The Proposal
The camera switches from the conclusion of the Pandora/Xander contest to the backstage area, where Slade is watching the evening's festivities from the comfort of his dressing room. His longtime girlfriend, Roxy, is watching as well, but clearly with less interest. Her crutches are resting beside her on the nearby bench.
Roxanne Spaulding: Oh great, your girl won again, and caught a beatdown for her troubles. When is she gonna learn?
Slade, whose grin was previously ear to ear as the pinfall was counted, feels his face fall.
Slade: One night. Just ONE night. That's all I ask for. You can't compete; we get it. There is NO reason to be this way over everyone I'm friends with.
Roxanne Spaulding: Please. You honestly don't think that these ladies don't want to break them off a piece of you if you gave them the chance?
Slade: But they don't HAVE that chance, Rox. I'm not with them, I'm with you. I'm not looking for the next one. Don't you see?
Roxy scoffs. Without a reply, Slade sighs heavily and moves for the door.
Roxanne Spaulding: If you're going to Catering, bring back something to eat?
He opens the door and lets it close behind him without a word. Once outside, he leans heavily against the door.
Slade: This has to stop.
From around the corner, Lyric emerges, practically bouncing. She’s already in her red and black gear with her black half shirt that has “Humans Taste Better With BBQ Sauce” written in metallic red script. Her blonde hair is pulled up in two high placed buns, the red and black highlights running through them in streaks. She spots Slade looking rather defeated and approaches.
Lyric: I’d ask what’s bugging you, but I’ve got a pretty good idea. Why do you keep bringing her if she’s just gonna bring you down, big man?
Slade looks up in total surprise, certainly not expecting company at this moment. Realizing he's not in immediate danger, he relaxes a little.
Slade: Hey Lyric. Why do I keep bringing her?
He sighs in frustration.
Slade: I'm beginning to wonder. Things used to be better. Nothing like this, as a matter of fact. Her knee injury has done nothing for her 'cheery disposition'. But I digress. Nice shirt. Wanna talk? We should talk. And walk, too. Let's go for a walk. Nothing weird, just... a walk. Sound good?
Slade's rambling, as he does when he gets nervous about... something.
Lyric doubles her speed to try to catch up with him.
Lyric: Sounds like you’ve got something on your mind, Either that or you don’t want Abby running into her…Smart man. So what’s eatin’ at you? I told you I would be there next week.
She tugs at her shirt and smiles.
Lyric: Abby and Xaxis agree about the BBQ sauce. They say our emotions flavor the meat, I thought it was funny and would probably sell pretty well. Anything to keep my mind off Mason, right?
Slade slows down to bring his pace to something much less frantic-seeming.
Slade: I do not doubt that your inner voices would know a thing or two about human consumption. Here's hoping I can stay off the proverbial menu.
He smiles, and means it.
Slade: As for why I wanted to walk and talk, well, it was a little of column A and a little of B. No reason to have another pointless fight over literally nothing. Also, I have a very serious question to ask you. It's the most serious thing I could ask anybody here, and I've given this a ton of thought, and after careful consideration...
As they walk, they pass one of the merchandise areas, with a huge variety of newly-designed t-shirts. The big Texan excuses himself and steps behind the table, finding a rolled up black t-shirt and picking it up. He returns to his place by Lyric.
Slade: Wanna play?
He extends the shirt to her, still rolled up and not displaying what it says.
Her curiosity piqued, she takes the shirt from him but doesn’t unroll it yet,
Lyric: Awww, you got me a gift! At least you’re not down on one knee..
She turns serious for a moment,
Lyric: Serious question, huh? This could be interesting… Before I look, I gotta know something. You keep calling them “inner voices”, is that what you really think? That I’m just batshit crazy? Or is there a tiny place inside that at least is willing to entertain the idea of summoning and possession? Think carefully before answering then I’ll look. Deal?
Slade laughs in spite of himself at the "proposal" Lyric mentioned first.
