Post by Jade Night on Jan 25, 2022 4:39:24 GMT
Liberty Pro Presents...
Episode Thirteen of Freedom
Live from the Hammerstein Ballroom, Manhattan, NY
On Monday, January 24th, 2022
Episode Thirteen of Freedom
Live from the Hammerstein Ballroom, Manhattan, NY
On Monday, January 24th, 2022
MATCH ONE: SINGLES
Jackson vs Michael Marou
Jackson vs Michael Marou
RECAP Before the match could start, the lights had gone out. What’s going on? Mass confusion ensued as the fans began to boo. The lights soon turned back on and Jackson and Michael Marous were both lying unconscious in the middle of the ring!! Neither are moving and it doesn’t take long for the backstage crew to come to the ring to check on both men. It looks like this match isn’t happening! WINNER N/A METHOD N/A MATCH LENGTH N/A FINISHING MOVE N/A |
BACKSTAGE
The scene cuts to catering, zoomed in tight on the most unsettling of sights. A grotesque mouth, void of most it’s teeth and framed by an unkempt flavor saver is tearing into a party sub. As the few remaining teeth gnash together shards of lettuce become lodged in the surrounding facial hair. This is not a scene for the weak of heart.
The camera pans back revealing the sad, pathetic form of Hector, hunched over, holding the sub like a newborn baby as he devours it mercilessly. The floor is littered with shrapnel and the sounds of this feast are simply nauseating. We focus on this pathetic soul until our attention is drawn away by the voice of Hector’s manager, Syn.
Syn: Is that enough footage? Did you capture the grotesque monster in all its horrifying glory?
The camera pivots, settling on Syn who is not amused. She folds her arms and cocks her head to the side.
Syn: Did you have a good laugh? Seriously. All of you watching at home, every fan here tonight, each wrestler in that locker room… get it out of your system. Point and laugh. Stare at the freak. Who can blame you? He doesn’t look like you. He’s not built like you. He’s not as smart or as polished as you. He’s not keto friendly or gluten free. He doesn’t drink juice from a nut and pretend it’s milk. He doesn’t live at the gym or count his steps on a fancy watch. Hell, they don’t even make a band big enough to fit around his wrist. When you look at him you see someone who needs to be pitied but most of all, you see someone you think you’re better than. No matter how bad off you are, that guy…
She points towards Hector.
Syn: …is definitely worse.
Syn scoffs and brushes a stray hair from her face.
Syn: Where you see an abject failure I see potential… and when you point and poke fun, I say enjoy it while it lasts. Because soon, you won’t be laughing. You have questions about Hector… Where did he come from? Can he even wrestle? Is this a joke?
She shrugs.
Syn: Maybe. This sport is filled with lower tier talent who trot down to that ring simply to amuse you, to take the edge off before the real action starts. Is that all Hector is? Comic relief? Filler? The perfect time for a pee break? Perhaps. Or maybe he’s something more. Maybe that flabby frame can soar like an eagle or move like the wind. Maybe he has the strength of a thousand men. Maybe the time of the perfectly chiseled athlete has passed and Hector’s about to usher in a new era. Or maybe… just maybe… he’s none of those things. Maybe he’s just some guy I found on the street and decided to turn into a wrestler to prove a point. Wouldn’t that be a hoot? It would be, if not for the fact that I’m not laughing. Hector’s about to make his Freedom debut and you can’t afford to miss it. You’re going to want to vlog about it and make memes out of it and create freakin’ TikTok dances in honor of it. Because it’s not always about the sack of flesh that trots down to that ring, sometimes it’s about the puppet master pulling the strings.
Syn makes a marionette motion with her hands.
Syn: I’m not about to let Hector fail and that makes him someone you’ll need to keep an eye on.
The camera pans back to Hector who’s just finished his sub. He looks confused for a moment, blinking towards the camera before wiping his greasy hands on the front of his singlet.
Syn: Time to shock the world.
The scene cuts to catering, zoomed in tight on the most unsettling of sights. A grotesque mouth, void of most it’s teeth and framed by an unkempt flavor saver is tearing into a party sub. As the few remaining teeth gnash together shards of lettuce become lodged in the surrounding facial hair. This is not a scene for the weak of heart.
The camera pans back revealing the sad, pathetic form of Hector, hunched over, holding the sub like a newborn baby as he devours it mercilessly. The floor is littered with shrapnel and the sounds of this feast are simply nauseating. We focus on this pathetic soul until our attention is drawn away by the voice of Hector’s manager, Syn.
Syn: Is that enough footage? Did you capture the grotesque monster in all its horrifying glory?
The camera pivots, settling on Syn who is not amused. She folds her arms and cocks her head to the side.
Syn: Did you have a good laugh? Seriously. All of you watching at home, every fan here tonight, each wrestler in that locker room… get it out of your system. Point and laugh. Stare at the freak. Who can blame you? He doesn’t look like you. He’s not built like you. He’s not as smart or as polished as you. He’s not keto friendly or gluten free. He doesn’t drink juice from a nut and pretend it’s milk. He doesn’t live at the gym or count his steps on a fancy watch. Hell, they don’t even make a band big enough to fit around his wrist. When you look at him you see someone who needs to be pitied but most of all, you see someone you think you’re better than. No matter how bad off you are, that guy…
She points towards Hector.
Syn: …is definitely worse.
Syn scoffs and brushes a stray hair from her face.
Syn: Where you see an abject failure I see potential… and when you point and poke fun, I say enjoy it while it lasts. Because soon, you won’t be laughing. You have questions about Hector… Where did he come from? Can he even wrestle? Is this a joke?
She shrugs.
Syn: Maybe. This sport is filled with lower tier talent who trot down to that ring simply to amuse you, to take the edge off before the real action starts. Is that all Hector is? Comic relief? Filler? The perfect time for a pee break? Perhaps. Or maybe he’s something more. Maybe that flabby frame can soar like an eagle or move like the wind. Maybe he has the strength of a thousand men. Maybe the time of the perfectly chiseled athlete has passed and Hector’s about to usher in a new era. Or maybe… just maybe… he’s none of those things. Maybe he’s just some guy I found on the street and decided to turn into a wrestler to prove a point. Wouldn’t that be a hoot? It would be, if not for the fact that I’m not laughing. Hector’s about to make his Freedom debut and you can’t afford to miss it. You’re going to want to vlog about it and make memes out of it and create freakin’ TikTok dances in honor of it. Because it’s not always about the sack of flesh that trots down to that ring, sometimes it’s about the puppet master pulling the strings.
