Millennium XCVI

The MWE World Heavyweight Championship sat perfectly folded under the light in the room, sitting on top of a small wooden table. The side plates displayed, one with the outline of the State of Michigan, the other none other than the APE “WAR” logo. The nameplate on the front “Duke Andrews”

It had been a long time coming to reach the top in MWE. A road that had more twists and turns before it panned out.

Duke Andrews:
I could drive back down the history highway like I did before On The Rise. When I had to explain to Gloria why not just North Carolina, but the Greensboro Coliseum meant more to me than it did to her. Where history in that building only mattered when it fit her narrative. But as we get closer to the Christmas Miracle of Below Zero, that isn’t the point that needs to be made. So we can save it for another day.

Duke comes into view of the camera finally. The light now reflecting off of his Rolex as he casually rolls up the sleeves on his dress shirt. The white color contrasts off of his tan skin. The first few buttons unbuttoned. The red and white striped tie hanging off in the background with the light grey jacket to his suit.

Duke Andrews:
Before we can dive head first into Below Zero, we need to address the elephant in the room.

A long deep sigh is let go from our champion. His nose flares as he leans forward. Crossing his hands as he bows his head.

Duke Andrews:
I had warned you Alan. Not once, but twice. For someone who has zero problem jumping and riding my coattails you should have known that when I voiced my concern, that wasn’t me asking. That was me politely telling you to take a step back. Yet, you couldn’t handle it. You got what was coming. And I got your message loud and clear. A receipt? I know you well enough to know you're not that dumb. You can do as you please, but just know that if my title is on the line and you step out of your lane, I’ll have no other course of action but to snap you in half and discard you like yesterdays trash. If you feel like you need to get froggy, I’ve got an opening after Below Zero, we can settle it in OKC on Riot.

Duke lifted his head and peered directly into the camera.

Duke Andrews:
I have waited and waited. Long enough for something to spark between Lowri and Joey. Hand picked and handed an opportunity. Yet I get nothing. It’s almost a slap in the face. I spent months chasing the most prestigious prize in this industry. I turned my back on my friends and family for what I have in my possession. And you two give me nothing. Brookford was spot on. I’m ashamed of you two. You’ve taken your opportunity and to this point you two have done nothing but piss down on this entire thing. Y’know, when Brookford mentioned it, maybe it was me feeling like I needed to give back to those that I see as my type. People who fight tooth and nail, but for whatever reason never get their fair shake. Fuck, I spent years looked at and over looked because another shiny toy shows up. Bust my ass night in and night out. Barn burners not just across this country, not just across this continent, but across the god damn world, only for people like Seth Iser to step in and take what I deserved. So I give you two the chance. And nothing.

Duke paused as he shook his head. He was speaking from the depths of his heart. He had always been overlooked until he shed everything that had held him down and went after what he wanted with more passion than he had ever shown in this business. If you could turn something to eleven, that would be the last twelve months of Dukes career.

Duke Andrews: 
And I don’t know if I should commend you for sticking to your word, or call you the biggest fucking moron this business has seen. And that’s a tough list to crack. CCJ might still hold that spot. You are giving up a guaranteed title chance, because you feel like your morals are worth more?”

Duke finally smirked. His lips curled up as he shook his head.

Duke Andrews:
Of all the people in this match, you should be the most aware of what is going to happen. May 15th should be playing on loop in your head. I mean, it was when you laid it out for the world to hear. You are not on my level.

A simple click is heard, followed by a little static.

“As much as I respect you Duke. As much as I know, win or lose, this will be the most entertaining match I have had all year… there can only be one winner. There is a lot at stake, moreso for me than you. You beat Seth. You can lay claim to the World Championship any time you want. Me? I haven’t had that one signature win that etches my name in the World Title discussion. That’s where you come in. You’ve main evented pay per views. Your stock is higher. I need this more than you. That simple. Tonight… I am prepared to do whatever it takes to finally become a top contender. No one can tell me otherwise if I put you down. Nothing personal of course.”

Click.

