Post by Avery Quinn on Mar 31, 2018 13:49:29 GMT -5
PREVIOUSLY RECORDED
Our scene comes to life with a shot of Elijah Carlson riding in his family SUV. It’s definitely not a Subaru that’s actually a Scion and if you don’t get that reference you’re totally missing out. As he travels down the road the music of Backstreet Boys “Everybody” bumps over the loud speaker as Eli bobs his head along happily to the music while singing the chorus because he doesn’t know any of the other words to the song.
Elijah Carlson: “EVERYBOOOODYYYYY! YEAAAAHHH! ROCK YOUR BODDDYYYY! YEAAAHHHH EVERYBODDDDYYYY ROCK YOUR BODY RIGHT! BACKSTREETS BACK…”
Pointing to the backseat of the car with one hand, while keeping his other hand on the steering wheel because duh, safety is important. The camera adjusts to the backseat to reveal an annoyed Sarah Carlson whose face is buried in her phone but she looks up long enough to roll her eyes and shake her head in disgust. Somehow she had inherited the oldest twenty five year old father in the world. Lucky her.
Elijah Carlson: “Got a surprise for you… better start singing along with the lyrics.”
Turning the wheel, a few moments later the vehicle rumbles up a long driveway giving Sarah a reprieve from being forced into singing a song that she doesn’t care about. As he comes to a halt Eli shut the car off and opened his door, Sarah doing the same as quickly as she could possibly muster only to be greeted by the sight of two large, bald men with a massive amount of luggage sitting out in the driveway waiting to be loaded into the car. Before Sarah could say anything, Eli held up his hand and shook his head.
Elijah Carlson: “This is Huey and Duey. They’re friends and they’re gonna load up your stuff because you’re going on a trip in our favorite rocket ship all the way to Washington D.C.”
She looks ready to protest as Genie comes out of the house and saunters up to her husband, sharing a brief kiss with him before their daughter stuffed her finger down her throat and gagged. Paying no mind to her, Eli looked to Gen.
Elijah Carlson: “You sure I can’t convince you to come? I know you’re pretty locked in and focused on Bronx but it’s not the same without you being backstage when I wrestle.”
Genevie Carlson: “I know but you’ve got plenty of things and people there to keep you entertained. I really need to stay focused on Bronx, and making sure I’m prepared. Maybe I’ll come next time. I promise.”
Genevie smiles but Eli was disappointed. She sighed. Their travel schedules didn’t match up well and when they did it was hard for them to travel together because of how much it took out of them. She gave him a reassuring kiss.
Genevie Carlson: “You’re gonna do great, and I’ll be watching. Like always.”
Elijah Carlson: “Yeah… I know. It still isn’t the same, though. But I understand. I’ve been there. I know how I was when I was getting ready to face Jair. Maybe that’s how I should be for this Cavalcade match too but I don’t know. I can’t bring myself to be that intense about it. Losing my edge maybe? Or maybe that it’s just that the other team is captained by Manny and has freaking Andre Holmes on it.”
Shaking his head in disgust, Eli sighed.
Elijah Carlson: “I almost feel like something is missing. Maybe it’s the team I drafted. Maybe I drafted too well and it doesn’t feel like a challenge. I don’t have that same rush I did in the build up to facing Jair at Winter Wasteland, or even in the preparation for Fright Night. But maybe it’s because this match is filled more with Scott Stevens quality opponents rather than Jair or Bronx quality opponents.”
Annoyance flashed across his face. He had begged for a challenge from the moment he had walked into SAP and become the face of the company. Literally he had begged. And nobody had stepped up. No challenge had come. Not unless he went out and physically brought them to the company for a match himself. Owen Gonsalves and Bryan Williams. The two people he could say had legitimately pushed him since he started in SAP and he had been the one to draw them in.
Elijah Carlson: “I swear to Christ, Gen. If I lose this match I’m retiring. Not just from SAP. But from everything. From HKW. From one offs in CWC. I’ll never set foot in a wrestling ring again if I don’t win this match.”
Genevie was caught off guard by his reaction. It seemed a bit dramatic but, she had been this level of dramatic a lot. She shook her head.
Genevie Carlson: "Elijah Joshua Carlson. You did not pull yourself back from an injury we thought that would never allow you to wrestle again for you to let yourself RETIRE over a match like this if you lose. Not that you’re going to lose but you didn’t fucking put everything you have into facing people like Jair and Bronx for you to give it all up over people like Andre and Manny.”
She rolled her eyes and poked his chest. She was irritated. Even if he had been joking it wasn’t funny
Genevie Carlson: “Regardless of what happens out there? You’re going to still be a wrestler, because you deserve to be a champion again and after this you’re going to stop letting these companies waste your time with anything less but what you deserve. That’s what is going to happen. Win or Lose you are going to move forward and be on top. So you can shut your mouth about retirement.”
Nodding his head he, at least for the moment, backed off of his statement but in the back of his mind it still settled there.
Elijah Carlson: “Fine… have it your way.”
His eyes turned to the two big men who functioned as his bodyguards and also as the people who carried his stuff so he didn’t have to. Watching as they loaded the last of his things into the car, Eli slowly turned his attention back to his wife.
Elijah Carlson: “They do anything stupid like try and eat one of the dogs?”
Genevie smiles and shook her head.
Genevie Carlson: “Nope. They did their jobs. Brady and Huey stared at each other for a while. It was weird, but other than that? I’ve pretty much forgotten they were even here.”
With another subtle nod of his head he leaned in and kissed his wife gently.
Elijah Carlson: “Well.. guess we better get going then. Be back before you know it.”
Motioning for Sarah to get in the passenger seat up front, Eli moved around and took his place in the drivers seat. Filing into the back a moment later were the two big bodyguards who were more excited about going on a roadtrip with Eli and Sarah than anyone else was. Starting the car, Eli glanced at Sarah.
Sarah Carlson: “Why do I have to go? I have homework to do.”
Elijah Carlson: “Gen said you’re feeling a little left out since we’ve been on the road so much lately. And I figured.. D.C. is only a couple hours drive so we could spend some time together. Doing that whole bonding thing. So… tell me… what do you think about Creed?”
Barking a laugh as he shifted the car into reverse, he adjusted the radio to play Creed’s greatest hits much to the dismay of Sarah. The scene began to fade as the car backed out of the driveway until suddenly the car slammed to a stop and all of the windows rolled down suddenly with both Eli and Sarah sticking their heads out coughing horribly.
Sarah Carlson: “OH MY GAWD!”
Elijah Carlson: “Jesus Christ DUEY DID YOU FART?!"
Bodyguard Duey: “Heh heh… SORRY!”
And with that the scene came to a close. Did Eli, Sarah and the big bodyguards make it to Washington D.C.? Will he be there to captain his team in the main event of the first of a two night show? Well.. you’ll just have to wait for the main event and see.
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SAP cuts to backstage, next to a stairwell, where Tegan Taylor is already dressed in her wrestling gear. Her leg is up on the railing for the stairs and she is leaning forward, stretching out in preparation for her debut match coming up next on the show. She has in a pair of earbuds and is humming to herself, off in her own world, as Aleks Parker walks up with a microphone in hand.
ALEKS PARKER: Excuse me Tegan.
Tegan keeps humming, busy in her own world. Aleks leans over and taps her, making Tegan jump a bit in surprise.
TEGAN TAYLOR: Holy smokes. You startled me. I was jamming out to some Whitesnake... But hi! I'm Tegan!
ALEKS PARKER: Hi Tegan. I'm Aleks Parker, SAP Wrestling backstage interviewer.
TEGAN TAYLOR: It's a pleasure to make your acquataince Aleks!
ALEKS PARKER: I was wondering if you had a moment to talk before your match.
TEGAN TAYLOR: Well my match is like right now but we got a bit of time maybe. What did you wanna talk about? The new Avengers movie? Hair care products? Pokemon?
ALEKS PARKER: I was thinking more about your up-coming match and why you came to SAP Wrestling.
TEGAN TAYLOR: Oh... That makes way more sense than the topics I mentioned. Well I came to SAP Wrestling because when I looked at all the companies out there this one had the best talent. Everyone on the roster is amazing and I want to compete with people who will push me. I want to make a name for myself and you can only do that by having awesome matches against awesome people. I could go some place not as competitive and win all the time but what fun is that? You need to push yourself and get outside your comfort zone on occasion. I think SAP Wrestling is the perfect place for me to do that and grow as a performer.
ALEKS PARKER: Any thoughts on your opponent for tonight Ollie Maverick?
TEGAN TAYLOR: I think he sounds fantastic! I'm going to go out there and do my thing. I'm going to try my damnedest to beat him too. This is both our debut match for SAP so the pressure is on and you know when two young, hungry stars roll into town to put on a match that it is going to be spectacular because they are going to want to make a great first impression for the fans and for all their future opponents who are sitting in the back watching them. Ollie seems like the perfect person for me to test myself against and someone who I could maybe get along with in the future too. A bit nerdy, a bit goofy and ready to steal the show during his debut match just like I am. I'm hoping we will get the fan's adrenaline going by putting on one hell of a match that they are going to remember. When it is over, win or lose, I want the fans wondering what is next for both Tegan Taylor and for Ollie Maverick. I have a feeling with both have a bright future here in SAP! I mean his immediate future involves me kicking him hard in the face... But after that things will only go up for Ollie.
ALEKS PARKER: Is there anyone in SAP you are looking forward to facing? Or maybe championships you have your eyes on?
TEGAN TAYLOR: Oh no. That seems like I would be getting way ahead of myself. I take things one match at a time. If I get a opportunity for something big I will jump on it but for right now I've been out of the business a couple years and I'm just looking to get my name out there and get some wins under my belt. Once that happens maybe I will have some dream opponents or dreams of certain championships around my waist but I'm not going to be calling anyone out anytime soon. I just wanna have fun and show the world that SAP is now Tegan-Tastic...
Suddenly in the background the roar of the fans can be heard as the show is about to kick off. Tegan looks down the hallway with a grin, bouncing on her heels.
TEGAN TAYLOR: Well Aleks... I think it's about that time. Thanks for chatting with me. We should hang out later or something!
ALEKS PARKER: Sounds good. Good luck out there Tegan.
Tegan gives her a wink and flashes a peace sign at the camera before turning and heading down the hallway towards the entrance area. Aleks also walks off camera and we see Tegan getting further and further away before SAP's You've Been Traded to the Cleveland Browns cuts to ringside.
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“Psssst….hey! Camera friend!” We hear. The camera searches around.
“Getting warmer…almost there….” Ollie says. The Camera looks around a bit more before it finally comes to a door and opens it to find Ollie Maverick hanging upside down.
“Oh hello! Fancy meeting you here! I was doing hanging crunches using my harness at this here doorframe I found backstage and then someone shut the door and I sorta got comfortable and fell asleep. Is my face red?” Ollie asks. The Camera moves up and down as the cameraman nods.
“Mind helping me unfasten my legs before my head explodes?” Ollie asks. We cut to a few moments later and Ollie is standing upright.
“Hey everbuddy! It is I, ‘The Bitcrusher’ Ollie Maverick! I’ve been semi-retired since becoming a dad and a husband and the certified and official BEST TEKKEN PLAYER OF ALL TIME, I WILL WRECK YOU JESSICA SEARS DO YOU HEAR ME?!?!?! I GOT CERTIFIED, SEE!?” Ollie says, taking out a framed certificate that he totally didn’t just make in MS Paint reading ‘OLLIE BEST AT TEKKEN WAY BETTER THAN JESSICA SEARS AND THIS CERTIFICATE IS REAL’ which features an overpixelized jpg of Bryan Fury from Tekken.
“But enough about how much better at video games I am compared to Jessica, in my SAP debut I’ll be facing off against another debuting wrestler in the form of Tegan Taylor! Tegan and I got to talk on twitter and she seems super cool! I mean, I know I have to beat her and stuff now but that doesn’t mean we can’t hang out later. You have to assume that after Luigi ‘Final Smashes’ Mario that the two still chillax in the Mushroom Kingdom afterward. Even after I hit you with the 360 No-Scope and beat you, Tegan? We’re cool. Beyond cool. Totally rad. We will exchange high fives over many a slice of Pizza before doing skateboard tricks right over the evil vice principal! But again, first I gotta kick you inna face. Sorry bout that.” Ollie says with a shrug.
“I’ve been ut of the game for a bit but I just put my quarter up and I’m ready to fight! I am the Dark Souls of wrestlers! So slick you’d swear he was using a Game Genie! A third catchphrase! Sorry I was doing my best to operate under the rule of threes and I sorta forgot I only have the two right now.” Ollie awkwardly clears his throat.
“Well this… This is embarrassing…” Ollie says. He awkwardly clacks his tongue.
“Smokebomb!” Ollie says throwing something on the ground and running away but no smoke appears. The camera looks at the ground only to find a gumball on the ground. We hear the cameraman actually sigh before we fade out.
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Ollie Maverick vs. Tegan Taylor
This was a fun match to start out the night. It started with Ollie showing some flash and evading Tegan with some flips. Taylor managed to take him to the ground with some chaining but soon the two made it back to their feet. The fans were enjoying the debut of these two and then they got to what they do best, kicks. Ollie and Tegan began to go back and forth with their showy kicks. The fans seemed to be split down the middle and so did the contest. However it was Olly who would walk away the winner when he caught Tegan with “360 No-Scope!” (Jumping corkscrew roundhouse kick)
Winner: Ollie Maverick
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Backstage, Trixie appears entering the SAP arena uncharacteristically in her ring gear already but her aviator shades rest on her head, letting the blonde locks frame her face. As she locks eyes with her locker room, Trixie begins to walk before stepping out and making her stop in her tracks is Andre.
Andre Holmes is currently in the middle of the narrow hallway warming up by stretches, boxing combinations, muay thai striking practice and he’s quite focused on the main event which is the legendary Cavalcade match. From the corner of his right eye, he sees Trixie who seems to be fixated on him. The two have never meet but are mutual friends of Mariano Fernandez which automatically makes the tension way easier than it could be. He stops his current warm up routine to address Trixie’s glare onto him.
Andre Holmes: “Can I help you?”
Trixie: I was just going to my locker room. Andre, right?
She says narrowing her eyes and gets a nod.
Trixie: I hope you and Manny do well tonight. Huge Cavalcade match for you and everything.
Andre shrugs his shoulders then nods his head. A little sigh of relief she’s not one of those egotistical wrestlers in the back. His demeanor changes to a more welcoming posture and a little smile on his face.
Andre Holmes: “Yeah, Andre and thanks for the compliment. You must be...Trixie, Manny’s partner I assume?”
He holds his right hand out for a shake.
Trixie: Tag team partner, yes. Manny’s spoken for.
She adds a little chuckle and shakes his hand.
Trixie: I’m the one in the best of three tonight. Final one, against Joe Stanton. We’re both the type who wrestle everywhere. Where I’m not, he’s there basically.
Another chuckle.
Trixie: And we happen to collide on SAP.
He folded his arms hearing news about the best of three match they were having tonight and little did she know, he was actually looking forward to the match.
Andre Holmes: “Yeah I saw. I can’t wait to see it and I think you two are going to definitely be put on the map in SAP from this match. Why, you nervous?”
Trixie shakes her head while chuckling, giggling a little. After she puts her stray strand of hair behind her ear she rests her shoulders.
