Millennium LII: Big In Japan Tour -Sapporo

We are welcomed by "When Legends Rise" by Godsmack blaring out of the loudspeakers. The camera pans over the thirty thousand fans who came here tonight for Millennium LII, the go home show for the green brand, the last stop of the Japanese tour before the pay per view the next weekend. After the ever present display of pyrotechnics, the camera moves to the announcer's table, where the smile of Peyton Holland and Jessi Idol welcomes the audience. The tight-knit team of commentators start with announcing how much of a success this tour has been, leading to the record attendance registered tonight. News, this one, welcomed by a loud roar from the crowd. In ten days the tour will come to its end with a two night event at the historical Tokyo Dome. The card for the Big In Japan ppv is, for the most part, yet to be revealed but, rest assured, a lot more will be revealed after tonight. 

As for this show? The main event is definitely the match everyone is looking forward to. A trios match with Constantine, the Lockdown Champion Andrews and the Chicago Way Champion Hammerstein, collectively known as APE, against the trio of the MWE Champion Melissa Reeves, Bobbi Jackson and Kenzie Garrett. Before that, another match that has the potential to steal the show. Tiff Rollins against Sophie O'Brian who has been on a warpath since joining Millennium. The tag champions will be in action as well in one of three tag matches against the former champs, the HooligunnZ. The other matches being Nightfall Rising versus Fabulous, a rematch after last week's forfait, and Jetpack versus Qiyara Singh and Rhett Adelson. And to kick off the night? A triple threat match between Erin Paige, Ashley Whitmore and Yuki. Which, Peyton says, is up next, right after a small commercial break.

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The lights in the arena dim as a video comes on the titantron that was recorded the night before, and the scene opens up on the streets of Sapporo in front of a local bar, and the cameras roll inside over to the counter where Henri Black is seen sitting on a barstool when out of nowhere Joey Leclair appears and sits beside him and motions to the bartender.

Joey Leclair:
Scotch on the rocks and make it two.

Henri looks up from the bar and raises an eyebrow quizzically.

Henri Black:
Joseph, to what do I owe this dubious pleasure?

Joey closes his eyes, and lets out a long sigh before opening his eyes and smiling.

Joey Leclair:
I envy you Henri, giving our history a normal person would be on edge or even annoyed at the sight of a long time rival, but you? You always keep your calm cool collected demeanor.

Joey lets out a slight chuckle.

Joey Leclair:
I was out on the town enjoying myself while in one of my favorite countries when I decided to stop inside a bar, and get a few drinks to clear my mind, and what a huge coincidence that I would run into you here of all people, and I mean given our history it would be rude to not say hi would it not?

The bartender places the drinks on the counter, and Joey grabs his, and takes a sip, and places the cup back on the counter.

Joey Leclair:
Joking aside? Even though we are not at each other's throats, our destiny, our path continues to follow one another in that it led us both to Millennium, and even then we are on different rosters? It’s the same old story isn’t it? Your dealing with annoying pest, while I am dealing with a former Revenant.

Joey takes another sip of his drink waiting on Henri’s reply.

Henri Black:
Ahhhhh so that’s what this is about, you’re afraid…

Henri takes a sip from his glass and grimaces.

Henri Black:
Terrible… So what is it you’re afraid of Joey? Is it Helena? or maybe it’s what happens next that terrifies you? All these years you’ve built up this image of yourself and the central concept of that image is “Joey vs The Revenants”. You managed to beat Prayme, props for that, so that’s one of three dealt with but then you stepped up against me time and time again and every time I put you down so that’s one and one.

Henri turns to face Joey and props his elbow on the bar.

Henri Black:
Now you’ve reached the end of your journey, the final Revenant, Helena Noir and you just don’t know what to do, if you win then what’s left for you to believe in? And that’s discounting the very large and very real chance that you will lose.

Joey grunts at the implication and reaches for his own drink.

Henri Black:
You know I’ve never beaten Helena in a clean one on one match? Sure there was the All In Tournament but I wasn’t the one who eliminated her so I refuse to count it as a win… Yes joey I can see the gears turning in that head of yours, I’m telling you this because I want you to understand something. If I could never beat her, what chance do you have? I’m not trying to be cruel here Joey, but you need to figure out who you are because one way or another after this you can’t define yourself based on us anymore. You need to GROW UP.

Joey grabs his drink and takes a big drink to hide the anger of the statement.

Joey Leclair:
I… never beat Prayme, it was Hennerz that I beat, but regardless of that? You say I’m afraid, but what io? Helena? Not knowing what happens after I have faced the final Revenant? If I am afraid of anything it’s hitting the ceiling.

Joey pauses for a moment.

Joey Leclair:
I am a perfectionist, and passionate about this business and continuously strive to improve and be the best I can be as evident by each of our meetings, I always pushed you farther and farther every time we faced Henri, and yes I never beat you, but that never stopped me from trying and trying again, and so my fear is that what if that’s it? What if I have reached my limit, and cannot improve anymore?! I fear falling into irrelevance because I love the spotlight, the drama, and the competition, and to be honest with you? Right now I am better than I have ever been, and been more dominant than ever before and it thrills me to death, but if I lose to Helena? It will eat me alive, because in my head I will begin to ask the question, is this it? Is this as good as I get? As far as I will go?

Joey clenches his fist tight.

Joey Leclair:
So if I am that eat up about reaching my limit? Then Henri how dark, how sadistic, how violent do you think I am willing to go to beat Helena, to prove that I still belong in this business?

Joey calms down a little and unclenches his first.

Henri Black:
Oh, right, sorry it was me that beat Prayme. You can understand the confusion and as for your question… well Joey the question isn’t how far you will go but how far you can go because right now, based on what I’ve seen, you just aren’t ready.

Joey Leclair:
I will prove you wrong Henri Black, and I will go on to new heights in Millennium, because this is the last leg of my career and I refuse to go out of this game until I accomplish one final goal, and only I know what that is, and I’m not gonna to spoil it for you because then everyone will know the exact time of my retirement, but until then? Try to keep up Henri, because I am going to surpass you. And that is a promise.

Joey stands up, and pulls out his wallet dropping money in the counter to pay for the drinks.

Joey Leclair:
Our fued may be over, but our rivalry continues Henri, because for every accomplishment you achieve in Riot? I am going to double it in Millennium this is my promise to you as my rival, and so the last thing I have to say to you Henri is this, each and every night you show up in riot? Paint it Black!

Joey turns and walks away with a smirk on his face seemingly having found a new found confidence and motivation.

Joey Leclair:
Thanks for the talk!

We open outside in a luxurious hotel suite. There are no signs as to where we are, the fact that this is pre-recorded means we could be anywhere, but you can safely assume this is probably somewhere in Japan. The camera is shooting at a window that stands open, allowing a slight breeze from the gorgeous morning to come through. A few moments later the beautiful Summer Collins steps into the scene and shuts the window. She turns to face the camera and smiles at the camera.

Summer Collins:
Greetings! I hope everyone has had an absolutely FABULOUS today! By the time you see this MWE Millennium will be well under way and my tag team partner and I, we will be prepared to put on a hell of a show for our absolutely FABULOUS fanbase!

She chuckles lightly and shakes her head.

Summer Collins:
Funny thing is, we were prepared last week but it didn’t happen. Jessica and I had to settle for a forfeit victory. Now normally I would be willing to let go and move on to bigger and better things. But not this time, not when Jay and Keane interfered in our match against Jetpack. The goal of Fabulous since arriving here in MWE has been to prove that we are the best tag team in all of wrestling and Nightfall Rising robbed us of doing that, they robbed us of that TWICE now...once by interfering in our match and causing it to end in a no contest, and then a second time by refusing to show up and causing us to win but by forfeit.

The beautiful Collins begins to walk away from the window. The camera follows her.

Summer Collins:
That was not a very smart move, boys...and I do mean BOYS, because you clearly are not MAN enough to challenge us. You wrote a check that your asses are not prepared to cash. Last week you realized that so you didn’t show up. I can’t say I blame you.

Collins approaches a mini-fridge. She opens it up and produces a bottle of wine and a glass. She pours herself a glass and holds it up to the camera.