Syn makes a marionette motion with her hands.
Syn: I’m not about to let Hector fail and that makes him someone you’ll need to keep an eye on.
The camera pans back to Hector who’s just finished his sub. He looks confused for a moment, blinking towards the camera before wiping his greasy hands on the front of his singlet.
Syn: Time to shock the world.
BACKSTAGE
Scotty Latimer is in the locker room taping up his fists as he is about to go out to the ring to face Emery Layton when someone walks up to him. He looks up as the camera pans to Rayven Hardy who is standing there. Scotty takes a deep breath and stands up to look at her.
Rayven Hardy: Hey. I didn’t come here to fight or anything. You can relax.
Rayven holds both hands up as Scotty was now standing in front of her, his arms relaxed at his side.
Rayven Hardy: So obviously at the last show, things didn’t go my way. You had a few things to say before the match. Just wanted to come check and see where we stood?
Scotty stared at her as he finished taping his fists.
Scotty Latimer: I have no issues with you. We both know shenanigans happened. You were just in the wrong position at the wrong time.
Rayven Hardy: That’s easy for you to say. You’re sitting comfy as a number one contender while I’m now struggling to find my footing. And it really took two of you to pin me?
Rayven was getting a little worked up now so she pauses and takes a deep breath.
Rayven Hardy: I know you respect me. You know I respect you, but I’m not sure we’re done here entirely. I want a one on one match, but I know tonight we both have other things going on. So…I’ll say good luck. I know how tough Emery is, she’s another one of the two of you that pinned me. But I want you to go out there and get the W and then I want a shot at you. What do you say?
Rayven brushes the hair out of her face and then extends her hand. The legendary Hardy family representative was still a bit upset at what happened last week, but she was trying to put it all behind her. At least for the moment.
Scotty Latimer: I can tell this is killing you. But I respect that. You're handling this in a whole different way than I would. You want me one on one? We can make it happen.
Scotty shakes her hand giving her a pretty stern grip.
Scotty Latimer: So what about Kenzie?
Rayven Hardy: Don’t worry about Kenzie. She has no idea what she started last week, and tonight I’m going to be a good girl and play nice. But after this week, when she and I are done teaming? Things are going to get VERY INTERESTING for Kenzie. She wanted my attention? Well she has it.
Rayven pulls her hand away and nods. It still bothered her that Scotty took advantage of the attack and pinned her, but she understood it.
Rayven Hardy: Show the world why you’re a former champion.
Rayven gives him a reassuring smile before turning to take her exit. Scotty sits back down and stares at the floor closing his eyes to get his mind right for a few mere moments.
Scotty Latimer is in the locker room taping up his fists as he is about to go out to the ring to face Emery Layton when someone walks up to him. He looks up as the camera pans to Rayven Hardy who is standing there. Scotty takes a deep breath and stands up to look at her.
Rayven Hardy: Hey. I didn’t come here to fight or anything. You can relax.
Rayven holds both hands up as Scotty was now standing in front of her, his arms relaxed at his side.
Rayven Hardy: So obviously at the last show, things didn’t go my way. You had a few things to say before the match. Just wanted to come check and see where we stood?
Scotty stared at her as he finished taping his fists.
Scotty Latimer: I have no issues with you. We both know shenanigans happened. You were just in the wrong position at the wrong time.
Rayven Hardy: That’s easy for you to say. You’re sitting comfy as a number one contender while I’m now struggling to find my footing. And it really took two of you to pin me?
Rayven was getting a little worked up now so she pauses and takes a deep breath.
Rayven Hardy: I know you respect me. You know I respect you, but I’m not sure we’re done here entirely. I want a one on one match, but I know tonight we both have other things going on. So…I’ll say good luck. I know how tough Emery is, she’s another one of the two of you that pinned me. But I want you to go out there and get the W and then I want a shot at you. What do you say?
Rayven brushes the hair out of her face and then extends her hand. The legendary Hardy family representative was still a bit upset at what happened last week, but she was trying to put it all behind her. At least for the moment.
Scotty Latimer: I can tell this is killing you. But I respect that. You're handling this in a whole different way than I would. You want me one on one? We can make it happen.
Scotty shakes her hand giving her a pretty stern grip.
Scotty Latimer: So what about Kenzie?
Rayven Hardy: Don’t worry about Kenzie. She has no idea what she started last week, and tonight I’m going to be a good girl and play nice. But after this week, when she and I are done teaming? Things are going to get VERY INTERESTING for Kenzie. She wanted my attention? Well she has it.
Rayven pulls her hand away and nods. It still bothered her that Scotty took advantage of the attack and pinned her, but she understood it.
Rayven Hardy: Show the world why you’re a former champion.
Rayven gives him a reassuring smile before turning to take her exit. Scotty sits back down and stares at the floor closing his eyes to get his mind right for a few mere moments.
