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Post by Osh Vaughan on Jun 28, 2021 14:58:13 GMT
TV title Match Rogue vs Acheron Revok vs Zack Steele vs vs
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2021 23:57:35 GMT
Rogue Retains His Title
*Moments after Rogue's disqualification loss to Zack Steele at Mayhem, we catch up with Larry Fishburg in the back of the house area. The loss snaps Rogue's seven match win-streak and ruins his chances at breaking the IIW win-streak record. Normally, Mr. Larry Fishburg would be nervous regardless, however, due to the circumstances, Larry is far more nervous than usual. Larry nervously walks into the doorway of Rogue's locker room which is propped open by Rogue's unzipped black Adidas gym bag. Before we even see Rogue, we see items carelessly being tossed through the air and landing into the bag, piling on top of other items, and spilling over. The cameraman turns the corner and watches as Larry shuffles cautiously into the door frame, and stares into the deep end of the locker room. The camera pans right, revealing two stone-faced individuals - Rogue and Cora Black. Rogue is recklessly grabbing random shit and tossing it to the side, just hoping that it at least makes it close to the bag. He's tired, slightly pissed off, and ready to go home to Florida. Rogue is facing away from the camera, and Cora is facing towards it. She notices the camera watching them and see's Larry standing nervously. Cora, keeping her stone-face flicks Rogue on the chest, connecting with a metal button on his leather jacket, causing a funny sound. Rogue stops bending over to grab shit, and turns his head back, looking over his shoulder. Rogue sighs.*
Rogue - Whaddya want, Larry?
The camera zooms in on Larry's face as it grows a little red. Sweat beads form on the top part of his forehead instantly. He shakes a bit.
Rogue - Larry.... I said.... What. THE FUCK. Do you want?
The camera zooms out as Rogue turns around and walks towards Larry with Cora following behind him. Rogue doesn't walk angrily, but he walks stern, with a purpose. He's ready to leave. The UK is a dump in his mind. He only comes here to make a living and compete with the best.
Larry - Uh.. Uhm, Rogue... (Larry clears his throat as sweat rolls down his forehead). You think, uh.. now is a decent time for a chat?
Rogue gets inches from Larry's face, and lets out some air through his nostrils. Rogue seemingly relaxes for a second, and nods.
Rogue - Know what? Sure.
Larry can relax now for a second. Some of the redness on his face goes away. Cora looks over at Rogue, surprised herself that he was willing to talk to the interviewer. Cora walks over to the corner of the room and grabs a steel chair, setting it up for Rogue. She takes a few steps back, lining herself up in the middle of the shot. Rogue takes a seat in the chair facing the camera, and Larry stands in the left part of the shot, almost melting now from the nervousness and the fact that he has to stand up in a suit while sweating. Cora relaxes and leans back against the wall, brushes her hair behind her back, and putting one foot back against the wall, crossing her arms. Still with her face painted up in witchcraft symbols from earlier in the night, she stares dead into the camera.
Larry - So Rogue, people in the front office sent me here. They said it's time for a Rogue interview. You hardly ever contribute to the extra curricular stuff around here. They said your contract includes after show obligations and so on....
Rogue's facial expression clearly shows his irritation growing out of control already. Larry stops talking and puts his pointer finger in between his neck and shirt collar, pulling it hard to release some tension and loosen his cheap tie.
Larry - They are pretty angry up there at how you managed to retain your title too..
Rogue leans humped over in his chair and starts pushing his fists into his palms, cracking his knuckles. Cora's stare in the camera remains the same.
Larry - They are going to start needing more things like this out of you. They sent me here to get a quick interview.
Rogue - So they sent the little lamb to tell me their problems with me. Instead of addressing it like professionals themselves. They sent poor Larry Fishburg. A testament to how shitty this place is being run. A true telling of what the front office is made up of. You know something? I don't give a fuck, Larry. But that's not really your fault. They probably sent you here to tell me this as a way of hazing you, given your past of nervous breakdowns and what not. I'll tell you what, Larry.... you can have your interview. I'm pretty pissed off right now, but not at you. Hit me with a few questions. Try to relax. I'm not gonna fuck you with, man.
Larry - Hey Rogue, I appreciate that.
Larry relaxes a bit. He wipes the sweat from his forehead with his suit arm that's too large for him, looking baggy and sloppy.
Rogue - Don't mention it.
Cora turns and looks at Rogue for a second, then looks back into the camera dead-on.
Larry - Okay, so Rogue, tell me, what happened out there tonight? Why did you get yourself disqualified?
Rogue chuckles halfway under his breath. Cora smiles at the camera.
Rogue - Ah hell Larry. I threw a reckless kick and it somehow managed to hit Zack Steele in his tiny nuts. The ref happened to see it and he called for the bell. What else can I say? Several months of hard work and winning non-stop, and my streak stops just a couple wins shy of breaking the record. I'm not happy about it. I went out there and dominated this kid for ten minutes, almost literally breaking the dude in half. I destroyed his leg and almost broke his knee. Steele could barely walk. Hell, he could hardly hobble towards the end. If not for that kick that happened to be illegal, do you really think he would have managed to come back to beat me?
Larry - Well personally, no. I think you had it. But the rules are the rules Rogue. You got caught during an illegal kick. I have to say that Steele legitimately beat you according to the rules.
Rogue leans up more in his chair. He gives Larry an annoyed look.
Rogue - I know that, Larry. But let's be honest here. I left the ring under my own power, with my belt. Steele left the ring being carried out by two referees. In a fight, who would you say won?.... Yeah, I don't want to hear your answer. Next question, bud.
Larry - Okay, uh, uhm, moving on...
Cora's smile goes away.
Larry - Well this is even more important. After Revok defeated Winters, you and Cora set him up and ambushed him. This Mayhem you really had a couple of moments where you lost your cool. Are you feeling the pressure of being a champion? Have things changed since you won that belt? Why attack Revok?
Rogue - You said Revok defeated Winters? Yeah.... Revok defeated Winters the same way Steele defeated me. By some blind luck, random bullshit. It all happened by chance. Did you watch that match Fishburg?
Larry - I did watch it Rogue.
Rogue - Then you would know that Winters beat the ever-living fuck out of Revok for almost the whole match. Revok managed to land a single move that secured him the victory. The same way I beat the bricks off of Steele for the entire match, and I somehow lost because the ref is some pansy that couldn't let a single little thing go. He couldn't just let us ride out the match? Do warnings not exist anymore? I would have hit Forever Alone for the one-two-three shortly after that if the ref wasn't such a clown. Am I feeling the pressure of being a champion? Sure, I feel a little pressure. Am I losing my cool? Absolutely not. I am used to pressure, Fishburg. It's guys like Steele and Revok that have to get used to it. I attacked Revok because he's coming what I've been working so hard to hold onto.... (Rogue leans down and grabs his Television Championship off of the floor, and hoists it up over his right shoulder. He slaps the plate.) Revok mentioned my name, and he's coming for everything I've worked for thus far. Should I not take that personally? Should I make friends with him, Fishburg?
Cora turns her head and faces Larry.
Cora Black - Yeah. Should he make friends with him, Larry?
Cora's face stays blank and she looks back into the camera. Larry is just about to speak, but Rogue cuts him off, continuing his rant.
Rogue - Let's talk more about this guy Revok. Two matches in the IIW against nobodies, and he gets a shot at this belt? And why? He beat TJ Alexander and Damien Winters. Combine all three of those men an they have less matches in total than I have victories by myself. I've known Steele for some time now, but Revok is a new guy here, and he's already shaking the wrong bush. I've been following him since his number one contender-ship match was announced. I wondered at first.... why is this guy getting a shot so quickly? After wondering for a little while, I said fuck it. I said fuck it and decided to take matters into my own hands and welcome him to the IIW properly. And you know something else? Every man in the IIW locker room should be thanking me for fucking Revok up. He deserved it. He's new. He needs to fall in line and earn things like the rest of us.
I see him sitting in his locker room, fucking brooding like a baby. Constantly. Revok sits around daydreaming about god-knows-what and talking about shit from fifteen years ago that no one gives a single shit about. Things nobody can follow. Things that don't matter. Daydreaming. Brooding. Daydreaming. Brooding. This guy wakes up and checks off days like "Is today a brooding day or a day dreaming day?" No one cares, Revok. He talks about his daddy issues when comparing his family to Alexanders. No one cares. Heard it before. He talks about how he's here to inflict not only physical pain but psychological pain. No one cares. Heard it before. Then he hangs around that little creep Dierdre with the bitch-tits and goes on little whacky adventures.
When it comes to Revok, I just don't like the guy. Some one had to put him in his place. And since he's coming for MY BELT, I figured I should be the one to do it.
Rogue faces the camera.
Rogue - Revok, stop trying so hard. Just be yourself. It's confusing the fuck out of everyone, and no one really cares. I can't wait to send you to the pre-show.
Cora smirks.
Cora Black - What exactly is Dierdre anyway? Is he human? Is he something else? He acts like an android.
Cora hands Rogue his tin of Grizzly Wintergreen. He packs it quickly and opens it, pinching a huge amount of tobacco and packing it in between his gums and lip. Rogue laughs as some pieces of tobacco fall from his mouth, and Larry smiles a bit, lightening up his mood, making him not feel nervous anymore.
Rogue - No shit, Cora. See what I mean? It's all so stupid. I do know one thing though.... If that little creep Dierdre gets near me, I will break him in half like the giant Alien did to Bishop and watch gut milk go everywhere.
Cora walks out of the scene and quickly walks back, cracking open a can of nitro cold-brew coffee for Rogue. She hands it to him and then disappears from the scene again as he cracks it open and drinks it while having a mouthful of dip. Rogue shakes his head.
Rogue - It's just all silly bullshit, man. I'm tired of it. I'm not going to let a guy like THAT wear this belt.... know what I mean Larry?
Larry - Sure Rogue.
Rogue - Look, I fulfilled my obligation. I'm done talking about this shit for now. It wasn't the best night for me tonight, but I took care of some shit that had to be taken care of. End of story.
Larry - Well one last thing before I take off, Rogue. They wanted me to tell you you're going to be defending your belt at Explosion on July 11th in a Triple Threat match for your Television Title.
Rogue's annoyance disappears and he just begins to find everything funny.
Rogue - (Chuckling to himself) Nothing surprises me around here anymore, Fishburg. Why wouldn't it be a triple threat? Why make it easy on Rogue? They love to hate me around here, because I refuse to fall in line with their bullshit. At the end of the day, I'm just Rogue. I can only do so much. I can only be myself. I'm Rogue.... JUST ROGUE....
Rogue stands up kicks his leg back to move the chair out of the way.
