MAINSTREAM 67 - ECC 2 - 5/16/2021

[Robert Daniels]

Battleground Network Presents

MAINSTREAM WRESTLING 67
SUNDAY - 05/16/2021
CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

MAINSTREAM WRESTLING IS LIVE FROM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON AND WE’RE INSIDE CLIMATE PLEDGE ARENA FOR NIGHT TWO OF THE EMERALD CITY CLASSIC HERE AT MAINSTREAM 67!

CHARLES HUDSON:  Ladies and Gentlemen Welcome to Mainstream Wrestling! Tonight we have a real treat for you. After two years of no conversations, acknowledgement or talent exchanges Mainstream Wrestling and NVR Wrestling have come to an “understanding”. Folks we have ourselves a talent exchange where Julianna DiMaria defended the World Heavyweight Championship over in NVR and tonight we get Lash Donohue defending the NVR R!ZE Championship against the foundation of Seattle Pro, now Mainstream Wrestling Blake Mitchell!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Let’s not waste anymore time let’s get straight to the action!

NVR WRESTLING
R!ZE CHAMPIONSHIP

★★★ LASH DONOHUE (C) ★★★
vs
★★★ BLAKE MITCHELL ★★★

The bell rings and this inter promotional R!ZE Championship match is now underway! The challenger Blake Mitchell and the champion Lash Donohue circle one another before moving in for a collar and elbow tie up! Lash feeds Blake a red herring and sidesteps, dumping him with a drop toe hold and paintbrushing him before seizing him in a front face lock and drilling him with repeated knees. Blake manages to roll free, mounting Lash and getting a hot response from the fans as he lays in windmill punches.

Lash rolls on top, Blake manages to monkey flip his way out of it and get to his feet but Lash takes him down with a deep arm drag. Blake gets back up and responds in kind! Lash back to his feet and Mitchell eats a Japanese arm drag! Blake seems mad as he gets back to his feet and lunges with a lariat, yet Lash matrix evades, kips back up behind Blake and sends him sailing with an overhead release German suplex!

Lash Donohue stays off the offensive and he goes right after Mitchell. He grabs him by the head and neck, lifting him up then Lash hits the ropes and comes in full speed looking for his flying snapmare. Blake amazes the fans by catching him in mid air, swinging him back around and laying him out with a crazy looking modified uranage, Lash bouncing on impact and folding up like an accordion, Blake getting the cover for 1...2...KICKOUT!

Lash kicks out as the ref's hand is coming down! Blake grimaces with anger and grabs a handful of dreadlocks, hauling Donohue back to his feet. The crowd give off a mixed response as Blake beal tosses Lash into the corner turnbuckles by his dreads! Lash hits hard, landing seated in the corner, just in time for Blake to take his head off with a running face wash! Mitchell drags Lash out of the corner and covers the R!ZE champ for 1...2...KICKOUT!

Lash gets the shoulder up! Blake is furious. He once more grabs a handful of dreadlocks, slamming Lash's face into the mat a couple of times for good measure before hauling him back up and sending him for an irish whip. Mitchell ducks down looking for a backdrop, Donohue with the running sunset flip powerbomb and sweeping Blake into a small package for 1...2...KICKOUT!

Blake Mitchell angrily breaks free! Moments later after taking Blake Mitchell down with a springboard spinning headscissors, Lash kips back up, runs over to the corner and leaps to the top looking for a moonsault crossbody block, yet Blake catches Lash out of nowhere and drills him with a rather brutal Michinoku driver! The crowd seems amazed as Lash bounces about 3ft on impact and seems limp as his head spikes into the mat! Blake grins evilly as he hooks the leg for 1...2...NEARFALL!

The fans are on their feet as Lash gets the shoulder up in the nick of time! Mitchell is beside himself with rage and tries for another for 1...2...KICKOUT!

Lash kicks out! Blake lets out a roar and hauls a half-dead Lash to his feet, doubling him over and lifting him up in a crucifix powerbomb! The fans hype up big time as Blake marches over to the ropes and YEETs Lash toward the commentary desk! OH! Lash falls *just* short, and the crowd groans as the side of his head collects the corner of the desk. The youngster is well and truly busted open!

The Beast Blake Mitchell has victory in his sight and he looks to move the champion back into the ring shortly after toying with the severely bloodied Donohue and further disorienting him with a harsh corner big boot, Blake seems to be looking for a gourdbuster, yet he keeps Lash suspended as he heads for the ropes! Slingshot supl..no! Lash manages to execute a nifty little mid air flip and easily seizes the bamboozled Blake in the double underhook! BURY-GO-ROUND! Lash swings Blake Mitchell onto the top of his head and rolls him up, completely exhausted for the 1...2...3!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by pin fall AND STILL NVR Wrestling R!ZE Champion...LASH—DONOHUE!

CHARLES HUDSON:  Lash Donohue retains the NVR R!ZE Championship! It’s good to see Lash back in a Mainstream Wrestlinf ring. Hopefully this new working agreement between the two companies will allow him more opportunities to appear in Mainstream Wrestling!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Blake Mitchell is the Head Coach down in Emerald City Saints these days but man it feels good to see him back in a Mainstream Wrestling ring. Thank you gentlemen for an awesome opening to tonight’s action packed show!

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
We find ourselves in the designated office for Kevin Bombay. He is sitting behind a large desk, leaning back in a wood and leather office chair as he watches the Mainstream Wrestling broadcast on a television screen which has been affixed to the wall.

knock... knock… knock…

His attention quickly turns to the door and he rises to his feet. Before he could even muster the words “come in”, the door swings open and instantaneously his head bows down.

KEVIN BOMBAY: I figured I’d be seeing you soon.

The camera zooms out, revealing Chris Madison standing in the office just a step through the door.

KEVIN BOMBAY: I already know what you’re going to say.

CHRIS MADISON: Do you? Because I have a lot on my mind. I mean I can go on about how I’ve been withheld from the Emerald City Classic for a second year in a row. I could sit here and demand an explanation as to why you’ve been refusin’ to book me despite the fact that I’ve been cleared for action and have already showed elsewhere that this minor injury isn’t holdin’ me back. Or maybe I could tell you that I’m willin’ to overlook all of that if you’d be so kind to give me a match against Gareth Prichard for stickin’ his nose where it doesn’t belong.

Bombay lets out a deep sigh, knowing that it may be smarter to tread lightly with Madison.

KEVIN BOMBAY: Okay… I get it…

Madison snickers as Bombay innocently holds his hands up.

CHRIS MADISON: What exactly is it that you get?

KEVIN BOMBAY: Things aren’t quite going the way you planned and you feel slighted. You’ve got to understand that I’m acting with your best interests in mind.

CHRIS MADISON: Is that so?

Madison shakes his head as he folds his arms across his chest.

KEVIN BOMBAY: I have to weigh all of the risks and do what’s best for not just you, but also for Mainstream Wrestling. Rushing you back and throwing you into a highly competitive tournament like the Emerald City Classic just didn’t seem like a smart play. I’d rather shelf you for a few weeks than lose you for months because your injury became worse than it was.

CHRIS MADISON: So that’s the sell. Lookin’ out for my best interests?

KEVIN BOMBAY: It’s not a sales pitch, it’s the truth Chris. No one can dispute how talented of a competitor you are. I’d be foolish to put you in a situation that would likely result in an extended stay on the injured list when just a week or two of rest would prevent that scenario completely.

Madison makes no attempt to hide the fact that he doesn’t believe a word that slips out of Bombay’s mouth. Bombay nervously tugs at the collar, knowing that there’s still more disappointing news to deliver.

CHRIS MADISON: And I’m sure that I’m not goin’ to like what you have to say on the Gareth Prichard front either, right?

KEVIN BOMBAY: Well…

CHRIS MADISON: Well what? I take full responsibility for losin’ my match to Skye, but that doesn’t mean that he didn’t have a hand in it.

KEVIN BOMBAY: I know… But Chris, he was a paying customer. He had a ticket for his seat. He’s not a contracted competitor for Mainstream Wrestling. Do you expect me to book fans in matches? I have no authority to give you a match against Gareth. I’m sorry... I know that it’s not quite what you wanted to hear, but my hands are tied.

Madison nods his head while trying his best to hold back the smirk on his face.

CHRIS MADISON: This was me givin’ you the opportunity to do the right thing. The way I see it, you only have one option - sign him. You see, I’m goin’ to get my hands on him one way or another. Whether it’s here, UWL, FGA, Millennium, or if I have to chase him around as he competes in the Quag Cup, I’m goin’ to get my hands on him. Sanctioned, unsanctioned, it’s all the same to me. I would think that you’d hate to lose one of your top competitors for a few months because he chose to step away to take care of business that could have easily happened under the Mainstream Wrestlin’ banner. Make the right decision.

Madison steps towards Bombay and leans in close.

CHRIS MADISON: Sign him. I know you have the power to issue contracts. Sign him and make the damn match!

Madison reaches across and aggressively pats Kevin Bombay on the chest, knocking him back a step before turning away and walking out of the office as the feed cuts away.

[Robert Daniels]

PREVIOUSLY RECORDED...
The scene opens up in a desolate warehouse, the kind you can find in most big city industrial areas. Inside, in an open area of the space is a worn out ring, a few heavy ropes and some free weights. It seems this is where somebody has been spending their time training off the grid. We hear footsteps echo in the distance as a couple of figures walk into the camera's view, slowly showing whom has entered. Sage Lowry and Emma Douglas, Violent Intent, come stalking into the room. Emma is about to speak, but Sage raises a hand to hold her back for a split second and Emma talents, going to pacing in the background for the time being. Sage looks directly at the camera and begins to speak her piece.

