Millennium LXXIII

Backstage we go where we find ourselves looking at Khalil Washington III scrolling through his phone, a bit of an unexpected guest here on Millenium. Suddenly he is caught off guard by a big smack on his back. Turning around quickly looking ready to scrap Khalil instead finds himself face to face with a smiling Clyde Eldon Jr. Having competed earlier in the night.

Clyde Eldon Jr:
Well, well, well. Look what the cat dragged in. What are you doing around these parts? Watching me do my thing?

Clyde has a laugh, acting as though these two are lifelong pals. Khalil’s dead faced expression showing that he doesn’t seem to share the same thoughts on their relationship. Khalil places his phone in his blue jeans pocket, while keeping his eyes on Clyde.

Khalil Washington III:
While it really isn't any of your concerns, as to why I'm here tonight. Just so you know, I being here doesn't involve you. To be honest, I've got more important things to do than focus on the kid that looks like a high school bully.

The Bad Boyz gang member has a look on his face of annoyance but Clyde brushes past it not carrying.

Clyde Eldon Jr:
Funny you say that because I totally used to bully kids in high school. But I guess that is just what us Bad Boyz do. Right?

Clyde smirks, acting as though he is already part of the gang. Khalil laughs and shakes his head,not believing what he just heard from Clyde.

Khalil Washington III:
You're kidding right?

Clyde acts as if he doesn't know what Khalil is talking about.

Khalil Washington III:
Now you are the funny one. You actually just considered yourself a Bad Boy with a zee at the end? …..Before you say anything, listen here Clydo, you're not one of The Bad Boyz. You are not one of us. You don't get to consider yourself as one of The Bad Boyz.

He pauses and notices Clyde was likely going to come up with a smart ass comment, so he cuts him off.

Khalil Washington III:
I suggest you think before you speak. Because this ain't High School. This is the real deal, the real world of professional wrestling.

Clyde Eldon Jr:
Listen I get all that and I respect you guys. Not sure if you have noticed but my mom and I? We have been a wrecking shop in this division. You guys are good but just imagine adding even more talent, even more muscle to the team. I fit the bill for all of what you guys stand for. I’d make a great addition to the Bad Boyz.

Clyde puts himself out there with a grin expecting to be handed his spot right into the team.

Khalil Washington III:
Okay. First of all, you don't tell the Bad Boyz that you fit the bill or make a great addition to the Bad Boyz. That's up to we, the Bad Boyz. So I tell you what, …..you keep doing your thing, dominate, bully the weak, impress The Bad Boyz and we'll be keeping our eyes on you.

Just to get back at Clyde for the hard smack on the back, he smacks Clyde hard on his upper left arm, as Clyde takes a couple steps to the side as Khalil Washington III, walks off, pulling his phone out of his pocket.

The scene cuts backstage to a locker room where we see Jimmy Scrivens shoving some gear into a workout bag. He’s dressed in a pair of track pants as well as a USA Wrestling jacket. Despite being alone in the room, he’s got a big smile on his face. He turns towards the camera, noticing it’s there.

Jimmy Scrivens:
Hey come here, come here

The camera moves towards him as he stands up and looks right at the camera

Jimmy Scrivens:
Wow, what a rush! And what a way to start my career. I mean that was my first-ever pro wrestling match, but you wouldn’t have known it watching me out there right? I looked like a seasoned vet in that ring tonight.

He smirks at the camera as he adjusts his jacket and looks around the room for a moment before looking back into the camera.

Jimmy Scrivens:
But I mean, that was expected. I knew what was going to happen. Didn’t matter that Hashford’s been doing this for a while. Didn’t matter that she has beef with whoever. Doesn’t matter how I won. All that matters is that the expected result happened. I mean, come on. Look at me. Look at what I’ve done. Multiple-time college wrestling champion. All-American. Team USA Wrestling member. No matter what I’ve done, I’ve done it at the top echelon. I knew that this would be no different. And what I did out there tonight, that was just further reinforcement of my belief.

Jimmy flexes cockily and poses for the camera a bit, before laughing to himself and getting a bit more serious

Jimmy Scrivens:
Nobody in this business has the pure wrestling pedigree that I do. This may have only been my first match, but I already know that nobody in this company can match my pure wrestling ability. Not even close. So I’m starting with a base that’s well above anyone else. Once I figure out the rest of it? Fuck, watch out. I’ll be unstoppable.

The smile vanishes from Jimmy’s face as he looks into the camera with a look of focus.

