Livewire #2 | Sunday, September 25, 2016

Livewire #2 | Sunday, September 25, 2016 Sept 25, 2016 18:59:38 GMT Jack Owyns, Trixie, and 5 more like this

Post by Ernie Parker on Sept 25, 2016 18:59:38 GMT

FADE IN:

INT. RINGSIDE – THE HAMMERSTEIN BALLROM – MANHATTAN CENTER – MANHATTAN, NY – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2016 – NIGHT.

There are over 1,800 fans crammed into the historical wrestling venue, all of whom are on their feet as “Boys are Back in Town” by Thin Lizzy plays ERNIE PARKER out to the ring.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome
to Livewire! We’re live, once
again, from New York City and
boy do we have an action packed
line up for you tonight! I’m Jack
Chapman and sitting alongside
me is the incomparable Sabrina
Hamilton – howdy, partner.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Howdy! What, are we getting
all cowboy now?

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Yes, ma’am!

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Awesome! Well tell me this,
Calamity Chapman. Any idea
what the Sheriff of Livewire
is doing out here?

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Well, there’s been talk all
week about this so-called
“championship contender
conversation” that he’s looking
to have here tonight. Perhaps
we’re about to find out who’s
being given opportunities?

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Exciting! I’ve been looking
forward to this since he
announced it. There’s so many
people who you could make a
case for.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Well according to Mr. Parker
himself, there’s four in mind.
Time will tell.

Ernie has entered the ring, microphone in hand. He paces back and forth, giving the sound team the necessary time to fade his music out. He’s dressed in his three-piece suit, all business.

ERNIE PARKER
New York City, thank you
for that wonderful ovation!
You rock my world!

It’s a cheap pop but the Manhattan audience lap it up.

ERNIE PARKER
As you know, Livewire #1
saw the coronation of both
the EOW Heavyweight and the
EOW Atlantic Champions.
Aidan Carlisle and Ash Scion
surpassed all their peers in
the ultimate test of skill,
stamina and endurance in
order to hold their respective
title belts. What they achieved
was nothing short of remarkable,
I’m sure you’ll all agree; and
hey, maybe – just maybe – the
performances of both women were
enhanced by their home town crowd?

More cheers ensue, as ‘Pretty Boy’ paces back and forth inside the squared circle.

ERNIE PARKER
Of course, there’s the small
matter of finding suitable
challengers for these women
and the list I have in mind
really only has four names
on it worthy of discussion
at this moment in time.
That’s not to say that the
rest of the roster can’t
earn their way into contention;
just that for the time being,
four fighters stick out.

The old General Manager gives pause for a moment, scratching his bald head thoughtfully.

ERNIE PARKER
So, the first potential contender
is a man who performed exceptionally
well in the Lethal Lottery and was
perhaps a little unfortunate not to
go further. He may have done, had it
not been for the order of the draw
forcing him into back-to-back fights
without respite. The man I’m talking
about, of course, is Mr. Zack Fantana.

This receives a fairly positive response from the crowd in Manhattan; a crowd comprised of some Fantana followers.

ERNIE PARKER
Tonight, Zack teams up with Candice
Turner to take on Cyrus Riddle and
my bouncy bunny, Trixie. Should the
team of Candy and Fantana win, then
Mr. Fantana will book his ticket to
Supercharged #1 on November 6, where
he’ll face Ash Scion for her EOW
Atlantic Championship.

“Super Scion!” chants break out through the crowd, interspersed with cheers at the announcement.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Damn, think of how epic that
match would be if Zack Fantana
can find success here tonight.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Fantana versus Scion would be
awesome, no doubt about it,
Jackie boy. I won’t look forward
to it too much though, not
until he and Turner get through
Riddle and Trixie.

Ernie raises his index finger to the heavens, gearing up to continue.

ERNIE PARKER
The next name on my list is the
man they call Dick. Mr. Devereaux
to his enemies.

Suddenly, the cheers descend to a chorus of jeers.

ERNIE PARKER (Cont’d)
Like him or loathe him, Dick was
removed from the Lethal Lottery
main event on Livewire #1 because
of interference. In my book, that
constitutes cause for another
opportunity. Of course, I’m well
aware that the interference only
came as a result of his own actions
earlier in the night, so his path
to contention runs through our very
own EOW Heavyweight Champion, Aidan
Carlisle. If Dick can beat her here
tonight, he’ll go on to Supercharged
#1 and face her again for the championship.”

“Devereaux sucks!” chants follow in Ernie’s pause.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Wow! Talk about a huge opportunity
for Dick Devereaux here tonight!
Beat the champ and get yourself a
shot at her title.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
To be honest, that’s only fair.
Having said that, it’s way easier
said than done.

ERNIE PARKER
Which leaves two men. Jeremiah
Greyson, a man whose hopes were
shattered two weeks ago by a cruel
interference; and Declan Black,
a man who got right to the end
with the Champions and fell short
at the last hurdle. Black showed
his worth in that main event,
while Greyson was deprived of
the chance to show his. With that
in mind, the winner of their match
tonight WILL advance to face Aidan
Carlisle for the EOW Heavyweight
Championship at Supercharged #1
on November 6!

The crowd applaud and cheer this decision, with no shortage of supporters here for either man.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Well there you go! The Lethal
Lottery Rematch just became a
Heavyweight Championship number
one contender’s match.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
So I guess Dick Devereaux determines
whether it’s a singles match or a
triple threat for the title at
Supercharged?

Before Ernie Parker can say another word on the matter, ‘Respect’ by Aretha Franklin roars through the Hammerstein Ballroom, taking everyone by surprise. Parker stares up towards the staging, as KATHLEEN SAXON strolls out from behind the curtain, flanked by Victory General Manager, VALENTINA LEMAY.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Wait a minute! Look who just
turned up to the party!

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Uh oh! The boss lady and
the enemy!

The crowd give a mixed reaction for the ladies, who wear contrasting expressions. Saxon smiles to the fans, while Lemay just stares daggers through her adversary, Ernie Parker.

KATHLEEN SAXON
I hate to cut your announcement
short, Ernie – but I’d quite like
a word with you in your office.

Parker narrows his eyes, trying to get a read on the situation. He grins confidently.

ERNIE PARKER
Kathleen, you look absolutely
glorious! What a pleasant surpr--

KATHLEEN SAXON
--Right now, Ernie.

The audience boo the abrupt manner of the EOW Chairwoman, as she turns on her heels and heads backstage. Valentina Lemay lingers for a few seconds, smirking confidently towards Ernie.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Damn, that doesn’t sound like
an appraisal, does it?

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
By the look on Valentina’s
face, I’d say Old Man Parker
is about to get a grilling.

‘Respect’ by Aretha Franklin drowns out most of the crowd reaction once more, leaving Ernie Parker looking flustered inside the ring.

CUT TO:

EXT. PARKING LOT - CONTINUOUS.

A blue Subaru Outback pulls into the parking lot. In the driver's seat is a beautiful blonde and one of the new additions to the Livewire roster, Mr. Mason.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Check it out, it’s one of the
newest Livewire signings!

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
I had actually been thinking
about how busy Parker has been
since the last show. How many
new signings has it been?

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Five and counting. This guy,
Mr. Mason, has joined after
the disturbing events involving
Candice Turner and that bizarre
fan on the last show.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Check out Turner, bringing in
the cavalry. I can’t blame her
though.

Mason gets out of the car and heads to the hatchback door. He pops it open quick and grabs his bag. The woman gets out and slams her door hard. Mason looks at her with a smirk on his face.

Mr. Mason
Are you okay? Do you
need a hug?

BRITTANY
I'm fine. I better be
paid for this. I'm sick
and tired this crap.

MR. MASON
Cheer up. It's for a good
cause. Would you leave one
of your friends hanging out
to dry?

Brittany follows Mr. Mason toward the doors to head into the arena. She's very irritated with Mr. Mason over something and glares at the back of his head.

BRITTANY
Where is Mrs. Doubtfire
when you need her?

Mr. Mason looks at her over his shoulder but continues walking.

MR. MASON
What are you talking about?

BRITTANY
Oh, just thinking about what
it would feel like.

MR. MASON
What?

BRITTANY
Watching you get hit in the back
of the head with a grapefruit.

Mr. Mason stops and turns to face her. He's not amused.

MR. MASON
You're really pushing it,
Britt. Now, keep your little
comments to yourself. We're
supposed to be meeting Candy
here tonight. Let's not lose
focus on what we're here for.

BRITTANY
I'm not here for anything.

Mr. Mason shakes his head, letting out a heavy sigh and opens the door.

BRITTANY (Cont’d)
That's all you dummy. I'm just
a secretary to you.

MR. MASON
Keep talking. Please, keep talking.

Brittany rolls her eyes as she follows Mr. Mason into the arena.

BRITTANY
About what?

Mr. Mason lets out a low growl as Brittany continues to get on his nerves.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Looks like this Mr. Mason
dude has more on his plate
than just Candice Turner.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
I can think of a ton of
things that would be more
of a problem than having
two beautiful blonde women
to juggle.

The pair exit the shot.

CUT TO:

INT. RINGSIDE – JILL LORDER VERSUS KIMITSU ZOMBIE – MONTAGE SEQUENCE.

--The bell sounds and both women come together with a collar-and-elbow tie up. After some moments of struggle, Jill Lorder twists Kimitsu’s arm and wrenches her wrist. Little Yokai winces before performing a front roll and a cartwheel, simply to confuse her opponent. It works, as Lorder loosens the wrench somewhat, enabling Kimitsu to counter with an arm twist of her own.

--Jill struggles before countering with some quick footwork, stepping under Zombie’s arm and slipping her into a side headlock. The crowd applaud the move, as Lorder squeezes the neck of her foe, tighter and tighter.

--Kimitsu manages to push Lorder forward, releasing the headlock as a result. Jill rebounds off the ropes and returns to Zombie, taking her down with a firm shoulder block.

--Lorder ricochets off the ropes again but Kimitsu rolls towards her, forcing the Jamaican to hop step over her and run towards the opposite set of ropes. Zombie nips up as Lorder rebounds and as Kimitsu attempts a hip toss take down, Jill flips during the move and lands on her feet. She quickly applies another headlock, wearing Little Yokai down.