SAGE LOWRY: It's been a year. A full year since Emma Douglas stepped into a Mainstream Wrestling ring and since that time, she has been given no respect. None. She has clawed and scratched and kicked people directly in the skull multiple times and still people barely give her a second glance. She has somehow been marginalized and taken for granted. Well that ends now. It's time you people understand exactly what kind of trouble you're in for when Violent Intent steps into a ring. It's time for you to out a little bit of respect back on our names.

Emma smiles a little as she interjects.

EMMA DOUGLAS: Titles are cool and we have no problems beating the brakes off of those two blonde mean girls, but this isn't about championships, it's about violence. Sheer unadulterated violence. And if championships come along with that, all the better.

Sage smiles as she pops her knuckles.

SAGE LOWRY: More Squires, more knights. Again, something I fully understand. I got put through those paces as well. And no one will take anything away from Euphoric. They have strongly representing tag team wrestling in Mainstream since their debut, but we are something completely different than anything they've faced before. We are machines of war and destruction and you ladies are ready for that kind of warfare. This won't be like your matches with Children of The Moon. It's going to be hell and we shall see how well you fare after we have our way with the likes of you.

Sage looks back at Emma and just smiles confidently, nodding to herself.

SAGE LOWRY: While we respect those whom came before us in this company, we are going to raise this division to new heights of violence. Come at us if you think you can hang, but don't take any half measures or you'll be eaten alive. We ain't the ladies to mess with and you'll see how ready we are. Good luck Euphoric, let's just say, you're gonna need it.

Emma sneers at the camera and pats Sage on the shoulder, giving her an approving nod herself. It seems she's liking what she is seeing out of her tag partner. Sage smiles in return and turns her focus back towards the camera and then lets out an almost vanished like howl as the camera fades to black.

[Robert Daniels]

MAINSTREAM WRESTLING
TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

★★★ EUPHORIC (C) ★★★
[CAROLINE CLARKE & DAYNA BARRETT]
vs
★★★ VIOLENT INTENT ★★★
[EMMA DOUGLAS & SAGE LOWRY]

The bell rings and this Tag Team Championship match is now underway! Dayna Barrett and Sage Lowry start this match off for their respective teams with a collar and elbow lock up. Sage ducks behind Dayna after she throws a wild punch. Sage manages to lock in a full nelson, causing Dayna to panic and try to fight out of it, locking eyes with Caroline, trying to make a tag. Sage pulls her back towards the middle of the ring and lifts her up, dropping Dayna directly on her tailbone. Dayna tries to grab at herself, in obvious pain. Sage uses this time to scurry to her feet, bouncing off the rope and hitting Dayna in the face with a low drop kick.

Dayna Barrett in obvious pain rolls away holding to her face. Sage Lowry remains on the offensive lifting up the one half of the tag team champions but it’s Dayna Barrett who drops Sage Lowry with a jawbreaker! Lowry falls back landing back first on the mat. Holding her jaw at first Dayna Barrett seizes this opportunity and begins the mounted punches.

...1!
...2!
...3!
...4!
...5!
...6!
...7!
...8!
...9!
...10!

Dayna Barrett pushes herself up off the young challenger with her fist still balled up she holds it in the air looking to pump up the fans in attendance as well as her tag team partner. Sage Lowry is down and out but she rolls over onto his knees and pushes herself up but it’s Barrett who grabs her from behind for a tear naked chokehold! Barrett wraps up legs around the midsection of Lowry and in one swift motion takes her down to the mat on her side.

Lowry rolls over pinning Barrett’s shoulders to the mat for the 1...2...BREAK! Barrett rolls back over to her side reluctantly as the official checks on the young squire. He goes to raise her arm and at the two count Emma Douglas is inside the ring and she lays the boot to the back of Dayna Barrett causing her to release the rear naked choke hold. Sage Lowry with a loud cough begins clearing her throat as Emma Douglas is forced back into her corner out into the apron by the official.

Sage Lowry is the first to her feet and she hits a few knife edge chops to Dayna's chest, causing her to back up towards the ropes. Sage then grabs Dayna by the wrist and whips her to the far ropes. She is quick to follow and nails her in the gut with a high knee as soon as Dayna turns around. Dayna is gasping for air as Sage uses a boot to push her out of the ring to the floor below. Sage follows suit, stalking Dayna. Dayna tries to fight back but Sage ducks low and drives Dayna back first into the ring apron.

...1!
...2!
...3!
...4!
...5!

Dayna Barrett is in obvious pain but leans on the ring apron for support to remain on her feet. Lowry looks to charge into Dayna Grace for good measure but the Tag Team Champion sidesteps grabbing her by the head and leads her head first into the ring apron! Then Barrett holds onto her head and tosses her into the railing at ringside! Lowry is stunned. Emma Douglas is slapping the mat as the official is already counting the two on the outside.

...6!
...7!
...8!

Dayna Barrett rolls her opponent back into the ring and follows her back in as well breaking the officials count. Sage Lowry is on the mat, trying to catch her breath, crawling towards the ropes after that attack from Dayna. Sage manages to grab at Dayna's tights and pull her down, throat first onto the second rope. As Dayna lays the prone, gasping for air herself, Sage stands up and tosses a leg across the back of Dayna, grabbing the rope, trying to put move leverage while choking her with the rope.

...1!
...2!
...3!
...4!

Only stopping that after the referee gets to the count of four. The ref getting into Sage's face and Sage trying to explain she has until the count of five. Dayna Barrett meanwhile is inching closer and closer to her tag team partner. Sage Lowry notices and grabs her by the foot and ankle pulling her back into the center of the ring. Dayna Barrett used her lower body strength to roll over onto her back pulling her legs towards her chest then pushed off sending Sage Lowry onto her backside. Dayna Barrett gets up off the mat and bounces off the adjacent ropes looking for a running high knee but she only catches Sage with part of it!

Sage Lowry turns walking back into a neutral corner meanwhile Dayna Barrett hits a running double stomp to the back of Sage Lowry causing her to hit chest first against the top turnbuckle! Barrett drops down and rolls her up for the 1...2...NEARFALL!

Dayna Barrett can’t believe it. She grabs Sage Lowry and grabbing her wrist leads the challenger over into the Euphoric corner where she makes the tag to Caroline Clarke who enters the ring and lands a kick to then side of Sage Lowry. Emma Douglas is irate!

Sage Lowry is on one knee as Caroline comes towards her, looking to throw another kick. Sage manages to move and block the kick and uses the position to stand up and flat out powerbomb Caroline hard into the mat. Sage follows up, pulling Caroline to her feet. She looks like she's about to pick Caroline up for another powerbomb, but then slides her down her back a bit into a Gory Special. Caroline screams in pain as Sage is able to make the long awaited tag with Emma Douglas! Sage releases her arms as Caroline goes face first into the mat, finishing off Sage's Unconditional Surrender before exiting onto the apron.

Emma Douglas reached down pulling up Caroline Clarke by the back of the head and neck. He grabs Caroline by the throat, just glaring hard at her before tossing her into a turnbuckle. Caroline slowly stumbles out of the corner with Emma bouncing off the ropes, trying to take her head off with a massive lariat but Caroline Clarke ducks under! She returns strong off the ropes and looks to take out her challenger with a flying forearm!

Emma Douglas brushes off the hard strikes Caroline throws at her chest, almost a look of smug satisfaction on her face as she throws a few hard forearm strikes to Caroline's jaw. She pushes Caroline hard against the ropes and as she comes bouncing back, Emma catches her and spins her around before planting her with the Bedlam Slam! Emma is quick to follow this up with a leg drop right across the throat. She grabs a leg for the cover of 1...2...BREAK!

Dayna Barrett kicks Emma Douglas in the top of her back across the shoulder blade causing her to release the pin wince in pain. The official warns Barrett and she exits onto the apron with a few choice words across the ring at Sage Lowry. Meanwhile Emma Douglas snatches the rising Caroline Clarke from behind, lifting her up over her shoulders in a torture rack. Caroline flails about a bit before Emma just drops her, walking off. She then teasingly brushes her boot across Caroline's face as she tries to get back to her feet. Emma bounces off the ropes and lands a hard elbow to the mat as Caroline rolls quickly out from harms way! She makes the tag to Dayna Barrett!

Emma Douglas pushes herself up off the mat frustrated as Dayna Barret renters the match with pent up aggression towards the Mistress of Mayhem. She begins the kicks to the shins and knees of Emma Douglas hoping to weaken her to towering framework. Emma pushes Dayna to the mat face first. As Dayna tries to crawl towards the ropes, Emma grabs her by the arms, lifting her upper body off the mat before using a boot to slam her hard into it, a smirk upon her face as she watches. As Dayna is climbing back up to her feet, Emma pushes herself against the ropes and drives her knee directly into Dayna's face, hitting her Death Rattle! She hooks the leg and points at Caroline Clarke on the apron as the official counts 1...2...NEARFALL!

Caroline Clarke enters the ring and Emma Douglas releases the pinning attempt to cut Clarke off at the pass. A shoulder thrust nails Clarke back into the corner as Sage Lowry enters the ring and goes after Dayna Barrett. An eye rake to Barrett blinds her temporarily. The official warns both Clarke and Lowry to get out of the ring before he throws out the match. Emma Douglas grabs Dayna Barrett by the hair, moving to sit herself on the top turnbuckles. Dayna still has some fight in her though and hits a few hard punches to the face.

Caroline comes over and hits Emma with a super kick while she is still perched up there, rocking her even more. Euphoric then seem to nod towards one another, both climbing the turnbuckles, trying to superplex the bigger woman. Sage dashes in and gets beneath them all, one hand under both members of Euphoric, pulling them off the turnbuckles chasing them to crash to the mat while Emma still sits high upon the turnbuckle. Sage pushes Caroline out of the ring with her boot and then grabs Dayna by the hair. She moves her and positions her so she flips up into Emma's waiting arms, Caroline Clarke is on the apron and she grabs the foot and ankle of Dayna Barrett pulling her down the backing a standing Emma Douglas. Barrett steps down the turnbuckles to the ring apron as Caroline Clarke super kicks Sage Lowry on the apron and she drops to the floor!