Jimmy Scrivens:
I didn’t come to Millenium just to participate. I didn’t come here just to wrestle a few matches here and there, win some, lose some, but hey as long as I have fun and learn it’s all good right? No, fuck that. I came here to wrestle the best of the best, so that I could prove that I’m better than the best. I came here to shoot to the top of Millenium. It doesn’t matter who’s put in front of me, I’ll knock every single one of them down on my way to the top. I may just be getting started, but it won’t be long before you see me at the top. Mark my words.

Jimmy smirks as he pushes the camera away from him and turns back towards his duffle bag, finishing packing it up as we fade out.

The scene opens backstage. Sitting across each other from a small table is Neil Newman and Kyle Butler. Neil dressed in street clothes, Kyle adorned in his Alabama Crimson Tide themed wrestling gear. Both men are holding cards in their hand, judging by the other cards placed on the table, it's apparent they are playing some sort of card game.

Neil Newman:
Your move, bud.

Kyle continues to look at the hand he is holding.

Kyle Butler:
Give me a second.

Neil shakes his head.

Neil Newman:
You don’t have all day. Wouldn’t want Khali winning by forfeit.

Kyle Butler:
And give that punk a chance to advance after all the trouble he caused Jessica and Summer? Fat chance.

Neil Newman:
Stop stalling. Make a move.

After a few more seconds of deliberation, Kyle finally places a card on the table. Neil looks down. He raises an eyebrow.

Kyle Butler:
There you go. You’re next.

Neil squints at the remaining cards in his hand.

Neil Newman:
Kyle... the question needs to be asked. Are you ok?

Kyle Butler:
Why wouldn’t I be? Alabama brought home the national championship, bay bee. My wife is one half of the MWE Tag Team Champions. I wake up every morning with a smile on my face. I admit being included in this Sandstorm Tournament was a surprise, all things considered.

Kyle Butler scratches his chin.

Kyle Butler:
Not going to lie, I was mere seconds away from quitting. Something needs to change, Neil. The way I have been going about things hasn’t been working. I am trying so hard not to be hard on myself, this is my first real foray at committing to singles wrestling. It doesn’t set right with me I was a footnote in Atticus Valentine’s path to becoming Chicago Way Champion. And just another number in Hammerstien’s dominance. Is that my future, to be the footnote to someones elses success.

Neil places a card on the table. He looks dead on at Kyle.

Neil Newman:
No, it’s not. I could feel the same way, Henri beating me than beating Glory. Despite how it happened. He overcame the Glorious Golden Era. Could say I was the dragon/goon to get to the champion. I don’t think about stuff like that. Onward to the next challenge. What stands in front of you is a chance to challenge for the World Title. Push what happened to close out 2020 out of your head. Focus on Khali. 2021 you got this!

Kyle Butler:
Even if the finals is me and you?

Neil Newman:
Except in that scenario.

Neil smirks. So does Kyle.

Kyle Butler:
Nah, I’ll be roll tiding over your ass.

Both men laugh as they go to wrap up there card game as the scene fades to black.

Heading backstage here at Millennium we find ourselves looking at two sets of shoes. One being a set of white heels attached to legs that flow up into the bottom of a matching white dress. The second set a set of pink sneakers attached to a pink skirt. On both sides of the legs are Sandstorm Energy case’s filled to the brim with the cool refreshing taste of Sandstorm energy. The fans brace themselves for what appears to be a sure fire Sandstorm Energy ad mid-show but as we pan up slowly. We reveal those legs are attached to Karen Eldon and her daughter Erika. While Erika is taking a very small sip, Karen is reading the back label of the energy drink.

Clyde Eldon Jr:
These things are actually really good.

Coming into frame ending any sort of chance this was a paid ad for Sandstorm is Clyde, chugging down one in what appears to be a single gulp. While Erika shrugs not seeming to be sure of her thoughts of the drink, Karen doesn’t seem thrilled looking at each line of what they are willing to admit is actually in these energy drinks.

Karen Eldon:
Don’t drink too much of these things, Clyde. Half of the ingredients are things that the human body shouldn’t take in.

Clyde shrugs cracking open another as his mother is far too busy to notice him. Karen angrily sets the drink down scoffing at all the effort they are going into for Sandstorm tonight.

Karen Eldon:
I mean. Look at all these cans all around the place. It’s all Sandstorm this and Sandstorm that. Sure I get it, it’s a big sponsor. But this company should be selling us not energy drinks. We are the selling point of this show. What is easier to sell than a good looking, smart, brave, talented, mother and her two children? I hit all the demographics...Men love me, women look up to me as a strong female for women empowerment. And the children? They see me as their role model. Yet they have us slumming it up with Qiyara Singh and her handsome boy toy…

Karen rolls her eyes unhappy that they aren’t being spoon fed everything as Erika shrugs.