Trixie: Not really. I haven’t been too nervous about a match in a while on my schedule. I’m just restless because I want to win this one. Last friendly match I didn’t beat Manny, this time I’d like to take away the win. I know Joe is good, and I know he beat me before with his uppercut. But I feel like I’ve watched our matches, watched his Kamikaze Pro matches, watched his DTW matches and I think I can totally take him tonight.
Andre was pretty impressed with the professional maturity she was displaying. He could tell she gave a lot of preparation towards their rematch especially in SAP. This match could be the match they need to kickstart their singles career and move onto bigger and better things in the company. Actually, Holmes was a fan of both and was even more intrigued to see how this match would go.
Andre Holmes “That’s great. You’ve been preparing and studying Joe. I have a feeling he did the same so this match is going to be one for the ages. You two shouldn’t hold anything back and I know no matter what the outcome, it’s going to elevate you both. I wish you both luck and I hope to see you stay in SAP growing and fighting.”
Trixie: I hope so, Andre. I’ve been away from the gold for a while. I’ve had shots here and there but if I beat Joe, a Kamikaze Pro champ as of very recently, I’ll be closer to something. I’d love to be able to hold a SAP Title, represent it all over the world, in tags with Manny in Vegas and Japan. I’ve just got to get through this speed bump.
She says with a look off to the poster of her and Joe.
Trixie: You ever faced Joe before?
Andre Homles “I haven’t, but I’ll come to you for pointers after tonight. Good luck.”
Andre pats her shoulder on the curve and she nods. The way she felt about becoming some sort of guru was a great feeling after a bad few days, ready to take on Joe one final time and get the best of him in Washington. He passes her and she heads towards the locker room to loosen up before the match later on.
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Back at ringside, the distinct sound of a Zippo lighter flipping open, paper sizzling and a deep breath in echo from the speakers before…
“I'VE BEEN THINKING, IT'S TIME WE TIED ONE ON!”
Ten-thousand red-hot fans hit their feet as Dry County rocks the very foundations of the D.C. Armory. They don't wait long before Johnny Matthews bursts through the curtain, throwing it to each side as he passes through. The return, not much anticipated; the fact that the notorious nomad was heading to the Spirit and Pride ring, an incredible energy that tested the seams of our Capital.
With his Harley¤Davidson Badlands tucked under his jeans, a thick leather belt holding them up, an Official SAP “Cavalcade” T-shirt under his patch-covered vest and Aussie-style fedora on his head, the crazed country rebel stopped frequently on each side of the aisle to bump fists, shake hands and kiss babies.
At ringside, he scales the rings test and wipes his boots on the apron. Ducking between the top and middle ropes, he enters the ring. Pacing the ring one time over, he encourages the cheers and chants. His stare hidden behind dark-tinted shades, face shadowed by the brim of his hat and hand-rolled cigarette dangling in his kisser. He retrieves a microphone from the rear left pocket of his jeans and brings it to his demented grin. The music fades and the roar of the heathens subsides.
“Where,” he begins, “is,” flipping ashes about, “Avery?”
He slightly lowers the microphone. Takes a look to the left and then the right. The cloud of smoke grows thick over his head as he pounds on the coffin nail.
“I guess it doesn't really matter,” he shrugs, “it's not like he or his general manager,” he pauses for a drag, “what's her name again,” he releases the smoke, “guess that doesn't too much matter either. See,” the cigarette glows bright cherry-red, “I'm not here for either one of them.”
With his smoke burning his lips, he spits it to the mat and then snuffs it under his boot, grinding it into the canvas.
“I am here for a number of good damned reasons though,” he smirks, “I want to see Jess defend her title,” he raises both eyebrows, twice, quickly, “I want to see Kitten win the best of three with Stanton,” he pauses, looks up the aisle to the curtain, “I want to scout a future opponent as he leads his team to victory.”
The production truck changes the angle, far left, as he pulls his shades from his face, folds them and hangs them in the neck of his shirt.
“Then,” he continues, the focus panning in, “I want to see what Spirit and Pride has to fucking offer. That's right,” his emerald greens piercing the camera, crazed, “I will be in Toronto tomorrow and,” his tone absolutely serious, “I will be at the next show and fucking so on.”
He steps back with a nod before looking back up the aisle.
“If there is anyone back there,” he challenges, “that wants to come out here and catch the Hangover Blues,” he threatens, “come on down,” he invites, “and I'll fuck you up.”
With that, “Tie One On” by Dry County hits the speakers and Matthews takes a bow. He exits the ring and, to a mixed show of support, disappears behind the curtain.
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OutKasts vs. Bloodborn
This match started out wild as Ortega and Hemingway attacked before the bell rang. Ortega took the lead and began to fire off hard and heavy on Hawthorne. Iris soon fought back and then tagged in Olly as he made it back to the apron. Outkasts used quick tags a double team maneuvers to try and keep Ortega down but Hemingway always came in to break it up. Ortega finally found a break when he caught Overton with a jawbreaker. Joey then made the tag in to the big man and Hemingway rolled over Overton and Hawthorne. Ortega dove over the top rope to keep Iris on the outside and Stone hit Oliver with “A Stone’s Throw” (blue thunder lung blower). Hemingway made the cover and got the three count.
Winners: Bloodborn
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The show cuts to the backstage area where Joe Stanton is crouching in anticipation for his match in a little bit, dressed for battle and with his eyes closed he almost looks like he's in a state of meditation. Confirmation that he isn't comes when he reaches over to a crate near by and retrieves his signature sunglasses, slipping them on before cracking his neck. He tenses his hands and relaxes them a few times, trying to shake off the excitement of what's to come for him tonight.
"There's a lot of trilogies out there."
The Scarlet Speedster says with a sharp inhale, opening his eyes and causing his eyebrows to shift behind the sunglasses he's now wearing. He glances up at the camera that's filming him and he holds up his left hand to count along with him.
"Back to the Future, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Men in Black, The Matrix, The Spider-man, The Nolan Dark Knight, Ace Ventura, Legally Blonde..."
Rattling off the names, Stanton eventually gives up trying to keep count of the movies he's naming with his hand and shrugs it off. He states them all as if they're what everyone thinks of when they think of a cinematic trilogy. Even Legally Blonde is mentioned with a straight face.
"It's a good way to tell an overall story, a good structure, you have the first movie where you introduce typically the core players of your story. Usually it's a little more light hearted, even if only in hindsight of the other movies to follow it and it let's you get to know the people that these movies are going to be about. Their positives, their flaws, their goals, what drives them and what could potentially drive them through the entirety of the two other films to follow. It's the introduction, the setting of the table and setting the tone for the audience, maybe set up plot threads for later resolution."
Holding up his index finger, Stanton casually goes over the general themes and structure of a first entry into a trilogy. He bobs his head a bit indecisively when he recounts what usually you're given in that first movie about the people in it.
"Then there's the second movie, the raising of the stakes, usually something serious will happen to one or more of the people you've met in the first movie during the course of this movie. Escalation is in, sometimes done poorly but when it's done well? It sets up the sequel to be everything the first one was and more, a logical extension and expansion of the story that was told. The universe is generally shown to be not as insular or as kind to the people as we once thought. A new development shows itself that changes the dynamic and sets a sense of urgency and agency to everything. Something has to be done. A climax is approaching."
Naturally he holds up his middle finger along with his index when he's going over the general themes and structures of a second entry into a trilogy. He mimics being tense at points when talking about what can happen to the main cast in a sequel.
"The third movie...it can be the trickiest. A lot of writers, directors, they'll struggle with that final installment, sometimes they think the answer is to go even bigger and crazier than the first sequel. Again they go to escalation but that can cause fatigue among the audience or start stretching the suspension of disbelief. Usually a good third installment is a climax, a resolution to the stakes being raised in the second one so that it doesn't need to worry about raising them even higher. It's the protagonist toppling the hurdle that was put in front of them, and that they might've even faltered against, in the second movie. The third movie is the most important because you have to sign off on a good note with the audience and leave them satisfied, otherwise you risk your entire trilogy suffering for it, forever marred in the eyes of its viewers."
The ring finger joins its comrades and Stanton trails off momentarily at the start, wetting his lips and thinking hard over whatever's got his minds on trilogies. He stresses how difficult it is to create a well rounded third movie and in general a well received trilogy. He pantomimes punching someone when talking about a hurdle that the protagonist might've dealt with in the second movie.
"Trix, tonight let's make this a trilogy worth remembering, yeah?"
Growing more serious, he addresses the camera as if it's his soon-to-be opponent.
"Let's try and not Revenge of the Sith this."
Joking, the Guy in Shades pops up to his feet and does a few stretches to loosen up after being crouched down for however long he was like that. He wanders away and the camera pans to stay on him, watching him walking down the hall for a handful of seconds before it opts to cut away.
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Best of Three Series: Final Match
Trixie vs. Joe Stanton
The crowd was split between the two as the heat was there to see who would walk away the winner with them splitting the first two matches. The two started out on their feet and Stanton went to the roughneck style that he’s known for. Trixie started battling back but Joe wasn’t having it and was letting Trixie know that this match meant a lot to him. Trixie had to find another way to try and get things going her way, that was her speed. She began to quickly move around the ring but Joe showed he could keep up with her. Trixie stopped on a dime allowing Stanton to slide ahead of her a bit. She then connected with her “Beautiful Disaster” cutter. She then had Stanton where she wanted him and caught him with a Shining Wizard as he got to a knee and picked up the three count.
Winner: Trixie
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It’s been a while since the BGTL Movmeent has been in front of an SAP camera, but the fire in the duo is plain to see. Ximena stands still, her arms folded over her chest, but the look in her eyes tells the story of a bomb about to go off. Claire, however, is pacing around the hallway in front of the camera, her nose pulled up in disgust. Suddenly she stops, her eyes turning towards the camera and she points at the lens.
Claire: You know what? I’m glad. I’m happy. I may not look like it, but I am. Tonight, finally, we’re getting our hands on those morons who look like they crawled out of a Walking Dead audition and didn’t get the memo that zombies were already out of fashion five years ago. But hey, I don’t really give a damn to be honest. I can mock their appearance all I want, I can make fun of their stupid make up or whatever it is. But all of that’s redundant, because in the end, all that matters is this: the BGTL Movement kicking your undead assholes back into the graves you never should’ve left!
Ximena unfolds her arms, taking a deep breath before speaking, her tone noticeably more calmer, but the trembling undertone still betraying her inner fury. Ever the strong, silent type, but it seems like she too has something she needs to get off her chest.
Ximena: Things haven’t been going particularly well. But hey, maybe that’s on us. We were so successful so quickly after our wrestling careers started that any roadblock we hit was bound to be disappointing and discouraging. But make no mistake, we’ve bounced back from disappointment before and we will bounce back again tonight. At the Battle Royal, you cost us an important shot. Before that, you proved yourself to be unreliable at best. Zombie Vice Squad, it’s time we put you in our rear view mirrors and no amount of stupid trash talk on Twitter will makeup for your shortcomings. Because it’s quite simply, really… We’re in a bad mood and we need to beat someone up. And honestly? I’m looking forward to it.
Claire: Ya see, recently the entire tag team division was called a joke. Looing at guys like you, it’s easy to see why someone would think that. But we’re a proud team and we take pride in our tag team skills. Trash like you ruins the reputation of the SAP tag team division, so tonight we won’t just be doing ourselves a favour… We’ll do all of the tag team division a favor by dumping you into the garbage where you belong and showing that there are actual teams in this division who don’t have to rely on cheap scare tactics to look even moderately impressive. Say goodbye to your tag team title aspirations, Zombie Vice Squad. The undead don’t scare us. Because what once died can be killed again… And we’ll be firing up the chainsaw and cut your fucking heads off! Because Bitches! Gots! To! Learn!
Claire winks and walks off with Ximena in tow, fired up ahead of the contest with the team that’s been the thorn in their side these recent weeks.
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JESSICA SEARS: “Hey, hold the camera steady!”
Sitting on top of a very tall ladder, dressed in her ring attire, was “The Paladin” Jessica Sears. This time, she’s without her Spirit and Pride X Championship due to the stipulation of the match. She seemed to be directing the cameraman, watching the way the camera lens focused elsewhere, and she couldn’t help but laugh.
JESSICA SEARS: “D-e-a-n, come on! I think the world is already well aware of my assets.”
DEAN MATTHEWS: “Sorry, couldn’t help myself.”
Came the deep reply from behind the camera and the focus returned to her beautiful face and wealth of blonde hair.
DEAN MATTHEWS: “There, good to go!”
JESSICA SEARS: “Danke, mein Liebe.”
She blew a kiss towards her boyfriend before she placed her hands on her knees. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and let it out slowly. When she opened her eyes again, there’s pure determination, a signature look of the Nerd Extraordinaire that peers and fans alike have recognized in the wrestling industry.
JESSICA SEARS: “Washington DC, the Capital of the United States, what a great place to be for a great company like Spirit and Pride Wrestling.”
From their seats, the fans cheered aloud as they watched her on the SAP Tron.
JESSICA SEARS: “And what a night it’s been so far, don’t you agree? Night One of ‘You’ve Been Traded to the Cleveland Browns’... Hey, you, the fans, voted and that was the result of the show naming poll. I’m more of a New York Giants fan, even if they haven’t been doing so great.”
A sheepish grin crossed her face before she cleared her throat and focused on the camera. The camera did its best to hold still, but those watching could swear they heard something that sounded like a male whisper of “Dem Boys 4 life” which received a brief yet sharp glare from Jessica. She was composed otherwise, a confident smile on her face.
JESSICA SEARS: “When I looked over the stipulations of the match poll, I was really excited. Two-out-of-three falls, TLC - Tables, Ladders, and Chairs, or the ladder match -- all three of them were great choices for me to defend my title for the very first time. It kinda sucks how this title match came about, allow me to be honest. I really wanted to take Jaser Cruz under my wing. It wasn’t a favor for his older sister, MiMi. It wasn’t a mind game or a fake setup. I was doing it to be genuine and true. He’s a little more than a year younger than me and he’s still a little green in this business. I’ve been in his position before. I know the hardships and criticism that came with being a rookie. I wanted to help him. I wanted him to help me help him.”
She nodded a little, patting her left knee twice. It was the same knee that was previously injured, but it has fully healed over time.
JESSICA SEARS: “But the kid was arrogant. He wouldn’t listen to reason and he made too many mistakes. I extended the olive branch and he set it on fire. That seems to be a running theme going on these days.”
With a casual shrug, she simply exhaled and pressed on.
JESSICA SEARS: “Then, of course, thanks to the rumor mill and gossip circle run by his egotistical manager, Kali, which, by the way is the name of a Hindu goddess, and well… it doesn’t fit the ego-trip bitch by any means...”
This was humorously received by the majority of the fans as they looked on.
JESSICA SEARS: “...the professionalism of this match was almost thrown out the window. Come on, personal attacks? Bashing my relationship history? Creating rumors with no ground and spreading empty lies? Hilarious. In case you didn’t know, Professional Mode is a reference to the Resident Evil video game franchise. There’s nothing sexual about it.”
She laughs, shakes her head, and sighs.
JESSICA SEARS: “Geez, it’s no wonder why the kid’s mindset is fucked up. With all the negative influences, I can see why it was nearly impossible for me to teach him. Now I REALLY understand MiMi’s frustration.”
The Paladin raises her right hand and wags her index finger in a “tsk” motion.
