Post by gvb on Nov 20, 2020 18:09:16 GMT -6
1x06 Bona Fide, Mala Fide
Outside The Locker Room
November 13, 2020
6:25 PM
The Triple Threat Match between The Kid, Olly and Dez Ali saw a spike in viewership as the show ended with The Kid picking up a huge victory for himself and Team Strike, Olly busted up and injured by the hands of the self proclaimed Most Valuable Player Dez Ali. Although Ali took the pin, and while he claimed his despite not winning the Match, his stocks is at an all time high and during the usual Twitter war between the young future of the business, Dez Ali tweeted "It's not always about pinfall victories or losses, but it's what you do to stand out". Dez Ali did stand out as probably the most hated student in the Academy after taking things too personal, too far and too brutal. The self proclaimed MVP of Team Ali may have been right that his stocks were at on an all time high. Not only did qthe Triple Threat Match saw a spike of over 625,000 views exceeding the show's streaming average for the night of 2.1million views sending it over 2.7 million views breaking the record of Episode 2's by over 200,000 views. Now while all three individuals with their egos the size of the largest planet in our solar system would probably, actually, more likely claim they are single handedly responsible for the high ratings, there is an undeniable truth that while all three guys saw a boost in their names on Google Search and videos in YouTube, Dez Ali walked away with highest of those searches, peaking 66%, some what 30% higher than Olly and 36% higher than the actual winner of the Triple Threat Match The Kid. Clearly the kid that looks like the boy next door, showing what said and an out spoken student from The Academy Faith Savell tweeted as "His true colours", have clearly proved the son of Michael Ali correct. And that is wins and losses is just that, wins and losses. One's career is shaped by what the individual did to capture the audience in awe, making them wanting more regardless of the victor and for Dez Ali that was injuring Olly, making Episode 5, the first episode of The Academy to show case blood and lots of it. One man wasn't happy with the outcome of the match nor the blood and action of Dez Ali. ......Michael Ali.
Fast forward back to late the Friday afternoon of The Academy's Episode 5 Triple Treat Match. The Kid have just picked a pinfall victory over Dez Ali, who are more focused on taking out Olly, than winning the match or forgetting their was a third guy by the name of The Kid. The show is off the air, Olly has been escorted by medical staff and assistance, The Kid is likely taking a victory lap around The Academy. While the young man that will soon be in the center of controversy and backlash for his vicious and vile actions during the closure of the Triple Threat Match Dez Ali (shirtless, black Jordan jogger sweat pants and a black, white and red Jordan Retro 1 sneakers) is seen making his way to the lockerroom as he looked at his taped up hands and wrist, stained with blood.
"Hey Dez!!!"
Dez clearly hears his name but keeps on walking.
"Hold up Dez!!!"
Ignoring the voice coming from behind Dez continue making his way to the lockerroom.
"So you're ignoring me now?"
Just as the twenty year old, self proclaimed Most Valuable Player is reaching the lockerroom door, he is grabbed from behind and us turned around by his Team Leader and father Michael Ali (sporting a black Team Ali shirt, gray and white dri-fit shorts and white sneakers)
Michael Ali:
What the hell was that?
Dez Ali:
Here comes the lecture.
Michael Ali:
You damn right here comes a lecture.
Michael who is usually a calm and collected individual, is clearly upset and his tone of voice which is probably the highest it been since the start of The Academy is a clear sign on how pissed off he is from his son's actions moments ago in the Triple Threat Match.
Dez Ali:
Right!!! I saw how Mr. Vaccaro, The Referee, and Lady Strike and you, you of all people had that same look on your stupid face. That look of shock and disappointment in me. I did what I had to do, to have one week or two, hopefully more of not hearing Olly down hall, in the gym, classroom, lockerroom, cafeteria, outside in the courtyard or ring-side. I did what everybody wanted to do but didn't have it in them to do it or get it done. I busted open Olly, made him bleed like a virgin and now he'll be on the injured list thanks to me.
