Freedom: Episode Eighteen, March 14th, 2022 | The Crucible Academy (2024)

MATCH ONE: SINGLES
Hilary Levandrier vs Hector

BACKSTAGE
The scene opens up backstage in the Matthews Arena. The crowd cheers upon seeing Cassie Mason. She can be seen performing single leg squats to get herself warmed up for her tag team match later tonight against Team Trillie. It doesn’t take long for Malaya Diyosa to make her presence known. She watches as Cassie continues to alternate squatting between her left and right leg.

Cassie Mason:
There’s only one question to ask... are you ready?

Cassie giggles. Before Malaya can answer Cassie continues.

Cassie Mason:
I said... are... you... reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeady to par-taaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay?!

Malaya would join Cassie, as she stands behind her with arms folded and a nod.

Malaya Diyosa:
"I don't think you are. But, here Cassie and I are to liven up the place. She and I are excited to bring you some of the best tag team action you all can handle."

She said with a wicked smile, as she was excited to team with Cassie once more.

Cassie Mason:
"I don't know what a Team Trillie is supposed to be. Are they the new Bradgelina?

Cassie giggles.

Cassie Mason:
"All jokes aside, you two present a challenge, we understand that. I am on a roll, 2-0 since signing. And I don't plan on that ending anytime soon with Malaya by my side."

Malaya Diyosa:
"I've been looking forward to stepping foot into Liberty Pro and cementing my name into their history books, and even better it's with one of my best friends in the process. Plus, it's refreshing to face someone my size for once in Trinity Thompson. I know she'll give us a challenge, but Cassie's on a hot streak, and I'm a variable they don't know. The odds are in our favor, and they're in for a rough night."

She said confidently, as Malaya wrapped an arm around Cassie's waist.

Cassie Mason:
“I know Trinity all too well. As for you Millie, you’re a nice girl from what I can gather. Being nice isn’t a bad thing. I am too. The difference between us, I have a killer instinct, you don’t. Team Trillie, we have no doubt we’re going to put on a show. At the end of the day, your party stops. While Malaya and I have only just begun.”

Cassie and Malaya blow a kiss into the camera as the scene fades to black.

BACKSTAGE

“You know I wonder how many times he’s going to say something about eating his boot, plonker or some other British slang.”

Junior Hardy walks around the corner, he has his ring gear already on with a black zip up hoodie on over the top. He smiles when he sees the camera and gives a slight shoulder shrug.

Junior Hardy: “You know, last Freedom, I put Eve down and won my official debut here in Liberty Pro. That whole week she talked about how better she was than me. She talked about how physically gifted she is. Fast forward to this show and the game is pretty much the same except Eve is now a big band guy with a cockney accent.”

He chuckles a bit, resting his hands into the front pockets of the hoodie as he leans on the wall backstage.

Junior Hardy: “You know it doesn’t matter what nicknames you give yourself, Raymond… Yes, that’s the name you were given and that’s the name I’m calling you. Look, I get it and you pounded the point home all weekend long. You are just that big, just that strong and you really seem to think that’s all that goes on in that ring out there. I could be wrong and I pray that I am for your sake, but that’s all you talked about and tossed out how much I tried to explain to you how time in that ring matters most. Being in that ring changes how you approach and do things in there.”

Junior points towards where the ring would be in the arena.

Junior Hardy: “Take almost ANY pro in any other sport and put them in the ring with a seasoned vet? They will do exactly what I’m going to do with you out there Raymond. Weather your first step storm, drag you out to the deep, dark water and wear you down until you eventually sink and drown. But hey, obviously you don’t take my word for it. I’ve only been trying to tell you all week about it. But look at some of the top names in this industry.. Hell, look at the former champions here! Melissa Reeves, Becky Balfour, Helena Noir, Honey, Ruby Lance, Max Cerano… So many of them I am more physically opposing than. All of them you tower over…”

He shakes his head.

Junior Hardy: “Are you claiming just because you are that big you are better than them in the ring? If that’s the case, ya big dummy, how come no one outside of the club you strip in knows who you are? How come that little group you hang out with you are only around to be their muscle while you watch them shine? I’m sure they gas you up, talk you up because they need you around to watch their back and make their lives easier. But you? What do you get out of the deal? Left for dead while I drag your defeated dumbass out of the ring and I show you first hand that you just aren’t ready for me…. You're not ready to take on a Hardy.”

He smiles one last time, this time a smile that seems to have an ace behind it, before walking away from the camera.

MATCH TWO: TAG
Team Trillie vs Life of the Party

BACKSTAGE
We cut to the back where Madi Smith is standing beside one of Liberty Pro’s newest signing, the massive TAURUS. The cameraman seems to be having a little bit of trouble getting both of them in the frame as TAURUS just shakes his head, walks off, and comes back with two director-style chairs. He sets one down and opens it, offering it to Madi before he sets his own and sits down.

TAURUS: There, much easier now.

Madi Smith: Well thank you, maybe you’re not as mean as I heard.

TAURUS: Well you’re not an opponent or an idiotic plonker trying to spread rumors about me, and you’re not talking trash just because you’re desperate for attention.

Madi Smith: No I am not. I know your match is coming soon, so let’s get to it. You’ve had a little bit of a War of words with your opponent tonight Junior Hardy, and things seemed to have gotten quite heated quite quickly.

TAURUS: Yea because he’s a little plonker who latched on to one little mistake, milked it for all it was worth and he seems to think he has this incredible one of a kind strategy that there’s no way I can overcome. What’s that saying, everyone’s got a plan until they get punched? That’s my plan. Go out there and lay into him with my fist, my feet, my size, my strength, my speed. Sure he’s got a lifetime of training behind him, he’s got his daddy's knowledge to help him out, but we debuted the same year and I have height, reach, weight, power, and I damn sure got him beat on aggression.

Madi Smith: Junior Hardy has found success here in Liberty Pro and he secured a pretty impressive victory last week in his sort of redebut.

TAURUS: Yep, he held a title for eight days and he won it on a night when the title changed hands five different times. See I’ve done my research. That title win came out of a sneak attack and he only held it for eight days because he immediately left after winning it. The very first defense, he lost it. Now I’m not saying Junior doesn’t have talent. I also watched his match last week. He showed resilience, some great striking and he got the win. Thing is, there are a few differences between me and Evey. I’m fifteen inches taller, one hundred and fifty pounds heavier, and I don’t think he had pissed her off. I’m going out there tonight with one goal, one mission, one purpose. I am going to win my debut and show everyone in the back, in the crowd, watching it live, streaming it days later, or bootlegging it off some dirty pirate site, THE Big Bull is here and he’s ready to charge through every last person standing between him and championship gold.

TAURUS stands up, flips the hood of his robe up, cracks his neck and knuckles, and walks off before Madi can say anymore.

PARKING LOT
Out in the parking lot there is a tailgate going on with some fans as they are having a grand old time. Security personnel come over to the party like they are searching for someone.

Guard: You heard the boss lady. We have to keep him out of the venue tonight. Search this place and bring me one of those bratwursts.

They pushed themselves through the small crowd as the party goers were getting annoyed. One guard aggressively turns the corner and runs into a blonde woman holding the drink. The crowd inside watching this react as the camera pans up revealing the blonde woman is none other than Carter Latimer!

Carter Latimer: Um…rude. Can a girl enjoy a tailgate? I've been stuck in my house with a baby for months now and need some fun time. And here you come ruining my favorite shirt!

The head guard arrives and sees Carter who is looking at him smugly.

Guard: Look, we have orders to remove your husband from this general area. So can he just show himself and let's make this easy for everyone?

Carter laughs as she steps up to the guard.

Carter Latimer: Look junior. First off you don't get paid enough to do what you think you want to do and to whom you want to do it to. Bad career decision. Bad personal well being decision too. So why don't you go back into the building and tell the princess who is running this company into the ground to send out Kenzie and her little sheep and face what's coming to them so he….can get it over with.

