Heating Up
Xander Maxwell is still in his wrestling trunks; the blue and gold with 2X written across the backside. His partner, Xavier Cross, has on a pair of blue jeans with no shirt on. His body is glistening in oil, as he stares into his phone as he walks beside Xander. Xander’s eyes light up.
Xander Maxwell: There you are. Interview time, red.
Suzy Donnelly: We’ll, you do have a camera with you.
Xander Maxwell: Of course I do! Do I look like an idiot.
Suzy’s gaze goes to Xavier.
Xander Maxwell: You say it, and I’ll knock the taste out of your mouth.
Suzy Donnelly: What IS he doing?
Xavier Cross: I’ve got a name. I’m live streaming on Instagram. Anything that looks like this needs to be shared.
Xander Hampton: Attention to me, Red. I’m the one that just got screwed.
Suzy Donnelly: How exactly were you screwed?
Xander Maxwell: You didn’t see that out there? THE REFEREE BANNED XAVIER FROM RINGSIDE!
Suzy Donnelly: He kept involving himself in the match. Maybe they were protecting the integrity of the match?
Xander Maxwell: Integrity? It’s not my fault I was smart enough to bring a cornerman. But no, they have to protect the “MVP”. Really, MVP? That’s a joke, too. WE made the biggest impact at Mile High Brawl. I mean did you see the ease we made of tossing Henhouse out of that Battle Royal? That was the damn highlight of the match.
Before Maxwell can get any further, he is suddenly bowled over by the very large frame of Eddie Penbrook of Henhouse Slaughter, while Rupert E. Fox jumps on the back of Hampton, dangling on the big man like a pitbull.
Eddie Penbrook: You think you’re daft eh? Bloody tossers, think you can just screw us out of a title and get away with it? You got another thing coming.
The interviewer quickly vacates the premises as the four men start to brawl, with 2X trying to both fight back and get away from the irate englishmen. Penbrook especially hounds Maxwell like a hound from hell as he keeps charging at the smaller man, with Maxwell having to utilize the full range of his dodging and diving to prevent the beast from slaughter from knocking his head clean off. On the other side of the brawl, Fox is running circles around Hampton, but despite the constant onslaught of blows, the big man is still standing. The two pairs continue to fight until security comes to separate them forcibly, with Maxwell switching into trastalk mode the instant he has both the security and the big man between him and Henhouse. Once Maxwell is out of his reach Penbrook starts focusing on keeping Fox from instigating a fight with the security, knowing full well that as much as they wanna get a piece of 2X, they don’t want problems with the officials.
Eddie Penbrook: This isn’t over you two. Not by a long shot!
Continuation
The camera fades in on the imposing form of Slade, dressed in his in-ring gear and prepared for his main event contest later in the evening. He stands outside his dressing area, Roxy conspicuous by her absence, and takes a very deep breath, exhaling loudly.
Slade: Why are you freaking out, old man? It's just your whole life out there. No reason to be nervous.
The veteran claps his hands together, soundly fighting every urge to return to the safety of his dressing area. After a tense moment or two, he makes a beeline for the craft services area, hunting down a cold drink.
As he enters the craft services area Pandora Ravencraft is seated against the wall on the floor. Her legs are extended straight out. The green haired rookie has her eyes downcast, looking a little down. Oblivious to the world around her, she’s got a half filled bottle of water and is doing lazy bottle flips with it.
Slade acquires his bottle of water, uncapping it and taking a long drink. He finishes the water and looks around, hoping not to run into any inquiring minds. As he walks away from the table, he trips over one of Pandora's extended feet, catching himself before falling to the cold, hard concrete floor.
Slade: What the--?
She doesn’t even look up, her eyes staying downcast.
Pandora Ravencraft: Sorry I
Then she notices Slade. She quickly jumps up and holds her hand out.
Pandora Ravencraft: Oh my God! I’m so sorry Mr. Slade. I didn’t even know you were walking though I’d like, got out of your way. This is so embarrassing. This is like that dream you have where you’re at school in your underwear, but much worse.
Slade immediately loses his attitude.
Slade: What's wrong with you? This is not the Pandora I met a couple weeks ago. The Pandora I met would be practically bouncing off the walls at the mere mention of my name.
He tries to smile and shakes her hand.
Slade: So humor an old head?
Pandora Ravencraft: Did you see that out there? My very first wrestling match, and my chance to show all the haters how good I am, and this Belle chick not only interrupts me before I can fight my match, but she hits me with a chair. I didn’t even get to fight my match! It sucks. I’ve been looking forward to this night since I signed my contract over a month ago.
Slade: So this was your first contest, ever, and it didn't go how you wanted?
He smirks.
Slade: This your first time dealing with failure?
Pandora Ravencraft: It’s not even the failure. My match didn’t even freakin’ start! It was like buying the pizza, Fritos, and strawberry soda; busting out your best dice, then the dang DM doesn’t show up! You know how much that sucks?
Slade looks at Pandora, puzzled for a minute.
