Engage 1: Origins | Sunday, June 26, 2016

[Jeremy King]

INT. FRESH STUDIOS – HOLLYWOOD, CA – JUNE 26, 2016 – THREE HOURS BEFORE SHOW TIME.

Producers and executives busy themselves on the set, discussing the finer points of tonight’s broadcast among themselves. There’s an electrifying atmosphere around the place, fuelled by nerves, anxiety, anticipation and excitement.

ON SET, the Engage Chief Correspondent, MARK MAXWELL, sits on a director’s chair, suited and booted, holding a script of questions that he rests atop his crossed lap.

Sitting opposite him in four other directors’ chairs, positioned in a uniformed row, are The Dons of Wrestling: TONY ‘THE STALLION’ CASTILLO, GEORGE ‘BIG BUCKS’ BANKS, ERNIE ‘PRETTY BOY’ PARKER and BOBBY ‘THE BRUISER’ FLOYD.

The mood is jovial, as all five men share some laughs over anecdotes with every question.

MARK MAXWELL
Alright, so our next question comes
from ‘NewWaltOrder666’, who asks:
Of the four of you, who would you
say had the greatest career?

This draws nervous laughter and a momentary pause from the old timers, who grin and glance at each other respectively.

MARK MAXWELL
NewWaltOrder666 really pulling no
punches with that question, gentlemen.
Who would you say had the greatest
career of the four of you? Let’s start
with you, Ernie.

ERNIE PARKER, bald, suave demeanour, sharply dressed suit with a turtle neck, scratches his chin and flashes his trademark ‘Hollywood smile’.

ERNIE
I think we all have to be honest with
each other and admit the fact that, yes,
while we all had terrific careers, nobody
quite eclipsed me.

The other three ‘Dons’ chuckle – the kind of laugh that you just know is at Parker’s expense.

ERNIE
(Looking irked)
What? Why is that so funny?

GEORGE BANKS, wrinkled, once handsome face, shakes his head and brushes the pants of his white cotton suit, before fixing the open collar of his white shirt.

GEORGE
I think you’ve taken one too many
piledrivers to that head of yours,
old man. The only thing you were the
greatest at was getting women to our table.

ERNIE
(Defiantly)
Nonsense! And I never heard any of you
complain about the women at the time!

BOBBY FLOYD, bloated, wearing shades, clears his throat and weighs in.

BOBBY
Hey, no complaints from me, Ern.
But all the ‘tang in the world couldn’t
make you the greatest of all time.
How many World Championships did you
win again? Remind me?

Parker scoffs, the smile fading rapidly from his chiselled face.

ERNIE
Oh here he goes again on the belt count.
It’s not all about titles, Bob. 25 title
reigns just tells me you lost the damn
thing 24 times.

BOBBY
(Laughing, clearly relishing baiting Parker)
And he still doesn’t answer the question.
See that, Marky? This old bastard should
have been a politician, not a wrestler.

GEORGE
(To Bobby)
Ha, that’s rich coming from you,
Mr. Spin-my-way-to-a-title-fight.
You talked your way into promotors’
championship matches and you know it.

BOBBY
(Outraged)
The hell I did! I told the bookers what
they needed to hear!

ERNIE
(Scoffing)
Oh sure, if what they needed to hear is
all the reasons why a fat ass should be
booked for the strap over a young blue
chipper with promise.

‘The Bruiser’ stands to his feet, as fast as a tubby old man can, and he grits his teeth at Ernie.

BOBBY
(Aggressively)
You don’t want none of this fat ass,
you silly old fuck. I’ll beat the pretty
right outta you!

George Banks stands up and acts as the break-water between the two men, while TONY CASTILLO, dark haired, old Italian man, sits calmly, watching his friends bicker like school boys.

TONY
(Firmly)
Hey! That’s enough!

Incredibly, the other three stop and focus on ‘The Stallion’, in his black Armani suit. Mark Maxwell wears an expression that looks like he’s struck gold, given that he’s got four legends bickering.

TONY
(Calm, but assertive)
You’re embarrassing yourselves.

The men look a little humiliated.

TONY (Cont’d)
Now obviously we were all great – I mean
absolute legends of this business. Nobody
can dispute that. Banks is great. Floyd
is great. Pretty Boy Parker is great.

The others nod, calming down somewhat.

TONY (Cont’d)
… But there’s no doubt that I was the
greatest.

Castillo grins and this sets the other three off again into more verbal warfare.

George ‘Big Bucks’ Banks raises his hands and shouts.

GEORGE
Alright! Hold on a second!

Silence. He glares at all three of his friends.

GEORGE
There’s only one way to settle this.
We compete against each other and find
out who the greatest of all time really is.

BOBBY
(Unimpressed)
What the Hell are you talking about,
dumbass? My doctor won’t clear me – not
after the bypass. You’re outta your mind.

ERNIE
(Subdued)
He’s right, George. I’ve got to this age and maintained my good looks. I’m not risking those.

Banks rolls his eyes

GEORGE
Not us, you morons. The Engage roster.

The men look at each other, confused by the proposition.

GEORGE (Cont’d)
We each go and find a fighter to
represent – manage them, coach them,
teach them – and the first of our
clients to become the World Champion
settles it. If your fighter wins the
strap, you’re the greatest of all time
and the other three have to acknowledge
that forever more. What’dya say?

Silence follows, as all three men mull over the proposition. Bobby Floyd is the first to declare, with a wry grin.

BOBBY
What the hell? I’m in.

ERNIE
(Confidently)
Me too.

The three turn to Tony Castillo, who shrugs and concedes.

TONY
Whatever it takes to prove to you
schmucks that it’s always been me.
Let’s do this.

Banks looks delighted.

GEORGE
Alright! We pick our fighters tonight,
and then it’s no holds barred – got it?
The gloves are off.

MARK MAXWELL
Wow, so is this official? The Dons are
going to manage fighters here at Engage?

TONY
Nah, those three are gonna manage fighters.
I’m gonna manage a champion.

The bickering resumes and Maxwell – at the risk of losing control of the segment – steps off his chair and heads away from the set.

ERNIE (O.S)
(Sounding disgusted)
How did you get so fat, Bob? It’s not
healthy, you know.

BOBBY (O.S)
(Aggressively)
‘Cause every time I bang your wife she
feeds me a cake

Maxwell stares into the camera, as it follows him away from the bickering.

MARK MAXWELL
Folks, there you have it. We’re excited
about tonight’s debut edition of Engage
and we now know that the Dons of Wrestling
will be there to select their clients.
With that, as well as the World Championship
Tournament and the Pick Your Poison Hardcore
Match between Dick Devereaux and Voidstar,
you won’t want to miss this!

INT. THE FRESH STUDIOS – RINGSIDE – DICK DEVEREAUX VERSUS VOIDSTAR – CONTINUOUS.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Engage!
We are coming you live from the Fresh
Studios in Hollywood, California, where
a little under 2,000 fans have crammed
themselves into our audience tonight to
watch this action! I’m Kyle Newman and
alongside me is my broadcast partner,
Clint Knox.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
I take it we don’t have the budget for
big money intros or pyrotechnics, no?
Instead, we get four old fools bickering
in a studio over who the best coffin dodger
is? Wow – start as you mean to go on, eh?

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
We’re all action, all the time here at
Engage! So we’re wasting no time kicking
things off with a hardcore match between
Dick Devereaux and Voidstar! You may have
heard this match being spoken about online
and social media throughout the week, but
if you’re not familiar with this ‘Pick Your
Poison’ match, the rules are simple. Both men
will compete for the right to select 1 of 4
briefcases, which you can see at ringside here.

The camera focuses on the four silver briefcases, each labelled with a number: 1, 2, 3 and 4.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S, Cont’d)
Three of the cases contain a prize, as
voted for by the fans, while one of the
cases contains nothing. The winner of the
match will choose a briefcase and win
whatever’s inside. Simple as that!

The Bad Seed, Dick Devereaux, makes his way down the aisle, but before he can even step onto the steel steps, a blindside attack from an incoming Voidstar, swinging a steel chair, catches him off guard. Dick crashes into the guardrail and the fans rain down with boos, the masked evildoer laying waste to his opponent with kicks as he struggles to recover from the sneak attack.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Damn, Devereaux never even got a chance
to get into the ring before Voidstar is
all over him!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Now that’s more like it!

After some deliberation, Voidstar rolls into the ring and Dick gets to his feet on the outside. Devereaux rolls into the ring and the bell sounds. The Scourge is relentless, initiating a beating that couldn’t be outmatched. Stomps rain down on Dick’s back and head, making it impossible for him to counter, but The Void interrupts himself to drag The Bad Seed up to his feet and then back down with a swift but violent DDT – Thud! Voidstar goes for the quick pin!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Early pin by Voidstar after the
sabotaged entrance of Dick!

Devereaux kicks out after one and rolls to his side, shaking the effects of the assault off while Voidstar keeps it going by bringing the Washington D.C. native up and to his feet. An Irish whip sends Dick into the ropes and right back. The Scourge scoops him over and delivers a thundering powerslam, shaking the ring upon impact and creating a buzz throughout the entire venue. The Void hooks the leg yet again for a pin attempt.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Another attempt by Voidstar – Dick
kicks out at one once more.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
People mock the quick pin attempts but
they tire your opponent out. That’s nothing
but smart in my book.

