Post by Avery Quinn on Feb 16, 2018 1:21:46 GMT -5
The audience roars with cheers and applause inside of the Talmadge L. Hill Field House as the cameras show a grinning Phoenix Quagliaterre leaning against the ropes inside of the ring with microphone already in hand and ready to kick the show off as Reiko Aguilar stands beside her with Phoenix’s VPW Hardcore Champion draped over her right shoulder. Alot of controversy had went down the past few weeks and Phoenix had already said that she would touch base on things and address it all. Phoenix pushes herself off the ropes and walks to the center of the ring as her music finally begins to fade out and the positive pop from the crowd draws a smile from the Board of Director. She catches a few gestures from the crowd of the fans pressing two fingers against their lips and then touching their foreheads with it to respectively blow forehead kisses while the others shoot off korean hearts with their crossed thumbs and index fingers. Taking a moment, she returns both lovely gestures before finally rising the mic.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Looks like I brought ALLLLLLL of this SAUCE to Baltimore tonight, baby!
Phoenix pauses and smiles at the high response coming from the crowd.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Before I get into addressing what needs to be stated tonight, I want to start by saying Spirit and Pride has acquired another amazing star-studded tag team that I was honored to have signed myself. It brings me such joy to know that they were interested in coming to Spirit and Pride and I know that they are going to add to pushing our tag team division to new heights along with our other wonderful tag teams. The Corners Four is their home but I will make sure that they are greatly taken care of here so let’s ALL give a round of applause for THE SADBOIZ being a part of SAP!
The obvious surprise of the audience has them processing the news before they can finally show their excitement loudly for the signing. Phoenix seems rather excited herself as a smiling Reiko whispers something to her before allowing her to get back to addressing the crowd.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: And also…. We have finally chosen FIVE stars to represent us in the World Crown Syndicate’s Global Frontier event! And I am pleased to inform you all that our picks were thoroughly chosen and who we all have faith will do well in hopefully emerging as the first ever Crown Jewel Champion! Those lucky five are….. Elijah Carlson, Fujiko Mine, Nick Redfield, Mariano Fernandez and… Vince Steel.
You could tell by Phoenix’s face that the last name wasn’t someone she had personally picked and that it was obvious that the General Manager pushed for Vince to be one of the participants for this event. Nevertheless, the audience was pretty pumped up with the picks for Global Frontier and that produces a smile from Phoenix.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I promise this is going to be such a great year for us especially with how we keep acquiring all of these huge stars that are wanting to be on our roster. And this is why… I am working hard to get things straightened out around here because I REFUSE to have our company turn into the likes of WWH due to people lacking common sense and thinking that because they told their Burger King manager to kick rocks ONE TIME as a teenager… that an attitude quite like that will be tolerated here against Board of Directors or ANY staff of this company. Now as you all know, Wally got himself suspended and when he continued on, i added without pay to it because he simply would not chill out. Genevieve deciding to leave SAP on her own accord was something I was not happy with because I had been excited about her being here. But on the other hand, I did understand why she felt she had to do so because I agree that she should go somewhere where she is treated like something she is…. A top star with a great many accomplishments under her belt who worked extremely hard to get where she is today at the top. I regret having taken a step back in order to allow others such as the General Manager step up a bit more because this caused it… I guarantee this would have never had happened had I never decided to take a back seat. But I am here to tell you that although I wasn’t about to change things in time before the departure of the beloved Genevieve, I can ASSURE you now that I have taken what she has said quite seriously and I am going on record now with saying that NO champion in Spirit and Pride Wrestling WILL BE PROTECTED by the competition. If you hold a championship then you should be tangling and fighting against the best to insert your dominance as the champion with retaining in your title defenses. She felt as if all the champions weren’t allowed real competition in order to cement their continued status as a champion by being fed lighter fish that they could get an easy win over and trust me when I say that I WILL be watching things more closely for now on so that this does not happen again. The SAP Universe deserves to have champions who will fight tooth and nail to stay champion and thats what we will make sure that you fans have.
The audience definitely seems to agree with that as they thrust their signs into the air in response, one in particular catching Phoenix’s attention as her eyes widen in amusement before she walks over to the ropes to lean over slightly to get one of the cameraman’s attention. She points at the teal sign in the second row as the camera zooms in on the sign that reads, ‘PLEASE fire Wally.’
Smirking as she walks back to stand beside Reiko, she looks around at the audience while trying to stifle her laughter.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Well well well… speaking of the devil, the Genevieve situation is actually what catapulted Wally into the danger zone to begin with, another thing that the rest of the Board of Directors wanted me to address to clear up the ridiculous rumors Wally had spewed in regards to Genevieve leaving. For one, as I just stated beforehand, she felt that not all of our champions were getting treated to real competition in a way to protect their reign as champion and for two, Wally’s claims that she couldn’t swim “with the sharks” when she’s employed by the Corners Four of all places where the weak can NOT survive, definitely is not true about her leaving this company. He decided to use someone else’s business for his own agenda in getting attention and stating that his ‘grandkids’ were the reason she left as if she feared them and he does this the day after the situation had already been cleared up and simmered down in which the other Board of Directors got so irritated with him that Avery had to release a statement concerning that situation. Wally didn’t get suspended for his rumors about my best friend but instead of his ongoing disrespect and him constantly stating that I would not fire him, in which I suspended him. He kept it going right after that, in which he lost getting paid while on suspension. And what does he do after that? POSTS a past disturbing picture of one of the world’s top musical artists that is someone I look like in a way to be disrespectful, especially when he’s promoting domestic violence since her bruised and battered face is from her ex boyfriend beating her. And he calls himself one of the top of this place? We do not represent domestic violence nor will respect someone who uses it to put themself over to be disrespectful to a superior.
Reiko shoots two thumbs down high up into the air to fuel the booing crowd who are disgusted about the promoting of domestic violence.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: And did he stop there? NO. He continues signing onto twitter to get his attention OFF MY NAME OF COURSE because let's face it, so many people do. And continues to be increasingly disrespectful to the point where Jair wanted to rightfully so put hands on him. So I decided to lift the suspension since Wally seems to want to get checked in the ring so badly but he will be working without pay because consequences do exist and he does not respect this company. To respect it, you respect the ones working their asses off when they are booking these venues, when they are constantly putting things together to continue to improve the company with wanting to make it bigger and better for you all. Wally is not on board with that from how his behavior is and I will say that if it keeps up, I WILL fire him. Can you imagine him acting as if he isn’t fired and saying that SAP is going to go down without him there wrestling like people who had left had said in the past. Imagine SAP losing ratings because Wally Lee isn’t on television flapping at the gums… I’M...
Crowd: SCREEEAAAMMMIIIIIIINGGGGG!
Phoenix chuckles and nods her head, even clapping lightly for the audience knowing when to expect it.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I’m here to say that I want every single member of the roster to come to these shows and do amazing work inside of the ring. To show off their amazing in ring abilities and to continue to grow from all of the work that they put in. Yes, freedom of speech exists but so do morons because everyone knows that you show respect to the superiors. You do not have to kiss our asses because i frown upon the ones who do and would prefer that no one do that to me and you do not have to always agree with us because everyone is different and opinions do exist but? You WILL respect us. Now, I want you all to enjoy the show tonight and know that all of our stars worked hard to bring their best to Baltimore tonight.
Lowering the mic and heading for the ropes with Reiko in toll, Phoenix soaks in the loud cheers from the audience as the cameras continue to shoot her exit out of the ring before finally fading out.
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The cameras go backstage to one of the entrances to the building. The doors open, and the crowd inside the Talmadge L. Hill Field House cheer loudly as Fujiko Mine steps through, a duffel bag over her right shoulder. The incomparable XENA trails behind her. Fujiko and Xena make strides towards the backstage area, but are approached by Aleks Parker. Fujiko slows as Parker approaches, and smiles at the backstage interviewer. XENA does no such thing, standing behind the number one contender with a menacing look on her face.
Aleks Parker: Fujiko, I just wanted to get some thoughts for your six person tag team match tonight.
She quirks an eyebrow at Aleks.
Fujiko Mine: My thoughts are that this is quite the interesting pairing. I’ve been familiar with Terrence Tillman over in Frontier Grappling Arts. He’s certainly an interesting competitor. And Vince Steel? He’s a former National champion, despite people making jokes to try and mask that fact. I’m certainly not going to complain, he’s certainly formidable.
She taps a finger on her chin.
Fujiko Mine: As far as my opponents? I respect them all. It’ll be interesting to see what happens should I have to face off against Xavier or Gabe. I’d wager that if they had a problem? It’d be with my partners, not me.
Fujiko looks up and behind her, at XENA for a moment. She then returns her gaze to Aleks.
Fujiko Mine: But then we come to the man who has my full attention. Brendan Samuels has been a force of nature, of that there is no doubt. But I’ll be honest with you, I’m going to be using this match to prove that my beating Rachel Redding and Nick Redfield wasn’t a fluke. My goal here is to prove to Brendan that I belong here. And that’s just the beginning.
She pans over to the camera.
Fujiko Mine: I’m not going to become a statistic. I’m not going to be title defense number nine. I’m going to become the first ever North American champion. And if you doubt me, watch me prove you wrong.
Fujiko tilts her head, then gives Aleks a nod. She then heads on her way, with XENA in tow.
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The scene opens up to a tumultuous, erratic point of view. The POV moves and shifts around so fast that everything is basically a blur, though the loud voice of Cartier can beheard in the background.
💎Cartier💎: Yoooooooo! Thass is, this the place right here driver!
The view steadies momentarily and we see a car's interior from the back seat. Cartier's hand, adorned with long, bejeweled fingernails of various colors, reaches forward and taps on the shoulder of the young Hispanic man driving.
💎Cartier💎: Iss right there! You gonna pass it!
Driver: I'm not going to pass it, the entrance is up here.
💎Cartier💎: You sure though? I gots a fight to get to you know, if you make me late I hafta give you a bad review of the Lyft app, boo.
Driver: I'm sure... please just relax.
Cartier's fingernail flies toward the camera and then things black out for a second. When it comes back, her face fills the screen. She sticks her tongue out and laughs.
💎Cartier💎: HAYYYYYYYY y'all! Cartier here and guess wass poppin tonight? Ya girl is in Baltimore about to whip some blonde headed paper plate's ass in my SAP debut! I am so ready to get up in that ring and pull the hairs out of that pack of mayonnaise's head, for real. It's like, you guys don't even know how tough things has been for me all my life you know? Now I'm here in front of some shit I think I seen on the Wire and whatnot, prolly one of them scenes when Idris Elba fine ass wasn't on the screen or I wouldn't even remember nothing else, and I'm fittina make my pro debut and start this journey like a boss ass bitch. Any of y'all who think Cartier ain't ready bout to get shut the fuck up just like little Suburb Sally Desiree Jenkins or whatever her name is. Cartier is not the one to fuck with. I am not the one. You bitches is in for a treat because I am not leavin that ring until this dumbass little becky is cryin and the crowd is screamin WORLDSTARRRRR! Y'all this bitch right here goin viral all over that poor white girl and you is gonna love it. That's that gospel shit, for real. Yo is we there yet or what?
Cartier turns her phone back around to show the back of the driver's head again.
Driver: This is the arena, where do you want me to drop you?
💎Cartier💎: This fine right here.
Once again the camera spins around to show Cartier's smiling face.
💎Cartier💎: Okay bitches I'm here. Get your popcorn ready cuz it's fittina get lit. BYYYEEEEE.
The scene goes black.
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Joe Stanton vs. Mitch Parker
The bell rung and Parker was caught off guard when the crowd started chanting “Mitch”. Stanton on the other hand wasn’t waiting and charged right after Parker and lit him up with a few right hands and then backed him up into a corner and then lit him up with a few chops. Joe kept control of the match and landed a rope assisted tornado ddt. Mitch looked to be out of it but Joe still pulled him up and delivered “Funeral for a son” (tombstone piledriver) and then covered Mitch for the three count.
Winner: Joe Stanton
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The show cuts backstage. Matt Gamble is seen standing with his arms crossed and slowly shaking his head. In front of him sits none other than Celeste, leaning back in her chair and looking up at him curiously. Matt's southern drawl comes through as he speaks.
Gamble: “All I'm sayin is I don't fer the life of me understand why you put up with him? He only seems ta recognize you when it is convenient for him to do so. Like on football days it is clear from Twitter you don't come first.”
Celeste nods her head. Gamble is obviously talking about her boyfriend, CJ Cross. She thoughtfully responds
Celeste: “It's not as bad as it seems Matt, honest. That's his time to himself. Everyone needs that, so I just go do something else. Besides, it's just one day.”
Gamble: “You say that now, but be careful if it turns into two days. Then you're on a slippery slope and once it gets into the mud, it'll take a hemi 4X4 ta pull you out.”
Celeste blinks.
Celeste: “I'm not sure I follow.”
Gamble: “Listen here lady…”
Matt begins as he gets down on one knee before her. Gamble carefully takes her hand in his. The camera zooms in.
Gamble: “One day away from you is one day too many.”
He stares into her eyes and she stares back for just a moment, shocked by what is happening. Celeste pulls her hand back and out of his, but not forcefully.
Celeste: “Look, I don't know what you are exactly doing but everything is fine between me and CJ. Really.”
Gamble gets back up to his feet.
Gamble: “I can tell how he acts bothers you. That much is clear to me. The things he says to me for simply saying hello? Tha boys got issues. And to go as far as get into my matches? I worry what he'd do if he ever turned on a pretty little thing like you.”
Celeste: “He isn't going to. As far as getting onto you, I'll talk to him about it because it does bother me a bit. Seems like there is no reason for it.”
Gamble: “You are a wonderful gal. Taking you for granted is the most foolish thing.”
With that, Gamble ‘tips his hat’ to Celeste even though he isn't wearing one as he steps backwards and away from her. Matt then turns on his heel and walks off. The camera focuses on Celeste’s thoughtful expression as the scene fades.
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The camera cuts backstage, where interviewer Yasmeen Sherazi stands right next to DA #TROLL GUY, Mariano Fernandez. He's dressed in the usual simple leather jacket and jeans, not having gone to his locker room yet, but he's conspicuously wearing a pair of star-shaped plastic sunglasses.
Yasmeen Sherazi: "Alright, here we are with Mariano Fernandez." (turning towards him) "Thank you very much for your time, and Manny, welcome to All Cats Go to Purgatory. I must say that was a pretty niced debut in Don't Drink From The Hudson, so you must be satisfied that your Spirit and Pride tenure started with a win."
Mariano Fernandez: "Hey yo - thanks a lot, mang. Aye, the WIN was pretty good, but the most important thing was NOT having Trixie making me eat the god damned pineapple pizza for a month." (He lowers his glasses, looking at her with a frown, then going back to his traditional cheerful expression before putting them on again). "But I can't hold it against her, chica. Trixie is a very good friend AND talented on top of that - but I wonder why she's tagging with Nora Harris instead of... (pointing at himself) ... y'know, her actual tag team partner, mang."
He scratches his head, signaling his confusion.
Mariano Fernandez: "But other than that, all the best to her - and we'll do it again some other time. Now my focus gotta be set on this Cailey Carter lady I'm gonna be facing tonight."
Yasmeen Sherazi: "I was just gonna ask you about that - anything you can say about your opponent tonight?"
Mariano thinks for a bit, then throws up his hands.
Mariano Fernandez: "I don't even know, mang. Maybe it's all this SUN blocking my view..." (He points to his sunglasses)
Yasmeen Sherazi: "... But the sun has just only set."
Mariano gives her an annoyed look, though his eyes reveal he's just making a joke.
Mariano Fernandez: "... Why does everyone have to ruin the god damned moment, mang? And I had even brought these!"
He removes his ridiculous shades, tossing them in the trash.
Mariano Fernandez: "But as I was saying. Who even is this Ms. Sunshine? I spent some of this time tweeting her trying to see what she said, but she hasn't been online since god damned January, mang. Maybe she's still out there suntanning in Nassau or something, that's where she last said she went. And here I am, second match in SAP, already with an opportunity to be in a big match..."
Yasmeen Sherazi: "That would be the Cavalcade match."
Mariano Fernandez: "Exactly! One team already set, with Andre Holmes, Rachel Redding and ELI GOD DAMNED CARLSON in it, the face of the company, the guy HANDPICKED by Phe to represent SAP, and we've heard more from Genie than my actual opponent - and the worst part is Genie did so WHILE QUITTING, mang. That's the sad part, I didn't want to see her go, but what's done is done."
Yasmeen Sherazi: "There was some controversy about that with lots of people in the roster calling her out on her departure."
Mariano Fernandez: "Aha." (He nods, somewhat sarcastically) "And why didn't they call her out BEFORE, mang? Where were they when Genie and Eli were proclaiming their superiority and daring anyone to come at them? If you didn't have what it took to say something, ANYTHING to her if she was rubbing you the wrong way, don't god damned take the easy way out and run your mouth AFTER she's gone. That's all I have to say regarding that - and it ain't even my god damned problem, mang. What matters to me right now is following up on my debut with taking a great opportunity to be noticed - and in this match I'm gonna do just that."
Yasmeen Sherazi: "Wally Lee had some words regarding the events, in which you were mentioned."
Mariano Fernandez: (Screaming) "HE CALLED ME MANNY FERNANNY!"
Yasmeen Sherazi: "Well, that wasn't what I had in mind -he first called you a cuck."
Mariano Fernandez: "But I'm not, mang. That don't concern me. Mostly I don't like the god damned Manny Fernanny."
Yasmeen Sherazi: "But what's wrong with that? It's actually pretty funny-"
Mariano quakes as if he's just been hit by lightning, his face going red as he gives Ms. Sherazi a scared glance.
Mariano Fernandez: "Yasmeen, what are you doing? YASMEEN! STAHP!"
Ms. Sherazi can't help but laugh at Mariano's expression.
Yasmeen Sherazi: "Okay okay, I'll drop it. But anything you have to say regards that?"
Mariano Fernandez: "I stand by what I said, chica. There's a time and a place where things must be said. If you feel like talking, do so then. Otherwise it's meaningless. As they say in Westeros, words are wind. And if he has a problem with that, he can come talk to DEEZ NUT-"
Yasmeen Sherazi: (Cutting in) "Moving right along... Now that you're here in SAP, what are your overall impressions of the company and its talent?"
Mariano Fernandez: "When I was injured after 4CW, mang, SAP took an interest in me. Seeing people like Andre Holmes, Eli and Genie, and Phe in the Board of Directors, people I know and get along with - or SOMEWHAT, at least - sparked my interest to see what it was like. And then I saw all the people in here. Fujiko Mine. Jessica Sears. Celeste and CJ Cross. People I hoped I would cross paths with sometime down the line, and here they are, all of them put together. So here I am, and I'm happy to be, mang."
Yasmeen Sherazi: "And finally, any words towards Cailey Carter before the match is finally underway?"
Mariano Fernandez: "Cailey Carter, if you ever became aware you were booked tonight and made it from whatever lost beach in Nassau you were getting that sun in, I hope you brought an umbrella, 'cause there won't be any clear skies for Ms. Sunshine after the final bell has rung, mang."
And with that, he walks away.
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Nora Harris: Tonight is going to be a good night.
The camera pans back to see the tiny but so curvy form of Nora Harris, Noradorable herself ready for tonight’s match. She has her hands on her hips and she nods at the camera.
Nora Harris: I know that Trixie is just as excited as me, and I’m sure you’ve all seen on Twitter how hard she’s been working towards this. Tonight we’re going to work as a team, and while it’s a first it isn’t like we haven’t been in the ring together before. Usually before a random tag pairing there’s that hesitation. You know? Wondering if you and the other person can actually be on the same page. But I’m not worried a bit, because I know that Trixie, like me, wants to get out there and entertain the fans.
Nora smiles brilliantly.
Nora Harris: ...and well, a win would be a whole lot of fun to celebrate with them, right?
A tiny hint of pink comes and goes on her cheeks as she grins.
Nora Harris: It’s almost Valentine’s Day too, and this year it’s going to be AWESOME and so well, it would be really cool if everything just started going right, from here on out.
She winks at the camera and then turns and bounces away, the edges of her ringwear skirt flipping as she goes.
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Harris & Trixie vs. Overton & Hawthorne
Nora started the match for her team while Iris started the team for hers. Iris tried to use her height advantage early but Nora used her quickness to evade the larger opponent and pepper her with some shots to keep her at bay. Harris then darted for the ropes but Hawthorne grabbed a handful of hair and pulled her down to the mat hard. Iris followed this up with a jumping knee drop before dragging her over to her corner and tagging in Overton. Overton connected with a few moves before tagging Iris back in. The experience of Hawthorne and Overton as a team was showing as Nora looked to be in a rough spot. However everyone knows Harris is hard to keep down. Iris thought she had Nora where she wanted her when Harris was able to connect with “Hello patella” (double knee facebreaker). Harris dove over to her corner and made the tag into Trixie who came in on fire bringing the heat to Hawthorne. Overton came in and suffered the same fate as she sent him out through the middle rope. Trixie then caught Hawthorne with a superkick to the back of the knee that dropped her down to one. Trixie then hit the ropes and connects with a shining wizard. Trixie goes for the cover when Overton enters the ring but gets cut off by Nora who lands “Good Lord Nora” (Tilt-a-whirl headscissors armbar). With Overton caught in the submission Trixie is able to pick up the win.
Winners: Harris & Trixie
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The scene cuts backstage where we see Luca Di Paolo standing in his robe with Roxanne and Foxanne on each side of him. A wide smile lies across his face as he gazes into the camera.
“Tonight I get my chance to enter the Cavalcade match. A place where only the best in SAP can be which means that I should have already been qualified for it! Without me this place does not exist. I am the air in which it needs to breathe. I am the most beautiful face in SAP and I am the one who puts the asses in the seats. Everywhere we go that sells out is because of me. So now I have to go out there tonight and face Jamal Scott. Now Jamal has been getting praises on his work in other places but last I knew he hasn’t done a damn thing in SAP. Which means nothing is going to change tonight. I am going to go out there, take my spot, and look damn good while doing it.”
With that Di Paolo storms off towards the ring.
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Cavalcade Qualifier
Luca Di Paolo vs. Jamal Scott
The match opened soft with Luca circling around Jamal and darting in for a few chops or strikes, but whenever Jamal would seek to strike him in return Luca would dodge and even duck through the ropes as he used the ring and referee against Scott and did everything in his power to keep Jamal from hitting him in the face. All his shenanigans were entertaining to the fans at least, though he got a high round of booing after he jammed a thumb in Jamal’s eye before he set him up for a Bridging Butterfly Suplex! This net him a two count but Scott kicked out and got up with a bit of fire over Di Paolo’s shady hit, he shot the ropes and leapfrogged the first time as Luca set up for a Back Bodydrop, and he whipped around to catch Jamal on the rebound but ended up eating a Jujitsu Jamal! The flashy Bicycle Kick got Scott a two count of his own but Di Paolo threw his shoulder up at two. The pair had several more exchanges like this, neither quite able to put the other away, but managing to keep the fans entertained and their eyes on the match.
The pair kept jockeying for control, with Jamal just a bit ahead on that, but whilst eager both were rookies and it showed a bit towards the end of the latter half of the match as they collided hard in the center of the ring as both were going for dropkicks. The pair were both woozy after this but Jamal recovered first and got to his feet, waiting for Di Paolo to rise and when he did he caught him with an Armdrag right into an Armbar! Luca kicked his feet, wildly bucking and trying to break the submission hold, a couple of times he almost made it to the ropes but Jamal would drag him back and the process would start all over again. Finally he made the ropes and the referee told Scott to release the hold which he did. Luca complained to the referee that somehow Jamal had cheated to get him in the hold and make something that simple that effective, turning his back to Jamal and blocking the referee from seeing that when Jamal came up to tap him on the shoulder and remind him that he was in a match, Di Paolo lifted his foot and hit him in the crotch with the heel of his boot! Jamal went down like a ton of bricks and Luca scrambled to cover, getting a three count and the victory after his sly move.
