Millennium CXI

Nine van der Hoek stands up after putting away Darcy Graves, her Cultists beginning to surround the ring in a blink of an eye, E.M.P leading them at ringside before she herself climbs into the ring. She hands Nine a microphone and looking down at Darcy, the Leader begins to speak.

Nine van der Hoek:
How many more poor souls must be fed to me? To us?

She turns slightly, motioning to the cultists of the Band of Nine.

Nine van der Hoek:
Time and time again they are placed before me, and time and time again they fall. We all know who’s next. We all know the next time to fall at my feet, and this…is for you, Tiana. I hope you’re watching, another will bear the mark so that you may know your fate.

Nine drops the microphone, motioning for something from E.M.P, who promptly pulls out the ceremonial blade. Unsheathing it, she places the handle in Nine’s waiting hand, quickly moving to grab a stirring Darcy, dragging her towards Nine. The Leader twirls the knife in her hand as she slowly lowers herself to a kneel, a sly smirk beginning to grow on the Dutchwoman’s face. As she reaches for Graves’ arm, a cultist suddenly slides into the ring. There is a moment of confusion and eventually Nine orders E.M.P over to the rogue cultist who delivers a familiar chin shattering european uppercut that sends Nine’s trusty second in command reeling, falling out of the ring. Nine stands, equal parts confused and angry, but is sent stumbling to her backside out of shock as the man takes off his hood to reveal his face…

…it’s Alessio van Duren! Nine’s trainer stares down at his former student, slowly stepping towards her, the Cultists surrounding the ring seemingly afraid of his presence, backing away from the ring slightly. This affords Darcy an opportunity to slip out of the ring and escape as Alessio picks up a microphone.

Alessio van Duren:
Is this what it has come to, Catharina?

His chiseled jaw tenses in anger as he speaks, and it is almost impossible to believe such evil has spawned from his teachings. AVD shakes his head in frustration as he continues.

Alessio van Duren:
You’ve grown into something more than evil. You are a disease. Spreading your evil to whoever is vulnerable enough to let your words infect them. I stayed away, I had to stay away - I couldn’t come to terms that I had played even the slightest part in unleashing you on this business, the business that I loved, the business that I was forced to walk away from because of my neck.

E.M.P has recovered on the outside by now, but even she is refusing to enter the ring, holding her chin as she instructs the Cultists to slowly back away. Finally, Nine is seemingly all but alone.

Alessio van Duren:
But you see, my dear student. Time heals all wounds, or so they say? And my neck? Well, it seems fine, one last time. So you’re not getting Tiana. You’re not marking anyone else. At the Five Year Anniversary show you’ll be going up against ME.

The fans explode at that, and Nine angrily rises to her feet, her knuckles white as she grips her blade. In a never before seen display of emotions she begins to scream obscenities at Alessio, but the experienced veteran shakes his head, dismissing her.

Alessio van Duren:
NO! YOU DON’T GET TO SPEAK!!! I AM GOING TO FIX THE BIGGEST MISTAKE I’VE EVER MADE. YOU.

With that Alessio throws the microphone at Nine who explodes forward in a rage only to be met by another european uppercut! The Leader hits the canvas hard, the blade flying out of her hand and falling at Alessio’s feet as Nine rolls out of the ring in self preservation. E.M.P and the Cultists quickly come to her aid, ushering her away as Nine van der Hoek continues to scream at her teacher, tears of rage streaming down her face - the veil of mystique around Nine snatched away in an instant by Alessio van Duren. The Problem leans down, picking up the ceremonial blade, watching on with it in his hand as the Band of Nine disappear behind the curtain.

KENZIE GARRETT:
For nearly four months now... I've been holding the MWE Intercontinental Championship.

The camera reveals The Soulknife, her dark hair secured into a high French ponytail. Her ring gear is form-fitting and black, PVC style pants with slices out at the knees and thighs, a ribbed tank and her combover style dark hair had a few braids woven throughout with crimson wire weaved within. Knee-high black boots with a slight lift and red laces complete the monochromatic garb.

KENZIE GARRETT:
This is off the back of three years of clawing. Three years of proving everyone wrong. "Oh, Kenz? She's the Ultraviolent girl. She's the Hardcore wrestler. She's Chicago Way material, that's her peak. She's the stunt show to hide the fact that she can't wrestle." Nobody bet on me. I bet EVERYTHING on me. And look what that's earned me.

Her fist raps on the title belt planted over her shoulder.

KENZIE GARRETT:
You can't turn on Splat without seeing my face plastered everywhere. I did that. You can't call me subpar now. I'm holding the WRESTLER's championship. I am the living embodiment of what happens when you stop giving a fuck about pleasing anyone but yourself, what kind of good things come of that. And now... I'm here in Columbus, in a champion's showcase. Valkyrie and Garrett...

A hand waves, fingers cupped, displaying an imaginary marquee in front of her gaze.

KENZIE GARRETT:
Against W... Wanker...

She corpses. Her teeth flashing as she gives a slight chuckle, clearing her throat.

KENZIE GARRETT:
and Tiana Petrova-Hammond. Ti, how unfortunate of a fate you've encountered.

She showcases her title with a sinister smile, tilting her head to glance down at the golden plate.