The masked competitor doesn’t let up, locking in a headlock to slow this match down and change the pace, displaying wrestling prowess and patience. After some time, the crowd rallies behind Devereaux just a tad, but not much, and both wrestlers make it to their feet. Still tied up with the headlock, Dick elects a different route by merely stomping down onto the foot of Voidstar, breaking the hold instantly. The Scourge yelps in pain and Dick takes off towards the ropes with moderate speed, bouncing off and returning to meet both soles of Voidstar’s boots; The Scourge drops The Bad Seed with an elegant and lofty dropkick!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Textbook dropkick right there!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
It was okay, but this is supposed to
be a hardcore match! Give us the violence
we came for!

Moments later and Voidstar is still in control, having Dick on his feet but in another tight headlock. The squared circle is littered with weapons; a trash can, a steel chair, and a broken kendo stick lay upon the canvas. The masked fighter looks around the arena as the fans begin to rally behind Devereaux once more, but this time The Void simply counteracts the situation by executing a headlock takedown, dropping Dick into the mat with force, directly on top of the trash can. Thud! Voidstar keeps the headlock tight, keeping this match on the ground and away from any hard hitting moves.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Those takedowns can drive the wind out
of you, but I suspect it’s even worse when
it’s delivered onto a trash can.

Both men get back to their feet and Dick pushes Void off him, letting the masked monstrosity hit the ropes and fire back. Dick hops up and leap frogs the incoming Voidstar, allowing him passage to the other ropes. Devereaux turns and scoops the incoming Voidstar in a devastating powerslam onto the steel chair, shaking the entire ring from the impact and finally getting himself out of the trenches in this match!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Holy! Voidstar’s spine may have just
been severed in two with that! What
an ugly landing!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
That was vicious from Devereaux. I love
it. Do it again!

Dick and Void get to their feet at the same time, but The Scourge lands a devastating right hand that reels Dick back and into the ropes. Bouncing off just slightly, Dick fires back with a right hand, but Voidstar blocks it! The Void lands another stiff right, knocking Devereaux back once again into the ropes.

Once more, Dick returns and attempts a right, but Void blocks and counters with his own. This time, the speed and force picks up as The Bad Seed ricochets off the ropes and comes tumbling back, his right arm stretched out and catching Voidstar with a clothesline that knocks him completely inside out! Amazingly, The Scourge gets to his feet in a hurry, but so does Dick. The masked fighter turns around and unsuspectingly gets grappled in and heaved over by Devereaux in a belly to belly suplex, overhead and sending him soaring into the air and through the wooden table leaning against the corner!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Through the table! What a landing!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
There’s something so satisfying about
that crunching sound.

The Void gets hauled up like a child by Dick, who carries him a few feet forward before plopping him down with a sidewalk slam onto the steel chair for a second time. Voidstar cringes inside his mask and attempts to roll over and crawl away. But Dick is on a roll and doesn’t let him escape. Devereaux yanks him up and tosses him into the ropes with an Irish whip. And the rebound is vicious, with Dick tossing his body with reckless abandon into Voidstar’s, delivering the I.E.D. that looks like a car crash in the ring.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Good grief, what a collision! This
fight could be over!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
I have to say, I have an appreciation
for how methodical these men are being
with the weapons. It’s not just attack
after attack, but rather strong impact
moves onto them. It’s twisted.

Devereaux definitely inflicted harm onto himself, but manages to pull it together while his efforts are certainly paying off – Voidstar is almost completely out of it at this point. Dick wastes little time, picking Voidstar up and onto his feet, hauling him onto his shoulders and looking to end this with The Pipebomb! The Void shakes loose! He drops behind Dick and then hauls Devereaux up onto his shoulders looking for Unto The Void, but teeters off to the side as Dick is quite heavy. The Bad Seed drops off behind Void and pushes him from behind, into ropes and with tremendous force. The Scourge bounces off and comes back, but Dick catches him perfectly and manages to make both of them fall to the mat together. Hooking a leg over and locking it in, the Head rush submission sends the entire venue into a frenzy.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Head rush! Voidstar is in a world
of trouble!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
This could be it. Dick has a better
application of holds than Voidstar
does at defending them.

The masked monstrosity, Voidstar, is in deep trouble. In agonizing pain, he thrashes about as Dick sinks the submission in tight. Flash photography is going wild as The Void flails around, swatting the air, but making an effort to reach the ropes.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Voidstar is close! He’s almost got
the ropes to break this up!

The referee bounces around the two, asking if Voidstar wants to submit too many times to count. The Scourge’s hand raises up and the crowd is tense. He is about to submit and Dick isn’t letting go.

Voidstar inches forward against, his fingers extending beyond his palm towards the bottom rope. He is slowly fading!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
He’s close, Clint! But Dick has
The Head rush locked in tight!

Voidstar’s hand reaches the ropes! The referee waves the submission off and Dick lets go, winded from his effort to finish off the masked villain. Both men are spent, but Voidstar is devastated and broken. Devereaux gets to his feet and simply assess the situation. This has to end, he thought. Voidstar struggles to get up and so Dick assists him. Without much else to do, The Bad Seed attempts to haul up The Void for The Pipebomb, but Voidstar slips out and falls behind Dick.

Voidstar tries to lunge forward with a grapple onto Devereaux and only manages to knock the referee to the side for a moment, with Dick being too big to overpower. Instead of electing to wrestle his way out of this one, The Bad Seed sends a backwards heel kick into the groin area of Voidstar, crushing the villain’s jewels in the process. Oh! The crowd has the perfect reaction as Voidstar clutches his crotch and puts his knees together, managing to keep himself up despite the cheap shot.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Disqualify him!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
It’s a hardcore match, Clint!

Devereaux turns around and hauls The Scourge up, over and into The Pipebomb, dropping him chin first onto his shoulder with a devastating impact. The referee comes to and drops to the mat for the count. Dick has Voidstar covered. One! Two! Three!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
This one is over! Devereaux takes it!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
I wanted more blood! They hyped this as
a hardcore fiesta but, to me, this made
me want a hardcore siesta.

ALEXIS STONE
Ladies and Gentlemen, your winner via pin fall - DICK DEVEREAUX!

CUT TO:

INT. RINGSIDE AREA – CONTINUOUS

Having just secured the victory he needed, DICK DEVEREAUX rolls out of the ring and approaches the time keeping area, where the FOUR BRIEFCASES are situated.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
It’s decision time for Devereaux, folks.
You have to wonder if this part is harder
than winning the fight itself? Selecting
a case where there’s a chance he might pick
‘Nothing’ as a prize.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
What? Don’t be so ridiculous! Are you
sitting there and legitimately suggesting
that choosing a number between 1 and 4 is
more difficult than competing in a hardcore
match against a man like Voidstar?!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
No, of course not, I’m just say-

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
-What? What are you saying, Kyle? Are you
saying that Devereaux is so stupid that
he’d find it easier to fight in a match as
brutal as the one we’ve just seen, rather
than pick a number between 1 and 4? Which
is it?

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Neither, you’re twisting my words. All I’m
saying is that it’d be bittersweet to fight
in a match like this and pick a case that
contains nothing.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
What about the pride of victory? What about
the satisfaction of beating another man down?
Is that not important to you? Jesus, you’re stupid.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Nobody is discrediting those things, but
when you have a 75% chance of winning
something extra special for your efforts,
it’d be a slap in the face if you picked
nothing.

Devereaux grabs BRIEFCAISE NUMBER 4 and holds it aloft for the audience to see. He’s got a smug grin slapped across his rough looking face, as he returns it to the table and begins unlocking the case.

His face lights up with delight and he roars with intense satisfaction, as he reaches in and retrieves the ENGAGE FUSION X CHAMPIONSHIP BELT!

It provokes a mixed reaction from the crowd in the Fresh Studio.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Lucky number 4! Dick Devereaux is the first
ever Engage Fusion X Champion! What are the odds?!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
One in four, obviously, moron.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Look at him! That’s exactly the prize he
wanted – we heard him talk about that all
week. He’s got what he wants here tonight!

‘Everybody Bleeds Now’ by Hatebreed plays over the sound system, as Dick Devereaux throws the Fusion X Championship over his right shoulder, sporting it triumphantly.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
He’s happy right now, but that X marks a
huge target on that man’s back. This is
only the beginning for him.

INT. THE FRESH STUDIOS – BACKSTAGE SET – CONTINUOUS.

You can hear ‘Everybody Bleeds Now’ by Hatebreed from off screen, as the cameras begin streaming from the backstage area, away from ringside.

A bald, mid-to-late 50’s man, wearing a black leather round neck motorcycle jacket and jeans appears in frame.

It’s former IWA Chairman and DEATHCORE cast member, TOMMY QUINN. He’s sporting an ‘Access All Areas’ backstage pass on an official green Engage Wrestling lanyard around his neck, granting him full access to this area.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Oh wow, look who it is!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Who is it?

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
That’s Tommy Quinn.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Who’s Tommy Quinn?

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Quinn is the former owner of the
Internet Wrestling Alliance.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
That’s great – but what’s he doing here?

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Good question, Clint. Your guess is
as good as mine.