Erika Eldon:
They are a cute couple though…

Realizing that she probably didn’t say the wrong thing Erika attempts to trail off at the end but Karen just shakes her head.

Karen Eldon:
They were a cute couple. You can already see the cracks in them. They are falling apart and tonight we turn the cute couple into two ex-lovers going into life turmoil. Cute doesn’t win matches Erika. Cute gets you beat up. That is why you aren’t ready sweetie. You see the tag team champions Summer and Jessica? They are both cute little girls. But while they may have lucked their way to gold it isn’t going to last. Because what Clyde and I have been doing to tag teams isn’t cute...We are using our brains, our wits, and our talent to get the job done. They won those belts simply to look cute when we crush them and take them out. First we take out these two tonight then those two little girls are next. Let’s go.

Karen snaps her fingers and Clyde grabs a to go energy drink as he prepares to walk off. Erika reaches down to grab their bags as they go. Karen stops to look back at the energy drink stand before she goes. Two staff members walk past one of them looking over at the energy drinks making a remark to his buddy.

Staff Member:
Nice cans.

Karen Eldon:
Oh you are sweet, thanks.

Not giving it a second thought Karen walks off the two men walking away having a laugh at her mistake as they go.

We cut backstage where we see one of the eight participants in the Sandstorm Energy heavyweight tournament standing in front of the camera, Matt Stone, wearing a Sandstorm Energy T-shirt and sweatbands cause he never wears a hat.

Matt Stone:
Start of the new year! New year, new me! The year of me! These are all pointless things that people say to others out loud but really, they’re trying to convince themselves that they can turn their crummy lives around. I’m not about that, I’m about accountability. Last year when I debuted I said I was going to close out the year with a championship title around my waist here. There’s like nine titles floating around and I thought how hard could it be? Well I’m not ashamed to tell you all that I was just a little too cocky in my approach and now I stand here without what I wanted. Let this be a lesson to you kids, stay in school or something. The point is now I’m more focused than ever to get championship gold and what better way to start that goal than by winning this tournament. How can I be so confident now when I just swallowed my pride and admitted to you all that I was too cocky moments earlier? Simple, I’ve got Sandstorm Energy now!

Matt reaches off screen and grabs a can, pulling it back into the shot and opening it up, taking a sip.

Matt Stone:
Oh that’s good endorsement. Of course you could point to the weeks off that I’ve spent preparing for this moment rather than spending time with a family or loved ones over the holidays, that’s not a winning attitude as far as I’m concerned. I ended 2020 the same way I plan on kicking off 2021 and that’s with my hand raised. But Matt, you’re facing Dreadnought and he’s part of Sandstorm so why are you promoting them so much? Well fine viewer who’s opinions I care about, this is like an audition to me. In with the new, out with the old. Dreadnought hasn’t exactly been wowing people these days, has he? Tapping out at Fall From Grace wasn’t a really good look, was it? Perhaps if he had some more energy he could have found a way out of it?

Matt winks at the camera and takes another sip.

Matt Stone:
I’m not taking him lightly though, he’s a big strong brute and I get the appeal of someone like that in your company, shall we say. But he’s been showing cracks and I believe I’ve seen more than enough to get by him. I don’t enter tournaments to lose though, so if I gotta go through someone like Constantine or Daniels to win this thing I’m prepared to do that. There’s some heavy hitters in this tournament for sure, real big names involved so I don’t fault Vegas for having my odds so low, but one thing you all need to know about me is that I always bet on myself. Tonight Dreadnaught sinks one more time and if Sandstorm like what they see, they know how to reach me. Matt Stone, simple name, looks great on business cards and even better on marquees. As for the rest of you? Good luck out there, I’m sure I’m going to take some lumps tonight but there’s no way Battleship is gunna Shut. Me. Up!

With that, Stone finishes the can of Sandstorm and walks off camera.

Lucie Callaway-- now Nelles after her sudden and unexpected marriage on New Years Day-- slumped down on the stairs and adjusted her grip on her phone. On screen, the pink hair gives away the person she’s on Facetime with as her sister, Brytain Rollins.

Brytain Rollins:
Luce… I’m just worried about you. All of this has been super out of character for you.

Lucie Callaway:
Stop…

Brytain ignored her.

Brytain Rollins:
No, listen to me. You’ve rushed into this relationship with this dude you barely know anything about--

Lucie cut her off, narrowing her eyes as she practically spat the words.

Lucie Callaway:
Oh, like YOU did when you and Syn got each other's names tattooed on your hands after you’d been dating for like two months?! You guys might have waited to get married but you moved in together practically the same day you started going out!

Brytain’s mouth snapped shut, a clear sign that she couldn’t argue with her sister. She was right.