Slade: Lyric, I'm a lapsed Catholic. I was taught that demons are real, and regardless of what pop culture says... I believe it's a thing. I've also been in this business long enough to meet people who claimed to be a party to the devil, or other stuff like that. They were full of shit, or just convinced their gimmick was real. You... you don't strike me as someone who'd play around like that. You are the embodiment of CrazySexyCool, and that's part of what the proposal I'm ACTUALLY offering is about. Now open the shirt up and think about what *I'M* offering, eh?
Lyric laughs and nods her head, liking the explanation. She unrolls the shirt, her mouth dropping open in shock.
Lyric: You’re serious? You’d want me in? I mean, I’m totally in but wouldn’t someone have a problem with that?
Slade: Think about what I said as I handed you the shirt, and THEN ask if I'm serious.
He grins.
Slade: As for Roxy, she and I are going to have a very serious talk when I see her next. We agreed, when I came back, that she wouldn't interfere in my business dealings, and I'm going to remind her of that. If she can't handle what I do in my business, then maybe she's not the one I need in my life...
He stops for a moment, growing much more serious than he intended.
Slade: Wow. I've never said it out loud before.
He shakes his head to clear it.
Slade: So you're in? You're willing to take on the spot in the most dangerous collection of talent in our business today?
She smiles up at him.
Lyric: I knowingly summoned a Knight of Hell and offered her a rental lease - I’m not scared of anything! Of course I’m in! You sure about this? No take-backs!
Slade smiles.
Slade: I've never cut a man. If they left, they wanted to. But once you're in, you're in. So YOU have to decide if you want that. And when the ocean's empty of fish, and all there is left for the sharks to eat is each other, know that it'll never be personal. We just like facing the best--even if that's our friends.
He takes the shirt from her and opens it up so she can try it on.
Slade: I assumed you were a Small, but you're gonna alter it anyway, so...
She slips out of her half shirt quickly, allowing a quick glimpse of her ring top before she slides the “Wrecking Crew” shirt over her head. Holding her arms out, she does a slow circle.
Lyric; What do you think? I mean, it’s a little long…nothing a pair of scissors can’t fix though.
Slade: I gotta say, it looks fuckin' great on you. I honestly haven't been this nervous asking a question in... Jesus H, in ever. Had no idea if you'd even want to hitch a wagon to this old train.
Lyric: You ever wondered why I summoned Xaxis and Abbadon? I mean really? It’s because I needed support and everyone thinks I’m crazy so they avoid me like this plague. I have Lucky as a partner - as you’ll see shortly. The Madness is a most appropriate name for us but the numbers in our heads doesn’t quite compare to real people, you know what I mean?
Slade: I understand the 'damned numbers game' better than anyone on this roster. I know what it's like to be woefully outnumbered at every turn. That's why I started the Wrecking Crew to begin with.
He offers her a handshake.
Slade: Welcome aboard, soldier.
She takes his hand, shaking it heartily.
Lyric: Thanks for looking past the crazy and giving me a chance, captain.
She gives him a sly smile and points back at the merchandise table where the worker just put a “Sold Out” sign over the picture of Lyric’s shirt.
Lyric: Told you it would sell! I gotta get ready cause I’m coming up next but you take care big man.
She turns and heads back towards the gorilla position.
As Lyric walks away, undoubtedly headed to find a pair of scissors necessary to alter her shirt, he just shakes his head.
Slade: No hug? They almost always wanna hug me. I must be losing my touch.
He starts walking the opposite direction, toward the food. He looks at the merch table once more, focusing his attention on the "sold out" sign.
Slade: Give 'em hell out there, Lyric. You're representing us now.
The camera fades to black.
Intent
The camera cuts a prerecorded segment. Sitting on the edge of an empty outdoor stage is the Light Heavyweight Champion, Rosie Sinn. She has on a Dead Kennedy’s t-shirt and a pair of black and green plaid pants with a chain down the side.