Summer Collins:
Want some wine?...no?...Ok, fine by me.

She takes a sip of her beverage.

Summer Collins:
The biggest mistake you made was making an enemy not out of me but making an enemy out of Jessica. In the last three weeks she has been disrespected and offended in three different companies. Tonight she’s going to take her anger out on the pair of you. And any hope of you surviving, walking out under your own power, well…

She chuckles just before taking another sip of her wine.

Summer Collins:
...in your dreams!

The cameras are panning into the depths of the arena, when an all too familiar face begins to highlight the screen, a poignant smile over her plump lips as she steps forward, already dressed in her wrestling attire, beside her, her boyfriend and tag team partner steps into the light as well as the team of Rhett Adelson & Qiyara Singh seems ready to go for their match against Jetpack.

Qiyara Singh:
Konbanwa Sapporo!

She echoes her words just as she does her signature Namaste bow with her hands interlocked her thumbs pulled into her chest and a swift bow given.

Qiyara Singh:
It's been quite the experience here on Millennium's Big In Japan tour, We’ve gotten to visit some amazing sights, experience a country whose history and culture are truly exhilarating, and most of all we’ve gotten to wrestle live in front of a crowd who definitely knows our sport well. . . I’ve been honored to be here and to get to know and experience your country along with all of you.

She gives another bow to those who are listening into the arena, whose cheers can be heard in the background noise.

Qiyara Singh:
Yet despite all of the wonderful positives there’s been something that’s left the both of us quite unsettled.

Qiyara made a face where she looked slightly disappointed, in what would be known as her best puppy dog pout, but in an absolutely playful way that had Rhett smirking as he looked on before she shot a playful smirk back in his direction before looking back at the camera.

Qiyara Singh:
The Golden Chains.

She pauses as the words echo for a moment letting them sink in as she moves her hands to rest on her hips now.

Qiyara Singh:
Not once, but twice have the introduction of Golden Chains cost both Rhett and I our respective matches. The first time it came along in the way of Spectre using one as a means to take advantage of me so that he could use his “Die-Fly” style, and then again last week when Rhett faced Trey Cole where he was falsely accused of using said Chains himself, after being planted by the Hooligunnz themselves.

She shook her head seeming most disappointed.

Qiyara Singh:
As if it weren’t shameful enough to have cheated your way to a victory once, the two of you have done so twice now and still have the audacity to claim victory as if your wins have actually meant something. Trey Cole and Spectre, you can easily pretend like you’ve actually done something of merit, but until you can do it without having to wrap something around your fist, or illegally plant weapons around the ring, its simply a fallacy.

Her expression now grew serious but she is quiet for a moment as Rhett steps forward.

Rhett Adelson:
That’s how some people like to roll though, right? They like having tainted victories and they try to hold it over people. But at the end of the day? People who play dirty? They’ll only be known for that when their careers are all said and done. Bill Laimbeer and Bill Romanowski are both known in their respective sports for being assholes who were dirty. They’re barely remembered for their high level of skill because of all the bullshit they pulled. So when it’s all said and done? The Hooligunnz will be known as cheating fools, who’s cheating ways caught up to them at the end.

Rhett laughs and shrugs.

Rhett Adelson:
It’s funny though, that they don’t realize that the shit they’re pulling? It’s not going to work on us forever. Yara and I will be the ones to put an end to your petty bullshit. But before we do that? We have a legit team to actually focus on this week, which is Jetpack, a team that does things the right way. One that Yara and I respect and can’t wait to go to work with. Tonight is about putting on a show with those two amazing talents.

A smile appeared on Qiyara’s face at the mention of Jetpack.

Qiyara Singh:
Indeed, Jetpack showcases all that a tag team should be and have personified exactly what it means to be serious competitors in this sport, they held the MWE Tag Team Titles for a record one hundred and twenty-three days and defended them numerous times against the likes of teams like the Bree Tee Committee and even our current reigning champions the Brothers McMillion, and while the titles may have changed hands several times since then along with the plethora of teams in the company, their legacy still shows through in their teamwork. Earnestly, we’re happy to finally be able to face a team who deserves our absolute best and we promise that they will get it.

A soft smile now creeps upon her features as she playfully goes up to twist a strand of her hair around her fingers.

Qiyara Singh:
Yet one should remember, just because we can focus on what comes next, doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten and when the time comes that the two of you shall truly have to pay for the antics you’ve pulled you should remember that Rhett and I don’t actually need any sort of weapons to rip your bodies to shreds.

Rhett grabs one of Qiyara’s hands and grins.

Rhett Adelson:
Y’all don’t realize that the hands and feet on this woman? They’re lethal. She knows where and how to hit you where it hurts. So she’s not someone you want to mess with. Shoot, I wouldn’t want to mess with her.

Rhett grins as he squeezes her hand.

Rhett Adelson:
But for real, we’re a team that needs to be taken seriously. The backgrounds we both have? The level of skill and dedication we’ve both have showed so far? It’s a level that’s hard to reach and the Hooligunz? They’re beneath us and the rest of the teams in MWE. They lack skill, heart and dedication. But Yara and I? We’re going to show how we exemplify all of that tonight against Jetpack.

Qiyara looks back to Rhett and squeezes his hand as well.

Qiyara Singh:
As always, we’ll see you out there!

The two begin to make their exit as they head towards the ring.

The scene cuts backstage to the parking lot as Chris Constantine Junior and Olivia Constantine finally make it to the arena. Stepping out of his car and pulling out his luggage, CCJ and Olivia hold hands as they make their way to the locker room. A camera quickly walks up to them and starts to follow them.

Camera Man:
Dude. Where have you been? Show started a while ago. Management has been looking everywhere for you.

Chris Constantine Junior:
Dude? My names Chris Constantine Junior. Your future MWE Champion. And I’m in yet another main event for this company so give me the respect that I’ve earned. So I’ll get here when I damn well please. And when the hell did camera men start doing interviews?

Camera Man:
Well, uh….

Chris Constantine Junior:
You know what? Don’t bother. I don’t know any of the interviewers names to begin with because they all suck. So if you got a question go ahead and ask.”

Camera Man:
Well, uh…..do you have any comment on tonight’s match?

Chris just smirks as he opens a door and walks down a hallway.

Chris Constantine Junior:
Not really. Duke, Hammerstein and I are facing off against three chicks that act and look alike and have no drawing power. Only difference between the three is that one of them has a boys name with Bobby. They’ve talked about hurting us and breaking our bones and I’m pretty sure they want to kill us. But Lisa Seldon didn’t kill me while we were feuding over in Scotland in Evolution and Kings Road back in the states so these three knockoffs sure as hell won’t. So It’s real simple. The three little girls can talk all they want, but Duke is keeping his title, Hammerstein is keeping his title, and I will be the new MWE Champion when I beat what’s her face.”

Camera Man:
Melissa Reeves.

Chris Constantine Junior:
Yeah, that chick. APE is taking over baby!

Chris and Olivia finally get to the APE locker room and head inside.

There are a few ways you can tell if “The Archangel” Jessica Lasiewicz is truly angry. Those closest to her know those tells. Jessica’s best friend and tag team partner, Summer Collins, knows all of those tells as well. Tonight, she and The Archangel are supposed to take on Nightfall Rising in a match that they were supposed to have had last week. Summer is all for winning, even if it is by forfeit, but she knows this may be different if Donovan Keane actually shows up. Thus Summer is walking towards the ready area backstage where she finds her tag team partner and good friend Jessica. The Archangel is standing in a dark corner but Summer can still tell that she is already dressed for in ring competition and, more importantly, that her eyes are full of anger and her hair is its natural black color…

...two of Jessica’s many tells…

Summer Collins:
Jess! There you are!

The brown haired beauty approaches her tag team partner and embraces her in a tight hug. Upon breaking the hug she looks into her eyes and smiles brightly.

Summer Collins:
Are you ready for tonight?

Jessica Lasiewicz:
Am I ready?

The Archangel holds up two fingers.

Jessica Lasiewicz:
Two weeks ago I was ready, two weeks ago I was ready to fight by your side and defeat Jetpack, and continue to prove that we are willing to take on anyone, fight anyone, and that we can defeat anyone in any tag team division. But we were interrupted by Nightfall Rising…

Collins sighs and nods her head.

