Liberation: Episode Forty-Two, April 14th, 2019

OPENING SEGMENT

We find ourselves in the ring, fans chattering as the lights in the arena fade to a red color, and the sound system starts up, the intro to Know Better by Kevin Gates blasting throughout. As the chorus hits, red smoke shoots into the air, at the top of the stage, and out comes Tapp Addams Sporting a Brooklyn Nets Fitted Cap. The Rookie Submissionist receives a few cheers, though not many due to this being only his second Appearance in front of the Fans here at Liberty. Addams, appreciative of those that do cheer for him makes his way down the ramp high fiving a few fans and even stopping to sign A kid's Tapp Addams Fan Sign, before sliding into the ring. Once inside, he throws his fists up and again red smoke shoots into the air, this time coming from the ring posts. As Addams’ music fades out, he signals for a microphone, and takes a minute to soak in the atmosphere from the audience.

Tapp Addams: Man. It's great to be out here. No really. Before I get started with what I've got to say. I just want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone in the back, both Wrestlers and Staff, for inviting me in with open arms. Every since I was a little Tapp Addams in third grade, I knew this is what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to be wrestling in a company like this, in front of a crowd like you. So To all the staff and roster members, and especially to you fine people, Thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is an amazing opportunity, and I will do everything that I can, to not let you down.

The sincerity and optimism in his voice, garners a positive reaction from the crowd, chants of “Welcome Add-ams” filling the arena. With a smile on his face Tapp pulls the microphone back up to his lips as he moves forward with his speech.

Tapp Addams: Thank you guys. I'm just some kid, who loves wrestling just like each and everyone of you. I never thought in a million years that at the age of 19, I'd be out here in front of you guys. I never thought in a million years I'd have my own entrance. My own ring gear. A few years ago that wasn't possible for me. Kids back in my hometown, back in my neighborhood, they grow up and end up either in jail, or working some job for minimum wage hating their life. I was determined that I would break that trend.

The Liberty Crowd seemingly taking a liking to the young man and his upbringing, start another chant of “You're Not Locked Up”. And that brings an even bigger smile to the face of Tapp. He laughs into the microphone and shakes his head.

Tapp Addams: You know, I've only been here for a week. And last week, well last week didn't exactly turn out how I had hoped it would. But its things like that. The chanting. The cheering. The little girl in the front row, with my name on her sign. It's things like that, that make me want to keep going. That make me strive longer better each and every week. Every week that I come out here, I want to leave knowing that I did my best against whatever opponent I faced. I want to leave knowing that I gave you guys the best match that I could possibly put on. SOOOO….. I spent the last week talking to some people backstage. Getting to know my new bosses, and I eventually pitched them an idea. An idea that if all goes well, will give you all, and my peers backstage, a little insight into who I am and how I wrestle. I've got a little surprise for the City of Brooklyn tonight.

*Cheap Pop*

Tapp Addams: Tonight, and every show that I get the opportunity, I will be coming out here, and issuing a challenge to anybody in the back. A match. One on one, a chance to show my peers I belong here, and a chance for them to show off their skills as well. But not just that. I come to Liberty with a mission. A goal in mind. Not just to be successful, but I'm trying to shine the light on a slowly fading Wrestling style. I'm trying to bring attention to the reason I fell in love with wrestling in the first place. I'm here to Make Submission Wrestling Great Again. So this open challenge won't be your normal match won by pinfall. All Tapp Addams Open Challenge matches will be submission matches. No Pinfalls. Tap out only.

The crowd, seemingly interested in the idea of the Open Challenge cheer for the rookie, and Addams nods his head in approval.

Tapp Addams: Wow. I'm glad you're all on board. Well that's it then. I'm going to stop talking. Let's get this Submission Showcase on the road. So of there's anyone back there ready for a fight. Ready for a moment. Come on out and let's get it on.

Tapp tosses the microphone out of the ring, and removes his jacket and Hat, giving it to a nearby cameraman. Moving to his corner, he faces the ramp way, and waits to see who will answer his challenge.

RINGSIDE
The lights in the Arena dim out as "Noir" by Shandon blasts out of the loudspeakers. The New York fans welcome the hometown girl with a warm reaction. Already dressed in her ring gear, the tattooed woman walks down the ramp with a quick pace, sliding under the bottom rope and immediately asking for a microphone.

Helena Noir: "Hey Brooklyn... How are you doing?"

Her tone is calm and cold, as always. But still, mentioning the city they're in draws a cheap but good reaction from the fans.

Helena Noir: "You know, I might be a suspicious bitch, but when I saw this match announced, after the initial satisfaction, I had this doubt seeping in my brain. Why?"

A pause.

