fan was so giddy at his portrayal that she hopped up and planted a big wet kiss on Tirri’s cheek, causing the big man to chuckle and give one of the most often copied lines of Elvis.
DON TIRRI
Thank you, thank you very much!
With a wink to the fan he continues sauntering on, until he hears a commotion coming from around the corner. He checks a particularly promising-looking lil’ nook on the hallway before shrugging, his curiosity getting the best of him. He rounds the corner, stops, blinks and (with a facepalm) groans out loud.
DON TIRRI
OH you gotta be KIDDING ME!
What he sees is a flash of hot pink, suaved-up hairdo and pair of dark shades even while indoors, a man who walked, stumbled or just seemed to damn near float on forward humming along with a clear accent to something that must have been the tune of "Viva Las Vegas". Is it the ghost of Elvis? No. It's something far scarier.
.
"KING RIKI"
Viva Las Vegas, with your damn fashion and…
ONLOOKER
Hey Elvis, give me an autograph!
"KING RIKI"
Fuck you, son; The King won’t be told what to do by anyone.
Just standing dumbfounded, Tirri finds himself laughing. RIKI THE GREAT. A man he knew from way back when he was working as a commentator in EWC. A part of a very Japanese entourage back then.
DON TIRRI
Yo, Riki. What brings you here?
The big Finn slides next to Riki, hoping that the man recognizes him. Or at least acknowledges his attire.
DON TIRRI
Thank you, thank you very much!
With a wink to the fan he continues sauntering on, until he hears a commotion coming from around the corner. He checks a particularly promising-looking lil’ nook on the hallway before shrugging, his curiosity getting the best of him. He rounds the corner, stops, blinks and (with a facepalm) groans out loud.
DON TIRRI
OH you gotta be KIDDING ME!
What he sees is a flash of hot pink, suaved-up hairdo and pair of dark shades even while indoors, a man who walked, stumbled or just seemed to damn near float on forward humming along with a clear accent to something that must have been the tune of "Viva Las Vegas". Is it the ghost of Elvis? No. It's something far scarier.
.
"KING RIKI"
Viva Las Vegas, with your damn fashion and…
ONLOOKER
Hey Elvis, give me an autograph!
"KING RIKI"
Fuck you, son; The King won’t be told what to do by anyone.
Just standing dumbfounded, Tirri finds himself laughing. RIKI THE GREAT. A man he knew from way back when he was working as a commentator in EWC. A part of a very Japanese entourage back then.
DON TIRRI
Yo, Riki. What brings you here?
The big Finn slides next to Riki, hoping that the man recognizes him. Or at least acknowledges his attire.
DON TIRRI
I gotta say, you pull off that look better than I do.
He slaps Riki on the back in a friendly manner. The oriental Elvis jumps a bit, tilting his head.
"KING RIKI"
Brings me here? This is Las Vegas, son; I live here! Where else would Elvis be?
The big Finn chuckles.
DON TIRRI
I don’t know? Besides dead on the crapper? Graceland maybe, besides..you ain’t in Vegas, my good man.
"KING RIKI"
Wait just one Memphis minute! I’m not?! Where am I then?! Who are these people?!
It's clear that he's not in his sharpest form; his presence must have been altered hopefully just by drinks and nothing more. Still chuckling, Tirri points to a big sign on the wall.
DON TIRRI
Reno. I mean, you’re not THAT far off from Vegas, my good man, but far enough. And these people.. Well they are here to see me. We got this thing you might be interested in coming up later tonight. This "Elvis Has Left the Building" match. Me and 3 of my fellow King-aficionados gonna dress up and fight 'til one makes it out. It ain’t your blue Hawaii movie, that I can tell ya. Might even end on a jailhouse rock for one of us.
Now Riki is the one glaring at Tirri.
"KING RIKI"
Well all that talk about fightin’ and not one mention of The King and his karate skills has me all shook up, I mean this ain’t no hound dog drag out brawl is it, it may not be Vegas either but you better fight like it was, bring the bright neon lights make it so bright it hurts your eyes, have the women cry over just how pretty is the lone star on the dark desert night..because if you wanna talk about Elvis and leaving the building, that is going to make em’ all feel mighty blue and that my son, that ain’t something you wanna do. It’s not a good look for you.
A slightly glazed over look in Tirri’s eyes tells a story of its own, but he quickly shakes it off and nods along.
DON TIRRI
Oh right .You know Karate man. Maybe you oughta gimme some pointers. Who knows, a good chop to the neck might work against someone like Reno. Dude’s built like a damn city. But ain’t got no time to feel blue dude, I’m gonna go all Korea on their asses, so if you plan on sticking around, it’d make me mighty pleased man. I might not be the actual King, but I got the damn moves to match up. Whaddaya think, my good man?
Tirri pulls off some awkward Elvis-moves, causing a nearby onlooker to laugh. Tirri throws a real death glare his way and the laughter dies. The smaller Japanese man walks around Tirri a few times, taking a good hard look before he takes off his sunglasses, placing them on Tirri.
"KING RIKI"
Now you are ready to rock’n roll son! Once you are done with this little shindig of yours come find me. I’ll be up there doing some chosen classics at Karaoke, we’ll hit the tables, get some drinks, tell old war stories. It’ll be great. Give em’ a good kickin’ for Aaron up there in the sky, give him somethin’ to smile about.
And just like that without as much as a goodbye he heads on into the crowd only things that even hints at his presence are the sunglasses on Tirri and the booming baritone of his distancing.
"KING RIKI"
Kimigayo wa
Chiyo ni yachiyo ni
Sazare-ishi no
Iwao to narite
Koke no musu made~
Left staring dumbfounded, Tirri just ends up shrugging as he finds a mirror to check himself on. The shades look like they were made for him.
DON TIRRI
Time to get serious, baby!
He turns around and flags the cameraman who had followed this whole weird interaction down.
DON TIRRI
Griff, Reno, Iggy. It’s time to get serious. We all know that amongst the four of us, I’m the only one who has the cred to be named Elvis. You guys can dance around, prance around and otherwise be a buncha muppets all ya want, but ain’t nobody but me heading to Graceland. You see, he might’ve died on the shitter but I don’t don’t give a crap.
He chuckles and throws up a very Elvis-esque pose.
DON TIRRI
It’s SHOWTIME!
_____________________________________________
I gotta say, you pull off that look better than I do.
He slaps Riki on the back in a friendly manner. The oriental Elvis jumps a bit, tilting his head.
"KING RIKI"
Brings me here? This is Las Vegas, son; I live here! Where else would Elvis be?
The big Finn chuckles.
DON TIRRI
I don’t know? Besides dead on the crapper? Graceland maybe, besides..you ain’t in Vegas, my good man.
"KING RIKI"
Wait just one Memphis minute! I’m not?! Where am I then?! Who are these people?!
It's clear that he's not in his sharpest form; his presence must have been altered hopefully just by drinks and nothing more. Still chuckling, Tirri points to a big sign on the wall.
DON TIRRI
Reno. I mean, you’re not THAT far off from Vegas, my good man, but far enough. And these people.. Well they are here to see me. We got this thing you might be interested in coming up later tonight. This "Elvis Has Left the Building" match. Me and 3 of my fellow King-aficionados gonna dress up and fight 'til one makes it out. It ain’t your blue Hawaii movie, that I can tell ya. Might even end on a jailhouse rock for one of us.
Now Riki is the one glaring at Tirri.
"KING RIKI"
Well all that talk about fightin’ and not one mention of The King and his karate skills has me all shook up, I mean this ain’t no hound dog drag out brawl is it, it may not be Vegas either but you better fight like it was, bring the bright neon lights make it so bright it hurts your eyes, have the women cry over just how pretty is the lone star on the dark desert night..because if you wanna talk about Elvis and leaving the building, that is going to make em’ all feel mighty blue and that my son, that ain’t something you wanna do. It’s not a good look for you.
A slightly glazed over look in Tirri’s eyes tells a story of its own, but he quickly shakes it off and nods along.
DON TIRRI
Oh right .You know Karate man. Maybe you oughta gimme some pointers. Who knows, a good chop to the neck might work against someone like Reno. Dude’s built like a damn city. But ain’t got no time to feel blue dude, I’m gonna go all Korea on their asses, so if you plan on sticking around, it’d make me mighty pleased man. I might not be the actual King, but I got the damn moves to match up. Whaddaya think, my good man?
Tirri pulls off some awkward Elvis-moves, causing a nearby onlooker to laugh. Tirri throws a real death glare his way and the laughter dies. The smaller Japanese man walks around Tirri a few times, taking a good hard look before he takes off his sunglasses, placing them on Tirri.
"KING RIKI"
Now you are ready to rock’n roll son! Once you are done with this little shindig of yours come find me. I’ll be up there doing some chosen classics at Karaoke, we’ll hit the tables, get some drinks, tell old war stories. It’ll be great. Give em’ a good kickin’ for Aaron up there in the sky, give him somethin’ to smile about.
