Millennium CXXIII

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page is sitting in a chair on the balcony of the Majestic Suite of the St. Regis Saasiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
I am sure all of you would be expecting me to be freaking out that I am not teaming with Duke, Clyde, or even Alan but here I am calm, cool, and collective. Why? Because while Andrew and I aren’t necessarily close we both hold ourselves to very high standards and will do whatever it takes to come out victorious. Don’t believe me? That’s fine but Andrew is currently the Riot Heavyweight Champion. Not only that but Andrew beat Clyde to become champions so you know Andrew is legit inside the squared circle. To not want Andrew on my side rather than the alternative would be foolish.

Tiffany cracks a smile.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
But as we see that Andrew and I are facing two formidable wrestlers. I have to wonder though, have Olly and Ahayla ever even crossed paths much less even teamed together?

Tiffany shrugs her shoulders.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
If you haven’t Ahayla just know that Olly is a deluded asshole but we shouldn’t be surprised considering who he associates with. That’s if you didn’t already know that considering that he owns his deluded douchery. I mean he is a good wrestler though but he’ll probably end up walking out on you before the match is over…just saying. Regardless if he does or not that won’t change the outcome of this match with Andrew and I walking out victorious.

Tiffany stands up and walks over to the railing of the balcony. She sees her boyfriend Duke Andrews with his friend and longtime tag team partner Alan Envy in the plunge pool that comes with the suite.

“Too Sexy” Tiffany Lynn Page:
After some time off from everything MWE Duke, Alan, and I are reenergized, refocused and ready to reclaim what is ours around here in MWE. Now with that annoying troll burdening another human with being her child I can now focus on furthering my career here in MWE. How do I do that? It is obviously to become a MWE champion once again. A champion where I don’t have to depend on someone else and wasn’t around when I was injured and forced to vacate the World Tag Team Championships. I am talking about championship gold where it all comes down to me. While I have my eyes on a few particular championships all champions need to keep their heads on a swivel because when I do decide to strike I will take away everything I want.

We open backstage in the boiler room area of the arena. There we spot the feminine silhouette in the shadows. There is a single spotlight shining down. The feminine figure steps into the spotlight, revealing herself to be “The Woman Scorned” Kimberly Williams. The demented red head is wearing torn denim jeans, black boots, a black t-shirt, and a black “Queens of Chaos” logo leather jacket. A devilish grin is wrapped across her lovely face.

Kimberly Williams:
Greetings human flesh creatures! Your one woman chaos army, the Queen of the Death Match herself, Kimberly Williams here! What, you think that just because I’m not booked to compete that I won’t show up? C’mon, I’m not lazy. I do show up to work whenever and wherever and I do what I want when I want. It is the nature of the beast. It is the nature of chaos. Chaos will show up whether you schedule it or not. And as I have said before, the beautiful thing about chaos is that it is fair.

She nods her head.

Kimberly Williams:
People think that chaos is already the rule d’jour of MWE. But if you think that then you are sadly mistaken. The pathetic little boys choir known as The Division needs ORDER to rule this company. The Division continues to run rampant because there is order and there are rules in MWE. If you want to really burn that bunch of unoriginal uncreative charisma black hole idiots to the ground, then you need to embrace chaos. Chaos is not the problem, chaos is the solution to your problem. It is a proven success story. Just look at yours truly. Every single championship I have ever won in my career, I won through means of chaos, not through means of law, order, and rules. Every achievement I have ever earned, I earned by throwing tradition and order out the window.

Williams laughs.

Kimberly Williams:
Unfortunately not everyone believes in chaos. That means I have to drag you lot kicking and screaming into the era of chaos. But don’t worry, its for your own good. Every sick, twisted, and sadistic thing I do from here on out is for the good of MWE. Mark my words, I will bring chaos to MWE. I will make things fair through chaos. And mark my words, I will become MWE World Champion.

BACKSTAGE…
A dimly lit locker room is where we find ourselves. There is a man sitting on a bench in the center of the room, but the lights are so dim we can’t see his face well. Whomever it is, they’re getting ready for a very important match. They’re sitting there, trying to focus their mind on the task ahead. A few deep breaths can be heard, as a semi-gravely voice comes from the man, as if he hadn’t spoken in a couple of hours.