Rosie Sinn: I couldn’t be there this week, I’m not cleared for action after last week, and according to management I’m now too valuable to the company to risk injuring myself more than I already have. It’s funny how that works, when Redemption opened back up three months ago, I was just a name on the roster, a tag team wrestler and death match Queen who was trying to find her way to something more significant. Now, apparently, I’m a top merchandise mover headlining shows and one of the faces of this company. I’ve truly come a long way in just over three months.
Rosie leans forward, resting her elbows on her knees as she does.
Rosie Sinn: Given that, I’ve always been one to take chances. I took a chance on entering into this crazy world of wrestling. I took a chance on myself when I attempted to branch out and become a legit singles star, and last week I took a chance that had mixed results when I walked into Mercy Payne’s go-to match. Now it’s time to take a chance again. In three weeks, there’s a show called Championship Scramble. All titles on the line and anything can happen. I’m making it known now, while I’ve thrived in my Light Heavyweight Championship reign, it’s not what I want. I’ve got no intention of walking out of that match with that belt. It’s World Championship or bust for me.
Rosie leans back again, this time propping herself up on her hands on the stage behind her.
Rosie Sinn: Jason Sandman, we’ve gone similar paths. Looked at as something different, never thought to be a draw outside of our own little niche. You defied the odds and have had a great reign with that belt. For that, I respect you, but all good things always have to come an end. So, I have to ask you to respect me, because in many ways I’m following the blue print of my career you’ve followed, just on an accelerated timeline. It’s been a great run, champ. But it’s my intent to walk out of that show in three weeks with your title over my shoulder, and if I do, that’ll be pretty damn punk.
Homoflexible
All five members of Ruthless are standing backstage with a camera in front of them, but no interviewer. The members of 2X are wearing their new t-shirts from the RW Shop, Xander’s standard, though he does still have on a sports jacket, only he traded his matching pants for jeans. Xavier has cut off the sleeves of his, and slit it down the sides to the just above the seams so as to show off his proud body. Mercy is next to Xavier, looking at ease, her skintight black Ruthless tank and low slung shredded jeans hugging her curves while the silver link belt lays over her hips. Ares looms in the back, looking dapper as usual with his all black suit and shirt. Chance is standing in the center, wearing a plain white t-shirt, with a black jacket and black dress pants on. Next to Chance is his fiancé, Lily Marx. The blonde has on a black dress that fits her elegantly tight around all her curves.
Chance Field: First, we’re not doing this interview style because we don’t want to answer stupid questions about the farce that was my match against Hungry Jack. One that I plan to hold up in litigation until it’s struck from my record. 2X, the best tag team in wrestling don’t wish to further discuss their loss to Henhouse Slaughter in a match that should’ve never happened. Though I’m not so sure that while she didn’t walk out champion, Mercy might have something to say about Rosie last week. But first things first, Casey Holliday…
Chance let’s that famous Field smirk dance across his face.
Chance Field: I’ve got a date for you. June 20th, Staples Center, Los Angeles. In a four way match, I, Chance Field, God’s Favorite Son, pinned you for the three count. Yet there’s something wrong with this. While I pinned you, you still hold on to a belt that by all
rights should be mine. You hold my ticket to the World Championship with the Belt of Ascension. So what I did tonight, when we interrupted that snooze fest of a match of yours was just a precursor. I’ve got a lot of friends as you can see, and we can make your life a living hell. So do the right thing, save us both the trouble, and just hand the belt over.
Xavier and Xander start whispering among each other and laughing.
Chance Field: What are you two laughing about?
Xavier: We’re trying to figure out if man-bun is a top or a bottom so we know which one of us gets to call dibs.
Mercy makes a sound of frustration deep in her throat and rolls her eyes.
Mercy Payne: How many times have I told you two to back off my Kool-Aid? Seriously?! No dibs cause I don’t share.
She gives Chance a smug smile and proceeds.