MATCH TWO: SINGLES
Hector W/Syn vs Dex Morant
Hector W/Syn vs Dex Morant
RECAP The bell rings and Hector is unsure how to proceed. He continually looks towards Syn for guidance. Syn is pointing towards Dex and yelling for Hector to engage but he doesn’t seem too confident. Dex is doing his part to goad Hector into locking up, yelling, “C’mon fat boy! Let’s do this!!” Sheepishly Hector approaches but when the two go to lock up Hector ends up engulfing Dex in an awkward, smelly embrace. Dex’s face is lost in his opponent’s massive sweaty man cleave until he’s finally able to fight out of it. Dex screams at the referee that the move was, “fucking disgusting” and that Hector should be forced to shower immediately but the referee just shrugs and does his best to keep his distance from the pungent competitor. Dex decides the fun and games are over and launches a barrage of kicks, punches and chops that send Hector backpedaling to the ropes, covering up like a child thrust into their first fight. The assault backs Hector into a corner and Morant hits a beautifully executed Shining Wizard. Hector staggers out of the corner but doesn’t fall until Dex plants him face first into the canvas with a running bulldog. Morant shows no mercy, kicking and stomping and spitting on his downed opponent. Then he screams that it’s over for the fat man before he drags Hector to his feet and absolutely plants him with The Crowning. With Hector out Morant takes a moment to strut around the ring and play to the crowd who’s booing him raucously. After flipping the fans the bird Dex drops down for a nonchalant pin. He gets a count of two before Syn reaches in and uses all her might to yank Dex off of her client. The crowd cheers and Dex is beside himself. He points towards Syn and complains to the referee. For her part Syn is playing it like an innocent little angel, immediately posing like she was taking selfies with the fans and wasn’t even paying attention to the match. Dex slides out of the ring to confront her and Syn doesn’t back down, standing on her toes as the two jaw with one another. The gist of the confrontation is Dex telling Syn that her client is disgusting and doesn’t belong in the ring while Syn tells Dex that he probably has a tiny baby dick which is the reason for his toxic masculinity. Inside the ring Hector staggers to his feet, floundering around like a top about to topple. The referee goes to check on him and Hector smashes into him, sending the ref flying into the corner where he hits his head on the turnbuckle. With the ref down a dizzy Hector collapses to the canvas. All the racket draws Dex’s attention who laughs loudly before telling Syn he’ll be back in a second. Quick as a cat Dex scales the turnbuckles and stands high over his fallen opponent, who’s attempting to get up but resembles a turtle flipped on its back. Dex runs his finger along his throat, bends his knees and launches into the air. At the same time Syn slides into the ring and sprints towards him. He’s halfway through the rotations of his 630 Splash known as the Red X when Syn catches him mid rotation with an unbelievably timed Hurricanrana that uses his momentum against him while driving his head into the canvas. The crowd bursts into a, “Holy shit!” chant as Syn pops back up and rushes over to help Hector. Once the big man is back to his feet Syn directs him over to the fallen Morant and gets him ready to execute his finisher. Then Syn rushes over to the referee and begins shaking him. When that doesn’t work she plants a kiss on his lips and like Sleeping Beauty the ref leaps to his feet, confused but awake. Syn points over at the combatants just as Hector completes a little shimmy before thundering his ass down onto Dex with the tea bag finisher affectionately known as the Sack Attack. After that it’s elementary as the ref makes the three count and a confused Hector has his hand raised in victory. WINNER Hector METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 8:53 FINISHING MOVE Sack Attack |
BACKSTAGE
Hilary Levandrier: Do you want to get my good side?
The sound of Hilary Levandrier’s voice can be heard quickly followed by some cameras taking her picture as she strikes a few poses in her ring gear. There’s a smile upon the bright young Canadian’s face as she clearly enjoys all of the attention prior to her making her way out to the ring. Her very own entourage follows her every movement as she begins to stride down along the hall making her way towards the curtains leading to the entrance stage.
Hilary Levandrier: My Freedom debut might not have ended with a win, but it did end with me standing tall, it ended with respect between myself and my opponent… a real shame I can’t say the same about my opponent here tonight. “Gentleman” Jack Graves…
Hilary pauses for a brief moment, nose scrunched up, as she makes the ever so adorable air quotes with her fingers around the word gentleman.
Hilary Levandrier: More like a lot of false bravado with a big voice that thinks because he has a lot to say it’s all important. I’m afraid that’s just not how it works, but it was pretty adorable to watch you escalate my comment well beyond where it needed to go. Are you always that insecure when someone questions what you have to say? Your intentions? Do you always throw around insults about someone while acting in the exact same way you claim they must? I’ll be honest and tell you that between the both of us? The high school girl is definitely you.
There’s laughter that follows her statement, from Hilary herself and the entourage still following her every single step, and Hilary makes sure to flip her blonde hair back for some emphasis.
Hilary Levandrier: You’ve made it quite obvious that you know nothing about me, about my family, and about what I’m capable of inside of the ring. I’m not going to be used as some cheap way for you to unleash your anger over something as ridiculous as your lame football team. This is the business that has shaped my entire life, it’s not some joke to me, and my mission is clear in the fact I fully intend to bring back honor to the name Levandrier. There’s no way I’m going to allow for one louded mouth drunk to stand in my way. I’m here to rain on your parade for your big Freedom debut, because I need a W under my belt, and the fans have made it perfectly obvious that they stand behind me when I’m in between of those ropes.
Hilary comes to a stop as she extends her hand out, waiting for one of the members of her small entourage to hand her the leather jacket she wears while making her entrance. Hilary slips the jacket over her shoulders, turning her back to the camera so the focus can be on the bold letters stitched onto the back proudly displaying #Levandrip. The smile is still on her face as she turns back around, taking the time to give another quick pose for some more pictures.
Hilary Levandrier: You can go ahead and be creepy to other women after tonight, start raging at them because they point out what you said was not okay, act like you know everything there is to know about this business while throwing out generic tough guy statements. It’s all so predictable, every single reaction you had, to the point you were repeating what I said in the hopes I wouldn’t notice because in your opinion I’m nothing more than a dumb blonde. How quick we are to judge when we’ve done a real good job digging your hole prior to tonight.
Hilary gives the camera a playful wink, before she turns around, looking like she’s about to head through the curtains to make her way out to the ring. That is until she appears to remember one more thing and she turns her attention back to the camera.
Hilary Levandrier: Oh, by the way Jack, one of your more amusing insults was calling me Legally Blonde. I have to admit that was probably my favourite, big fan of that movie, especially when you consider the fact that at the end of the day? Elle Woods walked away the big winner and she left behind the loser guy who judged her by her looks alone. Feels almost like exactly what’s going to happen here tonight. Isn’t that so funny? Don’t worry though, at least you’ve got a car now. Super cool for you to try and impress the girls!
Once again Hilary is laughing, much louder than before, clearly very amused with herself and feeling quite confident about how tonight's going to go. The cameras click once more while she walks through the curtains with confidence in each step.
Hilary Levandrier: Do you want to get my good side?
The sound of Hilary Levandrier’s voice can be heard quickly followed by some cameras taking her picture as she strikes a few poses in her ring gear. There’s a smile upon the bright young Canadian’s face as she clearly enjoys all of the attention prior to her making her way out to the ring. Her very own entourage follows her every movement as she begins to stride down along the hall making her way towards the curtains leading to the entrance stage.