? ? ?:
Seth Iser…

Instantly, we know the man in the room is Billy Danielson. You can almost see him smirk, as he continues.

Billy Danielson:
I said our match-up in the Battle for the Briefcase was inevitable, I just didn’t think it would come so soon.

Billy clears any remnants of hushed tones from his voice as he sits there.

Billy Danielson:
I thought for sure that we were gonna be the finals. I hoped and wished, but alas… it just wasn’t in the cards. No, our big face-off is the match before the finals, and even if it isn’t the last match of the tournament, it makes sense.

Billy picks up a small remote and turns the lights on, so we can see his face. He’s a lot more focused now than he was in Seoul. Maybe it was the reality of this match sinking in, but it could also be just how close he was to achieving his goal.

Billy Danielson:
Back at Zeitgeist, you said that if I made it far enough to face you, you would accept the consequences of retiring me. That has sat in the back of my head every day since then. When I put up the Ultimatum to call it quits in Millenium, I was in a different place. A company I had held on my back for nearly 7 years closed, I went on a multi-month losing streak in two different companies, and it seemed like every time I got something going in Millenium, it would all crumble at my feet.

Danielson has done nothing but struggle over the last year or so, and you can see it worn on his face. The self-doubt he has had to fight with and the naysayers trying to prove him right about whether or not he needed to leave. However, you can also see that hope and determination to continue fighting. His voice is still somber as he continues.

Billy Danielson:
Everything looked down, but this tournament, this will he or won’t he has driven me to some of my best work ever for MWE. It reminded me of what it was like to be hungry again. When you get so used to just walking in and being one of the best, you forget what it’s like to really grind for attention. You become complacent and entitled. However, this entire company is so stacked to the brim with phenomenal talent that it was either adapt or perish.

Billy has had to rebuild himself so much since joining MWE in 2021. Nearly every ounce of ego had been stripped away, all for the love of an industry that would never truly love him back, and when he felt there was nothing left to give, he wanted to prove that there was still so much more of him to show the world.

Billy Danielson:
And maybe that’s why this match is so perfect, so fairytale, that it’s you and me right before the finals, Seth. A man so eager to finally make it to the top versus a man so determined to drag him down. You’re so meticulous and calculated. If I’m not meant for this company anymore, and I don’t have it in me to make it to the finals, then you are definitely that can expose it.

There’s something so surreal, and yet sobering about walking into a cage with a man who could certainly be your doom, but Danielson was ready. There was a fire burning inside of him with every word, and now it has begun to resonate in his voice.

Billy Danielson:
However, and I’m sure you have realized this as much as I have, every match in this tournament has been life or death for me. Not a moment has passed since Zeitgeist, that I haven’t been thinking about whether or not this is the end. Sure, last week I joked and teased, and then we lost the exhibition, but I never lost focus on what was at stake for me. All of my time and energy have been put into making sure I get as far as I can before I have to call it quits, and whoever was going to be my next test, and finally I have come to the man who I legitimately think could end this all for me right here and now… and that’s exactly how I want it to be.

Billy smirks as if some grand scheme is slowly coming together, and it certainly felt that way. Romanticizing the end of his career in Millenium has given him such a big reason to continue, that the closer he gets to his possible doom, the closer he feels to this company and the fulfillment that it brings him.

Billy Danielson:
I hate to be cliche, but in many ways, tonight you will be trapped in a cage with an animal dying to escape and you are the only way out. You will be stuck in there with a man who only has desperation and determination on his mind, and the only thing between him and success is you. You say that you’ll do whatever it takes to advance, but you will quickly find that you don’t have it in you.

He doesn’t want to overplay his confidence here, but he can feel the passion take over.

Billy Danielson:
All of your scouting reports, all of that arrogant stoicism, everything that you are going to muster for tonight will be in vain, because failure isn’t an option for me.