JESSICA SEARS: “Jaser, you think you know my strengths and weaknesses, but do you honestly believe I’m going to expose ALL of my cards? Please, that was nowhere near my final form. A paladin has far more skills and technique than the class is given credit for. Even though it’s too late for you to know this, the ladder match is my FAVORITE match. What does this mean for you? To quote Dr. Leonard McCoy: “He’s dead, Jim.” Jaime Alejandro and Ricky Valero didn’t just focus on my groundwork. They taught me what it means to take risks and take flight. I love heights, ladders are my friends, and my air game is SSS. That’s a Devil May Cry 3 reference, by the way, so please educate yourselves before you blow another nerd and geek culture out of proportion. Can you really say the same for yourself, kid?”
She lowers her hand back onto her knee and she flashes a cheeky grin.
JESSICA SEARS: “I don’t think so. You’re rolling the D20 with disadvantage. I’m walking out of DC the same way I walked in: the reigning and defending SAP X Champion of Justice. Level up or shut up. Game on!”
She throws a peace sign for good measure before she jumps down from the ladder. No fear. No hesitation. Jessica walks up to the camera and covers the lens, the scene officially fading to black.
______________________________________________________________________________
BGTL vs. Zombie Vice Squad
The bell rang and these two had it out for each other. Both teams had to be seperated early and often. Double teaming was rampant on both sides as each team hungered for this win and proving superiority. Kowloon took the advantage on Claire who had to claw and scratch away to tag in Ximena who showed her power by throwing around Kowloon a little bit. Siberia and Ximena put on a clinic. Ximena went for a cover but Kowloon came in to break it up. Claire then entered and the four went at it again. BGTL took the lead and hit Kowloon with a double wheelbarrow suplex into the corner and he rolled out to the floor. Claire exited the ring and tagged Ximena, Xi then lifted Siberia up and the two connected with “BGTL” (Burning hammer/top rope leg drop combo). Claire made the cover and got the three count.
Winners: BGTL
______________________________________________________________________________
The light in this corner of the backstage of the D.C. Armory is lower, mostly due to a burnt out overhead light, and low voices are picked up as Aleks Parker picks her way around packing crates with the Spirit and Pride logo emblazoned on the side, an expression on her face that’s a cross between slightly annoyed and slightly wary as she hears the voices then she winces as the pure clear tones of Aurora, formerly Jansen who was most known for a breathy whisper delivering the most devastating verbal barbs lift over the background noises of creepy music, creaking floorboards and wet splats.
AURORA: OH YOU SON OF A BITCH! AUGH! WHAT THE HELL MASARU!
There’s a loud, bright, almost sweetly happy cackle of a laugh and as Aleks comes around a corner she finds the area that the tag team of Aurora and Masaru Inoue with a laptop set up on a crate while they have two other smaller crates set up as ‘chairs’ to sit on. On the laptop is a newly revamped classic game, Quake II and apparently they are about the business of killing each other digitally as he cackles again at her outrage.
AURORA: HOW? How did you …
She can’t help herself, she throws her head back and laughs out loud.
AURORA: YOU KILLED ME WITH A GRAPPLING HOOK.
He cackles again and his digital avatar scurries out of the room trying to catch her before the respawn point while she nudges him firmly in the ribs with her elbow and Olly makes a contented screech from his perch up on another crate, picking at some treat held in his claws. Aleks blinks as she steps forward, then clears her throat to try and get their attention.
ALEKS PARKER: Excuse me…
They turn almost simultaneously, smoothly in sync with each other as Aurora’s right brow raises just as Masaru’s pierced left brow raises.
AURORA and MASARU: Did you bring snacks?
Masaru cackles again and turns back to the screen as Aurora half-turns to make sure he’s not sneaking up on her before she grins, the leather of her coat creaking as she gives Aleks a look.
AURORA: Well?
ALEKS PARKER: I’m… sorry what?
Aurora blinks and then laughs as she fires a rocket off in the game, using it to jump up a level as more creepy music plays.
AURORA: Snacks, woman! Did you bring us some snacks? We have another controller if you want to play.
For a second Aleks lights up.
ALEKS PARKER: Really? You’d let me… no no I can’t, I’ve got too many people to interview tonight… speaking of… Hell Is Waiting have a shot on the Spirit and Pride Tag Team Championships tomorrow night against The Reeds…
Aurora nudges Masaru and turns fully towards Aleks, a look of disingenuous amusement on her face.
AURORA: Would that be Aries, Cassius, Franklin, Bianca, Zeke… you’re going to need to be more specific…
Masaru turns as well, putting his controller down.
MASARU INOUE: No,no my precious partner… it’s the other Reeds, The Reeds of SAP, Charlie and Lilah.
They exchange sly glances before Aurora sighs lightly and shakes her head.
AURORA: We’re not in this business to pretend we aren’t who we are, or that we don’t know what someone else has done or is capable of. No matter their failures and successes elsewhere, what concerns us now is Spirit and Pride and what they’ve done here as Tag Team Champions… what is it now, ten defenses? That’s virtually unheard of. Masaru and I as champions ourselves understand this - tag team wrestling holds a very special place in our hearts and well… we are fucking undeniably good at it. We are the PW Duos Champions, we want to be the SAP Tag Team Champions, and by all the little things that scurry about and scare the shit out of all you little people when you’re in the house alone?
Her brows lifted and she sighed happily.
AURORA: We WILL be World Crown Syndicate Tag Team Champions one day. These? Are things that will happen. We seek to dethrone you for the first time, to hand you your first loss as a team when your titles are on the line, tomorrow night. You can be as arrogant as you like, you can preen about on Twitter, you can say ‘We Got This’ all damn day but I promise you this.
Masaru grins over at Olly, not even looking at the camera as he adds to Aurora’s statement.
MASARU INOUE: You ain’t got this. That’s what she’s saying. I’m far from being a happy Masaru. More like the “Mazzacre” to be honest. There’s someone’s out there right now with something that’s MINES… so I guess, until I get what’s mines back?
He turns towards Aleks with a wide happy smile.
MASARU INOUE: I’m going to just take someone else’s milkshake. And drink it all up.
ALEKS PARKER: ...great, now I want a milkshake.
AURORA: Oh God me too. You think there’s somewhere that delivers? I doubt that concessions even has ice cream. Bastards.
She sighs, and shakes her head.
AURORA: I know it’s the usual thing to just say that a wrestler says they’re going to do something, with no clue or anything as to how or why. But we’re not usual, Masaru and I. We chose our name for a reason and well, we don’t care if no one else gets it or likes it. What matters is that we are effective, we’re a long standing and decorated tag team, and if I say I’m dropping you on your damn head with a DDT, you’re not going to be able to stop me and I have a record most of you can’t even wet dream about that backs my point up on this. And my tag team record is even better than my singles. I have as my partner one of the most bloody, chaotic, and unpredictable wrestlers in this business and I trust him to have my back… and he always has. There is no wedge that any of you can drive between us… though we welcome you to try.
MASARU INOUE: There’s been a lot of strange separations lately I’ve seen. Sure would be a shame if another one occurs soon. It only takes one mistake before meeting Death via a DDT. It only takes a quick lapse of focus before a sharp knee ends everything.
Aurora picks up her controller, and grins at Aleks again.
AURORA: You should make yourself comfortable here, Aleks. We have. We’re done with waiting, you know. We are HERE… and we will gain every bit of what our combined skills will get us. Every bit.
MASARU INOUE: Come, Sit, Enjoy. You can feed Olly some more. If not, you can go along and fetch us those snacks.
Aleks sighs and shakes her head, reluctantly moving away from the pair who go back to their game in progress, as she leaves and the camera pulls back it’s revealed that they have also absconded with a monitor and are using it to watch the action in the ring as well.
______________________________________________________________________________
The show cuts backstage where we find Nick Redfield, decked out in his ring gear and leather-clad bomber jacket. He’s standing in front of an SAP backdrop with fire raging inside his eyes. Tonight is his biggest test in months and it’s not one he’s willing to let slip away.
Nick Redfield: So this is it...the night we’ve all been waiting for! The Cavalcade Match is finally upon us and once again an SAP title shot is on the line. The talent on both teams is stacked from top to bottom. Make no mistake about it: this is going to be all-out war!
The 2017 Cavalcade winner smiles wide just anticipating the action set to go down inside the squared circle later this evening.
Nick Redfield: I know better than anyone else in this match what kind of carnage we can expect to be faced with and I know better than anyone else just what it takes to walk out of this match the winner. I fought tooth and nail to claim that prize last year, but I know it’s going to demand even more of if I plan to successfully defend my crown this time around. Eli Carlson, Rachel Redding, Cartier, Luca Di Paolo, Mariano Fernandez, Andre Holmes, Nora Harris, Stone Hendrix, Tyberius King...this is a star-studded affair! This is a night I guarantee SAP fans will never forget. This is a night that could very well shake the pro-wrestling world to its core and shape the landscape going into the future. I mean look at those names, look at that talent...I will compete amongst some of the very best in the world tonight. But that’s a blessing...and a curse.
As his voice trails off, his eyes do as well, his baby blues traveling to the concrete floor beneath his feet.
Nick Redfield: My goal tonight is no different than anyone else’s entering that ring. I want to win. I want to reclaim my Cavalcade crown and go on to challenge for a title of my choosing. That will unfortunately be no easy task. But that’s okay...that’s okay because there is nothing I relish more in this sport than a challenge, and there is nothing I take greater pride in than overcoming a challenge and standing tall in the center of the ring with my hand raised in the air, triumphant.
His eyes return to the camera with a slight, confident smirk etched across his face.
Nick Redfield: Luckily for me, I believe I’ve been placed on the better of the two teams in this match. I’ve stood in the ring with just about everybody on my team and I know we’ve got the advantage, and as much as I might enjoy playing the underdog, in a match like this, every advantage is an upper hand you’re more than happy to have on your side. Because we’re all trying to survive for as long as we possibly can, to be one of the last two standing, to reign supreme…If all goes according to plan, if we can act like a cohesive unit for at least as long as we need to, Team Eli should run away with this match.
He shudders.
Nick Redfield: Team Eli…
He scoffs.
Nick Redfield: I don’t get jealous much. I like to go about my business, do what I do in that ring and prove I’m as good as I say I am. But dammit if it’s not a slap in the face to be the defending Cavalcade winner, a former champion here in SAP, and I’m not the captain of my own team?
He shakes his head.
Nick Redfield: Not gonna lie, my ego’s bruised. But I can’t sweat the small stuff. I can’t let that get in my head. Manny and his crew are going to be looking to knock us off and position themselves to stake their own claim for the win, and defeating them has to be priority numero uno. But when we’ve done that...when we’ve eliminated Andre Holmes, Nora Harris, Stone Hendrix, Tyberius King and Manny...I WILL be one of the last two standing in that ring. Whatever it takes, whomever I have to run through to get there, it WILL happen. And when it does, there is only one person I want in that ring, mano y mano, when all is said and done...and it’s Eli Carlson.
He pauses for a moment, mulling over his thoughts as his eyes stay focused squarely on the camera in front of him.
Nick Redfield: I won’t deny it and you shouldn’t either...we’re the best two competitors in the entire company. That’s no disrespect to anyone else in this match. That’s no disrespect to Fujiko Mine or the National Champ Brendan Samuels. It’s just facts. Every night out whether it’s in the ring or on this mic, you and I, we bring the fire. You and I, we burn this house down. We are the heart and soul of this company, and we are the two competitors, when the dust settles and the Cavalcade has sent these amazing fans through every imaginable emotion of excitement and heartbreak and joy and wonder...we are the two competitors who will put this company on our backs and carry it into the stratosphere, raise it to another level and leave every single person in attendance here tonight in complete and utter awe. We are the ones they’ll be talking about tomorrow night, and next week, and three months from now, and five years from now. We will be the ones who helped place SAP atop the pedestal alongside the best promotions in the world today.
So I look forward to clashing with you inside that ring, Eli. I look forward to the fight of my life. Just know that I expect you to be at the top of your game tonight because I know, despite all the jokes and all the goofing around, you want this job as badly as I do. I know that the minute we’ve emerged from all-out war with Manny and his squad, another war awaits between you and I. Unfortunately for you, this battlefield is one I’ve walked before. I’ve fought from the trenches, scratched and clawed my way to triumph before. Round 2 may pose a new challenge, but the end result shall remain the same. Because I will not quit. I will NEVER SURRENDER. I will walk out tonight victorious. I will reaffirm my place atop the Cavalcade throne where I belong…
With nothing left to say, he storms out of the picture and we fade to black...
______________________________________________________________________________
X Championship Match
Ladder Match
Jessica Sears vs. Jaser Cruz
The bell rang and Jaser quickly went looking for a ladder. Sears slid out just trying to finally her hands on Jaser. She was going to have to wait however as he used the ladder to attack Jess. Jaser entered the ring with the ladder and set it up. As he was climbing for the title Jess entered the ring and pushed it over. Sears now finally had her chance to get a hold of Jaser and the two began to battle it out across the ring. Each took turns as the one dishing out the punishment as multiple ladders were brought into the fold. Finally the two began to climb up a ladder on each side that was directly under the title. Jaser made it to the top first and went to grab for the belt but didn’t quite get it and sent it swinging. Jess then made it up and the two began to go back and forth with the crowd not sure of what was coming next. The two began to slug it out again but it was Jess who took control and bounced Jaser’s head off of the top of the ladder and he fell to the ground. Sears then reached up and grabbed the title for the win.
Winner: Jessia Sears
______________________________________________________________________________
Aleks Parker, backstage and looking for Rachel Redding, finds her...standing in the midst of a room that's seen better days. The frustrated former Great American Champion has clearly been in better moods, and has littered this room with whatever she can find. Her hair is a mess, and there's still a faint sign of green spraypaint across her chest. Aleks asks her about Cavalcade, and Rachel pauses, glowering at her.
After a long pause, she finally composes herself enough to talk. Redding says that, over the weekend, she admittedly had put Cavalcade at the back of her mind. She gestures to her chest, saying that 72 hours before, she was humiliated and broken by "a bunch of snot nosed, drooling idiots," and it's been driving her crazy ever since. However, she says, that's something that needs to be put behind her; Redding says that she could stand here with Aleks, and talk about her team.
A team that, sans one person, is so evidently beyond their opponents, that it's a little scary. Rachel points out Cartier, who's one of the better late comers to SAP, and Nick Redfield, who she's been in the ring with, as "miles better" than Stone Hendrix and Andre Holmes. While she credits both Tyberius King and Nora Harris as talented wrestlers, she doesn't mince words when she calls Mariano Fernandez "overrated," and notes that even with "all that talent," there's still nobody on "Team Manny" that matches with her and Eli Carlson.
So, she says, she'll talk about her team captain. This, the former #1 Contender says, is the match she's been waiting for since Eli was anointed the second he waltzed into SAP. The two of them, standing tall in the middle of the ring...and the moment she's been waiting for to prove she's better. And then, with her rightful spot retaken...
Rachel admits she does care who walks out tomorrow night; she wants the rematch with Fujiko. She...needs the rematch with Fujiko.
Before Aleks could ask another question, Rachel shoos her away, pacing around the room she was found in again.
______________________________________________________________________________
North Atlantic Championship Match
Ashley Maldano vs. Celeste
The bell rang and the tension was high. The two met in the middle of the ring and began to exchange words while the crowd called for them to get to business. They soon got their wish as the two women began exchanging blows in the middle of the ring. Ashley got the best of the initial exchange and it allowed her to work Celeste in the corner. Maldano backed up and went for a corner spear but Celeste moved out of the way and Ashley went shoulder first into the turnbuckle poll. Celeste now had a target and went right after Maldano’s shoulder. Celeste worked it over with a series of holds and Ashley had to try and fight her way back to control. Maldano managed to catch Celeste with a stiff roundhouse kick and followed it up with a northern lights suplex with a bridge but Celeste kicked out at two. Ashley looked like she was getting frustrated and Celeste began to battle back. Celeste now caught Ashley with a roundhouse kick that stunned her enough for her to connect with “Celestial Supernova” (standing diamond dust). Celeste made the cover and got the three count.
