Millennium LXXXV

The show opened with a familiar figure standing in the middle of the ring. It's been a while since Gianluigi Vaccaro was at a Millennium show, almost two years since he had to resign from his position as General Manager after the team he assembled lost the main event of Viva La Revolucion against Team Riot. But tonight, he was here to talk about something else, his new creature that just ended its first successgul season, The Academy. 

Gianluigi Vaccaro:
It feels good to be back...

He smiled at the warm reaction of the crowd.

Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Don't worry, I didn't come here to replace Elsa who, by the way, is doing great. Running a brand like Millennium is no joke, I know from experience..

A bitter smile formed on his lips.

Gianluigi Vaccaro:
No, I came here tonight to talk about the Academy. Whether you followed the show or not, you all are familiar with the first class of graduates. Faith Savell, who defeated the longest reigning champion in this company's history on her first "official" PPV match.

Some cheers, but mostly boos, followed the mention of her name.

Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Like her or not, you can't deny her talent. And the same can be said about Olly, who will have his first title match tonight, Faizah Marshall, Tiana Petrova-Hammond, Dez Ali and Team Trillie, Millie Smith and Trinity Thompson who made an impressive debut on Riot last Sunday. And of course JJ Night, to whom go my wishes for a speedy recovery, and those of all the Academy trainers and staff as well.

The fans joined Gian in applauding the unfortunate student who got injured on his first match.

Gianluigi Vaccaro:
They all are destined to great things, The Academy was only the first step of their brilliant careers, mark my words. Which brings us to the reason why I'm here. The first class just graduated, but we're already looking at the next one. Starting with June 1st we will begin the sign ups for the second class that will start in October. The registration forms and details will be announced in the upcoming days, but if you're aged between 17 and 21 and your dream is to become a professional wrestler, we may be exactly what you're looking for.

Peyton and Ambra commented on the announcement, not even trying to hide their excitement for another season of the critically acclaimed show.

Gianluigi Vaccaro:
To all my former students, best of luck in the rest of your career. To all my future students who may be watching this show, I'll be seeing you soon. 

And with that said, Gian left the ring. Aspen Aisley stepped in and announced the first match of the night.

---

Liv Mercer VS TBA

Elsa McCarthy:
I was told you were looking for me… Glad to see you already made yourself comfortable.

The camera follows the General Manager as she enters her office. Already waiting for her there, sitting on the chair in front of Elsa’s desk and tapping her foot nervously on the floor is the Star Of The Night herself, Luna Smith.

Luna drops her brand new clutch on the desk and retrieves her phone.

Luna Smith:
I'm surprised you didn't start this off with "I'm sorry Luna".

The General Manager raises an eyebrow, not sure what she should apologize for.

Elsa McCarthy:
Why would I...

Luna interrupts Elsa just after she's started to question Luna's subtle demand and she sits forward in the chair.

Luna Smith:
Because for some strange reason you've put Xavier, who I already beat, in this tournament.

Luna then notices Elsa try to speak and overtalks her.

Luna Smith:
And before you bring up the PPV. A, I said I didn't want to face him but once again I was ignored, and B, I was under the weather so I wasn't 100% for that match which only shows that I should be in the tournament.

Elsa walked around the desk, sitting on her chair in front of the Star Of The Night. She took a moment to ponder her words.

Elsa McCarthy:
I’m sorry that you didn’t feel well enough to compete at Hic Sunt Leones. But all you had to do was to provide me with a doctor’s note and I would’ve pulled you from the match.

The GM may have chosen a diplomatic way to put it, but it’s pretty clear she’s not buying what Luna is saying.

Elsa McCarthy:
Because see, that match was what cleared any doubt I had left regarding the last spot in the tournament. Xavier won, and he earned his entry in the tournament.

Luna Smith:
Now you know, so you can do right by me and just-

Luna makes a flick motion with her right hand as a visual demonstration more than anything.

Luna Smith:
Flick Xavier out of the tournament and put me in his place. I mean my resume speaks for itself and it's about time I add a tournament on there.

Elsa McCarthy:
Well, that wouldn’t be fair toward Xavier, or Tiffany, don’t you agree?

She quickly answers, slightly upset by Luna’s requests.

Elsa McCarthy:
Though something tells me she would appreciate it if I switched X with you… But I’m afraid I can’t help you with this Luna. The match is booked, it’s actually up next. I guess you’ll have to watch this tournament from the sidelines.

Luna stands us from the chair, picking up here things, and then faces Elsa.

Luna Smith:
You guess so hmm. Well thanks for "everything".

Luna pulls out her phone there and then, quickly taps on one of her contacts, and walks out of the office of Elsa; which she deliberately and rudely leaves the door open as she exits.