--Kimitsu manages to grab a handful of Lorder’s hair and pull back on her neck, freeing herself from the side headlock. Zombie then applies a headlock of her own, looking to pay Jill back for the punishment. Lorder writhes free, but Zombie stays on top of her with an Irish Whip into the ropes. Jill scouts it and performs a springboard diving cross-body, taking Kimitsu Zombie down.

--Jill Lorder covers. ONE! TWO! Kick out by Zombie.

--Kimitsu Zombie runs at Jill Lorder, driving her knee into the gut of the Jamaican. Little Yokai follows that up with a painful boot to the face while Jill is doubled over. The kick sends her back with force, which Kimitsu cements with a running forearm smash. The move grounds Lorder.

--Kimitsu Zombie pin attempt: ONE! TWO! Kick out by Lorder.

--Little Yokai stays on Jill Lorder with a rear chin-lock, trying to wear her down.

--Zombie runs at Lorder with a clothesline attempt but Jill ducks it and retaliates with a sickening kick to the ribs. The sound echoes through the Hammerstein Ballroom.

CUT TO:

INT. RINGSIDE – JILL LORDER VERSUS KIMITSU ZOMBIE – FINAL MOMENTS.

Jill Lorder stalks Kimitsu Zombie, who is slowly making it back to her feet. Once she arrives there, the Jamaican pulls the trigger and attempts to hit her ‘Shock Value’ Super Kick. Zombie ducks it, however, and drives a boot into the gut of Lorder.

Little Yokai scoops her up and, in an instant, delivers her ‘Light in the Grave’ jumping tombstone piledriver!

Jill Lorder is out and Zombie covers her. ONE! TWO! THREE!

The bell sounds and this one is over. The crowd aren’t happy to see Lorder lose on her debut, but that doesn’t seem to bother the Japanese fighter.

ANGEL SANTOS
Ladies and Gentlemen, here
is your winner… Kimitsu ZOMBIE!

Little Yokai stares down at her fallen foe and smirks, before exiting the ring.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Wow, sudden victory there
for Kimitsu Zombie! I guess
that’s how quickly she can
put someone away with that
jumping tombstone piledriver.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Oh, no doubt. The second she
hit that, it was game over.
Nobody is kicking out of that one.

CUT TO:

INT. ERNIE PARKER’S OFFICE – CONTINUOUS.

The Livewire General Manager, ERNIE PARKER, sits behind his desk, reclining slightly in his chair. Across from him on the other side of the desk is the stern-faced KATHLEEN SAXON, flanked by VALENTINA LEMAY, who currently wears a shit-eating grin.

If Parker is flustered by the conversation currently taking place, he’s not letting it show.

KATHLEEN SAXON
I mean, where to begin?
Your behaviour has been
so inappropriate that the
list is virtually endless.

ERNIE PARKER
(Relaxed)
Come on now, Kathleen –
it can’t be that bad.

KATHLEEN SAXON
(Abrupt tone)
Can’t be that bad?! Ernie,
you gate crashed Victory
with a contract to try and
steal one of Valentina’s
employees.

ERNIE PARKER
Yes, but--

KATHLEEN SAXON
--You then proceeded to
consume illicit drugs and
make a fool of yourself in
the process.

ERNIE PARKER
In my defence, those brownies
were giv--

KATHLEEN SAXON
--Then there’s the abundance
of inappropriate conduct on
social media.

ERNIE PARKER
Inappropriate conduct? Like what?

KATHLEEN SAXON
Don’t make me spell it out
for you, Ernie. You know
exactly what I’m talking about.
The way you’ve harassed the
majority of women on my payroll
is, quite frankly, disgusting.

Parker looks a little embarrassed but down plays it with defiant deflecting.

ERNIE PARKER
Oh, I see… So now I can’t
encourage people with some
harmless flirting? Is that
how it is?

KATHLEEN SAXON
(Stern tone)
There’s a difference between
some harmless flirting and…
what was it?

She looks over towards Valentina, who scrolls through her phone for the evidence.

VALENTINA LEMAY
(Reciting from screen)
If you’re going to ride me
over the events on Livewire,
I’d much rather you did it
while choking me with your
worn nylons.

Lemay clears her throat, holding back a wry grin. Saxon rolls her eyes and shakes her head.

KATHLEEN SAXON
I mean come on, Ernie.

VALENTINA LEMAY
(Interjecting)
There’s more.

Parker narrows his eyes towards the Victory General Manager, as Saxon shakes her head.

KATHLEEN SAXON
(To Valentina)
That’s fine, thank you.

ERNIE PARKER
(To Valentina)
Why are you here?

KATHLEEN SAXON
(Stern tone)
Uh, I beg your pardon? I invited
her here. She’s been a victim of
your moronic behaviour and needs
to see that I won’t stand for it.

Parker rolls his eyes.

ERNIE PARKER
Alright, so I won’t flirt
with anyone anymore.

KATHLEEN SAXON
(Laughing under her breath, exasperated)
It’s not just that though,
is it? The way you handled
the Drew Stevenson deal;
the way you went public with
the confidential show ratings;
the way you bully that poor
Vance Quinn boy and torment
him with disgusting comments
about his mother. It’s all
just appalling conduct from
a man in your position. Oh!
And don’t even get me started
on the madness that ensued two
weeks ago on the show. Stalkers,
kidnappings, assaults – it’s
like the Wild West when you’re
in charge.

The smirk plastered across Valentina Lemay’s face is blood-boiling. She’s revelling in the dressing down being given to her Livewire counterpart.

ERNIE PARKER
(Defiant tone)
This is outrageous! Look at
everything that happened last
week on her show!

KATHLEEN SAXON
We’re not talking about Valentina;
we’re talking about you.

ERNIE PARKER
But I--

KATHLEEN SAXON
--No, Ernie – but nothing.
The bottom line is your
conduct has been wholly
unacceptable and I will not
tolerate it. Consider this
a formal warning.

Parker looks shocked, but remains silent.

KATHLEEN SAXON (Cont’d)
You will not gate crash
Victory uninvited again.
You will not attempt to
poach fighters from
Valentina’s roster anymore.
You will not harass the
female fighters employed
by the EOW anymore and you
will not discuss private
board matters in a public
forum again. Is that understood?

Silence. Parker stares down at the surface of his desk, shaking his head.

ERNIE PARKER
I just think this is outra--

KATHLEEN SAXON
--Is… That… Understood, Ernie?

Ernie glares at Kathleen, meeting her fierce stare.

ERNIE PARKER
(Reluctant tone)
Yes…

KATHLEEN SAXON
Good.

She turns to Valentina.

KATHLEEN SAXON
Would you like to add anything
about the contract for your
fighter?

Lemay shakes her head and looks like the teacher’s pet.

VALENTINA LEMAY
No, I’m going to address that
directly on Victory next Sunday.
I have that under control.

Saxon smiles and nods at Valentina, before scowling towards Ernie again.

KATHLEEN SAXON
You’re not 20 anymore, Ernie.
You’re just an old fool.
For God’s sake, start acting
with some dignity.

The EOW owner stands from her chair, with Valentina following suit. Kathleen heads for the door while Lemay grins at the scolded Parker, waving at him innocently.

VALENTINA LEMAY
(Sickening sweet tone)
Bye bye, Ernie. Take care.

The Livewire General Manager just sits, stewing in his own anger as both women exit the office.

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE – HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS.

KATHLEEN SAXON and VALENTINA LEMAY step out into the hallway and begin heading towards the parking lot.

VALENTINA LEMAY
I’m sorry you had to do that,
Kathleen. I can assure you,
you won’t have these issues
with me.

Saxon stops and turns to face the Victory General Manager. Her stern expression slowly erases the smile from Lemay’s face.

KATHLEEN SAXON
I may be in my twilight years,
but don’t think I’m a silly old
fool like him in there.

Valentina pauses for a moment, playing dumb.

VALENTINA LEMAY
I-I-I have no idea what you--

KATHLEEN SAXON
--Save it, Valentina. I have a
reporter in a bad condition
because of your stirring.

Lemay swallows hard.

VALENTINA LEMAY
(Nervous tone)
Kathleen, listen, I can--

KATHLEEN SAXON
--No, you listen! I had to do
some serious damage limitation
with Kirk Collins to stop him
from pressing charges against
Jack Owyns and this company.
That’s on you. I have big ideas
for you, my dear, but if you
ever pull a stunt like that
again, you won’t have a job.
Are we clear?

The Victory General Manager looks shocked, but remains fully compliant with a nod.

KATHLEEN SAXON
Good! Now let’s go; I’ll walk
you back to your car. I don’t
want you outstaying your welcome
here.

The owner heads towards the parking lot entrance, leaving Valentina totally taken aback by her dressing down.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Damn, the boss has well and
truly laid down the law here
tonight!

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
I feel scared for both of them.
That’s like being given into
trouble by your mom.

CUT TO:

INT. SECURITY SURVEILLANCE ROOM – CONTINUOUS.

We arrive in the control hub of the Hammerstein Ballroom; a moderately sized room with a wall of small television monitors, each streaming closed-circuit camera streams from various locations across the venue.

A senior guard sits at his table, with JILL LORDER beside him. They’re embroiled in a heated exchange.

GUARD
Look, I hear you, alright?
But there’s not much I can do.

JILL LORDER
(Frustrated tone)
Look again! How many cameras
are there filming this place?
One, two, three, four…

She counts each of the monitors but the guard cuts her off.

GUARD
There’s twenty-three in total.

JILL LORDER
Right! Twenty-three cameras
filming around the place and
you’re telling me there’s
nothing on who it was that
jumped me?

The officer scratches his head, shaking it with bemusement.

GUARD
(Heaving a sigh)
I understand the frustration,
honestly I do; but there’s no
security camera inside the
locker rooms. We’re not allowed
to film in there.

JILL LORDER
What about outside? The hallway?
There’s nothing at all?

GUARD
(Shaking his head sympathetically)
Nothing. I’m sorry, sweetheart.

Lorder throws herself back in her chair and pinches the bridge of her nose with her left thumb and index finger.