Summer Collins:
Yes, I remember.

Lasiewicz up one finger.

Jessica Lasiewicz:
One week ago I was ready to show Keane and Jay that they had made a terrible mistake in getting involved in our business. But that didn’t happen. We still didn’t get the chance to compete. Sure, we won...but by forfeit. And you know damn well that I do not count forfeits as legitimate victories. I want to stare my enemies straight in the eyes beat them legitimately in the center of the ring. But that didn’t happen last week because Keane didn’t show up.

Summer Collins:
I know but tonight may be different, Jess. Tonight we may get our chance at revenge.

Jessica Lasiewicz:
Will we? More and more everywhere I compete it seems like people just wants to stick their nose in my damn business and I am getting sick and tired of it. ALL OF IT!

Summer Collins:
I know the feeling, Jess. I’m growing quite tired of it, as well. This is why tonight we need to make a statement not only to Nightfall Rising but to the wrestling world. And that statement is that you do not mess with Fabulous. We did not become multi-time tag champions for no reason, am I right?

The Archangel nods her head.

Jessica Lasiewicz:
You’re right, you are absolutely right. A statement does need to be made, because we do prove ourselves every time we step into that ring but there are still those who are ignorant, those who think that they can get away with murder. We are the GCW World Tag Team Champions and we have made it clear that we will defend against anyone, anywhere, but instead of asking for a match #MooreAmerica decides to circulate some half-assed petition and blindside us during our matches? I was prepared for a three team tornado tag in HKW Underground but one of the teams was taken out backstage. At least I still got to compete but even then, someone interfered in MY business. And here in MWE, Nightfall Rising felt it was a wise move to get involved in our business, they felt it was a good idea to make an impact at our expense?

The Archangel shakes her head.

Jessica Lasiewicz:
It was a very dumb move and tonight we’re going to show them why. Keane and Jay bitched about not being booked? Well they’ll have to bitch about not being booked some more, but at least this time we’re going to give them a good reason for not being booked. They won’t be booked because we’re going to cripple them. And it will not be fabulous....

Lasiewicz turns and storms away. Summer Collins smirks knowingly as she watches her friend. Summer knows her friend’s tells quite well, not only because they are close friends but also because she has experienced the rage of Jessica Lasiewicz before during the times that they were enemies. Summer almost feels bad for Nightfall Rising…

...almost.

Millennium opens back up with The Golden Era, Kyle Butter and Neil Newman already in the ring. The crowd is none to pleased to be in the presence of the so called representatives of the true golden era of wrestling. Both men are wearing matching grey suits. Kyle has on a blue tie. Neil has on a red one. With the mic in his hand, Neil brings the mic to lips, ready to speak.

Neil Newman:
It is an honor and a privilege for me and Kyle to be here. We’ve always known Japanese fans are among some of the best, most passionate wrestling fans on the planet. American fans... it shames me that they often don’t appreciate the subtle nuances of REAL professional wrestling. But you do. I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt you can admit the death match culture you people started is NOTHING to be proud of, minus that one flaw, we do appreciate your passion for professional wrestling. Kyle and I are grateful for all the support.

The support the crowd gives back at them is unquestionable boos. Neil sighs. Kyle rolls his eyes at the “disrespect” the fans are showing them.

Neil Newman:
WE carry the weight of professional wrestling on our shoulders. WE charged ourselves to show the next generation how to be true stewarts of the game. Take your deathmatch culture; because of a few select savages, your style invaded the United States of America. Young innocent naive children thought themselves, that looks cool. Entire promotions were birthed from your toxic culture.

The booing thrown there way is a clear indication that the fans don’t believe there culture is toxic. Neil, unfazed, continues on.

Neil Newman:
Me and Kyle recognize not all of you are guilty of being savages, for one second, have any of you bothered to ask yourselves how are your actions are going to affect the generation after you? Probably not. That’s where Kyle and I come in. We came to MWE to affect the culture. To usher change. A change we understand will take years to fully become realized, that is the sacrifice WE chose to make. Can the BreeTee Committee make the same claim? No. They can’t. If we proved anything at Riot, we showed beyond a shadow of a doubt, without the small package... they can’t beat us definitively. If they can’t beat us without dispute, like I countered an attempted small package with one of my own to score a win over the Brothers McMillion. Using a small package as a defensive move doesn’t make me a hypocrite. I was playing defense, not offense. Using the small package as an offensive maneuver is cheating. It’s cheap... on that merit alone... WE accept our rightful place as the real number one contenders to the tag team championships. WE need to send a message that chea---

Bree Smith:
Hang on just a minute.

Bree says as she and Teagan come out to the arena and stand on the stage. Bree wearing her black baseball hat with the red BreeTee Committee ring gear to match her partner.

Bree Smith:
What you just said is full of contradiction. We don't cheat to win, there's no cheating to using that move as you've just said you can use it however you want to, so can we. Secondly, that gives you no right to take away our title shot because of some magic rules you have. One thing I don't like is a hypocrite… but I hate a draw with a hypocrite even more.

Teagan is nodding her head with her hands on her hips showing her support for her tag team partner as she takes her black baseball hat, turning it backwards on her head, and motions for Bree to hand her the microphone.

Teagan Gallagher:
Yeah! Who gives you the right to change the rules so it suits you whenever you want? That’s messed up! At least the BreeTee Committee prides itself on always being the most consistent duo 24/7! We earned our place as the number one contenders!

Teagan makes a dramatic motion with her free hand as if she was providing a mic drop before pushing the mic back over to Bree.

Neil goes to say something. Kyle, who has remained silent throughout all this motions for the mic. His partner obliges.

Kyle Butler:
I’ll tell you Teagan what gives us the right, bay bay! Me and my brother from another mother are the standard bearers of tag team wrestling. When you are the cream of the crop, you get to dictate the rules. We’re not disputing you two have worked hard. It breaks my heart you can stand there, beam with pride about how you two did not give the fans the decisive conclusion to our soiree at Way of the Dragon. Crashing your title match was unconventional. We did the right thing, for the good of the sport. I’ll tell you what, we’re gentleman, after we become the new tag team champions, we’ll give you the first shot. How’s that?

Bree looks at her partner to check if they were serious.

Bree Smith:
Teegs. Did you see these guys win a match recently to deserve a shot at the tag team titles before us?

Teagan taps her index finger up against her chin, appearing to be in thought, before she shakes her head.

Teagan Gallagher:
Why no, I did not Bree, isn’t that funny?

Bree Smith:
It's really funny that they want to just cut corners and avoid the best tag team in Millennium.

Teagan Gallagher:
I would be scared too if I was them...

Neil Newman rolls his eyes.

Neil Newman:
As cute as this is ladies, we beat the champions in a non title match. It’s wrestling tradition that we get what we are owed. Kyle is a better man than me. He wanted to be nice... I’m won’t! Go away! We are the real number one contenders. That’s final!

Neil crosses his arms. He does not take his laser like focus off The BreeTee Committee. Things are certainly getting heated here between a couple of teams that both have reasonable claims to getting a shot at the tag champs. But what’s that? We should hear from the champs too? Well whatta ya know out onto the stages waltzes our reigning MWE Tag Team Champions: The Brothers McMillion!

Javen and Christian both have their championships proudly wrapped around their waists and mics in hand. The champs heading to the opposite side of the stage from recent challengers The BreeTee Committee.

Christian Michaels:
Ya know what’s even funnier than all the garbage that you’ve been spewing outta ya mouth Neil? The fact that the four of you have been out here having this lil pow-wow without me and my brother!

Javen:
Yeah, RUDE!

CM nodded in agreement with his younger brother.

Christian Michaels:
But listen we’re forgiving individuals. I mean you’re probably just trying to compensate for your admittedly small package afterall

Javen busts out laughing at the joke his brother made. Neil can be seen sneering.

Neil Newman:

STOP! This is no laughing matter! We came out here to settle this issue! Christian. Javen. Do. The. Right. Thing. Kyle and I want our tag title shot! Tell The Bree Committee they need to wait!

