A special thank you to Nick, Rich, Justin, Shane, Francisco, CJ, and Tim for their contributions.
Click here to read the UPside on Google Docs!
THE UPsideAppearance by Majority Owner, Madame WuV: Like, quit talking Old Dudes. My Mom is making one of her rare appearances and you know that when that happens, you like, totally shut up and listen.
[The Smiths “How Soon Is Now” starts to play. Dry ice billows over the ramp. Madam Wu steps out and looks imperiously around. She is, as ever, an imposing sight in her red and gold dragon dress. Her blonde hair is piled high in a complex braid, with numerous pins holding it in place, whilst much of it falls neatly down her back. She makes her way unhurriedly to the ring, flanked by four of Valhalla Yakuza. They part the ropes and she smoothly slides in. The music fades and she raises her mic.]
Madam Wu: Difference. That’s what makes things stand out – what makes things important. And - Yes, we dare to be different here in Ultimate progressive Wrestling. We stand out and shall continue to do so.
Tonight for instance.
Tonight is a night unlike any other. It is for that reason that I have deigned to speak.
[She smiles menacingly]
“And of what shall I speak?
Your champions.
Yes, there are some that would have you believe that I have a problem with certain individuals or factions. This is not the case. Should anyone be so problematic, I will unhesitatingly dismiss them. With that being said let’s look at the champions.
Rain Blackheart
I liked Rain. Liked. When he started out. He dared to be different. Now? Now he follows a formula. Oh, to be sure, he follows it better than almost everyone else, but it’s still a formula. Is he good at what he does? Very. Can he be beaten? Of course: just as can the rest of the Black Hand. It really isn’t that difficult IF you put in the work.
Rated M
They’ve worked hard to get where they are. But really – are they THAT different. Compared to….say Jester LeBeau they are bland. Where’s the novelty, the newness, the invention? Where? Within The Black Hand. That’s where. The group dominates and in that domination brings conflict; something ESSENTIAL to this sport. Consequently, I would see the Black Hand prosper. They drive the rest. They push. They challenge. They taunt. As it should be.
Jumbo Robinson.
A big, fat, JOKE.
Harsh? Of course. Like the aforementioned, I do NOT shy from controversy. Without a trace of fear I will speak my mind and you – none of you can do anything but sit back and pay heed. So, Jumbo – what IS he doing with that belt? Nothing, patently. The sooner we can put it on a worthy challenger – say David Berg? - the better.
Devin Bishop
A fine champion; someone that has exemplified the qualities needed in a World Champion. He is not distracted by minor details. He sees the bigger picture and works consistently towards it. Whoever disposes of him will have to have qualities on a par, yet also bring something new. I have no interest in seeing like-for-like. Difference. That is what people want to see. That is what UPW brings. Remember that and you will prosper.
As a fighter it is never enough to sit contentedly on what you can do. You must grow, improve, evolve – CHANGE. Failure to do so is a backward step. A winning formula is only ‘winning’ for a limited duration. It will inevitably need revision and improvement. So tell me; who here changes more than CJ Walker? He’s reviled for his numerous twists, turns, reinventions and style, but he’s never afraid of change, nor to change. Will that be sufficient? We’ll see…….IF you watch our epic PPV.
[She then drops the mic and calmly exits.]
Sir Oliver: Well, I must say, that was rather unexpected and hardly diplomatic.
V: Mom says it like it is.
Sir Oliver: But it was a wholly unwarranted condemnation of the Robinsons.
V: And?
Lobo: And there’s not a lot we can do about it. However, I’m sure that the Robinsons can and will.
Sir Oliver: I concur, Old Boy.
V: You would.
Lobo: As controversial as ever – Madam Wu. I wonder if we’ll see much of this “difference” she seems to prize going forward.
V: We better have or heads will totally roll.
Interview with the Sin City Champion, Rain Blackheart(Grace is sitting in a stark room with two chairs as she awaits the subject of her interview. Rain Blackheart arrives, dressed in a black suit with a white dress shirt, open collar no tie and the Sin City title over his shoulder. Grace stands up to greet him and both sit down with Rain keeping the title belt over his shoulder.)
Grace: “Rain Blackheart, the UP Wrestling Sin City Champion, thank you for taking time for this interview. I hope it goes better than when I tried to talk to your former partner a week or so ago.”
Rain: “It’s my pleasure Grace and I’m not surprised as Jester has the manners of a rabid wild dog.”
Grace: “Looking ahead to Vendetta, you will be defending the Sin City title against a challenger to be chosen by a fan vote, do you have any preferences as to who you face?”
Rain: “It’s interesting, I have no idea who I’ll be facing so it should put me at a disadvantage however, I have asked the management for a champion’s advantage for this match in that the match type determined by the D20 will not be revealed until the start of the match.”
Grace: “So neither of you will know what type of match you’ll be having. Seems like that would also put you at a disadvantage as well.”
Rain: “That would be true for anybody else, but you see I am the wrestling professional. I can adapt to any style or match on the fly because that is what I do. It’s what I’ve always done and it’s what I’ll continue to do.”