Emma Douglas swings at Clarke but she ducks on the apron and instead hits her with a shoulder to the midsection between the middle and top rope. Emma Douglas doubles over turning into a V-Trigger running knee strike by Dayna Barrett! Barrett grabs the boots of Emma Douglas flipping over her and holding the legs down for the pinning combination of 1...2...3!

Emma Douglas kicks out just as the official slaps the mat for the count of three and the bell rings!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winners by pin fall AND STILL Mainstream Wrestling Tag Team Champions...Dayna Barrett, Caroline Clarke...EUPHORIC!

CHARLES HUDSON:  Theirs a reason why these ladies are the Tag Team Champions! Never say die attitude and let’s face it they are the heart and soul of this tag team division!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Violent Intent suffers their first loss as a tag team but this isn’t the last we’ve heard from them. They’ve risen the ranks of the tag division and they are physically imposing and unlike any other team we’ve seen before in this division.

CHARLES HUDSON:  Emma Douglas is the most frightening lady that I have ever met but if she can coach Sage Lowry up like she has been then they are the future of the division.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Sometimes, now you know this as good as I do. But sometimes a loss is just as valuable to a person or in this case a team as a win because they know just how close they were to tasting championship gold. Now it’s a time to reflect and learn from the mistakes they made so next time they can leave as the new tag team champions...

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
Dressed in a dark grey suit and tie is the well renowned wrestling manager, Gregory Murphy, who has a grin cemented on his face as he approaches the camera, a binder of documents in his hands. He holds the binder up and nods his head approvingly. 

MURPHY: It was only a matter of time, some things are inevitable. The Heroes for Hire entering the fray here in Mainstream Wrestling, it's what's best for business on their end and our own. This isn't just about monetary value, don't get me wrong we could make a buck load of cash just by giving my clients the platform... they're marketable assets who have performed on the highest level for a duration of time, but it's not all about that.

Murphy lowers the binder to his side and pauses as he does so, allowing himself to re-catch his breath. 

MURPHY: This is about cleansing Mainstream Wrestling from all the bullsh*t, all of the pandemonium and the madness that has ensued this promotion since it's inception... no one has been able to steer the ship, grab a hold of the wheel and keep some order in this promotion. But those days, they're coming to an end. With the Heroes for Hire, you have the gatekeepers who are ready to sacrifice themselves for the greater good... the Man, Myth and Legend, Mitsuo Shimada... alongside, Your Hero and Mine, Mark Storm - here in Mainstream Wrestling, ready for the job at hand... we'll be seeing you, very, soon. 

Murphy smirks, digging a hand into his pocket as he walks out of the frame and the scene fades to black. 

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
Cartier is seen pouring a glass full of water from a clear pitcher, slowly. When she fills it, she sets the glass down on the desktop in front of her and leans close, her face distorted through the liquid so that her immaculately made-up right eye - the swirls of the Horus traced beneath her dilated brown iris, larger than ever due to the glass and its magnification.

CARTIER: The white man spent decades tryin’ to locate the source of the Nile River. Alexander the Great wanted to know. Julius Caesar. Even in the 19th Century, they was sendin’ colonizers like Doctor Livingstone down through Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, the Congo… why? Because for all of human history, the white man has had an unfillable hunger for black women. They wanted to know what made us wet. What made us thirsty. What kept us pure.

Cartier pours the glass of water back into the pitcher, watching in silence as the last few drops roll from the crystal and plop onto the levelling surface. She watches as the water ripples and shakes, all the way until it calms itself once again and becomes an invisible, unmoving line in the pitcher.

CARTIER: Baby Larson, he’s falling into that same trap. I don’t know if his Mainstream Big Brother Program mentor Biggs set him up for this heartbreak on purpose just for entertainment value or if he maybe really thinks the rook got himself a chance… but at the end of the day it don’t make a lick of difference in the outcome. Whether it’s a prank on a brand new fraternity brother, hazin’ his ass like you lightin’ his anglo ass cheeks up wit’ the Pi Kappa Alpha paddle or if it’s honest to goodness faith in this young man’s budding abilities… at the end of the night in that Mainstream ring, he’s gettin’ beat.

She flicks a finger against the outside of the water pitcher, eliciting a ringing chime from the glass. The water inside rolls in concentric circles, riding the soundwave through to the edges.

CARTIER: Like the Belgians who went down to the great lakes of Africa, the ones y’all renamed after English rulers like Albert and Victoria, the lowlanders showed up an’ dealt genocide all over the continent - all out of desperate longing for what they could not ever truly hold in their pale weak hands. The pure ebony power of my people. The hot blooded spirit that runs through us, like the waters of the Nile, is too strong of a current to be enslaved even if our bodies are. That strength, that heat, is so desired by those who can’t stoke the same fires inside their own hearths. Bobby Larson, he sees me and he desires me. Not to me, but to conquer me. He wants power over me. Ownership. He wants what’s mine. What’s inside me by birth, by bloodright. He wants the source of the mysterious river that birthed, nourished, and drowned entire civilizations. But he ain’t gonna get it… because he ain’t got the strength of character, the steel heart, needed to house the womb of creation.

Once more, Cartier lifts the pitcher up and mover to pour water into the glass, but instead she misses the glass entirely and pours a cascade of water down onto the side of the desk, letting it run off in a sheet. The little waterfall crashes on the floor in splashing cacophony as the Television Champion’s smile wavers in the lowering water.

CARTIER: Bobby Larson… If you’re just a tool of Biggs’, then I pity you. Because if that’s the case then he’s gonna be laughin’ at you hardest of all when I introduce you to an 0-1 record against me later on tonight. I hope he invites himself to ringside too, because he deserves to see what he done to you firsthand, boy. I want him to recognize the precise second when you fall underneath the current an’ get swept away in the river. When your lungs start suckin’ water inside ‘em an’ your chest starts to burn, when all you can do is stare out into the sunlight above the surface but never reach it, and your eyes go dark with the bottom… the resting place of kings, pharaohs, emperors, conquerors and conquered… the last thing you’ll know before you succumb to the black, is that you was put there by Cartier. The queen you tried to rule over. The unattainable. The unconquerable. The inevitable.

She cackles. Cartier sets the pitcher aside as well as the glass, turning her full attention to the camera lens.

CARTIER: Larson, your hunger is goin’ to outlive your ability. Because as much as you covet, you can’t attain. And I’ll be there, smilin’ down at you when your last breath of effort leaves you an’ you capitulate to the inevitable… to me.

Cartier simply stares then, as if waiting for the camera to blink. Eventually, it does.

[Robert Daniels]

MAINSTREAM WRESTLING
WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPIONSHIP

★★★ CARTIER (C) ★★★
vs
★★★ BOBBY LARSON ★★★

The bell rings and this match is officially underway. Cartier still jawing over the ropes to Biggs, who has decided to be at ringside for his friend Bobby Larson. Biggs doesn’t seem to want any trouble, but Cartier doesn’t trust him there and kicks at the bottom rope to make him back up a step. Bobby and Cartier lock up, but Cartier clearly has no interest in really wrestling Larson. She’s got it in her head that she’s too good for him, and she shoves him back before paintbrushing his face and laughing disrespectfully. She then turns back to Biggs and mocks the “dab” pose Larson likes to hit, cackling about it right up until Larson rolls her up from behind!

CHARLES HUDSON: Cartier just got caught! Can we see a quick upset tonight!?

Cartier kicks out at one, and her mood has clearly shifted from being apathetic to being pissed off. She rolls through her kickout and follows up with a dropkick right to the face of Larson, who was still getting to his feet after the attempt. She then slams her shin into the back of Larson’s neck to pin him to the mat and tangles her fingers in his hair, grinding his face in the canvas until the official has to break things up with a five count.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Cartier seems angry that Larson took her down so quickly, do you think she overlooked the young man, Charles?

CHARLES HUDSON: She hasn’t shown much worry towards this match, I’d say it’s definitely possible she just assumes she’s above her opponent’s pay grade!

After exchanging words with the official, Cartier once again gives Biggs some lip service outside the ring, telling him to “watch this” as she pulls Larson up from the mat and then hooks his arms… turning him around for an Unprettier! But Larson has it scouted and rotates through, eventually managing to drag the World Television Champion over his own body with a backslide pinning combination for 1…2…KICKOUT!

Larson stands back pedaling into the corner. Cartier still kneeling turns to see him propped up in the corner and she rushes in for a Hip Check, but he dodges out of the way, sending Cartier's rear right into the middle turnbuckle pad! Bobby uses the opening to pepper Cartier with some punches to the face before giving her a Snapmare to the mat, followed up with a Standing Elbow Drop to the midsection! He goes for a quick cover, but doesn't even get a one count out of the World Television Champion!

Undeterred, he pulls her up by the hair, giving her some hard knees to the midsection to back her into the ropes, before Irish Whipping Cartier across the ring. On the rebound, Bobby connects with a hard Pump Kick right between the eyes, dropping Cartier back to the mat! With his opponent down, Bobby strikes his stupid sexy dabbing pose, before dropping another Elbow right to Cartier's chest! Rather than go for the cover, Bobby pops back up and gives her another Standing Elbow Drop before rolling Cartier onto her belly. He takes a seat on her back and grabs her arms in a Butterfly Lock, Cartier struggling against it the whole time. Bobby looks to float over, but as soon as he removes his body weight from Cartier's back, she's able to squirm free out of his lock and rolls back to create some distance!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: You know Bobby was looking for the Situation there, but Cartier managed to free herself before he could apply the hold!