Slade: I know what you said was English, and I'm sure that, in your head, the words made sense. But, for argument's sake, let's focus on what I did get. So your match got hijacked, and that girl--I'm assuming it was a girl? There's no division anymore--that girl took your moment. Will there be others? Hell yes there will be. There's no way that a kid with your unique look and skill set is going to stay down for long. No WAY. Besides, you learn way more from a loss than you ever will from a win. Now, take an old dog like me. If I don't turn stuff around, they'll send me out to pasture, but you don't see me staying down.
Pandora Ravencraft: No way, you’re like, THE Slade. Without you and Ram, there’s no Redemption. No way do they send you out to pasture. I mean look at you? You’re still a beast, even for an old man.
The big Texan chuckles, in spite of himself.
Slade: You're sweet to have said that. But do you know the reason that it took as long as it did for me to make the Hall of Fame?
He stage whispers to her, making no mistake that everyone can hear this.
Slade: I wouldn't let management retire me.
He smiles.
Pandora Ravencraft: So keep fighting the good fight. Go out there and win or lose, be the badass you are and the fans will love you for it. Ya got the fans, they can’t get rid of ya. Damn the man. I mean you’re Slade after all! That means something. You’re the Gandalf of Redemption.
Slade: I'm hoping that's a good thing. That's a good thing, yeah?
Pandora Ravencraft: That’s like, awesome is what it is. I mean Gandalf is more powerful than Yoda, Dumbledore, Rand Al Thor…maybe every wizard ever except maybe Merlin. I mean, Frodo was the main character, but Gandalf was the real badass. You got me?
Slade just shakes his head and grins.
Slade: You're a good kid. Don't let anybody steal that sunshine, alright?
Just then, Roxy arrives, looking frantic.
Roxanne Spaulding: There you are! I told you I'd be right back--who's this?
She looks Pandora up and down, disapprovingly.
Pandora smiles at her.
Pandora Ravencraft: THE Roxy Spaulding?! A legend in her own right. Where’d it go?
She starts to pat herself down until she finds it. She pulls a black sharpie.
Pandora Ravencraft: Can you like, autograph me somewhere? Then I’m headed to the nearest tattoo shop to have it inked on me permanently!
Roxy takes the pen, uncaps it, and looks at Slade.
Roxanne Spaulding: She serious?
He nods.
She chuckles and signs an empty space on her left arm.
Roxanne Spaulding: Have fun, kid.
Slade just smiles for a second.
Slade: Remember what I told you, Miss Pandora. You'll be fine. And so will I!
The camera fades to black, as Roxy and Slade make their way back towards his dressing room
Pulling Strings
The feed transitions to the sold out crowd of the Vivint Arena. As the camera pans across them, it becomes noticeable that there are several audience members wearing “Nameless” masks. That’s when “Cry Little Sister “ by Marilyn Manson begins to play and seven Nameless march out down to surround the ring.
Then the High Priestess, Jinx and Bael step out, only this time they’re accompanied by a new masked Nameless. They make their way down to the ring, Bael lifting Jinx to the apron before stepping up himself, holding the rope open for her to step through. Bael gives the new Nameless a quick nod of his head and the man rolls into the ring, kneeling immediately while Bael steps over the ropes to join Jinx.
Jinx: At Mile High Brawl, the world witnessed the beginning of our domination. This man standing next to me proved that no one can stand against him. Bael swatted Lucky Keenan like he was an annoying, insignificant fly.
She sweeps her gaze across the crowd, smiling.
Jinx: As I look out upon all of you, I see the evidence of your faith - Stand, my newly awakened Nameless. Stand!
All throughout the arena, an alarming number of masked Nameless rise to their feet. She turns to Bael smiling.
Jinx: You see, my prince? Our legions are growing.
She motions for the standing Nameless to sit, then turns her eyes to the Nameless kneeling in the corner.
Jinx: I believe our newest addition will be of interest to Lucky, don’t you?
Bael smirks before turning to the corner and grabbing the kneeling man by his collar. He hoists him to his feet and drags him back to Jinx.
Bael: I believe you’re absolutely right, my queen. (he rips the mask from his face) I think he’d have great interest in his brother -
“They’re Coming to Take Me Away” queues up and the crowd starts to cheer. Lucky rips through the curtain with purpose, and walks halfway down the ramp. He starts pacing back and forth then, talking to himself and slapping himself on the side of the head before he turns to the ring with laser focus.
Lucky Keenan: What’s the meaning of this?
He starts pacing back and forth then stops again.
Lucky Keenan: He’s not nameless. He has a fucking name. His name is Damien!
Jinx begins to laugh sadistically.
Jinx: You saw for yourself. He kneeled willingly to me. He is mine. (she pauses thoughtfully) I did give you a choice - join me or stand against. You chose poorly.
Bael shoves Damien to his knees.
Bael: It’s not like you can do much about it now, is there? You sure as hell couldn’t beat me so why worry about him?
Lucky Keenan: Is this what this is about, puppet? We give you a dick kick so the puppet master has to make this move? Here’s what we don’t get. You’re this big bad guy, unstoppable in the ring; but you fall in line and play the minion?