Mercy Payne: I’ve told you it had nothing to do with becoming champion. I broke Rosie Sinn - and the ring so I call that a win. Ares and I trained forever to pull that off and trust me boys, he’s a phenomenal partner.
Xander Maxwell: I bet he is. As you can tell, I like my men with muscles. Brains are optional.
Mercy can’t help but laugh.
Mercy Payne: He’s got the brain part covered too. Tell you what, when you decide to share then we’ll talk. Seeing as I seem to have the wrong parts, I think my man is fine where he is.
Xavier Cross: Hey, we’re homofixated so we can do that.
Xander: Flexible. It’s homoflexible. So we can get some knees and elbows up. Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
Ares Bones: Don’t I get a say in this? Look boys, I’m flattered and all but you're not my type. Besides, you couldn’t handle my girth. It takes a lot of getting used to.
Mercy Payne: Sorry babe, I thought for sure that would be a dealbreaker. Never thought they were flexible.
Chance Field: What about me? I’m good looking. Gay men love me.
Lily Marx: Yes they do, dear. But I already made it abundantly clear under no circumstances, so they know better than to ask.
Xander Maxwell: Besides, gingers are creepy and soulless.
Xavier Cross: Hey Xan, I do go through bags of baby carrots like candy though.
Chance Field: It’s not a carrot. It’s huge I tell you!
Xander laughs.
Xander Maxwell: Anyway, my point. Lux Haze, Scarlett Payne, you crossed that line today. You cross the line with the best of the best, you pay like the rest. That bill will soon come due. But until then, after the events of the night, I got a little idea. How about Ruthless, Xavier, Mercy, Chance, and myself next week against Haze of Payne, and Casey Holliday for good measure.
Mercy laughs and shakes her head.
Mercy Payne: You guys get what you want, I want AK. That seems fair to me, right? That twat has been bumping her gums on Twitter long enough. I wanna have some fun!
Chance Field: Whoa whoa…Casey don’t get me in the ring yet. Not even a six man.
He slaps Ares on the back.
Chance Field: But you got this, big guy.
Mercy just smirks at their back and forth, finally laying her hand on Ares’ shoulder.
Mercy Payne: It’s alright. I’d rather have you in there any day. So let’s destroy these little bitches next week and have a little fun while we’re at it. Now c’mon, we’ve given them enough of our time..
She loops her hand around Ares’ bicep and shoves the camera away with the other, blacking out the scene.
Not A Stepping Stone For Anybody
Casey Holliday is backstage with the Belt of Ascension and following the events of earlier tonight, she is not in a happy mood. She’s just trying the best that she can to get her thoughts in order as she watches a replay of her match with Arley Kirk ending the way that it did. She’s not aware that Suzy Donnelly is approaching her and at the moment, that’s the last person that Casey wants to see.
Casey Holliday: I don’t think I need you saying anything to me right now.
Suzy Donnelly: I don’t mean to be an intrusion. I am just doing my job as usual.
Casey Holliday: It’s funny though. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. All those weeks and months putting up with Jake Mason and his whole nonsense, I finally got my match against him, I finally beat him, I finally put him behind me and here I am thinking that everything is FINALLY going to get back to normal and finally going back to the way things were before. But NO, some stupid, moronic hotshot had to say otherwise, didn’t he? I was focused in that ring, earlier tonight, doing exactly what I had to do against Arley Kirk. I was focused on maintaining my momentum and continuing to prove why I am the DEFINITION of Ascension. But NO, I can’t have ONE nice fucking thing this year, can I? I clear one hurdle, and then another one comes by, What happened out there is completely disgusting and I am beginning to grow sick and tired of people thinking they can make me their victim and make me their fucking stepping stone. I’ve had enough of that this year for an entire career and I’ve just about had it.
Suzy Donnelly: If that wasn’t enough, Chance Field did have something to say.
This mention causes Casey to roll her eyes with annoyance.