Duke Andrews:
And that’s the difference between us. You live in the what ifs and could have beens. I live in the facts and what we all know and can see. You’re right. There is a difference between us. I beat Seth. Not once, but twice. I beat Melissa Reeves. I beat Gloria. And I beat you. When the chance for you to enter the main event player scene fell into your lap. You pulled a Joey Edwards and pissed down your leg. You had your chance. You blew it. So your claim of having to wrestle three death matches in one night, while impressive, doesn’t mean shit. So congrats big guy. You’ve wasted your opportunity to steal what is mine. You have wasted your one chance at becoming thee guy and now you’ll have to start back at the bottom. Because tonight, we know it means jack shit in the grand scheme. It’s to get some ten year old to chant your name when you do a cool move. Win or lose, it holds nothing compared to Christmas night. I’ll see you three later.

Scene fade.

We open backstage where we find “The Woman Scorned” Kimberly Williams seated atop her trusty Dalek. The deranged ginger has a wicked grin on her face and is sporting her knife glove sweetly named Betty White.

Kimberly Williams:
Y’know, when you wrestle all over the world you notice some interesting things and meet some interesting people. I get to compete everywhere because I wrestle for more than one promotion. And during my experience I just have one question…

Dalek:
WILL GRACE VAN BEEK MARRY ME?!

Kimberly Williams:
That’s not the question you stupid genocidal tin can. And you should forget about it. I think she’s more into Cybermen. Anyway, the question I’ve had after my years of experience is this…what’s the deal with so many Valentines? Seriously. I work with two Valentines in another promotion. Right here in MWE I defeated Atti Valentine to become Chicago Way champion. And now yet another Valentine rears his head. This particular Valentine is upset with the quality of competition. Well tonight is your lucky day, buddy, because I’m gonna butcher you, maim you, and gut you like a fish!

Kimberly menacingly flashes her knife glove.

Dalek:
INCORRECT! THIS MATCH IS NOT NO DISQUALIFICATION!

Williams rolls her eyes.

Kimberly Williams:
Seriously? Do I look like the kind of person who gives a damn about what’s legal or illegal? Tonight, win or lose, I’m gonna fuck up yet another Valentine because that’s what I do best. All I want to know is this…

She smirks.

Kimberly Williams:
Evie!!! Can we still be friends even if I do accidentally kill your boy tonight?

The scene opens backstage. From left to right stands Glory Braddock, Sophie O’Brian, Neil Newman and Kyle Butler... the Glorious Golden Era.

Glory Braddock
When I founded the Glorious Golden Era, I did so with a purpose. I founded this group of athletes with a vision of what wrestling should be and fighting for that vision. Sophie and Neil have lived up to that vision by bringing honor and respect back to the tag team championship. Kyle lived up to that vision by winning and continually defending the Lockdown championship. And even in defeat I still lived up to the vision by competing for an hour against Duke Andrews, giving the wrestling world a vision of what wrestling is all about. And so help me god, I will eventually be champion again alongside my Glorious Golden Era comrades.

She shakes her head.

Glory Braddock
But that’s later. Tonight we are united in action and in my case I have the distinct honor of working with our tag team champions against Tiff, Megs, and their personal bitch Clyde Sutter.

Sophie O’Brian
Clyde Sutter. You have always held a grudge against Glory and myself, claiming that somehow we have tried to hold you back. The honest truth is that you have sabotaged yourself. You may be a champion in MWE and you may talk tough but look at yourself. You are at Page’s beck and call. You protect her. You do her bidding. And for what? Just an extra paycheck out of her pocket. That illustrates just exactly why we kicked your ass out of the wrestling school. We didn’t see the heart and soul of wrestling inside you and, quite honestly, we still don’t see it. So go. Bend the knee to Page and Megs. But tonight all three of you fall because your cause is pathetic and worthless. Ours is golden.

Neil nods.

Neil Newman:
Sutter. Here’s the simple truth, you are a man without honor. A complete psychopath if there ever was one. A maniac like you doesn’t deserve to say you were trained at the Braddock Wrestling School. Stop with this sob story about being held back. Doesn’t suit you. Congrats, I suppose. You’re a champion. In name only. A champion nonetheless. No one is ever gonna respect you as long as you are taking orders from Tiffany Page. Ms Page, a woman who loves surrounding herself with contingency plans. First you Clyde, then Megan. There isn’t enough insurance to protect her from the inevitable. Honor and respect will always trump what you three bring to the table.