JILL LORDER
Man, this company…

The officer looks around at the camera wall, scanning his brain for possible solutions to offer her.

GUARD
I mean, if you want, I can
look again just to make sure?
I was pretty thorough last
time though.

The Jamaican-born fighter shakes her head and sighs.

JILL LORDER
Nah, don’t sweat it. I’ll just
have to go investigating on
my own.

The pretty female stands to her feet and heads for the door, looking dejected from the string of bad luck she’s had since her arrival.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Boy, it’s really not been the
best of starts for Jill Lorder,
has it?

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Well… I mean, on the bright side,
she did win Twerk-a-Mania. It’s not
all doom and gloom.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
I imagine with the assault two
weeks ago and the defeat here
tonight, that’ll be of little
consolation to her, ‘Rina.

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE – HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS.

ERNIE PARKER exits his office and steps into the hallway, looking stressed out after his impromptu meeting with Kathleen Saxon and Valentina Lemay.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Well from one frustrated
individual to another.
You have to imagine Parker
is reeling after being given
a formal warning minutes ago.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
At least he wasn’t the only
one. That bitch, Valentina,
got her comeuppance.

Parker stares at a little box in his hand, opening it to reveal a stunning ring. He studies it carefully, looking like he’s plucking up courage.

ERNIE PARKER
(To himself)
Come on, old boy; you can do
this. Just stick to the speech
and she’ll say yes.

VOICE (O.S)
Hey! Old balls!

The abrupt heckle startles the General Manager, who snaps the lid of the ring box shut and stuffs it back inside the breast pocket of his suit jacket.

VAN QUINN enters the frame, looking furious.

VAN QUINN
What the fuck was that out
there? Huh?!

ERNIE PARKER
(Stern tone)
Now’s not the time, my boy.

VAN QUINN
(Defiant tone)
Nah, now’s exactly the time,
you old fuck! You’re out there
dishing out title shots like
they’re fucking tic-tacs and
my name isn’t mentioned? After I
said we should bury the hatchet?
What the fuck, dude? What am I?
Chopped Liver?!

Silence. Parker only closes his eyes and breathes.

VAN QUINN
So, what? You’ll give that
bald motherfucker Devereaux
a title shot if he beats the
champion tonight but if I beat
Scion, I get what? A pat on the
fucking back for a job well done?!

ERNIE PARKER
(Snapping, shouting)
You’re lucky you even have a
job right now, you dunderhead!

The aggression – uncharacteristic as it is from Parker – shocks Quinn a little.

ERNIE PARKER (Cont’d)
I know you were the one who
attacked little Jill Lorder
two weeks ago and the second
I can prove it, I’m going to
film me fisting your mother
and send you a copy on DVD
along with your pink slip!

VAN QUINN
(Roaring)
You motherfucker!

The former footballer lunges at Parker, grabbing him by the scruff of his neck and pinning him against the cold plaster wall.

VAN QUINN
(Gritted teeth)
I swear to God, bro! I had
nothin’ to do with Jill Lorder
getting jumped on the last show!
And so help me God, say one more
think about my angel of a mom
and I’ll rip your hearing aid
out and shove it so far up your
ass, you’ll hear your lower
intestine produce your shit!

ERNIE PARKER
(Struggling)
Lay a finger on me and I’ll
have my nephew Bert beat the
mediocre right out of you!

Van Quinn persists, if only for a split second, before it registers what Parker just said. Quinn’s face collapses.

VAN QUINN
(Releasing the grip)
Wait… Did you just say your
nephew Bert?

Ernie straightens himself out and scowls.

ERNIE PARKER
That’s right. I’ve employed him
as my new head of security so
cretins like you don’t go thumping
women from behind anymore.

There’s a momentary pause before Van Quinn bursts into fits of laughter.

VAN QUINN
(Through chuckles)
Bert?! Bert and fucking Ernie?!

Parker narrows his eyes.

ERNIE PARKER
Yes, yes, that’s right. Laugh it
up, you moron. You won’t be laughing
when he breaks every bone in your body.

VAN QUINN
(Still chuckling)
Oh yeah? Where did he work before
here? Hoopers?!

Parker remains silent, although he looks over Quinn’s shoulder – and skyward.

VAN QUINN (Cont’d)
So where is he? Still on his way
from Sesame Street?!

ERNIE PARKER
No… He’s right behind you.

Van Quinn turns around and is startled by the monstrous sight before him.

BERT PARKER, 33, stands 6’ 8” and weights 385 pounds – all muscle, wild beard, long hair with shaved sides. The fibres in his biceps and neck twitch as he growls down towards Quinn.

BERT PARKER
(Deep, guttural tone)
Problem, uncle Ern?

Suddenly the Livewire General Manager is smiling again.

ERNIE PARKER
I don’t know, son. Van? Do we
have a problem here?

‘Varsity’ shakes his head, stepping back to move shoulder-to-shoulder with Ernie. He throws his arm around the old ‘Pretty Boy’ and pulls him close.

VAN QUINN
(Staring at Bert)
N-No… I was just thanking Ernie
here for giving me the opportunity
to be the best me I can be.

Bert nods, while Ernie rolls his eyes.

ERNIE PARKER
(To Van)
Get out of here, you’re up next.

Quinn doesn’t need to be told twice. He hurries out of the shot towards the ring entrance.

VAN QUINN (O.S)
Nice to meet you, Bert!

The Parker men watch Quinn from out of shot, before turning towards each other.

BERT PARKER
Who’s he?

ERNIE PARKER
Ah, just some punk kid whose
mother I’m banging. Come on,
let’s go.

The pair exit the frame in the opposite direction.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Did you see the size of that
guy? He’s like the incredible
hulk!

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Uh, forget that! Did you see
the ring Ernie is carrying?!
What the heck is that all about?

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Your guess is as good as mine,
partner. We’ll have to wait to
find out because Van Quinn is
in action next against the
Atlantic Champion, Ash Scion.

CUT TO:

INT. RINGSIDE – ASH SCION VERSUS VAN QUINN – MONTAGE SEQUENCE.

--The bell sounds and a fired up Van Quinn charges at Ash Scion, clubbing her mercilessly with forearms and punches. The Champion backs off into the ropes a little, stunned by the aggressive start. She lashes out with a kick but Quinn catches her boot and chops her down with an open-palm slap to the chest. The crowd jeer, as their hometown girl is floored.

--Van Quinn lifts Scion up and slams her into the corner of the ring with a running body slam. He follows that up with a shoulder to the gut – then another, then another, before whipping her across the ring to the opposite corner. She crashes into the turn-buckles, but when ‘Varsity’ charges at her to deliver a body splash, she manages to lift her legs, mule kicking him forcefully and derailing him.

--Scion runs at the big man but he scoops her up into a tilt-a-whirl position. The Champion uses her quickness to wriggle free and land behind him, before unleashing furious kicks to Van Quinn’s spine, kidneys and knees. The crowd cheer every strike, as she tries to chop the big man down to size.

--Quinn staggers around a little, while Ash runs at him and smashes him with a huge forearm. Incredibly, the former footballer doesn’t go down – although he’s rocked by it. Quinn retaliates by throwing a punch, but it’s not quick enough and Scion ducks it, moving behind him and waiting for him to turn around… Shining Wizard! Quinn falls to his knees and crawls over to the ropes, leaning against them for support.

--Scion hauls him up and swings another bone cracking kick in his direction, but Quinn catches her leg and knocks her down with a furious clothesline. His power and size is clear for all to see, but the audience don’t like it.

--Ash is on the outside apron, trying to recuperate. Van Quinn leans over the top rope to drag her up by her hair, but she meets him with a jaw breaker, springing his throat off the top rope as a result. Scion steps through the ropes and when Van Quinn stumbles into her path, she delivers a sick Gamengiri Kick – a move she calls ‘Watch it Burn’.

--Ash Scion Covers: ONE! TWO! Kick out! The kick out is so powerful that it tosses Scion into the air, but she lands on her feet.

--Van Quinn catches Scion – who runs at him having rebounded off the ropes – and tosses her into the air with a huge back body drop. Scion lands awkwardly and the New York audience don’t like it.

--Varsity Van grabs Ash Scion up to her feet and throws her across the ring. The Atlantic Champion springs off the ropes and returns to her lumbering foe, who stuns the crowd by performing his PAT; a sick butterfly kick! Scion’s saliva cannons out of her mouth as she lands.

--Van Quinn pin attempt: ONE! TWO! No! Amazingly, Ash Scion kicks out!

CUT TO:

INT. RINGSIDE – ASH SCION VERSUS VAN QUINN – FINAL MOMENTS.

Ash Scion is positioned against the corner of the ring, ripe for the picking. Van Quinn stands in the opposite corner and screams before charging at her like a freight train. He leaps up and attempts his ‘Dog Pile’ stinger splash…

Scion moves out of the way, leaving Quinn nothing but turn-buckle to collide with. The former footballer bounces off them with force, into the path of Ash Scion, who grabs him by the wrist and pulls him towards her, delivering a sickening short-arm lariat!

‘REDRUM! REDRUM! REDRUM!’ wipes Van Quinn out and the Champion goes for a cover. ONE! TWO! THREE!

The bell sounds and ‘Don’t Mess With Me’ by Brody Dalle plays through the Ballroom, failing miserably to drown out the cheers from this partisan New York crowd.

ANGEL SANTOS
Ladies and Gentlemen, here is
your winner… Ash SCION!

The referee hands the little red-head her EOW Atlantic Championship, before raising her hand to display her as the victor in front of her people.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Well that was certainly a
performance to be proud of!
Another fight, another win
for Ash Scion.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Yeah, full credit to Scion here
tonight. She was up against
powerful opposition and she
handled it well. She took
everything he threw at her –
even that wild butterfly kick!

The referee and medics check in with Van Quinn, while Scion steps up onto the second rope in the corner and raises her arm to acknowledge the crowd.

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE – HALLWAY – CONTINUOUS.

TYLER KEENAN enters the shot, strolling through the hallway, having just watched the Scion/Quinn match on one of the monitors.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
There’s another one of the
latest additions to Livewire –
Tyler Keenan!

