Post by Admin on Feb 10, 2022 10:07:09 GMT
As the video ends, the camera opens up to a shot of the entranceway with an extravagant arrangement of pyro going off. It then pans over the capacity crowd in the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Washington DC.
Will Ashford: Welcome, Everyone to the first ever edition of Absolute Power Wrestling Orginization’s Thursday Night Power Trip!!
Chet Morley: Man, that’s a mouthful.
Will Ashford: Tell me about it..but folks we got a great card to kick things off the right way tonight. First off, a threeway between two newcomers and a veteran of the biz!
Chet Morley: Jesus Christ, you selling a skin flick or a fight? Let the pro handle it, kid. We also got a preview for next week’s TIA Rumble when Sam Tolson, Molly Hatchet, Cypher, Trey Bouchet, Lissie Hope and Yui Watanabe all tangle and try to toss their opponents over the top rope!
Will Ashford: Should be heated, given Lissie Hope and Cypher’s personal issues and the ego of Sam Tolson who has assured everyone she WILL be APWO’s first world champion. Following that, we will be treated to another showcase of Youth vs Experience when Ash Cameron tangles with, like, Zillion-time World Champ Myra Rivers.
Chet Morley: She just needs to be glad we haven’t signed Amber Ryan…yet. Later on, we got a clash between Matt Stone and Dionysus. Two proven commodities looking to cement themselves as big name players here in APWO. Kitty Dark takes on VIP Vance Isaac Parker with the winner getting a distinct advantage and picking their poison for the tournament!
Will Ashford: Smart money would be on picking someone they can beat at Absolution. We got us a six man tag too tonight! The students of the Corvid Combat Academy take on the monsters of the locker room in Legion, Wendigo, and Ash Deveraux
Chet Morley: And in the Main Event, a rematch that will tear this arena down to its foundations and what will no doubt be a future APWO World Title Match….Azurine Vebbins takes on Serena Riot!!
Will Ashford: I’m stoked, I'm more excited than a pig in shit. Let's hear from some of the talent Mr. Hernan has procured!
In a quiet little backstage storage area filled with crates, we find the Ginger Ninja, Molly Hatchet seated atop a stack of them, one leg dangling freely while the other is propped up on it's heel. She has her forearm resting upon her knee, face leaning against it. In black and green wrestling attire, she looks ready and eager for action. With a wicked grin, she begins.
Molly: Tha' Absolute Power Wrestling Organization... A.P.W.O.... Another place promising fame and fortune to those willing to destroy their bodies in tha' name of glory in tha' heat of battle inside a large square wrestling ring. I'm thrown into an over tha' top battle royal with that likes of Yui Watanabe, Cypher, that bitch Lissie Hope, Trey Bouchet, and me old friend, Samantha "Suplex City" Tolson. I've not much to say that no one else knows about these competitors, each accomplished in their own right, known names to tha' world at large and skilled wrestlers with titles an accolades abound.... well all but Mr. Bouchet, but we've all been him at least once, startin' out as an unknown destined to surprise tha' world.
A little chuckle escapes her lips.
Molly: Aye, tis a grand battle and I hope ta' be tha' one that kick's Lissie right over tha' ropes meself. If I donnae' at least manage that tonight, I'll feel like an absolute failure as a wrestler. Sorry, but I ne'er liked tha' cunt and I hope ta' be tha' one that sends her packin' to tha' back. That bein' said though, I kinda' hope it's me and Sam Tolson standin' toe to toe at tha' end, just like old times. She'll throw me like a rag doll, sure, but I'll also flip her on her back so hard with suplexes of me own!
A wry, impish smile spreads across her lips
Molly: I've only gotten' better, big sister. Time ta' show ye' what I've learned since our last dance! LET'S DO THIS!!!
She shoves off the box, slamming both fists into her chest with a loud thump, then exiting the scene, stage right!
EARLIER TODAY...
Christina Jade, better known to wrestling and podcast fans as CHRYSALIS was approaching the back door to the venue when she couldn't help but stop and chat with a large gathering of fans. One of them was holding a 'Marry Me Chrys!' sign.
Chrysalis: Oh you a real one for that, lemme get you a selfie right quick.
Chrys walks through the gathering until she reaches the man and as he holds his sign up, she sticks her tongue out and poses with him, which nearly brings the man to tears. After a hug, she approaches the back door to enter the venue but stops again as the fans were chanting 'Q&A!' over and over until she had no choice but to stop.
Chrysalis: Ya'll are wild, but you want a lil impromptu podcast? Like a Q&A type deal? Okay I got a few. Who wants to ask the first question.
The rookie points to a young woman among the gathering and smiles at her.
Fan #1: Tonight you are wrestling in the first ever match in APWO history! How does it feel to open the show and go down in the history books?
Chrysalis: No cap it's crazy to think about. You said it yourself, this is history in the making. Like, right now we're all living this moment, but when everything is said and done, no one can ever take it from the three of us that we were the first. I take a lotta pride in that. So the long answer to your question is it's lit. I mess with it.
Fan #2: You've went back and forth with Yurei and FM going into this match. What are your thoughts on both of them?
Chrysalis: First lemme start by saying I can't take anything away from them. They both have more experience than me and they have some bangers. I'm more familiar with FM's career, she's kinda been all over, but respect only goes so far. This place is called ABSOLUTE POWER, right? You can't claim absolute anything when there are visible cracks. Yurei for example seems happy to just be here. I don't get a killer instinct from her. She's spouting off these epic quotes but she's also kinda just blending into the background. She's not a stand out type. And FM has been friendly, but when the bell rings I'm not out to make friends. I'm out to make an impact. FM has been underestimating me too. She does have the experience over me, but assuming I'm the bottom of the food chain is crazy. One lacks the killer instinct, one lacks focus and I'm here ready to make a come up off both of 'em. I know it won't be easy, but I'm not here to get second place or anything like that. I want it forreal.
Fan #3: You're so pretty! Can we get a preview of what you're wearing to the ring tonight?
Chrys laughs and puts a hand on her chest and mouths 'thank you' before slinging her pink duffle bag up for emphasis.
Chrysalis: I can't show you, but all I can say is what I'm wearing is in the bag. Just have to wait and see, but I can promise that I'm gonna look like a star out there in this gear. Facts.
Fan #4: Some people online have said you're distracted. Between wrestling, training and then podcasting, your focus might be all over. What is your main priority and what do you have to say to the critics that cast doubts?
Chrysalis: First off I don't give a damn what the critics say! I'm the one stepping in the ring tonight, not them. So until they lace up a pair of boots, they can chill with all their lil 'insider' chatter. I like to stay busy and I like to give my fans content like no other. Plus, the podcast is a great vehicle to promote shows, so I feel like management doesn't have a prob with it, and if they're cool, I'm cool. All that said? I'm putting the work in. I'm promoting the match more than the other two, I'm still in the gym gettin' it, and I think tonight I'll shut up all the lil haters online. But as much as I love you guys, I'm up first so I gotta get in there and get ready. I hope you all enjoy the show!
The rookie waves at the fans and poses for a few more pictures before finally heading into the building, ready to compete in the first ever match for APWO!
Cameras immediately cut to the scene of a dimly lit hallway, the words [recorded earlier] shown in the corner. It didn’t take too long for the view to be greeted by the smiling form of Yūrei who gave a quick wave before partially turning away and staring primarily down the long stretch of hall.
Yūrei: I do want to take the time and thank you for joining me today. By the time you have the honor of viewing this, the journey of APWO will have begun in the grandest of ways with myself having the pleasure of ushering it in.
Fully turning now, but remaining mindful to the presence of the camera and those watching Yūrei begins the trek along the hall now, the dim light following each step made.
Yūrei: Now I’m sure that leads you to wonder, if you knew you were set for this debut, why are you introducing us to you now that the match has already happened? It’s rather simple, really. The way I was taught, your actions matter more than words spoken so why ramble on when I can confidently show my talents and then spread the good word after proving myself to be credible.
A bit of a smirk can be seen as Yūrei continues, making it a point to showcase the various forms of art across the way from stained glass windows to decorative vases.
Yūrei: Following this, I have a feeling your mind is questioning this introduction, the message I wish to bestow upon you. Some people like to believe I speak the way I do just to sound smart. Clever, but incorrect, I simply learned in this way to make up for the fact that this is not my first language. There are people who think of me to be a brash person under an elegant disguise, ready to cut away from the fanciful language now that I have everyone’s attention, all set to begin fluffing up my ego. Unfortunately for these few, they are incredibly wrong as I know I am not above, nor am I below another. We are all some type of human. Others even believe that I am some type of cult leader looking to use my linguistic skills as a tactic to bring new members into some sort of Dream world.
Yūrei paid the camera a playful wink following those words, hand trailing across what appears to be a beautiful portrait of a bluebird in a surreal atmosphere, turning away from it and continuing the nearly finished trip.
Yūrei: Now why would I have the audacity to try and lead others when there is already a far better path for all to walk? It isn’t something tied to a deity, it is a world where one tries to be the best person they can with the most beautiful of examples who doesn’t even know what they mean to us all. But don’t misconstrue this, I did not bring you here to try and sway your heart, I only want to show you my own since we are taking such a glorious journey together. So if you are ready, let me give you a taste of what Yūrei is all about. 私はあなたがこれを見ていることを知っています、そしてあなたが私たちがあなたのためにしたことに感銘を受けていることを願っています...
Now approaching the double doors, Yūrei turns back one last time, a pleasant smile etched across before opening to what appears to be a beautiful altar. Just as the focus sets on what’s ahead, a blinding light enters into the frame, shielding all including the mysterious warrior in its purity. The scene dims from the brightest of lights to pure darkness with the words [to be continued] highlighting for a second before returning back to the live feed.
MATCH ONE
vs. vs
Chrysalis looks to make a statement as she comes out strong, nailing Yurei with a clothesline and ducking a clothesline from FM and nailing her with a picture perfect dropkick. She turns her attention back to Yurei, whipping her into the ropes and going for another clothesline but Yurei stops short! As Chrysalis scrambles up, Yurei nails her with a basement dropkick then cries out in fury as she follows it with a step up enziguri.
Will Ashford: Gorgeous move by Yurei!
Chet Morley; She just kicked high school math out of her head!
FM Young gets involved now though, snatching Yurei and taking her over with a snap suplex. She rolls her hips, hauling Yurei back up with her and hits another, this time smashing Chrysalis with Yurei’s body! FM is fired up now! She kips to her feet and charges the ropes, she springs off them going for a lionsault! She tries to pin both opponents!
Will Ashford: Big Moonsault!
Chet Morley: Pick one or the other dummy!!
ONE!
TWO!
NO!
Chet Morley: Told ya!!
FM is shoved off emphatically by both of the younger competitors. Yurei rolls to safety as Chrysalis is on her feet and taking the fight to the veteran with stiff elbow shots that drive her to the corner. She begins working FM’s midsection over with uppercuts to her ribs, eventually driving her into a seated position. Chrysalis begins hyping the crowd up as she takes a lap around the ring.
Will Ashford: Chrysalis is looking very impressive tonight!
Chet Morley: She’s wasting too damn much time though. Green as hell!
Chrysalis charges the corner, only to be cut off by Yurei who springboards into the ring with a thunderous leg lariat that nearly decapitates Chrysalis! She then yanks her up and throws her out of the ring through the top and middle rope. She measures her, waiting for her to get up then charges the ropes and FYGIS!! FLYING OMNAPLATA! Yutei isn’t done though, she slides back into the ring and ducks a MAN INTERFACES MACHINE clothesloine from FM Young and….FYGIR!!! TKO!! YUREI LEAPS FOR THE PIN!
1!!
2!!!
Chrysalis dives in to break up the count…
….BUT IS TOO LATE!
3!!
Will Ashford: Chrysalis just a second too late, and Yurei wins the first match in APWO history!
Chet Morley:Can we get a do over?