BROOKFORD can be seen leaning up against a wall backstage. He has a stoic expression on his face. Unreadable. He goes to speak.

BROOKFORD:
Not a lot to say about Hic Sunt Leons. Duke was the better man for one night. He earned that win. More than I can say about piss ants like Megan, who needed divine intervention to overcome me. Shame I wasn’t the man to put her on the shelf. Oh well. Moving on.

BROOKFORD shrugs.

BROOKFORD:
My road to the World Championship begins tonight. Battle for the Briefcase. I was in this position last year. Could have gone all the way if it wasn’t for that pesky Seth Iser. Ironic, I was beaten without controversy by last years briefcase winner and the likely number one contender for the World Championship. Makes you wonder, when I win, in the likelihood one of them is champion, holding the power to avenge my defeats sounds like an idea that is best for business, don’tcha think?

BROOKFORD chuckles.

BROOKFORD:
Avenge is an action driven by emotion. Emotions for the most part are best left not entertained, like hate. No denying hate can be used as a weapon. Andrew you know all about that, using hate to build yourself a reputation that’s unrivaled, but you see, hate is an emotion. The world might believe I am angry when the bell rings, that can be further from the truth. I wrestle with cold, calculated precision. There is no room for emotion when it comes to handling business; you may pose a challenge; nothing is going to stop me from winning the briefcase. What I need is to become MWE World Champion. You are just another body in my way.

BROOKFORD dust his hands off. He walks off camera as the scene fades.

The show transitions to a pre-recorded video, shot on a smartphone by Lowri Moss, who is seen somewhere backstage at the WVU Coliseum. With this having been filmed earlier in the day, the Cloud Gate Champion is dressed casually in a pair of jeans and and one of her Irish Whip Clothing branded t-shirts, her title draped over her shoulder, and she starts by giving that familiar greeting of hers.

Lowri Moss:
What’s occurring, Morgantown?

Lowri smiles, as she continues.

Lowri Moss:
I’m glad to be standing here now still your Cloud Gate Champion, after making my third successful defence of the title a week and a half ago, against “The Archangel” Jessica Lasiewicz. Things were in danger of getting ill-tempered between Jessica and me, after how our first match ended, plus what happened in the weeks following it, but at Hic Sunt Leones, we finally got the fair fight that she wanted, and that I had wanted all along; no Summer, no Gareth, no anyone to interfere or to cause a distraction, just a well-fought match between champion and challenger. It was a closely contested fight, just like our first match was, but ultimately, I was able to come out on top, to keep the Cloud Gate title in my possession.

She casts a quick glance towards the belt resting on her shoulder, before looking back at the camera.

Lowri Moss:
And after successfully defending my title in the main event of night one of Hic Sunt Leones, I’m going to be in another main event here tonight, this time in a match that’s being billed as a Champions Showcase, or a Champions Showdown-- it’s definitely one of the two… I think-- which will see me go up against the Lockdown Champion, Dusty Douglas, and the Chicago Way Champion, Kimberly Williams.

Lowri runs her free hand through her hair.

Lowri Moss:
This won’t be the first time I’ve been in a match that has pitted champions against one another in a non-title bout; I’ve been in a match between two singles champions, I’ve been in a match between two teams that were tag champions, and I’ve gotten the win in both scenarios. In fact, the last time I was part of a champion versus champion match, my opponent decided to get himself counted out, I guess to try to save face, and avoid suffering a loss to me by either pinfall or submission. There’s no chance of that happening tonight though of course, given that there aren’t any count outs in a triple threat match; there also aren’t any disqualifications in a triple threat, something that I suppose could well play into the hands of Kimberly.

She lets out a sigh.

Lowri Moss:
From fighting Jessica Lasiewicz to fighting her half-sister. I can’t recall me and Kimberly ever having been opponents before now, although I stand to be corrected on that. I did get to have her as a tag partner in a trios match a couple of months ago though, and that was an experience, to say the least. Some people might describe her as unhinged, but I think unpredictable would be more accurate, with her erratic behaviour outside the ring belying the skill that she possesses inside it-- I know she relishes competing in hardcore matches, but she’s talented enough that she doesn’t need to rely on weapons to beat an opponent… I’m hoping that she won’t be bringing Betty White to the ring with her tonight.

Another, smaller sigh escapes her lips.

Lowri Moss:
Please, Kim. Bring the Dalek with you if you must, but leave Betty White backstage.

It is safe to say that is a sentence that Lowri would never have thought she might utter.