Michael Ali:
Firstly here at the Academy we do not condone such violence. This is a school for students who wants to become wrestlers. This is not some illegal underground operation we're running here. You went to far.
Dez smiles and looks his father dead in the eyes.
Dez Ali:
Really? I went too far? How far did I go dad? Far off the edge or far like what you the Boyz thought me before......
Michael grabs his son by his throat, stopping him from saying anymore.
Michael Ali:
You need to watch what you are saying. Especially seeing that you just lost the biggest match on The Academy to Team Strike's own The Kid.
The young twenty year old Ali swats his father's grip away.
Dez Ali:
Well, well, didn't thought I would see the day that I would say that he were right. My father, the legendary seventeen time former Tag Team Champion and former three time World Heavyweight Champion brain is on the level as everyone else in this academy. Dad, it's not about wins or losses, it's about something more. It's about telling the story, grabbing the attention of the viewer, getting them to the edge of their seats, making them want more. Yeah I lost the match.The Kid probably picked up the biggest win in his life. So did I three weeks ago on October 23rd, when I teamed up with Amelia Marx and won the Tag Team Titles for Team Ali. The very next day, was I given credit? No. It was Olly this, Olly that and Olly is the show's MVP. ......I am The MVP, dad, don't forget it.
His father simply looks at his son, while continue to rant.
Dez Ali:
You see dad, I realize, he was right. Right about seeing further than just the wins and losses in all of this. It's more than that and I proved it tonight. Nobody was paying attention on The Kid's monumental victory. Nah, all eyes were on Olly, busted open, bleeding all over himself thanks to these hands.
Dez looks at his blood stained taped up hands.
Dez Ali:
You watch. My stocks is through the roof and it's not because I won the Tag Team titles three weeks ago. It's not because I participated in the biggest match on The Academy to date. It's not because The Kid used the opportunity to pick a fast one over me. My stocks is up because I went in a place no other student have gone. And make no mistake dad, my intention is to keep my stocks way up there, above everyone else.
Michael Ali:
I have a question for you son? Who is he?
Dez Ali:
I'm not sure what you are talking about.
Michael Ali:
You mentioned he was right.......
Dez quickly cuts off his father.
Dez Ali:
Did you even listened to what I just said?
Michael Ali:
Oh trust me I heard and understand everything you just said from the very last word, to the shortest word that is he. Who is he?!
First a serious look appears on his face and then Dez breaks out a smile, but it's forced.
Dez Ali:
I think you know who he is. But you have to figure out who he is, because I'm not going to tell you who he is. Now I need to get this tape off and hit the showers. Am I dismissed, dad?
His father nods as Dez turns his back, opens the lockerroom door and enters. Just as he pushes to close the door, his father says one more thing.
Michael Ali:
Dez, ......I love you son.
A slight smirk appears in Dez face as he shuts the door. Michael takes a deep sigh before walking off.
The Lunchroom
November 17,2020
12:30 PM
The scene opens with Faizah Marshall sitting at a lunch table all by herself knitting? Yes, she’s knitting a red sweater that appears to be almost done.
She doesn’t notice Millie Smith approach the table. She doesn’t take a seat immediately. Millie watches Faizah do her thing.
Eventually Millie gets what she thinks is a perfect icebreaker and gets on her phone a Stitch Christmas sweater that she'd put on her wishlist and shows it to Faiz instead of speaking up.
Faizah takes a moment to pry herself from what she is doing to see what Milie showed her. The woman who champions herself as the ‘Best At Everything’ smiles.
Faizah Marshall:
“Nice sweater.”
Millie Smith:
Thanks. You're making a nice one too.
Millie says while she takes a seat after setting down her bag beside her. Millie, in a pair of black jeans with some black and white checkered sneakers, squeezes her bag against the chair leg.
Millie Smith:
It looks like we're opponents again…
Millie sighs a little, as she understands what happened last time this happened.
