Battleground #35 : New Horizons (Show)

[vastrix]

Backstage at the conference room turned into a massive dressing room for Armand von Krauss. He sits in the room in his ring gear while Esmeralda von Krauss sits next to him. They are currently the only ones in the room.

Armand reaches to the table where he grabs his golden cigarette holder and pulls out two Egyptian cigarettes. He passes one to Esmeralda, who puts hers into an obsidian and gold foot long holder before allowing Armand to light it.

Esmeralda von Krauss: Something is bothering you, dahling. What might it be?

Armand takes a drag from his Egyptian cigarette and blows the smoke into the air with a sigh.

Armand von Krauss: I am angry that I have been outvoted in bringing that fool, Jonnie Valentine, in as commissioner. He doesn’t deserve the position. Just like Rally Jackson didn’t deserve a title shot against my enemy.

Esmeralda stands up and rubs her hands across Armand’s back. She leans down by his head and blows softly into his ear, purring her next words.

Esmeralda von Krauss: You were going for the top title in the land at the time, dahling. You can’t have all the power in the world. Underlings must have some time in the sun too. I wouldn’t be shocked if Rally Jackson fell to Lucky Linda tonight. She certainly has the talent for it. Then, Eddie D will seize the title for the KGB. It’ll be easy.

Armand von Krauss: And Jonnie Valentine? He should not be Kommissar. If should some reason he were to get a shot at the X*Crown and win? The title would not come home to SWAT. It would go to Fireside or even Northern Pro Wrestling instead. The Board would trust such a traitor with the livelihood of the company? It’s lächerlich!

Esmeralda flicks ashes onto the table with a sharp smile. She leans down again and kisses Armand on the cheek.

Esmeralda von Krauss: You leave things to me, dahling. I will make certain that this Jonnie Valentine will only spend a short time in his current position. You know I can make things happen.

Armand von Krauss: Will this method involve Justice? Will you kill Jonnie?

Esmeralda laughs as she drops her cigarette butt onto the floor and crushes it out with her foot.

Esmeralda von Krauss: Death is too good for the likes of Jonnie Valentine. Don’t worry about how I will have him removed from power, but I will.

Armand nods, flicking his cigarette against the wall where it explodes into a shower of sparks.

Armand von Krauss: Good.

[eddied]

(Eddie D is in the gym going through some sparring; extreme boxing cardio with two sparring partners. There are two coaches shouting advice from ringside, but we the viewers can't fully make it out because of the poor acoustics and the clangs, chatter and exertion from active free weights sessions going on outside the ring. The boxing session starts at a high tempo. The montage continues as "Switch" by Will Smith plays, after about 1 minute and a half the music drops back to be barely audible and there's a voiceover from Eddie D as the fighting continues.)

EDDIE: "There's a time to rest. But that's not now.
There's a time to question your allegiances, to consider your options, but that's not now.
There's a time to aim low and focus on little victories, but that's not now.
There's a time to let the new boss at your work, the warrior turned bureaucrat... the auld enemy, to dictate your career limitations, but that's not now.
There's a time to follow the path of least resistance, but that's not now.
Now...
Now is the time for New Horizons."

(The backing music level comes back up as the tune gets most active and gels with the action neatly. The intensity of the montage increases; you can almost feel the tiredness along with Eddie as he's expected to keep fighting the two men and keep them both in his forward arch. Eddie looks all in and then he dishing out some hail mary haymakers and we see Eddie knock one sparring partner off his feet and the second backs off and calls a time out and Eddie rests on his haunches exhausted from this intense training session. The music lowers again and the voiceover continues.)



EDDIE: "It would be easy to give in. But that's not me. 
It would be easy to allow the politics at the top of the Federation to distract a wrestler. But that's not me.
It would be easy to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day and get sentimental. But that's not me.
For me...
For me this is the time to psychologically crush the sour memories of my Australian hospitalisation into dust.
For me this is the time to double down on my rumble win and push for a title shot.
For me this is the time to train away the pain.
For me this is the time to beat the remnants of the ReVenants.
For me this is the time to set fire to Blaze's hiney."

(The coaches in the corner, blurred until now, come into full focus and turn out to be Frostbite and Armand Von Krauss! They are shouting encouragement and calling for the timeout to end. Eddie responds to the encouragement, digs deep, breaths deep and hauls his huge frame back to his feet and sizes up his opponents again. The timeout ends; the backing music level comes back up and gels with the action neatly again and Eddie has gathered fresh energy reserves from somewhere and pounds on his sparring partners. The sparring guys encourage and engage, but are clearly intimidated by the fresh ferocity that Eddie is bringing to the session. The voice over continues.)



EDDIE: "I'll never give up.
I'll only get stronger.
I'll address my failings.
I'll put missteps behind me.
I'll beat all before me. 
Hydrate,
Intimidate,
Manipulate,
Dominate,
Eviscerate,
Win,
Libate,
Sleep,
Repeat!
BRING.... IT.... ON!!!"

(Frostbite and Von Krauss look pleased with their KGB stablemate's progress and leave Eddie to finish his session with a few last words of encouragement. Eddie keeps going, beyond what seems plausible for a man his size. The backing music comes back up to full volume and marries with the action in the ring perfectly. The montage finally fades out to black as the track comes to its natural ending.)

[Dave D-Flipz]

*We open on Death Trap sitting in the locker room he’s been assigned. With the KGB and Society having their own facilities, the room is pretty barren of actual talent, since it seems like everyone around is either an Amazon, a KGB, or a SNB. Death Trap is sitting in a corner of the room with his laptop on the table. He is apparently on a zoom call*

"Hey, I can safely report that even in a pandemic, Memphis still has some fantastic ribs. That dinner hit the spot."

"I do not see how that is relevant to this discussion. You are procrastinating from important tasks at hand Death Trap!"

"That has never stopped me from succeeding before. I operate my best under pressure."

*His phone rings ... he glances at it. A.V.A. is calling. He grunts in annoyance and declines the call*

"May I ask who continues to call you? That is the fifth time your phone has gone off and you continue to glance at it in annoyance."

"Ah it’s this intern for SWAT who keeps nagging me about putting a piece to camera like … twice a night."

"You have only been in that arena for an hour … what do you mean ‘a night’?"

"IT FEELS LIKE IT’S BEEN DAYS! This guy just keeps nagging me. He calls me by my real name too. ‘Dave where’s that promo?’ ‘Dave, I’m waiting!’ ‘Dave, Armand is gonna kill you.’ Ugh, it’s like he doesn’t understand patience is a virtue and quality takes time!"

"Death Trap, if I may, why exactly ARE you still in SWAT? The reason you went there was to pay back your imagined debt to Radu Matei for the incident with the Legos and Zoran Sainovic. Fine, I get it. But Zoran is dead, possibly twice over. And now Radu is gone. And it seems like you have had nothing but problems since you arrived there. That Rally Jackson fellow and his … ribbing … with the camera? The scaffold match? The Legos and thumbtacks against Armand in Japan? I just fail to see why you feel you need to do it."

"Look Discipline, it’s hard to explain. And with my MCCW title gone and the fed on another hiatus thanks to Ronnie … I needed SOMETHING. I don’t wanna step on your toes in Fireside. And if there was ever a place that needed someone of my caliber it’s SWAT."

"Need is a strong word. Can’t y’all just let it burn down?"

*The camera moves to see a one on one call between DT and Mistress Discipline. MD is now looking over her shoulder to her roommate.*

"Chaos, that is not Death Trap’s style. You know better than that!"

"UUGGGGH! I HATE HIS STYLE! I wanna see fire and carnage! Let that company kill itself! It’ll be great ratings! BURN!!"

"That’s not fair Chaos. The fans of this company are committed…"

"THEY SURE AS HELL SHOULD BE COMMITTED!"

*Mistress places her hands on her friends shoulder and gentle pulls her friend away from the camera so that it shows more then up one nostril.*

"Death Trap, the point is, SWAT is doing nothing for you. They are a leech on your popularity. And all you have gotten from it is severely injured, left out to dry, and – do recall- almost murdered! My question is, why do you keep going back when they clearly lack a safe work environment? There is no nostalgic connection, you owe them nothing, and nobody on that roster anymore even knows you, never mind being your friend to back you up. And that Armand is dangerous."

*Death Trap sits back in his chair. He seems in thought. He sighs and leans back.*

"Look, I’m not saying it’s the smartest career move I’ve ever made. But it’s something I need to keep doing. Look at the state of this place since Armand got here after driving RSW into the ground. At least with the old KGB it was typical wrestling politics. But between Zoran stabbing everyone and Armand hiring out actual murder clowns."

"WHAT!?"

*The shout startles DT who falls backwards in his chair and to the floor of the locker room.*

"Murder clowns??? Like … they who shall not be named? What is WRONG with that guy? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?"

"… Ow."

"It’s bad enough he sent that big ole heifer of a clown to Fireside to try to attack us. But he has MORE of them? The fan club ratings will tank! You need to get your butt back to our Mistress here in Philly. Where it’s safe! You’re not a spring chicken! Do you want to look like Radu? Scars aren’t nearly as sexy when they explode every time you move!"

*DT rolls to his feet holding his lower back and back of his head. He sits the chair back into position and plops his butt right back into it.*

"She is not exactly wrong. MCCW will be back shortly and you can return there. Surely you are in the running to get a shot at Soul Hunter and become the first three time champion. The Gold Rush is coming up."