Kyle smiles after listening to all three of his stablemates say their peace. When he looks into the camera he has a very noticeable scowl.

Kyle Butler:
Matt Stone. You keep insisting that I thank you for making your presence felt in my match with Bree. Ok... fine... I’ll thank you. Thank you for letting me know what type of friend I have.

To be part of the Glorious Golden Era you need to embrace a winning mindset, even in defeat. What I saw Bree say to you on Riot sickened me. She had the nerve to say if it wasn’t for YOU she would have taken what I have worked too damn hard for..

Kyle taps the Lockdown Championship.

Kyle Butler:
Sorry Bree, I disagree with your assessment. What is one the first things they teach you in wrestling school? Never. Take. Your. Eyes. Off. Your. Opponent. Is it my fault Matt Stone lives rent free inside your head? No. Is it Matt’s fault you took your eye off the ball? No. Winners don’t blame other people for their failure. Perhaps that’s why you haven’t won a singles championship in MWE... friend.

Kyle uses his hands to form air quotes as he said the word friend.

Kyle Butler:
Sad searched for an excuse. It can’t be your fault? On top of that, you demanded Matt give you a championship match. Wrestling doesn’t work like that. Another Glorious Golden Era tenant is we earn our title shots. I didn’t want to say it before, you didn’t earn the right to challenge me to begin with. I don’t complain about that type of thing. I will face whoever management places in front of me. Which brings me to tonight...

I’ll be your partner against whoever is unlucky enough to team with Matt Stone. I will be a professional. After tonight. If we are gonna repair this friendship we need to have a serious talk. It’s ok if we don’t. The only friends I need are standing beside me right now.

Kyle points to Neil, Sophie and Glory.

Kyle Butler:
And of course my wife and her best friend, Summer. Lets try to be on the same page long enough to get the job done. That’s all I care about.”

The camera cuts to General Manager Elsa McCarthy’s office now, but as the camera pans across we can quite clearly see that it is anyone but the GM sitting in her fine leather chair. Nine van der Hoek, the leader of the Cult of Nine is nonchalantly slouched in the chair, twirling a letter opener between her fingers. Having clearly let herself in, Nine sits in silence, waiting for Elsa’s presence.

The General Manager enters the room a few moments later, lost in her thoughts. Not even realizing that Nine had sneaked in, she heads straight to her desk. It’s not until she’s literally one step away from the chair that she realizes that someone else is sitting in it.

Elsa McCarthy:
What the…

She asks startled, staring down at the Frisian Demon. The fact that Nine is holding a letter opener in her hand surely doesn’t help calm Elsa’s nerves.

Elsa McCarthy:
What are you doing here? Who let you in?

Nine affords herself a slight smile, pointing the letter opener at the chair on the other side of the desk.

Nine van der Hoek:
I heard you wanted to speak with me, and I don’t keep appointments. As for how I got in here, that’s the least of your concerns - I am everywhere.

Elsa is visibly unsettled by this whole situation. Not upset that Nine is sitting in her place, not embarrassed by having to sit on the place the Dutch wrestler should be but simply shaken that she’s finding herself, quite literally, at the sharp end of the knife. Trying to mask her emotions, she sits down and plays it cool.

Elsa McCarthy:
I did, yes. I think it’s time to address these… Masked people that follow you and interfere on your behalf. After On The Rise, you were forbidden to attack or even get close to Luna and you found a way around it. More power to you…

Assuming a serious expression, she looks straight into the Dutch’s eyes.

Elsa McCarthy:
I need you to stop that.

Nine van der Hoek:
Stop, you say…

Her smile quickly grows into a smirk, her demeanor shifting slightly, shifting forward in her chair now.

Nine van der Hoek:
Pray tell, General Manager, why in the world would I stop?

Elsa looks back at Nine, pondering what her answer should be. Sure, she’s the GM and can always threaten to punish her in some way but that might backfire, in the end. Instead, she opts to go a different route.