Helena Noir: "Why would Nathan Callaghan grant me and Honey an opportunity like this? What's the catch? What's he plotting? I was backstage before and I just kept watching my back, in case someone tried to jump me. But nothing happened.. Weird, huh? And don't worry, I already checked on Honey, she's in her locker room devouring Kit Kats like there's no tomorrow, all quiet on the western front."

She lets out a chuckle at the thought of "teamie" and her particular pre match ritual.

Helena Noir: "So, let's assume Nate cama back to senses long enough to make, for once, the right call and book this match, before going back to his usual antics and his power trip. If that's what happened here, if this is the case... Oh boy. you're in a world of troubles, my dear Warren..."

There's a slight and somehow sinister smile on her face.

Helena Noir: "Later tonight, you're stepping in the ring, alone with no family, friends or society to watch yout back. You're stepping in the ring with me and the rightful Liberty Champion Honey. But, here's a free advice before the match, don't worry about her... Worry about me."

The camera zooms in into a close up.

Helena Noir: "While Honey is going to try play by the rules, I won't be playing at all. I'm entering this match with one purpose, and that's make you regret coming at me last week.
Becuase, you see, I might be Honey's first and biggest supporter, but when I joined Liberty, I did it to win titles. And, you would agree with me, Libery Pro Champion Helena Noir has a nice ring to it."

A wink at the camera.

Helena Noir: "You're on my way, Corbett. And the funny thing is, you asked for it. Whatever I'm going to do, and believe me, it won't be pretty, that's all on you bud. See you soon."

On those ominous words, she rolls out of the ring and heads backstage. The camera cuts away to the next segment,

BACKSTAGE
Derrick La’Bell is backstage in the locker room, he’s taping his hands while listening to music. He notices the camera, and pulls his headphones off his head, and smiles at the camera.

Derrick La’Bell: “Aye, fam. Glad you’re here, cuz I’ve got something I gotta get off my chest to be completely honest.”

Derrick speeds up his tape wrapping, so he can talk to the camera. He grabs his phone to turn off his music, and loosens himself up. The Beast shoots a humble smile at the camera before stopping.

Derrick La’Bell: “Look, some of y’all know my love hate relationship with professional wrestling. I’m an MMA guy, and I succeed there, but there’s just a disconnect with me and the ring. Fans still cheer for me, I still find ways to get into title pictures and stuff like that, but when it comes to a win/loss record, it’s not like my UGP record at all.

I don’t know if it’s the more freedom in wrestling that makes it hard to translate, or the amount of egos in this sport, but I’ve still struggle to this day with it. I came to Liberty Pro, because I wanted to change all of that. I wanted to make the brand of Derrick La’Bell grow beyond being a great MMA fighter. I wanted to be the gatekeeper for this company, just like how I am for the heavyweight division in UGP, but it doesn’t seem to be heading this way.”

He pauses, shaking his head in disappointment. His fresh start wasn’t starting so fresh, and he really wanted to change that. He wanted to show the wrestling world who The Beast from the East truly was, but it just hadn’t happened yet.

Derrick La’Bell: “I know this is only the third show, but dammit this sucks. Week one, a girl less than half my weight beat me because she put her feet on the ropes, and the second week, some surfer dude who was supposed to be my partner attacked me, allowing the same small ass chick to attack me with a chair. To top it off, the freaking surfer dude quit the company that next day because he thought it wasn’t good enough.”

His face expresses so much frustration, that he awkwardly laughs because he doesn’t know what else to do.

Derrick La’Bell: “Tonight, that shit ends. I ain’t gon’ start acting like a dick or nothing, cuz that sit me, but damn. I’m done letting people walk all over me. I’m done with moral victories and quality losses. I’m a certifiable badass, and dammit, I need to remind everyone that. I knocked a man out with one punch in my first fight in Union GP. I deliver elbows so nasty, people started calling them Hellbows, and make legit 250+lbs men and women cry and fear when they think about it.”

Another awkward laugh by Derrick, and he just kind of shrugs. He knows he can do better.

Derrick La’Bell: “Kiera, you and I are both cut from a similar cloth. Both young MMA prodigies looking to make a mark in pro-wrestlin’. I’m looking forward to our match together, and grappling with a fellow fighter, but you’ve gotta realize something. I NEED this win. You’re just starting, but I’ve started inching towards my second anniversary of becoming a wrestler, and I’ve got nothing to show for it. This has to be my night tonight. Any other night, I’d even offer to be in your corner, but tonight it’s you versus me and I ain’t catching anymore Ls.

I hope you understand, and I’ll see you real soon.”

He stands up and acts like he’s done. He puts his headphones back on, and does some shadow boxing. He continues his warm ups for a moment, however, he pauses mid punch, and looks at the camera.

Derrick La’Bell: “Oh, and Tammi…”

He smirks playfully at the camera.