"Look I don’t expect you both to understand. It’s a personal thing. It’s been a hang up for me since the day I broke into the business. This is something I need to see through. These fans deserve better from their favorite wrestling promotion. SWAT was around before the network and I want it to keep going. But it can’t survive in this stranglehold the KGB and Society have on it. There’s no room for other stars and at SOME point OSHA is going to get involved and Mongo is willing to accept a LOT of shit … most of it literal … but lawsuits aren’t one of them. He’ll shut this place down or boot it out. That’s a lot of good talent on the streets. Or worse, he’ll try to be clever again and have their champion buried under a literal mountain of man meat and ruin their reputation for years to come!"

"Oh hun, you need to get over that. Nobody who isn’t a boomer remembers that. It’s dated and tired. Just like the brass at SWAT."

*DT looks at the screen … nettled … bristling with mild indignation*

"Mongo will never be allowed to live that down. Ok?"

*We hear some light rustling through the computer as Mistress again pushes Chaos off screen. We hear a thud.*

"Ow! My tushy! Who left this replica model of the Chemistruckinator on the floor?"

"Hey y’all!"

*DT stares at the screen*

"She … still has the kid from Thailand or Taiwan or wherever we were for End of Days?"

"Regrettably yes. She seems to have taken a liking to being a den mother for Sarah while I am not booked in Fireside, and her managerial tasks are easier. Also, she seems to come back from every CAR promo event or race with an unhealthy obsession with the driver for the scientist team."

"What is up with that? They are all over the place. I don’t get what everyone sees in them. I dunno maybe it’s something you have to be at an event for because it seems like that’s when everyone comes around to liking them. I preferred the ghost car, reminded me of Scooby Doo."

"ANGRY MAD CHEMISTS ARE LIFE!"

"YAH! CHEMY LIFE!"

"I … have so many questions …"

"Well you can just wait with them, this is not one of my pieces to camera so I am not going to explain the intricacies of my manager’s … unusual situation…"

"Sarah wait! No don’t touch that!"

*Mistress has a worried look on her face, DT also now seems concerned*

"Maybe you should go check on them?"

"Do not change the subject mister. We are here to talk about your sudden desire to get yourself killed. Need I remind you, we will someday have a chance to challenge for those tag team titles and I will not team with a zombie!"

*DT rolls his eyes*

"Look I understand your concern but I am not afraid of that weasel Von Krauss. He is the brains, not the execution, behind that operation. Zoran was ten times the fighter and leader he’ll ever be. And his gaggle of clowns don’t frighten me either. And I include Frostbite and Eddie D in that as well."

"Ok, let us examine the situation then. You are booked in a match where the only way to win is to completely incapacitate your opponent so they get stretchered out of a steel cage. You are not exactly well-versed in hardcore scenarios. You are a technician."

"I’m a technician who refuses to stay down and who has proven time and again I can handle this group of opponents. Hell even in that 8 man screw job I was not incapacitated. I just couldn’t lift that many people at once. This match, that wouldn’t help. Look, I get that Armand is going to cheat. He can claim up and down the show how he is doing it alone, but we ALL KNOW that never happens. But I’m not worried about the normal gaggle getting into the cage. Because they have to get in without me stopping them first and as we’ve seen … I can more than choke Armand out long enough to dispatch the goonies."

*He waves his hand dismissively*

"I don’t even have to change my normal style. I have proven in MCCW, J-ROK, and here in SWAT that I am more than capable of handling more punishment than they can dish out and keep coming. I am more than capable of choking them all out. And in this match the only difference is they can’t tap out. I may not like it … but I am no stranger to entering a match with intent to harm. If that’s the way Jonnie wants the KGB dispatched, then I’ll go into the match holding nothing back. And I’ll bend Armand every way I know how until none of his joints work, none of his muscles respond, and no air gets to his lungs. I will choke him the fuck out. It’s kind of what I do. I am more disciplined, focused, and experienced than him. And despite my distaste for the hardcore antics … I’m no stranger to them. I was in ECF after all."

"I can see I am not talking you out of this. I still do not understand why you are going through with this orchestrated hit on your career. The Society and KGB want complete autonomy and control and seem destined to eliminate everyone else in their efforts to fight each other. El Combatiente is gone, Radu is gone, Soutter is dabbling in talk show hosting, and there is not another person willing to stand up to the KGB or Society that is not some new act or a ReVenant."

"Yeah, I’m alone. I get that. But it’s not new. I took down the EWF invasion and single handedly saved ECF. I took down the EWO and singlehandedly saved ECF again. I singlehandedly took Mongo Corp out of commission for a LONG time. This hero thing may not be why I signed up to wrestle, or what I really want to do. But it is kind of my thing. The fans need someone, ANYONE, to stand up for them and protect their interests. And that someone is me. I’m going to be the savior they need to maintain their line of entertainment. I will prevent Armand from running this place into the ground like he did RSW. And stop him from moving on and doing it to every company on the network. Because I am the only one who can."

"*Sigh* Just … watch your back. Most of Armand’s goons are just that. But between Eddie D, Frostbite, and now Eric Dane … they can do some damage."

"Let them. Damage doesn’t scare me. Because anything they can do to me I’ll give back 100 times over. Because I’m the god damn Main Attraction. And stealing their shine is what I do."

*A loud commotion begins to blast through the speakers*

"WEEE Y’ALL!"

"SARAH WAIT! Get off that toy car this instant! WATCH OUT FOR THE SPICE CABINET!"

*A loud crash is followed by Mistress diving off her chair out of the way of a ceiling fan falling on the table and the call cuts out*

"And now … I have even more questions."

[Jonnie Valentine]

You are watching The Blessed Be Network. At 7:00 it's "Ticket To Hell" where teens from Christian schools compete for cash and prizes by correctly guessing why today's Hollywood celebrities are going to Hell! Then at 8:00, it's Creationism Dinosaur Spotlight. This week, we look at the triceratops who terrorized the earth in the late 1800s. Then at 9:00, Kevin Sorbo presents Movies For Christians, where this week the movie will be Ben-Hur. Yes, again. But coming up next is Comfort From the Storm, with The Reverend Cornelius Marsh.
 
(Whimsical organ music plays as the camera fades to Reverend Cornelius Marsh seated at a talk show desk. Seated to his right is a pink haired middle aged woman petting her white pekingese dog. Marsh has his hair slicked back and a honey sweet Southern voice)

Reverend Cornelius Marsh: Hello friends, and welcome to Comfort from the Storm. I am the Reverend Cornelius Marsh and with me, like always, is Nancy. 

Nancy: (waves frantically) Hey ya'll! I missed SWAT, it ain't in Australia no more? 

Reverend Cornelius Marsh: No, Nancy. After the Crocodile Dundee Hat economy cratered they were forced to pull up stakes in the 2000 teens. 

Nancy: Aw, that's sad. I used to like how they talked funny. They used to be all like (does bad Australian accent) 'Dem Hellhounds punched me baby.' You member that, Rev?

Reverend Cornelius Marsh: I do, Nancy. But alas, we have to make do with the fans that talk funny in the good ole US of A. Fresh from our tour of Japan...

Nancy: How come Japan don't show them matches on TV? Is it cause that guy's eye came out a little? 

Reverend Cornelius Marsh: (trying to talk over her) Something like that, Nancy. But The Hellhounds are now back in SWAT to reclaim the tag team titles they've held so many times I think they still have a little bit of Robert Hunglestien III's blood on them. Their first meal will be The Indian Express. Brother Rajiv and Brother Mohammad have committed a most egregious sin. The sin of false idolatry. Exodus 20:3, Matthew 4:10, Luke 4:8 says "Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the Lord your God." Do you know what that means Brother Rajiv and Brother Mohammad? 

Nancy: (cringes) They're gun get one of them cheese grater fistdrops?

Reverend Cornelius Marsh: Correctomundo, Nancy! The Hellhounds are going to speed up the damnation process and just start your suffering here on the earthly plain if you don't mind. Then Armand Von Krauss with his sick perversions, and Frostbite with his...his...

Nancy: I don't think he's married to that girl he's been seein, Rev. 

Reverend Cornelius Marsh: With his fornication, will be next to answer for their disgusting sins. Your pennance? The SWAT World Tag Team Championships, and a sickening amount of blood, brothers. 

(The organ music plays as the camera pulls out from Nancy and Reverend Cornelius Marsh. The voice over begins)

This has been Comfort From The Storm with Reverend Cornelius Marsh. Coming up, America's Funniest Pastors with some rib tickling comedy that warms the soul

[SWAT Team]

]Jeremy Tucker: Up first we have the returning Hellhounds taking on the wrestling Khan brothers.

Andrew Fulton: We have a rich history in families that wrestle together. The Harts, the Von Erichs, the Armstrongs.... the Khans don't really ring off the tongue as well.

Jeremy Tucker: Rajiv and Mohammed are just looking for their big break. Give Rajiv some credit for recovering after his hair was set ablaze.

Frank Salazar: The following contest is scheduled for ONE fall and is a tag team match!! Introducing first, from Mumbai, India at 5'11" & weighing 219 lbs..... Rajiv Khan...... and his cousin Mohammed Khan..... The India Assassins!!!

<Nimbooda Nimbooda hits and Rajiv drives down to the ring in his taxi cab. Mohammad is in the passenger seat, they get out and stand on the roof and pose for the fans then run down the bonnet and sommersault over the ropes into the ring.>

Andrew Fulton: Where’s Sabu?