Elsa McCarthy:
Because I believe that, as much as you’re probably enjoying tormenting her like you’re doing, this is just a means to an end. A little over a month ago, you were looking to get your revenge on Luna, but to do that, you had to go through her bodyguard first.

She chuckles lightly.

Elsa McCarthy:
I remember it because I booked that match, and added the stipulation Luna suggested that if you had lost, you’d have to stay away from her. Which is exactly what happened.

Feeling more confident now, Elsa continues.

Elsa McCarthy:
I’m willing to change that, and give you the match you want at Below Zero. But you have to keep your minions away from her.

Throughout Elsa’s speech Nine’s face steadily begins to drop until she, like McCarthy before her, wears a stern expression.

Nine van der Hoek:
That must have taken a lot of bravery, Elsa. I’m proud of you. Minion is a dirty word, though, it seems to suggest that I point and they do. That isn’t the case. We are a group of individuals who share a collective goal. We simply work to that end. The wheel is turning, Elsa, the fire burns and it continues to spread. I am one woman. How do you expect me to just…stop them? I did say I am everywhere, but in truth I should have said…we are everywhere.

The smile returns to her face as she lifts her eyes just past the camera, pointing at the individual holding the camera. Seeing that the cameraman is wearing one of those masks causes Elsa to almost fall off her chair. Quickly regaining her composure, she turns her attention back to Nine. It looks like she’s about to say something, but she chokes on those words. All of a sudden Nine van der Hoek slams the sharp end of the letter opener into the table, instantly regaining Elsa’s attention.

Nine van der Hoek:
However, I’m sure all in the Cult of Nine will respect my desire to finally get Luna Smith alone. So in turn, they’ll respect your authority, Elsa…my one condition is this; you give her to me in a cage. Four walls, a ceiling, no doors, no escape. No pinfalls, only submission. I am going to break her down or rip her apart, at Below Zero it’ll be her choice. Before then, she won’t be touched. Do we have a deal?

Elsa takes a moment to consider her options, though it doesn’t seem like she really has any. Her mind goes back to one week ago when it was Luna who was in her office making demands, specifically to fire Nine. Surely the irony isn’t lost to her, seeing how things turned.

Elsa McCarthy:
Or after. Whether you beat her at Below Zero or lose, this thing between you two ends in that cage.

Nine leans back in the chair, then eventually nods.

Nine van der Hoek:
If she doesn’t succumb to the Cult of Nine in that cage, I’ll have no use for her either way. You have my word, it ends at Below Zero.

Pleased with the conversation, Nine van der Hoek stands, gripping the handle of the letter opener and pulling it out of the desk with a quick wrench, splintering the wood around it.

Nine van der Hoek:
I like this. I think I’ll keep it. Until next time, Elsa.

She smiles to herself as she moves past the near frozen GM, feeling the uneasiness emanating from her before the Frisian Demon slips out of the room without another sound.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page is in her wrestling gear just outside of her locker room. Megan Coleman is standing ominously to her right.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
People wanted to take me for granted. We have that goofy troll, Matt Stone, who is obviously obsessed with me despite him retaining his Intercontinental Championship against me back at On The Rise. Alan Envy felt that it was alright to interfere with my beating James Edwards’ ass a few weeks but when you have the World Heavyweight Champion in your corner he takes care of things for me. Thanks Duke.

Tiffany winks at the camera.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
But it is why I needed someone I can trust watching my back. So I called this bad ass to my right and finally convinced her to come to Chicago and sign with MWE. Now between Megan and Clyde Sutter watching my back I have the maximum force to take not only what I want but what we all want. Just look at what Clyde did several weeks ago when he destroyed seven other competitors in one night to become the MENTV Champion. Just look at this lady right here.

Megan is standing there with an evil look on her face and her arms crossed.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
All of you will want to posture and claim they can handle this lady but deep down all of you know that is pure bullshit! This lady right here grew up in the shadows of the Golden Dome and Touchdown Jesus at the University of Notre Dame. She witnessed the expectations and the lore of Notre Dame football. Megan grew up knowing what true excellence means. She took that excellence into the Octagon and has transitioned into a great start to a wrestling career. She was able to win championships in both Oath and Empire very early in her wrestling career. All while playing nice. Now the gloves are off because she sees how people in this business truly are. She is not only a bad ass but she can be a bitch when she wants to be. So good luck to anyone that gets in her way because you’ll need it.