Grace: “Cliff Ragsdale is still very adamant that you ‘stole’ the title from Dillan DeHaven, how do you respond to those accusations?”
Rain: “Ragsdale is just doing what losers do, he continues to make excuses and dwells in the past rather than focus on the future and move forward. Ragsdale touts past accomplishments but how does that prepare him or his underlings for future success? Short answer, it does not. He needs to be thankful that he was part of history as the UPW representatives at the XHF End of Days. Not even the self-proclaimed magnanimous shit spewer CJ Walker can say that. Rags should take that as a little victory and move forward, perhaps even some restructuring of his little organization.”
Grace: “So are there any other potential opponents that you worry about facing? Maddox recently pinned you at the last Friday Night Free for All.”
Rain: “Maddox got incredibly lucky especially since it took both he and DeHaven to wear me down enough for his victory. One on one, Maddie’s odds will be diminished by a sizable amount so no, I’m not worried if either one of them gets voted in.”
Grace: “There is one other that has become vocal about facing you and that is your former tag team champion partner Jester LeBeau. He seems to be fueled by the fire created when you left him in the ring to lose the tag titles and join the Black Hand.”
Rain: “Jester doesn’t have issues, he has subscriptions. He has one screw and it’s just rattling around his head. I did what was best for me and Mr. Self-Destruction was left alone with his demons of his own design. It was time to split and find my own path and that path led me to the Black Hand where I have flourished not only as a single but as a member of the Apex group of UPW.”
Grace: “The Black Hand has definitely prospered with the additions of you and with Terrance Christopher as the manager of the group, but how did you and Terrance come back to terms especially with the history of how he treated you in the past?”
Rain: “Some wounds can heal, some cannot. However, with my renewed self-confidence thanks to the support of Diaz, Miller, and Bishop, I can move past it while not turning a blind eye to him. Terrance has seemed to also come out changed for the better since becoming the manager of wrestling operations for the Black Hand, especially having to be under the watchful eyes of Alexandria Masters.”
Grace: “So let’s go back to last year when you made your UPW debut last year at Vendetta, not just in the Christmas Chaos match but the D20 also selected you to be added to the Sin City title match against Adam Miller, Maddox and Devin Bishop – two of which would become stablemates in the Black Hand and Maddox who won the Sin City title that night. You definitely made your presence known in the match.”
Rain: “It was quite the start to my UPW run and now one year later here I am the Sin City Champion and preparing to blindly defend it at this year’s event. It’s been a hell of a year, but I have evolved and now I stand on top and must be knocked down. And that is something I don’t foresee happening at Vendetta regardless of who is voted as my opponent.”
Grace: “I must admit, you are brimming with confidence for someone who not only has no idea who your challenger will be as well as what type of match you’ll be set to have.”
Rain: “It’s like I have said over and over, I am the wrestling professional and I am ready, willing and capable of adapting to whatever situation is set before me.”
(A voice off camera is yelling as others appear to be trying to stop him. Grace looks towards the camera crew as Rain gets up and puts himself between Grace and whoever is coming closer. One of the cameras goes flying over Grace’s head as Rain is taken down by a hooded attacker dressed all in black.)
Grace: “SECURITY!”
(Rain is able to roll away from his attacker, grabs the title belt and tries to hit the hooded attacker with it but it is caught and pulled away. The attacker then spears Rain into one of the heavy chairs causing it to break as Rain hits it. The attacker then picks up the Sin City belt and then pulls off the hood and stares at the only still standing camera… it’s Jester LeBeau)
Jester: “Does THIS get your attention? Isn’t THIS what you want to see? A Black Hand bitch taken down to the floor and spanked like a 2-dollar whore on Bourbon Street a week after Marti Gras. (pick up the Sin City belt) This is your precious and now I WANT IT! Of course, I also want to see your blood in a coagulating puddle on the floor.”
Grace: (pulling herself up from behind her chair) “But why are you here now? What is the meaning of this?”
Jester: “It’s very simple. I want the opportunity to show the world how much Rain hurt my little feelings. I want to drag his ass to hell and back, set him on fire and then do it again. I want to take this pompous prick and break every bone, dislocate every joint, pour out his blood, and make a necklace out of his teeth. I want the match at Vendetta against Rain Blackheart where I guarantee one thing, win or lose Rain will have to be taken out on a stretcher. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, when I’m done with this dipshit, he’ll be put out to rust. (steps back, puts one foot on Rain and holds up the Sin City title belt) The biggest sinner in Sin City should be it’s champion, not some inflated and inflamed anal cavity riddled with hemorrhoids and dried fecal matter that actually believes himself as gawd’s gift to ‘rassling. If you want to see hell unleashed at Vendetta, then here is the match you voters need to make. Don't let me down… AGAIN.”