Lowri Moss:
Dusty is undoubtedly going to be a challenging opponent as well, but for different reasons. He says that he’s the biggest, the strongest and the meanest, and while I’m sure there are some on the roster who might dispute that claim, he may well be right-- as hench as I am, I certainly can’t match his power. However, I’ve been in the ring before with opponents that were a foot or more taller than me, one hundred or more pounds heavier than me, and I’ve beaten them. Because no matter how big an opponent is, I can still kick them, I can still chop them, and I can still headbutt them-- and Dusty is no exception. He has been in impressive form for a number of months, and right now it’s difficult to see who’s going to keep him down for a count of five, to end his reign as Lockdown Champion, but I only need to keep him-- or Kim-- down for a count of three, and there’s not a doubt in my mind that I can do that.

She gives a single, confident nod of her head.

Lowri Moss:
In addition to the main event, tonight’s show will also see, amongst other things, the first appearances in Millennium of a couple of the graduates from the Academy, with Olly being involved in the tag title match, and with Faith Savell having a sit down interview with Paisley Dawn. Now Faith-- as well as Faizah Marshall, another of the Academy graduates-- has a guaranteed title shot, so her interview with Paisley is going to be of particular interest to me, and I’ll be watching it to see whether she gives any indication as to which title she is going to challenge for.

Following the briefest of pauses, Lowri continues.

Lowri Moss:
And speaking of Faizah, she tweeted that she is going to be watching the main event, and teased that she might call her shot tonight. She also said that she wants the best. Well, Faizah-- and I guess this applies to Faith as well-- if you do want the best, then there’s only one choice that you should make.

Using her free hand, Lowri lifts the Cloud Gate title off her shoulder and holds it up.

Lowri Moss:
Make the right decision.

She then gives a wink to the camera, and the video comes to an end.

Backstage here at Millenium we find ourselves with the newly minted team K2O in their locker room. On one side of the room we find Karen Eldon looking at herself in the mirror already donning her ring gear, fixing up one of the knee pads she wears. The color scheme is black and gold which matches with her tag team partner’s gear for the night in Olly. The two later on having their first tag team championship opportunity as a duo. Noticeably absent is Erika Eldon whose role as bag girl seems to have been replaced by the still injured Clyde Eldon.

Karen Eldon:
Tonight's the night! I can feel it, I can taste it. After months and months of pursuit those Tag Team belts are finally going to be ours. No more WarBlade, no more Fabulous. Just us and Qiyara and Rhett. We are better than them and we know it. I can already see the K2O merchandise selling out after we win these things. Are you as excited as I am Olly?

Karen can’t seem to hold back her excitement, despite having come close to titles in the past and failing. It doesn’t seem to be stopping her from getting her hopes up yet again. One person who doesn’t seem to share the same excitement is Clyde Eldon who sits in the corner behind the two as they get ready. Even though he’s hiding it better than Karen, Olly must be excited as well. This will be his first match on Millennium, and he already has a chance to get some gold around his waist, which will make him the first Academy graduate to win a title.

Olly:
I made you a promise when you came to me asking to replace your son, and I fully intend on keeping it. We’re not leaving this shithole without those belts.

Already dressed to compete, the son of the late Reese Kennedy is still wearing a necklace, namely the one Faith Savell gave him for Christmas, depicting Saint Jude, the patron saint of desperate situations and lost causes. He fidgets with it a little longer before carefully placing it back inside his bag and walking toward Karen. On his way to his partner, he walks past Clyde and points his finger toward the bag he left on the bench.

Olly:
Clyde, do you mind..? Thanks.

He says those words with a taunting smile on his face, almost rubbing in his face what his role tonight is. Finally standing next to Karen, he places a hand on her shoulder.

Olly:
For far too long the tag titles eluded you. You carried the division on your shoulders for months. Sure, others held the gold, but let’s be honest.. Who was, week in and week out, the ONE everybody was talking about?

He stressed the word “one”, an odd choice when talking about a tag team. But if you followed Olly back in the Academy, you know he didn’t do it by accident. Having long had the same belief as Olly that she was the star of the division she can’t help but smirk.

Karen Eldon:
You are so right Olly, I am the one that has put this division on the map. Rhett and Qiyara? Boring. WarBlade? Boring and weird. Fabulous? Forgettable. I am the star of this tag team division but you know as much as I have been carrying it. Can’t help but think that the two of us are going to be unstoppable together. My brains, beauty and quick thinking matched with your confidence and brawling ability. K2O is going to be truly unbeatable. And you are going to be the first graduate to win gold? Can’t wait to rub that in all their smug little faces.

Behind the both of them Clyde can be seen rolling his eyes not exactly finding these two hyping each other up a fun thing to witness. As much as the fans don’t want to see the odd duo win gold, Clyde seems even less inclined to see them win. But nonetheless he hoists up the bags.

Karen Eldon:
I mean K2O may have been something that came together out of necessity. We have the awesome tag team name, we have the desire to rub it in all these losers faces, I do have to say? Those belts are going to really look nice with this new color scheme of ours.