Winner: Celeste
______________________________________________________________________________
The camera cuts backstage, where in a locker room stand the four members of Team Manny: Nora Harris, Andre Holmes, Stone Hendrix and Tyberius King, all of them already in their ring gear, and looking ready. In front of them is their captain, DA #TROLL GUY, Mariano Fernandez, pacing around the room as if thinking.
Mariano: Listen mang.
He takes a deep breath.
Mariano: This is the Cavalcade Match, and will be my fifth match in SAP. I ain’t been as long as some of you have, and all I have are four wins, one of them being by DQ.
Throwing his hands, Manny glances at them in general.
Ty: Well yeah, I mean, I started this place.
King let’s out a laugh and then urges Manny to continue.
Mariano: Now y’all have a certain idea of who I am, mang. I’m the guy no one takes seriously. I’m the guy who gets made fun of all the time, especially when it comes about getting PEGGED-
He almost spits the word, an almost childish pout appearing on his face.
Mariano: So I don’t know why I’m here, mang. I don’t know people would choose me to captain a team, but here’s where we stand. I’m not gonna tell you I ain’t nervous. I can’t tell you that I’ve done this before, because I haven’t. This is my first time as a leader, and I haven’t had very good experiences in groups of people before.
He nods, sighing, then pumps his fist reassuringly.
Mariano: But one thing I CAN tell you, chicos, is that I’m a captain now. Therefore, each and every one of you are my responsibility, and I’d be doing a huge disservice to you all, to the fans that voted me, and to the people watching live or at home, to leave you all to your own fates, as has happened to me in the past.
Mariano: Now the other team, mang. Eli Carlson, y’all know what he can do. Styling himself as the Face of SAP might be arrogant, for certain - but not without its credit, mang. For one, he came to this company and took it by storm. He might rub off the wrong way on management, and to everyone else in his locker room, as did his wife when she was here, but one can’t deny that he’s been the one making waves in SAP, ever since his arrival. And I’ll have you know, personally, he beat me in 4CW when I was new, and he was number one contender for their top title.
Taking some time to pause for a breath, Mariano then continues.
Mariano: But personal anecdotes aside, ain’t nothing one can take away from the members of his team, either. Nick Redfield, for example, former X Champion. Rachel, for instance, has a win over me in a tag match in Vengeance. But that aside, she was the one to give Luca Di Paolo the L in his debut. Cartier may still be newer than I, but there’s a reason she got in this match over Desireé Jenkins. She made an impact, and worked her ass off to get it, and get it she did. But we have something, chicos, at least ONE thing, that they don’t.
He raises a hand, holding up five fingers.
Mariano: Them over there? Each and every one of them, starting with their captain, are looking out for themselves. That’s the kind of people they are - all of them fight their own fight. Rachel and Luca, they have a checkered history, mang, so what are the odds they can even get along? Nick Redfield, can he even put his ego aside?
Nora Harris: About that..uhm. Manny, Nick is really not a jerkface. He’s confident, he’s hecking confident… but that ego thing? It’s not like that. I don’t know how to put it but somewhere he found some humble. He’s grown a lot as a person. Sooooo…. He’s just not like a lot of guys his age when they get into this business. Still pretty much got to keep an eye on him that piledriver is not just sexy it’s dangerous.
Mariano snaps his fingers at Nora’s remark, nodding.
Mariano: Aha! I ain’t count on that. Warrants an eye to look out for him then. Thanks for the lookout, mang.
Nora smiles brilliantly at Manny, clearly pleased that he’d listened to her as she continues to watch everyone else on the team as he speaks.
Mariano: Now, onto the next. Cartier, what are the odds the rest of them trust her? And what about her? Will she care about the people standing next to her or will she go for a victory of her own?
He goes over Nora, Andre, Stone and Ty, looking at each and one of them in the eyes. Suddenly, Andre grabs Manny by the right shoulder with a firm grip from his right hand. The rest of the other team mates look on from the sudden shift in the mood.
Andre: Let me just say something Manny and I think it’s important. Everyone in this room has been ridiculed, disrespected and seen as the underdogs or the sidelined competition no matter how hard we try and fight. You all know this to be true; How many times have you been disrespected because you’re not Eli Carlson, Rachel Redding, Cartier or the others on #TeamEli. They’re currently looking at us all without any sheer recognition that we can be just a strong force or even more threatening. In other words, they see as an easy team to eliminate.
He steps out of the line and stands in front of a table leaning down on it with his hands on the edge. Andre sighs then grips the edge of the table as hard as he can.
Andre: But you’re right. They don’t know the meaning of seeing the bigger picture because they’re so blinded by their own egos. Everyone on the opposing team believes they are the answer to raising the prestige and being in the best in SAP Wrestling. For months, we’ve had to deal with the backstage politics of Eli Carlson believing he is the face of SAP despite the many talent in the company who can knock him off like us. Rachel Redding, as much I respect her, we all know she would stab this entire roster in the back if it meant becoming SAP National Champion. Nick Redfield is great but he’s going to do whatever it takes to win, Cartier is there for attention and Luca is what?
My point is this. We have the advantage and I am absolutely sick of seeing all of us be treated like an AFTERTHOUGHT!!!
He flips the table over in the hallway passage backstage and the contents on the table go flying everywhere like a haywire. Huffing, and puffing; His breathing intensifies as his anger flares up before turning around with his fists balled up in those MMA Gloves of his.
Andre: I respect and appreciate every single one of you here. Manny, I have your back as long with the rest of you. They believe us to be the lesser team; Let them think that. Let them continue to pretend that they are much bigger than their own team as we use our strength in each other to show how pathetic they were in making a critical mistake of putting themselves before another. No matter what, we stand together and I’ll fight until the very end to ensure we come out VICTORIOUS!
Mariano points at Andre, and raises a finger.
Mariano: Y’all heard that, right chicos? THAT’s the mindset we need! That precise kind of thought, of motivation, is what we have to use as leverage to get the god damned win. (turning towards Andre) Very well spoken, mang. See, THAT’s what I want from each and every one of you here, mang. I may be the captain and Emperor willing I’ll lead you to victory, but I want to see you support each other.
Nora nods as she listens to Andre, and then turns her attention to Manny, nodding again as her voice pipes up and she stands with a hand on her right hip.
Nora Harris: Andre is right, you know. So is Manny.
She smiles brilliantly at the team before she speaks again.
Nora Harris: That’s the thing, you can be so confident in yourself, and that makes sense. I know I’m confident in myself, because I know what I can do. I’ve done more than even the SAP fans and you all have gotten to see. Thing is? Because I’m smaller I get underestimated constantly. Look at what happened though, when Jessica Sears did it. We still had a very respectful match but I beat her. On any given day I can beat people who would swear up and down I never could. Look at the triple threat I just had and Eli Carlson was in that and guess who came out of that with the win? Sure wasn’t the Captain of the Other Guys. That may sound braggy, but the fact is, people like us if we don’t speak up? Who will? Just because we don’t get nasty all day on Twitter and we aren’t… dicks… doesn’t mean that we can’t get it done in the ring.
A slight pause.
Nora Harris: As a TEAM… which they will never be. Rachel, and I really like her actually? She really would sell her own down the driveway for a step ahead and that’s just how she is. Works for her, individually, on her own. In a setting like this? Not so much.
Stone clears his throat and looks over his teammates.
Stone Hendrix: I know that I’m not the biggest name or draw on this team but that doesn’t matter since this is exactly what Nora said, a team. We are going to work together and fight together. All those egos on Team Eli? They don’t care about the person standing next to them in that ring, they only care about their own selfish goals. You know, I didn’t know what side I would end up on because I didn’t know who would have me on their team but Manny? I am so proud and honored to be on your team. I feel a cohesiveness on this team that I doubt will be matched by any other team.
He smiles big and pats Manny on the back.
Stone Hendrix: I am all in for this squad and can’t wait to take the fight to Team Eli.. Show all of SAP what a real team can do out there in the ring.
In response, Mariano gives Stone a pat of his own.
Mariano: That’s the kind of talk I like to hear, chico. You, Andre, Nora, Ty. All of us. TOGETHER.
He gives each of them a smile, satisfied at the team’s confidence.
Mariano: So here’s what we’re gonna do, chicos. Whoever gets a pin, I want you to come running before they do. When one of us is in the corner, I want someone to tag them out quick. Even though I’m captain and risk the team losing if pinned, I will do that myself. So that’s the only thing I ask - that you do it the same way for me.
He cocks his head to the side, and gives a slight smile. He raises the five fingers again, and balls them together into a fist.
Mariano: Because that, chicos, will frustrate them. Frustration will make them angry, and anger will make them vulnerable. And THAT’s when we gain our momentum. All it takes is them to fall to the weight of their hubris - and then we go for broke, and give each of them HELL.
Manny bumps his left palm with his fist, emphasizing his point.
Mariano: THAT’s how we win this fight, and THAT’s how we show them, and the company as a whole, who deserves to carry THEIR banner. This place is called Spirit and Pride, and that, chicos, is what we’re gonna show them when we’re out there - Team SPIRIT, and Team PRIDE. Doesn’t matter who gets their hand raised after the team fight is done, the only thing that matters is that our TEAM, is the only one left standing. After that, my part in this is done. The rest, chicos, is up to you.
Mariano extends his right arm, and the rest of them join him.
Mariano: Alright chicos, you ready? One, two, three!
They break the arm formation up as they utter a battle cry.
All: TEAM #MANNYFERNANNY!
Mariano’s eyes go wide, and his face goes red, at the mention of the nickname.
Mariano: God D...
… but realizing his team have found the cohesion they need, his lips curve into a smile, and thinks better enough to let that aside.
Mariano: Nah, I ain’t said nothing, mang. LET’S GET ’EM!
And out they go, the five of them together, into the hallway down the stage, with Manny carrying the team banner as they walk forward.
______________________________________________________________________________
Cavalcade
Eli Carlson, Rachel Redding, Nick Redfield, Cartier, Luca Di Paolo vs. Mariano Fernandez, Andre Holmes, Nora Harris, Stone Hendrix, Tyberius King
RULES: Cavalcade is a 10 person captain’s fall elimination cibernetico. The match begins as a 5 on 5 affair but if the captain from either team is pinned before the rest of his team is eliminated then the match will immediately end and the person who made the fall wins the entire match. If after eliminating the other team there are more than one member on the winning team left then they will have to now face each other in order to eliminate it down to one sole survivor who wins the match.
The bell rang and the two captains started off the match. Eli and Manny had a quick exchange that ended with the crowd clapping for both men. Nora and Cartier tagged in, Nora went to lock up Cartier cut her off and started firing away with wild punches and backed Nora up into her corner. Luca tagged himself in and took Nora to the mat and tried to stretch her out. Nora used her experience and was able to get away. Harris tagged in Stone who came in ready for a fight. He brought the heat to Luca who soon started to beg him off. When Stone pulled him to his feet Luca raked his eyes and then swept his legs out and placed him in a figure four leg lock. The members of Team Manny came in to break it up and members of Team Eli came in to defend. Things spilled out of the ring leaving Stone and Luca alone. As Di Paolo got to his feet he pulled out a pair of brass knuckles from his trunks. As the ref was distracted by the brawl going on outside Luca snuck up on Stone as he was getting up. What Luca didn’t see was Tyberius King slide into the ring and bolt his way catching him with the “Eye of Horus” (busaiku knee kick) to the side of his head. Di Paolo hit the mat hard and Stone turned around when he heard it. Ty called for him to make the cover. Ty defended Stone from Cartier and Rachel as they slid in trying to break the cover but Stone picked up the three count.
Eliminated: Luca Di Paolo
The referee got order back and Stone tagged out to Andre and Rachel entered the ring. The two who have had some animosity finally got to square off. The two went back and forth but ended in a stalemate before Nick tagged himself in. Being fresher Nick was able to get some momentum going but Andre was able to work in some offense and got to tag in Manny. Fernandez and Redfield shared a few minutes of intense back and forth. Manny whipped Nick into the corner and Cartier tagged herself in. The two have a little back and forth and again Manny starts to take the lead. Fernandez then gets Cartier up for the "Dovahkiin Driver" (Vertical Suplex Piledriver). Manny makes the cover and his team spills in and manages to catch Team Eli on their side of the ring allowing Fernandez to get the three count.
Eliminated: Cartier
Eli, Rachel, and Nick were now arguing as they were down five to three and things weren’t looking good at all. Rachel decided to start for Team Eli, on the other side of the ring Nora was going to step into the ring but was cut off by Tyberius King. The crowd popped at this meeting of the two. They met in the middle of the ring and began to chain it out. Ty took the lead and used his skill set to try and work around Rachel. Redding, a gifted escape artist, found her way out of of Ty’s grip. Rachel tried to use her hit and run tactics but Ty was expecting it and was able to pull Redding in to grind her out further. Ty thought he had Rachel where he wanted her and lifted her up for “Kingdom Come” (fireman’s carry thrown off into a superkick). Suddenly “Blue Saraceno- Ministry of Darkness- Evil Ways of Darkness mashup” begins to play in the arena. Ty turns to the entrance and sees Paul Harris walks out into the entrance area. King gets an angry look on his face but that look soon turns to surprise when Sanskrit comes out from behind the curtain. The commentators even begin to lose it as they ask what the man formerly known as Jackson Magnum is doing here? Ty drops Redding and walks over to the ropes facing the entranceway and begins to yell at the two. Big Match Rachel knows not to waste any opportunities and rolls up King. Ty wasn’t expecting it at all and Redding gets the three count.
Eliminated: Tyberius King
Harris and Sanskrit turn back and go behind the curtain. King just exits the ring and goes to chase after them. Rachel lets Nick start for the next fall and Stone jumps into the ring. Stone comes in with heavy hands and is looking to do some damage on Redfield. However the SAP original and wrestling prodigy wasn’t going down easy. Nick started to find his groove but the SAP trueborn wasn’t going down without a fight. Stone kicked it into high gear and started to land a series of shots on Nick and then hoisted him up onto his shoulders to go for “The Broken Mirror” (TKO) but Redfield slid down his back and connected with “The Sexiest Piledriver You’ve Ever Seen” (Omega Driver). Nick went for the cover and Eli and Rachel came into defend as he got the three count.
Eliminated: Stone Hendrix
It was back even with three on three and Nick decided to stay in the match. Manny made it back in for his team and the two quickly got to business. Nick kept trying to go for piledrivers but Manny kept finding unique ways to get out of them. Manny thought he gave himself a good advantage when he hit a koppou kick that sent Nick stumbling back into the corner but when he went for a spinning wheel kick to the cornered Redfield, Nick moved out of the way and Manny came crashing in. Redfield wasn’t playing around and quickly pulled Manny up and hit “Your Swan Song” (Double Underhook Flipping Piledriver). Nick went for the cover, Eli and Rachel came in and to the surprise of everyone it was Eli who broke up the pin. Nick just stared down Eli and got to his feet and got nose to nose with him. Eli reminded him of the rules and he wasn’t going to let Nick take the whole thing. Rachel tried to tell the two to knock it off and focus on the match. What they didn’t notice was Manny was now crawling to his corner and made the tag in to Andre. Holmes and Harris came into the ring and rushed the other team who was still arguing. Andre then kicked Nick’s back leg out to get him kneeling and then caught him with "Thrust Kick" (Superkick while the opponent is kneeled). Holmes made the cover and got the three count.