Larry - Thanks for the time, Rogue.
Rogue - Any time Larry. Well, not really any time. In fact, only interview me like once every three months, okay? I'm okay with that. You're not so bad.
Larry - Hey! Thanks! You really think so? I loved you and Cora Black's Magic the Gathering cards by the way. What are the chances I get one?
The scene fades.
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We haven't been in this room in some time. The scene opens up inside of Cora Black's strange little witchcraft room, lighted by dozens of half melted candles placed in various areas. The camera slowly circles around the room, revealing symbols painted in black on the white walls, with other small images scattered throughout. The camera does a full circle, but Cora Black is nowhere to be seen. We then hear a faint, seductive voice.
Cora Black - Zack you are so lucky that you can still walk. I have to admit, I am surprised by your will power and determination. Just being able to leave the ring with a couple people helping you was impressive. Super duper impressive, Zack. However, I'm not so sure you'll be at one-hundred percent come Explosion. In fact, I'd bet the house on it, hun. What do you think? Do you think you'll be one-hundred percent? My intuition tells me you won't.
The camera begins circling again.
Cora Black - I wish you the best, Zach.
The camera reveals Cora Black dressed in a black, shoulder-spiked Daedric style robe, her normal wrestling gear on underneath. The camera stops. Cora opens her eyes, revealing them to be all white. She turns her back to the camera, revealing her robe to say "Rogue Family". She stands still for a few seconds, then looks over her shoulder.
Cora Black - Break a leg, Zack....
Cora winks at the camera and the candles go out.
The scene ends.
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Post by Acheron "Headsman" Revok on Jun 30, 2021 13:06:45 GMT
It is Mayhem, in the few seconds between Rogue putting Acheron Revok in a headlock and Rogue delivering his initial forceful knee to Revok’s skull.
Revok (inward): This man’s brutality and anger is palpable. I can feel it.
After the first trio of knees to Revok’s head, which truly rattle him, he begins to experience devastatingly lucid déjà vu. He recalls several of the blows he took from “The Country Doctor” Jack Hill in their bare-knuckle boxing match of February 2015, which split both of Revok’s eyebrows and left him unable to see for several days after.
Revok (still inward): I…have awakened.
He feels the blood cascading down his face, and the quickening of the heart that pumps it out. He braces to receive the remaining parts of the pounding, the catalyst for his violent reawakening.
Despite the frenzied reaction of his nervous system to the blows, Revok experiences hopeful and flagrant serenity as his spiritual and physical resurrection continues. The DDT and succession of chair shots from Rogue complete the process. Never has a human being been so sanguine after taking such an enormous thrashing.
***
Revok sits backstage post-show, basking in his victory over Damian Winters and contemplating his upcoming TV Title shot, but also surveying his wounds after the ruthless beating he received from Rogue. He scratches excitedly at the plum gash on his neck.
Revok (his high-pitched voice rushed and brighter than a thousand suns): I owe you the world, Rogue. And the solar system. The fucking galaxy, really. I cannot thank you enough. The beating you laid on me after I pinned Daddy’s Boy Winters made me feel more alive than I have in years. Since February 2015, to be exact. Beatings like those indeed hurt, but in a specter like me, they get the heart pumping again. Unfortunately for you and Zack Steele, my heart is in overdrive now.
Revok pauses, pure jubilance radiating from his face.
There was a fire inside me, an ardor, that was near extinguishment due to the doldrums created by having to face lesser man after lesser man over the last several years. You are the type of brutish sadist I came to IIW to match up with. Steele appears to at least approach that level, as well.
While I should point out that Cora’s goth girl allure – you knew my type, Rogue-y – and her Wiccan butt dust set me up, I am nevertheless painfully aware of your notable martial capabilities and will not underestimate them. We are in a sport of fierce athletic competition and you sit at the top of the rankings. I know that.
As I spin my words over the next two weeks, do not forget that I respect that part of you; however, it is the rest of you that does not stand up to scrutiny, Rogue. I will cover that in greater depth as we approach our showdown.
Revok turns away, a lunatic’s smile painted on his face, to continue lazing in the afterglow of his multifaceted Mayhem experience.
***
Revok sits in a leather black Speedo on a jet-black leather couch inside an upmarket corner high-rise apartment. All of the walls that can be seen are actually windows.
The apartment is luxuriously furnished in blacks, whites, and grays, in a very modern style. Revok’s gaze is fixed on the 75-inch TV mounted on one of the windows that overlooks the city behind it. On the screen plays the Zack Steele-Rogue TV Title match from Mayhem.
The same Intern cameraman who filmed last week’s ‘shower scene’ in Zorro’s trailer park uneasily captures the scene in the apartment.
Intern (looking around): Man, wrestling really pays, huh?
Revok and Dierdre respond to the remark with faint smiles, both looking at the expensive floor. Dierdre flits out and back into view, a phone pressed to his ear, despite the fact that it is on high-volume speakerphone. He has a cement bucket in his other hand.
Phone Voice: Angel’s Measures Landscaping, this is Kevin. How may I help you?
Dierdre (delighted and earnest): Anal Pleasures? So you are the poop man then, huh? I’ve called the right place.
Voice: Excuse me?
Dierdre: I’m looking to buy feces. Wholesale.
Voice: Uh, we do sell fertilizer, sir. But we don’t make it and don’t wholesale ingredients.
Dierdre: So can you sell me the poop or not?
Voice: No, sir.
Dierdre: Can I talk to a manager?
Static hisses on the phone.
Manager: Can I help you?
Dierdre: I need a dump truck of dump A-S-A-P. That means ‘ASS soon ASS possible.’
Dierdre, Revok, and the Intern laugh loudly.
Manager (to Voice): Holy shit, you weren’t kidding. (To Dierdre): And I know what 'ASAP' means...wait...
Dierdre: Did you intend that 'shit' pun? Er, can I…speak with the manager?
Manager (hanging up): I am the manager and don’t ever call here again.
Dierdre (to Revok): No one is ever going to sell me large amounts of poop. They think I’m joking.
Intern: You weren’t joking?
Dierdre: No. I made some jokes, yeah, but I wasn't joking about what I need. What’s funny about needing several cubic tons of feces?
Revok pauses the Steele-Rogue match and looks straight into the camera.
Revok: Rogue, I watched your interview with poor Larry Fishburg and I feel the need to address a few of the things that you said.
While I willingly acknowledge that I have been known to bemoan certain things, both under my control and otherwise, your blathering bombast was essentially one extended whine and moan session that often defied logic and contradicted itself. Maybe you don’t even realize that all you did was complain; if so, I implore you to go back and watch yourself or read the transcript of your interview.
To add to the morass, you were so busy bitching, I guess just for the sake of bitching, that it was sometimes challenging to discern exactly what you were bitching about.
First – do you want to wrestle me or the IIW front office? I couldn’t tell. Judging by the fact that you weren’t willing to stand face-to-face with me until…no, wait a second, allow me to correct myself, because we never stood face-to-face. For whatever reason – and I think you, and I, and everyone else knows what that reason is – you didn’t want to stand face-to-face with me.
Anyway, returning to my point. Judging by the fact that you weren’t willing to confront me until after my match and after Cora disoriented me, combined with your joyful, yet shameful, bullying of Fishburg -- a minuscule man who apparently lived in a broom cupboard for a time -- I think you’d prefer to fight someone like Bob Mitchell, who I’m assuming is in his 60s and is clearly not at all concerned with the weight room, than someone like me, who is relatively young, in shape, and can replicate your brutality.
Secondly. Having listened to you closely before, I never pegged you as the jealous type. But it’s evident that your ambush of me – and, again, an ambush is what it was – was borne of jealousy. You’re clearly resentful that I landed myself a title shot in two quick matches.
You may argue that you ambushed me because either: first, I didn’t ‘earn’ a shot in your mind, or second, you enlisted yourself to haze me, but those rationales are as transparent as Dierdre’s sheer blouses. You don’t decide who earns what here and I didn’t see then, nor have I seen since, any other IIW locker room member applauding your ‘hazing,’ which you explicitly pled for in your ‘interview.’
As far as how I got this shot? All I can do is train, talk, and wrestle. And win matches, as it were. I have no connection to or relationship with IIW’s front office. I didn’t cash in any favors or grease any palms to get to this point. So my receipt of this shot is the epitome of ‘earned.’ The decisionmakers have performed their duties and you have nothing to do with those.
Thirdly, you spent a lot of time raging against the machine and portraying yourself as a victim of management, but I was at a loss for how the machine has wronged you or how you’ve become a victim. Even with the disqualification loss you took at Mayhem, you’re still ranked number one in the organization and wear the TV Title belt around your waist. How fucking petulant you look whining about things considering your lofty stature here. I shudder at the thought of listening to you talk when you’re not at the top considering how sullen your nature is when you are.
And your complaining about being dropped into a Triple Threat match with me and Steele, two men that you have comprehensively shit all over these last few weeks? Why complain about it if we are both as deficient in the ring as you say we are?!? It doesn’t make any fucking sense.
If you care about keeping your belt as much as you say you do and we are as talentless and guileless as you say we are, you should consider this Triple Threat match to be a gift from management! But you’re complaining about it. This might be the part of your rant that baffles me the most because it’s impossible to reconcile your dismissal of your competition with your bitching about the matchmaking. Both cannot be true, so which one is it? Get your story straight, Rogue-y.
Moving on…blaming the official for the disqualification loss!? You just can’t help yourself, can you? You lost the match because you weren’t careful while breaking a rule.
Do I have a problem with you snapping a regulation or am I calling you out for it? Absolutely not. I’m not a hypocrite. In time, you’ll find that I’m happy to break rules, as well. What I’m saying is you weren’t smart about it, and that’s what cost you the match. You lost the match because you were careless; you let the ref see the dick kick.
You baffle me. You’re essentially the gentleman with the fewest problems in IIW, in one of the cushiest positions, having earned a great deal and acquitted yourself well in the ring, but you’re also somehow IIW’s biggest whiner. You think that everyone has it out for you. Yet you have mostly everything you want, meaning those you believe are out to get you have failed miserably. And in that case…why the fuck are you wasting so much of everyone’s time talking about them and their machinations?
No, I do not know you, Rogue, and I don’t know much of your background. But I can deduce that you have benefited from privilege and entitlement in your life, likely going back to your childhood. You have nearly everything an IIW wrestler could want, yet you still feel this need to create a small assemblage of bogeymen (the front office, referee, among others) that you need to watch your back for and constantly grumble about. That epitomizes the behavior of either the mentally ill or the privileged and entitled. And, correct me if I'm wrong, but I do not believe that you are mentally ill.