And just like that without as much as a goodbye he heads on into the crowd only things that even hints at his presence are the sunglasses on Tirri and the booming baritone of his distancing.
"KING RIKI"
Kimigayo wa
Chiyo ni yachiyo ni
Sazare-ishi no
Iwao to narite
Koke no musu made~
Left staring dumbfounded, Tirri just ends up shrugging as he finds a mirror to check himself on. The shades look like they were made for him.
DON TIRRI
Time to get serious, baby!
He turns around and flags the cameraman who had followed this whole weird interaction down.
DON TIRRI
Griff, Reno, Iggy. It’s time to get serious. We all know that amongst the four of us, I’m the only one who has the cred to be named Elvis. You guys can dance around, prance around and otherwise be a buncha muppets all ya want, but ain’t nobody but me heading to Graceland. You see, he might’ve died on the shitter but I don’t don’t give a crap.
He chuckles and throws up a very Elvis-esque pose.
DON TIRRI
It’s SHOWTIME!
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
EXT. ELDORADO CASINO — ROOF
Four rostrums line the frame left to right. Atop each one is a silhouette of one of the entrants. In the background the city lights twinkle like neon stars in the midnight sky. Then, from above, a spotlight click-clacks on and a single beam shoots down on the left platform, illuminating Ignis. She’s dressed in a striped shirt, leather jacket, and her hair colored back and combed into a large pompadour. Her skin is painted faintly green and her ears pointed. CLOSE UP on her face. She smiles and winks in SLOW MO as digital fireworks explode all around her.
(O.S.)“BLUE SUEDE SHOES” FROM THE MUPPET SHOW PLAYS.
IGNIS
MUPPET SHOW ELF-IS
MORAL COMPASS OF UPRISING
The next rostrum lights up. Standing in a white and blue suit is Griffin Hawkins. His usually wild hair is tucked under a black greaser wig, combed back perfectly in an early 50s style. CLOSE UP. In SLOW MO he mimes styling his hair back with an invisible comb.
(O.S.) “PEACE IN THE VALLEY” BY ELVIS PLAYS.
GRIFFIN HAWKINS
GOSPEL ELVIS
ONCE SUPER KICKED A POLICE HORSE
A third spotlight shines down on the next rostrum and we see Reno Nevada. He’s dressed in a white jumpsuit with a large gold sundial on the chest and a jeweled belt around his waist. A massive pompadour wig is barely hanging on to his skull and stuffing around his midsection to make him look overweight. CLOSE UP. In SLOW MO he smiles while going into a ka-ra-tay stance. He punches through the air. His fingers are covered in gold rings.
(O.S.) “BURNING LOVE” BY ELVIS PLAYS.
RENO NEVADA
FAT ELVIS
HATES BABY LAXATIVE
And finally the last rostrum lights up, revealing Don Tirri. He’s wearing a replica of Elvis’s iconic leather jumpsuit from his Christmas Comeback Special. A red silk scarf hangs around his neck. A twinge of black hair hangs down his forehead, curling slightly. CLOSE UP. In SLOW MO he slides a pair of large black sunglasses down his nose as he pops his hips back and forth.
(O.S.) “A LITTLE LESS CONVERSATION” BY ELVIS PLAYS.
DON TIRRI
COMEBACK ELVIS
NEVER MET A DRINK HE DIDN’T LIKE
Music fades out. A series of epic orchestral crashes rattle off as the lights strobe across the roof. They speed up, faster and faster, until finally everything goes black. THEN:
(O.S.) “SEE SEE RIDER” BY ELVIS PLAYS.
The roof lights up like a football stadium. All four entrants dart off their platforms and sprint toward the roof exit where an elevator stands open. Next to it another door is propped open, revealing the emergency stairwell. Ignis and Griffin begin to take the lead in front of the huffing and puffing duo of Reno and Tirri, but before the two can get ahead the Old School Cool shoulder blocks Griffin Hawkins, sending him flying into Ignis. They trip over one another and land hard on the gritty, tarred roof, leaving Reno to take the lead. He hurries for the elevator! Once inside he starts mashing buttons on the control panel!
Don Tirri sees the doors closing. He pushes the leather jumpsuit to its limits, chugging with all knees and elbows, and cuts through the elevator door at the last second. The elevator cam catches him spearing Reno right into the back of the elevator just as the door slides shut!
Ignis and Griffin get up. After seeing the elevator door close, they trade a brief glance before both jump to their feet and make for the stairs. They’re fighting one another off, each one gaining a step before being pulled back by the other, until they make it through the doorway where—
INT. ELDORADO CASINO — STAIRWELL.
—Ignis takes the lead by sliding down the railing! She lands on her feet on the first landing and looks up to see Hawkins eyeing down at her. Ignis starts down the last half of the flight. Hawkins peers over the rail and jumps over!
Hawkins lands fifteen feet below on the second landing, in front of a fire door marked with the number 3. He stands just in time to see Ignis barreling down the steps toward him. She jumps and flips over, hitting him with a senton! Hawkins crashes backward with her weight on his chest into the door—NO! The door swings open at the last moment and the two fly through the doorway! A casino worker shrieks as they collapse next to her before she takes off into the stairwell. The door shuts behind Hawkins and Ignis as the two begin to stand up. Both look around and see they’re on the shopping level.
INT. ELDORADO CASINO — ELEVATOR.
Tirri and Reno square up. The Old School Cool throws a wild overhand right which Reno easily dodges thanks to his boxing background. He counters with a straight left with his knuckles lined with gold rings that pops Tirri right in the mouth. The big man’s head rocks backward and he stumbles into the door. He looks at Reno with an angry glare as blood starts dripping from his nose. Imprints from the rings run across his forehead. Reno shrugs with a smile as he loads his hands for another punch. Tirri decides trading blows with him isn’t going to work, so he reaches out and grabs the smaller wrestlers, turns, and throws him head first into the control panel!
The elevator DINGS and the door slides open. Tirri looks out at the second floor dining and entertainment concourse. He wipes the blood from his nose and leaves the elevator. Behind him Reno gets up, shakes his head, and stalks after him.
INT. ELDORADO CASINO — THIRD FLOOR — SHOPPING.
Patrons of the casino part to the sides, making room for Hawkins and Ignis as they race down the third floor concourse. Seeing the Firebird getting the better of him, he hits her with a lariat from behind. She stumbles to her hands and knees as her opponent starts down the corridor. Ignis rushes after Hawkins and jumps on his back. Her arms snake around his neck for a choke as her feet hook around his waist. Hawkins grabs at her arms to free himself but she’s got it sunk in tight!
Hawkins turns around and staggers. The lights are starting to go out! In a last ditch effort to free himself, he spins quickly and WHIPS Ignis around until she loses control of his neck! The momentum sends her flying through the window of the M&M store! Glass breaks in chunks as she crashes through and lands hard on the floor, skidding several feet before sliding into a display of plush toys.
Hawkins lumbers on heavy feet as the blood races back to his brain. He looks around with half-open eyes. At first he looks down the corridor toward an escalator about two hundred feet away. He begins to hobble in that direction but something stops him. He looks into the M&M store to see Ignis standing from a pile of stuffed animals and glass. Lines of blood are draining down her skin from countless little cuts. She slowly raises her hands and looks out at Hawkins.
IGNIS
I can do this all day.
Hawkins takes a heavy breath while giving one last look at the escalator before turning to walk into the M&M store. Customers scatter, moving away as Hawkins trudges after Ignis.
INT. ELDORADO CASINO — THIRD FLOOR — M&M STORE.
The Firebird goes to grapple with Hawkins but the bigger wrestler kicks her in the gut and yanks her head into a facelock. He hooks an arm over for a suplex. He tries to lift her but Ignis blocks it by hooking his leg with hers!
Ignis punches him multiple times in the ribs until his grip loosens. She then grabs him by the head and drops him with a DDT! Face first into a stuffed brown M&M embedded with glass! Some customers shriek! Other’s grown! More than a few start chanting HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT!
INT. ELDORADO CASINO — SECOND FLOOR — RESTAURANTS.
MEANWHILE DOWNSTAIRS, Don Tirri is moving quickly past the row of restaurants, from the five star La Strada and past the Ichiban Japanese Steakhouse, until he finds himself standing in front of the Hardrock Cafe. Ahead are the escalators. He looks around. Security has roped off the restaurants and are holding back onlookers with their phones out, recording.
RENO
TIIIRRIIIII!
Reno shouts like John McClane at the end of Die Hard when he’s come to confront Hans Gruber. Tirri turns around to see The Outlaw, face bruised, wig half-hanging off his head, coming after him. Slow, at first, but then he picks up the pace, rushing after the Old School Cool before he can make a break for the escalators.