The 2021 Golden Gauntlet Awards AnnouncementThe categories for the 2021 Golden Gauntlets are:
Wrestler of the Year
2020 Winner: Cliff Ragsdale
Tag Team of the Year
2020 Winner: Public Nuisance
Mic Skills of the Year
2020 Winner: Devin Bishop
Feud of the Year
2020 Winner: Team Sp!ke vs. Public Nuisance
Champion of the Year
2020 Winner: Kid Diaz
Special Event of the Year
2020 Winner: Vendetta
Supporting Character of the Year
2020 Winner: Cliff Ragsdale
New! One to Watch Award
Voting begins on December 18 and ends on December 25.
The Golden Gauntlet Awards will be presented on December 31.
LASHING CONTESTLobo: "Let's go to Mia Garcia in the ring with an announcement."
Garcia: "It's tiiiiiiiiime for the LASHING CONTEST!"
V: Hey, this could like, be actually fun.
Sir Oliver: My Word! What IS the world coming to?
*Anderson: UP Wrestling proudly presents - Vicious and Vile! The team that can only be - WICKED!!!
(The lights drop. The heavy pulsating beat of ""Hearse of the Pharaohs"" by Witchery thunders out from the PA system. Slowly the lights gradually brighten to reveal a fog shrouded ramp, onto which step Wicked. A giant, dark haired brute of a man stands next to a beautiful, but hard featured woman.He is clad entirely in black. She in white Both have matching blood red inverted pentacles on their vests. The crowds BOOS loudly, but the pair merely scowl at them as they arrogantly make their way to the ring.
The pair are swinging their kendo sticks around like a police officer would a baton.)
Sir Oliver: "These two seem a little TOO comfortable with their kendo sticks. I fear for those blokes, The Robinsons."
"IT'S A FAMILY AFFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIRRRRR"
Crowd: "YEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!"
("Family Affair" by Sly the Family Stone plays on the PA speaker as Jumbo and Jett enter the arena. Both are dressed in Santa gear - obviously Jumbo looks more suited to the role than the svelte Jett, but he a fake bulge in his stomach and tries to make it work. The pair are each holding a big present, wrapped and tied with a bow.)
Lobo: "Oooh! What could the presents be!"
V: "They BETTER have gotten ME something!"
[Behind them, their brother Junior enters, not dressed as Santa but instead a Santa themed suit - the blazer and pants are red, the shirt is white and the tie is black. Junior stays at the top of the ramp while Jumbo and Jett walk down only to stop, put down their presents and open them...]
Sir Oliver: "Oh yeah! That's the stuff!!!"
Lobo: "That is the reason we are here tonight for this edition of UPSide! The Robinson's brought the KENDO STICKS!!!"
(Jumbo and Jett enter the ring and look down at Vile and Vicious. Mia Garcia is in the middle and looks uncomfortable.)
Garcia: "You know what? Let me ROLL MYSELF out of the ring and call the action from out here. Here are the rules for the LASHING CONTEST:
- A coin flip will decide which team gets the first lashing and who will be the first lashee.
- Teams will alternate until a member of one team submits or passes out.
- If one team attacks another, the attacking team will forfeit the contest. This will be up to my discretion and the attacker COULD face punishment
from Madame Wu.
Do you all understand the rules?"
(Mia Garcia takes out a quarter and flips. Jumbo calls out "TAILS." The coin turns up heads. Vile immediately puts up her kendo stick in an attacking fashion. The Robinson brothers look at each other... it's finally decided that it should be Jett who gets on all fours as Vile winds up…)
~~~~~* THWACK ! ~~~~~*
Crowd: "OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHH!!!!!!"
Lobo: "He'll feel that in the morning!"
Sir Oliver: "By Jove! I felt it from here, Old Boy!"
(Next it is Vicious' turn to take the lashing. He REALLY looks like he doesn't want to do it. He barks some profanities at both brothers.)
Vicious: "Hey, if you know what's good for ya, you'll take it VERY EASY!"
(Vicious is on all fours now. Jett pulls back the kendo stick over the top of his head, folding his elbows so the stick is parallel with his back…)
~~~~~* THWACK ! ~~~~~*
Crowd: "OOOOOOOO HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!"
(Vicious winces in pain, even screaming out. He yells more profanities at the Robinsons before composing himself in the corner. Vile motions that it's their turn now and Vicious' face turns from pained to excitement. He grabs the kendo stick as Jumbo drapes himself over the turnbuckle. Vicious doesn't do a dramatic wind up he goes for it and-)
~~~~~* THWACK ! ~~~~~*
Crowd: "OOOOOOOH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"
Lobo: "Oh no wait, please don't. Look at his eyes, he's hellbent."
~~~~~* THWACK ! ~~~~~*
Lobo: "Vicious whacks Jumbo with the kendo stick 2 in a row."
Sir Oliver: "Really! You can't do that, that's ILLEGAL!"
V: "What are you, a cop now?"
(Of course, Vicious isn't done!)