Derrick La’Bell: “If I see your scrawny ass at all during my match, you’re gonna need more than a steel chair to stop me this time. I played nice with you. I was cordial to you. I gave you pass, and you spit in my face. I ain’t gonna let that shit slide, and your comeuppance will come REAL quick if I see you at all tonight, honestly.”

He puts his headphones on, but only halfway. With one ear still free, he looks at the camera one last time.

Derrick La’Bell: “You’ve been warned, Tammi. The Beast Cometh…”

He places the other half of the headphones on his ear, and goes back to shadow boxing. As he continues, the scene slowly fades to black.

BACKSTAGE
Rylee Harper: It feels so good to win my first liberty match. Yes I won it with my partner and it just feels awesome.

She smiles. She’s in her wrestling gear.

Rylee Harper: I know that we still have a lot of work to do but I want to keep doing that work because I want to be the best wrestler that I can be.

She smiles again.

Rylee Harper: Tonight we face Double Trouble and I know it’ll be tough but that is this business. We want to be on top of Liberty and I’ll do whatever it takes. One win makes me happy but I want more.

She nods.

Rylee Harper: I just want this so bad and I can feel it i just hope I can keep going!

BACKSTAGE
With all those glittering New York skyscrapers hugging the skyline, we dive into one of Manhattan’s finer dining establishments. Judging by the amount of champagne corks you can hear popping around here, it's fair to say that this New York resort is ever so slightly glamorous. Richly-clad gentlemen and ladies, sparkling with jewels, were abound.

The atmosphere grew merrier by the minute. The first toasts were being raised, and already becoming less and less coherent.

Yet, as the evening went on, even the lingering taste of an afterdinner brandy couldn’t dispel the dreadful boredom of one blonde. She subtly watches her associate with a sense of weary resignation and vague disgust.

He’s not pleasant. Lip curled in a perpetual sneer. A grunt for ‘yes’ or ‘no’ when the waiter comes to the table to offer him something. In his left hand he holds a sandwich. Something meaty. Dripping. Thick globs of sauce run down his fingers. Streaks of brown-and-red-something which he doesn’t bother to wipe. It smears his lips and jaw. Through a mouthful of grease and meat and sticky, dripping sauce, he speaks into the phone in his right hand, belching.

Just when when the blonde decides to cut this meeting short, a young waiter approaches her table. Her dinner date doesn’t notice the napkin and pen the waiter places before the blonde. It has a game of tic-tac-toe penned in, with an X at it’s centre. She quirks an eyebrow. The waiter smiles reassuringly.

Waiter: “Another patron. They invite you to play to relieve your boredom. I’m not to tell you who it’s from.”

Curious, the Blonde takes a glance round to see if she can find this mystery patron. Of course, they wouldn’t be that easy to find. She smiles and draws in a circle.

Blonde: “Game on, I guess!”

When the waiter leaves with the napkin to the kitchen, the blonde keeps watch, trying to find who started this game.

For a moment, her gaze falls on a willowy beauty dining at another table. She is Italian, has wicked eyes, Angelina lips. She unhurriedly treats herself to freshly prepared spaghetti alla bottarga, served up with a side of oven-baked porcini mushrooms with wild Alaskan scallops.

It’s the title-chasing Precious Pepper Vain. And the insolence of her smile has its own charm as our cameras hone in on her.

The girl had spent a big chunk of her earnings from last week to be here, and to wear a suitable dress… but there was a point to this.

PPV: “Mmmm! Spaghetti alla bottarga is my favourite dish. And when you eat it with mushrooms and scallops. Oh! It’s sooo good! It’s… well, it is something to be experienced, not explained.

But it feels like your mouth is discovering moment by moment surprises, it’s something that caresses every cell lining the inside of your mouth, and on your tongue. My compliments to the chef. I love me some good good pasta. In fact, good pasta makes me think of Liberty Pro. And I’ll tell you why.

I remember the first time Grandma Giada made me spaghetti bolognese. I tasted it…. And I swear to God…. Her’s is the best bolognese I’ve ever tasted. Better than this. Spaghetti Bolognese!”

Even now, Pepper throws up her hands, ber eyes almost bugging out at this.

PPV: “So I was asking her, ‘how the heck did you do this’? To be quite honest with you, I was JEALOUS. I love cooking. And I’m pretty damn good at it. But Grandma always runs rings around me.”

Our dear waiter returns, napkin in hand. Pepper scrawls in an X. He leaves.

PPV: “So I said to her, “what on earth is in this? It tastes phenomenal!” And she proceeded to tell me the ordinary ingredients for bolognese: tomato sauce, vegetables, etc.

Something wasn’t adding up. I’ve made a lot of bolognese in my time… using these exact same ingredients…. but I’d NEVER made a bolognese that tasted this good.