KENZIE GARRETT:
I'm never going to discount the discipline and dedication that it took for you to become a fighter. However, we're not the same. We're different beasts and you've never been in there with someone like me before in the state I'm in right now. That's on YOU. You're a fighter based in rounds and points, pretty packages and immaculate form... I'm a reckless monster, ready and willing to tear you apart. That's just a day at the office for me. It's a day that ends in a "Y." There's nothing pretty about what I do. I was built on survival mode and necessity... and look what it's brought to me. Gold, EVERYWHERE I've ever been. Accomplishment. Accolades. I've gone from being a joke... to being undeniable. The people that used to make fun of me? They are the ones looking up at me from the pedestal I've built, brick by motherfucking brick!

She clutches the strap of her title so tightly, her knuckles are turning a milky white.

KENZIE GARRETT:
You got the better of me in Atlantic City. I can admit that. I underestimated you at Millennium CX. I saw the shy little girl that looked like a fucking doe in the headlights. I saw someone that's easy to overlook. That won't happen again. You don't GET to kick my lights out again! You laid a trap, but you didn't lay it when it counted most, and you should've killed me when you had the chance. We're going to meet for my title, and tonight's a preview of the miserable ending I'm going to give you when that day comes. Tonight, me and Val? Valkenzie? We're going to leave you and Wanker as the pretender contenders that you know deep down, you both are. Midnight's coming, bitch... and I'm going to end your fairy tale and make sure that tonight, and in our upcoming Intercontinental title bout, that you leave the same way you walked in: an empty-handed dreamer.

She glared daggers. It had taken too long to climb to the top to let it falter away. Kenzie's steely gaze only matched by the single middle finger directed right at the camera, and presumably Tiana, as we fade to the ring.

Previously Recorded
“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page is sitting in the living room of the home she and Duke Andrews share. Tiffany is FaceTiming with her sister Danielle.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
Don’t worry about anything, Danielle.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:
How can I not worry? Clyde has mentioned multiple times in the last month that my time will come eventually.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
Clyde has goals like we all do. Continue to pay him well and don’t cross him or his girlfriend then you’ll be good.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:
You think?

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
I know so.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:
You’re right, Tiff.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
I know I am. You focus on getting the GCW World Title in a few weeks and enjoy your Thanksgiving.

“Danielle Page” Danielle Page:
You too, sis. Love you.

Tiffany smiles and hangs up her phone. She sets her phone down on her lap.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
Despite not having a match on Millenium this week I am glad Duke and I get to spend the holiday week at home together. But since I lost to Andrew last week I reevaluated things. What exactly do I want going into the new year? Of course I want to see Karen lose the Lockdown title even if it is not to me because Karen can run from a challenge like no other. She could actually give Bree her rematch. I am just saying. Regardless of all that I definitely want Karen in a match for all the bullshit she causes and to shut her up once and for all. Maybe we can do it in a cage match. That would be really good.

Tiffany devilishly smiles.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
Other than finally ridding MWE of that cougar troll I definitely want some MWE gold back around my waist. We all know that Duke is going to win back his MWE World Heavyweight Championship so I have my eyes on both the Intercontinental Championship and the Jr. Heavyweight Championship. Rest assured I will win one of those championships if not both because I get whatever I want whenever I want.

Tiffany sits back in the chair she is sitting in.

Millennium returns from commercial break. Standing in the ring is Pierce Manning. Contrary to his normal presentation, he is wearing blue jeans, black sneakers, and a plain white t-shirt. Going with a casual look over his normal “I am dressed like I am headed to the board room” attire. The fans of Columbus don’t give him a warm welcome. He is able to block out their hate.

Pierce Manning:
Typical. I decided to bare my soul. Of course I’m mocked for it. What else is new? Duke’s little childish remarks on Twitter didn’t go unnoticed. Along with the rest of you who blew up my mentions. Well, I am not going to apologize for anything I said. So whatever.

Pierce sighs. He goes to speak again. The Columbus crowd begins a “Who’s Your Daddy” chant. This forces Pierce to roll his eyes. He allows the crowd to get the chant out of their system before continuing.

Pierce Manning:
Real cute. I’m not surprised. This is an inbred town anyway. All you losers should be asking yourselves who your daddy is. I bet most of you didn’t grow up with one. I didn’t come out here to talk to any of you.

Pierce turns his attention to the entrance way.

Pierce Manning:
Seth, I know you’re back there. Come out here. Now! You and me, we have a lot to discuss.

There isn’t any real fanfare this time as Iser ends up walking through the curtain with purpose. He too, unlike his normal suit attire, is in a more casual look. The WVU short sleeve t-shirt and black jeans with the black sneakers of his own. The face on him isn’t giving anything away entirely but he’s pulled himself into the ring with a microphone in hand but he’s not talking yet.

Pierce Manning:
The one thing I never got the chance to do fully is break away from my father. I always held out the hope that that cold, heartless, emotionless bastard would allow his heart to grow a few sizes too big. He is just like you. More practical than emotional. A bastard who loves to play games. Believes he is doing what is best for everyone involved. Always needs to be in control. Part of me was hoping when me and Megan stabbed you in the back, you would come after us with righteous vengeance. Show the world you actually have a heart. Of course not, every step along the way you treated this like one big game like the psychopath you are. Just like my father. I never got the chance to punch him in the face. He made me the man I am today... I do like a lot about myself. Part of me wonders if I would be even greater if that mans toxicity didn’t do a number on my soul.