Winner
Yurei
A long day of tweeting for his boss ahead of him, Kyle sits down at his clunky desktop computer with a hot cup of freshly-made Joe.
Kyle: “Alright, time to irritate the roster!”
He proclaims his mission proudly, cracking his fingers in dramatic fashion. The boot-licking messenger for Emiliano Hernan enters his username and password and presses the enter key…
Except nothing happens.
He tries again, knowing that his password and username haven’t changed since he started his high-flying job of Twitter personality.
The text boxes vibrate once again.
Incorrect username or password.
Kyle tries one final time, this time slowly and meticulously calculating each keystroke, dramatically pressing and unpressing the shiftkey, and double checking the numbers at the end.
Ba-bow.
Kyle: “What the crap?!”
He feels the rage inside him beginning to build, but he quells it as soon as it’s come. Not yet, the world and the Twitter timeline aren’t ready for Dark Kyle.
Kyle: “Soon, but not now.”
Kyle speaks to the dormant beast laying inside him, soothing it.
As he does, a paperclip with a cheerful smile appears on his desktop. A chat box pops up next to it.
? ? ?: “Hey, looks like you could use a little help!”
Kyle frowns. He’s never seen this little guy before, but it seems like some kind of tech support thing?
Kyle: “Uh, yeah?”
Kyle says out loud, and immediately feels silly. How could the paperclip ever hear him from inside the damn comp-
Another chat box pops up.
? ? ?:“Well sure thing buddy, let’s see what we can do.”
Kyle’s cursor is now moving without any of his input. The pointer soars across the screen and all of a sudden the paperclip seemingly begins entering a username and password.
Kyle: “Wait, what?!”
The combination works, and we’re greeted with Kyle’s background (use your imagination). It seems like the paperclip really did help!
Kyle: “Wow, thanks!”
Kyle’s satisfaction soon fades and is replaced by terror when he realises he’s still not in control of the cursor. It flies over to the start button, clicks on it, then begins rifling through the folders.
Kyle: “Stop, stop it!”
The exasperated protestation does nothing to slow the cursors march. The pointed finding device at last selects the very personal folder it had been looking for.
A collection of poems dedicated to Ash Cameron.
The cursor drags the folder out of its location, dropping it straight into the rubbish bin.
Kyle: “NO!”
The rubbish pin is emptied, leaving Kyle a defeated man.
Kyle: “Why are you doing this to me?!”
He sobs as the paperclip continues to grin it’s cheerful grin.
Kyle: “WHY?!”
…
? ? ?: “Because it’s fun, Kyle.”
Kyle jerks his head up from the desk to come face-to-face with the one and only Cypher. Kyle shrieks and ejects himself from the chair, staggering backwards.
He jabs a shaking finger at the Zoom window that has opened on his desktop, showing Cypher in his traditional black hoodie staring him down.
Kyle: “How did you-
Cypher: “How did I what? Take control of your computer via a remote desktop after I cracked your user and password via brute force attack?”
Kyle stares at the screen in confusion and disbelief.
Kyle: “Well…yeah?”
Cypher: “I don’t have long enough to explain all of that to you, I mean most of that would go right over your head anyway.”
Kyle: “Did you really have to delete those poems?! Those were…personal.”
Cypher smirks.
Cypher: “No, I didn’t. Actually instead I could have emailed them to every single wrestler on the APWO roster, including Ash.”
Kyle: “Ok, ok, look I’m glad you didn’t do that, can you leave me alone now?”
Cypher: “Sure, I mean…this video is prerecorded anyway.”
Kyle’s eyes grow wide.
Kyle: “WHAT?!”
The door to the room flies open and in an instant Cypher is there, in the flesh! He slams Kyle’s head into the desk, then grabs the keyboard and whacks him across the face!
Kyle collapses to the floor, blood streaming out of his nose. The Superior Design isn’t done! Cypher grabs him and lifts him into a fireman’s carry.
Cypher: “Game over, Kyle.”
The Sophisticated Savage propels Kyle into the air then drives his knee into his face! Cypher leaves the poor man a bloody mess as he exits the room.
Backstage, the camera finds the young star YUI WATANABE standing in front of the APWO logo ready to address the fans at home and in attendance.
Yui Watanabe: I'm really excited to be competing in my first professional wrestling match. It's a thrill I can't describe. I've watched my sensei wrestle many matches but today I'm going to have the chance to play my first match. After I trained hard and prepared my body for this match. I'm still excited to face many opponents in this match, even though there is someone that I don't like them. But I find it fun to face a variety of opponents. My first match was full of excitement and I will do my best. I don't want to disappoint my sensei who are waiting to see me. I'm excited to meet my fans for the first time. I don't want to make a mistake for them to see. I want to do the best I can. I saw many comments in the social world of the fans as they were waiting for my match. Thanks to them for welcoming me like this. I don't think there will be this many people waiting so I promise I will do my best. And I will try to be a winner. I want to be a star and this is where I started. Maybe I'll fall but I promise I'll stand up every time I fall. I'll do better if I stand up again. I will try to improve myself, become better. I want to prove that I will become the future here without anyone doubting me. I want to do more than my sensei can. I want to have my own history. I want to make my sensei proud of me. I want to make my fans proud of me. This is my first year but I will do the best I can. I want to overcome the many insults that I will face, someday I will be the star of this place.
She pays a humble, sweet smile to the camera before continuing.
Yui Watanabe: As for the opponents I will face, I would like to say that I am very excited but I am also very ready to face you. I'm not afraid to face everyone in this match. I won't just win but I will definitely gain more experience that will allow me to grow even more after this match. And I'm ready to show that I'm someone who can't look down on me. Yes I was taught by Nami Megumi so everyone expected me to become the new Nami Megumi but I still didn't want that. I can't be you 'Cause I have my own way I can be myself I don't want to be anyone's shadow I can be successful on my own. I don't want anyone else to compare me to my sensei, and believe me, I'm not someone else's shadow. I am Yui Watanabe and I will succeed on my own. And no one will doubt my abilities after the first week of APWO matches. No matter what happened in my first match I did my best and gave everything I could in this match. So I'm not worried about how this match will end. If I don't win, that's okay, I'll always come back stronger. And I'm not worried about facing many opponents in this match. I will do my best and I will survive as much as I can. This is a new chapter in history. I don't care if anyone says I'm inexperienced. 'Cause I'll let them know what I can do. I'll let them know that they can't underestimate my abilities. So wait and see what I can do. And just wait and see because maybe I will become the winner of this match!
The scene opens as we see “The GOAT” Serena Riot holding up a copy of “Be The Fight: Autism,” her charity show that occured in early December, which ultimately led to her creating FCW. She takes a second to admire it, and smiles. The setting is a locker room of some type. We see the lockers, but also chairs and empty water bottles sprinkled throughout.
SR: “I have…So, so many fond memories of this night, man. It was a blast putting this on for everyone. My nephew has Autism. And he’s the coolest 7 year old nephew I could have asked for. He makes my day. That night was purely crazy, from the meet and greet. To the show itself. To the after party. Everything was just down right sweet.”
SR: “And that night, that night I made a promise to myself. I told myself that one of these days, I’m gonna’ face Azurine Vebbins at least one more time in my career. Hard to believe that someone who I’ve only fought one other time is already being regarded as one of my greatest rivals. She’s a sweet, charismatic girly. Who has a streak to her that I don’t think anyone expects.”
She looks at the DVD one more time, shaking her head. Instead she puts it on a chair. She takes one last glance at it.
SR: “You know, I see everything that Azurine has done. I dig her, I do. She really is a fighter through and through. And her whole “National Whatever” Day? That’s a fun little tidbit. But you see, I guess my problem is Azzy is that…She can’t turn it off. She can’t understand when to take care of business. And forgive me for going Heel for a second, but I don’t get why the fans love her. There’s no reason to. Oh, it’s because she’s adorable? Yeah, whatever. But it’s never going to get the job done.”
SR: “And I can tell you what will get the job done. And it’s going to be the same result as last time at Be The Fight. Chica, we put on a clinic of a match. It was technical. It was chaos. It was…Wrestling. And so when the refs hand hit the mat for the third time, and the fans were cheering…It was surreal to me. I mean Riot vs. Vebbins would be a killer match in anyone's book, but…”
She takes a moment to light up a cigarette. She lets out a puff of smoke across her leather jacket and a Nirvana tee.
SR: “Here’s where the fun stops. And the business kicks in. Azurine. That was a fun, magical, amazing night. It was filled with happiness. And when we hugged in the center of the ring, what did the fans chant? They chanted “This Is Wrestling”.
Rena pretends to do a mock clap.
SR: “And it was wrestling. But the difference this time around? I’m not looking for the hugs. I’m not looking for the emotion. The only thing I’m looking for, and will get? Is another W over you. Because girl I’m back with a vengeance. I don’t want the Azurine who tells me what weird holiday it is. I want the Azurine that I saw when the bell rang. I want that Vebbins. Because when the bell rang, it was like freakin’ Jekyll and Hyde man. You wanted to destroy me. You wanted to hurt me. But you knew you couldn't, you know you couldn’t take me down. And so you tried to disguise it so much. With a hug. With the tears. But face it, girl. Those tears? They weren’t tears of joy because of what we had accomplished.”
SR: “They were more like…”Damn. She just kicked my ass and I couldn’t do a damn thing about it” tears. I have a suggestion for you. And it’s to stop the act. I don’t know how much longer I can work. I’ve heard the rumors. I’ve heard the dirt sheets. But all I gotta’ say is that at APWO. That first taping, we’re main eventing. And it’s for a good reason. Because no one can tear the house down like we can, chica. And once I go up 2-0 on you. And you look in the mirror after the show, I don’t want you to think that it’s not because of who you are. But it’s because of what you represent. And you represent what, exactly? National Cake Day? Well if that’s what you want to be known as, fine. But when you get into a fight with me, I suggest you strap up. Because you’re in for the ride of your life.”
Serena gives a slow smile, followed by a wink.
SR: “Tick. Tock.”
In one of the less-traveled corridors of the Entertainment & Sports Arena is dimly lit until a door from the outside crashes open, smacking against the wall. In the wake of that there's a cloud of smoke that wafts past. It's hard to see anything in the heavy shadows until a slow intake of breath makes the cherry on what looks like a home-rolled cigarette glow orange. Almost in time with that, a red EXIT sign flares to life above that door, illuminating the dark hair on the owner of what's obviously a joint. Long hair. Slim build. Definite curves – it's obviously a woman. She drops the remains before it burns her fingers, grinding it out under her shoe. With a light laugh, she tosses her head, clearing the long, dark hair from her face as she steps out from the shadows. She’s wearing a hooded and quite oversized sweatshirt over top of what looks to be ring gear, looking like she’s a little chilly from being outside just now.
There’s a chair in the middle of the hallway – black metal, dented as though it’s been used as a weapon once or twice. She turns it around, straddling it as she sits and rests her arms across the back of it, leaning forward into the light as the hood falls back and now that she's clearly visible, so is her identity: it's none other than Kitty Dark.
Kitty: Hello, losers. I suppose introductions are in order.
She rolls her eyes, a derisive smirk on her lips.
Kitty: In a locker room full of monsters and heroes, it's sure hard to stand out, isn't it?
Another pause. Another eye roll.
Kitty: Some believe this week is all about a fast track to a championship around their waist. Some believe it's a chance to test the waters, others to reinvent themselves with a new coat of spackle over the same trash that's been floating around since WWH was still a thing. And I suppose you want to know where I lie on that spectrum, don't you? Hmmm, well… I suppose I could give you just a little morsel. A tease just to whet your curiosity.
She moves to her feet, taking a few steps away from the chair.