CHARLES HUDSON: Biggs looks none too pleased with how sloppy Bobby's Butterfly Lock was.

Biggs slams the apron with his fist in frustration, yelling “DETAILS, BOBBY!” Bobby nods towards his mentor, but in doing so, turns his attention away from Cartier enough for her to tag him with a Running Forearm Shot that spins him around and sends him to the mat! Biggs throws his hands up in exasperation as Cartier follows up with a Splits Legdrop, keeping her leg across Bobby as the ref counts the 1...2...KICKOUT!

Cartier wastes no time trying to maintain her control of the bout, looking to wear down the athletic Bobby Larson with some high-octane moves. First she plants a knee into the back of Bobby’s ribs and pulls him down into a lungblower. Then, Cartier climbs to the top rope and walks out to the middle of it like Simone Biles on the balance beam, lining herself up perfectly to leap onto Larson and spike his head to the mat with a meteora. Not satisfied yet, she waits patiently as Larson fights his way to a vertical base, and then she backs into the ropes to spring forward looking for a scissors kick! But there’s nobody home!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Cartier throws an airball looking for a big move, and now Bobby Larson has her caught in a uranage!

Cartier is lifted and dropped by Bobby Larson, who gets a couple seconds to catch his breath as Cartier feels the effects of the uranage. Larson looks to follow up, but Cartier rolls out of the ring! Cartier heads to her corner and grabs her World Television Championship, and it looks like she’s going to abandon the match and head to the back.

CHARLES HUDSON: Cartier’s walking out on the match!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Not if the Spaceman gets a vote...

Cartier turns to head up the ramp as the referee starts a ten count. But before she can leave the area, Biggs steps in front of her and argues with her. The crosstalk is hard to make out on the live mics, but Cartier shouts that she’s got “nothing to prove” to a “nobody” like Larson.

Cartier keeps up the jibber jabber with Biggs, then turns to the official and tells him to get the count over with faster… when from behind, Spaceman Biggs shoves Cartier back into the ring right before the count of ten!
Cartier can’t believe what Biggs did, and she glares at him with wide eyes and a hanging jaw as she gets to her feet.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Biggs wants to make sure there’s a real winner tonight!

CHARLES HUDSON: Big risk by the Spaceman though, he could have gotten Larson disqualified for putting his hands on the champion.

Cartier turns toward Biggs but before she can let loose at the mouth, Bobby Larson has her snatched up from behind in a Russian leg sweep! But Cartier holds onto the top rope, causing Larson to smash his own head into the mat. Cartier glares at Biggs again and her lips are easy enough to read: “you asked for this.”

Cartier hits the ropes and goes for her scissors kick again, and this time she executes it perfectly and leaves Larson on his face. She drags Larson up again and tangles him up… and sends him down with an Unprettier! Keeping her eyes locked on Biggs outside the ring, Cartier then locks on her Ballin’ Brutalizer submission, and the arena fills with the sounds of Bobby Larson’s pained exclamations.

CHARLES HUDSON: Cartier has the Brutalizer in deep… but Larson is right by the ropes!

Larson squirms and manages to get one foot over the bottom rope, forcing Cartier to break the hold. She slams a fist down onto the mat and then sends a wad of saliva at the apron when Biggs gets close to check on his man.

Larson pauses just long enough to get some words of encouragement from his mentor Biggs. He turns to get back into this match but as he does Cartier throws a wild punch towards Bobby's head, which he blocks, allowing him to follow up with a Jab, followed by another Jab, and another, before Bobby jukes and jives a bit and delivers a Bionic Elbow right between the eyes! He goes for the pin, hooking the inside leg, 1...2...KICKOUT!

Bobby shakes his head a bit and holds his ribs as he gets back up, giving Cartier a couple of hard stomps to the face before pulling her back up to a vertical base. Bobby applies a waist lock from behind her, attempting a German Suplex, but Cartier blocks it by wrapping her foot around his ankle, and responds by throwing her elbows behind her, breaking Bobby's hold! Cartier gets a running start towards the ropes, and leaps up for a Running Cross Body, but Bobby drops to the deck, sending Cartier flying right over him! He's on her in a flash, kicking and stomping at the downed champ before sitting her up, placing his knee between her shoulder blades and applying a Seated Rear Chinlock!

[CHARLES HUDSON: Smart move by Larson here. Cartier is able to build momentum in a flash, so slowing the match down and grinding out some punishment to wear her down is a good play.

Bobby has both hands underneath Cartier's chin, and she reaches up to try and get her hand inside, but he has the hold on too tight. Bobby adjusts his left arm to wrap it completely under Cartier's chin, and releases his right arm to pull it back up and drive the point of his elbow right into the neck and shoulder of the Television Champ! Biggs pumps his fist on the outside, cheering Bobby on as he continues to pummel the crook of Cartier's neck about a dozen times before violently shoving her down to the mat and going for a cover, 1...2...KICKOUT!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: We're seeing a new found viciousness from Bobby Larson here tonight!

CHARLES HUDSON: He has been in the ring with Cyrus Riddle on more than one occasion, so maybe he picked it up from The Impaler!

The fans are starting to get behind Bobby Larson as he motions for Cartier to get back to her feet. As she gets up, he rushes in for a Running Knee Lift into the Neckbreaker combo, The Power Outage! He floats over into a Lateral Press for 1...2...KICKOUT!

Bobby goes to pull Cartier up, shoving her into the near corner before whipping her to the opposite turnbuckle! He gets a running start and clocks her with a Running Big Boot! Cartier flops to the mat and Bobby rolls her over onto her back, giving her a quick stomp to the sternum before grabbing a hold of the top rope and pulling himself! The fans are on their feet as Bobby takes a quick look back to make sure Cartier is still in position before leaping off with a Moonsault Leg Drop! At just the very last moment, Cartier rolls out of the way, sending Bobby landing bum first on the mat! Pain shoots up and down his tailbone and spine as Cartier gets up and nails him with a Running Hip Check right to the face!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: High risk, high reward, but that time Bobby Larson came up bankrupt, as Cartier is back in control!

Cartier cackles and wipes her hands together as if saying “he’s all done,” before turning her backside to Biggs and giving it a little wiggle with her tongue sticking out. Biggs tries to build some momentum for Larson by pounding the apron in rhythm and getting the crowd behind him. Cartier pulls Bobby Larson to his feet where he stands checking to make sure his jaw wasn’t dislodged by Cartier’s speed train of an ass.

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Cartier in full control here, and it looks like Bobby Larson’s hope of securing the TV Title is about to come to an end.

CHARLES HUDSON: I wouldn’t count him out just yet, McKayla, this kid has shown a ton of surprising endurance and ability.

Cartier nails Larson with a right hand, and Larson staggers back… but the force of the crowd clapping along with Biggs seems to have helped Larson shake off some of the cobwebs. When Cartier throws another haymaker, Larson blocks it and snaps Cartier’s head backwards with a lightning quick jab.

Cartier is sent flailing backwards against the ropes and when she comes off she’s absolutely starched by a big European uppercut from Larson! She falls forward and Larson scoops her up onto his shoulder, setting her down on the top turnbuckle of a near corner before climbing up and hooking her arm over his head. He lifts Cartier up and sends her back down to the match with a massive superplex!

McKAYLA LEWIS: Huge impact! Let’s see if Larson can seal the deal after that big move!

Cartier rolls in pain and moves into an opposite corner, pulling herself up by the ropes. Larson sees his opening and charges in, squashing her against the buckles with a big Stinger Splash to the back! Larson backs up again for a head of steam as Cartier turns around and sags in the corner, and Larson heads in for another splash - but Cartier catches him in mid-air!

CHARLES HUDSON: Cartier playing a little possum here, she caught Larson getting ahead of himself…

Cartier takes a step or two out of the corner with Larson over her head, then falls backward and lets his face crash into the top turnbuckle! Larson’s jaw snaps shut and he hits the deck hard, allowing Cartier to catch her breath and scramble up to the top rope over his body.

Cartier gives Biggs a finger outside the ring and then leaps off… SUPA DUPA FLY SPLASH! She got it all! Cartier winces from the impact on her own torso and then grabs the near leg of Larson for a 1…2…NEARFALL!

McKAYLA LEWIS: Bobby Larson is proving himself here tonight!

Moments later Bobby Larson is holding his ribs in pain on the mat while Cartier stands over him sticking her tongue out! She takes a few steps back and dashes in, nailing Bobby in the midsection with a stiff Kick that can be heard in the cheap seats! Cartier continues to give young Bobby Larson a street style beat down, kicking and stomping at his midsection with malice and intent!

Biggs has a concerned look on the outside, while Cartier continues to go to work on Bobby's stomach and ribs. She brings Bobby back up to a vertical base, trash talking right in his face and flipping him the bird before whipping him towards the ropes! She jumps up to capture him with the Lou Thesz Press, but Bobby reacts and baseball slides underneath her, sending her crashing face first into the mat!

CHARLES HUDSON: Bloody hell, Lou! Have you ever seen somebody counter the Lou Thesz Press like that!? Bobby Larson is showing not just his athleticism, but also a very high ring IQ at a very early stage in his career!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: That was impressive, but it's going to take more than flashy moves to win him the World Television Championship!

Bobby is right on top of Cartier, mounting her to unload a series of rapid fire punches to the forehead before pulling her up in a Side Headlock! He wrenches the hold a bit before shooting her towards the ropes, and catches her on the rebound with a thunderous Spine Buster! Bobby Larson is fired up as he makes his way to the far corner, motioning with his hand for Cartier to get up! He grabs a hold of the top rope and stomps his foot! Cartier is still dazed on the mat as Bobby stomps again!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Bobby Larson is tuning up the band!

CHARLES HUDSON: We could be mere moments away from one of the biggest upsets in recent Mainstream memory, Lou!