I’ve said this before, and it will be a recurring theme over the next two weeks – you are an adept and accomplished grappler, Rogue, but the rest of you is suspect.
Moving on to Zack Steele, who is also top ten in this organization, and to be respected. I tend to appraise your performance against Rogue more generously than he does, but it feels like you are the odd man out in this one. Rogue left Cora to address you and it appears that the resurgence you discussed prior to your matchup with Rogue will remain on hold. You will not be the one to pin Rogue. It will be me.
Dierdre, still in disbelief, tosses the phone and saunters to the window with the bucket in his hand. Facing the city through the window, he urinates into the bucket.
Revok: Poor, sweet Dierdre. And that’s why you brought bucket?
Dierdre: I have stage fright! The acorn pole went inside.
Revok: You can piss in front of the whole city, but not when I’m talking?
Dierdre finishes urinating. Only about eighty percent of his piss has made it into the bucket and he slips in the excess. He stands up, hardly nonplussed.
Dierdre: So what does the tape tell you?
Revok: Rogue’s a smart and instinctive wrestler, if not very complex. He identifies a weakness and goes after it. Luckily, I thrive on pain. But he’s so obsessed with Cora that he leaves himself open to certain maneuvers. And he relies on her too much.
I doubt either of these men have ever been tossed like I can toss a man. Especially a man of their size. And they like to brawl? Well, obviously I can brawl.
We’ll discuss the rest privately. I’m sure you’ll see certain things differently than I do.
In closing, Rogue, if you watch my matches, you know that Dierdre does not accompany me to the ring. But maybe I should change that up this time. Dierdre is very…enamored of Cora.
Dierdre (ponderous): Toss…a man…are you saying what I think you’re saying?
Revok: Almost certainly not, Dierdre.
Dierdre: Did you see the pretty thin lady doing her witchcraft? That was very exciting. I think I…
A sharply dressed man – about 6’ and in decent shape – with his tie loosened and top shirt button unbuttoned opens the door to the apartment and is flummoxed to see Dierdre prancing about and giggling in the space.
Intern: What the hell? Who…is this not your place, Acheron?
Man (to Dierdre): Who the fuck are you and what are you doing in my apartment, you little dingus?
Dierdre: Ordering all the poop in the city!
Revok: No…
The man lunges in Dierdre’s direction but Revok, still in his Speedo, bursts from the couch and steps in front of him. The man backs off, as Dierdre runs at him and throws the bucket of urine at him. Most of the urine ultimately covers Dierdre and none hits the man, but it is enough of a distraction for Dierdre to run out of the apartment, followed by the Intern. The camera is in such great motion due to the Intern’s running that only the sound is dependable. It sounds like Revok is following behind Dierdre and the Intern.
Revok (to Dierdre): So that’s why you brought the bucket and pissed in it? You chubby little critter. You’re the best getaway man in the business.
The screen cuts to static due to the Intern dropping the camera.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 30, 2021 16:38:13 GMT
The Burial of Acheron Revok and Zack Steele*Wednesday morning. Two days after Rogue's interview with Larry Fishburg. Rogue and Cora have been stuck in Manchester due to a cancelled flight. The earliest they could book was a flight for this afternoon. Rogue and Cora are lacking sleep and aren't in the best of moods. They like to spend the least amount of time possible in the UK. Already having their luggage packed, they wait outside of a broken down hotel. IIW staff arranged for someone to pick them up and give them a ride to the airport nearby. It's a cloudy day, but humid. Rogue and Cora both look rough and miserable while waiting for the ride.*Rogue - C'mon. Hurry the hell up.
Cora - What is taking so long?
Rogue - Budget cuts. This company is in Fucksville.
Cora - Should we just call our own cab or what? Just as Cora says that, screeching tires can be heard in the distance. A noisy yellow taxi hits a corner by the hotel while taking a sharp, dramatic turn. A thick trail of smoke from the exhaust pipe fills the street and the front entrance of the hotel front drive. The hub cap falls off of the wheel and rolls towards the hotel, slowing down and beginning to spin right in front of Cora's feet. Rogue and Rogue both look down at the hub cap, then back up at each other. They both look up at the taxi cab. It's Toni Kane. He puts the car in park and leans over to the passenger window, using a manual knob to crank his arm and slowly roll down the dirty window.
Toni Kane - Get in motherfuckers! I know I'm late. These cunts called me like eight minutes ago saying you had a flight to catch! Cora and Rogue look at each other, still clearly in bad moods, but they can't help but to laugh. Rogue - Like I said Cora.... Budget cuts.
Toni Kane - Budget cuts nothing ya cunt! I said get in! We gotta move babi bois!Rogue opens the back door of the taxi, allowing Cora to get in first. Her feet drag across dozens of empty beer cans, cigarette butts, and old fast food bags and cups.
Cora - Kane, what the fuck?
Toni Kane - What!? You've never been in a taxi before? HAHAHA!
Cora - Are you drunk? You smell like shit, Toni.
Toni Kane - Ahhh don't you two kids worry about that. I know what I'm doing. Rogue - (Getting into the backseat as Cora is still shuffling to her seat over the piles of trash) Toni, this is disgusting. Don't you ever clean this out? You're gonna get pulled over one day and taken to jail.
Toni Kane - They gotta catch me first, booiii!!! HAHAHA!The wheels peel the fuck out. A bellboy and a valet parking guy at the front drive area watch on as Toni leaves tire marks on their roadway and the entire front vehicle patio area filled with exhaust smoke. He takes the first corner sharp as hell, causing Cora and Rogue to grip onto parks of the backseats to prevent from falling over. From the backseat we see Toni gripping the steering wheel one handed, sloppily eating a bologna sandwich with the other hand. Meat and mustard is falling and dripping on his lap as he cruises down a forty mile per hour zone going seventy. Rogue - Toni. Ease up a bit. This is terrifying.
Cora- Please.
Toni Kane - Oh fuck off you two love birds. I've been doing this job for like twelve weeks. I'm a sick professional type of cunt. I've got some juicy information for you Rogue. Rogue and Cora look at each other confused. Rogue looks into the dirty, smeared rear view mirror, catching a glimpse of Toni.
Rogue - Go ahead, Toni.
Toni Kane - You know Rogue. Your latest interview had me thinking a lot. The IIW truly is a dump. I work for a bunch of cunts. If only the fans saw how us staffers were treated on the day to day. Ya know? Well, anyways. I know you have a big match coming up with Zack Steele. I can't stand that little prick. I gave him a couple rides before too. The boy wouldn't stop barking orders. I just don't like him.
Rogue - So?..
Toni Kane - So listen. These people think I'm some big dope. They think because i drive recklessly, endangering innocent lives, smoking cigarettes and what have you.... that I'm an idiot. Well let me tell you something, Rogue.... Toni Kane is no fucking idiot! I stand around a lot smoking cigarettes at headquarters, and I listen to these cunts conversations daily. I eavesdrop my ass off, and I hear a lot of interest things.
Rogue - What kinds of interesting things, Toni?
Toni Kane - This Zack Steele guy. The IIW is really trying to push this guy. His daddy, the cunt, Mark Steele was a big part of the IIW back in the day. Turns out, the IIW wasn't just watching Zack Steele during his earlier runs or while touring around the country. The IIW actually gave him a developmental deal, and paid him HANDSOMELY while he was still learning the ropes.
Rogue - Well I kinda knew that already Toni.Toni Kane - Ah fuck mate. You're not listening. They paid him handsomely! I'm talking buku fucking dollars here, Rogue. I'm here earning nine dollars an hour to drive around assholes all day, and this Zack Steele kid was earning what main eventers were making while he was only learning.
Rogue - Interesting....
Cora - Toni, just for the record, me and Rogue never thought you were an idiot.
Toni Kane - I appreciate that Cora. Hey, I love the witch stuff by the way. Big fan.
Rogue - So that explains why the IIW is so far up this kid's ass. They invested probably millions on him in a few short years.
Toni Kane - Yeah, you got it Rogue. This cunt is making stupid money. But hey, that stays between you and me. I heard them talking about it one day while I was shitting and smoking cigarettes. They told me not to take shits in the bosses office, but fuck them. I shouldn't have to shit in porter potties like an animal. *The taxi slows to a stop, then stalls out right in front of the airport.*
Rogue - Hey Toni, I appreciate the info. I always knew there was something more there.
Toni Kane- Yeah Rogue. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You have support with us boys at the worker level. I just figured I'd throw ya a bone. Help ya out a bit.
Rogue - It's appreciated.
Toni Kane - We outta grab a beer some time, bud.
Rogue - Probably not, Toni. But thanks nonetheless. Rogue and Cora get out of the backseat of the cab, dragging trash out in front of the airport by the curb. Toni Kane starts cranking the ignition to the car, but it won't turn. As Cora and Rogue stand at the front doors of the airport, they stare back at Toni as they watch him get out of the car, open the hood, and start beating the hell out of the engine with a large wrench. Cora - That's a strange fucking guy.
Rogue - Yup.. That's Toni Fucking Kane....The scene fades.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Wednesday Night. Rogue and Cora had a safe flight to their next hotel. They both got some much needed sleep and woke up to share a meal together. They had time catch IIW's recently posted video - a rant by the new Television Title Challenger; Acheron Revok. The scene opens up in the lobby area, where Rogue bumps into a few IIW fans who are staying in the same hotel. He chats with them a bit and signs a couple of autographs before making his way through the main entrance with his belt hung over his shoulder. With Cora still in the hotel room, Rogue decides to take an opportunity to address Revok. A few fans gather around Rogue outside as he begins his emotional response.*Rogue - Revok, allow me to suggest that you, yourself, go back and watch my interview. Wasn't much bitching and moaning going on from me. Only pointing out the obvious. If you had a hard time following along, then it must be from all the brain damage you took while bare knuckle boxing before you came to wrestling; MY SPORT, as a last resort. You asked me if I wanted to wrestle you or the IIW front office. Revok, to that I say, you are both one in the same. Maybe if you stopped living in Lala Land for a few minutes while listening to me, you'd be able to follow along with that I'm saying. Pop some Adderall or something. It would do wonders for your childish, damaged scatter brain. I don't just want to wrestle you, Revok. I want to send you down to the pre-show, where I've already sent men like Anthony Phoenix and Stoner. Two highly skilled and accomplished men that challenged me before you and were laid to waste.