Karen takes a moment to further enjoy the ring gear she had made for the duo for their in ring debut, always one for fashion. Olly stands there in silence, almost daydreaming or if anything at least reflecting on the words Karen said.

Olly:
First graduate to hold gold.. That sounds pretty cool..

He then glances at his tag partner, nodding his head.

Olly:
You're right, we might have come to team together by a series of fortunate…

He turns to Clyde.

Olly:
Or unfortunate to some, circumstances.. But it feels like this is how it was always meant to be.. Think about it, Karen. First match, we humbled Warblade 42. Second match, we're going to end Rhett and Qiyara's run of luck.

His eyes now focus fully on the woman he'll be teaming up with tonight.

Olly:
And after tonight, we're going to rule over the division. This is our destiny, everything before this, was only meant to lead up to this moment.

Karen Eldon:
Let’s go get our belts!

Karen says this as though it’s some foregone conclusion, the two clearly on the same page but setting themselves up for a huge letdown if this new duo crashes and burns for the belts. Karen seemingly fully expectant of her crowning heads out of the room, nearly skipping. As Olly follows rubbing his hands together ready to get them dirty against the Champions. As last Clyde hoists up both their bags over his shoulders with a big sigh following K2O out of the locker room as we head back to the ring.

Paisley Dawn is waiting backstage with the Valedictorian of The Academy, Faith Savell. Both are seated on black stools in an area backstage that has been set up specifically for this purpose. Faith is dressed in an Envie Teen look, a pair of black fitted flares, a crop top and a black leather jacket. When Paisley sees the camera has come to them, she lets a warm smile settle on her lips.

Paisley Dawn:
Welcome to my first Official feature interview, with one of Millennium's newest signings from the first graduating class of The Academy… Faith Savell! Thank you for joining me Faith.

Faith Savell:
Of course. It's not a surprise that I’m the First and Only academy graduate to be granted a feature interview. I know the world is just dying to hear what my plans are for the next year.

Paisley Dawn:
I’m sure they are, but let's focus on a more immediate future first. What are your hopes for your first few months now that you’ve graduated?

Faith Savell:
Hopes? I don’t HOPE for anything, I make things happen. That’s the difference between me and 99% of everyone here. I don’t need to worry about being Hopeful. If I want something, I take it, this is going to be no different.

Paisley Dawn:
And what about Tiffany Rollins she-

Faith pushes her hand over Paisley's mic and covers it, moving the mic away from the interviewer's mouth, Faith shakes her head.

Faith Savell:
No. I’m not here to talk about her, she’s in my rearview mirror. Bring her up again and this interview is over.

Paisley looks a little embarrassed and nods her head after being reprimanded by the young woman. She regains her composure with a soft lear of her throat and a smile back on her lips.

Paisley Dawn:
Okay… What about your fellow Gold contractee Fa-

Faith again pushes the mic away from the interviewer and shakes her head with a loud sigh.

Faith Savell:
No.

She waggles her finger at the young interviewer and clucks her tongue in a disapproving way.

Faith Savell:
This is MY interview and we are here to talk about me, my goals, my relationships, MY future. I don’t care to waste my very precious time, talking about people who are miles beneath me.

Faith looks over Paisley with a face of irritation and disdain. Paisley chuckles a little in a nervous way, before bringing the mic back up to her lips again.

Paisley Dawn:
Well, speaking of relationships, you left a lot of questions hanging in the air after your graduation ceremony, where you very publicly ended things with Coen, Ti- I mean, a fellow attendees ex. And then left with Olly. Was that planned?

Faith Savell:
Nothing I do is by accident. My god, you’re slow aren’t you? These questions are insipid and pointless. What are they even paying you for?

Before Paisley can find her words, Faith snatches the mic from her hand and tosses it away, off camera. She then brings her own mic up to her lips and snaps her fingers, demanding that the camera man focus in on her.

Faith Savell:
Every single person here is on notice, if you think what I did at The Academy was impressive? You have no idea what’s coming for all of you. I am a Savell, I am wrestling ROYALTY and you will fall in line, or be beaten into it.

She turns to look at Paisley and curls her lip in a snarl.

Faith Savell:
You’re dismissed.

The room was a warm color and the leather chairs looked rather comfortable. The staging was set for a what looked to be another by the book interview for the Millennium Wresting show, but as one of the stage hands placed the MWE Lockdown Title on a central table between the two chairs, a gruff voice is over head from the peripherals.

Dustin Douglas:
I hope you enjoy touching MY title, its probably going to be the highlight of your day. Feel free and go home to what I can only assume is your frumpy wife and tell her how you were in the presence of a man she wishes you could be like.