The guard grabs Carter who proceeds to slap him with a stiff shot spinning the guard around. The guard turns back to Carter but comes face to face with Scotty Latimer who is finishing up his hot dog in one hand, and has a crowbar in the other one.

The guard puts his hands up in a surrender as Scotty takes the last bite. Scotty drills him between the eyes with the crowbar. The crowd inside and outside cheers as Scotty lays waste to the other guards with his weapon. When he is finished he slams it down with a clinge. He walks back over to the grill and makes himself another hot dog.

Scotty Latimer: These are damn delicious. Thanks for the invite.

Scotty looks at Carter

Scotty Latimer: Shall we?

Carter smirks as Scotty winks at her

Carter Latimer: One of the best date nights ever. We shall

The Latimers begin their walk towards the building soon opening the door and entering the arena.

MATCH THREE: SINGLES
Taurus vs Junior Hardy

BACKSTAGE
We cut backstage to Dante Locke, who looked focused and determined.

Dante Locke: Tonight is a bad night for Arabelle Evers. You see, I am going to go out there and make a fucking example out of her.

Dante moved closer to the camera.

Dante Locke: Skylar… Are you watching? I hope you are. I hope you see what I do to Evers out here tonight because what I’m going to do to you? Is going to be ten times worse. The thing is? What happens to Evers out there is going to be very, very bad.

He let out a laugh and shook his head.

Dante Locke: Sorry Arabelle… But your time is up. And soon enough? So is Skylar’s.

BACKSTAGE
The cameras cut to right outside of the arena where we see the Inspiration members Marisol Vilaro, and Ricky Rodriguez with megaphones, in a segment recorded earlier tonight. As the duo is flanked by Big Ass Bobby who stands behind them, Marisol begins shouting in a loud shrill voice over the megaphone.

Marisol Vilaro: Tonight, is a night where you can take the step forward and join us and follow our luminary Kenzie! She has shown us the light, and she can show all of you the light, the light to mental clarity! The light to a path of goodness, a path to help to be just a better all-around person. Join the Inspiration today, and pledge yourself!

Marisol is yelling, her voice was loud enough as the obnoxious fitness influencer stands there looking around at the crowd. As she was dressed in a winter coat, a Vilaro Fitness top and matching athletic pants, and a cap covering her long brown hair.

Marisol Vilaro: Look at all you I can tell you need a direction our Luminary encouraged me to bring my amazing Vilaro System to the United States, after conquering Europe, and look at how it has done! Ricky was once lost and without direction but thanks to the advice of our luminary he was set free! So come one come all and join us!

Ricky Rodriguez: She's right, y'know. I didn't know what the hell I was doin here before I met Kenz and Marisol. I was strugglin with the whole Carli thing and honestly I was just..lost..fuckin floatin around with the waves. But they threw me that ring and brought me back. Showed me what I needed to see. And they can do the same thing for each and every one of you all too.

Lowering his megaphone, Ricky nodded his head. He looked over to Bobby, motioning him over. Ricky spoke a few words to him causing the big man to laugh and kneel down. Ricky got up on Bobby's shoulders as he stood up.

Ricky Rodriguez: But you gotta want it. Can't just hand it to you. Gotta be ready to do that WORK!

Marisol smiles proudly looking up as she then keeps yelling loudly.

Marisol Vilaro: Exactly you got be willing to work to become a better you that is the lesson our luminary teaches us that is the motto behind my patented Vilaro System, and that is the message behind us of the Inspired we may have had a bad night, we may have a crazed lunatic after us. But mark my words tonight is about the Inspired as we seek to inspire the Wolves of Legion a team that is in desperate need of it.

Ricky Rodriguez: In desperate need of a wholeeeelottabit more than that but big..situations need to be broke down..taken care of in layers. One problem at a time, y'know.

Ricky nodded eagerly as he kept on with what he was saying.
Ricky Rodriguez: But it really is for their own good. They're just so..blah. They..everyone needs a group like us to make them wanna be better. You see so many people just like the Wolves who just float by. But put them up against people like us? We'll push them to be better than they ever thought they could be.

Marisol nodded smiling brightly as she said loudly in a booming voice.

Marisol Vilaro: Exactly, they are lost, confused, and just striving for mediocrity just like all of you. My clients in hashtag Team Vilaro already handled them. Tonight, we show them a better way a true way just like we will show all of you looking all of you miserable, sad, depressed, overweight you need some serious help! Luckily we are here to inspire you all to be better than you could ever be! And When Kenzie beats the Queen of New York Champion, you will get more inspiration than you could ever need.

Ricky Rodriguez: Whooooleeelottabit of y'all could really use it to. I look out at y'all and buncha scowlin faces, tired as hell, no energy, no motivation, lotta busted ass people. But that's okay. C'mon over and we'll take great care of y'all. Make everyone of you better than you ever thought you could be!

Bobby leaned down just enough to let Ricky jump down off of his shoulders. The smaller of the two moved to stand at Marisol's side.

Ricky Rodriguez: I get it tho. Hesitant like hell. And it's understandable. But if you need proof..and I mean like honest to god proof? Look no further than that ring when me and Mari go out there and tear the whole ass thing down!

Marisol Vilaro: How true exactly the results speak for themselves as they say, and the results will say the Inspired will be victorious. Because all you need to do to achieve victory is follow-through us all things are possible to follow through the example set by our luminary because all things are possible, and follow-through at 100 percent effort and all things in your life can be simply inspired!

Marisol soon smiles brightly as she blares her air loudly as Ricky and Big Ass Bobby pull out their own and joins it creating more noise, as the people around them look less than enthused to be around the Inspired as the scene fades to black.

MATCH FOUR: SINGLES
Arabelle Evers vs Dante Locke

PREVIOUSLY RECORDED
The Socialites are in Fenway Park and standing in the bleachers just above the green monster.

Vanessa Page:Look at this ancient dump, Danielle.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:It truly is disgusting.

Vanessa Page:If this doesn’t epitomize why the Yankees have always been better then the Red Sox. Why New York is better than Boston just in general.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:Don’t even pay attention to our surroundings, V. We have more important things to worry about.

Vanessa Page:You mean The Pride?

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:I know, I know, V. Chase Hunter is so inept that he is the reason why that troll Cassie Mason won the triple threat match that I was involved in.

Vanessa Page:Those two goofs obviously don’t pose a threat.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:We won’t even do such a thing.

Vanessa Page:But since we are in another triple threat match there is another team we must go through. On the bright side, I at least am friends with one of the members of this team. We are facing B double. A team that consists of Carli Davis and my friend, Jessica Anderson.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:Summer’s friend, right? I wasn’t aware you were fraternizing with the enemy.

Vanessa Page:Hush! You sound petty. We have hung out and I like her. Or does Summer vouching for her doesn’t mean anything?
“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:(Rolling her eyes)Ugh, fine! Whatever!

Vanessa Page:Jessica is quite an accomplished tag team wrestler. Don’t let some of her stints at certain companies fool you, Danielle. She had quite an impressive reign as ½ of the NVR World Tag Team champions. She also did very well for herself in Valiant in a singles capacity. So there is no overlooking this team.

“Diamond Princess” Danielle Page:You know that is what we ain’t gonna do because we need to become the Liberty World Tag Team champions.

Vanessa Page:We sure do. All these other teams have had their fun but now it is time for my sister to lay claim to our thrones.

“Diamond Princess: Danielle Page:#NotSorry.

PARKING GARAGE
The camera cuts backstage to a shot of a blacked out Chevy Silverado Z71 gliding to a stop in the parking garage of the Matthews Arena. The roar of the engine mixes with the thumping bass of the truck’s system, and the sound is amplified as it echoes off the walls of the enclosed parking lot to alert everyone of it’s arrival.