Danielson points to his chest as he nearly yells out that last part. He has gone through nearly every stage of grief during this promo now, but his heart keeps coming back to “it ain’t over yet”. The finals are so close, to end here would be one of the biggest tragedies of his career, but it’s also something that he has to be ready for. It’s a weird place to be in, but it keeps him going.

Billy Danielson:
You want to be the man to accept the consequences of my dismissal. Perfect. I welcome it. I yearn for it even. You are the only person in this company that probably deserves that rite. However, I hope you know that this has been the most determined I have ever been. My love, my pain, my entire soul has been put into this run, and you’ll have to do so much more than you realize if you’re going to snuff it out like you want to.

He takes a deep breath, but instead of calming himself down, it makes him more excited. It was like turning away from a pot on the stove only for a moment, just to turn back around and see it boiling over.

Billy Danielson:
I will not go gently into this good night. I will rage into the dying of the light. And I promise you, Seth, as worthy as you are, YOU ARE NOT MY GOODNIGHT!!!

Danielson explodes up to his feet and yells out this last bit with all of his heart. This entire tournament, Billy has been wrestling not only with the other competitors but with himself as well. He had been fighting with so much doubt and apathy towards his career, that he felt like he needed to let go, but in this very moment he could see the homestretch. He knew what he had to do to get to the finals. One more big hurdle and he’d be there. One more big match after this and his career would be saved.

He just has to make it there first, and that all starts with beating Seth tonight.

The camera opens up to find a young man nestled alongside the edge of a pool, a drink in one hand and his phone video recording in the other. Its obvious that he is enjoying the sun and roar of the atmosphere in Abu Dhabi.

Jvstice Hardy:
Yo. . . I mean so! Sup.

He raises his chin cracking a smile and sticking out his tongue, clearly showcasing it wasn’t the first drink he'd had out in the hot sun.

Jvstice Hardy:
I guess I wanted to take a quick moment to remind all of you about the dominant force that is the Division. It seems lately a couple of wack-a-doos from Millennium’s past wanted to up and recreate the original pack mules of Chris Constantine and reform APE. Funny thing about this planet of the Apes reunion is that neither one of you are Caesar and while last time the Envious one might’ve had his chance to beat me due to your unfair advantage, now we get to even the odds a bit because this time I got Dirty Donnie on my side.”

There was a whisper of someone beside him saying that he probably shouldn’t call him that but Jvstice shrugged, clearly not giving an ounce of a fuck at the moment.

Jvstice Hardy:
But no I don’t bitch about wrongs, I don’t fuss about Injustices, because that would kind of the defeat the purpose, yeah? I simply find a way to make the balance, a divide if you will. Because you can beat me as many times as you like, but this soldier never stops coming until he hits his targets. You keep thinking about that when the Division shows up at your door boys.

He made a gun like symbol with his thumb and index finger before mock shooting at the camera as the scene faded to black.

We open backstage where we find Angelica Jones pacing the floor near the ready area dressed in her crimson red and black ring gear, donning her black leather jacket, and looking ready to compete. The Dragon is deep in thought as she prepares herself mentally for her upcoming match against Jackie Fowler. Her thoughts are interrupted when she is suddenly startled back to reality by the sudden arrival of her daughter, “The Woman Scorned” Kimberly Williams.

Kimberly Williams:
Hi, mom! Whatcha doin’?

Angelica Jones:
Huh? Oh, Kim…you shouldn’t sneak up on me like that.

Kimberly Williams:
Sorry. I just thought you might want some help.

Angelica Jones:
Help? You mean with Fowler?

Williams grins and nods her head.

Kimberly Williams:
Of course! Ol’ Jackie is a bit of a wild card, like me, maybe I could give you some pointers…or at least some pointy objects to use…

The Dragon shakes her head.

Angelica Jones:
No thanks, Kim. I returned to full time active wrestling for one purpose and one purpose only, to prove that I can still this on my own, that I can still hang in a wrestling ring. I need to fight Jackie by myself.

She pats her daughter on the back.

Angelica Jones:
But thanks for the offer.