Kitty: They called me a bitch, once upon a time. Why? I suppose it's the way I do things. I'm not here to enjoy myself, to collect little resume bullet points and accomplishments. I don't glory in the accolades of the masses. I don't want to collect title belts – and dust – on my mantle. I don't plan trips to Disneyland, or any such nonsense when I leave your poor little egos shattered on the floor. I simply do what I was bred to do and walk away from the carnage, leaving the mess for YOU to clean up. We all have our lot in life and I'm here to be the best, to prove that unlike VIP or Matt Stone, I'm the true—
Matt: Master of the mic?
He comes in off screen with a smirk on his face, wearing his brand new T-shirt and his wrestling attire underneath, ready for tonight. Of course the audience starts booing when they see him, but it doesn’t phase the veteran.
Matt: Hello Bitch, what’s up? I heard you were talking to the camera here and I just couldn’t let you go that long without taking a break, ya know? Besides, you were about to tell them all how great I am, I heard you starting and thought it would be better if I were here to model your point for you.
Kitty: Of course, I was going to extoll all your virtues.
The sarcasm’s pretty heavy in her tone.
Kitty: Right after I did a ritual sacrifice to ward off Wendigo. But hey, since you’re here, I guess you can waste my time and everyone else’s talking about how you’re going to go all the way in that tournament.
Matt: Why would I do that? I could get stuck with a Lemon of a partner, no pun intended, and lose in the first round. See, this tournament isn’t going to be all about how good you are, it’s going to be about how well your partner can listen to you.
Kitty: It’s a shame you can’t tag with a mirror then, since you’re in love with the sound of your own voice.
Matt raises an eyebrow at her, shaking his head.
Matt: What? Mirrors don’t reflect your voice, you’re thinking of a tape recorder. Tape recorder.
She stares at him for a moment like she’s trying to resist the urge to smack him before shaking her head.
Kitty: Maybe you’ll get lucky and you can ride my coat-tails to the finale?
Matt: Well if you’re as good as you say you are, luck won’t have anything to do with it. You win your match and you get to pick who you team with, right? I can’t imagine you picking anyone other than me.
Kitty: Who’s to say I’m not going to choose your opponent instead? I mean, if you lose tonight…
Matt: Well if you want to just throw out random hypotheticals, what happens if you lose and VIP picks me to be his partner? Then you’d lose tonight and have no shot in the tournament, that would suck, wouldn’t it?
Kitty: See? This is why people find you insufferable.
Clearly frustrated at his flawless logic and desperate to have the last word, she turns and starts walking away. He watches her walk away, chuckling as he turns back to the camera.
Matt: Some people, right? You’re welcome.
Samantha Tolson sits in the locker room, dressed for the sure-fire battle that's coming. She's in a navy blue singlet trimmed in gold, with a pair of matching boots with gold knee and kick pads.
Sam Tolson: "Seems our owner here in APWO wants to make a big deal of what I do outside of the ring, in my time away from this sport. Well, Hernan...let me inform you.Yes. I get asked to be a model from time to time. Yes, on the 18th of this month, I will be in New York City, stripping for charity at the Velvet Rabbit. Yes. I post pictures of myself on Twitter."
"I've earned that right through countless hours of hard work and sweat in the gym, doing more work by the end of a Tuesday than half this roster does in a week. I've earned the right to be featured on two calendars for the year 2022, and I've earned the right to raise money for charity by showing off this body I've put in that work to have."
"And before you go there, yes. My tits are fake too. I don't shy away from the fact that I've had plastic surgery on my boobs twice. The reasons, however, by this point are public knowledge and won't get rehashed here."
"You knew what I was all about when you put a contract in front of me."
Samantha smirks, the kind of look on her face that strongly suggests there's more to what she's saying than they let on.
Sam Tolson: "Thing is? You don't know a damn thing about me. I figure you signed someone who was capable, yet also would draw a certain male demographic all promoters crave.
The woman you've signed, when it comes to this sport, and that ring, however, is a flat out killer. A woman who won her first championship in a ladder match. A woman who forced a company to recognize a hardcore title, then won it three times and held it nearly a year.
A woman who fears no one. A woman who will do whatever she can, within the rules, to win each and every match.A woman whose last World Championship run lasted a full year. Now don't get me wrong, chances are you did some homework, but to my mind you didn't do enough. You looked skin deep, both literally and figuratively, liked what you saw, and made an offer."
Tonight, however, you get an object lesson in why I will be the first APWO World Champion. But I'll be honest, I think you wanted to test me by putting me in this clusterfuck of an elimination match. You want to see if I have that killer instinct you seem to covet so highly.
So you put me in this match with at least two women I consider friends. You want to check up on my resolve. When that bell rings, there are no friends. Only opponents.Tonight, you get to see that for yourself. Test me all you want. I'll pass every single one with flying colors."
Then the next time you order an intern to ask me a question on social media, maybe it won't be one I've answered more times than necessary."
"Enjoy the damn show."
MATCH TWO
ELIMINATION RULES
vs. vs.
vs vs.
While making her way to the ring, Lissie Hope is taken out with a vicious chairshot by Cypher who stands over her and soaks in the boos of the audience as the refs come down to check on Lissie and yell at him to get into the ring with the other competitors. Cypher continues to be insufferable, screaming insults at Lissie…only to be eliminated by Molly Hatchet who chucks him over the top rope as he’s leaned over it. She makes a jerkoff motion at him, earning cheers from the audience.
Chet Morley: Classless move by Molly!
Will Ashford: What about Cypher attacking Lissie before the match?!
Chet Morley: Cypher is a brilliant tactician!!
Back in the ring, Trey Bouchet has begun to impose his will as he takes Yui over with a snap suplex, kipping up he charges Yui Watanabe and nails her with a clothesline that floors her. However his momentum is stopped by Sam Tolson’s leaping knee strike. She takes him down hard with a snapdragon suplex that has him getting to his feet woozily, only to be sent reeling by Molly Hatchet’s Glasgow Kiss! And a superkick from Tolson sends him out of the ring!
Chet Morley: DAMN IT HE WAS MY PICK!!
Will Ashford: We’re supposed to remain unbiased. And why the hell wouldn’t you pick Molly?!
Yui comes flying in with a headscissors takedown that almost sends Molly over the top rope but she skins the cat, holding onto the top rope! Seeing her opportunity, Yui runs to the opposite ropes only to have Tolson drop down and low bridge her..YUI ELIMINATES HERSELF!! Tolson smiles and shrugs at her on the floor. Yui looks a bit sheepish and disappointed, but gets up and makes her way to the back. Sam Tolson turns and is face to face with Molly Hatchet
Chet Morley: DUN DUN DUN ANOTHER ONE BITS THE DUST
Will Ashford: And now we’ve got a battle of two renowned veterans.
Chet Morley: Well, Tolson is renowned. I think the Irish Broad is just drunk.
Will Ashford: She’s Scottish.
Chet Morley: Potato, Potato in da old country toppuduh mornin’ t’ya
Will Ashford: You are so unlikable.
Tolson and Molly trade blows at the center of the ring with Sam getting the upper hand and locking Molly into a plum and driving vicious knees into her midsection until she drops down to one knee. Tolson is relentless though, driving knee after knee after knee into Hatchet’s face. Until suddenly Hatchet catches one! She stands, driving Sam back on one foot before releasing the knee and catching Tolson with a thunderous uppercut! She then spikes her head with a DDT! Molly signals out of the ring as she lifts Sam, charging the ropes…BUT SAM REVERSES AT THE LAST MINUTE AND TOSSES A SURPRISED MOLLY OUT OVER THE TOP ROPE!!
Will Ashford: AND TOLSON WINS!
Chet Morley: BOOO!! I think? Who did I pick?
Winner: Samantha Tolson
2 years is a hell of a long time.
We see the hooded figure start to skip rope as the footage plays.
You start to question anything and everything
The figure is shown running the ropes inside of what appeared to be a wrestling ring.
Can you do it the same as you did before? Do people remember you
It then cuts to the figure sitting in the corner of the ring and they run their hand over their knee.
Can it hold up like you want it to do so…
It then cut to the figure hitting a heavy bag it was being dented by the impact of punches and kicks.
But that doubt and that concern is now driving me to be better than I have ever been. It might have been 2 years since I have been away but now I’m back because at the end of the day
The figure then grabbed the bag to short it swinging before they reached up pulling the hood down. Suddenly the black and white disappeared to show a head of blonde hair. The figure then turned to reveal The Hawkeye Warrior Jessie Roberts who stared down the camera and said.
I’m always a warrior at heart
With that the words. ‘The Hawkeye Warrior Jessie Roberts. COMING SOON’ appeared before disappearing and the show carrying on.
The scene cuts backstage to an intensely focused Myra Rivers. She’s in a confident mood and she finds herself sporting her wrestling gear already. She’s definitely taking a no-nonsense approach to things as she begins her journey in APWO. Once she realizes that the camera is on her, she takes a confident breath, gathers her thoughts and begins to express them.
Myra Rivers: Hi, my name is Myra Rivers. If you know, you know. But for those that do not? Hey, I’ve been around a LONG time! It’s hard to believe that this year marks 20 years since I started training for a business that I grew to love since I was a little girl. My mother was a wrestler back in the late seventies to early eighties and she was my first inspiration to be part of this. I’ve been on the mainstream scene for 14 years now, with 20 championships to my name, including 5 world titles. That’s about the long and the short end of it, really. I recently won my 5th world title in Orlando at a “Festivus in Florida” event and I just happen to be not just one of the most successful women in Sin City Wrestling right now, but I happen to be getting better with age as well. At the age of 37, I’m wrestling at the best that I ever have. Look, let’s be real here. The “Rebellious Vixen” is here to be a world champion and tonight you are going to see why I AM a force to be reckoned with when I defeat Ash Cameron. I’m going to break down why Ash is going to get a rude awakening tonight…
One reason? Focus…
Myra takes a pause. In a spot where most wrestlers would be reluctant, Myra is not holding back.
Myra Rivers: Ash, I got nothing against you. You seem like a good kid and all. BUT, where’s your FOCUS? There is WAY more to this business than tweeting nonsense, posting pictures of yourself in the gym and posting pictures of yourself in your underwear, all of which you have done since this show has been announced. I didn’t become the success that I have been by EVER doing ANY of that. I didn’t need to be a bikini model to get myself through that door. I didn’t need to show myself off at the gym. I have been ONE HUNDRED PERCENT FOCUSED on this match tonight, not even overlooking you for a second. Let me ask you something, Ash. Do you REALLY want to be here? I’ve been tweeting about our match and pushing what I love to do the most and yet, you’re on social media tweeting nonsense about getting bit by a raccoon, a dog, whatever animal it is. You’re talking about “hunger”. I don’t see it.
You “hunger” for success… but you just tweet cryptic, nondescript… well… nonsense. You’ve barely taken the time to mention me. The one time you did without responding to something I tweet was talking about how I’m in your way... look, I’m not trying to be ‘get off my lawn’ or anything, but when it comes to being a success in this business, this business DOES come first. You’ve got to live it, you’ve got to breathe it and you don’t strike me as someone that does. I REALLY hope I am wrong and I hope that outcome aside, you show me something, but are you in this business because you WANT to be in this business or are you just here… you know… just to be here. Hungering for success isn’t just SAYING that you do, it’s SHOWING that you do! It’s sticking with it when times get tough and when nothing goes your way. It’s doing everything that you can to be stronger and better when you go through your most brutal, heartbreaking losses that push you to the thought of wanting to be done with this business. You don’t seem to REALLY understand what it takes to be a top-notch professional wrestler in this business.
It’s not about the nonsense tweets. It’s not openly wishing that your opponent was a jerk then telling them to stop being so nice. It’s not about these random ramblings about croissants and throwing Snickers at people or any of the other stuff you’ve tweeted about. I question how SERIOUSLY you take this business, Ash. Someone like you is someone that I feel I can whip into shape, teach, and bring the best out of and maybe that’s what this match is. But the thing is, Ash, what it DOES take to be a top notch professional wrestler: TRUE hunger… that DESIRE to be the best, going into every single match with the KILLER INSTINCT of a champion that, at least on social media with all the nonsense you’ve tweeted these last two weeks, you appear to lack… the POWER of knowing that you have the advantage over your opponent in some way, shape or form that is going to lead you to victory… the POWER of knowing how strong you are and how impossible it is for your opponent to take that power from you… the POWER of determining your OWN destiny and not letting ANYONE else define you.