~~~~~* THWACK ! ~~~~~*
~~~~~* THWACK ! ~~~~~*
~~~~~* THWACK ! ~~~~~*
~~~~~* THWACK ! ~~~~~*
~~~~~* THWACK ! ~~~~~*
~~~~~* THWACK ! ~~~~~*
~~~~~* THWACK ! ~~~~~*
~~~~~* THWACK ! ~~~~~*
Lobo: "Damn!!!!"
Sir Oliver: "He broke the kendo stick in half AND he broke JUMBO ROBINSON in half!"
V: "Did they really think that Wicked... WICKED would play fair? What idiots!"
(The remnants of the kendo stick splinter everywhere. Jumbo writhes in pain. The crowd boos something fierce.... but Vicious and Vile smile very sinisterly. Of course, Jett is still in the ring!)
Lobo: "JUMPING KNEE STRIKE from Jett to Vicious! And now they are going at it!"
(Jett follows up with a few punches before Vile pulls Jett off of Vicious. Vile and Jett trade blows. Jumbo swats his elbow at Vicious' knee, making him fall down. Jumbo gets on top of him and starts wailing, but Vicious manages to roll over on top and land a few of his own...only for Jumbo to roll on top and start swinging... and so on and so on!)
Lobo: "It's absolute bedlam here!"
Sir Oliver: "I agree with Miss V, maybe this was a bit too ambitious on Junior Robinson's part."
(Neither the Robinsons nor Wicked can get the upper hand before Security rushes down to separate everyone.)
(BELL RINGS)
Garcia: "And the winner due to forfeit... THE ROOOOOOOOOOOBINSONS!!!!!!!!!!!"
V: "Well, duh. We all heard the rules earlier? "
Lobo: "We'll have to see what repercussions, if any, will come for Wicked!"
NATHANIEL, BRITTANY, & DILLIAN VIA SATELLITE(The announcers have solemn looks on their faces.)
Lobo: It was reported the other day that Cliff Ragsdale was arrested for attacking an XHF official. That report was true. The attack was not condoned by UP Wrestling or its management team. Ragsdale has been suspended indefinitely for his actions. In addition to this, Mark Murphy was caught negotiating with a competing organization while under contract with UP Wrestling. This is forbidden as Mr. Murphy was in breach of contract. He will be suspended for the duration of his contract, which expires at the end of the year. Eric Ragsdale, Cliff's brother who we occasionally see, will be replacing Mr. Murphy in any matches that he is scheduled in.
Sir Oliver: That was quite a blow to Ragsdale's group. So what happens to the rest of the crew?
Lobo: We will find out momentarily as we will be interviewing the remaining active members of the group.
V: Is it possible that UP Wrestling's management team overreacted?
Sir Oliver: These actions are inexcusable. Murphy breached his contract and UP Wrestling could be liable for Cliff's actions, with him being an employee of the company, and they had no choice but to take action.
Lobo: Joining us via satellite on the outskirts of Las Vegas is Nathaniel, Brittany, and Dillian DeHaven. How are you feeling tonight after receiving this news earlier today?
Nathaniel: What kind of a stupid question is that?
Brittany: Like how do you think we're feeling? Our boss has been blacklisted from this company.
Lobo: He did assault an official.
Brittany: Has it occurred to you that maybe he deserved it? This man right here (points to DeHaven) should still be the Sin City Champion. And he would be if it were not for that stupid XHF partnership.
Lobo: Stupid? We are a part of the XHF, which benefits UPW in many ways.
Brittany (sarcastic): Oh really? I'm so sorry. Did I offend anyone? Were we a part of the XHF when we signed our contract? No, we were not! Was Cliff? No, he was not! Madame Wu and Elijah should be sticking up for their employees. Where are they?
(Nathaniel is smirking and shaking his head in the background.)
Lobo: Nathaniel, do you have anything to say?
Nathaniel: It's obvious they have it in for Cliff. I wouldn't doubt that this dirtbag Terrance Christopher isn't paying some people off behind the scenes because he's bitter that Cliff got the best of him in their business deal.
Lobo: Terrance claimed that most of the money that he gifted to Cliff has been wired back to him.
Brittany: How can you believe anything that that rat says?
Lobo: That's what we were told.
Brittany: You are one gullible fool if you believe anything out of his mouth.
Lobo: Dillian, what are your thoughts on your boss and tag team partner being suspended?
(silence)
Lobo: Anything?
Brittany: Has it occurred to you that maybe he doesn't wanna talk to you?
Lobo: Well.....
Brittany: Neither do we!
Lobo: Can you answer another question?
Brittany (annoyed): WHAT?!
Lobo: What are your thoughts on Vendetta?
Brittany (turns to Nathaniel and impersonates Lobo): And what are your thoughts on Vendetta?
(Nathaniel sighs and rolls his eyes.)
Nathaniel: Is that the show with the (sarcastic tone) "voting"?
Brittany (still mimicking Logo): Why yes, it is!
Nathaniel: That's just another way to put the screws to us because management knows we have no chance in being voted into these matches by these {Mongo Edit: Nah we don't say that anymore} fans.