Lucie Callaway:
Nobody thought you guys would make it this long almost a decade ago! Now you’re those same people who said that to you but you’re saying it to me and Chris and that’s not fair.

Lucie was so deeply involved in her conversation with her sister that she hadn’t even noticed the camera slyly picking up on everything the two of them were saying, blasting Lucie’s personal life and family drama to the whole audience.

Brytain Rollins:
This is different.

Brytain’s words were clipped and cold, Lucie had clearly touched a nerve.

Brytain Rollins:
First, it’s different because my relationship with Syn didn’t get in the way of my career. Nothing got in the way of my career. But ever since you started fucking around with this dude… how many matches have you won, Lucie?

Lucie’s mouth dropped and her face drained of blood. Both of them seemed to realize at the same time that a line had been crossed. She clenched her phone in her hand and the screen went dark as she hung up on her sister, whirling around to face the camera for the first time with a stricken look on her face.

It was obvious the moment that the realization sunk in for Lucie that the entire conversation had just been blasted through the whole arena for everyone to see. Her face paled and then turned bright red as tears of humiliation welled up in her eyes.

Lucie Callaway:
No…

She turned and ran, blonde hair streaming behind her as she tried to hide her tear stained face. And she still had a match to wrestle…

The second meeting in four days with a MWE General Manager for Lowri Moss is set to happen in a much more conventional place than the sports bar she met with Moretti in. She was quite familiar with those hallways, and the office itself was just as she remembered it since the last time she has been here, before her first and, to date, only match in the company.

Elsa welcomes her with a warm smile, sitting behind her mahogany desk.

Elsa McCarthy:
Good evening Lowri, and thanks for coming here.

Lowri responds in kind, with a polite smile of her own.

Lowri Moss:
No problem. Thanks for the invite.

Having heard Lowri's talk with Moretti, the young GM decides the best way to approach the Welsh talent is with an apology before everything else.

Elsa McCarthy:
I don't know if it makes any difference, but I wanted to let you know that we looked into the… Incident at the Anniversary event. The referee that made that fraudulent count was not one of ours. After Freddie hit, I assume on purpose, the first official, this imposter replaced the designated substitute.

She lets out a sigh, visibly sorry that this happened under her watch, when she promised to the former HKW North American Champion that she would have a fair shot at Hjalmar, with no interference whatsoever.

Elsa McCarthy:
For what it's worth, we've been both fooled. Please accept my apology.

How that match on night 1 of Anniv3rsary ended is still an unpleasant memory for Lowri. She continues to smile though, despite herself.

Lowri Moss:
If we had been having this conversation three months ago, or however long ago it was, I probably would’ve told you to shove your apology up… well, you get the picture.

She chuckles, not wanting to make the atmosphere any more tense than it needs to be.

Lowri Moss:
Look, Elsa, I’ll admit that at the time, I was almost as annoyed with you about what happened as I was with Freddie-- you know, after you had assured me that no-one else was going to get involved in the match. However, I know that you wouldn’t have known what Freddie was planning to do, so… I accept your apology.

A look of relief appears on Elsa's face as she hears Lowri's words.

Elsa McCarthy:
Thank goodness. Now, I believe you already know what this meeting is all about. I know you talked with Vincent and I heard what you said about adding another company to the list of your commitments. I just wanted to let you know that we'll be interested to have you on the green brand.

She stopped there, wanting to gather the Welsh's reaction.

Lowri Moss:
The OG brand, right?

Lowri lets out another chuckle, as she continues.

Lowri Moss:
Like I told Vincent, I’m not actually sure whether or not I want to commit myself to another promotion right now, partly because of what I’ve got going on in FGA and Underground at the moment, partly because I don’t know how wise it would be for me to add more travelling to my schedule when we’re in the midst of a pandemic. There’s nowhere I love being more than inside a ring though, so I am willing to listen to offers, but again, as I told Vincent, if I’m going to accept one of those offers, it's going to need to be somewhere that’s the right fit for me.

Elsa McCarthy:
That’s perfectly understandable. We’re living in some crazy times, I don’t need to tell you…

As she speaks, Elsa goes through some of the papers on her desk.

Elsa McCarthy:
But since you’re willing to listen to offers, please allow me to make one. For one match, a way to test the waters and see if Millennium could be a good fit for you.

To show she’s serious, Elsa slides one of those paperworks in front of Lowri.

Elsa McCarthy:
The date would be in two weeks, since I’m aware you’ll be competing on The Power Of Love 2 event next week. I tried to find an opponent that would present a good challenge to someone of your caliber, and I believe the name I put on there fits the bill.

Lowri Moss:
I'm getting déjà vu, being sat in this office with you, having you hand me a contract for a one-off match.