The fans who are gathered around react to everything Rogue is saying. Most of them nodding and becoming more excited the longest it continues.Why didn't we meet face to face? I guess it's because I know that you don't deserve to meet me face to face to begin with. Full circle here, that's how you and the IIW front office are one in the same to me. You and Steele having an opportunity at this belt is a testament to what a disorganized fucking clown show this company is becoming. It is a circus. And we can both partly blame Zack Steele for that to begin with, seeing as how in the big World's Collide match he disappeared while getting his ass kicked, and did nothing but twittle his thumbs while the fate of this company stood at his fingertips. So yeah Revok, you're right. I didn't want to stand face-to-face with you. Not right then and there. I wanted to send a message. You didn't deserve to stand toe-to-toe with Rogue. Because Rogue is levels ahead of Revok, and I spent week after week, month after month earning my place, which is at the number one spot in the rankings.
More fans and curious passerbys join the group, listening in on what Rogue has to say. And if you think I didn't want to stand toe-to-toe out of fear, well you couldn't be any more wrong. I have accepted all challengers thus far, and sent them packing to join their own obscure, pointless adventures in their careers. Just ask Joe Barone. Where has he been? Has anyone even seen him? What about Nitro and Hawkins? Oh that's right, they had to combine forces just to get wins, in a tag division that was non-existent when they chose to do so. We all see what Stoner's career has become. He's a pathetic, sad shell of his former self. He walks around acting goofy, getting stoned. What a legend that lives up to his name that guy is. Anthony Phoenix.... I took this belt away from him (Rogue says turning his shoulder a couple inches closer to the camera to show the belt), then defeated him in a rematch that he demanded inside of a steel cage. Phoenix is now on the YouTube pre-show leading us into Explosion. He will be opening the show for the great Stoner.... who is also jerking the curtain for the rest of us top guys....(Rogue chuckles and so do some of the fans). Then came John Tolly. So much promise he had. All for nothing..... And all of this dominance, and non-stop victories by me, week after week, and I am here now defending my belt against two guys that will ultimately suffer the same fate. Steele has already failed many times in his short run here in IIW. Soon, Revok.... Soon, you will be joining him in mediocrity. Rogue pauses awhile and thinks ahead. Remembering something else Revok said. The group listening on has now grown larger. Most of them reacting as if to agree with Rogue, or at least enjoy his passionate way of saying what he's saying. Rogue - And for the record, I didn't bully Larry Fishburg. In fact, I treated the man very well. I was nothing but respectful to him, and granted his wish for an interview. I was probably nicer to that man that any of these bullshit IIW admins have ever been to him. I even exchanged numbers with the man, and had Wizards of the Coast make him a fun little promo card. Once again I implore YOU Revok, to go back and watch. It seems you lack the attention span to do your proper research on your opponent. You made it apparent when you claimed that I was an entitled person, with a life filed with privilege leading back to my childhood. Once again you missed the mark. Is it the CTE from the thirty concussions you've likely suffered, or is it just a lack of professional preparedness on your upcoming opponent? I never had a life of entitlement or privilege. In fact, it was quite the opposite. The reason no one knows much about me is because I stay mostly to myself, and I learned a long, long time ago that no one cares about your personal problems. I had to climb my way from poverty, with little opportunity to get to where I am today. Even now, I am successful, but I still drive an old beat up truck, and I enjoy the little things.... The LITTLE things Revok. I would take a title defense over money any day. I'd take the challenges over the comfortable shit any day. And that, Revok, is a lesson I recently had to learn by experience. I am human at the end of the day. I have made some money here in IIW, especially after becoming the longest reigning Television champion of all time. I got a little comfortable and lost focus. I was fighting at sixty percent, and I STILL went undefeated and never lost my belt. That should tell you a little bit about my past, and the type of man you will be in the ring with at Explosion. My disdain for you doesn't come from jealousy. I'm just not the jealous type. My disdain for you comes from the fact that you are benefiting from a horrible staff here, and have the lack of awareness to refrain from mentioning me. It's as if after only two quick matches, you claimed you were coming for my head. Well, Revok, that's just not how shit works in a world where Rogue exists. I won't allow such fuckery to exist in my realm. You verbally came for me, so I physically came at you. We will be "toe-to-toe".... "face-to-face" at Explosion. I knew that since the moment you pinned Winters in your number one contendership match. You think my fear lead to me avoiding you for all of thirteen more days? Don't flatter yourself. Sure, you're big and tough, but you're nothing I haven't conquered before. Trust me on that. Rogue pauses, then stares intensely into the camera. The fans quiet down as they anticipate something serious. Rogue -
Rogue conquers all.... I have watched your matches Revok. I study my opponents. All of them. I am not like you, a man that makes assumptions, refusing to do his homework on men he's about to go to battle with. I know that Diedre doesn't come to the ring with you. I was simply making a statement. If he comes around me, I'm hurting him. If he comes around Cora, she can handle him herself. She's a big girl....
You are absolutely right when you said you owed me the world Revok. I'm glad you agree that you owe me something. Just that one extra little pep in your step when you enter the ring with me might just keep you alive. I don't wish death on any man, but it's something you need to consider when you sign the dotted line to go to war with Rogue.Explosion. July 11th, 2021. It's Rogue's real coming out party. Zack Steele. Acheron Revok. This won't be a normal title defense. It will be the start of something special for me. I will move on to bigger and better things after this. I will be undeniable after ruthlessly defending my belt in the ways I'm imagining. I'm coming for your souls. I'll see you soon. The scene fades as some obvious Rogue fans get behind him and pat him in the back and grab his shoulders, showing their support. Rogue smiles.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Wizards of the Coast took to their social media pages today, and out of support of the champion, posted a couple of new promo Magic the Gathering cards. WOTC Twitter/Instagram - "We stand with Rogue. Go get em', CHAMP!"
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Post by Riley Pierce on Jul 2, 2021 0:08:45 GMT
We open to the gorilla position at the IIW Arena.
Zack: Will someone get me some fucking ice.
Zack stumbles through the curtain into the gorilla position, he has got one hand on his stomach and the other on his neck. A staff member hands him and ice pack. Zack looks at them and nods, he places the ice pack on his groin and takes a sigh of relief.
Zack: Mother Fucker! He could not live with knowing I was about to beat him, so he took the shortcut. Lost the match but got to keep his title. Champions Advantage is up there as one of the stupidest things in this business but mark my words Roguey Boy. I am not done with you, oh no, this is only the beginning.
Zack stumbles down the corridor towards the locker room and the camera blurs and fades to black.
Camera fades back into an industrial estate, focusing on one unit in particular. A sign is on the entry door of the unit, it reads The Steele Works. We crossfade to the interior of the unit. There is a ring set up in the middle of the unit with mats set up around the unit. A training session is in progress ran by Mark Steele. There are 8 trainees stood around the ring with Mark stood in the middle of the ring.
Mark: You eight people are my new class. You have impressed me with your hard work and dedication with the other trainers and now this is where I start getting you ready to progress with your wrestling career.
The door of the unit opens suddenly and in walks Zack. Mark looks over his shoulder at Zack and smiles.
Mark: Right, Nico can you lead warm-up today
A muscular man about 5”11 wearing a Steele Works t-shirt and a pair of gym shorts, knee pads and boots nods before climbing into the ring and begins the warm-up as
Mark climbs out. He walks over to Zack and hugs him.
Mark: Zachary, I was starting to think you had forgotten that your family existed
Zack smirks
Zack: Yeah, sorry dad. I have been busy working on myself and kind of secluded myself to stop me getting distracted.
Mark: Yeah, I know, I have been keeping up with what you have been doing lately. No need to apologize, I am happy you have started to take this opportunity a bit more seriously.
Zack: Yeah, I am done being someone’s lacky. I am just focusing on me now.
Mark: Well, you are going to have a familiar face backstage a bit more often soon.
Zack: Oh yeah? Who?
Suddenly you hear someone clear their throat. Zack turns around and you see a 5”4 woman who looks to be in her early twenties. She is wearing an oversized Thrasher t-shirt, leather leggings and a pair of white converse hi-tops.
Zack: Kassidy! I had heard whispers that you were signing somewhere, did not know you were signing with IIW.
Kassidy: Well Osh originally put the offer on the table when I got home from Japan but with everything that went down between him and Mr. Mitchell, I had to wait to hear confirmation.
Zack: Will be good to have you around, I feel bad for the First Class ladies, they are in for a shock when you turn up.
Kassidy and Zack hug.
Mark: Well, I will let you two catch up and I am going to get back to training these new up and comers.
Zack: Ok Dad
Kassidy: Ok Coach.
Mark: You know you can call me Mark, Kass?
Kassidy: I know, just a habit.
Mark heads back to the ring laughing, whilst Kassidy and Zack head up to the balcony area where there is a sofa overlooking the lower training area. They grab a bottle of water each out of the fridge and sit down on the sofa.
Kassidy: So, I watched Mayhem.
Zack: Oh, nice to know you take time out of your busy schedule to do that.
Kassidy: Shut up Zack, I message you every week, so you know I keep track of what you have been up to. You are the reason I have not cancelled my Netflix subscription to afford my Disney+ subscription. Well, you and Bo Burnham but that is not important.
Zack: Well, that is lovely. Sorry, what were you going to say before I cut you off?
Kassidy: So, I watched Mayhem, and you had that match won. Rogue knew that and he panicked and did the only thing he could do to make sure he left with the title still in his belongings.
Zack: Yep, he really took the cowards way out.
Kassidy: Exactly! Well, the higher ups obviously were not happy with how the match finished so have now put you in a triple threat match against Rogue and this guy called Acheron Revok.
Zack: Oh yes, the new kid on the block who Rogue laid out after Revok won his number one contender’s match. Rogue…attacked the number one contender for this title…before he even defended it that night. That is how insecure Rogue is about his abilities. He would rather ensure that the title stays his by any means necessary than face his opposition like a man and concede that he just might not be good enough to hold on to the TV Title.
Kassidy: The guy broke his own undefeated streak in order to protect his ego.
Zack: Exactly! Luckily enough, Disqualifications do not exist in Triple Threat matches. So, I am going to have to repay the favor to Rogue.
Kassidy: I know a trick or two when disqualifications are not a thing.
Zack: Oh, I know you do Kassidy, but I do not think Barbed Wire and sheets of glass are what I had in mind for this match, I leave that stuff to you, unless push comes to shove of course.
They both laugh.
Kassidy: So, what about this Revok guy? Worried about what he can do?
Zack: Well I might not like the guy and think he’s insecure about his own ability but I will give it to Rogue, he dismissed any worries about Revok when Rogue’s knee crushed Revok’s skull to pieces and also it means that Rogue has royally pissed Revok off now so I’ll just let the two of them beat each other to a pulp and then pick from the carcasses like a starved vulture and at the end of the match it’ll be me walking out of Explosion as TV Champion.