Jeremy Tucker : Following the burning incident he has been put on the bench.

Andrew Fulton: Rajiv Khan now has to register in the sex offender database for stuffing women in the trunk of his cab. He's ready to put that all behind him tonight.

Jeremy Tucker: He has not. I really want to see how these Hellhounds look on their return!

Frank Salazar: And their opponents..... from the Land of Filth and Honey... at a combined weight of 575 lbs..... Cerberus and Psycho..... the Hellhounds!!

<"I Put A Spell On You" by Marilyn Manson kicks in over the pa system. The Reverend Cornelius Marsh leads The Hellhounds down to the ring by chains attached to dog collars. The Hellhounds wear hockey masks, have dirty dreadlocks, and their clothes are blood stained from previous matches; tattered and torn.>

Andrew Fulton: Phew, I got nervous for a second there. I thought those big black dogs from The Omen were about to come out.

Jeremy Tucker: You've seen these two before, Andrew. One of the most decorated tag teams in the world.


Andrew Fulton: I only decorate on the holidays.

::dingding::

Jeremy Tucker: And there goes the bell. Cerberus starting against Mohammed. They lock up. Cerberus locks with his left and pulls something out of his pocket with his right hand.... it's a thermometer. And he begins bludgeoning Mohammed with the thermometer until blood is drawn!!!


Andrew Fulton: To be fair, he jabbed him a few more times after it was drawn as well.

Jeremy Tucker: I stand corrected. I just got word that this match will be no disqualification!!

<Mohammed drops to the mat and rolls to the outside. Cerberus follows him out, grabs him by the arm, and executes an irish whip.>


Andrew Fulton: I just got word that this match will be no count out as well! ::starts giving the cut throat sign to the ref who begins counting both wrestlers out::

Jeremy Tucker: Somebody in the back does not like the Khan brothers.

Andrew Fulton: Could it be the lawsuit that Rajiv filed for getting his hair set on fire??

Jeremy Tucker: Cornelius under the ring. What is he looking for? A fire extinguisher!! He hands it to Cerberus who sprays it all over Mohammed Khan's face!!

<Cerberus rolls Mohammed back into the ring and follows him in.>

Andrew Fulton: Cerberus with a cheese grater in his hand now. Must be getting ready to make a spread for guests later.

Jeremy Tucker: NOPE!!! No he's not!!! He just grated it all over Mohammed's forehead!!!

<Blood drips down Mohammed's face and Cerberus just stares at him. He lets Khan roll to his corner and tag Rajiv in. He throws the grater at Rajiv's face coming in then runs at him with a big boot.>

Andrew Fulton: Rajiv was in high hopes when I spoke to him earlier. He heard a rumor that Uber may soon have to offer basic healthcare for its employees which should skyrocket their prices. He says 2021 will be the year of the taxi.

Jeremy Tucker: Cerberus grabs Khan in a front headlock then inverts his body and locks him in a dragon sleeper!! Will he tap?? Will Mohammed Khan tap??

Andrew Fulton: That's Rajiv you racist.

Jeremy Tucker: Innocent mistake! Cerberus tags out to Psycho now who runs in and hits humongous clothesline!!

Andrew Fulton: That's a clothesline from hell!!

Jeremy Tucker: No, it's a clothesline from home for the Hellhounds!

Andrew Fulton: True.

<Psycho pulls a fork out of his pants and starts stabbing Rajiv Khan with it.>

Jeremy Tucker: It's like he is making a meal with his face.

Andrew Fulton: Rajiv would probably admit his face goes great with spicy curry.

<A member of the audience tosses a lamp that looks like the lamp from A Christmas Story to Cornelius and Marsh rolls it to Psycho who bashes Rajiv over the head with it. Rajiv falls flat on his back and Psycho goes to the top rope. He leaps off with a superfly headbutt.>

Jeremy Tucker: Devastating!! Rajiv rolls out of the ring to regroup.

Andrew Fulton: It amazes me that poor Rajiv Khan has to go to prison for locking people in the trunk of his cab yet these two get to roam free while committing what amounts to assault and battery.

Jeremy Tucker: Go make a citizens arrest then.

<Psycho tags Cerberus but they both stay in the match. Cerberus heads to where Rajiv is laying outside and lifts him in a fireman's carry. He walks him back into the ring on his shoulders.>

Andrew Fulton: We'd all like to do this to those overpriced cab drivers who claim they take credit cards, but drop the truth on you when the ride is over.

Jeremy Tucker: Psycho walks up to where Rajiv's head is and pulls him off dropping him in a brainbuster ddt!

Andrew Fulton: What's that Khan? The card swiper is suddenly not working??

Jeremy Tucker: Cerberus grabs Psycho now and piledrives him onto Rajiv Khan's forehead!!

Andrew Fulton: They get tired of beating up the opponents so they start in on each other.

<Mohammed has seen enough so he rushes back into the ring. Psycho picks up Cerberus and suplexes him in Mohammed's direction. Cerberus lands on him knocking him over.>

Jeremy Tucker: Innovative tag teaming. Using each other to hurt their opponents.

Andrew Fulton: These Hellhounds have really surprised me. Whenever I hear "wrestled in Japan" I immediately think undersized and doesn't understand match psychology. While I can't speak for the psychology of using cheese graters and forks I can certainly say these two are not undersized.

Jeremy Tucker: Psycho pulls a bit of barbed wire out of his pants and turns Mohammed over in a camel clutch!! Cerberus runs the ropes and lands a dropkick.

Andrew Fulton: What are these two wearing cargo pants?

<Cerberus rolls to the outside of the ring and brings in a garbage can. He plants it over the top of Mohammed's head as he stands him up.>

Jeremy Tucker: I think we all know what is coming next.

Andrew Fulton: Separating recyclables?

<Psycho hits a spinning kick to the trash can on top of Mohammed while Cerberus simultaneously hits a spinning kick to the back of the legs.

Jeremy Tucker: The Stillborn Cradle! The Stillborn Cradle! They hit the Stillborn Cradle!!

Andrew Fulton: I feel like this move would be offensive to women who have miscarriages.

<The Reverend Cornelius Marsh is celebrating on the outside.>

Jeremy Tucker: The cover!!!

1.........................................











2............................................













3...............................................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's it! It's all over!

<Cornelius Marsh rushes into the ring and raises both Hellhounds hands.>

Frank Salazar: Here are your winners..................... Psycho and Cerberus.................. THE HELLHOUNDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

<"I Put A Spell On You" kicks back in over the pa system and Cornelius puts the chains back on his team as they head to the back.>

Andrew Fulton: What a back and forth match!

Jeremy Tucker: Oh stop, I just hope the India Assassins are ok.

Andrew Fulton: I'm sure the cab company has backup drivers if they need to call out sick tomorrow.

Jeremy Tucker: But that is their livelihood, Andrew, their livelihood!

[Liz Idol]

The show cuts backstage where we see the cotton candy vender on break watching the match the Hellhounds just won on a small monitor. That's when newly signed SWAT Amazon, Liz Idol approaches him.


Liz Idol: Now that was one hell of a match... but the hellhounds seem so angry. Like perhaps some anger management will help them... does SWAT pay for that? Like therapy? Is it like a 3 months and then you get benefits?


Vendor: Excuse me, Ma'am. I need to get back to work.


Liz Idol: Ma'am? I am Liz Idol. Yes, I am older... but I still look pretty good. So good that SWAT hired me. Even got an invite to this show. How about that?


Vendor: Oh wow, I didn't know SWAT was putting in a Senior Citizens Division. Cool!


Liz Idol: Excuse me?


Vendor: Oh did you forget your hearing aid? (SHOUTING) SWATT PUTTING IN A OLD PEOPLE DIVISION IS COOL!!!


Liz Idol: Oh I heard you the first time, shit head.


Vendor: That's Mike. Mike Sheeted


Liz Idol: Wait, your real name is actually Shit-head?


Vendor: SHEET-ED! You really are missing your hearinf aid, aren't you?


Liz getting frustrated grabs the young man by the shirt and brings him right up to her face.


Liz Idol: Listen up twerp ... i am Liz Idol... i was once on the top of the world in this wrestling bizz. And as I return to the ring ... I refuse to take crap from a little dip shit like you. Same with the other SWAT Amazons. Including the so called hottest female star in XHF and SWAT, little Isabel Rios... i have my eyes on her and everyone around here... Understand, Mr... Shit head? Mike... Shit head...


Vendor: Fine lady, don't break your denchers throw a hissy fit. Now I have to go back to work, miss. The Sheeted's are known for being hard workers... so excuse me...


Liz Idol: Oh... okay. I'll take one medium... cotton candy?
And a coke...

Vendor: Whatever.. you know that isn't good for you at your age... i mean... 10 bucks

The vendor gives her a medium cotton candy as Liz pays him she begins eating it, slowly backing up still giving the vendor the stink eye.
 

[Dangerous Donna]

We see the office door of SWAT Commissioner Jannie Valentine. The door opens and new Amazon Dangerous Donna exits the room. She stops and straightens her dress, then scuffs off her knees and pulls out some lipstick and a hand mirror and redoes her lips. Glamorous Glenda approaches. Busted.

Glenda ; Hello there. Donna? Welcome to SWAT. I’m Glamorous Glenda.