The bald man meanders through the hallway, approaching the first stage hand he comes across. The young, male backstage worker sports a head set and a black Engage Wrestling t-shirt, giving his role away a little.

TOMMY
Hey, kid. I’m looking for Lara Chambers.
Know where I’d find her?

STAGE HAND
(Shaking his head)
I’m not sure, but her match is up next
so she won’t be far away. In fact…

‘Pussy’ by Rammstein can be heard faintly in the distance, prompting the stage hand to erect his index finger and wave it in the air.

STAGE HAND (Cont’d)
That’s her song, right on cue. She’ll be
heading to the ring.

Quinn nods and heads in the direction of the gorilla pit, looking to see if he can find her.

In the near distance, dressed for action, is LARA CHAMBERS. She’s staring at the ground, springing from foot to foot, limbering up to enter.

TOMMY
(Shouting over ‘Pussy’)
Lara!

Chambers can’t hear him – and before he can reach her, she bursts through the curtains onto the stage, leaving him wanting.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Another dirty old male fan for Lara
Chambers to ignore. I bet she gets
tired of them.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Curious to see what Tommy Quinn may
want with Miss Chambers, but it’ll have
to wait because she’s on her way out
here right now. That quarter final bout
against Neville Proctor is up next!

INT. THE FRESH STUDIOS – RINGSIDE – LARA CHAMBERS VERSUS NEVILLE PROCTOR – CONTINUOUS.

The bell sounds. Neville Proctor sheds his wry grin and steps forward towards his physically smaller foe, Lara Chambers, with his hand in the air in an effort to see if she’d like to test strength. This draws a round of boos from the crowd, a deafening drown of the entire arena as Neville is obviously much bigger, much stronger. Chambers doesn’t back down though, stepping forward and reaching up to interlock fingers with her right hand, his left, then eventually her left. Both hold their own as eventually The Original cranks hard, using his larger body to overpower Chambers and send her to one knee. But the Lady of Chambers doesn’t give up, holding on but overpowered, body reeling back as Proctor continues to showcase his overall power.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Early test of strength here and it’s
hardly surprising, given the obvious
advantage Proctor has in that department.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Expect to see lots of that from Neville
here tonight, ladies and gentlemen.
He’ll be looking to utilize his strength
and experience advantages to put this
woman away.

Neville presses on but Chambers gets off her one knee and backs up. Proctor follows, and Chambers merely falls backwards into the corner of the ring to sling Neville into the corner turnbuckle, shoulder first through the ropes and slamming into the post. Thud! The Original yelps but hangs on, annoyed but somewhat shocked at the speed and ingenuity of Chambers. He slowly recovers and backs himself out of the corner with his back still to the Lara. His back flies down and against the mat, rolling onto his shoulders as Chambers goes for an easy, quick pin roll up.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Kick-out at one from Neville! He’s fired up.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Wouldn’t you be?! He’s just been out-foxed
by a broad with mammaries bigger than his
head. It’s humiliating, is what it is!

The Savior of Wrestling gets to his feet and fires a kick to the gut of the recovering Chambers, doubling her over and drawing raw jeers from the crowd for his vicious demeanor. Again, another boot. Chambers hits her knees and Neville stalks her, a smile on his face as he savors the situation. After a moment, Chambers finds herself in the turnbuckle, with Proctor unleashing a series of knife-edged chops. Woo! The crowd chimes in with each strike. Woo! Woo! The Lady of Chambers’ eyes bulge with each chop to her chest, a swollen, red patch appears on her skin. The welt seems to swell, but Neville doesn’t give a damn. Woo! That last chop echoes throughout the whole arena and Chambers crumbles in the corner. Proctor doesn’t let up, pulling Chambers up from her hair and bringing her into the ring for a moment. After a slight grapple, The Original drops Lara onto the match with a Russian leg sweep.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Good ol’ Russian Leg Sweep! That’d make
Vladimir Putin proud!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Proctor is starting to turn the screw here,
sliding into that driving seat. The audience
don’t like it, either.

Moments have passed and Lara has her break. Proctor wobbles to his feet and Chambers backs into the turnbuckle, eyeing The Savior of Wrestling as he begins to rush forward. Chambers flees and Neville slams into the post, rocking the ring with the force of his weight jamming against the corner. Lara waits for it. Neville turns around and – Smack! The entire arena erupts with cheers as Neville looks stunned. He was just bitch slapped in front of the entire venue. His vision flutters and his face turns red – the strike was vicious and sharp.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Come on! There’s no need for that.
She needs to be taught some damn respect!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
If Neville Proctor is wondering where
the taste from his mouth has gone, it’s
halfway through the crowd. What a slap!

Chambers reels back and lets him have another. Smack! Proctor is livid, but somewhat in a daydreamed state of shock and pain as his face continues to swell from the strikes. Chambers fires again! And again! The crowd chime in each hit, mimicking the previous altercation in the corner. Chambers’ palm returns and they respond. Woo!

Chambers sets up an Irish whip but Neville counters, turning the momentum by planting his feet and drawing her in, reversing the Irish whip and sending the Lady of Chambers firing into the corner they had just been in. But Proctor is a little groggy from all those damn slaps, his face beat red and his vision impaired just a tad. He turns around and sees the torso of Chambers flying into the air from the second set of ropes, via the turnbuckle. He swings around in a complete 180 degree turn, slamming down on his skull from the tornado DDT by Lara. Thud! The crowd eats it up, but Chambers doesn’t capitalize with a pin fall, she instead attempts to wrangle Proctor up with the Chambers of Hell submission. The crowd go wild as Lara seeks the end.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Chambers of Hell! Chambers of Hell!
Lara goes for her trademark submission
but The Original scrambles to the ropes
before she can slap it on!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
That’s some quick thinking by Proctor.
As much of a vapid bimbo as Chambers looks,
she knows how to lock in a submission.

Neville hugs the bottom rope snuggly like a teddy bear from his youth. The crowd boo the hell out of him. Chambers deals with the referee who pulls her away, allowing The Original to recover and assess the situation. He stumbles over to Lara, who at this point shoves the referee to the side as she sees the incoming offensive by Neville, but Proctor slams his arm up between her legs, his solid bicep firing into her womanly area with force in desperation and sneakiness. The Lady of Chambers drops to her knees from the vaginal shot, clutching her nether regions while the crowd reacts unfavorably. The referee never saw a thing.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Oh, come on! Would you look at her!
She’s acting like she’s got a pair of
grapefruits down there! What a Drama Queen.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
You can’t tell me what a low blow feels
like as a woman, unless you’ve got some
secrets you’ve not shared yet, Clint?

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Sir, tread carefully. That’s slander
country and I’ll think nothing of
contacting my lawyer.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Either way, a low blow is a low blow
and Neville Proctor is lucky the referee
missed it. Otherwise he’d be done.

Proctor gets to his feet and runs, bouncing off the ropes behind Lara to come up behind her with an amazing bulldog, driving her head into the mat with tremendous force. He rolls her over for the pin.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
One! Two! Kick out by Chambers,
but that was close!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
It’s only a matter of time now.
Proctor is piling on the pressure.

Neville gets to his feet and continues the assault, bringing Chambers up and grappling her from behind, attempting to lift her off the mat with a backdrop suplex, but Lara hangs on. They teeter for a bit, but Chambers plants her feet with the grapple still intact by Proctor. The struggle continues again, with The Original lifting her back off the mat, but Lara counters with the Dry Hole Jawbreaker! Neville is stunned, falling back and against the ropes, clutching onto them wildly in an effort to collect himself. Lara continues the assault, grabbing Neville by his lumberjack beard and taking him over with a northern lights suplex, executed to perfection. She holds the bridge. One! Two! Kick out by Proctor!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Two and a kick out! Good Lord that
was a close call!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Why is the referee not stopping this fight?!
She grabbed a fistful of his beard! That’s
hair – it’s not legal! Disqualify her!

Neville looks to be winded at this point. Lara sizes her opponent up as he recovers, wobbling to his feet, but Chambers doesn’t allow him to make it all the way up. The small female competitor lunges forward, diving with a corkscrew towards the mat – a swinging neck breaker takes The Original back down into the mat. Thud!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
This is ridiculous! He’s in agony from
the beard tug! Why is the official showing
such blatant bias here?

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
I don’t think it’s the official who’s
showing bias, Clint. In any case, Chambers
is pulling herself back into this thing.

Moments have passed and Neville is back on top, literally on top, firing punches onto the covered up Chambers. The referee yanks him off and the crowd is one the edge of their seats. This match has gone the distance and Proctor drips with sweat, heaving air in and out of his lungs, but capable of putting this one away. Lara attempts to get up but Proctor thwarts it. He tucks her head in between his legs and wastes no time, lifting her tiny body up and into the air and onto his shoulder for The Proctor Bomb!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
It’s over!

Due to the position in the ring, Lara is able to reach over and snag onto the top rope, causing Proctor to attempt a violent struggle to get her away, jarring back in an attempt to deliver his nail in the coffin for Chambers. But the Lady of Chambers holds on, eventually falling off the shoulders of Neville and breaking up the attempted slam.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Chambers gets out of it!