Winner: Luca Di Paolo
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As the show returns from break, the camera shows CJ Cross sitting in the locker room sitting in a chair and leaned over tightening up his boots as he gets ready for tonight’s big match up. He would love nothing more than to earn a spot in Cavalcade and finally gain some traction in his young career. To do that, he will have to get past a tough competitor in Stone Hendrix.
Still looking down at his boots, CJ hears the locker room door open up, which shifts his attention to the open doorway seeing his good friend entering the room.
CJ: Hey there owl face!
He spoke in a joking tone with a smile on his face, as the camera swings around to see none other than Trixie standing there and she is not empty handed. She has a small styrofoam take out box in her hand.
CJ: Awe, you did not need to bring me a gift!
Trixie: I know I didn’t, but I thought I would share my birthday cake with all my friends. Since Celeste is elsewhere I thought I'd come and share with you since you got it for me.
And Trixie opens the gift he had picked out rather than letting Celeste pick out a decent one, an owl cake. After getting his boots on CJ stands up from the chair and laughs a bit seeing the piece of cake in the box.
CJ: Yeah Celeste had to go get some stuff done, so you know what they say? You snooze, you loose!
Celeste more than likely would not eat any before a big match, also she is trying to eat a bit more healthier.
CJ: Hope you brought some forks, if not… I am really cool with using my hand..
Trixie gives him a slightly evil, but friendly glare as she dances her hand above the cake.
Trixie: Me too. But did you see the icing inscription at the bottom?
Trixie says showing CJ the hard to read icing writing. CJ raises an eyebrow a bit as it is an odd request since the only icing on the cake when he ordered it was what was needed to make the owl.
CJ: No I did not… What did does it say?
Trixie slowly lifts the cake up to him.
Trixie: Happy birthday, something.
Trixie says letting him get nice and close before smooshing the cake in his face. Not picking up on what she was going to do was his downfall. Once she pulls the box away, CJ is left with globs of the piece of cake all over his face and some of it from the impact, in his hair.
CJ: That was so not cool and was a waste of a good piece of cake!
Trixie uses her finger to drag up his cheek to get some cake on her finger and sucks off the icing
Trixie: Mmm, pretty good piece of cake, not half bad!
Trixie giggles as she gets him a towel, he goes to grab it and she pulls it away.
Trixie: You can have the towel when you agree to drop the owl face name, cake face.
CJ knows that he needs to get this cake and icing off before he needs to take another shower, knowing his match is coming up soon.
CJ: Alright fine, I will not call you that anymore, just give me the towel!
She giggles a bit before handing him the towel. CJ snatches the towel from her and begins to clean up his face, making more of a mess on the floor between them.
CJ: This is how you thank people for sending them something for their birthday?
Trixie: Well, I thank them with a hug, but I don't want crumbs in my hair, so.
Trixie says then planting a small kiss on his cheek, far from the lips as possible to be a friendly one, before licking her lips as she still tasted the icing.
Trixie: That was a delicious cake.
CJ: The jokes just keep on coming with you huh?
He says with a slight laugh while still working on getting the cake off of his face and hair.
CJ: Don’t worry though, I will remember this.
Trixie: I hope so. But good luck against Stone tonight. I beat him, don't let me down.
Trixie says casually brushing off his shoulders some crumbs and blows some off his ears.
CJ: Don’t worry, I do not plan on losing.
He finally gets most of it off but he knows that if he is going to make it out to the ring in time for his match, he will need to wash his face and get a little bit more out of his hair.
CJ: But I do need to get ready AGAIN thanks to your shenanigans… you’re lucky I like you.
Trixie: Ha ha, you like me?
Trixie says in a childish, teasing manner and bops his nose.
CJ: Yeah sometimes I wonder why…
On her way out. Trixie turns around to face him again speaking up in a serious tone.
Trixie: Good luck though, cake face.
And taps the side of her cheek where some glob of cake still remained on his face. Seeing her motion, CJ reaches up and wipes off the remaining crumbs as he watches her head on out of the locker room. With a shake of his head, CJ heads on off towards the bathroom leaving the camera to look down on the locker room floor, seeing the mess of cake that is left behind.
______________________________________________________________________________
Desiree Jenkins vs. Cartier
As the match started Desiree extended out a hand to Cartier who wasn’t having it and caught Jenkins with a right hand right to the mouth. Cartier wasn’t done there and continued to press the attack before whipping Desy into the ropes. Jenkins ducked a clothesline attempt from Cartier and then rebounded to catch Cartier with a crossbody. She went for the cover but only got two. Cartier looked mad and grabbed Desy in a headlock and connected with a few punches before jumping up into the air and driving her head into the head of Jenkins. Desy went stumbling into the corner and Cartier followed her. As Cartier was about to strike Desy tossed her into the corner and began to connect with her “Blonde Rage” chop combo. Desy then lifted Cartier into a seated position on the top rope. She started to climb but Cartier cut her off and then tucked her head before leaping and connecting with “Ca$h you out cold” (second rope piledriver). Cartier quickly covered Jenkins and hooked the leg picking up the victory.
Winner: Cartier
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Backstage of the Talmadge L. Hill Fieldhouse in Baltimore, Maryland, the camera captures the vision that is "The Stiletto Knife" Chelsea Pryce in a red dress with black butterflies and a pair of black stiletto high heels. Her hair is nicely brushed and styled in an elegant updo as she stands in the center of a hallway.
"I'm not a professional dancer like Jessica's older sister..."
She doesn't realize the camera nearby, her attention focused on her tag-team partner, "The Comedian" Allen Chaney. She parts her ruby red lips to take a single breath.
"...but when you're in the modeling industry, you're taught quite a few techniques. Dancing is one of them. I decided to go with ballroom dancing because, well... it's very personal and passionate. You work with another person and synchronize your movements so they become fluid. Tag-team wrestling is like a dance... a dance between two people who trust one another. Do you follow?"
"I...yeah sure. I guess so." Allen says. Allen was in his usual attire. Basketball shorts, his Comedian logo t-shirt, and a black hoodie. Truth be told the prospect of being taught to dance was equal parts embarrassing and frightening to the big man.
"So uh... I'm supposed to like... put my hands on you in a certain way, right?" Allen asks, doing a poor job hiding the nervousness in his voice.
"I feel underdressed," Allen adds, looking at her outfit.
Neither of them realizes they're being recorded. They honestly believe they're alone. His puzzling reaction causes her to chuckle and she smiles. It's a smile that most people don't get to see very often. It's genuine.
"You're fine." Chelsea looks over his choice of clothing. She glances down at herself and smirks. "I have a guilty pleasure of wearing nice dresses. Especially with slits to show off my legs."
This dress does have a slit that goes from her mid-thigh to the bottom of her dress. She takes a step forward and takes his hands in her, placing them on the right areas for the basic starting position. Then she moves her hands to the right places and tilts her head.
"Our opponents consist of three teams. I've seen their work. RAWGRAPS, BGTL, and Zombie Vice Squad... fascinating names, by the way, they're rough around the edges. They don't move like one. Step back."
When he steps back, she steps forward, still parallel to him.
"Step forward."
She steps back and allows him to step forward. His movements, of course, are certainly shaky and rough. She doesn't seem to mind, keeping her eyes on him. "We can move like one. We have what it takes."
"Move...as one... got it," Allen says, stepping forward after she tells him to.
"Yeah, I've been watching tapes as always. Not a lot of team unity. I've had a few tag partners in the past. Won a few tag titles, but you and I, Chelsea...I think we've got something special." Allen says, doing his best to move with her. He's a little shaky and nervous and she can tell.
"Would be nice to hold tag team gold again. I'm not seeing much by way of real competition either so I imagine we'll get there sooner rather than later considering THIS talent pool." Allen says, having to look at his feet as they move.
"Am...I doing alright?" Allen asks.
Chelsea understands her tag-team partner's nervousness. This is perhaps the first time he's ever danced. She listens to his words and takes into consideration what he said about them. He thinks they have something special. She can't help but smile as the two of them continue to move. He's still rough, but she's going along with him step by step.
"Your confidence is wonderful," she chuckles softly. "Spirit and Pride's tag-team division is dwindling. So many have tried to take the tag titles from the Reed's and yet none of them have been successful. Charlie and Lilah aren't even that great of a team if you want me to be honest..."
Oh, she's blunt. It's in her fluid movements and transitions that allow Allen to lead when he hasn't even realized it yet. "You're doing just fine, hon. Try to relax and pace yourself. We're in no rush... The fatal four-way dance isn't until later tonight."
She decides to test him by extending herself, taking his hand, and she twirls back to him. Somehow, someway, they keep their movements in unison, smoother now. Being this close to him, she looks into his eyes and smiles.
"Good. Just like that."
"Just like that, huh?" Allen asks with a small chuckle.
"Moving as one...ain't a damn thing can stop us if we do that," Allen says. Her looking into his eyes. Him looking into hers. They both lean in and press their lips together, exchanging a kiss... until they hear the cameraman shift outside.
"And now...we move in unison...to kill a camera guy," Allen says.
It was only a matter of time. Chelsea turns her head slightly, not going too far from Allen's face, and the corners of her emerald green eyes sharply glare at the cameraman.
"Run, rabbit, run."
That wicked little smirk. The cameraman takes off without hesitation and the scene quickly fades to black.
______________________________________________________________________________
Cavalcade Qualifer
Mariano Fernandez vs. Cailey Carter
Both Cailey and Mariano give a quick handshake before the match begins, and then go into a lockup. Mariano tries to exert his strength advantage, but Cailey turns it into a rolling headlock, using Fernandez’ momentum against him. He gets back to his feet, but the headlock stays in. he pushes her off and knocks her down on the return with a body block, and then takes over from
here working on Cailey’s head and back. At around the 4 minute mark, Cailey tries to mount a counter with a dropkick to gain some space, but when she runs back he catches her with a Koppou kick that gets a two count!
In the 6th minute, Cailey was finally able to find an opening. Mariano went for a big moonsault, but Cailey rolled out of the way at the last second! Cailey pulled The Gadfly to his feet, then hit him with a BIG german suplex that got her a two count! Mariano got to his feet, only to get hit with a quick onslaught from Cailey that culminated with an enziguri that got her another close count!
Cailey saw her opening, and set #DaTrollGuy up for her “Sunkissed” superkick. Mariano, though, rolled forward under the kick, then hit the pivoting Carter with a Pele kick! Before she could catch her bearings, Mariano got her up in the Dovahkiin Driver for the three count!
Winner: Mariano Fernandez
______________________________________________________________________________
SAP “All Cats Go to Purgatory” returns from a short break. Immediately the crowd cheers at the sight of North Atlantic Champion, Ashley Maladano and her tag partner, Celeste standing side by side. They are dressed in their ring gear and Celeste has her hair pulled back into a ponytail instead of letting it all hang down as usual.
Ashley tears the end off a pixie stick before downing the sugar while Celeste rolls a lollipop in between her lips. Behind them is a basket of candy already half devoured with wrappers strewn about. Celeste pops the lollipop off her lips and spins it back and forth between her thumb and index finger as she begins to address the camera.
Celeste: What's up guys? Tonight you are definitely in for a treat. SAP decided to make a tag match that is so awesome it should be the main event, but I guess we'll blame our opponents for the lack of true star appeal. Now, no disrespect to Jessica. She is our new X champion after all. And like Ashley here and myself, that chick can really bring it in the ring. So I totally look forward to facing the SAP mainstay for the first time. Maybe it's Jaser bringing us all down. What you think Ash?
Celeste turns to her tag partner while placing the lollipop back into her mouth. Ashley smiles and smirks, rubbing her hands on her three belts, nodding her head.
ASHLEY MALDANO: Ooh, woulda look at that? Sistah Celeste over here is bringing out a spicy side of her! Guess I have that effect on people lately!
She says, tilting her head looking down at herself impressed, before laughing as she downs yet another pixie stick. As she nods her head listening to the words of Celeste, she nods her head before slapping her North Atlantic Championship on the face of the belt.
ASHLEY MALDANO: Even though I’m not much for tag team matches if they aren’t with my stablemate and brother from another, but tonight will have to do.
She says teasingly before playfully punching her shoulder, looking up as she speaks.
ASHLEY MALDANO: Oooohh it was a joke! But for real, for real! Tonight should be main event quality but it apparently isn’t billed as so. Which is cool, but that doesn’t mean you people aren’t getting that quality of a match! Tonight team Ash-Leste will take on Jessica and Jaser and come out victorious..rah rah!
The North Atlantic Champion jumps up and down hyperly as she throws her hand up. She nods her head and flicks her dark hair off her shoulder as she smiles.
ASHLEY MALDANO: I can feel the vibes tonight are good and like team winna winna over here is gonna take over, but I also am ready for this challenge…
She looks up and over at Celeste, smirking and nodding.
ASHLEY MALDANO: As is she!
She nods, looking up at her.
Celeste: You bet I am! I just hope I can break this tag team curse that apparently has been put on me with deceitful partners.
She says in reference to what occurred on Subversion just the night before.
Celeste: Anyway, let's go do this Ashley!
Celeste offers up her fist for a fist bump. The North Atlantic Champion pauses for a moment and looks at her, before bumping her fist. Celeste nods and walks off in the direction of the ring. The scene fades out.
______________________________________________________________________________
We cut backstage to find Cosmo Cooper in the locker room, sitting down on a nearby chair in a black track jacket and sporting Flatbill on his head. Cosmo isn’t alone as Michael Kelly walks into the shot, nearly decked out in his wrestling gear. Michael nudges his friend on the shoulder, prompting Cooper to look up.
Michael: You alright tonight?
Cosmo: Yeah man, I’m good. Why?
Kelly pauses for a second.
Michael: Well, you know, the title match on night 2 and …
Cosmo cuts Michael off.
Cosmo: Mike. By now you should already know that I’m not going to dwell on that situation, bud. If I stood in the past all the time, I wouldn’t be standing where I am today.
Michael: Yes you would.
The two look at each other for a split second before cracking a chuckle, collecting themselves fairly quickly.
Michael: What we’ve got here, this team… it’s a special thing.
Cosmo: I don’t think any of the teams we’re facing tonight know what they’re getting themselves into.
Michael: You’re right.
Cosmo: We’re ready for everything that this tag division has in store.
Michael: We’re ready for everything that any division has in store, bud.
Cosmo: Whether it’s BGTL.
Michael: Chaney and Price.
Cosmo: Or Zombie Vice Squad, RAWGRAPS is ready for everything that these teams got for us.
Cosmo nods and fistbumps Michael who forms a smirk before staring into the camera.
Michael: Zombie Vice Squad and BGTL are amazing decorated teams. Allen Chaney and Chelsea Pryce are two talented individuals, but when it comes down to the nitty gritty…
Cosmo: We just want it more.
Michael: We’re gonna fight with every being in our body.
Cosmo: We’re gonna turn everyone that gives us the side eye from doubters to believers.
Michael: We’re gonna be the only team standing tall.
Cosmo: Cosmo Cooper. Michael Kelly. We’re RAWGRAPS and we’re bringing the RAWGRAPS right here, in Bmore.
Michael: All those other teams better Bmore careful.
Cosmo: That was bad.
Michael: Shit.
Michael hunches over and starts to laugh as the two walk out of the shot, the picture fading off into our next segment.
______________________________________________________________________________
Cavalcade Qualifier
CJ Cross vs. Stone Hendrix
Stone and Hendrix wasted no time going after each other, each trying to prove that they wanted to be in the Cavalcade match. They did their best, going hold for hold, and not finding much of an advantage due to their similar styles. Cross was able to capitalize on a mistake from Stone to catch him with a belly-to-belly, but it only got him two. He then tried to keep up the intensity with a pair of dropkicks, then catching his larger opponent with a hurricanrana that only got two!
Stone tried to get back into it, slowing down the pace once he caught Cross with a short arm clothesline. He then caught him with a spinning heel kick, but only got two. He then went up top for a blockbuster, but CJ got out of the way, causing Stone to land on his back! CJ went up top for a moonsault, but then Matthew Gamble ran down to ringside and began yelling at Cross! He got down off the top rope and yelled at Gamble to go away. Gamble then began to back away, and Cross turned around...into the Stone kick from Hendrix! Cross hit the mat, out cold, and Stone covered for the victory!
Winner: Stone Hendrix
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BGTL Time! Claire and Ximena stand backstage. They seem battered and bruised after recent ventures in other companies, but in spite of that they stand as tall (in Ximena’s case) and as defiant (in Claire’s case) as ever. Because what’s an SAP show without one of its foremost tag teams?
Ximena stands with her back against the wall, her arms crossed and looking down her nose at the camera. It’s not so much a look of scorn as it is a gesture of necessity. If the camera wants to fit them both in, the frame has to stay low, with the much smaller Claire standing right next to her. They’re both dressed to compete, ready for battle. Or at least they will be, once they have gotten a few things off their chest. It’s Ximena who begins talking.
Ximena: Spirit and Pride. Two things that we have shown in recent weeks. When Satsujin screwed us over when they were supposed to have our backs, our pride told us one thing: that offence could not go unpunished. Like we’ve said before, we came here to be the very best, and nothing else will ever do. So when they not only impeded our progress, but set us back…? We considered it our duty to remind the world that the BGTL doesn’t take a backseat to nobody, and that we won’t allow anyone, not even Satsujin, to stand in our way.
So that’s where our Spirit kicked in. We went after them. We beat them up. And we showed the world exactly why we’re never to be taken lightly.
Claire nods and takes over from there.
Claire: And while we were ultimately successful in taking Satsujin down, we’ve suffered a few setbacks along the way. Not many, but one in particular still irks me. When #RAWGRAPS beat us, it was our first ever straight defeat as a tag team. And while it’s true that we lost to a team of what may be two of the greatest wrestlers on the planet, Ximmie’s right when she says that we don’t take a backseat to anyone. So tonight? We’re grateful. Grateful like you wouldn’t believe. Because we have a chance for not just payback on the team that got the better of us, we have a chance to beat two others in one clean sweep and assert some proper dominance up in this place.
Ximena: We’ve tangled with the Zombie Vice Squad before. We’re not taking you lightly, a courtesy you will no doubt extend to us in the same manner. But there is too much at stake here. We can’t let you stand in our way.
Claire: Your zombie tricks didn’t scare us then, and they won’t scare us now! We’re ready to put you in your place, which is in a line that starts behind US! So get ready for the disappointment of a lifetime, Zombies. Your reality’s getting checked. Just like that of those other whiny, thin-skinned bitches in there, Pryce and Chaney. One thinks she’s hot shit, as if a kick to the face would ever scare me. She thinks she’ll bury me in the ring, but quite honestly she looks like a bootleg version of a wrestler who wasn’t even that good to begin with. And the other is so cringeworthily unfunny that the only way he stands a chance in this match is if he literally bores us to death. I’ll maybe scatter some Reese’s Pieces around the ring so he can go scrambling on all fours and sniff them out like a pig on a truffle hunt. He certainly looks the part and…
Ximena hushes Claire by putting the palm of her hand over her little blonde partner’s head.
Ximena: All right, Claire. We get your point. No need to labor it. To conclude: tonight is the night we get back on top. Tonight we show you what we’re all about. And everybody else is going to be choking on our dust.
Claire: Because Bitches. Gots. To. Learn! BGTL out! See you guys in the ring.
Claire and Ximena wink and walk out of the frame, ready for war.
______________________________________________________________________________
RAWGRAPS vs. BGTL vs. Chaney & Pryce vs. Zombie Vice Squad
From the moment the bell rang this was a mess. The referee had a hard time controlling any of the action as all four teams wanted nothing more than to beat the hell out of each other. Chaney and Pryce went on the warpath trying to destroy everyone in front of them as they tossed ZVS out of the ring followed by BGTL. However when they turned around Cooper and Kelly weren’t having any of their plan. The two teams clashed to the enjoyment of the crowd as they brawled all over. On the outside things weren’t much between BGTL and ZVS as they had started to fight out amongst the crowd. Back on the inside the fight between RAWGRAPS and Chaney & Pryce was spilling to the outside. Chaney jumped up onto the apron and looked like he was going to get a running start for a cannonball senton but Cosmo threw a high kick which caught Allen right in the legs as he was starting to run causing him to trip and smash his face on the apron. ZVS was looking to take the advantage on their side as they whipped BGTL back towards the ring. Kelly and Cosmo were pulling Chaney to his feet when Pryce started to climb to the top turnbuckle. She leapt to the outside going for “Natural Disaster” (corkscrew moonsault). Pryce connected on Kelly but also her own partner as Cosmo shoved Chaney in the way to make an escape. Siberia Zombie slid into the ring as she thought her and Kowloon had things covered but Ximena and Claire had other ideas as the two of them connected with “TOTL” (Reverse DVD [Ximena] combined with Pelé Kick [Claire]) on Kowloon. Siberia was about to go out and help her partner but she never saw Cosmo who had entered the ring as he spun her around and connected with “Crater Maker” (jumping tombstone piledriver). Cosmo made the cover and picked up the three count milliseconds before Pryce and Claire entered the ring to break it up. The referee called for the bell and things got heated for a moment when Pryce argued that she had made the break before the ref counted three but he disagreed. RAWGRAPS then held their arms high in the air as they celebrated their victory.
Winners: RAWGRAPS
______________________________________________________________________________
Confident. Focused. Nick Redfield is fired up as the show fades in backstage, where we find “The New Standard” standing by in front of an SAP background with a pleasant grin on his face and fire in his eyes.
Nick Redfield: Cavalcade...that’s where it all began for me. All the ups, all the downs...it all turned around after I won Cavalcade. Finally, I wasn’t just Ricky Valero’s nephew. I etched my name amongst the up-and-coming superstars in this industry with my win in SAP’s trademark match and catapulted myself to the top of this company through the summer. The best summer of my life culminated in me becoming the first-ever X Champion.
He takes a deep breath, letting the reminder of his unforgettable run through the summer and fall in SAP linger for a moment.
Nick Redfield: So what’s Nicky got up his sleeve for Round 2?
He smirks.
Nick Redfield: My return to the Cavalcade match starts tonight. A tuneup, showcase match in which I find myself sharing the ring with two very viable competitors in their own right: Rachel Redding and former X Champ himself, Andre Holmes. Both of these competitors have proven themselves to be the future of this sports much as I believe I had in 2017. Holmes was X Champ less than three weeks ago and, if I’m being honest here, Redding could be the very best wrestler in all of SAP. We’ve all crossed paths before and make no mistake about it, we will cross paths again after this match today and after we clash at Cavalcade. It’s an honor to share the ring with both competitors. I know I’m going to need to be at the top of my game if I’m going to come out of this match victorious, and I know neither Redding nor Holmes are here, ready to compete inside the Talmadge L. Hill Fieldhouse tonight, expecting anything less out of me.
His lips curl into a slight frown as an unfortunate reality sets in.
Nick Redfield: Of course that’s probably about as far as the respect will go on their end. Ms. Redding has never had kind things to say about me, but then, nobody would ever mistake her for being a kind person. And that’s okay. She’s beaten me on more than one occasion, she’s earned bragging rights, so she can mockingly call me ‘Nicky Valero’ all she wants.
Redfield can’t help but shrug.
Nick Redfield: I’ve never been one to dwell on things that happened in the past. I prefer to leave it where it belongs and that is, quite simply, in the past. My focus is forward, always moving, always determined to use what I’ve learned from past failures like the ones I’ve had against the former Great American Champion and put it to good use so that the next time I cross paths with someone like a Rachel Redding, I come out triumphant. I like to use their words as fuel to the fire that burns inside my gut, the one keeps my legs churning, pushing, scratching, and clawing for every damn inch. And believe me, nothing will motivate me more in 2018 than hearing Rachel Redding try to downplay the success I had here in SAP by claiming I had ‘little success’ during this promotion’s smaller days, as if I did not hold the X Championship just three months ago, or challenged in other title opportunities as recently as a month ago.
He rolls his eyes.
Nick Redfield: But sure, Nick Redfield is nothing. Overrated. Overhyped. Nothing. Until he drives your skull into the mat with The Sexiest Piledriver You’ve Ever Seen and buries you and your SAP career for the three-count.
He says as he simultaneously counts with his fingers to the camera.