Hilary Levandrier: My Freedom debut might not have ended with a win, but it did end with me standing tall, it ended with respect between myself and my opponent… a real shame I can’t say the same about my opponent here tonight. “Gentleman” Jack Graves…
Hilary pauses for a brief moment, nose scrunched up, as she makes the ever so adorable air quotes with her fingers around the word gentleman.
Hilary Levandrier: More like a lot of false bravado with a big voice that thinks because he has a lot to say it’s all important. I’m afraid that’s just not how it works, but it was pretty adorable to watch you escalate my comment well beyond where it needed to go. Are you always that insecure when someone questions what you have to say? Your intentions? Do you always throw around insults about someone while acting in the exact same way you claim they must? I’ll be honest and tell you that between the both of us? The high school girl is definitely you.
There’s laughter that follows her statement, from Hilary herself and the entourage still following her every single step, and Hilary makes sure to flip her blonde hair back for some emphasis.
Hilary Levandrier: You’ve made it quite obvious that you know nothing about me, about my family, and about what I’m capable of inside of the ring. I’m not going to be used as some cheap way for you to unleash your anger over something as ridiculous as your lame football team. This is the business that has shaped my entire life, it’s not some joke to me, and my mission is clear in the fact I fully intend to bring back honor to the name Levandrier. There’s no way I’m going to allow for one louded mouth drunk to stand in my way. I’m here to rain on your parade for your big Freedom debut, because I need a W under my belt, and the fans have made it perfectly obvious that they stand behind me when I’m in between of those ropes.
Hilary comes to a stop as she extends her hand out, waiting for one of the members of her small entourage to hand her the leather jacket she wears while making her entrance. Hilary slips the jacket over her shoulders, turning her back to the camera so the focus can be on the bold letters stitched onto the back proudly displaying #Levandrip. The smile is still on her face as she turns back around, taking the time to give another quick pose for some more pictures.
Hilary Levandrier: You can go ahead and be creepy to other women after tonight, start raging at them because they point out what you said was not okay, act like you know everything there is to know about this business while throwing out generic tough guy statements. It’s all so predictable, every single reaction you had, to the point you were repeating what I said in the hopes I wouldn’t notice because in your opinion I’m nothing more than a dumb blonde. How quick we are to judge when we’ve done a real good job digging your hole prior to tonight.
Hilary gives the camera a playful wink, before she turns around, looking like she’s about to head through the curtains to make her way out to the ring. That is until she appears to remember one more thing and she turns her attention back to the camera.
Hilary Levandrier: Oh, by the way Jack, one of your more amusing insults was calling me Legally Blonde. I have to admit that was probably my favourite, big fan of that movie, especially when you consider the fact that at the end of the day? Elle Woods walked away the big winner and she left behind the loser guy who judged her by her looks alone. Feels almost like exactly what’s going to happen here tonight. Isn’t that so funny? Don’t worry though, at least you’ve got a car now. Super cool for you to try and impress the girls!
Once again Hilary is laughing, much louder than before, clearly very amused with herself and feeling quite confident about how tonight's going to go. The cameras click once more while she walks through the curtains with confidence in each step.
BACKSTAGE
A camera crew follows interviewer Tim Anderson into the dressing room of one of Liberty Pro's newest and more obscure signees, "Gentleman" Jack Graves. As Anderson steps through the door, he's met by a 6'2", corn fed, certified country boy nearly trucking him over. Anderson topples backwards due to the difference in sheer size, but being the Gentleman that he is, Jack catches the senior interviewer before he can wipe out the entire camera crew. He brings him back upright to his feet and even gives him a pat on the shoulder for good measure.
JACK GRAVES: Oop. Sorry Bubba. You're here for the interview right? Can we do this on the move? You wanna take a walk with me? We only have a little time before I have to go out there and kick this lil' shindig off, and I have a ritual.
Jack hitches his thumb toward the door, and Anderson and the camera crew back out of the room to let the brute through the doorway. Graves heads down the hallway toward a nearby exit, his snake skin boots echoing off the floor as he does; a clear indication the rowdy fans hadn't arrived yet to drown out the footsteps. Anderson and the crew follow closely behind Jack, and the interviewer adapts to the situation and begins to interview Graves on the fly.
TIM ANDERSON: Thanks for taking the time to speak to me Jack. It uh, it appears we don't know much about you. You came out of nowhere, quite frankly, and now you're less than 2 and a half hours away from opening up the show for Episode Thirteen of Freedom here with Liberty Pro Wrestling. Tell us about yourself. Tell us how it feels to be here on a new contract taking the first steps toward stardom. Tell us SOMETHING Jack. We're dying to know.
Graves pushes his way through the exit door with the crew on his heels, and he snakes his way through the parking lot to his white 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS. He turns to look at the cameras and speak Anderson as he unlocks the door to his car to fish a few things out. His Stetson hat, which he quickly puts on his head, and a pack of Marlboro Reds among them.
JACK GRAVES: If I'm being honest, it's a bit surreal. Listen, I know that no one knows my name. I know that I've never been a champion of a big promotion, or that I don't have a wrestling family to give me a boost, or...I mean look at me dawg. I don't fit the mold. I couldn't be a model like the gal I'm going up against tonight. But what I do bring to the table is my size, my toughness, my raw power, and my tenacity to put people to sleep. I'm going to use THAT to put Freedom, and Liberty as a whole for that matter, on notice. You don't know who I am now, but you will real soon.
Jack takes out one of the Marlboro Reds, and he blocks the frigid wind to light the Cigarette and take a few draws. He lets out a content sigh, and holds it up for the camera.
JACK GRAVES: I'm trying to quit. It's a nasty habit, and I encourage you NOT to do it. I actually hate the way it tastes, and I always chew gum after. Juicy Fruit. haha. But it's a pre-match ritual. Like a cigarette after bumpin' uglies. Only mine is before busting heads. Look... Tim, wasn't it?
Tim nods, and lets him continue speaking. Jack takes another few hits of his square and nods his head at Anderson, continuing.
