Millennium CXXI

Before the first match, before any of the new or old champions came out to make their claims, the first Millennium back after the summer break opened with a theme song the fans hadn’t heard in quite some time. The majestic notes of Ennio Morricone’s “The Ecstasy Of Gold” blared out of the loudspeakers, catching the fans by surprise. Sure, they expected an announcement regarding the new General Manager of Millennium, but having the big boss herself making it? That brought the whole deal to the next level.

Escorted as always by her personal security detail, the owner of MWE Grace van Beek made one of her rare appearances, entering the ring and asking her Head Of Security to hand her the customized microphone she personally designed.

Grace van Beek:
Good evening to you who came here tonight in Cairo.

Her blue eyes shifted toward the hard camera.

Grace van Beek:
And to everyone watching at home on the Agora Network, of course. Before we get to the reason why I came out here tonight, I would like to address some rumors that have been circulating on the web, Some people are calling the Agora Network a failure, and assuming that with its alleged downfall, MWE will meet a similar fate.

A loud round of boos followed her words.

Grace van Beek:
How silly. Those who truly know me are aware that I do not fail. I am the first to admit that the expectations we had for the network were much higher, but this disappointing start does not mean that the project foundered, or that we are giving up on it. Losing powerful and established partners like Liberty Pro and Empire surely did affect our reach for potential subscribers, and House Of Wrestling’s hiatus inevitably brought a loss of subscribers. But we will not let a couple of setbacks be the cause of our demise. That is why I am here tonight, to firmly deny the truthfulness of those rumors. Millennium Wrestling Entertainment is not going anywhere, and neither is The Agora Network. As a matter of fact, we are projected toward an exciting and bright future, a future that, indeed, starts today.

Obligatory pop from the fans.

Grace van Beek:
With MWE officially resuming its regular schedule and MidWest Championship Wrestling consistently providing outstanding shows, we already have a solid foundation to build up The Agora Network to what I envisioned it to be. In the upcoming weeks, expect more companies to join.. Miss McCarthy is already working tirelessly to bring some of the most interesting and promising shows under our umbrella. Unfortunately, to allow her to focus on this important task, I had to ask her to step down from her role of Millennium General Manager.

A quick pan over the crowd tributing the former GM a round of applause showed a couple of “thank You Elsa” signs held up by the Egyptian fans.

Grace van Beek:
A role she embraced fully despite her own initial perplexity and doubts. Miss McCarthy did an outstanding job for the last couple of years, and I have no doubt she will excel in this new task as well. Finding a replacement was not easy, but I do believe the person who will succeed Miss McCarthy will have no issues filling her shoes. I wanted someone with experience in this industry, someone who can impose their authority and make sure it is respected, someone who could, if needed, keep certain exuberant members of the roster in line. Someone who will not be afraid of the problems that could arise in his new job, and overcome them. It is with great pleasure that I shall now welcome the new Millennium General Manager…

“I’m Bad” by LL Cool J plays. The crowd instantly knows what that music means. A lot of them are in shock over the decision Grace van Beek made as BROOKFORD comes out wearing a custom made tailored suit. He makes it to the ring, walks up to Grace. They shake hands. He walks over to where the ring announcer is positioned and asks for a microphone.

BROOKFORD:
Shocked? Heh. So was I to be honest. When you think about it, whenever Grace had a problem that needed to be dealt with, I was the man she called. My track record as a problem solver is flawless. With the rambunctious state of the MWE roster these days, who better than me to deal with problems as they arise. I have always done what is best for business. My philosophy on the business hasn’t changed one bit, now I get to influence matters from a true position of authority. That excites me. Don’t be mistaken, just because I am wearing a suit more than a pair of wrestling trucks doesn’t mean I won’t use discretion, no one will bully me around. No one will walk all over me, no one could do it when I was a wrestler. No one will do it me sitting behind the desk. No inmate will run the asylum. Do your job. Make the company and yourself money. I’m not your enemy. Do your best not to make one of me, that is your one and only warning.

Grace nodded and applauded her newly appointed General Manager. The fans followed suit, excited and curious about what the former MWE World Champion may bring in this new role. Certainly, things are about to change in MWE.

