Post by gvb on Feb 24, 2023 18:30:16 GMT -6
3x16 LET IT BE
The Cafeteria
February 22nd, 2023
4:22 PM
The camera picks up Alice Wagner as she’s leaving the gym after her training, greeting coach Taylor and thanking him for the sparring session. The Team Jones member, wearing a black hoodie, a special item celebrating Chris Night’s historic HOW world title win, picks up her phone from her gym back and brings it to her face to record a voice message.
Alice Wagner:
Hey Reign, I’m heading to the cafeteria now. Meet me there, ok?
She was already halfway to the meeting place when she hit send and put the phone back in her pocket. Once there, Wagner orders a matcha tea and sits at the table, waiting for the Gold Star to join her.
Reign just finished an in-ring workout and hit the shower real quick before rushing down to join Alice in the cafe. Dressed in baggy sweats and a black crop top, she plops down across from Alice with a huge smile, her hair still wet from the shower.
Reign Reyes:
Hey you! Thanks for meeting up with me. Wasn’t sure where your head was at after everything that went down.
The Gold Star sips from a water bottle that she brought with her.
Alice Wagner:
To tell you the truth…
She interrupts her sentence to take a sip of tea.
Alice Wagner:
My head is at my next match this Friday. Of course I thought back at what happened during our match and the interview before it. I can’t say I’m happy with how things went down but there’s nothing I can do to change them. Congratulations on winning the Gold Star.
Wagner replies with an honest smile, nodding at the gym bag where, she thinks, Reign is carrying the coveted title. Reign follows Alice’s gaze and chuckles.
Reign Reyes:
Only thing you’ll find in there is my shower stuff. I don’t carry the title around during Academy time. I dunno… it seems obnoxious and I think it lessens its value if I use it as a prop. I’m sure I’ll wave it around in people’s faces at some point but not during the day when we’re focused on other things.
She continues, almost matter of factly as she admits this next part.
Reign Reyes:
As for the win, thank you. But I’m pretty sure you pinned me. I was always taught never to stop until the bell rings, but I think the ref fucked up… and yes, I realize I’m admitting that on camera. Doesn’t matter. All that matters is what happens moving forward, which if I know the way Gian books, means we’ll be seeing each other again in short order.
Alice seems surprised by her words. She definitely wasn’t expecting Reyes admitting the referee may have made a mistake, but hearing her acknowledging that puts a smile on her face.
Alice Wagner:
Hey, I really appreciate you saying that. I thought I got you there, but the ref made his call and…
She shrugs her shoulders, but you can see she’s still disappointed with how things played out.
Alice Wagner:
It is what it is, that doesn’t take anything away from what you did out there. I don’t know if I’ll get another shot at it soon, all I can do is to keep working to get in the best shape so that next time we meet in that ring I’ll leave no room for any doubt.
Reign arches her brow at Alice’s choice of words.
Reign Reyes:
Doubt’s kind of been your theme, hasn’t it? Almost seems like that ending was self-fulfilling. That’s not shade…
Reign raises her hands to show she means no harm.
Reign Reyes:
…it’s just reality. Life imitates art or something like that. Not that my opinion matters but, I don’t think you're ready… and I think that confusion with the ref, was the universe’s way of telling you so.
A chuckle escapes Alice’s lips as she shakes her head at Reign.
Alice Wagner:
That… That was a good one. So subtle…
Raising her cup of tea, Alice takes another sip before continuing.
Alice Wagner:
I know nothing about signs from the universe or destiny…
She air quoted those last words.
Alice Wagner:
And those doubts you just brought up? I had them at the press conference, when I saw how low you and Sammy were willing to stoop, and I even admit I had them after the match too. No, I didn’t think about quitting over a loss, but I asked myself if I really want to do this. I owe it to myself, I owe it to the sixteen years old me who ran away from this business when her dream turned into a nightmare. I promised her that I will do the same if it happens to me too but, trust me, we’re nowhere close to that point.
Pointing both elbows on the table, she leans forward and looks in Reign’s eyes.
Alice Wagner:
I will always have these “doubts”, they’re part of who I am, my way to stay honest with myself and make sure I always stay the course. I rather quit than let this turn me into something I’m not.