Donna : (looking a little irritated at being busted and quickly putting the lippy and mirror back in her hand bag) Do you ‘always’ sneak up on people Glenda and watch out for who is coming out which door when?

Glenda ; Not always, only when I’m working.

Donna : Don’t give me no lip bitch. I’m not here to take attitude from the microphone stands.

Glenda ; What are you here for then?

Donna : To take over the Amazons and be the Champion of course.

Glenda ; No, I mean here. At the Commiss’ office.

Donna : Ohhh. Well, I had to introduce myself to him. You see, in this business, and the world, it pays to be on the right side of the ‘higher ups’.

Glenda ; (looking down at her knee’s.) What side was the right side in there?

Donna : (Donna ignores her and turns so her right side is facing the camera.) This is what they tell me is my ‘good side’, make sure these stooges with the cameras are made aware and only shoot me from this angle.

Glenda ; How did the meeting go?

Donna : Couldn’t have gone better. (Donna has a glint in her eye) Seems I made a real good impression on the boss man, and next show, my debut match, will be for the SWAT Amazons Championship. Against Nicole Anderson.

Glenda ; What? We have superstars here like Lucky Linda, Blaze Freya. The Hired Killers and Graysie Parker. How could you jump the line?

Donna : I have never waited in lines Glenda. That’s for them other also rans. Management here see’s the real star of the Amazons and just like at the clubs, the VIP treatment is right to the front hunny.

Glenda ; Wow. All I can say is, watch your back around here, them other girls won’t take kindly to being leap frogged.

Donna : They can take it up with management. Maybe once I defeat Anderson and win that Championship, they can state their cases for a shot at my belt.

With that Donna storms off brushing past Glenda in the process.

Glenda ; Wow. What a piece of work she ‘is’. Lets see if she can back it up in the ring.

[Oh-Oh]

Ambitious SWAT interviewer Katie Moss has caught wind of Dangerous Donna's proclamation of challenging for the Amazon's Championship on the next Battleground. These types of announcements aren't taken likely as they so seldom happen - especially to someone who is making their debut within the promotion. Perhaps it was her intuition, but Katie thought she ought to follow up and investigate this matter further.

We watch as Katie rounds the corner with vigor and stands right outside the office of the 'Commissioner' Jonnie Valentine.

*KNOCK KNOCK*

The door swings open, and we see Katie's reaction is that of confusion.

[Oxford Osland.]

When our hero realizes it's Katie on the other end of the door, he can help but feel it necessary to turn on the charm.

Osland: "Hello there, Katie. What can I do for you this fine evening?"

Katie's face shrivels into a snarl. Osland's body language appears to be welcoming her into Valentine's office and she can't figure out what's going on.

Moss: "Where is Jonnie Valentine?"

Osland: "Beats me, I've been waiting for that schmuck for over an hour here myself."

The wheels are starting to turn. Moss decides to take a step forward and peaks her head into the office to make sure that Osland doesn't have Valentine tied up somewhere. Once she realizes that Osland is telling the truth, she can't help but wonder what he's been up to.

Moss: "You've been in here for over an hour?"

Osland: "Yeah, I came here to tell Jonnie boy that if Eddie D doesn't keep my name out of his mouth, then I'm going to put him in his place and ruin any future plans he or the rest of this company might have as it pertains to Mr. Royal Rumble Winner. You see Kelly..."

Moss: "Katie."

Osland: "Right. Katie, I'm not cut from the same cloth as the rest of these weak minded peasants who call SWAT their home. I'm the type of guy who walks up to the biggest dog in the yard and goes for the jugular. So if Big Ed is looking for a dance partner - I'd be happy to tango, salsa and tap dance all over his face inside of the ring."

We're awaiting the punch line, but it never comes. Osland seems willing to back up his claims inside of the ring with the most dangerous man in SWAT.

Moss: "That's all well and good, but did you happen to see a gorgeous brunette over here within the past twenty minutes?"

[Blinks.]

Osland: "Why do you ask?"

Moss: "Word has been circulating around the SWAT locker room that Dangerous Donna was granted an Amazon's championship match on the next Battleground by the commissioner."

Osland attempts to play coy, but now wonders just how much Ms. Moss might actually know about what went down twenty minutes ago in Jonnie Valentine's office.

Osland: "Donna...ooo... Donna... Definitely Dangerous."

Osland's words begin to fade, as we can see him reminiscing. It's almost as if our hero has levitated off the ground, because he's high on life."

Moss: "Was Dangerous Donna here?"

Osland: "Listen Katie, a gentleman doesn't kiss and tell. But I'll tell you this..."

Osland leans in.

Osland: "The most beautiful woman I ever laid eyes on was in here with me and she kept calling me "The Commissioner"...."Who was I to correct her? She kept trying to persuade me into giving her what she wanted..."

Katie is both disgusted and intrigued.

Osland: "Who am I to disappoint anyone? In fact, I ought to go ahead and thank my boy Keith for sending me one of his best groupies for a surprise role-play session."

Osland laughs to himself.

Osland: "My guy Keith sure knows how to make the new guy in the group feel welcomed. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go ahead and thank my man in person."

Before Katie can explain what has really happened here, Osland brushes past her with some extra pep in his step. Katie is holding the mic, absolutely dumbfounded.

Osland: "Oh and if you run into Eddie - tell him he's a weenie for me, OK?"

Katie still can't find the words. What's a woman to do? Does she tell? Does she burst Donna's bubble? Is she now in some way attracted to Oxford Osland? I mean, she could do worse? Before she lets herself go down that path, she forces herself to snap out of it and picks up her cell phone and dials it.

Moss: "Can someone locate Jonnie Valentine for me?"

[Cut.]

[frostbite]

Back in the locker room..

Grungy, old locker room where the white colored paint is peeling off the wall as this building is probably around when the war of 1812 was being fought okay it might not be the old but you get the picture. Looking down at the green colored floor tile is peeled back and we have already discuss the smell of the locker room it smells as if someone as left a 100 year sick inside one of these lockers because has such a four odor. The green bench in front of the lockers you do not want to sit down on because if you do you might catch a splinter in your butt. However there is something that seems out of place in this old locker room. Right at the end of the lockers we see from what we can tell is a brown leather lazy boy chair. How would that get in here? It has a cup holder on the right hand side. The chair is rocking back forth as if someone is sitting in it. Our cameras zoom in, but all we are seeing at this time is Frostbite cellphone and the pic of the SWAT World title on it. Must admit the phone looks quite relaxed if there is such a thing.

We hear a loud creak coming from the distance as a shadow is walking toward the chair as our cameras zoom up we see someone in black boots and black and blue tights. Whoever this is takes a seat right next to the cellphone as the hand reaches out to place a water bottle right in the cup holder. As our camera continue to zoom upward we see this person is wearing a red and black KGB tee shirt. Our cameras catch the short blonde hair as it appears to have some bounce to it, we see that it is Frostbite.

Frostbite.. I got you a bottle of water love. Do not want to dehydrate while watching me destroy Tong later on. Must always think about my lady.

He leans in as if he is listening to the phone talking to him.

Frostbite.. Love, I am sorry about these crappy accommodations. Look Johnnie and myself I would not say are on the best of terms. I am sure he is still sore about me turning on team SWAT. So me walking into his office and asking him so, might not be my best decision. But you are right, you certainly deserve way better than this. Maybe when Armand finally takes power things will be better.

Frostbite picks up the cellphone as he is cuddling it like a little kid would hold there teddy bear.

Frostbite.. At least I hope you like the Lazy boy chair that I got for you. It is simply amazing how fast Amazon Prime can deliver stuff to you. But I am so sorry about this but once we are together I promise you my love you can have anything you want and I mean anything.

Frostbite unscrew the cap to the water bottle as he tries to give it to his phone.

Frostbite.. What is wrong love? You should take something.

Frostbite leans into the phone as if it is once again saying something to him.

Frostbite.. Why are you so upset my love? You know I do not like it when you are upset. I am sorry for such bad accomdations. I promise to make things better once we are finally together.

Frostbite blows a kiss to his phone. He once again leans into the phone to listen to it has to say.

Frostbite.. Why are you upset as to what Tong had to say? Has he upset you that bad. Trust me honey, I will deal with him later on.

He puts the phone right next to him.

Frostbite.. Tong, you made my lady upset that means you pissed me off and that is not good for you. Tong, you say that I have lost my mind? You should be able to understand this? You were once in love and I am sure you still are? You are a married man and you would do anything in the world for your lady right? What is so wrong with being in love then? We are in love, I get that she is in the hands of another man, but how much longer can you keep true love apart. Why can't you just be happy for your former KGB brother?. Instead maybe you are jealous of what we have. It is that unspoken bond that we have. It is a journey that we are partaking in. Love goes through some many obstacles until it finally comes together and when it does it is a beautiful thing.

He picks up the phone as he us hugging it.

Frostbite.. You tell me that you are planning to use me as such a stepping stone to get you are your brother another chance at becoming the World tag team Champions Tong we truly both know that is not going to happen. Tong the way I see it is that we are all pieces of this chess board that we call the SWAT locker room. Tong you are that chess piece and I am the King. However you are in the way of me getting to see my queen. Your tag team title goal is wonderful thing to have something for you to hold onto. But you stand in my way of getting my love in my arms. You see Tong, I never thought I would find true love every again. When my Rebecca passed away a few years ago, I never thought I would find love again until she enter my life and Tong trust me when I say I will do anything to get hold her.