The return of Millennium had kicked off in exciting fashion as Paula Parker continued her impressive undefeated streak, but it appears as if she's not ready to take her exit after being announced as the winner. With her brothers still ringside as they look in at their sister, 'The Prodigy' demands a microphone. Upon being handed one, she taps onto it to make sure it was working.

Paula Parker:
You know, I thought things were going to be different. For almost a year, I've been employed here and during most of that time, I've wrestled people like Missy. And it isn't just her, it's the match placement. First, second, fourth, I've proven myself to be unable to be pinned, unable to be forced to tap out. I've lived up to my name as the Prodigy. It isn't just a cool little thing to sell t-shirts or posters because honestly, I wouldn't want ANYONE I'm looking at tonight in the crowd to be wearing my shirt. Ugh.

Paula shivers as the fans begin to light her up with boos for insulting them! Parker flashes a little arrogant smile before continuing, talking over their jeers.

Paula Parker:
As I was saying, I deserve more. I deserve better. I deserve main events. I deserve placement on promotional posters. I deserve the marquee matches and the big moments because I've delivered, more than maybe anyone else in Millennium during my time here. So, I figure if those in charge refuse to give me a challenge, and refuse to put me in matches that will increase my stock as I'm increasing the stock of the company, I'll do it myself. So, tonight, I'm feeling generous, and I'm still in tip top shape to wrestle again. So what I'm about to do is groundbreaking, and it's historic. Are you guys ready for this?

Despite not being a fan of the brash and cocky young woman, hearing the words groundbreaking and historic is enough to get the fans up a bit as they chatter, and some even confirm that they are ready!

Paula Parker:
Good, then you can wait a few more moments because I'm not in the business of giving you what you want, when you want it.

The nerve of this young woman! The fans begin to insult here even more with the boos as her brothers at ringside shout at them to shut up and to show their sister some respect! Paula stays true to her word, and stands in the ring with the microphone for around two minutes before finally continuing on her own terms.

Paula Parker:
Well I'm ready now, so here it goes. Right now, I'm issuing an open challenge to ANYONE in the back that thinks they can actually compete with me. I'm not offering this to just anyone, but only the best of the best. So, anyone back there, if you have the guts, if you have the stones, I dare say if you have...the balls to face the best thing going in Millennium right now, this is your moment. Let's go.

Paula steps back to the center of the ring and after a few seconds the lights darken and 'Your Favorite Drug' by Porcelain and the Tramps begins to play. The crowd erupts, knowing exactly what this means and more importantly, who this means as a spotlight hits the entranceway and we see the return of XAVIER LAROUX! The fans go insane at seeing that he's actually here in Egypt! The lights slowly rise back to a full illumination as Paula's reaction in the ring is priceless as her eyes were wide. Her brothers all move to the front of the ring, to shield their sister from Xavier if he chooses to come down towards the ring.

Fans:
WELCOME BACK! WELCOME BACK! WELCOME BACK!

Xavier has a microphone in his hands as he smirks, taking it all in. The reception the fans were showing was causing him to nod his head, feeling himself even more than he usually does.

Xavier Laroux:
Well well well, I see Paula and the Three Stooges are ready to go. Shit, if you're out here throwing things out for free, I thought I'd get in on that.

Xavier slowly begins walking towards the ring as the three Parker brothers puff their chests out, ready to do their best to keep him out of the ring as Paula shouts out, causing Xavier to stop for a brief moment to hear her out.

Paula Parker:
Did I say I was wrestling again tonight? That was a slip of the tongue moment, my sincerest apologies, but, I can't wrestle again tonight. This show is on a time crunch and I couldn't, in good conscious, take up any more of those precious minutes, but Xavier, it's so good to see you. Maybe we can plan this soon, yeah?

Paula drops the microphone and slides out of the far side of the ring as the fans boo. Her brothers walk around to the backside of the ring to meet up with her and help her over the barricade and then act as shields and security for her as they guide her through the audience and towards a backstage exit as Xavier continues his way to the ring. He takes his place in the middle of it and basks in the glory for a moment before we head backstage!