Through ALL the adversity I’ve been in my career, Ash, to some degree, I’ve exhibited all of that. Just the fact that you were tripped up on the fact that I wasn’t acting like the jerk you apparently wanted me to be tells me that the POWER in this match belongs to me. I appreciate the respect and all, but if you REALLY want to show me some respect, SHOW ME that you WANT THIS, Ash, because I KNOW going into this match that you don’t… or at the very least, you DON’T want this NEARLY as much as I want this. I’m here to be a CHAMPION, Ash, not a social media influencer. You’ve got SO much to learn about what it REALLY takes.
Tonight? You get a TASTE of it! Henceforth begins your FIRST lesson of what being a professional wrestler really is… and there’s no way in hell I’m going to let someone like you put a damper on what I plan to accomplish here…
Myra leaves the scene showing no regrets on any of what she just said. She’s feeling very confident, especially with the wisdom she just preached, as the scene fades out.
V.S
Chet Morley: Heads up by Ash Cameron. All the puns intended
Will Ashford: And…they PAY you? Money?
Chet Morley: More than you, nerd.
Ash gets up, feeling food about herself but Myra has already popped up and takes the rookie down with a reverse DDT! She stalks Ash as she gets up, then charges the ropes and springs off with a beautiful tornado DDT! It becomes clear that the vet is having fun with this as she stalks Ash again, and catches her in the jaw with a roundhouse kick!
Will Ashford: Big kick! Ash is ROCKED!
Myra goes to pull Ash up and Ash begins fighting back! She drives her fists and elbows into Myra’s midsection until she’s vertical, then the hooks a hand behind Myra's head and bashes her face in with forearm after forearm. She whips Myra into the ropes, and catches her with a gorgeous Tiltawhirl backbreaker! Ash postures for the crowd when suddenly..A low buzz pours from the house speakers.
Chet Morley: Is Kyle in the fucking truck?!
Will Ashford: We apologize, folks. Apparently the truck has first time jitters.
Ash seems to lock up with fear, eyes darting around outside the ring and toward the ramp. She doesn’t notice Myra getting to her feet. Myra seems confused by the buzz, but keeps her wits about her and snatches the distracted Ash..SPIRIT BREAKER! Myra goes for the cover, just as the buzzing stops!
1!!
2!!
3!!!
Chet Morley: Vet kept her head with the technical difficulties, and won! Just like it should be!
Winner
Myra Rivers
The scene opens up backstage inside the Trainers office for APWO where we see Whisper backstage sitting at a desk, all of a sudden bargaining is one of the first signings of APWO, and the newest superstars in all of wrestling Marisol Vilaró who was dressed in her fitness inspired wrestlings, with matching boots carrying a gym duffle bag with her. As the Fitness Queen soon looks at the veteran wrestler with an excited glance. As she soon began to speak in a loud and proud tone.
Marisol Vilaró: Hello, and thank you for giving me this time trust me when I am done with this pitch you will say sign me up, and what you will be signing up everyone to. Is the hottest, most successful, and newest fitness revolution on the market! See, when I came up with the basis of this system I was helping my family and my own brother meet his own goals. See, he was over 150 pounds overweight. Girls didn’t want to date him, he was bullied you know? So I took him under my wing and gave him a new lease on life. Now he's not only lost the weight but kept it off. What I want to do is bring those same secrets and help everyone else become a better them?
Whisper nodded slowly, leaning back in her chair she looked right at Marisol with those black eyes of hers.
Whisper : That sounds very impressive indeed. But if I look at our roster I do not see anyone that I would consider morbidly obese. What would your system bring to those that are already on a good weight and fit as 85% of our roster is just that.
Marisol soon smiles and nods at the question as she speaks in an overall cheerful bubbly tone.
Marisol Vilaró: Oh it is impressive, but yes none would qualify for that but they can still be in better shape than they are, and I am someone who trains athletes and has worked with everyone of all body types, shapes, and sizes. I mean you want the best-conditioned roster in order to deliver the best matches to inspire these people out there right? Then you need to strike a deal with Vilaro Fitness. I took this brand from Spain, spread it all over Europe, and now it's taking over the United States, and Canada where else? Who knows?! But it would improve their endurance, strength, speed and make them better athletes.
Whisper quirked an eyebrow.
Whisper : Can you provide us with reviews of those that used your program. I am not going to give my athletes a program when I have not been familiar with its workings. You see I have been training champions for over 17 years my dear. I will not just give them anything that could potentially do them as much harm as it does good.
Marisol reaches into her bag with a stack of papers and places them on the desk.
Marisol Vilaró: Here, along with some testimonials from current clients you will find everything in order. I mean, when you think of fitness you will be thinking of the name Marisol Vilaró and Vilaró Fitness and the patented Vilaró System.
Whisper took the papers in hand and placed them beside her.
Whisper : I will look them over and get back to you on this. I am not going to give you that sponsor deal right away. That is for the boss to do. I will give it a thorough read and tell him my suggestion.
Marisol looks shocked at first but then calms down and maintains her bright smile.
Marisol Vilaró: Okay, trust me Vilaró Fitness presents APWO talk about absolute money!
Marisol walks out with a bright smile confident that she would get her way, as Whisper looked at the camera shaking her head a bit before looking at the papers in front of her. As the scene fades to black.
The camera’s show the backstage area where the hallways are crowded with wrestlers and in the corner they show Shay getting ready for her match. She is stretching her muscles and is currently bent over. Her hands on her ankle as she pulls herself in. She’s only like that for a few seconds before she hears a loud clearing of a throat, the camera zooming out a bit to see Matt Stone is just approaching from behind her, wanting to get her attention after a likely few second pause on his behalf. Shay gets up slowly and turns towards him with a smirk on her face.
Shay : Matt Stone.. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company?
She folds her arms and in doing so pushes her top together slightly. His eyebrows raise a bit as she folds her arms, Matt trying to stay on topic.
Matt: Such a nice way to put it, being around me is a pleasure, isn’t it?
He asks, a smile forming on his lips.
Matt: I couldn’t help but notice you all alone over here and just had to see what’s lead to your isolation.
Shay rolled her eyes and started to continue her basic stretches. She spoke but was not too impressed with his words.
Shay : It is self-imposed I assure you. I have 3 monsters to deal with and I needed a moment to myself to get ready for this match. Now what made you think it was anything more than that ?
He takes a step back purely to afford her a little more room for her stretches and not because it gave him a better view of the whole thing.
Matt: No real reason, I’ve just spoken to a few of the people around here and I can see why someone would want to isolate themselves from everyone. Still, there are a few diamonds left in the rough, so to speak. How crazy would it be if you and I had to team up for this world title tournament?
Shay : I will pray that it does not come to that. I am not sure my sanity could handle that much of your presence in my direct vicinity. You are one that should be taken in small doses after all.
She smirked and kicked her leg up to rest on a crate and continued her stretching. He frowns at hearing that, but quickly shakes it off.
Matt: I would have thought you valued winning above all else, and if there’s one thing I’m great at, it’s winning.
Shay : That may be true we shall see. But we got no say in who our tag-partners are going to be anyway. And if wishes became beggars.. And all that rot. Look Matt… What do you want? I am in the middle of something here…
This clearly wasn’t going the way that Matt had envisioned, though to be fair he was under the impression that everyone adored him.
Matt: I just wanted to get your opinion on this shirt I’m wearing, after all, you did inspire it.
He sticks his chest out a bit so she could read the caption, “100% Annoying, 100% Endearing”
Shay : Looks good. You wear it well. Now was that all?
Shay was blunt as always as she looked at him with those bright green eyes. She really could not afford too many distractions before this big match.. She realized it was a bit rude..
Shay : Look Matt.. I am not in the best of moods right now. I have 3 monsters to deal with and my partners are rookies in the business.. Well less so than me but still.. We are being put to the test here and I will need to be sharp as hell for this match. Was there anything else?
He looked like he wanted to say more but her demeanor matched her words quite well and he thought better of any further inquiries.
Matt: Just good luck, knock’em dead Shay.
With that, he tipped his imaginary cap and took his leave. Shay watched him leave shaking her head for a moment before returning to her stretching and warm up and the camera switches to show the ringside area
Kenzie: I just don’t know where Kyle’s time machine is, okay? I checked the women’s locker room, the men’s locker room, the boiler room, Mr. Hernan’s office, and walked through all the hallways in the whole Entertainment & Sports Arena I could find TWICE! I still can’t find it! What about you? Any luck?
Looking a mix of confused and disappointed herself, Ash let out a short but audible huff.
Ash Cameron: I swear that weasel Kyle has it hidden somewhere only he has the key to. Wouldn’t put it past him, not one bit. I looked all over the place too! I check under all the benches, in the showers, might have scared a few people, and on top of that I made sure to check and see if it somehow ended up in my bag! It wasn’t there either.
Kenzie: Whoa!
The 5’8” brunette seemed genuinely shocked that it wasn’t in Ash’s bag, specifically.
Ash Cameron: I know! The way he avoided the question though, I know there really is one.
Leaning against the hallway wall, Kenzie thinks for a second with her index finger and thumb shaped like an L under her chin. Then she looks back at her new friend.
Kenzie: You know I can’t help continue this search forever, right? I promised Marisol I’d be in her corner tonight, and I intend to keep that promise. And you’ve got a match too later, right?
Ash Cameron: I do?
Looking around a bit to try and get her head on straight, Ash can’t help the duh that softly escaped after her lightbulb finally turned on.
Ash Cameron: I mean of course I do. Not just a match, but one against a top tier athlete, so you know I’ll be pulling out all I know and thensome in order to win. But… just in case I don’t or something happens to Marisol in her match, if we do find that time machine, we can always go back and change it. Is there a chance there’s a secret set of stairs hidden in a wall?
Kenzie turns around to try to touch around the wall to try to trigger some sort of secret door. Ash follows suit, even knocking a few times to see if anything comes across as hollow. Meanwhile, steps are heard behind them. Ash looks first, then Kenzie. It turns out its none other than social media manager Kyle himself!
Kyle: I’m not that basic…
Kyle turns and continues on his way, eyes locked on the screen as he heads off to hype tweet
Chet Morley: Someone tell hairgel this is APWO, not Tinder!
The camera returns as “Shake it off” by Taylor Swift hits over the public address system, as most of the APWO fans are unsure what to think, however, a decent majority begin booing knowing this was the theme song of the Vilaro System Creator and founder of Vilaro Fitness Marisol Vilaro. As the lights flash all over the arena with a spotlight on the ramp as out from the back wearing blue and silver fitness inspired wrestling gear and carrying a gym bag on her shoulder is the Fitness Queen herself. She smiles as she saunters down to the ring, taking the time to pose for the cameras showing off what amazing shape she is in. As she continues her strut down the ring choosing to stay in the center of the walkway so the fans can’t touch her she looks around the arena disgusted by the fans and what shape they are in. As she soon climbs up the steel steps and enters the ring, before posing twirling in the center of the ring before raising her arms up high in the air. As she soon demands a microphone and receives it, the Spanish beauty stands in the center of the ring and motions for her music to cut. As she stands, soaking in the reaction, she begins to speak in her bubbly obnoxious tone.
Marisol Vilaro: Ladies and gentlemen my name is Marisol Vilaro, and I am the founder of Vilaro Fitness Inc and creator of the hottest new Fitness program my patented Vilaro System, with my Vilaro System you can change your life and become a better version of yourself today for just five easy payments of 59.99! I know what you are all thinking: how on earth can something so amazing be so affordable!