Chambers comes off the ropes but receives a boot to the gut from Neville. He tucks her in for another Proctor Bomb and leans over to grapple her torso. But The Original finds himself scooped backwards, falling into the mat from the reversal and Chambers holding onto both of his legs. She flips over and plants her feet onto the mat, attempting a sly pin attempt by putting her back against his torso.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
That’s the cover! ONE! TW-

Before a two count can be held, Proctor kicks out and rolls to his side, wasting little time by diving on top of Chambers and locking in a swift headlock. The two struggle but eventually make it to their feet. Neville heaves the body of Chambers over with a headlock takedown, slamming her onto the mat with force. The ring shakes and Neville holds the headlock tight. Chambers manages to use the small amount of body leverage she has by transitioning the hold over into a small pin. One! Two! Proctor kicks out and looks annoyed.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
This one is back and forth, folks!
Another near fall for Chambers but
she can’t put him away!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Proctor needs to finish this soon
because Chambers has definitely got
better conditioning. The longer this
goes, the more it slips away from him.

A series of pin attempts ensue, Neville and Chambers going at it as neither can score the win. The referee looks tired but continues to watch the match with an eagle eye, bouncing around, as eventually Proctor manages to get Chambers right where he wants her. Grappling onto her legs, he looks to apply The Original Choke, but the Lady of Chambers manages to inch over to the ropes before he can set the submission in. Proctor doesn’t let go, though, with the referee demanding he does. Instead, he yanks Lara up and into the air in an attempt to salvage the situation. Chambers lifts off the mat and into the air, turning her body and managing to land on her feet, much to Proctor’s astonishment.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
What athleticism from Lara!

But her back is to Neville and he goes in for the kill, grappling her from behind and forcing her into the ropes. Chambers holds onto the ring ropes as Proctor jars backwards from any attempt to free his foe from safety; The Original crashes backwards and into the mat, but before he can recover, Chambers capitalizes by dashing off to the side and towards the ropes.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Move! You idiot!

Proctor struggles to get off his hands and knees, but it’s too late. Chambers comes off the topes and nails The Slaughtered Lamb curb stomp! Neville kisses the mat violently and bounces over from the impact, landing on his back like a true salesman. Lara falls over onto the body of Proctor for the three count!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
It’s over! Lara Chambers gets the
win here tonight!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
God damn it! If there’s one thing I
hate to see, it’s success through deceit!
She should have been disqualified for
the beard tug.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
What about the low blow from Proctor?!
That WAS an illegal move.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Punching a vagina is NOT the same as
a legitimate low blow.

Lara Chambers winces in pain – but also forces a delighted smile – as she rolls out of the ring and cradles her rib cage.

ALEXIS STONE
Here is your winner via pin fall – LARA CHAMBERS!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
I’m not sure how many people saw this
one coming, but in any case, it’s Chambers
who advances to next week’s semifinal fight
against either Becky Konrad or Trixie.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
It’s a travesty; the idea that this company
could have a World Champion who looks more
like a prostitute than a wrestler.

Lara Chambers heads up the ramp, exhausted but victorious.

INT. THE FRESH STUDIOS – BACKSTAGE GORILLA PIT – CONTINUOUS.

LARA CHAMBERS pushes her way through the black curtain; her hair glued to her forehead and cheeks from sweat. A few backstage workers give her a round of applause for her efforts, which she graciously acknowledges with a nod.

TOMMY
You looked sharp out there, kid.

Chambers turns and sees TOMMY QUINN, standing over by a water cooler, smiling at her. She looks like she’s seen a ghost.

TOMMY
(Arms out, walking towards her)
It’s good to see you, sweetheart.

LARA
(Through heavy breaths)
I’m soaked, dear. You better not – OH!

Quinn grabs her and hugs her tight, delighted to see a woman who he had grown a strong bond with back in Tennessee at DEATHCORE WRESTLING a few months ago.

Chambers rubs his back and laughs nervously, before pulling away.

LARA
What are you doing here?

TOMMY
(Quizzically)
You don’t sound pleased.

LARA
(Reassuring tone)
Oh, no! No not at all. I’m just shocked,
is all. I didn’t expect to see you here;
not after everything. How… how are you
dealing with it all?

Chambers is referring to the murder of Tommy’s son, Jimmy Quinn, four weeks ago. Tommy looks sullen at the mention of it and just shakes his head.

TOMMY
It’s tough. That’s an understatement.
We’re fighting through it though.
What else can you do?

Lara nods and rubs his arm supportively.

TOMMY (Cont’d)
But that’s not why I’m here. Well, not
fully why I’m here.

LARA
Oh?

She looks a little apprehensive over what’s coming next.

TOMMY
No. I’m worried about Axel. I haven’t
seen him in weeks. He hasn’t returned
my calls. He’s just totally gone off
the radar.

Chambers looks pale, as if she could vomit.

TOMMY (Cont’d)
I figure if anyone knows where he’s
at, it’d be you.

Silence. Quinn stares at the British babe waiting for some sort of response, but she just stares at him, like a rabbit trapped in headlights.

TOMMY
(Concerned)
Lara?

She snaps out of it.

LARA
Sorry!

TOMMY
You alright?

LARA
Yeah! No, I mean… Yes, I’m fine. It’s just
that I haven’t seen or heard from him either.
I’m trying not to let it get to me but it
plays on my mind.

She’s lying straight to his face, but he doesn’t suspect a thing.

TOMMY
(Sympathetic nod)
Yeah, I bet. Listen, we’ll find him. My best
guess is that he’s on the lam after Fusco’s
death. He’ll reappear when it all dies down.

Chambers looks distraught, but maintains the pretence for her own self-preservation.

LARA
I’m sure that’s what it is, too.

Before Tommy can respond, BOBBY FLOYD interjects.

BOBBY
Lara, baby!

This loud enthusiasm startles both Quinn and Chambers, who just stare at the old Don. He opens his arms out in a welcoming gesture, a joker-like grin etched on his face, eyes masked behind black shades.

BOBBY
(To Tommy)
Listen, Cowboy – mind if I borrow this
little lady for a couple of minutes?
I promise I’ll treat her real nice.

Quinn smirks and glances at Lara, who still looks shell-shocked. He nods.

TOMMY
(To Bobby)
Sure, Grampa. She’s all yours.

He reaches out and grabs Lara for another hug.

TOMMY
(To Lara, while embracing)
I’m in town for a while, so we’ll have
dinner, alright?

Chambers nods and smiles, before turning her focus to Bobby ‘The Bruiser’ Floyd. Quinn walks away, which the Don studies carefully.

BOBBY
(Turning back to Lara)
Boyfriend, or?

LARA
(Stern tone)
That’s none of your business, is it?

BOBBY
(Raises hands, defensively)
Hey, no judgement here, sweet cheeks.
I just didn’t have you down as the Sugar
Daddy type, is all.

Chambers shakes her head, quietly charmed by the playful manner of Floyd – although doing her best to conceal it.

BOBBY (Cont’d)
Anyway, congratulations out there.
You were hot shit! Hell, that Hillbilly
you fought? His ass was grass and you
were a lawnmower – and my, oh my, what
a good lookin’ lawnmower you are!

Beat.

LARA
(Polite reluctance)
Alright, well – thank you I guess.

BOBBY
You guess? Jesus H. Christmas, baby; you
can’t guess in this business. That’s the
kind of indecisive shit that separates champs
from chumps. You have to be sure; gotta
have conviction!

The Lady of Chambers heaves a sigh.

BOBBY (Cont’d)
You need support.

LARA
(Cocked eyebrow)
Support?

BOBBY
That’s right, mamma – support. You need a
guy who’s been there and done that, standing
in your corner, dispensing that sage advice
that gets you right to the top of the mountain.

LARA
You think so, huh?

BOBBY
I do.

LARA
And let me guess – you’re the guy who’s
been there and done that, right?

Floyd extends his arms to gesture another open embrace and smiles from ear to ear.

BOBBY
Well, shit honey, I’m glad you acknowledge
that! Picture the scene.

The Bruiser stands beside Chambers and puts his arm around her shoulders, while looking into the distance, extending his other arm out in front of him and washing it across the frame.

BOBBY (Cont’d)
Lara Chambers – World Champion – standing in
the ring with the legendary Bobby Floyd by
her side, selling out arena tours, smashing
television ratings records, selling out
merchandise across the Western world.

Lara nods, as if to concede that the idea is a good one.

LARA
And you think you can make that happen?

BOBBY
(Shaking his head, still smiling)
No, baby – you can make it happen. All I’m
gonna do is help you get there. What’dya say?

He steps back slightly and extends his hand, looking for a shake. She hesitates.

BOBBY (Cont’d)
Don’t leave me hanging, sugar.

Lara shakes her head and then his hand, much to his delight.

LARA
Fuck it, you only live once, right?

BOBBY
At’ta girl! Now come, let’s go talk shop.

He places his arm back around her shoulders and leads her out of frame.

BOBBY (O.S)
You like swordfish?

LARA (O.S)
Meh, not rea-

BOBBY (O.S)
-Sure ya do! Everyone loves Swordfish.
Let’s go eat.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Wow, so I guess Bobby Floyd has found a client.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Talk about backing the wrong horse!

The cameras head back to the ringside area.

INT. THE FRESH STUDIOS – RINGSIDE – CAITE BLACKBIRD VERSUS KEEGAN RYAN – CONTINUOUS.