Frostbite leans over as if he is listening to the phone talk to him once again.

Frostbite.. Love, I told you I will handle Tong. And I know the perfect way to get the message across. We discuss it earlier and I think it is a great idea. I will tell him what we have played.

He looks back into the camera with an intense look in his blue eyes.

Frostbite.. Tong it appears my message on the last show when I put El Combatiente through a flaming table was not to convince management how serious I am for us to be together So I need to send another message and make it loud and clear. So Tong, I am a compassionate man, and since we were at one point in time KGB brothers.

He looks back at the phone as if it saying something to him.

Frostbite.. I am getting to it dear.

He kisses the phone.

Frostbite.. Tong, my love is not an understanding woman. But I am trying to be the understanding one in this relationship. My love wants me to set on fire but I told her that I would make a plea to you beforehand. You see I am going to give you an option.

A.. Either I set you on fire.

B.. Your brother gets set on fire.

C.. Your lovely wife will get it.

So Tong the chose us up to you. You told me that you do not care about fire, Trust me, I do not I have been set on fire twice in my career, so rather become fond of it. So Tong the ball is in your court. I will burn this company to the ground until we are together. If that means burning well the locker room to do so until she is mine then so be it. This all can avoided all the management as to do is allow us to be together, but it appears that is asking for too much. So shortly Tong your family and your own fate rest in your hands.

Frostbite looks at his phone and then back into the camera.

Frostbite.. I wait for answer.

He gets up with his phone as he walks away with the chair rocking as the scene fades out.

[SWAT Team]

Evil green mist bellows out of the ring entrance as a woman screams and Psychotic Goth laughing maniacally as "Welcome To Your Death" by Annihilator plays and Vampira leads Psychotic Goth to ringside in chains while holding Psychotic Goth's homemade weapon. He ignores the ringsiders and stops at the ring for Vampira to unlock the chains and Psychotic Goth rubs his wrists hard as he climbs the ringsteps and enters the ring and stands in his corner. He slowly takes off his trenchcoat and jewelry before he lowers his head and raises his arms before throwing his head back revealing his pale handsome gothlike looks looking and snarling like a demonic maniac crazed and intimidating as he is given his homemade weapon and he caresses it before placing it in his corner for Vampira to hold until it's time for Psychotic Goth to use it.

Frank Salazar : Introducing now, hailing from The Depths of Hell. Coming in at 6’5 and 235 pounds ....accompanied by Vampira .....The King of Goths .... PSYCHOTIC GOTH!!!

[The lights dim out as the soft opening notes of "Lights" pulses through the arena speakers. Spotlights ranging from green to gold and back again trace around crowd.]



## I had a way then

Losing it all on my own

I had a heart then

But the queen has been overthrown ##



[Devon bursts onto the stage as a pair of lights fixate on him. Slowly lowering the hood of his jacket he grins wide and drops to a knee. Dragging his hand across the floor of the stage, he lightly taps it twice with his fist before popping back up and beginning his trek towards the ring.]



## And I'm not sleeping now

The dark is too hard to beat

And I'm not keeping up

The strength I need to push me

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone ##



Frank Salazar : Introducing his opponent, hailing from Chicago, Illinois. Standing six feet, three inches tall and weighing in at two hundred and sixteen pounds. DEVON... D'ANNNNDDDRRREEEE!!"



[The crowd rise to a modsest reaction as Devon changes from a walk to a quick sprint to the ring. With a short, quick leap he slides under the bottom rope, literally rolling to a stop in the center of the ring, again perched down a knee. ]



## You shine them when I'm alone

And so I tell myself that I'll be strong

And dreaming when they're gone

'Cause they're calling, calling, calling me home

Calling, calling, calling home

You show the lights that stop me turn to stone

You shine them when I'm alone ##



[He makes the same gesture in the ring as he did on the stage before song fades and the lights rise. As that happens, Devon walks over to the far corner and sits on the bottom turnbuckle, waiting.]

Jeremy Tucker : Welcome back folks, coming up now we have newcomer Devon D’Andre facing of with SWAT Stalwart Psychotic Goth!

Andrew Fulton : Man o Man. Welcome to SWAT kid.

Jeremy Tucker : He is no kid. He is a seasoned veteran, having just found his way here to the big time.

Andrew Fulton : Big time?

Jeremy Tucker : Yeah. I’m confident to call us that.

Crowd : Goth is gonna Kill you.

Crowd : Goth is gonna Kill you.

Crowd : Goth is gonna Kill you.

Crowd : Goth is gonna Kill you.

Andrew Fulton : The Memphis fans not giving our newcomer much of a chance here Jerry.

Jeremy Tucker : It’s no insult to him, its just, he is in there with …. GOTH!

[Referee Art Vandelay calls for the bell and both men hook up and Goth with a body slam.]

Andrew Fulton : Big slam by the Psychotic One, and with Authority.

Jeremy Tucker : Devon right back up and fireman’s carry into a neck breaker. What a combo.

Andrew Fulton : Nice comeback by D’Andre. He then stalks Goth and as Goth gets back up BIG SPINEBUSTER!

Jeremy Tucker : Wowee. Devon is stepping UP! Goth gets back to his feet and roars in an ancient dialect and then grabs Devon and unleashes with a barrage of lefts and rights. Devon fires back and the pair trade blows, Goth now grabs Devon and plants him with a lightning belly to belly suplex.

Andrew Fulton : Goth with the speed advantage, and Devon is shaking it off and trying to get back to his feet.

Jeremy Tucker : Russian legsweep by Goth into a floating pin, Vandelay with the count.

One …………..

Two …………….

Kick out by D’Andre.

Andrew Fulton : Goth going for the leg of Devon but he bounces up and nails a Step Up Enziguri!

Jeremy Tucker : What a move and the Memphis fans applaud.

Andrew Fulton : They thought they were coming to see a massacre but instead we are witnessing the debut of someone special here tonight!

Jeremy Tucker : Goth with a side headlock take down. Devon rolls out of it and delivers a crunching release German Suplex. The fans are on their feet!

Andrew Fulton Goth rolls out of the ring and Vampira gives him some words of encouragement. Telling him he is the NOW leader of the locker room and to step up and show it.


Jeremy Tucker : Goth rolls back into the ring and Devon charges him and Goth flips him over with a HUGE powerslam!

Andrew Fulton : Goth Roars in an ancient dialect again, grabs Devon and whips him into the ropes and then delivers a tilt a whirl back breaker.

Jeremy Tucker : Cover by Goth ………..

One ………………..

Two ………..

Thr … D’Andre kicks out.

Andrew Fulton : Devon grabs Goth and plants him with a Northern lights suplex.

Jeremy Tucker : Devon wont stop. He keeps coming back.

Andrew Fulton : GOTH wont stop! He will NEVER STOP!

Jeremy Tucker : The pair now trading blows, Devon with a Rydeen Bomb! Wow!

Andrew Fulton : Goth back up and delivers a Black Death-Psychotic Goth snake eyes opponent before he executes an enziguri to back of opponents head

Jeremy Tucker : Devon back up and Running Bicycle Knee Strike!

Andrew Fulton : These two trading huge blows back and forth, each one taking everything from the other.

Jeremy Tucker : D’Andre hooks the arms of Goth, DOUBLE UNDERHOOK BACKBREAKER, and Goth is clutching at his back in pain.

[The crowd all turn to the runway as we see World Heavyweight Champion Rally Jackson coming down to the ringside.]

Andrew Fulton : Look at this, our Champ is in the house. What’s he doing here for this contest?

Jeremy Tucker : The man loves to rib and bully the locker room, we saw him on the pop up not impressed with the mention of Goth being the NEW locker room leader.

Andrew Fulton : YOU said that Jerry. He was not impressed with YOU!

Jeremy Tucker : He needs to step back, the whole fed is over his antics, we have lost El Combatiente AND Radu as a consequence of them. Goth now with a powerbomb! Both men are completely spent here.

Andrew Fulton : D’Andre fights back and delivers a brain buster. These two are out on their feet going move for move and neither will stop.

Jeremy Tucker : What a debut by D’Andre. Win or lose he can hold his head high tonight.

[Rally moves over to Vampira and pulls out a wad of cash and starts counting it out to her, motioning to follow him to the back. Telling her, come on, He is the Champ.]

Andrew Fulton : When you think you have seen it all. I’d go with him Jerry, that’s A LOT of money. If I were ‘her’ I mean.

Jeremy Tucker : This is too much. Vampira rears back and swings at Rally

Andrew Fulton : Rally catches her arm and tells her he likes the freaks, and he likes it rough. So do I.

Jeremy Tucker : Goth snaps, he has seen too much and he roars in an ancient dialect and goes for the outside, but D’Andre catches him and drills him with a Falcon Arrow.

Andrew Fulton : Devon seizing the moment, Fisherman's Sitout Driver!!!!

Jeremy Tucker : "Pure Gold II"!! Cover by Devon …….

One ……………………

Two …………………………

Three!!!!!!!

Andrew Fulton : He got him! I don’t believe it! What a debut!

Jeremy Tucker : Huge victory to Devon D’Andre here tonight. Referee Art Vandelay raises his arm in victory and Rally starts dragging Vampira up the ramp way. This is not what SWAT is about!

Andrew Fulton : Rally goes by his own drum, he see’s what he want’s and he takes it.