Nick Redfield: As for Andre Holmes, understand this: we are not equals. Just because we’ve held the same gold. Just because we work under the same banner. We are not equals. I’m sorry if that’s disrespectful. I’m sorry if that’s boastful. But sometimes, I have to call it like I see it, and Andre, you are not on my level. Don’t get me wrong, you’re X Championship reign? Very impressive. Heidi Thompson and Nora Harris? Both quality challengers. But when I hear your name, when I let it sink it and try to picture the first thing I think about when I hear your name...all I see is you patting yourself on the back. Andre, you think you’re God’s gift to SAP when the reality is, you’re just another big-mouthed goon who has yet to prove he can walk the walk as well as he talks the talk. The ONLY reason that X Championship is relevant is because of the man who carried that title first. I set the precedent and EVERY titleholder from there onwards will be compared to me.
Nick chuckles.
Nick Redfield: As far as I can tell, you failed to deliver on your own hype. All that gum flapping, all that posturing about how special you were and what happened? You got knocked on your backside and handed the belt off to Jessica Sears.
Nick sucks his teeth and shakes his head in disappointment.
Nick Redfield: Now don’t get me wrong, Jessica Sears is one heck of a competitor. She’s probably one of the best on the SAP roster. But for all the talking you did, for all the peacocking and gloating and swearing up and down that you were the greatest thing to happen to the world since sliced bread, you would’ve sworn you’d have held that belt throughout 2018. Yet here we are, February 12th, and the X Championship has already escaped your grasps. I know they say hindsight is 20/20, but maybe, just maybe, you were never really as good as you thought you were. Because you weren’t good enough to beat Jessica Sears in Manhattan and you’re not ready to step foot in the ring with a competitor of my caliber here tonight.
He cracks a sly smile.
Nick Redfield: Because SAP…this house? It doesn’t belong to Rachel Redding or Andre Holmes or even Brendan Samuels. I was here for its lowest of lows and I’ve been here for all the amazing highs. I helped build this baby with my own two hands, and I will not step aside and let it collapse under the weight of egos like Rachel Redding and Andre Holmes. I will NEVER SURRENDER, so have the gurney ready, keep the ambulance running, because unless you’re dragging me out of here on a stretcher or in a bodybag, if I have anything to say about it, when all is said and done, and when the dust has cleared...Nick Redfield will be the one standing tall in the center of that ring with his hand held high...Victorious.
Nick stands firm for a second longer, keeping his eyes set squarely on the camera in front of him and the fire still raging within. Finally, with a nod of the head, he steps out of the picture and we fade out.
______________________________________________________________________________
Cavalcade Showcase
Rachel Redding vs. Nick Redfield vs. Andre Holmes
Of course this match was highly anticipated after a bit of a word salad on Twitter but moreso as last year’s Cavalcade Winner Nick Redfield was in and both of the other wrestlers knew that taking out Nick would give them a good marker toward a victory this year. Andre faded back after an initial opener of Chops All Around from everyone, Nick chopping Rachel, Rachel chopping Andre, Andre chopping Nick while the fans cheered and really seemed to enjoy it. Rachel got heated and attacked Nick straight on and executed a sharp Standing Spinning Back Kick that dropped Nick to a knee, but before she could pursue her attack there was Holmes with a Tope Senton after clambering up top at the near corner and he wiped everyone out including the referee. Andre rolled over and locked Nicky in a Single Leg Boston Crab, but Nicky rolled through and reversed it on him! Rachel laughed and shook her head as she saw the look on Andre’s face but she also saw the wiped out referee and she helped him back to his feet and snapped her fingers, making sure he was back alert before she hit a Standing Double Stomp on Redfield to get him to release the submission and then proceeded to Garvin Stomp the downed Holmes! He covered up as best he could but Rachel got him good, though when she went for a pin he kicked out strongly at two.
Nick was back to his feet and fired up, he grabbed Rachel right up off the broken pin and brought her down with a Fisherman’s Suplex. Before Nick could drop to pin Andre caught him up in turn for a huge Samoan Drop, but when he went for the Standing Shooting Star Splash to complete his Samoan Shooting Star, at the last second Nick rolled out of the way! It wasn’t nearly as bad for Holmes as if it had been off the top rope but it was still a solid impact with the mat. They both got up and Holmes hit Redfield with a Lariat, but stalled out of the driver’s seat as in came Redding with a Jumping Sitout Face Smash! Here she backed up to create the space she needed for her Rope Rebound Jumping Knee Strike, her famous Category 1, but no, Nicky was right behind her and rolled her up for a Small Package pin, but NO she kicked out at two and three quarters, just before Andre slammed into them to break it up. All three were down again but sat up and started brawling a bit on the mat, Andre hitting Nick with a few heavy fists before up came Rachel who about took his head off with a Dropkick!
She tried a pin but Andre threw the shoulder up, when she went to try on Nick however Holmes got her up for a wicked Kentucky Powerbomb! He shifted to transition for a pin but no, there was Nick with a Shining Wizard! Holmes toppled backward and Redfield yanked him up into position for The Sexiest Piledriver You’ve Ever Seen! That Omega Driver was a hell of a thing, and earned Nick the pin before Redding could scramble to break the attempt.
Winner: Nick Redfield
______________________________________________________________________________
Tiphany Banks-Carisi is shown backstage flipping through a planner while talking to a distracted Kaliyah Kane whose mind seems to be elsewhere. As Jaser Cruz’s manager, Kaliyah had gotten him hyped up with the upcoming tag match where he’s teaming with Jessica Sears to face off against Celeste and Ashley Maldano but she needed a minute to go for a small walk so that the anger that she felt would not have been shown. She ended up being playfully accosted by Tiphany, who wanted to talk about Kaliyah’s upcoming wedding to Daniel Fisk this Friday and although Tiphany was busy looking through the planner to read over the wedding program, Kaliyah was taking that time to think to herself. Tiphany notices that the conversation is pretty one sided and finally glances over to see the mean mug on Kaliyah’s face.
Tiphany Banks-Carisi: Well damn, don’t tell me you got cold feet cause I think Daniel would kill you.
Kaliyah Kane: No, it’s not that… just aint feeling what that bitch said about Jaser.
Tiphany Banks-Carisi: Who??
Kaliyah Kane: Celeste’s funny lookin ass! Jaser is bringing them down, really? It’s funny how these the same people talking about uplifting shit around here but then they take their little pot shots every now and then like nobody gonna catch on. Only thing bringing shit down around here is her, I wish Genie would have handled her like she did that clown lover Mya, we all would have rejoiced.
Tiphany Banks-Carisi: Well boo thats just her opinion, and he’s one of her opponents tonight so of course comments like that are to be expected.
Kaliyah Kane: Like it’s expected for her to constantly post her candy corn erect nipples poking through her shirts on twitter with a body of a damn centipede?!
Tiphany Banks-Carisi: Well my lord, uhhhh…
Kaliyah Kane: I guess since the elite stars of the company are shitting on them, they have to take shots at the newer signees who are considered rookies and are trying their best to do the best that they can. Do you know what Jaser is doing now? Preparing for his match while Celeste is probably off somewhere sucking face with her dude and risking unplanned pregnancy like they are known to be doing during the shows.
Tiphany Banks-Carisi: Look, all I’m going to say is that you have the right to be upset because your fam is getting down talked but you also have to remember that the match hasn’t even happened yet. If their team loses then she’ll be eating her words. The losing side will be the ones who were the weakest links in the match, you had just better pray that Jessica and Jaser work well enough together to pull a victory off.
______________________________________________________________________________
Eli Carlson: HUEY! DUEY!
The voice of Elijah Carlson is heard before the scene suddenly bursts to life. His face is panic stricken as he tears through his own locker room clearly in search of something. A moment later the door slams open and two large, bald men lumber into the locker room as well, having been standing just outside on guard. After all they were bodyguards. What the hell else would they be doing?
Eli Carlson: I CAN’T FIND HIM!
The two men exchange slightly dumbfounded looks before “Huey” clears his throat and speaks up.
Bodyguard Huey: Find… who?
Eli Carlson: LOUIE YOU FUCKING IMBECILE! You know. Little yellow ball of fluff that brings joy to anyone and everyone he comes into contact with?! I DON’T KNOW WHERE HE IS AND I HAVE TO FACE A PROFESSIONAL HIBACHI CHEF TONIGHT!
Grabbing his bag, Eli dumps its contents out onto the floor and rummages through them hoping that his pet duck had found safe, warm place to take a nap. Alas, it was to no avail. The duck wasn’t there.
Bodyguard Duey: Is he really a hibachi chef? I’m kinda hungry.
Eli Carlson: SHUT THE HELL UP IDIOT! I THINK HE KIDNAPPED MY DUCK AND IS GOING TO COOK HIM! I SWEAR TO GOD I WI-
Bodyguard Huey: I’ll go talk to him. How do you say his name? Mas… Masa…. MASERATI?
Eli Carlson: Listen. Who cares? Ash Scion him. It doesn’t matter. Just go find my goddamn duck so that I can return to living my life in peaceful bliss before obliterating this idiot.
Both bodyguards look to speak up before Eli tosses the empty bag in their direction.
Eli Carlson: THE LONGER YOU WAIT THE MORE LIKELY IT IS HE’S BEING MIXED IN WITH FRIED RICE AND YUM YUM SAUCE! I SWEAR TO GOD IF HE GETS EATEN BY VINCE STEEL AND THAT BUCK TOOTHED IDIOT GENERAL MANAGER I WILL MAKE YOU WISH YOU WERE BRENDAN SAMUELS ON PIRATE PEGGING NIGHT!
Seconds pass as the two men consider what Eli had just said before shaking their heads and leaving the locker room. In despair, Eli collapses onto the floor and buries his head in his hands, a big, sad sigh escaping him as he heaved air into and out of his lungs. And then, like an action hero coming to save the day, a little yellow furry duck scurried onto the scene quietly. Softly it approached Eli, cocking his head to look at him curiously before waddling its way the rest of the way over where it hopped up into his lap and quickly nestled itself into his lap. Joy and elation wracked Eli’s entire body as the realization struck that his precious baby duck had returned to him.
Eli Carlson: I only went to church a few times and I don’t really think that whole prodigal son story is true BUT YOU CAME BACK TO ME LOUIE! DON’T YOU EVER LEAVE ME AGAIN!
Squeezing the duck tightly to his chest, Eli stood up and carried him over to a small bed that he had set inside his locker. Once the creature was placed where he belonged, Eli turned to the camera.
Eli Carlson: Cavalcade season can begin now. All is right with the world. Masaru Inoue, prepare to be FACE (of SAP) FUCKED!
______________________________________________________________________________
Marisol Marniceau seems to be rather irritated tonight as she berates the poor backstage hand for not following the inventory on the list and picking up the wrong items. She is just finishing up telling the worker off while the cameras cut on her and she is ordering the worker out of her office. Once her door is closed, she leans back into her chair and closes her eyes for a moment as if she’s wishing to be anywhere but here.
Marisol Marniceau: It is bad enough that we have to deal with discourteous wrestlers employed here but I can not and will not tolerate incompetent personnel. Remind me to not assign him to do anything as important such as this ever again and if need be, I will make him undergo training again. This is a place of business and slacking off will not be accepted.
Jasmine Bishop nods from across the desk, relaxing in one of the two chairs stationed in front of the desk and making sure to write down what Marisol said as a reminder.
Marisol Marniceau: This place is such a mess and even a Swiffer Wet Jet Cleaner could not get the job done with cleaning things up around here. Everything is in a disarray and everyone is busy fighting to try to have some kind of catchy moniker and feel as if they own the place when none of these people can not even cash a check from here unless a higher upper writes them one to do so. It’s all so aggravating, why can’t they make these big claims of running these other bigger companies they are also employed at? The nerve of these people… at least we have the pioneer of this company still with us and I am honored that Vince still remains with us even after all of the abuse he has suffered during his stay here. He should be given the proper respect that he deserves.
Jasmine Bishop: Even with his size, he is still an easy target and butt of the jokes when it comes to his peers.
Marisol Marniceau: We’ll see who is all laughing when he runs through all of them-
A knock at the door causes Marisol to momentarily pause, looking at Jasmine who shrugs her shoulders because the GM had no scheduled appointments for today.
Marisol Marniceau: Come in.
She says politely but also trying to restrain the frown wanting to cross her face because she already expected the worse with a possible appearance from someone who was going to annoy her but when the person opened the door and stepped into the office, Marisol’s face seemed to light up with both curiosity and delight. She gestures for the person to take a seat in the empty chair as the door is closed for privacy.
______________________________________________________________________________
: “ATTENTION PLEASE!”
The four thousand strong SAP faithful packing the Talmadge L. Hill Field House errupt upon hearing the sound of a familiar voice. There’s no entrance music, no lighting effects. However, Baltimore is on its feet as heads move on a swivel to find the direction the voice is coming from.
: “YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE! DRINK THE ANTIFREEZE IN THE GARAGE! THE GOVERNMENT IS LYING TO YOU!”
The cameras move frantically around the tightly filled venue in search along with the crowd. However, a huge outburst from the western foyer gives away the location of the man behind the voice. A resounding chant for Wally Lee echoes through the Field House, bouncing off of the walls and bring a slight shake to the cameras.
Wally Lee: “BALTIMORE!”
The crowd shouts Wally’s name right back to him as he slowly emerges out of the foyer. He comes in with his saddle blazing, riding on the back end of an ATV being driven by McKenna. She revs the machine a little bit as Wally encourages her by putting his bullhorn down towards the engine. The crowd is going crazy as McKenna drives herself and Wally through a few aisle in the venue. Wally makes it rain in “Free Wally” t-shirts for the SAP fans before McKenna eventually makes it down towards ringside. She burns around the ring aprons hugging the corners tightly.
Wally Lee: “GRANDPA IS…. HERE!”
McKenna makes another lap around the ring before eventually parking the ATV towards the side next to the commentary table. Wally quickly hops from the back of the ATV and climbs up the announcers table, kicking over drinks and scooting away papers with the soles of his boots.
Wally Lee: “They told me I was suspended… They told me I can’t see my Grandkids here in Charm City… Haha. But fortunately… Money talks, bullshit walks. AND BALTIMORE! What’s more money than seeing your Grampy getting one over on a hall of famer from THE CORNERS FOUR huh?”
Wally steps down from the announcers table and slowly approaches the ring. He stops first turning towards McKenna, planting a small kiss on her forehead. He then slides underneath the bottom rope with his wife leaning against the apron on the outside. Wally gives the crowd another few moments to cheer before he walks towards the center of the ring. He drinks in the moment looking around all four corners of the squared circle before taking a knee.
Wally Lee: “But this isn’t just about Jair… Nah I’ll save that for later… This one is for the Quinns, for Miss Guadalajara or whatever the fuck… And especially… Ohhhhhhh especially for fifty finger fucking forehead who suspended me in the first place!
You see… You can try, oh god you can try to keep me away from SAP… But in the end it doesn’t work like that… You can try to keep me away from a wrestling ring... But in the end it doesn’t work like that! Because this place… this ring, this company… It’s not a stagnant entity nah… It’s a living, breathing, force of nature! And GOD DAMMIT IF ELI IS THE FACE OF SAP THEN THE HEARTBEAT OF THIS COMPANY HAS TO BE ME W-”
Crowd: “WALLY LEEEEE!”
Wally Lee: “God damn right! And just like most things… Without a heartbeat… You’re dead. So why on god's green earth did “middle management” think for one fucking second that I was going to be a “Good Boy” and take my suspension and not show my face here?
“Uhhhhh, Hard Rock Scalp
Head Pop Shot
No Talk…”
‘Cherry Bomb’ drowns out Wally’s words as an irritated Phoenix Quagliaterre pushes her way through the curtains followed by a pissed off Jason Mentez. The audience is going crazy but the duo are too busy discussing something heatedly while heading towards the ring, Phoenix clinching that microphone like she was ready to launch at Wally’s funny shaped head. Jason slides into the ring first and immediately steps towards Wally with the intent of knocking his head off as Phoenix manages to enter the ring just in time to step in front of him to keep him at bay. The music dies down as the loud erupting cheers from the audience are ongoing as Phoenix talks to Jason for a moment and a head nod from him has her looking to Wally as she looks at him and then McKenna for silent moment as that microphone slowly raises to her parting lips.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: “If you’re the heartbeat of this place then we’re all as dead as one of Dakota’s rotting victims in his backyard. Was I not… clear enough? Does the Ritalin have you… unable to function or comprehend the most simplest… of things? Many have walked out of SAP and NOOOO ONNNNNE has cared, so what do you think would make a difference if you were to just be fired… right here, right now?? Would we mourn you? Would we shed a tear and sing one of those sad Boys II Men songs? Or will we simply… get back to the show as it continues to go on. Because you see here, Wally? You are not Eli Carlson and you are certainly not Brendan Samuels. Your absence or presence will not change any dynamics in this place.”
She pauses as Jason steps up menacing and she has to take a moment to coax him to calm down a bit before she can even resume.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: “Disrespect is met with consequences. I don’t speak for the other Board of Directors or members of staff but when it comes to me? I would prefer no one to kiss my ass. When someone kisses your ass, that means they are weak enough of wanting your validation and they can just as easily be bought by your rival and turn against you. I prefer people to show me old fashioned respect especially if I let them live and show it.. But no, not you Wally. You’ve been disrespectful lately and I’m not sure if it’s to get some cheap heat or attention you’ve been needing since a young age…. But let me explain something to you. Your suspension was only lifted since you and Jair seemed to want to get your hands on one another tonight but know this. Until you get your act together? You WILL be competing without pay.”
The audience break out into whispers at the news while Jason just grins tauntingly at Wally.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: “Just because the General Manager moves slowly when it comes to handling the roster does not mean that I will and I have shown in the past before I stepped down that I was the one to straighten any shit out that needed to be dealt with. I have no personal beef against you, I just think you need to stay in your lane and it’s obvious that you posting that picture of whoever that one of my ex-foes coincidentally posted months back shows that you all have to try so hard to upset me. Well news flash, yes i KNOW THIS MAGNIFICENT FOREHEAD is big...and i bet you it’s bigger than your pockets especially when they get hit starting tonight. That's one fact. Another fact is SAP lost a big important star when Genie quit the company and I guarantee you that the tag team I signed will show that I am dead ass serious about getting some savages up in here that can more than back up anything they talk just like my best friend does.”
Phoenix smirks at Wally and lowers the mic slightly while tilting her head at him
Wally smirks as he lets Phoenix’s words settle around the arena for a bit. He looks around him on all sides once again. Slowly his name starts to rise in the voice of the crowd pushing him onwards as he steps closer bringing the end of the bullhorn back to his lips
Wally Lee: “Are you done? No-wait don’t answer that one… You love to hear yourself talk so we’d be here all fucking week. Listen… Phe… Pheeeee… Phe, numero uno… You think I honestly give a fuck about wrestling without pay? You think that this is something I do for money don’t you huh? Now see I’m not like a lot of your “friends” who want to own companies, play titty football, have t.v. shows…. And then wrestle.
I do this because… This is all I’ve ever wanted to do. Listen to these people Phe… You hear how they react whenever I open my mouth… Whenever I compete in this ring. These people know that I put every-fucking-thing I have in my heart and in my soul everytime I come out of the back… And you know what yeah you’re right. I may not be the best wrestler in the back… Definitely not the biggest… Not the fastest… Not the strongest… But what these people do recognize is that despite everything I lack… I don’t hold back a damn thing… Never have, never will.
Now…”
The crowd pops loudly, and some even get on their feet as Wally approaches Phe even stepping even closer. Not the slightest fear in his eyes as he eventually steps face to face with Phe, looking right into her eyes as their foreheads nearly glance off of each others.
Wally Lee: “Now… Let me explain something to you. You say this company lost a “big” star when Eli’s wife walked her ass out on SAP… On these people… On you. I say bullshit… You want to talk about stars then you’re talking about my family C.J. Celeste… two people you wouldn’t even look twice at because your BIG… FUCKING… HEAD is so deeply embedded in the ass of someone who clearly didn’t give a fuck about SAP that they go without the same promotion, same build up, the same….”
Wally smile for a second backing up a bit as he pauses for a moment.
Wally Lee: “The same respect Phe… That’s what this is about… Respect. And if you honestly think I’m going to show respect to you… Someone who gives respect to someone who doesn’t give it back to this company… Well Phe… You can go fuck yourself… BUT! Enough about that… Let’s talk about you Phe… Because I need you to understand something Phe… I really… really need you to let this one through that fat skull of yours via osmosis or some shit…
In all reality I do like you… Don’t respect you in the slight in the moment, but I’d be lying if I said that I’d even be in SAP if it wasn’t for you… But now that I am here, if you ever… EVER… EVVVVVVEEERRRR try to cut my legs from under me, and take away the chance for me to compete for these people. Much like your boy Hop tonight… I’m going to take this hand right here…”
Wally lifts up his free hand putting it right in Phe’s face.
Wally Lee: “See it yeah? I’m going to take this hand right here and put you in the fucking ground. And that’s real shit right there. Now that’s the lane I’m taking, and if you don’t like it I’m sure there’s an intersection that goes to somewhere without you… But I’m staying… I bleed spirit and pride. I’m putting this company on solid shoulders tonight against one of the best damn wrestlers in the business, and unlike your big superstar friend Phe… I’m going to be here the next show, and the one after that, and the one after that… And I’m gonna talk my shit, hit, get hit the whole damn time!”
Wally drops his hand away from her face and brings his bullhorn to his side as the Baltimore crowd resonates with his passion and vitriol.
Finally Jason steps in putting himself in front of Phe looking at Wally and his girl for a long time. Reaching for the mic Phoenix hands it to him as a pitiful shake and a smirk forms on his face. The mic catches the chuckle from him as the crowd goes berserk for the Hall of Famer continuously long before he speaks.
Jason Mentez: Now I've seen my fair share a folk coming at it wrong but damn son. You coming at it way wrong. All that passion without sense. Damn. You all about Spirit and Pride, got your spirit...where's dat pride doe? Where was dis when the one you calling staff on was actually on roster? It's like you kids wait until the grownups turn dey backs for moment n then choose to speak up. N you don't even speak up...you whisper among each other long after bedtime. Childish shit. How son? How do you become a grandpa when you aint but a kid ya damn self?
Jason’s chuckles grow overtime. The crowd riles up getting louder at the pause.
Jason Mentez: You tried to stunt, got the truth told to you, n den you cried about it. Now you disrespectful as shit cause you mad? A 3 yr old Walmart tantrum? Wally Walmart...my nigga, part of the game is dis kid? Really? Come on yo, if the point is you gon be here den be here. Quit tryin to get staff off my Mom’s man. Dis shit sad. All dat respect talk, you the reason she here right? You said it yourself. So where does you threatening her size up at? How does dat return respect? You got a long way to go kid. Long way.
Wally smiles big, as he backs up to the opposite side of the ring. He’s laughing to himself nearly in tears before he calms himself coming back towards his counterparts inside the ring.
Wally Lee: “Number one you sound like Manny when you talk and I don’t know if I’m comfortable with that. Number two… Since you clearly can’t speak English well… I’ll assume you don’t comprehend it either… You talk about saying shit while she was here… Well first off I’ve taken bm’s longer than her SAP tenure… But the beautiful thing is that there wasn’t an issue until the day she left this company and tried to shit on everyone who puts their hard work and effort into making this one of the best professional wrestling companies on this fucking earth…
You want to talk about respect. I can’t respect you… If you can’t even respect yourselves. You want to talk about truth. Well “son” You clearly don’t know what that is… Nah you see that’s to hard for people like you. Instead of swallowing the hard pill that your big signing was just a big fluke… You want to twist the narrative. You want to make it look like I have something to cry about… When this whole time I’ve been crying about how great this place is… You see the disconnect is that you forsaken yourselves… You’d rather have the support of someone who told SAP to fuck off, rather than lift up someone who loooooooves being here. You’d rather go to bat for someone who said SAP wasn’t on her “level” and suspend the guy who was as you put it “voicing his opinion”, sounds familiar right? Nah but see the difference is I’m not a best friend and I don’t jerk anyone's ego here, so I get labeled as the bad guy… You’re so in deep with yourselves that you can’t even manage to hear what I have to say… This shit right now, me talking to you two, won’t change a damn thing. You’re still going to spin this how you want… I’m still apparently going to wrestle for free, I mean I don’t know what third world country you come from where that shits legal but hey “son” you do you… But Grampy’s got a match to win tonight… A match where he’s going to show the world what exceptional wrestlers this company has to offer. So I’m going to tell you just like I told billboard head here… You even think about keeping me from this ring… I’m putting you in the fucking ground too… You feel me “my nigga”?