Pierce closes his eyes. He takes a deep breath to collect himself as the crowd opts to give him a moment to settle himself. Reopening his eyes, he continues as he stares at Seth with a ton of vitriol.

Pierce Manning:
I never got the chance to completely divorce myself from him. At the 5 Year Anniversary show, I am going to leave you in the dust once and for all. Megan won’t even need to complete her quest to make you pay for what happened to Blyss. This is not about that anymore. This is about me, Seth. It’s about me breaking the chains. Leaving you behind. Showing you that the old way just doesn’t cut it anymore. I am going to emancipate myself from your ass forever, do you hear me... dad! We’re done! It’s over! You will get the hell out of my life! Understood?!

Iser just looks at Pierce with a stoic look for a moment but it looks like something is bubbling deep as his left hand is balled up in a fist.

Seth Iser:
Hurt people, hurt people, Pierce.

One sentence and it’s said in a low tone. Not a cold one either…as his face is reflective and his eyes shut remembering something.

Seth Iser:
And vengeance is weak. It isn’t gratifying in the end. All it does is just create another cycle. Whether it’s you, me…your father…or hell, my father.

Seth extends his left arm out, pointing toward a particular scar that runs down that part of his body and he makes sure Pierce takes a look at it.

Seth Iser:
My old man did that to me for ‘acting out’ for lack of a better term. I didn’t fit into his image of a perfectly religious son. Imagine that…and for years…I wanted nothing more than to get back at that son of a bitch for what he did to me. For what he manipulated my mother into becoming…and for loving God a whole hell of a lot more than he loved me!

There is an anger that is boiling over when he says that last sentence with more vitriol than you’ve heard from Seth in quite some time.

Seth Iser:
Then one day…not too long after I blew my knee out and ended my football career…I got a phone call that changed MY life forever. My Dad…on top of loving religion too much, had his own issues with booze. He got into the car with my mother and you know how things get in the mountains with snow. He went too damn fast and then flipped the car down the hill. Neither parent survived that ordeal and I was robbed of a chance to do something about that on my terms. Just like that…they were gone.

The veteran’s tone lowers again as he recounts all of this before eyeballing Pierce for just a second.

Seth Iser:
I feel that anger…that bitterness everyday Pierce. Every…single day. And it was used in wrestling. I hurt many people who were deserving to be hurt through that anger…and many who were not. All the while also having that thought of ‘I wish that was my father’ in some way bubbling over for many years. But…I didn’t feel any better after letting all of that out on someone. Any relief…it’s just temporary from the core issue.

And then there’s this glare that can pierce through almost anything and he’s directing it at Mr. Manning.

Seth Iser:
And…I’m telling you…even if you get the chance to do what you’re saying to me right now…it doesn’t change what has happened. It doesn’t go away…that anger you feel lashing out…will only get worse when you give into it. You wouldn’t be breaking your chains…you’d become enslaved to them. Permanently victimized by what your past did to you…and all you’d have to show for it isn’t the titles or the money…just a whole lot of hurt people.

As soon as Seth concludes with his last, Pierce is quick to respond.

Pierce Manning:
I only care about Megan. And my sister. So what if I am going to hurt a couple dozen people along the way. They don’t matter.
At this point Seth, I don’t care if the rest of the world burns down around me. Why should anyone else in the back live comfortably? If that is what it’s going to take for me and Megan to run MWE with an iron fist, so be it. Look. I’m sorry you never got the chance to smack your father around. Sounds like he deserved it. Sucks your mom got caught in the crossfire. My mom suffered as well due to my father’s unpleasant personality. That’s where my sympathy for you dies, Seth! I don’t want to hear about how the world of hurt I am going to unleash upon you isn’t going to make me feel better. You can take that zen crap, save it for someone who cares. I don’t, Seth. I honest to God don’t. Know what, I am going to do you a favor.

Seth Iser:
Do you want to know why I took you in?

A pointed question directly at Pierce with a glare.

Pierce Manning:
Go ahead. I’m listening.

Seth Iser:
Yeah, I saw the talent. But it wasn’t that. Yeah I know you were with Megan…but it wasn’t that either. Hell, I saw the drive…and in a way that was part of it…but not the whole story. The real truth of it all…I took you in because I saw a damn chance to make sure another one of me doesn’t happen. So you can be the husband you need to with Megan…and eventual father if you choose that. And god damn it, unlike your father, I wanted YOU to be better then ME! But with how you’re talking right now…

He just shakes his head but not out of anything malicious.

Seth Iser:
In Megan’s case…she advanced her own narrative. In yours? I realize it now: I failed you.

There’s a long sigh after he lets out those last three words.

Seth Iser:
Yes, I have to admit that right now. I failed you…because you’ve become me. Enslaved by that poison of revenge. This isn’t a game. Especially when I realized how grand the failure of mine was when you spewed out what you did last week. But we’re at a point now…where words no longer matter because you’re set in how you’re thinking the whole situation is. Your mind is made up. Nothing anybody can say can convince you otherwise.

