Post by gvb on Feb 17, 2023 18:29:57 GMT -6
3x15 CARRY THAT WEIGHT
The Auditorium
February 16th, 2023
4:00 PM
It’s not often that we see this room of the Academy being used by students. Usually it’s reserved for major announcements, for the seminars and the graduation ceremony at the end of the year.
But today there are no authority figures here, no special guests sharing their secrets and their experience with the students. Sitting behind the desk on the elevated stage are the three young wrestlers who qualified for tomorrow’s Gold Star match: from left to right Sammy Grimes, representing Team Noir, his girlfriend and first overall pick in the initial draft Reign Reyes, who recently got drafted to Team Strike, and Alice Wagner, who only recently joined the Academy replacing Reign in Team Jones.
In front of them stands another familiar face to the Academy audience, a former student who just started a new career path as a backstage interviewer, Jelena Shcherbakova.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
Good afternoon, Academy fans, and welcome to the first ever triple interview in our history. My guests certainly need no introductions, they are currently the best of this class, having beat everyone in their team to qualify to this Gold Star match.
The former Arina sounds and looks very professional in every aspect of her new role. From the outfit, a classy black three piece suit, to the posture and tone of the voice, she really studied every detail, taking the new role very seriously.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
I have prepared specific questions for each one of you, plus there are a few questions I selected from those the fans sent to me today. So, without further ado, let’s get this going. I wanted to start with Alice. You came to The Academy at the beginning of 2023, but it didn’t take you long to establish yourself as one of the more interesting prospects. Tomorrow’s match will only be your third since joining, and you’re already competing for the top prize. How do you feel about this fast rise?
Alice Wagner:
Well… First of all thank you for the kind words, Jelena.
The member of Team Jones speaks calmly, leaning toward the microphone placed in front of her.
Alice Wagner:
How do I feel… That’s not really an easy question, you know? I’m happy, of course. Like, I didn’t think I would get here so quickly but circumstances out of everyone’s control created this opportunity and here we are. At the same time, I’m kinda… I can’t really describe it, but I’m not where I wanted to be. And I don’t mean it as my position on the rankings, that’s actually flattering. But I’ve spent the last year and half trying to forget about wrestling, and now that I have a chance to win the title, I can’t help but think that it’s too soon. I watched my matches, I’m still too sloppy for my liking. Sure, I got two wins but they were more the results of survival instinct rather than my skills.
Sammy huffs and rolls his eyes before shaking his head at the comments that Alice was making.
Sammy Grimes:
You’re going to need more than survival instinct to survive against Reign and myself. So yeah, there’s no way you’re winning if that’s where your head is at.
The host nods her head, acknowledging their words as Reign sits silently, her eyes focused on a pen she’s flipping between her fingers.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
This one is from one of our fans and it’s for you, Sammy.
Jelena takes a quick look at the phone to read the question.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
After your match you said “It’s time for a Grimes to be the Gold Star. This one is going to be for you, Ava.” First of all, let me say that I believe it’s a very nice thought to dedicate your possible victory to your sister. But at the same time I can’t help but think. Do you think things would have been different if Ava was in that Team Strike match last Friday? Do you believe she would be sitting here instead of Reign? And how would you feel about stepping in the ring against your own sister, which is something that’s likely going to happen when she comes back from her injury, should you win the Gold Star?
Sammy took in the questions with a few nods before letting out a sigh and shrugging his shoulders.
Sammy Grimes:
Some loaded questions here. Do I think Ava would be here instead of Reign if she were in that match? Who’s to say? But what I do know is that Reign was still distracted by all the dumb Saoirse stuff and also, I think she might’ve been hesitant with what happened last time she and Ava fought. As for Ava? She wants this as much as any of us. So in conclusion? I think Ava would have had the advantage because of all of that.
He paused as he thought about the rest of the questions.
Sammy Grimes:
As for fighting Ava eventually? I have no problems with that. She would expect the best out of me and I’d expect the same from her. I wouldn’t hold back, no, I’d give her everything that I got. Just like I’m going to give Reign everything that I’ve got too. And as proud as I’d be of Reign for winning this thing? I’d rather it be me. Because I’ve been one step behind her since we’ve been here and as much as I love her? I want to be on the same level. This goes back to her getting picked one spot ahead of me.
He shook his head.