Megan lets out a small smirk of approval to what Tiffany is saying.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
Tonight the Glorious Golden Era has the unfortunate task of stepping into the ring with my killers and I. That is good for me but bad for you. Clyde is obviously extra motivated to step into the ring with you, Glory. You’ll find out tonight that attempting to blackball him and thinking he is nothing more than my bitch is a very, very big mistake because he is so much more than being my hired gun. As far as Neil and Sophie, you two, have had the luxury of never having to step into the ring with me but now that you do, you have to step into the ring with this woman by my side. The golden age ends tonight and we will move on to righting wrongs that were done to us and make sure we are all champions.
Megan opens their locker room door. Tiffany walks in first and as Megan starts to walk through the door she gives the camera a dirty look. After she enters the locker room Megan slams the door behind her.

The scene switches over to show a female backstage interviewer walking through the locker room area when she stops in front of a locker room door that has the name of Joey Leclair written on it to which she then knocks.

Paisley Dawn:
Joey Leclair can I ask for a moment of your time please if you are in there?

The door opens up revealing Joey Leclair wearing sneakers, jeans, and is shirtless apparently he was in the process of getting dressed for his tag match later in the night.

Joey Leclair :
As you can see I was in the process of getting ready, but I still have time so go ahead, and shoot.

Joey says with a grin on his face.

Paisley Dawn:
On this previous episode of Riot? Brookford chased in his briefcase making a world championship match involving himself, you, Lowri Moss, amd the world champion Duke Andews, and tonight you are involved in a tag match involving the four of you so would you like to comment on Brookford’s actions, and your match tonight?

Joey lets a smirk cross across his lips briefly before answering.

Joey Leclair :
I listened to his comments, and was honestly flattered by his comments about me being some underdog with a feel good story who has the crowd being me following my journey, and he is right I have been I have been on one hell of a journey to get to this moment, this caliber of match up I have faced Brookford twice, The first time he beat me in dominating fashion, and then brutally attacked me after, and then the second time he beat me in a qualifying match to be able to win this briefcase he just cashed in so yes we have history, and I have a receipt to hand out, but not tonight, because tonight I will thank him by being the best damn tag partner he could ask for, and it will be no easy feat, because we are facing Lowri Moss who is pound for pound one of greatest in our business, and then we have Duke Andrews who is our world champion which says enough, but make no mistake I am not the same Joey that Brookford dominated as I have proved last week when i wrestled Lowri to a time limit draw, and I will continue to claw tooth, and nail improving constantly until I win the Millennium World Championship, and despite the odds? The Story remains the same! I will no slow down, and even if I stumble I will continue pushing forward, because I am a machine who’s drive and motivation exceeds your imagination, and my story will be heard… not tonight, but I will tell it at a more appropriate place.

Joey smiles, and pats the female interviewer on her right shoulder.

Joey Leclair :
Now if you will excuse me I must finish preparing for my match tonight.

Joey waves and shuts the door as the scene comes to an end.

We then see a view of the crowd letting out a loud cheer knowing they’re on camera before the lights start to dim and the beginning phases of ‘Unsainted’ start to play right away. The crowd here in the deep south is going to treat Seth fully negatively, strong boos for him as he walks through the curtain with a sneer on his face. He’s dressed smartly, as he often is, in that three piece suit of a black and blue variety, some nice dress shoes, and his hair slicked back with his beard looking in control and trimmed. And he pauses with that sneer etched on his face listening to the crowd.

The crowd welcomes him with more boos and he can’t help but point to his ear, egging the audience on to antagonise them just a little bit more before he pulls himself onto the apron and enters the ring. The ring announcer hands him the microphone before he even really asked for it, knowing where this is going and Iser just signals for the music to be cut.