Jeremy Tucker : Vamira is struggling, Devon is posing on the turnbuckle, and Goth is seeing what is going on, he snaps to his feet roaring once again in an ancient dialect and charges up the rampway and starts laying onto Rally with a bevy of huge rights and lefts.

Andrew Fulton : Goth has lost it Jerry!

Jeremy Tucker : Goth grabs Rally and Gorilla presses all 300 plus pounds of him over head and drops him neck first onto the steel security railing. He is insane!

Andrew Fulton : Tell us what we don’t know Jerry.

Jeremy Tucker : Goth grabs the steel safety security guard, raises it over his head and hurls it down onto Rally Jackson, then security and road agents swarm them and separate Goth from him. Goth just took it to the World Champ after a gruelling battle with Devon D’Andre.

Andrew Fulton : Great win to Devon, what a debut! But Goth just took the World Champ to the woodshed! Will he be able to defend his title against Lucky Linda later tonight?

Jeremy Tucker : We will see soon enough. We will be right back SWAT Fans.
[/a]

[Deleted]

Just like that, SWAT cameras are rolling backstage at Battleground as we transition from the roar of the crowd and electricity of the arena to a backdrop. Black is splashed with a Valentine’s Day motif, with pink and red hearts surrounding the word ’Battleground’ creating a visual irony that some marketer likely thought themselves quite clever for having come up with it.

Warren W. Webber is stood alone, the red of his sport coat popping against the black pants and matching button-down, a pink tie providing a second splash of colour. ”Warren. W. Webber backstage and right now we have a treat for all the SWAT fans, prior to his title defense later tonight…welcome my guest at this time, Pequeño Dinosaurio.” Doing his best to roll the ’o’ on Dinosaurio, Webber had been going above and beyond of late in an attempt to get noticed in his own right.

Stepping into the frame, Dinosaurio has the SWAT Television Championship draped over his shoulder, likely because he lacks the girth to wear it around his waist, a fact not lost on the long time SWAT backstage personality. ” Pequeño Dinosaurio, you head into tonight and your first title defence after two spectacular performances that saw you come up short in battle royal and royal rumble scenarios. People are starting to call you an underdog champion, so I have to ask; how are things going to be different later tonight when you face HNDRXX?”

The pause before Pequeno Dinosaurio speaks, allows time. Precious time he takes to choose the type of champion, and to a degree the type of man, he would be. ”Deandre Simms, the man they call ’HNDRXX’. People before me made this championship about saying they were better than the competition. I’m not going to do that tonight.” Humility was a rare quality within a business where one was paid more to boast, but it seemed the little dinosaur was on a different path. Sighing, honestly would be his path. ”The truth is, we’re not so different. You, and I. We’re both smaller wrestlers. We’ve both had to work harder than others to get where we are. We’re even both newer to SWAT. This match will be about who wants it more HNDRXX, not who can spin a few lines about how hard people like us have to work just to get here. No, true desire, true passion for one’s craft…that only comes out when it’s truly ’go time’. That’s how I plan to be different Warren. By bringing honour back into wrestling. May the best man win.”

Storming off camera to prepare for the match, the masked rookie meant no disrespect but nonetheless left Warren with no choice but to wrap up what had become an extremely brief interview. ”Well, there you have it folks! An intense Television Champion saying he will bring honour back into wrestling. We’ll see exactly what type of Champion Pequeno Dinosaurio is later tonight as Battleground: New Horizons continues!”

To be continued…

[Deleted]

Shaking his head as he walked away, although Warren hadn’t meant anything by it, he’d struck a nerve nevertheless.

”Dios mio…” If he had other words, he couldn’t find them. Before him lay the most beautiful women he’d ever seen. Her hair was darkened and curled but left loose to hang framing her face. It caused a feature often lost to men who ogled her to pop; her emerald eyes.

Green like a viper, they were sharpened by countless years having to watch her back. Even the wife of someone like Armand Von Krauss was not immune to retaliation. In fact, they had wronged so many people, it was expected. They were the eyes of a predator. And he, was a mouse.

Sprawled across a production crate, she was draped in gold, the gown commanding one to stare. The flowing fabric tastefully covered her midriff and little else. “Hello again dahling…” Turning onto her stomach, she arched her back as she faced him showing off her ‘assets’ as she finished. ”…we simply must stop running into one another like this. What will people say?”

”They would say an honourable man left. I should be going…” Staring into her eyes, it took all his willpower to keep his gaze to hers, there was none left to walk away.

She scoffed, playing with her lip; ”Honour? Dahling please…no need to hang upon chivalry for me. Especially when SWAT couldn’t even spell your name right. No no dahling, you need the other quality you mentioned, desire.” Leaning in, she was close enough that he could smell her, imagine the touch of her skin, the warmth of her embrace. ”Yes, desire, now that is a quality worth pursuing my young friend, but if you’re so obsessed with honour then at least tell the truth. This ’Hendricks’ regardless of how he stylizes it to look tough…simply isn’t in your league dahling. You? You were bred for this. You will run circles around him yes? Yes, you’ll conquer him, with plenty of energy left for…celebration.” She was practically purring at him now as she left her innuendo to hang upon the air like the sweet aroma of her perfume.

Moving slowly, she kisses him on the he cheek leaving a small impression of her lips upon his mask, he could feel her heat through the material; ”For luck.” She whispered.

He had known there would be temptation throughout his career, but he had no idea it would take the form of an angel. His shoulders relaxed but words wouldn’t come as he stared into her eyes no longer remembering the little matter of her husband.

”I, umm, I’ve really…” Any additional stammering was interrupted by ’Blitzkrieg Bop’ by The Ramones signalling a long awaited phone call from his friend, El oso de la mala influencia. ”…got to take this. Sorry, business.”

Snapped from her spell, he answers as he walks away; ”Good evening my friend, you’re never going to believe what happened to me today.”

The end

[edwarddubin0604]

(Warren W. Webber is walking down a corridor as a raging Psychotic Goth collides with him as Vampira tries to calm him down after what happened earlier. He continues to bellow and scream with rage and savagery calling out Rally "Golden God" Jackson's name.)

Vampira: "Calm down it's just Warren W. Webber."fat

Psychotic Goth: "WHERE ISTHAT PIECE OF SHIT! WHERE IS RALLY! WHERE IS HE!"

Warren W. Webber: "He's still in the medical area after what you did to him."

Psychotic Goth: "He better be there because I'm not even finished with that walking piece of trash! He's a dead man as far as I'm concerned!"

(He roars in a native American dialect.)

Warren W. Webber: "He's still in the medical area last I checked. He's vowing to take your freaky wife away."

(Vampira tries to restrain Psychotic Goth who roars demonically and the lookon his face frieghtens Warren W. Webber.)

Vampira: "I think you better leave while you still have your health."

Psychotic Goth: "DID YOU CALLMY WIFE A FREAK! YOU BETTER HAVE EYES IN THE BACK OF YOUR HEAD OR YOU"LL BE JOINING RALLY! NOBODY IS SAFE FROM MY WRATH! NOBODY! DEVON 'ANDRE AND I HAD A GREAT MATCH GOING AND RALLY RUINED IT! YOU HAD A CHANCE TO PROVE YOU'RE A LEADER AND YOU THREW IT AWAY BY ACTING LIKE A PIECE OF SHIT! NOBODY WANTS TO COMPLAIN BECAUSE YOUR PAL JONNIE VALENTINE IS THE COMMISSIONER! WELL BITCH I'M THE REALLOCKER ROOM LEADER AND YOU CAN'T DO A FUCKING THING ABOUT IT!AND IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEM WITH IT! 'THE KING OF THE GOTHS' WILL BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO PUT YOU IN YOUR PLACE! IF YOU THOUGHT YOU WERE BEING FUNNY! YOU MESSED WITH THE WRONG WRESTLER AND I SHALL KILL YOU AND NOVODY SHALL GIVE YOU ANY SYMPATHY! MARKMY WORDS I SHALL BEAT YOU DOWN UNTIL YOU ARE CRYING FOR MERCY AND YOU SHALL BE BOWING DOWN TOME! IF YOU DON"T GIVE HIM THE MESSAGE! I SHALL DELIVER IT PERSONALLY AND NOBODY SHALL STOPME!"

Vampira: "I think you should go before my husband really takes it out on you."

(Warren W. Webber leaves quickly as Psychotic Goth still roars in a Native American accent as the scene slowly fades to black.)

[Justin]

“Come on, Graysie!”

Eric Dane pounds on the door to the Iron Butterfly’s dressing room. It would be his dressing room too, as her manager, had she not specifically requested a gender restricted space for tonight’s show in Memphis.

“Fuckin’ Christ, kid, can we not do this right now?”

It’s been over a week since The Only Star has last spoken to his charge. She’s not had a single thing to say to him since their last argument after her first round loss in the No Man’s Land tournament and things weren’t looking any better for tonight. Dane, not yet dressed to wrestle in the semi-main event where he and Graysie were set to team with Eddie D against the ReVenants and Blaze Freya, has a look of pure exhaustion painted over his face. Perhaps the weeks of back and forth travel across the world to appear for both SWAT and NPW combined with the stress of Graysie undermining him at every turn is starting to catch up with The Only Star. Or, maybe he’s actually genuinely distressed by some of his own actions for once and grasping at straws for a way to make things right.

Time will tell.

“Kid, come on, you got me hangin’ like a limp dick out here! If nothing else we gotta talk business! There’s shit going down all around us out here tonight and you’re ignoring me isn’t helping anybody do anyth-”

The door swings inward.