There’s a moment of silence as Christian ponders the request Neil has made of him. Javen walks over and cups his brother’s ear and whispers something. There’s a nod from Christian. He looks over at Bree and Tee.

Christian Michaels
Bree, Tee, I’m afraid that Neil’s right….you gals will have to wait until we get this all squared away.

Both Bree and Teagan’s mouths drop open with shock before they start whispering to each other from behind their cupped hands as if attempting to come up with a plan.

Christian Michaels:
Woahhhh there partner! Pump ya brakes a lil bit Neilster! I said they gotta wait while we square this away. Not once did I say that means we’re choosing to face the two of you quacks at the pay per view!

Christian gestures towards the ring.

Christian Michaels:
Look I’m a grown ass man and I ain’t afraid to admit that when our teams squared off? Neil? Kyle? The two of ya fought a hell of a match and managed to come away with a victory. Congratulations fellas! And hey you’re right, it’s pretty much a tradition that when a team beats the champs non title they’re almost assured a shot against the champs…..BUT!

Michaels and Javen then turn to face their most recent challengers

Christian Michaels:
Wayyyy back at Way of the Dragon, these two ultra talented and competitive ladies were robbed of finding out for sure if they have what it takes to beat us when the bright lights are their brightest. So the way me and my brother are feeling is that The BreeTee Committee is owed another damned championship match!

That is an idea that the Japanese fans are solidly behind! Before Neil has a chance to say anything, Kyle grabs his wrist. He whispers something into Neil’s ear. Giving him a nod, the calmer of the two speaks.

Kyle Butler:
We humbly accept our one on one match at Big In Japan. See. Didn’t have to be so hard. BreeTee. You heard Christain, you’ll get your championship match, not against them. Fabolous are looking for competition, have fun with me and Neil’s wives.

Javen:
Annnnd now we see why Neil does most of the talking for you fellas. You ain’t got any right to be accepting anything, especially not title matches on anyone’s behalf. You gotta have these shinies if ya wanna have that right!

And with that Javen rubs the front plate of his championship.

Christian Michaels:
Yeah, as my brother says you’ve got as much right to making matches as….well I’m not comfortable saying that on television. But look we’ve all taken up more than our fair share of time here. These great fans came to see THE most exciting wrestling action their money can buy tickets to see! So how’s about this: Come the Big In Japan pay per view; myself and Simon will take our championships and put them on the line against you…

Christian looks in the direction of Bree and Teagan.

Christian Michaels
Bree and Tee…

The fans are liking this idea here.

Christian Michaels:
It’s only right after the way peckerheads One an Two screwed yawl out of your match before. But callin a spade a spade here, those two *did* beat us in a match, sooooooo….Neil and Kyle? How about yawl two bring your slap-happy asses into the fray and we just make it a Tag Team Triple Threat for these!

At that moment Christian and Javen both rip their titles from around their waists and hold the belt up. Christian faces towards the ring and thus at Neil and Kyle, meanwhile Javen faces towards The BreeTee Committee. Neil ponders the proposal laid out by Christian. Doesn’t take him long to respond.

Neil Newman:
Fine! We accept.

The Japanese crowd cheers Neil’s willingness to accept the triple threat challenge proposed by Christian. Taking his eyes off one half of the tag team champions, Neil attention returns to The BreeTee Committee. He stares at them.

Neil Newman:
Bree. Teagan. We are not afraid. After this is all over... there will be no dispute who the best tag team of any era is!

Bree and Teagan look at each other for a brief moment before they look at their rivals with big smiles on their faces.

Teagan Gallagher:
Hope you boys are ready for what’s coming at Big in Japan!

To finish off her statement, both Bree and Teagan raise two of their fingers up their temples to do their “unagi” signal, before making motions around their waists driving home the point of what they’ve been after for the longest time. The Japanese crowd cheering wildly for the two tenacious girls.

The scene cuts to the ring and already standing inside of it is Gavin Grimes with a microphone in hand. The fans shower him with boos as he smiles and waves for them to bring the boos on. He’s taking it all in stride before the fans finally quiet down and he begins to speak.

Gavin Grimes:
So, there has been a challenge thrown my way. Victoria… You really think you deserve to fight me?

Grimes chuckles and shakes his head as he walks around the ring.

Gavin Grimes:
Do you know who the fuck I am?

The fans boo as Gavin uses his free hand to grip the rope and lean forward over it, looking directly towards an outside camera.

Gavin Grimes:
I’m one of the greatest gifts this business has ever seen. I’m the Captain, the Chosen One, The Sac-Town Kid, the ORIGINAL CULT FUCKING CLASSIC!

Gavin lets go of the rope and points toward his chest.

Gavin Grimes:
I’m greater than any other wrestler in this company. Nobody is more accomplished than me. Nobody is more loved than me. Not just that, but I’m still in my prime as well. I’m still unstoppable. But you? You want to challenge me? Why? Because I’ve gotten in your head? Because I’ve made you look like a dumb, cry baby bitch? Why makes you think you’re going to get your way?

Gavin scoffs and rolls his eyes.

Gavin Grimes:
The only reason I’m going to accept your challenge is because I don’t back down from anything. It’s not because I want to fight you, it’s not because I think you’ll hold a candle to me… It’s simply because you chose to call me out and now? Now I’m simply going to put you down. I’m going to bury you and your pathetic career. I’m going to make you look weaker than you ever have. And when it’s all said and done? You won’t have shit to bitch about. Why? Because I’m going to beat you so badly that there won’t be a shadow of a doubt who the more dominant wrestler is. You’re out of your league, Victoria… You’re out of your fucking depth! And I’m going to make you pay for getting in my way. Got it? Good.

Gavin reaches his hand out and drops the mic.

Millennium cuts to the green room of the arena where Victoria Salinas is seated on the couch of the room with a tablecloth draped over her lap. She’s obviously not dressed to compete since she’s not booked on the card but this fact doesn’t seem to bother her too much. Still, she is retaining a bit of anger in her eyes as she collects her thoughts and begins to express them.

Victoria Salinas:
Out of my depth?

Her eyes narrow more with anger.

Victoria Salinas:
Do you, Grimes, have ANY idea how many times I have heard that in my career… in my LIFE? Do you know the story of the young Montana girl who went to Seattle at the age of 19 and was told she wouldn’t have a career past the Independents because she didn’t have the “charisma” or the “stage presence” to do so? Do you know the story of the rookie wrestler 10 years ago who was NOT expected to be ANYTHING in this business because the locker room liked this idiot from Texas more than I did or because the locker room loved this Joker ripoff, clown makeup wearing, flash in the pan freak more than I did? How about the story of that rookie wrestler hitting her stride and eventually surpassing those two sons of bitches in spades? I was SO “out of my depth” because I didn’t carry the ATTITUDE or the CHARISMA that they did… and I proved them wrong.

Five years ago, I was involved with a “cartel”... a wrestling brand using that as part of their name, not THAT kind of cartel… where I was branded a NOBODY, where I was branded a PARROT to someone else, where I was treated like I was a fucking joke, a sidekick, an “appetizer” and I was told that I was out of my depth because everything I’d done in this business “didn’t matter” because it didn’t happen with that group of wrestlers… and yet… I proved them wrong.

Back in GCW, after my first world title reign there… I fell HARD. I “settled”, if you catch my drift. I was told I was out of my depth because I couldn’t keep up with these brand new bitches thinking they could replace me. I not only did so… I stayed ahead of them and I won two more world championships.

Every single time I hear that phrase… I prove them wrong. Then again…

Victoria takes a pause collecting some further thoughts before she continues.

Victoria Salinas:
I have to be honest… just like I’ve always been… even if it’s with myself… even if it’s not positive honesty… I have to take responsibility for where I am at in this company. When I first got to MWE… I was being FAR too “happy go lucky”... I was far too reliant on my abilities alone. I was too passive… just satisfied with feeling that everything was going to get better without actually making the effort to MAKE things better. You caught me at the worst possible time, Grimes… you caught me at a time when I became fed up with it all and YOU just happened to be the final straw and all you’ve done since that BULLSHIT first encounter: when he who refers to himself as “one of the greatest gifts this business has ever seen” had to CHEAT to beat someone he considers “out of your league”... is run up the score. No really Grimes… think about it…

YOU… “one of the greatest all time gifts in wrestling”... had to CHEAT… to beat ME… someone that’s “beneath you” and “out of your league”.