Sammy Grimes:
And then getting all the opportunities at the Gold Star. Now she has another one. Who knows if I’ll get another crack at this? So I need to win it. The pressure of being a Grimes and wanting to do this for my sister who’s hurt? It’s a load I wouldn’t wish on anyone to carry. But me? I can handle it and that’s why I’m going to be the one to win this thing and bring stability back to the Academy. Because that’s what people with my last name do. That’s what Gavin has done everywhere he’s been. He doesn’t just make it about himself, he makes it about everyone. He raises the game of everyone around him and that’s what I want to do. It’s what I want to be.
Reign chews her bottom lip during Sammy’s response but remains focused on the pen.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
My next question is for you, Reign. Unlike Alice, you’re not new to Gold Star matches and the pressure that comes with them. This is your fourth time competing for the most coveted prize in The Academy, and you seem pretty confident that this time you will take it home. What’s different from the last three times? Of course Saoirse won’t be in tomorrow’s match but is it just that or is there more? What have you learned from your previous title matches?
The pen stops moving and Reign sits up a little straighter, smiling.
Reign Reyes:
First off let me say to you Jelena, you’re a much better interviewer than you were a wrestler. Kudos.
Reign winks before continuing.
Reign Reyes:
Before I answer that question I’d actually like to address a few things Sammy said. It sort of piggybacks off your question, Jelena. You mentioned this is my fourth time competing for the Gold Star and Sammy just brought up all the opportunities I’ve had while he’s gotten none. Last I checked I earned most of those opportunities by defeating my teammates and fellow students here at the Academy. Those are the very same opportunities Sammy was afforded. This isn’t the first time Sammy had an opportunity to compete for the Gold Star, it’s just the first time he’s managed to advance.
Reign doesn’t so much as glance in Sammy’s direction before continuing.
Reign Reyes:
As for whether or not I’d have beaten Ava? I have to come clean. I have one serious regret from that last match, the one that had such an unfortunate ending. I had an opportunity earlier in the match to hit Ava with a superkick and I pulled it. I hit her in the chest instead of connecting with her jaw. I regret that choice. Had I kicked her in the face maybe it would’ve ended right then and there without her suffering further damage. Ava’s my best friend and I wish her a speedy recovery, but I don’t fear her… or her brother.
Reign may not even realize it but she’s leaning forward now.
Reign Reyes:
To answer your question Jelena, what’ll be different this time? Me. I’ve faced Saoirse a handful of times at this point and let’s be honest, there was something going on with her. She wasn’t just another Academy student. She had experience and she was here for some nefarious Nine related reason we’ll likely never know now. So facing the far and away most experienced student here multiple times as well as sharing the ring at On Thin Ice with not only Saoirse but Nine and Trinity, has prepared me for this match more than ever. I’ve performed on one of the biggest stages with two of the of the most talented competitors today, no offense to the Academy but I’m not about to wilt under the spotlight of a Gold Star match in our gym. I’ve learned from experience. Like I said, I’m winning this for me. I’m not on some quest like Sammy is or just happy to be here like Alice is.
She leans back, seemingly done but then suddenly leans back into the mic.
Reign Reyes:
Sammy won’t like that answer, it was too much about me and not enough about how I’m going to elevate the Academy like a Grimes would.
Reign snorts and leans back in her chair, flipping her pen once again. Jelena is about to ask the next question, but a chuckle coming from Alice cuts her off.
Alice Wagner:
I’m sorry, Jelena. I didn’t mean to interrupt, please go on.
The interviewer smiles.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
Well, my next question was for you anyway so you might as well say what you wanted to say.
Alice Wagner:
If you insist…
Alice turns to her right, addressing Reign directly.
Alice Wagner:
I ain’t just “happy to be here”, Reign. If I’m being honest, I’ve been questioning if I should even be here a lot these past few weeks. Don’t get me wrong, I love wrestling as a sport… But I despise it as a business, I despise what people like you and Saoirse had turned it into. And no, it’s not a mistake that I mentioned you both in the same sentence. You two are two sides of the same coin.
It looks like Reyes is about to reply, but Alice doesn’t give her the chance to do it.
Alice Wagner:
You both are selfish individuals who only care about themselves. Wait, that’s not really true because Saoirse actually cared more about Nine than herself, but still… It’s true, you could’ve hit Ava on the head, but choosing not to do that was the best thing you did in that match. And now you’re saying you regret it?
Reign holds her hand out, directly in Alice’s face, cutting her off before she can go any further.