Then Lucky looks to Jinx.
Lucky Keenan: As for you, Jim Jones wannabe, we’re done with these stupid games. Name your terms!
Jinx: Poor Lucky. Bael is no puppet - he’s a commander. But since you’re so anxious to - well, help your brother? End your suffering? - either way, my terms are rather simple. You and Bael in a match, this time if you lose, for any reason, you become mine - my Nameless, to do with as I see fit.
Lucky Keenan: And if we win, Damien is set free, that’s how this works, right?
Jinx: If that’s what he chooses, then yes, he’s free. But look around you, my Nameless are everywhere and their numbers are growing. I’m not making any of them follow me. You might want to consider that he may choose to stay. Do we have an agreement?
Lucky looks long and hard into the eyes of his brother before answering.
Lucky Keenan: Fine. You have your match!
Jinx smiles and raises her hands, the lights immediately go out. After a few moments, they come back up, Lucky standing alone in the ring as the scene fades out.
Tag Team Contenders Match
Cattle Drive Crew vs Foster Brothers
Adam Lowe: Our next match of the night is for a shot at the Tag Team Championship at Battle by the Beach. The match features the final two teams eliminated from last week's battle royal match; Cattle Drive Crew and the Foster Bothers.
Adam Lowe: This match was much anticipated match that wound up being something the people didn’t at all expect. Cattle Drive Crew completely dominated this match from the opening bell. The power and brawling game they brought at the Foster Brothers was relentless and they had no answer for it. Let’s head to ringside to see how the finish to this one played out.
*****
Boomer has Michael Foster in the corner and hits him with a running lariat.
JJ Adams: Huge lariat from Boomer.
Johnson McConnell: The power of his strikes just amazes me.
Jayden Skiles: I know, right? It’s almost like he was going to decapitate him there.
Boomer tags in Ryan Samuels. Ryan Samuels grabs Michel by the throat and choke slams him.
JJ Adams: Chokeslam! And the pin!
…1
…2
..Brendan breaks up the pin.
Johnson McConnell: Saved by his brother.
Jayden Skiles: Someone needs to save him. This is a massacre.
Boomer comes charging into the ring and hits a running big boot on Brendan. Then he presses him over his head and tosses him over the top rope.
Johnson McConnell: Wow. That was impressive.
Jayden Skiles: It sure was. These guys are beasts. If I was that type of person, I’d feel bad for the Foster brothers out there, but I’m no that type of person.
As the referee forces Boomer back to his corner, Samuels ties him in. Then together the two hit an inverted Death Valley driver - double leg slam combo.
JJ Adams: Country Strong Style. And the pin.
…1
…2
…3!
Trinity Nicole: The winners of this match, CATTLE DRIVE CREW!
After the bell sounds, Boomer and Ryan climb the turnbuckles and taunt the fans, who are booing the new number one contenders to the tag team titles. Ryan climbs out of the ring and grabs his bull rope while jawing with some fans at ringside. He climbs back into the ring and begins to spin the rope around, above his head, in celebration. The crowd rains jeers and boos down on the Cattle Drive Crew, only for their reaction to turn a rather mixed response as “In the Ashes They Shall Reap” by Hatebreed hits and the tag team champions, the Rikers Demolition Squad makes their way down to the ring.
JJ Adams: Here come the current tag team champs.
Johnson McConnell: Business could be about to pick up.
Eyeing each other up, both teams come face to face in the middle of the ring, exchanging words with one another. After a few tense moments, Zeus and Jupiter hold out their hands and Boomer and Ryan accept the offer and shake. The fans clap at the display of respect, only to watch as Ryan Samuels suddenly charges forward and nails Jupiter with a violent Midwest Express lariat, taking him down. Boomer suddenly dashes forward but Zeus catches the big man off guard with a palm strike and then a big boot, dropping “Big Brutus”. As Zeus turns towards Samuels, he gets slammed with a spear as Ryan grabs his bull rope and begins to throw nasty elbow strikes at Zeus while tying his feet up in the bull rope. After Boomer recovers enough, he begins to stomp away at the big man as Ryan finishes his knots. The Cattle Drive Crew then hoists Zeus up and over the top rope, leaving him hanging upside down by his feet!
With Zeus out of the equation, they turn their attention towards Jupiter who is getting to his feet. Boomer charges first and eats a series of jabs followed by a spinning clothesline, only to be stopped by Ryan who hits a series of knife edge chops, backing Jupiter into the corner. Boomer recovers and the two men launch Jupiter across the ring with a big air biel toss. As Jupiter staggers to his feet, Samuels pops him up and Boomer catches him with a hard powerslam, taking him out with their patented Chisholm Trailblazer maneuver!
Satisfied with their work, Ryan and Boomer clear out of the ring as a group of refs and security guards rush the ring to assist the fallen Rikers Demolition Squad. The guards work on untying Zeus as the refs check on Jupiter, who is holding his ribs, looking pissed off at the cheap attack by the CDC.