Tirri takes three fast steps toward the charging Reno then lifts his right leg to deliver THE BOOT but NO! Reno ducks down and slides under him across the waxed floor, before popping up behind the big man. Tirri turns just in time to get hooked and delivered to the floor with the BOSTON MASSACRE (Swinging Neckbreaker)! The sickening thud is enough to cause the onlookers to groan.
Reno moves first, rolling over onto his stomach. Tirri is holding the back of his neck. Reno has a chance! BUT, rather than make a break for it, he’s looking at the Hardrock Cafe with a wild grin. He grabs Tirri by the hair, forcing him to his feet, and drags him toward the restaurant. He kicks the pole over, dropping the rope to the floor and leads the big man through the entrance.
INT. ELDORADO CASINO — THIRD FLOOR — SHOPPING.
UPSTAIRS, Ignis is exiting the M&M store, brushing chunks of glass off her arms and face. She then starts walking forward in the direction of the escalators.
GRIFFIN HAWKINS
HEY!
Ignis spins around to see Hawkins coming out of the store. His face is a goddamn crimson mask! He throws something at her. It’s a plastic wine bottle full of M&Ms! She catches it just as he executes the SHOT IN THE DARK (Superkick)! His foot crashes through the bottle and explodes into her face. M&Ms fly through the air and scatter on the floor! Ignis is down and out cold! Hawkins takes off his blood-covered jacket, tosses it aside, and starts to walk. Unfortunately he steps on a bed of peanut M&M’s. His foot flies out from under him and he lands hard on the floor next to Ignis, letting out a painful groan while holding his arched back.
INT. ELDORADO CASINO — SECOND FLOOR — HARD ROCK CAFE.
IN THE HARD ROCK CAFE, tables are full of patrons stuffing their mouths with overpriced burgers and well-done steaks. Reno walks through the dining area, yanking Tirri behind him. Diners jump up from their seats and move away as the two wrestlers shove their way between the tables. Reno turns, stands Tirri up, and hits him HARD with a knife-edge chop! Tirri’s legs buckle but he doesn’t fall. Reno hits another, and another, and WOO another! Old School Cool wobbles, trying to eat the damage, until finally Reno throws a baseball-bat quality lariat across his throat and drives him down back-first onto a table! Surrounding the round-top in the half-moon booth is a group of friends. The women scream as their boyfriends cheer. Reno grabs a plate of cheese fries and smashes it all over Tirri’s face. He then grabs the ketchup bottle, unscrews the top. It’s the good stuff, Heinz 57! And he’s pouring it all over Tirri!
Reno stands up and looks in the direction of the Hard Rock Elvis room which is full of the King’s memorabilia. He grabs his wig and rips it off his head, then offers it to one of the women in the booth.
RENO
(Elvis Impression)
There ya go, baby. That’s a gift from the, uh-huh uh-huh, King, baby.
He winks at her then turns to grab Tirri, but the big man is already standing up with tonight’s appetitier all over him. He scoops Reno up, lifts him into the air, and slams him hard on the floor. Reno’s yowls in pain. Tirri then feels around for a napkin to wipe his face. Once the food is cleared from his eyes, he looks for Reno to see the Outlaw crawling in the direction of the Elvis Room.
INT. ELDORADO CASINO — THIRD FLOOR — SHOPPING.
Hawkins is hobbling past the shops while gingerly holding his back. As he passes the Coca-Cola Store, he sees a kid standing outfront drinking a soda from an old school glass bottle. That DDT must have rattled his head because instead of continuing for the escalator he walks over to the kid who, after looking up at the blood-covered Hawkins, slowly lifts his hand to offer his bottled coke. Hawkins takes it and, after thanking the kid, starts chugging it down ala Mean Joe Green. The kid turns around to walk off.
GRIFFIN HAWKINS
Hey, kid.
The young man looks back at Griffin Hawkins who pulls the bloodstained tie from around his neck.
GRIFFIN HAWKINS
Catch.
He tosses the tie toward the kid who’s face lights up in excitement as he snags it from the air. Bloody tie in hand, he thanks Hawkins before turning to bounce off. In the background, the child’s mom walks out of the store to see the blood-soaked necktie and screams. Hawkins shrugs, drinks the last of the coke, and tosses the bottle in a nearby trash can. When it goes straight into the basket he gives a fist pump before turning RIGHT INTO A SITOUT CLOTHESLINE FROM IGNIS!
Hawkins’s back takes another hard bump as the two land on the floor. Ignis stands with M&Ms stuck to the dried blood on her green-painted face. She wipes them off and then turns to the escalator not more than twenty feet away. She jogs toward it, leaving Hawkins behind, but the Jukebox Hero isn’t down. He rolls over onto his stomach and forces himself to his feet. He limps after her, wincing in pain and dragging his left foot behind him slightly, but refuses to let her get away.
As Ignis reaches the motorized stairs she sticks her foot out to step down but gets stopped when Hawkins grabs her by the shoulder. The Firebird flips around and throws a punch but he ducks it. He grabs her, lifts her for the GLAM SLAM (Michinoku Driver II) but Ignis fights him! She slips down his back and, after landing on her feet, shoves him forward! Hawkins stumbles onto the escalator and tumbles down, going end over end until he flops on the second floor below, skidding a few feet before coming to a halt.
INT. ELDORADO CASINO — SECOND FLOOR — HARD ROCK CAFE.
“VIVA LAS VEGAS” BY ELVIS PRESLEY PLAYS IN THE ELVIS ROOM.
Tirri is stalking after Reno who has just crawled his way into the Elvis Room. He pulls the red scarf from his neck and binds it between his hands. As he draws near the Outlaw, the restaurant manager comes running in.
MANAGER
Not here! Please, anywhere but here! If you have to smash something, there’s a Nickelback display right over there!
Tirri shoves the manager out of the way then throws the scarf over Reno’s head and wraps it around his neck. Tirri pulls back, yanking Reno up to his feet. The Outlaw tries ripping the scarf from his throat but eventually gives up and starts reaching for something, anything to help. The manager has now started to clear the room of diners. They run past Reno and Tirri, funneling back into the main room.
DON TIRRI
Nothing personal, Nevada. Time to go night-night.
Reno, nearing unconsciousness, flails around one last time. His hand, grasping at air, finally finds something - a Rockin’ Fresh Rita sitting on one of the tables. He swings the near full margarita glass back and splashes Tirri in the eyes with the tequila mix. The big man immediately lets go of the scarf and shouts while rubbing his stinging eyes. Reno coughs as he unwraps the silk from his neck while nearly tripping over his feet to get away from Tirri. He ends up standing in front of a large display case featuring Elvis’s original Sundial Jumpsuit, a replica of which Reno is wearing.
The manager runs up to Reno and, for some reason, calls him Chris Mosh.
MANAGER
MR. MOSH! I must ask you and this man to leave this room IMMEDIATELY!
Reno shoves the manager out of the way and starts after Tirri who’s still half-blind from the alcohol thrown in his face. The Outlaw walks right up to him and raises his hand, but rather than punch Tirri he SLAPS THE SPIT OUT OF HIS MOUTH. Tirri’s head whips around and he doubles over. Reno sees an opportunity. He grabs the other man by the head, ready to deliver his finisher, WELCOME TO RENO, MOTHER FUCKER (Perfect DDT) but NO!
Tirri refuses to drop! He slams his fist into Reno’s side until the grip around his neck loosens. He then stands, bends Reno over and hooks his arms behind his back for the DADDY-DT (Double Underhook DDT), driving Reno’s face right into the floor! The Outlaw is laid out and Tirri has gotten back to his feet. He stumbles around until he finds the manager. He grabs the weaselly man by the collar and lifts him onto his tip-toes.
DON TIRRI
WATER. GET ME SOME WATER.
The manager looks around and sees a table with a few glasses of water still full. He leads the big man over and grabs one of the glasses. Tirri takes it and pours it over his face while rubbing the alcohol out of his eyes. As his vision clears, he looks around with a red, irritated gaze and his face dripping wet. He then sees Reno has stood up defiantly.
DON TIRRI
Stay down, Reno.
RENO
(singing…poorly)
OH! There's black jack and poker and the roulette wheel!
A fortune won and lost on every deal!
Tirri looks toward the exit before looking back at Reno reluctantly. He moves forward while cracking his knuckles. Reno thumbs his nose before taking a karate stance. He throws a few punches and kicks at the air as a warm up, just like the King used to. Old School Cool raises his fists but it’s a feint! When he nears Reno, he takes two quick steps and launches his foot forward. He nails Reno straight in the face with THE BOOT! Reno’s head bounces off the display case behind him and he folds like an accordion to the ground.