Lowri then gazes at the contents of the contract, her eyebrows raising once she sees the name that Elsa was referring to.

Lowri Moss:
Well then…

A light chuckle escapes Elsa’s lips.

Elsa McCarthy:
I know, we’ve been here before. I doubt we will have the issues we had with Freddie back in October, and my word probably doesn’t mean much now… But I want you to know that I’m serious about this. You are one of the biggest names in this sport, and you would be a great addition to a company like MWE.

There’s a short pause in her speech, her eyes never leaving her guest.

Elsa McCarthy:
Having you on my brand would be a wonderful plus and, as that match may suggest, I’m ready to do everything I can to convince you that Millennium is the perfect solution for you. I’m sure Vincent would do the same for Riot.

Lowri nods her head in agreement.

Lowri Moss:
Yeah, I’m sure he would.

She glances at the contract again, before returning her attention to Elsa.

Lowri Moss:
Alright then, two weeks’ time. Let’s do it. Just… errr… make sure the official isn’t an imposter this time, yeah?

She chuckles nervously. She wishes she could give Lowri her word that everything will go smooth, but the truth is that in this line of work, that’s the hardest promise to keep. A lesson the young General Manager learned recently.

Elsa McCarthy:
We shouldn’t have that kind of problem anymore.

Standing up from her chair after Lowri does the same, Elsa extends her hand for the Welsh to take.

Elsa McCarthy:
It’s always a pleasure, Lowri. See you in two weeks.

Moss shakes the GM’s hand and takes leave, giving no clues about who she’ll be facing on Millennium LXXV.

The following Standout presentation is brought to you by: Raid Shadow Legends; keep tuned for more info.

A podium is set in the middle of a makeshift stage; two tables flank each side of the podium and behind it a black tarp with the word “Standout” written in white bold Impact font. As if we’re just tuning in for a press conference a series of what can only be described as flashes start lighting up the tarp as a man walks in from the right side. Wearing a bright blue tuxedo and a yellow baseball cap, the man walks to the center of this makeshift stage and stands behind the podium gesturing to a crowd (we cannot see if there’s actually one, as the camera doesn’t pan to show if there’s people at all besides this man).

Either way, this guy welcomes everyone before tapping on the microphone, confirming it is in fact on and gives a wide grin to the “audience” before he begins to talk.

Mitchell Price:
Ladies and, let’s be honest, the ladies are the only thing that matter… but, nevertheless, gentlemen. Today I present myself to you, not as a screaming man without manners; but as a humble multi-sport athlete with an acumen that spans longer than your grandma's panties… not to talk about the past, but about the future.

“The Standout” waves his hand from right to left as if this were a beauty pageant and he was the lucky new Miss America greeting her crowd after being crowned without a Steve Harvey mishap happening.

Mitchell Price:
As the man of god that I am, I will preface my words with a bible verse. This one comes from John 16:24 and it says: “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.”

A fleeting moment of silence follows the verse, as Price internalizes the word of God and seems to be praising the heavens in silence; but as said, it was a fleeting moment as just as soon as it began, Price was back on the saddle talking.

Mitchell Price:
What a fitting verse, because Millennium hasn’t asked for anything in my name… until now that is. Until now I was a nobody, a guy with the caps lock button stuck in his computer saying random stuff that gets followed by the most queer people imaginable. But today, ladies and gentledorks, today… I was asked to derail a train called Duke Andrews. Yes, ladies and gentlemarks; they prayed to God and God replied, sending them one of his most precious childs. A Standout of epic proportions, a man like no other; the best athlete ever to come out of Velva, North Dakota… yes… myself… “The Standout” Mitchell Price… but you already knew it was me. You already knew it because your joy is now complete. Now, you will see what a real athlete looks like in a tournament setting.

Price drives his fist to the podium as he continues.

Mitchell Price:
Today I become like one of the champions in Raid Shadow Legends; the proud sponsor of this message… and if you sign up now with promo code: STANDOUT, you’ll get a Standout champion and a thousand gold to spend in your first playthrough. Today marks the day that I begin my march towards being crowned the STANDOUT Heavyweight in the world. Today ladies and gentleducks, you’ll get just a small dosage of what Velva, North Dakota already knew… that Mitchell Price is the one and true... STANDOUT of wrestling.

A wide smile appeared on Price’s face as he closes this brief message and we fade to black.

The scene opens on the standard backdrop. The black cloth hanging with the Millennium Wrestling logo on the center. A scruffy looking Duke Andrews stepping front and center.

Duke Andrews:
Hai Frands!

A simple wave before he gives the camera a wink. The black Carhartt hat on the top of his head shows the wear and tear of his every day life. The different layers of sweat marks giving that away. Donning a simple Under Armour camouflage hooded sweatshirt.