JACK GRAVES: I like you Tim. Thanks for being so accommodating. I hope the smoke doesn't bother you. Truth be told Timmy boy, people have been counting me out my whole life. My daddy, my teachers, my partners in relationships, my partners on the streets who told me to stick to selling white and doing that grimy shit instead of wrasslin', but then ratted on me and got me put away. Everyone. So, at this point it's like... it's okay if you count me out too. It's okay if Hilary thinks she is going to walk in there and get an easy dub on me. Count me out, I welcome it. Because the only one you can really count on in life is yourself, and I've carried MYSELF through some terrible storms and I stand strong here today in Liberty Pro. I fought for every inch. I faced adversities that a lot of folks, especially folks like pretty little "party girl princess" Hilary Levandrier would've folded under the pressure of. So while you count me out, I'm going to count on me. To prove to everyone who's ever counted me out that they are wrong. I'm going to count on ME...
Graves is silent for a moment, like he's mulling over something in his head. He takes one last drag of his cigarette and drops it the ground; grinding it out under his heel. The last plume of smoke rolls out of his mouth as he lets out an amused laugh, shaking his head.
JACK GRAVES: I hate to do it to her. She looks like a nice gal in all honesty. But I have to do what I have to do to build a better life for myself and put food on the table. You know, Timmy, It's a little funny to me that her entrance music is "Kill the Lights" though, because that's exactly what I'm going to do for her when I get my arms wrapped around her neck and squeeze with the strength of a man who's been battling demons for the past decade or so.
With that, he tips his hat and turns to walk back to the building, disappearing inside as the cameras fade to black.
A camera crew follows interviewer Tim Anderson into the dressing room of one of Liberty Pro's newest and more obscure signees, "Gentleman" Jack Graves. As Anderson steps through the door, he's met by a 6'2", corn fed, certified country boy nearly trucking him over. Anderson topples backwards due to the difference in sheer size, but being the Gentleman that he is, Jack catches the senior interviewer before he can wipe out the entire camera crew. He brings him back upright to his feet and even gives him a pat on the shoulder for good measure.
JACK GRAVES: Oop. Sorry Bubba. You're here for the interview right? Can we do this on the move? You wanna take a walk with me? We only have a little time before I have to go out there and kick this lil' shindig off, and I have a ritual.
Jack hitches his thumb toward the door, and Anderson and the camera crew back out of the room to let the brute through the doorway. Graves heads down the hallway toward a nearby exit, his snake skin boots echoing off the floor as he does; a clear indication the rowdy fans hadn't arrived yet to drown out the footsteps. Anderson and the crew follow closely behind Jack, and the interviewer adapts to the situation and begins to interview Graves on the fly.
TIM ANDERSON: Thanks for taking the time to speak to me Jack. It uh, it appears we don't know much about you. You came out of nowhere, quite frankly, and now you're less than 2 and a half hours away from opening up the show for Episode Thirteen of Freedom here with Liberty Pro Wrestling. Tell us about yourself. Tell us how it feels to be here on a new contract taking the first steps toward stardom. Tell us SOMETHING Jack. We're dying to know.
Graves pushes his way through the exit door with the crew on his heels, and he snakes his way through the parking lot to his white 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS. He turns to look at the cameras and speak Anderson as he unlocks the door to his car to fish a few things out. His Stetson hat, which he quickly puts on his head, and a pack of Marlboro Reds among them.
JACK GRAVES: If I'm being honest, it's a bit surreal. Listen, I know that no one knows my name. I know that I've never been a champion of a big promotion, or that I don't have a wrestling family to give me a boost, or...I mean look at me dawg. I don't fit the mold. I couldn't be a model like the gal I'm going up against tonight. But what I do bring to the table is my size, my toughness, my raw power, and my tenacity to put people to sleep. I'm going to use THAT to put Freedom, and Liberty as a whole for that matter, on notice. You don't know who I am now, but you will real soon.
Jack takes out one of the Marlboro Reds, and he blocks the frigid wind to light the Cigarette and take a few draws. He lets out a content sigh, and holds it up for the camera.
JACK GRAVES: I'm trying to quit. It's a nasty habit, and I encourage you NOT to do it. I actually hate the way it tastes, and I always chew gum after. Juicy Fruit. haha. But it's a pre-match ritual. Like a cigarette after bumpin' uglies. Only mine is before busting heads. Look... Tim, wasn't it?
Tim nods, and lets him continue speaking. Jack takes another few hits of his square and nods his head at Anderson, continuing.
JACK GRAVES: I like you Tim. Thanks for being so accommodating. I hope the smoke doesn't bother you. Truth be told Timmy boy, people have been counting me out my whole life. My daddy, my teachers, my partners in relationships, my partners on the streets who told me to stick to selling white and doing that grimy shit instead of wrasslin', but then ratted on me and got me put away. Everyone. So, at this point it's like... it's okay if you count me out too. It's okay if Hilary thinks she is going to walk in there and get an easy dub on me. Count me out, I welcome it. Because the only one you can really count on in life is yourself, and I've carried MYSELF through some terrible storms and I stand strong here today in Liberty Pro. I fought for every inch. I faced adversities that a lot of folks, especially folks like pretty little "party girl princess" Hilary Levandrier would've folded under the pressure of. So while you count me out, I'm going to count on me. To prove to everyone who's ever counted me out that they are wrong. I'm going to count on ME...
Graves is silent for a moment, like he's mulling over something in his head. He takes one last drag of his cigarette and drops it the ground; grinding it out under his heel. The last plume of smoke rolls out of his mouth as he lets out an amused laugh, shaking his head.
JACK GRAVES: I hate to do it to her. She looks like a nice gal in all honesty. But I have to do what I have to do to build a better life for myself and put food on the table. You know, Timmy, It's a little funny to me that her entrance music is "Kill the Lights" though, because that's exactly what I'm going to do for her when I get my arms wrapped around her neck and squeeze with the strength of a man who's been battling demons for the past decade or so.
With that, he tips his hat and turns to walk back to the building, disappearing inside as the cameras fade to black.