Tirri looks down at the man he considers a friend then begins to turn but a sound stops him. It’s Reno! He reaches up to grab after Tirri but his arm is heavy, as is his head as he tries to look up with glassy eyes. Tirri sighs before bending down to pick Reno up to his feet. He gives Reno a pat on the shoulder then turns to whip him away but Tirri keeps hold of his wrist!
Reno stops on a dime and then gets pulled back toward Tirri at breakneck pace! He’s nearly falling over himself as Tirri steps aside and shoves Reno RIGHT INTO THE DISPLAY CASE! GLASS AND MANNEQUIN PARTS FLY THROUGH THE AIR! Reno lands in a pile of chaos several feet behind the display. He’s out cold and might be damn near broken in half!
MANAGER
JESUS CHRIST! What did you do?!
Tirri pats the manager on the shoulder as the man freaks out over the damage done. Tirri gingerly hurries to leave the Elvis Room but something catches his eye in the corner. He turns and sees a 1969 Gibson Dove acoustic guitar hanging on the wall. A smile spreads slowly across his lips.
INT. ELDORADO CASINO — SECOND FLOOR — RESTAURANTS.
ELSEWHERE, Ignis has descended the escalator and is checking Hawkins to make sure he’s okay. He starts to move around, and after a moment, the two of them slowly stand up. They look at each other, knowing that only one of them can win, then at the same time turn to look at the next escalator leading to the ground floor.
Both start toward it but get hung up on one another. Hawkins throws an elbow, cracking Ignis in the side of the face. The Firebird looks hard after Hawkins as he limps to the moving stairs. She grabs him by the air and spins him around. He blocks a punch and then scoops her up and slams her hard on the floor with the GLAM SLAM (Michinoku Driver II)!
Hawkins stands, holding his back and turns for the escalator.
DON TIRRI
KABONG!
AN ACOUSTIC GUITAR SMASHES Hawkins over the head! Splinters of wood and guitar strings fly through the air! He hits the ground like a sack of potatoes as we FOCUS ON Don Tirri standing over him. Old School Cool tosses the broken guitar neck aside and steps over Ignis and Hawkins to board the escalator. While moving downward he leans hard on the railing to catch his breath.
INT. ELDORADO CASINO — FIRST FLOOR — TABLE GAMES.
Once on the ground floor he starts walking through the table games section. Gamblers all around him begin cheering from their seats. Tirri raises a hand to wave as he starts to pick up steam. It seems like he’s the only one left and it’s just a straight shot to the exit until—
IGNIS
HEY, DON!
Tirri, the gamblers and the dealers all stop what they’re doing and look up to see The Firebird is standing on the outside railing of the second floor balcony with her hands slowly raising into the air. Before anyone can react she launches herself through the air, dropping some twenty five feet before landing crossbody on Tirri!! Both crash on the carpeted floor! The crowd chants HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! HOLY SHIT! Ignis bounces off him and flops onto her back while holding her midsection. Tirri groans, cradling his ribs with his arms as he rolls away from her.
He reaches to grab the edge of a craps table and uses it to pull himself up next to the players huddled around the dice game. Behind him, Ignis is getting to her feet as well. She’s holding her stomach and her face is filled with pain. She might have busted her ribs or hell, even have some internal bleeding from that fall!
Tirri grabs a champagne flute from a woman in a skimpy silver dress and downs the fizzy alcohol in one gulp. He then wipes his mouth with the leather sleeve of his suit before stumbling toward the Firebird just as she steadies herself next to a blackjack game. Seeing the big guy lumbering at her, she turns and grabs the card shuffler off the table. As Tirri closes the gap, she spins around and pushes the button. Hundreds of playing cards shoot out of the machine and pelt him in the face! He waves his hands, batting away cards until the last one shoots out. He’s now standing with five cards stuck to his sweaty skin. By god, it’s a full house! Aces over nines!
Tirri rips the cards off just in time to see Ignis limping her way through the table games. Tirri grabs the rattan stick from the craps stickman and hurries after her, easily catching up with the hobbled wrestler. He reaches out with the stick and grabs her ankle with it’s hooked end. Ignis trips and falls into the middle of a poker game. Cards and chips go flying as the players yell at their ruined hands.
One of the players turns and helps Ignis up, then stands from his stool. He’s a mountain of a man, even bigger than Tirri, and he just so happens to be wearing an Ignis t-shirt bought from the UPRISING gift shop. He looks like Bull Hurley from Over The Top, with a shaved head, handlebar mustache and barrel chest.
He climbs off his stool and steps right in front of Don Tirri.
IGNIS FAN
You want The Luchadork, you gotta go through me!
Tirri stops and looks at the man, then to Ignis, who normally wouldn’t want someone interfering on her behalf but this isn’t a normal wrestling match. It’s a brutal race to the finish. Reluctantly she turns to head for the exit. Tirri takes one stop and the fan gets in front of him, so he swings that rattan stick and cracks the mountain of a man in his face. The pole makes a loud pop when it cracks in two. The onlookers groan but, amazingly, the fan looks right back at Tirri and just scowls with a red welt raising up diagonally across his mean mug.
DON TIRRI
Shit.
The fan charges like Bald Bull from Punch Out! Tirri cocks back his big right hand and slings it forward, connecting across the man’s jaw. It rocks the bald brute but doesn't KO him. He looks at Tirri and spits a mix of tobacco and blood on the floor, with a bit dribbling down his chin. He swings a huge meaty hand at Tirri, but Old School Cool ducks it! Knee to the gut! The brute doubles over and Tirri locks his arms behind his back. DADDY-DT ON THE FLOOR! Tirri pops up to his feet over the laid out fan. He runs his hand through his wet hair and flicks sweat on the man.
INT. ELDORADO CASINO — FIRST FLOOR — SLOTS.
Ignis is now slowly making her way down a row of loud, flashing slot machines, most of which are being played by casino rats with their buckets of coins. They don’t even seem to notice her as she tries to hurry by despite her injuries. She looks back and, for a moment, catches sight of Tirri between gathering onlookers. She looks ahead and picks up the pace no matter how much it hurts. She rounds a corner of whirring games and drops down to hide behind a group of machines to catch her breath. Something ahead of her catches her eye. It’s the main entrance.
She forces herself up and tries to make a run for it, no matter how much pain it causes her. She takes three steps but a hand darts out and snatches her arm. It’s Tirri!
DON TIRRI
Where do you think you’re going?
Ignis flips around and wastes no time, sending a left hand across his face. Tirri’s legs wobble but he doesn’t let go, instead yanking her closer to him and hoisting her up. He walks her into an open area and tosses her over his head like a SACK OF SHIT (Fallaway Slam)!! Ignis lands hard on her back. She shrieks from the pain while pushing herself to a seated position. She then scoots back into a slot machine being played by an old lady.
Tirri is up and coming after Ignis. The Firebird reaches up for something to pull up on and ends up tugging down the slot machine handle as she stands up. The game whirrs as numbers spin on the video screen. The reels tumble until the first one stops, then the second, and finally the third, each one landing on the elusive 7! Sirens wail and lights spin all around the casino, signaling a jackpot. The old lady leans over and kisses Ignis right on the cheek as coins and $25,000 flashes across the screen!
The Firebird shoves herself forward, past the old lady and walks right up to Tirri. He goes to grapple with her but she ducks through and moves behind him where she stomps the back of his leg. Tirri loses his balance and falls to one knee. Before he can react, Ignis grabs his arm and rolls over it, locking him into the BURNING EMBERS (Cross Armbar)! Tirri lands on his back and Ignis is yanking on his arm, but he’s trying to block it by holding on with his other hand. She wrenches back over and over, each time causing Tirri’s grip to fray, until finally he loses hold!
Ignis has it sunk in! She’s bending his arm back and threatening to rip it off at the elbow. Tirri holds his free hand up in a defiant fist as he yells out. Ignis looks down his arm at him.
IGNIS
Give up, Don! I don’t want to break it! Give up and let me walk out that door!
Tirri shakes his head and, in a last ditch effort, throws his weight toward her, until he manages to get onto his side. Ignis tries to hold on, bending his elbow until it begins to hyperextend. But Tirri is standing now and he lifts her body off the floor! He’s howling from agony even as he slams her on her back but Ignis refuses to let go! He lifts her up again and slams her down but still she hangs on like a bulldog, refusing to give up the arm.
He’s bellowing and breathing heavily. He holds his free hand in the air, open, as if he’s about to tap out! He shakes his hand in the air and starts to tap…BUT NO! He closes his hand into a tight fist! He reaches down, grabs her by the neck and lifts her up with his near-dead arm, then runs forward and SLAMS HER INTO A 70” VIDEO SLOT MACHINE. The glass cracks into a handful of spiderweb patterns and the picture distorts into bands of color. Ignis falls down and lands across two swivel chairs sitting in front of the game!