And then that glare even with some of his temper starting to shine through as he’s frustrated…a bit with both Pierce and himself.

Seth Iser:
But the cycle ends at the Five Year Anniversary show.

Pierce can be seen balling up his fist. He is giving the impression that he wants to throw hands right then and there. He brings the microphone back to his mouth.

Pierce Manning:
You failed me huh..?

Pierce looks down at his balled up fist, lost in his own thoughts about how to react to everything Seth just said. With a sigh he unclenches his fist. He looks back at Seth. Not with any vitriol. Appears genuinely lost.

Pierce Manning:
Screw this. I’ll see you in Chicago.

For a man who had a lot to say earlier he doesn’t appear to be talkative now. He drops the mic. Backs away from Seth. Dropping down to the mat he rolls out the ring. The crowd doesn’t know quite how to react to what just happened. Pierce shutting up is a rare sight. He walks to the backstage area not looking back once. Not acknowledging the fans or Seth.

"Minuetto" by Luigi Boccherini plays much to the dismay of everyone here in Columbus who thought they may have avoided having to see Karen when she was left off the card. Instead the MWE Lockdown Champion walks out from the back in an elegant long flowing dress, looking more fit for the Oscars than a wrestling ring. Walking past the fans who throw every insult under the sun at her, as she walks up the steps demanding one of the crew members help her with the rope. They do so as she enters with a bit of a struggle due to the length of the dress.

Already awaiting her in the ring is a podium with a cloth over some sort of item. It takes a moment as she grabs the microphone as the fans continue to try to drain her out. She smacks the mic causing a loud thud to hush the crowd.

Karen Eldon:
Quiet! Quiet please! Your Lockdown Champion is here! And I have a LOT to say.

Karen smiles looking out at the crowd dropping the microphone as she adjusts the belt fastened around her waist. The thought of Karen droning on only causes the crowd to react even louder.

Karen Eldon:
As we all know we are coming up on the fifth anniversary show here in MWE. And who better to be the star of it, then me? I’ve been the biggest star since I arrived here. I first dominated the tag team division with Olly, beating every single team this company has ever had. Then the company tried to disrupt that by breaking Olly and I apart. And where did that lead to? Now I am the Lockdown Champion, and later tonight Olly gets one step closer to the MWE World title.

Karen lowers the mic again this time met by even more boos at the thought of Olly getting anywhere close to the prestigious world title.

Karen Eldon:
Now I have had a lot of people asking about last week…When I beat Bree…AGAIN. I hope she learned a lesson, just as Gabriel should have as well. I can’t be stopped. Now if you want to know about that kiss…

A diabolical look comes across Karen’s face for a moment, as she ponders what to say next. But thankfully for the crowd “Walking On A Dream” by Empire Of The Sun plays as Gabriel Landry enters.

He doesn't waste time marching down to the ring with a microphone in his hand. Gabe walks up the ring steps. For some reason he chooses not to step in the ring. He keeps his eyes on Karen.

Gabriel Landry:
I can speak for everyone when I say, we all want to get that putrid image out of our minds!!

The crowd cheers in union to that. The last Gold Star Champion of Season 2 takes a deep breath.

Gabriel Landry:
You showed all of us, including Erika, what kind of monster you truly are. Want to get back at me? Fine. To break your own kid's heart?! Your attitude towards Clyde is bad enough. Erika... I know what she did to me in The Academy. I should hate her guts. Maybe I'm a fool, wouldn't be the first time...

Gabe sighs.

Gabriel Landry:
... the truth is I actually feel sorry for her. Erika never had a chance being raised by a sociopath like you, Karen. You're disgusting. You don't deserve happiness. I thought I couldn't hate anyone more than Rainer. Congrats, you are at the top of the hate list now. I wish I never met you!

The crowd roars. Gabe finally steps foot in the ring. He makes sure to keep a safe distance.

Gabriel Landry:
All I wanted to do was move on. You made that impossible. So I am gonna hurt you the only way I know how. Let me remind you "Kare Bear" as a former Gold Star Champion I am eligible to challenge for the Lockdown Championship. Babe... I'm calling my--

Don't Stop then plays the intro and Bree's name pops up in big letters on the titantron. Bree comes out with her ring gear on, backwards cap and microphone in hand. She got herself to the ramp and her music cut off. Perhaps that's where production thought she'd stop and speak but Bree strolled right up and slide into the ring, walking over to Karen there, before she looks back at Gabe.

Bree Smith:
Gabe. Sorry to interrupt. I know what you're about to do, but hear me out.

She then looks over at the title.

Bree Smith:
As the champion who had her title reign ended because this walking, talking, cradle robbing, she-devil needed extra help. She couldn't take me down alone. I'm cashing in my rematch to take it back to the Breezone.

Bree pauses and sees Karen's about to try to reiterate her tweet, but she slaps that microphone out of her hand.

Bree Smith:
No. You've spoken plenty. I want my title back. I was a tough champion that made you tremble. This time, when I take my title back, the fight you're in for…I'll make sure you never come back to the Lockdown Title.

She says eyeballing the champion with a fire in her eyes, holding herself back from anything else.

Bree Smith:
But I'll make sure you can stick around so my hot buddy Gabe can get his revenge and properly take you out, hopefully out of this company entirely. Permanently.