Seth Iser:
We don’t have much time left until the big dance. Until Julian Savell…

The crowd boos the name and Seth just pauses for a moment letting the crowd let their frustrations out with that name come through but he turns to them with a little bit of crabbiness in his demeanor.

Seth Iser:
You people really don’t know what you want. You boo me, you boo Julian, you give mixed receptions to me half the time anymore. Pick a commitment and stick with it! Nobody likes anybody who wants to have their cake and eat it too. That behavior is almost as sickening as Gregg Williams putting up a bounty and tainting the superbowl of your stupid Saints! Though the only thing your team can catch anymore seems to be this god damn Coronavirus!

And that’s the point of no return as everyone starts delivering thunderous boos toward the veteran and the vulgar ‘Fuck you Iser’ chant rings loudly.

Seth Iser:
Yes yes…let that bile out now. I’m happily spoken for anyway. Some of you chant that horrid thing at me. Some of you are calling me an asshole. Some of you are just stating I suck. Seems like you people can’t make up your mind!

There’s a loud chorus of negativity heading toward the man who calls himself the Greatest Mind in the sport. Seth even turns his head and eyeballs a particular fan who is waving a sign that tells Iser to go back to japan.

Seth Iser:
Oh that’s funny. You can’t even capitalize japan. What a failure of this education system! And for the record, I’m not from Japan even if they do a significantly better job caring for their people then this damn country does! I might have wrestled there for a few years but that’s not where I was born! I’m from Morgantown, West Virginia! But why don’t you go home…actually learn how to type in Google properly…

Seth pauses for a moment with a twitch in his eye, the fans are booing him yet again but Seth just shakes his head and keeps going.

Seth Iser:
And do something it seems like hardly anybody ever wants to do…sober up, quit drinking with your damn kids in an alcoholic cycle of stupidity, and then use whatever sober comprehension your rotting grey matter of a brain that our failed education system has left you to do the one thing it seems you really don’t want to…READ! For God’s sake…read some infomation properly and READ A FUCKING BOOK!

Again, boos are coming from the crowd as Seth is just tapping his foot in the center of the ring. The ‘Asshole’ chant is directed toward the man which is kind of retro but Seth just gestures at his own wrist.

Seth Iser:
You know what…at least the English fans can sing a witty rhyme with their chants. You just type in vulgarities like some idiot who discovered the word shit for the first time and spam it repeatedly…and stick all of those insults straight up your asses! I’m not impressed!

Yet again the audience doesn’t seem receptive toward Iser who just seems to be in a rare mood tonight as they inform him that he sucks and that just gets an eye roll from the veteran.

Seth Iser:
Are you done?

The crowd boos again before they decide to break into a ‘Lowri’ chant for the woman who captured the FGA World Title and his coworker both there and here and he just shakes his head toward the audience.

Seth Iser:
She’s wrestling later tonight. She has nothing to do with the business at hand. And as much fun as it is to indulge and pop the bubbles of what you people want…and as much as I’m going to take the time I need…I think the wrestlers back there want to actually wrestle so the sooner you mind your tone…the sooner the business can be taken care of. Now…

Iser clears his throat as the crowd again boos him, fervently and viciously.

Seth Iser:
Julian Savell. You’re in the building. I know you are. We have a little bit of business we need to take care of before I get paid to kick your ass all over Tacoma, Washington. So get out here now. And as much as I want the others to get paid to wrestle…I’ll wait here all night if I have to. Ask your sister how long I’m willing to wait it out for a show. Then I trapped her in the Dream Eater until she couldn’t take it anymore but…that’s another story for another day. You might have a similar fate but how that fate plays out…depends on how you answer this call.

That’s an obvious threat but he isn’t pacing the ring and he just gestures toward the ramp to come on down. A few seconds pass as nothing happens before Iser sneers and gives out one last warning.

Seth Iser:
The show won’t go on until you come out here, boy.

After about a minute of letting Seth wait some more, “Black Honey” by Thrice blares over the PA system and out walks Julian Savell, his hair in a ponytail and he’s wearing a suit and tie, while having a smug look on his face. Julian chooses to stay at the top of the entrance way as the fans rain down boos on the Villain.