Dustin sits in one of the chairs and looks a bit annoyed at how long this is taking. Finally Paisley Dawn comes in. She has her notes and clipboard together, and looking ravishing as ever and she sits down next to the Lockdown Champion of the World for a pre-interview discussion

Paisley Dawn:
I am really excited to do this sit-down with you Dustin. We don’t get much time with you and this is a great opportunity….

Dustin Douglas:
Greatest opportunity. Probably the greatest one you will ever have.

His reply takes the interviewer aback. Slightly shocked, she replies.

Paisley Dawn:
Sure…greatest…opportunity for the Millennium fans to get to know the Lockdown Champ!

Dustin Douglas:
They don’t deserve to know me, They don’t deserve to know MY story. But as a benevolent champion, I will do this service for these people. Feel free to roll and film or whatever it is your junior college degree taught you how to do, because I am only gonna do this once, and once is all its gonna take.

Dustin turns and looks into the camera

Dustin Douglas:
You people want to know how the Murder Train became the Murder Train? You want to know the story of how this rookie sensation lit the wrestling world on fire, and still burns brighter than anyone and everyone that has ever set foot inside MY ring?

Paisley Dawn:
Now hold on for juuuuuust moment Dusty. While you are one of the brightest stars in MWE today, even you can’t discount people like Seth Iser, Melisa Reeves, even Duke Andrews.

The big man looks annoyed.

Dustin Douglas:
YOU need to understand something….this is MY time. You came to me, asking for MY story, and you dare to mention those jabronis in the same sentence as me? We are in Seth’s home town tonight, right? And who is the Main Event instead of the hometown here? ME! Thats who. So if you wanna come in here and spew crap about other wrestlers during MY time, you might want to rethink a career change as you suck at this job.

He stands and looms over her, and some of the crew try to stand in

Dustin Douglas:
If you were an actual worthwhile part of this roster, and not just replaceable and forgettable on air talent, I would be forced to do what I do best and show you why NO ONE disrespects Big Nasty Dustin Douglas.

A few of the camera crew stand ready to pull the Murder Train off of her. He just starts laughing

Dustin Douglas:
What, you think I’m going to hurt her? Nah man…Big Nasty only hurts those in MY way and in MY ring. She isn’t worth MY time right now. (He turns and looks at a boom mic operator) Though that guy might be worth it if he keeps looking at me like that. (He smirks at the boom operator, who is trying to back away) Thats what I thought. That right there is why Dustin Douglas is the best freaking thing going on. You wanna know why you have a pay check? Because of me. Feel free to say thank you anytime.

Paisley Dawn:
You seem to have a bit of a chip on your shoulder.

Dustin Douglas:
I dont have a chip….I have a giant freaking boulder. You want a story? Here is a story, here is THE story for you. My entire life up until about 3 years ago was based on mediocrity and regret. My dad left when I was little, and my step dad tried but….whatever. He and my mother had a new baby, and good old Dusty was forgotten about. Sure, life was pretty great for a suburban kid, but I wanted more, and I knew I deserved more.
Then I married the first girl to pay attention to me, and after 15 years of marriage it turns out she had been cheating on me for the majority of our marriage. It was at that point I decided to stop trying to please people and start showing why Dustin Douglas is worth a damn.
And by God, I have shown that time and time and time again in MY ring in front of MY fans. Thats right, Big Nasty Dustin Douglas knows that each and every one of the MWE faithful tune in to see what destruction and devastation The Murder Train is gonna bring. They may boo me, they may hate me….but deep down inside we all know the truth.
They are jealous of me.
Jealous that I made something out of myself when life just wasn’t fair to me. Jealous that I am able to do the things they can’t and jealous that one day, what I already know to be true will be regarded as fact….and that fact is Dustin Douglas is the greatest professional wrestler that MWE has ever seen, or will ever see again.

Paisley Dawn:
Wow! Thank you for sharing that with us, I have a few other questions….

The big man cuts her off.

Dustin Douglas:
No you dont. I am done and I will continue this when I feel like it.

He grabs his Lockdown title, and looks at it, seeing how shiny it is. He looks at the guy who was handling it earlier

Dustin Douglas:
My title belt looks great…luckily for you

He walks out of the room

Backstage we find Matt Stone and Nicole Rossi standing in the interview area, though there doesn’t appear to be anyone there to ask them questions. Nicole is glancing at the slim gold watch around her left wrist. She’s wearing a sleeveless dark green jumpsuit with a tan belt around her waist, her blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail.

Matt Stone:
So what time did you tell the little redheaded girl to be here?

Nicole Rossi:
She’s ten minutes late.

The tone of her voice appears to be annoyed as she looks over towards Matt.Matt just rolls his eyes, looking up and down for a sign of who they were talking about but not seeing anyone coming.