Egypt is electric with excitement as the second round of the Battle for the Briefcase tournament starts up. The No-Disqualification round is sure to be filled with action, but it also has a lot on the line. After a year of spinning his wheels, Billy Danielson has put his career up against the tournament. Either he wins it all, or he’s out. Having made it past Faith Savell in the first round, Billy feels more confident and determined than he did when he started the tournament, and with the perennial journeyman, Kendrick Kross, as his next opponent, he was feeling even more confident heading into this round.

We open on our hero in the backstage area in front of a Millennium, but it’s written in Arabic for inclusivity reasons. Billy looks at the camera with a big smirk on his face.

Billy Danielson:
KENDRICK KROSS!!!

He can feel the fans’ excitement from the other side of the arena.

Billy Danielson:
I’m going to be honest Kendrick, I don’t remember ever facing you, but I definitely know your body of work. I don’t think there is a single company you haven’t worked for or haven’t been some kind of champion there.

Billy points to himself.

Billy Danielson:
I’ve had a similar career, so if this is truly our first time facing off, and I’m not just being forgetful, I’m amazed it’s our first time facing off. It just sucks it had to be under these circumstances. I wish this was an exhibition match. I wish this was a fun little match, veteran versus veteran, but it’s not. It’s so much more than that.

Billy pauses for a moment. He thinks back on the year he’s had in wrestling. He lost every title he started the year off with and lost his way for nearly the entire summer. Billy shakes his head and smiles, realizing he’s in a better place now.

Billy Danielson:
I put my career here in Millenium on the line to help motivate me into working harder, and I don’t know if you’ve been keeping up with me lately, Kendrick, but I’ve found that motivation again. This doesn’t mean I’m pulling my wager, because that’s how I ended up being complacent in the first place, but it sucks for you because you’re facing a desperate Billy Danielson.

He pats his chest, just over his heart, to signify that he’s found himself again.

Billy Danielson:
I want you to understand that I’m fighting for my life out there. No Disqualifications might be up your alley every other night, but tonight it’s mine. I’m going to do everything in my power to keep my Millenium career running because I’m not ready to leave yet. I haven’t even gotten close to reaching my potential here, and even though I feel alive again, I know that it can all get snuffed in an instant.

Billy balls one of his hands into a fist and starts to punch his other hand to accentuate his final point.

Billy Danielson:
That’s why I have to keep fighting for my career until I get that briefcase in my hands. It doesn’t matter if it’s you *punches* Alice Wagner *punches* Kim Williams *punches* Donovan Keane *punches* Mellissa Reeves *punches* Alex Andrews *punches* or Seth freaking Iser. I won’t stop. I won’t quit. I won’t allow myself to be finished before I reach the top of this company.

He smirks into the camera one last time.

Billy Danielson:
I know that’s going to be a bit disappointing for a lot of you backstage, but this isn’t the fall of The G.O.A.T… IT’S THE RISE!!!

We cut to the backstage area. Currently the scene is empty, which is unusual because we were supposed to have an interview by Camille Bellamy and her guest, none other than “The Woman Scorned” Kimberly Williams. Neither are anywhere to be found. A few moments later and we see the self-proclaimed Queen of the Death Match stepping into the scene from the right dressed in her crimson red and black ring gear and a black Queens of Chaos logo black leather jacket. She has her SCW Underground Championship title belt wrapped around her waist and her HKW Bloodlust Championship title belt draped over her right shoulder. At first the Queens of Chaos member has a bright smile on her face, but that quickly furrows into a look of confusion as she looks around, finding herself alone.

Kimberly Williams:
Ok, something isn’t right with this picture. The wrestler isn’t supposed to be first. The interviewer is supposed to be first and THEN she introduces me! So where are are Cammy? Caaaammmmmmmyyyyy?

Williams looks from side to side, front and back, and finally sees something, apparently, from off the sceen.

Kimberly Williams:
Oh there you are! You even wore the special outfit I gave you! You look great!

Camille Bellamy:
Do I have to?

Kimberly Williams:
Yes! That’s what you’re being paid for, right? Interview psychopaths like me!

Camille Bellamy:
That’s what MWE pays me to do. They didn’t pay me to wear this outfit.

Kimberly Williams:
You’re right, that’s what I’M paying you to do! Now come on out or I’m taking back the money AND the feather boa!

A few moments later and Camille Bellamy emerges wearing a black and white penguin onesie. The crowd can be heard cheering loudly from inside the arena. Kim jumps up and down and claps her hands happily.