Millie Smith:
My tag partner wasn't happy with the loss last time.
Faizah shrugs.
Faizah Marshall:
That’s her problem not yours.
Faizah looks down at the sweater she’s almost done knitting.
Faizah Marshall:
Thanks for the compliment. Knitting helps me relax. Reminds me I am good at one thing.
Millie Smith:
You're a good wrestler, maybe even a legend in the making.
Millie tries to channel her Cousin Honey's exceptional optimism and cheer up her friend-opponent.
Millie Smith:
Where did you learn that?
The compliment Millie gave her did bring a smile on Faizah's face.
Faizah Marshall:
Careful. We are opponents, remember.
Faizah looks back at the sweater she has been working on. She picks it up.
Faizah Marshall:
My mom got me started early. She would sit on the couch every night, I would always sit on the floor watching her. Mom noticed how curious I was. The rest you can say is history.
The mental image Millie had of the family time, sharing it together and learning from a parent makes Millie smile quite a bit brighter than usual.
Millie Smith:
That's a good life skill too. A good feather in your cap as my uncle would say.
That's when Millie would pull out of her bag her phone. Slowly she scrolls through the messages her partner sent her after Millie and Trinity were unsuccessful.
Millie Smith:
How's things been on your team?
Faizah Marshall:
Cordial. We're not bffs or anything, we don't need to be. Braxton is an enigma. As long as she does his job, I'm good.
Millie Smith:
I'm a bit nervous about facing you two
Faizah raises an eyebrow.
Faizah Marshall:
Why? You beat me last time. Not like Braxton has been lighting the world on fire. I am a bit surprised we are the ones going for the titles. As much as I hate to say it, Faith is pretty good...
Faizah cringes admitting that the woman she can't stand is a better wrestler than she is a person.
Millie Smith:
I was surprised to be defending them back when we first fought... Amelia has been driven to go through all her notes about the upcoming match
Millie says with a little sharp change of direction, onto the messages she'd been receiving from Amelia about the loss which Millie felt was all her fault
Faizah rest her hand on Millie's shoulder.
Faizah Marshall:
It is good to be determined. We're not here to play hop scotch right? Do me a favor, if your team is getting on your nerves, call me, I'll bad the bad guy on your behalf.
Faizah chuckles.
Millie Smith:
Determined Millie
She says under her breath, uncertain if Faiz had her that little comment.
Millie Smith:
I will do that, but I hope not to rustle any one's nerves either.
Faizah Marshall:
Hey, that's what I'm here for.
Faizah smiles.
Faizah Marshall:
Do you, okay? Hope this doesn't sound corny but...
Faizah puts her pinky out.
Faizah Marshall:
I pinky swear I won't give you a hard time.
Millie Smith:
It doesn't.
A friendly smile from Millie confirms that's one of her worries about how she comes across. She tries to wash any of the worry out of Faizah by hooking her pinkie around Faiz's.
Millie Smith:
I pinky swear I won't either.
Then Millie tightens her lips as she hopes Faiz knew Millie meant not giving Faiz a hard time rather than Millie giving herself one
The Classroom
November 20, 2020
8:30 AM
It's been a crazy week for the Boston born Dez Ali. Since the Triple Threat Match the previous week, Ali been frowned upon by many, but mainly Team Strike's very own Faith Savell, who has been calling out Ali for his brutal and bloody attack on her best friend Olly. Despite the negative backlash Dez received from some of his peers in The Academy, including his Team Leader and father Michael Ali. Dez has been on the mark with one thing, his stocks is through the roof and this could not disputed, as not only did he competed in the most viewed match or segment on The Academy, but Google Searches for Dez Ali bumped by approximately sixty-six percent since Episode 5: Dies Irae, some thirty percent higher than Olly or The Kid who actually won the match. Maybe there is some truth to the fact that it's not always about wins and losses. Unknown to the twenty year old Ali, or anyone else for that matter, there is one person who seemingly had an eye on Team Ali's self proclaimed Most Valuable Player since Episode 2: Per Aspera and soon enough Dez Ali will find out exactly who they are.