Tirri falls down to the ground and holds his arm in agony. It may not be broken but be damn sure Ignis had hyperextended it. He takes a moment to get a few heavy breaths in but then he sees Ignis start to stir like the damn Terminator. Old School Cool pushes himself up to his feet, using another chair to regain his balance. His hurt left arm falls to his side and he immediately winces, so he yanks the zipper down on his jumpsuit and hooks the hand of his injured arm inside the suit for support.
Ignis slides off the chairs to the floor and begins crawling toward Tirri. He looks incredulous at how she just keeps coming. He walks to her and bends down to get a handful of hair. She tries to pull his hand apart but not before he yanks her to her feet.
He drags her all the way to the exit doors, which open automatically. As they’re clearing the threshold, Ignis takes a few quick shots to his injured arm. Tirri immediately let’s go of her to protect his elbow. Seeing her moment, Ignis darts out the door! Outside the gathered crowd starts cheering at the sight of the Firebird.
If not for her own injuries Tirri never would catch her, but she’s hobbling with a face contorted in pain. He runs after her on his fully functioning legs and gets ahold of her collar. Ignis twists in the wind before sliding her arms out of the sleeves, leaving Tirri with just the jacket in hand. Unfortunately she loses her balance in the process and stumbles, giving Tirri a chance to take the lead but Ignis refuses to get left behind.
The two wrestlers are neck and neck. Ignis limps along while Tirri keeps pace but it’s clear he’s running out of gas. The fans lining both sides of the closed off street cheer and wave signs, some in support of Ignis and others for Tirri. The competitors struggle against one another, throwing wild elbows and shoulder checks, until both of them lose their balance and fall sideways, crashing into a steel barricade no more than 20 feet from the Reno Arch.
Off duty police officers serving as security swarm in and start pushing away the fans trying to mob the two wrestlers, forming a line along the outside of the barricade. Ignis steadies herself with her left hand on the barricade and starts slinging elbows into the side of Tirri’s head. Old School Cool is getting lit up! His eyes are starting to glaze! He can’t defend himself, as his left arm is full of lightning and his right appears to be stuck through the bars of the barricade!
Ignis catches him right across the forehead and slices his eyebrow open. Blood runs down his face and he slumps away from her, and as he does his right arm slips back through the bars. Wait, there’s something in his hand. A crew member moves in with a steadicam to get a better shot. It’s…a PAIR OF HANDCUFFS! His arm wasn’t stuck in the bars after all! He pulled those cuffs off the belt of one of the officers preventing the roadside fans from breaching the barricade. He grabs Ignis’s arm with his injured hand, ignoring the pain shooting up his shoulder, and slaps the cuff around her wrist!
Ignis immediately tries to get away but before she can the other cuff snaps around one of the barricade bars! Tirri rolls over to his hands and knees then stands slow as molasses with blood dripping off his face. He looks down at Ignis who pulls on the cuffs but there’s no breaking them, so she stands up and gets one of the officer’s attention. She’s asking for a key!
Tirri turns and starts for the finish line under the Reno Arch while behind him the cop has his keys out, unlocking Ignis’s cuffs! And she’s free! The Firebird is free! She gets to her feet and starts running, paying no mind to the pain which must be racking her body. She’s catching up to Tirri! Only a few feet separate them!
“CHARIOTS OF FIRE” THEME PLAYS.
SLOW MOTION: Don Tirri is barreling down the line on his wobbly legs, swinging just one arm for the momentum. Just behind his left shoulder is Ignis, her hair coming loose from the pompadour, green muppet paint smeared with dried blood from the cuts she suffered when going through that window. With each stride, both of them are nearing the line. Ignis has caught up! They’re neck and neck! It’s going to be a photo finish!
CUT TO: The finish line camera. Both wrestlers come into view on the right side of the frame! Each movement slowed down to millisecond ticks! Knees jut forward! Arms swing outward! Here it is! Tirri and Ignis throw their bodies forward…AND IT’S…
DON TIRRI BY A NOSE! Don Tirri crosses the line first by just a few inches! CUT TO: the street camera, facing the two wrestlers. Tirri’s knees give out and he drops to the street on his hands. Ignis stops and kneels down next to him. Both wrestlers are exhausted, covered in blood, and their bodies put through the ringer. SLOW MOTION ENDS.
“BLUE SUEDE SHOES” BY ELVIS PLAYS.
The steadicam moves in quickly to see Ignis helping Tirri to his feet. Gracious in defeat, the Firebird gives him a hug and he returns the favor as he stands tall, putting his good arm around her shoulder. Two gladiators who fought through hell to get to the finish line, now leaning on each other as the only two who made it across the line. GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX comes into frame, just in front of the camera, with an UPRISING microphone in hand.
GRETCHEN DEVEREAUX
Don Tirri! Don Tirri! You have just won the Elvis Has Left The Building match! What are you going to do next?
Tirri looks at the camera, bloody-faced, exhausted and beat-up.
DON TIRRI
I’m getting shitfaced at Disneyland!
Ignis laughs and the crowd roars as his words are pumped out of speakers positioned all around the street. He then holds his good arm up into the air for the fans to see and we FREEZE FRAME. Tirri with his arm up, Ignis standing next to him mid-clap. The shot then fades to black and white, like an old photograph, before FADING OUT.
WINNER (VIA ESCAPE): DON TIRRI
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
INT. BACKSTAGE -- CONTINUOUS
The words RECORDED EARLIER flash across the screen before SAMANTHA TOLSON is seen walking down a hallway in the back, dressed in a patriotic top and denim jeans. Her bag is over her shoulder, and the look on her face seems calm but determined.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
Gaston Gillet. The man who would be American, challenging for a title that may well represent America as a whole very highly. You see, one thing I've learned about Nevada since moving here is that this state is truly a microcosm of all the things that are uniquely American.
Samantha slows her pace, thinking deeply for a moment.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
From this city of Reno to my home of Las Vegas, the capital Carson City, and all points in between great and small...perhaps no state embodies the complete experience and variety of the USA. You can find any ethnic group, sexual preference, political ideology, and much more in the Silver State. It's the biggest reason the championship I hold here in UPRISING means so much to me.
Samantha smiles warmly, a bit of a departure from her normal pre-match demeanor.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
I'm proud to carry this title everywhere I go and represent these people as the Silver State Champion. I've been warmly received here, and made to feel very much at home. I'm every bit as comfortable calling myself a Nevadan as I am calling myself a Missourian. And to put that title on the line every time we gather...that's a responsibility I not only welcome with open arms, but one I take extremely seriously.
Samantha shifts her bag as she walks, the clinking of belts inside heard easily.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
So Gaston, here's the question before you. Is that a responsibility you can shoulder? Is it one you're prepared to take on should you win this match tonight?
She pauses for a second, considering her own question.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
I don't believe you are. Now don't take that as a sign of disrespect. It's certainly not. But I've seen you talking on social media. There's always a subtle dig at me, trying to gain a mental advantage. Like saying you've won fewer championships than I have, simply because I've worked a lot. Here's why that's a dig, Gaston...because your implication is that either those reigns came easily against weak competition, or that I've been handed something.
Samantha looks up, seeing her name on her locker room door. She stops outside of it before continuing.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
The problem with that implication is that I've only held one championship that wasn't earned in combat, and even that is questionable. Every title I've strapped around my waist or put on my shoulder has been won through effort in the ring and coming out the victor. Yes, I show off on social media. Yes, people make the mistake of thinking I'm not serious about this sport because of that. They're dead wrong, and the list of my championships is proof of that. You're about to find out just how deadly serious I am in the ring, Gaston.
Samantha puts her hand on the door knob.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
All the pictures and cheeky comments? All of that is fun and games, a right I've earned with the work I've done. But very soon, you'll see that I'm very, very different when the spotlight is on and it's just you and I inside the ropes.
Samantha turns the knob, pushing open the door just a bit.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
Some night, Gaston Gillet, you may well wear this championship that represents this country you love. Some night. But not tonight. Tonight, I will walk out of the arena the same as I walk in...the proud Silver State Champion.
Samantha gives the camera a playful wink, entering her locker room before disappearing behind the closed door.
SILVER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
SAMANTHA TOLSON (c) vs GASTON GILLET
Samantha starts off fast, dictating the pace in an attempt to put Gaston off balance. She gets a kick to the leg to start and drives Gaston back against the ropes. He fires back with some stiff punches but most of them connect with air as Samantha dodges. She takes him over with a snapmare and nails a springboard dropkick to the neck as Gaston starts to get up. She follows up with a knee to the midsection, but Gaston catches it and rolls her over, right into a kneebar. The crowd pops at the reversal, but the excitement is short-lived when Samantha catches hold of the ropes and gets the break. Back on their feet, she goes for another speedy kick, showing off that she's not just a one-trick pony suplex machine – Gillet has her scouted, though, and he pushes her back with a few hard strikes before he runs her down with a shoulder block. Bouncing back up, Samantha takes Gaston down with a sunset flip and bridges for a pin.