Duke Andrews:
It feels like it’s been a while since we’ve spoken. I mean, just like forty five, Twitter found me a little too controversial and suspended my account once again. For whatever reason, don’t worry, I’m working on getting it back.

A soft sigh from the thrice banned Duke Andrews.

Duke Andrews:
No, I wasn’t in Washington DC last week. But you can follow me on Parler @topheel.

Duke smirks.

Duke Andrews:
But in the meantime, it’s given my fingers a break, it’s let me clear my head and come to my own conclusions. Since we’ve been stuck here in shitty ass Chicago, I get the opportunity to drive two hours north east to the greatest state in the continental forty eight. Even though we have stupid rules, that’s neither here nor there. I’ve had the chance to get out on the ice, take my auger and drill deep down. Crack a few ice cold busch lattes and enjoy the peace and quiet. No longer is my phone chirping with Constantine’s latest scheme. No longer is my phone going off with Olivia wanting me to send her the full frontals. It’s been relaxing.

Duke runs his hand through the long reddish colored facial hair on his face.

Duke Andrews:
Don’t worry Chris. I don’t hate you. I don’t hate anyone to be honest. I expected something like this to come from you. I expected you to look for the next quick dollar once it was becoming clear you weren’t the star. And due to the Twitter suspension, the tweet where I claimed as much has been ghosted. So let me remind you what happened over the prior twelve months. I saved your title more times than I can count. I won the Lockdown title not once, but twice. Brought the tag gold to APE, recruited not just Alan, but also brought The American Nightmare to the folds even though that didn’t work out. I’ll take blame too.

A long exhale came from his lips as he flipped his hat around backwards. Exposing his taped fists and wrists as he prepares for the first round of the Hoss Tournament.

Duke Andrews:
Now you somehow stole my gimmick, I’ll give you credit. Top Heel for a couple weeks in 2020 when rightfully it was me that was the top heel in the company. But now, we move on. Alan got you and fucked you the same way you fucked the people of MWE with your antics. And it made ya pout and made ya look like an idiot to your new boss. And where do you think that idea came from?

Duke tapped his forehead.

Duke Andrews:
See, I brought you everything you had in 2020 and I was going to take it all away. And you had no idea it was coming. Just like now, you’ve got a little bit of time to see what’s coming your way. I told the world I’d rid them of this group. I took out Dread, Dusty still has his coming. Alan wants ya, and I promise I’ll leave a little scrap for him.

Duke begins to pace back and forth. His hand resting in his chin.

Duke Andrews:
Over the past few days I’ve been able to sit back and just listen. And something caught my attention. It kind of brings my entire focus of 2021 into perspective. Every time I think I hit my ceiling, I go higher than I’ve ever fuckin been. Thanks slim.

Duke stops and turns back to face the hard camera.

Duke Andrews:
But tonight, we begin with Price. Mike Price? Mitchell Price? Price is Right?

Duke cocks his head to the side.

Duke Andrews:
It doesn’t matter. Buy a Sandstorm for thirty two cents plus deposit at your local five and dime. Don’t drink it. Turns your piss purple and gives you the same speaking pattern as Dusty Douglas. And watch Duke Andrews begin his ascent towards Wrestler of the Year 2021.

The scene fades out.

Backstage we cut to Luna Smith who is currently making her way through the back. Dressed in her dark blue ring gear with her dark blue extensions still in, accompanied by a few security guards who are on watch for anyone else.

Luna Smith:
She's nuts!

She quickly steps down the four steps. One security guard calls for The Star of the Night's ride to be ready to go.

Luna Smith:
This is why I don't do these barbaric, no dq matches.

A member of Luna's many assistance is carrying her luggage and, without needing to be told, darts ahead to get the luggage in the car before Luna gets there. Luna looks over her back to see if she can see a sledgehammer wielding maniac behind her.

Luna Smith:
Is she following us?

Security Guard:
No. She tried but she's been stopped by security.

Luna Smith:
Let's just get me out of here, back home and far away from her.

Security Guard #2:
That's the plan

At which point Luna comes across her sister Bree in a pair of tracksuit trousers and a zip up varsity style jacket with her red hat on backwards throwing a baseball back and forth with two MWE teamsters in a triangle. Empty paper (from sandwiches) and dipping sauce containers are visible in the transparent trash. Bree's bag just above it on the table.

Luna Smith:
Bree! Come on, we're leaving…

As Luna was her ride tonight, Bree throws back the baseball, grabs her bag, and accompanies her sister as they get into a town car, and pull out of the arena.