Because Jack Graves was not one for making a subtle entrance. Regardless of whether he was banned from the building for the night or not.

A few moments later the racket comes to an abrupt halt as Graves kills the engine to hop out of the truck. The heavyweight’s outfit consists of some dark colored Diesel bootcut jeans, a black and white “Lions Not Sheep” hoodie (with the hood pulled over his head), and the casual look is rounded off by a fresh pair of jet black Timberlands. One thing that is IMMEDIATELY clear is that he’s not happy about being kept out of the arena this week, and it is evident by the scowl on his face as he circles around to open the door for his passenger.

Jack steps back to pick up some bags from the bed of his truck, and his recently publicized girlfriend Rayven Hardy steps down onto the running boards of the truck, and then to the ground to close the door behind her. The fan favorite was wearing skin tight jeans, a white crop top with an unbuttoned cut off jean jacket over top of it, and a fresh pair of Nike sneakers. A few fans were scattered along behind the metal guard rails with security all around. Rayven was all smiles, despite Jack’s obvious abysmal mood.

Rayven Hardy: Babe, are you ready to go inside?

Hardy walks over to sign a few autographs as Jack was now carrying two of her bags. He gives her a few moments to mingle with the fans, and then he sorta grunts, which to her was confirmation that he was ready. Rayven says her goodbye to a few of the fans and walks up to catch up to Jack who was heading directly towards the back entrance of the venue.

Rayven Hardy: You know I coulda carried my own bags, right? But it’s sweet that you wanted to!

Jack, despite his awful mood, softens a bit to give her a smirk.

Jack Graves: You want me to lace your boots too, like ol’ stella does for Marcus? Of course I’m going to carry your bags. I am still KIND of a Gentleman.

Jack gives her a wink, but as he turns forward again he immediately stops short of the door. The camera pans out a bit and it appears the two of them have been met with a literal WALL of security guards! Jack looks annoyed, and he opens his mouth to speak… but he stops and looks over at Rayven, remembering how she felt after the last incident. He instantly stands down and hands over the bags.

Jack Graves: I can’t believe these fucking pricks. I can’t even walk you inside now? Like they are LITERALLY sticking to the “not allowed inside the arena” thing.

He raises his hands to do an “air quote” and then sighs. He looks back at the security guards begrudgingly and then leans in to give her a big hug and a good luck kiss. They exchange some inaudible dialogue for a moment, and he pulls back to nod at her.

Jack Graves: You got this. Go whoop that big motherfuckers ass and show him why you’re going to be a MULTIPLE time world champ by the end of the year. I’ll be here when it’s all done. I promise.

Rayven Hardy: No it’s cool. Come here.

Jack looks a bit surprised at Rayven’s insistence as she puffs her chest out a bit and looks up at the multiple security guards.

Rayven Hardy: It’s cool, guys. He’s with me. He’s just walking me to my locker room.

Rayven grabs Jack’s hand and the two take a step forward but the security doesn’t budge and even bump Jack’s chest a bit. She watches his face turn red and lets go of his hand and puts both hands on his chest to relax him.

Rayven Hardy: I guess you were right. The whole ‘I’m Rayven’ thing didn’t work. But hey? It’s cool. I’ll be fine and I’ll come back to the car as soon as my match is over and I shower. K?

The security guards were still holding both of Rayven’s bags as she steps up on her tippy toes to give him a quick peck on the lips. Jack laughs softly, and shakes his head.

Jack Graves: No, it sure did not. But it was adorable watching you huff and puff like the big bad wolf, Darlin’.

Graves holds up his iPhone, and gives her another trademark bad boy smirk.

Jack Graves: Besides, I’m not worried. You’re a badass, and even if Stella gets involved and he gets the upper hand, or they jump you? I’ll be watching and I’ll drive this truck through the side of the damn building and–

He motions his hand like he’s pressing on the horn.

Jack Graves: BEEP BEEP Motherfuckers. I’m delivering a whole TRUCKLOAD of whoop ass on anyone who gets in my way.

Graves turns and starts pointing at security guards.

Jack Graves: That means you, you, you too, and you, yep and you too… and you Kevin. All of you. You’ll need that taser again. I promise you.Security Guard Kevin: Is that a THREAT?

Jack scoffs and takes two steps forward, throwing off his hood to come nose to nose with the biggest security guard there.

Jack Graves: Oh, no feller… That’s a PROMISE.

Rayven quickly steps between them to try and push Jack backwards. He allows it, and he takes a few steps back before pulling her in close to him again quickly and kissing her once more, this time a little more passionately. Probably because he was FIRED up.

Jack Graves: Go ahead and go inside before I end up going back to jail. You got this babe. I believe in you.

Rayven gives him a reassuring smile and pulls herself away from him.

Rayven Hardy: Thanks. I won’t let you down. And I’ll be good. No worrying.

She slowly walks backwards before turning back to the security guards. She grabs her bags from them and glances back at Jack one more time as they hold the door open for her and she disappears inside, but not before giving them a side eye. Graves watches the doors shut to the building before flipping the guards off before heading back to his ride to watch the show on his phone.

MATCH FIVE: TAG
Ricky Rodriguez & Marisol vs Wolves of Legion

BACKSTAGE
CARLI DAVIS: Hey guys! I know it's been awhile since I've really said anything. I apologize for that. You all know how easily I can get into my own head. So I gotta take a breather and reset my focus. But I'm here and I'm back to talk my head off again.

She nods with a genuine smile.

CARLI DAVIS: With that being said...I've still been kicking major butt with Jess! We are already 2-0 and we are ready to add another victory under our belts. We are in another triple threat against the Socialities, who we haven't gotten the chance to face yet. However, if my studies read correctly, they are sisters and former tag team champions in various companies. Sister bond is pretty strong, so you know they're going to really test us.

Carli taps her chin with a hmm following.

CARLI DAVIS: Then we have The Pride. A team we just beat last week! Not to mention, I've also beaten them when I teamed with Ricky. You boys have gotten a lot of butt kicks from the Bubz! And we plan on doing it again.

She giggles.

CARLI DAVIS: B² is taking this very seriously. We meant it when we said we were going for the tag team gold. It's not some silly wishful thinking, it's going to become a reality in a matter of time! We've wanted to accomplish something together for awhile now. I know I've said that before. But I'll keep saying it. This is business for us and we won't stop until we've got gold around our waists!

BACKSTAGE
The camera cut to backstage, finding the reigning United States Champion Brendan Samuels standing there, his glistening prize upon his shoulder. He seemed fixated on the television monitor in front of him, though it wasn’t entirely clear what he was watching, bar the fact that this was footage from Liberty Pro itself. The champ shook his head, his aviator shades shrouding his eyes, and he didn’t take his gaze away from the TV as he spoke.

Brendan Samuels: Match after match, show after show, there always seems to be someone there who wants to stab ye in the back. There always seems to be someone who wants to blindside ye. There always seems to be someone on the outside looking in, trying to gain attention for themselves when the attention should be what is happening in the ring.

Samuels took a breath, side turning to his championship belt, then he tipped his aviators down to the tip of his nose. He was in his ring gear, combined with another of his brightly coloured Hawaiian shirts. And in his hands, he carried his newish version of his black flag, fresh and untarnished after his last one was destroyed.

Brendan Samuels: When I came to Liberty originally, it were a place of contest an’ pride, a place I had earmarked as the location to further hone me skills, combat the best of the best, pit mind against mind an’ skill an’ hard work. But in a few short months, it has become something else entirely.

Brendan turned towards the camera, those ice cold blues of his glaring straight into the lens.

Brendan Samuels: They call me a pirate. Maybe for me love of treasure, maybe for the fact I be a seafarer by nature. Maybe it be ‘cause of the way I speak, or the flag I wave when I head on down to the ring. An’ yet, there be pundits, peers an’ fans alike that be sayin’ that the whole roster be full of pirates, lootin’ an’ plunderin’ the wrestling seas. Some say that this place has become the pro-wrestling equivalent of Port Royal, a place far from what Liberty an’ Freedom used to represent, now a place of vice an’ crime.