ONE!
TW— NO!
Gaston kicks out with authority and rolls up to his knees, shaking off the cobwebs. Samantha grabs him in a headlock, and he takes her over with a belly to back suplex, hanging on for his own pinfall attempt.
ONE!
TW—NO!
Samantha goes for the knee again but Gaston dodges. He misses when he tries to change the tide with a shoulder block, opening himself up to more assault from Tolson – OH SHIT! HE CATCHES THE LEG AND TAKES HER DOWN WITH BUSTIN’ MAKES ME FEEL GOOD (spinebuster) AND THE CROWD IS ON FIRE! THIS MATCH IS INSANE AND SAMANTHA TOLSON MAY HAVE FINALLY MET HER EQUAL IN THE RING. Gaston goes for a knee drop but Tolson rolls aside, and he rolls out to the floor, trying to walk off the impact. The crowd goes insane as Samantha hits an Oda a México (springboard somersault dive) to the floor, flattening Gaston. She pops back up and turns around, going back towards the ring to break up the count. Gaston lurches to his feet and dives after her, sliding in a second later. She turns around, right into the Bear Necessities (bear hug) – no way! She elbows her way out and a snap suplex sends Gaston skidding away. Tolson dives in and traps him in a side leglock, further punishing him. Gaston strains for the ropes and gets the break by the barest of good ol' American inches. Back up, Gaston goes for a running lariat after dodging a series of strikes but his knee buckles – stunning innovation into a stunner that almost gives Tolson whiplash. She hits the canvas hard, and Gaston goes for a kneedrop to the shoulder. OH NO! TOLSON ROLLS ASIDE AND HE HITS HER IN THE FACE INSTEAD, SNAPPING HER HEAD BACK. He's got a look of regret on his face, but he scoops her up anyhow and Tolson still tries to fight him off, in agony before he's got her caught up – Winning In America (cobra clutch slam) and he smothers for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Tolson's shoulders spasm but it's a split second too late!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL) AND NEW SILVER STATE CHAMPION: GASTON GILLET
Gaston rolls to his feet, disbelief written all over his face and he takes the championship as it's handed to him, cradling it to his chest as he sits up on his knees, soaking in the roar of the crowd. When the noise shifts, he turns to see Chris Mosh standing at the balcony of the VIP Room, a disgusted look on his face and he lifts the microphone to his lips.
CHRIS MOSH
I'm asking for my rematch. Next week. I don't want any excuses. No more of these screwjobs and works to keep me out of the limelight. I deserve a rematch. I'm owed one, and if I have to wait for you in the parking lot because that jackass who books the shows won't stop pandering to all these--
GASTON GILLET
Do us all a favor and just shut up for once in your life.
The ringside microphones have no trouble picking up the booming voice of Gaston as he rises to his feet, looking down at Samantha Tolson who's still cradling the back of her head and neck.
GASTON GILLET
I will face you. I will fight anyone that wants an opportunity, as long as it happens inside these walls, inside this ring, here in the fine SILVER STATE OF NEVADA.
The crowd erupts as he turns and holds out a hand to Tolson, helping her to her feet before the view cuts away to our last advertising break of the evening.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
Gaston Gillet. The man who would be American, challenging for a title that may well represent America as a whole very highly. You see, one thing I've learned about Nevada since moving here is that this state is truly a microcosm of all the things that are uniquely American.
Samantha slows her pace, thinking deeply for a moment.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
From this city of Reno to my home of Las Vegas, the capital Carson City, and all points in between great and small...perhaps no state embodies the complete experience and variety of the USA. You can find any ethnic group, sexual preference, political ideology, and much more in the Silver State. It's the biggest reason the championship I hold here in UPRISING means so much to me.
Samantha smiles warmly, a bit of a departure from her normal pre-match demeanor.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
I'm proud to carry this title everywhere I go and represent these people as the Silver State Champion. I've been warmly received here, and made to feel very much at home. I'm every bit as comfortable calling myself a Nevadan as I am calling myself a Missourian. And to put that title on the line every time we gather...that's a responsibility I not only welcome with open arms, but one I take extremely seriously.
Samantha shifts her bag as she walks, the clinking of belts inside heard easily.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
So Gaston, here's the question before you. Is that a responsibility you can shoulder? Is it one you're prepared to take on should you win this match tonight?
She pauses for a second, considering her own question.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
I don't believe you are. Now don't take that as a sign of disrespect. It's certainly not. But I've seen you talking on social media. There's always a subtle dig at me, trying to gain a mental advantage. Like saying you've won fewer championships than I have, simply because I've worked a lot. Here's why that's a dig, Gaston...because your implication is that either those reigns came easily against weak competition, or that I've been handed something.
Samantha looks up, seeing her name on her locker room door. She stops outside of it before continuing.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
The problem with that implication is that I've only held one championship that wasn't earned in combat, and even that is questionable. Every title I've strapped around my waist or put on my shoulder has been won through effort in the ring and coming out the victor. Yes, I show off on social media. Yes, people make the mistake of thinking I'm not serious about this sport because of that. They're dead wrong, and the list of my championships is proof of that. You're about to find out just how deadly serious I am in the ring, Gaston.
Samantha puts her hand on the door knob.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
All the pictures and cheeky comments? All of that is fun and games, a right I've earned with the work I've done. But very soon, you'll see that I'm very, very different when the spotlight is on and it's just you and I inside the ropes.
Samantha turns the knob, pushing open the door just a bit.
SAMANTHA TOLSON
Some night, Gaston Gillet, you may well wear this championship that represents this country you love. Some night. But not tonight. Tonight, I will walk out of the arena the same as I walk in...the proud Silver State Champion.
Samantha gives the camera a playful wink, entering her locker room before disappearing behind the closed door.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
SILVER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
SAMANTHA TOLSON (c) vs GASTON GILLET
Samantha starts off fast, dictating the pace in an attempt to put Gaston off balance. She gets a kick to the leg to start and drives Gaston back against the ropes. He fires back with some stiff punches but most of them connect with air as Samantha dodges. She takes him over with a snapmare and nails a springboard dropkick to the neck as Gaston starts to get up. She follows up with a knee to the midsection, but Gaston catches it and rolls her over, right into a kneebar. The crowd pops at the reversal, but the excitement is short-lived when Samantha catches hold of the ropes and gets the break. Back on their feet, she goes for another speedy kick, showing off that she's not just a one-trick pony suplex machine – Gillet has her scouted, though, and he pushes her back with a few hard strikes before he runs her down with a shoulder block. Bouncing back up, Samantha takes Gaston down with a sunset flip and bridges for a pin.
ONE!
TW— NO!
Gaston kicks out with authority and rolls up to his knees, shaking off the cobwebs. Samantha grabs him in a headlock, and he takes her over with a belly to back suplex, hanging on for his own pinfall attempt.
ONE!
TW—NO!
Samantha goes for the knee again but Gaston dodges. He misses when he tries to change the tide with a shoulder block, opening himself up to more assault from Tolson – OH SHIT! HE CATCHES THE LEG AND TAKES HER DOWN WITH BUSTIN’ MAKES ME FEEL GOOD (spinebuster) AND THE CROWD IS ON FIRE! THIS MATCH IS INSANE AND SAMANTHA TOLSON MAY HAVE FINALLY MET HER EQUAL IN THE RING. Gaston goes for a knee drop but Tolson rolls aside, and he rolls out to the floor, trying to walk off the impact. The crowd goes insane as Samantha hits an Oda a México (springboard somersault dive) to the floor, flattening Gaston. She pops back up and turns around, going back towards the ring to break up the count. Gaston lurches to his feet and dives after her, sliding in a second later. She turns around, right into the Bear Necessities (bear hug) – no way! She elbows her way out and a snap suplex sends Gaston skidding away. Tolson dives in and traps him in a side leglock, further punishing him. Gaston strains for the ropes and gets the break by the barest of good ol' American inches. Back up, Gaston goes for a running lariat after dodging a series of strikes but his knee buckles – stunning innovation into a stunner that almost gives Tolson whiplash. She hits the canvas hard, and Gaston goes for a kneedrop to the shoulder. OH NO! TOLSON ROLLS ASIDE AND HE HITS HER IN THE FACE INSTEAD, SNAPPING HER HEAD BACK. He's got a look of regret on his face, but he scoops her up anyhow and Tolson still tries to fight him off, in agony before he's got her caught up – Winning In America (cobra clutch slam) and he smothers for the cover.
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Tolson's shoulders spasm but it's a split second too late!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL) AND NEW SILVER STATE CHAMPION: GASTON GILLET
Gaston rolls to his feet, disbelief written all over his face and he takes the championship as it's handed to him, cradling it to his chest as he sits up on his knees, soaking in the roar of the crowd. When the noise shifts, he turns to see Chris Mosh standing at the balcony of the VIP Room, a disgusted look on his face and he lifts the microphone to his lips.