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
God, he’s gorgeous. I’d give
up my career to have his babies,
I swear.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
I’ll be sure to let him know
that, partner.

Keenan’s path is soon obstructed by EVIE TAYLOR, who arrives into the shot from the opposite direction. The pair just stare each other down, allowing an uncomfortable silence to fill the air.

Eventually, Tyler breaks it.

TYLER KEENAN
Hey…

EVIE TAYLOR
Hello…

More silence. The crowd watching from ringside can be heard groaning with how uncomfortable it all is.

TYLER KEENAN
Listen, I wan--

FEMALE VOICE (O.S)
--Oh my God! Hey!

HONEY runs into the shot, practically throwing herself at Keenan. The pair share a warm embrace, while Evie stands there, looking anywhere but directly at them.

HONEY
(Excited)
I’m SO glad I ran into you!
You were so sweet on Chatter
that I just couldn’t wait to
meet you in person!

The ditzy blonde pulls away and spots the reluctance in Keenan’s body language. She turns to Evie and notices that she’s equally uncomfortable.

HONEY
Oh… Wait… Did I interrupt
something?

EVIE TAYLOR
(Politely)
No, not at all. In fact, I was
actually just heading to grab
some water.

HONEY
Oh, okay! Boy, that could have
been awkward! Didn’t you two
used to date?

The ex-couple stare at each other briefly.

TYLER KEENAN
Once upon a time, before she
ran off with illusions that
she could somehow do better.

Taylor’s eyes narrow somewhat.

EVIE TAYLOR
(Unimpressed)
Ty… Don’t do that.

TYLER KEENAN
Do what, exactly? Tell the
truth?

EVIE TAYLOR
If you’re going to tell her the
truth, why don’t you start with
your controlling nature or drink
problem?

Keenan smirks before turning to Honey.

TYLER KEENAN
See that? There she goes again,
demeaning me in public. Anything
to try and frighten a beautiful
woman away from me.

EVIE TAYLOR
Oh, please!

Honey looks overawed by Tyler’s comments.

HONEY
(Shocked, to Tyler)
Wait… You think I’m beautiful?

Keenan narrows his eyes towards Evie for a moment.

TYLER KEENAN
(Staring at Evie, addressing Honey)
Of course I do. After all, I
only kiss the beautiful ones…

The fighter turns and delicately touches Honey’s face before planting a soft, passionate kiss on her lips. Evie watches on and, in a split second, she looks pained by the sight. However, her defiant nature kicks in and she scowls, shaking her head.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Oh my God, that lucky bitch.

Taylor walks out of shot as Keenan pulls away from the kiss. Honey looks light-headed and stumbles back a step.

HONEY
(Taken aback)
Wow…

Keenan turns back towards Evie but spots that she’s gone. He scans the area – she’s nowhere to be found.

HONEY
That… was… wow.

TYLER KEENAN
(Scanning the area)
Hmmm? What?

HONEY
I’ve never been kissed like that
before. I mean, I’ve never been ki--

TYLER KEENAN
--Oh, go away.

Keenan looks irritated that he was unable to affect Taylor, as he storms out of shot. Honey looks shocked by his abrupt and rude departure. She gives a wide eyed stare in his direction.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
That’s uncalled for. He only
used Honey to get to Evie Taylor.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
He can use me to get to her!
I don’t even care!

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE – GORILLA POSITION – CONTINUOUS.

The cameras head to HOPE GORDON, who stands alongside the EOW Atlantic Champion, ASH SCION. The red headed beauty is sweating profusely, having just finished her match with Van Quinn.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
There's Victory correspondent,
Hope Gordon. She's standing
in for Kirk Collins tonight, as
a favour to us from Kathleen
Saxon.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
At least they didn't send
Jared Ryan.

HOPE GORDON
Ladies and Gentlemen, joining
me now is the EOW Atlantic
Champion, Ash Scion.

The audience watching on the big screen cheer their hometown girl.

HOPE GORDON (Cont’d)
Ash, you’ve just enjoyed
another victory tonight.
Tell us how you’re feeling.

ASH SCION
I’m feeling like a double
champion on a hot streak.
It’s becoming quite nice
proving to people that hard
work pays off and doesn’t
mean I’m burning out quicker
than the rest of the guys
and gals in the locker room.

HOPE GORDON
You mention the fact that
you’re a double champion.
What are your thoughts on
Ernie Parker’s choice of
potential challenger for
you at Supercharged?

ASH SCION
Listen, Hope – it doesn’t
matter to me who the boss
puts in front of me. So long
as he keeps lining them up,
I’ll keep knocking ‘em down.
Whether it’s Zack Fantana or
someone else on this roster,
I’ll do what I always do; the
format doesn’t change. I sit
down, I analyse, I dissect
and I defeat.

The gorgeous New York native stares down at her Atlantic Championship draped over her shoulder for a moment.

ASH SCION (Cont’d)
Come one, come all. You won’t
find this champion sitting on
social media politicking over
who her opponents should be.

She winks at the camera lens.

HOPE GORDON
Ash, congratulations on the
victory tonight. Thanks for
speaking to me.

ASH SCION
Any time.

Scion walks out of shot.

CUT TO:

INT. PARKING AREA - CONTINUOUS.

A Jeep, hot pink, has just parked and the rear lights go out a the engine cuts. As the driver's door opens and AIDAN CARLISLE steps out, draping the EOW Heavyweight Championship over her shoulder. She spots the cameras but ignores them, opening the rear door to pull out her gym bag and sling it over the other shoulder. MELISSA MAY steps into frame, microphone at the ready.

MELISSA MAY
Aidan! It’s about time!
Like, why are you so late?

AIDAN CARLISLE
It's Manhattan, the traffic
is terrible and the valet was
late. What can I say? Good to
know you've been standing here
waiting on me though. Nobody
more interesting to accost?

MELISSA MAY
Well you ARE the Heavyweight
Champion. Care to share your
thoughts heading into tonight's
match?

Aidan sighs slightly.

AIDAN CARLISLE
Here I thought I'd done enough
of that already.

After adjusting both her bag and the championship, she continues.

AIDAN CARLISLE
I can't honestly tell you more
than I've already said over the
past few weeks. Dick Devereaux
has his few tiny advantages, none
of which are going to be enough
to get him a victory here tonight.
I'm walking into the match the
first ever EOW Heavyweight Champion
and I'm walking out with another
tick in my win column. Dick slides
down another rung back toward the
bottom, and I keep my footing at
the top.

MELISSA MAY
Are you, like, scared that certain
people might get involved tonight?

Aidan laughs.

AIDAN CARLISLE
Like who, Declan Black? He doesn't
seem like the type. It looks to me
like he'd rather sit back and
complain than actually do something.
Besides, it wouldn't be very
champion-like of him to do
something untoward, now would
it? And he's all about telling
actual champions how a champion
behaves.

As they come to the door that leans into the building, Aidan holds it open for Melissa.

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY - CONTINUOUS.

MELISSA MAY
So, like, earlier tonight, Old
Man Parker told us who the four
contenders were for the titles
and what they’d have to do to
get their shots. Who did you
think the four names would be?
Also, like, what’s your thoughts on—

AIDAN CARLISLE
There are a few names that had
crossed my mind up to this point,
none of which I'm willing to
share. I'll be keeping that
close to the vest, lest I go
giving anyone any ideas for
the future. I'll go back and
take a peek at what I missed
and see what Ernie himself
thinks. When it comes right
down to it, it doesn't matter
who his choices are. I'll face
whoever, whenever, and I'll
walk away still the Champion.

Aidan finally pauses and turns to look at Melissa and the camera.

AIDAN CARLISLE
As for tonight, it's going to go
like this; Little Dick Devereaux
is going down — something I'm
sure he's intimately familiar
with — and anyone who thinks
it'll be a good idea to tangle
with me to try to get themselves
noticed? Well, they'll find out
the hard way that The Alpha Bitch
bites back.

Aidan gives a last nod to Melissa and turns on her heel, striding down the hall toward her locker room.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Well, fighting words from the
Champion there. She’s in action
a little later on tonight.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
I want her car.

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE – LOADING AREA – CONTINUOUS.

We catch up with ERNIE PARKER again, who’s holding the decorative box in his hand; the one that contains the stunning ring from earlier.

ERNIE PARKER
(To himself)
Just tell her how you feel.
I fell for you from the moment
I first met you. After everything
that’s happened, the feeling
at potentially losing you could
have killed me. I want to keep
you safe. I want to protect you.
I want to look after you and
make you my wife. Easy.

The bald general manager wanders towards some staging, stopping when he spots TRIXIE.

He smiles.

ERNIE PARKER
(To himself)
There she is. Show time,
you old Dog.

He begins to approach, but stops when CYRUS RIDDLE emerges from the distance, hugging Trixie in a warm embrace. The gesture completely derails Ernie, who just watches them from afar.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Surely I’m hearing this wrong?!

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
I’m freaking out right now!
Is Ernie Parker legitimately
thinking about asking Trixie
to marry him?!

The Livewire General Manager watches the apple of his eye cuddle with Cyrus Riddle and slips the box back into his pocket, before turning away.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
I guess not.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
No, dude – come on! He can’t
be serious, can he?

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
I have no idea! He’s seen
Trixie and Cyrus Riddle
hugging each other and has
back tracked.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Ahhhh, I want to put my whole
fist in my mouth!

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Well, if you do, just make
sure Ernie doesn’t see it.
He’ll be asking you to marry
him instead.

CUT TO:

INT. RINGSIDE – CONTINUOUS.

DECLAN BLACK has entered the ring, microphone in hand. He paces back and forth, giving the sound team the necessary time to fade 'Brenda Stubbert' by Ashley MacIssac out. He’s dressed in his trunks, ready for a fight and the crowd are, for the most part, behind the Canadian, as testament by the cheers.

DECLAN BLACK
Y’know, as I stand here tonight
and looks out at the audience
in Manhattan, I can’t help
but thank the stars for small
blessings.

Beat.