A big “oooohhh” emanates from the Field House as Wally shrugs. He drops the bullhorn right in front of Phe and Jason as he turns his back to them. McKenna slides to the apron to open up the ropes for him as he steps through and out the ring. Wally plays up for the crowd before hopping on the back of the ATV, McKenna the getaway driver slides into the driver's seat revving the machine up a few times before they both peel off. The cameras linger on their exit as Wally turns from the back giving Phe and Jason a single finger salute as they drive away, the cameras cutting back to a pissed off Jason but a grinning Phoenix who looks as if someone has just played right into her hands.
______________________________________________________________________________
Within the backstage area, dressed in her ring attire with the Spirit and Pride X championship belt around her waist, “The Paladin” Jessica Sears makes her appearance… while she’s on the phone? She wears an expression of pure focus, but there’s a sadness in her eyes.
She’s also alone. No Victor Mason by her side.
Jessica Sears: “...I’ll be alright, Everalda. Please don’t worry about me.”
She keeps herself close to a locker room, more than likely her locker room for the event, and she shakes her head a little. A faint smile crosses her face for a brief moment.
Jessica Sears: “You go ahead and enjoy the time in New Orleans with Adrien. I’ll help Anza take care of Klaus when I get back to Manhattan, okay?”
She listens to her older half-sister on the other side of the phone conversation and glances up to see the recording camera. A casual wave acknowledges the cameraman’s presence before she raises a finger, a gesture to wait a minute.
Jessica Sears: “Alright. Then I’ll see you both in Frankfurt this weekend. Have a good time!”
As always, she allows the recipient of the call to hang up first before she sighs. She takes a deep breath and smiles.
Jessica Sears: “Baltimore, Maryland, your SAP X Champion has entered the stage!”
She throws a peace sign up and winks, her charismatic charm shining brightly.
Jessica Sears: “My upcoming match is quite interesting if you think about it. Tonight on All Cats Go To Purgatory-- these creative show names, I swear-- I’m teaming up with a young gun in this industry, Jaser Cruz, and we’re facing off against the current SAP North Atlantic Champion, Ashley Maldano, and Celeste. It’s interesting because in the last tag-team match I was in, I was teamed up with Ashley. It felt a little one-sided if you ask me, but you’ll just have to rewatch the match for yourselves. I defeated my tag-team partner in a singles match a while back ago, so there might be some tension. Who knows? Then I really like Celeste, she’s a sweetheart. Never change. This is an interesting setup for a tag-team match because there are different personalities and wrestling styles. If you want me to be honest, after the Twitter conversation between Xavier, Gabriel, and Marisol, I thought I was going to be booked in a handicap match against Cause & Effect. Perhaps that’s still in the cards.”
There’s a casual shrug before she flashes a grin.
Jessica Sears: “I know some new champions like to talk about what they’re going to do, how they’re going to represent the company, and how they’ll surpass the previous champions. But in all honesty? Despite my charisma ability score being an eighteen, I prefer to let my actions do the talking. I want to show everyone what I’m going to do as the new SAP X Champion. I want to show everyone how I’m going to represent the company. I want to show everyone I have what it takes to be a great reigning and defending champion. If I surpass the previous X Champions along the way? More power to me, right? Nick Redfield and Andre Holmes are tied for two successful defenses with Nick having the slightly longer championship reign of seventy-one days. While I may not be defending my title tonight, I can promise you this. When it’s time for me to be a reigning and defending champion, I will deliver my signature moves and my limit-breaking finishers!”
Of course, a video game reference. It’s to be pleasantly expected of the Nerd Extraordinaire. Her grin widens before she brushes at her T.A.R.D.I.S. skirt with her free hand and looks back to the camera.
Jessica Sears: “So, keepers of wrestling lore, are you ready to level up? Because it’s time to roll initiative. Game on!”
______________________________________________________________________________
Ashley Maldano & Celeste vs. Jessica Sears & Jaser Cruz
The bell rang and Jaser and Jess quickly decided for Jess to start the match. On the other side things weren’t so smooth as Ashley and Celeste started to exchange words. Finally Ash just pushed Celeste back into the corner and to stay there. Maldano then locked up with Sears, the two began to chain and Jess took the lead as she kept Ashley on the ground looking frustrated. Maldano let her aggression get the best of her and went for a double leg takedown but Sears sprawled and then spun around to the back of Ashley before standing up and then leaping to connect with a double stomp on her back. Sears then quickly tagged in Cruz. Jaser came in and pulled Ashley up and whipped her into the ropes as she rebounded he sent her up and over with a hip toss. Maldano landed near her corner and Celeste reached an arm out looking for a tag but Ashley looked at her and told her that she had it. Cruz came in again looking to lock up but Ashley faked him out and caught him with a boot to the stomach followed by a series of clubs to the back that dropped Cruz to all fours. Ashley leaned back into the ropes to get momentum and Celeste tagged herself in. Ashley still came forward and landed a punt to the ribs of Cruz but the ref told them that they had to switch. Maldano unhappily went to the corner as Celeste entered the ring and quickly went after the ribs of Cruz. She landed a few stomps before lifting him up and landing a few elbows and then whipped him into the corner. Celeste went for a spear but Cruz moved out of the way and Celeste went out through the middle rope and hit the ring post allowing Jaser time to go and tag in Sears. Jessica quickly ran in and connected with “The Dixon Arrow” (swinging ddt) and went for the cover but Celeste kicked out. Sears pulled Celeste up again but Celeste counted with a jaw breaker and then followed up with a roundhouse kick that sent Sears to the mat. Celeste made her way over and tagged in Ash who jumped over the top rope and lifted Sears up for a nothern lights suplex but Jaser came in to break it up. Maldano already looked mad and began to work Sears over with her brawling style before connecting with a double underhook sitout facebuster by her corner. Celeste went up to the top rope and yelled for a tag so that she could hit her shooting star press. Ash just looked at Celeste and shook her head no. Ash started to pick up Sears but Jess shot up like a rocket with a desperation european uppercut that caught Ashley clean and left her on shaky legs. Maldano went stumbling back and Celeste tagged herself in. As Celeste went to enter the ring Maldano grabbed her by the wrist and told her to get back on the apron. As the two started to argue Jess managed to get to her feet and looked poised to hit something but now Jaser tagged himself in. Celeste and Ashley were too busy arguing with each other that they never saw Jaser as he ran and hit Celeste with an elbow to the back of the head that sent her slamming right into Ashley sending her out through the middle rope. Cruz then rolled Celeste up and got the surprise three count.
Winners: Jessica Sears and Jaser Cruz
______________________________________________________________________________
The cameras cut from ringside before focusing in upon the backstage area. On the door of SAP’s General Manager in specific. Lighthearted yet inaudible conversation was heard on the other side of that door. Suddenly, that door swung open and stepping out from behind it was Geki Nitoh! As usual, the self-proclaimed Toku Titan, was all smiles as he looked towards the man holding the camera.
Geki Nitoh: “One day at a time.”
A single nod of the head was given, his smile brightening as he turned away, beginning to walk away before uttering one last phrase.
Geki Nitoh: “Brave In.”
Turning his head to look over his shoulder, back at the camera, before giving a wink only to turn back around, walking off as the scene returned to ringside.
______________________________________________________________________________
The camera cuts suddenly, static showing on the screen for a quick moment. Suddenly the screen turns blue, text reading “Play” showing in the upper left corner of the screen. The scene suddenly changes, tracking marks all over the screen as we get a glimpse of downtown Los Angeles. It looks to be a montage of some kind, maybe set two decades or so ago. It definitely looks dated, as we can tell by the stock synth music in the background. Different areas, locations are shown on the screen, as we settle in on a shot of Venice Beach.
Soon enough, the scene changes, along with some warping of the video and sound elements of the scene. Going from a sunny day, to a bleak overcast sight. The beaches are no longer populated by people, tourists from all over coming to catch a nice day. The beaches look terrible, as they go along with the vagrants that hang around the beach.
Of course, that doesn’t matter, as the camera pans to a striking shot of two people standing on the boardwalk. With the ocean to their back it would be easy to recognize just exactly who we’re looking at. Persephone Marquis and Bryan Williams. A tag team known as, The SadboizTM.
Persephone smiles at the camera, awkwardly, and then looks at Bryan; her smile falling.
MARQUIS:“Babe, why are we here again? This place is so crappy and I had to turn THREE homeless people down.”
WILLIAMS: “This is kind of, like, our debut video, babe. We have to make a good impression or something. Also, this is Los Angeles! There are homeless people everywhere! It’s fine though, because we’re going to get right into it. Okay?”
Persephone nods, Bryan nods, satisfied with the answer he gave. It should get them on the right track. Persephone’s eyes widen in realization; her mouth in a silent “oh” as she looks back at the camera with determined eyes, slowly sinking into her groove, or whatever the hell you all want to call it. MOJO even. She begins talking, loudly.
MARQUIS: “Okay, let me start off by saying FUCK Trixie, and fuck Claire too, she’s a stupid CUCK.”
WILLIAMS: “Babe!”
Williams puts a hand on Persephone’s shoulders, looking at her and shaking his head.
WILLIAMS: “What are you doing? We don’t even know those people.”
Persephone shakes her head at him, her eyes darting to the camera and then back to him.
MARQUIS: “Listen, don’t. You can’t say that you don’t know people around here, remember?”
WILLIAMS: “We know a few people, there’s a couple of names I recognize here. Manny, you know him. He’s always tweeting you nice things online. Cosmo, we know him, Michael Kelly...”
Bryan seems to be trailing off for a moment, rambling on, as Persephone nudges him. He focuses up, looking back up at the camera.
WILLIAMS: “It doesn’t matter, none of that matters. The point is we’re here to shake up this division. We’re here to give Spirit and Pride; the kind of tag team they can be proud of, wouldn’t you agree?”
Bryan looks over to Persephone, who gives him a nod.
MARQUIS: “I’m going to level with you and say that I absolutely love Michael Kelly’s films. Also, not sure what the fuck Spirit and Pride is, but we can do something better, for sure.”
Persephone grins at Bryan, before shaking her head.
MARQUIS: “Yeah, no, fuck that. Fuck giving them a tag team that they can be proud of. I’m not here to give anyone anything, and you know for a fact that neither are you. Stop being so nice, babe.”
She gives Bryan a tug of his hair, teasingly. He mumbles something to her, with a pout and she waves him off with a laugh. Bryan isn’t one for teasing, and he folds his arm across his chest to feign being upset. Persephone turns back to the camera.
MARQUIS: “We’re not here to be nice, we’re not here to give any company hope. One way or another, they’re going to be proud to have us, but not because we’re breaking our backs trying to get a hold of the division for their betterment - fuck that. We’re here to take what we want, and kick ass while we’re doing it. They’ll just be proud to have us compete, proud to have champions like us.”
Her smile grows as she says that.
MARQUIS: “Yeah, champions. Make no mistake, we’re here to work our way up and grab them for ourselves. One team at a time, we’re going to show why the SadboizTM are superior. One team at a time, we’re going to leave them in tears as we move forward. We’re not here to make them proud, we’re here to make them cry.”
Persephone looks proud of her words, as she looks back to Bryan.
WILLIAMS: “We’re here to take over, it’s as simple as that.”
Bryan looks over to Persephone, a bit confused.
WILLIAMS: “About earlier, though, Spirit and Pride is the name of the company, babe.”
Persephone scoffs.
MARQUIS: “Um, so??”
Bryan sighs, looking back to the camera.
WILLIAMS: “Ah, fuck it, we can’t tape over this now! We have to get this in as soon as possible, plus I forgot to bring another SD card to film on.”
MARQUIS: “Babe!”
Persephone elbows Bryan in his side, getting him back on track.
WILLIAMS: “We’re here to take over. We’re here to do what we want, and what we want is to make this company ours. Whatever the name might be, and whoever might be in this division. It doesn’t matter, because we’ve arrived. Things change, right now.”
Persephone looks excited, clapping. Suddenly, something comes to mind.
MARQUIS: “Oh shit! We should throw up gang signs or something.”
Bryan looks at her incredulously, shaking his head.
WILLIAMS: “We are not throwing up gang signs in LA, no.”
Persephone pouts, clearly upset.
MARQUIS: “Can we yell our team name then or no way?”
Bryan chuckles and shrugs. Persephone grins once more. They both look at the camera.
WILLIAMS & MARQUIS: “SADBOIZ!”
They both yell, rather loudly, gathering the attention of the nearby homeless. They should leave soon. As an afterthought, however, Bryan adds.
WILLIAMS: “Trademark.”
Persephone laughs, slapping his arm as he pulls her close by her waist; beginning to lead her off the scene as the picture statics to black.
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Eli Carlson vs. Masaru Inoue
The bell rang and Masaru swung with a hard roundhouse kick right out of the gate that Eli narrowly evaded. Masaru gave a crazy laugh which seemed to have Eli more on alert as Inoue was known for being unpredictable. Eli looked like he was going to shoot a takedown but Maz had a leg ready to throw a knee if it came. So instead Eli was the one to throw a kick and connected on the leg of Maz. Inoue returned the favor and soon the two were going back and forth throwing hard kicks at each other. Maz started to take the lead and began to land a series of kicks ended with a solebutt. Maz went to dart for the ropes but Eli knew this was his moment and dove forward hitting Inoue with a chop block. Maz went down hard and Eli darted for the ropes. As Maz got to a knee Eli drove a hard knee into the head of Inoue who snapped back into the mat. Eli hit the ropes again but Inoue rolled to his stomach causing Carlson to jump over him. Eli rebounded and Maz found a way to get up quickly and caught Eli sending him to the mat with a stiff STO. Maz got to his feet and stomped his leg trying to get his knee to cooperate. He saw Eli stirring and then darted for the ropes as he was poised to strike Eli leapt up and hit a modified sling blade that took Maz to the mat. Eli then quickly moved to a corner and waited for Maz. As Inoue got up Carlson was already on his way looking to connect with "Red Light Special" (Sick Kick) but Inoue evaded it. Eli landed on his back and quickly tried to get to his feet but Maz was already coming in with “Kill Shot” (shin kick to the neck). Eli somehow managed to drop down to a knee and slide under the kick from Maz. Eli then got to his feet and jumped up hitting "Your Coronation" (Pele Kick) to the back of Maz’s head. Inoue went to the mat and Eli quickly made the cover getting the tree count.
Winner: Eli Carlson
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Jair Hopkins vs. Wally Lee
Wally looked to be fully confident right from the start of the match while Jair looked like he couldn't wait to slap the taste out of Wally’s mouth. As the two met in the middle Jair looked like he was going to lock up with Wally but Lee slapped Hopkins right in the face causing an immediate “oooohhhhh” from the fans. Jair went right after Wally but Lee quickly backed up to the ropes and leaned his head under the top rope making the ref call for a break. Wally just waved at Jair trying to play his best mind games against the hall of famer. Wally came out from under the ropes and now locked up with Hopkins. Jair quickly placed him in a headlock and started to fire away. Wally managed to slip his head out and then shoved Jair forward, Lee then connected with a dropkick to the back that send Jair stumbling forward into the ropes. Wally saw Jair leaning on the ropes and sprinted his way only for Hopkins to sense him coming and nailing him with a superkick. Lee hit the mat hard and quickly rolled to the outside to avoid being pinned. Hopkins had no problem following him out and nailing him with some stomps. Lee made his way back to his feet and hit a few forearms before shoving Hopkins back into the apron. Jair looked to be in a bit of pain but he didn’t have much time to think as Wally came charging at him. Hopkins grabbed Wally under his arms and popped him up into the air. Wally landed on the apron with a surprised look on his face but he wasn’t going to waste the opportunity. He jumped up onto the middle rope looking to hit an asai moonsault but Jair grabbed his legs and pulled him down. Wally smacked his head off of the apron on his way to the floor but that wasn’t the worst of his worries as Jair then sent him back towards the crowd with a release german suplex. Jair rolled back into the ring and the referee began to count. Wally finally made it back inside of the ring at 14. Jair was right there waiting for him and charged right at him looking for a forearm but Wally ducked under it. Jair turned around but Wally hit him with a boot to the chest that sent Hopkins back into the ropes and made him rebound towards him where he was ready and caught him with "Bomb Voyage" (Standing Sitout Shiranui). Wally went for the cover but Jair kicked out right at two. Lee slammed the mat in frustration and then headed for the top rope. He watched and waited as Jair got to his feet. He leapt looking for a top rope kotaro crusher but Jair turned around and cracked Wally with an absolutely stiff elbow. Lee hit the mat and Hopkins now found himself headed for the top rope. Jair lined himself up and then jumped connecting with “OMFG!” (Springboard Moonsault Double Footstomp). Jair went for the cover and got the three count.
Winner: Jair Hopkins
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The cameras cut backstage to Jason Mentez laughing at the television with pure amusement at the very man who had talked all that trash earlier in the show while Phoenix Quagliaterre is seated at her desk looking over files with a growing smirk on her face.
Jason Mentez: Long way to go lightwork. Long way to go....Wally Walmart caught the real parents treatment on aisle 6!! CLEAN UP AISLE 6!! CLEAN UP ON AISLE FUCKING 6!! Gave em dat “you got knocked the fuck out!!” RIIIIICCCCCKKKKYYYYYYY!!! Ahhhhh shit!!. ¡¡Le dieron como a pandereta Aleluya o Pentecostal!!
He folds over while sitting on the couch inside of the office. Tears rimming his eyes in laughter. He tries to breathe and struggles holding his sides. He wipes his eyes trying to calm enough to talk.
Jason Mentez: Moms, tell me this wasn't another chapter of the art of the missing whippin? All dem theatrics. Extra bullshit. Talkin n talkin n talkin. Tell me dat aint the average white boy pushin it until aisle 6. YOU CAN'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!! I WANT THIS TOY!! Den the parent finally snaps n whips dey ass. I stay wondering who raising dese kids? Dis huelebicho says “nigga” in BALTIMORE of all places...BALTIMORE!!
The crowd cheers like mad hearing the city’s name come from his lips. He shakes his head in laughter and even points in the direction of where SAP fans are congregated.
Jason Mentez: Not dat it should be said anyway by him but Baltimore? Real talk? He got what?...two-three oohhs from the same faces he n his wife share. Same ones voted Orange for Prez. I promise you legit people around here looking at him different. Tarambana all day. It’s waay different but hail the…
He begins breathing heavy again with his face turning red from laughter. Breaking his sentence.
Jason Mentez: Hail..h-haaail the conquering heroooo…
He dies out even more with Phoenix smirking herself humored by Jason’s reaction. The crowd heard laughing as well at his belly holding laughter. He sighs laying back calming down with chuckles.
Jason Mentez: Still tryin for dis martyr lookin shit when he doesn't even realize him being in dis state is his fault. Respect doe, dats what he wants? Den show accountability yo. Aint teachin kids shit out here. Self caused Ls. It's just like you told me when he ran after sayin so much a nothin. Just folly shit. He didn't even stand tall after his words. He just dipped out. Ran. Bitchmade shit. Him n his girl straight Gump’ed it. What you say...“You gotta let dem fuck themselves sometimes.” Never answered real questions like a man. Dodged em. Like a child. Changuería.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: That is an example of just saying anything to hear yourself talk. Too many people with these WWH mindsets of where they believe disrespecting the people in charge will grant them cheap heat and a boatload of attention with allowing their stupidity to get eyes on them in the wrong ways instead of getting eyes on them with their in ring abilities. When it comes to Wally, when they think of him at SAP, do you believe they see him as the ‘heartbeat’ or whatever bullshit he’s trying to peddle to the public as being of this company? No. They see someone who is trying so hard to get fired and shrugging their shoulders without a care if he does or not. Those five fans really had him hyped tonight but as you can see, Jair showed him who the better man was tonight.
She pauses to read over a file, making sure she places the manila folders in the piles they belong to.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: How many forehead jokes did he felt he had to make in order for him to try to gain some attention? The simple fact he’s putting even more money in my pockets since I have marketed my magnificent forehead and make bank off it while he’s trying to use me to put himself over in the eyes of the viewers when all Wally has done is gotten his ass beat for free and will be going home with empty pockets. You call that greatness? Pfft, poor that.
Phoenix laughs with amusement, giving a slight shake of her head.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I’ll have you know that Avery spoke to me after Wally’s public in ring cry for attention and he said if I decide to fire him then he definitely understands why. He didn’t put up a fight or anything in trying to talk me out of doing so if i decide to…. but yet Wally think he’s king dick around when his absence won’t overshadow anything if I were to let him go. But you know what? I’ll allow him to continue messing things up for himself and next time? There won’t be a suspension, I’ll just flat out fire his ass. Or well… see if we can transfer him to WWH for a twenty five dollar Chipotle card, a 20 oz coke and a bag of Target popcorn so he can be over there with his brother Jacob Cass.
Jason Mentez: Yoooooooooo, must be rough.
Jason bursts out laughing, wiping at his eyes with knowing that his mom was that petty enough to pull something like that while the camera fades out.
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Brendan Samuels & Cause and Effect vs. Fujiko Mine & The Fam
The crowd was absolutely livid for this as the bell rang. Samuels stood tall in the ring as the Laroux brothers headed for the apron. Vince looked ready to start the match for his team but Fujiko told him she had it and he just nodded and headed to the apron with his cousin. Samuels walks out to meet Fujiko who he towers over. Fujiko walks out and the two exchange words but Fujiko isn’t wasting any time. Mine hits Samuels with a boot to the stomach followed up by whipping him into the ropes. Samuels rebounded and then hit Fujiko with an axe bomber that sent her to the mat. A “His name is Brendan” chant broke out and he nodded to the crowd. Samuels then pulled Mine up but she broke free and connected with a hard roundhouse kick to the gut of Brendan that doubled him over. She then connected with a hard knee that sent him to the mat. Mine then made the tag into Steel. Vince entered the ring as Samuels started to get to his feet. Brendan saw the big man coming and didn’t shy away, the two began to brawl it out. They went around the ring slugging it out. Steel started to get the advantage and connected with a headbutt that sent Brendan back into his corner. Xavier then tagged himself in causing a pop from the crowd. Steel on the other hand could care less and goes to grab hold of Laroux but X manages to get away and then connects with a hard right cross to the ribs of Steel. Vince lets out a grimace after the clean shot and then tries to cover up which leaves his head free for a few right hands. Laroux whips Steel into the ropes and Tillman blind tags himself in. Vince side stepped Xavier which allowed Terry to land a springboard spinning heel kick. Vince charged the corner and knocked Brendan and Gabriel to the floor. Steel then turned his attention to Xavier as he and Terry started to double team him. This wouldn’t last long as Brendan and Gabe weren’t taking this lightly and entered the ring to go after Vince. Fujiko entered the ring to try and even the sides and things turned into an all out brawl between the two sides. The referee managed to get some order back which allowed Gabriel to tag himself in. Gabe brought the heat to Terry and worked over his arm before connecting with a hammerlock backdrop. Gabriel then decided it was time to return the favor and knocked Fujiko to the floor. He went to drop Steel but Vince maintained his balance despite taking a solid shot. Terry was up and shoved Gabe into the corner where Vince tagged himself in. Fujiko slid into the ring though and began to fire away shots at Gabe. Xavier and Brendan now entered the ring as they saw Vince entering to even the sides. Another brawl broke out and this time the referee didn’t have success in bringing order. Samuels tossed Fuji to the outside and followed after her. Xavier hit a cactus clothesline on Tillman taking them to the outside. Gabe powdered out as Vince was chasing after him. When Vince slid out of the ring Gabe was waiting for him and attacked. The six of them moved around the ring before all compiling in one area. Gabe whipped Vince into the ring steps. The rest continued to brawl. Xavier shoved off Mine and then he and Brendan began to double team Terry. Fujiko saw her spot and didn’t wait. She quickly climbed up to the top rope and dove off with a crossbody that took out the crowd except for Gabe who got away at the last second. Gabriel slid back into the ring. Laroux looked pleased with himself as he looked over the top rope and saw everyone on the ground but what he didn’t see was Vince Steel sliding into the ring behind him. Steel walked right up to Gabe and grabbed him, turning him around and connecting with the “Hand of Steel” (Iron claw slam). Steel then made the cover, Xavier tried to slide into break it up but Tillman got a hold of his leg allowing the ref to make the three count. After the bell rang Steel and Xavier began to stare each other down while on the outside Brendan and Fujiko did the same.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Looks like I brought ALLLLLLL of this SAUCE to Baltimore tonight, baby!