And I thought I was the one with the toxic inferiority complex… and yet YOU run up the score, pour a little salt into the wound, act as if you’re THAT superior to me… yet, you’ve shown anything but that… like last week…

Victoria pauses to remove the tablecloth from her lap revealing the same chair that was used on her and Helena Noir last week, dents and bumps and all. For emphasis, she picks up the chair and reveals it to the camera.

Victoria Salinas:
You were PERFECTLY fine using THIS to run up the score JUST a little more. Am I really getting to you, Grimes? I think so… it PAINS you that I won’t go away because you initially saw me as just another day in the office… you saw me as that pushover that just sat there and ate shit for months and couldn’t beat Bethany “no heart for this business” Driver and Duke Andrews when I got the chance. You want to “bury me” because I didn’t do what you wanted me to do… you wanted me to just accept it and eat shit, right? You wanted me to just leave it alone and just be the fucking pushover and walkover that people like YOU think that I am.

SORRY… but ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!

I’m DONE being that walkover! I’m DONE with people like you attempting to take advantage of me. I’m DONE being that person that seemingly EVERYONE in this company wants to make their victim for their own amusement. I’m DONE being a victim, Grimes! I’m DONE with being held back by the glass ceiling and being chained down to a spot on a ladder I KNOW I am better than and have ALWAYS been better then….

And when I beat you… I’ll fucking prove that I deserve better than being treated as the resident walkover of this company… events like two weeks ago when Leclair took out Helena and robbing me of a match… those will NEVER happen to me again! You THINK you know who I am… but you don’t know who I am… and at the Tokyo Dome… you’ll know that I’m that bitch…. Grimes… I’m that bitch that owns the damn spotlight and by shattering your precious ego and getting my revenge not just for what you did to me… but for all the garbage I’ve been through since the day I got here… they’re going to be talking about that bitch that stole the show by silencing “the chosen one” and the “Cult Classic”... they’re going to be talking about ME… and it’s all going to be at YOUR expense…

See how you like that, you supercilious son of a bitch!

Victoria stands up and tosses the chair aside. She leaves the green room as soon as the chair loudly hits the wall, hearing huge cheers from the audience as the scene fades out.

The feed switches to footage recorded earlier in the day, with Reese Kennedy standing in front of the main gate of The Chuo-ji Buddhist temple in the Susukino district of Sapporo. The snow is falling and Kennedy is dressed in a suit and heavy overcoat. Conspicuous by his absence is The Chicago Way Champion, Jacob Hammerstein. The camera focuses on Kennedy, who wears a smile that looks almost sincere. He begins to speak, his breath easily seen in the cold air.

Reese Kennedy:
Yuki no Sapporo kara no go aisatsu
Greetings from snowy Sapporo.
Sapporo is one of YOUR Chicago Way Champion's favorite cities in Japan, with the Chuo-ji Temple being his favorite place in Sapporo.

While his partners and opponents squabble back and forth on Twitter, The American Monster focuses. He focuses on not just his opponents, not just achieving victory for himself and The American Pain Experience in the six-person tag team match, but he is also beginning preparations for his Chicago Way Title defense against Kenzie Garrett at The Big in Japan pay-per-view at the Tokyo Dome.

As a guest of cold wind blows the snow in an almost horizontal pattern in front of him, Kennedy pulls his overcoat closer to him.

Reese Kennedy:
From the moment Ms. Garrett first crossed our path, she has continually pushed the narrative that Mr. Hammerstein is a coward, running from her and her challenge.

Anyone with an IQ over six could tell you that that is complete and utter balderdash. The American Monster, YOUR Chicago Way Champion, fears noone and nothing. That should have been evident when he brutalized you the last time the two of you fought. But you still feel the need to poke the tiger, don't you?

Kennedy blows in his cupped hands and rubs them together for warmth.

Reese Kennedy:
Well, Ms. Garrett, since you earned this Chicago Way Championship match, and you insist upon continuing with the false narrative that The American Monster fears you, then this is the perfect opportunity for me to exercise Mr. Hammerstein's Championship privilege and name the stipulation for his Title defense.

Kennedy sticks his hands in the pockets of his overcoat, trying to keep them warm. His face is red from the cold and the wind.

Reese Kennedy:
The American Monster, and YOUR Chicago Way Champion, Jacob Hammerstein chooses as the special stipulation for your title shot is….

The manager pulls his right hand out of his pocket, along with a long leather strap. He holds it up to the camera.

Reese Kennedy:
...a strap match. This way, you can't say that The American Monster is a coward, because there is now way for either of you to escape. Mr. Hammerstein is no coward. He's not going to run from you. He's going to grab that strap, and with one mighty heave, he's going to drag you to him, and he's going to unleash a beating on you that will make the last time seem like a walk in the park.

When your strapped by your wrist, Ms. Garrett, and you see The American Monster across the ring, and he's strapped across his wrist, you'll realize that all the lies and all the false claims did nothing but seal your fate.

At The Big in Japan pay-per-view, The Tokyo Dome may as well be renamed The Devil's Gate, because The American Monster….YOUR Chicago Way Champion, is going to drag you straight to hell.

As the camera cut away, the footage looked up to the big screen in the arena, the fans still chattering amongst themselves as they grabbed refreshments and spoke about all that had been seen so far. It was at this point, while the commentary team were discussing the upcoming PPV, that the subject of Tiffany Rollins recent speech was brought up, with the pair speaking about the receipt she recently gave to Anastasia Starling, but also the timing of it. As if on cue, the big screen then lit up, the fans in attendance gasping.

Anastasia Starling:
Somewhere over the rainbow... way up high, there's a land that I heard of once in a lullaby. Somewhere over the rainbow skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true…

Came the beautiful voice, singing hauntingly and pure as the imagery played out on the screen. There was a figure, that even with their back turned to the camera, was instantly recognisable. Thick curls hanging down to the shoulders, sat in what looked like a wheelchair and peering out upon the New York skyline, and the bright lights that illuminated a view around Central Park.

Anastasia Starling:
Someday I'll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far behind me. Where troubles melt like lemon drops, away above the chimney tops… That's where... you'll... find... me…

The figure of Anastasia Starling turned in her chair, looking pale and a little gaunt, a redness around her eyes as if she had been crying, bags under them as if she hadn’t slept. She was quivering slightly, wrapped in a thick cream dressing gown and for once she was not wearing that raven’s mask, instead she was playing with it with her shaking hands.

Anastasia Starling:
Maybe once upon a time that rang true, but these days you can only find me here. In a ward, in a hospital, sat in a wheelchair staring out of the window, watching the world go by without me being part of it. Many of you know what got me here, and most don’t understand why it isn’t really spoken about in circles. Maybe it is a gagging order? Maybe people are too scared? Maybe, just maybe, those that I did this for never really cared in the first place?

She put down the mask, looking over to the hospital bed solemnly, then back to the camera, the saddest of smiles upon her cherry red lips. The bruising had clearly cleared up, but she was very much a broken figure in comparison to what people remembered her for, whether that was the impossible circus girl, the determined multi time champion, or the terrifying Raven she had become over the latter months of 2019.

Anastasia Starling:
Being left to your own thoughts in your own situations leads down some particularly dark paths. Hitting rock bottom will do that, and I at least hope some of you can understand my viewpoints enough to at least have some grasp of it. But in it all, I did what I did. And I did it not for myself, but for a great many that I care about, and whether those feelings are returned, and many are… or whether they are not, is irrelevant. I did what needed to be done, and now I pay the price. Maybe this is the reason why so many talk about fighting injustice, about putting up a stand, but instead just speak of it, tweet about it, but they never really do it. It’s an idea, good in theory but impossible in practice. But as someone once said to me, I have a tendency to make the impossible happen.

Starling smiled sweetly, taking a breath as if it was the first she had ever taken, or that she had forgotten how to breathe in the first place, before shrugging her shoulders.