The fans are clapping in tune with Bobby's stomps, while Biggs slams the mat with both hands in rhythm as well, which get more and more frequent, until Cartier is up and he launches in for the Lightning Strike Superkick! Cartier ducks it, though, and as Bobby stumbles & turns around, he's greeted with Eat This Ass, adding some extra OOMPH by hitting the opposite ropes herself. Larson manages to duck under the attempt though, and on the rebound he sends Cartier to the mat with a running big boot!

MCKAYLA LEWIS: Just when it looked like Larson was out of this match, he gets himself right back into it!

CHARLES HUDSON: Sometimes all it takes is the right move at the right time!

But once again Cartier leaves the ring for a breather, and she walks right up to Spaceman Biggs to run her mouth some more at the same time. Cartier shouts to the official to make sure Biggs keeps away from her, and as the referee becomes engaged with Biggs outside the ring, Cartier slides back in behind Larson and kneels down, ramming an uppercut right between his legs!

Bobby Larson goes down hard, and by the time Biggs has gotten the referee to pay attention to the match instead of himself, Cartier is already up on the top rope and somersaulting off onto Larson with a Harlem Hangover!

CHARLES HUDSON: That Hangover landed perfectly, but Cartier is looking to cross the T and dot the I.

Cartier stands in a corner waiting as Bobby Larson fights his way up to his knees after the devastating maneuver from the Television Champion. As soon as he gets half way up, Cartier runs across the ring and nearly decapitates him with the Empire State of Mind! Larson hits the mat stiff-legged and Cartier slides onto him into a lateral press, counting along with the referee for 1…2…3!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by pin fall AND STILL Mainstream Wrestling World Television Champion...CARTIER!

CHARLES HUDSON:  Carter retains! Cartier retains!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Not a chance for Larson after Cartier landed her patented move…but what a showing by the young man from Squires!

CHARLES HUDSON:  I agree Lou. This is the best version of Bobby Larson that we’ve seen and I have a secret for you. He’s only gonna get better!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Blake Mitchell and Aria Price are turning out real competitors at Emerald City Saints. First it was Sage Lowry earlier tonight and now Bobby Larson. You’re looking at the future of the company! Congratulations to Cartier our World Television Champion!

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[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
Night Two of the Emerald City Classic has come up, and so DA #TROLL GUY and Trixie meet backstage, for it may very well be one of them that finds themselves in the finals. DA #TROLL GUY wears the attire he decided to wear in night one - a grey version of his tights, as well as black boots, and his black leather jacket. Trixie wore a glossy, black skirt to match her black and white striped tank top - all from her friend's collection that she'd been gifted or bought. The Prime Girl had her ring gear in her bag, as her strap from her cobalt blue top peaked out the top.

TRIXIE: You're sure this outfit doesn't feel like I've got too much black on me? Maybe I should have gone with my white beret.

As Trixie adjusts her black beret on top of her blonde, straight locks and pats the top of her thigh high suede boots, also black. Mariano stops to check her out from head to toe, but he shakes his head no.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: “
You’re perfect as you are, chica. Although—

He winks.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: There might be a chance for you to wear your white beret later - if you know what I mean.

He chuckles to himself, but raises a hand.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: But that, if it happens, comes for later. For now, I’m going to finally do what I have tried to do for two years in a row only to be stopped at the end, mang. And well...

His face turns serious at this point, even though he doesn’t stop his nice demeanor.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: ... that means that you and I will eventually be going against each other, mang. Maybe in the second round, even. And I know very well that you will want to finally beat me. Alas...

He raises his eyebrows as a sly smile creeps to his face.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: It’s not gonna be tonight, chica.

TRIXIE: I don't know about that. I'm scrappy and when I have pinned you in the past, your shoulders are down for way longer than three, Manny. Just saying…

She lightly raises her eyebrows towards him.

TRIXIE: Plus I'd really like to follow in my brother's footsteps and win this tournament. It would be spooky if I did have to defeat you to do it, since you and Billy faced off before on this very tournament stage, plus I'd be the first girl to take home the trophy. Bryan, Eli, Billy, Jacob, and then Trixie.

She poses, pretending to hold the trophy as elegantly as she could.

TRIXIE: I think I'd look good holding the trophy and my fans would see it as quite a historic moment, hopefully an inspiration to the girls to go out and get their own ECC trophy. Whether it be a degree or a promotion or an athletic trophy, I'd love to help show them they can do it too.

Mariano nods understandingly.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: I did say yesterday, love. Ain’t ANYONE going past me in this ECC if I can help it, but should I fall, for ALL of that… it should be to you. Nothing better to be put away by your hand.

He smiles at that, but then he reverts back to his serious, concentrated face.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: And I too have Billy Danielson as a motivation, mang. He was the first one to beat me, and he has the achievement that I don’t here in MAINSTREAM. And I DON’T plan on eternally chasing in his footsteps. That is why I must get it this time - this ONE time. Two years, waiting for this moment - and I promise you and everyone else that there will not be a third. This time I finally get it done - or die in the attempt.

He sighs, a shadow crossing his face, before he gives her a kind look.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: And if you DO beat me, I’ll be the first to congratulate you - and ask you to remember these words you said. Carry them with you throughout the ECC until the finals - and once you’ve beaten me, with that as your mantra - go take the whole thing!

He opens his arms, however.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: But for now, before that time comes - will you accept a good luck hug?

TRIXIE: Hmmm... I'll allow it…

She says playfully when her auto-response would be absolutely. Trixie then proceeds to whisper something to Manny discreetly as they hug.

TRIXIE: I'm just going to get changed, and then loosen up for the next match up.

There is an evident blush on Mariano’s face as he hears it, and it hasn’t quite gone once the hug ends.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: Well then, love - go get changed. And good luck.

TRIXIE: And to you. One of us should win this whole tournament.

Trixie waves and blows him a little kiss before she disappears into her room, gently closing the door behind her. Mariano watches her go - not without sliding a look down, and once she has gone, he lets out a sigh.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: One way or another, this is my fate - and I will be ready.

He clasps both hands together, closes his eyes, and utters the motto that has driven him up to this point.

MARIANO FERNANDEZ: In War, Victory. In Peace, Vigilance. In Death… Sacrifice.

Not without a final, loving look at Trixie’s locker room, he sighs once more, shakes his head, and heads down the aisle, as the camera cuts back to the ring.

[Robert Daniels]

Mainstream Wrestling cuts to a pre-recorded video. Biggs is seated in an oversized brown leather easy chair with a potted fern on the left, and a small table on the right that has a book on top of it. Biggs is dressed in a tweed sports coat with a white shirt and blue bow-tie, along with black slacks and sharp looking black penny loafers. His hair is tied into a tight ponytail and he has on a pair of small reading glasses with thin, gold frames. As he begins to speak, there is an elevated, almost scholarly tone in Biggs' voice.

BIGGS: Ladies and gentlemen, wrestling fans young and old, and everywhere in between, the most simple fact of life is that there is something wrong with each and every one of us. In fact, there may be several things wrong with us, things we know and can work to correct and fix, to things we are simply unaware of. The second batch of problems, the ones that we are simply unaware of, are what I like to call 'personal blindspots,' and these blindspots could be the very thing holding you back from personal growth, positive life changes, and being able to make the big decisions that are best for you and those you love. But you may be asking yourself, 'Biggs, if these flaws are a blindspot, how can see them? How can I find out what they are?' Well I'm glad you asked!

Biggs gets a fake, cheesy grin on his face as he picks up the book from the table. It has a blue and white jacket and a picture of Biggs on the front in his wrestling gear.

BIGGS: My new book, 'Checking the Blindspots: How to be Honest with Yourself,' is meant to help you in that very task. Let's use a simple example to show how easy it is to lie to ourselves, and how confronting those lies can lead to a positive life change.

A video of a moderately obese man eating at a restaurant table appears on the screen. He is of average height, with a tuft of orange hair on his head and a goatee that doesn't hide his multiple chins. Biggs can be heard in a voice over.

BIGGS: This is Mark. Mark is a 40-year-old husband and father of two with a good job, a nice house, living the American dream. He knows he eats a little bit too much, but he's enjoying his life, and at least he's not as fat as the guy the next table over.

The camera pans to show a man even more obese than Mark scarfing down his food like a wild animal. The video cuts back to Mark, who hands the waiter his credit card, and immediately clutches his chest, having what appears to be a heart attack. It then cuts to an open casket funeral, where Mark's wife and two children cry and hug his dead corpse, to the mother trying to figure out bills, to them having to leave their home for good. It's all very dramatic as sad music plays.

BIGGS: Sad as it is, Mark had convinced himself that he didn't really have a problem. Sure, he may have danced around the idea of needing to lose some weight, but so long as there was somebody who was heavier than him, who had it worse than he did, he was fine. The lie that Mark told himself was that his weight was that bad. He paid for that blindspot with his life, and his family continued to pay for it afterwards. But luckily for Mark, this is just an example!

The video rewinds back to Mark sitting down at the restaurant table. When the waiter comes, he tells his server, “I'll just have the salad.” It cuts to mark paying for the food and leaving safely with his family. It then cuts to him walking on a treadmill, sweating profusely. Mark is shown at the refrigerator, grabbing a bottle of water instead of a bottle of soda pop. He steps on a scale and pumps his fist as triumphant music plays. The video cuts back to Biggs in his chair.

BIGGS: In the second example, Mark realized that his problems are not relative. At the end of the day, it didn't matter that the other guy was bigger than Mark, what mattered is that he told himself that he had an issue with his weight and he needed to fix it. He was brutally honest with himself, knowing that if he continued on the path he was on, it would lead to potentially catastrophic circumstances for himself and his family.