So I drilled her for more information until she finally told me the secret…”

As if she is about to share one of life’s darkest mysteries, she beckons us closer.

PPV: “‘Time’. As she explained, she had cooked this bolognese on a low heat for six hours. And THAT’S why it tasted so goddamn good. It WASN’T different ingredients. It WASN’T some special trick or technique. The magic ingredient was simply…. TIME.

Time… and, by extension, PATIENCE.

And that… is the problem with Liberty Pro. Luminaries such as Ana Hayden, Tyson Gregory, Mel Reeves and Becky Balfour are nowhere to be found after Liberty's return from the dead. They've left behind a dish that was good. But good is the enemy of great. It's too easy to be satisfied by good when it could have been so much more. If only they invested more TIME. More patience. But no. They had their fill from the top championships on offer, and went elsewhere. Investing, at best, just one year. Just like anyone else with shiny object syndrome.

Not me. Going place to place, collecting titles, isn’t my style. I won’t set my eyes on dwarfed victories. Why would I let my environment define me when it should be the other way around? I'm going to make titles mean something. Not merely chase after the next one.

I want to write my own history.”

The waiters stops by. Glancing at the napkin, PPV smirks, seeing victory in her sights. She draws another X, laying down the trap.

PPV: “When it comes to wrestling, I want to be a Tiger Woods. A Federer. Men who carved out new eras in their sports, sweeping up major titles and seeming to redefine, physically, what it took to be great. They became rich and famous on a level far beyond what 'ordinary' elite sports people tend to achieve. Dominating their sports like no other ever has. Not only did they defeat every opponent, they crushed them. Woods became the most famous sportsman on the planet. They weren’t just plain old champions. They became Super Champions. Champions of The Heavens. Heroes. That's the sort of weight I want the name Vain to have. With me at the centre, there will come a time where, in order to be rubber-stamped as a great wrestler, you have to test yourself in Liberty Pro. It will become a place where securing even a single title would already be enough to make a wrestler's reputation skyrocket. I mean to turn Liberty Pro into an international gathering of champions.

However…. the skill to actually accomplish such a feat can only come from "time", patiently invested by me into my endless training. But it’ll happen. Might be two years. Five years. Whatever it might be. I’ll be here, making Liberty more titillating than they ever thought it could be. I can say this in countless ways, but really there's one core truth I want to communicate to you from my core… I am a woman worth a thousand others.”

The waiter came back to her table again, although this time, the circle had a sad face drawn in too, seeing the impending loss. PPV draws in the X that confirms her win

She daintily takes her last few bites from her plate. Licking her lips, satisfied, she gives us her full attention and rises to her feet.

PPV: “We’ve witnessed so many iconic moments here at New York - the historic heart of wrestling. Who will be adding their name to the legend of the ring this weekend? Ethan McCall has a prime opportunity.

Don’t you think so, Ethan? I've seen your quality. You've made a habit of beating former Anarchy champions. Kendrick Kross and Warren Corbett both. How very, very cool.

Nathan Callaghan said he’d use the first show to decide who the contenders for Liberty’s titles are, but he’s been been stretching it out. Giving it TIME. But staying unbeaten would put you in contention, Ethan. You could almost say job done... but I have other ideas. How about if I walk out the victor in this match?”

An ominous smile curls her lip.

PPV: You have a good understanding of wrestling. You have several titles to your name. You have been trained by greats. But I…”

She flamboyantly gestures to herself.

PPV: “...have stars. I've always had the devil's luck. I landed in New York, curious where to go to begin my wrestling career. And in just a few short hours, by chance, I met my girl Ari. She... "knows" a guy... and ta-da! I was signed and confirmed for my debut lightning quick. And I made a cute, spunky friend to boot. Her guy even put in a good word for me to REBELLION. And as you might have heard, I won my debut there. Against the boss's nephew no less. You could well say i'm unbeaten too.

Ethan, do you have stars? Stars to bring you victory and luck. Who, me?”

Her smile becomes brighter than the noonday sun.

PPV: “I've got them! And probably more than you've got. The match can go however it wants to go. Back and forth. One sided. Sloppy and frenetic. I win at the very, very end of a match.

There’s a lot on the line tonight.I hope you're prepared, Ethan. I am. You'll quickly find I have my own way of winning.”

With that, PPV makes a beeline for the table with the blonde. She looks up, pleasantly surprised. Pepper smilles.

PPV: “I hope you talk better than you play.”

The blonde comically scrunches her nose, and jabs PPV's arm. She rose, gathering her coat. Her associate is stunned by these developments. And with a flash of white teeth, they're gone, only whiffs of their perfume remain.