CHRIS MOSH
I'm asking for my rematch. Next week. I don't want any excuses. No more of these screwjobs and works to keep me out of the limelight. I deserve a rematch. I'm owed one, and if I have to wait for you in the parking lot because that jackass who books the shows won't stop pandering to all these--
GASTON GILLET
Do us all a favor and just shut up for once in your life.
The ringside microphones have no trouble picking up the booming voice of Gaston as he rises to his feet, looking down at Samantha Tolson who's still cradling the back of her head and neck.
GASTON GILLET
I will face you. I will fight anyone that wants an opportunity, as long as it happens inside these walls, inside this ring, here in the fine SILVER STATE OF NEVADA.
The crowd erupts as he turns and holds out a hand to Tolson, helping her to her feet before the view cuts away to our last advertising break of the evening.
_____________________________________________
CUT TO:
STATIC
I am a warrior, I walk with the gods
I am a warrior, I will never stop (yeah!)
The lyrics blare over the P.A system inside the Silver State Ballroom. The crowd instantly erupts into a furious barrage of boos as the new theme song for Triggs that had previously been announced on Twitter, earlier this week assaults every eardrum in the building.
The first person to appear from behind the curtain is none other than MR. HODSON, Triggs’ agent. He is dressed in an all-black suit jacket, with a red handkerchief hanging out of the breast pocket. His slacks and sunglasses are black as well. Hodson smirks as he soaks in the hate of the crowd. He slowly brings the microphone up to his lips before speaking.
MR. HODSON
Ladies and gentleman, it is with great pleasure to introduce you to the man that "returned from the dead" just two weeks ago. Please help me in giving Triggs a warm welcome!
With that, Triggs makes his way out from behind the curtain. The crowd continues to boo Triggs and Hodson.
CROWD
You sold out! You sold out!
TRIGGS
You guys just don’t get it. For months, I have been lost. I started out in UPRISING as the guy looking to achieve his dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. You guys, as well as the rest of the roster, laughed at me. I just didn’t "look" the part. Fast forward a little bit and I am now apart of the company’s hottest faction. We actually were doing alright for ourselves, but somewhere in there, I lost sight of who I truly was. I was dressing as a b-movie horror slasher. It just wasn’t me.
CROWD
Please shut up! Please shut up!
TRIGGS
Why don’t you guys shut up!? Let me finish! At SOLSTICE, the Church of the Seventh Circle went against Trinacria, and unfortunately something horrific happened. My head clashed with the exposed turnbuckle and was lacerated so deep, that I passed out from blood loss. When I woke up, I was in the hospital. Who was by my side? Obviously the only person who has ever cared about me: this man right here, Mr. Hodson. The news had spread like wildfire that I was in a coma. I asked him how long I had been out, and he said about 2 hours. I went for my phone, but he had confiscated it and told me that he would determine when the right time to "wake me up" would be. The rest is history. This man is a goddamned genius. Not only did he make me a star again, over night, but now he has me booked solid with TV appearances and tours for the rest of the damn year. This guy has sky-rocketed my value and deserves a freaking trophy for it!
The crowd boos the duo again, as Mr. Hodson takes the microphone.
MR. HODSON
The fact that Triggs isn’t book tonight, really boggled my mind. He was trending on Twitter after appearing at the last REVOLUTION during the tribute concert we put together. With that said, we are not leaving this ring, without a fight! Triggs came here tonight to show the Uprising world what he’s mad of, and that is what we are going to do!
The lights go out as the crowd pops in suspense. When the lights come back on, the ring is surrounded by a group of people, wearing all black, with their faces covered as well. They are presumably followers of the Church of the 7th Circle, and do not look happy with Triggs. Triggs and Hodson stand in the ring, with their eyes scanning around the scene for the first to make the move. One of the members rush the ring and as soon as they are in the ring, the rest rush in from all angles. The numbers game quickly gives the members the edge as they are now beating on Triggs, who is doing everything he can to defend himself from each blow. Mr. Hodson manages to escape the madness but is still at ringside, looking on in pure terror. Several of the members lift Triggs above their heads and throw him out of the ring, and he hits the floor hard. They turn their attention to Mr. Hodson now as they start to pursue him in a chase around the ring. Unexpectedly, Triggs’ new entrance theme plays again.
What doesn't kill me makes me stronger
I am the wolf, I am the hunter
I am a warrior, I walk with the gods
The members of the church all look around in confusion as Triggs raises from the floor. He then fights off each member one by one and soon is the only one left standing. He helps Mr. Hodson back to his feet as they back up the entrance ramp. Mr. Hodson grabs the microphone one more time.
MR. HODSON
From here on forward, no one will stand in Triggs’ way to become the most dominant wrestler in Uprising. Not even these actors I hired to portray the destruction of the Church of the 7th Circle. Triggs is a hero, and shall be remembered as such after tonight.
Triggs and Hodson disappear now through the curtains as they laugh hysterically at the distraction they just caused.
UPRISING CHAMPIONSHIP: FAN POLL MATCH
LEGION (c) vs AMBER RYAN vs LIL JUICY
The match begins with Legion staring between Amber Ryan and Juicy. He stares at Juicy the way a parent stares at their kid's stupid fashion choices. As soon as the bell rings, Legion is suddenly overwhelmed by an onslaught from Amber Ryan who disregards Juicy and instantly hooks a hand around Legion’s head, bashing his face with rights as he does his best to cover up! Juicy looks shocked and aghast by the display but holds back, letting the two work each other as Legion abandons half his guard and begins brawling with Amber Ryan!
Legion manages to feint to the left and avoid a jab from Amber, before snatching her head and driving it down into his knee as he lifts it up. He then jerks Amber vertical, and takes her over with a half nelson suplex. As he stands up, Juicy joins the fray leaping at the champ and swinging wildly! He manages to get Legion on the ropes and whips him off. Legion reverses, goes for a clothesline but Juicy ducks, bounces off the ropes and takes the champ down with a Lou Thesz press! JUICY IS POUNDING THE CHAMPION WITH RIGHTS AND LEFTS!!
BUT WAIT, WHAT'S THIS?! AMBER RYAN IS BACK IN IT! She locks a bulldog choke on Juicy, yanking him off Legion and driving a foot into the back of his knee to keep him knelt and maintain her leverage. Legion sees an opening as he gets up and goes for the RANDOM ACT OF VIOLENCE (claymore kick), but Amber pulls Juicy in the way! Juicy crumbles and Amber leaps at Legion, snatching him and going for Original Sin! HOLY SHIT, NO! Legion reverses by driving the smaller fighter into a corner. He then steps back and begins firing kicks into her midsection.
Legion leaps up, and gets Amber Ryan out of the corner with a monkey flip! She is shakily to her feet though, but manages to catch a crooked arm lariat attempt by Legion! She throws his leg down and counters with a roundhouse kick that rocks the champ! Amber leaps up and nails him with a back stabber! She goes for the pin and the title!
ONE!
TWO!
No! Juicy has broken up the pinning predicament!! He pulls a stunned Amber Ryan up and begins laying in some right hands. Amber lashes out but Juicy actually evades the hit and tags her again! He smirks confidently as he snatches Amber and takes her down with a Snap DDT! ESKEETIT!! He runs to the ropes, leaping up and springboarding off for a big leg drop! The crowd pops! The Drip Gawd might have it! He stands, pumping himself up and feeling it... the crowd is right there with him! Juicy goes to the corner, climbing to the top rope hurriedly. He crosses himself and leaps, going for SPLASH LIKE PIPPEN….BUT NO!! LEGION IS UP! HE CATCHES JUICY WITH THAT CROOKED ARM LARIAT! THE CHAMP LOOKS INCENSED AND DETERMINED! HE LIFTS JUICY UP AND...VULGAR DISPLAY OF POWER! JESUS CHRIST, JUICY MIGHT BE DEAD AS LEGION DROPS FOR THE PIN!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Amber Ryan barely misses breaking up the pin!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL) AND STILL UPRISING CHAMPION: LEGION
I am a warrior, I will never stop (yeah!)
The lyrics blare over the P.A system inside the Silver State Ballroom. The crowd instantly erupts into a furious barrage of boos as the new theme song for Triggs that had previously been announced on Twitter, earlier this week assaults every eardrum in the building.
The first person to appear from behind the curtain is none other than MR. HODSON, Triggs’ agent. He is dressed in an all-black suit jacket, with a red handkerchief hanging out of the breast pocket. His slacks and sunglasses are black as well. Hodson smirks as he soaks in the hate of the crowd. He slowly brings the microphone up to his lips before speaking.