Eliminated: Nick Redfield
Andre stays in the ring for his team and Rachel steps in. The two continue on from where they left off earlier. Andre had control at first but Rachel sinks in to her strategy of being able to stick and move. Andre almost makes in tags multiple times but Rachel is always there to cut them off. Andre dug deep and went back at Rachel. The two went back and forth in the struggle and it looked like Andre lifted her up from “Holmes on the Range” (death valley driver onto knee) but Rachel slips down his back and heads for the ropes. Redding rebounds and connects with “Category 1” (V-trigger). Andre goes down and Rachel makes the cover and gets the three count.
Eliminated: Andre Holmes
It was now down to a regular tag match. Nora entered the match defiant and ready for the task at hand. Rachel let Eli start for their team. Harris came with a headful of steam and quickly took Eli down with a headscissors takedown. Harris followed it up with a senton, as she stood up she let out a yell and the crowd was firmly behind their favorite dark horse. Eli rolled over and got up to his knees. Nora came in looking for a roundhouse kick but Eli ducked it and rolled her up. Nora kicked out at two. Nora rolled to her feet first and grabbed the head of Carlson connecting with “Hello Patella” (Double knee facebreaker). Harris went for a cover but Rachel came in to break it up by connecting with a double stomp to the back of Nora’s head. Redding pulled Eli over to their corner and tagged herself in. Nora was holding the back of her head getting to her feet but didn’t get much more of a chance to recover as Redding connected with “Category 1”. Rachel made the cover, Manny came in to break it up but Eli was able to cut him off allowing Rachel to pick up the three count.
Eliminated: Nora Harris
Eli powdered out of the ring and Rachel went right after Manny. She took him to the mat with a snap mare and then began to stomp along his body. She pulled Manny up and whipped him into the ropes. She darted the other way and rebounded looking to catch Manny with “Category 1” but he rolled out of the way. Rachel had to stop on a dime and try to turn around quickly but Manny was ready for her and sent her to the mat with a dropkick. The two went back and forth for minutes. Fernandez knew what was on the line as he was the last for his team. Rachel knew she was one step closer to winning. Manny started to take the lead. He whipped Rachel into the corner. Eli popped up as Manny was turning the other way to create distance and made a blind tag before dropping back down to the floor. Fernandez got a running start and blasted Rachel with a stiff forearm. He then rolled her out of the corner and she rolled up to a knee. Manny caught her with the mist blinding her then finished it off with a shining wizard finishing his “TROLLFACE” combo finisher. As Manny got up to go for the cover Eli slid in and connected with "Red Light Special" (Sick Kick). Eli made the cover on Manny and got the three count.
Eliminated: Mariano Fernandez
Eli saw that Rachel was still blinded from the mist and wasn’t going to waste a single second. He pounced right on her firing away with strikes. Rachel wasn’t going to take this even if she couldn’t see that well. She reached out and grabbed Eli by the hair pulling him to where she wanted him and drove a knee right into his gut. Rachel tried to wipe away the mist from one of her eyes and seemed to have some vision back in it. She whipped Eli into the ropes and looked for “Category 1” but Eli followed Manny’s idea and rolled out of the way and back up to his feet. Rachel stopped which allowed Eli to catch her with "Your Coronation" (Pele Kick) to the back of the head. Rachel went down and Eli made the cover, getting the three count.
2018 Cavalcade Winner: Eli Carlson
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NIGHT 2
The scene cuts to a shot of sunny Los Angeles, California, obviously pre-taped due to the location. Considering how the show is taking place in Washington D.C., the camera cuts to show us Bryan Williams and Persephone Marquis standing around. They’re both on the Venice boardwalk, a popular location for them to both hang out as of late. Persephone appears to have a stack of pamphlets in her hand, as Bryan is doing his best to attract attention of the people that pass by.
BRYAN WILLIAMS - ”Sir, do you have a moment? I’d like to talk to you about something very serious here.”
The man doesn’t seem to pay any attention to Bryan, passing him by without a thought. Bryan, perturbed, yells out in frustration.
BRYAN WILLIAMS - ”Alright, well FUCK YOU then too! Ughhh, hate this city.”
Bryan looks around, attempting to stop a lady in front of him. Persephone looks on, becoming annoyed with the situation.
BRYAN WILLIAMS - ”Ma’am, do you have a moment to learn about The Sadboiz™?”
The lady, obviously confused, stops in place as she looks at Bryan. She mutters something, wondering exactly what the hell he’s talking about. She asks him what, and who exactly The Sadboiz are. I could see how she might think it’s some kind of terrible thing, far away in another country. Bryan puts on a big smile, doing his best to explain the situation.
BRYAN WILLIAMS - ”Oh, well, it’s very simple. You see, The Sadboiz™ are the latest tag team to join Spirit and Pride Wrestling! You see they, well ...we, joined several shows ago but we’re just FINALLY having our debut tag team match. We’re trying to raise awareness, since people seem to be forgetting just how quickly we’re going to run things around here.”
Bryan smiles, as the lady looks confused. She shakes her head, as Persephone throws several pamphlets at her as she leaves. Frustrated, she joins Bryan as the two stand in front of the camera.
BRYAN WILLIAMS - ”I can’t believe this. You don’t have a match for a while, and people just seem to forget. Unbelievable.”
Persephone sighs out, not necessarily wanting to be at the Boardwalk any longer than they have to be. She looks at the pamphlets and mumbles something to herself before turning her attention toward Bryan, waving the papers in her hands as she does so.
PERSEPHONE MARQUIS - ”I would go ahead and say, with everything considered, it’s easy to forget who we are as a duo. We haven’t really accomplished anything as a team, have we?”
And when you take into account their run in 4CW as The Sadboiz™, yes; they haven’t accomplished much unless you consider their impressive losing streak together to be something to brag about. It had always seemed strange, because they do absolutely make a great team, in theory. Two impressive people should have something to show for their mutual effort; yet, nothing.
It’s something that has bothered Marquis for a while; Bryan leading successful tag teams right until he got to her. Persephone shrugs.
PERSEPHONE MARQUIS - ”Nothing we say is going to catch anyone’s attention because anyone can stand on a soapbox in an attempt to speak to the masses, but nothing catches attention quite like action, huh? Everyone else can shove pamphlets in people’s faces and hope they care.”
With that, Persephone scatters the pamphlets in a dramatic displays; dusting off her hands as if glad to be rid of them and Bryan doesn’t think about how much of a hassle it was to get them all printed to look official. Persephone gives him a large grin.
PERSEPHONE MARQUIS - ”Us, though? We’re going to show everyone who the The Sadboiz™ are instead. We’re going to show them just how great we can be. This is a new start, no one knows shit about us and that’s how it should be. Failures behind us, it’s definitely time to move forward, my kid. And every step we take, everyone in the tag division are going to learn just who we are and that we’re not stop until those titles are in our hands.”
Persephone places her hands on her hips, evidently proud of her word. She looks at Bryan, and then frowns.
PERSEPHONE MARQUIS - ”Can you, like, throw your pamphlets too? You know, teamwork and all that jazz.”
Bryan looks down at the handful of papers he’s still holding, and without missing a beat, he quickly tosses them up into the air. They scatter around, falling around the two, as Persephone looks satisfied with his action.
BRYAN WILLIAMS - ”It’s been a slow start for us here, in SAP, but with each show we’ll get more and more in your head. We’ll get under your skin, and pretty soon you’ll be looking forward non-stop whenever you hear about us being on the card. We’re exactly what this tag team division needed, no doubt about it. Now we take our first steps towards utter dominance, a new ear is upon you all. Pay close attention, because this shit is just getting started.”
Bryan looks around the two of them, now they have no more promotional material to hand out. He looks a bit lost, considering that the game plan has been changed up from what they discussed earlier.
BRYAN WILLIAMS - ”You know, we were supposed to hand these out all day. Like, I get that this is a video hyping us up before our match, but these pamphlets cost a lot of money. I don’t know what to do now.”
Bryan begins to nervously look around.
BRYAN WILLIAMS - ”Should we just end it here? I don’t want to be like the other people on these shows, with their twenty minute long segments.”
Persephone ponders for a moment, pretending to roll it over in her head. Finally, she nods.
PERSEPHONE MARQUIS - ”Let’s just cut it, I wanted to hit up a Soul Cycle or something. OMG, will you come with me?”
She grabs Bryan’s arm, pulling him off in another direction as she begins to talk his ear off about all of the possibilities the afternoon now holds.
______________________________________________________________________________
As the footage of Night Two of “You’ve Been Traded to the Cleveland Browns” cuts away from ringside to quite the unexpected scene. The sounds of seagulls filled the sea, open waters crashing upon the barnacle coated hull of a glorious ship, bearing a black flag upon the mast with the image of a raging orange and gold Kraken upon it, it’s tentacles so life like that it seemed to reach out through the camera to clutch your throat in a life stealing stranglehold. The beautiful, glossy pirate ship was as ginger as a gingerbread, ornate symbols carved into the fine woodwork, depicting both religious symbols and the images of both pride and the spirits of the very ocean, majestic ghosts of the sea with leg and fin and flipper. As it sparkled its way into the clear blue sea, the birds were startled by the bellowing noise of the Captain’s horn, calling his crew to assemble on deck. The mass of bodies clambered from their positions to greet their glorious Captain, eager to hear both his knowledge and wisdom, to listen to his word and obey his orders.
“All hands hoay, ye dirty landlubbers! Avast ye! Batten down the hatches, for a storm be brewin’ upon the high seas! Yo Ho Ho, yer scurvy seadogs, be time the Man-O-War rage into battle once more, an’ force the privateer siren to walk ta plank an’ drop down to the depths of Davy Jones filthy locker!”
The Captain swings down from the crow’s nest, an over the top and thick accent booming out his orders to the crew. He lands upon the deck like a cat, a long thick dread locked beard hanging down and low, with hair to match. He wears a huge tricorne hat adorned with gold and peacock feathers, which partially shrouds his features. He lifts up a small telescope and peers through it over the horizon as a Hans Zimmer soundtrack rings out in the background.
“Thar She Blows! The privateer screamin’ like she three sheets to the wind, trying to hornswaggle her way to the loot! Blow the man down!”
He raises a triumphant fist in the air as he rallies the crew, pulling a flintlock out of his monkey jacket pocket and firing it in the air with a loud bang that brings a roar from the crew.
“Shiver me timbers! Be time to make the scallywag dance the hempen jig before she meets the fishes! Then once we done, we be sippin’ the rum from the black jack and…”
The Captain begins to laugh mightily, removing the hat, the wig and the fake beard they were wearing and the camera pans back to reveal that they are not actually on a luxurious pirate ship, but in fact on a movie set and the crew are all actors performing a scene. The Captain himself laughs again, his identity revealed as someone all too familiar to the audiences of Spirit and Pride.
“... I’ve never heard or said anything as ridiculous before in my entire life.”
Brendan Samuels smiles as he runs his fingers through his silky black curls, those glacier like eyes piercing the camera as his voice reverts back from the outlandish and over the top pirate accent to his own sophisticated and smooth southern Irish.
“Not to bad of an impression though, don’t ye think? Is that enough of a Vegas Jack Sparrow impersonator? Were that enough of a generic pirate for yer liking? Was the accent on point? Was that what yer wanted? What yer expected?Is this what yer think I am?”
He paces the deck of the film set as the crew begin to filter off down the steps, as Samuels scoops up his National Wrestling Title from the wheel of the ship, placing it over his shoulder as he glares into the camera, speaking low and true his opinions on his opponent this weekend, Fujiko Mine.
“It may just be the opinion of one, may just be them trying to rile me up, but it is fair funny when yer think about it. The woman who claims to have such fan support, who claims to respect the industry and the people within it would steep so low, so low in her barrage of insults that she would try to discredit her future opponent, the top ranked champion of the company, to the point that in her eyes they are nothing at all. Put forward such a point of view that everything ye say and do must be infallible, that yer can do no wrong, that the entire world will support and bow down to every delusional little action yer make. Calling yerself a Goddess and demanding they worship ye, build a church to praise yer, pray for yer and not question a single thing yer say.”
Samuels makes a mocking bow motion, before that smug grin reappears upon his face full of pride and confidence as he responds to the woman who went to great lengths to correct her mistakes recently.
“Yer call me coward, but I am here to fight. Yer call me generic, but my opponents have been unable to figure out how to counter my offence, giving me a singles record of 76-26-5. Yer claim I am arrogant, and yet ye demand me to toss away the National Championship I have put my heart and soul into defending to the ground if I am unsuccessful against ye. So arrogant to believe that I would bow down to yer every whim, that the company would, that the hard paying members of the crowd would. Ye believe the people would appreciate ye throwin’ a hissy fit and storming off when ye didn’t get ye way, which I knew ye would do, I knew ye would, and I knew ye would show ye true colours by ranting away an’ trying to dismiss me as nought but nothing at all. That this is going to be cakewalk for ye, trying to bury me under the ground with words, like ye have with so many. Hell, I remember back in the day when quite a group were stood across from ye and yer acted like they were nothin’ at all. Even when beaten, battered and bruised, yer tried to put forward that they didn’t make a mark on yer. That ain’t ye being brave, lass. That’s clear and present brain damage. That is delusion. That is arrogance personified.”
The Kraken stares long and deep into the camera lens, tapping a finger upon his chin as he asks a question.
“Who really is the scumbag here, Fujiko?”
There is the sounds of a crowd in attendance, singing loud and clear, one that makes Samuels turn to the sound of it.
“FU-JI-KO!”
“FU-JI-KO!”
“FU-JI-KO!”
“FU-JI-KO!”
“FU-JI-KO!”
“FU-JI--”
The sound cuts out, revealed to be a small monkey turning the wheel of a record player. The sound cuts out as the record is halted, and the monkey, wearing a fez reading “Fujiko’s Sound Guy” scratches the vinyl and tosses it away. This only brings a warmer smile from the Kraken, who taps his championship before staring into the camera once more.
“Just like a broken record playin’, ain’t it? In fact, yer constant repetition of calling me generic, attempting to bury me, attempting to pass me off as a mere speck in your road to glory must be in some way yer attempt to cover up yer own failings, yer own indifferences, yer own mistakes. ‘Cause, yer don’t have a flaw do ye? Everyone believes everything yer say, don’t they? Every single person supports yer in every way shape an’ form, don’t they? Is that way when I fired back at yer on Twitter, an’ ye couldn’t handle what I said, ye had Izzy Anders, who is not even in the company at all, attempt to save yer face? Ye remember what I said? Let me repeat that for ye, seeing as yer so adore repetition...”
Samuels then begins to pace the deck of the fake ship, rifling off the sarcastic response he gave on social media to Fujiko’s constant, never ending barrage and Twitter campaign she was trying to do to diminish Brendan and play up her title challenge.
“I would like to apologise to both SAP and Phoenix. It seems in the midst of my reign as National Champion... I weren't nothing but generic.”
Samuels can’t help but laugh, loud and proud as he begins to go through the motions with a spring in his step. The sarcasm is very obvious as he mockingly apologises, and far from the serious competitor he is known for being, he lets it roll out in waves like a prized jester.