The fans begin to let into the self-centered pompous young Fitness Professional standing in the center of the ring. As Marisol looks taken back at the negative reaction from the crowd as she continues.
Marisol Vilaro: Again you’re going to want to hear this because when I look around here, and I see what a sad state of affairs of the population of this one great city, in the heart of a once-great nation. Your gluttonous culture has not only impacted this whole nation, but the world as a whole. I mean look at all of you all clearly need this, so eyes and ears open and your mouths need to be shut as I tell you all about my amazing system.
The boo’s only get louder, which causes Marisol to look enraged at the rudeness coming from DC area fans. As. she had her hands on her hip with a sour look on her face as she waited before putting the microphone up to her lips.
Marisol Vilaro: MY VOICE IS LOUDER THAN YOURS! SO SHUT UP AND LISTEN YOU FAT OUT-OF-SHAPE DC SWEATHOGS AND LISTEN AS I TELL YOU HOW YOU CAN BE A BETTER VERSION OF YOURSELVES!
The boos grow to a fever pitch after a few moments they quiet down some, enough for The marvelous one to continue her pitch.
Marisol Vilaro: Again, now I know what all of you are thinking. How could this benefit me? I know Whisper is not yet convinced but after my amazing debut, this pitch, and wrapping it up with my victory in a triple threat match against Risa Jackson, and Alexis Lemon will have you all convinced. For example, you miss yes, you over their spotlight on her!
Soon a woman in a black shirt, a heavyset one is spotlighted by the demand of Marisol. As the Spanish woman looks in her direction with a look of disgust on her face, she says loudly.
Marisol Vilaro: Yes, you look at you! Do you know what damage you are doing to yourself?! Lie when you walk down a flight of stairs how hard do you breathe seriously?! YOu are the type of person who needs my system more than any other. Think of the example you’re setting for your children or your sibling's children!
Soon the woman boos loudly as Marisol shakes her head, as she goes on.
Marisol Vilaro: I mean with my amazing Vilaro System losing weight and getting in shape has never been easier. I mean not only do you get my workouts, the meal plan, you also get access to my amazing line of Vilaro Fitness supplements, and access to the Team Vilaro support group filled with many who all over the world have taken control of their fitness journey and became a better version of themselves or like you are working toward that goal. Also, with your Marcise app, you can be a skinny winner in life!
The boo’s grew louder, as the fans want this to end as Marisol is still speaking.
Marisol Vilaro: So Alexis, you and I might be rookies but tonight you will find out why I am the absolute name and athlete here in APWO. Your first match will be a learning experience and after that, you too can change your life with my amazing Vilaro System. After all, those five easy payments will be the best investment into your career and life you can make. However, there is also Risa Jackson, a woman who has been a champion, a woman with more experience in this business than most people here but despite that experience, last year was a down year for you wasn’t it? I mean you went from a Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament winner in the previous year. All the way to nearly retiring at the end of last year! But, instead of investing in new training, new focus, a new vision you head back to the comfort zone. I mean these out-of-shape idiots that support you? They are used to doing that when they go for that extra doughnut in the morning. I am sorry to tell you this but judging by your actions your 2022 is going Maxx Out before it even begins as I make my mark on this business….
All of a sudden Marisol is interrupted by the music of one of her opponents. She is angry at the interruption as the fans cheer that she is finally quiet for once., As Marisol puts down her gym bag in the corner, she stares at the entrance with dagger-like eyes.
VS VS
Will Ashford: Risa seems content to pick her spots.
Chet Morley: She ought to. Those two have been beefing, she’s played it cool. Let the younguns get their blood hot. Pick em apart.
Will Ashford: Why aren’t you in the ring, then Mr Expert?
Chet Morley: Far too pretty.
Risa follows it up with an elbow drop to the back of Alexis’ head. She pulls her off Marisol and takes her over with a snap suplex. However, as Risa gets to her feet Marisol snatches her and nails her with a German Suplex! She rushes to get Risa to her feet, whipping her to one corner. She the does the same with Alexis Lemon. She charges Risa first…VILARO EXPERIENCE! She then charges Risa and ANOTHER VILARO EXPERIENCE!!
Chet Morley: I gotta get on that Vilaro system!
Marisol goes to the middle of the ring as Risa and Alexis fall on their faces. Marisol flexes to the boos of the crowd. She begins yelling and shilling her system, and doesn’t see Alexis get to her feet. She charges in, leaping upon Marisol’s shoulders and nailing her with a reverse hurricanrana!! Vilaro goes out of the ring, and Lemon focuses on Risa Jackson. She nails her with a question mark kick as she gets to her feet, and leaps up. Before she cango for another reverse hurricanrana, Risa reverses into an electric chair drop! Alexis smashes into the ringpost face first and falls over the top rope to the outside! Risa looks over the rope, checking on Alexis and doesn’t see Marisol slide back into the ring! She rolls RISA UP!
Will Ashford: Roll up!!
1!!
2!!
Risa kicks out, but Vilaro stays on the attack. She spikes Risa with a DDT, pulls her up and goes for a snap suplex but Risa reverses it with one of her own! She drags Vilaro up and nails her with a european uppercut! Then another! And another! Marisol is stumbling and Risa whips her to the corner and….BOTH BARRELS!! She drags Marisol out, and goes for the pin..BUT ALEXIS LEMON COMES FLYING OUT OF NOWHERE WITH THE LEMON WARHEAD! SHE ROLLS RISA OFF OF MARISOL!
1!
2!!
3!!!
Chet Morley: ROOKIE NERD STOLE ONE!!
Will Ashford: VERY OPPORTUNISTIC BY ALEXIS LEMON!!
Winner: Alexis Lemon
Chet Morley: We're back LIVE on Power Trip, and what a night we've had so far!
Will Ashford: You bet, Chet! We're now going live backstage to Marionette!
The feed cuts to Marionette standing backstage by herself, microphone in hand.
Marionette: Thanks guys! I'm currently here standing with the current Level Up Courage Champion and one half of the Action Wrestling Tag Team Champions, Dionysus!
Dionysus walks into frame, wearing a nice tailored suit, a glass of wine in his hand.
Marionette: Dionysus, tonight you are facing Matt Stone in what should be an exciting match-up! What are your thoughts going into this match?
Dionysus: My thoughts are like everyone else's going into these matches tonight; win or lose, I want to make an impact. I want management to see the potential in the Lord of the Vine, the Master of Revels. I want them to understand that I don't really hate Matt, but rather he's just a stop on the road to the top. Hopefully it'll be a scenic view.
Marionette: Are...are you sure you should be drinking before your match?
Dionysus: What, this?
Dionysus raised his glass to the camera, as if he were giving a toast.
Dionysus: One glass isn't going to affect me. After all, this is like playing music; things usually end up smoother with one drink under your belt.
Marionette: Well I hope for your sake you don't overdo it before your match.
Dionysus: Your concern is noted and appreciated, but really my dear, I will be quite alright.
Marionette: So would you be able to tell us about the rumors backstage at Level Up Wrestling where people consider you a sex symbol?
Marionette: ...Oh. Uhh...I guess I asked the wrong question. Uhh...back to...you?
VS
Matt Stone sizes up Dionysus and scrunches his face in what can only be described as “unimpressed”. He walks up to Dionysus mouthing something that causes the bigger man’s beard to shift with the rest of his face as he smirked down at Stone. Dionysus begins to reply to Stone, who laughs and looks off to the side. He comes in for a slap but Dionysus catches it and levels Stone with a big headbutt!
Chet Morley: It’s cliche but i’m gonna say it anyway. You can’t teach size. If you could? Dionysus would have a doctorate.
Will Ashford: Wow…that was actually kinda clever, Chet.
Chet Morley: Look, if i wanted your opinion -
Stone scrambles to his feet, ducking underneath a running big boot and bailing out of the ring. He favors his head dramatically as he circles the ring as Ref Jackson both begins his count, and instructs Stone to, quote, ‘Stop being a Bitch’. Dionysus slides out to pursue Stone who turns and catches the big man with a cross chop to the throat, bending him over. Stone runs up the ring steps and leaps off, nailing Dionysus with a curbstomp on the outside!
Chet Morley: Stone showing why he is so renowned.
Will Ashford: You don’t get to be as big as him and not be good at this wrestling stuff
Matt Stone poses for the crowd before rolling in under the bottom rope and breaking the count. He comes back for Dionysus and gets the big to his feet, clubbing him in the back of the neck as he does so. Stone whips Dionysus into the barrier. Dionysus damn near crashes through it, but it holds! Dionysus pulls himself up using the APWO banner draped over the barrier and sees Stone flying toward him. Dionysus catches Matt stone, popping him in the air with amazing elevation and stepping out of the way.
Chet Morley: HEY MATT CAN YA SEE YOUR HOUSE?!
Stone can be heard screaming “SHIT SHIT SHIT” in midair as he goes near 8 feet up and comes crashing down over the barrier! Dionysus laughs heartily as he favors his head, before dragging Stone by his ankle up the ring steps. Stone’s head bounces almost comically with each step. At the top of the steps, Dionysus drags Stone to his feet and throws him over the top rope into the ring. He follows him in, and stalks him until he gets up. He whips Matt Stone into the ropes, and catches him on the rebound with a thunderous powerslam!! He goes for the cover!
Will Ashford: Jesus, that shook the rafters!
Chet Morley: If Stone kicks out of this, i’ll eat my hat.
ONE!
TWO!!
TH-
NO!
Chet Morley: Pass the Tobasco
MATT STONE KICKS OUT! Dionysus sits up, grinning. He mouths ‘Alright’ as he gets to his feet, dragging Stone up with him. He gets him in a rear waistlock, and goes for the GRAPEVINE! BUT STONE DUCKS UNDER IT AND GRABS DIONYSUS IN HIS OWN REAR WAISTLOCK!! HE GOES THE B..A.D, HIS OWN RAINMAKER BUT DIONYSUS GETS HIS ARM UP AND SWATS THE SMALLER ONE DOWN! Dionysus goes for a haymaker but Stone thumbs him in the eye, then cross chops him in the throat again and drops him with a DDT!! Cover!!
Will Ashford: Stone spikes Dionysus! Is this it?!
ONE!
TWO!!
With a BELLOW Dionysus bench presses Matt Stone off of him, launching him a foot away. Stone scrambles up, looking like he might have stained his trunks as Dionysus gets to his feet. Stone leaps upon him, clubbing him and driving his knees into his head to try and slow him down, but Dionysus fights up! He begins laying jabs into Matt Stone’s jaw, causing him to stumble. He then nails him with a hard right cross that turns Stone around. Dionysus grabs him in another rear waistlock…GRAPEVINE!!!
Chet Morley: HOLY SHIT HE TOOK HIS HEAD OFF LIKE STONE TOLD HIM TO EAT CAKE!
Will Ashford: HE’S GOT THI-
DING DING DING
Chet Morley: What the shit, they got Blazen on the bell?
Will Ashford: No, Chet…these two have used up all their allotted time! This is a time limit draw!
Chet Morley: WHO THE FUCK PUT A TIME LIMIT ON THESE TWO?!
Winner
Time Limit Draw
? ? ?: “Good evening ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce myself…”
The camera pans back as the lights come on. We open on a lavish, top floor penthouse suite. White plush carpeting that your feet could sink a half inch into with every step you take, and as pristine as the first glass of chardonnay after a hard day’s work. In the center of the room was a California King size bed layered with fluffy pillows and a layer of comforters pulled neatly over it. To the direct left of the bed was a plexiglass display case housing but what else? Both the Caligrapps Academy Awards and Southern Rebellion Wrestling “Purification” championships. The titles were shining ever-brightly with a sheen coming off either of them the likes of which one had never seen. Wait, did we just say Academy and Purification? Then that could only mean one person…
Vance Isaac Parker: Welcome to my adoring fans, and naturally jealous colleagues alike. My name is Vance Isaac Parker, and I am as some have dubbed me, “Mister Blank Check”. One of many of the bright talents signed in the first wave by Absolute Power. Allow me to explain to you why I am the cream of this crop, and why of every person here, I’m the one person you have to pay attention to.