MATCH THREE: SINGLES
Jack Graves vs Hilary Levandrier
Jack Graves vs Hilary Levandrier
RECAP These two have plenty of bad blood and as the bell sounds they meet in the center of the ring. Hilary picks up right where she left off, waving a finger in Jack’s face and lecturing him about how to treat a woman. Graves chuckles and makes a talking motion with his hand before mocking her with a choking gesture. Having seen enough Hilary winds up and slaps “The Gentleman” square across the jaw but Jack doesn’t even budge, he just grins. He starts to tell her she’s going to regret that but before he can even get the words out Hilary pounces, latching on and using her momentum to hurl the bigger man across the ring with a stunning monkey flip! Jack scampers to his feet but Hilary puts him right back on the canvas with a scissors kick. A pissed off Graves drives his fist into the canvas, frustrated by the speed of Lavandrier. While Jack continues to pout Hilary runs up from behind and plants his face against the mat with a flipping head driver. The crowd roars with approval as she takes a moment to peacock for her fans. Jack staggers back to his feet, shaking his head to clear the cobwebs and Hilary is right back on the attack, she sprints towards him and launches for a jumping DDT but this time Jack catches her in mid-air. Halting her momentum as he holds her there with a shit-eating grin. Graves gives her a moment to think about it before he drives her down to the canvas with a jarring sidewalk slam. Jack grabs a handful of hair and yanks her right back to her feet before hoisting her up and over with a thunderous teardrop suplex. Now Jack is feeling himself, strutting around the ring, hooting and hollering to the crowd. Again he drags Hilary up by her hair and sends her careening to the canvas with a vicious lariat that draws gasps from the fans. Now it’s Jack who peacocks, squatting down next to his downed opponent and “encouraging” her to get up. Amazingly Hilary does start to stand, harnessing every bit of her will she staggers to her feet but Jack is waiting for her. He strikes quickly, locking in the Seroquel Pill, a standing guillotine choke, just like he promised. Lavandrier gasps and flails and fights, doing her best not to succumb to the choke as her face is turning bright red. Jack bellows out confidently, claiming that it won’t be long now, but with a sudden surge Hilary is able to grab the top rope with both arms and entwine herself in it. Jack is shocked and the crowd goes crazy as the referee orders him to break the hold. Jack does as he’s told, pacing the ring angrily before getting a running start and steaming full speed ahead towards Hilary who’s still on the ropes! She ducks at the last second and uses Graves’ momentum against him to send him tumbling over the ropes and down to the concrete floor below. After taking a moment to catch her breath the resilient Lavandrier goes out after him. As Jack staggers back to his feet Hilary leaps off the canvas, lands on his back and locks in a rear naked choke of her own. She sinks it in deep and Graves’ eyes bug out of his head as he starts gasping for air. On the inside the ref is starting his count. Jack whips his body around in every direction, trying to toss Hilary off of him but she rides that bull like a pro. Slowly the fight starts to leave Jack but with one last burst of strength he lunges backwards towards the ring post on the outside and slams Hilary’s back into the steel! She releases and crumbles to the floor. Jack gathers his wits and grabs the ropes and starts to climb back into the ring when the bell rings. The referee waves his hands in the air, declaring the match a double count out. The crowd boos as they want to see more. An infuriated Jack scoops Hilary up off the floor, presses her high above his head and tosses her into the crowd. Luckily her fans catch her before any real damage can be done. But now Hilary is pissed. She races through the crowd, sails over the guardrail and drives her forearm into Jack’s chin. The two exchange a barrage of punches, neither backing down until an army of referees and security come rushing from the back to separate them. Hilary has a stream of blooding dripping from her lip and down her chin while Jack is cut just above his eye. Each is escorted to the back but the bad blood between them is now starting to boil. WINNER Draw METHOD Double Countout MATCH LENGTH 14:11 FINISHING MOVE N/A |
BACKSTAGE
The fans cheer as they see Rayven Hardy backstage. She's wearing an 'UNINSPIRED' t-shirt, clearly a dig at her tag team partner for later tonight, Kenzie Rydell.
Rayven Hardy: Last week was not the return I was hoping for. Well, it was at first. I couldn't have been more appreciative of how you all welcomed me back with open arms. I was in there with three of the best in the world, and I'm gonna step on a limb and say my supporters were the loudest of that match, if not the entire night. After being away for nearly a year. Eleven months, to come back and get a response like that? It warmed my heart and I just wanted to thank you guys.
Rayven pauses as she can hear the fans cheering as they watch her on the oversized screen at the entranceway. The fans begin a 'thank you Rayven!' chant, but Ray quickly cuts them off.
Rayven Hardy: No no no, seriously thank YOU! Without you, I wouldn't be here. None of us would be here. It's because of the support you guys show all of us that makes all of this possible. But besides you guys, I felt blessed to work against Emery, Scotty, and even Marou. They are three of the very best in the world and having that opportunity to show that I belong with them again, it's hard to describe how that made me feel. Not only did I belong, but many people would argue that I was about to win that match until...SHE made an appearance.
The fans begin to boo now, knowing exactly who Rayven was alluding to.
Rayven Hardy: Just as I was about to hit the Skittle Star Press, Kenzie Rydell made her triumphant return. But she didn't do it like me, or like any normal person would do, no, she had to be special. She had to ruin a match with huge implications and get that big spotlight on herself. She made sure that the fans weren't talking about my return or Emery and Scotty's win, she made sure they were talking about the return of Kenzie Rydell. Congrats, Kenz, goal achieved, but now what? You talk about inspiring me, or others to be better versions of themselves, when everytime we see you, you just devolve into a lesser version of your own self. But that's something we can get into at another time. Tonight, we need to at least not get in each other's way out there. We aren't facing two walk in the parks, we're facing one of the best in the entire world, Carli Davis and one of the youngest and brighest stars on the rise, Ricky Rodriguez.
I myself pointed out how they had a bit of a hiccup in their last tag match, but the reality was, they still won. They beat arguably the best tag team that Liberty has ever seen, so they are NOTHING to take lightly. So, I'm going to look to you right now Kenzie, and ask nicely...let's make this work. You can explain to me why you did what you did another time, although I think I figured it out anyway. We can fight next week. The week after, the month after, trust me, we're going to finish what you started, but not tonight. Tonight is about getting a win, something I haven't experienced in about a year, even dating back to Valiant. And for as much as you wanted the spotlight, you have it now. It burns a lot less bright when you end up on the losing end of things, so if not for me, if not for our team? Do this for yourself. Make sure you hold up your end, and I'll do the same.