Julian Savell:
For a man who’s apparently been sober for a million years, you sure are impatient, aren’t you? You would think that the son of a preacher would have some patience but no, you had to take the rebellious route, didn’t you? You ran away from your calling and instead of choosing the good Lord, you chose ecstasy and alcohol.”

The crowd collectively gasps but Savell continues on.

Julian Savell:
But that’s because you’re a coward. You run away from your problems and even your family. You act all high and mighty, like you’re better than me and everyone else but you’re still the sad, sorry sack of shit that you were almost two decades ago when you were a drug addict and alcoholic. You act like things have changed but you still have your vices. Like going on long winded diatribes that turn into a piss break for the audiences watching here and at home. And then putting your body on the line in that ring, just so you can feel something, anything! You’re fucking pathetic and I see right through you, old man.

Seth’s eyeballing Julian with a noticeable scowl on his face.

Seth Iser:
You sure you want to go down that road, boy?

There’s a hint of a warning in Iser’s voice as Julian is standing there completely defiant.

Seth Iser:
You speak a half truth, Julian. I didn’t entirely choose the drugs…I kind of chose something a little worse. It wasn’t just the alcohol or the ecstasy. It was called rebellion. It was…even called trying to feel something. That’s the half truth right there. Then when my parents died…drugs took over my life as I was trying to find my place. It’s the labors of addiction. I knew one thing though…religion wasn’t for me. I couldn’t get behind how this ‘all knowing’ being was such a vindictive asshole…spouting half truths at best and total hypocrisy along with the lies at it’s worse. Religion wasn’t for me. Even if it killed me…I had to find something else.

Seth pauses for a moment as his face lightens up for a moment.

Seth Iser:
Then, much like you have done a lot in your life…I went on a little bender and found a pretty woman in a bar. And brother…she changed my life forever. The price was huge. But in finding out what that price was…I found my place. It was one part wrestling…but a much bigger part family. And I sure as hell didn’t run from that. My place is being a father. But I was still hooked on the drugs, Julian. It was literally do or die. I was on literal Wrestling Dead Pools. You might be too young to figure out what that is but…there is a sick game when the drug culture in our industry was at our worst wagering who’d die next. And I was a popular pick…

He frowns for a moment before continuing.

Seth Iser:
But knowing I didn’t want my kid to go through losing BOTH of her parents due to this demon…I got one part tough and admittedly one part lucky. By the grace of whatever Deity you want if you want to put it spiritually…but I got clean. I earned my second chance…and sixteen years later…I’m still sober. That’s the damn truth. THAT is for life…and THAT is a part of my past no matter how much it hurts…I haven’t run away from. That’s PART of who I am. But do you really want me to bring your skeletons to the closet, boy? Since you had a fun time…dragging out mine.

Julian places his head down onto his hands that are together, acting like a pillow as he pretends to snore.

Julian Savell:
Blah, blah, fucking blah! Shut up, you dumb old bitch. I didn’t come out here for you to ramble on about your life story. And my closet? What will you bring up? All the hookers I paid to abort those babies I never wanted? So what?

Julian laughs and rolls his eyes.

Julian Savell:
The difference between you and I is that I don’t run from who I am. And I don’t care what you have to say. So go ahead, give me your best shot, you dumb piece of shit.

You hear Iser take a deep breath before his face morphs into something darker, his eyes almost evil and murderous in intent but his tone calm.

Seth Iser:
If you insist...Nelson.

There’s a pause as he lets that sink in and Julian’s demeanor is far more guarded.

Seth Iser:
Yes, Julian Nelson…you got into the wrestling business and changed your name legally from that to Savell. You spent a lot of time in the beginning of your career in a similar boat to me. You were higher than a goddamn kite. Might have even gotten fired from a job or two yourself because of that. Hell, you were on some of those same dead pools I once was! But it kind of brings a little different meaning to everything…so let’s illuminate the mystery as to why you changed your name.

The crowd lets out their own gasp as Seth is now laying it in as he takes a step toward Julian, sneering in full effect.