Anastasia Starling:
So I made the impossible happen, but it came at a greater cost than just my health. I had to turn away from so many, don a mask that was a reflection of darker times rather than my own motives, ignore the flesh and blood I adored while reaching out to the ones that would… harm those I adored. It wasn’t easy, and I knew it wouldn’t be. I had to make a great many wrongs to make one right, just one right… And despite making it, despite making sure there was a tomorrow for those that deserved it, despite making the change that so many needed…

She paused for a beat, looking down to her shaking hands, and it seemed that there was a black feather on her lap. She stared at it for a second, before raising her head once more.

Anastasia Starling:
Last week, I received a receipt for my words… One of those that I spoke up about and against in those dark Raven days was Tiffany Rollins. And she decided, she decided to take a moment to fire back. But, you know, I have many feelings on that matter. And some have brought up the exact same questions that I had. Why then? Why last week in Japan? Why did she choose that time, that place, that single moment to speak up? You know, I could forgive her for saying what she said just prior to our match in China. I could forgive her for using that speech to gloat after she picked up the victory, pinning Luna for the one, two, three. Maybe I could even forgive her for saying those words on that fateful night at A Time For Wolves… Instead she chose Japan, she chose last week… While I was sat here in this ward watching, sat in my wheelchair helpless… only a week or so removed from awakening from a coma, a coma I was put in for protecting those I care about, those I adore. Friends, family, loved ones. My cousin Lark, my best friend Darcey, Hitch, Sk--Everyone. Even rivals, even those who I have no feelings on, I did it for them. Even you, Tiffany… Because you were there that night… You were there. The girl who said she would never enter the Underground, that it went against all her principles, against the trainers who got her to the game, to her origins… You were there. And you knew what I did, and yet you still… STILL accuse me of burning bridges with my friends and family… The only thing I did was burn myself for them...

There was anger and frustration in her trembling voice, and she gazed up with a tear in those greens and blues, wiping it away as she tried to compose herself.

Anastasia Starling:
I know you are there, Tiffany. I know you have a match tonight, I know you are in the building. And I want you to come out right now, right now in front of the people… And I want you to look at this big screen that my image is on, and I want you to say it again. Because no Lasiewicz, no Halliwell, no member of my family would elect to kick someone when they are at their lowest, gloat your supposed superiority, not when they have done what I have done… What you did, was the most Rollins thing imaginable… So come out, come out and look at me now.

Anastasia opened her arms, as if begging Tiffany to emerge from the back, as the Japanese fans let out a cheer, in a combination for her words and calling Rollins out, awaiting whatever confrontation could happen while they were miles apart. Suddenly a cluster of fans began to erupt. As the radius grew larger and larger, the camera switched to ringside, where the Cloud Gate Champion herself could be seen, ring gear and all, making her way through the sea of fans. The camera picks her up just at the right time to catch her hopping the guardrail and sliding into the ring. An unusual entry for the young woman, but Ana’s wish was granted. Inside the ring, Tiffany stared up to the big screen, gazing into the multicolored eyes of her cousin with laser focus. As Ana looks down at the champion, who seemed even smaller from her point of view, the champion removed her title from her waist and gently placed it in the corner, where she in turn asked for a microphone.

Tiff Rollins:
Well Ana, you got what you wanted. I’m looking right up at you right now. So...what now? You want me to say what I’ve already said? You want an explanation for why I said it? Why I decided to say it now rather than sooner? Well I mean...it’s pretty simple really. Why did I wait until last week to respond? After everything that happened to you, why now? After all this time, why now? Simply put...I snapped.

The fans were confused by this, but the expression on Ana’s face did not budge at all.

Tiff Rollins:
I snapped...that’s all there is to it. You see, after everything you said to me in Shanghai, I spoke to Andreas. I spoke to Heather. They were just as shocked as I was. But as much as I wanted to respond, one thing stayed in my mind, and it’s the exact mantra that you yourself chose to break when you first showed up in Millennium. We don’t fight family. So what did I do? I kept my mouth shut. I kept my mouth shut, and I kept defending my title, like any champion should. And then...well...I guess...that happened…

Tiffany is clearly referring to the incident that led the Songbird into the situation she’s in right now.

Tiff Rollins:
You’re right about one thing. I was there on that night. But don’t you dare lie to these people. What you did was for your family. Your family...my family...but not me. You’ve already made it as clear as day what you think of me. You think I abandoned my family. You think I betrayed my family. You did it for your family, for your friends, but not for me. And yet still, even then, when I wanted to scream my lungs off, I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t say it. Not after what you did. Not while you were in that state. I couldn’t...but...but it...as the weeks went by, this feeling...this feeling just got worse and worse...I had to say it. I had to get it all off my chest...knowing that you would have done the exact same thing to me.

A mixed reaction from the fans, who don’t know what they’re hearing at this point. How could they? Where is this coming from?

Tiff Rollins:
I saw what happened to you on that night...and yet...as I saw what happened...your words kept flashing in my head. Those words that you said back in Shanghai. And as the weeks went by, those words kept getting louder and louder. I’ve said time and time again, all I ever wanted to do was to fight. But I’m not afraid to say that your words are still stuck in my head. Even while in a coma, just knowing everything you told me, just knowing why you attacked me, just knowing how little you think of me was enough to keep me awake at night. And so last week, I said to myself enough is enough. I had to say something, and I didn’t care what anyone thought about it. Of course...as usual...bad timing on my part…

More boos than cheers at this point…

Tiff Rollins:
I’ve read all the messages. I’ve spoken to Heather about this. And I’ll admit it right now, the timing was off. But here’s the thing. I still stand by what I said. I’m looking at you dead in the eyes Ana, and I’m telling you that I stand by everything that I said. And I know I ain’t gonna get any fans for this, but quite frankly, what you did on that night meant nothing to me, because it wasn’t meant for me. You tried to atone for everything that you put your family through...what you put my family through...and although you may have won most of them over, not me. You don’t think I belong in this family, and yet all I’ve done this past year was fight for this family. But somehow that isn’t good enough. And why? Because I belong to more than one family? I’ve already said what I needed to about that, but I can see right through you, and I refuse to let you lie to these people...lie to your fans...lie to your family.

Tiffany just poured her heart out for the second week in a row, but there is a more concentrated aura of tension than before. The Japanese crowd don’t really know how to respond to the champion’s words. As Tiffany stared holes into the eyes of her cousin… but Ana hadn’t flinched at all during the speech, merely staring through the lens of the camera, occasionally blinking. There seemed to be a quick jerk of the camera, as if something happened to the footage, but Ana remained there with teary eyes upon the screen.

Anastasia Starling:
Thank you… Thank you for being out here, Tiffany. Now, I’m hoping the production team follow the instructions I passed on carefully, I trust that they have. And I’m sure you feel validated in everything you just said, Tiffany. But the fact is… I don’t have a clue what you just said. And it’s not because I’m not listening, because I will be. And I’m sure I will understand your reasons, your meanings, why you chose that time to say what you had to say. It may have even been that it was just eating away at you that you didn’t say it. But the fact is… This message? It isn’t live.

The fans, and Tiffany looked on in confusion, as Ana wheeled her chair over to a flashing clock, this the camera focusing on the calendar. The date? The 22nd of January, and it was 7:30am, meaning it was in fact just minutes after her previous promo.

Anastasia Starling:
I filmed this video in two parts, ten minutes after you cut that promo and cut right through me. Just ten minutes. It’s so fresh in my memory now, and the only thing I can trust, the only thing… Is that you came out there to the ring to answer me. Because I’m certain… I’m certain this has bitten you back, I’m certain you are now filled with regret, and I’m certain… That there is a real, genuine reason you did this. Because you’re not a bitch, but like me… You have been misled.

There was a commotion in the crowd, many loud noises coming from the fans as a figure seemed to be emerging from the crowd slowly, limping slightly as they appeared by the commentary table, pulling down their hood.

Anastasia Starling:
And you were misled into thinking I wouldn’t be here tonight.

The fans let out a loud reaction, Ana walking past the announcers, giving them a sly wink as she gingerly rolled into the ring. She winced, her hand shaking, but she pulled herself up using the ropes so she could stand across from the champion, looking her directly in the eyes. Starling seemed in discomfort, but was moving on pure determination as she stared at Tiffany.