Brendan Samuels: Tonight I be facing a friend, family even. Skylar Rayner, my own wife’s sister. Amongst all this mess that be happenin’ on these shores, it seems a tad peculiar to have two known friends an’ allies with no personal beef pitted across the squared circle from one another. Even Skylar finds it to be odd. An’ I have the hope that this be just for a pure contest, one between two competitors with the sport in their hearts, wanting to see who be better on the night… I sense others will not be wanting that.

He shook his head, taking another glance at his championship belt before turning back to look into the camera.

Brendan Samuels: I trust Skylar, that be goin’ without sayin’. But with all that be happenin’ here, I cannae see trouble on the horizon. The wannabe pirates wanton’ to loot an’ plunder. But there be a difference between the likes of them, the likes of Dunn an’ Dante an’ Lockhart, an’ all the others that will try to ruin what everyone else. There be no honour amongst thieves, an’ me honour is still in tack, as is me pride in the sport of professional wrestling. But lemme give ye this final, final warning… If ye decide to get involved in me sport the way ye have been, I give ye this… An’ it especially goes to yer, Dunn… If ye do, there will be no “walkin’ the plank”. Instead, I’ll tie both ye legs together so ye look like the greasy mer-bitch that ye are, weight an anchor to ye then drop ye head first, crashin’ into the ocean that is professional wrestling. An’ I’ll feckin’ drown ye in it.

The sudden turn and power in his voice was very unusual, his quiet tones becoming almighty and booming as the course of his speech went on, filled with violent threat and an overwhelming commanding tone. But then, as he patted his championship, the iceman cooled down again, poking the shades back up as he had one final thing to say.

Brendan Samuels: Final. Warning.

MATCH SIX: TRIPLE TORNADO TAG
Socalities vs B² vs The Pride

BACKSTAGE
The camera snakes its way through an imposing line up outside Syn’s locker room. Seth Lawless stands with his arms folded, glowering as the camera passes. Warren Corbett shows his teeth, practically growling and causing the cameraman to flinch as he passes by. Last in the line up but certainly not least is Reaper, standing beside the door with his arms folded, he pays the camera little mind aside from a curt nod.

Once inside the scene opens to Becky Balfour taping Syn’s hands. Dressed in baggy pants, a Jolly Roger sports bra and wrestling boots, the smaller girl flexes her hand and then pounds it against her opposite palm to test the tape job. Becky glances over at the camera and chews her lip for a moment before nodding to Syn and stepping out of the frame. The shot closes in on Syn who’s dark eyes reflect the halo lighting illuminating the scene.

Syn: I tried Jackson, I really did. I tried to raise you up. To elevate you to a point where people actually cared about this match but you wouldn’t budge. You were like a toddler, kicking and screaming and bawling the entire time. I wanted the world to take you seriously, to see you as a threat, but all you had were vague warnings and cookie cutter responses. So I stopped trying to trick people into thinking this was something more than it is. The problem though, is that you don’t see it for what it truly is. This Jackson, is a warm up. You think you’ve been given this match because you talked a good game when it came to Lily’s bounty but the truth of the matter is that you were hand selected to face me because you pose little threat. You’re the perfect debut opponent. A chance for me to get my feet wet with little risk. Sure you’ve got more experience than me. You’re even bigger and stronger, two advantages you don’t find yourself possessing all that often I’m sure. But when it comes to brains…

Syn taps her temple.

Syn: You’re a little short.

She chuckles.

Syn: Haha! Get it? A height joke? From me?! Nevermind, your stupid ass will figure it out eventually. What matters is that you’re dumb as shit, and that’s pretty dumb. You think just because you’ve never seen me wrestle that I must not be able to. You’re sort of like one of those flat earthers, only some of those guys are actually successful. You believe your hard knock life and time behind bars have taught you valuable skills you’ll use in the ring. All that would be well and good if this were one of those tough men competitions, if we just stood in the ring and slapped the shit out of one another until the other couldn’t continue but that’s not what this is. I grew up around this sport, Jackson. Every day I watched and participated as my father trained students who turned out to be legends. He taught them the strategy and the science behind it. He demonstrated that brutality came a distant last when assembling your toolkit.

Syn leans in and whispers to the camera.

Syn: Don’t tell Becky that though, okay?

She winks and returns to her normal volume.

Syn: So yes Jackson, I’ve been in the ring with bigger and badder and better than you. It was never official but it was real. So try not to be surprised when I come up with counters you’ve never seen before or simply prove myself to be technically superior to you in every way.

She smirks.

Syn: The most important thing you’ve forgotten Jackson, is what I’m great at. You think that just because we’re inside the ring that my powers of manipulation and my sphere of influence is negated, but you couldn’t be more wrong. Should all else fail, I will always be smarter and more resourceful than you and in the end that’s all I really need.

She shrugs.

Syn: So to restate my prediction; you’ll tap to a heel hook and my hand will be raised in victory. Don’t believe me? Just wait and see, I’m VERY confident.

Syn laughs as Becky steps into the frame and pushes the camera away.

BACKSTAGE
Jackson throws his phone down onto the floor of the locker room and lets out a loud yell right as he looks up at the camera. The look on his face isn’t a pleasant one as he stands up and walks out of the locker room.

JACKSON: First I don’t even get my match vs Latimer because Inspire decides to take him out. Then I have to deal with this little girl I’m facing tonight and even before that my asshole of a half-brother decides he’s going to show up. This has just been an amazing week.

Jackson grunts and talks to himself under his breath as he slams the door to the locker room shut then walks down the hall running his hands against the cold wall.

JACKSON: Syn. I’m not a happy person at the moment. Not happy at all. You made it worse by poking me. Trying to get under my skin and the thing is that it didn’t work. It definitely annoyed me though. What I’ve been saying all week still stands.

A smirk crosses Jackson’s face as he stops in front of a vending machine.

JACKSON: You say that I don’t scare you. That I’m not frightening or anything yet you said you’re going to need to bring Becky down to the ring. Why? Because I threatened to break your bones or tear ligaments? If I wasn’t threatening. If I wasn’t scary you’d take those threats with a grain of salt. But obviously you have some sort of fear there. Which pleases me.

Just want you to know though that after our match tonight. After I knock you out and maybe break a bone or two. Who knows. You’ll be scared of me. You’ll wonder why you didn’t take me more serious.

My past that you want to bring up so much. Well you might just find out about the wrong side of that tonight. And when you do you’ll be wishing you never poked. I’ll see you out there. And well, make sure you bring crutches.

Jackson winks a bit as he turns around and looks into the vending machine.

MATCH SEVEN: SINGLES
Syn vs Jackson

BACKSTAGE
Freedom continues as the show fades backstage. The cameras catch current Freedom champion TJ Techniques standing by. With the events that happened during his match against Blyss Lockhart and Dante Locke, he's understandably not in the best of moods.

TJ Techniques: We rollin?

Cameraman: Yessir

TJ Techniques: Good.

TJ rubs his hands before continuing.

TJ Techniques: Aight, two things. One, Scotty Dunn. Let me help you understand somethin'. I'm not your friend. I'm not your pal. I'm not damn not your "bud". What I am, Scotty, is your champion and until someone is good enough to wrestle this away from me, you will address me as such. I had no beef with you. To me? You were just another opponent. When I told you that whatever happened in that ring was nothing personal? I meant that. That didn't mean I was gonna roll right through you. That didn't mean I was gonna wipe the mat with you. What it meant was that after that bullshit with Blyss and her kept man last week, I had some pent up frustration that I needed to let out. So if things got a little rough in there between the two of us, it was nothing against you. That was me givin' you a courtesy. Instead, I was meant with disrespect not once, but twice. Heh...