(crowd boos)
Brittany: You better watch what you say Nathaniel or you might get suspended too!
(Brittany laughs. Suddenly Nathaniel's phone rings. Nathaniel shows Brittany his phone.)
Brittany: It's Eric. We gotta go.
Lobo: One more question. What are your thoughts on teaming with Cliff's brother Eric Ragsdale?
Brittany: I said one more question and we were done and we are done. Goodbye!
(Screen fades to black.)
Lobo: There you have it.
Sir Oliver: Very rude!
Fans’ 2022 Predictions(Standing outside of the Sahara Events Center is Baptist Lobo with a microphone. It’s a chilly night in Las Vegas right before the November 26th edition of Friday Night Free-For-All. Lobo addresses the camera.)
Lobo: Tonight, we are going to do something a little different before the show. I am going to walk up to some of the fans coming into the Sahara Events Center and put them on the spot. What do they expect to see in 2022? It will be UP Wrestling’s third year and I know we’ll see some great things. I just wonder what these people think will happen.
(Lobo moves out towards the parking lot to find fans making their way to the venue. He stops what appears to be a male and female couple.)
Lobo: Hey you two. Got a minute? Baptist Lobo here.
Male Fan: No way!
Lobo: (grins) I’m out here tonight asking what do you think will happen next year in UP Wrestling. Any predictions?
Male Fan: My favorite wrestler is “The Apex” Devin Bishop.
Female Fan: That Vee is a lucky girl.
Male Fan: Hey!
Female: What? You said he could be my Hall Pass.
Male Fan: Whatever. Anyway… yeah my prediction is Bishop holds onto the title no matter who he faces at Vendetta, breaks a year as champ, and holds it until next Vendetta.
Lobo: Wow! That’s a bold statement. What about you? (points to the lady)
Female: Oh man. I mean obviously the Devin thing. Let’s see. I mean what if it's Pixilious that ends up dethroning him? I love The Apex, but you got to go with some girl power. She’d be the first World Openweight Champion and that’s something right there.
Lobo: That would be historic.
(The scene cuts forward. Lobo has the mic in front of an older gentleman.)
Older Gentleman: What’s going to happen next year? Well for one, I hope I’m still around to see it. I guess we’ll have to see if it comes true and all, but I’m thinking UP Wrestling gets bought out. I mean Madame Wu’s got some money, but I could see here selling and moving on. Now, I’m not saying this place is going to fold. No, sir. You got people with deep pockets out in this world and they are noticing these men and women putting on a hell of a show. This could go national with a TV deal.
Lobo: You ever streamed us online?
Older Gentleman: Oh no. I come to every show I can in person.
(To the next person, a group of women who may be in Grace’s former profession.)
Attractive Woman #1: You looking for a good time after the show tonight?
Lobo: No, I’m just looking to see if you have any predictions about UP Wrestling that could happen in 2022.
Attractive Woman #2: You don’t know what you’re missing out on. We’re heading to XS after the show.
Attractive Woman #3: Tell him something, Masha.
Attractive Woman #1: How about some backstage passes if I answer?
Lobo: Uh… I don’t have those.
Attractive Woman #1: You work here, no?
Lobo: Yes, I do.
Attractive Woman #1: Let us in when you go. It’s easy. Do it for Masha?
Lobo: Ladies, before I get fired I should go.
Attractive Woman #2: (slips him a card) Call me.
(The girls walk by. Lobo turns around looking like he’s already in some trouble. The scene cuts to a young guy.)
Young Guy: Prediction? UP Wrestling will rehire Chad. He should have never been fired in the first place. That guy is gold.
(The segment continues with people answering the question.)
Guy in Jacket: The High Roller Championship won’t be turned in until mid-2022 for a shot at the World Openweight Championship.
Girl With Bright Purple Lipstick: The Robinsons will be tag team champs.
Grandma in a Scooter: Jack Ruby will sell his bar to Moe and get a RV to travel with THC.
Man With Monocle: Ariana Sears will return repackaged and with Major Mayhem as her manager.
Old Dude With Hat: David Berg is going to win a title. Hell, maybe even World.
Teenager in Halo Shirt: Joe Nobody is going to have the best win-loss record next year hands down.
Woman With Cage Shirt: Cage is retiring with the championship. 100%.
(The camera focuses back on Lobo.)
Lobo: We are getting some phenomenal predictions out here.
(Back to the fans.)
Ten Year Old Boy: Jester is going to adopt me.
Guy In Leather Jacket: Adam Miller is going to start drinking again after King Diaz stabs him in the back and completely breaks up the Black Hand.
Girl In a Hooded Onesie: Isabelle von Kraus is going to become the greatest female wrestler in this place. Scratch that. In professional wrestling.
Middle Aged Man in Camo: CJ Walker’s going to be world champ again and lay out that Madame Wu lady. Not saying he’s going to hit a defenseless woman or nothing. I think he’s going to have a certain lady friend of his return and do it for him.