Reign smiles brightly, clearly amused as she leans in on her elbows, matching Alice’s position and leaving them mere inches apart.
Reign Reyes:
Is this the part where we kiss? I’m not going to lie, I do love your look. I’m taken though.
She leans back, still smiling.
Reign Reyes:
You take such a pious stance. You were ready to quit when you saw how low Sammy and I were willing to stoop?
Reign rolls her eyes.
Reign Reyes:
The funny thing about that interview is that you struck first. Up until you slapped Sammy across the face the only things that had been exchanged were words. We may have made it personal but you, Alice… you made it physical.
She holds up her hands once more.
Reign Reyes:
Again, not judging. I believe your actions that day made our match all the more appealing. But that’s what you don’t seem to understand.
Reign points to Alice’s sweatshirt.
Reign Reyes:
Chris Night. Now there’s a man who’s career you seem to revere. Did Chris not have drama? Was the very best Chris Night not on full display during his epic feud with my uncle, Julian Savell? Were fans not enthralled when he and Kelly had their acrimonious split and poor CJ was stuck in the middle? Yes, even without all that Chris would still be one of the all time great wrestlers, but that alone makes him a high-end mid carder with occasional main event potential. He needed that drama for fans to really care about him.
She shifts in her seat as she continues.
Reign Reyes:
Technically you’re probably the most sound wrestler here, but very few fans tune in to see how well you can perform an arm drag. We’re living in a reality TV setting. People expect drama. People tune in for drama. Drama sells. So when Sammy and I did what we did during that interview, it made people care about you. A wrestling purist like you, needs someone like me to get over with the crowd. Otherwise they’ll eventually tire of you. This isn’t me telling you that you’re doing it wrong. This is me telling you to stop judging how I conduct myself because in order for you to make a living off this sport, you need people like me. I’m giving you the courtesy of telling you up front. I respect you. I like you. But I’m going to push your buttons to make sure people notice us.
Alice listens in silence to what Reign has to say, taking a few extra moments to ponder her reply by taking a long sip of tea.
Alice Wagner:
People also have a fascination for car wrecks, but that doesn’t mean we should intentionally do it so that they have something to watch.
Pushing back her chair, Wagner stands up from her seat.
Alice Wagner:
As long as I have a ring to perform in, I’m good. I may never have thousands of fans liking every hurtful thing I say on social media, but as long as they get to see me, and get to see that you don’t have to take every shortcut to make it to the top, I’m good. Because, and make no mistake about it, as long as I can beat you, or anyone they put in front of me, in that ring, I will get where I want to be.
She has a determined look on her face. Not anger, not rage, she doesn’t want to sound threatening in any way. She’s calm and collected, absolutely in control of her emotions and adamant in her beliefs.
Alice Wagner:
I don’t need the drama to make people notice me, and neither do you. You already sacrificed your friendship with Ava on the altar of your ambition. How much more are you willing to lose? What else are you ready to destroy? How many more bridges are you going to burn?
The tone of her voice lowers even more, becoming nothing but a whisper.
Alice Wagner:
You don’t have to, Reign. It’s not too late, you can still stop and do the right thing.
After saying her piece, Alice turns around and walks toward the exit. Reign sits there for a moment, her fingers drumming against the surface of the table before she glances up at the nearest camera. She’s acutely aware of camera placement, she always has been. She bites her bottom lip for a moment and then she responds.
Reign Reyes:
That’s the problem though, isn’t it? People will spend good money to see a car wreck. That’s why your daddy’s career lasted as long as it did.
Reign doesn’t move from her spot but her eyes follow Alice, knowing full well that she may have lit a fuse and anything could happen in this moment. It took Alice everything she had, every ounce of self control to keep her cool. She clenches her fists and takes deep breaths, finally managing to speak.
Alice Wagner:
And look how well it worked for him. He lost everything, including his own daughter.
She barely held it together while saying those words. As she leaves the cafeteria, the camera catches her furtively wiping a tear from her eye. Back at the table Reign waits a moment before finally exhaling. With a sigh she scoops up her gym bag, tosses it over her shoulder and exits the cafeteria while slowly shaking her head.