“This has come to light due to my all-knowing, never false contender, with her dazzling array of completely original bikini poses, innovative tweets, never seen before phrases, and a hashtag that prompts the entire world to post life changing completely artistic pictures that both inspire the masses and changes the world for the better. Oh, it's better...I apologise that being a professional wrestler is not what yer desired, as according to my all-knowing challenger, belittling an opponent to the point that they are rendered nothing is the way forward.”
“I apologise for giving respect to each and every person I have faced.I apologise for picking them up afterwards and telling them to refocus and come back for another shot. I apologise for wanting the roster to better themselves, I apologise for encouraging the younger members of the roster reach a level which I KNOW they are capable of reaching.”
He seems to grow more passionate with every word, keeping hints of irony while rising his normally soft tones to something more fierce and threatening to emphasize specific points he has trying, and succeeding, at getting across.
“I should have just treated them like nothing. That is the way of a true champion, as our contender states. Sorry, for being generic. Sorry for being human. Sorry for wanting each and every member of this roster to be everything they can ever be. Sorry for trying to prove myself as the image of Spirit and Pride.”
He pauses, a smirk on his face.
“Should have been Spite. I should have Pissed on everyone.”
He mocks Fujiko for how she treats her opponents, and her long history of trying to entomb her rivals and her blatant disrespect for her fellow competitors and the companies she competes in.
“Should have treated them like dirt. I should have left them worthless. If I had done that, they would know their place and stay there. I always thought that proving myself in the ring, being a wrestler, working to be the best wrestler, to being The Wrestling was what you wanted… I am so, so sorry for that. Maybe I should belittle like her?Maybe I should bitch like Vince? Maybe I should disregard the industry like Brandon? Maybe I should disregard every single person that fights to make this beautiful company what it is like Eli? Maybe I should? Or maybe I should just have big tits. I am SORRY for not having GREAT BIG TITS!”
Samuels even makes hand motions to his chest, posing as he ridiculed Fujiko, even going as far to imitate her strut quite admirably upon the deck of the ship.
“I… Apologise…For being successful, I apologise for being exactly who I am, what I am, who I was born to be. I am generic arrogant wrestler #435544. I am generic Pirate Monster. This is, according to my supreme, all-seeing challenger, what I am. I will be all that and ask forgiveness.”
Samuels then takes a bow, that Cheshire cat grin of his reappearing as he gazes up to the camera. As he speaks again, the sarcastic tones of jest he had been using began to vanish, returning back to the softer more serious feel to his rare speeches that one and all were much more accustomed to.
“The real reason I did what I did during our confrontation were quite simple, lass. It was to get yer reaction, to gauge it, to see exactly what ye would do. An’ yer did exactly, exactly what I knew yer would. Threw yer toys out of the pram, threw a hissy fit an’ walked on out of there. Cried that yer didn’t get what yer wanted in the situation, complained that things didn’t go yer way, whined and bitched and moaned that I didn’t fall into yer attempted trap, that I didn’t bow down and worship, that I didn’t roll over and die and let yer bury me.”
Brendan then held a hand upon the wheel, spinning it around as The Navigator made a backhand slap motion with his right, before tapping the championship gold that rested upon his shoulder.
“And the backhanded compliment, that I only have ’some’ wrestling talent. Nicely played, likely the only reference to me being any form of challenge that yer have spat out yer mouth or typed on social media. But yer see, I haven’t discredited yer ability, cailín. And why would I? I know what yer are capable of, I’ve seen the work yer have put in across the globe, seen yer title wins, yer greatest victories. I know what yer can do in the ring, an’ I respect that, an’ I need to be at my best to face that. I need to be the best. I need to be ’The Wrestling!’ But what I can attack, what I can discredit, what I will discredit is you/i]. Fujiko Mine/i] as a person, Fujiko Mine/i] as a representation of the industry, Fujiko Mine/i] as a human being. ‘Cause while as a professional combatant, ye may be all that an’ then some, but as a human being, yer garner no respect, yer garner no approval, yer garner no appreciation. As a human being, yer are a selfish, egomaniacal, spiteful, self-indulgent sack of shite, that needs to be strapped to an anchor, dropped in the ocean and left to drown under the weight of yer own salty cac.”
He is fierce and powerful now, his voice raising in defiance and determination as he gets his point across, standing tall as he stretched out his broad shoulders before raising his championship title upon high.
“And once I am done wit’ that, an’ once I do raise the Great American Championship above my head, and once the generic, Johnny Depp, low talented puts her down in the centre of the ring, what will that make her? After she has tried to bury me so badly with her words, and I am proven to be better than her, what will that make her?”
He points out with an accusing finger, his ice cold eyes freezing the camera lens as the lights dim in the studio. The flashes of light almost make it look like he has shadowy wings protruding from his back, stretching far and wide, flapping as if he was about to take flight, a vicious hunter looking to take down his prey.
“Yer gonna find out soon enough. This is the next step for Brendan Samuels, the greatest voyage I have ever gone on. And when the tentacles of the Kraken are raised high above the ocean, and Fujiko sinks into the sea like the Titanic, yer will remember my name. I… am… The Wrestling! I will not be undercut and I will be the next North American Champion of Spirit and Pride.”
He raises his title once more, mouthing that he is “The Wrestling” once more, before the camera cut to elsewhere.
______________________________________________________________________________
The scene opens backstage in one of the smaller locker rooms where we see Simon Lyman, the husband of Cailey Carter sitting on a bench, staring at a door rather impatiently. He has a bit of a smile on his face as one of his legs bounces up and down. He is trying to be patient; but, is clearly failing as he calls out to the door.
SIMON: “You done yet!?”
There is a muffled giggle from the other side of the door; then…
CAILEY: “Almost Babe!!”
Simon’s brow furrows; and, he lets out a playful humph, loud enough for her to hear it.
SIMON: “Ugh Babe, you know I hate surprises! The suspense is killing me!!”
There is a brief pause; then, a cheery voice calls from behind the door.
CAILEY: “Good things come to those who wait!”
He rolls his eyes.
CAILEY: “Don't roll your eyes at me!!”
His eyes go wide; then, narrow as he examines the door for some kind of peephole. He knew his wife couldn't possibly be psychic.
CAILEY: “Look, I know you hate surprises; but, I want this to be absolutely perfect. I've been on a bit of a rough patch here in Spirit and Pride; and, I want to make a new beginning. I can't erase my record; but, I CAN lick myself up, dust myself off and start my climb to the top of this awesome company. It all starts tonight; and, it starts with this!”
He pauses
SIMON: “So...let's see it!!!”
CAILEY: “Patience my love!! Patience!”
Simon had never been great at patience. He jumped to his feet, pacing a little; then, sat down quickly as he heard movement behind the door.
CAILEY: “Okay...close your eyes.”
Simon chuckled; then, placed his hands over his eyes, leaking through the spaces between his fingers.
CAILEY: “I SAID CLOSE THEM!!”
Seriously, was she psychic? He surveyed the door again for a tiny camera or a peephole; but, found nothing but a solid door. He closed his fingers and covered his eyes. There was a brief pause; then, the door opened and Cailey stepped out with a huge smile on her face.
CAILEY: “Open your eyes!”
Simon removed his hands from his face; and, his eyes went wide. The camera zooms out to reveal Cailey Carter wearing brand new ring gear. The gear is canary yellow with smiling cartoon suns all over the top and boyshorts. Across the chest it reads “Cailey Carter” in black type with a smiling sun in the background; and, on the butt, it reads “Mrs. Sunshine.” Simon just stares for a few moments; and, Cailey’s smile fades.
CAILEY: “You don't like it?”
Simon chuckles.
SIMON: “I never said that.”
He looks her up and down, taking her hand and spinning her around to get a full view.
SIMON: “It's...wow!!!”
CAILEY: “GOOD wow or BAD wow!?”
Simon’s smile never fades.
SIMON: “It's...such a good wow. You look…amazing!!!”
CAILEY: “It's not too much yellow?”
Simon chuckled.
SIMON: “For anyone else, definitely. But, for Mrs. Sunshine...it's absolutely perfect!!”
Cailey pauses; then, her face lights up with a huge smile.
CAILEY: “EXCELLENT!!! I was worried it was going to be a bit too much; but, I wanted something that was new, bold and ‘in your face’ to start my climb to the top of this company!!!”
He twirled her around again; then, dipped her as he leaned in and kissed her lips.
SIMON: “You look amazing Mrs. Lyman.”
She blushed a little, looking deep into his eyes.
CAILEY: “Thank you Mr. Lyman!”
There was a soft pause as they savored the moment; then, she said softly…
CAILEY: “Well...shall we?”
Simon kissed her again; then, twirled her back to her feet.
SIMON: “Fine; but...after the match, you are my sexy little ball of sunshine!!”
She smiled, kissing him quickly; then, grabbing a big bag and tossing it to him. He raised an eyebrow.
SIMON: “What's this?”
CAILEY: “A bag full of Cailey Carter shirts from the amazing people at Renati!!”
SIMON: “And...what am I supposed to do with them.”
CAILEY: “Toss them to the crowd during the match!! It's time to spread a little sunshine!!”
She gets up on her tiptoes, kissing his cheek before she skips out of the room. He pauses for a moment in confusion; then, runs after her as the scene cuts to black.
______________________________________________________________________________
Cailey Carter vs. Desiree Jenkins
The crowd in Toronto was excited for tonight’s show and they let themselves be heard in the opening match. The two exchanged some quick back and forth before Desy connected with a hip toss and followed it up with a boston crab. Carter was able to use her long body to reach the ropes and escape. Desy then tried to work the back while Cailey did her best to try and keep Desiree at bay. The momentum started to change during the final stretch and Carter began to take the lead. She caught Desy with her “Sunkissed” superkick that left her dazed enough for Cailey to scoop her up and connect with “The Daybreaker” (Fireman's Carry Cutter). Cailey made the cover and got the win.
Winner: Cailey Carter
______________________________________________________________________________
Masaru was camped out backstage along with Olly inside of the Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto, Ontario. Olly rested on the perching area of the glove on Masaru. Masaru gently rubbed across the Owl’s head, whispering sort of to it. There was no unique setup like there was yesterday with them playing a Quake II and having fun. Tonight was the night. It was the night that once again both Masaru and Aurora, “Hell Is Waiting” claims another set of Championship titles with the Spirit and Pride Tag Team Titles that both Lilah and Charlie Reed both have held onto for a while...through a multitude of defenses. Tonight, their perfect match of quality would be met.
MASARU INOUE: No Quake 2 tonight my Olly. Tonight there will be another kind of game being played. The Reeds. I think it’s like that one game, The Sims?
The Owl, Olly just glanced around, turning it’s head as Masaru tilted his head.
MASARU INOUE: Oh don’t get nervous now, Olly. THIS IS IT! We could be Spirit and Pride Tag Champs to go along with these PW Duos Titles. No one can say we aren’t the greatest tag team.
Masaru looked around for Aurora to come back, she had yet to. Masaru continued to pet Olly, keeping comfort.
MASARU INOUE: You know, people, they keep discounting us. They keep saying we won’t do this or do that but then we do it. I understand now that The Reeds have been impossible to beat thus far but after 10 times, there’s things you see and spot each time out that gets covered up by victories. There’s praise for their good work but everything comes to an end.
And then there was Aurora who had come in with some snacks since none was delivered yesterday in Washington, D.C. Maz got up to his feet as Olly hopped off and returned to one of the other equipment boxes to perch on. She held up a box of donuts with a box of Timbits on top, revealing that she’d been to Tim Horton’s, in the other hand she had a carryout tray with coffees in it.
AURORA: FINALLY… a sugar rush worthy of us. These are fantastic, and I caught them putting out fresh. This… it’s a sign, Maz. It’s a sign, a signal… this is it. This could be our night!
MASARU INOUE: When help is nowhere to be found and you have to go and get it yourself. Bless you Aurora. A day late but we finally have some pre-fight snacks. I do have a question to ask as I’ve been pondering since yesterday. What in the hell is a Cleveland Browns?
Masaru had a serious look on his face as he waited for an answer.
AURORA: Well, you know I think the best way to describe it… it’s infinite sadness, Masaru. It’s… a football team, and it’s not very good ever but they have fans that just won’t give up on them and they even hold parades if I remember right when they’re done for the season. I mean they aren’t as bad as the Saints, that Momma Cross calls “The Ain’ts because they ain’t going to the Super Bowl” but… it’s that. So I would guess getting traded there would be like, the worst.
Masaru laughed loudly to her response as he nodded, understanding.
MASARU INOUE: I finally understand. It was on my mind yesterday but Quake 2 was so good, I forgot. I don’t even need to ask you are you ready for tonight. I can see it in your eyes. The Reeds have something very important to us.
Masaru motioned around his waists, those tag titles.
AURORA: Yes. Finally… something we want. I of all people will never take away from someone’s hard work and they have held these titles proudly, I’d think. Those defenses mean something, and can’t be taken away from them. The titles though… well, we shall see what magic we can create in that ring… much as we do any ring we step in.
Masaru nodded.
MASARU INOUE: Keep those treats in well-hidden place. When we’re done, we will enjoy those treats. Time is nearing.
After a brief close of his eyes, he opened them right up and from there, she held up her arm and he held his, they bumped them together forearm to forearm before the cameras came to a fade.
______________________________________________________________________________
We open to the sound of bodies hitting the mat, the all too familiar sound of taking a bump for those professional wrestling folks. As we pan up. We see Michael Kelly and Cosmo Cooper in the ring working on some things. They are both covered in sweat and a group of students are around the ring watching them intently. Cosmo bounces off the ropes and Kelly hits him with a hip toss but Cosmo holds onto his arm and drags him over. The two continue to exchange holds almost perfectly before Cosmo rushes in and Kelly tosses him with a side headlock and then locks it in before quickly letting go so he didn’t do any damage to his tag partner. Cosmo sits up on his knees and raises a fist to his tag partner who taps it. Cosmo looks around as he tosses his hair from his face, punching his fist into the mat a few times.
COOPER: You know, I’ve been hearin’ a lot about RAWGRAPS lately. Whether it’s KILLING JOKE…
There’s some laughs around the ring, including from Kelly.
COOPER: No, that’s really their names and they’re making fun of RAWGRAPS. But when I look around the ring and I see you guys… here… and trying to learn and knowing that Mike and I are touching the lives of young wrestlers across the landscape of pro wrestling. It makes me damn proud. I’ve been doing this with Kelly now in SAP for a while… and I still feel like we’ve been overlooked and undersold. I’m the last GCW Champ in CWC. Kelly is the current Sixth City Pro champion. We’ve been all over the world and doing this, yet we get disrespected fro teams like Killing Joke who don’t know who the fuck we are and what we bring to the table.
Cosmo pushed himself up to his feet.
COOPER: Look at the folks at the top of this card. I’ve been in the ring with Eli Carlson, and so has Mike and he will tell everyone… including the two folks we are facing that we belong there. People come to SAP because they want a free and easy ride. Pryce and Allen come from companies I’ve never heard of, claim things that they can’t prove and yell and scream at the top of their lungs to try and get them to notice them. Mike and I have had our eyes on other projects, we’ve ben showing up to SAP but we haven’t been hungry.
Mike nods a few times. Cosmo stomped his foot as he looked around at the group of students around the ring as he narrowed his eyes.
COOPER: WELL IT’S TIME FOR US TO GET FUCKIN’ HUNGRY. I’m tired of being jerked around… I’m tired. RAW GRAPS… it may be a name you laugh at but it’s the name of the wrestling future. And if you’re not into it you sound like an old man telling us to get off your lawns. You can’t rip a name straight from Batman and then act like the other person doesn’t have a good name because they made it up… but look, I get it. Allen doesn’t know a whole lot about work.