Dez Ali (sporting a white hoodie with the Levi's brand logo in red on the front, faded blue jeans and gray, white and black Jordan Retro 1 basketball sneakers) enters the empty class room on the phone speaking to someone in a video call.
Dez Ali:
It's okay mom, I'm like thirty minutes early.
Mom:
Wow! You're early.
Dez Ali:
I know where you're going with this mom.
Mom:
Dez, every morning I had problems waking you up during your in High School days. Then when I finally got you up, you move slower than a sloth.
Dez Ali:
A sloth?! Really mom?
Dez Ali takes his black backpack off his shoulder and takes a seat.
Mom:
Lord knows you wasn't as fast as a turtle.
Dez laughs. The first sign of a calm, relaxed and happy twenty year old.
Dez Ali:
I've become more responsible.
Mom:
I believe that and I'm so proud of you.
Dez smiles and nods his head.
Dez Ali:
Wish dad was more like you or even give half of the complements you give me.
Mom:
You know your dad.
Dez Ali:
It's like nothing I do, I can get a good job son comment. But he's quicker to give a thumbs up to another student, from a different team or someone I don't like.
Mom:
Son, there shouldn't be anyone you don't like. They might be your colleague one day and you might have an opportunity to out on a great match in front of thousands and millions around the world watching. You can't really hate people in the business you looking to have a career in, it just doesn't work like that. ......And you doesn't seem to be too happy with what I am telling you.
Dez Ali:
Of course not mom. You sound just like dad.
Dez's mother laughs as she moves her long hair back behind her ears.
Mom:
Well that comes after twenty-seven years of happily ever after with your father. Look, I'm not going to tell you, you were wrong with what happened last week during the Triple Threat Match. I'm you mother and I know your temper, it can get you in trouble like High School. Just remember that.
Dez Ali:
How can I forget?
Mom:
His method to getting to you was a bit......
Dez Ali:
......Extreme?!
Mom:
Well look at where you are today, compared to High School days, I would say you reached a very long way. And I think it's because your dad loved you enough to take some steps to get you back on track.
Dez Ali:
I don't need dad to put me back on track here in The Academy.
Mom:
Your father did what he had to for your best interest. Because he loved you and if that wasn't the case, son, he wouldn't have picked you number one.
Just then the classroom door opens and Amelia Marx walks in.
Dez Ali:
Mom, we have to finish this later someone just came in.
Mom:
Okay son. Love you and please, listen to your dad, stay out of trouble. The world is t trying to get you.
Dez Ali simply tells his mom "I love you too" before closing the video call. He looks up at Amelia who sits right in front of him and turns around, looking at Dez right in his face.
Dez Ali:
I think you're in the wrong seat.
Amelia looks at him watch and smiles.
Amelia Marx:
I got about twenty more minutes.
Dez Ali:
Yeah about that, what are you doing here so early. This is my time of Yin and Yang.
Amelia Marx:
Well you're a hard person to get hold of on campus.
Dez Ali:
You can message me.
Amelia Marx:
I did. For the past week. You ignored them all.
Dez Ali:
I did not.
Amelia Marx:
Yes you did.
Before Dez could have responded Amelia puts her finger by Dez lips.
Amelia Marx:
Shut up and check your messages.
Dez checks his phone and notices several messages from Amelia Marx that he has not responded to.
Dez looks up at Amelia with one eye brow raised.
Dez Ali:
Well, .....thanks for having my back on Twitter.
She smiles and keeps staring at him.
Dez Ali:
Sorry, I ignored your messages.
She keeps staring at him and this gets under Dez's skin.
Dez Ali:
What the hell do you want?
She continue smiling looking right at Dez.