TJ shakes his head in disbelief at the crassnss of Dunn.

TJ Techniques: I don't know who you thought you was talkin' to. But hear me and hear me good. I'm not the one to be played with. Now you got a nice little streak going on here on Freedom and that's good. I can salute that. But here's the thing. I ain't Arabella Evers. I ain't Hilary Levandrier. I'm TJ Techniques. The Funky Technician. The Meaning of Dope. Kool G Grap and oh, by the way, your Freedom Champion.

TJ swings the title up across his shoulder.

TJ Techniques: This title right here?

He points over to the Freedom Championship.

TJ Techniques: It ain't a prop. This is a sign of hard work. Dedication. I went into an Elimination Chamber match and won this title. Since that time, I have successfully defended it against the very best that Freedom has had to offer. I didn't waltz in here thinkin' I was hot shit, unlike some people. I put in the work to have respect put on my name. You don't respect me? Cool. Best believe respect will be beaten into your dumbass in short order. Speakin' of dumbasses...

TJ lets out an annoyed sigh.

TJ Techniques: ... it wouldn't be a Freedom show if I didn't address you, Blyss. It's like every single show, you find a new way to annoy the hell out of me. What's next? You gonna ref my match while Dante does ring introductions. Or or or or maybe, you and Dante will be out there to do commentary.

TJ waves it off. The last thing he was is t speak either of those two things in existence.

TJ Techniques: It didn't matter if I won last week's match. We both know that no matter the outcome of that tag match, this thing between you and was not gonna end. You think it's a forgone conclusion that this...

TJ nods over to the Freedom Championship.

TJ Techniques: ... is comin' to you. So I'll tell you what. We can all read between the lines here. We can connect the dots. We all know where this is leadin' to, so why don't we just get it out the way. Since you got Lily in your back pocket... make the match. You go ahead and make that call. Go ahead and sign yourself up for what's to come because I promise you, when that match does happen, I'm gonna finish this once... and for all...

MATCH EIGHT: SINGLES
Eve O’Donnell vs Reaper

BACKSTAGE
The scene opens to an empty dark room except for a projector and a screen. The footage from last week’s Freedom of Sparrow commanding the arena with his monologue begins to play from the projector.

Sparrow: Y’all think I care about this Night of Syn? I don’t. I ain’t care about that. I care about the Freedom championship. I care about having the Freedom championship. I care about winning the Freedom championship, but I will never...Ever come to win that thing because truth be told? Ain’t no one ever be in charge has ever seen me as a contender.

The video skips some frames.

Sparrow: I’m tired if you want me to be honest about it. I am tired of this prospect that I had to just about invent my own championship for me and Don to have some part of eyes on what we do. I’m tired...Exhausted ya know—

Skips again.

Sparrow: You think Blyss and she fluffer Dante are better than me? YOU ARE NOT BETTER THAN ME. Flash forward. Take a step. Y’all couldn’t lace my boots together, on your best day.

This time, the video rewinds.

Sparrow: You think Blyss and she fluffer Dante are better than me?

Skips.

Sparrow: Y’all couldn’t lace my boots together, on your best day.

The video rewinds even further back then skips again at different parts in a near smooth stream.

Sparrow: Ain’t no one ever be in charge has ever seen me as a contender.

Sparrow: I’m tired if you want me to be honest about it.

Sparrow: You think Blyss—better than me?

Sparrow: Ain’t no one—ever seen me as a contender.

Sparrow: I’m tired.

Sparrow: I’m tired...Exhausted ya know—

Sparrow: You think Blyss—better than me?

Sparrow: Ain’t no one—ever seen me as a contender.

Sparrow: YOU ARE NOT BETTER THAN ME.

Finally, the clip stops on the paused image of Sparrow here and all is silent again. That’s when a female figure steps in front of the projector, casting a purposeful shadow on the screen. Covered by the projected image of Sparrow, she glances up at him on the screen before returning an amused look at the camera.

Blyss Lockhart: Great speech last week, Sparrow. Truly you had me moved. I mean, it’s taken you how long to finally take that plunge to ask for a title shot? Congratulations on finally figuring that one out. But it’s too bad that you’re going after the same thing I am and you should know better to back down because it’s my turn. Like we talked about on Twitter. I’m glad you agreed too. And if you still need a little more convincing, let tonight’s match do that. Then you’ll know firsthand why you’ve been wrong about me this whole time.

Her smile grows wider, all Cheshire-like.

Blyss Lockhart: Why do you think it’s taken me this fast to reach main event status? I’ve already paid my dues and, coming into this company the way I did, doing what I do best, I’ve redefined the competition around here and if that leaves you unnoticed by management? Heh, that’s on you, Sparrow. Not management. Not me. Just YOU.

She lets out a scoff.

Blyss Lockhart: Of course I’m better than you. If not, I wouldn’t be this much of a threat to you. So much so that you just can’t stand the fact that I’m obviously the next in line to challenge TJ for the Freedom championship. That I’m obviously going to beat TJ and become the next Freedom champion. That I’m obviously the best damn wrestler on the Liberty roster and even the industry as a whole.

The self-pleased grin has now made way to a look of passionate rage.

Blyss Lockhart: I don’t owe you an explanation of what I can do in that ring and who the fuck I am in this business. All you have to do is watch what I’ve done so far in Liberty Pro and when I say watch, I mean really look. Then ask yourself, could someone of my calibre achieve so much without having done the work herself? Could she really have earned her great reputation, so revered by many, without knowing firsthand what it takes to put everything on the line for the biggest prize this industry can offer? I have been down at the bottom of my career and then scraped and clawed my way back, I’ve done it all! So don’t you fucking DARE say that I have done NOTHING to get to where I am today. And that is standing opposite you, Sparrow, in this main event. You deserve this spot because of what you did last week. You finally showed some guts, something that’s been missing. And for your sake, I hope you carry on like that. Because why?

The camera zooms in closer to her face.

Blyss Lockhart: You’ll need everything you’ve got to keep pushing for what you want, especially now that you’re stepping into the space where I am. If you had been paying attention this whole time, you would have known the kind of rival I can be. How far I will go just to get what I want.

The camera zooms back out as the footage of Sparrow starts to play again.

Sparrow: You think Blyss—better than me?

That’s when Blyss kicks the projector off the table and Sparrow’s voice can be heard playing on a spoiled loop.

Sparrow: You think—

Sparrow: You think—

Sparrow: You think—

The audio cuts off abruptly as the projector dies. In the background, you can hear Blyss walking away and out of the room.

MATCH NINE: QONY CHAMPIONSHIP
Kenzie vs Cait Flanagan

BACKSTAGE
The camera cuts backstage to Marcus Black and Stella Winters in the locker room, Marcus wrapping his wrists in tape. Stella stands to his side, leaning against a wall, listening to him but not paying the camera any mind. Marcus looks up but continues taping his wrists.

Marcus Black: One of my favorite things about wrestling is how therapeutic it can be. It can be a great release of tension and stress, to shake the things weighing you down. So for that, I have to thank you Rayven. Your challenge gave me something to focus on, prepare for. From the minute you made that challenge I have been solely focused on driving you into that canvas. Jack says I can’t hold a candle to you, I hope that’s the case and not just more empty words, because that is the challenge I want. That is why I am here.

Marcus takes a deep breath as he finishes taping, sitting back in the chair.

Marcus Black: Speaking of Jack and challenges, I will address this quickly because the less I acknowledge him the better. Jack, I have no problem settling this in a cage. Since you want Stella to stay in the back for some reason, sure. There is but one condition I have: No matter what happens in that cage, win or lose, this is over. We are done. You stay out of my business, out of my face, and i’ll do the same. If you beat me i’ll take it like an adult and I want your word that you will do the same.