Matt Stone:
Well that’s just great, one of the most important matches in my career here so far in Millennium and she can’t even bother to show up.

Nicole gives a quick dismissive wave with one hand.

Nicole Rossi:
Forget about her, okay? This won’t change what’s going to happen tonight.

Matt Stone:
Well I know that, but how am I meant to go into excruciating detail about myself and my grand plans if I don’t have an annoying interviewer asking me about each and every step?

Nicole rolls her eyes as she crosses her arms in front of her chest.

Nicole Rossi:
Fine, will it help if I pretend to be the annoying interviewer?

Matt Stone:
Well you’ve got the annoying part down

He replies with a smirk, knowing it’ll likely get him smacked but it was too good to pass up, and just as he predicted Nicole was quick to smack him on the arm before she clears her throat. She goes through the effort of pretending to be holding up a microphone as she smiles.

Nicole Rossi:
I’m here with the one and only Matt Stone who has been making waves here in Millenium.

Matt Stone:
Like a surfer addicted to the beach I’ve been making waves and now it’s time to hang ten once again as I step into the ring, once more, with Seth Iser. Last time he and I faced he had a LOT goin on and now? Well now he should be able to focus on me 100% and have zero excuses, right?

Nicole Rossi:
Right..and who could be more focused than you?

Matt Stone:
Exactly! Seth Iser is a tough guy, we all know that and last year he won the briefcase that social media is all talking about, but rather than enter that tournament for a chance to be the best, I can skip the queue and just beat the guy who won it last year!

Nicole Rossi:
And what do you believe that’s going to mean for you if that happens?

Matt looks at her for a second like she just asked the most “annoying interview”ish question ever.

Matt Stone:
Big things, of course. Huge things, even!

Nicole raises both of her eyebrows as she waves one hand around, clearing urging for Matt to elaborate further with his answer.

Nicole Rossi:
Can you give us more than that?

Matt Stone:
Give you more? Oh Nicole, you know I always want to leave them wanting more and this is no different. Tonight is my chance to truly make a statement here in Millenium and when I make that statement, it’s going to ring true throughout the rest of the year and no one is going to SHUT. ME. UP!

With that, Matt takes his leave heading off the right side of the camera leaving Nicole alone for a second before she just follows him off, still holding her imaginary microphone in her hand.

We then pan around to a view of the fans that have packed the arena here in Morgantown. There’s a buzz in this arena before the lights dim and then you hear the chords of ‘Unsainted’ play. In damn near any other arena there would be people booing their asses off but here? Damn near everyone is actually cheering the music considering we’re in this man’s hometown and soon enough the hometown boy and MWE World Champion Seth Iser has stepped through the curtain dressed to wrestle wearing a blue and gold variation of his attire and the World Championship adorned around his waist. This is a new pair of tights since it has the Triumvirate logo on the right side of his gear and his name on the left. There’s even a new pair of blue boots, a rarity from Seth. He had that usual bit of stoicism to him but when he heard the cheers he actually stops where he’s at for a moment, almost not used to the outpouring of love and support heading his way. Flanking him to his left is a second third of the Triumvirate in Pierce Manning. Though this isn’t a normal show and he isn’t dressed to compete considering the three piece suit he’s wearing.

The veteran then nods his head at the positive reaction for the hometown hero before he lumbers down the ramp with a little more adrenaline coursing through before pulling himself up onto the apron and entering the ring. Pierce takes the more conservative route of going up the stairs to enter the ring. Unfortunately for the two of them Megan Monroe is not here. But it seems rather than wrestle right now the World Champion has asked for a microphone. And for a brief moment there’s a smirk on his face before he takes off the World Title and raises it over his head with his free hand.

Seth Iser:
The old man still has it. As of right now even with the insanity of that cage scramble...I am still your World Champion.

There’s a thunderous cheer as he makes that proclamation...and after that cheer and a nod from the champion, both Pierce and Seth have frowns on his face.

Seth Iser:
But...the two of us in the ring right now...we aren’t entirely pleased about something damn important. Look, Pierce and I...are two thirds of the trio known as the Triumvirate. There’s only two out of three here. For the curious, Pierce has a Riot contract but he’s here with me tonight because I have a little pass that allows me to go to any wrestling show in any company, a thank you for my years of service to the industry, and I let my friend here borrow it for tonight. But he’s so angry...about what happened at the end there that I don’t think the people on television would be pleased to hear the justified four letter words that would come out of his mouth...so he’s asked me to verbalize the misjustice.

The fans are listening in fully to what the veteran has to say as he has a stern expression while Pierce, more colorful, more agitated thinking about that particular circumstance.