Kassidy: Revok seemed passively complimentary of you, you might need him to help you dispose of Rogue.
Zack: True, but I heard what he had to say. I think he is just blowing smoke up my arse honestly. He is trying to get me softened up so that he can just stab in the back when the bell rings and I am stupid enough to fall for it. He followed up these compliments by saying that I out of the three of us was the odd man out. I’M THE ODD ONE OUT!
Mark: OI! YOU TWO! KEEP IT DOWN!
Zack and Kassidy: Sorry!
Zack: I am the odd one out? This guy has only just got here and has barely paid his dues in this company. I have gone through hell for this company! Rogue has done even more for me. So, I think it is an insult that he had the audacity to say I was the odd one out.
Kassidy: Yeah, he does not seem like a guy who deserved this shot in the first place, let alone in his PPV Debut. Oh, by the way, Rogue posted something else yesterday. ‘The Burial of Acheron Revok and Zack Steele’
Zack: Oh really? I have not had chance to see it yet.
Kassidy: Yeah, it was like a shit version of Carpool Karaoke, where instead of James Corden it was Toni Kane and instead of Harry Styles and Adele it was Rogue and Cora Black…Less Carpool Karaoke more Fake News Taxi.
Zack shakes his head as Kassidy just laughs.
Zack: And what did they have to say?
Kassidy: Well Toni does not like you one bit. I do not know what you did to piss him off, but he was incredibly critical of you, he said you had treated him poorly when he gave you rides.
Zack: Well to be honest Kassidy, I could not give a shit what that glorified Uber driver has to say. He is a chauffeur, I do not work for him, he works for us.
Kassidy: Well, he was also insulting your dad and claimed that you were working on a developmental deal way before you appeared on an episode of Mayhem.
Zack scoffs
Zack: Is that what he thinks went on? Yes, my development was being watched by IIW management. Yes, I had offers via my dad for them to fund my development, but I turned it down because I did not want there to be an asterisk next to my accomplishments in my career, so I funded it all by myself, I got offers to go and train around the world not because of some contact in IIW but because of my hard work. The same for you Kassidy, the First Class lot will probably think that because of your connections with me and my dad that IIW also funded your development, so I would watch out.
Kassidy: Yeah, I get you, I will be sure to put anyone in their place if they start questioning my sacrifices.
The conversation is interrupted by Mark.
Mark: Hey you two! Can you come and help with drills?
Zack: Yeah, sure dad.
Zack and Kassidy get up off the sofa and make their way downstairs as the screen fades into an IIW Explosion promo video.
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Post by Acheron "Headsman" Revok on Jul 5, 2021 10:27:09 GMT
IIW’s very own Michael Morrison – tieless, in a gray sports jacket and jeans – is perched on a black stool in what used to be the front room of the place of worship in Dracut, Massachusetts that was circuitously ravaged by a fledgling Acheron Revok in June of 2004 when he intentionally whipped the townspeople into a frenzy with false allegations against the place’s cleric. The air is cool and the sky is overcast.
There is additional damage and “additions” to the edifice that were not there when Revok cut his promo on June 21, prior to his match with Damian Winters. An unhappy middle-aged Middlesex County Sheriff’s Deputy stands about ten feet from the place of worship’s front steps, which are now completely destroyed. The Deputy’s cruiser idles behind him.
The Intern camera man focuses the camera on Morrison and then zooms out so that the interviewee, who a stool is set up for opposite Morrison, will fit into the frame.
Morrison begins to get slightly nervous, shoots his left cuff, but then pulls it up to look at his watch.
Morrison (to Intern): Weren’t we supposed to start with Dierdre today?
Intern: Yeah, and I’ve worked with him and Revok long enough to consider them punctual…people. Something must’ve happened.
Morrison (to the Deputy): Officer, I want to thank you for being here today. I know that this area has become a hotbed of activity in the last two weeks and I feel much safer with you here.
The Deputy looks around with an exasperated look on his face.
Deputy: I have to be here, sir. We have to have a man here constantly now. I would never, ever, with my very last breath, be doing this unless I had to. I was told Revok was going to be here. That motherfucker is a stain on this town. And wrestling is fucking stupid, but I guess the sheriff’s kid is an IIW fan, so you have his blessing to be here.
Morrison is flustered. A black sedan pulls up to the scene, stopping not far from the cruiser. The deputy puts his hand on his service weapon, fairly certain about who is in the sedan.
Revok – wearing black everything – hurriedly exits the vehicle, ignores the Deputy (who stares at Revok with unmitigated hatred), jumps up onto the landing and steps into the place of worship.
Revok (in the Deputy’s direction, exaltingly): Ah, this place. This place! It feeds my vitality. And to be here such a short time after the delicious beating I took from Rogue, which pulled my head from the miasma. If I didn’t hate pretty much everyone, I would wish this contentment upon them.
Revok breathes in quickly and deeply through his nose as the Deputy grumbles.
Revok: Gentlemen. Apologies for my tardiness. Dierdre is in the hospital, which is where I just came from. I will get into that at the end of our discussion and will have a surprise for you at that point, as well.
Intern: No problem, Ache. We’re boys now. Annnnd we’re rolling.
Morrison: Fans of IIW, Michael Morrison here, coming to you from northeastern Massachusetts. I don’t think I have to tell you exactly where we are, because you should recognize it. One thing that may surprise you, though, is that this building is in an even greater state of disrepair than it was when you saw Acheron Revok speak inside of it not two weeks ago. Further, it has drawn a number of people to it for various reasons.
Revok: Would you mind if I got us on track here, Michael? I hate to be rude, but I do want to get back to the hospital. Poor Dierdre.
Morrison (unfazed): Sure, yes, please.
Revok: This is my inaugural interview in IIW, so we will cover topics both general and those specific to the upcoming Triple Threat Match for the TV Title at Explosion.
Morrison: Sounds good to me.
Revok (caught up in what he sees; looking around and gesturing at the crumbling structure, which now has anti- and pro-Revok graffiti [more of the former], makeshift shrines to Revok, religious symbolism, among other things): Look around you, Morrison. This is chaos. And an artifact of division. It’s a glorious sight.
Deputy (trying to be coy, but loud enough for the camera to pick it up): God dammit.
Morrison: Hm. So, I’ll start by asking you for your reaction to Rogue’s most recent interview?
Revok: If only I could fully form one, Michael. If only. But I’ll do my best with what I was provided.
Rogue-y! I was anticipating your response with boundless fervor, hoping that we could continue our discourse. But all you offered was a recycled point-by-point spewing of your interview with Larry Fishburg, accompanied by a plethora of “nuh uhs,” and a manchild-living-in-his-parents’-basement-level conspiracy theory (without any hard explanation) about me and IIW’s brass being one and the same.
If all you can do on the microphone is that, and continuously call me brain-damaged and a poor wrestler, have at it. It is only further proof that, outside of your abilities as a wrestler, you are vapid. Empty.
Revok exaggeratedly clutches at his heart.
You’ve really broken my heart because I was looking forward to getting to know you.
The smile on Revok’s face dissolves, replaced by a menacing sneer.
That said…to be blunt, with all the chesty and superficial shit talk you’re spouting, you’re going to look extra silly when I take that belt off your waist. Can’t you find something to say other than riffs on, ‘you suck, I’m better than you!’?
Morrison: Well, that segues nicely into my next question. In the promo you delivered in…that guy’s ritzy apartment, where there was piss, you alluded several times to talking about how Rogue is to be respected as a wrestler, but quote ‘the rest of [him] does not stand up to scrutiny’ and ‘the rest of [him] is suspect.’ Care to talk about those things?
Revok: Of course, of course. I touched briefly on that a moment ago, but I have additional ruminations.
I just find Rogue to be, as an entity, very superficial. All surface-level. He is very formulaic: his schtick is to shit all over his opponent in very aggressive and nasty – and linguistically simplistic – ways while Cora, his jailbait girlfriend, submissively nods and assents to whatever bile he spews and sees to whatever needs he has. He’s a middle school playground bully with a subservient girlfriend…only he’s an adult.
Having studied you in great detail, Rogue-y, I would strenuously argue that you relentlessly attack people, which drives them away, with a purpose. You choose to associate with Cora – who, let’s be honest, is just an attractive human equivalent of an obtuse lap dog – because you know…you feel it in the very marrow of your bones…that if anyone gets close enough to you to try to understand you and what motivates you, they’ll realize what you already know. That deep down, there is just nothing there.
At some point in your muddled existence, you did some mental mathematics – which may surprise some! – and figured out that it was better to remain distant and let others imagine the person you wish you were than to let them see for themselves that, in reality, you’re just another tedious, constantly triggered, insecure man looking to build yourself up on the backs of the weak and naturally fearful.
Now, as I run down the list of men you’ve wrestled in IIW, Rogue, I see plenty of weakness and fearfulness. Unfortunately for you, Rogue, I am neither of those things. I am the antithesis of those things, in fact. And along those lines, you love to talk about all of these guys you’ve ‘sent to the pre-show.’ Have you ever wondered if they were pre-show material to begin with? I would guess you haven’t.
So, as I’ve said, you are an elite wrestler, and I respect that. But there’s nothing more to you than that. There is no greater purpose driving you forward other than keeping your shallow and phony act going. And once I beat you, I will take that act from you. Your entire world will come crumbling down as the illusion evaporates in front of your and the world’s eyes.
Returning to Cora. You can tell a lot about a man by the company he surrounds himself with. I keep Dierdre around because he interests me and, believe it or not, for someone built like a muscleless imp, the man is a savant as a wrestling analyst. Any fighting for that matter; he’s been with me for twenty years, for almost every one of my fights. He may lack common sense in certain situations – as you’ll indeed realize later when I reveal my surprise – but he challenges my thinking and forces me to see the world in a different way, as absurd as that way might be. There is a significant benefit to that.
But you, Rogue? When was the last time you spent more than two minutes outside the ring with someone who wasn’t there just to nod their head in agreement with you, get you your dip spit can, or whatever?
Morrison: Wow. Just brutal words there from the challenger, essentially questioning Rogue’s humanity? Okay, moving on. As you’ve climbed the ladder in IIW, some fans have started to speculate about who might be responsible for the uh, the…wound on your neck.
Revok: Don’t be nervous, Morrison. It’s not a sensitive subject. It’s also a question I was expecting, and I would never be irritated with a company interviewer for doing his or her job. Unlike others in IIW.
Revok pauses and Morrison grows visibly pensive, pondering what Revok’s response will be.
Revok: I did it to myself. I am the ghoul that slashed my neck and made my voice the stilted and high-pitched way that it is.
Morrison's jaw drops.
Morrison: Wh…what?