Vance sat across the suite from the protective plexiglass case on an ottoman. He was dressed in his “signature” double pinstripe track pants and sleeveless “wolfpac” esque VIP logo shirt and wrestling shoes.
Vance Isaac Parker: Questions, comments, or concerns? Why, I bet you’re thinking, am I dubbed “Mister Blank Check”, yes? Well let me clue you in on why I’ve come here, since you’ll be watching me for quite some time. Now, if you caught the shot at the start of this, you’ll remember my protective plexiglass case across the room.
VIP motions for the camera to shoot back to the hypnotizing, shining gleam of his two championships, before the shot returns back to himself.
Vance Isaac Parker: I’m a busy guy, and initially, when I was offered this gig, I had turned it down because of my outside obligations. But…our boss Mister Hernan was fairly adamant that he wanted my services on this show. He told me to name my price and being the smart guy I am, I’m not gonna walk away from free money on the table. Now, I’m sure that concept is a bit lost on the majority of the folk watching this right now, what with your basic nine to five lifestyle…but what it means is my services are clearly in demand and I’m given the flexibility to do what I want to do both here and outside. That’s lucrative to me…and to you, had you gotten a higher education and put a higher worth on your skillset when you entered the workforce. But you didn’t and that’s just one major difference between the rest, and myself…
VIP gets up and walks across the room to the wet bar. From behind the counter a woman places a martini glass on the bar and with an expert flare of a professional mixologist, adds the perfect mix of tonic water and Seagram’s Gin to the glass. VIP nods to the woman, mouthing “thank you” as the glass is passed down to him. He takes it and steps out onto the balcony, closing the sliding glass door behind him. Above him was the dusk sky, painted a bright shade of violet though the stars of the galaxy were not entirely visible yet. VIP takes a satisfying drink before looking out over the street with a relaxing sigh.[/color]
Vance Isaac Parker: Look at the hustle and bustle down below. They’re rushing to the store, their jobs, maybe to some entertainment event they’ve looked forward to and planned around for a couple months. Not unlike this opening night for Absolute Power. Tonight I take on Kitty Dark and the winner moves on to vye for a shot at becoming the inaugural world’s champion. Tensions are high and everyone is rushing around to position themselves as the next big face, maybe for a chance they never had in another company and “this one will be different”. It’s not their first rodeo, and every company is “their chance”, and I understand that. Kitty Dark is no different, or anyone else, it’s in our nature as competitive performers to want to be the very best. But here’s the difference.. You’ve all rushed to do this over time, over companies, and you wonder why you haven’t pulled it off yet…”it’s the company’s fault”, you “were held back”, right? Sure…every single company you’ve been a part of has a secret conspiracy to keep just you from reaching the top.
VIP takes a large sip of his drink then lets out a loud belly laugh.
Vance Isaac Parker: Get over yourself. A company doesn’t hold anyone back. It is an entity, and it’s here to do business. If you’re making the company money, the company will position you in such a way to maximize their profits…all those times you failed to hit the top means the company realized your max worth before you did. It’s not a conspiracy. It’s what happens when you have three, four, five years worth of a body of work to follow you around. Now me? The man that’s “loud” that is still in his rookie year, I’m still an unknown entity but clearly…it’s promising given my status with all my employers, and it stands to reason that Absolute Power will be no different. Mister Hernan saw that in me when the offer was extended to me, and that’s an offer that no one else was offered…
VIP turns and leans against the wall as he tips the martini glass one last time, leaving it to dangle in his fingertips while he gazes out over the evening sky.
Vance Isaac Parker: Here we are. All the social media clout chasing has come to a head. The posturing for position, he said she said, I’m better than you pissing contests, they all come to a head, right here at the inaugural show of Absolute Power. You can’t afford to miss it. You need to see this. Watch us set the table and decide how the momentum will be placed. Most importantly, watch me take my rightful place…at the Head of the Table. Enjoy the show.
VIP’s personal cameraman backs out of the balcony, leaving the brash new star alone with his thoughts and mental preparations under the evening sky.
[/font]
VS
From the word go, Kitty seems as unimpressed as VIP seems wounded by her stance on him. The two circle one another as the bell rings, Kitty fakes VIP out with a lockup and slides behind him, locking in a rear waistlock but VIP rushes forward, snatching the ropes. Kitty lets go on the count of two which has VIP admonishing Ref Jackson, informing him of how slow his count was and declaring that was at least a 4 count.
Chet Morley: Listen to the man and get it together Jackson!
Will Ashford: You WOULD be a VIP fan.
Kitty greets VIP with a stiff shot to the jaw as he turns his attention back to her, snatching him by the head and driving a knee into his nose before he can complain about the closed fist she used. She whips VIP into the ropes and follows, leaping onto springboard as he turns around she nails “NOT TODAY SATAN”, leveling VIP with the springboard elbow! She then mounts him and begins driving forearms into his face!
VIP gets to the ropes, forcing a break and rises to his feet to charge Kitty, turning her inside out with a clothesline. He begins laying the boots to her, frustrated at how she had controlled the match to this point. He drops down and gets her in a picture perfect side headlock, wrenching for all he’s worth. Kitty manages to push up, despite Vance doing all he can to maintain control by widening his base. Eventually, Kitty manages to shove him into the ropes but VIP catches himself and rebounds with another thunderous lariat!!
Chet Morley: VIP gaining momentum here!
Will Ashford: Do NOT count Kitty Dark out though!
VIP yanks Kitty up by her top, locking in a rear waistlock and executing a release german suplex! He pops up, smirking now as he yanks Kitty back up and goes for another…but Kitty lands on her feet! She leaps on VIP’s back and drags him down with a lung blower! Kitty gets to her feet, yanking VIP up with her. She goes for a BITCH KICK but VIP ducks under it! Kitty turns and fires off another, but VIP fires off his own superkick! BOTH CONNECT! BOTH FIGHTERS GO DOWN!!
Will Ashford: STEREO SUPERKICKS!
Chet Morley: They might have three teeth left between them!
Kitty gets to her feet first, rubber legged but looking determined. She waits for VIP to get up, and nails him with a basement dropkick to drop him to a knee. She signals for the end, going for Seeing Red..BUT VIP COUNTERS WITH A POPUP POWERBOMB! He looks livid as he yanks Kitty up once more and..AUTOCARROT DRIVER!! VIP leaps on her for the pin!
Chet Morley: GORGEOUS REVERSAL! VIP GOES FOR THE WIN!
1
2
3!!
Will Ashford: And with that win, VIP gets a leg up. Whoever it was he informed Management as his choice for the Path to Power tournament just got locked in as his partner!
Winner
VIP
“Woke up this Morning” by the Alabama 3 hits the house speakers, the audience pops for the well known song and the noise level only increases as onto the stage steps none other than APWO CEO Emiliano Hernan! He’s dressed in a fitted black suit, baby blue shirt and black tie. He stares out stone faced at the audience, outstretching his hands to take in the adoration, a microphone clutched within one.
Chet Morley: Shit! It’s the boss! How do I look?!
Will Ashford: Old and Cantankerous
Chet Morley: Yeah fuck you soy boy
Eventually, Emiliano gives a curt nod to someone off camera, and waves a hand over the crowd to silence them. He nods as they do finally go quiet and lifts the microphone to his lips.
Emiliano Hernan: I appreciate the affection, but I would recommend the applause be given to the warriors you’ve seen battle tonight.
The audience roars back to life in approval, earning a small smile from the CEO.
Emiliano Hernan: This is but the first step in a long journey, and if you recall…there was a mystery guest listed for tonight’s proceedings.
Chet Morley: Here we go. I wonder if it’s a politician?
Will Ashford: Literally no one wants that.
The crowd silences after another pop for the surprise. Hernan nods along with them for a moment, before lifting the mic once more.
Emiliano Hernan: And with that in mind, I will take my leave but first…allow me to introduce to you…the GENERAL MANAGER OF ABSOLUTE POWER WRESTLING ORGANIZATION…..
“Waiting on a Miracle” by Leonard Cohen begins to play as the audience lets out sounds of confusion.
Chet Morley: who…. where did the boss find this guy?
Will Ashford: he's got a very definite style…
As the announcers alluded, the man stepped onto the stage with his white dress pants and light salmon colored sports coat, unbuttoned. He had a close to clean shaven head and perhaps the most telltale sign, the deep red tint sunglasses would all but give away…..
Will Ashford: Wait, I recognize this guy.
Chet Morley: you don't think it's --
? ? ?:"Good evening loyal subjects of the APWO, and thank you for welcoming me, I am your general manager...and you can call me Mister Garrett. That's Mister Wilfred Garrett, for those of you keeping score. Perhaps the biggest name to get picked up by APWO…"
Chet Morley: Wilfred...Garrett…? Oh no I've seen this guy's exploits…...he's infamous RIP.
Will Ashford: what is the boss up to with this? What good could possibly come from hiring this guy and giving him power?!
Wilfred Garrett walks across the stage to approach the boss, being mindful to keep approximately six feet between them, because you know safety first and all.
Wilfred Garrett: Mr Hernan, of course, a man of taste and class that knows what he wants and what's best for his people, the pleasure is all mine.
He extends his hand towards the boss, mostly just for showmanship as the two have certainly met prior to this point.
Wilfred Garrett: And what a great first night of power this has been tonight, the rodents scrambling to get their piece of the pie in the early going but…..what do you say we make things interesting, and shake things up?!
Emiliano Hernan: It’s the whole reason you were hired, Mr. Garrett.
Wilfred Garrett: Well it's a big night, everyone is doing big things, making big plans, big expectations! And that's great, I'm really proud of people making their intentions known...look, in the lead up we polled select stars to see who they wanted to team up with to work towards the title. But swerve!
Chet Morley: swerve?
Will Ashford: it means the script is about to get flipped, try to keep up genius.
Garrett takes a moment to flash the dumbest grin all around the arena as he twirls the mic in hand before continuing.
Wilfred Garrett: That's right, those names you all said that you want to team with? Instead you'll be FIGHTING them!
The crowd collectively gasps at the shocking first revelation of the Garrett administration's first act as general manager!
Will Ashford: Hah, so much for picking a friend to work together with. Now if you want the title, you have to fight your friend!
Chet Morley: That is so not cool, what the heck man?!
Wilfred Garrett: that's right, so while Kitty Dark may have chosen Matt Stone to work towards the title... and FM Young and Mister Blank Check himself, Vance Isaac Parker would have worked towards their ambitions of power...instead we have Kitty Dark and FM Young versus Matt Stone and the VIP!
Chet Morley: what?!
Will Ashford: can you imagine though? Matt Stone and VIP on the same side of the ring.
Chet Morley: ……..
Will Ashford: and now Kitty and FM will have to co-exist. Man what a shake up alright.
Wilfred Garrett let's put a boastful, almost maniacal in a sense horse laugh while this crowd is not happy at all. Mister Hernan however is clearly loving the attention his seemingly hand picked new general manager is receiving!
Wilfred Garrett: That's not all! Do you people want more?
Of course they all shout yes in unison.
Wilfred Garrett: I said are you ready to hear the other pairings?!
"YES!"
"YES!"
"YES!"
Wilfred Garrett: then keep your eyes peeled to official APWO social channels, specifically at Garrett Finance no spaces yes that's me, because that's where I'll be announcing all the rest of the randomly determined names vying for the opportunity to be crowned as our first world champion!
Chet Morley: Shit! Usually for a tease like that, you’re gonna be out 50 bucks.
Will Ashford: You pay for that, Chet?
Chet Morley: They ought to pay me…
Will Ashford: On that uncomfortable note, we need to run some ads to pay these savages. Stick around folks!