DECLAN BLACK (Cont’d)
Thank the stars that tonight
is Livewire and not Victory.
Thank the stars that all of
you are safe after this week’s
drama within the city…

The majority of the audience cheer this, with a few jeers at the reminder of the bomb scare in a city that’s had more than its share of tragedy.

DECLAN BLACK (Cont’d)
… And thank the stars that
I’m out here tonight, walking
and talking just as wonderfully
as ever before; trust me, it
could have been very different.
Let’s take a look.

The Canadian points towards the large projector screen on the stage as it replays the footage from the main event two weeks ago to crown the Livewire Champions.

--FOCUS ON FOOTAGE

The Hammerstein Ballroom heaves a collective gasp thanks to more than 2,000 people inhaling in unison at what they witness. Both Aidan Carlisle and Declan Black standing on the lip of the cage, trading punches. It can only end badly.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
This is the end to the main
event on the last edition of
Livewire. What an incredible
moment.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Oh, no doubt about it.
This was one of those
events during a match
that will live with both
competitors and the
fans forever.

And it does.

In a moment that will be replayed throughout EOW history, Aidan Carlisle hooks the head of Declan Black from behind and takes both their lives in her hands by executing her ‘Coup De Grace’ inverted leg drop bulldog from 20ft in the air, down into the ring. The danger she chose to stare in the face while executing the move is mind blowing, but they both land.

“Holy shit! Holy shit! Holy shit!”

Declan Black will be lucky to have avoided a broken neck. He isn’t moving anymore and it’s no surprise. Aidan Carlisle is barely moving herself, having been lucky not to rupture a hamstring, or worse, break a leg during the delivery of that unbelievable move.

--FOCUS ON RING

Black shakes his head while reviewing the footage, however the crowd are delighted to have been given the chance to see it again, if the “That was awesome!” chant is any indicator.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
I’ve got goosebumps just
from watching that over.

DECLAN BLACK
Maybe you’re right; maybe
it was awesome – for all
of you. It wasn’t awesome
for me though. See, fate
and fortune robbed me of
an opportunity to make
history and capture some
gold two weeks ago; I’ve
come to terms with that
one. But it was Aidan
Carlisle who nearly robbed
me of the opportunity to
wrestle again; hell, to
even walk again – and all
because of a needlessly
reckless move that could
have pretty much killed
both of us.

In his honesty, the Canadian begins to lose the backing of some of the bloodthirsty fans here. He doesn’t look troubled by it though.

DECLAN BLACK (Cont’d)
So with that in mind,
tonight is --

“Satellite” by Rise Against roars through the Ballroom, interrupting the Canadian. Black glares at the entrance way, as JEREMIAH GREYSON emerges, giving the audience some acknowledgement with a raised fist and warm smile.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Uh oh, looks like we’ve
got some company.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Listen to these fans cheering
the arrival of Jeremiah Greyson!
Deafening!

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
By the looks of things, Declan
Black is the only person in
the Manhattan Center who isn’t
pleased to see him.

Greyson – also dressed in his ring attire – lifts his microphone to his mouth and addresses the Canadian and the New Yorkers.

JEREMIAH GREYSON
Damn, New York – as receptions
go, that was up there with the
best of ‘em! Much love for that.

Declan shakes his head, despite the cheers.

DECLAN BLACK
Jer, all due respect, buddy –
do you mind?

JEREMIAH GREYSON
(Apologetically)
Ah, jeez, sorry man! I just…
well, I was sitting backstage
listening to what you were
saying and it really struck
a chord with me, you know?
I had to come out here and
share.

Beat. Greyson paces back and forth at the top of the stage, while Black studies him closely from the ring.

JEREMIAH GREYSON (Cont’d)
See, I kinda feel like you
and I share some common
ground. You’re out here
talking about being robbed
of opportunity? Nobody knows
about that better than I do,
man. Of course, in my case it
wasn’t fate or fortune. No,
see, in my case, it was Dick
Devereaux.

The audience jeer, hiss and boo the very mention of Devereaux’s name. Greyson nods.

JEREMIAH GREYSON (Cont’d)
Yeah, I hear you, New York.
I hear you. The fact of the
matter is that after Livewire
two weeks ago, I was livid.
My blood was boiling over his
interference because it robbed
me of the chance to showcase
my talents; it robbed me of
a fair fight. But then I started
thinking clearly again and
I realised that I have another
opportunity tonight when I
go one on one with that man
right there, in a re-match.

Greyson points towards Declan and the crowd cheer with excitement and anticipation over the match.

JEREMIAH GREYSON (Cont’d)
So when I’m sitting backstage
and hearing you talk about
being robbed, Dec – I figured
I’d come out and offer you a
whole different perspective.

DECLAN BLACK
Well that’s mighty kind of
you, Jer – but allow me to
reciprocate by offering you
a different perspective.

Greyson simply watches, listening intently.

DECLAN BLACK (Cont’d)
I think it’s great that
you’re not allowing yourself
to dwell over what happened
two weeks ago with Devereaux,
but I think you owe it to
yourself to be totally honest
here, my man. Being totally
honest, I already had your
number before Dick stuck his
nose in.

Jeremiah smirks.

DECLAN BLACK (Cont’d)
So while you’re right in
saying that Dick Devereaux
committed a robbery on Livewire
#1, the person he robbed
was me; robbed me of a clean
victory over you. All he gave
to you was a reprieve; an
excuse to use as to why you
were dumped out of the Lethal
Lottery tournament.

Greyson scratches his chiselled jaw and shrugs his shoulders.

JEREMIAH GREYSON
You know what, Declan? You
might be right. I’m willing
to challenge the theory,
though – right now.

The Ballroom erupts with cheers of enthusiasm, as Greyson drops his microphone and begins his march to the ring. Declan Black nods and tosses his microphone towards the time keeper’s table, before running the ropes in anticipation.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Oh wow, it looks like we’re
about to get Black versus
Greyson! We know that the
winner will head to Supercharged
and compete against Aidan
Carlisle for the EOW Heavyweight
Championship! The stakes
couldn't be higher!

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
I love it! These two just
wanna go at it and I’m all
for it, particularly if
their match two weeks ago
is anything to go by.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Folks, stick around because
these two are squaring off
next!

CUT TO:

INT. RINGSIDE – DECLAN BLACK VERSUS JEREMIAH GREYSON – MONTAGE SEQUENCE.

--The bell sounds and both fighters lunge at each other, jostling for position. The Pride of Nova Scotia drops to one knee and hooks the leg of the high flier, taking him down to the canvas with precision. Jeremiah flails a little to get back to his feet, but Black tries to keep up with him and delivers a snap-mare takedown, tossing Greyson over his shoulder to the canvas.

--Black tries an audacious pin: ONE! Jeremiah kicks out. Both men slide away from each other, with Declan grinning at the younger foe.

--Both men lock up again, playing to Declan Black’s strengths. As expected, the Canadian rag-dolls Greyson, pushing him backwards with aggression. Jeremiah’s speed comes into play as he rolls back, returns to a vertical base and charges at Black for a second time, locking up again. This time, Greyson manages a hip toss take down, much to the delight of the crowd.

--Black whips Greyson across the ring towards the far corner, but as soon as Jeremiah arrives, he reaches out to either side of the ropes and pushes himself up and back, causing Declan Black to run underneath him. Greyson lands behind Declan and flips backwards a few times to evade any danger. The Canadian runs at Jeremiah as he continues to back flip to the opposite corner. Declan aims a body splash in Greyson’s direction, but Jeremiah gets a boot up and subdues the veteran for a moment. The man with Helium in his blood sits atop the turn-buckles and leaps forth, delivering a perfect front dropkick to Declan Black.

--Black is outside the ring and Jeremiah Greyson perches on the top turn-buckle again, this time executing the perfect moonsault, connecting perfectly with a standing Black. It takes both men down.

--Declan Black looks a little dazed inside the ring, as Jeremiah lingers on the apron outside. The young high flier leaps up onto the top rope, but the Canadian scouts it and lunges forward, knocking Greyson’s balance. Jeremiah falls hard, head first on the edge of the ring apron.

--Black rolls out of the ring and stands by the steel steps, waiting for Greyson to get back to his feet. As soon as he does, Declan bursts forth, hitting a huge lariat that spins Jeremiah 360 degrees.

--Declan rolls his fallen foe back into the ring and stays on him, driving his knee into the shoulder, the gut and the neck of Greyson, over and over again, displaying a relentless aggression.

--The Pride of Nova Scotia aims a second powerful lariat towards Greyson, who ducks it and moves behind the Canadian. Black runs at the ropes and hooks them, jerking Jeremiah’s grip from off him. Greyson rolls back and Declan charges at him, but the high-flier strikes quickly with a dropkick to the old knee of his opponent, taking him down.

--Greyson attempts a standing 450-degree splash but Declan Black lifts his knees, blocking the offence. Greyson winces and rolls away from his opponent, but the second he gets to his feet, Black strikes with a sickening European Uppercut and a Belly-to-Belly suplex.

--Declan Black pin attempt: ONE! TWO! No! Greyson kicks out.

--Jeremiah Greyson leaps towards the ropes and attempts to execute a springboard super kick! However, the strength of Declan Black prevails and the Canadian catches him from behind before countering with a snap German suplex! The crowd go ballistic at the back and forth.

CUT TO:

INT. RINGSIDE – DECLAN BLACK VERSUS JEREMIAH GREYSON – FINAL MOMENTS.

Declan Black sizes Greyson up, looking to end this with his ‘Call of the Coal’ Claymore Kick. Jeremiah is dazed and things don’t look good for the high flier. The crowd begin jeering as DICK DEVEREAUX emerges from backstage and runs down the ramp, wielding a steel chair.

Black runs towards Greyson and pulls the trigger…

Duck! Jeremiah Greyson ducks under Declan’s leg and runs towards the ropes, just as DICK DEVEREAUX arrives at the apron and takes a swing…

CRACK!

The big bald bastard smashes the weapon off the skull of Jeremiah Greyson, knocking him out cold in the process.

The referee calls for the bell, bringing a stop to this fight, much to the fury of the crowd and Declan Black.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
For God’s sake, not again?!
Why can’t this guy just let
these two finish a match?