Seth Iser:
God damn you Chuck Matthews…

He swears with more bitterness accompanied by that shake of the head.

Seth Iser:
I’ve been in this game a while and I guarantee you all five of us are going to feel that Scramble match in one way or another long after we’re done. I had to dive into the cage from a damn height just to even have a chance to defend MY championship. But Megan, our third member of this trio, was not so lucky. She was first power slammed on the ring steps...and then, Keelan Jayce, decided he wanted to make the highlight reel and dive off the top of the cage after he knew his World Title dreams decided to dive off the top of the cage.

He takes a deep breath recounting all of this while Pierce palms his hands into a fist in his anger.

Seth Iser:
That damn cage and that damn foolish stunt cost this company two stars. I don’t know the extent of Keelan’s injuries but I do know Megan’s. She’s got broken ribs and you can’t do anything with those but wait until the bone heals. If they weren’t clearing me from my injury earlier in the year, no chance in hell the doctors are clearing Megan for a while. And I blame that damned creation more than anything else and what it can make a wrestler do to try to survive, thrive, go for the thrill, or even more for the lure of gold. We all aren’t immune to it, after all.

He rubs his temple just thinking about that though he does nod his head at something else. The fans boo the announcement that both are going to miss time.

Seth Iser:
I agree, damn shame. I know it’s the risk of the match and all and I don’t want to speak on behalf of anyone else but from my viewpoint...I’d be okay if I never had to participate in that damn structure again. But we certainly had someone mouth off a bit after the fact…

Pierce and Seth glance at one another with another dual shake of the head as they think about all of that.

Seth Iser:
‘Ol Fifteen Time thinks I owe her a rematch.

He pauses and the fans seem positive toward her even if Seth doesn’t seem like he’s feeling particularly generous toward her.

Seth Iser:
Yes...I heard you Glory...I didn’t want to respond on twitter because well...it means more in this setting. Always has, always will. You want to ramble about guts and this and that...you don’t really have the room to do that since you jumped me from behind. So you can’t play that card on me to begin with. And while some people can deem you second place...in that situation you’re first loser. Your claim is invalid as far as I’m concerned. I fell off the top of that damn cage, you jumped me from behind, you had the advantage being the first one in thanks to creating your own luck...fair play to you there...but you didn’t get the job done. You didn’t get your sixteenth title reign. I’M STILL THE WORLD CHAMPION! Not you. How did I retain the title?

There’s more of an intensity toward Iser as he shouted that he is the World Champion as he sneered through the camera with a bit of anger.

Seth Iser:
I took your best shot, survived...then dropped you on your damn head with the DDT and got my hand raised. There was no controversy. There wasn’t some interference by Pierce or anyone else for that matter. It came down to one on one inside the steel cage, the ultimate battleground of professional wrestling, and I proved myself superior against you specifically in that moment. If say...Melissa asked for a singles rematch I’d at least listen. I didn’t pin her shoulders to the mat. I pinned yours. Look, earn your way to another opportunity, Glory. That’s how you should’ve had to do it for your other fifteen title reigns after all. You have all the ability in the world. We know this...but right now...in this moment in time, I’ve proven myself better. Simple as that. If you want another match with me, either work your way back up...or make me an offer of some sort that I can’t refuse.

There’s a mixed reception from the home crowd for his direct denial of this challenge though the World Champion nods his head and lets them get it out of their system before he continues speaking.

Seth Iser:
It’d be like the Pitt Panthers crying foul after we kick their sorry asses in any sport and then begging for a rematch right away. Sorry...as much fun as it could be to do it...you got to carry that loss with you for now!

That reference turns the crowd back in his favor as the audience begins a loud and vulgar ‘Eat Shit Pitt’ chant and for a brief moment even Seth has to smile at that so he just decides to have a little fun here.

Seth Iser:
Sweet...Caroline…

And right on cue after the World Champion sang that horribly off key he sticks the microphone out toward the crowd and again they shout ‘EAT SHIT PITT’ and Iser nods his head with that smile. Even Pierce is amused by this despite his anger earlier.

Seth Iser:
We fill that stadium in Pittsburgh more consistently then they do when we kick their asses every chance we get anyway.

The cheapest of cheap pops on that one but at least the crowd isn’t chanting vulgarities anymore. The playful smile that was on Iser’s face vanishes.

Seth Iser:
Besides Glory...someone already made the challenge and they have a significant claim already...and that someone’s name is Duke Andrews…

And this is the first time the audience fully boos something in Iser’s speech. That’s already bizarre enough but what’s even more bizarre is that the booing isn’t toward Iser himself but toward someone else. Pierce looks over and hears that familiar sight and crosses his arms.

