The scene opens up at the penthouse living space of Denise DiMarco and Tali Zora, where the two beauties are sitting around a circular table with a group of suit-and-tie television network executives. One of them seems to be flipping through a binder, and does not say a word while the others chat it up about more menial thing. Denise and Tali are equally dressed up for the sudden, impromptu meeting between the group. They wore nothing too glamorous, because of the short notice and difficult timeframe, but definitely far from the casual side of things.
Most people would be embarrassed to have a business meeting in the middle of their kitchen. That is not something the rambunctious pair have to worry about, since wealth allowed them to acquire a living space that far exceeded most. If they ever had to choose between a meeting in a dull office or one that took place in the comfort of their wonderful home, they would definitely choose their own home again. Suddenly, the binder was shut, and it was time for the filler conversations to die down. It was time for business to actually commence.
Denise: So, basically, we wanted to extend our contracts for another season. Risky while the first episode is yet to air, we know, but you know us. We’re literal ratings magnets. Also, extending a show for a second season before the current one is even finished is a great way to build buzz. We know we’re getting renewed by you, so we’re just letting you know that now would be the best choice. What do you say? Down to make a second season happen?
Generic Lead Executive: About that. We have all been talking, and we came to a conclusion about your reality show. After watching over the filmed episodes that you and IIW sent to the network, we are quite pleased with the product you’ve given us.
(holds his hand up) Hold the applause, however. A concern that we have is we are not sure if your place in the company translates well to the character you want to portray in the show. You claim to be untouchable, but you’re on a bit of a losing streak.
Tali: Sir, everyone knows that wins and losses are down to the…
(whispers) Gods… to decide. The fate of Denise DiMarco is something that is out of any of our hands, I hate to say. Something that is in our hands is how we spin the narrative in a show that exposes the real life of the star off social media and outside of the ring. This is the best thing since TikTok that could happen to her brand, and the best thing since sex tapes leaking that could ever happen to your television network, because people love when women’s wrestlers do their best Kardashian cosplay. They love when we act like total divas for the cameras. It’s a win-win situation.
Generic Lead Executive: Do you two always speak in Buffy-isms and internet lingo? But that is beside the point… because I do see what you mean. While I might need some more time to think this decision through, just know that I’m thinking about it through a more positive lens after having this meeting with you two here today. Before we all go, congratulations on the first episode premiering in a few days. It’s a big honor to have worked with you girls on it.
After those words, the men pack up their belongings and are escorted out of the penthouse by a waving and smiling Denise and Tali. The door is closed after they are all gone, and the plastered on expressions drop to ones that are more neutral, definitely more natural. Their job of putting on a show and looking pretty for old businessmen is over, so now it’s time for them to relax and discuss more personal matters amongst themselves; matters that they do not want anybody else to hear. Tali grabs her laptop and beckons Denise to follow her over to a lounge area. The both of them have a seat next to each other on the genuine leather sofa, and Tali pulls up a profile of someone from the First Class roster.
Denise: Should I know who this is…?
Tali: You’re facing her for the Evolution Title at Malevolence. How don’t you?
Denise: I don’t know her.
Tali: The Coven doesn’t ring a bell? Um… maybe Mercedes! You should know her.
Denise: Nope.
Tali: (sighs) Well, this is Steph and you’re facing her. It’s a singles match now, and I think that’s a really good thing for you. Less people means more time to shine, especially in a history making match like this where they’re going to be naming the first ever champion. I’m literally YASSS’ing internally just thinking about it. I have special gear bought for you and coordinators for a special entrance… it’s gonna be so good, Denise. If you don’t win, at least you’ll look better than a witch.
Denise: So, she’s like a real witch?
Tali: What?
Denise: Never mind.
Tali: You know what, how about we do some research on her? You’re meant to be cutting a promo about her, and this promo should be your best one yet. We need to know more about her if we want that to be the case. (clicks around, trying to find more information) She has a boyfriend that wrestles. People pop for slut-shaming all the time. Just an idea!
Denise: (laughs) I mean, yeah. Talent really isn’t sexually transmitted.
Tali: That sounds like a line someone in another universe would’ve used. It’s that good.