The bell sounds and Keegan Ryan bum rushes Blackbird like a madman. A rabid beating ensues, with Keegan Ryan firing strikes from all directions, landing blows and others wildly missing as Caite backs into the corner to take the defensive, but still managing to fire a few shots back. The crowd erupts from the action, but Ryan is yanked away by the referee in an attempt to keep this match pure.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
This is going to be a long shift for
the referee in this fight. You’ve got
to keep two hardcore brawlers under
control in a standard fight. Not easy.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Throw the book at them if they step
out of line. Thugs.

The Raven only smiles back at Keegan as he gets restrained by the official, easily recovering from the shoddy attack by Ryan. But instead of waiting for the referee to let Keegan loose, Caite bum rushes back, diving into the air and onto Keegan who is now in the corner. The referee falls over like an idiot as Blackbird begins to deliver a flurry of vicious strikes, landing some and others getting blocked. Keegan Ryan attempts to throw some sloppy shots back, but just about all of them seem to be poor attempts to thwart the rush by Caite. The referee makes it to his feet in a huff, inserting himself in between the two competitors to break it up.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
For the Love of Pete, will this guy
just let them fight?

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
What’s he supposed to do? They’re trying
to turn this into a street brawl. Besides,
what happened to throwing the book at them
for being thugs?

CLINT KNOW (O.S)
They’re just throwing fists! What does the
referee want from them?!

But while Ryan lowers his shield, Caite merely returns by bypassing the official and stepping back into the corner, firing a solid kick into the gut of Keegan Ryan. The thud from the hit resonates throughout the venue and Keegan’s eyes go wide with shock. The Raven follows it up with a flurry of knees, Thai style, to the torso of Ryan, but The New Mexico Madman catches one of Caite’s knees and holds onto it. Blackbird bounces on one foot as Ryan walks out of the corner of the ring with a devilish look in his eye. He mouths some words but Caite has an answer. A foot comes from the side and smacks against Keegan Ryan’s face; an enzuigiri pops the crowd and the New Mexico native drops like a sack of potatoes.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Now she can build an offense here!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Until the referee gets involved again.

After another dose of official intervention, Caite elects to hop out of the ring and lift the apron, reaching down and sifting through whatever her heart desires. Ryan recovers by staggering to his feet, enduring the dizziness and eyeing his opponent. The referee shuffles off towards Caite, yelling commands as she pauses for a moment to look back. She’s obviously digging for some weaponry and the referee doesn’t like it. But before anything else can happen, Keegan Ryan comes flying in from a bounce off the ropes, his torso sliding across the mat and connecting with a baseball slide that knocks Caite back and into the guardrail!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Hard landing! Caite looks hurt.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
She was looking for some play toys
to introduce to this fight and it
cost her a little.

The Raven is stunned and Keegan Ryan roars like a madman. The crowd eats it up and he doesn’t let the assault simmer down. He brings Blackbird to her feet and whips her straight into the steel steps, the collision could be heard from a bar down the street from outside the venue. Crash!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Jeez, this looks bad. If the referee
doesn’t intervene this thing will turn uglier.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
This ref is an idiot! He’s stopped the
fight for hard fists but lets it go when
steel stairs and guard rails are involved!
Where the hell did we get this guy from?!

Keegan huff and puffs with unrelenting fury, his rage spilling out as the venue continues to cheer both competitors in this apparent unintended street fight. The referee counts both wrestlers from the ring, halfway to ten as he throws his hands in the air with each number. Ryan doesn’t give a damn, though, and elects to shove some random idiot ringside from their chair, picking the steel up and folding it. The official shouts at Ryan who only looks back with annoyance. Blackbird is to her feet now, aches and pains evident as the steel steps truly did her in. Ryan blows the referee off and sizes up Caite, the steel chair cocked and ready to unload.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Don’t do it!

Keegan swings, but misses! Blackbird dodges the chair and regains the offensive to land a stiff boot to the gut of Ryan as he turns around, dropping the chair from the strike. Blackbird jumps up and hooks Keegan’s head, driving his skull into the outside mats with a sick thud! But the count is high, and The Raven knows she has to break it. She does so by getting up, rolling inside the ring and then rolling back out.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
What is she doing?! She should have
stayed in and won this via count out!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
She’s a warrior, Clint. Why would she do that?

Time has passed and now both wrestlers are back in the ring with Keegan Ryan wrenching in a tight headlock on Blackbird. The match has slowed down at this point, but the fans rally behind The Raven, who holds her hand out to collect motivation by the audience. Caite gets to her feet, still in the headlock by Ryan, but manages to throw a back elbow into the gut of Ryan, who surprisingly takes the shot like a champ, holding onto the headlock still. But another elbow stuns the New Mexico Madman, loosening the headlock and allowing Blackbird to shoot off and into the ropes. Bouncing back from the momentum, Caite comes face first with a boot from Ryan, doubling her over in order for Keegan to grapple in the End of It All double arm DDT! Blackbird’s skull bounces off the mat.

Keegan Ryan goes for the pin!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Blackbird kicks out at two! Close call!

Both Ryan and Blackbird get to their feet at the same time, but Caite manages to bring around a stern kick to Keegan’s side, right into his kidney which causes a groan from the New Mexico Madman. Another kick lands, the exact same location, bringing Keegan Ryan to one knee. The Raven capitalizes by coming forward and grabbing onto the body of Keegan to drop him over with a gut-wrench suplex. Blackbird goes for the pin! One! Two! Keegan kicks out!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
I thought she had him there.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
The longer this goes, the more it
favors Blackbird. She’s build to last.

Each competitor is tired and sweaty. The Raven makes it to her feet as Keegan Ryan wobbles up as well, falling back into the ropes with a sloppy stance as he manages to keep himself up. Blackbird engages in a fighter stance as she steps forward, ready to unload. And she does, with fists firing forward like pistons in an engine, landing vicious strikes against the rocked Keegan as he attempts to cover up while leaned against the ropes. The referee interjects once more, disallowing the use of direct hits to the face in such capacity, as the crowd drowns out the arena in boos from the stripes’ officiating.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
They ought to disqualify this damned referee!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
He’s calling it by the book, Clint.

But Ryan shakes loose the grogginess and dives forward, his sheer size and weight crashing into her with force, throwing strikes from all angles and knocking himself and Blackbird over in a flurry of desperation and craziness. The fighters roll around on the mat struggling to gain control as punches and kicks are traded. Again the official intervenes, pulling Blackbird off a winded and absolutely spent Keegan Ryan, who attempts to regain his stance, on his hands and knees. But The Raven hits the ropes and dashes forward, slamming into the New Mexico Madman with The Blackbird Strike! The crowd echoes: Oh!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
It’s over! Surely he’s done?

Ryan’s eyes roll into his skull as he drops over. Caite hooks the leg for the pin attempt! One! Two! Three!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
The fat lady has sung for Keegan Ryan!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
What a great back and forth! Caite Blackbird
advances to the semi-finals!

ALEXIS STONE
Ladies and Gentlemen, your winner
via pin fall – CAITE BLACKBIRD!

‘Mrs. Blackbird’ by Dr. Philith plays the fighter out, as she exits the ring looking delighted with the result.

INT. THE FRESH STUDIOS – MANAGEMENT SUITE – CONTINUOUS.

The cameras head away from the raucousness of the ringside area to a much more subdued location, where a couple of suits sit across a boardroom table with PATRICK BECKER and JEREMY KING.

Upon closer inspection, the identity of the gentlemen visiting the Engage board are revealed: MARTIN GASPARD, 54, CEO OF AQUA DROP WATER, and his right hand man, ISAAC GOLDSTEIN.

The mood is a serious one, suggesting that the conversation is all business.

MARTIN
We can go round and around in circles
all day over this but the outcome won’t
change. As far as I’m concerned, the
decision is final.

PATRICK
Listen, I completely respect that, but
any publicity is good publicity, right?
Surely she can be forgiven this one
misdemeanour?

Gaspard shakes his head firmly.

MARTIN
Not when it comes to something like this,
Patrick. She’s a liability. The deal’s off.

Jeremy Kind interjects.

JEREMY
Trixie is in a tournament to potentially
become the World Champion on this company,
Mr. Gaspard. Think of the exposure Aqua Drop
would get having the face of a champion
endorsing the product?

MARTIN
Forgive me for being blunt, Jeremy – but
shit sticks. If we keep her as the face of
Aqua Drop, our brand loses credibility.
Nobody wants a healthy drink when it’s
endorsed by an off-the-rails good time girl,
and if you want my advice, nobody will take
a company seriously if they put a World
Championship on her either.

There’s an uncomfortable silence in the room; one that Becker breaks.

PATRICK
Okay, well you’ve made yourself perfectly
clear on this. I’ll respect your decision
and we’ll let Trixie know she’s pulled from
the campaign.

Gaspard smiles.

MARTIN
I appreciate your cooperation, Patrick.
So much so, in fact, that I’m open to
keeping this relationship on the table.
Who else have you got for the role?

Becker turns to King, looking delighted to hear that Engage Wrestling won’t lose the contract with Aqua Drop.

King smiles.

JEREMY
I mean, take your pick. We’ve got a
roster full of professionals who could
represe-

PATRICK
-Now, hold on there, Jez; let’s not get
too carried away.