The crowd buzzes over the prospect of Karen-Bree II. Gabriel on the other hand takes a moment to process what just happened realizing his chance to get revenge on Karen might not happen should Bree become Lockdown Champion.

Gabriel Landry:
There’s nothing I can do huh?

He smirks.

Gabriel Landry:
Management has spoken. Nothing I can do so... best of luck, Bree. Karen is all yours.

With that, Gabriel drops down, rolls out of the ring. As he has done in the past, he opts not to get in the middle of what needs to happen between Karen and Bree. He walks through the curtain.

Karen Eldon:
Typical of nice guy, Gabriel. Being the good guy and just letting you take all he worked for. Who says you deserve a rematch Bree? I beat you last time. And I beat you again, and again. But I guess maybe I was wrong about you and Gabriel being so tight. Because you sure seemed to not care about his desires tonight…Guess its always Bree first.

Karen lowers the microphone as Bree rolls her eyes, clearly ignoring Karen's attempts at mind games.

Karen Eldon:
But if you want the rematch? I don't mind beating you again. This time it is my match to pick. And my choice is…a purse on a pole match. And not just any purse. My purse. Because whoever gets a hold of it, any and everything inside is fair game for them. The result will always be the same Bree. I will always be superior. And this? Isn't going anywhere.

Dropping her microphone and holding up the Lockdown championship high in the air. She shouts a few insults Bree's way while Bree looks at her title wanting it back. The two then get close enough for a staredown, Karen jawing at her. Bree gives her a quick little fake swing that causes Karen to stumble back and drop the belt.

Bree gives a little smirk and turns around exiting the ring. As Karen collects the belt and continues yelling and showing off her belt as Bree heads to the back.

Pre-recorded…

The camera begins to roll. We are in an abandoned, dark warehouse. The lights suddenly come on all at once and we spot an uncomfortable looking grayish chair, or more accurately a throne. A few moments later and we hear footsteps from afar. Those footsteps keep getting closer and closer. Eventually we spot Kimberly Williams entering the scene from the right. The Woman Scorned is wearing a plaid purple pleated skirt that stops just above the knee, sheer see through tights, purple sneakers, an orange blouse, and a purple stylish suit jacket. Her long ginger locks of hair hang straight and unrestrained to past the shoulders. Kimberly has her SCW Underground Championship wrapped around her waist, the HKW Bloodlust Championship draped over her right shoulder, and the ‘Datura Invented’ Unsanctioned Championship draped over her left shoulder.

Kimberly Williams:
I love lots of things. I love my Velociraptor! Hi there Blue!

She waves playfully at the camera.

Kimberly Williams:
I also love my boyfriend Wasley. I love my penguin Wasley. I love my hamster Caligula…he has such a foul mouth, he curses like a damn sailor! But I still love him! You know what else I love? I love seeing a good underdog story. But you know what I hate? I hate abuses from the system. I hate when the system does everything it can to intentionally destroy someone. Because the system tried to do that to me! But you know what I did to the system? I injected a little anarchy. I introduced the system to chaos and now there is no going back! I became the Queen of the Death Match!

Williams smirks.

Kimberly Williams:
Tiff, you may have wondered why I took a liking to you a few months ago. You have wondered why I seemingly wanted to help you out in your beef with Faizah, the Mannings, and anyone else she could recruit to drive you bloody bonkers. To me, that was a perfect representation of the system trying to hold someone back. Not saying Faizah is a man…of course she is allowed to identify as one if she wants! Nothing wrong with that! But MWE sure as hell could have done something. They want to sit on their hands and pretend there was nothing they could do? They’ve moved mountains in the past to protect certain people but Tiff? Nah! Let’s let this stupid nonsense about a WRESTLER booking another WRESTLER’S matches play out! Just for shits and giggles, am I right?

The Woman Scorned shakes her head.

Kimberly Williams:
I don’t like that. So I took pity on you and wanted to help you. But you seemed to help yourself. You fought through it all and survived. You would go on to THRIVE in Valiant. You became a champion, didn’t you? Congrats, Tiffster!”

Williams applauds, a sincere applause!

Kimberly Williams:
But now it is time for a different kind of love. Tough love. You can be even better than you are but you will have to survive the Queen of the Death Match tonight. And I’m not going to take it easy on you just because I once took pity on you. See, I may have wanted to help you…and I do still want to help you improve…but I also have goals of my own. I want to regain the MWE Chicago Way Championship. So I will hit you with everything I have tonight. Good luck!

Andrew comes into view as he looks poised and ready for this 2 out of 3 falls match to earn a berth into the finals match at the 5th anniversary show. Standing in his way was a 2-time MWE Champion and someone bent on making it a third, Andrew was the one standing in his way from that happening.

Andrew Raynes:
I'm not gonna lie, that felt really good after a nice little break. Too few people in this business hit the reset button when things go awry. I had become so seeded in my hate and disdain that I overlooked too many things that allowed the clowns from the Division to get the better of me even after I took their best shots and begged for more.

It went beyond that though, even going home after events had me back to festering in hate, inside a cesspool of everything I had come to despise that I even had to hit the reset button on my personal life and get I to a new environment that will allow me to continue my evolution beyond simple hate and embracing it.

