Liberation: Episode Forty-Three, April 21st, 2019

BACKSTAGE
Precious Pepper Vain strolls alone through the Hammerstein Ballroom’s halls, taping her hands. Over her chest is a simple black shirt, stamped with a NO MORE HEROES logo as if it were a nation’s flag. Her enormous brown eyes catch the cameras.

PPV: When I saw the latest LPW card get dropped., it became all too clear. Liberty Pro sure has a sense of humour.The Liberty front office has assembled talents from around the world. And what do they do? They put me in a handicap match one week, and then going against my friend another. The kind of matches that leave you with a niggling feeling should you win. Never mind this is the same friend the suits seem to have enjoyed abusing these few weeks. I don’t see the good in annoying two of your future stars, but hey that’s not my problem to deal with in the future.

PPV lets the ominous words hang in the air for a few breaths. She pulls to a stop and glances to her side, revealing the locker room door of Ari Fuentes. PPV looks at us again.

PPV: All I know is the big bad PPV is just around the corner. And it wouldn’t be a show without your girl making some noise. I said I got my eyes on them titles. And I’ll some round my waist sooner rather than later. Y’all can have your little number one contenders matches tonight. The real threat to the titles - the one who’ll be the pinnacle of Liberty - is right here.

PPV looks at Ari’s locker room door, gives it a gentle pat, then walks down the hall.

RINGSIDE
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 in a New York Yankees Baseball Jersey. The rookie stops at the top of the ramp, and turns around to show the Number 3 and the Phrase Sultan of Snap on the back. He turns back around, points to the top left of the arena, and pretends to hit a home run before taking off to the ring, high fiving the New York Fans in the front row. Addams slides into the ring and takes of the Jersey before throwing it into the audience and motioning for a Microphone.

Tapp Addams: WHATS UP NEW YORK, NEW YORK!!!!!!!!!!

*Cheap pop*

Tapp Addams: Man is it great to be here. Don't get me wrong Brooklyn was dope. But there is no place in New York, like NYC. I've had people walking up to me all day, giving me the best food restaurants, Clubs, sports bars, oh the pizza places out here? MOST DOPE! Its gotta be something in the air here because you people just don't stop living it up.

The audience cheers as the Submissionist plays up their city. They even start a chant of “This is New York”. Putting a smile on the face of Tapp who nods his head along with the chant.

Tapp Addams: You're right. You're absolutely right. This IS New York. And not only that. This is LIBERTY WRESTLING in New York. And that means I have to come out here, and get to business. Last week, I started a little challenge. A challenge some people are calling the Tapp Addams Open Challenge. Some people are calling it the Tapp Addams Submission Showcase. But whatever you call it. It's back here again this week. And I'm hoping to get to showcase my talents a little more this week. Last week my opponent did pretty good. He showed up at least. But I don't think it worked out how he wanted.

Addams points to the screen and a really short video plays of Tapps match from the last show. Showing him put away his opponent relatively easy. The video ends and Addams squints as he tries to make out what the Crowd is chanting now. After a few seconds the chants get louder and clearer and you can tell they are saying “He Tapped out”.

Tapp Addams: That's right. He tapped out. It ended pretty quick I'm not gonna lie. But this week I'm hoping for something a little longer. I'm hoping for something, someone that will challenge me. And we're here in New York, so I know there's talent back there that wants a moment to shine in the back. So come on out. And bring your A game. Let's get down to it. Someone… show me what you got.

Tapp drops the microphone and backs up to his corner as he waits for someone to answer.

BACKSTAGE
The scene cuts to backstage where Ethan McCall is going through a few quick stretches before his match tonight. He is already prepped and taped with his ring gear on. He sees the camera and stands up from his stretches with a smile on his face.

Ethan McCall: You know most people would look at the position I am in tonight and they would complain. They would look back at having to face two former Anarchy Champions, having a mach turn to no DQ last moment, having someone you already beat now challenging for the top championship and now having to have really not one but two opponents tonight. Having to face not just Karen Willow but also Brien Storm.

He nods his head and lets out a chuckle.

Ethan McCall: Now I know, I know that this match is an elimination match and really it is every person for themselves. But if Karen Willow and Brien Storm were smart they would go after the biggest threat in the match and get him out early. Not to sound arrogant but size wise? I’m bigger than both of them and I have shown that I can change things up if needed to keep a match going my way. Since I have been in this company, I have shown nothing but upside so if they really want to win this match? I see them both coming at me. But then again, who knows if that will be their strategy. I’m coming into this match with the sole focus on winning it. That means I don’t care if I have to pin both of them to get the win, that’s what I will do.