BACKSTAGE
The cameras switch to the backstage area where there is some sort of tumult. Willie Taylor and Emma Cosco are found rushing through the hallway. The look on Emma’s face somewhat stressed and exhausted.

EMMA COSCO: “Hurry, Willie. We have no time to lose, they will come for us. Thanks to you.”

WILLIE TAYLOR: “I shouldn’t have said all those things. I am sorry, Ems. It is all my fault, I ruined our Liberty Pro career. How could I be so thoughtless.”

EMMA COSCO: “Should have thought of that before opening your damn mouth. I am not sure I can be with you any longer.”

They look at each other for a long moment. Neither of them moved, but she looked at him angry. Her arms folded in front of her chest.

WILLIE TAYLOR: “Look, I am really sorry… ”

EMMA COSCO: “As you should be… “

WILLIE TAYLOR: “...that I haven’t said those things earlier.”

Both bursted out laughing. Willie pulled her into a deep kiss before looking back towards the camera. The arrogant smirk was back on his face.

WILLIE TAYLOR: “Did you really think a little tantrum on social media will shatter our world? Just once more shows that you haven’t paid any attention during the past weeks. I apologise though. I didn’t know we are Amnesty International. Treating everyone as the little snowflakes that they are. Right, Tolsonator?”

Emma winked towards him, still smiling.

EMMA COSCO: “You can’t say such things. Sam Tolson is the big, bad wolf. Which probably is the pet name for her vag… no, can’t say that. Problem with people like Tolson is easy to spot. Sometime in the past someone told her that she was the shit. And even though she can’t hold a candle to the hardworking people in this industry, she still believes it. And while spending her days posting half naked pictures, she thinks that everyone wants to stick it in her.”

WILLIE TAYLOR: “She is into girls, love. Better be careful.”

Emma rolled her eyes, though she seemed rather amused.

EMMA COSCO: “Let me get something straight here, yeah wordplay, we have no problem with anyone’s sexual orientation. But how comes that lesbians on social media seem to think everyone wants to know about their sex life? Even worse feel the need to make you believe that being homosexual is anything special. It isn’t. Neither is being heterosexual. But the moment someone says something they come with their whole rainbow community and set you on fire. And since we are on it, who made Sam Tolson the president of Vagina Valley?”

WILLIE TAYLOR: “But baby, we got no chance. Her and Katie are going to destroy us. I made this personal. God forbid that this is wrestling and I dared to remind her. Sammy, are you really that insecure? Is your life really that empty? I heard about females having certain days a month when they turn into angry animals, but yours seem way too permanent. Just imagine how terrible it will be when you lose this match. When Wild Sleaze Baes once again clean house without breaking a sweat? Will you cry, Sam? Will you blame Katie for your misfortune? Or, for once realise that your time is up.”

Next to him Emma was letting out a snarling noise getting his attention. He raised one of his eyebrows.

WILLIE TAYLOR: “Yes, Miss Cosco?”

EMMA COSCO: “Hasn’t she always lived on borrowed time, just wondering. But either way we forget a big factor of the match. Girls of Spring.”

WILLIE TAYLOR: “Summer.”

EMMA COSCO: “I know what season we have, thank you. It is an open secret we don’t trust people around this place. We got each others back and if indeed the odds are against us, so be it. But one thing I promise here and now, the moment I get my hands on crybaby Tolson -- there are no limits… “

She was interrupted when Willie pulled her in close again.

WILLIE TAYLOR: “Thats hot as fuck.”

Emma pinched one of his nipples but his grin only grew further.

EMMA COSCO: “Tonight is the beginning of a new era, folks. Whining and playing victim won’t get you anywhere in 2019. Big tits and an ass that should be its own universe don’t win matches. Fists to faces and boots to heads do, easy as that. Don’t say we haven’t warned you, and call PETA because we are about putting bitches to rest.”

WILLIE TAYLOR: “What she said.”

Without any further comments the couple started to walk again. The scene fading to black.

BACKSTAGE
The scene cuts to Karen Willow lying down on a concrete floor, knocked out cold. Standing above her is the masked woman that was seen earlier in the night, and she has Nathan Callaghan's barbed wired bat in hands! She steps towards the camera and begins to speak, her voice somewhat distorted.

Masked Woman: Nathan... Your days of running this show are numbered. You continue to hire filth like Karen Willow and book them... Well, I've been brought in to take care of these problems, brought in by a power that is higher than you. Until you get your act together? These actions will not slow down, no, they will only get worse. Consider Karen Willow versus Kristina Spencer cancelled.

The masked woman drops the barbed wired bat next to the unconscious Karen Willow before she walks away and the scene cuts away.

BACKSTAGE
The cameras backstage pan to Kendrick Kross standing in an empty hallway of the Hammerstein Ballroom. Kendrick lets out a sinister looking grin.