Now it's something much better, and that showed against Tiffany in the first round qualifying match.

Andrew takes a breath, he's more.composed than ever and there's a confidence about him that had disappeared over the last few months.

Andrew Raynes:
To shatter glass, to break the hopes of those who wish to ascend the ranks, I am here to deny that. Though it may appear that I continue to embrace hate, I simply embrace doing whatever it takes in order to get the job done. I'm old enough now and experienced enough where I don't need to align myself one way or the other. I'm not concerned with pandering to the crowd or others and I'm not concerned with the morality of how I get the job done.

I am here to win and I will stop at nothing to get into the cage match to become MWE World Champion.

Andrew scoffs a little, pacing back and forth a little before getting into the heart of the matter against his semi final opponent.

Andrew Raynes:
You don't seem too concerned though, Chris, acting like you already have this one in the bag. Shrugging off the notion that I can beat you because you’re a two time champion and beat a freak like Tank Steiner? Please, the fact that you beat a man one hundred pounds heavier than you and a few years older means nothing to me, considering I am twelve years older than you and I have a wealth of experience.

I also have a wealth of apathy towards your cause.

Tiffany was confident she was going to be going into the semi finals and looking to join her man in the championship match as well, but i put a glorified stop to that by shattering the glass she was walking on, just like i intend to shatter the glass you tread heavily on to make it into that match as well.

You being a two time champion means nothing to me.

You were a champion, three years ago, when the landscape was much different for you. Maybe it was easier for you then, but I assure you that it is much harder now. How you were given a means into this scramble also does not concern me as I do not care who you are and how you got here. What matters is that you are the one standing in my way of getting into my first MWE World Championship match and I am going to do whatever it takes to get there.

Don’t be mad when I do exactly what I said I was going to do, you were warned first hand.

Andrew smirks, he himself wasn’t expecting to be involved in this, himself, but finds himself one match away from booking a ticket into the finals and a shot at the MWE World Title inside that steel cage. Other factors had him motivated as well to win, beyond just the world title. He was a man on a mission and knew he was likely gonna have some.fun if he got in.

Standing backstage is Chris Sanderson. No fancy videos this week, just himself with his wrestling gear on and a Lorna Shore shirt on. Sanderson doesn’t look too amused this evening, not at all.

Chris Sanderson:
You know something? I didn’t expect that last time out. Not that I won because I knew that was going to happen. But… I didn’t expect… that.

Of course he’s referring to the smattering of boos he was getting in his return match to MWE.

Chris Sanderson:
Was he that beloved or are you just mad that I waltzed back in here after leaving a couple of times? Are you mad at me, Millennium? Does the thought of me being here to wrestle leave you with a bad thought of how I lost the title to that son of a bitch Sero after Van Beek did some shady shit? Is it because I was mad as hell after Reeves came in like a thief in the night? Is it because I tried to go to a piece of shit start up like Revival instead of staying here?

He pauses for a moment and smirks.

Chris Sanderson:
Bad career moves are part of this business and, I swear if I hear it again tonight, I’m gonna boo you. Tonight, Andrew Raynes. Second round of this cage scramble qualifier. Two out of three falls. I got the endurance to go an hour if we need to, Raynes. But… we don’t need to go an hour. We don’t even need to go to all three falls, my guy.

Shake of the head.

Chris Sanderson:
You’ve done a lot in this sport. I recognize it. Been around for a long time. Respect it. Made a name for yourself. Respect it. But, like I said last time, it’s not about you. Not you trying to fight your way to the top of this company. This is about one thing. Me advancing on to win that championship for a third time.

Another slight pause from the two-time MWE Champion.

Chris Sanderson:
2019 was a horrible year for me personally and professionally. My elbow went south. Personal life went south. Got caught twice here. But people forget I saved that championship from a stupid piece of shit like Nessa Wall. And you know what it gets me, Raynes? Booed.

Yeah, Chris is clearly miffed about it yet.

Chris Sanderson:
You and your girl, cheerleader or whoever it is might not like it but you’re not going to advance tonight. And, if you do happen to beat me tonight, you were the better wrestler this evening. No doubt about it. But, again, not going to happen. No one stops me from becoming a three time MWE Champion and leaving a legacy in this place.

With that said, Sanderson begins to make his way to the ring.

Pre-recorded…

The camera begins to roll. We are inside what appears to be a throne room. And what would a throne room be without a throne? There is a throne that looks to be made of gold, set up in the center of the room. On either side of the throne are British Union Jack flags. It is shortly after we see this when the clicking of heels across concrete is heard. A few moments later Glory Braddock enters the scene from the right. The British Bombshell is wearing a fuchsia v-neck sleeveless dress that stops just above the knee. She is perched atop high heeled sandals and her long beautiful blonde hair hangs straight and unrestrained to past the shoulders. She has her SCW United Kingdom Championship draped over her right shoulder. Braddock approaches the throne and then sits down. She lets her championship belt rest in her lap.