MR. HODSON
Ladies and gentleman, it is with great pleasure to introduce you to the man that "returned from the dead" just two weeks ago. Please help me in giving Triggs a warm welcome!
With that, Triggs makes his way out from behind the curtain. The crowd continues to boo Triggs and Hodson.
CROWD
You sold out! You sold out!
TRIGGS
You guys just don’t get it. For months, I have been lost. I started out in UPRISING as the guy looking to achieve his dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. You guys, as well as the rest of the roster, laughed at me. I just didn’t "look" the part. Fast forward a little bit and I am now apart of the company’s hottest faction. We actually were doing alright for ourselves, but somewhere in there, I lost sight of who I truly was. I was dressing as a b-movie horror slasher. It just wasn’t me.
CROWD
Please shut up! Please shut up!
TRIGGS
Why don’t you guys shut up!? Let me finish! At SOLSTICE, the Church of the Seventh Circle went against Trinacria, and unfortunately something horrific happened. My head clashed with the exposed turnbuckle and was lacerated so deep, that I passed out from blood loss. When I woke up, I was in the hospital. Who was by my side? Obviously the only person who has ever cared about me: this man right here, Mr. Hodson. The news had spread like wildfire that I was in a coma. I asked him how long I had been out, and he said about 2 hours. I went for my phone, but he had confiscated it and told me that he would determine when the right time to "wake me up" would be. The rest is history. This man is a goddamned genius. Not only did he make me a star again, over night, but now he has me booked solid with TV appearances and tours for the rest of the damn year. This guy has sky-rocketed my value and deserves a freaking trophy for it!
The crowd boos the duo again, as Mr. Hodson takes the microphone.
MR. HODSON
The fact that Triggs isn’t book tonight, really boggled my mind. He was trending on Twitter after appearing at the last REVOLUTION during the tribute concert we put together. With that said, we are not leaving this ring, without a fight! Triggs came here tonight to show the Uprising world what he’s mad of, and that is what we are going to do!
The lights go out as the crowd pops in suspense. When the lights come back on, the ring is surrounded by a group of people, wearing all black, with their faces covered as well. They are presumably followers of the Church of the 7th Circle, and do not look happy with Triggs. Triggs and Hodson stand in the ring, with their eyes scanning around the scene for the first to make the move. One of the members rush the ring and as soon as they are in the ring, the rest rush in from all angles. The numbers game quickly gives the members the edge as they are now beating on Triggs, who is doing everything he can to defend himself from each blow. Mr. Hodson manages to escape the madness but is still at ringside, looking on in pure terror. Several of the members lift Triggs above their heads and throw him out of the ring, and he hits the floor hard. They turn their attention to Mr. Hodson now as they start to pursue him in a chase around the ring. Unexpectedly, Triggs’ new entrance theme plays again.
What doesn't kill me makes me stronger
I am the wolf, I am the hunter
I am a warrior, I walk with the gods
The members of the church all look around in confusion as Triggs raises from the floor. He then fights off each member one by one and soon is the only one left standing. He helps Mr. Hodson back to his feet as they back up the entrance ramp. Mr. Hodson grabs the microphone one more time.
MR. HODSON
From here on forward, no one will stand in Triggs’ way to become the most dominant wrestler in Uprising. Not even these actors I hired to portray the destruction of the Church of the 7th Circle. Triggs is a hero, and shall be remembered as such after tonight.
Triggs and Hodson disappear now through the curtains as they laugh hysterically at the distraction they just caused.
CUT TO:
INT. THE SILVER STATE BALLROOM -- THE RING
UPRISING CHAMPIONSHIP: FAN POLL MATCH
LEGION (c) vs AMBER RYAN vs LIL JUICY
The match begins with Legion staring between Amber Ryan and Juicy. He stares at Juicy the way a parent stares at their kid's stupid fashion choices. As soon as the bell rings, Legion is suddenly overwhelmed by an onslaught from Amber Ryan who disregards Juicy and instantly hooks a hand around Legion’s head, bashing his face with rights as he does his best to cover up! Juicy looks shocked and aghast by the display but holds back, letting the two work each other as Legion abandons half his guard and begins brawling with Amber Ryan!
Legion manages to feint to the left and avoid a jab from Amber, before snatching her head and driving it down into his knee as he lifts it up. He then jerks Amber vertical, and takes her over with a half nelson suplex. As he stands up, Juicy joins the fray leaping at the champ and swinging wildly! He manages to get Legion on the ropes and whips him off. Legion reverses, goes for a clothesline but Juicy ducks, bounces off the ropes and takes the champ down with a Lou Thesz press! JUICY IS POUNDING THE CHAMPION WITH RIGHTS AND LEFTS!!
BUT WAIT, WHAT'S THIS?! AMBER RYAN IS BACK IN IT! She locks a bulldog choke on Juicy, yanking him off Legion and driving a foot into the back of his knee to keep him knelt and maintain her leverage. Legion sees an opening as he gets up and goes for the RANDOM ACT OF VIOLENCE (claymore kick), but Amber pulls Juicy in the way! Juicy crumbles and Amber leaps at Legion, snatching him and going for Original Sin! HOLY SHIT, NO! Legion reverses by driving the smaller fighter into a corner. He then steps back and begins firing kicks into her midsection.
Legion leaps up, and gets Amber Ryan out of the corner with a monkey flip! She is shakily to her feet though, but manages to catch a crooked arm lariat attempt by Legion! She throws his leg down and counters with a roundhouse kick that rocks the champ! Amber leaps up and nails him with a back stabber! She goes for the pin and the title!
ONE!
TWO!
No! Juicy has broken up the pinning predicament!! He pulls a stunned Amber Ryan up and begins laying in some right hands. Amber lashes out but Juicy actually evades the hit and tags her again! He smirks confidently as he snatches Amber and takes her down with a Snap DDT! ESKEETIT!! He runs to the ropes, leaping up and springboarding off for a big leg drop! The crowd pops! The Drip Gawd might have it! He stands, pumping himself up and feeling it... the crowd is right there with him! Juicy goes to the corner, climbing to the top rope hurriedly. He crosses himself and leaps, going for SPLASH LIKE PIPPEN….BUT NO!! LEGION IS UP! HE CATCHES JUICY WITH THAT CROOKED ARM LARIAT! THE CHAMP LOOKS INCENSED AND DETERMINED! HE LIFTS JUICY UP AND...VULGAR DISPLAY OF POWER! JESUS CHRIST, JUICY MIGHT BE DEAD AS LEGION DROPS FOR THE PIN!
ONE!
TWO!
THREE!
Amber Ryan barely misses breaking up the pin!
WINNER (VIA PINFALL) AND STILL UPRISING CHAMPION: LEGION
_____________________________________________
© UPRISING 2021
____________________________________________
CUT TO:
EXT. PARKING LOT
Out in the parking lot, a camera has come to life and zooms in to focus on a figure standing rather wobbly, arm in a sling and healthy hand holding a bottle in a brown paper bag. As the figure steps into the light it’s revealed to be none other than MATT KNOX looking worse for wear after the match with Coda, and just in general. The camera pans out to reveal the reason Knox has stepped out of the shadows: it's none other than the UPRISING CHAMPION LEGION
MATT KNOX
NATHAN. Stupid son of a bitch, I told you...fucking told you.
The champ stops in his tracks and rolls his eyes at the display as Knox shuffles a little closer.
LEGION
What the fuck are you doing, Knox?
MATT KNOX
I told you it was on sight; now square up, you punk bitch.
Knox drops the brown paper bag and raises his good fist, widening his stance and looking as steady as a ship on the ocean. The champ makes no move to drop the title or raise his fists, continuing to stare at Knox with something between pity and disgust.
LEGION
I’m not gonna fight you, Knox. Go sleep it off.
Knox responds by taking a wild swing that the champ easily sidesteps. Knox’s equilibrium goes the way of the T-Rex as he falls over, right onto that injured shoulder. He lets out a grunt and scoots to a nearby wall to start getting up. Legion walks over, lifting a boot and shoving Knox’s arm out from under him causing him to face plant onto the pavement again.
LEGION
Get your shit together.
And with another scoff, Legion simply walks off toward the parking lot as Knox struggles to sit up, his head bowed as he shakes with a drunk and impotent rage. After a second of focusing on the obviously troubled veteran, we cut to away to...
BLACK.
QUICKIE RESULTS:
SUICIDA vs RUBY STEELE
BUSCH BROTHERS vs THE HIVE
MAC BANE vs RAVANA
MATT KNOX vs CODA
VALKYRIE vs CLARISSA CLAIRE
TRINACRIA vs THE CRUSH
RENO NEVADA vs DON TIRRI vs IGNIS vs GRIFFIN HAWKINS
SAMANTHA TOLSON (c) vs GASTON GILLET
LEGION (c) vs AMBER RYAN vs LIL JUICY