The referee informs Angel Santos of his decision, but most in the Ballroom know what’s coming.

ANGEL SANTOS
Ladies and Gentlemen, here
is your winner as a result
of a disqualification…
Jeremiah GREYSON!

The jeers are deafening, as Declan Black kicks out at the bottom rope, livid at this situation. Devereaux swaggers back up the ramp, not even looking back. He got what he wanted from this.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
So what does this mean?
Is Jeremiah Greyson the
new number one contender?

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Officially? Yes. I’m sure
he’ll be furious to have
got it like this though.

The Canadian drops to his knees and checks on the condition of Jeremiah Greyson, along with the referee and the medical team.

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE – LOCKER ROOMS – CONTINUOUS.

KIMITSU ZOMBIE sits on a wooden bench by the lockers, having showered and changed back into her casual attire.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
There’s Kimitsu Zombie. She must
be feeling great after her victory
tonight.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
No doubt – it’ll definitely get
the monkey off her back knowing
that she’s got a win under her belt.

CANDICE TURNER barges into the room, full of excitement and delight. The little blonde claps her hands and approaches her new friend.

CANDICE TURNER
There she is! Yay for you!
Congratulations! I knew you’d
do it!

Turner offers a hug; one that Kimitsu accepts, albeit reluctantly.

KIMITSU ZOMBIE
Yeah… Uh, thanks, I guess.

The sprightly blonde bounces up and down on the spot, overcome with enthusiasm.

CANDICE TURNER
Just think, once Zack and I
win our tag team match tonight,
we can all celebrate together!
Candy and food and… what was it
you called it? Sock chew?

KIMITSU ZOMBIE
Shochu…

CANDICE TURNER
Right! Shochu! Lots of Shochu!
It’s gonna be great!

Zombie nods and grins a little.

KIMITSU ZOMBIE
Sounds like a plan. In fact,
I’m glad you’re here. I was
about to text you to tell you
to meet me here after your match.
We can leave together again,
keep things safer.

CANDICE TURNER
(Nodding)
Of course! And listen, thank
you so much again for being
here for me. You’re a real
friend.

Candy hugs her newfound buddy once more, with Kimitsu patting her on the back.

KIMITSU ZOMBIE
Don’t mention it.

They split and part ways, as Turner heads for the door again.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
There’s a real alliance blossoming
there. It’s nice to see.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Girl power, Jackie boy. We have
to stick together.

CUT TO:

INT. TELEVISION STUDIO – UNDISCLOSED LOCATION – CONTINUOUS.

Fans and audience members watching at home are transported to a TV studio, where swollen-faced backstage correspondent, KIRK COLLINS, sits. He’s casually dressed in a blue t-shirt and jeans, propped uncomfortably on a director’s chair.

A woman fiddles with a microphone piece attached to the rounded collar of his shirt.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Folks, there you can see
Kirk Collins. As I understand
it, he’s about to deliver
an official statement following
last week’s Victory event.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
I don’t really know Kirk;
always found him to be a
little full of his own
importance, to be honest –
but what Jack Owyns did
to him last week was wild
and completely uncalled for.

The woman backs away, exiting the shot. Kirk clears his throat and stares down the barrel of the camera lens.

He looks gravely concerned.

KIRK COLLINS
As some of you may know,
I was the victim of a
heinous assault; an assault
that was bestowed upon me
by Jack Owyns. This was an
unprovoked attack that has
left me with severe bruising,
a fractured right eye socket
and some minor internal bleeding.

He gives pause, looking away momentarily.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Jesus, that’s some ass kicking.

KIRK COLLINS
I have had the last seven
days to reflect on the events
that transpired in the
Manhattan Center a week ago
and have been fortunate enough
to sit down with the company
owner, Kathleen Saxon.
Following discussions, I have
been offered generous recompense
from the board. In exchange,
I have also agreed to refrain
from pressing any and all
charges against Jack Owyns…

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
What?! Surely he can’t
be serious?

KIRK COLLINS (Cont’d)
…subject to a full,
unreserved public apology
from Owyns on next week’s
Victory event.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Oh boy… I can only imagine
how that one’ll go down with
the Villain of Victory.

Collins studies the sheet of paper on his lap, reciting from it.

KIRK COLLINS
Should Jack refuse to offer
this apology to me in the
manner specified, on the date
specified, then I will have
no choice but to press full
charges against him for his
actions. I look forward to
Victory next Sunday.

Collins eyeballs the camera lens for a few moments, before MACKENZIE, Jack Owyns’ daughter, runs onto the set and into the shot.

MACKENZIE
Can we go now? You said
we’d get some pizza.

DEANNA GREENE (O.S)
Mac! Get back here!

Collins ushers the little girl away with an ignorant hand gesture, before stepping out of the shot with a concerned haste.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Uh… Well, it looks like Jack
Owyns is going to have to
apologise for what he’s done
next week on Victory.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
I’d say there’s more chance of
Hell freezing over; or pigs
flying; or Mysti Savage not
being high; or Felix Hartley
becoming celibate; or Finn Whel--

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
--Alright, I get the idea,
partner. In any case, you’re
likely right. I can’t see this
ending amicably.

CUT TO:

INT. RINGSIDE – AIDAN CARLISLE VERSUS DICK DEVEREAUX – MONTAGE SEQUENCE.

--The bell sounds and both fighters circle each other, with Dick Devereaux attempting a grapple. Carlisle lashes out with a low kick to Dick’s knee, before twisting his arm viciously in a painful fashion. Dick counters with a twist of his own, reciprocating the uncomfortable move. He follows that up by grabbing Carlisle’s head and slamming her, back first, into the canvas. Aidan is momentarily dazed, before nipping up to her feet again with cat-like agility. Before she can mount any offence, Dick clubs her across the back of her neck and takes her down to all fours, before stomping away at her wildly.

--Devereaux grabs Carlisle up by her hair and tosses her out of the ring. He follows her outside, but she slides back into the ring quickly, taking him by surprise. The Champion runs towards the ropes and rebounds, returning to Dick on the outside. Aidan leaps forth with a seated senton attempt, wowing the audience in New York.

--Devereaux catches the female fighter in a powerbomb position and motions to execute it on the ramp! Thankfully for Carlisle, she counters with a hurricanrana that turns Dick inside out.

--Carlisle punts Dick in the gut, before rolling him back into the ring and pursuing him. The Champion grabs Devereaux and brings him back to a vertical base, before Irish Whipping him across the ring. Dick counters, however, sending Carlisle into the ropes instead. She rebounds and runs directly into his waiting arms, where he hoists her up and turns sharply, delivering a powerful, vicious spine buster!

--Devereaux hauls Aidan Carlisle up and aims a knife edge chop towards her chest, but the Champion ducks it with precision. She aims to counter with a kick, but he catches her boot. Her speed prevails when she leaps up, turning her body to deliver a twisting corkscrew dropkick.

--Dick gets to his feet quickly, but he’s taken straight back down again with a flying forearm smash from Carlisle. This keeps Devereaux down a little longer, giving Aidan the time to ricochet off the ropes and return to her fallen foe with a 360 degree leg drop, smashing her calf down into his throat.

--Carlisle pins: ONE! TWO! Dick Devereaux kicks out at two.

--The Champion grabs Devereaux up and unloads a couple of punches at his big thick skull, before attempting to whip him across the ring again. Dick’s size and strength counters it once more, but this time he catches her in his arms and delivers a spine jolting belly-to-belly suplex. The move is vicious and squashes Carlisle into the canvas.

--Dick grabs Aidan up but she delivers a quick sit-out jaw breaker that stuns him. While he’s rubber legged, he doesn’t fall. Carlisle is persistent with her desire to whip the big man across the ring and so she tries for a third time. Again, Devereaux counters it, sending Aidan into the corner. The Champion hops up onto the top turn-buckle though, before delivering a corkscrew senton that wipes both fighters out.

--Dick is on his knees, battered from the action. Aidan Carlisle stalks him from the corner of the ring, before charging at him and aiming her ‘Alpha Effect’ Hurricanrana Driver towards him! Before she can wrap her legs around his neck, however, he bursts to life and takes her down with a missile-like spear; a move he calls “Homing Missile”.

--Devereaux Pins: ONE! TWO! Aidan Carlisle gets her shoulder up!

CUT TO:

INT. RINGSIDE – AIDAN CARLISLE VERSUS DICK DEVEREAUX – FINAL MOMENTS.

Dick charges at his fallen foe and unleashes a running senton, but Aidan rolls away from the move, leaving Devereaux with nothing but canvas to connect with. The Champion is quick to act, grabbing him up to a vertical base, standing behind him and executing the scintillating Coup De Grace – the inverted leg drop bulldog. Carlisle lingers with a split-legged pin, much to the delight of the audience.

ONE! TWO! THREE!

Aidan Carlisle has her hand raised in victory, as ‘Immortalized’ by Disturbed blares through the Hammerstein Ballroom, drowning out the cheers for the Alpha Bitch.

ANGEL SANTOS
Ladies and Gentlemen, here
is your winner… Aidan CARLISLE!

The EOW Heavyweight Champion collects her title from the time keeping area and taking a few moments to soak up the atmosphere.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Well that was another impressive
performance by the Champion here
tonight, folks. A big win against
a big opponent.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
I guess Dick Devereaux won’t
be heading to Supercharged to
fight for the title after all.

Carlisle saunters up the ramp, acknowledging the crowd who celebrate her victory with her.

CUT TO:

INT. RINGSIDE – MOMENTS LATER.

DICK DEVEREAUX gets up from the canvas, having suffered at the hands of the Heavyweight Champion here tonight. There’s a loud – almost rapturous – roar from the audience as he stands to his feet, but it’s not for him.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Wait! Look! It’s Declan Black!

The Canadian storms down the ramp and slides into the ring, before spearing the big bald fighter down to the canvas. He’s furious and ready to unload his frustrations on the man who cost him his chance at a title shot.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Oh my! He’s pissed!

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Declan Black is just unleashing
hell on Devereaux right now!
This is chaos!