Glory Braddock:
As you can see, championship gold just gravitates towards me. When you are as good as I am you cannot keep the championships away. Everywhere I have wrestled I have dominated. Even here, I have been a TV Champion and a Riot Champion. The one thing that has eluded me in my time with MWE has been the World Championship. But that, too, will soon come into my possession. Me being MWE World Champion is inevitable. Hell, I’m basically Thanos here. I AM INEVITABLE! So it shouldn’t have surprised anyone that I would be a participant in this little tournament to qualify for the Scramble Cage and eventually crown a new World Champion. In fact, this whole thing was made for me! I have been in a Scramble Cage before! And I came so very close to winning the championship.

Braddock shakes her head.

Glory Braddock:
Close means nothing in this business. I just didn’t get the job done. This time will be different. I will get the job done. I will become World Champion. Little miss masterclass couldn’t stop me and Alex Andrews, you won’t stop me either.

The British Bombshell smirks.

Glory Braddock:
I agree with what you said. You are a different wrestler. You have improved so much since your Riot Championship reign, since your feud with my friend Neil Newman, since your feud with Clyde Sutter. In fact, were it not for ME being in this tournament, I would have put a lot of money on YOU winning the whole thing.

She shrugs her shoulders.

Glory Braddock:
Unfortunately you were unlucky enough to draw ME as your next opponent. You and everyone else in this thing are all unlucky that I am even in this because I am in it to win it, Alex. And it doesn’t matter how much you have improved. I operate on a completely different level from everyone else in this business. Your BEST is the equivalent to my WORST, my BEGINNING, and I only get BETTER from there. Now I’m not going to say that this will be a cakewalk for me. You are good, good enough to maybe get one fall over me. But TWO?

Braddock shakes her head.

Glory Braddock:
It won’t happen. You and I will indeed tear the house down. We will steal the show. So take solace knowing that you were a part of the absolute best match of the night. Unfortunately that’s the best you can hope for. Because your run to a world title ends right here and right now at the hands of The British Bombshell.

We open up to a long hallway somewhere in the depths of the arena. Nothing soecial, just some production equipment strewn about, wires running along the floor, crates pushed over to one side, and sitting on one of those crates is Alex Andrews, her head hanging down as her legs dangle off. From her body language, we can assume she is lost in thought. A moment later, she begins to speak, pulling her hair back to look at the camera.

Alex Andrews:
Two years. It's been almost two years since I had a one on one match with Glory Braddock. I know that's likely a blip on Glory's story, right? She's a multi-time world Champion, done things the world over. And then you have me? Two years ago, I was six months into my career. It was still finding my feet, still a little bit wet behind the ears, I suppose.

She smiles faintly.

Alex Andrews:
It was about then when Neil Newman took a bit of an interest in me and started showing me a bit of... "tough love". Including going up against Glory. So yeah, I remember that match very well. It might not have been a huge deal to me, but it was something that helped me on my journey to who I am today.

Alex rubs her hands together as she continues.

Alex Andrews:
Because you see, I'm not the same person in that ring I was two years ago. I've grown, I've trained and I've won a few titles of my own. I'm a completely different beast than whom I was back then. And I hope you realize that, Glory. Because I proved that I am a world class caliber athlete, I have gone toe to toe with some of this industry's best and held my own. There is a reason I was chosen for this tournament, just like you were. Because I earned my way into it. I spent the last two years upholding the Riot brand, placing a bit of it on my shoulders. So this isn't going to be the same match we had before. We are going to go out there and completely steal the show. Two out of three falls? I've even proven myself capable there recently. I have the stamina, the will and the skills to put you on the defensive this time, Glory. I'll show you that I'm truly capable of getting the job done this time. Because you're standing in the way of something I want, and come hell or high water, I'm going to be in that scramble.

Alex pushes herself off of the crate and nods at the camera before she makes her way off down that hall, the scene fading to black.

Anna Daniels:
Olly.

There's a smirk on the face of the vessel known as Anna Daniels as she says this name. A boy the Multitudes only have heard about in passing, a man they saw in the occasional glimpses through Millennium before stepping into that ring.

Anna Daniels:
There's a lot of things we can say. We could mention your slovenly father, a complete dickhead who had seemingly redeemed himself before fading into the abyss. Or your would-be savior, Hammerstein which we had a connection to once. We could praise you, dear lad, for making his impact on the promotion by any means necessary. Despite being "born to lose", you haven't done it nearly as much as your self-ordained destiny suggests. Perhaps you're anticipating all of this. Perhaps you're expecting us to underestimate you just like a fair amount of people have done.

A beat.

Anna Daniels:
But…none of that matters to us.

Le gasp! Oh noes! Faux shock!

Anna Daniels:
None of it means anything. Not your blood or your bonds or your growing ego and half-assed sway with this roster. Honestly, at this point, none of this should matter to you either. The only thing that matters is the match. The only thing that should be your focus is us. And how to demolish us.

There's a shrug from the vessel as whoever is talking continues on.

Anna Daniels:
We don't know if you've noticed. In fact, you've probably failed to given that your head is so far up your own asshole. But we're not the rest of these people who sit lazily and move on to the next. Our tin can nemesis aside, we're aspiring to Godhood. We're here to take this place as our own. It doesn't matter how long the path is or who it goes through.

The Muse kips up from her seat.

Anna Daniels:
Either we conquer or it dies. We win either way.

And just like that, she walks off. But what do you expect? This is a psuedo-Thankgiving show.