Cooper continued to pace around the ring as he spoke.
COOPER: The best thing those two could have done was let Mike and I wander into that match and not say a word. But no, Allen couldn’t keep his jabbering jowls shut long enough and Pryce couldn’t keep her mouth breathing to a minimum and now here we are—-ready to put them on notice and the rest of the tag division on notice… because let me be clear. KILLING JOKE…
Cosmo snickered again.
COOPER: They don’t have what it takes to be THE tag team from SAP. You think you can fuck with he SadBoiz? Hell no, they’re going to chew you guys up. You should be glad it’s me and Mike and not them, because by the time Marquis is through with you guys, you’ll be ready to quit. Nobody knows who you are. Nobody cares who you are, and the only reason people may remotely care would be because Pryce got a cheap win over me, but Kelly took care of business against Allen.
Walking over, Cosmo put both of his hands on the top rope as the students and Mike held on his every word as he nodded.
COOPER: NOBODY on that roster have been to the places Mike and I have. NOBODY on this roster has racked up the amount of championships we have. NOBODY on this roster has racked up the amount of wins we have. Yet we keep having to punch down to these nobodies instead of challenging for the tag titles… where we belong. SAP rules, I love coming to these locker rooms every other week… but I’m tired of dragging people like Pryce and Allen along. I’m tired of them tweeting me bullshit.
Cosmo looked around.
COOPER: And I look around this gym and I know that I’m not training folks to act like that. Mike isn’t training folks to act like that. We’re training people who are warriors… not a bunch of people who hurl terrible insults. We are training folks here who will be the next champions. Not the next losers who will continue to try and punch up at someone they can never reach.
He smiled.
COOPER: I’m proud of each and every one of you. And I promise Mike and I will make you all proud in SAP. Whether it’s against the Shitty Killing Joke or it’s against the SadBoiz… we’ll do it, and we’ll get there. SAP? We are hungry. And I want something that’s gonna feed us. Not this… Killing Joke… not anything but the top. And we’ll do whatever it takes to earn it. Won’t we Mike?
Kelly nodded and gave Cosmo another fist bump as he helped his tag partner up. The two shared a handshake as we fade.
______________________________________________________________________________
Sadboiz vs. Holocene
Bryan and Persephone were more than ready to start this match. As soon as the bell rang they were across the ring taking it right to Braddock and North. Holocene were more than ready to brawl and this became a wild affair right from the start. The referee didn’t gain any control until a few minutes into the match. The brawling had gone in and outside of the ring with Williams whipping Braddock into the ring post and Marquis slamming North into the apron. Once inside of the ring Holocene started to battle back with their stiff style and cut off the ring keeping Marquis on their side. Persephone was able to catch a break though when North placed her on the top rope and she quickly turned it into a tornado ddt. Marquis was able to make the hot tag to Bryan who came in and quickly put both men down with the fire of 243 suns. Marquis came in to help Williams and the two connected with "The Melancholia Effect" (Brainbuster/Superkick Combination) on North to pick up the victory.
Winners: Sadboiz
______________________________________________________________________________
Backstage, Allen Chaney is pacing in his usual attire of his ring gear with an old hoodie over it. As always, he is with his ‘partner’ in both love and the ring who is considerably more well-dressed than he is. Wearing a slinky black dress that hugs her curves perfectly and reveals her legs for days, Chelsea Pryce leans against the wall with her arms folded across her chest.
Chelsea: We need to come up with a plan to take on the boys of RAWGRAPS… That is still a ridiculous name for a tag team.
Allen: I’m gonna stomp on their heads.
Chelsea: Is there more to this plan?
Allen: ...Twice.
Chelsea: That sounds like twelve percent of a plan.
Allen: The ‘twice’ part should have doubled it.
Chelsea: It did. It was only at six percent.
Allen: Oh.
Chelsea: I could stomp on their heads in my stiletto high heels. With spikes.
She clicks the bottoms of her heels, and indeed, there is a tiny spike at the end of each heel. There is nothing subtle about this woman.
Allen: I don’t understand why I find that hot, but… No yeah that is hot. Right then, RAWGRAPS… ugh, you’re right, it doesn’t even feel right to say their name out loud.
Chelsea: So it’s not just me. Good. Cosmo Cooper and Michael Kelly. I suppose you could say we’re one-and-one, even steven. I’m not going to count that fatal fourway tag match because quite frankly, it was too chaotic for my taste… and I enjoy chaos.
She unfolds her arms and her eyes begin to follow him carefully.
Allen: Chaos is the playground of The Killing Joke, after all. Chaos is where others stumble and where we thrive. We aren’t here to play nice… We’re here because most of the good places to go on a date don’t allow you to beat the hell out of anyone and in my mind there isn’t a more romantic night out. Don’t you agree, love?
Chelsea: Oh, I couldn’t agree more…
Moving from the wall, Chelsea wraps her arms around Allen from behind and presses herself close to him.
Chelsea: It IS romantic to completely annihilate someone and make them feel utterly powerless. To have them beg for the mercy they’ll never receive… How delightful.
Allen: You see that’s the thing about The Killing Joke… Almost everyone finds it funny even though they don’t always admit it.... And the only reason that’s an ‘almost’ is because the select few who don’t find it funny…well they’re the Punchline. Any good joke stops being funny when the joke is on YOU...and RAWGRAPS…bluh...they’re about to be the butt of one hell of a joke.
Chelsea smiles, raises her left hand towards the camera, and simply beckons with a finger.
Chelsea: Come on, boys. Let’s dance. You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to move as one… if you can. But I don’t think you have the fluidity and teamwork that we do.
That hand moves back to catch Allen’s chin and she turns his head towards her to kiss him deeply. Just before the kiss connects, Allen reaches a hand out and shoves the cameraman out of their dressing room and the door slams.
______________________________________________________________________________
Lilah Reed is skipping down the hallway backstage, dressed in a pair of tiny denim shorts and a “TickTickBOOM!” Shirt, she twirls a sucker in her mouth, her half of the world tag team championships strapped around her waist. As she notices the camera she stops, her hair set in two neat little buns on the top of her head, she pulls the sucker from her mouth and it pops as it leaves her lips. She instantly pouts and her voice comes out like a whine.
Lilah Reed: Oh my fucking God, so we finally get a tag match and these morons can just stroll up and challenge for OUR championships?! You know, I’m starting to feel the disrespect around here, all these new faces coming in and blah blah so important, blah blah big I AMs and all that garbage.
Lilah huffs and folds her arms over her chest, thumb pointed inwards with an aggressive jolt.
Lilah Reed: WE meanwhile have been here forever, we have smashed and trashed title records and do we get any recognition?! Does anyone say good job to us?! Does ANYONE around here even fucking say hey, Lilah and Charlie, you’re doing a great job as champs? NO.
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!
She stamps her feet with each no getting angrier and angrier as she goes.
Lilah Reed: So FINE! You all want to be stupid fucking buttheads and ignore our talent? You want to act like you have to reach outside to have anyone to be proud of?! Then I guess we’re just going to have to smash through all of the obvious OAPs like Aurora and what’s his name…
And when they’re broken and bitching and bloody and… well, as useless as we know they are? I won’t even be sorry about doing my told you so dance!!!!!
Charlie Reed walks up, he is in pressed jeans and a matching “TickTickBOOM!” shirt as well as his half of the SAP World Tag Team Championship belts. He looks concerned for his wife.
Charlie Reed: Baby, baby… You okay? I know this is a horrible thing giving the undeserving opportunities at our championships, even more after we were in the final five of that singles battle royal where we solidified ourselves as the top names in SAP but….
He places a hand to his chin and starts to think for a moment. He lets out a small sigh and shakes his head.
Charlie Reed: I guess I can’t expect much from SAP. It’s actually NOT their fault that we ransacked the entire tag division and left it a wasteland. It’s not their fault that we chased all the other “repitual teams” out of the company and it’s not their fault they can’t find a legit team to face us. We’ve jumped the shark, we’ve broke the glass ceiling and reset the record books when it comes to tag team wrestling in SAP. Hell, we made them give a call out to any team to come in. I guess we shouldn’t be too upset that they have to toss us scraps when we have devoured everything else in the pantry.
Lilah pouts again and shakes her head aggressively, stomping her foot once more,
Lilah Reed: But is IS their fault that they don’t even see what they have in us, running around worrying about everybody else when we are the ones who put this division on the map, WE are the ones who welcomed all challengers and were given none and now we have to do charity work with these super old newbies to the company, it’s bullshit Charlie!
She taps the faceplate of her belt and smirks.
Lilah Reed: These babies? They aren’t going anywhere, so let them come. Let them try, those fucking losers will go off with their tail between their legs, just like everybody else has and then maybe, MAYBE the bosses will see what they have in us and if they don’t? Well, then I guess we’re just going to have to keep blowing shit up until they do. Because at the end of the day….
Lilah walks closer to the camera and smiles slightly.
Lilah Reed: You can’t stop the Tick Tick, all you can do is wait for the…
Charlie Reed: BOOM!
______________________________________________________________________________
RAWGRAPS vs. The Killing Joke
Cosmo and Allen started the match and the two had no issue starting the match by throwing hands. The two men brawled around the ring until Allen tagged in Chelsea and the two started to double team Cosmo. Allen tossed Chelsea onto Cosmo for an assisted crossbody. Chelsea tried to keep grinding out Cosmo but Cooper found his way back into the match and then made the tag into Kelly. Cosmo and Michael then place Pryce where they want her and connect with “Too Young” (Double bicycle Knee to the side of the opponent’s head). Chelsea looks to be a little dazed but the veteran found a way to keep herself in the match. After holding off Kelly she managed to tag in Chaney. Allen brought the fight hard to Michael and then went for “The Punchline” (Lifting Leg Hook Inverted Brainbuster) but Cosmo came in to break it up. This triggered Chelsea to come in and the four went at it. Cosmo tossed Chelsea out of the ring. With Pryce disposed Cooper and Kelly connected with “Congratulations” (Cosmo lifts the opponent in the air for what looks like a Stalling suplex while Michael comes off the ropes with a giant jumping boot to the face) on Chaney. Kelly made the cover with Cosmo on guard and got the three count.
Winners: RAWGRAPS
______________________________________________________________________________
PRE-RECORDED
As the scene begins to play, the camera shot points up from the ground at SAP's young high flyin' sensation, CJ Cross. With the bright blue sky behind him, it seems like it is a nice afternoon. CJ has on a backwards cap, his new t-shirt which is on sale at merchandise stands at all events, and a pair of blue jeans. The camera is zoomed in to focus in on the face of the young star as CJ begins to speak.
CJ: Respect... That used to be a thing right? It is a word that many people begin to learn at a very young age. First you are taught to respect your parents, then your teachers, law enforcement, and even respect one another. It is no secret that I did not have the best upbringing, but even I was able to grasp that concept!
CJ pauses for a moment before beginning to speaking once again.
CJ: One has to wonder if that is something that was not taught on the farm, out in the country or where ever Gamble hails from. It has been over a month now since this guy has been disrespecting me. When he first started hitting on Celeste, I tried to be nice about it, I tried to stop his advances, and in fact Celeste tried to do the same many of times.
The young star slightly shakes his head at the situation that has developed because of all of his stupidity.
CJ: But did that stop him? Nah! Not in the slightest. It made him ramp up his advances even more! It is almost like he gets off on getting shot down. We also cannot forget about his stupid move by giving Celeste cookies that were laced with weed. I can overlook many of the dumb things he has done, and Lord knows that is a lot! Though, that I would never forgive him for.
Flashes of the moment finding Celeste in her high state go through his mind, but he quickly pushes them aside and continues on with his promo.
CJ: Matt, I am glad that you are a few fries short of a Happy Meal, because I know that if you were a smart man, you never would have challenged me to a parking lot match. Though now you can sleep in the bed that you made. This match is not going to be for the weak hearted. There will be blood spilt, some more than others, but don't you worry Matt. I already called ahead and have a hospital bed reserved for you. Though goat lover, that is not the only surprise that I have for you.
CJ gives the camera a little smirk before he hops over something and lands on his feet on the ground in front of the camera. Having to refocus, the camera back up a little bit to get back into view.
CJ: It's a good thing you will need a few days or weeks in the hospital... It will give you time to get your truck repaired.
When CJ mentions his truck he uses his hands to motion over to it which after a few seconds, the camera pans over to follow and shows not only does the truck have a few dents, but the back window is busted out as well as the tail lights have been busted.
CJ: You don't want to treat me with any respect? Well then turnabout is fair play bitch! I have no respect for you or your material things!
CJ reaches over the bed of the truck and grabs the trusty baseball bat that he used to create the damage before turning back to the camera with the bat laying over his shoulder.
CJ: I can't forget this now can I? After Tuesday night, they are going to be calling me David Ortiz or Big Papi... Because I am going to line you up and hit a home run right over the fence!
CJ takes the bat off his shoulder and takes a slow home run swing, wishing Gamble’s head was there right now.
CJ: You will not know what hit you! Well, I will catch you outside Gamble, and I will put an end to you! You can bet on that!
CJ stares into the camera before heading off, leaving the camera to focus on the damage done to the truck before it begins to fade away slowly to black.
______________________________________________________________________________
Parking Lot Brawl
CJ Cross vs. Matthew Gamble
The match was called to start and the two men circled each other in the circle provided for them with cars all around them. Soon they came to blows with Gamble taking the lead cause of his size difference. Gamble smashed CJ’s head off of the hood of a car and CJ went stumbling back. As Gamble went to pick up Cross, CJ began to attack the legs of the big man. CJ’s strategy then became apparent as his focus was to try and chop Gamble down. CJ connected with a russian leg sweep right into the grill of a big truck that looked to do some damage on the both of them. Gamble wasn’t out of the fight however as he slammed CJ into the hood of another car with a chokeslam. CJ rolled to the ground and Gamble went to grab him but Cross avoided him and moved to the other side of the circle. Gamble chased after him and when he went to grab him CJ turned around and blasted him with a hub cap. It stunned Gamble and gave Cross enough time to climb up onto the hood of a car. Gamble followed and CJ gave him hell with the hub cap till he had him down. Cross wasted no time and jumped up on the truck next to it and made it to the roof before leaping and catching Gamble with a flying elbow drop. Matthew rolled off to the ground. Cross forced himself to move quickly despite the pain and as Gamble was starting to get up he got nailed with a stiff enziguri from Cross. CJ made the cover and got the three count.
Winner: CJ Cross
______________________________________________________________________________
Fujiko Mine: This is your hero, I suppose.
The image of the National champion, Brendan Samuels smirking appears on the screen for a moment.
Fujiko Mine: A man who wouldn’t know what adversity was if it introduced itself by kissing him on the hand, unsolicited.
The image changes to him holding up the National championship, after defending it against Brandon Banks.
Fujiko Mine: A man that is four months shy of holding that championship for a year.
The scene changes to a still image of Brendan, looking up at his opponent, Fujiko Mine. She is sitting on the top turnbuckle, looking at him intently.
Fujiko Mine: A man that is arrogant as the day is long.
A crossfade happens, until we see Fujiko Mine, in the flesh, standing in a seemingly empty room. She has a large black “Renati” hoodie on over her ring attire.
Fujiko Mine: Some of the SAP fans like to cheer him, and chant “His name is Brendan”, which to me isn’t something that I’d be proud of. If the fans have to remind you who he is, is he really worth noticing in the first place?