Stella scoffs from beside him.

Stella Winters: Come on, Marcus, as if his word means shit. Once you beat his ass all over that cage and embarrass him he’s gonna throw a tantrum and around we go with this shit.

Marcus lightly shakes his head.

Marcus Black: I don’t think so. While Jack is many things, he does not strike me as a man to break his word. So Jack, as long as it means we are done when that cage door opens, I accept.

Marcus readjusts slightly and gives a small smile

Marcus Black: Sorry about that Rayven, although Jack getting in our way isn’t exactly a new thing is it? I hope you’re annoyed about the situation, I hope you are just as confident in yourself as your boy is of you. You’ve come off a big win, have a fair chunk of experience and i’m sure while you don’t say much besides thinking that tweeting is the same as match preparation, you want to fight for your boy as well as yourself. Good. Bring everything to that ring tonight. Because if you come at me with anything less than your absolute best I /will/ put you down.

I didn’t lie to you when I said you had my respect. Lets see if you can keep it.

With that Marcus gets up and leaves the room, Stella follows after him with a big smirk on her face. The camera cuts away.

MATCH NINE: NON-TITLE
TJ Techniques vs Scott Dunn

BACKSTAGE
Cut backstage in the Matthews Arena where we found Skylar Rayner pacing the hallway back and forth. There was clearly a lot going through her mind as her match against fastly approached. So much that she didn’t even notice Anastasia Starling approaching her from the opposite end of the corridor. The Songbird tapped on the shoulder of her friend and prepared herself to welcome her with a big smile and open arms.

The unexpected visitor at first startled the blonde former interviewer, making her jump on the spot and assuming a defensive stance.

“Woah, easy there tiger, it’s me!” Came the soothing voice of the Songbird. Realizing that her friend was there immediately calmed Rayner, a soft smile appearing on her face as she greeted Anastazja with a warm hug.

“Hey… Sorry Birdie, the last few weeks got me a bit jumpy.” Slowly pulling back from the embrace, Skylar ran her hand through her long blonde hair. “What are you doing here?

“I just thought I’d stop by and say hai to my favorite Dane.” Was the reply of the former MWE and Underground wrestler, accompanied by the characteristic soft smile. “What’s up with you? Nervous about your match against Bren Bren?”

“A bit..” Skylar candidly replied. She already expressed her feelings about wrestling her brother-in-law the moment the card was announced. “But my problem is not with fighting him.. I mean, he's the US champion and one of the best in the biz, this is definitely going to be a challenge. I’m honored to get in the ring with him, and as hard as this fight is going to be, I know that it’s gonna be a fair one. Which is a nice change, you know?”

Starling nodded, agreeing with Skylar. “But at the same time… You see how things go there, I can’t seem to go a match without someone jumping on me, and Brendan got attacked just last week by that Scotty guy.. So yeah, you see why I’m not as excited as I would be? What’s there to look forward to in facing someone you respect when the forecast for the night is shitstorm with 80% chance of fuckery?

This version of Sky The Meteorologist elicited a light chuckle from Anastazja, but soon that serious expression reappeared. Her dear friend made a good point, and that was definitely a concern she shared with her, especially after last week’s events. “I see what you mean… It’s so frustrating to see these things constantly happening to good people, more so since those who do it always get away with it without any consequence.”

Skylar shrugged her shoulders and let out a long sigh. “I’ve been in this business long enough to know that it always happened and always will… I just wish that, for once, we could have nice things. One week without shenanigans, that’s all I’m asking for.”

Ana just looked at Sky for a long moment without saying a word. Then she rested her hand on the blonde’s shoulder, offering her a soft smile. "Listen, Sky… You focus on your match, you go out there, step in the ring with Bren and you two show everyone how it’s done. You put on a five star match for the fans, you give them something they can talk about in a positive way, something they can remember and be proud of. You focus on putting smiles on faces without worrying about people messing with you.”

Ana’s words, as reassuring as they intend to be, didn’t seem to fully convince Skylar. “Backup Birb is here, I’ll watch your back and, if anyone tries to interfere, I’ll give them the biggest butt kicking of their life.” Ana was quick to add.

“Ana… I appreciate it but…” Reciprocating her friend’s gesture, Skylar rests her hand on her shoulder. “I don’t want you to risk your well being for me again. If anything happened to you because you’re trying to protect me, I…” She stopped mid-sentence. “They’re dangerous, Ana. There’s no doubt in my mind that, on your worst day, you can mop the floor with them on their best day inside a ring but.. This is different.”

“And I can’t see you or Bren getting hurt again. This is not up for debate, Sky.” The intro of Elisa’s Labyrinth blared out of the loudspeakers, and you could hear the fans roaring and chanting for Sky. “Now go, you don’t want to keep your fans waiting.”

“Thank you…” Skylar said with a smile, before turning on her heels and heading to the gorilla position.

MATCH ELEVEN: NON-TITLE
Brendan Samuels vs Skylar Rayner

BACKSTAGE
Backstage, the camera catches sight of a few of the Liberty crew huddled around a locker room door. The camera picks up snippets of what they’re saying.

Crewman: “Is he in there?”

Sound Tech: “Maybe. I don’t want to check. That’s him though, right?”

Crewman: “You ever watch Valiant when it was on? That’s his thing. Does it whenever he gets the win.”

One of the stagehands shudders. She shakes her head.

Stagehand: “But they loved him over there, right? I had a few friends in the business that worked crew in Valiant. Said he was always super polite, respectful. They liked having him around.”

Crewman: “Yeah… fans liked him too. But fans like anyone that knows how to fight. You saw his match tonight. He’s legit.”

Stagehand: “Still… there’s just something a little unsettling about it. It’s like he’s keeping a hitlist or something.”

Lighting Tech: “You could always see if he’s there. Go on, chat with him, tell us how it goes.”

The door opens, and the small crowd scurries back, looking up at the massive frame of Reaper, ducking under the doorframe. The Sentinel looks out at the faces, raising a confused eyebrow.

Reaper: “Need something?”

One of the staff shakes his head.

Crewman: “Just looking at the door.”

Reaper glances back at the open door and gives a half-shrug.

Reaper: “Nothing to get up in arms about. Just doing my thing. You mind?”

He motions down the hall, and the crowd parts to let him walk through. They close back in once he’s passed, resuming their position around the door. It slowly closes shut, showing what had captured everyone’s attention: Eve O’Donnell’s picture, with a large red X splashed across her face.

BACKSTAGE
Backstage at the Matthews Arena, Sparrow is bouncing back and forth on the balls of his toes. The ring gear of choice for tonight’s match against Blyss is black with white and lavender trim. Nothing particularly out of the ordinary save for a large white diamond shape on his left kickpad, with the kanji for ‘11’ in the center, looking like a plus-sign over a minus, comparatively. The right kickpad has a similar diamond shape, with several white X’s over a black diamond. ‘Division 11’ is written down the side of one of his tights’ legs as he shoots a leg up in the air and holds the stance, eyes narrowed slightly.

Sparrow: I been waitin’ for you to show up. This has to either be punishment, or punishment is comin’. Ain’t no way this could be a reward for speakin’ what was on the mind. Nah, could never be anythin’ like that. Then again, I can’t suppose you really likin’ Blyss too much either these days since she seemed kinda friendly with Syn. Maybe Caroline’s right and you wanna wipe the whole roster clean.

The former KONY champion lowers his leg and his eyes glance off-screen. A laugh can be heard off screen before the camera finally pans over and standing there is none other than Lily Callaghan, dressed in her normal business attire.

Lily Callaghan: Little Sparrow… I must admit, I was surprised at your little outburst at the end of the show the other night and it appears the way in which I’ve booked you, it has you thinking of so many different scenarios.

She pauses and makes her way closer to the former KONY Champion until they’re about face to face.