Woman Wearing Glasses: Oh that Cliff Ragsdale fellow is going to go to jail. I figure he’s not paying his taxes. Do I get a reward from the IRS for making that accusation and it being true?
Ten Year Old Boy: Can you tell Jester I need a new daddy?
Ten Year Old Boy’s Mom: Can you tell Jester I need a new daddy?
Senior Citizen With Beehive: Oh now dear, I believe that Nathaniel fellow is going to find a way back to jail. Probably his girlfriend too. They just seem like trouble, don’tcha know.
Woman With Long Red Hair: I think Rain will find a new girlfriend. (She winks.)
Man With Handlebar Mustache: Haus of Salvaje will win the tag team straps.
Woman Beside Him: If Maddox doesn’t make a run to the top.
Ten Year Old Boy’s Dad: Can you let Jester know that, ah yeah, I could use a new daddy too?
Man With a Gray Ponytail: I think Mark Murphy is going to hook up with Larry.
Girl With Freckles: I think Wicked will get a new animal that even puts Paz in his place. Maybe a monkey or a pet tiger from that King guy on Netflix.
(The camera focuses back on Baptist Lobo.)
Lobo: Some great predictions from our passionate fan base. What do you think is going to happen in 2022? I’d love to hear what the wrestlers think about what the fans said too. That’s all I have tonight.
(Baptist stops for a moment and looks strangely towards the camera.)
Lobo: Me? What do I predict? Ah well, I see us expanding. Big things are coming for UP Wrestling. That’s not a staff prediction. That’s one from my gut. Our roster is going to get bigger. Our shows larger. Maybe a second show? Who knows. Anyway, thanks for joining me!
MADDOX & CANDY LOOK BACK ON 2021(The camera pans down from the top of the arena all the way into the ring at the Sahara Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. You can only see the center of the ring lit up while the rest of the arena is pitch black. In the center of the ring are none other than UPW’S Top Tier and Baddest Bitch forming the formidable tag team, Haus Of Salvaje. Joining them in the ring is Mia Garcia.)
MIA: Ladies and Gentleman and friends at home, I am here with Maddox and Candy and I am told that they have some exciting news for you. But first, why choose this type of segment for Upside and not something else?
MADDOX: Mia...we sat down and thought about it. At first, we were going to rank our top 3 favorite matches from the year and discuss some highlights.
CANDY: However, we had another idea. Besides that, there are FOUR massive highlights from this year.
MADDOX: One being that I won the Sin City Championship. Second, that I held the record for the longest reign for a chunk of time.
CANDY: And three, my return to the ring.
MADDOX: Let us not forget Sound and Silence.
CANDY: RIP. How could we?
MADDOX: Trust me, I will never.
(They both laugh)
CANDY: Fourth….
MADDOX: The formation of Haus of Salvaje.
CANDY: There are some other takeaways from this year, don’t get us wrong. Our first few matches as a tag team. Me throwing Vile in that dumpster. The formation of “The Alliance” to combat The Fisting Hand. I think we could potentially tackle some of our favorite matches later on.
MADDOX: We’ve had our highs and lows. Our successes and our so-called failures…cause really all of our failures are learning lessons.
CANDY: Plus, bad bitches like us do NOT sweat failures.
MADDOX: That’s on period.
CANDY: We wanted to take this time to celebrate Maddox and I. We’ve fought our way through the ranks here at UPW.
MADDOX: We sell tickets. We get people in these seats. We create entertainment. There is NOBODY like us.
CANDY: So…
MADDOX: We have finally created our Tag Team Entrance video. With the combined talents of us both and our amazing team behind us…
CANDY: We present to you…
MADDOX AND CANDY: HAUS OF SALVAJE!
(The screen fades into Haus of Salvaje’s entrance video)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkQP3a-lHOo (The screen fades back to the ring)
MIA: That was…pretty epic. You guys look amazing.
CANDY: Thanks babes.
MADDOX: With that kind of video…I don’t know how else we can get more hype heading to the ring.
CANDY: Going into the New Year regardless of what happens at Vendetta, Haus of Salvaje will continue to wrestle against all odds as single wrestlers and as a tag team.
MADDOX: As best friends…
CANDY: As family.
MADDOX: Don’t step on our front lawn challenging us..
CANDY: Unless you want that ass beat.
MADDOX: Congrats to everyone on an amazing year. We look forward to Vendetta and seeing what the fans vote for.
CANDY: We are ready for whatever is thrown at us.
MIA: Excited to see where you guys land in the evening!
MADDOX: As are we.
CANDY: It’ll be what It will be. Regardless of what It is…we will provide the entertainment.
MADDOX: Bet on that.
(Haus of Salvaje stand in the center of the ring staring at the camera as the scene fades to black)
Interview with CJ Walker
(The scene opens to the interior of the Caesars Palace Casino And Resort Hotel. More importantly the Vista Cocktail Lounge where we find Vee Wu looking professional but disgusted that she is being joined by CJ Walker for this one on one interview.