The flurry of punches to the skull of Devereaux have opened him up, causing blood to cascade down his face and form a crimson mask. He fights back with a firm body blow, forcing Black off him – but only for a few seconds. Both men get to their feet and just brawl, looking like they want to kill each other.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Hey we better get some guys out
here to break this up!

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
They’re taking the fight outside.
If we don’t get intervention,
this could end up in Central Park!

Sure enough, Devereaux has clotheslined Black over the top rope to the floor on the outside. Both men trade punches and grapples by the guard railings, before Declan rams his newfound nemesis spine-first into them.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Here comes the cavalry, finally!

A swarm of security officers charge down the ramp and intervene, forming a human wall between the fighters. It takes four officers to prize Black away from Dick, with another four pinning Devereaux against the guard rails.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
These guys could kill each other!

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Black is frustrated and rightfully
so! Dick Devereaux is the reason
he’s not facing Aidan Carlisle for
the EOW Heavyweight Championship
at Supercharged.

“Let them fight!” chants break out through the Hammerstein Ballroom, as the officers escort Dick Devereaux – forcibly, no less – up the ramp, away from the ring. Declan Black screams a string of inaudible comments towards him; the veins in his neck protruding with rage.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
I don’t think we’ve heard the
last of this one, folks.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Old Man Parker had better step
in or he may find himself two
roster members down. They’ll
destroy each other.

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE – PRODUCTION AREA – CONTINUOUS.

MELISSA MAY lingers around the area, having just seen the chaos between Dick Devereaux and Declan Black down at ringside. The security team burst through the curtains, dragging Devereaux away to a more secure location.

DICK DEVEREAUX
(Screaming)
Get the fuck off me, you
pieces of shit! I’ll kill
him! I’ll fucking kill him!

It’s a struggle for the officers but they manage to overpower him thanks to their greater numbers.

MELISSA MAY
(Shouting)
Dick! Dick! Let me get a
few words about what just
happened down there!

DICK DEVEREAUX (O.S)
(Screaming)
Declan Black is a fucking
dead man walking!

It’s no use. Devereaux gets dragged further and further away, before being out of earshot. May heaves a sigh, visibly frustrated at missing a chance at an exclusive.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
That’s odd. When have you
ever known Melissa May to
actually adopt a good work
ethic?

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
I’m guessing that Hope being
here tonight has brought out
her competitive side.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Ah, good point.

May turns around and spots ZACK FANTANA, who’s limbering up ahead of the main event; only moments away.

MELISSA MAY
(Grinning, to herself)
Jackpot.

The reporter approaches Fantana with a smile.

MELISSA MAY
Zack! Just the guy I was
looking for!

Fantana stops, mid-stretch, and returns to a vertical base.

ZACK FANTANA
Really?

MELISSA MAY
Of course!

ZACK FANTANA
Ahhh, so that’s why you
were screaming for dick?

MELISSA MAY
Uh, yeah…

ZACK FANTANA
(Grinning)
I mean, it’s a little forward
and all, but I’m willing to
help you out.

He sizes her up and nods.

ZACK FANTANA (Cont’d)
Sure, what the hell. I’ve done
worse. I think we could make
it work. Just, uh… Gimmie like
ten, fifteen minutes to go have
this match and then I’m all yours.

He motions to leave but she grabs his arm, stopping him.

MELISSA MAY
No, wait! I need it now!

Fantana chuckles.

ZACK FANTANA
Well that’s flattering, but
I need to preserve that energy
for this tag team match.

MELISSA MAY
(Frustrated)
Ugh, no! If you don’t give me
one now, that skank Hope will
get you first.

ZACK FANTANA
Hope? Hope Gordon? She’s having
Fantanasies too?

MELISSA MAY
(Shrugs)
I’unno. I don’t care what she
does. Look, please, just give
me something before your match
and I swear I’ll leave you alone
for, like, ever.

Fantana heaves a sigh and looks around to ensure that the coast is clear, before giving the young reporter a nod.

ZACK FANTANA
Alright, I guess I can give
you a quick one.

MELISSA MAY
Yay! Awesome! Okay, so like,
how are feeling about… what
the fuck?!

Zack has dropped his pants and looks equally as confused as Melissa does.

ZACK FANTANA
What?

MELISSA MAY
(Horrified)
Ew! Gross!

The reporter backs away swiftly, leaving the fighter caught – quite literally – with his pants down.

ZACK FANTANA
(Shouting to her, confused)
Wait! Where are you going?

MELISSA MAY (O.S)
(Faint, distant)
You’re a creepy weirdo!

Fantana stares out of the frame towards her; his facial expression growing more serious.

ZACK FANTANA
Yeah?! Well, you’re a
prick tease!

The fighter heaves a sigh and shakes his head, before pulling his pants back up.

ZACK FANTANA
(To himself)
Women… I swear.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
What do you even say to
that meeting of the minds?

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Somehow I feel they got
lost in translation.

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE - CONTINUOUS.

Mr. Mason and Brittany are walking with Candy as she’s heading towards the ring entrance area for her match. Mason looks uneasy, but Brittany just looks annoyed.

MR. MASON
You have nothing to worry about,
Candy. You’re a great athlete.
You have what it takes. I can’t
say the same about Zack, but I
don’t know the guy.

CANDY
Thanks.

Candy is on her way toward the ring entrance area for the tag team match. Mr. Mason is walking beside her with Brittany trailing close behind.

CANDY
I’m always nervous just before
I go out there and with this
stalker, I can’t be too safe.

MR. MASON
We’ve been keeping a close eye
on everything going on, Candy.
There hasn’t been anything
suspicious when it comes to the
problems you’ve been having.
Go out there and give Trixie
and Cyrus a sweet butt kicking.
Okay?

Mr. Mason pats Candy on the back. She stops and gives him a big thank you hug. Mr. Mason appears to be enjoying it more than Candy is aware of. She looks at Brittany who rolls her eyes. Brittany looks away and Candy can see that Brittany isn’t happy. Candy lets go of Mr. Mason and steps back a bit.

CANDY
Maddy, thank you for being here.
But I’ve got some plans with
Kimitsu tonight. I’m riding with
her. You and Brittany don’t have
to stay around.

MR. MASON
Candy? It might be better if we
stay until you and Kimitsu take
off. Just because something hasn’t
happened tonight doesn’t mean
something won’t happen. I don’t
like the idea of leaving you
unguarded.

CANDY
I’ll be okay, Maddy. There’s
security for the show. Kimitsu
won’t let some overzealous fan
hurt me. I can handle things.
If I’m wrong I know how to get
ahold of you. Besides, she looks
tired.

Mr. Mason looks at Brittany. She doesn’t look tired, she looks irritated.

MR. MASON
Are you tired, Brittany?

BRITTANY
I’m fine, Mr. Mason.

MR. MASON
She’s fine, Candy. Are you sure
you want us to go?

Candy looks at him and then at Brittany. Brittany gives her a jealous glare back. Candy looks back at Mr. Mason with a smile to assure him that it’s okay.

CANDY
Everything is going to be fine.
I know you’ll be there when I
need you. You’re just a phone
call away. Go. Get some rest
and I’ll talk to you later. Okay?

Mr. Mason studies Candy’s face a bit. He turns to look at Brittany who pretends to yawn. He lets out a sigh and nods his head.

MR. MASON
Okay. You’re right. She looks
like she could use some sleep.
I’ll have my phone on and at
high volume. If you need me,
call. Now, go out there and
make this a match that the
people came to see. Show those
people the Candice Turner I know.

CANDY
I will. Thanks, Maddy.

Candy looks at Brittany and smiles.

CANDY
Thanks for being here, Brittany.
It means a lot.

Candy hugs Mr. Mason once more, but briefly.

MR. MASON
Okay. Get out there. Be safe.

CANDY
I will.

Mason gives Candy a friendly wink and smile. He nods to Brittany and they begin heading toward the arena exit to leave. Candy watches them as the two bicker at each other, most likely about Candy, but Candy can’t hear what they’re saying.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Hmm, I’m not sure how wise
it is to send your allies
home like that.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Between Bert Parker’s presence,
Kimitsu Zombie and Zack Fantana
around her, I’m sure she’ll be fine.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Well don’t go anywhere because
she’s in action next in our main
event of the evening!

CUT TO:

INT. RINGSIDE – CYRUS RIDDLE & TRIXIE VERSUS CANDICE TURNER & ZACK FANTANA – MONTAGE SEQUENCE.

--The bell sounds and the men kick things off, with Zack Fantana and Cyrus Riddle colliding. Zack drives his knee into the gut of the Englishman, driving the wind out of his sails almost instantly. Fantana follows that up with a couple of vicious knife-edge chops, before whipping Riddle across the ring and into the ropes. Cyrus rebounds and Zack leaps forth, executing a perfect spinning wheel kick to take his opponent down.

--Zack Fantana pin attempt: ONE! Early – and easy – kick out for Cyrus Riddle.

--Fantana drags Riddle up and positions him for a side walk slam, but rather than drop him down to the canvas, he instead drops him down onto his knee, delivering a vicious back breaker.

--Zack drags Cyrus back to a vertical base once more, attempting another Irish Whip. However, Riddle counters and sends Fantana into the ropes instead. Zack rebounds and strikes with a stunning flying forearm that rocks his British foe. Cyrus is in a world of hurt as he gets back to his feet in a dazed and confused state. He walks right into Fantana’s path and gets levelled with a front dropkick from Zack; the force of which sends Riddle crashing through the ropes to the outside.

--Zack tags Candice Turner in, as Riddle crawls back into the ring. Trixie is tagged and the blonde enters, before tackling Turner with a spear take down. She mounts her and unloads a barrage of blistering slaps and forearm smashes upon her.

--Trixie whips Candice Turner into the ropes but the little blonde reverses it, sending Trixie into them instead. Trixie rebounds and runs back towards Candy, only to execute a scintillating head-scissor take down! Candice is spun inside out from the move and the crowd are not happy about it.