The Medical Bay
February 23rd, 2023
2:53 PM
The scene opens on the current Gold Star, Reign Reyes, attempting to go undetected while navigating the hallway leading to sickbay. She’s the picture of politeness, holding doors for people, smiling as they pass, anything and everything to seem unassuming and nonthreatening. She knows Ava’s asked that she not be allowed to visit but she isn’t quite sure how far that protection extends. Is she not allowed in sickbay at all? She’s about to find out.
Reign makes it through the final set of double doors and finds herself in the main hallway. Windows line either side of the hall, allowing staff to look in on patients without disturbing them. Reign glances to her left and right, swallowing hard as nerves get the better of her. What if they whisk her away before she gets the chance to get her message to Ava? What if she fails to get through to her best friend just like she has time and time before?
Drawing a deep breath the Gold Star collects herself and searches for the window overlooking Ava’s room. Coming upon it her eyes fall on her best friend, her sister of sorts, lying there hurting. Reign swallows hard once more, this time because emotions are washing over her. But she doesn’t have much time, once Ava notices her she’ll have mere seconds before security descends upon her. She has to make these moments count.
She knocks on the window. The second Ava looks over, Reign presses a homemade poster board sign up against the glass. A lot of time and effort went into this sign and it’s nothing short of adorable. Written in carefully crafted bubble letters is the message, “I’M SORRY, AVA!!!” The letters are surrounded by cartoon hearts and hand drawn sad face emojis. Reign watches as her friend reads the sign. She waits patiently until Ava’s eyes meet her own. Then Reign pulls a Zippo from her pocket, flicks it open and sets the sign ablaze. The flames reflect in Reign’s dark eyes while inside the room Ava begins pounding on the panic button, summoning nurses to her room. With a laugh Reign lets the charred sign fall to the floor, then she flips Ava the bird and turns to walk away.
Academy personnel race past Reign as she walks calmly towards the exit, a vindictive smile creeping across her face. Behind her, Ava can be seen slamming her fists against the window, screaming at Reign while nurses and doctors try to pull her back to bed. As Reign shoulders through the doors and back into the main building of the Academy, the scene slowly fades to black.
The Medical Bay
February 23rd, 2023
3:21 PM
We came back inside Ava’s room, finding the younger Grimes slightly calmer than we saw her half an hour ago after her former best friend’s blitz. Well, calmer might have been a stretch since she was literally fuming, but at least she was back in her bed and not screaming and punching at the window. Sitting next to her was Scott Martell who most definitely had played a big role in calming her down. The topic of their conversation was, obviously, what had just happened.
Ava Grimes:
I swear to God, when I get out of here…
She clenched her fists, almost shaking as she tried to release the anger boiling inside her. Scott reached over, taking her fists in his much larger hands.
Scott Martell:
This isn’t the time for that, Ava.
It wasn’t at all like Scott was the picture of peace and calm in this moment. Far from it, he was gritting his teeth with a grimace poorly masked on his face, but his soothing words and obvious effort at calming Ava was seemingly doing the job.
Scott Martell:
There is no point getting all angry and upset about this now. That is exactly what she wants. She’s starved for attention, and that is all she has ever wanted. It’s obvious now that it’s what I said before, what I said I was worried about… That she was only using you all to elevate herself.
His hands gently held onto hers, his eyes gazing over at her.
Scott Martell:
A true friend would never have done that, nor made sure the fuckin’ cameras were watching.
Ava listened to his words and let them sink in. She was visibly struggling to keep control of her emotions, but eventually Scott’s efforts paid off.
Ava Grimes:
If she’s starving for attention, I’ll make sure next time she gets indigestion… But you're right, I shouldn’t be worrying about her now. I still have a long way to go before I can come back, that’s where my focus should be right now.
Scott nodded at her words. She smiled at him and continued.
Ava Grimes:
And thank you for coming here right away.
Scott Martell:
There’s no need to thank me. It’s…
Scott nodded his head, taking a breath as his thumb rolled over her knuckles.
Scott Martell:
… it’s the right thing to do. And I wanted to make sure you were alright. That was a fucked up thing to do.