Kimberly Williams:
So you’re gonna play by the rules? Mom, I know you’re helping me in Supreme Championship Wrestling. You’ve been my guide, my mentor, my advocate there for over a year. And I appreciate it. So let me return the favor by giving you some advice. You didn’t become the legend that you are by playing by the rules. You don’t shatter glass ceilings by playing by the rules. You create opportunities for everyone else, you level the playing field, and more importantly you shatter glass ceilings by breaking the rules. Be that Dragon everyone knows you are, mom. Burn the shit to the ground.

Jones nods her head.

Angelica Jones:
I hear you, Kim. And trust me, there is a time and a place when that Angelica Jones, when that Dragon will be unleashed. But I trust Jackie will be on the up and up. And I want to beat him on my own. But feel free to watch my back. In today’s MWE with alliances galore and factions galore, it never hurts to have some backup. If anything fishy happens, feel free to involve yourself.

Williams grins from ear to year.

Kimberly Williams:
Will do!

There was a sound of a roaring motor that had come to life, a single headlight seemed to appear off in the distance before it finally came closer and closer. A familiar figure of a Tall Indian Woman placed down the kickstand and removed her helmet. She had wind blown hair as she opened up the hatch and pulled out the all too familiar Chicago Way Championship that she had been carrying for quite some time now. There was a smug grin on her face as she hoisted the belt up onto her shoulder.

Ahalya Patel:
So Millennium, remember when I told you that this title was now known as the Patelly Way Championship? Has that started to sink in yet? Just how much pain and strife I am willing to go through In order to keep what is mine? The number of people I will go through until I get it through your thick skulls that as long as I have a hold of something that it is not leaving my grasp until I say so?

She paused letting out a laugh.

Ahalya Patel:
I know, I know. Lya you’re being aggressive but I have a fucking right to be aggressive, because I’ve been put through more shit than most of the champions on this roster in order to showcase just how badly I crave this gold. I’ve fought multiple opponents in the same night and each one of them got a shot at my belt, I fought in a bar brawl and massacred them all, I took on the supposed hardcore freak of a german. . .

She paused shaking her head at that one.

Ahalya Patel:
And now who do I have barking at my door none other than the longest reigning Riot Champion in Andrew Raynes, and Tiffany Lynn-Page and no offense to you sis, but I’m not doing the Too Sexy quotations or whatever that branding is, but you do you.

She paused letting out a sigh as she raised the night vision glasses she had covering her eyes now glaring towards the camera with a bit of malice in her voice.

Ahalya Patel:
And while I would’ve been perfectly find taking them both on myself and winning that match with the grace and dignity I always have, we’ve got Olly deciding to insert himself into my business because he didn’t get enough of his ass getting handed to him by Raynes the last time that he wanted to come back for seconds, or well. . . technically thirds in his case. Hard up there little buddy.”

She laughed before shaking her head.

Ahalya Patel:
Which leads us to tonight, Olly and myself taking on Raynes and Page. You could say neither side is exactly a match made in any realm of heaven and quite frankly I’d rather do this thing on my own than to team up and fight alongside anybody. I don’t take to tag team partners all that well, but hey I don’t make the bookings I just get paid for them. So we’re going to go out there and do the damn thing and we’ll see just what the hell is going to happen this go around, because lets face it. We both know with Olly and Division at the door waiting to barge in, there’s no telling just what in the fuck is going to go down. I’m all for the chaos though, kind of my gig these days wouldn’t you say?

She slowly patted her championship as she walked towards her locker room looking to get ready.

We then cut to a very simple set up backstage with what seems like a caged wall going across the room. The symbolism is obvious considering what it is representing. It starts grainy and faded but as the picture begins to clear up, we see a person behind the caged wall. It’s obvious who it is as it is the former World Champion Seth Iser with a stoic expression draped over his face. He’s dressed in his ring attire, a black and silver variation of it. And for a couple of seconds he’s silent.

Seth Iser:
Billy…

There’s a coldness to his voice as he pauses for a brief second.

Seth Iser:
Billy Danielson.

The tone gets more firm when he repeats the name as he takes a slow step toward the caged wall in front of him.