Kendrick Kross: Look at who I drew this week for an opponent. A guy who calls himself Mr. Immaculence. His mouthpiece says he is a mixture of immaculance and excellence. I find that hilarious.

Kendrick rolls his eyes and lets out a small laugh, his eyes not leaving the camera.

Kendrick Kross: Here’s the thing, the truth is that he is neither of those, those are his illusions of what he wants to be, what he is, is nothing other than just nothing less than a mediocre wrestler who gets shown tonight exactly why he is nowhere near what he thinks he is, neither immaculance, excellence, immacullence nor his holiness.

There was a reason I was a two time Anarchy Champion in the first season of LPW, it’s because I have proven to be one of the better talents here in this company, if anyone deserves those monikers it would be me. He will be shown why his illusions and the way of his thinking is wrong.

A flash of his white teeth and a small wink ensues.

Kendrick Kross: After tonight a new understanding will be experienced by him. This has become my playground now and he’s just stepping in it. Mark my words, his illusions will be revealed and he will understand why he is nowhere near the level of skill that Kendrick Kross is at.

Kendrick pushes the camera away as he walks down the empty hall.

Hope it's not too late.

BACKSTAGE

Backstage, Breton Lee appears to be ready to speak on behalf of Keyshawn Reed, but before he can get going, a combination of
-Honey Jean squealing in joy
-Craig Hannigan shouting about “R IS FOR REED” while also asking where Thea Roux is (with Desirae telling him to shush about the now absent former head of security)
-and O’Shea Reed flexing with his bicep covering Lee’s face
Stop him, and a clearly peeved Leader of the Keyshawntourage yells for his team to “COOL IT!” before taking over himself.

Keyshawn Reed: Ay, I got this Lee, take the night off from talking. It’s real simple, man, real simple. Kendrick Kross is known more for the fine but bitchy girl by his side, yeah? He ain’t shit, himself; ooh, he’s a MMA fighter, big deal.

He jabs a thumb at Gia, who rolls her eyes and deadpans.

Gia Lynne: ...Not a big deal.

Keyshawn Reed: That’s right. This ain’t MMA, just ask big bad Derrick, gettin his ass beat by a lil white girl half his size. You ain’t in a cage, man, you in a ring, straight across from SHINE CONCENTRATE! And you just ain’t bright enough to stand up. So you wanna stomp on ya man The Real Star? Nah.

Reed shakes his head and smacks his cousin on his massive shoulder.

O’Shea Reed: You’re gonna get snuffed out, boy.

Keyshawn nods with a grin on his face.

Keyshawn Reed: The Reedvolution ain’t just a hashtag, my man Kendrick, it’s a way of life and you? You just ain’t livin right. Catch some life tips tonight when me and the Keyshawntourage show you what the high life’s about. LEGGO-

The group, on cue: -KEYSHAWNTOURAGE!

And the camera cuts back to ringside.

BACKSTAGE
The cameras cut to the back of the Barclay’s Center. The Liberty Pro crew finds Tamsin in the backstage area sitting comfortably on what looks like a production crate. She sits solitary in the back, pulling and adjusting her kneepads as the cameras fix themselves to capture her every move.

The Manx brawler ignores the crew as she continues to get her gear prepped and ready for her clash later in the evening against Brien Storm. Her process is interrupted as one of the crew members breaks the hanging silence, asking Tamsin about what happened in her big tag team fiasco of a match last week.

Tamsin: “Last week wasn’t about winning. You ask anyone who knows me and they’ll tell you that I don’t play well with others ye. There may have been a point where victory was a high priority for me but… But I don’t give a shit about Karen’s obsession with Kiwi club or whatever. I don’t give a shit about Derek’s obsession with getting his hands on that other guy’s manager. I just don’t care.”

She smirks as she gets settled in to the impromptu interview. She moves her legs to focus on fixing up her gear elsewhere. While she’s getting ready, the crew member - soft spoken and all, lobbed a mother question towards Tamsin, asking what she actually does care about. The query invokes a scoffing laugh from Tamsin.

Tamsin: “There’s very little in this world I giv-a fuck about ye.”

She puts up her hand to the center frame, using her digits to count them off.

Tamsin: “Foightin, Fucking, and vicitmizin’ Brien Storm… I already done two off my list ta-noight. Guess which one imma do next, ye.

She smiles, pushing herself from the crate. She walks past there crew, shoving the camera nearly off of the shoulders of a team member as she walks away - heading towards somewhere we she can be alone before her upcoming match. The scene abruptly cuts as the crew jostles the camera around trying to get it re-situated.