McCall reaches over and picks up a bottle of water, taking a quick drink.

Ethan McCall: Look, I’m sure Karen Willow and Brien Storm are going to have excellent careers here in Liberty Pro, but I’m going to use this match, just like all the ones before it, to prove that I have what it takes to be one of the top names in the industry. I have no issues going out night after night and proving it over and over again. So Willow and Storm, let’s go tear the roof off this place.

He gives one more smile to the camera before walking off down the hall.

BACKSTAGE
The Liberty Pro viewers once more get the chance to take a look backstage. The cameras gather around somewhere close to the catering area. Superstars caught chatting and packing their plates, while others already sat at their table. One of them was the team Wild Sleaze Baes aka Willie Taylor and Emma Cosco.

She was lazily moving her food from one side of the plate to the other, gathering his attention.

WILLIE TAYLOR: “That’s how our opponents must feel.”

EMMA COSCO: “What?”

He pointed to her half empty plate, smiling.

WILLIE TAYLOR: “You ate everything that you wanted and all you have now is… leftovers. Which more than likely will wander into the trash can. Where most of them belong anyway.”

EMMA COSCO: “You know what amuses me? Every team in this match, apart from one, we have beaten. So it feels like a deja vù. Like what is there to expect? Tolson and her dog will talk about world dominance, while running and hiding whenever things go wrong. The Kiwi Club will fake a smile when losing yet another match. The Winter Girls will cry for big bad daddy Nathan. What else is new? Or is this the moment we realise that we are stuck in a time warp?”

Emma picked on one of her peas before shoving the plate away. Willie still was having this dirty smirk on his face.

WILLIE TAYLOR: “You know I love it when you talk dirty, but we are forgetting another team. Double Nonsense or something like that. One seems like a decent fighter and the other is Mimi Smith. Yeah. Another Smith that no one asked for. Another Smith that loves to gather attention from the ding dong community. And most importantly, another Smith that seems to have the IQ of a dirty flannel. You know the one you use after you… ”

EMMA COSCO: “I am sure the viewers get the idea, Willie. I don’t wanna be banned from television yet again. But I agree with you on one thing, all the Smith’s seem to be the same. Sure one has bigger tits and different shades of blonde, but that's about it. I feel almost sorry for Daya who seems like an upcoming talent, but we all make our own bed. Right? If she is clever she will throw Mimi to the wolves and have a smoothie on the way out.”

When she looked up again she noticed that Willie had blindfolded himself. The well known wrinkle between her eyebrows formed while she kicked him underneath the table. Underneath his breath he cursed, but remained still.

EMMA COSCO: “I love your kinky nature but we were discussing business… “

WILLIE TAYLOR: “And we still are, Em.”

EMMA COSCO: “Okay. What you trying to prove? That the food still tastes shit when you can’t see it?”

Another chuckle.

WILLIE TAYLOR: “That too, but I was going somewhere else. All those teams have one thing in common. Can you guess it? They are blindsighted. Mostly by their own egos and delusional expectations. They have been underestimating us since day one. We are nothing fancy, apart from our sunglasses. Just two people that love to fight and start shit. But different than them, we have not been hiding. We been out here in the front putting dirt on them. People like the Summer Girls expect you to suck their saggy ass and praise their existence. Tilly - Tally- Tolson thinks she is anything special to that business. I mean I could be wrong, but I have seen others rubbing their genitals into a camera -- better and for more money. We call it porn. Nothing to be ashamed of.”

Once more his girlfriend kicked him, but this time it was out of amusement.

EMMA COSCO: “Did anyone ever check if Katie is doing alright? I mean it seems like she lives in an abusive relationship. Although being around Sam Tolson is already kinda abusing either way. But enough about loveless relationships and the Stockholm syndrome. Kawaii Club. Guys, how you doing? Everything going smooth? I mean apart from the fact that you kinda suck at this whole wrestling deal, but what does it matter. It's not like you get paid for it.”

WILLIE TAYLOR: “Emma…”

EMMA COSCO: “ I know. I can’t even imagine being under that kind of pressure. You kinda stumbled into that match without a real plan. And that is the problem, girls. We might seem chaotic and acting out on instinct, but there is always method to that madness. So you either get your shit together or you will write sad history. I mean you don’t want people like Sam Tolson to best you, right? Or having two size zero models pick you apart because you failed to adapt. I am by no means your enemy, Kumquat Club, just giving you a fair warning.”

Without any noise Emma rose from her seat, finding her spot behind Willie. Removing his blindfold, running her slender fingers through his wild hair.

WILLIE TAYLOR: “One way or another you will see the light tonight. Either shining out of our asses or when you rest flat on your back. A position some of you ladies are rather fond of, right?”