Phoenix pauses and smiles at the high response coming from the crowd.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Before I get into addressing what needs to be stated tonight, I want to start by saying Spirit and Pride has acquired another amazing star-studded tag team that I was honored to have signed myself. It brings me such joy to know that they were interested in coming to Spirit and Pride and I know that they are going to add to pushing our tag team division to new heights along with our other wonderful tag teams. The Corners Four is their home but I will make sure that they are greatly taken care of here so let’s ALL give a round of applause for THE SADBOIZ being a part of SAP!
The obvious surprise of the audience has them processing the news before they can finally show their excitement loudly for the signing. Phoenix seems rather excited herself as a smiling Reiko whispers something to her before allowing her to get back to addressing the crowd.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: And also…. We have finally chosen FIVE stars to represent us in the World Crown Syndicate’s Global Frontier event! And I am pleased to inform you all that our picks were thoroughly chosen and who we all have faith will do well in hopefully emerging as the first ever Crown Jewel Champion! Those lucky five are….. Elijah Carlson, Fujiko Mine, Nick Redfield, Mariano Fernandez and… Vince Steel.
You could tell by Phoenix’s face that the last name wasn’t someone she had personally picked and that it was obvious that the General Manager pushed for Vince to be one of the participants for this event. Nevertheless, the audience was pretty pumped up with the picks for Global Frontier and that produces a smile from Phoenix.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I promise this is going to be such a great year for us especially with how we keep acquiring all of these huge stars that are wanting to be on our roster. And this is why… I am working hard to get things straightened out around here because I REFUSE to have our company turn into the likes of WWH due to people lacking common sense and thinking that because they told their Burger King manager to kick rocks ONE TIME as a teenager… that an attitude quite like that will be tolerated here against Board of Directors or ANY staff of this company. Now as you all know, Wally got himself suspended and when he continued on, i added without pay to it because he simply would not chill out. Genevieve deciding to leave SAP on her own accord was something I was not happy with because I had been excited about her being here. But on the other hand, I did understand why she felt she had to do so because I agree that she should go somewhere where she is treated like something she is…. A top star with a great many accomplishments under her belt who worked extremely hard to get where she is today at the top. I regret having taken a step back in order to allow others such as the General Manager step up a bit more because this caused it… I guarantee this would have never had happened had I never decided to take a back seat. But I am here to tell you that although I wasn’t about to change things in time before the departure of the beloved Genevieve, I can ASSURE you now that I have taken what she has said quite seriously and I am going on record now with saying that NO champion in Spirit and Pride Wrestling WILL BE PROTECTED by the competition. If you hold a championship then you should be tangling and fighting against the best to insert your dominance as the champion with retaining in your title defenses. She felt as if all the champions weren’t allowed real competition in order to cement their continued status as a champion by being fed lighter fish that they could get an easy win over and trust me when I say that I WILL be watching things more closely for now on so that this does not happen again. The SAP Universe deserves to have champions who will fight tooth and nail to stay champion and thats what we will make sure that you fans have.
The audience definitely seems to agree with that as they thrust their signs into the air in response, one in particular catching Phoenix’s attention as her eyes widen in amusement before she walks over to the ropes to lean over slightly to get one of the cameraman’s attention. She points at the teal sign in the second row as the camera zooms in on the sign that reads, ‘PLEASE fire Wally.’
Smirking as she walks back to stand beside Reiko, she looks around at the audience while trying to stifle her laughter.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: Well well well… speaking of the devil, the Genevieve situation is actually what catapulted Wally into the danger zone to begin with, another thing that the rest of the Board of Directors wanted me to address to clear up the ridiculous rumors Wally had spewed in regards to Genevieve leaving. For one, as I just stated beforehand, she felt that not all of our champions were getting treated to real competition in a way to protect their reign as champion and for two, Wally’s claims that she couldn’t swim “with the sharks” when she’s employed by the Corners Four of all places where the weak can NOT survive, definitely is not true about her leaving this company. He decided to use someone else’s business for his own agenda in getting attention and stating that his ‘grandkids’ were the reason she left as if she feared them and he does this the day after the situation had already been cleared up and simmered down in which the other Board of Directors got so irritated with him that Avery had to release a statement concerning that situation. Wally didn’t get suspended for his rumors about my best friend but instead of his ongoing disrespect and him constantly stating that I would not fire him, in which I suspended him. He kept it going right after that, in which he lost getting paid while on suspension. And what does he do after that? POSTS a past disturbing picture of one of the world’s top musical artists that is someone I look like in a way to be disrespectful, especially when he’s promoting domestic violence since her bruised and battered face is from her ex boyfriend beating her. And he calls himself one of the top of this place? We do not represent domestic violence nor will respect someone who uses it to put themself over to be disrespectful to a superior.
Reiko shoots two thumbs down high up into the air to fuel the booing crowd who are disgusted about the promoting of domestic violence.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: And did he stop there? NO. He continues signing onto twitter to get his attention OFF MY NAME OF COURSE because let's face it, so many people do. And continues to be increasingly disrespectful to the point where Jair wanted to rightfully so put hands on him. So I decided to lift the suspension since Wally seems to want to get checked in the ring so badly but he will be working without pay because consequences do exist and he does not respect this company. To respect it, you respect the ones working their asses off when they are booking these venues, when they are constantly putting things together to continue to improve the company with wanting to make it bigger and better for you all. Wally is not on board with that from how his behavior is and I will say that if it keeps up, I WILL fire him. Can you imagine him acting as if he isn’t fired and saying that SAP is going to go down without him there wrestling like people who had left had said in the past. Imagine SAP losing ratings because Wally Lee isn’t on television flapping at the gums… I’M...
Crowd: SCREEEAAAMMMIIIIIIINGGGGG!
Phoenix chuckles and nods her head, even clapping lightly for the audience knowing when to expect it.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I’m here to say that I want every single member of the roster to come to these shows and do amazing work inside of the ring. To show off their amazing in ring abilities and to continue to grow from all of the work that they put in. Yes, freedom of speech exists but so do morons because everyone knows that you show respect to the superiors. You do not have to kiss our asses because i frown upon the ones who do and would prefer that no one do that to me and you do not have to always agree with us because everyone is different and opinions do exist but? You WILL respect us. Now, I want you all to enjoy the show tonight and know that all of our stars worked hard to bring their best to Baltimore tonight.
Lowering the mic and heading for the ropes with Reiko in toll, Phoenix soaks in the loud cheers from the audience as the cameras continue to shoot her exit out of the ring before finally fading out.
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The cameras go backstage to one of the entrances to the building. The doors open, and the crowd inside the Talmadge L. Hill Field House cheer loudly as Fujiko Mine steps through, a duffel bag over her right shoulder. The incomparable XENA trails behind her. Fujiko and Xena make strides towards the backstage area, but are approached by Aleks Parker. Fujiko slows as Parker approaches, and smiles at the backstage interviewer. XENA does no such thing, standing behind the number one contender with a menacing look on her face.
Aleks Parker: Fujiko, I just wanted to get some thoughts for your six person tag team match tonight.
She quirks an eyebrow at Aleks.
Fujiko Mine: My thoughts are that this is quite the interesting pairing. I’ve been familiar with Terrence Tillman over in Frontier Grappling Arts. He’s certainly an interesting competitor. And Vince Steel? He’s a former National champion, despite people making jokes to try and mask that fact. I’m certainly not going to complain, he’s certainly formidable.
She taps a finger on her chin.
Fujiko Mine: As far as my opponents? I respect them all. It’ll be interesting to see what happens should I have to face off against Xavier or Gabe. I’d wager that if they had a problem? It’d be with my partners, not me.
Fujiko looks up and behind her, at XENA for a moment. She then returns her gaze to Aleks.
Fujiko Mine: But then we come to the man who has my full attention. Brendan Samuels has been a force of nature, of that there is no doubt. But I’ll be honest with you, I’m going to be using this match to prove that my beating Rachel Redding and Nick Redfield wasn’t a fluke. My goal here is to prove to Brendan that I belong here. And that’s just the beginning.
She pans over to the camera.
Fujiko Mine: I’m not going to become a statistic. I’m not going to be title defense number nine. I’m going to become the first ever North American champion. And if you doubt me, watch me prove you wrong.
Fujiko tilts her head, then gives Aleks a nod. She then heads on her way, with XENA in tow.
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The scene opens up to a tumultuous, erratic point of view. The POV moves and shifts around so fast that everything is basically a blur, though the loud voice of Cartier can beheard in the background.
💎Cartier💎: Yoooooooo! Thass is, this the place right here driver!
The view steadies momentarily and we see a car's interior from the back seat. Cartier's hand, adorned with long, bejeweled fingernails of various colors, reaches forward and taps on the shoulder of the young Hispanic man driving.
💎Cartier💎: Iss right there! You gonna pass it!
Driver: I'm not going to pass it, the entrance is up here.
💎Cartier💎: You sure though? I gots a fight to get to you know, if you make me late I hafta give you a bad review of the Lyft app, boo.
Driver: I'm sure... please just relax.
Cartier's fingernail flies toward the camera and then things black out for a second. When it comes back, her face fills the screen. She sticks her tongue out and laughs.
💎Cartier💎: HAYYYYYYYY y'all! Cartier here and guess wass poppin tonight? Ya girl is in Baltimore about to whip some blonde headed paper plate's ass in my SAP debut! I am so ready to get up in that ring and pull the hairs out of that pack of mayonnaise's head, for real. It's like, you guys don't even know how tough things has been for me all my life you know? Now I'm here in front of some shit I think I seen on the Wire and whatnot, prolly one of them scenes when Idris Elba fine ass wasn't on the screen or I wouldn't even remember nothing else, and I'm fittina make my pro debut and start this journey like a boss ass bitch. Any of y'all who think Cartier ain't ready bout to get shut the fuck up just like little Suburb Sally Desiree Jenkins or whatever her name is. Cartier is not the one to fuck with. I am not the one. You bitches is in for a treat because I am not leavin that ring until this dumbass little becky is cryin and the crowd is screamin WORLDSTARRRRR! Y'all this bitch right here goin viral all over that poor white girl and you is gonna love it. That's that gospel shit, for real. Yo is we there yet or what?
Cartier turns her phone back around to show the back of the driver's head again.
Driver: This is the arena, where do you want me to drop you?
💎Cartier💎: This fine right here.
Once again the camera spins around to show Cartier's smiling face.
💎Cartier💎: Okay bitches I'm here. Get your popcorn ready cuz it's fittina get lit. BYYYEEEEE.
The scene goes black.
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Joe Stanton vs. Mitch Parker
The bell rung and Parker was caught off guard when the crowd started chanting “Mitch”. Stanton on the other hand wasn’t waiting and charged right after Parker and lit him up with a few right hands and then backed him up into a corner and then lit him up with a few chops. Joe kept control of the match and landed a rope assisted tornado ddt. Mitch looked to be out of it but Joe still pulled him up and delivered “Funeral for a son” (tombstone piledriver) and then covered Mitch for the three count.
Winner: Joe Stanton
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The show cuts backstage. Matt Gamble is seen standing with his arms crossed and slowly shaking his head. In front of him sits none other than Celeste, leaning back in her chair and looking up at him curiously. Matt's southern drawl comes through as he speaks.
Gamble: “All I'm sayin is I don't fer the life of me understand why you put up with him? He only seems ta recognize you when it is convenient for him to do so. Like on football days it is clear from Twitter you don't come first.”
Celeste nods her head. Gamble is obviously talking about her boyfriend, CJ Cross. She thoughtfully responds
Celeste: “It's not as bad as it seems Matt, honest. That's his time to himself. Everyone needs that, so I just go do something else. Besides, it's just one day.”
Gamble: “You say that now, but be careful if it turns into two days. Then you're on a slippery slope and once it gets into the mud, it'll take a hemi 4X4 ta pull you out.”
Celeste blinks.
Celeste: “I'm not sure I follow.”
Gamble: “Listen here lady…”
Matt begins as he gets down on one knee before her. Gamble carefully takes her hand in his. The camera zooms in.
Gamble: “One day away from you is one day too many.”
He stares into her eyes and she stares back for just a moment, shocked by what is happening. Celeste pulls her hand back and out of his, but not forcefully.
Celeste: “Look, I don't know what you are exactly doing but everything is fine between me and CJ. Really.”
Gamble gets back up to his feet.
Gamble: “I can tell how he acts bothers you. That much is clear to me. The things he says to me for simply saying hello? Tha boys got issues. And to go as far as get into my matches? I worry what he'd do if he ever turned on a pretty little thing like you.”
Celeste: “He isn't going to. As far as getting onto you, I'll talk to him about it because it does bother me a bit. Seems like there is no reason for it.”
Gamble: “You are a wonderful gal. Taking you for granted is the most foolish thing.”
With that, Gamble ‘tips his hat’ to Celeste even though he isn't wearing one as he steps backwards and away from her. Matt then turns on his heel and walks off. The camera focuses on Celeste’s thoughtful expression as the scene fades.
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The camera cuts backstage, where interviewer Yasmeen Sherazi stands right next to DA #TROLL GUY, Mariano Fernandez. He's dressed in the usual simple leather jacket and jeans, not having gone to his locker room yet, but he's conspicuously wearing a pair of star-shaped plastic sunglasses.
Yasmeen Sherazi: "Alright, here we are with Mariano Fernandez." (turning towards him) "Thank you very much for your time, and Manny, welcome to All Cats Go to Purgatory. I must say that was a pretty niced debut in Don't Drink From The Hudson, so you must be satisfied that your Spirit and Pride tenure started with a win."
Mariano Fernandez: "Hey yo - thanks a lot, mang. Aye, the WIN was pretty good, but the most important thing was NOT having Trixie making me eat the god damned pineapple pizza for a month." (He lowers his glasses, looking at her with a frown, then going back to his traditional cheerful expression before putting them on again). "But I can't hold it against her, chica. Trixie is a very good friend AND talented on top of that - but I wonder why she's tagging with Nora Harris instead of... (pointing at himself) ... y'know, her actual tag team partner, mang."
He scratches his head, signaling his confusion.
Mariano Fernandez: "But other than that, all the best to her - and we'll do it again some other time. Now my focus gotta be set on this Cailey Carter lady I'm gonna be facing tonight."
Yasmeen Sherazi: "I was just gonna ask you about that - anything you can say about your opponent tonight?"
Mariano thinks for a bit, then throws up his hands.
Mariano Fernandez: "I don't even know, mang. Maybe it's all this SUN blocking my view..." (He points to his sunglasses)
Yasmeen Sherazi: "... But the sun has just only set."
Mariano gives her an annoyed look, though his eyes reveal he's just making a joke.
Mariano Fernandez: "... Why does everyone have to ruin the god damned moment, mang? And I had even brought these!"
He removes his ridiculous shades, tossing them in the trash.
Mariano Fernandez: "But as I was saying. Who even is this Ms. Sunshine? I spent some of this time tweeting her trying to see what she said, but she hasn't been online since god damned January, mang. Maybe she's still out there suntanning in Nassau or something, that's where she last said she went. And here I am, second match in SAP, already with an opportunity to be in a big match..."
Yasmeen Sherazi: "That would be the Cavalcade match."
Mariano Fernandez: "Exactly! One team already set, with Andre Holmes, Rachel Redding and ELI GOD DAMNED CARLSON in it, the face of the company, the guy HANDPICKED by Phe to represent SAP, and we've heard more from Genie than my actual opponent - and the worst part is Genie did so WHILE QUITTING, mang. That's the sad part, I didn't want to see her go, but what's done is done."
Yasmeen Sherazi: "There was some controversy about that with lots of people in the roster calling her out on her departure."
Mariano Fernandez: "Aha." (He nods, somewhat sarcastically) "And why didn't they call her out BEFORE, mang? Where were they when Genie and Eli were proclaiming their superiority and daring anyone to come at them? If you didn't have what it took to say something, ANYTHING to her if she was rubbing you the wrong way, don't god damned take the easy way out and run your mouth AFTER she's gone. That's all I have to say regarding that - and it ain't even my god damned problem, mang. What matters to me right now is following up on my debut with taking a great opportunity to be noticed - and in this match I'm gonna do just that."
Yasmeen Sherazi: "Wally Lee had some words regarding the events, in which you were mentioned."
Mariano Fernandez: (Screaming) "HE CALLED ME MANNY FERNANNY!"
Yasmeen Sherazi: "Well, that wasn't what I had in mind -he first called you a cuck."
Mariano Fernandez: "But I'm not, mang. That don't concern me. Mostly I don't like the god damned Manny Fernanny."
Yasmeen Sherazi: "But what's wrong with that? It's actually pretty funny-"
Mariano quakes as if he's just been hit by lightning, his face going red as he gives Ms. Sherazi a scared glance.
Mariano Fernandez: "Yasmeen, what are you doing? YASMEEN! STAHP!"
Ms. Sherazi can't help but laugh at Mariano's expression.
Yasmeen Sherazi: "Okay okay, I'll drop it. But anything you have to say regards that?"
Mariano Fernandez: "I stand by what I said, chica. There's a time and a place where things must be said. If you feel like talking, do so then. Otherwise it's meaningless. As they say in Westeros, words are wind. And if he has a problem with that, he can come talk to DEEZ NUT-"
Yasmeen Sherazi: (Cutting in) "Moving right along... Now that you're here in SAP, what are your overall impressions of the company and its talent?"
Mariano Fernandez: "When I was injured after 4CW, mang, SAP took an interest in me. Seeing people like Andre Holmes, Eli and Genie, and Phe in the Board of Directors, people I know and get along with - or SOMEWHAT, at least - sparked my interest to see what it was like. And then I saw all the people in here. Fujiko Mine. Jessica Sears. Celeste and CJ Cross. People I hoped I would cross paths with sometime down the line, and here they are, all of them put together. So here I am, and I'm happy to be, mang."
Yasmeen Sherazi: "And finally, any words towards Cailey Carter before the match is finally underway?"
Mariano Fernandez: "Cailey Carter, if you ever became aware you were booked tonight and made it from whatever lost beach in Nassau you were getting that sun in, I hope you brought an umbrella, 'cause there won't be any clear skies for Ms. Sunshine after the final bell has rung, mang."
And with that, he walks away.
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Nora Harris: Tonight is going to be a good night.
The camera pans back to see the tiny but so curvy form of Nora Harris, Noradorable herself ready for tonight’s match. She has her hands on her hips and she nods at the camera.
Nora Harris: I know that Trixie is just as excited as me, and I’m sure you’ve all seen on Twitter how hard she’s been working towards this. Tonight we’re going to work as a team, and while it’s a first it isn’t like we haven’t been in the ring together before. Usually before a random tag pairing there’s that hesitation. You know? Wondering if you and the other person can actually be on the same page. But I’m not worried a bit, because I know that Trixie, like me, wants to get out there and entertain the fans.
Nora smiles brilliantly.
Nora Harris: ...and well, a win would be a whole lot of fun to celebrate with them, right?
A tiny hint of pink comes and goes on her cheeks as she grins.
Nora Harris: It’s almost Valentine’s Day too, and this year it’s going to be AWESOME and so well, it would be really cool if everything just started going right, from here on out.
She winks at the camera and then turns and bounces away, the edges of her ringwear skirt flipping as she goes.
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Harris & Trixie vs. Overton & Hawthorne
Nora started the match for her team while Iris started the team for hers. Iris tried to use her height advantage early but Nora used her quickness to evade the larger opponent and pepper her with some shots to keep her at bay. Harris then darted for the ropes but Hawthorne grabbed a handful of hair and pulled her down to the mat hard. Iris followed this up with a jumping knee drop before dragging her over to her corner and tagging in Overton. Overton connected with a few moves before tagging Iris back in. The experience of Hawthorne and Overton as a team was showing as Nora looked to be in a rough spot. However everyone knows Harris is hard to keep down. Iris thought she had Nora where she wanted her when Harris was able to connect with “Hello patella” (double knee facebreaker). Harris dove over to her corner and made the tag into Trixie who came in on fire bringing the heat to Hawthorne. Overton came in and suffered the same fate as she sent him out through the middle rope. Trixie then caught Hawthorne with a superkick to the back of the knee that dropped her down to one. Trixie then hit the ropes and connects with a shining wizard. Trixie goes for the cover when Overton enters the ring but gets cut off by Nora who lands “Good Lord Nora” (Tilt-a-whirl headscissors armbar). With Overton caught in the submission Trixie is able to pick up the win.
Winners: Harris & Trixie
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The scene cuts backstage where we see Luca Di Paolo standing in his robe with Roxanne and Foxanne on each side of him. A wide smile lies across his face as he gazes into the camera.
“Tonight I get my chance to enter the Cavalcade match. A place where only the best in SAP can be which means that I should have already been qualified for it! Without me this place does not exist. I am the air in which it needs to breathe. I am the most beautiful face in SAP and I am the one who puts the asses in the seats. Everywhere we go that sells out is because of me. So now I have to go out there tonight and face Jamal Scott. Now Jamal has been getting praises on his work in other places but last I knew he hasn’t done a damn thing in SAP. Which means nothing is going to change tonight. I am going to go out there, take my spot, and look damn good while doing it.”
With that Di Paolo storms off towards the ring.
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Cavalcade Qualifier
Luca Di Paolo vs. Jamal Scott
The match opened soft with Luca circling around Jamal and darting in for a few chops or strikes, but whenever Jamal would seek to strike him in return Luca would dodge and even duck through the ropes as he used the ring and referee against Scott and did everything in his power to keep Jamal from hitting him in the face. All his shenanigans were entertaining to the fans at least, though he got a high round of booing after he jammed a thumb in Jamal’s eye before he set him up for a Bridging Butterfly Suplex! This net him a two count but Scott kicked out and got up with a bit of fire over Di Paolo’s shady hit, he shot the ropes and leapfrogged the first time as Luca set up for a Back Bodydrop, and he whipped around to catch Jamal on the rebound but ended up eating a Jujitsu Jamal! The flashy Bicycle Kick got Scott a two count of his own but Di Paolo threw his shoulder up at two. The pair had several more exchanges like this, neither quite able to put the other away, but managing to keep the fans entertained and their eyes on the match.
The pair kept jockeying for control, with Jamal just a bit ahead on that, but whilst eager both were rookies and it showed a bit towards the end of the latter half of the match as they collided hard in the center of the ring as both were going for dropkicks. The pair were both woozy after this but Jamal recovered first and got to his feet, waiting for Di Paolo to rise and when he did he caught him with an Armdrag right into an Armbar! Luca kicked his feet, wildly bucking and trying to break the submission hold, a couple of times he almost made it to the ropes but Jamal would drag him back and the process would start all over again. Finally he made the ropes and the referee told Scott to release the hold which he did. Luca complained to the referee that somehow Jamal had cheated to get him in the hold and make something that simple that effective, turning his back to Jamal and blocking the referee from seeing that when Jamal came up to tap him on the shoulder and remind him that he was in a match, Di Paolo lifted his foot and hit him in the crotch with the heel of his boot! Jamal went down like a ton of bricks and Luca scrambled to cover, getting a three count and the victory after his sly move.
Winner: Luca Di Paolo
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As the show returns from break, the camera shows CJ Cross sitting in the locker room sitting in a chair and leaned over tightening up his boots as he gets ready for tonight’s big match up. He would love nothing more than to earn a spot in Cavalcade and finally gain some traction in his young career. To do that, he will have to get past a tough competitor in Stone Hendrix.
Still looking down at his boots, CJ hears the locker room door open up, which shifts his attention to the open doorway seeing his good friend entering the room.
CJ: Hey there owl face!