Rayven wears a nervous expression as she walks down the hallway, hoping to find Kenzie to truly talk strategy ahead of their big tag team match.
The fans cheer as they see Rayven Hardy backstage. She's wearing an 'UNINSPIRED' t-shirt, clearly a dig at her tag team partner for later tonight, Kenzie Rydell.
Rayven Hardy: Last week was not the return I was hoping for. Well, it was at first. I couldn't have been more appreciative of how you all welcomed me back with open arms. I was in there with three of the best in the world, and I'm gonna step on a limb and say my supporters were the loudest of that match, if not the entire night. After being away for nearly a year. Eleven months, to come back and get a response like that? It warmed my heart and I just wanted to thank you guys.
Rayven pauses as she can hear the fans cheering as they watch her on the oversized screen at the entranceway. The fans begin a 'thank you Rayven!' chant, but Ray quickly cuts them off.
Rayven Hardy: No no no, seriously thank YOU! Without you, I wouldn't be here. None of us would be here. It's because of the support you guys show all of us that makes all of this possible. But besides you guys, I felt blessed to work against Emery, Scotty, and even Marou. They are three of the very best in the world and having that opportunity to show that I belong with them again, it's hard to describe how that made me feel. Not only did I belong, but many people would argue that I was about to win that match until...SHE made an appearance.
The fans begin to boo now, knowing exactly who Rayven was alluding to.
Rayven Hardy: Just as I was about to hit the Skittle Star Press, Kenzie Rydell made her triumphant return. But she didn't do it like me, or like any normal person would do, no, she had to be special. She had to ruin a match with huge implications and get that big spotlight on herself. She made sure that the fans weren't talking about my return or Emery and Scotty's win, she made sure they were talking about the return of Kenzie Rydell. Congrats, Kenz, goal achieved, but now what? You talk about inspiring me, or others to be better versions of themselves, when everytime we see you, you just devolve into a lesser version of your own self. But that's something we can get into at another time. Tonight, we need to at least not get in each other's way out there. We aren't facing two walk in the parks, we're facing one of the best in the entire world, Carli Davis and one of the youngest and brighest stars on the rise, Ricky Rodriguez.
I myself pointed out how they had a bit of a hiccup in their last tag match, but the reality was, they still won. They beat arguably the best tag team that Liberty has ever seen, so they are NOTHING to take lightly. So, I'm going to look to you right now Kenzie, and ask nicely...let's make this work. You can explain to me why you did what you did another time, although I think I figured it out anyway. We can fight next week. The week after, the month after, trust me, we're going to finish what you started, but not tonight. Tonight is about getting a win, something I haven't experienced in about a year, even dating back to Valiant. And for as much as you wanted the spotlight, you have it now. It burns a lot less bright when you end up on the losing end of things, so if not for me, if not for our team? Do this for yourself. Make sure you hold up your end, and I'll do the same.
Rayven wears a nervous expression as she walks down the hallway, hoping to find Kenzie to truly talk strategy ahead of their big tag team match.
BACKSTAGE
A replay of last weeks tag team match is shown. In the clip we see Carli hitting her 702 finisher right before her partner, Ricky Rodriguez, comes in and tosses her out of the ring before getting the illegal pin. The look on Carli’s face says it all as she looks from outside the ring at Ricky.
Now, standing backstage with Tim Anderson, Carli surprisingly has a smile on her face. That makes Tim’s first question easy.
TIM ANDERSON: After watching that replay, I have to say, that’s a lot of smile for someone who is teaming up with the same partner who tossed her out of the ring last week and took the cover.
CARLI DAVIS: I know. You’d think I’d be upset, or out here demanding questions from Ricky. I was really hurt that night. I wasn’t expecting that to happen, but Ricky made it clear that it was something that he’d never do. He owned up to it and apologized. I forgave him, but that doesn’t mean I still won’t be cautious. I’ll keep an eye out. People mock that I get so defensive and question peoples motives but I’ve been in this business long enough to know that you can’t trust everyone. It’s a small few group of people. I think Ricky is one of them and I have no doubt he will make up from last weeks incident this week.
She flashes a reassuring smile to Tim, who arches a brow but doesn’t question her anymore on that incident.
TIM ANDERSON: So don’t kill the messenger, but uh, your thoughts on Kenzie’s return and standing across from her tonight?
Carli’s body language changes a lot. She bawls her hands into a fist and can feel her knuckles turning white.
CARLI DAVIS: Kenzie makes my blood boil. She’s a big ol phony. You can’t believe a single word that comes out of her mouth. All she tried to do the last time was terrorize me. She attacked me, she cheated. She wrongfully took something that meant a lot to me away. So of course when I think she vanishes for good, she’s back here.
She rolls her eyes and huffs.
TIM ANDERSON: You don’t think things could have change since?
Carli laughs - stops - then laughs again.
CARLI DAVIS: KENZIE? Change? That’s funny! Last week she did the very same thing to Rayven, that she did to me like…last year. Sneak attack because it’s all she’s good at. She’ll never change. I really hope Ray has eyes in the back of her head, because I wouldn’t trust Kenzie as far as I could throw her. If I happen to be in the ring at the same time as Kenzie, she’s catching these hands! And a couple of kicks too.
TIM ANDERSON: Sounds kick or a time. Get it? Kick instead of heck?
Carli shakes her head, trying not to laugh.
TIM ANDERSON: Awkward. So. Yeah, Rayven Hardy? Bouncing off a loss last week and looking to make up for it with a win for her team this week.
CARLI DAVIS: Definitely no bad blood between me and Rayven. At least I don’t think. I didn’t really get a chance to work with her before, or even wrestle her. We had one tag match against each other and her team actually won. But this will be different. Regardless of last weeks actions that we won’t speak on, we are 1-0! We are going to make it a second win for us! Don’t get me wrong, Ray is great and she’s coming back from having a baby and honestly, you could’ve fooled me. She looks amazing. But I have some unresolved issues with Kenzie I want to put away with this match and it’ll be great to beat Kenzie once and for all.
She nods.
CARLI DAVIS: So sit back and enjoy the show! And have a super great Mini Carli Monday!