Already dressed in his usual ring gear, Olly looked focused and confident moments before walking into his big match against Anna Daniels.

Camille Bellamy:
Olly?

The voice is that of Millennium's new interviewer Camille Bellamy. The black haired girl approached the former Academy student with a microphone in her hand, hopeful to get a few words with him before the last Qualifier of the night. He barely acknowledged her with a nod, but she didn't let his dismissive attitude get to her.

Camille Bellamy:
We're moments away from possibly the biggest match of your career. You're stepping in the ring with The Muse, a highly accomplished wrestler...

Olly:
So was Devin Hearst.

He interrupted her, flashing that cocky smirk to the camera. Camille didn't seem ruffled and quickly continued.

Camille Bellamy:
True. But they are two completely different matches. You surely did what a very few people can brag about being able to do, putting down the Seven Headed Beast. But you did that in a match where everything was legal, while tonight you can only count on your wrestling skills. And that's a field where Anna has a quite big experience advantage.

Olly listened to the young interviewer with that omnipresent grin painted on his face, bursting out in a chuckle as soon as she posed the question.

Olly:
See, Camille... I did a lot more than just swinging weapons at Hearst to bury him and his career. If that was all I was good at, I would be putting my career on the line week in and week out in deathmatches, or I would be stuck in the Chicago Way division with the other nutjobs, bleeding out for a shitty title.

There was a round of boos coming from the fans who were watching the interview on the big screen. And likely his words would ruffle some feathers with some of his peers. But then again, it would be nothing new. That's just Olly, love him (very few) or hate him (as the vast majority does).

Olly:
Instead, I'm in the semi-final of a tournament for the World Title made vacant by a weak ass champion who never deserved it in first place. And I'm in the most dominant group not only in MWE but in the wrestling business today. You know why I'm here? You know why I ruled the tag division with Karen since the first day I entered MWE? You know why Julian chose me to be in The Division?

Bellamy shook her head. Olly then raised his finger and tapped it on the side of his head.

Olly:
Because I always come prepared. I always have a plan. People tend to forget the fact, or perhaps they don't see it. They underestimate me, they think they can beat me because they're faster, stronger, bigger, more experienced. And I'm perfectly fine with that. Let the flies fall right into the spider's web.

Camille Bellamy:
Does your plan involve your Division buddies again?

Once again Olly laughed at the question.

Olly:
Well, it would be dumb of me to reveal my plan, don't you agree?

Camille shrugged her shoulders.

Olly:
And playing the same trick twice in a row is very risky. Not to mention that Julian has a match to prepare for. No, I got something else in store for the Time Lord.

Camille brought the microphone back to her lips, but Olly pulled her hand back toward him.

Olly:
And before you try... This interview is over.

He then turned around and walked away. Will whatever he planned work? Is he going to be the one joining Chris Sanderson, Glory Braddock, Duke Andrews, Billy Danielson and Megan Manning in the Cage Scramble?

We came back from the commercial break to a familiar scene: Elsa McCarthy and Vincent Moretti were standing in the middle of the ring. The excitement was palpable, the fans inside the Arena and those watching at home knew what was coming next. It was time to find out the final inductee in the MWE Hall Of Fame.

Elsa McCarthy:
We're one match away from an historic milestone in this company history. Five years, that's a long time...

The Millennium General Manager turned around, smiling at Moretti.

Elsa McCarthy:
Now we know the six people who will be competing in the Cage Scramble for the vacant MWE World Championship and I, for one, am excited to see who will walk out with the biggest prize in the company, and what the future has in store for this company and you, our fans.

This obviously elicited a pop from the crowd, some of them chanting the name of their favorite to win the top title.

Elsa McCarthy:
But it's also a chance to look back at our past and celebrate those who helped putting MWE on the map, who contributed to the growth into what you see today. This is the spirit behind the Hall Of Fame. I saw some people complaining about how they would deserve an induction.

She said in a calm tone, addressing some grievances from actual MWE superstars in the most professional way.

Elsa McCarthy:
And while we can't deny their contribution and we most certainly appreciate everything they've done, we believe they still have a lot to give to this company and to you, the fans. With the Hall Of Fame, we want to remember those who, for a reason or another, are no longer with the company. And our final inductee surely wrote some memorable pages here in MWE.

The General Manager paused, letting the anticipation build.

Elsa McCathy:
He redefined the canons of hardcore in MWE, taking part in some of the most brutal matches in the company history, not only during his Chicago Way championship reign but throghout his entire career. He also held the Lockdown championship, taking it from his former friend and APE partner Duke Andrews in an incredible 60 minutes Iron Man Match at the 3 Years Anniversary show...

At this point, everyone in the Arena knew who she was talking about. And they definitely agreed with the choice of adding him to the Hall Of Fame.

Elsa McCarthy:
We are please to announce that "The American Monster" Jacob Hammerstein is the final member of this year's class of the Hall Of Fame, joining Rebecca Saint and the Brothers McMillion in this exclusive club!

A "Hammerstein" chant blasted out spontaneously from the sold out crowd. Elsa and Vincent waited for them to calm down but seeing how that was not going to happen, they simply left the ring and left the fans chanting the American Monster's name. He may not be wrestling anymore, but the fans certainly didn't forget about him.