Kimberly Williams:
Awwww you look great, babe! You look like Wasley…if Wasley were a female…and an interviewer…and employed by MWE…

Camille Bellamy:
Uh, why don’t we just get on with the interview? How does that sound?

Kimberly Williams:
Certainly, Cammy! What ya wanna know? What’s on your mind?

Camille Bellamy:
You have made it clear that your intentions are to bring chaos to MWE. Well, you certainly have made great strides in achieving that goal. You made it past the first round of the Battle for the Briefcase. You came oh so close to victory at Redline, falling short only to the eventual winner Jackie Fowler. Now you have to refocus back on Battle for the Briefcase because tonight you face Alice Wagner in a No Disqualification Match. You certainly are known for your prowess in a hardcore environment, do you expect to have an edge tonight? Are you at all concerned about Wagner?

Williams snickers as she pats Cammille on her head.

Kimberly Williams:
Such an adorable question from an adorable penguin! I get what you are insinuating and the answer is yes, I am definitely taking Alice Wagner seriously. I was raised to take any and every challenger seriously, but even besides that, this is a no disqualification match. As you pointed out, it is my wheelhouse, my domain, it is an area that I respect oh so much. I do not take this moniker of Queen of the Death Match lightly. I respect and admire the death match environment. Anyone willing to step foot into that environment deserves the same kind of respect and admiration. Alice has that same respect. I respect her and I am taking her threat to me seriously. But take a look back at Redline and what I was able to do. I wrestled twice that night and I came so damn close to winning the whole damn thing. I hold two death match championships. I am tied for the longest Chicago Way Title reign in this promotion’s history. Do ya think I’m capable of enough brutality and violence to keep little miss Alice down for the count? Damn right I am. I respect Alice, I am prepared for Alice, because I will not let anyone stop me from my ultimae goal of bringing chaos to MWE.

She throws her head back and laughs maniacally.

Kimberly Williams:
Look at those pansies in the past who held the briefcase and what did they do? Sure, they became World Champion but what did they do with the POWER they held before cashing in for the title? Nothing! They wasted that power! They wasted it because they didn’t know how to properly use it except for their own selfish desires.

She taps her forehead.

Kimberly Williams:
But a maniac like me? Who knows what the hell I will do! Give a psychopath the nuclear football and sit back and watch the world burn. Or maybe watch that psychopath destroy any and every unfair element within this company? Because for far too long this company has been run by unfair systems and unfair powers. You know what is fair, Cammy? Chaos. Chaos is fair and no matter what I choose to do with that briefcase what you can bank on happening is chaos, lots and lots of chaos, that ultimately brings fairness back to this company. And I refuse to let anyone stop me. Not even Alice.

She turns to face the camera.

Kimberly Williams:
Sorry, Alice, but your run ends tonight.

Kimberly Williams:
... I respect Alice, I am prepared for Alice, because I will not let anyone stop me from my ultimae goal of bringing chaos to MWE.

She throws her head back and laughs maniacally.

Kimberly Williams:
Look at those pansies in the past who held the briefcase and what did they do? Sure, they became World Champion but what did they do with the POWER they held before cashing in for the title? Nothing! They wasted that power! They wasted it because they didn’t know how to properly use it except for their own selfish desires.

She taps her forehead.

Kimberly Williams:
But a maniac like me? Who knows what the hell I will do! Give a psychopath the nuclear football and sit back and watch the world burn. Or maybe watch that psychopath destroy any and every unfair element within this company? Because for far too long this company has been run by unfair systems and unfair powers. You know what is fair, Cammy? Chaos. Chaos is fair and no matter what I choose to do with that briefcase what you can bank on happening is chaos, lots and lots of chaos, that ultimately brings fairness back to this company. And I refuse to let anyone stop me. Not even Alice.

She turns to face the camera.

Kimberly Williams:
Sorry, Alice, but your r...

The clip ends abruptly, a stark cut to black as if someone suddenly turned off the TV. Which is exactly what happened. Sitting on some crates backstage, Alice Wagner just finished watching her opponent's interview, and despite the compliments and show of respect the Wildcard offered her, the former Academy student doesn't seem impressed.