We then return to a view of the squared circle and of the fans who are allowed to attend showcasing themselves. Then the lights end up going out before we hear the intro to the song ‘Unsainted’ and the fans are starting to get accustomed to that song and boo all the same. Then when the lights flip back on with his back to the crowd it is the arrival of Seth Iser on the ramp. He then does that half spin on his left foot with that briefcase in hand and the crowd is greeting him fully with boos.

Peyton Holland:
There he is! For the first time in almost a month Seth Iser is walking toward the wrestling ring.

Ambra Monroe:
He’s been dealing with a multitude of minor injuries before he even wrestled Neal. Then the rumor is he cracked his ankle inside Hell in a Cell thanks to that fall.

Peyton Holland:
But I wonder what he’s saying tonight...he’s never shunned a microphone.

The veteran’s finally not wearing any bandages though there is a nice newly appointed scar on the top of his forehead from his recent wars. He is ignoring the boos from the audience as he walks toward the ring. We also get a look that he’s trimmed his hair slightly and shaved most of his beard down meaning more of the grey is showing on both his beard and his hair but he’s still dressed professionally in a three piece suit. He calmly goes up the stairs and enters the ring. And he’s certainly getting a microphone for his request. He waits for the audience to stop booing him for a moment.

Seth Iser:
It’s been almost a month so...a little recapping is in order. Before we get to the elephant in the room we need to reflect on something. For the last few months there was this issue...that Neal Durden and I were having. It was flaring on and off for most of the last year and spanned multiple companies. Then we ended up having Three Stages of Hell...that ended inconclusively. So the only way to go back...was to literally send both of us to our own personal wrestling hell…

He takes a breath and sighs as he puts the briefcase down.

Seth Iser:
Hell in a Cell...the devil’s damned playground. A place where both Neal and I had to face not only what we’re willing to do to one another...but a piece of our own past. And oh boy was that a test...one of the stiffest ones of my life. And that’s not a wrestler telling some tale. That was a life test. Just like the first time I stepped in that damned structure...I fell through the top of the cell and I heard a crack. It wasn’t the table I fell through...that was my damn ankle that Neal softened a few times throughout the match. Reminded me of the first time...and the time I missed.

WIth the crowd hushed he briefly closes his eyes as if he’s replaying that fall in slow motion in his head and the audience is probably visualizing it as well.

Seth Iser:
A fight with your own demon and a fight against one of the more innovative high flyers the industry has seen in the last several years. And my mind kept working...even through the bitter end. Even when Neal wanted one last thrill...even through the damn pain raging through my body...and my damn ankle...I got my knee up. Soon as Neal’s eyes rolled in the back of his head from that knee...I knew I had him. One of the most talented wrestlers in the industry today...now a statistic to the industry and to the people that have been conquered entirely by the game’s greatest hunter...Seth Iser. And I got the briefcase to prove it.

This statement gets the victorious man booed though Seth is ignoring the audience and then glares at the camera as if he’s talking to Neal.

Seth Iser:
And Neal? I hope you’re able to live with what happened. This ‘freedom’ won’t feel free anymore when people remind you of what I did down the line now will it?

After that warning he straightens his tie and takes a step back from the center.

Seth Iser:
Now...onto what’s ahead. What am I going to do with this briefcase? That’s for Devin Hearst to figure out.

There’s a cold sneer creeping across the veteran’s face as he mentions the champion’s name and said name drop also causes the audience to boo.

Seth Iser:
You orchestrated a coup on Kelsey in a two on one setting while making sure most of us couldn’t do much with a preemptive attack. Then you got the fortunate bounce of me having to be locked inside Hell in a Cell the night before your return match. If only you schemed as well as you wrestled...you would’ve played this far better. And if you would’ve...I’d be the first to come in and applaud your cunning. Lord knows King Henry the sixth wouldn’t have even tried something so elaborate.

The sneer is etched on Iser’s face as he continues his speech...the crowd, while against him, seem hopeful for what might come out.

Seth Iser:
Hell, Sandstorm Inc ended up getting played by Al Envy involving the tag titles and then you lashed out with your numerical advantage when you did get played. What a sign of weakness. But you didn’t just make an enemy of Al...you didn’t just make an enemy of Nina who is relentless in her own right. And don’t worry Dreadnought...if you want a piece of me, I have far more experience with street justice than you. Hell...you all didn’t just piss off Duke and make an enemy there. That stunt with Kelsey? You boys made an enemy out of me!

That declaration creates a rarity...an audience giving Seth enough of a mixed reaction. He then sneers through the camera.

