Post by gvb on Oct 9, 2022 16:11:58 GMT -6
3x01 The Long And Winding Road
The Courtyard
October 6, 2022
7:30 PM
Reign Reyes walks into the courtyard of the Academy while slurping through the straw of a Shake Shack cup. From the shadows a hand reaches out and snatches her into an alcove, luckily there’s a camera there to capture the action.
The hand that snatched Reign belongs to her mother, Joey Reyes. Yes her name’s Joey, her father REALLY wanted a boy. Joey was a pioneer when it came to women breaking into the wrestling business. She fought her way into feds that were hesitant to take women and showed them how it was done by capturing their most sought after titles. The most important thing you need to know about Joey is that she won by whatever means necessary. The most important thing you need to know about Javier, Joey’s father and Reign’s grandfather, is that he believed in sportsmanship and fair play above all.
Back in the courtyard Reign stumbles at the sudden interaction with her mom, nearly spilling her shake as she comes face to face with the taller and ever beautiful, Joey.
Reign Reyes:
Mom? What the hell?! Don’t sneak up on me like that. You’re lucky I didn’t hit you.
Joey just deadpans in response, her brow arching as she looks down at her daughter.
Reign Reyes:
Right. I’m sure that wouldn’t have ended well for me. What are you doing here?
Joey reaches out and snatches the shake from Reign’s hand.
Joey Reyes:
First of all, what the hell is this?
Reign’s brow immediately furrows into a pout.
Reign Reyes:
It’s Shake Shack, give it back!
As Reign reaches for the shake Joey lifts it to her lips and takes a swig, then her face turns to disgust as she tosses the shake over her shoulder, sending the cup spilling to the pavement.
Joey Reyes:
You shouldn’t be drinking that shit, you’re in training. Don’t they teach you about nutrition here?!
Reign’s eyes are glued to the fallen cup.
Reign Reyes:
They teach us to clean up after ourselves which means I’ll have to clean that up thanks to you.
Joey’s hand reaches out, lifting her daughter’s chin so that they’re looking into each other’s eyes.
Joey Reyes:
This isn’t sleep away camp, Reign. You’re not here to make friends, or party, or stuff your face full of smores.
Reign goes to respond but Joey keeps talking.
Joey Reyes:
This match you have, it’s important. You need to win so you can move on to the Gold Star match and so you can show those coaches and your fellow students that you’re the one to beat. Triple Threat matches are chaotic and a lot can go wrong but if you’re smart…
She thrusts her finger against Reign’s forehead, making her daughter go momentarily cross eyed.
Joey Reyes:
...you can use the chaos to your advantage. Remember what we talked about. Pick your opportunities. Let the other two duke it out while you watch and wait for your spot. Be opportunistic. Work smart.
Joey smiles as she adjusts a stray hair that had fallen into Reign’s face.
Joey Reyes:
And if all else fails, remember the referee will be distracted keeping track of that many bodies. Use that to your advantage.
Reign swats her hand away, as a daughter is prone to do.
Reign Reyes:
These are my friends, mom. I’m not going to…
Joey’s index finger lurches out, smushing her daughter’s lips and immediately silencing her.
Joey Reyes:
Those are NOT your friends. You have no room for friends in that building. Yes, you and CJ grew up together for a time but until recently you hadn’t seen each other in years. And Ava Grimes? Ava is weak, Reign. Her brother got caught up in the ugly side of this business and she couldn’t stomach it. She turned into a puddle.
Reign’s expression becomes more and more angry with each word her mother speaks.
Joey Reyes:
Don’t attach yourself to that girl, Reign. She’ll only drag you down. I didn’t send you here to braid the other girls’ hair or have slumber parties in the dorms. I sent you here to continue the legacy that I started.
Reign Reyes:
Don’t you mean the legacy that Grandpa started?
Joey sighs and cracks her neck, exhaling deeply and taking a moment to collect herself.
Joey Reyes:
Your grandfather worked his ass off for me to have the opportunities I had. Week after week, card after card, he got his shoulders pinned to the mat while some flavor of the month used him as a stepladder. I broke that mold, Reign. I gave you even more opportunity by doing the things that I did. By WINNING instead of losing in the name of honor or pride. Don’t set this family back by trying to follow his way. You win that match by whatever means necessary, do you understand me?
Reign looks down, clearly upset by the conversation but once more Joey lifts her daughter’s chin.
Joey Reyes:
Do you understand me?!
Reign nods while staring daggers through her mother.
Reign Reyes:
I’ll win but I won’t do it for you or for this family. I’ll do it for me. I won’t coast through the match looking for an opportunity like you want me to. I’ll go out there and set that ring on fire and hopefully CJ and Ava will do the same. Because they ARE my friends, Mom. I want them to succeed, just not at my expense. And if Ava’s a little delicate, so what? I’ll watch her back.
Joey scoffs.
Joey Reyes:
Reign, you can’t be responsible for her. You can’t…
This time it’s Reign who raises her voice.
Reign Reyes:
I came here to forge my own path, not to live in your shadow and do things your way. So don’t tell me what I can’t do. You have no idea what I’m capable of when I really put my mind to something. Hell…
Reign scoffs.