He then would get up too grabbing her hand as they began to walk away. Emma once more looked back at their table.

EMMA COSCO: “Shouldn’t we put our trash away?”

WILLIE TAYLOR: “Aren’t we on the way to do exactly that, babe?”

He smacked her ass before letting out that typical laughter.

BACKSTAGE
Backstage, Ari Fuentes lets herself into the office of Nathan Callaghan without even so much as a courtesy knock. Walking straight over to where he sits behind his desk she folds her arms over her chest.

Nathan: And to what do I owe this pleasure?

Ari holds her hand up with a roll of her eyes.

Ari: Save it, every single week since I came here, something had happened to my matches, I’m sick and tired of it Nathan. I don’t care about some higher calling from some masked idiot or why X is dead set on braining me with a chair week in and week out, all I care about is the fact that I can’t even have a match!

She drops her hands to his desk, obviously frustrated.

Ari: The fans aren’t here to see Laroux cheat me out of things week after week! They wanna see me compete and I wanna compete for them!

Finally Nathan gets her to calm down enough to say his piece.

Nathan: You’re right, things have gotten out of control. And this week I assure you that your match will go ahead as scheduled and I’ll do everything in my power to ensure that happens. Okay?

She seems to want to argue for a moment but then relents and nods her head as she turns to walk out of his office.

Ari: Fine. Just make sure you do!

The scene then cuts away to another segment!

BACKSTAGE
The cameras catch up with Ethan McCall, still fresh off his win tonight in an elimination match. He hasn’t changed from his ring gear but has a towel around his shoulders that he takes a moment to wipe off the sweat on his face.

Ethan McCall: I told you that I was going to do what I could to win that match and I am a man of my word. I will give it to Karen and Brien… They are amazing competitors and made that match one of the best of the night so far. We definitely raised the bar as far as what the fans should be expecting in that Liberty ring tonight.

He wipes the sweat from his face with the towel again.

Ethan McCall: But now? I’m going to get showered and changed. So I can watch the rest of the matches tonight. Then I’m going to take my beautiful girlfriend, Kait, out on the town to celebrate.

He playfully tosses the towel at the camera and as it comes off the lens, the door to Ethan’s locker room has just closed shut.

RINGSIDE
As Ari gets to her feet ready to celebrate her victory the screen flickers to life. The image of Liam Callaghan out cold backstage appears, a chair, bent from the velocity of the shot to his head, lies discarded on the floor beside him.

Before anyone knows what’s happening Ari is darting out the ring and running at the ramp, PPV right behind her, both girls make it backstage and start running down the hall, trying to locate where Liam is, they finally agree to split up. The camera following Ari as she turns left and comes face to face with Liam still lying on the floor, diving down at his side she gently lifts his head in her lap while screaming at the camera man to stop just standing there and get some help!

BACKSTAGE
Scotty Latimer is backstage looking over the lineup board. He runs his finger down the side until he finds his name. Next to his name is the name of Derrick La'Bell, a name he was very familiar with. Scotty just shakes his head as he feels soft warm arms wrap around him from behind. Those arms belonging to his wife, Carter, as she rests her head up against his back.

Carter Latimer: There you are.

Carter laughs a little bit as she slowly steps around in order to be standing in front of her husband.

Carter Latimer: I’ve been looking everywhere for you.

Scotty looked around to see if anyone was watching. He had always been a touch nervous with public affection. It was something his new wife had been working with him on. Carter was always so open with it. She was a people person much more than her husband was. After Scotty saw no one looking he gave her a quick kiss. As he pulled back he noticed the stage hand looking at them. Scotty's face got a little red as he cleared his throat.

Scotty Latimer: So any luck?

Carter was always on the hunt for guests for her podcast. There was also a rumor she was going to be approached as lead media analyst for Liberty Pro.

Carter Latimer: I’ve just been enjoying looking around this place since it opened back up.

Carter laughs a little bit noticing the way his face had gotten red as she reaches up with one hand to place it over his cheek.

Carter Latimer: Seeing you back in action in person is pretty great too.

Scotty shrugged his shoulder.

Scotty Latimer: Hasn't really been the best of returns. Beat myself two weeks ago, last week was double booked. I'm sitting here seeing a a tournament for the Liberty championship that I was conveniently left out of because how dare I go get married and miss the first show right?

Scotty rubs his face then slides them down a little for his eyes to look over the top of his fingers at his wife.

Scotty Latimer: Which….means way more than any championship to me will ever mean…

Scotty hoping he caught himself seeked a reaction from his wife who is shaking her head with a slight smirk on her face. She takes in a deep breath before she reaches out with both of her hands to place them on his arms.