He spoke in a joking tone with a smile on his face, as the camera swings around to see none other than Trixie standing there and she is not empty handed. She has a small styrofoam take out box in her hand.
CJ: Awe, you did not need to bring me a gift!
Trixie: I know I didn’t, but I thought I would share my birthday cake with all my friends. Since Celeste is elsewhere I thought I'd come and share with you since you got it for me.
And Trixie opens the gift he had picked out rather than letting Celeste pick out a decent one, an owl cake. After getting his boots on CJ stands up from the chair and laughs a bit seeing the piece of cake in the box.
CJ: Yeah Celeste had to go get some stuff done, so you know what they say? You snooze, you loose!
Celeste more than likely would not eat any before a big match, also she is trying to eat a bit more healthier.
CJ: Hope you brought some forks, if not… I am really cool with using my hand..
Trixie gives him a slightly evil, but friendly glare as she dances her hand above the cake.
Trixie: Me too. But did you see the icing inscription at the bottom?
Trixie says showing CJ the hard to read icing writing. CJ raises an eyebrow a bit as it is an odd request since the only icing on the cake when he ordered it was what was needed to make the owl.
CJ: No I did not… What did does it say?
Trixie slowly lifts the cake up to him.
Trixie: Happy birthday, something.
Trixie says letting him get nice and close before smooshing the cake in his face. Not picking up on what she was going to do was his downfall. Once she pulls the box away, CJ is left with globs of the piece of cake all over his face and some of it from the impact, in his hair.
CJ: That was so not cool and was a waste of a good piece of cake!
Trixie uses her finger to drag up his cheek to get some cake on her finger and sucks off the icing
Trixie: Mmm, pretty good piece of cake, not half bad!
Trixie giggles as she gets him a towel, he goes to grab it and she pulls it away.
Trixie: You can have the towel when you agree to drop the owl face name, cake face.
CJ knows that he needs to get this cake and icing off before he needs to take another shower, knowing his match is coming up soon.
CJ: Alright fine, I will not call you that anymore, just give me the towel!
She giggles a bit before handing him the towel. CJ snatches the towel from her and begins to clean up his face, making more of a mess on the floor between them.
CJ: This is how you thank people for sending them something for their birthday?
Trixie: Well, I thank them with a hug, but I don't want crumbs in my hair, so.
Trixie says then planting a small kiss on his cheek, far from the lips as possible to be a friendly one, before licking her lips as she still tasted the icing.
Trixie: That was a delicious cake.
CJ: The jokes just keep on coming with you huh?
He says with a slight laugh while still working on getting the cake off of his face and hair.
CJ: Don’t worry though, I will remember this.
Trixie: I hope so. But good luck against Stone tonight. I beat him, don't let me down.
Trixie says casually brushing off his shoulders some crumbs and blows some off his ears.
CJ: Don’t worry, I do not plan on losing.
He finally gets most of it off but he knows that if he is going to make it out to the ring in time for his match, he will need to wash his face and get a little bit more out of his hair.
CJ: But I do need to get ready AGAIN thanks to your shenanigans… you’re lucky I like you.
Trixie: Ha ha, you like me?
Trixie says in a childish, teasing manner and bops his nose.
CJ: Yeah sometimes I wonder why…
On her way out. Trixie turns around to face him again speaking up in a serious tone.
Trixie: Good luck though, cake face.
And taps the side of her cheek where some glob of cake still remained on his face. Seeing her motion, CJ reaches up and wipes off the remaining crumbs as he watches her head on out of the locker room. With a shake of his head, CJ heads on off towards the bathroom leaving the camera to look down on the locker room floor, seeing the mess of cake that is left behind.
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Desiree Jenkins vs. Cartier
As the match started Desiree extended out a hand to Cartier who wasn’t having it and caught Jenkins with a right hand right to the mouth. Cartier wasn’t done there and continued to press the attack before whipping Desy into the ropes. Jenkins ducked a clothesline attempt from Cartier and then rebounded to catch Cartier with a crossbody. She went for the cover but only got two. Cartier looked mad and grabbed Desy in a headlock and connected with a few punches before jumping up into the air and driving her head into the head of Jenkins. Desy went stumbling into the corner and Cartier followed her. As Cartier was about to strike Desy tossed her into the corner and began to connect with her “Blonde Rage” chop combo. Desy then lifted Cartier into a seated position on the top rope. She started to climb but Cartier cut her off and then tucked her head before leaping and connecting with “Ca$h you out cold” (second rope piledriver). Cartier quickly covered Jenkins and hooked the leg picking up the victory.
Winner: Cartier
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Backstage of the Talmadge L. Hill Fieldhouse in Baltimore, Maryland, the camera captures the vision that is "The Stiletto Knife" Chelsea Pryce in a red dress with black butterflies and a pair of black stiletto high heels. Her hair is nicely brushed and styled in an elegant updo as she stands in the center of a hallway.
"I'm not a professional dancer like Jessica's older sister..."
She doesn't realize the camera nearby, her attention focused on her tag-team partner, "The Comedian" Allen Chaney. She parts her ruby red lips to take a single breath.
"...but when you're in the modeling industry, you're taught quite a few techniques. Dancing is one of them. I decided to go with ballroom dancing because, well... it's very personal and passionate. You work with another person and synchronize your movements so they become fluid. Tag-team wrestling is like a dance... a dance between two people who trust one another. Do you follow?"
"I...yeah sure. I guess so." Allen says. Allen was in his usual attire. Basketball shorts, his Comedian logo t-shirt, and a black hoodie. Truth be told the prospect of being taught to dance was equal parts embarrassing and frightening to the big man.
"So uh... I'm supposed to like... put my hands on you in a certain way, right?" Allen asks, doing a poor job hiding the nervousness in his voice.
"I feel underdressed," Allen adds, looking at her outfit.
Neither of them realizes they're being recorded. They honestly believe they're alone. His puzzling reaction causes her to chuckle and she smiles. It's a smile that most people don't get to see very often. It's genuine.
"You're fine." Chelsea looks over his choice of clothing. She glances down at herself and smirks. "I have a guilty pleasure of wearing nice dresses. Especially with slits to show off my legs."
This dress does have a slit that goes from her mid-thigh to the bottom of her dress. She takes a step forward and takes his hands in her, placing them on the right areas for the basic starting position. Then she moves her hands to the right places and tilts her head.
"Our opponents consist of three teams. I've seen their work. RAWGRAPS, BGTL, and Zombie Vice Squad... fascinating names, by the way, they're rough around the edges. They don't move like one. Step back."
When he steps back, she steps forward, still parallel to him.
"Step forward."
She steps back and allows him to step forward. His movements, of course, are certainly shaky and rough. She doesn't seem to mind, keeping her eyes on him. "We can move like one. We have what it takes."
"Move...as one... got it," Allen says, stepping forward after she tells him to.
"Yeah, I've been watching tapes as always. Not a lot of team unity. I've had a few tag partners in the past. Won a few tag titles, but you and I, Chelsea...I think we've got something special." Allen says, doing his best to move with her. He's a little shaky and nervous and she can tell.
"Would be nice to hold tag team gold again. I'm not seeing much by way of real competition either so I imagine we'll get there sooner rather than later considering THIS talent pool." Allen says, having to look at his feet as they move.
"Am...I doing alright?" Allen asks.
Chelsea understands her tag-team partner's nervousness. This is perhaps the first time he's ever danced. She listens to his words and takes into consideration what he said about them. He thinks they have something special. She can't help but smile as the two of them continue to move. He's still rough, but she's going along with him step by step.
"Your confidence is wonderful," she chuckles softly. "Spirit and Pride's tag-team division is dwindling. So many have tried to take the tag titles from the Reed's and yet none of them have been successful. Charlie and Lilah aren't even that great of a team if you want me to be honest..."
Oh, she's blunt. It's in her fluid movements and transitions that allow Allen to lead when he hasn't even realized it yet. "You're doing just fine, hon. Try to relax and pace yourself. We're in no rush... The fatal four-way dance isn't until later tonight."
She decides to test him by extending herself, taking his hand, and she twirls back to him. Somehow, someway, they keep their movements in unison, smoother now. Being this close to him, she looks into his eyes and smiles.
"Good. Just like that."
"Just like that, huh?" Allen asks with a small chuckle.
"Moving as one...ain't a damn thing can stop us if we do that," Allen says. Her looking into his eyes. Him looking into hers. They both lean in and press their lips together, exchanging a kiss... until they hear the cameraman shift outside.
"And now...we move in unison...to kill a camera guy," Allen says.
It was only a matter of time. Chelsea turns her head slightly, not going too far from Allen's face, and the corners of her emerald green eyes sharply glare at the cameraman.
"Run, rabbit, run."
That wicked little smirk. The cameraman takes off without hesitation and the scene quickly fades to black.
______________________________________________________________________________
Cavalcade Qualifer
Mariano Fernandez vs. Cailey Carter
Both Cailey and Mariano give a quick handshake before the match begins, and then go into a lockup. Mariano tries to exert his strength advantage, but Cailey turns it into a rolling headlock, using Fernandez’ momentum against him. He gets back to his feet, but the headlock stays in. he pushes her off and knocks her down on the return with a body block, and then takes over from
here working on Cailey’s head and back. At around the 4 minute mark, Cailey tries to mount a counter with a dropkick to gain some space, but when she runs back he catches her with a Koppou kick that gets a two count!
In the 6th minute, Cailey was finally able to find an opening. Mariano went for a big moonsault, but Cailey rolled out of the way at the last second! Cailey pulled The Gadfly to his feet, then hit him with a BIG german suplex that got her a two count! Mariano got to his feet, only to get hit with a quick onslaught from Cailey that culminated with an enziguri that got her another close count!
Cailey saw her opening, and set #DaTrollGuy up for her “Sunkissed” superkick. Mariano, though, rolled forward under the kick, then hit the pivoting Carter with a Pele kick! Before she could catch her bearings, Mariano got her up in the Dovahkiin Driver for the three count!
Winner: Mariano Fernandez
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SAP “All Cats Go to Purgatory” returns from a short break. Immediately the crowd cheers at the sight of North Atlantic Champion, Ashley Maladano and her tag partner, Celeste standing side by side. They are dressed in their ring gear and Celeste has her hair pulled back into a ponytail instead of letting it all hang down as usual.
Ashley tears the end off a pixie stick before downing the sugar while Celeste rolls a lollipop in between her lips. Behind them is a basket of candy already half devoured with wrappers strewn about. Celeste pops the lollipop off her lips and spins it back and forth between her thumb and index finger as she begins to address the camera.
Celeste: What's up guys? Tonight you are definitely in for a treat. SAP decided to make a tag match that is so awesome it should be the main event, but I guess we'll blame our opponents for the lack of true star appeal. Now, no disrespect to Jessica. She is our new X champion after all. And like Ashley here and myself, that chick can really bring it in the ring. So I totally look forward to facing the SAP mainstay for the first time. Maybe it's Jaser bringing us all down. What you think Ash?
Celeste turns to her tag partner while placing the lollipop back into her mouth. Ashley smiles and smirks, rubbing her hands on her three belts, nodding her head.
ASHLEY MALDANO: Ooh, woulda look at that? Sistah Celeste over here is bringing out a spicy side of her! Guess I have that effect on people lately!
She says, tilting her head looking down at herself impressed, before laughing as she downs yet another pixie stick. As she nods her head listening to the words of Celeste, she nods her head before slapping her North Atlantic Championship on the face of the belt.
ASHLEY MALDANO: Even though I’m not much for tag team matches if they aren’t with my stablemate and brother from another, but tonight will have to do.
She says teasingly before playfully punching her shoulder, looking up as she speaks.
ASHLEY MALDANO: Oooohh it was a joke! But for real, for real! Tonight should be main event quality but it apparently isn’t billed as so. Which is cool, but that doesn’t mean you people aren’t getting that quality of a match! Tonight team Ash-Leste will take on Jessica and Jaser and come out victorious..rah rah!
The North Atlantic Champion jumps up and down hyperly as she throws her hand up. She nods her head and flicks her dark hair off her shoulder as she smiles.
ASHLEY MALDANO: I can feel the vibes tonight are good and like team winna winna over here is gonna take over, but I also am ready for this challenge…
She looks up and over at Celeste, smirking and nodding.
ASHLEY MALDANO: As is she!
She nods, looking up at her.
Celeste: You bet I am! I just hope I can break this tag team curse that apparently has been put on me with deceitful partners.
She says in reference to what occurred on Subversion just the night before.
Celeste: Anyway, let's go do this Ashley!
Celeste offers up her fist for a fist bump. The North Atlantic Champion pauses for a moment and looks at her, before bumping her fist. Celeste nods and walks off in the direction of the ring. The scene fades out.
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We cut backstage to find Cosmo Cooper in the locker room, sitting down on a nearby chair in a black track jacket and sporting Flatbill on his head. Cosmo isn’t alone as Michael Kelly walks into the shot, nearly decked out in his wrestling gear. Michael nudges his friend on the shoulder, prompting Cooper to look up.
Michael: You alright tonight?
Cosmo: Yeah man, I’m good. Why?
Kelly pauses for a second.
Michael: Well, you know, the title match on night 2 and …
Cosmo cuts Michael off.
Cosmo: Mike. By now you should already know that I’m not going to dwell on that situation, bud. If I stood in the past all the time, I wouldn’t be standing where I am today.
Michael: Yes you would.
The two look at each other for a split second before cracking a chuckle, collecting themselves fairly quickly.
Michael: What we’ve got here, this team… it’s a special thing.
Cosmo: I don’t think any of the teams we’re facing tonight know what they’re getting themselves into.
Michael: You’re right.
Cosmo: We’re ready for everything that this tag division has in store.
Michael: We’re ready for everything that any division has in store, bud.
Cosmo: Whether it’s BGTL.
Michael: Chaney and Price.
Cosmo: Or Zombie Vice Squad, RAWGRAPS is ready for everything that these teams got for us.
Cosmo nods and fistbumps Michael who forms a smirk before staring into the camera.
Michael: Zombie Vice Squad and BGTL are amazing decorated teams. Allen Chaney and Chelsea Pryce are two talented individuals, but when it comes down to the nitty gritty…
Cosmo: We just want it more.
Michael: We’re gonna fight with every being in our body.
Cosmo: We’re gonna turn everyone that gives us the side eye from doubters to believers.
Michael: We’re gonna be the only team standing tall.
Cosmo: Cosmo Cooper. Michael Kelly. We’re RAWGRAPS and we’re bringing the RAWGRAPS right here, in Bmore.
Michael: All those other teams better Bmore careful.
Cosmo: That was bad.
Michael: Shit.
Michael hunches over and starts to laugh as the two walk out of the shot, the picture fading off into our next segment.
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Cavalcade Qualifier
CJ Cross vs. Stone Hendrix
Stone and Hendrix wasted no time going after each other, each trying to prove that they wanted to be in the Cavalcade match. They did their best, going hold for hold, and not finding much of an advantage due to their similar styles. Cross was able to capitalize on a mistake from Stone to catch him with a belly-to-belly, but it only got him two. He then tried to keep up the intensity with a pair of dropkicks, then catching his larger opponent with a hurricanrana that only got two!
Stone tried to get back into it, slowing down the pace once he caught Cross with a short arm clothesline. He then caught him with a spinning heel kick, but only got two. He then went up top for a blockbuster, but CJ got out of the way, causing Stone to land on his back! CJ went up top for a moonsault, but then Matthew Gamble ran down to ringside and began yelling at Cross! He got down off the top rope and yelled at Gamble to go away. Gamble then began to back away, and Cross turned around...into the Stone kick from Hendrix! Cross hit the mat, out cold, and Stone covered for the victory!
Winner: Stone Hendrix
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BGTL Time! Claire and Ximena stand backstage. They seem battered and bruised after recent ventures in other companies, but in spite of that they stand as tall (in Ximena’s case) and as defiant (in Claire’s case) as ever. Because what’s an SAP show without one of its foremost tag teams?
Ximena stands with her back against the wall, her arms crossed and looking down her nose at the camera. It’s not so much a look of scorn as it is a gesture of necessity. If the camera wants to fit them both in, the frame has to stay low, with the much smaller Claire standing right next to her. They’re both dressed to compete, ready for battle. Or at least they will be, once they have gotten a few things off their chest. It’s Ximena who begins talking.
Ximena: Spirit and Pride. Two things that we have shown in recent weeks. When Satsujin screwed us over when they were supposed to have our backs, our pride told us one thing: that offence could not go unpunished. Like we’ve said before, we came here to be the very best, and nothing else will ever do. So when they not only impeded our progress, but set us back…? We considered it our duty to remind the world that the BGTL doesn’t take a backseat to nobody, and that we won’t allow anyone, not even Satsujin, to stand in our way.
So that’s where our Spirit kicked in. We went after them. We beat them up. And we showed the world exactly why we’re never to be taken lightly.
Claire nods and takes over from there.
Claire: And while we were ultimately successful in taking Satsujin down, we’ve suffered a few setbacks along the way. Not many, but one in particular still irks me. When #RAWGRAPS beat us, it was our first ever straight defeat as a tag team. And while it’s true that we lost to a team of what may be two of the greatest wrestlers on the planet, Ximmie’s right when she says that we don’t take a backseat to anyone. So tonight? We’re grateful. Grateful like you wouldn’t believe. Because we have a chance for not just payback on the team that got the better of us, we have a chance to beat two others in one clean sweep and assert some proper dominance up in this place.
Ximena: We’ve tangled with the Zombie Vice Squad before. We’re not taking you lightly, a courtesy you will no doubt extend to us in the same manner. But there is too much at stake here. We can’t let you stand in our way.
Claire: Your zombie tricks didn’t scare us then, and they won’t scare us now! We’re ready to put you in your place, which is in a line that starts behind US! So get ready for the disappointment of a lifetime, Zombies. Your reality’s getting checked. Just like that of those other whiny, thin-skinned bitches in there, Pryce and Chaney. One thinks she’s hot shit, as if a kick to the face would ever scare me. She thinks she’ll bury me in the ring, but quite honestly she looks like a bootleg version of a wrestler who wasn’t even that good to begin with. And the other is so cringeworthily unfunny that the only way he stands a chance in this match is if he literally bores us to death. I’ll maybe scatter some Reese’s Pieces around the ring so he can go scrambling on all fours and sniff them out like a pig on a truffle hunt. He certainly looks the part and…
Ximena hushes Claire by putting the palm of her hand over her little blonde partner’s head.
Ximena: All right, Claire. We get your point. No need to labor it. To conclude: tonight is the night we get back on top. Tonight we show you what we’re all about. And everybody else is going to be choking on our dust.
Claire: Because Bitches. Gots. To. Learn! BGTL out! See you guys in the ring.
Claire and Ximena wink and walk out of the frame, ready for war.
______________________________________________________________________________
RAWGRAPS vs. BGTL vs. Chaney & Pryce vs. Zombie Vice Squad
From the moment the bell rang this was a mess. The referee had a hard time controlling any of the action as all four teams wanted nothing more than to beat the hell out of each other. Chaney and Pryce went on the warpath trying to destroy everyone in front of them as they tossed ZVS out of the ring followed by BGTL. However when they turned around Cooper and Kelly weren’t having any of their plan. The two teams clashed to the enjoyment of the crowd as they brawled all over. On the outside things weren’t much between BGTL and ZVS as they had started to fight out amongst the crowd. Back on the inside the fight between RAWGRAPS and Chaney & Pryce was spilling to the outside. Chaney jumped up onto the apron and looked like he was going to get a running start for a cannonball senton but Cosmo threw a high kick which caught Allen right in the legs as he was starting to run causing him to trip and smash his face on the apron. ZVS was looking to take the advantage on their side as they whipped BGTL back towards the ring. Kelly and Cosmo were pulling Chaney to his feet when Pryce started to climb to the top turnbuckle. She leapt to the outside going for “Natural Disaster” (corkscrew moonsault). Pryce connected on Kelly but also her own partner as Cosmo shoved Chaney in the way to make an escape. Siberia Zombie slid into the ring as she thought her and Kowloon had things covered but Ximena and Claire had other ideas as the two of them connected with “TOTL” (Reverse DVD [Ximena] combined with Pelé Kick [Claire]) on Kowloon. Siberia was about to go out and help her partner but she never saw Cosmo who had entered the ring as he spun her around and connected with “Crater Maker” (jumping tombstone piledriver). Cosmo made the cover and picked up the three count milliseconds before Pryce and Claire entered the ring to break it up. The referee called for the bell and things got heated for a moment when Pryce argued that she had made the break before the ref counted three but he disagreed. RAWGRAPS then held their arms high in the air as they celebrated their victory.
Winners: RAWGRAPS
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Confident. Focused. Nick Redfield is fired up as the show fades in backstage, where we find “The New Standard” standing by in front of an SAP background with a pleasant grin on his face and fire in his eyes.
Nick Redfield: Cavalcade...that’s where it all began for me. All the ups, all the downs...it all turned around after I won Cavalcade. Finally, I wasn’t just Ricky Valero’s nephew. I etched my name amongst the up-and-coming superstars in this industry with my win in SAP’s trademark match and catapulted myself to the top of this company through the summer. The best summer of my life culminated in me becoming the first-ever X Champion.
He takes a deep breath, letting the reminder of his unforgettable run through the summer and fall in SAP linger for a moment.
Nick Redfield: So what’s Nicky got up his sleeve for Round 2?
He smirks.
Nick Redfield: My return to the Cavalcade match starts tonight. A tuneup, showcase match in which I find myself sharing the ring with two very viable competitors in their own right: Rachel Redding and former X Champ himself, Andre Holmes. Both of these competitors have proven themselves to be the future of this sports much as I believe I had in 2017. Holmes was X Champ less than three weeks ago and, if I’m being honest here, Redding could be the very best wrestler in all of SAP. We’ve all crossed paths before and make no mistake about it, we will cross paths again after this match today and after we clash at Cavalcade. It’s an honor to share the ring with both competitors. I know I’m going to need to be at the top of my game if I’m going to come out of this match victorious, and I know neither Redding nor Holmes are here, ready to compete inside the Talmadge L. Hill Fieldhouse tonight, expecting anything less out of me.
His lips curl into a slight frown as an unfortunate reality sets in.
Nick Redfield: Of course that’s probably about as far as the respect will go on their end. Ms. Redding has never had kind things to say about me, but then, nobody would ever mistake her for being a kind person. And that’s okay. She’s beaten me on more than one occasion, she’s earned bragging rights, so she can mockingly call me ‘Nicky Valero’ all she wants.
Redfield can’t help but shrug.
Nick Redfield: I’ve never been one to dwell on things that happened in the past. I prefer to leave it where it belongs and that is, quite simply, in the past. My focus is forward, always moving, always determined to use what I’ve learned from past failures like the ones I’ve had against the former Great American Champion and put it to good use so that the next time I cross paths with someone like a Rachel Redding, I come out triumphant. I like to use their words as fuel to the fire that burns inside my gut, the one keeps my legs churning, pushing, scratching, and clawing for every damn inch. And believe me, nothing will motivate me more in 2018 than hearing Rachel Redding try to downplay the success I had here in SAP by claiming I had ‘little success’ during this promotion’s smaller days, as if I did not hold the X Championship just three months ago, or challenged in other title opportunities as recently as a month ago.
He rolls his eyes.
Nick Redfield: But sure, Nick Redfield is nothing. Overrated. Overhyped. Nothing. Until he drives your skull into the mat with The Sexiest Piledriver You’ve Ever Seen and buries you and your SAP career for the three-count.
He says as he simultaneously counts with his fingers to the camera.
Nick Redfield: As for Andre Holmes, understand this: we are not equals. Just because we’ve held the same gold. Just because we work under the same banner. We are not equals. I’m sorry if that’s disrespectful. I’m sorry if that’s boastful. But sometimes, I have to call it like I see it, and Andre, you are not on my level. Don’t get me wrong, you’re X Championship reign? Very impressive. Heidi Thompson and Nora Harris? Both quality challengers. But when I hear your name, when I let it sink it and try to picture the first thing I think about when I hear your name...all I see is you patting yourself on the back. Andre, you think you’re God’s gift to SAP when the reality is, you’re just another big-mouthed goon who has yet to prove he can walk the walk as well as he talks the talk. The ONLY reason that X Championship is relevant is because of the man who carried that title first. I set the precedent and EVERY titleholder from there onwards will be compared to me.