“Now my book just isn't about helping with weight loss. My principles of having the integrity and courage to be truly honest with yourself can help with a myriad of problems, such as money mismanagement, professional frustrations, compulsive behaviors, and romantic woes. Nine times out of ten, if you have a significant problem, the problem may very well be you.”

Biggs gets up from the chair, placing the book on the table as he does so and walks off screen. It then cuts to him in front of a blue background.

BIGGS: Now don't misconstrue my words, I'm not saying them to tear you down or make you feel bad about yourself. But you cannot fix a problem if you are unable, or in many cases, unwilling to see what the problem truly is.

The words “Money Mismanagement” appear on the screen in white text with a bullet point.

BIGGS: If you have a problem managing your money, you could very well be over-medicating yourself with retail therapy, putting wants ahead of needs.

“Professional Frustrations” hits the screen below “Money Management.”

BIGGS: If you're having trouble getting ahead at work, maybe it's because you come off as arrogant and stand-offish, even if this isn't your intent.

“Compulsive Behaviors” flashes on the screen.

BIGGS: Perhaps you compulsively do things, whether it's overeating, binge watching, petty theft, whatever, because you don't feel in control of your life, and whatever your behavior of choice is, well, it gives you that fleeting sense of control.

“Romantic Woes” hits the screen.

BIGGS: As for romantic troubles, it could be that you just haven't met the right person yet, but more likely, you need to do a better job of using your toothbrush and deodorant. Until you are able to look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself, 'This is my problem, and I'm going to fix it,' you won't fix it. Until you hold yourself accountable, you cannot grow and change.

Biggs walks out of frame from the blue screen and back to his chair, picking up the book to display to the camera once more.

BIGGS: Now I already know that there are naysayers and doubters out there wondering why a professional wrestler would write a self-help book, and furthermore, how could said wrestler have any sort of credibility? To which I say, have you ever met a professional wrestler? By and large, my colleagues are some of the most self-centered, self-aggrandizing people you will ever come across. Every professional wrestler to a Tee will tell you that they are the greatest person to ever lace up a pair of boots and that they're not arrogant, they're just self-confident. But let's be honest here, not everyone can be the greatest wrestler alive to day. By it's very definition, greatest is singular. It's also horribly subjective and terribly elusive. What may be considered great one day, is forgotten tomorrow like yesterday's jam. I used to be like that, striving to be better than each and every one of my peers, but that kind of success is fleeting, if you even make it that far in the first place. No, it wasn't until I stopped focusing on being the best relative to everyone else, and instead focused on being the best version of myself that I could be, that's when real success came. By being my best self, it naturally elevated me above the rat race, it put me in position to win championships the world over! And you don't have to be a professional wrestler to benefit from my program. You don't have to be better than your neighbor, you don't have to be better than your boss, you just have to be better than who you were the day before, and everything else will fall into place. And the way you start on that path is by “Checking Your Blindspots.”

Biggs gives a cheesy grin and a thumbs up to the camera as it cuts to an image of the book with a voice over.

VOICE OVER: Checking The Blindspots: How to be Honest with Yourself will be available this Wednesday on MainstreamWrestlingShop.com and fine retailers everywhere!

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[Robert Daniels]

EMERALD CITY CLASSIC
SEMI-FINAL MATCH

★★★ MARIANO FERNANDEZ ★★★
vs
★★★ TRIXIE ★★★

The bell rings and this semi-final match is officially underway! Mariano Fernandez and Trixie without any hesitation come together in the center of the ring and embrace. The two professional wrestlers hug and Mariano Fernandez even kisses Trixie on the forehead wishing her good luck but Bad Kitty slaps him clear across the cheek! Fernandez is stunned! Trixie steps back putting up her hands looking for a collar and elbow tie up which the two intimate almost immediately. Trixie moves into a side headlock and she cranks in the hold pretty hard. Mariano shoved her off into the ropes and as she comes back she leaps hitting a standing hurricanrana that she holds onto the leg of #DATROLLYGUY for a 1...2....NEARFALL!

Trixie leaps forward from the pinning predicament landing in her forearms and knees. Meanwhile Mariano sitting firmly on his bottom holding the back of his head with a bewildered look on his face. He shakes it off and the two circle around the ring looking for an opportunity for another textbook collar and elbow lockup. This time Mariano has the advantage and he lifts her up for a suplex, but Trixie counters into one of her own! Down goes DA #TROLL GUY and Trixie starts running!

As Mariano stands back up she goes for a Superkick that stops him dead in his tracks, and comes up from behind for a German Suplex! Picture perfect Jawbreaker connects, and Trixie goes for the cover once again for 1...2...KICKOUT!

Mariano kicks out just before the referee slaps the mat for the third time! Trixie decides to take to the air. She climbs to the ropes as Mariano starts rising one more, and launches knees first for the Meteora… NO! DA #TROLL GUY HAS CAUGHT HER MID-AIR AND BRINGS HER DOWN WITH A POWERBOMB! COVER BY DA #TROLL GUY for 1...2...KICKOUT!

DA #TROLL GUY goes to press his offense, but Trixie is quick to get back to her feet and catches him with a front kick to the gut! Mariano doubles over and Trixie brings him down with a DDT! Bad Kitty decides then to go for a submission, trying to wrap Mariano’s legs for a Sharpshooter, but DA #TROLL GUY rolls onto his back, and pushes her away! He kips up to his feet and Trixie goes for a clothesline - NO! DA #TROLL GUY ducks and takes off towards the ropes! As Trixie turns around, Mariano Fernandez is already there with a Flying Forearm! Down goes Trixie and the Grand Slam Champion goes for the cover 1...2...KICKOUT!

Several moments pass and Mariano Fernandez is back to his feet looking to lift Trixie back up but still unsure how to proceed against his girlfriend. Trixie rears back and so does Manny, but neither execute the punch. Instead Trixie manages to deliver a few chops, but Manny ducks the final one to start chopping back. Trixie gets whipped off the ropes but puts on the breaks, then pulls Manny in for a knee to the mid-section. A double axe handle across the back drops Manny to his knees. Trixie contemplates what to do next but all match long she’s been more outgoing offensively against her boyfriend.

Trixie resorts to landing a Superkick for good measure. Fernandez still stays around in this one, so Bad Kitty resorts to a chin lock with several knee shots; each driven into Manny's back. Mariano frees himself and arm drags Trixie over. A running back elbow knocks her into the corner, leaving Trixie open to further chops!

Manny flings Trixie out and onto the ring mat in order to get onto the second rope. Manny appears to be going for a an aerial assault, but Trixie uppercuts Fernandez in mid-air. Manny clutches his jaw and rolls around on the mat, while Trixie gets some speed by bouncing off the ropes. Smith leaps up and drives her elbow into Manny!

Trixie stalks Manny and goes right for another Superkick, but Manny avoids taking it a third time. Manny superkicks Trixie instead, but she remains standing. Manny bounces off the ring ropes to connect with a running crossbody, hooks the leg for 1...2...KICKOUT!

Mariano Fernandez picks up Trixie for what looks like a Piledriver…but Trixie with a Back Body Drop counter! Dazed, both wrestlers stagger to the center of the ring, and Trixie goes for a chop. DA #TROLL GUY counters with one of his own. They start trading strikes back and forth, and soon Trixie goes for a front kick.

Mariano catches the leg! Trixie WITH AN ENZUIGIRI! NO! DA #TROLL GUY weaves his head just in time, and spins Trixie around! Front kick by Mariano Fernandez, Trixie catches the leg - THE GADFLY CONNECTS RIGHT TO the TEMPLE! Down goes Trixie, and DA #TROLL GUY looks around confused, he shrugs and mouths “... problem?” before hooking the leg for 1...2...NEARFALL!

Mariano Fernandez is way out of his comfort zone in there with Trixie and it’s obvious. She begins to stand up, he climbs to the ropes and takes off for a Moonsault…BUT Trixie CATCHES HIM IN THE AIR AND BRINGS HIM DOWN WITH A FALLAWAY SLAM! Trixie has had enough, and signals for the end! She backs up to the turnbuckle and starts taking off as the MAINSTREAM Grand Slam Champion rises to a knee.

She fast approaches him for a super kick he stops her dead in her tracks and murmurs “I love you, I’m sorry” and #DATROLLGUY WITH THE ASIAN MIST! Trixie IS BLINDED! She starts rubbing her eyes as Mariano Fernandez her own boyfriend and fan favorite takes off to the ropes, and Trixie barely has time to see him leap at her before she’s laid out with Mariano’s own TROLLFACE Shining Wizard! Trixie is laid out on the mat and he hooks the leg for 1...2...3!

Trixie kicks out just after the referee has counted the final three!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by pin fall and advancing to the Finale of the Emerald City Classic is #DATROLLGUY...MARIANO—FERNANDEZ!

CHARLES HUDSON:  This match was much harder for Mariano Fernandez than it was Trixie.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  I didn’t figure there would be any closed fists or striking but man I was shocked by some of those knife edge chops and super kicks!

CHARLES HUDSON:  It’s just another day at the office for Trixie. She came back for a reason and she wanted the same thing Manny has been fighting for, for the last three years! Only one could win and tonight it was Mariano Fernandez!

Trixie and Mariano Fernandez raises one another’s arms following a hard fought match. Trixie is visibly supportive of her boyfriend Fernandez and this match hasn’t seemed to rock the boat what so ever. All business.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  Mariano Fernandez has made it to the Finals of this years Classic. Who will he gave? Will it be Cy Riddle, Robert Zodiac or JC Keeton? We’ll find out later tonight!

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
Bobby Larson and Biggs are walking backstage, Larson holding his ribs in pain, and Biggs still walking stiffly himself.

BIGGS: Bobby, I just want to let you know that despite your loss, I’m still proud of you, Kid. Each week you go out there, but in your best effort and make no excuses. You learn from your loses and hold yourself accountable to grow and get better. You show strength of character and own up to your mistakes, unlike say, Bryan Ford…

VOICE: EXCUSE ME!?