Lily Callaghan: You do know the story of Icarus, yes? You see, Daedalus warned Icarus to not fly too high nor too low. Instead? To keep an even pace in the middle.

Lily uses her hand to make a flying motion that isn’t too low or too high.

Lily Callaghan: But poor Icarus didn’t listen, did he? Now, he didn’t get complacent, so he didn’t fly too low, avoiding the sea’s dampness from clogging his wings. But little Icarus had too much hubris and he flew too close to the sun and…

Lily’s hand went high in the air before it went crashing down with her making a crash sound.

Lily Callaghan: The wax in his wings melted away and he went crashing down to his demise. Is that what you want to do, Sparrow? All of that moment and success that you’ve gathered? Do you want to lose it all in full swoop because you decided to test your luck a little too much?

Lily gives Sparrow a stern look now.

Lily Callaghan: I don’t want to see those wings of yours clipped so prematurely, Raphael Christopher Dallins.

Lily stops talking there, waiting to see Sparrow’s reaction from using his legal name. Up until that moment, he had been listening intently, eyebrows up and curious of where the story was going. Up---up until the moment Lily said his real name without so much as a second thought. In just that moment, a manic glint of viciousness is apparent in his eyes. Come and gone just like that. Still, his hands don’t make a motion for her. He doesn’t get any closer or any farther.

Sparrow: I want you to know, from the bottom of m’heart, I’m sorry for about two things. The first thing, is for saying...That you are a terrible mother. I ain’t really have, well anything to compare a baseline to, so...Who am I to say who passes for bad mom or good mom. That...? That was out of turn. As frustrated as I am that you ain’t get I’m built better than where you put me.

He gently clicked his tongue and leaned his head forward, getting nose-to-nose with Lily.

Sparrow: The second thing, and I need you to listen rreeeaallll carefully. I’m real sorry I’m not Caroline. Because Caroline might cut a deal with you. Caroline now that she’s older might decide to humor a threat like that and cut your throat later. Or not. Can never get a read on her. Nah, never that with me yes. When I say I’mma come for ya neck, I will do it from the front. Where you can see me do it.

Sparrow smiled very gently, the friendliest tone imaginable, but his body was ever still--save for his right leg. Twitching movements, as if prepared to raise up in a second.

Sparrow: I’m everything I said I am, Lily. I’ll prove that tonight with Blyss in a heartbeat, and soar if you wanna watch. Because when it comes down to it...What possible hubris could I have for expecting more...In the face of--

His fingers gently rose up and he flattened the collar of Lily’s blazer, speaking with the same appraising tone.

Sparrow: An incompetent... Egotistical... Childish... Bald... Mess of human failure, all wrapped up in a clearance sale sports jacket. You should be thanking me for runnin’ my mouth, boss. It took attention away from the fact that Syn’s show was the highest rated Freedom since you took over. It even beat the last Liberation. Mmm...Another thing Syn’s better at than you: she got on top of Nate.

Lily’s fists clench and her eye visibly twitches from that last part. She tries to keep it together but she can’t. At all.

Lily Callaghan: Who in the hell do you think you are!? Are you TRYING to get fired?

Lily scoffs.

Lily Callaghan: You know what? I won’t give you the Emery treatment. Instead? I’ll punish you so much that you’ll be BEGGING me to trade you to Liberation. Tonight? You don’t just fight Blyss in the main event… You fight Blyss and Dante in a no disqualification handicap match tonight.

An evil grin crosses over her face before she adds one last line.

Lily Callaghan: I’d wish you good luck but we both know that I wouldn’t mean it. So why don’t you go out there and crash and drown just like Icarus, hm?

The West Indian Whirlwind’s eyes close. One eye at a time, before opening again and letting an exhale. He put a hand on his neck.

Sparrow: Ah. That’s why Caroline ain’t here tonight. What’d you do? Ban her from the arena? Must’ve done some kinda thing. Not bad boss. Not bad. Tell me...Do you remember...The last time you booked me in a handicap match? You do ain’t? That surprised us both a little bit. See you... Go ahead and put me up against Blyss and Blyss’s Gimp...Or Simp. Both? Both. Next week? Make a gauntlet match with all your favorite picks. Week after that? One arm handcuffed behind my back the next. You keep throwin’ at me every single thing you got but the second you make the mistake of bein’ anywhere near that ring...? It’ll be over in three gestures.

Sparrow pointed down at his leg.

Sparrow: Down.

His knee bent slightly.

Sparrow: Up.

Quick as a flash, before Lily can get a moment to breathe, the toe of his wrestling boot is centimeters away from her temple. He doesn’t touch her--barely, but the obvious threat is there.

Sparrow: Aim. I crash, please believe I’m takin’ you with me.

Lily looks startled at first before she gathers herself.

Lily Callaghan: You taking me with you?

She cackles as she shakes her head.

Lily Callaghan: You idiot, you can’t take me crashing down with you. Why? Because I’m taking YOU ALL DOWN! All of you! You’ll all crash and burn and die off, along with Nathan. Do you hear me!?

Once she finishes, she places her hands over her mouth before she turns away and leaves. Clearly, she has said too much.

HEADLINE: SINGLES
Rayven Hardy vs Marcus Black

PREVIOUSLY RECORDED
We open inside a dimly lit room, golden tables and chairs everywhere. What sounds like traditional French music played from a connecting room, with waiters decked in tuxedos darted each way. The place itself was some fancy French restaurant in who knows where. The camera slowly went around the room, finally landing upon a male and a female dining at one of the golden tables. Their waiter held out a notepad, his pencil barely touching the white.

Waiter: No madam, it’s pronounced fro-MAHGE

He corrected her, gently. Chase Romano laughed at her mistake, thanking the waiter with a touch of her hand upon his wrist.

Chase Romano: Oh silly me, I was never very good in French class.

Waiter: Not a problem madam, I’ll return when your meals are complete

The waiter bowed to the two of them, and walked away. Across the table, Wade Manson had watched the whole thing without saying a word. Before he could speak up, Chase looked around in awe. She wasn’t accustomed to any finer things in life.

Chase Romano: Wow Wade, this place is amazing. You didn’t have to splurge like this.

Wade Manson: I wanted to do something special for the special occasion.

Chase Romano: Wade, I’m just happy to be here in New York with you. No matter what happens with wrestling, this trip was the best.

He reached across the table, grasping hold of her hand. She smiled, leaning across and planting a small kiss on his lips before returning to her chair.

Wade Manson: Well, I did get a call from a representation of Callaghan this afternoon…

There was pure hope emanating from Chase’s eyes as she waited for the next line.

Wade Manson: …they’re offering me a contract.

Maybe you’d let to realize it, but Wade Manson was no stranger to the ring. If you were a fan of Xtreme Wrestling Mayhem, then you’d remember him as part of the most dominate tag team there. If you were a fan of RevoPro, then you’d also remember him as part of the most dominate tag team. No longer would Wade Manson be competing alongside RAZE, as the Murder City Saints, he’d be a singles competitor.

Chase Romano: That’s great, Wade! Of course they’d want you on the roster!

Inside, her heart sank, but on the outside she wanted to remain as supportive as ever. Wade probably didn’t want the job with Liberty Pro as much as her but he still really wanted it. To break out on his own and all that. But as someone who had yet to catch her big break in the wrestling world, Chase Romano felt the cold sting of rejection for just a moment.

Wade Manson: …and of course, they want you to come back in and sign your own contract, as well. I told them you weren’t too sure about

Naturally, her shriek of excitement cut him off. Many looked over and she mouthed a quick apology before turning back to Wade and softly punching him in the arm.

Chase Romano: Oh my god, Wade, you butt! No way! They want both of us!

She almost leapt across the table, her arms finding their way around Wade’s neck.

Chase Romano: I’ll be right back babe, I’m gonna go to the bathroom and phone mia madre!