Anastasia Starling:
I was done… I was gone. After all that happened, all I wanted to do was roll away from this industry. From the pain, from the suffering, from the memories that have been hammering away at me. I had nothing left to give… Nothing. And then you opened your mouth, and you said the things you said and made me feel the things I felt. And I knew… I knew I had to get out of that fucking chair, and I knew I had to get out of that hospital, and I knew I had to catch a flight and be where I was supposed to be, and that is right HERE… In a wrestling ring… Where I belong!

There was a cheer for this, mixed in with a few boos from Tiffany’s most die hard supporters.

Anastasia Starling:
You’ve said what you needed to say, I can respect that. But you should respect what I needed to say as well. And I respect your accomplishments, and your title reign and what you have done with it. You’ve been like a silent assassin over this division, waiting to get in the ring to take your shot, and that is something I can applaud. You have done wonders… But never, ever say that I want to be you. Never call me a liar, never say that I lied. Because that is one thing I am not and never will be. And as for the don’t fight family rule? How could I have stopped my father if I stuck to that rule?

That made a lot of people think, knowing that Ana was put into a coma for protecting people from the wrath of her father, Bobby B. Barabbas. But she didn’t linger on the subject, instead Ana’s eyes cast to the championship that Tiffany held, those greens and blues looking longingly upon it.

Anastasia Starling:
No more words… none are needed, not here and now. But let me say this… Tomorrow I’m going to get cleared, by hell or high water I will get cleared. And you said you were waiting, well wait no more. Because I am coming for you… I am coming for that championship… Because that is what you wanted this all to be about.

The fans were dumbfounded as Ana took a step back.

Anastasia Starling:
Dobranoc, cousin.

She said, rolling out of the ring and limping through the crowd, the fans going ecstatic at the prospect of these two facing each other one on one after everything that was said.

The roving reporter for MWE Millennium, Iggy, is walking with a determined stride. He has spotted his target and it is none other than the Irish beauty standing a not too far away in her wrestling gear, doing some final last minute stretching and preparation for her match tonight against Tiffany Rollins.

Iggy:
Sophie! Sophie O’Brian, may I have a quick word?

O’Brian rolls her eyes as she turns to face the journalist. She forces a polite but obviously fake smile upon her face.

Sophie O’Brian:
Of course...Iggy, is it? Yes, of course. What is it that you would like to ask?

He nods his head.

Iggy:
Tonight you’re facing Cloud Gate Champion Tiffany Rollins. I just wanted a quick word about that?

Sophie O’Brian:
I approach this contest just as I approach any other contest. It may not be for the championship Ms. Rollins currently is in possession of but then again, championship glory is but a tiny, small fraction of what this great sport is about. Conquest itself is more than just championship glory. You see...Iggy...there was a time that the name Sophie O’Brian was not only respected but feared. Now?

She shakes her head.

Sophie O’Brian:
Now the only who know my name, let alone respect or fear me, are those within the Braddock family of professional wrestlers. Everyone knows of Glory Braddock. There was a time I was close, very close, to being as well known and well respected as her. But I allowed that to slip away. This is why I have returned to active competition and why I chose MWE to make my return to the world stage. It is time to remind everyone what Sophie O’Brian is capable of, I have done so by running roughshod through the Millennium roster.

She holds up two fingers.

Sophie O’Brian:
TWICE have I lost since arriving, both times under what most would consider controversial circumstances. Duke and his apes...Reeves...I have not forgotten. My time will come again. As far as Rollins goes, I look forward to testing myself against someone of her stature. She is a titlist and that speaks volumes of what she can do inside of the ring. The families she has been associated with speaks volumes of her stature in the wrestling world. Tonight, Tiffany finds out what I am capable of.

Iggy:
Speaking of Melissa Reeves, who later tonight will be involved in a six person tag against APE, will you continue to assist her in this battle?

The black haired beauty smirks.

Sophie O’Brian:
The enemy of my enemy is my friend. That is a statement that has held true throughout the test of time. And it still holds true today. That is all I will say on that matter.

Millennium returns from commercial break and we see Bobbi Jackson and MWE World Champion Melissa Reeves sitting in catering discussing the main event later on tonight.

Bobbi Jackson:
I gotta admit Mel, I'm pretty excited about this match tonight. Tagging with you and Kenzie against those three goofballs? It's gonna be an absolute delight! Much needed revenge coming tonight.

Bobbi says with certainty in her voice.

Melissa Reeves:
It seems to be a recurring theme lately, but any chance to hammer those goons is welcome on my book. Plus having Kenzie alongside us? That's badass.

Reeves takes a look at her title.

Melissa Reeves:
Still, this is just foreplay. The real challenge is what comes next, after this show.

Bobbi Jackson:
Oh yea, the pay per view...

Bobbi says with a nod before continuing.

Bobbi Jackson:
Well I have to believe management is going to give me my title shot with Duke. I've beat him by count out, I beat him by DQ, last week he tapped out to me. Like, there is really no reason I don't finally get my shot and take that Lockdown Championship next week...I guess tonight I'll put one final exclamation point on my case.

Melissa nods.

Melissa Reeves:
Any idiot can see that's a fact, you deserve that shot. Hell, you deserve that win. Duke? He's just a whiny, crybaby little bitch. But worse than that? He's a try hard.

She sneers a little.

Melissa Reeves:
Like trying to call me ugly? Hello, I've graced magazine covers? He looks like a bear had sex with a pedophile.

Bobbi who was drinking her bottle of water at the time chokes on it laughing as she coughs a few times.

Bobbi Jackson:
Hah! Yea, you're not wrong there!

Melissa Reeves:
Exactly.

She shrugs.

Melissa Reeves:
So when you're done wiping the floor with pedobear, then it'll be me against goldilocks.

Bobbi nods in agreement.

Bobbi Jackson:
Yes, clearly his obsession with you is very close to Duke's obsession with me. It's kinda sad really. But we all will take care of business tonight and at the pay per view we do Millennium a favor and run them off like you ran off Big Redd.

Melissa Reeves:
Not the first that's ran from me. I've started to amass a bit of a list there.

She rolls her eyes.

Melissa Reeves:
And they're all cowards.

Bobbi Jackson:
We don't run from out battles and we aren't running tonight.

Bobbi stands up and looks all fired up.

Bobbi Jackson:
Lets go out there tonight and show these goofs what happens when they fuck with the wrong people!

Reeves gets up too, rolling her neck.

Melissa Reeves:
Ah that's you just being polite. Let's go f them up.

Bobbi laughs.

Bobbi Jackson:
Yes, lets!

Bobbi says leading them out of Catering as Millennium returns to ringside for the next match.

Kenzie Garrett sits backstage of the Sapporo Dome on a production crate. Her dark hair is sleak and slicked out of her face, eyes made up with a heavy black eyeliner and shadow. Her lips painted a dark shade of black. She wears a Cosmic Johnny t-shirt, white in color and tucked in on the right side while hanging loose from her black shorts on the left. This shows a shot of the black, studded belt that keeps her tight black shorts up. Black fishnet stockings and a single lace garter around one hip lead into a pair of black wrestling boots with some lifts in the sole.

KENZIE GARRETT:
Hammerstein... good to hear from you. Or, you know, the trained walrus that speaks on your behalf.

She rolled her eyes.

KENZIE GARRETT:
I heard the announcement that was made; I heard that you wanted to make our match at Big In Japan a strap match. And you know what? I'm cool with that. I'm fine with being strapped wrist-to-wrist with you. I'm fine with giving you the ass-whoopin' you've been owed a long time and dragging you, post-to-post. But, just hear me out here...

Kenzie said, sliding off of the production crate. A hand on her hip, the other hand brushing a few loose wisps of her dark hair from her face.

KENZIE GARRETT:
As the winner of the Red Line tournament, where the prize was any match I want... I don't think it's too wild ot assume that it should be a match that I want. And while I'm not opposed to giving you the strap match you want... because it'll be SO satisfying beating you in the match of your choice. But, contrary to the knuckle-dragging neanderthals that you hang out with that make up APE... I'm not a fucking moron!