Reign Reyes:
I got that from you.
Reign turns away and heads towards the Academy.
Reign Reyes:
Now if you’ll excuse me I have a shake to clean up and a match to prepare for.
As Joey watches her daughter disappear into the building a small smiles curls at the corners of her mouth, and the scene slowly fades out.
The Principal’s Office.
Thursday, October 6th, 2022
9:30 AM
You could see the excitement on the face of the students as the camera traveled through the corridors of the Academy. Some of them were gathering right outside the door of Gian’s office, trying to listen to what was being discussed inside. It was the most important day for the students, the eve of their debut, the day when the teams were made. For the past few days they’ve been training hard, trying to impress the team leaders hoping to be selected as the first pick. And now, it was time to find out if their efforts paid off.
Cutting inside the room we found Gianluigi Vaccaro sitting behind his desk. In front of him were the three team leaders, three of the most decorated and respected women in the business. From left to right we found Lady Magdalene, Helena Noir and the newest addition, Kayla Jones.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Good morning ladies, and good evening to everyone who will watch this on Friday night.
The principal said, flashing a smile at the camera. His attention soon moved back to the three team leaders, sitting in front of him.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Before we get started, I wanted to share an update about one of our students. We started the year with fourteen of them, and I promised you that the last one of them would have been here today, just in time for the draft and right before our debut show. Unfortunately, I couldn’t keep my word. Bureaucracy can be a real pain sometimes, and despite my best efforts, I find myself still sorting my way through all the paperworks.
He pointed at a pile of documents sitting next to him. Some of them seemed to be written in cyrillic, or Greek maybe. Hard to tell from the camera angle.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
But we’re almost there. Arina will be here on Monday which, unfortunately, makes her not eligible for this draft.
He glanced at each and everyone of the team leaders, looking for a silent confirmation from them.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
So, without further ado, let’s get this underway. We’ll start with Kayla, then move on with Helena and finally Lady. Unless you already reached an agreement between the three of you, in which case, I’ll gladly oblige.
Lady Magdalena, standing there in an elegant, flowing blue gown, took a single step forward. She was fanning herself with a peacock inspired fan, and the Frenchwoman’s eyes cast to her fellow team leaders, both of which she had been very familiar with over the years.
Lady Magdalena:
This is the set agreement the three of us have come to. Over the past two years, I have had the honour of making the first pick. I have also been blessed with training, guiding and nurturing the eventual Valedictorian of each of our past two classes. Firstly, with Faith Savell who was my second round pick for the Class of 2021. And I followed this for the Class of 2022 with Addison McKinley, who was my third round pick.
This much was true on both counts, and the Black Swan seemed awfully proud of both her past selections, and her hand in helping these two in particular flourish in the Academy, though some of her tactics had been controversial to say the least.
Lady Magdalena:
Even with the third choice of the round, I still feel that I will not only acquire someone of fantastic potential, but my entire team will be cut from the same cloth. I wish you both good fortune with your own selections. Helena, Kayla… No pressure.
Lady side glanced the pair, as the flame haired Kayla took a step forward
Kayla Jones:
I admit that I don’t have a ton of experience strictly as a trainer, but one of my first students recently made her professional debut. Fiona Logan. I look forward to adding more names, hopefully. I am a Jones, I am fiercely competitive, and I hope that not only can I add to my resume but also pass on my knowledge to some lucky students. I’m sure they all Need More Kayla.
She winks.
Kayla Jones
With that, I will choose Reign Reyes as my first pick.
Helena Noir:
Interesting pick. Reigns comes with a reputation and big shoes to fill, and I admit I’m excited to see if she can live up to her name and, at the same time, step out of her mother’s shadow.
Helena commented, her eyes glued on the little notebook she was holding in her hand.
Helena Noir:
But I had something different in mind for my first pick. I made a promise to their brother a few weeks ago that I would try to get them on my team. Sammy Grimes is my first choice. Even now that he’s still far from his best shape, I can see the talent just waiting to break out. Hopefully, I can help him with that. And with making better life and career choices than his older brother.
Lady looked over at Helena, nodding her head as she made her selection.
Lady Magdalena:
I understand your mindset with that selection, Helena. And with that in mind, for my first pick I will be selecting Ava Grimes.
Kayla noticed the drama that had just been caused, and the glare that was shot over by Helena to the Frenchwoman, who obviously had something up her sleeve. Jones then turned to the camera, not wasting any time as it seemed obvious the person she wanted to pick next was ready and available.
Kayla Jones:
With my next pick, I select a woman who Needs More Kayla, and Kayla needs her on her team. I select Missy Propaganda!
This time Helena didn’t comment on Kayla’s pick. She didn’t even look at her, perhaps still dwelling on Lady “stealing” Ava from her team. As time passed and Helena hadn’t make her choice yet, Gian urged her.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
I’m sure there’s another name that’s high on your list, Helena. I understand you may have wanted both the siblings under your guidance but…
Helena Noir:
I did, but I also have what’s best for them at heart. And perhaps, being on different teams could help their growth. Besides…
She glanced once again at Lady, but with a different expression than earlier. A smile, barely hinted and maybe forced, but it was there.