Nick chuckles.
Nick Redfield: As far as I can tell, you failed to deliver on your own hype. All that gum flapping, all that posturing about how special you were and what happened? You got knocked on your backside and handed the belt off to Jessica Sears.
Nick sucks his teeth and shakes his head in disappointment.
Nick Redfield: Now don’t get me wrong, Jessica Sears is one heck of a competitor. She’s probably one of the best on the SAP roster. But for all the talking you did, for all the peacocking and gloating and swearing up and down that you were the greatest thing to happen to the world since sliced bread, you would’ve sworn you’d have held that belt throughout 2018. Yet here we are, February 12th, and the X Championship has already escaped your grasps. I know they say hindsight is 20/20, but maybe, just maybe, you were never really as good as you thought you were. Because you weren’t good enough to beat Jessica Sears in Manhattan and you’re not ready to step foot in the ring with a competitor of my caliber here tonight.
He cracks a sly smile.
Nick Redfield: Because SAP…this house? It doesn’t belong to Rachel Redding or Andre Holmes or even Brendan Samuels. I was here for its lowest of lows and I’ve been here for all the amazing highs. I helped build this baby with my own two hands, and I will not step aside and let it collapse under the weight of egos like Rachel Redding and Andre Holmes. I will NEVER SURRENDER, so have the gurney ready, keep the ambulance running, because unless you’re dragging me out of here on a stretcher or in a bodybag, if I have anything to say about it, when all is said and done, and when the dust has cleared...Nick Redfield will be the one standing tall in the center of that ring with his hand held high...Victorious.
Nick stands firm for a second longer, keeping his eyes set squarely on the camera in front of him and the fire still raging within. Finally, with a nod of the head, he steps out of the picture and we fade out.
______________________________________________________________________________
Cavalcade Showcase
Rachel Redding vs. Nick Redfield vs. Andre Holmes
Of course this match was highly anticipated after a bit of a word salad on Twitter but moreso as last year’s Cavalcade Winner Nick Redfield was in and both of the other wrestlers knew that taking out Nick would give them a good marker toward a victory this year. Andre faded back after an initial opener of Chops All Around from everyone, Nick chopping Rachel, Rachel chopping Andre, Andre chopping Nick while the fans cheered and really seemed to enjoy it. Rachel got heated and attacked Nick straight on and executed a sharp Standing Spinning Back Kick that dropped Nick to a knee, but before she could pursue her attack there was Holmes with a Tope Senton after clambering up top at the near corner and he wiped everyone out including the referee. Andre rolled over and locked Nicky in a Single Leg Boston Crab, but Nicky rolled through and reversed it on him! Rachel laughed and shook her head as she saw the look on Andre’s face but she also saw the wiped out referee and she helped him back to his feet and snapped her fingers, making sure he was back alert before she hit a Standing Double Stomp on Redfield to get him to release the submission and then proceeded to Garvin Stomp the downed Holmes! He covered up as best he could but Rachel got him good, though when she went for a pin he kicked out strongly at two.
Nick was back to his feet and fired up, he grabbed Rachel right up off the broken pin and brought her down with a Fisherman’s Suplex. Before Nick could drop to pin Andre caught him up in turn for a huge Samoan Drop, but when he went for the Standing Shooting Star Splash to complete his Samoan Shooting Star, at the last second Nick rolled out of the way! It wasn’t nearly as bad for Holmes as if it had been off the top rope but it was still a solid impact with the mat. They both got up and Holmes hit Redfield with a Lariat, but stalled out of the driver’s seat as in came Redding with a Jumping Sitout Face Smash! Here she backed up to create the space she needed for her Rope Rebound Jumping Knee Strike, her famous Category 1, but no, Nicky was right behind her and rolled her up for a Small Package pin, but NO she kicked out at two and three quarters, just before Andre slammed into them to break it up. All three were down again but sat up and started brawling a bit on the mat, Andre hitting Nick with a few heavy fists before up came Rachel who about took his head off with a Dropkick!
She tried a pin but Andre threw the shoulder up, when she went to try on Nick however Holmes got her up for a wicked Kentucky Powerbomb! He shifted to transition for a pin but no, there was Nick with a Shining Wizard! Holmes toppled backward and Redfield yanked him up into position for The Sexiest Piledriver You’ve Ever Seen! That Omega Driver was a hell of a thing, and earned Nick the pin before Redding could scramble to break the attempt.
Winner: Nick Redfield
______________________________________________________________________________
Tiphany Banks-Carisi is shown backstage flipping through a planner while talking to a distracted Kaliyah Kane whose mind seems to be elsewhere. As Jaser Cruz’s manager, Kaliyah had gotten him hyped up with the upcoming tag match where he’s teaming with Jessica Sears to face off against Celeste and Ashley Maldano but she needed a minute to go for a small walk so that the anger that she felt would not have been shown. She ended up being playfully accosted by Tiphany, who wanted to talk about Kaliyah’s upcoming wedding to Daniel Fisk this Friday and although Tiphany was busy looking through the planner to read over the wedding program, Kaliyah was taking that time to think to herself. Tiphany notices that the conversation is pretty one sided and finally glances over to see the mean mug on Kaliyah’s face.
Tiphany Banks-Carisi: Well damn, don’t tell me you got cold feet cause I think Daniel would kill you.
Kaliyah Kane: No, it’s not that… just aint feeling what that bitch said about Jaser.
Tiphany Banks-Carisi: Who??
Kaliyah Kane: Celeste’s funny lookin ass! Jaser is bringing them down, really? It’s funny how these the same people talking about uplifting shit around here but then they take their little pot shots every now and then like nobody gonna catch on. Only thing bringing shit down around here is her, I wish Genie would have handled her like she did that clown lover Mya, we all would have rejoiced.
Tiphany Banks-Carisi: Well boo thats just her opinion, and he’s one of her opponents tonight so of course comments like that are to be expected.
Kaliyah Kane: Like it’s expected for her to constantly post her candy corn erect nipples poking through her shirts on twitter with a body of a damn centipede?!
Tiphany Banks-Carisi: Well my lord, uhhhh…
Kaliyah Kane: I guess since the elite stars of the company are shitting on them, they have to take shots at the newer signees who are considered rookies and are trying their best to do the best that they can. Do you know what Jaser is doing now? Preparing for his match while Celeste is probably off somewhere sucking face with her dude and risking unplanned pregnancy like they are known to be doing during the shows.
Tiphany Banks-Carisi: Look, all I’m going to say is that you have the right to be upset because your fam is getting down talked but you also have to remember that the match hasn’t even happened yet. If their team loses then she’ll be eating her words. The losing side will be the ones who were the weakest links in the match, you had just better pray that Jessica and Jaser work well enough together to pull a victory off.
______________________________________________________________________________
Eli Carlson: HUEY! DUEY!
The voice of Elijah Carlson is heard before the scene suddenly bursts to life. His face is panic stricken as he tears through his own locker room clearly in search of something. A moment later the door slams open and two large, bald men lumber into the locker room as well, having been standing just outside on guard. After all they were bodyguards. What the hell else would they be doing?
Eli Carlson: I CAN’T FIND HIM!
The two men exchange slightly dumbfounded looks before “Huey” clears his throat and speaks up.
Bodyguard Huey: Find… who?
Eli Carlson: LOUIE YOU FUCKING IMBECILE! You know. Little yellow ball of fluff that brings joy to anyone and everyone he comes into contact with?! I DON’T KNOW WHERE HE IS AND I HAVE TO FACE A PROFESSIONAL HIBACHI CHEF TONIGHT!
Grabbing his bag, Eli dumps its contents out onto the floor and rummages through them hoping that his pet duck had found safe, warm place to take a nap. Alas, it was to no avail. The duck wasn’t there.
Bodyguard Duey: Is he really a hibachi chef? I’m kinda hungry.
Eli Carlson: SHUT THE HELL UP IDIOT! I THINK HE KIDNAPPED MY DUCK AND IS GOING TO COOK HIM! I SWEAR TO GOD I WI-
Bodyguard Huey: I’ll go talk to him. How do you say his name? Mas… Masa…. MASERATI?
Eli Carlson: Listen. Who cares? Ash Scion him. It doesn’t matter. Just go find my goddamn duck so that I can return to living my life in peaceful bliss before obliterating this idiot.
Both bodyguards look to speak up before Eli tosses the empty bag in their direction.
Eli Carlson: THE LONGER YOU WAIT THE MORE LIKELY IT IS HE’S BEING MIXED IN WITH FRIED RICE AND YUM YUM SAUCE! I SWEAR TO GOD IF HE GETS EATEN BY VINCE STEEL AND THAT BUCK TOOTHED IDIOT GENERAL MANAGER I WILL MAKE YOU WISH YOU WERE BRENDAN SAMUELS ON PIRATE PEGGING NIGHT!
Seconds pass as the two men consider what Eli had just said before shaking their heads and leaving the locker room. In despair, Eli collapses onto the floor and buries his head in his hands, a big, sad sigh escaping him as he heaved air into and out of his lungs. And then, like an action hero coming to save the day, a little yellow furry duck scurried onto the scene quietly. Softly it approached Eli, cocking his head to look at him curiously before waddling its way the rest of the way over where it hopped up into his lap and quickly nestled itself into his lap. Joy and elation wracked Eli’s entire body as the realization struck that his precious baby duck had returned to him.
Eli Carlson: I only went to church a few times and I don’t really think that whole prodigal son story is true BUT YOU CAME BACK TO ME LOUIE! DON’T YOU EVER LEAVE ME AGAIN!
Squeezing the duck tightly to his chest, Eli stood up and carried him over to a small bed that he had set inside his locker. Once the creature was placed where he belonged, Eli turned to the camera.
Eli Carlson: Cavalcade season can begin now. All is right with the world. Masaru Inoue, prepare to be FACE (of SAP) FUCKED!
______________________________________________________________________________
Marisol Marniceau seems to be rather irritated tonight as she berates the poor backstage hand for not following the inventory on the list and picking up the wrong items. She is just finishing up telling the worker off while the cameras cut on her and she is ordering the worker out of her office. Once her door is closed, she leans back into her chair and closes her eyes for a moment as if she’s wishing to be anywhere but here.
Marisol Marniceau: It is bad enough that we have to deal with discourteous wrestlers employed here but I can not and will not tolerate incompetent personnel. Remind me to not assign him to do anything as important such as this ever again and if need be, I will make him undergo training again. This is a place of business and slacking off will not be accepted.
Jasmine Bishop nods from across the desk, relaxing in one of the two chairs stationed in front of the desk and making sure to write down what Marisol said as a reminder.
Marisol Marniceau: This place is such a mess and even a Swiffer Wet Jet Cleaner could not get the job done with cleaning things up around here. Everything is in a disarray and everyone is busy fighting to try to have some kind of catchy moniker and feel as if they own the place when none of these people can not even cash a check from here unless a higher upper writes them one to do so. It’s all so aggravating, why can’t they make these big claims of running these other bigger companies they are also employed at? The nerve of these people… at least we have the pioneer of this company still with us and I am honored that Vince still remains with us even after all of the abuse he has suffered during his stay here. He should be given the proper respect that he deserves.
Jasmine Bishop: Even with his size, he is still an easy target and butt of the jokes when it comes to his peers.
Marisol Marniceau: We’ll see who is all laughing when he runs through all of them-
A knock at the door causes Marisol to momentarily pause, looking at Jasmine who shrugs her shoulders because the GM had no scheduled appointments for today.
Marisol Marniceau: Come in.
She says politely but also trying to restrain the frown wanting to cross her face because she already expected the worse with a possible appearance from someone who was going to annoy her but when the person opened the door and stepped into the office, Marisol’s face seemed to light up with both curiosity and delight. She gestures for the person to take a seat in the empty chair as the door is closed for privacy.
______________________________________________________________________________
: “ATTENTION PLEASE!”
The four thousand strong SAP faithful packing the Talmadge L. Hill Field House errupt upon hearing the sound of a familiar voice. There’s no entrance music, no lighting effects. However, Baltimore is on its feet as heads move on a swivel to find the direction the voice is coming from.
: “YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE! DRINK THE ANTIFREEZE IN THE GARAGE! THE GOVERNMENT IS LYING TO YOU!”
The cameras move frantically around the tightly filled venue in search along with the crowd. However, a huge outburst from the western foyer gives away the location of the man behind the voice. A resounding chant for Wally Lee echoes through the Field House, bouncing off of the walls and bring a slight shake to the cameras.
Wally Lee: “BALTIMORE!”
The crowd shouts Wally’s name right back to him as he slowly emerges out of the foyer. He comes in with his saddle blazing, riding on the back end of an ATV being driven by McKenna. She revs the machine a little bit as Wally encourages her by putting his bullhorn down towards the engine. The crowd is going crazy as McKenna drives herself and Wally through a few aisle in the venue. Wally makes it rain in “Free Wally” t-shirts for the SAP fans before McKenna eventually makes it down towards ringside. She burns around the ring aprons hugging the corners tightly.
Wally Lee: “GRANDPA IS…. HERE!”
McKenna makes another lap around the ring before eventually parking the ATV towards the side next to the commentary table. Wally quickly hops from the back of the ATV and climbs up the announcers table, kicking over drinks and scooting away papers with the soles of his boots.
Wally Lee: “They told me I was suspended… They told me I can’t see my Grandkids here in Charm City… Haha. But fortunately… Money talks, bullshit walks. AND BALTIMORE! What’s more money than seeing your Grampy getting one over on a hall of famer from THE CORNERS FOUR huh?”
Wally steps down from the announcers table and slowly approaches the ring. He stops first turning towards McKenna, planting a small kiss on her forehead. He then slides underneath the bottom rope with his wife leaning against the apron on the outside. Wally gives the crowd another few moments to cheer before he walks towards the center of the ring. He drinks in the moment looking around all four corners of the squared circle before taking a knee.
Wally Lee: “But this isn’t just about Jair… Nah I’ll save that for later… This one is for the Quinns, for Miss Guadalajara or whatever the fuck… And especially… Ohhhhhhh especially for fifty finger fucking forehead who suspended me in the first place!
You see… You can try, oh god you can try to keep me away from SAP… But in the end it doesn’t work like that… You can try to keep me away from a wrestling ring... But in the end it doesn’t work like that! Because this place… this ring, this company… It’s not a stagnant entity nah… It’s a living, breathing, force of nature! And GOD DAMMIT IF ELI IS THE FACE OF SAP THEN THE HEARTBEAT OF THIS COMPANY HAS TO BE ME W-”
Crowd: “WALLY LEEEEE!”
Wally Lee: “God damn right! And just like most things… Without a heartbeat… You’re dead. So why on god's green earth did “middle management” think for one fucking second that I was going to be a “Good Boy” and take my suspension and not show my face here?
“Uhhhhh, Hard Rock Scalp
Head Pop Shot
No Talk…”
‘Cherry Bomb’ drowns out Wally’s words as an irritated Phoenix Quagliaterre pushes her way through the curtains followed by a pissed off Jason Mentez. The audience is going crazy but the duo are too busy discussing something heatedly while heading towards the ring, Phoenix clinching that microphone like she was ready to launch at Wally’s funny shaped head. Jason slides into the ring first and immediately steps towards Wally with the intent of knocking his head off as Phoenix manages to enter the ring just in time to step in front of him to keep him at bay. The music dies down as the loud erupting cheers from the audience are ongoing as Phoenix talks to Jason for a moment and a head nod from him has her looking to Wally as she looks at him and then McKenna for silent moment as that microphone slowly raises to her parting lips.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: “If you’re the heartbeat of this place then we’re all as dead as one of Dakota’s rotting victims in his backyard. Was I not… clear enough? Does the Ritalin have you… unable to function or comprehend the most simplest… of things? Many have walked out of SAP and NOOOO ONNNNNE has cared, so what do you think would make a difference if you were to just be fired… right here, right now?? Would we mourn you? Would we shed a tear and sing one of those sad Boys II Men songs? Or will we simply… get back to the show as it continues to go on. Because you see here, Wally? You are not Eli Carlson and you are certainly not Brendan Samuels. Your absence or presence will not change any dynamics in this place.”
She pauses as Jason steps up menacing and she has to take a moment to coax him to calm down a bit before she can even resume.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: “Disrespect is met with consequences. I don’t speak for the other Board of Directors or members of staff but when it comes to me? I would prefer no one to kiss my ass. When someone kisses your ass, that means they are weak enough of wanting your validation and they can just as easily be bought by your rival and turn against you. I prefer people to show me old fashioned respect especially if I let them live and show it.. But no, not you Wally. You’ve been disrespectful lately and I’m not sure if it’s to get some cheap heat or attention you’ve been needing since a young age…. But let me explain something to you. Your suspension was only lifted since you and Jair seemed to want to get your hands on one another tonight but know this. Until you get your act together? You WILL be competing without pay.”
The audience break out into whispers at the news while Jason just grins tauntingly at Wally.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: “Just because the General Manager moves slowly when it comes to handling the roster does not mean that I will and I have shown in the past before I stepped down that I was the one to straighten any shit out that needed to be dealt with. I have no personal beef against you, I just think you need to stay in your lane and it’s obvious that you posting that picture of whoever that one of my ex-foes coincidentally posted months back shows that you all have to try so hard to upset me. Well news flash, yes i KNOW THIS MAGNIFICENT FOREHEAD is big...and i bet you it’s bigger than your pockets especially when they get hit starting tonight. That's one fact. Another fact is SAP lost a big important star when Genie quit the company and I guarantee you that the tag team I signed will show that I am dead ass serious about getting some savages up in here that can more than back up anything they talk just like my best friend does.”
Phoenix smirks at Wally and lowers the mic slightly while tilting her head at him
Wally smirks as he lets Phoenix’s words settle around the arena for a bit. He looks around him on all sides once again. Slowly his name starts to rise in the voice of the crowd pushing him onwards as he steps closer bringing the end of the bullhorn back to his lips
Wally Lee: “Are you done? No-wait don’t answer that one… You love to hear yourself talk so we’d be here all fucking week. Listen… Phe… Pheeeee… Phe, numero uno… You think I honestly give a fuck about wrestling without pay? You think that this is something I do for money don’t you huh? Now see I’m not like a lot of your “friends” who want to own companies, play titty football, have t.v. shows…. And then wrestle.
I do this because… This is all I’ve ever wanted to do. Listen to these people Phe… You hear how they react whenever I open my mouth… Whenever I compete in this ring. These people know that I put every-fucking-thing I have in my heart and in my soul everytime I come out of the back… And you know what yeah you’re right. I may not be the best wrestler in the back… Definitely not the biggest… Not the fastest… Not the strongest… But what these people do recognize is that despite everything I lack… I don’t hold back a damn thing… Never have, never will.
Now…”
The crowd pops loudly, and some even get on their feet as Wally approaches Phe even stepping even closer. Not the slightest fear in his eyes as he eventually steps face to face with Phe, looking right into her eyes as their foreheads nearly glance off of each others.
Wally Lee: “Now… Let me explain something to you. You say this company lost a “big” star when Eli’s wife walked her ass out on SAP… On these people… On you. I say bullshit… You want to talk about stars then you’re talking about my family C.J. Celeste… two people you wouldn’t even look twice at because your BIG… FUCKING… HEAD is so deeply embedded in the ass of someone who clearly didn’t give a fuck about SAP that they go without the same promotion, same build up, the same….”
Wally smile for a second backing up a bit as he pauses for a moment.
Wally Lee: “The same respect Phe… That’s what this is about… Respect. And if you honestly think I’m going to show respect to you… Someone who gives respect to someone who doesn’t give it back to this company… Well Phe… You can go fuck yourself… BUT! Enough about that… Let’s talk about you Phe… Because I need you to understand something Phe… I really… really need you to let this one through that fat skull of yours via osmosis or some shit…
In all reality I do like you… Don’t respect you in the slight in the moment, but I’d be lying if I said that I’d even be in SAP if it wasn’t for you… But now that I am here, if you ever… EVER… EVVVVVVEEERRRR try to cut my legs from under me, and take away the chance for me to compete for these people. Much like your boy Hop tonight… I’m going to take this hand right here…”
Wally lifts up his free hand putting it right in Phe’s face.
Wally Lee: “See it yeah? I’m going to take this hand right here and put you in the fucking ground. And that’s real shit right there. Now that’s the lane I’m taking, and if you don’t like it I’m sure there’s an intersection that goes to somewhere without you… But I’m staying… I bleed spirit and pride. I’m putting this company on solid shoulders tonight against one of the best damn wrestlers in the business, and unlike your big superstar friend Phe… I’m going to be here the next show, and the one after that, and the one after that… And I’m gonna talk my shit, hit, get hit the whole damn time!”
Wally drops his hand away from her face and brings his bullhorn to his side as the Baltimore crowd resonates with his passion and vitriol.
Finally Jason steps in putting himself in front of Phe looking at Wally and his girl for a long time. Reaching for the mic Phoenix hands it to him as a pitiful shake and a smirk forms on his face. The mic catches the chuckle from him as the crowd goes berserk for the Hall of Famer continuously long before he speaks.
Jason Mentez: Now I've seen my fair share a folk coming at it wrong but damn son. You coming at it way wrong. All that passion without sense. Damn. You all about Spirit and Pride, got your spirit...where's dat pride doe? Where was dis when the one you calling staff on was actually on roster? It's like you kids wait until the grownups turn dey backs for moment n then choose to speak up. N you don't even speak up...you whisper among each other long after bedtime. Childish shit. How son? How do you become a grandpa when you aint but a kid ya damn self?
Jason’s chuckles grow overtime. The crowd riles up getting louder at the pause.
Jason Mentez: You tried to stunt, got the truth told to you, n den you cried about it. Now you disrespectful as shit cause you mad? A 3 yr old Walmart tantrum? Wally Walmart...my nigga, part of the game is dis kid? Really? Come on yo, if the point is you gon be here den be here. Quit tryin to get staff off my Mom’s man. Dis shit sad. All dat respect talk, you the reason she here right? You said it yourself. So where does you threatening her size up at? How does dat return respect? You got a long way to go kid. Long way.
Wally smiles big, as he backs up to the opposite side of the ring. He’s laughing to himself nearly in tears before he calms himself coming back towards his counterparts inside the ring.
Wally Lee: “Number one you sound like Manny when you talk and I don’t know if I’m comfortable with that. Number two… Since you clearly can’t speak English well… I’ll assume you don’t comprehend it either… You talk about saying shit while she was here… Well first off I’ve taken bm’s longer than her SAP tenure… But the beautiful thing is that there wasn’t an issue until the day she left this company and tried to shit on everyone who puts their hard work and effort into making this one of the best professional wrestling companies on this fucking earth…
You want to talk about respect. I can’t respect you… If you can’t even respect yourselves. You want to talk about truth. Well “son” You clearly don’t know what that is… Nah you see that’s to hard for people like you. Instead of swallowing the hard pill that your big signing was just a big fluke… You want to twist the narrative. You want to make it look like I have something to cry about… When this whole time I’ve been crying about how great this place is… You see the disconnect is that you forsaken yourselves… You’d rather have the support of someone who told SAP to fuck off, rather than lift up someone who loooooooves being here. You’d rather go to bat for someone who said SAP wasn’t on her “level” and suspend the guy who was as you put it “voicing his opinion”, sounds familiar right? Nah but see the difference is I’m not a best friend and I don’t jerk anyone's ego here, so I get labeled as the bad guy… You’re so in deep with yourselves that you can’t even manage to hear what I have to say… This shit right now, me talking to you two, won’t change a damn thing. You’re still going to spin this how you want… I’m still apparently going to wrestle for free, I mean I don’t know what third world country you come from where that shits legal but hey “son” you do you… But Grampy’s got a match to win tonight… A match where he’s going to show the world what exceptional wrestlers this company has to offer. So I’m going to tell you just like I told billboard head here… You even think about keeping me from this ring… I’m putting you in the fucking ground too… You feel me “my nigga”?