His eyes cast towards the door, then to his friend as his free hand moved a hair behind her ears.
Scott Martell:
I’m trying to keep my own calm as well. They’re pitting me against her this week. Tag action.
Ava Grimes:
Yeah, I saw that…
She let out a long sigh, taking her eyes away from him perhaps for the first time since he walked into the room.
Ava Grimes:
Not gonna lie, I’m a bit jealous. Not because you are up against her, just the fact that you can get in the ring…
Scott opened his mouth to say something but she stopped him with a light gesture of her hand.
Ava Grimes:
I know, I know.. I have to be patient.. You really sound like your dad when you say that, you know?
She chuckled lightly.
Ava Grimes:
Take it as a compliment, he’s a great man. And he raised a good son. I just wish more people would see it.
Scott shook his head, but held onto her hand as he raised it to his cheek.
Scott Martell:
I ain’t my Dad. Thank you for the compliment, but he excels in one way of life, I try to… I WILL… in another. But thank you, Ava.
He pressed his forehead to her hand for a moment, before gazing over at her again.
Scott Martell:
I’ve never really cared about how people looked at me, or thought of me. Just wanted people to recognise the work I put into this. Bar you, I don’t think anyone else has pushed themselves to the limit in that gym. And I don’t mean to make you jealous or anything.
Martell looked down at her hand, placing his lips on her knuckles very briefly, bringing a smile to Ava’s face.
Scott Martell:
I know you miss it. And I know you wanna kick her ass and become the Gold Star… I’m like that too. I wanna drop her on her damn head for all the things she’s done and said. And I know you do more.
The Great One paused again, stuttering his words a little, the confident New Yorker trying to place his feelings.
Scott Martell:
The reason I came here was to become the Gold Star. Get better, learn more, become the best… Become Great. And that is the reason why I signed up to the Academy. Not to make friends, but to become Great. To become Gold. All about me. My wants, my dreams, my work.
Martell held her hands in his, peering over to Ava.
Scott Martell:
I wanted to be the Gold Star. It’s all I wanted when I came here. But…but I ended up coming here and finding you. And you're my Gold Star…
The smile on her face spread even more, her eyes veiling with tears of joy she barely managed to push back.
Ava Grimes:
S-Scott…
She stuttered, her glance glued on the young man holding her hand.
Ava Grimes:
That’s… That’s the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. And you don’t know how much I needed it, more so today.
She squeezed his hand gently.
Ava Grimes:
But you still have the chance to achieve everything else you want, starting tomorrow. Scoop that bitch and take her down a peg. Take the Gold Star from her, I don’t even care about it anymore.
That fire that was burning in her before Scott’s sweet words began to burn again, possibly brighter and hotter than before.
Ava Grimes:
I’ll just take everything else from her.
The two youngsters’ eyes met once again, and just like before this had a soothing effect on the recovering Grimes. She smiled as she pulled herself up, leaning forward and wrapping her arms around Scott.
Ava Grimes:
But enough talking about her. Or wrestling. Take me for a walk outside, today is such a beautiful day.
She almost whispered these words in his ear, and followed them with a peck on the cheek. Scottie smiled as she did this, taking her by the hand and allowing her to wrap her arm around his shoulder, letting her use him to help herself out of the bed.
Scott Martell:
Come on. We’ll see where the world takes us.
She wore her slippers and nodded at him. Her steps were uncertain, but she leaned in on Scott and slowly they walked toward the door. The camera cut as they exit the room, the first time for Ava since the incident.
Team Jones Tag Team Match
Missy Propaganda & Kyle Ashton VS The Rizz & Adrianna Garcia
WINNER: Kyle Ashton & Missy Propaganda BY: Pinfall (Implant DDT), 9:11 |
Singles Match
Alice Wagner VS Leon Alexander
WINNER: Alice Wagner BY: Submission (Severed Wings), 10:08 |
Team Title Match
Trios Match
Trios Match
Team Strike © (Reign Reyes, Dakota, CJ Night) VS Team Noir (Scott Martell, Clementine Smith, Brighton Lancaster)
WINNER: Team Noir (NEW TEAM CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (The Scoop), 18:55 |