BACKSTAGE
*The camera cuts to a shot in front of the door to the locker room of Brien Storm. A fist moves into the shot giving the door two solid knocks. A few seconds go by and then the familiar low voice of Brien Storm ringings out through the door.*

Brien: “Yes?”

*A shaky voice replies very quickly*

Cameraman: “Hello, Mr. Storm. I just wanted to get a few comments on your upcoming match with Tamsin.”

*After another few second, the door swings open to show Brien wearing a Sheffield United jersey and some jeans. Brien motions the cameraman to come in shaking the man’s hand as he walks into a locker room which looks like it should accommodate more than just Brien. A single foldable steel chair is set up in about the middle of the room with a duffle bag next to it. The chair is facing the TV mounted on the wall which is playing footage from the tag team triple threat, the part where Tamsin goes apeshit with a chair specifically. Brien grabs the chair and gives it a 90 degree turn so he’s facing the cameraman as he takes a seat.*

Brien: “Take it away Mr. Cameraman.”

Cameraman: “Right… So this week you’re facing Tamsin and you’re also looking to build off of your victory last week as well…

Brien: “Mate. You said a comment not a fucking interview.”

*The cameraman shocked begins stammering and stuttering. To add insult to injury, Brien mocks his stuttering as he does it. Brien soon breaks into laughter.*

Brien: “I’m just fucking with you, but seriously I’m only giving you a comment. I have a match to get ready for, I don’t have time for an entire interview.

*A force and very nervous laughter comes from the Cameraman*

Cameraman: “Well then let’s hear your comment.”

Brien: “My victory last week isn’t really anything to ride home about. Sure while it was impressive, it was against a rookie. I could’ve won with hopping on one leg with a fucking blindfold on. It was always gonna be reyt easy. Just like it should be this week, because I have a match with another rookie. Half the roster are rookies. She’s also a totally psychopath. That’s why this match is a little tiny bit hard than the last. Unpredictability. That shit throws a guy like me off. It’s always harder in preparation for an unhinged motherfucker. That being said I make up for that lack of prep in the ring. The skill and style I bring to the table might as well be tailored to piss off someone like Tamsin. So much so that she gets aggravated and aggressive to the point of a mistake. Simple as. I can’t lay it out anymore clearly than that right? I have it bang on, she’s a rookie who also happens to be an over aggressive psycho. She wasn’t even mad in her last match when that chair came a-swinging, and after having watched that match a couple of times. I can definitely tell you that that’s the exact moment where her and her partner’s winning chances got thrown out a window.”

Cameraman: “It’s that all, Mr.Storm?”

Brien: “Don’t ever cut me off... I only have one more thing to say. Another Sunday, another win.

*Brien chuckles giving the camera a big ol toothy million dollar smile as the camera hard cuts to the next segment*

BACKSTAGE
The scene cuts to outside the arena with “Earlier Today” in the bottom corner of the screen. Ethan McCall is seen walking from his rental car with his bags in tow towards the arena when Astrid Rayner and her camera crew come walking up to him. McCall hands off some of his bags to his girlfriend, Kaitlyn MacNamara, who he tells he will meet inside. He then smiles at Astrid, waiting for her questions.

Astrid Rayner: Hello Ethan, sorry to catch you before you went into the arena. Just wanted to ask you a few questions before you compete tonight.

He smiles and gives a slight tilt of his head.

Ethan McCall: It’s okay Astrid, fire away.

Astrid Rayner: Last week you took on a former high profile talent here in Liberty when you faced Warren Corbett. Even though the match was changed to no disqualification, you still were able to win. Any thoughts about that big win?

Ethan McCall: Going into it, I knew that Warren would be a challenge. He’s been in various companies where he’s been successful. Nowhere as much as here in Liberty. So to beat him, in a match that was his personal style.

Astrid Rayner: Corbett also ran out and ruined the main event, trying to put himself in the Liberty Championship picture. Do you think you belong in that discussion as well?

He lets out a chuckle and shakes his head.

Ethan McCall: Tonight is just my third match in this company. I think it’s a bit premature for me to start demanding or placing myself in title talk. If Nathan Callaghan wants to put me in those talks? Sure. But I’m not so ego driven to say I need to be in those talks myself at only three matches in.

Astrid Rayner: Tonight you take on a rookie in the business with the nineteen year old, Precious Pepper Vain. What are your thoughts on her?

Ethan McCall: Pepper is going to be a tough challenge for me. Her style is different than anyone I have faced so far in Liberty. But being in the OP Tournament and the Young Guns, I have faced a good number of styles and I have been working with a few people to expand and build what I am already doing. So while I said that she will be a challenge, I definitely think it’s a challenge I am ready for. And speaking of, I do need to get inside to get ready for that match.

Astrid Rayner: Of course Ethan, thank you for your time!

Ethan McCall: Thank you for the interview!