Seth Iser:
You boys think you have all the control right now. But I have this briefcase...an element you can’t. I can mess with any of your matches as I damn well please. Not to mention I could cash in at any opportune moment of weakness. But why would I tell you when? That’s for you lot to try to plot and figure out...I have plans for all of you...but if you think I’m not healthy...that I’m not healed after that fall...let me demonstrate something to you.

He then reaches inside his jacket pocket and pulls out a full can of Sandstorm Energy drink with a bit of a sneer etched on his face before placing it on the canvas. He leans back on the ropes before using that to aid his leap before he stomps on the can with his right foot! There are more cheers from the crowd with this act as there is at least someone else willing to oppose these guys. The veteran even goes one step further by kicking the demolished full can out of the ring and even does a mock ‘It’s good’ signal.

Seth Iser:
Scoring more than the Blues on their cup run…

And just like that he got the entire crowd to turn back against him with thunderous boos and alternating chants between ‘Iser sucks’ and ‘Fuck the Blues’ from the Chicago crowd.

Seth Iser:
Now...Devin...send whatever goon you want to try to stop me if you want. Send your little lackey Wilkow if you dare please and I’d teach him the harsh lesson on how to be a real mauler from West by God Virginia. I already made Constantine tap...but if he wants another round try me. I’ll rip the arm off this time. But you're not the only one with friends, boys. Nor are you the only one with deep pockets. And far warning...while I’ve made it public...I’m far from the only powerful enemy you’ve made. You all should’ve planned better and not let your averise get the best of you.

A smirk etched on the veteran’s face as he’s going to twist a knife.

Seth Iser:
Like Neal, y’all should’ve learned from my mistakes in past groups...should’ve been smarter about it. You can’t kill what I am to the industry...one of the greatest hunters in the game. You’re my prey. Each of you. And what I did to Neal? I didn’t enjoy it. You lot? I’ll take some satisfaction in taking you all down for the sins you committed.

With that warning he drops the microphone as his music begins to play and he starts to leave the ring.

Peyton Holland:
More enemies? What could Seth mean?

Ambra Monroe:
Seth is never a liked figure but he’s one of the more respected giants of the industry and a well connected player in the shadows. He knows something we don’t…

Peyton Holland:
He might have premeditated what might be coming the moment Sandstorm Inc made their move and he knew he was clear of Neal.

The scene cuts to a Sandstorm booth with half naked models jumping up and down with palm palms in their hands. Music is blasted through some speakers as mini fireworks start to shoot out in front of a curtain. Jumping through the curtain, Chris Constantine Junior makes his way out with a huge smile on his face. Wearing a Sandstorm Shirt and hat, CCJ tosses the hat to a crowd of people and makes his way over to the cheerleaders. The girls surround Chris and wave their palm palms around Chris as he addresses the camera.

Chris Constantine Junior:
Ladies and Gentlemen! As a loyal employee of Sandstorm Energy Drink and part owner, I am here today to be one of the shining lights of this Heavyweight tournament! For way too long has it been about The Juniors or the Tags or the Women when it comes to tournaments! We heavyweights FINALLY get a shot to show what we are capable of and it’s all thanks to the good people of Sandstorm!

The cheerleaders give a cheer as Chris plays it up and claps his hands.

Chris Constantine Junior:
So watch as I take on that weirdo Jacky Rex Daniels and prove that Sandstorm INC is the face of Millennium wrestling!

One of the Sandstorm Models hands Constantine a can and motions him to drink it. CCJ has a puzzled look on his face as he looks at the model. Motioning her to talk to him, the two turn away from the camera and have a one on one conversation. Unfortunately for CCJ, the audio is still picking up and is listening in on the conversation.

Chris Constantine Junior:
I’m not drinking that.

Model:
Why not? I was told by Hearst that you had to drink it.

Chris Constantine Junior:
Do you see Wilkow over there? Dude drinks 7 cans of these a day and he’s over there just staring off into space. Mumbling about how he can taste colors or something.

The camera pans over to Andrew Wilkow as he’s, infact, looking at a wall and mumbling to himself about how Red tastes like the sun. Super Spicy. The camera quickly pans back over to CCJ who’s grabbing a tissue from his pocket.

Chris Constantine Junior:
Have you read the ingredients of this crap? It has enough drugs to kill Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones. Soooo let’s do this instead.

Grabbing the can with the tissue, CCJ dumps the Sandstorm liquid out of the can and onto the ground. Reminder, the camera is still rolling. With the liquid completely out of the can, CCJ cleans the lid and turns around and pretends to drink the Sandstorm Energy drink.

Chris Constantine Junior:
Mmmmmmm! That’s good stuff right there! So buy some Sandstorm Energy today so you can be like me! Chris! Constantine! Junior!

Chris shows off his pearly whites for the camera as he holds the can next to his face.