She shrugs.
Fujiko Mine: But that’s a tangent for another time. This man, who claims that he is the “captain” of the ship...but only when it serves his needs.
A disapproving look crosses his face.
Fujiko Mine: Brendan Samuels wants you to get behind him, to support him in his task of vanquishing the evil Apex Goddess, whom he doesn’t like because...she put him in his place, exposing him as the ‘paint-by-numbers’ persona that he is, rather than an actual human being with actual thoughts and emotions. He wants you to rally behind him because he was exposed as the captain of the sinking ship Avarice, not the sauve, Will Turner-esque hero he aspires to be. You see, instead of showing his opponent respect, he resorts to snide comments on social media, and generic rants about my appearance. I told you all he’d do it, and he walked right into my expectations as if I myself were controlling his strings. Instead of questioning why Avery Quinn would grant him the special privilege of guaranteeing that he leave this match with at least A championship, he dodged my inquiry. He tried to play it off as if it were my demand, rather than my challenge. Instead of being a man, he proved he’s just a pig, waiting on more and more recognition and special treatment shoved down his throat. He’s become a bloated, emotionless caricature. Even when he was outsmarted in that press conference, the expression on his face was akin to someone asking him to describe his eyes in seven words or less.
She folds her arms under her chest, leaning on her back foot.
Fujiko Mine: Brendan Samuels needs this victory. Not because he wants to secure some sort of legacy, or because he wants to be the North American champion. He only wants it because he’s too used to being the top of the heap in SAP, and he can’t have someone else talked about more than he is.
Her raven locks swish around her head as she shakes it.
Fujiko Mine: Brendan Samuels isn’t a hero. He isn’t someone to be idolized or worshipped. He is a wrestler only in the sense that he’s allowed in the ring, and he performs moves. If or when he loses this match to me tonight, he will try and claim that the National championship is still the best in SAP, because his fragile ego will not allow less.
She looks at the wall behind her, which has a picture of her dazed face after beating Rachel and Nick back in January. She keeps her back to the camera, looking up at the image as she speaks.
Fujiko Mine: I manufacture my own hype, I make sure these fans not only know my name, but they know WHY I am where I am. I went to war with Rachel Redding and Nick Redfield for the right to get to tonight. I kicked out of Rachel Redding’s best shot, TWICE. I’ve bested monsters both in and out of SAP. That isn’t a claim of arrogance, that’s a claim of perseverance.
She makes a quarter turn, then turns her head so that she is looking over her shoulder at the camera.
Fujiko Mine: If he’d taken a moment to think about that, he might’ve realized.
She looks back at the wall again.
Fujiko Mine: You may have the record, Brendan. You may have held the National title almost a year. You may have beaten Brandon Banks, Rachel Redding, Vince Steel, and others en route to getting to tonight, but you’ve never faced someone like me. You’ve never SURVIVED like I have. And you’ve never beaten me.
She puts her hands in the pockets of the hoodie she’s wearing. She begins to walk away.
Fujiko Mine: A fact that isn’t changing tonight, that’s for sure.
The lights go out, with only the name “Apex Goddess” in bright pink on the wall. The lights then fade completely.
______________________________________________________________________________
Falls Count Anywhere
The Fam vs. Cause and Effect
Before the bell rang the two teams stood across from each other. That was the last time there was any order in this match. The four men quickly started to brawl and it quickly spilled outside of the ring. With no reason to keep near the ring because of the rules they quickly spread out around the arena. Avery Quinn even had a second referee sent out to follow Xavier and Terrence as they brawled on the side of the arena opposite of Vince and Gabriel. They soon found there way to the concourses. Xavier tossed Terry over the merch table knocking everything down. Vince then came from behind and clobbered Xavier. Soon all four we’re back to beating the hell out of each other and the action spilled outside to the parking lot where the cars and trucks were still in a circle from the previous match. The fight spilled into the circle and they all began to smash each other onto the vehicles in brutal fashion. Terry caught Xavier with the “Chin Checka” (superkick) which sent him down hard. Steel grabbed Gabriel and delivered the “Hand of Steel” (iron claw slam) right thru a windshield. Steel climbed onto the hood of the car and covered Gabriel and got the three count.
Winners: The Fam
______________________________________________________________________________
Phoenix Quagliaterre is walking down the hall while carrying that infamous black flag that belongs to Brendan Samuels. Having been the carrier and protector of it for the past few months, Phoenix had reflected on how big tonight would be concerning his big match with Fujiko Mine for the North American title and she realizes there was something she needed to do. She had been told by a backstage worker that Brendan was in his locker room when she begin to make her rounds on the search for him so that’s exactly where she was heading now. She finally reaches the locker room of the SAP National Champion and had raised a fist to knock on the door when it suddenly opens before her knuckles could touch it and she takes a small step back while greeting him with a huge smile.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: “Just the man I needed to see…”
Brendan Samuels stood there in his finery, a bright Hawaiian shirt as was his tradition, opened up to expose his toned and ripped physique. His beard had been trimmed to a fine and fashionable five o’clock shadow, and he was already in his wrestling trunks, sea green with the logo of a Kraken upon it. He leaned lazily on the door frame, gazing at Phoenix with those ice cold eyes of his. Many would find them threatening, but the curl of his smile was warm and inviting, and he held out a hand as he welcomed her.
Brendan Samuels: “Dia dhuit, Phe… Pleasure to see yer as always.”
He gazed at her for a moment, not moving as that smile curled up some more. Phoenix takes his hand as her smiles broadens even more while looking away before nodding at his flag she’s holding in her other hand.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: “I didn’t want to bother you but I had to see you before your match. I adore both you and Fujiko plus I know this match has been a long time coming so I definitely am wishing you both luck and can’t wait to see how it turns out. Also… I came to bring you this.”
She lifts his flag up slightly.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: “This isn’t me returning it but I felt it was only right that you carried it out to the ring for such a huge match. Every captain needs his flag before venturing into war so…. here you go.”
Brendan takes his gaze from Phoenix’s beautiful face to the traditional Jolly Roger flag he was so well known for both carrying and flying into battle. His hand came forward, touching the fabric delicately with his fingers, rubbing the material between his fingers.
Brendan Samuels: “Tis been awhile since I had this beauty in my hands.”
It was almost a whisper, his soft southern Irish accent as smooth as silk, his words clear and pronounced, as his gaze turns back to Quagliaterre.
Brendan Samuels: “Yer sure yer wanna? Dinnae wanna drain all the luck from it tonight.”
Phoenix Quagliaterre: “I feel that it’s only right and besides… I’d like it back after the match. I’ll refill it with my good luck and go back to taking sure great care of it.”
She even bats her eyelashes playfully for emphasis while smiling at him, watching his become acquainted with his flag. He took the flag back in his firm hands, gazing from her back to the flag adoringly. He nodded his head, taking in a breath, his shirt coming off of him with ease before swooping the flag around his shoulders like a cape. There was a little clip on it which would allow him to completely fasten it on, but he hesitated clipping it on.
Brendan Samuels: “Then after the match, after I go through hell to try and bring that title back home with me… The flag is all yours once more.”
Those glacier like eyes were upon her once more, ice cold yet still full of warmth, the look not quite making sense.
Brendan Samuels: “Lady Luck, do me the honours and clip me in, would ye?”
Phoenix’s emerald eyes widen in surprise at the question as she snaps out of it long enough to pull each end of the flag closer together so that she can fasten it with the clip, smoothing out the part of the flag covering his shoulders before looking up at him with a smile.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: “There… I forget how amazing it looks on you. I know all of the fans will get a real treat seeing this on you. I…. well, I don’t want to take up anymore of your time, I know you have to prepare and all. Good luck to you both and know that I’ll be watching…”
Brendan seemed even more filled with confidence now, which seemed impossible before. Wearing the flag he seemed taller, broader, as if the sheer addition of it empowered him. He then unexpectedly reached over with his right hand, stroking her cheek with his thumb with such gentle affection.
Brendan Samuels: “Thank ye, lass. This is all I needed… It’s exactly what I needed. Now I know that I’m ready for anything and everything that is awaiting me when I stepped through that curtain. Ye got no idea how much this inspires me…”
Phoenix Quagliaterre: “I’m glad that it does and it means alot that you feel that way. I wish I had worn my dreads in support but I knew I’d be dragged all around the ring by them tomorrow in my match because we all know how much of a bitch Asmodeus Bael is a bitch with a beard and will try anything to take my title away from me.”
She grabs Brendan’s hand and kisses the back of it before pulling back with a smile.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: “Raise that flag high, Captain.”
Brendan smiled as he gazed at her, then to his hand where a very faint lipstick mark was made.
Brendan Samuels: “A kiss with a fist is better than none.”
He nods his head in both respect and appreciation for the woman in front of him, before bowing his head.
Brendan Samuels: “I’ll be bringing this flag back in one piece, along with the North American Championship. And I’ll be giving ye this flag back, so ye can drag Bael back in pieces with ye.”
He gave her an intoxicating little wink as he leaned against the doorway again as she lingers there momentarily before she turns but doesn’t yet head down the hallway as she glances back at him over her shoulder.
Phoenix Quagliaterre: “I’ll be in my office and promise to not leave out of here without that flag back.”
Giving a playful wink of her own, she waves at him before she departs down the hallway with that same smile plastered across her face.
______________________________________________________________________________
World Tag Team Championship Match
The Reeds vs. Hell is Waiting
The crowd was behind this monumental tag affair as the titles were raised in the air before the bell. Once the match was on it was very apparent that The Reeds had done their homework on Hell is Waiting. Charlie was well aware that Masaru’s striking was his bread and butter and did his damndest to keep him tied up with him. Charlie was able to get a few backbreakers in on Maz before he made the tag to Lilah. Lilah dropped to the mat and unleashed a series of furious strikes on Maz but that only seemed to fire him up. The two made it back to their feet and Inoue caught Lilah with a kick combo before tagging Aurora in. Lilah looked ready as Rori slowly stalked her before coming in to lock up. Lilah quickly showed she was knowledgeable of Aurora as she evaded a ddt and was able to give Rori one of her own. The Reeds then began to work together to keep Aurora down. They used constant double team maneuvers along with quick tags. They looked like a team that had been together for much longer than being rookies. Aurora though was able to hit a desperation ddt on Charlie that had him loopy. She started to make the crawl towards her corner. Lilah was yelling for Charlie to get up but he was still shaking off the cobwebs. Lilah finally went to enter the ring to try and cut off the tag but Rori reached Masaru right in time. Maz came in and cleared house. He caught Lilah with the “Kill Shot” (knee strike to neck) that sent her out through the ropes. Aurora and Masaru’s eyes met and they pulled up Charlie. Hell is Waiting then connected with “Hellfire” (sit out powerbomb/shiranui combo). Masaru made the cover and got the three count.
Winners: Hell is Waiting
______________________________________________________________________________
North American Championship Match
Brendan Samuels vs. Fujiko Mine
Brendan stood in the ring watching his challenger Fujiko Mine enter, and as her music faded he took the flag that Phoenix had given him back from around his shoulders, swirled it away from them like a cape and gyrated his hips in such a fashion that several ladies in the front row screamed and pretended to swoon in response to the handsome sailor’s teasing. A mild chant of HIS NAME IS BRENDAN started up as he handed his National Championship belt over to the referee, a look of resolve on the face of the popular current champion, the referee nodding as he took the belt that Brendan brought proudly to this match, with hopes towards the new North American Championship. The referee with great care handed the title to the timekeeper and took up the new championship, holding it high overhead for the fans to get a good look at it before he held it toward both Brendan and Fujiko. Fujiko’s eyes were locked to the brand new gold that seemed nearly glowing, clear she wanted to add it to her many accolades, and when the referee handed it down to the timekeeper for safe keeping she gave Brendan a nod to let him know that nothing would be held back here tonight.The referee called for the bell and Fujiko exploded on the attack! She hit a high Missile Dropkick, rolled through as Brendan staggered back and popped up for a Standing Dropkick that took Samuels to a knee, but when she tried for a trifecta he rocketed up and caught her with a Dragon Screw Leg Whip that took her right to the mat! BANG!
Brendan shot the ropes and came back but Fujiko rolled backward to her feet and grabbed him by his arm and gear, looking for a Complete Shot but no! Brendan slipped his arm around her head and countered it into a Reverse DDT! OH! He floated her over but she scrambled out of the pinning predicament before he could even hook a leg. Both were grinning as they came up to their feet, Brendan shaking his head a bit and Fujiko giving a firm nod. The pair traded off a beautiful series after this, Brendan almost catching a submission off a well-timed Cross Armbreaker but Fujiko used her powerful legs to drag them to the ropes where he broke in timely fashion. The pair had several exciting near falls then, and Samuels was hunting to finish this off after an impressive Immram Buster, but he only netted a two as Mine threw her shoulder up. The tide turned in Mine’s favor however after a flurry of kicks from Fujiko had Brendan reeling into a Spinning Back Kick! This was her moment as she set him up coming off the ropes into a Lucky Shot, her Backflip Flash Kick dropping Samuels in his tracks! Half the fans cheered for the plucky Fujiko, half the fans for the charming rogue Brendan as she moved to cover with a stupendous amount of noise almost whiting out the mics on the cameras!
Fujiko held on tight but NO! Just before three Brendan violently kicked out! She made a quick glance to the referee but did not argue as she was too focused on the match, though there was a tinge of disbelief as she moved to sit Brendan up on the mat, then she backed up and came off the ropes with her 4-Play Running Single Leg Dropkick right to the handsome sailor’s face! There was a lot of feminine booing after this but Fujiko paid no mind as she pinned him again, hooking the leg and once more despite being rocked Brendan kicked out! She took a deep breath, got to her feet and paced a moment before she whipped around and Double Footstomped the downed Samuels, but when she wheeled for the ropes to go for a springboard move, he was on his feet and he caught her with his Cross Wing Chickenwing Suplex, Mac Lir! The fans were on their feet as Brendan made the cover, chanting with the referee but NO! NO! Fujiko kicked out of the Mac Lir! Brendan sat up, weary from the battle and put his hands over his face a moment, then he laughed and the joyous sound had his fans sighing as he rolled to his feet, his turn to stalk the downed contender. She rose up to her feet using the ropes and turned right into a Crooked Arm Lariat from Brendan, but she dropped and rolled to the apron to avoid another pin attempt. She got to her feet and when he reached for her she hopped up and over for a classic Sunset Flip! She held on tight and got another two but Samuels kicked and fought out of it! The pair took a small breather then and got back up to their feet, the toll of the competition showing on the both of them. Brendan closed with her for a Forearm Smash and she grabbed his wrist on the go through and pulled it tight looking to start her Feedback Loop but Samuels broke loose and peppered her with Backhand Chops! She reeled but stayed on her feet and when he picked her up for a Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker she flipped out of it and using her uncanny leg strength lifted him up for her MIDA Multi-Tool, the Lumbar Check leaving him on the mat.
She backed up and went for a Corner Springboard Roundhouse Kick as Samuels levered slowly to his feet but he dodged at the last second, grabbed her up and right into another Mac Lir! She hit the mat with a massive BOOM and Samuels with a look of exhaustion made the cover, the referee sliding in to count as the fans shot up and counted along. He got the three count and the victory, Fujiko managed to break but it was clearly after the count. Flogging Molly’s The Heart of The Sea played as Brendan sat up on his knees, sweat dripping from his dark hair and then got slowly to his feet, the referee handed him the new North American Championship and raised his hand in victory.
Winner: Brendan Samuels