Standing in front of Dane, hair tightly braided and completely dressed to work from her black and gold singlet down to wrist tape, knee pads, and black boots, is the Suplex Siren herself. The look on her face screams that she is neither amused nor in the mood for discussion.

“Excuse me, Mr. Kross Global Bandit, are you back in the business of helping me?” Graysie is livid. “Maybe you can teach me some more about the hundreds of people that you’ve stepped on in this business who’ve got a nasty enough grudge against you that they don’t mind coming after me! Or maybe you wanna tell me more about how you’ll help out anybody with a line of credit you can ruin or a case full of cash you can blow on God knows what?!”

“Listen,” he starts. “Can I just come in? No matter what you think of me I am still your manager.”

Graysie rolls her eyes. “Yeah, I’m sure that’s iron-clad, too, right?”

“Well…” Eric trails off. “I mean… it’d be silly for it not to be.”

She shakes her head.

“I can’t with you. I really can’t.”

She relents, though, letting Eric into her space. He shuts the door behind him and the two of them settle into the only two chairs in the room, both of the steel folding sort. A card table sits between them with a bottle of water sitting on top unopened.

“Alright then,” she says. “You wanna talk? Talk.”

Eric sighs, stalling for time.

“Listen. Kid-”

“Enough with the kid crap, Eric. Say what you’ve got to say.”

He straightens up, sucks at his teeth and makes a face.”

“Things are getting serious in SWAT. Fast. I need to know that you’re on the level-”

Graysie interrupts him with an outburst of laughter.

“You are questioning me about being on the level? Are you high?”

A moment passes.

“Okay,” Eric finally responds. “I deserve that. But we’re not gonna get anywhere if you keep bustin’ my balls about every little thing. You know who I am, always have, a certain amount of awareness is a requirement for this job, kid, so you either need to figure it the fuck out or let it the fuck go.”

Graysie snarls. “Fine.”

“Amazons,” Eric starts. “The division is filling up. New girls are coming in and people are claiming title shots for blowjobs-”

“Excuse me? You want to run that one by me again?”

“I absolutely do not,” Eric says. “But it’s a thing. Your boyfriend Donnie Osmond is involved. I don’t know the details because I came straight from meeting Armand to you, but it’s this week’s water cooler talk for sure.”

The young grappless raises an eyebrow.

“Two things.” The mention of Oxford Osland has got Graysie steamed up once again. “First of all, the next time I see that slimeball I’m personally going to break his arms off and stick ‘em where the sun doesn’t shine!”

“Fair. And?”

“And you know how I feel about being forced into a division.”

The Only Star rolls his eyes. “We’ve talked about this.”

“Yeah,” she quips. “And my mind hasn’t changed.”

“You’re gonna have to take that up with management.”

Another chuckle from Graysie breaks the tension.

“You mean your new friend Armand? Or do you mean your old friend Paul? How’s ol’ Paul doing, anyway? How’s he feel about your newfound allegiance to the KGB?”

Graysie smiles sarcastically. Eric is not impressed.

“Can we not?”

“You’re the one that wanted to talk. So anyway, isn’t taking things up with management sort of your job, being my manager and all? I just figure since they’re your pals you can get some favors, am I right? Like a big briefcase full of cash or some consideration for your plucky young client who’s looking to be a little bit more than the bathroom break before the important matches!”

“Have you not been paying attention?” Eric questions rhetorically. “The Women’s Revolution has changed the way the business works!”

Graysie rolls her eyes.

“The Women’s Revolution is bullshit.”

It’s Eric’s turn to roll eyes.

“That must be why Linda LaFey is wrestling Rally for the title in the Main Event?”

“That’s just my point! Linda wrestles men! Freya wrestles men! Why am I stuck in a division? Why can’t I just be a wrestler instead of a woman wrestler?”

The Only Star considers this.

“Let me ask you, what exactly have you accomplished since coming to SWAT? I mean, really, what puts you in any conversation for any title? Women’s, Men’s, Tag Team, anything?”

“I beat Blaze, she’s a former Amazon’s Champion.”

“Okay. Who else? And if you say Rayven Ryder I promise I’ll slap the intergender shit right out of you,” Eric says matter-of-factly.

“...”

“What’s that?” Eric asks.

“Nothing.” She mumbles the answer. “But-”

“But nothing,” Eric says. “Go win some matches. ANY MATCHES! And I will personally see to it that you be considered for every title that SWAT promotes from the Amazon’s to the TV Title to the fuckin’ World Title! You gotta give me something to negotiate with first before I can go swinging around any kind of weight to get you special favors, capiche?”

Her face softens a bit, the water at the corners of her eyes says that she hadn’t thought of it like that before. Graysie, equally as bullheaded as her manager, mentally kicks herself for putting the cart before the horse again. Within a split second she sucks it up, dries her eyes, and moves on. She’s a tough one, that Graysie Parker.

“Alright. Fine. Win matches. What else?”

Eric takes a deep breath.

“Speaking of that briefcase, and this KGB thing…”

Eric trails off again as Graysie’s eyes narrow. He reaches into his breast pocket for a stuffed envelope and drops it on the table between them.

“And this is?”

“Compensation.”

Graysie cocks her entire head.

“For what, exactly?”

“For No Man’s Land. My attention was on the Rumble, and the money was the payoff. You paid for that with sweat and blood and all you got for your troubles was dragged into my shit. You deserve something and this is the best I can come up with.”

Eric pleads with his eyes, face, and entire demeanor. He knows it’s a thin line for Graysie between good and evil, and he knew going in that this would be a gamble.

She stares at him for a moment, then glances at the envelope, then back.

The silence sits awkwardly between them.

Finally, Graysie answers.

“Keep it,” she says. “That’s your blood money, I don’t want any part of it.”

“But-”

Graysie raises a hand.

“Let me stop you right there. I’m not going to be coerced. I’m not every other feeble-minded hunk of flesh that you’ve got sway over. I won’t be led around by the nose and happy to be there by the side of the big, bad, Only Star. You’ve already got Scott Steel for that. If you want to keep me around and on the level then you’d better start acting like a human fucking being around me. Maybe I still have a lot to learn from you, like how not to let money and power cloud my judgement, but maybe you’ve got a few things to learn too, mmkay?”

Impressed by her moxy, Dane concedes. “Fair enough.” He also takes back the envelope from the card table and secures it back inside of his pocket. “So we’re good then?”

Graysie nods.

“For tonight.”

“Just tonight?”

“Now that’ll be up to you, won’t it?”

Eric nods.

“Alright then.” He takes out his phone and speed-dials someone. “We’ve got work to do, then.”

Graysie sneers at the phone. “And that thing?”

“Business,” he answers.

A second passes. Someone picks up on the other side of the line.

“Armand. Yeah. Everything is a go. We’re on.”

Graysie stands and goes back to her warmup routine as The Only Star does what he does, wheeling and dealing their way through the night’s game plan and method of operation. How this all turns out is anybody’s guess at this point, but at least things seem to be on the up and up.

[SWAT Team]

Jeremy Tucker: Anddddd we're back! The next match on the docket? RDS "The 21st Century Man" vs. "The Legend" Rayzor! This match is a result of their tag-team imploding, Fulton.

Andrew Fulton: Jerry, RDS has no chance in hell. He's going to become The Man with No Face when Rayzor big boots it off.

The arena goes dark as an orange strobe light plays along to the beginning of "Bullets with Butterfly Wings" by The Smashing Pumpkins. Rayzor walks out and stands center stage, looking around slowly with a smug look on his face as he raises his right arm in the air and pauses to breathe it all in.

Frank Salazar: The following match is scheduled for one fall with a thirty minute time limit, introducing first, from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada... Standing in at 6'10" and weighing 328 pounds... "THE LEGEND" RAYYYYYZORRRRRRR!!

He then begins his slow walk to the ring. He gets ringside and walks around the entire ring and ignores the fans at ringside. When Rayzor gets to the steps, he puts one leg up and brushes his hair back before he makes it up to the apron and then steps over the ropes. In the ring he stands in the center and then raises both hands as fireworks come out of the back two ring post. Rayzor then makes his way over to the corner, rests both arms on the top rope and awaits the start of the match and his opponent.

Jeremy Tucker: Rayzor seems less than concerned about RDS.

Andrew Fulton: Why should he be? He's a giant! He's a legend! Rayzor carried their tag-team completely.

The opening tones and seaside sounds of “Bastard” by Devin Townsend start to play and the ominous guitar lead starts to build up the song, echoing throughout the arena.

The main riff starts and RDS emerges from behind the curtain and starts making his way to the ring, slowly while focusing his cold blue eyes on the ring. He has the “Big Gold” World Heavyweight Championship around his waist as he marches down the ramp to ringside.

Frank Salazar: And his opponent, making his way to the ring, from 2020... The 21st Century Man, standing in at 5'11" and weighing 210 pounds... R-D-S!!

He stops at the bottom of the ramp, and stares slowly side to side before walking towards the steel steps to enter the ring.

RDS climbs the steps with a slow, focused purpose, largely ignoring the crowd and again with his eyes entirely on the ring. He steps through the ropes and walks over to the referee while taking off his championship belt, handing it to the referee before turning to face the hard camera and raising both hands in a victory pose as four fireworks shoot from the turnbuckles and the music fades out.

Jeremy Tucker: These two were both in UCW at one time. Each is a decorated champion from the promotion. When they arrived in SWAT they made a go of it as a tag-team.