Carter Latimer: Nice save there Romeo.

Scotty smiles as he looks back at the board.

Scotty Latimer: Well… tonight you get to see me in action as I take on Derrick La'Bell in a U.S championship tournament match.

Scotty used his best cheesy 80’s wrestling announcer voice when he said that then twirled his finger around in a who cares manner.

Scotty Latimer: I get stripped of the Gotham championship just to get an opportunity at another belt. Would have just rather kept the Gotham title actually. But it is what it is I guess.

Scotty and Carter starts walking away. Scotty then stops again and looks at Carter

Scotty Latimer: We are off the record right Mrs. Latimer?

Carter Latimer: You have some juicy gossip for me?

Carter wiggles her eyebrows a little before she laughs.

Carter Latimer: Yes, completely off the record.

Scotty Latimer: Damn… and here I was going to tell you Felix Graves and Coda were together now...

He looked at Carter all side eyed before he waits for her response. She didn't fall for it.

Scotty Latimer: Ok not very good at gossip… although I heard Liberty was going to have them as a tag team called the Dementors because when they are around you they suck all the happiness from you.

Carter Latimer: I’m not sure if that’s going to make it onto my podcast. Not really hard hitting news.

She reaches out and places one hand on his arm.

Carter Latimer: I do appreciate the effort.

Scotty Latimer: Let's agree that I will show better effort tonight against La'Bell. This won't be the first time beating up a member of his family. Before I kicked his cousin's ass I carried him like I did Felix last week. He owes me a 20 dollar gift card for giving his ass a visit to the winning side of the pay window. But it's conflicting, I actually like Derrick. But your hubby needs a belt to replace the one Liberty rightfully took from me, and unfortunately Derrick is standing in the way.

Scotty took deep breath before looking towards his right. Again someone was looking at him and Carter. Scotty again cleared his throat and looked down as he slowly pulled away his arms from Carter's soft hands that were holding them the entire time. Carter looks over and notices who Scotty had noticed before she turns her attention back to her husband.

Carter Latimer: I better make sure you have some extra good luck in that case.

She doesn’t wait for him to respond before she wraps her arms around the back of his neck and pulls him in closer to give him a big kiss for luck before his match. Scotty looked out of the corner of his eye and saw no one around as he wrapped his arms tight around her waist and lifted her up in the air as they kept the lips locked. Just then one of the stage hands appeared behind Carter as Scotty dropped her to her feet and pulled away. He started composing himself as Carter just laughed at him as she turned around to say hello to the stage hand. She winked at Scotty and mouthed she loved him as Scotty waved at her. But Carter stood there waiting for Scotty to return the words.

Carter Latimer: ...whatcha waiting for?

Carter gives him a pointed expression as she raises one eyebrow slightly. Scotty gives her a look and smiles.

Scotty Latimer: I..love you...too...honey.

That was a win for Carter as she winks at him and walks away. The stagehand let's scotty know he is up soon. Scotty takes a deep breath and exits the hall.

BACKSTAGE
Suddenly the cameras cut to the parking lot beneath the building, in a far corner the masked assailant from recent weeks is pacing up and down the wall. Now more than ever it’s obvious that the figure is a woman, but when they turn to address the camera, their voice is distorted.

Masked Woman: Nathan Callaghan is a cancer to this industry. He takes and he takes and he offers nothing back in return. When I was told that liberty would be returning, my very guts squirmed. I felt SICK… but then, an angel appeared and offered me the opportunity of a lifetime, to come into this company and take him out from the inside, to rip out Nathan Callaghan like a rotten tooth from the jaws of an otherwise good company.

I am here at the behest of a higher power, of someone more powerful then Nathan will EVER be, but make no mistakes about it. My cause is my own, my motives are my own… I will get retribution for what was done to me, I WILL Right the wrongs that Nathan allowed to happen to me. Soon, all of you will know who I am. But for now…

And with that she shoves the camera away and lets it crash down to the ground.

BACKSTAGE
We jump to the back of the Hammerstein Ballroom, the center frame of the Liberty Pro camera is fixed on Tamsin leaning towards a large mirror, delicately applying her charcoal-black lipstick. A television screen in the back of the changing room shows replays of the previous Gotham Championship contender’s match. Tamsin, chuckles slightly with her eyes darting at a sharp corner to get a sight of the monitors reflection.

Tamsin: “Dun’ matter to me much. It’s just bad news for them.”