A big “oooohhh” emanates from the Field House as Wally shrugs. He drops the bullhorn right in front of Phe and Jason as he turns his back to them. McKenna slides to the apron to open up the ropes for him as he steps through and out the ring. Wally plays up for the crowd before hopping on the back of the ATV, McKenna the getaway driver slides into the driver's seat revving the machine up a few times before they both peel off. The cameras linger on their exit as Wally turns from the back giving Phe and Jason a single finger salute as they drive away, the cameras cutting back to a pissed off Jason but a grinning Phoenix who looks as if someone has just played right into her hands.
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Within the backstage area, dressed in her ring attire with the Spirit and Pride X championship belt around her waist, “The Paladin” Jessica Sears makes her appearance… while she’s on the phone? She wears an expression of pure focus, but there’s a sadness in her eyes.
She’s also alone. No Victor Mason by her side.
Jessica Sears: “...I’ll be alright, Everalda. Please don’t worry about me.”
She keeps herself close to a locker room, more than likely her locker room for the event, and she shakes her head a little. A faint smile crosses her face for a brief moment.
Jessica Sears: “You go ahead and enjoy the time in New Orleans with Adrien. I’ll help Anza take care of Klaus when I get back to Manhattan, okay?”
She listens to her older half-sister on the other side of the phone conversation and glances up to see the recording camera. A casual wave acknowledges the cameraman’s presence before she raises a finger, a gesture to wait a minute.
Jessica Sears: “Alright. Then I’ll see you both in Frankfurt this weekend. Have a good time!”
As always, she allows the recipient of the call to hang up first before she sighs. She takes a deep breath and smiles.
Jessica Sears: “Baltimore, Maryland, your SAP X Champion has entered the stage!”
She throws a peace sign up and winks, her charismatic charm shining brightly.
Jessica Sears: “My upcoming match is quite interesting if you think about it. Tonight on All Cats Go To Purgatory-- these creative show names, I swear-- I’m teaming up with a young gun in this industry, Jaser Cruz, and we’re facing off against the current SAP North Atlantic Champion, Ashley Maldano, and Celeste. It’s interesting because in the last tag-team match I was in, I was teamed up with Ashley. It felt a little one-sided if you ask me, but you’ll just have to rewatch the match for yourselves. I defeated my tag-team partner in a singles match a while back ago, so there might be some tension. Who knows? Then I really like Celeste, she’s a sweetheart. Never change. This is an interesting setup for a tag-team match because there are different personalities and wrestling styles. If you want me to be honest, after the Twitter conversation between Xavier, Gabriel, and Marisol, I thought I was going to be booked in a handicap match against Cause & Effect. Perhaps that’s still in the cards.”
There’s a casual shrug before she flashes a grin.
Jessica Sears: “I know some new champions like to talk about what they’re going to do, how they’re going to represent the company, and how they’ll surpass the previous champions. But in all honesty? Despite my charisma ability score being an eighteen, I prefer to let my actions do the talking. I want to show everyone what I’m going to do as the new SAP X Champion. I want to show everyone how I’m going to represent the company. I want to show everyone I have what it takes to be a great reigning and defending champion. If I surpass the previous X Champions along the way? More power to me, right? Nick Redfield and Andre Holmes are tied for two successful defenses with Nick having the slightly longer championship reign of seventy-one days. While I may not be defending my title tonight, I can promise you this. When it’s time for me to be a reigning and defending champion, I will deliver my signature moves and my limit-breaking finishers!”
Of course, a video game reference. It’s to be pleasantly expected of the Nerd Extraordinaire. Her grin widens before she brushes at her T.A.R.D.I.S. skirt with her free hand and looks back to the camera.
Jessica Sears: “So, keepers of wrestling lore, are you ready to level up? Because it’s time to roll initiative. Game on!”
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Ashley Maldano & Celeste vs. Jessica Sears & Jaser Cruz
The bell rang and Jaser and Jess quickly decided for Jess to start the match. On the other side things weren’t so smooth as Ashley and Celeste started to exchange words. Finally Ash just pushed Celeste back into the corner and to stay there. Maldano then locked up with Sears, the two began to chain and Jess took the lead as she kept Ashley on the ground looking frustrated. Maldano let her aggression get the best of her and went for a double leg takedown but Sears sprawled and then spun around to the back of Ashley before standing up and then leaping to connect with a double stomp on her back. Sears then quickly tagged in Cruz. Jaser came in and pulled Ashley up and whipped her into the ropes as she rebounded he sent her up and over with a hip toss. Maldano landed near her corner and Celeste reached an arm out looking for a tag but Ashley looked at her and told her that she had it. Cruz came in again looking to lock up but Ashley faked him out and caught him with a boot to the stomach followed by a series of clubs to the back that dropped Cruz to all fours. Ashley leaned back into the ropes to get momentum and Celeste tagged herself in. Ashley still came forward and landed a punt to the ribs of Cruz but the ref told them that they had to switch. Maldano unhappily went to the corner as Celeste entered the ring and quickly went after the ribs of Cruz. She landed a few stomps before lifting him up and landing a few elbows and then whipped him into the corner. Celeste went for a spear but Cruz moved out of the way and Celeste went out through the middle rope and hit the ring post allowing Jaser time to go and tag in Sears. Jessica quickly ran in and connected with “The Dixon Arrow” (swinging ddt) and went for the cover but Celeste kicked out. Sears pulled Celeste up again but Celeste counted with a jaw breaker and then followed up with a roundhouse kick that sent Sears to the mat. Celeste made her way over and tagged in Ash who jumped over the top rope and lifted Sears up for a nothern lights suplex but Jaser came in to break it up. Maldano already looked mad and began to work Sears over with her brawling style before connecting with a double underhook sitout facebuster by her corner. Celeste went up to the top rope and yelled for a tag so that she could hit her shooting star press. Ash just looked at Celeste and shook her head no. Ash started to pick up Sears but Jess shot up like a rocket with a desperation european uppercut that caught Ashley clean and left her on shaky legs. Maldano went stumbling back and Celeste tagged herself in. As Celeste went to enter the ring Maldano grabbed her by the wrist and told her to get back on the apron. As the two started to argue Jess managed to get to her feet and looked poised to hit something but now Jaser tagged himself in. Celeste and Ashley were too busy arguing with each other that they never saw Jaser as he ran and hit Celeste with an elbow to the back of the head that sent her slamming right into Ashley sending her out through the middle rope. Cruz then rolled Celeste up and got the surprise three count.
Winners: Jessica Sears and Jaser Cruz
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The cameras cut from ringside before focusing in upon the backstage area. On the door of SAP’s General Manager in specific. Lighthearted yet inaudible conversation was heard on the other side of that door. Suddenly, that door swung open and stepping out from behind it was Geki Nitoh! As usual, the self-proclaimed Toku Titan, was all smiles as he looked towards the man holding the camera.
Geki Nitoh: “One day at a time.”
A single nod of the head was given, his smile brightening as he turned away, beginning to walk away before uttering one last phrase.
Geki Nitoh: “Brave In.”
Turning his head to look over his shoulder, back at the camera, before giving a wink only to turn back around, walking off as the scene returned to ringside.
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The camera cuts suddenly, static showing on the screen for a quick moment. Suddenly the screen turns blue, text reading “Play” showing in the upper left corner of the screen. The scene suddenly changes, tracking marks all over the screen as we get a glimpse of downtown Los Angeles. It looks to be a montage of some kind, maybe set two decades or so ago. It definitely looks dated, as we can tell by the stock synth music in the background. Different areas, locations are shown on the screen, as we settle in on a shot of Venice Beach.
Soon enough, the scene changes, along with some warping of the video and sound elements of the scene. Going from a sunny day, to a bleak overcast sight. The beaches are no longer populated by people, tourists from all over coming to catch a nice day. The beaches look terrible, as they go along with the vagrants that hang around the beach.
Of course, that doesn’t matter, as the camera pans to a striking shot of two people standing on the boardwalk. With the ocean to their back it would be easy to recognize just exactly who we’re looking at. Persephone Marquis and Bryan Williams. A tag team known as, The SadboizTM.
Persephone smiles at the camera, awkwardly, and then looks at Bryan; her smile falling.
MARQUIS:“Babe, why are we here again? This place is so crappy and I had to turn THREE homeless people down.”
WILLIAMS: “This is kind of, like, our debut video, babe. We have to make a good impression or something. Also, this is Los Angeles! There are homeless people everywhere! It’s fine though, because we’re going to get right into it. Okay?”
Persephone nods, Bryan nods, satisfied with the answer he gave. It should get them on the right track. Persephone’s eyes widen in realization; her mouth in a silent “oh” as she looks back at the camera with determined eyes, slowly sinking into her groove, or whatever the hell you all want to call it. MOJO even. She begins talking, loudly.
MARQUIS: “Okay, let me start off by saying FUCK Trixie, and fuck Claire too, she’s a stupid CUCK.”
WILLIAMS: “Babe!”
Williams puts a hand on Persephone’s shoulders, looking at her and shaking his head.
WILLIAMS: “What are you doing? We don’t even know those people.”
Persephone shakes her head at him, her eyes darting to the camera and then back to him.
MARQUIS: “Listen, don’t. You can’t say that you don’t know people around here, remember?”
WILLIAMS: “We know a few people, there’s a couple of names I recognize here. Manny, you know him. He’s always tweeting you nice things online. Cosmo, we know him, Michael Kelly...”
Bryan seems to be trailing off for a moment, rambling on, as Persephone nudges him. He focuses up, looking back up at the camera.
WILLIAMS: “It doesn’t matter, none of that matters. The point is we’re here to shake up this division. We’re here to give Spirit and Pride; the kind of tag team they can be proud of, wouldn’t you agree?”
Bryan looks over to Persephone, who gives him a nod.
MARQUIS: “I’m going to level with you and say that I absolutely love Michael Kelly’s films. Also, not sure what the fuck Spirit and Pride is, but we can do something better, for sure.”
Persephone grins at Bryan, before shaking her head.
MARQUIS: “Yeah, no, fuck that. Fuck giving them a tag team that they can be proud of. I’m not here to give anyone anything, and you know for a fact that neither are you. Stop being so nice, babe.”
She gives Bryan a tug of his hair, teasingly. He mumbles something to her, with a pout and she waves him off with a laugh. Bryan isn’t one for teasing, and he folds his arm across his chest to feign being upset. Persephone turns back to the camera.
MARQUIS: “We’re not here to be nice, we’re not here to give any company hope. One way or another, they’re going to be proud to have us, but not because we’re breaking our backs trying to get a hold of the division for their betterment - fuck that. We’re here to take what we want, and kick ass while we’re doing it. They’ll just be proud to have us compete, proud to have champions like us.”
Her smile grows as she says that.
MARQUIS: “Yeah, champions. Make no mistake, we’re here to work our way up and grab them for ourselves. One team at a time, we’re going to show why the SadboizTM are superior. One team at a time, we’re going to leave them in tears as we move forward. We’re not here to make them proud, we’re here to make them cry.”
Persephone looks proud of her words, as she looks back to Bryan.
WILLIAMS: “We’re here to take over, it’s as simple as that.”
Bryan looks over to Persephone, a bit confused.
WILLIAMS: “About earlier, though, Spirit and Pride is the name of the company, babe.”
Persephone scoffs.
MARQUIS: “Um, so??”
Bryan sighs, looking back to the camera.
WILLIAMS: “Ah, fuck it, we can’t tape over this now! We have to get this in as soon as possible, plus I forgot to bring another SD card to film on.”
MARQUIS: “Babe!”
Persephone elbows Bryan in his side, getting him back on track.
WILLIAMS: “We’re here to take over. We’re here to do what we want, and what we want is to make this company ours. Whatever the name might be, and whoever might be in this division. It doesn’t matter, because we’ve arrived. Things change, right now.”
Persephone looks excited, clapping. Suddenly, something comes to mind.
MARQUIS: “Oh shit! We should throw up gang signs or something.”
Bryan looks at her incredulously, shaking his head.
WILLIAMS: “We are not throwing up gang signs in LA, no.”
Persephone pouts, clearly upset.
MARQUIS: “Can we yell our team name then or no way?”
Bryan chuckles and shrugs. Persephone grins once more. They both look at the camera.
WILLIAMS & MARQUIS: “SADBOIZ!”
They both yell, rather loudly, gathering the attention of the nearby homeless. They should leave soon. As an afterthought, however, Bryan adds.
WILLIAMS: “Trademark.”
Persephone laughs, slapping his arm as he pulls her close by her waist; beginning to lead her off the scene as the picture statics to black.
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Eli Carlson vs. Masaru Inoue
The bell rang and Masaru swung with a hard roundhouse kick right out of the gate that Eli narrowly evaded. Masaru gave a crazy laugh which seemed to have Eli more on alert as Inoue was known for being unpredictable. Eli looked like he was going to shoot a takedown but Maz had a leg ready to throw a knee if it came. So instead Eli was the one to throw a kick and connected on the leg of Maz. Inoue returned the favor and soon the two were going back and forth throwing hard kicks at each other. Maz started to take the lead and began to land a series of kicks ended with a solebutt. Maz went to dart for the ropes but Eli knew this was his moment and dove forward hitting Inoue with a chop block. Maz went down hard and Eli darted for the ropes. As Maz got to a knee Eli drove a hard knee into the head of Inoue who snapped back into the mat. Eli hit the ropes again but Inoue rolled to his stomach causing Carlson to jump over him. Eli rebounded and Maz found a way to get up quickly and caught Eli sending him to the mat with a stiff STO. Maz got to his feet and stomped his leg trying to get his knee to cooperate. He saw Eli stirring and then darted for the ropes as he was poised to strike Eli leapt up and hit a modified sling blade that took Maz to the mat. Eli then quickly moved to a corner and waited for Maz. As Inoue got up Carlson was already on his way looking to connect with "Red Light Special" (Sick Kick) but Inoue evaded it. Eli landed on his back and quickly tried to get to his feet but Maz was already coming in with “Kill Shot” (shin kick to the neck). Eli somehow managed to drop down to a knee and slide under the kick from Maz. Eli then got to his feet and jumped up hitting "Your Coronation" (Pele Kick) to the back of Maz’s head. Inoue went to the mat and Eli quickly made the cover getting the tree count.
Winner: Eli Carlson
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Jair Hopkins vs. Wally Lee
Wally looked to be fully confident right from the start of the match while Jair looked like he couldn't wait to slap the taste out of Wally’s mouth. As the two met in the middle Jair looked like he was going to lock up with Wally but Lee slapped Hopkins right in the face causing an immediate “oooohhhhh” from the fans. Jair went right after Wally but Lee quickly backed up to the ropes and leaned his head under the top rope making the ref call for a break. Wally just waved at Jair trying to play his best mind games against the hall of famer. Wally came out from under the ropes and now locked up with Hopkins. Jair quickly placed him in a headlock and started to fire away. Wally managed to slip his head out and then shoved Jair forward, Lee then connected with a dropkick to the back that send Jair stumbling forward into the ropes. Wally saw Jair leaning on the ropes and sprinted his way only for Hopkins to sense him coming and nailing him with a superkick. Lee hit the mat hard and quickly rolled to the outside to avoid being pinned. Hopkins had no problem following him out and nailing him with some stomps. Lee made his way back to his feet and hit a few forearms before shoving Hopkins back into the apron. Jair looked to be in a bit of pain but he didn’t have much time to think as Wally came charging at him. Hopkins grabbed Wally under his arms and popped him up into the air. Wally landed on the apron with a surprised look on his face but he wasn’t going to waste the opportunity. He jumped up onto the middle rope looking to hit an asai moonsault but Jair grabbed his legs and pulled him down. Wally smacked his head off of the apron on his way to the floor but that wasn’t the worst of his worries as Jair then sent him back towards the crowd with a release german suplex. Jair rolled back into the ring and the referee began to count. Wally finally made it back inside of the ring at 14. Jair was right there waiting for him and charged right at him looking for a forearm but Wally ducked under it. Jair turned around but Wally hit him with a boot to the chest that sent Hopkins back into the ropes and made him rebound towards him where he was ready and caught him with "Bomb Voyage" (Standing Sitout Shiranui). Wally went for the cover but Jair kicked out right at two. Lee slammed the mat in frustration and then headed for the top rope. He watched and waited as Jair got to his feet. He leapt looking for a top rope kotaro crusher but Jair turned around and cracked Wally with an absolutely stiff elbow. Lee hit the mat and Hopkins now found himself headed for the top rope. Jair lined himself up and then jumped connecting with “OMFG!” (Springboard Moonsault Double Footstomp). Jair went for the cover and got the three count.
Winner: Jair Hopkins
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The cameras cut backstage to Jason Mentez laughing at the television with pure amusement at the very man who had talked all that trash earlier in the show while Phoenix Quagliaterre is seated at her desk looking over files with a growing smirk on her face.
Jason Mentez: Long way to go lightwork. Long way to go....Wally Walmart caught the real parents treatment on aisle 6!! CLEAN UP AISLE 6!! CLEAN UP ON AISLE FUCKING 6!! Gave em dat “you got knocked the fuck out!!” RIIIIICCCCCKKKKYYYYYYY!!! Ahhhhh shit!!. ¡¡Le dieron como a pandereta Aleluya o Pentecostal!!
He folds over while sitting on the couch inside of the office. Tears rimming his eyes in laughter. He tries to breathe and struggles holding his sides. He wipes his eyes trying to calm enough to talk.
Jason Mentez: Moms, tell me this wasn't another chapter of the art of the missing whippin? All dem theatrics. Extra bullshit. Talkin n talkin n talkin. Tell me dat aint the average white boy pushin it until aisle 6. YOU CAN'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!! I WANT THIS TOY!! Den the parent finally snaps n whips dey ass. I stay wondering who raising dese kids? Dis huelebicho says “nigga” in BALTIMORE of all places...BALTIMORE!!
The crowd cheers like mad hearing the city’s name come from his lips. He shakes his head in laughter and even points in the direction of where SAP fans are congregated.
Jason Mentez: Not dat it should be said anyway by him but Baltimore? Real talk? He got what?...two-three oohhs from the same faces he n his wife share. Same ones voted Orange for Prez. I promise you legit people around here looking at him different. Tarambana all day. It’s waay different but hail the…
He begins breathing heavy again with his face turning red from laughter. Breaking his sentence.
Jason Mentez: Hail..h-haaail the conquering heroooo…
He dies out even more with Phoenix smirking herself humored by Jason’s reaction. The crowd heard laughing as well at his belly holding laughter. He sighs laying back calming down with chuckles.
Jason Mentez: Still tryin for dis martyr lookin shit when he doesn't even realize him being in dis state is his fault. Respect doe, dats what he wants? Den show accountability yo. Aint teachin kids shit out here. Self caused Ls. It's just like you told me when he ran after sayin so much a nothin. Just folly shit. He didn't even stand tall after his words. He just dipped out. Ran. Bitchmade shit. Him n his girl straight Gump’ed it. What you say...“You gotta let dem fuck themselves sometimes.” Never answered real questions like a man. Dodged em. Like a child. Changuería.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: That is an example of just saying anything to hear yourself talk. Too many people with these WWH mindsets of where they believe disrespecting the people in charge will grant them cheap heat and a boatload of attention with allowing their stupidity to get eyes on them in the wrong ways instead of getting eyes on them with their in ring abilities. When it comes to Wally, when they think of him at SAP, do you believe they see him as the ‘heartbeat’ or whatever bullshit he’s trying to peddle to the public as being of this company? No. They see someone who is trying so hard to get fired and shrugging their shoulders without a care if he does or not. Those five fans really had him hyped tonight but as you can see, Jair showed him who the better man was tonight.
She pauses to read over a file, making sure she places the manila folders in the piles they belong to.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: How many forehead jokes did he felt he had to make in order for him to try to gain some attention? The simple fact he’s putting even more money in my pockets since I have marketed my magnificent forehead and make bank off it while he’s trying to use me to put himself over in the eyes of the viewers when all Wally has done is gotten his ass beat for free and will be going home with empty pockets. You call that greatness? Pfft, poor that.
Phoenix laughs with amusement, giving a slight shake of her head.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: I’ll have you know that Avery spoke to me after Wally’s public in ring cry for attention and he said if I decide to fire him then he definitely understands why. He didn’t put up a fight or anything in trying to talk me out of doing so if i decide to…. but yet Wally think he’s king dick around when his absence won’t overshadow anything if I were to let him go. But you know what? I’ll allow him to continue messing things up for himself and next time? There won’t be a suspension, I’ll just flat out fire his ass. Or well… see if we can transfer him to WWH for a twenty five dollar Chipotle card, a 20 oz coke and a bag of Target popcorn so he can be over there with his brother Jacob Cass.
Jason Mentez: Yoooooooooo, must be rough.
Jason bursts out laughing, wiping at his eyes with knowing that his mom was that petty enough to pull something like that while the camera fades out.
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Brendan Samuels & Cause and Effect vs. Fujiko Mine & The Fam
The crowd was absolutely livid for this as the bell rang. Samuels stood tall in the ring as the Laroux brothers headed for the apron. Vince looked ready to start the match for his team but Fujiko told him she had it and he just nodded and headed to the apron with his cousin. Samuels walks out to meet Fujiko who he towers over. Fujiko walks out and the two exchange words but Fujiko isn’t wasting any time. Mine hits Samuels with a boot to the stomach followed up by whipping him into the ropes. Samuels rebounded and then hit Fujiko with an axe bomber that sent her to the mat. A “His name is Brendan” chant broke out and he nodded to the crowd. Samuels then pulled Mine up but she broke free and connected with a hard roundhouse kick to the gut of Brendan that doubled him over. She then connected with a hard knee that sent him to the mat. Mine then made the tag into Steel. Vince entered the ring as Samuels started to get to his feet. Brendan saw the big man coming and didn’t shy away, the two began to brawl it out. They went around the ring slugging it out. Steel started to get the advantage and connected with a headbutt that sent Brendan back into his corner. Xavier then tagged himself in causing a pop from the crowd. Steel on the other hand could care less and goes to grab hold of Laroux but X manages to get away and then connects with a hard right cross to the ribs of Steel. Vince lets out a grimace after the clean shot and then tries to cover up which leaves his head free for a few right hands. Laroux whips Steel into the ropes and Tillman blind tags himself in. Vince side stepped Xavier which allowed Terry to land a springboard spinning heel kick. Vince charged the corner and knocked Brendan and Gabriel to the floor. Steel then turned his attention to Xavier as he and Terry started to double team him. This wouldn’t last long as Brendan and Gabe weren’t taking this lightly and entered the ring to go after Vince. Fujiko entered the ring to try and even the sides and things turned into an all out brawl between the two sides. The referee managed to get some order back which allowed Gabriel to tag himself in. Gabe brought the heat to Terry and worked over his arm before connecting with a hammerlock backdrop. Gabriel then decided it was time to return the favor and knocked Fujiko to the floor. He went to drop Steel but Vince maintained his balance despite taking a solid shot. Terry was up and shoved Gabe into the corner where Vince tagged himself in. Fujiko slid into the ring though and began to fire away shots at Gabe. Xavier and Brendan now entered the ring as they saw Vince entering to even the sides. Another brawl broke out and this time the referee didn’t have success in bringing order. Samuels tossed Fuji to the outside and followed after her. Xavier hit a cactus clothesline on Tillman taking them to the outside. Gabe powdered out as Vince was chasing after him. When Vince slid out of the ring Gabe was waiting for him and attacked. The six of them moved around the ring before all compiling in one area. Gabe whipped Vince into the ring steps. The rest continued to brawl. Xavier shoved off Mine and then he and Brendan began to double team Terry. Fujiko saw her spot and didn’t wait. She quickly climbed up to the top rope and dove off with a crossbody that took out the crowd except for Gabe who got away at the last second. Gabriel slid back into the ring. Laroux looked pleased with himself as he looked over the top rope and saw everyone on the ground but what he didn’t see was Vince Steel sliding into the ring behind him. Steel walked right up to Gabe and grabbed him, turning him around and connecting with the “Hand of Steel” (Iron claw slam). Steel then made the cover, Xavier tried to slide into break it up but Tillman got a hold of his leg allowing the ref to make the three count. After the bell rang Steel and Xavier began to stare each other down while on the outside Brendan and Fujiko did the same.