--Candice Turner crawls back over towards her own corner and tags Zack Fantana back in, but she looks annoyed. Trixie strolls back to her corner and slaps Cyrus Riddle on the chest, tagging him in too. The Brit looks a little surprised by the aggression behind the tag and scowls at his partner, before entering. He steps through the ropes and runs at Fantana, but Zack takes him down with a clothesline. Riddle gets right back up again, so Fantana grabs him by the wrist and shoots him across the ring into the corner. However, Cyrus reverses it and sends Zack into the corner instead. Fantana arrives and springs up and backwards, as Riddle charges him, so that Cyrus runs underneath Fantana. Zack lands behind him and dropkicks him face-first into the turn-buckle.

--Fantana tags Turner back in, showing their aptitude for team work here. The little blonde bursts into the ring and runs at Riddle, hauling him up to attempt some sort of offence. The bigger male pushes her back before whipping her across the ring to the opposite corner. She arrives and leaps up onto the turn-buckle, before delivering a beautiful corkscrew senton that knocks Riddle on his ass in an instant.

--Candice Turner pin attempt: ONE! TWO! No! Cyrus Riddle kicks out!

--Both fighters are back on their feet and Riddle swings a sloppy clothesline towards her, but little Candy ducks and counters with a wild enzugiri kick that rocks the British fighter’s skull. He falls in a heap.

--Candice Turner pin attempt: ONE! TWO! No! Again, Riddle gets his shoulder up at two.

--Riddle is out on his feet but remains defiant. He whips Candice Turner into the ropes again but on the rebound, the little blonde baseball slides through his legs, avoiding any attack from the British fighter. He turns around and is met with a cool dropkick from Candy; one that knocks him down once more.

--Candy tags Zack Fantana into the ring, while Cyrus Riddle slowly gets back up. Fantana runs towards the ropes and springboards off them, delivering an incredible forearm smash that takes Riddle straight back down, the second he gets up. Cyrus rolls over to his own corner and stretches out to tag Trixie, but the bubbly blonde hops off the apron and shakes her head, much to the surprise of everyone in the Ballroom. Trixie screams “It’s your fault!” and backs away towards the ramp, leaving her partner alone to fight the opponents. Riddle looks horrified.

--Cyrus Riddle stands to his feet and stares at Trixie, shouting at her to come back to the ring, but the blonde is long gone. He turns around… Pele Kick! Zack Fantana floors him with his patented ‘Lucid Dreams’ kick and points to the top rope.

CUT TO:

INT. RINGSIDE – CYRUS RIDDLE & TRIXIE VERSUS CANDICE TURNER & ZACK FANTANA – FINAL MOMENTS

Zack Fantana ascends the top turn-buckle, willed on by Candice Turner and the New York crowd. He steadies himself and delivers a breath taking ‘Godsend’ corkscrew shooting star press; a move that lands perfectly.

Fantana hooks the leg while Candy stands on the apron, clapping with excitement. ONE! TWO! THREE!

The bell sounds and ‘Lucid Dreams’ by Franz Ferdinand sounds through the Hammerstein Ballroom, as the referee raises Zack’s hand.

ANGEL SANTOS
Ladies and Gentlemen, here
are your winners… The team
of Zack Fantana and Candice TURNER!

The make-shift team celebrate and share an embrace in the middle of the ring, cheered heavily by the audience.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Zack and Candy did it! This means
Fantana is going to Supercharged
to face Ash Scion for the Atlantic
Championship!

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Yeah but is that the main talking
point right now? Trixie walked out
on her partner! Why?!

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
That’s the all-important question,
partner. Either way, Riddle looked
all out at sea in this fight from
the second the bell rang. It’s as
if he didn’t show up.

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE – LOADING BAY – CONTINUOUS.

The cameras catch up with TRIXIE, who wears an intense scowl as she marches through the loading bay of the Manhattan Center.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
There she is. Where the
heck is she going?

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Well wherever it is, it
ain’t back to the ring,
that’s for sure. Cyrus
Riddle will be wanting to
hurt her after that little
stunt.

The blonde grits her teeth and screams before running hastily towards something…

SMACK!

The EOW Heavyweight Champion, AIDAN CARLISLE, goes hurtling into some fencing, after Trixie side swipes her!

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
What the Hell?!

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Trixie just levelled the
champion! She’s going berserk
on Carlisle here!

True enough, Trixie slaps and punches Aidan with reckless abandon. She screams and roars like a wild animal with every strike, much to Carlisle’s shock.

Within seconds, a group of security officers are on hand to intervene and break the two up, but as they motion to haul Trixie off Carlisle, the champion swings a wild right hook that lands perfectly on the blonde’s jaw. Trixie stumbles back and looks dazed.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
What in the Hell is this
all about?!

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Trixie has just lost it!

Security guards cover both women, with Aidan visibly angered. She trembles with rage, glaring intensely at the blonde. Trixie is held back by officers, although can’t be restrained verbally.

TRIXIE
(Screaming)
It’s all your fault! It’s
all because of you! You’ll
pay for what you’ve done,
you bitch!

The blonde flails wildly, lashing out with punches and kicks that only connect with the air, thanks to the security officers dragging her away.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
What does that mean? What’s
all Aidan’s fault?

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
I have no idea. Trixie has
legitimately snapped!

The Champion shrugs off the restraining officers.

AIDAN CARLISLE
(Stern, angry tone)
Get off me. I’m fine!

MALE VOICE (O.S)
Trixie! Stop!

The cameras pan and reveal ERNIE PARKER rushing to the security officers and Trixie, but the guards refuse to release her, given her frantic state.

ERNIE PARKER
(Perplexed)
What the Hell is going on?!

The bald GM marches towards Aidan Carlisle, clearly in search of answers.

ERNIE PARKER (Cont’d)
What happened? What did
you do?!

AIDAN CARLISLE
(Annoyed tone)
What did I do?! Are you
serious?! She just tried
to jump me! She’s lost it!

Parker looks back towards Trixie; a growing concern etched across his face.

AIDAN CARLISLE (Cont’d)
(Annoyed tone)
You better give me a match
against her on the next card.
I don’t care what has to be
shuffled – just make it happen.
I’m gonna break her!

ERNIE PARKER
(Stern tone)
You’ll do no such thing.
Besides, your next match
has already been decided.
You’ll face Declan Black
one on one and draw a line
under this back and forth
once and for all.

Before Aidan can respond, Ernie exits the frame to pursue Trixie and the guards.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Oh wow! The Champ versus
Declan Black on Livewire Three.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Yeah but Aidan doesn’t look
happy about it. She wants
Trixie’s head on a pole.

CUT TO:

INT. BACKSTAGE – LOCKER ROOM – CONTINUOUS.

The cameras leave the loading bay and arrive with CANDICE TURNER, who enters the locker room. She scans the area, in search of something or someone.

CANDICE TURNER
(Calling out)
Kimitsu? You in here?

Silence.

The little blonde, still sweating profusely from her victory, wanders through the area towards her own personal locker.

CANDICE TURNER
(Calling out)
Kimi? Hello?

Her voice startles a figure standing by her open locker. Candice freezes on the spot, looking terrified. It’s the same creepy fan from the last show, rummaging through Turner’s gym bag and holding her underwear.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Oh my God! Get the hell
outta there!

Candice squeals and begins running, while the creepy fan gives chase.

CRACK!

Turner falls to the floor, having run directly into a forearm smash from KIMITSU ZOMBIE! The crowd watching on the big screen are stunned, as ‘Little Yokai’ falls to her knees, mounting her fallen friend. The stalker stands over them, staring wildly as Zombie punches Candice over and over again, until all movement from the blonde ceases.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
What the Hell am I
watching right now?!

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Kimitsu Zombie is assaulting
Candice Turner here! What…
I don’t…

KIMITSU ZOMBIE
(Screaming in Turner’s face)
Looking for me, Candy? Huh?!
Where you looking for me?!

She punches her one final time before standing up and staring down at her with utter contempt.

KIMITSU ZOMBIE (Cont’d)
Well here I am. What’s up
now, huh?

Zombie has snapped and looks somewhat inebriated. She reaches into her denim jeans and retrieves a small wad of bills, before handing them to the stalker.

KIMITSU ZOMBIE
Nice work, Mark. Now get the
hell outta here.

MARK
(Disturbed tone)
Can I keep these?

He holds Turner’s red panties in his hand, displaying them without shame.

KIMITSU ZOMBIE
Do what you want, just get
outta here. Don’t come back,
either. We’re done.

Without another word spoken between the two, Mark – the creepy stalker – exits the locker room with haste, taking Candice Turner’s underwear with him.

JACK CHAPMAN (O.S)
Folks, I’m sickened here.

SABRINA HAMILTON (O.S)
Someone better get security
on the scene, pronto!

Zombie looks down at her unconscious blonde victim and shakes her head.

KIMITSU ZOMBIE
You’re exactly what’s wrong
with women in this business,
bitch. You’re why we’re not
taken seriously. I’m opening
shows with Jill Lorder because
of jokes like you and Trixie.
It makes me sick!

Beat. Zombie sits on the bench beside Turner.

KIMITSU ZOMBIE (Cont’d)
The powers that be would
rather promote blonde airheads
like you than showcase credible
female talent like me. Who gets
the fan meet and greet? You do.
Who gets main event? You do.
I’m afraid you’ve got to go,
Candy. I can’t let you undo my
hard work.

The Japanese fighter stoops forward and moves her face closer to Candice’s.

KIMITSU ZOMBIE (Cont’d)
(Whisper)
No more Candy for EOW. It’s
bad for everyone.

Kimitsu boots Turner in the stomach once more before leaving the room. Candy’s cell phone begins ringing, with the camera panning in on the caller display.

Caller I.D: ‘Maddy’

The ringing echoes through the locker room, as the scene fades to black.

END.

Deleted: Dang it. I had a third one ready for Evie but had a family emergency. My daughter broke out in terrible hives. Ended up in emergency. I made post in in the CD board anyway. Good luck Trixie! Oct 8, 2016 15:46:50 GMT

Trixie: Don't sweat it Mandy, you did 2 amazing ones. Hope she's ok, did she get any lotion for it? Good luck to you too, I'll read that 3rd one. Oct 8, 2016 16:00:20 GMT

Deleted: She got a shot of steroids. Turns out its a yogurt allergy. With a picky eater, it sucks taking away a food she'll actually eat. Oct 8, 2016 22:24:11 GMT