Reign Reyes:
See where your eyes are right now, Alice? Trained on me. Giving me your undivided attention. That’s where everyone’s eyes will be tomorrow too. As much as I appreciate you saying that Saoirse and I helped reshape the business, I think it’s a little early to make that declaration.
Reign finally turns to face Alice and smiles at her.
Reign Reyes:
I’m glad you’re a fan though.
Wagner rolls her eyes, turning her attention back to Jelena.
Alice Wagner:
That sounds eerily similar to what someone else recently said and I can’t really say I’m surprised… Anyway, did you have another question for me, Jelena?
Jelena Shcherbakova
Yes actually. We can say it’s the proverbial elephant in the room, and both of your opponents already sort of called you out on this, saying that you lack the motivation and mindset to beat them tomorrow night. How do you respond to that?
The second generation wrestler leans back on the chair, looking completely calm and relaxed as she replies.
Alice Wagner:
I say it’s bullshit. I say that the whole “I want this more than you” is a cheap way to… I don’t even know, get under my skin?
She shrugs her shoulders and continues.
Alice Wagner:
I’ve always been my own worst critic and when I say that I’m not satisfied with my performance is because I know I can do better than this, and I’m working on it, day after day. As for my motivation? That’s something neither Sammy nor Reign can quantify. I may not be making bold claims or promises that I will win the Gold Star for this or that reason, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want it. I want to win the Gold Star, if only to make sure neither of them gets it. Because from what I’ve seen tonight and in my short time here, neither of them is ready to BE the Gold Star.
Jelena seems surprised to hear those words, her eyes quickly move on Reign and then shift on Sammy. You can tell both of them have something to say but it’s once again Alice who takes the word.
Alice Wagner:
It’s not just about being good in the ring, it’s about becoming the standard bearer. And if you ask me, saying that you want to win for your injured sister, as cute as it may be, or for yourself… Those are some pretty low standards. We saw in the past what the Gold Star can do when it becomes an obsession. Faith and Faizah in the first year, Rainer and, for a minute, Gabriel last year.. They burned bridges, they ruined friendships and injured people, they lost their way for it. We’re supposed to learn from the past, we’re supposed to do better than that, to BE better than that.
She glances once again at her two future opponents.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
Wow, those are some strong words. Anyone care to comment?
Sammy scoffed and rolled his eyes.
Sammy Grimes:
Who said it was just about winning it for Ava? Do you not listen? I said that I was doing this with the pressure of being a Grimes, the pressure of elevating this place because that’s what people with MY name do. Just like people with your na-, oh wait, Wagner?
He laughs and shakes his head.
Sammy Grimes:
What is it, Alice? Are you afraid of using that Hardy name because your dear old dad pulled some shit? Your Uncle Robb did nothing wrong, neither did McKena, Rayven and Junior. So why are you using that shitty last name instead of the one you were blessed with?
Alice looked to answer but Sammy held up his hand.
Sammy Grimes:
Before you answer that though? Let me address Reign. You act like you don’t have any pressure or anything to live up to but you do, just like I do. The difference is? Everyone in my family always succeeds, one way or another. But we can’t say the same for yours. You can either rise to the top like your mom or be absolute dog shit like your grandpa and I guarantee those thoughts creep up in the back of your head, especially since you’ve lost every Gold Star attempt up until now. That’s why you care so much about only elevating yourself and not everyone around you.
Sammy continues his rant as he points at himself.
Sammy Grimes:
But I’m tired of taking a backseat and watching you try and do that. I love you, I do, but it’s not going to stop me from pulling back in this match. You? You pull back. You pulled back with Ava and you just might with me too. But me? It’s fucking on. I’m not holding shit back and I’m not going to let anyone get ahead of me. I’m going to win the Gold Star and I’m going to elevate everyone around me. Because that’s what a Grimes’ does. We win and then we put asses in seats and eyes on the television screen. If people weren’t paying attention to this year's Academy? Then they will now. And it won’t be because of either of you. It’s going to be because of ME!
Reign bolts to her feet with absolute fire in her eyes as she leers down over the seated Sammy, her hand clenching the pen so tightly it might snap in half. Every word she speaks is laced with venom.
Reign Reyes:
You keep talking about what a Grimes does… a Grimes wins… a Grimes elevates… a Grimes raises the tide for all the ships around them. But lately? Lately all I’ve seen is a Grimes get hurt. Isn’t big brother considering retirement?
She scoffs.