The two are sitting in a wrap-around style booth, Vee is on one end and CJ is on the other so they are as close to facing each other as they can get. The cameras are set up to capture their faces individually and a wider shot that shows them both. Vee sips on a Martini while CJ is nursing a Jack & Coke. It's Vee who opens the interview, her tone saying she would rather be anywhere else.)
Vee: "I can't believe I am here doing this. Like why me?"
(She asks looking off camera to a producer.)
CJ: "I requested you to be the one to do the interview."
(He says with a grin as he takes a sip of his drink. )
Vee: "Oh My God Eww! Why? Oh That's So Gross! Stop Perving Over Me Creep!"
(Vee recoils in disgust as she gags and makes a grossed out face.
Walker chuckles and shakes his head, clearly amused by her exaggerated actions.)
CJ: "Don't flatter yourself sweetheart, I would [Censored] you with Devin's prick. No, I asked you to do the interview because you don't like me. It's something that's going around a lot, which makes you the perfect person for the job."
(He gives her a smirk and relaxes his body language. Vee rolls her eyes and makes a face but she goes with it, she doesn't have any questions prepared so she shoots from the hip.)
Vee: "So how did you weasel your way into getting the vote to face my Devy at Vendetta? You obviously cheated."
(Walker laughs out loud at her biased question and comment. He takes a drink and sets his glass down, not bothering to roast her for her comments.)
CJ: "Contrary to popular belief, I didn't cheat, I didn't rig the vote. I did the one thing that the fans have wanted for a long time. I told them the truth. For eleven months, I have fought and I have clawed and I have had to deal with constantly being put down, pushed around, overlooked and under appreciated in this company but I never let it alter my opinion and what I stand for. Eleven months ago when I lost the World Championship to Devin Bishop, I stood with UP Wrestling. And in those eleven months I have continued to do so. Not once faltering in my oath to fight for UP Wrestling. The fans chose me because I didn't abandon them."
(He takes another sip of his drink. Vee purses her lips and takes a drink of her Martini.)
Vee: "Yet you've had multiple chances against my Devy and you came up short, even in the match you designed. So what's different this time? What makes you so confident that you're going to win? You have obviously proven you can't beat Devy."
(A smirk forms on CJ's lips and he leans forward, arms resting on the table.)
CJ: "I'll tell you what's different. I'm different, I'm backed in a corner here. It's the bottom of the ninth, it's a tie game, the bases are loaded and I'm at bat. I've got two strikes against me and this is the last pitch. If I lose I'll never recover from it. Am I afraid I'm going to lose? Of course but that's also why I'm going to win. Before it didn't matter, I could always earn another shot, but now...How can I expect to win without the most powerful emotion? Fear can drive a person to do incredible things. I will harness that fear of losing and channel it into this last chance and I will win."
(He leaned back, relaxing against the seat. Vee took another drink of her Martini as if trying to keep her cool.)
Vee: "Devy has The Black Hand. Do you honestly believe you have a chance in hell at winning? They are unstoppable."
(CJ remains stoic as he looks at Vee with a serious expression.)
CJ: "And you know whose fault that is? It's mine, it's Vicious and Vile's, it's Jester's, it's Nathaniel's and Pixi's. It's all of our faults, because we spent so much time fighting each other and waging wars on each other that we let the Black Hand get to be as powerful as they are. And those people might hate me for saying that but they hate me because they know I'm right. If we could come together and stop trying to be the cock of the walk and focus on The Black Hand, we could strip them of their power. There are more of us than there are Black Hand members, so why are we worrying about beating the hell out of each other? Let's put aside our differences and issues with each other and chop off the Black Hand. And if I have to face Devin and the Black Hand on my own then I will. But maybe the other UP Wrestling faithful will decide it's time for a change. But with them or by myself I will bring the fight to Devin Bishop like never before."
(Vee rolls her eyes, unimpressed by her guest’s bravado and asks her final question.)
Vee: "Like, do you honestly believe anyone is going to side with you? No one likes you! You run everyone else down and talk shit about everyone else, why would they help you?"
(CJ finishes his drink and sets his glass aside.)
CJ: "I don't run everyone else down without reason. The other so called Superstars decided they were going to just put forth the minimal effort and expect the maximum reward. They phone it in most of the time and then wonder why they don't get title shots or they come up short. Like it's supposed to just be given to them. This is Pro Wrestling, there aren't participation awards here. You want a shiny championship belt with your name on it? Earn that shit, It's not going to be given to you just for showing up and taking a bump or two. That's why these other wrestlers don't like me, because I call them out on their crap. But if they spent less time hating me and more time actually doing their damn job, maybe the Black Hand wouldn't control all the championships. Stop bitching at me and help me fight these assholes. Once they are out of the way then by all means come at me. Hate me after the real issue is dealt with. I don't care, but man the fuck up."
SIT DOWN INTERVIEW WITH “THE APEX” (Scene opens to Devin Bishop sitting in a room with white walls and a single high back chair upholstered in crimson red velvet. Bishop is dressed in a white three piece suit with a black tie and shoes and a single black leather glove covering his right hand. To his left, a pedestal holds the UPW World Openweight Championship belt. Bishop runs his fingers over the faceplate of the belt, then looks into the camera to speak.)