Andrew Fulton: And look at how that relationship went! Up in flames!

Jeremy Tucker: Official Phil Weston has checked each competitor over for foreign objects, he signals to the timekeeper and the bell is rung! This contest is underway!

Andrew Fulton: Well, where's the effing action, Jerry? Rayzor isn't doing a thing!

Jeremy Tucker: Back still to RDS, The Legend is outright ignoring him!

Andrew Fulton: Shouting abuse at his former tag-team partner, RDS approaches Rayzor and shoves him from behind. I don't think The 21st Century Man has forgotten about the attack he suffered at New Years Nightmare.

Jeremy Tucker: Team Fairtex were the winners at that event, who will come out on top in this match, Fulton? At No Man's Land, RDS and Rayzor tried to tear each other apart with Rayzor ultimately eliminating RDS from the Royal Rumble.

Andrew Fulton: My money's on Rayzor! A meat mountain that size you can't topple, Jerry.

Jeremy Tucker: Rayzor hasn't budged an inch, he refuses to look at or acknowledge the presence of RDS!

Andrew Fulton: RDS is retreating, going into the opposite corner. A running start... He drives his forearm into the back of Rayzor! Unsurprisingly, it seems to have little effect!

Jeremy Tucker: Not giving up, RDS2020 heads to the other corner again and runs out... Running forearm to the back once more!

Andrew Fulton: What does he think he's doing? That won't hurt the big man!

Jeremy Tucker: He needs to wear him down. A huge tree takes many whacks to fell.

Andrew Fulton: Don't lecture me about lumberjacking, Jerry.

Jeremy Tucker: Third time's a charm it seems, RDS charges at Rayzor and leaps into the air, latching onto The Legend! Does he? He does! Instead of the same offense, he's switched it up! RDS has the RAGEQUIT applied!

Andrew Fulton: He doesn't have it fully cinched in! It's not as effective as it could be!

Jeremy Tucker: Stepping out of the corner, Rayzor is moving! And RDS is still attached to him!

Andrew Fulton: The Legend turns, then reverses into the corner, crushing RDS between the turnbuckle and himself! Barely holding on, The 21st Century Man clings to Rayzor, the RAGEQUIT continuing to be applied!!

Jeremy Tucker: Sensing his opponent doesn't have much of a grip, Rayzor steps forward and slams RDS into the corner. Releasing his hold, RDS2020 slides off of Rayzor and uses the ropes to stay standing!

Andrew Fulton: Stumbling out of the corner holding the top rope, RDS makes it halfway before Rayzor bounces off of the ropes across from him and obliterates his former tag-team partner with a disgusting RUNNING BIG BOOT!!

Jeremy Tucker: The impact from boot to face sends RDS up and over the top rope to the outside as Rayzor flips his hair back and gives RDS2020 the middle finger!!

Andrew Fulton: Following him out of the ring, Rayzor doesn't let up! He's clubbing RDS all over with closed fist blows! Picking him up by the throat, Rayzor choke tosses RDS across the thin mats! Rolling and rolling and rolling until RDS crashes into the barricade!

Jeremy Tucker: Bringing him to his feet, Rayzor repeatedly bashes the face of RDS into the top of the steel railing! Rayzor doesn't stop until there's blood flowing from his opponent's head!

Andrew Fulton: Grabbing RDS by the hand, Rayzor irish whips him past the ring and into the barricade on the other side! There's a trail of blood, Jerry!

Jeremy Tucker: Walking over to the crumpled body of RDS, Rayzor picks him up and rolls The 21st Century Man into the ring. Up on the apron, Rayzor attempts to enter by lifting one leg over the top rope. As he does this, RDS2020 pops up and wraps his arms around that leg. Rayzor tries to break free, but RDS won't release and instead torques the limb at a gruesome angle with a DRAGON SCREW LEGWHIP!!

Andrew Fulton: In an awkward situation and reeling from the pain, Rayzor can't counter as RDS kicks at the leg and twists it with another DRAGON SCREW LEGWHIP!!

Jeremy Tucker: Positioning himself under the larger man, RDS uses every ounce of strength he has to muscle Rayzor up briefly onto his shoulders and drop him awkwardly from the ring apron into the ring with a SAMOAN DROP!!

Andrew Fulton: Endless stomps rain down on the battered leg of Rayzor, courtesy of RDS2020!!

Jeremy Tucker: There's no love lost between these men, Fulton!

Andrew Fulton: Rolling Rayzor over, RDS clasps the feet of his opponent and feeds his leg through, crisscrossing Rayzor's legs, flipping the big guy over and locking in a SHARPSHOOTER!!

Jeremy Tucker: A shower of blood obscuring his face, RDS yells as he wrenches the hold, tightening his grip as Rayzor fights to make it to the ropes!!

Andrew Fulton: Despite his effort, RDS isn't able to stop Rayzor and the giant grabs hold of the bottom rope to break the submission!!

Jeremy Tucker: Phil Weston gets involved as RDS2020 is slow to let go. ONE! TWO! THREE! FOUR!

Andrew Fulton: RDS waits until the last possible second to release!! He knows his numbers, a count of five would have disqualified him!

Jeremy Tucker: Bent over and straining to stand, Rayzor is at a perfect disadvantage to get RUSSIAN LEG SWEEPED! Whipping him into the canvas, RDS is brutally targeting the head and neck of Rayzor!!

Andrew Fulton: Neglecting to getup, RDS stays down on the mat with Rayzor, locking in a GROUNDED HEADLOCK!!

Jeremy Tucker: Wringing the life out of The Legend, The 21st Century Man pairs the headlock with punch after punch after punch straight to the face!

Andrew Fulton: Phil Weston asks Rayzor if he wants to submit, and I can't repeat the exact response. However, it wasn't yes!

Jeremy Tucker: Roaring, Rayzor clutches the waist of RDS as he powers to his feet. Standing, the gargantuan has RDS suspended in the air as the smaller man keeps the headlock applied!!

Andrew Fulton: Stubborn, RDS won't let go and Rayzor rewards him with a devastating BACK SUPLEX!!

Andrew Fulton: Like RDS before him, Rayzor doesn't separate himself from his opponent, instead grabbing him and picking him up!!

Jeremy Tucker: Hefted up, there's only one way for RDS to go, down! Right onto the knee of Rayzor who executes a spine crushing BACK BREAKER!!

Andrew Fulton: Shaking some feeling into his injured leg, Rayzor drags RDS2020 to the nearest corner, forcing him to a standing position. The Legend pushes RDS against the turnbuckle and lays in a flurry of ELBOW STRIKES to the face and KNEE STRIKES to the gut of The 21st Century Man!!

Jeremy Tucker: We're witnessing a mauling, Fulton! I can't believe the punishment RDS is being subjected to.

Andrew Fulton: He should've pulled his weight in the tag-team, Jerry! How is that Rayzor's fault? It isn't!

Jeremy Tucker: Having worked him over, Rayzor abandons RDS2020 in the corner and adds some distance between them. Sprinting across the ring, Rayzor goes for a... RUNNING BIG BOOT!!

Andrew Fulton: He almost got him, but RDS moved out of the way! Rayzor is hung up on the top rope! RDS2020 collects himself, pouncing on the opportunity presented, savagely chop blocking the leg of Rayzor that isn't hung on the rope! Nearly collapsing, Rayzor gets his foot free only to have The 21st Century Man lock in the RAGEQUIT!!

Jeremy Tucker: His legs weakened, Rayzor isn't able to stand for long until he slowly falls back with RDS jerking and squeezing tighter the submission he has applied!!

Andrew Fulton: Unable to reach the ropes, Rayzor is at the mercy of his former tag-team partner as RDS is intent on making him submit!!

Jeremy Tucker: Altering his strategy, RDS lets go of the hold as he uses what's left of his brawn to get the big man up! The 21st Century Man pushes The Legend into the nearby corner and heaves to get him up. Struggling, RDS manages to get Rayzor up to the second rope!! He's almost there!! He just needs to get up with Rayzor!!

Andrew Fulton: Is he going for a superplex?! Placing Rayzor's legs on the outside of the ropes, RDS joins him on the second rope!!

Jeremy Tucker: Reaching around Rayzor, RDS tries to clinch a front facelock in and lift the massive brute!!

Andrew Fulton: Is he?? Could he?? I think he is, Jerry!! Yup, he's...

Jeremy Tucker: Prevented from doing so! Rayzor instead lifts RDS up in a vertical suplex, showing immense power as he shifts his adversary into a spot where he's on top of his shoulders and Rayzor is holding him prone!!

Andrew Fulton: The Legend brings his legs back in, standing up on the second rope momentarily before... DIVING STRAIGHT OFF AND DESTROYING RDS2020 WITH THE WALL STREET BOMB!!!

Jeremy Tucker: Oh my god, RDS isn't moving. That super powerbomb was brutal!! There's blood everywhere!!

Andrew Fulton: Rolling on top of the bloodied RDS, Rayzor hooks the leg and Phil Weston is quick to count the pin!

ONE!!!


TWO!!!


THREE!!!

Frank Salazar: Ladies and gentlemen, the winner of this match via pinfall... "THE LEGEND" RAYYYYYYYYYYYYZORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!

Andrew Fulton: That's it! Rayzor won! I knew he would!

Jeremy Tucker: I'm grateful this cruel display of violence has concluded.