She glanced down at her wrist, giving her tiny fist a little turn from side-to-side.

KENZIE GARRETT:
You weighed in most recently at 239 pounds. I weigh 108. That's a weight difference of 131 pounds. You are a full-grown woman bigger than me. You're over a foot taller than me. You're gonna drag me around a lot easier than I'm gonna drag you. And so if you wanted to leave, and drag me down the streets of Tokyo? You could. Who's gonna stop you? And after literal months of running scared from me, leaving me disappointed and disgusted by the yellow streak left behind, I'm just... I'm really over giving you windows to crawl out from. I went through HELL for this match because you have a way of running away from me. THIS may be the only chance I get to make you nut up and shut up! So I'm not about to leave a stone unturned. So... if you want your Strap Match? I'll give it to you. But, I'm gonna raise you one more.

The OWF Parakore Champion said, curling her finger to insist that the cameraman follow behind. Walking down the hall, the camera does just that, keeping the diminutive girl who states to personify BDE in frame. Two metal posts, resembling ring posts, are in the hall. And between those posts are three strands of barbed wire. It resembles one side of a very scaled down wrestling ring.

KENZIE GARRETT:
I'm hedging my bets well. I don't trust you, Hammerstein. I don't trust you not to have a plan to run off, and piss me off. So, I'm not giving you the option. I'm keeping you in... and I'm keeping your inbred idiot friends, and your performing manatee out. But, before you go thinking that your friend Kenzie Garrett has become a basic bitch and that barbed wire is all I've got in store for you... I'd like to give you a little visual demonstration of what I've got planned for you.

Kenzie walks out of the frame. She comes back with a folded up steel stair, showing it to the camera. It's nothing out of the ordinary - just a run of the mill steel chair that fans sit in, and more commonly in her territory: is being swung. Instead of doing either? Kenzie takes a few steps back and gives the chair a toss into the barbed wire.

BAM! CRACK!

The lights in the Sapporo Dome dim out, a thick fog covers the entrance stage as a guitar begins to play the intro of Shandon’s Noir. Helena Noir walks out on the stage, her silhouette barely visible behind the wall of smoke. Wasting no time, she starts walking down the ramp, a serious look on her face. Dressed in black leather pants and a Revenant shirt under the leather jacket, the last Liberty Champion eventually enters the ring, asking for a microphone.

Helena Noir:
I’m tired, you know?

She says almost in a sigh, her eyes scanning the crowd.

Helena Noir:
I’m tired of repeating the same things over and over again for someone who doesn’t listen, someone who doesn’t understand. I asked you to let me be, I begged you to move on… But you just can’t let it go, can you?

The subject of her tirade is, obviously, Joey Leclair. The recent history between them is well documented, going all the way back to Homecoming when she asked him not to act cruelly on Erin Paige, going through a series of interferences in each other match to the Triple Threat Match won by Kenzie Garrett at Homecoming. Until last week’s chair shot during the tag match.

Helena Noir:
You want me, Joey? Why don’t you come out right here, right now and get the ass kicking you’re so desperately begging me to give you, huh?
Can you do it, Joey? Can you come out and fight me? Or do you want me to turn my back on you?

She does exactly that, turning her back to the entrance.

Helena Noir:
Is it easier for you now?

Savage by Defecto starts playing throughout the arena and Joey Leclair steps out through the top section of the crowd wearing a black leather jacket and blue jeans as he stares down at Helena for a moment before making his down the steps shoving off fans as he does so. When Joey reaches the guard rail he jumps over it with ease, and walks over to the time keeper area and grabs a microphone and then turns and slides into the ring staring at Helena Noir’s face before grabbing her by her right shoulder and turning her around getting in her face gently shoving her backwards.

Joey Leclair:
Asshole, Annoying, Pest. I have been called those things alongside many other things and a lot of them are true, but Helena? I am no coward.

Joey eyes Helena carefully watching for any sudden movements.

Joey Leclair:
You wanna kick my ass? Well here I am!

Joey shoves Helena again attempting to piss her off.

Joey Leclair:
Truth be told we both know it’s not gonna happen, because you don’t wanna jeopordize our big match next week, and you may be thinking that you can’t wait to get in the ring and shut me up for good, but you fail to take into consideration that you don’t know just how dangerous I am when backed against the wall, because I am a deadly dangerous lunatic who you will not be able to overcome Helena.

Joey pauses waiting for a reply from Helena.

Helena Noir:
It’s funny you mention next week’s match…

She says with a chuckle.

Helena Noir:
Because there won’t be a match between us at Way Of The Dragon.

Her words, said staring right into Joey’s eyes leave the Death Dealer surprised.

Joey gets a look of evident agitation on his face trying not to explode.

Joey Leclair:
Who’s the coward now?! I waited five long years to get a match with you, and I get the opportunity, and then it’s not gonna happen? Who’s dick did you have to suck to keep avoiding me? Or , maybe you’ve been brown nosing Grace van Beek.

Joey pauses for a second seemingly to have come to a conclusion.

Joey Leclair:
That’s it! It all goes back to week one of Japan when I put the roster on notice and called out management! Now Grace van Beek is going to make my life hell, but if she wants to play this game then I have no problem doing this tonight Helena.

Joey removes his leather jacket and tosses it out of the ring and returns his focus to Helena Noir.

Helena Noir:
If you think I’m avoiding you, you really don’t know me…

And without further hesitation, she slams the microphone on his head with a loud thud, knocking Joey down. He tries to get up, but she ruthlessly puts her boot on his throat, adding just enough pressure to convince him that trying to react wouldn’t be a good idea.

Helena Noir:
You should really learn to shut up and listen, Joey.

He grabs her ankle, trying to move her foot away. But as Helena pushes her boot down against his neck, Leclair immediately resist.

Helena Noir:
I talked to the General Manager, I told her exactly what I plan on doing to you. She refused to book the match. I insisted, she said that the company will claim no responsibility for what happens between you and me.

She adds more pressure added to Joey’s throat, causing him to squirm under her boot. Reaching inside the pocket of her jacket, she pulls out a piece of paper.

Helena Noir:
I’m sick and tired of you. I’m sick and I’m tired of you constantly crying to get my attention, of you begging me to put you out of your misery.
This is a contract, Joey. But it's not a contract for a match.
It's a clearance for a massacre.
Joey Leclair.
Helena Noir.
Unsanctioned match at Big In Japan.

She lets the contract fall from her hand, watching it float in the air and land right next to Joey.

Helena Noir:
Sign it…

There’s a devious smirk on her face

Helena Noir:
… If I let you.

She raises her foot from Leclair’s neck, driving it back down with enough force to crush his trachea…
Purposely missing the target, stomping the canvas inches away from his face instead. And then, just like that, she rolls out of the ring, leaving Joey there with the contract he craved for.

Joey grabs the contract with his left hand, and the microphone with his right hand and crawls over to the bottom rope facing Helena as be constantly breathes heavy and coughs into the microphone.

Joey Leclair:
Oi Helena!

Joey starts laughing in between his coughing and heavy breathing.

Joey Leclair:
You got me your still as tough, and sadistic as ever, but.. you should’ve have ended me right now, because at Big In Japan? I am going to show you a side of me that no one has ever seen before, and then everyone will know why they call me the death dealer so enjoy this victory tonight while you can.

Joey drops the mic outside the ring, and just lays his arms against the bottoms ropes hugging them tightly as he stares a hole through Helena.

Peyton Holland: 
We were expecting a battle, we got a war!

Jessi Idol:
And APE came out victorious... I'm shocked.

Peyton Holland:
It was a display of strength from the American Pain Experience, who certainly lived up their names tonight.

Jessi Idol:
I think tonight, for the first time, they really made a statement. More than they did with any of their attacks in the previous weeks.

Peyton Holland: 
Surely they proved they are a force to be reckoned with. Anyway, what a night this was Jessi!"

Jessi Idol:
And what a ppv is Big In Japan shaping up to be. 

Peyton Holland:
Ten days, Jessi. In ten days it all will come full circle. And as the name tells, it's going to be Big In Japan! Goodnight, and see you next Saturday in Tokyo.