Amelia Marx:
An alliance!!!!
Dez Ali:
An alliance?!
Amelia Marx:
An alliance.
Dez Ali:
Why on earth would I want to form an alliance?
Amelia Marx:
Things for you are spinning out of control. For instance last week. Not only did you lose to The Kid, but you actions, turned many heads and not in a good way. Then you have Faith and Olly teaming up, destroying your character on Social Media. To top it off, I heard part of that conversation with your mom.
Dez Ali:
You were spying on me?
Amelia Marx:
Let's not get off track here. Your dad is not your biggest fan right now and mom, believes you can take a better path to success, rather than the destructive, bad boy path you are taking. You know much like your cousin Marcus Ali Jr.
Dez doesn't seem to be amused as he leans forward, getting closer to Amelia.
Dez Ali:
You know what I think? You need to mind your own business.
Amelia Marx:
Well I would, but, that was if I wasn't such a big fan of yours Dez.
Once again Dez raises one eyebrow as he looks at Amelia.
Dez Ali:
Shut up! You're a fan of me?! No way. Want an autograph?
Amelia Marx:
Your sarcasm is terrible and you know what?
Dez Ali:
What?!
Amelia Marx:
I believe in you.
Dez laughs as he shakes his head, clearly thinking Amelia is full of you know what.
Amelia Marx:
I believe in you Dez, do you know why?
He mumbles to himsd "This gotta be good."
Dez Ali:
You know what? Let me hear it. Why?
Amelia Marx:
One month ago on Episode 2 that's where it all started. Ever since then I had my eyes on you and surely, I wasn't wrong to keep my eyes on you. I didn't my time. Dez not only did you bring teamed with me, and we made a damn good team, but you were responsible for bringing home the first gold to Team Ali. What many does not realize, what you probably even forgot, was that one month ago, in that very Tag Team Titles Match, you connected with amazing perfect German Suplex and you defeated the biggest ego in this Academy, Faith Savell, one, .....two, .....three. Do you remember that?
Dez Ali:
I actually do remember that. One month ago, feels like an eternity.
Amelia smiles glad she finally has the attention of the self proclaimed MVP of Team Ali.
Amelia Marx:
Feels like forever right? Sure it's been like a rollercoaster ride since then. But here we are one month later. One week removed after you put a cork in the mouth of another egomaniac. Your methods were extreme, and no you didn't walk out the victory, but look at you now. The most hated, most talked, most Google searched student here in The Academy. It's, because of the measures you took, placing Olly on the injured list, not by accident, but because you wanted to.
Dez Ali:
You got that right. Matter of fact the referee should have called that bell, due to no response to defend by a half dead Olly. But instead the referee got involved and it lead to The Kid sneaking a fast one.
Amelia Marx:
Exactly! But Dez, nobody cares about The Kid's big win or Faith Savell winning the titles. You changed the way play the game here and you are right. It's more than just wins and losses and those who are low IQ simply does not understand that. Instead they are locked in a small mindset of wins and losses and that is why Faith Savell is soooo, hell bent on embarrassing you. You defeated her one month ago. You cost her a match two weeks ago and last week, you sent he so called best friend the Med Ward.
Dez Ali:
I did beat her.
Amelia Marx:
That's right and you'll do it again.
Amelia looks at her watch and gets up.
Amelia Marx:
The rest will be inside here at any moment, I should get to my seat.
Dez Ali:
You ain't that bad Amelia, I think I like you.
Amelia smiles as she grabs her bag and hangs it on her shoulder.
Amelia Marx:
So...... that's sound like a green light to an alliance.
Dez smiles and looks up at Amelia.
Dez Ali:
Roof top after class, it's my secret spot where no one is around to bother me.
Amelia Marx:
I think we'll make a great team Dez.
Dez simply smiles as Amelia makes her way to her seat at the front of the class. Dez places his Beats over his head and begins listening to "Changes" by Tupac.