The cameras cut backstage again – and Cypher and Lissie Hope are STILL going at it! Right hands by Lissie! A block, and Cypher drives his knee into her ribcage! She takes a step back to catch her breath and Cypher cracks her neck with a European uppercut! He tries a couple of doorknobs to locked offices, but Lissie is right on his tail. After an axe-handle strike to his back, she bounces his head off a window! Someone inside the office opens the blinds, then quickly closes this right back as Lissie bounces his head off the glass pane again!
The fans are going wild in the arena watching this action unfold on the big screen. After a short-arm whip, Cypher goes crashing into the door of the office! His shoulder hangs gingerly as Lissie backs up, and takes a running start, looking to spear Cypher through the door!
But much to everyone’s surprise, the door opens from the inside as Cypher moves out of the way, and Lissie’s momentum takes her crashing into the desk on the inside! She’s slumped over, nearly concussed as she went head-first into a filing cabinet! Cypher gets a sick, sadistic smile on his face as he glares at her prone body, knowing he’s got her right where he wants her! He grabs a folded chair from the corner, and raises it up to crash down upon Lissie!
But Emma Langdon falls to Lissie’s side, cowering in a ball, giving herself up to absorb the punishment! After it doesn’t come, Emma looks up at Cypher, who is still holding the chair up over his head!
Emma Langdon: Tyler… please.
Cypher drops the chair to ground and backs up out of the office, without a word. He watches as Emma comforts Lissie, running her hand through Lissie’s hair. Security finally rushes into the frame and whisks Cypher away.
The cameras start with a shot from inside the arena but as they pan around they settle on the screen and zoom into it, bringing us backstage. A small stage has been set up in front of a blue curtain emblazoned with the AWPO logo. Two flags hang front short poles, one the star spangled banner of the Union, the other the red and white flag of Washington D.C. At the front of the stage is a podium with an utterly comical number of microphones attached to it as well as more set on their own stands around it. A man in an ill fitting brown suit walks up to the podium. When he speaks it is with a thick New Jersey accent.
Man: Thank you all for joining us here today on such short notice. We appreciate how you all immediately dropped everything to be here for this momentous occasion. The man of the hour will be with us momentarily. He will make a statement, following which he field some of your questions so please hold them until the end. Now, please welcome the soon to be first ever AWPO World Champion, Franklin Jefferson.
Frank walks in from out of shot in a much better fitting blue suit. Camera flashes go off so fast it creates a near constant white light. It stops as Frank reaches the podium, setting his hands firmly on either side of it and he surveys the gathered press.
Frank Jefferson: I’d like to start by echoing my press secretary Shaun in thanking you all for being here, I know many of you have forgone your children’s birthday parties, family bereavements and box seats at the Capitals game to be able to be here today and I want every single one of you in this very large crowd to know that you’re appreciated.
He pauses for a second and seems to shift through some papers on the podium.
Frank Jefferson: As you all know my name is Franklin G. Jefferson and I’m here as the single greatest, most exciting, most important and most significant signing of the fledgling Absolute Power Wrestling Organization. As well as you all know my name you all know too what I’m capable of, the strength, skills and intelligence that I possess, but starting tonight those attributes will be put on display for the whole world to see in a way they have never been before. So mark this down in your calendars, February 10th, 2022, the day Frank Jefferson took over the world of professional wrestling.
Frank Jefferson: Now I’ll be happy to take some questions.
He looks around at the crowd then points to someone out of shot to the left..
Frank Jefferson: Yes, you.
A voice comes in from off camera. It speaks with a thick New Jersey accent.
Reporter: Bob Riley, Washington Post. Now that you’re here in AWPO, what are your intentions?
Frank Jefferson: Great question. I’ve been an honors student, an Ivy League college graduate, an All-American Athlete, a War Hero and a congressman, so here in AWPO, taking the next step in my pro-wrestling career I intend to do what I have done at every stage of my life, excel. Next question? You.
Frank picks out someone else from the crowd, apparently in the middle of shot but again, out of sight, then mouths something. Amateur lip readers may interpret it as “Got your toys,” or “Hot gore boys,” whatever that means but whatever it is, it’s probably not important. The reporter speaks in a voice that seems distinctly like a man doing a bad attempt at sounding like a woman.
‘Female’ Reporter: Allison, uh, Frank-er-son, Huffington Post. There have been a lot of announcements and excitement on social media about the other initial AWPO signings. Are there any among them who stand out to you?
Frank Jefferson: Another excellent question from well known journalist Allison Frankerson there. Are there any other signings that stand out to me? No, or at least, not for any good reasons. Frankly, all I’ve seen so far are a bunch of short-sighted, half-witted mooks who are more concerned with trying to make friends than they are about getting ahead. This is the quest for Absolute Power, not seeing who can get the most friendship bracelets. So far the only ones I have a shred of respect for are those who’ve kept their mouths shut.
Frank Jefferson: Last question now, you.
Frank points off to the right of the shot.
Reporter: Mike…Mann, Forbes Magazine.
This reporter sounds like someone making a deliberate attempt to make their voice sound as deep as possible.
‘Deep-Voiced’ Reporter: Tonight you have your first match against Eli Buchanan. How do you see the match going? By the way, you’re already on our shortlist for 2022 Man of the Year.
Frank Jefferson: Thank you for those kind words. I appreciate the constant support of Forbes Magazine. As for your question, I see it going like this, quickly. Eli Buchanan is a joke of a human being. The guy looks like an elementary school sports mascot. He has the same total body mass as my left leg. He’s got no charisma, no wit, no spirit and no heart. Tonight, you’re going to see Eli Buchanan soundly and indisputably defeated and left in the history books as nothing more than the first person I destroyed on the road to Absolute Power.
Frank Jefferson: That’s all we have time for. I have a match to prepare for, thank you.
With that Frank steps away from the podium. Overwhelmingly rapid camera flashes begin again. A few seconds later Press Secretary Shaun climbs back onto the stage from the opposite side than he left it earlier.
Shaun: Thank you all again for coming. Mr. Jefferson will be making important preparations until his match and can not be disturbed. Please file out and make your way down to the ringside seats Mr. Jefferson has secured for you all.
Shaun then points something towards the camera and a second later it cuts off.
"Tiger Red" Eli Buchanan stands in the interview area, flanked by his wife and manager, Charlotte O'Neal.
Eli Buchanan: Frankie, Frankie, Frankie. All week long you have been lighting up my social media feed, calling me a clown and insulting the tiger mask I wear down to the ring each and every time I compete in the ring. I bet you think you're getting under my skin, don't you? I bet you think that all your clever remarks are going to piss me off so much that it'll throw me off my game. Well let me explain something to you, Cupcake, I have been around this business for over a decade now, I've wrestled on five continents, and have held so many damn titles I had to build an extension on my house just to store them. Do you think I'm sweating your comments? Do you honestly think that there's anything you've said that I haven't heard a dozen times, or that I haven't used against some of my opponents myself? The answer is no, you simply aren't clever enough to do and quite frankly I could name at least a dozen other wrestlers who would insult you so badly you'd soon be flying in a pool of your own piss, sucking your thumb and begging for your mommy to come take you home."
He turns to his wife and winks at her and she gives him a kiss on the cheek.
Eli Buchanan: Now me, I don't waste a lot of time with insults, because I don't need to. I let my actions do the talking. I make bold statements with my knees and I punctuate them with suplexes. You might brag about all the things you do over in Capital Hill, but the the wrestling ring all your political prowess ain't going to help you. All your big words ain't going to save you. And that supposed rock hard jaw of yours is going to crumble to dust when I smash it in with my knee. Then I'm going to drop you on your damn head with a Tiger Suplex and pin you one, two, three."
Charlotte: But wait, Tiger,, didn't Frank Jefferson mock you for using the Tiger Suplex as a finisher?
Eli Buchanan: "He did, didn't he?"
Eli pulls out a wade of cash.
Eli Buchanan:"And that's why I've bet him ten thousand dollars and cold, hard cash that when I hit him with the Tiger Suplex, and I make no mistake I will, he will not be able to kick out of it. I will drop him so hard he won't even know what's hit him until it's too late and his wallet ten grand lighter."
Charlotte laughs and rests an arm on her husband's shoulder.
Charlotte: "Frank Jefferson, it's time you put your money where your mouth is. Welcome to the jungle!"
VS
Jefferson and Buchanan meet in the middle of the ring with the taller Jefferson sneering down at the shorter but just as physically built Buchanan. Jefferson smirks and steps back, raising a hand to signal for a lockup. Buchanan seems receptive but as he goes to lock up, Jefferson rakes his eyes and snatches the wrist that doesn't fire up to wipe at his eyes, whipping him into a corner and following it up with a big corner splash! He then grabs Buchanan in a side headlock and brings him out with a bulldog!
Chet Morley: Now THIS is what i’m in this business for. Good, old school offense. None of that flippy dippy never been to a club thats strippy bullshit!
Will Ashford:.....Strippy?
Jefferson drops down and instantly locks in a rear chinlock, driving the point of his knee between Buchanan’s shoulders and wrenching back. Buchanan reaches up, trying to break the grip. Eventually, he decides that turnabout is fair play as he thumbs Jefferson in the eye to create an opening and break free. The speedier Buchanan all but leaps to his feet and nails Jefferson with a knee to the face that stuns him. He then pulls Jefferson up and nails a beautiful release belly to belly suplex!
Will Ashford: Buchanan rebounding nicely after Jefferson came out of the gate looking strong.
Chet Morley: Second Bengal to ruin my night this month.
The Tiger Masked man is not done, as he is instantly upon Jefferson, driving elbows and knees into the back of his head until Jefferson is able to get to the ropes and force the ref to get Buchanan off him. Buchanan backs up, complying with the ref. An incensed Jefferson charges in however, only to be caught with a lightning quick exploder that causes him to roll out of the ring on impact!! Buchanan measures Jefferson up, even as the ref tries to tell him not to, he bounces off the ropes and charges Jefferson, nailing a springboard dive that levels them both!
Ref Blazen begins to count, stops, double checks his fingers, and continues as Jefferson slowly gets up. However, Buchanan has already gotten to his feet and leapt upon the apron. He charges, going for a leaping headscissors takedown…but Jefferson catches him! Buchanan tries to take him down with the head scissors still but Jefferson powers him up and…POWERBOMB! Ref Blazen has paused again, he turns to the audience to double check.
Chet Morley: Christ’s sake, who hired Grandpa McAlroy?!
Confirming he had reached six, Jefferson lifts Buchanan and…CAPITOL HILL CONQUEST!!! Blazen is at 8 as Jefferson rolls in under the bottom rope. Smugly, he ‘helps’ Blazen with his math by counting the last two numbers with him. Blazen then calls for the bell as the ringside doctor goes to check on Buchanan, who is grimacing but looks more pissed than hurt.
Winner: Frank Jefferson
Chet Morley: Fuck Tigers!
Will Ashford: Why are you so unpleasant?
Chet Morley: Mostly because FUCK YOU.
PRE-RECORDED
Helena Handbasket: Oi, oi, oi! Hel-ena! She’s here, she’s there, she’s every fuckin’ where! Hel-ena!
Behind Helena, another person slowly saunters into the frame. It’s Donny Mason, who at 6’10’’ towers over the woman. He seems relaxed, crossing his arms and winking.
Donny Mason: Yo, don’t hog all the spotlight! Gotta get my face there too! Mason’s the name, fightings the game.
Another woman enters the frame standing next to Donny just a bit taller than Helena.
Shay : And I am Shay..
Shay seemed the calm one at least at that moment.
Shay : And we are “The Students” but we prefer to be called “The Hunters”
Helena shrugs at the other two, moving aside to allow Donny and Shay into the framing of the camera.
Helena: Right, hunters. Monster Hunters, well, me. Anyway, Part time. I do the fighting thing. A lot. That too. Anyway, Donny and Shay. Strong, I mean look at Donny’ bloke’s an ox! It’s literally like getting into a punch up with a mechanical bull. Shay? Huntress doesn’t cover it, never seen no one what could wear down an opponent as well as she can. No give up on either of em.