Ford comes into view and yanks off his shades as he immediately gets in the face of Biggs but a few staff are backstage and interject immediately backing him up.

BRYAN FORD: Ya know Biggs… we don't like each other very much that's a given but at least have the cahoneys to say whatever it is you were going to… to MY face and not your little back up dancer here.

Biggs lets out a smug smirk, while Bobby glares at Ford for the “back-up” dancer line.

BIGGS: Fine, I’ll say it to your face, Ford. You’re a whiny, immature brat who prefers to blame others for his shortcomings rather than own up to them. I saw your Tweet this morning where you actually acknowledged that your loss to Manny last night was on you, and for a brief moment, I thought maybe, just maybe, you were showing some growth and true character. But as you’re confronting me right now, I can tell that those hopes were all for naught.

BRYAN FORD: See I don't have a problem admitting when I mess up… it's my career and for the most part anything that happens good or bad is on me. What I have a problem is when a pretentious ass like yourself talks as if you understand who I am or what I do. I'm not a rookie like Rico-Not So-Sauve over here.

“I've been around the block… I know this business and I know when someone is trying to wedge themselves into mine. So consider this a formal warning… my name pops out of your mouth again…. Somebody gets a boot to the face… and you.”

Ford turns his attention to Larson now.

BRYAN FORD:You're staring like you got a problem… and I like that look dawg. It's a look saying you're down for a fight.

BOBBY LARSON: You’re darn right I got a problem with you. You’re making old man references I don’t even get! Who’s Rico Suave?

Biggs shakes his head at Bobby’s ignorance, while Bobby stares more intensely into Ford’s eyes as he continues to speak.

BOBBY LARSON: Secondly, I got a problem with you calling yourself the gold standard of Mainstream Wrestling, when all you do is whine and complain when you lose! You say you got integrity, you say you own it when you lose, well then what the heck was all that whining and moaning when you were blaming Echo for all your loses!? You can’t have it both ways, cupcake!

BIGGS: Yeah, he’s right, you can’t have it both ways, Ford.

BRYAN FORD: Well Bobby… your opinion holds no weight here… unlike you I've done a lot with my time and exposure in Mainstream… you're most notable feature is that you're some sort of attachment to Biggs… you're kinds like a selfie stick… not necessarily needed. When you rack up some notable wins come talk to me. Biggs… Echo and I had a misunderstanding… but you and don't need to have one… it's well understood I want a match with you… but seems you're still healing… so…

Ford again redirects his gaze to Larson.

BRYAN FORD: How about Tito Jackson here? Ya know the not so Big name? Next show… Larson vs Ford… show what the academy taught you?

Bobby puffs up his chest as he steps right up in Ford’s face.

BOBBY LARSON: You’re on! But who’s Tito Jackson?

Ford stares at Larson then Biggs with an expression of 'This is your guy?' He then lowers his head as if embarrassed for him before delivering a slap to the face of Larson.

BRYAN FORD: See ya then dawg.

Ford smirks as he backs away with the smirk glued on his face. Bobby rubs his cheek and glares, while Biggs shakes his head.

BIGGS: We’re going to have to smarten you up to ‘80s and ‘90s pop culture, Kid. You’re embarrassing yourself…

The two men walk the opposite direction of the way Ford went as Mainstream fades to commercial break.

[Robert Daniels]

PREVIOUSLY RECORDED...
A vivacious red head stands alone on a rooftop, a blurred city skyline behind her.

“You’ve wondered why he’s back and tonight I have the answer you seek.”

Despite her educated speaking style, the woman retains a West Texas twang.

“He’s not back to drown the world in the sound of his voice like The Franchise. He’s not here to make you laugh like Cashe. He’s not here to make you cry like Hammerstein. He came back for a simple reason, to fight.”

A coy smile graces her face.

"He asked to face the future and received rookies. He asked for a challenge and got a name from his past. He asked for little and you insult him. He is tired of the games and no names, and had no choice but to unleash what is to come"

She steps forward with a natural swagger.

"My name is Charlene Tilton-Everson and I have a message from James Edwards to Mainstream Wrestling, 'Repent because the Kingdom of Violence is near'."

[Robert Daniels]

EMERALD CITY CLASSIC
SEMI-FINAL MATCH

★★★ CYRUS RIDDLE ★★★
vs
★★★ JC KEETON ★★★
vs
★★★ ROBERT ZODIAC ★★★

The bell rings and this Emerald City Classic triple threat semi-final is officially underway! The three men circle the ring with a seething Robert Zodiac, calm JC Keeton and collected Cy Riddle. The three men take their time choosing their spots wisely JC Keeton ducks out of the ring and motions for the two men to start this one off just as they did in their first round no contest.

Robert Zodiac waves off the man who defeated him just a few weeks ago and goes after Cyrus Riddle who left him laying that same night as being defeated by Keeton. Zodiac looks for a decapitating clothesline on Riddle but he ducks the clothesline attempt. Riddle instead executes a perfect suplex that sends Zodiac up, over and now under the bottom rope to the outside of the ring.

JC Keeton circles the ring post picking up speed and looks for a single leg drop kick to Riddle but he’s caught with the bottom of Riddle’s boot across the face! Riddle continues his outside onslaught, driving Zodiac’s back into the apron. Once, twice, three times! Shoving him back in the ring, he keeps ahold of the ankle and slams it into the apron, disabling Zodiac and his ability to stand.

Riddle meanwhile grabs JC Keeton and rolls him under the bottom rope into the ring. He slides in behind him; lifting Keeton he’s then struck with a right hand! Keeton whips Riddle into the corner, but Riddle reverses! He hits chest first into the turnbuckle, and with no room for response, Riddle hits a picture perfect Daydreamer lariat to the back of Keeton’s neck, causing him to collapse onto the mat as he makes a cover for 1...2...BREAK!

Zodiac makes the save just in time!

Zodiac lifts JC Keeton up to his feet then whips Keeton into the ropes but JC ducks a clothesline and goes behind where he hooks him up and whips him over on his head and neck with a Half & Half Suplex. Keeton goes out on the apron and waits as Zodiac stands holding the back of his head. JC leaps up and springboards off the top into a forearm that catches Zodiac right in the jaw, Keeton drops down hooking the leg and the referee counts 1...2...BREAK!

Riddle this time breaks the pinning attempt by JC Keeton! He motions for Riddle to bring it on and he does initiating a collar and elbow tie up but Keeton begins slamming stiff knees into the midsection. With Riddle bent over Keeton lifts him up before running forward with a buckle bomb and when Riddle staggers towards him JC drops him with a Tornado Kick then makes the cover for 1...2...KICKOUT!

Robert Zodiac pulls himself back to his feet and he stands over JC Keeton and bends down to pick him up but Keeton rolls him up with an inside cradle for 1...KICKOUT!

Zodiac kicks out immediately but Keeton springs to his feet and hits a Basement Yakuza Kick as Zodiac sits up. JC scoops him up into a Torture Rack, giving an arrogant flex to the delight of some and the detest of others. Zodiac wiggles free but Keeton pops him with a perfect Dropkick sending him over the top rope to the floor!

Meanwhile Cyrus Riddle sweeps the leg of Keeton, following up with a leg drop. After positioning himself on the apron, he uses the ropes as leverage to sling himself in and deliver a senton! Riddle enters the ring through the middle and top rope and stands in the corner, Keeton charges on and goes for a thunderous clothesline, but the quick thinking Riddle locks his arm and head, spinning around and executing an STO into the corner. Pulling him away from the corner, Riddle goes for the cover of 1...2...KICKOUT!

Robert Zodiac slides back into the ring and sends Cyrus Riddle into the ropes, looking for a back body drop. Instead, Riddle drives a hard knee into the side of Zodiac’s head, locking in his ‘In Noctem’ submission as well as the body scissors on Zodiac! Riddle is screaming for the official to check on him. Telling him to submit. Zodiac holds on until the official begins raising the arm of Zodiac.

...1!
...2!
...NO!

A diving JC Keeton grabs the arm of Robert Zodiac preventing it from falling to the mat and this match ending in a red stoppage. Keeton locks in a make shift armbar on Zodiac as well which pisses off Riddle. Keeton kicks Riddle in the head causing him to break the hold. Riddle rolls over, gets up and grabs Keeton up off the mat and tossed him over the top rope. Keeton falls hard to the ring apron then drops down to the floor at ringside.

Riddle exits the ring going after Keeton. He picks him up and looks to Irish whip him the length of the ring into the guard rails but Keeton reverses! Riddle hits back first against the railing! As the fight continues on the floor Keeton drives Riddle into the ring apron. With Riddle on wobbly legs JC lines him up looking to drive him into the floor with his signature Double Stomp to the Chest but Riddle side steps then spins Keeton around and sends him back into the ring. Keeton is ready however as Riddle rolls into the ring and soon as he stands JC plants him into the mat with the Double Stomp to the Chest!

Robert Zodiac grabs Keeton up and throws him between the middle and top turnbuckles in the corner and he hits shoulder first against the ring post! Zodiac wastes no time in climbing up onto the apron and onto the top rope, watching Riddle the entire time and waits for him to get up onto his hands and knees before he leaps off the top rope and drills Riddle in the back of the head with a flying double foot stomp that leaves both men down on the mat! Zodiac has enough in him to shoot the half and roll him over for a pin for 1...2...BREAK!

Riddle just barely gets his foot up on the bottom rope as Zodiac screams in frustration, slapping the mat as he argues with the official. Riddle rolls to the apron and tries to buy himself some reprieve as Zodiac continues to argues with the referee. Riddle sees this and waits for Zodiac to turn around and he flips himself in over the top rope and delivers a clothesline lariat that folds Zodiac in half!