Seth Iser:
You changed your name…to not have ties to a billionaire father. You accused me of running? Me? Boy, you’ve been running every day of your life since before you even got INTO this industry! You ran from him when you snorted every line of coke. Ran scared every time you took a sip of alcohol! Ran in a craven manner everytime you bedded one of those women and REFUSED to take responsibility by flashing the cash. And when you couldn’t get out by cashing in…your craven ass ran. But what were you running from exactly? We know who…but what?

He sneers with some animosity protruding in his voice, a vein starting to pop into Iser’s head.

Seth Iser:
Did you not get enough as a child while your Dad was making his money? Were there promises not kept on one end or another? Hell…let’s ask the fucking question…did you never get his approval before he became worm food?

A huge gasp from the crowd as Seth palms the microphone as his voice is picking up in intensity.

Seth Iser:
But now we know why you deflect your anger toward me. I’m what you can’t be in EVERY way. You have one opportunity to prove me wrong…why the hell did you run away from who you actually are in an industry where it’ll all come to light in the end? GIVE US THE DAMN TRUTH JULIAN NELSON! For once in YOUR god-damned life…time for YOU to BE A FUCKING MAN!

Yelling from Iser at the end there is a bit of a rarity as he’s taken a couple of breaths from tapping into something he hasn’t in quite sometime. His eyes are stern but his hair is now looking wild as he’s leaning forward all the while mouthing the words ‘Be a man’ toward Julian.

Julian Savell:
You son of a bitch!

Savell starts to charge down the entrance ramp, his eyes are on fire as he stares down Iser. When Julian makes that charge, Seth starts to take off his suit jacket in case physicality were to happen. Right when Julian makes it to the ring he pauses before taking a deep breath. He paces around for a moment before shaking his head.

Julian Savell:
No, no, no. I won’t play into your fucking hand. I’ll wait until next week to end you. You fuck. I’ll fucking destroy you and then your daughter is going to be left with a vegetable for a dad. You’re dead. DEAD!

Savell slams his hand on the apron before he starts to slowly back away, keeping his eyes on Iser as he heads up the ramp. That just puts a glare to Seth’s face as he puts his suit jacket over his shoulder.

Seth Iser:
Run away again, Nelson. But you can’t escape the truth…and the truth is next week…what I’ll say shall come to pass. And I’m going to humble your sorry ass.

There is a spike of the microphone from Iser in the ring as Julian is still retreating, shouting vulgar phrases at Iser.

With the main even creeping up on us, this huge night of wrestling, the last stop before Below Zero was almost over. The Hives hit "Tick, Tick, Boom", Millennium's official theme song blasted out of the PA system, signaling the entrance of Elsa McCarthy. The young General Manager walked out escorted by none other than Ryen Riekert, the head of Grace van Beek's personal security and another man of the chosen handful that form the detail of the company's owner. Clearly the meeting with Nine and the suspect that members of her cult have possibly infiltrated in Millennium's security left her rattled.

Finally making it inside the ring, Elsa got handed a microphone from Aspen.

Elsa McCarthy: 
Quite an evenful night, right?

The statement was followed by a slightly nervous chuckle.

Elsa McCarthy:
The card for Below Zero is almost finalized, but there's still a couple of announcements I need to make. Christmas gifts, if you will.

She smiled to the camera.

Elsa McCarthy:
The first involves the Intercontinental champion Matt Stone and the Lockdown champion Kye Butler. Both of them will be defending thir title at Below Zero against Bree Smith...

Pause for dramatic effect.

Elsa McCarthy:
In a triple threat Golden Era rules match, where the winner will walk out with both titles!

The fans were obviously surprised by the announcement, and so was the commentary team. The news though, seemed to be positively received. Elsa waited for the fans to quiet down before continuing.

Elsa McCarthy:
The secon announcement is about the World championship. We all now that BROOKFORD cashed in his briefcase to enter the match, making it a four-way. But we decided to add a little twist to it, making it the first ever Snow Holds Barred match in the company's history. 

Another loud round of cheers followed her words. 

Elsa McCarthy:
Looks like you appreciate this little change. Well, I already took too much of your time. Enjoy the rest of the show, and see you all on Christmas.

Elsa left the ring, escorted by the security. No trace of the cultists, luckily.