Seth Iser:
Have you made peace with what might go down tonight?

He asks that…disturbingly calm as his eyes just pierce through toward the viewer at home.

Seth Iser:
Does your blood run cold and the nerves in your stomach go out of control knowing that the end might soon be coming? Because to be honest with everyone in attendance…this is the biggest match of your life. Not career…your life tonight. Because everything you’ve ever stood for is on the line. You called your shot…and wagered the biggest chip anybody could ever take from you: your career.

He states this as fact as his face visibly darkens as he leans his head into the steel barrier ever so slightly and the angle makes his face seem morphed.

Seth Iser:
Too many kids are way too flippant about what those words really mean…especially when they haven’t had enough scares that’s made them see their own mortality flicker. I’m not one of those…I know the real weight of those words…and that kind of promise. They get morphed into the bloodlust…make the ugliest parts of themselves come out. And they don’t really get that what they’re promising is they’re permanently taking away someone’s chance to provide for their families in these tough times in the field one’s chosen. Oftentimes it’s just air but when someone dangles their own career as a promise…the weight is just a little different. And most of the people honestly don’t understand…appreciate or even know the weight of the burden of ending someone who has done what Billy’s done in the industry here and in other companies over his career.

He says that in a gravely low tone as he pulls his face away from the caged wall and rubs his left hand over the grating slowly. There is a coldness in his tone creeping back in and unlike his younger self…no joy.

Seth Iser:
Unlike most people in the industry today…I know the burden that I have to carry now. It’s not one I enjoy in the slightest…but that’s the stakes of the match. I know Billy Danielson is about to go into that cage and put together the match of his life against me. But I have to inform Mr. Danielson what he’s about to get himself into here…

He sneers with a vile expression coming over him. It seems as if he’s channeling a little bit of his older self at that moment. The eyes are showing some old fire that could bring the Dread of the Apocalypse.

Seth Iser:
There isn’t a man who has seen more in a steel cage than I. Hell, I even had to call for my own atonement in a variation of this cage. And you can see half of the scars on my body might have come from the wars I’ve partaken in when I stepped inside…this steel cage. Honestly…if I didn’t have a normal match, this is my pick for a speciality. It can bring both the best and worst in all of us and it’s the ultimate test.

He takes a breath and reigns that fire in ever so slightly. He’s gotten a little calmer but he’s still dead serious.

Seth Iser:
Billy…I don’t take any joy in doing this…but it’s a burden I’ll willingly carry to the grave. Your emotion is going to bring a different kind of element and challenge to this. I concede that. I also concede that even in this environment, you have a damn real chance of beating me. But I hope you have no fear when the inevitable happens.

He bellows out that last warning before you start fading away from this view.

A sinister chuckle echoed in a dim-lit section of the backstage area. It didn't take much to associate that laughter with one particular person, the two-time Tag Team champion Olly.

Olly:
You know what they say... Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

He ran his right hand through that mess of hair on his head, that smirk omnipresent on his face.

Olly:
And just like that, it happened that Tiffany was right. The most obnoxious, short-sighted, annoying bitch in this company, the woman who willingly decided to date the biggest manchild in the industry Duke Andrews, was able to predict that I was going to leave my partner high and dry.

Another chuckle escaped his lips.

Olly:
Which it truly says a lot about everyone else. I mean, seriously? Did you think I'd be playing this by the book and team with you, Lya? The reason why I attacked Raynes, the reason why I helped you in that match.. That wasn't revenge on him, even though I admit that tasted sweet. You're all reading too much into my actions, I did it for one, simple reason. The Chicago Way Championship.

Pause.

Olly:
So once I got what I wanted, once I got it put on paper that I will be competing in a four-way match at Dark Web V for that championship... Well, I had no use in taking part on this silly exhibition in front of these idiots,

Boos could be heard even in this part of the arena, as the fans reacted to his words the way one would predict. 

Olly:
I'm not here to make friends, I'm not here to win fans over. I'm only here to do my part and keep the most dominant faction in this industry right on top. We run this shit, never forget that. 

And with that, he walked away.