Becker waves his hand towards King in a rather dismissive manner.

PATRICK
(To Gaspard)
Rather than just give you carte blanche
on our roster, why don’t we implement
measures to ensure we don’t get it wrong
a second time?

Gaspard and Goldstein glance to each other, before returning their focus on Becker.

MARTIN
I’m listening.

PATRICK
Well you don’t want another Trixie
scenario, do you? Neither do we.
So why don’t I have Jez here do the
rounds and gauge interest within the
roster? We’ll shortlist some candidates
and come back to you.

The AQUA DROP men nod.

MARTIN
What sort of turnaround time are we
looking at here? We have to move
quickly on this.

PATRICK
You’ll have a new face of Aqua Drop
in place within the week.

Pause. Gaspard is taking a moment to contemplate. He deliberates before reaching towards Patrick with an open hand.

MARTIN
Alright, Patrick, my man – we’ve
got a deal.

Becker shakes Gaspard’s hand and the pair share a smile.

PATRICK
Excellent! I’m delighted we could solve
this ugly business and maintain the relationship.

MARTIN
You and me both! Just tread carefully
with blondie. Your money’s at stake here.

Becker smiles and nods, before leaning into King, as the other men prepare to exit the office.

PATRICK
(Quietly, to King)
Let Trixie know about this.

King nods.

JEREMY
Sure. Anything else?

PATRICK
No, I don’t think so. She won’t get past
Konrad tonight so there’ll be nothing to
worry about.

The men stand and escort the AQUA DROP officials out of the office.

CUT TO:

INT. THE FRESH STUDIOS – BACKSTAGE AREA – CONTINUOUS.

GEORGE ‘BIG BUCKS’ BANKS stands in the frame, staring down the hallway, as CAITE BLACKBIRD approaches him, having come from a successful debut victory at Engage.

The ‘Don’ smiles and extends his hand to her as she arrives.

GEORGE
That’s how you do it, sister.

Blackbird pauses, a little apprehensive and guarded initially. However, she doesn’t leave his hand lingering for long before reciprocating the shake.

GEORGE (Cont’d)
You lived up to that talk in the press
conference yesterday, I’ll give you that much.

CAITE
Talk in the press conference?

GEORGE
Right here.

The old man pulls a Dictaphone – of the old school variety – from his white cotton suit jacket and presses play, puzzling Blackbird.

CAITE (Audio Recording)
Look, it's really a matter of how Engage
wants and expects to be viewed, and who
their target audience is. You want credibility
as a combat sports promotion? You want
to attract die-hard fight fans from around
the world? You want to be viewed as the
place where real warriors meet? I'm your
gal. And that's not just talk. I honestly
believe that I am the single toughest fighter,
the most athletic fighter, the most conditioned
fighter, and the most lethal striker on the
Engage roster. Which, combined with my eight
years of legit fighting experience, makes me
the obvious choice to represent a company
that wants to be viewed with credibility
in our sport.

Banks doesn’t break eye contact with Blackbird throughout the recording, as she stares at the machine, listening to her own comments.

CAITE (Audio Recording, Cont’d)
Now, I understand that some people may
say that it's just bravado... sure. I've
got no problem going out there and EARNING
their respect. But I DARE anyone in that
locker room to step up and prove that I'm
not exactly what I say that I am.

Banks presses the stop button and tucks the little Dictaphone back in his pocket.

GEORGE
Like I said, you lived up to the talk.

CAITE
(Smiling wryly)
Do you make a habit of recording young
women, fella?

GEORGE
(Smiling, shrugging)
Only the ones who pique my interest –
and you? You’ve definitely piqued
my interest.

Blackbird laughs – hard.

CAITE
Well that’s mighty flattering an’ all,
but I don’t think your old bones could
handle me, buddy. Besides, you’re not
exactly my type.

The fighter motions to leave, as George’s face collapses; the realization that he’s been picked up wrong dawning on him rapidly.

GEORGE
Wait, what? Jesus, no. I mean, sure –
but… No! No, no, no – not at all.

Blackbird cuts him off with a soft chuckle to herself.

CAITE
Relax, I’m only breaking your balls.
I would have thought a legendary Don
could handle a wee bit of banter, like.

Banks pauses and grins, wagging his finger in her direction.

GEORGE
You got me.

Blackbird pats ‘Big Bucks’ on the shoulder.

CAITE
Aye, well, thanks for the chat.
Catch ya later.

Before she can leave, George interjects.

GEORGE
Hold on, I’ve got a proposition
for you.

Blackbird stops in her tracks, turning back to study the old man.

GEORGE
I figure I could stand here and bullshit
you, but something tells me you’d see right
through it, which is one of a few things you
and I have in common, sweetheart. So here
it is: there’s a wager between me and the
other Dons over who the greatest of all
time is.

CAITE
A wager?

GEORGE
A wager.

CAITE
Really? You old cards need a wager to figure
out that you’re the best of the bunch?

GEORGE
Yeah, and – wait, what?

CAITE
Obviously you’re the best of the bunch.

Banks looks taken aback – and flattered. However, the bravado quickly returns. He sticks his chest out triumphantly.

GEORGE
That’s what I said! The egos on these
fucking guys, I’m tellin’ ya, kid. They
can’t see things for what they are.

Blackbird – who may or may not be toying with Banks – shrugs.

CAITE
What’re you gonna do, huh?

GEORGE
Well, I’ll tell ya! We’re each going to
find a fighter to manage and coach to the
World Championship. The first man to take
his fighter to that title belt wins the
wager and is officially the greatest of
all time. Now, as far as I’m concerned,
there’s only one choice.

He shoots his fingers like pistols in Caite’s direction.

CAITE
Me?

GEORGE
Well it ain’t Keegan Ryan, kid – not after
what you did out there.

Pause. Blackbird reflects.

CAITE
Well, you’ve got taste, I’ll say
that for you.

Banks moves closer to Caite and extends his hand once more.

GEORGE
The question is, my little Irish
charm – do you?

Blackbird looks down at the handshake – symbolic of a deal – and shakes it.

CAITE
Only because I like your style, you
old bastard.

GEORGE
So we have a deal?

The pair break their handshake.

CAITE
Looks like it. Just do me one favour, yeah?

GEORGE
Name it.

CAITE
Don’t ever call me an Irish charm again
– I don’t like that shite.

Banks grins and nods, which Caite reciprocates, before the pair exit the frame.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Wow, so another Don finds a client!
This is getting interesting.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
What annoys me is how they’re purposely
waiting until the quarter-final fights
are over before pitching to prospective
clients. Take a risk, you old goons!

INT. THE FRESH STUDIOS – RINGSIDE – TRIXIE VERSUS BECKY KONRAD – CONTINUOUS.

Trixie is already on the offensive shortly after the bell has rung. Konrad is in the corner, attempting to shield herself from the beating that commences at the hands of the flirtatious blonde bombshell. An Irish whip sends Becky across the ring, but Trixie adds an extra oomph to the delivery, jarring Becky in the corner so hard that she ricochets out, stumbling into the type of clothesline normally delivered by big men in bars found in Texas. Konrad slams against the mat and flops around from the sheer impact. Trixie looms with a disgusted look on her face.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
My, oh my! That was some force from
Trixie! She’s come out of the traps
in explosive fashion here tonight.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Can you blame her? She’s out to prove
she’s not hungover and not a liability
to the company. Every shot to Becky Konrad
screams “please don’t fire me!”

Becky is brought to her feet and taken over with a headlock takedown, allowing Trixie to display her offensive dominance throughout the beginning of the match.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Trixie looks fired up! She wants this!
Becky hasn’t had a look in so far.

Moments later, Konrad is struggling as Trixie locks in the sleeper hold. She fades out, but comes back with some fight left, backing Bad Kitty in the corner of the ring, slamming her against the turnbuckle. But Trixie doesn’t let go of the hold and endures the impact, before electing to grab a handful of hair from Becky Konrad’s beautiful head, yanking it viciously and stepping into the ring a little further. Putting her back to her opponent, but with the grapple still intact, Trixie elects to end this quickly.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Sexy Neckbreaker by Trixie! Konrad is done!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
No way, not already!

Trixie goes for the pin, hooking the leg and soaking in the impending victory. One! Two! Three!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
I don’t believe that! What a flawless,
clinical victory from a woman seen as an
underdog going into this! Incredible.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Let’s not get carried away here, Newman.
She fought a rookie, not a ring veteran.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Still, take nothing away from her.
She answered her critics clearly tonight.

ALEXIS STONE
Ladies and Gentlemen, your
winner via pin fall – TRIXIE!

The crowd are stunned, as TRIXIE bounds up the ramp with jubilation, being played out to ‘Take it Off’ by The Donnas. The referee, meanwhile, checks on BECKY KONRAD, who isn’t moving.

INT. THE FRESH STUDIOS – BACKSTAGE GORILLA POSITION – CONTINUOUS.

Both JEREMY KING and PATRICK BECKER are standing next to each other, watching the fight that just occurred. It’s safe to say that their expressions are ones of shock.

JEREMY
So much for Trixie not getting
past Becky Konrad.

PATRICK
Don’t start me. I’m not in the mood.