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Denise and Tali Zora are seated beside each other in purple and gold seats; Denise’s signature colors. A light-up sign version of the IIW logo is also behind them. Everyone’s favorite duo is doing some press for the pay-per-view, and some suggested that they film a promo to hype up Denise’s single bout for the Evolution title. They bit at the opportunity, and agreed to film a dramatic monologue style video package. Denise’s entrance music can be heard playing faintly after the director yells
“ACTION!”
Denise: Hi, I’m Denise DiMarco. But you already knew that, didn’t you? I am the face of First Class and the entire IIW, after all. You see, throughout my career, I’ve earned dozens of accomplishments that I wear proudly. Have you ever appeared in an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians as one of Khloe’s best friends? I don’t think so. It’s a huge accomplishment and further proves my celebrity status. Now, we have a pay-per-view called Malevolence coming up where I will have another chance to make history, because apparently, I have “Chronic Make History Disorder”. I just can’t stop, and won’t stop. This match for the Evolution title is arguably the most important match on the card. It’s also the match where I will be crowned the first ever Evolution champion.
Tali: (reaches over to hold Denise’s hands) You guys hear that? The first ever Evolution champion. It’s not a matter of IF the Face of First Class snags the belt at Malevolence. It’s a matter of WHEN and HOW that happens, because it’s something that is bound to happen. I’ve been by my client and best friend’s side for years now making sure she book the opportunities, and those years of hard work will come to fruition once again. It seems as if there’s somebody that thinks she has a chance of beating you though… what a shame… It’s honestly selfish of her to attempt to deny First Class a true star as their first ever midcard champion. I’m like totes disgusted by her behavior, NiNi.
Denise: That’s the thing. If I actually knew who she was, or if our Instagram follower count was at least close, I wouldn’t find it so offensive. But, I literally had to search her name. Do you know the number of people that have to search my name after hearing it?
(in unison) ZEROOOO. Because, I am the biggest and brightest star they have on this god forsaken women’s roster, and the biggest and brightest star in professional wrestling history, PERIOD. I am a ratings mammoth, I am a headline monster, and I am a tabloid queen. There is nobody making the same waves that I am, and Steph certainly isn’t close. So, here is what I suggest for her. One, I want her to forfeit from the match. The other girls had the right idea when they decided leaving the match was the best idea for their careers. They knew that stepping in the ring with me was career suicide. Two, I want her to perhaps find a new hobby. Because, if you’re nothing more than a sideline member of an already failed faction, wrestling is not a job for you. It then becomes a glorified hobby that you do when you’re bored, sweetheart. This is one of my several jobs.
Tali: Jolie Vexx is a smart woman, though. She knows that Denise is the most promising talent that First Class has to offer. Why do you think Denise was given the opportunity to fight for this title in the first place? I won’t say strings were pulled, but they were definitely tugged.
Denise: When you’re a star, you’re allowed to do that.
TaIi: Big facts.
Denise: Big mad.
Tali: Exactly. Speaking of being “big mad”, that is what Steph will be when she realizes that The Coven didn’t build anything. That’s a joke when you have someone like Denise DiMarco on the same roster as you. Make claims that you’re the ones pulling strings, or that you’re the ones giving people names. If that’s what someone told you, they’re a big liar. Compared to Denise, you’re nothing. If Denise wants you gone… all she has to do is say it. She doesn’t want you gone though, don’t worry. Every star needs a supporting cast, and every supporting cast needs a star. Guess which of the two you are… Time’s up. Not the star. When this is all said and done, perhaps you can next play supporting role to that boyfriend of yours. Sure that he isn’t the reason you’ve made a name for yourself in First Class?
Denise: Saying she “made a name for herself” is a big stretch, Tali. I mean, she has to at least make an impact first to say that. She was just begging to actually get booked on more than the dark show for months now. This isn’t a real member of The Coven we’re working with. None of them are real, because witches are FAKE and NOT REAL, but you know what I mean. Like I said before, sideline member.
Tali: You know what, you’re right. On that note, do you have anything else to say? Because, I think that we’re done here.
Denise: I think we’re done here, too. Steph, see you at Malevolence. Time for the fake, definitely NOT REAL witch, to burn at the stake. It’s just business. You’ll understand when you run one or two. A real business, not a fake one no one cares about. Stop being so fake.
The social media star and her assistant walk off, and the scene fades out.