Bishop: I remember how this all started. I had made the decision to build an empire, a dynasty, a force that could not be stopped. First, I chose "The Relentless One" Adam Miller. He was a high flying risk taker and a juggernaut of determination. Next, I chose Kid Diaz. He could verbally and physically eviscerate anyone put in front of him and could electrify the fans. And of course there was me, a master of psychology in and out of the ring as well as being the most technically proficient competitor UPW had to offer. I remember thinking that we needed one more piece to finish off this group, and I chose a monster. A man who feared no one and had the physical tools to back up that attitude. CJ Walker accepted the invitation and the Black Hand was born.
In the first weeks of our existence, we made our presence felt and established ourselves as a force to be reckoned with. Vendetta was approaching and we were poised to cement our position at the top of the heap. CJ Walker was voted in to be a third person in the World title match, the main event of Vendetta against Bryan Black and Kyle Mehr, no doubt in part because of the attention the Black Hand had garnered for all of us. We all threw our collective pull with the head office behind CJ. We helped to elevate CJ to that spot. Vedetta was a great event for the Black Hand last year. Kid Diaz defeated Ron Masterson in an "I Quit" match and also won an anytime anywhere shot at the World Championship in the "Chaos for Christmas" match. Myself, Adam Miller, and a man who would eventually go on to join the Black Hand, Rain Blackheart, faced Maddox in a fourway "Santa's Grotto" street fight. Although we were not victorious in that match and Maddox walked out as the Sin City Champion, all three of us showed that we were among the top competitors in UPW. For those keeping track, it's also worth mentioning that I have not been cleanly pinned in a match since last year at Vendetta. Don't believe me? Check the records. The main event saw Kyle Mehr taken out early due to a broken ankle, and in the end, with the help of Alyssa Storm, CJ Walker was able to defeat Bryan Black to become the World Champion. It was a night of great success and not long after we took home a lot of hardware at the first annual UP Wrestling Golden Gauntlet Awards.
That success affected you though, didn't it CJ? You decided to wage war on everyone. You convinced yourself that you didn't need anyone in your corner. You insulted the entire roster. You threatened Madame Wu, Elijah Anderson, and their family. Your biggest misstep was to turn your back on the Black Hand. You were no doubt nervous about the very real threat that Kid Diaz would cash in his World Championship opportunity against you. It was your over inflated sense of self worth that caused you to turn on the Black Hand and UPW. You said you didn't need us any longer. You threatened to walk away from UPW and take the World Championship with you. You thought that would destroy UPW. You were wrong. Dead wrong. As a matter of fact, it resulted in you being fired and stripped of the World title, and who was there to win the newly vacated title, CJ? Devin Bishop, that's who. You lost more than your title and your job that night, CJ. You lost the t spect of the locker room and many of the fans.
That should have been that, but red tape is a bitch. You were able to keep your job and the World title was disputed, but guess what...Devin Bishop came out on top in that exchange too. Oh, you can say that I set up the backstage attack because I was scared to face you, but I'm going to let you in on a little secret. I had nothing to do with that. Madame Wu didn't want you to be champion and I can't blame her. The beating you took was at the hands of her security detail. That brutal beating didn't stop your aspirations to capture the glory and the respect that you had thrown away. So at Homecoming, CJ Walker would face off against Devin Bishop once again, and once again, the World Championship would be on the line. Only this time, it would take place in the Prison of Pain. Now I won't talk about how I beat you in a match of your own design. That thorn is already lodged deep in your side and you have to live with the regret of not succeeding that night. I will remind you though, that no matter what you threw at me that night, I would not stay down. Guitar strings used as garrotes, night sticks, shivs, barbed wire, nothing could put me down. I still have a scar on my temple where you got me with the padlock in a sock. I walked out of Her me coming as the World Champion, and you were sent off to try to pick up the pieces and start climbing the ladder again.
I know you promised the world that you would have the Openweight Championship once again by the end of the year. Well, the clock is ticking. It hasn't stopped ticking since your last failed attempt. You've tried to reinvent yourself as this "leader" that everyone can get behind in order to take down the Black Hand. Don't make me laugh, CJ. Listen to what others are saying about you. Nothing but disrespect and mistrust. No one wants you to be the leader but you, and it's all because of that inflated sense of self. Meanwhile, they all look at me with respect because of what I've accomplished. I will walk into Vendetta on December 17th having held the World Openweight Championship for three hundred thirty days. You don't have a track record like that for nothing. You attain that sort of success by being the best of the best, the champion of champions, the top of the mountain...the Apex! Saturday, December 18th, I will wake up sore, bruised, and weary, I have no doubt. I also have no doubt that I will wake up as the UPW World Openweight Champion. Have fun with your television spots and your press conferences, because on day three hundred thirty one, you'll be starting over from scratch again.