At that moment, TRIXIE bursts through the curtain, looking fuelled by adrenaline – no glimpse of a hangover in sight. The demeanour of Becker changes from frustration to false delight, as he opens his arms and smiles at the blonde.

PATRICK
Trixie! You machine! What an incredible
performance! Get over here, you.

The Chairman grabs her and cuddles her close, showing no signs of frustration that she’s through to the next round. Jeremy King narrows his eyes at what he sees.

Trixie
(A little shy)
Wow, thanks, Mr Becker.

PATRICK
No, no! Thank YOU, darling. Thank you
for being such a superstar! I’ll catch
up with you a little later on, alright?
Great job, once again!

Becker turns and walks towards King, the smile fading from his face as he does so.

PATRICK
(Quietly, to King)
Break it to her hard.

The chairman exits the area, leaving a buoyant, excited Trixie alone with Jeremy King. She claps her hands.

TRIXIE
What an amazing feeling!

JEREMY
(Scratching his neck and wincing)
Yeah, you were great out there.
Listen, I-

TRIXIE
-I mean I felt confident I could win,
but I destroyed her! I’m serious, Jimmy,
I think I could win this tournament!

King closes his eyes and counts to three.

JEREMY
It’s Jeremy, and listen, I-

TRIXIE
-Oh my God, I’m such a dope with names,
honestly! I’m sorry, Jeremy! Wow, this
is just so amazing!

She’s giddy with excitement and motions to give King a cuddle, the same way Patrick hugged her. Jeremy pushes her away a little and looks uncomfortable.

TRIXIE
(Concerned)
What’s wrong? Oh no, did I go too far?
I’m sorry, Ji – Jeremy. I’m just on such
a high now after the low of that blog
this morning. I felt physically sick
reading it.

JEREMY
No, listen. Just calm down and listen.

The buxom blonde stops fidgeting and stares at King.

JEREMY (Cont’d)
That blog is actually what we need to
talk about. I won’t beat around the bush
here, Trix – Aqua Drop have axed you as
the face of the brand.

The gorgeous blonde look like she’s been hit by a train.

TRIXIE
What…

JEREMY
Before you go getting annoyed, keep in mind
that you forced their hand. What the hell
were you thinking? Hmm? You can’t go getting
wasted the night before a big match. You have
to be more responsible than that when sponsors
are involved.

Trixie holds her hands on her head and leans back against the wall, stunned at what she’s hearing.

JEREMY
Don’t let it happen again, or it won’t just
be Aqua Drop who fire you. We clear?

King doesn’t even wait for a response. He feels awkward at being the one to have to deliver Patrick Becker’s news, so exits the area quickly.

Trixie leans her head back against the wall and stares to the heavens; her great mood over the victory destroyed by this news.

CUT TO:

EXT. THE FRESH STUDIO LOADING AREA – FIGHTER TRAILER SECTION – CONTINUOUS.

DICK DEVEREAUX heads to his personal trailer – as every Engage Combatant has – equipped with his newly acquired FUSION X CHAMPIONSHIP BELT.

SMACK!

Devereaux drops to the concrete, forcing the belt to go skidding across the ground. VOIDSTAR is standing behind him, holding briefcase number 3, presumably the case he’d have picked if he’d have won.

He stomps wildly and repeatedly on the champion.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Jesus! Voidstar has just ambushed
Devereaux and is now beating the
hell out of him with that briefcase!
Look at the size of the dent in the case.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
What did I tell you earlier, Kyle?
I said that X over his shoulder might
as well be an X on his back, because
he is now carrying a big golden target.

Voidstar drops the briefcase and kicks it under the face of Dick Devereaux, before stomping down on the back of his skull, forcing him to smash, face-first, into the case. It’s an ugly sight.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Holy shit! He needs help out there!
Someone get out there and deal with this.

The masked menace crouches down over the fallen body of his foe.

VOIDSTAR
Luck was on your side tonight, Dick.
That’s all it was! You won’t get lucky
twice – trust me on that. I know how
much you want that worthless trinket
so congratulations, you’ve been validated
by a leather strap and some metal. Do you
know what I’m validated by?

He punches the back of Dick’s head in a vulgar display of violence.

VOIDSTAR
I’m validated by destruction. I’m validated
by causing misery and suffering to hollow,
vapid morons like you! Next week, I’m going
to win that number one contender match that
I was voted into, and I’m going to take that
strap away from you. Not because I want it,
but because I know how much it means to you!

NEVILLE PROCTOR bursts into the frame – another entrant in next week’s fan voted contender match – and clubs Voidstar the moment he stands to his feet, leading to a brawl between the two.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
That’s Proctor! Jeez, this is getting out
of hand, they’re going at it!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
He’s obviously marking his territory, Kyle.
This is classic alpha male behaviour.
I wouldn’t expect you to know anything
about that.

Security intervene and work hard to break the fight up, as Proctor and Voidstar trade expletives to one another.

Meanwhile, a few yards away, a trailer door opens and out steps WALTER HOBBS. The Engage Combatant – a term we have to use loosely – watches in horror as the men look to tear each other limb from limb.

His manager, MICKEY CONWAY, appears from over his shoulder.

WALTER
(Concerned, quiet tone)
Those guys are animals. It’s a good job
security came by when they did.

MICKEY
Those guys aren’t just animals – they’re
your opponents next week.

Hobbs turns sharply to stare at Conway.

WALTER
(Whispered hush, animated mouth)
WHAT?

Conway waves his phone in front of Hobbs and reveals the results of the poll. The curly haired fighter takes his cowboy hat off and looks like he’s just been given a death sentence.

WALTER
You better get the Junior Tylenol, Mickey.
I don’t feel so good.

Before Conway can move, his client slides down the door of his trailer, passing out.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Oh dear! Another casualty outside the building.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
This place is like a circus! Next week,
we may see the death of a clown.

CUT TO:

INT. THE FRESH STUDIOS – BACKSTAGE – CONTINUOUS.

The cameras return to the interior of the Fresh Studios, focusing in on TRIXIE, who is unable to contain her emotions since being informed that AQUA DROP have axed her as the face of their brand.

She sits sobbing quietly on a large trunk that would be used to transport staging and equipment. Her head is hung, buried in the palms of her hands.

ERNIE ‘PRETTY BOY’ PARKER enters the frame, complete with a dozen red roses. His confident swagger is soon derailed when he sees that Trixie is crying.

ERNIE
Oh no! What’s all this?

Trixie raises her head to stare at the old Don; mascara lines travelling down her face.

ERNIE
Good Lord, you might be the most
beautiful panda I’ve ever seen!

His cheeky charm can’t even evoke a laugh from Trixie – only sniffles. She wipes her eyes and stares at the flowers.

TRIXIE
Sorry, it’s not been a good night.

ERNIE
(Scoffs)
On the contrary, my dear – I watched you
out there dismantling that Becky Konrad
girl. I’d say you’re having an incredible night!

Trixie shrugs.

TRIXIE
Whose flowers?

Ernie stares at them, playing it cool.

ERNIE
Oh, these little things? They’re for you,
darling. Of course.

The buxom blonde smiles and, for the first time since being told about Aqua Drop, looks more positive.

TRIXIE
Wow, that’s really sweet of you.

Parker hands them to the blonde and rubs her shoulders – lingering more than he probably should. She’s oblivious to this, however.

ERNIE
Now, why on Earth would a woman who just
enjoyed a flawless victory – all while
looking radiant in the process – be so
upset? Hmm?

Trixie heaves a sigh and shakes her head, as Parker perches down beside her.

TRIXIE
I screwed up, big time.

ERNIE
What happened?

TRIXIE
You must have heard the story by now; seen
the photos online of my… well, my night out
last night. It’s everywhere.

‘Pretty Boy’ studies Trixie’s figure while she’s staring ahead, lost in her own thoughts. He’s lusting – that much is obvious.

ERNIE
(Staring down at her lap)
Mmm, yes – I may have seen a few things.

TRIXIE
Well because of it, Aqua Drop have given
me the boot. They don’t want me as the face
of the brand anymore.

The final few words are broken, as if she’s fighting back more tears. Ernie wraps his arm around her in order to console her.

ERNIE
There, there. Would you like some advice
from an old fool?

She laughs a little.

TRIXIE
Sure?

ERNIE
You’ve just had the most convincing victory
of this tournament so far and you’re now into
the semi-finals. Two more wins and you’ll be
the World Champion. Now, just imagine how
Aqua Blast-

TRIXIE
-Aqua Drop.

ERNIE
Yes, Aqua Drop. Just imagine how they’d
feel knowing they let go a World Champion
as the face of their brand. They’d feel
foolish! All you need is some guidance.
I’d love to help you.

Trixie pauses and pulls away, staring directly at Parker with surprise.

TRIXIE
Seriously? You’d help me out?

ERNIE
(Laughing)
Would I?! Of course I would! I can make
you the company’s first ever World Champion.
All you’d have to do is follow my instructions
and training regime. I’m very thorough.

The gorgeous blonde smiles and nods.

TRIXIE
Wow, that’s amazing. I mean, I’d love your help.

Ernie grins.

ERNIE
Excellent! Well, let’s go and discuss our
arrangement over dinner, shall we? I’ll see
to it that nobody snaps you misbehaving!