Helena Noir:
Lady Magdalena already proved herself to be a great coach in these past two years. I’m sure Gavin will be happy that his sister will learn from her.
After a brief pause, Helena continued.
Helena Noir:
No, my hesitation, for which I apologize, was about my next pick. I’m not sure what her agenda is, but I know that I want Saoirse on my team.
Lady had such a smile on her face, watching Helena’s disappointment initially, and then make what looked to be on paper a very sound decision with the selection of Saoirse.
Lady Magdalena:
A most excellent decision, based on raw talent and body art, Helena. I do so hope that the fact that she already has a Team Leader in Nine isn’t a hindrance.
Gian even raised an eyebrow at that barb, and Lady seemed to be reveling in it. She was cool and calm as she fanned herself, taking a breath as she made her next decision.
Lady Magdalena:
There is a young woman who has been rather quite on the social front. Keeping herself to herself, not interacting all too much. But the skills that she has shown in this first week greatly appeal to me, and I feel I can be of sound guidance to her. For this reason, I select Dakota.
It was now Kayla’s turn to shoot a stare at Lady, her fist clearly clenching as the Black Swan proudly made her second pick. Had she just pissed off a second one of them in a row? Gian was watching on with interest, as Kayla took a breath and made her second choice.
Kayla Jones:
With that… I will make my third pick. A Californian woman who will stand up for herself, and shares some traits with myself. Kayla needs Adrianna Garcia.
Helena Noir:
Scott Martell.
The former Liberty Pro champion said with no hesitation, making up for the time she “wasted” on her second pick.
Helena Noir:
This kid has all the tools to become great, and he seems to know it. In these cases, it’s easy to get lost, just see what happened last year with Bey. I learned from my mistakes, I won’t let Scott throw his career away like she did.
Helena looked at Lady, almost daring her to make another one of her barbed remarks. The Fair Lady merely looked on, fanning herself as she shared a glance with her fellow Team Leader.
Lady Magdalena:
Comparing the boy to the Academy’s biggest failure isn’t a good start, darling.
Gian almost stepped in at this point, but Lady was quick to dive right in with her choice before she got a response.
Lady Magdalena:
I select Marina Marston. I see style, I see grace, I see a woman ready to learn. I hope to help her with that, without her losing what brought her to the dance in the first place.
Kayla Jones was up next, exchanging glances with the two of them, and clearly it was getting a little heated during the selection process.
Kayla Jones:
If anyone knows how to be a star from this trio, it’s me. And for that, I pick a wrestling star in the making. The Rizz! Already a star on social media, he’s going to take my team to the next level.
Helena Noir:
Careful, Kayla. She’s going to remind you what happened to the last social media star that walked through these doors.
Gian let out an audible sigh, shaking his head.
Helena Noir:
I’m selecting Clementine Smith next. She already showed impressive athleticism in this first week, it’s definitely something I can work on.
Lady continued to fan herself, looking over at the pair with a smirk on her face. The two were half expecting a comment from the former HKW Global Champion, but she held a hand to her heart, much more sincere in her response.
Lady Magdalena:
My next selection is someone I did not believe would be available at this stage. Maybe it is because they have already been trained at a young age by another. But that another is none other than Kelly Fury, a woman I have long respected from afar. I hope to help this young man, like I did his cousin. I choose CJ Night.
It was Kayla’s choice now, and before any other comments could be made, she selected.
Kayla Jones:
My team is going to be magic. And to finish off, I will be adding the magician himself, Kyle Ashton!
Gianluigi nodded, writing down Kyle’s name under the Team Jones column.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
And that’s it. Considering we agreed that Arina would be assigned to Team Strike, that leaves Jamie James with Helena.
Closing the book in front of him, the principal raised his eyes and looked at the three women on the other side of his desk.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
I couldn’t help but notice some… tension. While I agree that, in small doses, it can be a good thing considering that we are preparing the students to thrive in a competitive environment, at the same time I wouldn’t want to see this getting in the way of their growth. I trust you three to be the guide they need, you can now go and meet your teams.
Lady was the first to make a move, giving a wink to the three of them as she span in her gown.
Lady Magdalena:
You do not need to worry about this, Gian. I’d just like to thank Kayla and Helena for allowing me to pick the most perfectly balanced team. It’s ever so appreciated.
And with that, Lady marched on off, clapping her fan closed as she moved to gather her selections together. Helena and Kayla followed suit, leaving Gian alone in his office. He opened up his laptop, and before he turned off the camera, we could get a glimpse of the file he was working on.
Arina’s.
Triple Threat Match
Dakota VS The Rizz VS Saoirse Tyrell
WINNER: Saoirse Tyrell BY: Submission (Sharpshooter), 9:33 |
Triple Threat Match
Marina Marston VS Scott Martell VS Sammy Grimes
WINNER: Scott Martell BY: Pinfall (Scoop Powerslam), 10:08 |
Triple Threat Match
Reign Reyes VS CJ Night VS Ava Grimes
WINNER: Reign Reyes BY: Pinfall (Roll-Up), 12:38 |