The episode 43’s production transitions to a hype package between Felix Graves and herself. The package shows Tamsin, scoring the victory over La’Bell by hook and crook - juxtaposed to Felix sinking in The Second Amendment both scoring victory at Liberty’s revival episode 40. The video highlights the road taken to get to tonight’s headliner between them both, with a chance at glory on the line for them both.

Tamsin: “Wow they make these things so overdramatic ye. But it's so much simpler than that ye see… Lem’me break it down real easy for ye.”

She closes her up shotgun shell design of a lip stick capsule, tossing it wantonly across the ceramic countertop, letting the rattle and clang of the cosmetic chime through as the Manx Axe murderer draws in a deep breath.

Tamsin: “I learned it real early in life, that nothing is given and everything is taken. Ye see Felix… You don’t fall into my cat-a-gory. You’re not a taker ye. You’re content with scraps, and never bold enough to take what ye really want. Know how I know? I keep my ear to the ground everywhere I go. And I’m roight in remembering you and ye manager from the start - howling on about how the-

She raises her hands in the air, slowly parting them away in a wide arch for the effect of the most grandiose.

Tamsin: -FORMER U.S. champion, has a mission statement ye. I’m roight about recalling how you wanna reclaim your glory ye? But ye see… There’s a loss-a connection. Cause then I heard you say ye want a crack at THE BIG BELT. The one YOU think matters most ye? Felix Graves heh, Libby Pro Champion… What a load-a shite.”

Tamsin’s hands fall quickly and violently slam as white taped-fist onto the countertop. Noticing she quickly stepping to being unhinged, she puts a tired smile on her face, and forces a weak laugh.

Tamsin: “How’s that working out for ye Graves? Watchin’ three other people get a stab at something you want. Ye… you’re not a taker, Graves. A person like you only gets taken for. And it’s a bitta bad news that standing your opposite soon, is the most selfish-villainous-spiteful-connivin’... lousy cunt in this entire company.

Tamsin smiles, stepping extremely close to the camera, jostling it as she forces it off it’s tripod - holding it radically angled and close to her profile.

Tamsin: “And she’s coming to take Gotham!”

BACKSTAGE
The scene cuts backstage to Ethan McCall, who has been one of the most impressive competitors so far in the return of Liberty Pro. He looks freshly showered and he is rolling his luggage in one hand, while talking on the phone with the other as he makes his way towards the parking lot.

Ethan McCall: Yeah babe, I'll be there soon. Heading out to our car right now.

He goes to hang up the phone when out of nowhere, Keyshawn Reed takes Ethan out and shoves him up against the wall. He then slams Ethan's head up against the wall when Keyshawn's entourage of friends show up and they all takes turns beating McCall down. Keyshawn looks down at Ethan and scoffs.

Keyshawn Reed: You think you're something special, boy? The future of Liberty? Please! Nobody is the future of this company except for me. Got that? Good.

He spits on the floor next to Ethan before walking away with his buddies cheering him on and hyping him up. The scene then cuts away.

POST MATCH
Without missing a beat, Rusty was storming the ring as Felix won, the older man producing a six pack of Budweiser, the giant of an ex ranger took one from the vine, so to speak, shotgunned it, and downed the foaming mess right then and there, tossing his head back as the crowd was a mix of boos and happy jeers at the thought of the man winning yet again! Still, tossing the empty can aside, he was all too happy to take the Mic as it was thrusted out to him.

Felix: “WHAT DO YOU KNOW, ANOTHER WIN FOR ME!”
Rusty: “THE MAN CAN’T BE STOPPED!”
Felix: “I don’t know Russ, maybe I can, but they haven’t sent the person who can pull it off down to do it, now have they?!”
Rusty: “DOESN’T LOOK LIKE IT, KID!”

Wrapping an arm around the older man, both threw their free hands up, trying to get another roar out of a less than happy crowd. They got it, but it was littered with fun phrases like ‘fuck yourself’ among others.

Felix: “That’s alright! Boo me, you got that luxury to boo me, but you know what you don’t have? A fucking choice. The Gotham Championship is mine, so is every other belt up in this mother fucker! I’m going to be Liberty’s Grand Slam Champion after i take every belt that’s ever been put up in this joint. Already had the US Championship and now that I’ve got a tournament entry point for the Gotham one? This is gonna come up as nothin’ but Felix, Baby!”

Rusty: “Call the man a Royal Straight Flush ‘cause no one’s got a damn thing on him!”

Felix: “Been undefeated since I got back, and I don’t plan on any of that changing.”

Rusty: “It’s gonna be all day, every day for the killer!”

Felix: “And just like Jerry Lee said? Nobody follows the killer.”

His music cueing up, he dropped that mic as he and his manager left that ring.