TRIXIE
I swear I’ll be on my best behaviour.

Parker stands and takes Trixie’s hand, helping her to her feet.

ERNIE
Well, don’t be too good! A little naughty
is always nice.

The pair share a laugh, as they exit the frame.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
What an old dog! He has no intentions
of training her! Tell her to watch her
drink when she’s around him, at all times.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Looks like Ernie Parker has found himself
a client. That’s three! So it leaves the
question, who’s left for Tony Castillo?
Will he pick Lex Collins or Christian Valentine?
Or does he have another target in mind?

CUT TO:

EXT. THE FRESH STUDIOS – LOADING BAY – CONTINUOUS.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Folks, I’ve just received word that
Becky Konrad is being transported to
a local medical facility in downtown
Los Angeles following injuries sustained
during her match.

Ambulance sirens pierce through the area, as EMT officials wheel BECKY KONRAD into the back of the van. She’s strapped to a stretcher, neck brace firmly applied.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Is she suffering a severe case of
embarrassment from the humiliation
of being so badly beaten by Trixie?

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
That’s tasteless even for you, man.
As I understand it, she’s suffered
severe whiplash and possible concussion
at the end of the fight. Our thoughts
are with Becky and we wish her a
speedy recovery.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Yes, I hope you recover quicker than
the time it takes for someone to beat you.

The ambulance drives away, having had its doors slammed shut. The sirens flash and scream out, warning oncoming traffic of its presence.

INT. THE FRESH STUDIOS – RINGSIDE – LEX COLLINS VERSUS CHRISTIAN VALENTINE – CONTINUOUS.

The bell has rung but both competitors just stare each other down. Lex Collins stands in his corner, assessing the big Nebraska man, Christian Valentine. The Knockout King meanders from his corner and Collins meets him in the middle of the ring after they circle, locking up in traditional wrestling fashion. Valentine easily overpowers the smaller Collins, pushing him back, step by step, into the turnbuckle. The big man slowly releases Lex and puts his arms up in the air as the referee tries to intervene and separate.

Valentine lowers a hand and gently smacks the face of Lex Collins, igniting the crowd with a wild reaction. The Knockout King simply grins, but Lex is perturbed and furious. Shaking it off, “Fearless” Lex Collins steps out of the corner and the two competitors readjust. A traditional lock up ensues once more, and yet again, Valentine overpowers Collins and pushes him towards the ropes. But upon touching the turnbuckle pads, Lex turns the tide and repositions Valentine so that he is in the corner, instead. The crowd eat it up as the referee dances around the two fighters like an idiot. Collins backs off slowly, but then steps forward and delivers a smack that echoes throughout the entire venue against the cheek of Valentine.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
What’s good for the goose!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Nothing but disrespectful! Collins
should be ashamed.

It pisses the big man off. The Knockout King charges Collins, who backs up quickly and aims to take advantage, eventually dropping Christian Valentine into the second turnbuckle pad with a drop toe hold!

Valentine is stunned, attempting to shake it off, but is too slow. Collins eyes the ropes and dashes towards them while The Knockout King regains his footwork, stepping after Lex, who uses the ropes for a springboard, tilting his body and knee in the air towards the big man. But Christian has other plans, throwing his body in a turn and delivering a discus clothesline that sends Lex Collins into next week.

Collins almost gets decapitated; he falls limp onto the canvas from the impact of the shot.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
What a hoss! Valentine just knocked
Collins’ head off!

Valentine drops down for a pin. One! Two! Collins kicks out in time!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
How did he kick out of that?

Christian seems annoyed and drags Collins back up, hauling him up and onto is shoulder for what seems like could be another devastating display of power. But Lex shakes loose, surprisingly, and etches his way onto the back of Valentine to lock in a sleeper hold! Valentine roams around the ring like a fat kid at the bus stop wearing a little backpack, Collins holding onto dear life with wide eyes. It’s like a child riding a majestic thoroughbred horse. Valentine throws his arms around, flailing about as Collins keeps the sleeper hold on tight, albeit worrisome about what could happen since he is certainly off the ground.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Lex is definitely more proficient in
submission wrestling. This could be
all she wrote for Valentine.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Why doesn’t he just drop like a tree
and crush this money on his back?!

It doesn’t take long for Valentine to reach back and grab onto the legs of Collins, driving him back into the turnbuckle to release the sleeper. Collins breaks the hold and elects a different approach, using the second rope and the turnbuckle to propel his jump, grappling onto Valentine and swinging around to deliver an amazing DDT into the mat! Thud! Valentine plops over and shakes it off, on one knee and attempting to recover. Collins is on his feet and fires against the ropes to dive at the big Nebraskan native. A European uppercut slices at Valentine and creates a vivid, sickly smack throughout the venue. But The Knockout King holds his stance.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Oh my God! How did that not drop him?!

Collins gets back up and goes for another, bouncing off the ropes and throwing another European uppercut into the head of Valentine, which this time knocks the big man completely off his knee and onto his back. The Fearless wastes little time by mounting the big man, raining down with punches.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
He’s figured out the secret to fighting
a big man! Take him off his legs!

Moments later, Collins is down and out and Valentine has assumed control, showing his dominant power that was on display in the beginning of the match. Both men are beat but persist. Lex is recovering a spinning spinebuster and The Knockout King is catching breath, leaning into the corner as Collins is down and out. After some time, Collins gets to his feet and sees the winded Valentine, who approaches slowly. Lex fires a right hand and catches Valentine off guard, making the big man take one step back, but then just two steps forward. Another right hand follows, but Valentine reacts the same way. Collins turns around and springboards off the second rope set within the turnbuckle, spinning around to deliver a European uppercut that exceeds expectations, knocking Valentine back multiple steps and back into the middle of the ring.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Uppercut city!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Eventually Valentine will read that move.

Lex continues the momentum by sprinting towards Valentine, but the Nebraskan man counters by launching him into the air and connecting with the Rise Up! The pop up European uppercut almost knocks Collins completely out, his body dropping to the mat in a heap. Valentine goes for the cover!

One! Two!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Collins kicks out!

Lex gets the shoulder up and the crowd goes wild. Valentine is annoyed and gets Lex up to his feet, initiating an Irish whip that sends the smaller man into the turnbuckle once more. Collins rests against the pads, sweaty and tired, eyeing the incoming Valentine who looks like a bull from Spain running down a narrow street. He sidesteps the rush and allows The Knockout King to spear through the turnbuckle and into the post. Oh! The crowd’s reaction is loud from the impact.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
This could be the turning point.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Come on, Valentine! Get your goddamn
head in this game!

Collins manages to escape and finds himself dashing across the ring to the opposite turnbuckle, stepping off the bottom pad and then ricocheting back towards the recovering Christian Valentine. “Fearless” Lex Collins lifts off into the air and connects with a devastating knee to the face of a slumped Valentine, who staggers from the corner, but only gets driven into the canvas with the final touch of Systematic Breakdown 2.0! The crowd cheers as Collins falls over the body of the slain giant, Christian Valentine! One! Two! Three!

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
It’s over! Listen to this crowd here!
Lex Collins advances to the semi-finals!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Christian Valentine beat himself.
What an idiot!

ALEXIS STONE
Ladies and Gentlemen, your winner
via pin fall – LEX COLLINS!

CUT TO:

INT. THE FRESH STUDIOS – RINGSIDE – CONTINUOUS.

LEX COLLINS looks keen to head backstage, however CHRISTIAN VALENTINE has managed to get back to his feet and he’s angry. He exits the ring and grabs a steel chair from the time keeping area, only to snap it shut with force and make threats towards Collins.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Come on now, the fight is over
and done with. This is just a case
of bad sportsmanship.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
No, it’s a case of attacking a man who
got a narrow victory and couldn’t keep
him down. Send a message, Christian!

Collins looks apprehensive, and while he’d obviously prefer it not to go down like this, he’s not backing away. Before Valentine can enter the ring with the weapon, TONY CASTILLO bursts through the curtain and marches down the ramp, much to the delight of the audience. He’s wielding a black crowbar and warning Christian Valentine to think twice.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
Wait a sec, we’ve got company!

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
What is this old dinosaur doing out here?
He’s got no business being here.

Valentine considers his options, as Tony Castillo passes him cautiously and enters the ring, standing shoulder to shoulder with Lex Collins.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
How’s that for support?! Listen to this crowd!

Christian Valentine yells profanity at the men and drops the chair, warning that this isn’t over, before heading up the ramp.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
Wow, thanks for spoiling that for everyone,
Castillo, with your O.G crowbar bullshit!

Castillo turns to Lex Collins and shakes his hand, muttering a few sentences to him that nobody but Lex himself can hear, given the volume around the studio.

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
There’s a discussion going down, whatever it’s
about. I think I may have an idea.

Collins looks stunned by whatever it is Tony said to him, before shaking his hand and nodding. Castillo raises Lex’s arm in the air and the men celebrate, to the delight of the audience.

CLINT KNOX (O.S)
What does this mean? Has Castillo
asked Lex to be his client?

KYLE NEWMAN (O.S)
It certainly looks that way. The 4th Don has
selected Lex Collins! All four semi-finalists
have got a Don in their corner now.

Tony and Lex discuss things inside the ring as the show concludes.

END.