Alice Wagner:
Sorry, Kim, but your run ends tonight.

She says shaking her head, a direct quote from Williams' speech.

Alice Wagner:
No disrespect intended, but I will stop you tonight. I know the odds are stacked against me, I know we're playing in your turf and I'm well aware of what you can do. But failure is not an option for me, not tonight, not after what I just heard.

Wagner stares right through the camera, speaking directly to her opponent.

Alice Wagner:
You're wrong, Kim. Chaos is not fair, chaos is not the solution. They tried that, the company my dad and my uncle used to work for. They prided themselves in endorsing chaos, and where are they today?

The rethoric question about Valiant's fate is followed by a shrug of her shoulders.

Alice Wagner:
I get where you're coming from, theoretically you want to give everyone a fair and even playing field, but in reality you would just make this place even worse. Justice can't come from chaos, justice needs order, it needs a set of rule and people respecting and enforcing them. Your vision? I'm sorry but that looks just like another nightmare to me.

The young wrestler seems very passionate about what she's saying.

Alice Wagner:
How would that be different from what we have today? Just more people doing the same old shit and abusing those of us who refuse to go down that path. Believe it or not, there are people on this roster who just want to fight, who believe in honor and sportsmanship, who step in the ring to test themselves against their opponent and put on a show for the fans watching. There are people who grew up loving this sport, and wish nothing but to be able to do what they love without bullshit. 

Pointing the finger to her chest, she continues.

Alice Wagner:
You're looking at one of them, and I'm sure there's more back there. People who are tired of the constant attacks, of the run-ins, of people ruining matches. We're all tired of The Division, we all want a change. A change for the better, and we're never gonna get it if the only law left is the law of the jungle. This company has been poisoned, but there's still hope, there's still a chance to cleanse it and get it back to what it's supposed to be. But I feel we're running out of time, the healing process has to start soon. I don't care how many months of career I need to leave in that ring tonight, I don't care what price I have to pay. I can't let any more second go to waste, I can't let you win tonight. Your dystopian vision must end tonight so that the utopia of restoring a fair environment can live.

With a look of determination, Alice hops off the crates and begins marching toward the gorillla position.

It had been a minute since the MWE cameras had caught sight of the young Mister Hardy; Jvstice to be exact and while all of his matches here before had been technically unsanctioned or last minute bookings suddenly after joining the Division the Fvture Legend as he liked to call himself suddenly found his way into a contract, clearly getting by with a little help from his friends. He strolled confidently backstage a leather jacket overtop of his division t-shirt he looked around with a stupid little smirk on his face.

Jvstice Hardy:
Yooo this is dope!

He was standing in the hall merely admiring the amenities of Millennium’s offerings, this notably being the biggest company he’d ever been signed to. They were a global scale and your boyyyy was booked almost at the top of the mountain, again obviously because of his affiliation, specifically as he was teaming up tonight with the Millennium champ, And fellow Division member Julian Savell. He strolled for a few moments before he knocked on a door making his way inside once he’d been given the clearance.

Jvstice Hardy:
Savell! What’s good man?

He asked now leaning up against the door frame looking at the man he was speaking too.

Julian looks over at Jvstice and smiled.

Julian Savell:
Hey Jvstice, are you ready for the big time tonight?

Savell wrapped his arm around and tapped him on his shoulder.

Jvstice returned his smile offering a nod.

Jvstice Hardy:
Damn right I am, although some cultist wasn’t exactly who I imagined taking on first now out but hey, some people are brainwashed easily, but they can still take a beating.

He offered a nod.

Jvstice Hardy:
And teaming alongside the best in the company doesn’t hurt.

He gave an affirmative nod making his affiliation to the group noted. He tapped Julian’s belt lightly to notate what he was getting at.

Julian nodded.

Julian Savell:
You’re damn right. But I still wouldn’t be here without you and the rest of The Division. Collectively? We are the best. The greatest force in all of wrestling

Jvstice could only grin at that.

Jvstice Hardy:
I mean I’m the new guy on the squad, but you’re right. So let’s go show them what the greatest force is all about.

Almost as if he just knew it was there he looked to the camera and winked.

Jvstice Hardy:
See you soon Niners.

The two division members head on out for their match.