Cy Riddle looks around and he grabs Keeton up then fires him in with an Irish Whip and leapfrogs JC on the rebound. Riddle hits the ropes but Keeton drops down and Riddle jumps over him. Keeton is quickly back to his feet and bounces off the ropes, slides between Riddle’s legs and springs off the ropes with a Springboard Cutter!

Zodiac, out of instinct, had rolled out onto the apron. He pulled himself back to his feet as Keeton walks over to drag him back in. He grabs Zodiac by the head and gets him back in the ring. Zodiac manages to shove him back but straight into the referee! The ref drops to the ground and Zodiac catches this as he immediately kicks Keeton square in the groin as hard as he can! The crowd boos him heavily, and he checks the ref who is still down and then he grabs the legs of the downed Riddle and stomps him in the groin as well!

Zodiac grabs JC Keeton around the head and hooks both of his arms before flipping forward and forcing him to land directly on the back of his head with a double underhook ranhei that he calls the Dead Silence! He laughs as he stands back up and grabs Keeton around the head, dragging him up and hooking him in a front chancery before he turns around in a neckbreaker clutch, jumping up to position his knee behind Keeton’s head as he drops backwards, forcing Keeton to slam the back of his head off Zodiacs knee with the Crimson Sunrise! Zodiac rushes over to the ref and drags him over to count the pin as he hooks the leg for the 1......2......BREAK!

Riddle breaks up the count at the very last second! Zodiac stands looking at the man who broke up his own pinning attempt and begins laughing hysterically. him up to break his own pin and begins laughing before wrapping his right arm around the neck of Cyrus Riddle, violently pulling him backwards into a dragon sleeper as he grapevines his legs around his ribs, trapping him in ‘The Void’ dead center in the ring! Keeton is unresponsive after the Crimson Sunrise but a sudden burst of energy and wherewithal makes hun leaps on top of his opponent breaking the submission!

The official looks around the ring holding the back of his own head and he begins counting them as there all down on them at. He knows that there must be a winner but perhaps it goes to the first person to make it to their feet.

...1!
...2!
...3!
...4!
...5!
...6’

JC Keeton is back to his feet and he hooks Robert Zodiac up for a suplex but it’s blocked by Zodiac with his leg, Keeton yanks again looking to snap him over but again Zodiac blocks it and drives Keeton into the corner and begins firing shots into the midsection. JC returns fire with big punches and spins Zodiac around now putting him in the corner. JC lifts him up and sets him on the top rope in a sitting position before taking a few steps back then charges forward leaps up and nails a huge Leaping Uppercut to the jaw of Zodiac knocking him from his seated position on the top turnbuckle and down to the ring apron.

Once Cy Riddle makes it to his feet still staggering it’s JC Keeton who from the ring apron springs off the top rope, connecting with a massive forearm shot that turns Riddle lights out following a devastating ‘Youth in Motion’! Keeton looks around the ring and hits a baseball slide on Robert Zodiac looking to get in the ring with a steel chair that sends him against the railing! Keeton hooks the leg of Riddle counting along with the official for the 1...2...3!

GRAHAM STEVENS: Your winner by pin fall and advancing to the Final Match of this years Emerald City Classic is...JC—KEETON!

CHARLES HUDSON:  Against all the odds he proves the critics and Las Vegas WRONG!

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  JC Keeton gets sweet revenge over Cyrus Riddle here tonight!

CHARLES HUDSON:  Robert Zodiac had no business in this tournament but the Most Dangerous Man in Mainstream Wrestling made it happen and now he’s heading home earlier than expected.

MCKAYLA LEWIS:  JC Keeton go get a drink of water, stretch and stay loose because later tonight you’re squaring off with Mariano Fernandez in the Finale of this years Emerald City Classic!

---

---

[Robert Daniels]

The lights in the arena go out and the crowd begins to murmur amongst themselves as “Hotel California” begins to play.

Eli Buchanan appears on the big screen sipping on a glass of iced coffee. In the background other residents of the hotel are watching the results of the Emerald City Classic, but Eli seems oblivious to it all. He looks at the camera and doesn’t even hide the sorrow on his face.

ELI BUCHANAN: You’ll excuse me if I’m not in the festive mood right now. As a past winner of the Emerald City Classic, I know how important this tournament is and how it will propel its winner to a well deserved World Title match, but after what transpired in War Games earlier this month I have more pressing matters on my mind.

The crowd behind him cheers again and Eli looks visibly annoyed. He pulls out a giant remote control, points it at the crowd and hits the Mute button, instantly silencing everyone else in the hotel. Without missing a beat he turns back to the screen.

ELI BUCHANAN: Jimmy Pagan, let’s cut right to it. I’m sure everyone watching is expecting me to come out here and complain about how you ruined everything. I’m supposed to tell the world how deeply your betrayal hurt me and how angry I am over how you allowing your personal feelings for Julianna DiMaria get in the way of us putting an end to The Franchise, once and for all. The truth though is much more complicated.

“Jimmy, let’s make one thing clear, I don’t hate you. You are far from the first man to be undone by a woman, thinking with your heart instead of your head, or at least with the wrong head. Even though he knew she had betrayed him time after time, the mighty Samson still told Delilah of the secret of his inhuman strength, leading to her shaving his hair off and selling him to his enemies. King David had an innocent name sent to the front lines to die, just so he could marry his wife, a woman he had already impregnated. Herod was tricked by his wife and step-daughter into agreeing to execute John the Baptist and serve it to his wife on a silver platter. Shoot, even I’m guilty of it; that’s how I ended up fathering children with three different women and spending six months living in a motor-home. I guess what I’m saying is if roles were reversed and the woman I loved was standing across the ring from us, I’d have done the same thing to you and would have done it with a stupid grin on my face even as she kicked my butt seconds later.”

“No, betraying me to save her isn’t what bothers me. Hell, I should have seen it coming.”

He points to the crowd behind him and shakes his head.

ELI BUCHANAN: There’s nothing those knuckleheads back there like better than betting pretty much everything. Right now they’re betting on the Classic. Manny is the odds on favourite to win at 100-1 odds. Too bad I bet on Bryan Ford to win, but then again I suck at that sort of thing I only mention this because the whole hotel has been betting on when you would betray us. They even put a pool together, with the dates and how you’d do it. It figures that it would be that damn puppet who’d win the whole thing. It’s almost like he had insider information.

PuppetTiger waves at the camera and yells something. Of course he’s muted like all the others, so whatever he said has been lost into the void. Eli looks at him and sneers.

ELI BUCHANAN: Man, I hate that guy sometimes.

He turns back to the camera and frowns.

ELI BUCHANAN: Jimmy, there was never any doubt that you’d turn on us. It was your destiny to do so, even if the hours hadn’t been revealed. The hotel has been warning me of it for months. The room with no door has shown me visions of what is to come. Jimmy, I’m not upset at what you did. I’m upset because I have seen glimpses of what’s to come and…

He stops and looks down at the table.

ELI BUCHANAN: Jimmy, I’m tempted to beg you not to come back. Stay away from Mainstream. Stay away from Hotel California. Just stay away. I can’t though. You can’t run from who you are, anymore than I can run from who I’m destined to become. So instead I ask you do me one favour. What you are about to do, do quickly.

Eli picks up the remote control and points it again at the crowd of hotel residents. Once more the sound of their cheering fills the hotel. He looks back at them and smiles at them, but it’s clear there’s little joy. He turns back to the camera, his eyes turning red as blood starts running down his cheeks like tears.

ELI BUCHANAN: Jimmy, we’ll see you soon.

He gets to his feet and walks towards the crowd. On the way he’s met by Lotte. The two take one another’s hands and join the others before the screen goes dark and “Hotel California” begins playing one more time.

[Robert Daniels]

BACKSTAGE...
AJ faces the camera, the usual cockiness isn't there but is replaced with a look of stone cold determination

AJ KNIGHT: Finally. Finally... FINALLY!! I get my opportunity to win back the World Championship, and against none other than the +1 in the Franchise +1, Julianna DiMaria. See, as much gratitude as I owe you for the help you gave Billy and I in putting an end to an ugly situation I can't hold back. This isn't about Mainstream, Jules. All things told, I consider you a MORE than worthy World Champion. You're talented, you're charismatic, and frankly you as the face of the company is a damn good way to make money. You earned that belt. You worked your way through the ranks. You did everything they told you to do, you beat whoever they put in front of you. You got there the right way, and I respect the HELL out of that. But still, I will do whatever it takes to win that belt from you, and do you want to know why?

AJ pauses, and takes a deep breath.

AJ KNIGHT: I've been with this company pretty much since this company started. I've worked through the ranks, did everything I was told, beat everyone they put in front of me. And yet this is only my 3rd opportunity at the World title. Hell, the second one, I wasn't even supposed to get! I've fought for this company for as long as its been around. I've bled for it. I've given it my all and NEVER got anything in return for it. I stand before you right now the UWL World Champion and I am DAMN proud to be, but I'll tell you what. This match right here? It may be one of the biggest of my life.

Fire comes to AJ Knight's eyes

AJ KNIGHT: Because here I stand in a company I've built from the ground up. The company I have fought and bled for, the company I helped put on the map! And tonight I fight for the richest prize it has to offer, finally getting the chance to win it back! After being denied that chance for TWO WHOLE YEARS! Being passed over time and again for fair weather stars like SILK, and waiting and agonizing wondering when my shot's going to come, and now FINALLY THAT DAY IS HERE! So Jules, this isn't going to be just another title challenger you're in the ring with. You're in there with a man with nothing left to lose. You're in there with a man who is stepping into the ring with the FULL belief that he is going into his ONLY chance he will EVER get to win this belt back. Because that's where I'm at Jules. If I don't win this belt, I'll probably never get another shot again. So tonight? You better be ready to kill me!

Fade to black.