Nodding along to Helena, Donny cracks a wide smile and stretches a bit.
Donny: So. A buncha monsters eh? Well, we are the students of one Matt Knox. And if there is one thing that holds true about him, is the fact that Monsters get hunted. So Hunters is a good name for us for this match. Legion, Wendigo and Deveraux. Man. Who’da thunk it that the first outing for us three together would be like this? The dude in charge of APWO has really done his homework. But let’s be real. When it comes to this trio… I’m the brawn here. Look at me. I’m built like a fucking tank. Or I think I am. Or so I’m told. I might not be good for flippy stuff or the like, but I hit hard and I hit fast. Monsters? Just hit them hard enough and often enough and they go down just the same. I think. I hope. Right?
Shay pats his shoulder in praise and nods.
Shay : Exactly, be them monster or woman when those fists hit you.. You go down! Helena.. She will beat the crap out of you… Donny will hit you so hard you will feel it for days and me.. Well I am perhaps the least nice out of the three of us. Looks can be deceiving.. I will be the one that will bend and twist your bodies in ways they are not meant to go. And smile while doing it. Monsters.. More like prey.. You see we might be students to the game but by no means learning to kick ass we have all been doing that for most of our lives. And you three ladies are about to find out just how much of a problem you have run into. You are not a team.. You are not even working well together. You are just an obstacle to overcome and as divided as you are. Not even a hard one at that.
Helena patted them both, having to jump up on the turn buckle to even really reach Donny’s shoulder. While she was there, she just kind of crotched on the ring ropes. Using her legs and her arms out to hold steady.
Helena: I’ve actually got tons of respect for Wendigo, and even the likes of Legion…What was the other one? Deveraux? What’s that one again? I’ve heard of the other two. I’m down for fighting what might be a demon *and* a werewolf. Cause those are the best monsters, really. Crap, I’mma have to google the other one aren’t I? Man. One day you’ll take notes like you’re supposed to, Helena. Never it is, my hill to die on. Me friend’s, me fam. They covered tough, strong, tenacious. That’s these two. Me? I’m terrifying. Because I always have a plan. Or never. Maybe never. Neither of us knows that’s my point. I’m all in on thinking on my feet, and I’m not one for underestimation. Don’t think because we aren’t scared that we think it’s gonna be easy. Naw. Ladies…Ladies right? Dever…That’s not a dude?
Shay : Nah Auric is a chick
Helena: Right, more homework, Helena. Ladies, we don’t want it to be easy. We want it to be fun.
Shay : Fun for us that is..
Shay added with a wicked smirk on her face..
Shay : Right big man?
Shay looks up at Donny with that wicked smirk on her face.’’
Donny: Fun? Of course. If there is one thing Pops tells me its that if it ain’t fun, it ain’t worth doin. But hey, it’s the three of us. It’s gonna be fun regardless. I’ll be havin the time of my life watching Shay turn those monsters into pretzels and YEETing Helena at them like a human missile, and if either of those fails… I’ll just boot them in the face. It’s gonna be a blast and a half. For us atleast, I can’t guarantee the monsters funtimes. We just might be ruining theirs. But hey, we’re lookin for Absolute Power aren’t we? So this is just how it goes. Feel me?
Helena: Righto, cause see, win or lose, whatever happens. You ain’t splittin us up, one of us gets the belt? We’re still protectin’ each other. We’re not playin’ the games here, we’re ensuring our mutual advantage. Don’t fuck with us, don’t get head punted. Simple concept. Just thought you all oughta know that.
Helena pushes off of the ropes, from her crotched position, kicks off of Donny’s hip and rocket kicks herself into the camera. Causing the thing to go to black and everyone to wonder how this footage survived.
Vs
Monsters vs Students
Chet Morley: Awww. His dad’s move. What a kissass!!
Donny yanks Auric up, eyeing Wendigo for a second before lifting Auric up in a stalling vertical suplex. After ten seconds, he falls back and brings Auric down. Donny rolls through, going and tagging in Shay who comes in with a vicious elbow drop to the chest of Auric before getting up and with her eyes locked on Wendigo she hits the standing moonsault. As she goes for the pin Legion breaks it up by stomping on Shay’s back before the referee could get into position and Shay rolls to their corner and tags in Helena.
Will Ashford : Shay tags in the spitfire Helena, quick tags from the students keeping them fresh.
Helena whips Auric into the corner and follows her in with a handspring elbow but Auric had managed to dive out of the corner and tags in Legion who is the only one trying to tag in. Legion comes charging in with a splash move in the corner. Shay is screaming at Helena to get up. It is clear all three students want to be in this match. Legion grabs Helena by the hair and yells at the other two students but is forgetting about the little spitfire in her hand and Helena starts unleashing rapid kicks to the legs of Legion.
Chet Morley : Okay there is a little fire in that one.
Will Ashford : All three of the students are firecrackers!
With a hard stomp to the back of the knee Helena breaks free from Legion’s grasp and to her corner tagging in Donny who immediately grabs Legion and with a little extra force slams Legion into the turnbuckles tagging in Shay and almost.. Yeets Shay to follow in after Legion with a forearm shot.
Chet Morley: No one ever taught that girl about keeping a guard up, huh?
Will Ashford: It’s okay, I think the kids might know a place she can learn.
Shay goes to pull Legion up, only to have her send a hard elbow into her midsection to create distance. Legion turns and heads to her corner. Wendigo stares her down as she tags Auric in, as she steps onto the apron..WENDIGO LEAPS UPON HER AND SINKS HER TEETH INTO HER SHOULDER! Legion cries out in pain as Wendigo seems to sink her teeth in deeper! Security hops the barrier and begin trying to separate the two as Auric looks on in the ring.
Chet Morley: OH FUCK! FUCK! SHE AINT HAD HER SHOTS I BET!!
Will Ashford: JESUS CHRIST! GET HER OFF OF HER!!!
Donny and Helena hop off, and go to assist the security as Auric turns back to face Shay…AND EATS A SHADE OF BLACK! Auric crumples instantly, falling on her face in the middle of the ring. Shay rolls her over, yelling at Ref Jackson who is enrapt with the attack. He drops down, and makes the count
1!!
2!!
3!!!
Will Ashford: The Students win, but that isn’t the big story here folks!
Chet Morley: Nope, Lunch hour is!!
Outside, Wendigo is finally separated from Legion and all but chased to the back. Legion is tended to by medical staff, the camera cutting to commercial as Whisper runs in from the back.
Winner
Students
(Donny Mason/Helena Handbasket/Shay)
MAIN EVENT
vs
As "Radio Gaga" by Queen prominently plays throughout the arena, "The Adorkable Angel" Azurine Vebbins pirouettes onto the entrance ramp. A solitary spotlight provides an ethereal glow as she begins to descend down the ramp like an automaton practicing aerobics. She performs various other dance steps while making her way to the eastern ring apron. Along the way, she waves, high-fives and hugs certain chanters she comes into contact with. When a chanter puckers up for a kiss, she points to her halo (neck collar). Upon entering the eastern ring apron, she glides between the bottom and middle ropes before awaiting referee instruction and her next opponent.
“Handsome” Jack Bytheway: Entering the ring, from New Orleans Louisiana. She weighs in at 115 pounds…Da Hardheaded Housewife, Azurine Vebbins!!
The lights dim as we see a green mist fill the arena. Right as the guitar comes in, we see "Serena Riot" flashing on the screen. The crowd begins to cheer as Serena makes her way out. She does her signature pose at the top of the entranceway. One hand behind her head with the other in the air, as she sticks her tongue out. She has on her leather jacket, with a band tee underneath. As she makes her way to the ring, she gets a smirk. Rolling into the ring, she poses at one of the turnbuckles, with pyro coming out from it.
“Handsome” Jack Bytheway: And her opponent, hailing from Cleveland, Ohio and weighing in at 150 pounds…Seeeerrreeeeennnnaaaa RRRIIIIOOOOT!!
As the bell rings, the fans come unglued as Azurine and Serena meet in the middle of the rng. The two take a moment to stare out at the capacity crowd before locking eyes and jawing with each other. They both seem to be smiling though, reinforced by them slapping hands before backing up and beginning to circle one another. They go for a lock up, and with some effort Serena manages to drive Azurine back into a corner. The ref comes over, and Serena instantly breaks and backs off.
Azurine nods, and meets Serena in the middle of the ring signaling for another lockup. However, this time Azurine fakes Serena out and gets behind her with a dropstep. She goes for a german suplex but Serena reverses, slipping behind Azurine and flipping her for a german of her own but Azurine lands on her feet, and as Serena gets up she’s met with a flurry of paint brushing open palm strikes from Azurine! Serna does her best to deflect and fire fists back!
Chet Morley: WELL SHIT NOW ITS A FIGHT!
Will Asfhord: These two really turned it on right out the gate and what more could you expect from our Main Event?!
Eventually, Azurine gets the upper hand when she ducks a haymaker and takes Serena down with a neckbreaker. She then gets up and runs up the turnbuckles, nailing a picture perfect moonsault off the top rope..BUT SERENA GETS HER KNEES UP! AZURINE BOUNCES OFF OF THEM AND ROLLS ACROSS THE RING, FAVORING HER RIBS! Serena is on her feet in a hurry, following after Vebbins and stomping on her midsection. Azurine reaches the ropes and Referee Louise Cargill backs Serena up after a two count.
Vebbins manages to get to her feet, Serena waiting patiently for her to do so. They nod and meet in the middle again, this time going for a Greco-Roman knucklelock in the middle of the ring. Serena has an instant advantage with her height over Azurine, standing a half foot nearly over her. However, with a cry of effort Vebbins fights Serena back, backing her to the corner. Louise comes in to break them up but Vebbins lifts Serena onto the second turnbuckle, and knocks spittle into the second row with a thunderous palm strike across her face!
Will Ashford: Jesus! She nearly wiped her face paint right off!
Chet Morley: Serena’s gonna be tasting that one all damn week.
Azurine climbs up, hooking Serena’s head and leg and going for the Duperplex! But Riot fires off punches into her midsection, eventually knocking Azurine off of her. Riot then leaps from the second rope and nearly decapitates Azurine with a flying clothesline! Both women are now down as Louise Cargill checks on both, signaling to the timekeeper that they’re good before getting up and beginning her count.
She doesn’t get past four as both warriors get to their feet, facing each other once more they begin to circle the middle of the ring, taking a moment to bump fists before leaping at each other and brawling once more. Serena throwing skillful punches and Azurine peppering Serena’s entire upper body with open palm strikes, her cheek tucked in to lessen the chance of a knockout blow landing.
Will Ashford: What a main event this has been. What a night this has been!
Chet Morley: I hate your face, but when you’re right, you’re right!!
Serena gets the upper hand this time, ducking under a strike meant to mirror the one Serena had given her on the turnbuckle. She fires off a stiff kick to the back of Vebbin’s knee, then a hard elbow to the back of her head! She has gotten in her position and…WICKED WAYS! THE CURB STOMP DRIVES AZURINE’S FACE INTO THE MAT!! Serena picks her up, knowing that she hasto go all the way and..PSYCHOSIS! THE PACKAGE PILEDRIVER SPIKES AZURINE INTO THE MAT!! Serena goes for the pin!
1!!
2!!
3!!
“Handsome” Jack Bytheway: Here is your winner…SERRRREEEENNNNAAA RIIIIOOOT!!!!
Serena gets to her feet, arm raised by the ref while her free hand favors her jaw. She finds the hardcam and smirks into it. She holds up two fingers, then drops her hand and motions across her waist, directly to everyone else in the tournament with her.
Will Ashford: What a debut episode! I Cannot wait for the future!
Chet Morley: I cannot wait to get away from you…
Will Ashford: For Handsome Jack, Chet, All the stars…THANK YOU! AND SEE YOU ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF POWER TRIP!!