Reign Reyes:
And let’s be honest with ourselves, Ava’s career is over before it’s even started. You don’t come back from consecutive head injuries like that… or at least she shouldn’t. But she will. Why? Because a Grimes also does dumb shit. See Sammy, you have this fantasy in your head where every young wrestler out there aspires to someday be a Grimes. But that’s changing. Being a Grimes is changing from an underdog story to a cautionary tale.
Reign nods her head.
Reign Reyes:
If you’re not careful boys and girls, you may end up like Grimes did.
She smiles sweetly.
Reign Reyes:
But don’t worry, there is one way you can still emulate your brother. Back when he was with Ashleigh she was CLEARLY the better wrestler. You’re repeating the pattern. Don’t worry, dating up is a good thing. If you date down you end up like CJ with that Liz girl.
Reign draws a breath before turning towards Alice.
Reign Reyes:
As for everything you just said… know this, you’re a non factor in this match. Every time you speak you lead with how you’re unsure if wrestling is for you. Let me spare you the suspense, it’s not. You’re too fucked up by your daddy issues to even begin to build a career for yourself. Every time you try you sputter and stall. You’re talented but instead of spending so much time in the gym, you need to spend it in a therapist’s office. I might have an ego but there are plenty of huge egos in this business. You tell me, how many champions out there are filled with self doubt like you are?
With that, Reign sits back and folds her arms, her eyes staring a hole through a distant wall.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
Ok, guys thank you for coming…
Seeing that the situation is getting a bit too tense, the apprentice interviewer wisely tries to wrap it up before things get out of hand. But before she could even finish the sentence, a slow clap interrupts her.
Alice Wagner:
Congratulations, Dr. Phil…
Alice ironically says as she stands up from her seat, walking around the desk and stopping in front of Reign.
Alice Wagner:
You really got me all figured out… Actually, you got everything and everyone figured out, that’s quite impressive. Everyone but you.
The member of Team Jones leans forward on the desk, almost getting in Reyes’ face. Her voice lowers as she speaks again.
Alice Wagner:
You may actually win tomorrow night, Reign. And there’s a part of me actually hoping that you do. That Gold Star would be a sweet consolation prize, a pyrrhic victory you might even be proud of. Because, let me tell you this, you already lost a lot more than you can possibly win. You lost your so-called best friend, you may have lost your boyfriend too.. But most importantly, you lost yourself. I hope it was worth it.
Alice takes a step forward, now stopping in front of Sammy. She stares at him for a few seconds, an ice-cold stare. Then, apparently out of the blue, hits him across the cheek with a resounding slap.
Alice Wagner:
I’m just as much a Wagner as I am a Hardy… Don’t you fucking dare talk to me like that ever again, Sammy. Don’t fucking pretend you know me.
Without adding a word or even addressing a visibly shocked Jelena, Alice walks toward the door. Sammy is stunned for a moment. First at what Reign said but now? Getting slapped by Alice? That was it for him.
Sammy Grimes:
You stupid bitch!
Sammy got up from his chair and before Alice could react, he tackled her down to the ground and started to throw punches down at her. While this was transpiring Reign shook her head and stared at Jelena.
Reign Reyes:
See what you started?
Jelena Shcherbakova:
It’s not my f…
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
ENOUGH!
The principal’s thunderous voice echoes in the Auditorium, bringing everyone’s attention to the entrance door where Gian is standing.
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t expecting this to go south. Nonetheless, I’m disappointed in all of you.
His eyes scan the room, moving from Reign to Jelena and finally on Sammy and Alice who, at least, stopped fighting.
Jelena Shcherbakova:
I’m sorry Gian, I should have…
Gianluigi Vaccaro:
Yes, you should have. But I don’t want to hear a single word from any of you right now. Go back to your activities, this interview is over.
Without giving them the chance to reply, he turns around and leaves through the door. Jelena follows right away, keeping her head down as she walks out. One by one, the three students do the same.
Team Title Match
Team Strike © (CJ Night & Marina Marston) VS Team Jones (The Rizz & Adrianna Garcia)
WINNER: Team Strike (STILL TEAM CHAMPIONS) BY: Pinfall (standing moonsault), 9:23 |
Gold Star Triple Threat Match
Sammy Grimes VS Reign Reyes VS Alice Wagner
WINNER: Reign Reyes (NEW GOLD STAR) BY: Pinfall (High-Angle DDT), 26:55 |