Seth Iser:
Oh yes...he has a claim even though he clearly didn’t have the gumption to show up and return the favor since I had to catch a flight to wrestle him at his hometown...but that little ordeal didn’t go so well for me. Wasn’t at full swing considering I wrestled a pay per view match the night prior and he found a way. I don’t fault him for that. Congratulations...you got one over on one of the best to ever play the game. You’ve clearly got ability here. I want to respect that but...every time you attempt to talk...you just come across like the ultimate two faced fool.

The veteran sneers as there’s another hint of agitation coming across his face.

Seth Iser:
Can’t claim to say you’re doing everything it takes to be the best...even copying some of the suits I used to wear...and then the next minute go off on the same repetitive non landing joke to disrespect people in this state that have been hungry for one of their own to be treated with some level of respect because all anyone wants to do. From the media to ill informed idiots like you Duke want to do is just regurgitate jokes older but...allow me to explain who the hell we really are because as much fun as it was to deride a rival...that doesn’t encompass what this state is…

He gestures for the camera to come closer with his index finger as he’s sneering in some anger.

Seth Iser:
This is a state born out of rebellion. We rebelled against Virginia and the Confederacy years ago. We rebelled more than anybody else when it came to how we were treated in the damn coal mines after we worked our damn asses off. We’re a bunch of people who don’t trust outsiders but if you really get to know one of us deep down...you know that we are for life. We are a state that has been suffering for a long time because of the downturn of steel, the drying up of the coal mines, and this damn drug epidemic and instead of reporting the suffering...it’s just more jokes, more wise cracks and all that. And now these people also have hope because god damn, one of their own, right here is standing in front of them showing that all that hard nosed blue collar hard work CAN pay off. And all your peers WILL respect you unless you’re the ignorant clutching onto bad and overused jokes.

There is an undercurrent of cheers building more and more as a vein is popping up in Iser’s head.

Seth Iser:
It’s a hope that one day they too can rise through and take care of their own because through hard work...I’ve fought through my own demons and put myself in a position to take care of those closest to me. The entire world might not fully understand that mentality because everyone here in some way has been fighting ALL their lives. But the entire world can kiss all our asses!

That emphatic statement gets more cheers from the crowd as Iser is sneering. It takes several seconds for the crowd to settle back down but Iser’s still animated and fired up.

Seth Iser:
You got a taste of what I could do in that bar...in YOUR element Duke. I learned how good you can be when all the stars align at your home. Let’s see with the gold on the line how you can play in MY element...an element raised in rebellion and blue collar grit. But we have a few weeks for you to learn how that’ll go...and as much fun as I’m having...and lord knows I can do this all night…

He lets out a smirk as the fans are letting out yet another cheer. Pierce is nodding his head.

Seth Iser:
Let’s talk about tonight...am I right Matt Stone?

The smirk stayed on his face after dropping the opponent’s name.

Seth Iser:
I take it you’re still replaying me kicking you in the groin and robbing you of the power of the briefcase after Gareth decided to send a harpoon after me. But if that never happened...we’re going to take things to their natural conclusion tonight. I see you’re getting your head fully invested in the game. Hell...seems like you’ve added a few more tricks thanks to Nicole Rossi. I saw what you pulled to get your hand raised to beat Clyde Sutter with the help of your manager...quite clever. You even pulled a similar trick to win on pay per view and ensure that check.

The smirk even turns into a devious smile as he pauses and twirls that microphone in his hand.

Seth Iser:
I approve of such tactics considering you’re just out there to get your hand raised and get out. I can respect that fully. Hell, I even appreciate it a little...it’s refreshing in that regard as well as keeps my own mind sharp. But I want you to understand something tonight...you want to try that stunt on me...it’s going to go far differently for you. I’m not only the Mauler from Morgantown West by-God Virginia…

There’s another roar from the crowd as Iser is just letting them cheer this.

Seth Iser:
I’m not only the World Champion and a man with a claim to be one of the best wrestlers on this planet. I’m not only Wrestling’s Greatest Mind...not only just a father to my wonderful daughter who is in attendance tonight with her best friend.

The devious smile had turned into a warm one when he mentioned his kid...but it returns back to that absolutely devious one.

Seth Iser:
I’m also Wrestling’s Most Devious Son and I take that with some pride because nobody knows how to manipulate a ring better than I do. Not even you...not yet anyhow. Don’t worry brother, I’m not distracted at all for tonight. I have a duty as the World Champion to do whatever it takes to get my hand raised. It’s not personal. Really, it’s not. But I’m going to kick your ass all over the Civic Center!

With that Iser slams the microphone down and there’s another roar of cheers as Pierce then nods before leaving the ring and Seth just listens to the crowd do another rarity, chant his last name as a decent ‘Iser’ chant is heard throughout the Civic Center as we go to commercial before his match.