Chase brought out her phone, already dialing before she got up from the table and left. Left there alone, Wade looked around the restaurant and his eyes settled on their waiter. The smile he’d been presenting for Chase suddenly went cold. He waved the waiter over. The waiter walked over, about to ask if Wade needed anything. Before he could, Wade stood up from his chair, reaching forward and tightening the bow tie around the waiter’s neck.

Wade Manson: If you ever speak to my girlfriend like that again, I’ll shove every single knife in this place down your throat.

The fear was written across the waiter’s face and he stood almost frozen. Suddenly, Chase came waltzing back in, finishing a text to her mother. She almost ran straight into the waiter.

Chase Romano: No answer, mom must already be asleep…Oh is our food ready?

Wade Manson: No hun, he was just checking if we had enough water. Thanks sir, we’re good.

Wade tapped the waiter on the shoulder three times. A little harder each time, before shoving him away in the opposite direction on the third ‘tap’. Wade’s smile was back, and it remained as he sat back down at the table with Chase. The camera panned out, focusing on Wade’s smile and Chase’s genuine excitement as she gushed over their new jobs in Liberty Pro.

BACKSTAGE
The office of one Lily Callaghan, busy as ever. She types away, her face in her laptop until finally she hears a polite but firm knock at the door. When it opens, Lily looks up. Her shoulders, initially tense, drop. Amy Taylor closes the door behind her and stands, handbag over her shoulder, coffee in one hand and phone in the other. She smiles briefly. Lily stops typing.

Lily Callaghan: I don’t think I ever granted you that appointment.

Amy Taylor: No. But initiative makes the world go round, doesn’t it?

Amy walks around the room. Her eyes scan the office.

Amy Taylor: I like it. I had one of these once. Big desk, just like that. Well, two. First one had to be replaced after someone slammed another person through it- you know how wrestlers are.

Lily Callaghan: Have we met before?

Amy Taylor: No, but our ex-husbands have. They weren’t friends.

Amy sits herself down, across the desk from Lily, setting down her handbag on one side and her phone on the other. All prim and proper.

Amy Taylor: And I was hoping, Lily, that we could be better. That’s what you want, isn’t it? To run things better than Nathan. So let's do that. How about it, just you and I? Let's talk.

Lily crosses her arms as she sits back. Amy clears her throat as she pulls out a rather large file full of paper.

Amy Taylor: So. First there’s the matter of the ‘unfair dismissal’ claim I’ve drawn up regarding my client Emery Layton. Thought it best to let you have a look at that and make sure you’re okay with it before it’s with a solicitor in the morning. It does concern you, after all, I need to make sure you’re aware before I file it. Please bear in mind that this is against not just yourself but against Liberty Pro as a whole. I’m not sure how that’ll go over with the board of directors but that’s not my concern unfortunately, that lies with you. And then there’s this one regarding my report to the athletic commissions concerning the sheer amount of leniency displayed by yourself in regards to repeated interferences in matches on Freedom sanctioned by Liberty Pro Wrestling, some involving people not even contracted with the company at the time or with the show they’re appearing on. While that’s quite a common problem in wrestling business it often goes unreported- there are rules dictated by the athletic commissions to disallow this from occurring and result in penalties for all of those involved when it does, especially those in power. I’m not just talking a slap on the wrist here, Lily. I’m talking licenses being revoked, blacklisting for promotions and wrestlers alike, a lifetime ban on multiple different avenues in which this company, and you, make money. All because you let someone from another show over here OR were complicit in your contracted talent invading another, when everyone else told you to stop it.

She holds the gaze with Lily, until she puts the paper down and pushes it to one side as she leans forward, her voice now settling.

Amy Taylor: Or…I can simply put all of this aside, and talk to you now. Because I get it. More than maybe anyone else who’s spoken to you. Back when I split with Jack, I had wars with him too. He used people but honestly, so did I. We threw people into the middle of our business. I regret it. Personal relationships with people destroyed, all because we couldn’t settle it privately. Five years, a new husband and two kids later, and I still think about it. What I’m saying is you got a second chance, you got a chance to start afresh, and you’re using it to wage a war with your ex-husband. And I understand, I really do, but losing people in the crossfire because they don’t see it the same way as you isn’t the way to go. And as for Emery…

Searching for the words…Amy puts her hand on the desk.

Amy Taylor: The thing is, Lily, I still think about that day. I could’ve stopped Adam Fenric doing what he did to Emery all those years ago. I could’ve changed everything but I didn’t. My clients mean more to me than simple commodities, I feel responsible for them. I left the business in regret, and I’ve had to live with my own inaction that day. You might think I’m doing this because she begged me, or I told her she’d owe me one but no…I’m doing this, because I owe her. After what happened, I owe her. Emery’s journey back, after everything she went through, was nothing short of a miracle. And when she did make her return, she chose to come here. Not to take over, not to run it into the ground but to help. She wanted to work with that locker room. She still does, Lily. So I’m asking you.

She puts her hand on the big wad of paper to her side.

Amy Taylor: I really don’t wanna file all of this. I just want Emery to have the career she was always meant to.

Lily is silent. After a few moments and a scrunched up face, she shakes her head.

Lily Callaghan: How dare you.

She shakes her head more, an exhale but not in amusement. In disgust.

Lily Callaghan: How dare you come here and try to tell me you think you understand. You know nothing about me, Amy. Nothing. None of you do. What Emery did to me was disrespect. Nothing more or less. She doesn’t get to walk around on MY show and tell me how to do my job. If she really wanted to be here, she should’ve thought of that before going on Twitter and calling me every name under the sun. So no. I will not be bringing her back. I fired her and I’d do it again. So do what you like, Amy. File them, don’t file them. Set them on fire for all I care. But I’m not bringing her back because you asked, and to be perfectly honest, it really isn’t my problem that you failed her. So go fuck yourself.

Amy pauses. She looks down at her phone, and then back at Lily. Slowly, Amy picks it up and begins to thumb through it.

Amy Taylor: Okay. I tried to reason with you, but it seems you only want to play dirty. Well, fine. I can do that too.

Amy stands the phone on the desk, turning it around until the screen faces Lily. It's the screen for a contact. Amy doesn't detach her eyes from Lily's, as the Owner of Freedom looks at the name on the screen.

Diamond Jack Sabbath.

Lily looks back up at Amy.

Amy Taylor: We're not strictly on speaking terms, ever since the divorce. Lifetime ago now. But the difference between you and Nathan and me and Jack is just because he won’t talk to me doesn’t mean he won’t listen. So let me spell this out for you. Four rings. Just four. And he'll be here next week, and I won't be able to stop him.

Lily Callaghan: You wouldn’t.

Amy nods once. Fine. She presses that big green call button. She maintains eye contact.

Ring.

Lily maintains her composure.

Ring.

Amy stays perfectly still. Her finger hovers over the hang-up button.

Ring.

Lily looks at the phone.

R–

Lily Callaghan: Okay fine, stop.

Amy does, right as the fourth ring is about to begin, she hangs up.

Amy Taylor: I think you understand.

With a heavy sigh, Amy begins to gather up her stuff.

Amy Taylor: Fine. Well, you won’t get him but you will get me. I’m clearly not getting the answer I want today so I’m going to give you another week to mull this over, see what it means for you. I’ll leave you with a business card should you want to call me for another over the week. And Lily…really do take this seriously, please. I’ll see you soon. Oh, and thank you!

And with that, Amy departs the room. She leaves Lily Callaghan to her office.

As she walks down the corridor, Amy wonders where she put her phone. She left in quite a hurry. She pats herself down until- ah there it is.

And Amy checks the phone. Her eyes widen. She thrusts the phone back into her pocket and keeps walking down the corridor, prompted by three words she didn’t expect to see tonight nor did she want.

“One Missed Call”.

MAIN EVENT: HANDICAP
Blyss Lockhart & Dante Locke vs Sparrow