Suzy Donnelly: They were not nice comments, to say the least. There were some harsh words mixed in. It’s almost as if you were dealing with….
Casey Holliday: I know exactly which name you are going to mention and I don’t need you speaking that name to me right now.
Suzy Donnelly: Right. I understand. Is there a response that you want to provide to that?
Casey takes a moment to think about what she wants to say. Clearly, her mood is offline considering what has happened but at the same time, she’s not going to let what happened get to her without her having something to say about it.
Casey Holliday: Chance Field made a few mistakes with some of that bullshit that came out of his mouth. Mistake number one was believing that he’s ENTITLED to compete against me for this Belt of Ascension all because of some tag team match where he just HAPPENED to get a pinfall on me. Lightning doesn’t strike twice against me very often, that’s all I need to say about that. Chance is acting like he’s some kind of big shot when… wait… remind me… while I was going out there beating Jake Mason, what was HE doing at that festival? Was he going out there, winning a match? I don’t remember. In other words, who the fuck does he think he is acting so entitled? Mistake number two? It’s thinking that I’m just going to hand something to him. Ridiculous! He thinks a bunch of empty threats and ONE match is going to entitle him to something that he quite frankly hasn’t gone out and earned in the ring? I know that earlier in my career, I acted just like him. I used to have that same entitled attitude and I know that wrestlers with that sense of entitlement are, for the most part, a dime a dozen. Mistake number three? It’s thinking that he gets to make a name for himself at my expense and quite frankly? Like I said? I am SICK of it. I’m sick and tired of people like him thinking that just because I am having a harder year than usual, that I am suddenly ripe for the picking for wrestlers like him that want to make a name for himself at the expense of other people. No, I’m NOT going to be his stepping stone bitch!
Casey Holliday has never been a stepping stone bitch for ANYONE! I don’t give a SHIT about who they are. I guess he’s got to learn the hard way, doesn’t he? Because quite honestly? He started a war that he’s not going to win. Now get out of my face…
Suzy Donnelly: I had one more question…
Casey Holliday: Did you not just hear me?
Suzy winces slightly, but doesn’t lose her composure. Still, she reluctantly obliges and walks out of the scene. Casey continues to seethe with anger as the scene cuts out.
Christian Dement and Jake Mason vs The Madness
Lyric and Lucky Keenan come down to the ring together as the Madness theme “Rosemary’s Baby” by the Phantomas play. Jake Mason comes out next with the Master, followed by Christian Dement. As soon as Dement stepped toward his corner, Lucky goes on the offensive immediately nailing him with a Dick Kick that drives the former champion to his knees. Lucky starts to bite and claw at his face, keeping Dement on the defensive. Mason tries to separate the two but Lyric climbs on his back like a spider monkey.
The referee finally gets the teams separated enough to get the match officially underway. Dement and Mason find a rhythm, using their size and power to keep Lyric grounded and isolated. Each time Dement would come in and take control, he’d taunt Lucky, drawing him in which in turn pulled the referee’s attention away from Lyric and Mason, leaving him opportunity to hit closed fists and quick strikes from the outside.
Dement picks her up and holds her vertical, striding around the ring before hitting a stalling brain buster. The impact of the fall actually bounces her smaller body closer to her corner when she rolls and makes the hot tag to Lucky who forgoes any type of technical approach to land heavy haymakers to the stunned superstar. Keenan pulls Dement to his feet and hits the Lucky Draw and pins him, looking to end the contest. The referee counts to two before Mason breaks it up.
Throughout the match, Mason has kept his eyes on Lyric, as if studying her every move. When she gets back to her feet, recovered from the early abuse she’s taken, Mason drops from the apron and makes his way around to her side. Lucky nails Dement with Mind Breaker and gets ready to pin when Mason yanks Lyric from the apron, dropping her to the floor. This draws Lucky’s attention away from Christian to the pair brawling on the outside.As Lucky looks for her, he turns directly into an NBK that Dement turns into a Third Dementia for the win.