The Courtyard
November 20,2020
17:10
It’s show day and Faith Savell has one of the biggest matches of her short career thus far coming up. Sitting on one of the benches in the courtyard and sipping her favorite smoothie, she’s soaking up a little afternoon sun before she had to get ready for the match.
Sitting beside her was her best friend and, less than secretly, her reason for the match. It was one thing to go hard in the ring, but what Dez had done to her best friend was too much and she wasn’t going to sit back and just let it happen.
The Kid hadn’t said much about the match, namely Because he hated Olly and the friendship the pair shared, but he knew above all what truly matters to Faith, is winning.
Faith Savell:
I know I talk a lot of shit for twitter but I mean it when I said I’m going to kick his ass. He needs to learn a lesson about respect, which I know. Ha ha rich coming from me…
Olly:
It’s one thing to talk shit about someone… That’s psychology, it’s trying to get under someone’s skin.
He spoke calmly, looking at his shadow cast on the ground. As he finally raised his face and looked at Faith sitting next to him, one could still see the bruises on his face. But he definitely looked better than he did one week ago at the end of his match.
Olly:
But you’d never cross the line like he did. That’s the difference between you and him, you are a wrestler, this is what you were born and raised for… Dez is just a thug.
Faith was quick to nod in agreement. Shaking her smoothie cup and finding it empty, she sat it down.
Faith Savell:
I want to be the absolute best. But I want to do it with a level of decorum and talent that people don’t think to expect from us. Like Karen the Cougar…
Faith makes a gagging motion.
Faith Savell:
Always trying to talk up like she's soooo much better because she’s curtain jerking the main show. And if I haven’t beat her ass blue for her outright disrespect? I have no issue keeping my cool while beating Dez.
Olly laughed, shaking his head.
Olly:
Karen… She surely loves stirring the pot, doesn’t she?
Ever since the triple threat match last week, and even before that to be honest, the woman had constantly tried to get a rise out of the students. Faith, mostly, but she enjoyed playing the devil on Olly’s shoulder as well.
Olly:
I probably don’t need to tell you, but I’m staying out of your match tonight. I’m not seeking revenge, not yet. But even if I did, I’m definitely not going to ruin the main event. Tonight is your night, Princess. You’re going out there and teach Dez a lesson, you’re going to prove everyone that he’s not even in your league. I have… faith… in you.
A light chuckle escaped his lips. Despite the silly pun Faith chuckled too. Clapping her hands together excitedly.
Faith Savell:
I really can’t wait to get my hands on him, you know… so I appreciate the fact that you’re not going to interfere. I feel like I have something to prove still, I know that Gian and Lena both see my talent. The girls here don’t even like me, but they can’t deny my talent… but it still feels like it’s not enough? Does that make sense at all?
She looks at him with a frown, her eyebrows knitting together and then she quickly smiled again.
Faith Savell:
Kicking that thug’s ass and making sure everyone sees that I AM the one to beat, is going to cement my standing here and no one, not even the cougar will be able to question it.
Oliver listened to her and nodded his head in agreement with what she said.
Olly:
And don’t forget the reward for when you finally shut Dez’ mouth.
Standing up from the bench, he extended his hand toward Faith,
Olly:
The celebratory pizza awaits us.
As she grabbed his hand, he pulled her up to her feet, smiling softly at her before letting go of her hand and turning to the main building of The Academy.
Olly:
Let’s go now, you have a match to get ready for and I have to set up the ring. God, I hate that part…
The two of them then started walking toward the school, chatting and laughing until they disappeared through the door.
Team Title Match
Team Strike © (Faizah Marshall & Braxton) VS Team Ali (Amelia Marx & Millie Smith)
WINNER: Team Strike (STILL CHAMPION) BY: Pinfall (Springboard meteora), 14:11 |
Singles Match
Faith Savell VS Dez Ali
WINNER: Dez Ali BY: DQ, 16:36 |