Revok: Your next question is naturally ‘why?’ And honestly, I don’t know. It’s indicative of my destructive nature? That is accurate. I am an unpredictable man, to be sure. And that’s just as well. In my opinion, once you ascribe meaning to or provide an explanation for something frightening, it becomes much less frightening. It cheapens it. The shock is in the mystery. Once you’ve made sense of something, you can reduce it.
For example, if you will indulge the classic horror movie buff in me, I think the reason that all of its sequels pale in comparison to the original ‘Halloween’ is that, in the first one, no reason is provided for Michael Myers’ killing spree. And while the second film is almost as enjoyable as the first on the surface, Myers’ status as ‘abstract evil’ goes down in flames when we learn that he is killing to get to his sister; he’s just a younger brother looking for his long-lost sister. He’s the little boy whose perspective we adopt in the opening minutes of the first film, all grown up. Myers is much scarier when he’s killing for no apparent reason. And when we are made to understand him, that assigns at least some logic to his behavior. And renders him boring. Anyway.
But part of the reason I fight is because I’m looking for an opponent who can match the utter brutality that coursed through me when I maimed my own neck. I myself have been unable to return there. Few have come close. IIW’s very own Jack Hill is one. Rogue appears to be one, but I can’t be sure just yet.
And though you call what I do ‘brooding,’ Rogue, it is beneficial to ‘think,’ which is what I call it. Thinking is what separates us humans from cavemen who mindlessly beat their chests and live in their own waste.
So I ask you: why do you fight? I can’t tell from your orations and interviews because you focus on other, much more superficial things. And don’t give me, ‘I fight for this belt,’ because that’s the flimsiest reason a man could have for putting his body on the line like we do, as frequently as we do.
I aspire to become TV champ, to be sure, but that belt is merely leather, metal, and gems. I will win it knowing that I’ll lose it someday, as every champion does.
The primary reason I’m fighting is because I want to see how you match up. I want to see how much pain you can inflict, and I want to inflict pain on you. And just like others in this organization, though they may not say it to you, I am fighting you, specifically, to put you in your fucking place.
Morrison: Wow, got it.
Revok nods his head.
Morrison: Thank you. Now, onto Zack Steele. The third man in the upcoming Triple Threat clash at Explosion. Many fans and people in the company are positing that you and Rogue are so focused on each other that you’re overlooking the master of the Sky Blue Way.
Revok: That speculation is fair. Rogue and I have certainly been the most verbose of the trio in the days leading up to Explosion.
I can’t speak for Rogue, but I assure you that I’m not overlooking Zack Steele. As I indicated last time I spoke, he is a formidable opponent. Referring back to the IIW Rankings, he’s lingering in the top ten. And Steele, I assure you that my compliments are genuine. I am indeed a thinker, and may view myself and the world in a complex manner, but in my relations with others, I do not play any games. What you see is what you get and what you hear me say is how I feel. And you had one thing right, Steele – I will stab you in the back when the bell rings, but I don’t need to ‘soften’ you up beforehand with compliments to adopt that strategy. I’ll just fucking do it.
I was dismayed to hear you dismiss me, however, based on the beating I took from Rogue, a fresh man, after I had just wrestled (and won) a match and been disoriented by Cora’s Wiccan butt dust. Would you have fared better after such circumstances had occurred? I highly doubt it. And you even intimated in your discussion with Kassidy that Rogue was not willing to face me on full strength, so you are obviously aware that that encounter was not a fair one, or an indicator of who is more likely to prevail at Explosion.
Morrison: Interesting. Let’s wrap things up here. When you arrived, you mentioned that Dierdre was in the hospital. Can you provide any insight on how he landed there?
Revok: Absolutely.
Revok quickly walks to the black sedan while the deputy glowers at him. Revok makes a kissing motion at the deputy, whose eyes begin to bulge out of his head with fury. Revok retrieves a large tablet from the sedan and returns to his stool alongside Morrison.
Revok: As a brief introduction, Dierdre, kind and curious soul that he is, was both determined to aid his brother Zorro…deal with the injuries he received prior to my match with Winters and also very interested in Cora and the witch ritual she conducted. So let’s just say he tried to kill two birds with one stone?
Morrison (confused): Zorro…Zorro’s injuries?
Intern (from behind the camera): Zorro burnt the hell out of his dick by masturbating with clinical strength dandruff shampoo before Revok filmed his ‘shower scene’ promo.
Morrison begins to laugh, and his face turns red, indicating embarrassment.
Morrison: Oh, yes. Uh, please excuse my lack of professionalism there. Of course…Zorro’s…scorched penis.
Morrison, Revok, and the Intern erupt into laughter.
Revok: Anyway, here it is.
Revok turns the tablet screen to the camera, which zooms in on the tablet’s screen.
We see the dark interior of a poorly constructed shack, with tiny slices of light coming in through the boards. The walls are shoddily painted black and the coat is lustrous, suggesting it is still not dry.
The camera filming the interior quickly zooms out, revealing a smoke machine, and then zooms back in. Whoever is operating the camera yells, ‘rat farts!’
Smoke begins to permeate the shack’s interior and Dierdre steps into the frame, essentially cosplaying Cora – he is bursting out of a Daedric-style robe made of duct tape colored with black Sharpie, and also wearing a black sports bra, speedo, and knee-high socks. Dierdre’s rotund face is covered with poop emojis. Someone hands Dierdre a bucket of white paint and a paintbrush.
Offscreen Voice: What are you going to paint there, booboo?
Dierdre (snapping): Shhh, don’t talk! And I’m going to paint witch symbols and shit. I found them on Instygram. Cora will love me for this. She’s so pretty. Fistburg, too. He’s supposed to interview me soon.
Voice: I think it’s Morrison.
Dierdre: That’s what I said. Morr…Fistburg.
Dierdre dips the brush into the paint can and holds the brush up to the flimsy wall, but the smoke overwhelms him, he begins to cough, and then he falls into the wall, knocking it outward. Sunlight fills the space.
Dierdre: Shit. Can you go out there and hold that up? I’ll just get started.
Someone, presumably the person who gave Dierdre the paint and brush, exits the shack, and pushes the broken portion back up against the shack and holds it. Considerable sunlight still fills the interior.
Dierdre: Come on in, Zorro.
Zorro enters the shack, his sweatpants still filled with cold packs. He holds a small microwave and a tiny generator. He places the items beside Dierdre and sits down gingerly.
Dierdre: We are here for this witchcraft spell session for me to conjure a spirit who can…um, fix your cock, man. It’s called Revitalize Dick or something. Some guy on Intergram told me how to do it. He was laughing the whole time, but I remembered all of his instructions.
Dierdre takes an oversized black mask (similar to one of Revok’s executioner’s hoods) and a ball of aluminum foil from his speedo. He puts on the black mask, clumsily pulls a white marker out of the speedo and his hand disappears under the mask. When he removes the mask, his eyes are closed and the lids are painted white.
Zorro: You’ve become a witch! Just like Corla! It worked.
Dierdre: Shhhh! I haven’t even started yet. And it’s Cora.
Dierdre begins muttering gibberish, plugs the microwave into the generator, balls up the foil from his speedo, and puts it into the microwave, which he turns on.
Dierde winks at the camera, and the microwave explodes. Zorro appears to escape the small burst, but one of Dierdre’s knee-high socks ignites.
Dierdre: Ahhhh! The scene ends!!!! THE SCENE ENDS!!!!!
The camera filming the interior of the shack cuts to black. Revok places the tablet on the floor of the place of worship.
Revok: So, there you have it. In many ways, my friend Dierdre is the most intelligent person I know. In other ways, he is essentially a gullible toddler. Apparently, he believed that the ‘witch magic’ would somehow prevent the electrical properties of the foil in its interaction with the microwaves.
So why is Dierdre in the hospital? Dierdre is in the hospital with second degree burns on his lower leg and Zorro’s dick is still smoldering, in a manner of speaking.
Intern laughs.
Morrison: …okay. Well, there you have it, folks. Acheron Revok’s first interview in IIW. Don’t forget, he’ll take on Rogue and Zack Steele on July 11 at Explosion with a shot at Rogue’s Television belt.
Revok stands up and begins to walk toward the black sedan. As he gets into the vehicle, the Deputy can no longer control his rage.
Deputy: It took this town over a decade to repair the damage you caused here! And I don’t mean this building, I mean the people! We finally fixed things up and had a few years of peace and then you had to come back to fuck things up all over again. STAY AWAY, Revok. There are people in high places who are looking to get at you, and ‘to serve and protect’ only goes so far.
Revok sneers, laughs, gets into the sedan, and drives off. Morrison, Intern, and the Deputy look on, incredulously.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 6, 2021 5:03:31 GMT
The Burial of Acheron Revok and Zack Steele (Part Two: The Finale)
Monday, July 5th, 2021 - 7:00 AM
The scene opens up inside of a parking garage in downtown Chicago, Illinois. It's a cloudy, dark morning with heavy rain and thunder. Leaking crevices inside of the parking lot drip into puddles that have formed in a section of parking spaces labeled "G4 - 101.1 Studio". A black truck drives up the ramp from level three, taking a right turn, and backs up into a parking space near an elevator landing connected to the garage. Rogue sits in the driver's seat with Cora sitting next to him, both dressed in very casual outfits of jeans and black hooded sweatshirts. The two take some time to sit in the truck to fully wake up while they enjoy some Dunkin Donuts coffee. Rogue puts the truck in park but leaves it running. With some Synthwave music by Magic Sword playing in the truck at a very low level of volume, it perfectly fits the ambiance of the morning. Rogue and Cora are tired, worn out, and have a lot on their plate ahead of them. With news to break during the show, they know things are about to change for the two of them. People in IIW are going to be pissed off. People at all levels. The execs, the regular working staff, the wrestlers.... and possibly more than anyone, Jay Vaughan, Russell Wayne, Jonny C, and Osh himself.