He gives her a smile before heading into the arena.

BACKSTAGE
Cartier’s face is close up in a feed straight from a phone screen. On the edges, her long fake nails can be seen as she holds the cell phone in front of her, walking down the halls of the Barclays. She laughs, then stops for a second and reaches off screen, then holds the phone out further to show her whole body as she grabs a mop out of a bucket she’s passed by. She holds the mop upside down and shakes it back and forth so its knitted head bounces around like a headbanging teenager.

💎Cartier💎: “Hey y’all! You like my partner for tonight here on Liberation?”

Cartier cackles with laughter and tosses the mop away, then goes back to walking in a close up.

💎Cartier💎: “Listen y’all… it don’t really much matter if I gotta drag Kaelan mopheaded ass to a win tonight. We all know what’s up. We lookin’ across the ring at two mafackas I beat, and who Kae ain’t been able to. I took that United States Championship right off the waist of Felix Graves at the end of last year. Now I ain’t never had the chance to put that title on the line against no one, but since Liberty been back up an’ runnin’ I ain’t dropped a match. Including last week against Felix partner an’ former Gotham Champion Scotty Latimer. Way I see it, I beat two Liberty Champions. I don’t need Kae to do nothin’ but the bare minimum… all she gotta do is ‘not lose.’ So Kae, if you listenin’ wherever the fuck you is in this building right now… you an’ me, we ain’t never had the pleasure of doin’ this thing one on one. This gonna be your first up close an’ personal look at what the Clapback Cleopatra all about. If I was you I’d take notes. Because if you here in Liberty Pro expectin’ to get to the top? The only way you gonna get there is by goin’ through ya girl… an’ I don’t think you got what it takes, booboo.”

Cartier gives a sarcastic smile, squinting her eyes closed and grinning with tightly closed lips. When she finishes, she raises her free hand up with her index finger extended, shaking it to the camera like a scolding mother.

💎Cartier💎: “Now… far as tonight go. I don’t like this kinda game they wanna be playin’ here in Liberty. They know me an’ Kae is like oil an’ water. Or, more accurately, like a steamin’ mug of Thot Chocolate an’ a watered down glass of skim milk. They think they cute puttin’ us together like this. But you know what? I don’t give a fuck. I don’t get paid to pick the matches, I get paid to win the fight… an’ that’s what I’mma do out there against Felix an’ Scotty. Like I said, all Kae gotta do is not lose an’ let mama do her work. We ain’t gotta be friends, we just gotta get through fifteen minutes of a match wit’ a common goal. I’m grown, so I know I can do that. Her? We’ll see.”

Turning a corner, Cartier gets to her dressing area as can be told by the sign hanging on the door reading her name. Obviously some fans have been by at some point, as several hand written notes are on the paper sign, reading things like WE LOVE YOU CARTIER and CAN’T WAIT TO SEE U and U THA BEST. Cartier makes sure to pan the phone cam past each note.

💎Cartier💎: “These fans, they my people. I came here tonight to do it for them, not for the executives of this company. Now,I’mma go out there an’ I’mma show these comedians in Liberty that Cartier is the main event in this company, no matter what they might think. It’s all about Brown Sugar in the NYC, not Kae, not Scotty, not Felix, not Honey, not Helena Noir… me. Young n’ gifted, like Tyson in the 80s. The homegrown redbone. Get them front row seats an’ watch it LIVE.”

Cartier waves into the camera then and swipes it to black.

BACKSTAGE
The scene cuts backstage to Nathan Callaghan walking through the halls and he is livid. He gets to the area where the masked woman had dropped his barbed wire bat and he picks it up before looking around and yelling.

Nathan Callaghan: What kind of fucking security do I have here? How are you going to let some masked woman get ahold of my property and attack MY EMPLOYEES!

Nathan slams the bat on the ground in a fit of rage when one of the backstage security members shows up.

Nathan Callaghan: What do you want? You're no good, get the fuck out of my face before I use this bat on you.

Nathan goes to swing the bat and the security guards runs off. Nathan now pulls out his iPhone from his jacket pocket and he calls a number.

Nathan Callaghan: What the fuck is your problem? Why do you keep sending some random woman here to ruin my show? We had an agreement!

He scoffs at the person on the other end of the phone as they respond to him.

Nathan Callaghan: No, no, no! I told you, I handle this part of it and you worry about numbers and revenue and all of that shit. I handle my roster and if you pull this stunt again? There will be hell to pay.

The person says something on the other end of the phone and it makes Nathan furious and he throws his phone on the ground, breaking it. He then walks away from the scene and the camera looks down at the shattered phone, trying to get a glimpse of who he called but the screen is too cracked. All that can be seen is that the person's name starts with an M. The scene then cuts away.