Rogue - I'm so tired.... (Rogue says lifting his hot cup of black coffee up to his lips.)Cora Black - Me too. We haven't been up this early in a year.Rogue - After we get this out of the way, we need to get back to Manchester. I know it's a dump and it sucks there, but we need to get used to the time difference and start resting up. Cora Black - I like that idea.Cora takes a bite out of her jelly filled donut, and a sip of her coffee. She looks over at Rogue, who is taking a long drink of his coffee.Cora Black - Rogue....(She pauses as Rogue sets his coffee in the cup holder in the middle console area and looks at her).... This is going to stir a lot of shit up. We know that. I'm ready to back you regardless. I just want you to know that. Rogue - (Smiling at Cora) I know you are. Of course you are, but it's time some things get exposed. It's the only way for improvement. I learned awhile back, that there are two types of people.... There are people that are frustrated and stay mad. They sulk in their feelings and allow it to stew and make them angrier and they stay pissed off and unhappy about their situations. This affects them in a negative way for their entire lives or until they just leave whatever situation they are in. They are the people that stay unhappy at their job, or just run away from the problems. Then there are people who speak up, and face the problem head on. You can speak up and expose the problems of course, but that is not always helpful either. To really make a change, you have to speak up, and offer a way for things to get better.Cora Black - True. Rogue, what is your solution to this? How are we going to make things right?.... Make things better in IIW?Rogue nods and lets out a confident, grizzled laugh. Rogue - I'm going to war.... It's time for the Rogue era in IIW. It's time to conquer. Cora smiles confidently.Cora Black - I can't imagine after hearing this, some of the boys in the back don't share your sentiment and have your back.Rogue - Regardless if they do or don't. We can only control ourselves. We will have to deal with whatever happens accordingly, assuming we will be on our own. Cora nods and sips her coffee. Rogue takes another long drink of his. The elevator at the landing makes a ringing sound, and some 101.1 radio staff step into the parking garage.Rogue - I think that's our escort. Let's go get this out of the way.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------On Air: LIVE!Inside of the studio, cameras are rolling. The show is live. It's 101.1 Morning Pro Wrestling Madhouse with Mike Gunner and Luis Gomez. Rogue sit's at the table with Cora next to him, coffees on the table next to Rogue's Television Title Belt. Mike Gunner - Welcome everyone to this mornings Madhouse. I'm your host Mike Gunnnnnnerrrrrr.
Luis Gomez - And I'm your co-host Luis Gomez!
Mike Gunner - Today in the studio we have a big treat for our listeners. We have the reigning, defending IIW Television Champion Rogue here with his girlfriend and manager Cora Black. Welcome guys.
Rogue - Thanks.Cora nods.
Mike Gunner - It's a real pleasure to have you here Rogue. I've personally been a big fan of yours since you started in IIW. Specifically the Boiler Room Brawl where you really grew into who you were as a star there, but you've just been great all-around. And Cora, you actually got your start here in Chicago in the indy scene. Chicago has a big pro wrestling scene, so it's cool to have you both here. Thanks for supporting our city and our show and being willing to drop by.
Rogue - Chicago is a beautiful city. We love it here. However Mike, I think I might have to hijack your show here. We are on a tight schedule, and we have a lot to talk about. I didn't really want to come here today, but it kinda worked out perfectly. We have some things to discuss that the wrestling world will be very interested in hearing.
Luis Gomez - Sounds juicy. By all means, the mic is yours, Rogue. Can't wait to hear it. Rogue takes a few seconds to gather his thoughts.Rogue - May 16th.... World's Collide. Team Osh is made up of Jay Vaughan, Russell Wayne, Jonny C, and Zack Steele. The match lasted well over an hour, and Team Osh ultimately lost. However, it seemed as though they were fighting in a handicapped match for the end there. Did you guys notice it?Mike Gunner - Seemed at times that Bob's team definitely had the more cohesive unit, and team work. Especially towards the end there. Rogue - Do you guys have the video I brought in? Can you pull it up?Luis Gomez - Yeah let's get that up guys. For you audio listeners, right now we're watching footage of the main event of World's Collide. Team Bob vs. Team Osh. We see Jonny C running down to the ring, and next we see Zack Steele laying on the ground.Rogue - Laying on the ground "recovering".Luis Gomez - Yes, laying on the ground recovering.The video then cuts to a new portion of the match, over five minutes later. Almost six minutes.Mike Gunner - Now we see Zack Steele and Curtis standing by each other. Curtis pokes Steele in the eye and DDTs him. Zack rolls off and vanishes from the picture. The video now cuts to another portion of the match, about six minutes later.Luis Gomez - We have the former James Gang using a tool to cut into the cage. The video says over six minutes have elapsed. We see Steele following behind Russell Wayne as Wayne goes to fight Hawkins and Blade by himself. Steele kinda just stands off behind Wayne, not really moving. Steele isn't seen again....Mike Gunner - I kinda noticed Steele's absence when I watched. Not gonna lie.Rogue - Keep watching.Luis Gomez - Okay now we have the next clip, the ending of the match. Ryan Hawkins is having his meltdown. Over five minutes have elapsed again.... We see Hawkins nailing Steele in the head with a chair, and Steele again rolls out of danger and disappears. The video ends.
Mike Gunner - Yeah. I know you were pointing out a few days ago how you believe Steele was a big factor in Team Osh losing that match for his team. He was basically not even involved towards the end.
Rogue - There is a lot more to it than that.
Luis Gomez - What else, Rogue? Cora hands Rogue a few papers. Rogue shuffles them in a different order.
Rogue - Everyone knows Steele was on a development deal for three years before ever entering the IIW. He claims to have turned down the deal, worth over three-hundred thousand dollars a year.... We all know that is bullshit. And I have proof right here, he was paid a little more than that, for several years before his first match in IIW. To add to that, his father and other members of his family own "The Steele Works". It's a small time training facility that feeds Combat talent to IIW and trains people up that are getting into the business. It's a real dilapidated shit hole to be honest. The Steele Works became an official affiliate of IIW one week after World's Collide. They are paid ridiculous money by IIW. After World's Collide, Zack Steele, an opponent of Team Bob, had his pay increased by twenty percent.... and he was given multiple title shots.
Mike Gunner - Interesting....
Luis Gomez - Hmmph....
Rogue - Now his sister Kassidy is signed to IIW, earning around the same as Zack Steele. She came out of "The Steele Works" as well. Ole Marky Steele is making half a mill a year to keep that place running now. We are talking about a family earning well over a million a year from the same IIW head dude in charge that Zack Steele was opposing less than two months prior.... Tell me guys, what does that sound like? Oh, and the referee that disqualified me against Zack Steele.... was trained at "The Steele Works." He actually works there, training other referees and talent. Thought that was interesting as well.
Mike Gunner - How did you get this information, Rogue? Not that I don't believe it, I'm just curious.
Luis Gomez - Yeah I would love to hear what your sources are.
Rogue - I promised my sources they would remain anonymous. At least for now. Obviously to protect them. They did a lot of favors for me. I can't throw them under the bus. But this is all legitimate. The numbers are here. The details are here. I can only present the evidence. It's up to everyone else to decide what is going on.
Mike Gunner - Wow. Well fans, you just heard Rogue break it down. It's really up to you to do your own research and believe what you believe, but it's compelling evidence.
Luis Gomez - Steele really did basically vanish for the last twenty plus minutes of that match.... Now him and his family are banking like that....?
Mike Gunner - Yeah doesn't sound good but it's not our job to hold court here on Monday Madhouse. We have to stay neutral and just report the news. Thanks for coming here to lay it all out Rogue.
Rogue - I didn't have a choice. IIW has been making me follow through with my contractual media obligations lately. Well, if they want to be like that, I'll be happy to oblige in my own way. Zack Steele is a traitor and a coward. He watched Wayne, Jonny C, and Jay Vaughan fight a brutal battle while laying down on the sideline. He knew that he had a sweet deal waiting for him, as long as he made sure his team lost, and he tried to make it look as legit as possible. At Explosion, Steele will pay. I'm going to finish breaking his leg. Mike Gunner - I know you said you have to head out soon, but anything you'd like to say about your other opponent, Acheron Revok?Rogue - There isn't much else to touch on with Revok. He does a good job of looking like a dumbass by himself. He doesn't need my help. The man tried to insult me by saying I have a hot, young girlfriend that is willing to do anything for me. (Cora laughs.) The man isn't even trying anymore. And Revok and his pack of wild retards planned a parody of Cora Black. I mean.... it's just pathetic at this point. Imitation is the ultimate form of flattery. Once you resort to parody in this business, you have conceded defeat.Mike Gunner - (Laughing) Yeah I have to say I think we would all like to have hot, twenty-something year old girls that do everything for us. What a horrible man and human being you are, Rogue. I'm not really sure where Revok was going with that.Luis Gomez laughs and Rogue chuckles.Rogue - Like I said before, it's all silly bullshit. His weird voice, the weirdos he hangs around.... His boring backstories he tells.... I'm done responding to him, because it has become very middle-school with that guy. I will see him at Explosion. I will break Steele's leg, and send Revok to the pre-show. I'm holding onto this belt until I'm ready to let it go, which might be years from now. There isn't much else I can say at this point. In five days, Rogue will conquer.Without warning, Rogue just stands up and takes off his headset. Cora follows his lead, picking up his Television Championship Belt from the table.Mike Gunner - (Whispering to some staff behind the glass) - Go to commercial....
Off Air: Commercial!Luis Gomez - Hey, thanks for coming guys. That was big news. Looking forward to seeing what happens now.
Mike Gunner - Yeah really. Thanks again. It was awesome having you two in studio.
Rogue - Any time. Well, not really, any time...... Be easy, guys.
The scene fades.
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Rogue is sitting in his truck with Cora. The two haven't left the parking garage of 101.1 radio yet. Vibrating from the center console can be heard. Rogue picks up his cell phone and looks at it.
Rogue - Ten missed calls and fifty text messages.
Cora Black - You think people heard already? We've only been out of the studio for fifteen minutes.
Rogue scrolls through his phone. He stops on a text from Toni Kane.
Text - Hey Rogue ya fucking cunt, ya! I see you out there! Text me when you get to Manchester. I'll pick you up. Lets grab a beer you wild bastard! HAHAHA! You did it! Fuckin ell mate!
Rogue laughs and turns his phone for Cora to read it. She smiles.
Rogue - Explosion will be here in no time. Can't wait to smash these two....
Cora Black - I love you.
Rogue - I love you.
Cora Black - You're defending that belt. You're exposing the problems. You're moving up. I'm proud of you.
Rogue - And I'm happy you're here with me for it all. Cora Black - Rogue Family.... Always....
The scene fades.
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Post by Riley Pierce on Jul 7, 2021 1:05:09 GMT
We open to a busy side street, there is a buzz in the air. The muffled reverb of loud music being played is heard. There are people spilling out onto the street from the many bars scattered around. Some making their way to another bar, some just escaping for some fresh air, a cigarette or just a conversation. The camera moves along the street before coming to a bar called The Tap. There is a man wearing a red plaid shirt over a white t-shirt, a pair of black skinny jeans and a pair of black Vans stood outside holding a clipboard stood next to a larger guy who is dressed in all black with a yellow strap on his arm indicating he is the doorman for this bar. A mixed group of male and female patrons walk up to the door staff.
Clipboard Guy: Can I take a name?
One of the females in the group steps forward
Female: We are on Kassidy Owens’ guestlist. Molly plus 5
The man looks on his clipboard.
Clipboard Guy: Yes, got you on here. If you want to enter through this door here and you want to go left and follow the stairs down and it will be the door on the left.
Molly: Thanks
The group enter The Tap and we transition into a packed room of maybe 100 or so people. There is band equipment set up on a stage, a black banner is hung on the back of the stage with the words WING & A PRAYER boldly painted on in white paint, On the other side of the room is a bar with the crowd congregated in the space between, some getting drinks, some gathered around a table which seems to be selling merchandise and the rest trying to get a good spot to watch the band.
The camera works its way through the crowd before coming to a stop at the side of the stage at a door which seems to lead to a small backstage area. Stood by the door wearing a black Santa Cruz t-shirt and a pair of denim shorts and trainers is Zack Steele, He is talking to Kassidy Owens who wears a black flowing silk dress which comes to the mid-thigh, with a pair of white Doc Martens boots over the top of a pair of black knee-high socks. Her Black Hair is tied up into two pigtails with her bleach blonde fringe falling either side of her face.
Zack: So, this will be the first-time you guys have played in front of a crowd since last year, right? Before you moved to Japan? Must be exciting!
Kassidy: Yeah, not going to lie, I have not been this nervous in a long time. I did not even feel like this before my first deathmatch tournament final. Think it is just because it has been so long.
Zack: You will be fine, once you get up there and start playing, you will forget all about your nerves.
They are then interrupted by the group we saw outside earlier.
Kassidy: Guys! You made it!
Zack: Oh, hey you lot! Guessing my dad gave you guys the night off training to come here?
Molly: Yeah, but Coach is at the back
Zack: Wait, my dad’s here?
Molly points out Mark standing by the bar.
Zack: Well, I am going to buy him a beer and have a chat. See you guys in a bit, and Kass…break a leg.
Zack hugs Kass and they give each other a kiss on the cheek. Zack leaves the group to talk to Kass and makes his way through the crowd to the bar, ordering two drinks and handing one to Mark to stands nearby.
Zack: I did not think this would be your scene Dad?
Mark: Well, it sure makes a change from seeing The Clash and Black Sabbath days, but the guys play a lot of this kind of music at the gym and I kind of dig it and I have been to a few of Kassidy’s shows in the past. How come you are here anyway? I thought you would be busy getting ready for Explosion.
Zack: Is a man not allowed a night off to let his hair down and have a dance?
Mark: I did not say that did I Zachary?
Zack: Well, after the other day, Kassidy and I went out for a drink to catch up and she told me that she had a comeback gig planned with the band and asked if I wanted to come along so I did.
Mark: Fair enough if you are not letting yourself get distracted. I know how much this title match means to you.
Zack: Yeah, but I have not spent some proper quality time with Kass in ages, with my tours and her tours the only time we have seen each other is briefly in airport departure lounges.
Mark: Yeah, you two used to be inseparable growing up.
Zack: I know, Mum used to say we were more like brother and sister than best friends.
Mark: Well, your good friend Rogue thinks she is family.
Zack: Yeah, I heard that interview whilst getting ready for tonight. Rogue sure is a hell of a conspiracy theorist. Next thing you know he will be saying that lizard people live underground ready to rise and take over the world. He really thinks that me being injured in War Games was me not wanting to get involved because you and I have some sort of ulterior motive with the board or some shit.
Mark: I loved how he said that The Steele Works was an IIW affiliate. I wish it were, it would help for a better ring for sure, it is not like I turned all my endorsements and investments into that place. Yeah Osh, came by once or twice to scout talent but I never signed anything to declare us being an affiliate.
Zack: Exactly! The guys just trying to stir up shit, trying to perform an assassination of my character now that I have finally found my feet again in life and I bet its that Cora chick whose pulling all the strings and Rogue’s so desperate to hold onto to her he is just out here doing what ever she says. Simp.
Suddenly, the buzz of the crowd increases as Kassidy and her band make their way to the stage. Kassidy picks up her bass guitar as the lead singer, a red-haired girl taller than Kassidy wearing a red jumpsuit and a black bandana in her hair, introduces the band before the first song starts. Zack and Mark clink their beer bottles as the screen fades to black.
We fade back in, to the exterior of The Tap, however unlike earlier we are now round the back in the bar’s beer garden, where a red neon sign reading STAGE DOOR is lit above a set of double doors. Zack is seen stood tapping away on his phone before the double doors swing open and Kassidy and the group of trainees pour out into the beer garden.
Kassidy: ZACK! Did you enjoy the show!?
Zack: It was great, you were great, the nerves soon washed away.
Kassidy: It was so much fun; I think I saw Mark having a dance a few times during the set.
Zack: Yeah, he had great, He is sorry he could not stay after, but he had to get back home, he’s going away with mum tomorrow, and they’ve got an early start.
Kassidy: Oh, that is fine, as long as he had fun.
Molly stumbles over
Molly: Hey you two, we are heading to a karaoke bar? You guys interested.
Zack: No, I am good Molly thanks. I have got to get home ready to train tomorrow morning.
Kassidy: I think I will give it a miss too, thanks for the offer.
Molly: No problem. LET’S GO TEAM
Molly and the others stumble away, singing one of Kassidy’s bands songs loudly and severely out of tune.
Kassidy and Zack just laugh.
Kassidy: We were never that bad right?
Zack: Never.
Kassidy: Anyways…I never knew my biological dad but who knew it was Mark all this time eh!?
Zack: I know right! I am guessing you heard the interview then.
Kassidy: Yeah, it was in the group chat as soon as one of the guys heard about it. That Rogue must walk around wearing a tin foil hat and think that the earth is flat. It is mad how he makes Revok seem moderately normal, and he is even a few slices short of a loaf.
Zack: Yeah, I definitely am worried that I’m stepping in the ring with two people who don’t seem to be able to possess a functioning mental capacity but I can just make them wear each other down and dispose of them both once they’ve killed each other but even if I win this match, Rogue will definitely be on the next available radio show that’ll have him to spout nonsense about how my title win was an inside job.
Zack and Kassidy just stare at each other with serious looks on their faces before bursting into laughter.
Zack: Anyways, I think it is kicking out time here.
Kassidy: Yeah, let us get out of here.
Zack and Kassidy leave the garden and disappear into the night.
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Post by Riley Pierce on Jul 9, 2021 0:43:18 GMT
We open to grainy footage, appearing to be recording on an older camera. We are led through a wooded area; the light is low giving the impression the sun is setting. The camera pushes through a row of bushes and the area opens. We see two cloaked figures stood by a fire pit. They are murmuring unintelligible sentences.
The camera gets closer to them, and the two figures stop and turn around, hoods covering their faces. The taller one speaks.
??: WELCOME STRANGER! WELCOME TO OUR RITUAL TO THE LIZARD PEOPLE! PLEASE PLACE YOUR TIN FOIL HAT’S ON YOUR HEAD! THE RITUAL WILL BEGIN ONCE THE PLANET GIGABAR AND THE SEVENTH MOON OF FLIMGLOP HAVE ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGNED!
The two figures burst out laughing and throw their heads back causing the hoods to fall revealing Zack Steele and Kassidy Owens, the filter on the footage instantly disappears.
Zack: Oh No! Our cover has been blown! We were waiting for Rogue to turn up with the tin foil hats but he has suddenly gone quiet now that we have exposed his conspiracy theories to be bullshit.
Kassidy: Yeah! Roguey boy, you and Cora seem to have gone into hiding now that we have exposed you. It is going to be really embarrassing having to show your faces again at the Arena on Sunday now that everyone in the company has had to listen to what you have been saying since the last Mayhem and now, they have had the wool pulled from their eyes and are aware that what you were saying is nothing more than a fairy tale. You are really going to end your long, celebrated career sitting in a camper van with pictures of Big Foot and the Loch Ness monster plastered all inside it, recording podcasts based on whether aliens walk amongst us and when the next potential date for Armageddon is. Good Luck with that, I will be sure to subscribe.
Zack and Kassidy just laugh to themselves at the stupidity that is occurring. Zack clears his throat and focuses on the camera again.
Zack: Now Mr. Revok, you have also been quiet since the last time I spoke. So, I shall just assume you have been arrested for inciting a riot or something because you are one loose cannon. So, I cannot wait for you to just hit your self-destruct button and do something balls to the wall crazy and take yourself out of the match. You say you want to fight someone who can match the brutality you bring. Well, I am your man Acheron. You are going to suffer; I’m going to make you suffer. How long do you think you can last in the Sky Blue Way? How many Knees of Steele do you think your head can take before you just cannot carry on and once I’m done with you, I may even let Rogue have his turn. Well, that’s if Roguey boy has not already been disposed of. You see people may think I have gotten soft lately, but do not mistake my happiness for weakness. I am still here for the glory, the competition, the prize, if I weren’t I would have quit by now.
Kassidy just nods along in agreement to everything Zack is saying.
Zack: You see, I need this win. Need this win because it will prove to myself and everyone else who doubts that I am as good as I am, that I can fight back and win when my backs against the wall. Not just a guy who can’t catch a break. Not just Indy darling who can’t live up to the hype caused by the internet.
Zack’s breathing becomes intense as he shakes off the cloak. Kassidy does the same and they walk behind the fire pit. Kassidy hands Zack three photos.
Zack: We are here today to lay to rest the legacy of a man named Rogue, your mum’s favourite conspiracy theorist and occasional wrestler.
Zack holds up a picture of Rogue and drops it into the fire.
Zack: Along with Acheron Revok, the guy at the pub who always has one to many lagers and wants a scrap with everyone and everything.
Zack holds up a picture of Rogue and drops it into the fire. Finally, Zack holds up a picture of his body laid out after War Games.
Zack: And finally, we lay to rest the demons of my past. We lay to rest the doubts and humiliation.
Zack holds the picture over the fire, as the corner starts to burn, he holds it up.
Zack: As the past burns, from the ashes rises a truer future. A future that involves me claiming my first gold in this company, and the silencing of my critics.
The picture completely burns, and Zack walks away.
Kassidy: Acheron…. Rogue…. just a word of warning, I would enjoy the next few days of being able to walk, to talk, to live your lives as you usually would because from what I’ve seen from Zack this week, He’s going to destroy you, he plans on making it a very, very long time before can eat solid food again and an even longer period of time before you step into a ring again. See you on Sunday, He is very much looking forward to it. Bye now.
Kassidy stares into the camera, her face illuminated by the flickering, crackling flames as she backs away into the night and the camera backs away too fading into an Explosion promo package for the match.
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