A replay of last weeks tag team match is shown. In the clip we see Carli hitting her 702 finisher right before her partner, Ricky Rodriguez, comes in and tosses her out of the ring before getting the illegal pin. The look on Carli’s face says it all as she looks from outside the ring at Ricky.
Now, standing backstage with Tim Anderson, Carli surprisingly has a smile on her face. That makes Tim’s first question easy.
TIM ANDERSON: After watching that replay, I have to say, that’s a lot of smile for someone who is teaming up with the same partner who tossed her out of the ring last week and took the cover.
CARLI DAVIS: I know. You’d think I’d be upset, or out here demanding questions from Ricky. I was really hurt that night. I wasn’t expecting that to happen, but Ricky made it clear that it was something that he’d never do. He owned up to it and apologized. I forgave him, but that doesn’t mean I still won’t be cautious. I’ll keep an eye out. People mock that I get so defensive and question peoples motives but I’ve been in this business long enough to know that you can’t trust everyone. It’s a small few group of people. I think Ricky is one of them and I have no doubt he will make up from last weeks incident this week.
She flashes a reassuring smile to Tim, who arches a brow but doesn’t question her anymore on that incident.
TIM ANDERSON: So don’t kill the messenger, but uh, your thoughts on Kenzie’s return and standing across from her tonight?
Carli’s body language changes a lot. She bawls her hands into a fist and can feel her knuckles turning white.
CARLI DAVIS: Kenzie makes my blood boil. She’s a big ol phony. You can’t believe a single word that comes out of her mouth. All she tried to do the last time was terrorize me. She attacked me, she cheated. She wrongfully took something that meant a lot to me away. So of course when I think she vanishes for good, she’s back here.
She rolls her eyes and huffs.
TIM ANDERSON: You don’t think things could have change since?
Carli laughs - stops - then laughs again.
CARLI DAVIS: KENZIE? Change? That’s funny! Last week she did the very same thing to Rayven, that she did to me like…last year. Sneak attack because it’s all she’s good at. She’ll never change. I really hope Ray has eyes in the back of her head, because I wouldn’t trust Kenzie as far as I could throw her. If I happen to be in the ring at the same time as Kenzie, she’s catching these hands! And a couple of kicks too.
TIM ANDERSON: Sounds kick or a time. Get it? Kick instead of heck?
Carli shakes her head, trying not to laugh.
TIM ANDERSON: Awkward. So. Yeah, Rayven Hardy? Bouncing off a loss last week and looking to make up for it with a win for her team this week.
CARLI DAVIS: Definitely no bad blood between me and Rayven. At least I don’t think. I didn’t really get a chance to work with her before, or even wrestle her. We had one tag match against each other and her team actually won. But this will be different. Regardless of last weeks actions that we won’t speak on, we are 1-0! We are going to make it a second win for us! Don’t get me wrong, Ray is great and she’s coming back from having a baby and honestly, you could’ve fooled me. She looks amazing. But I have some unresolved issues with Kenzie I want to put away with this match and it’ll be great to beat Kenzie once and for all.
She nods.
CARLI DAVIS: So sit back and enjoy the show! And have a super great Mini Carli Monday!
BACKSTAGE
The Liberty Pro Freedom 13 broadcast cuts to Hammerstein Ballroom’s small backstage women’s restroom. The room is bright and sterile, lined in large white tiles on the floor. The over-the-shoulder shot shows newly signed Kenzie bent over one of the multiple sinks as she looks at her stressed reflection in the mirror. Tracks of tears cover her cheeks as if she’s cried recently, and a small healing crystal hangs from a black string necklace around her neck.
Kenzie: C’mon, Kenzie. You can do this! Carli Davis might wave around her Valiant & APEX Championships like it makes her better than everyone else, but you’ve beaten her before! Then, when she had the chance to challenge you for the Valiant Mayhem Championship number one contendership, she turned it down ‘cause she probably KNEW you would outwrestle her when it was time to fight on the big stage! And as for Ricky Rodriguez? He’s nice and all. I really like him! But his inexperience and his naivety don’t stand a chance against the combined strength and experience of Rayven Hardy and me. I’m sure he’ll do well but not well enough.
The Hopebringer stops herself, noticing the camera. Her cheeks blush faint red before she grabs her small healing crystal at the end of her necklace around her neck. The dark blues and whispy streaks of orange brush against the surface like a beautiful art piece. Still looking at the mirror, she continues.
Kenzie: I’ve gotta get along with Rayven Hardy, too. She hasn’t won a match in nearly a year, but I know I can get her out of that rut. I can be her savior, her guiding beacon, her Luminairy! I can show her what it took me years to figure out in the span of a few weeks. All I have to do is get through this tag team match. It’ll be a learning experience for her, mhm.
The older Rydell sister nods to herself in the mirror with as much self-assured optimism as she can muster.
Kenzie: After all, I’m a good person who should be applauded for her hard work helping the less fortunate needy. I’m a champion of mental health, and I’m not frightened by anyone’s perception of me. Good things are coming down the road. So I’ve gotta keep walking. No matter how many potholes or roadkill get in the way.
She grips the stone again and locks eyes with the camera over her shoulder.
Kenzie: This protection gemstone is called the Tiger’s Eye. It’s the thrill of the fight! In the 16th century, Tiger’s Eye was so rare it was considered an element so precious that it was worth even more than gold. Wow, right?! Supposedly, even the Roman soldiers even put this amulet on their breastplates during heated battles. It helps with inner strength, self-confidence, and is even said to help pull someone out of a slump. There’s tons of other benefits too. Like—
There’s a knock at the bathroom door.
Spencer Walsh: It’s almost time!
Kenzie: Oh, right!
She giggles and finally turns, winking at the camera.
Kenzie: I better get ready. Rayven would be devastated if I wasn’t in her corner tonight!
With that, Kenzie rushes out the door to join her friend and manager.
The Liberty Pro Freedom 13 broadcast cuts to Hammerstein Ballroom’s small backstage women’s restroom. The room is bright and sterile, lined in large white tiles on the floor. The over-the-shoulder shot shows newly signed Kenzie bent over one of the multiple sinks as she looks at her stressed reflection in the mirror. Tracks of tears cover her cheeks as if she’s cried recently, and a small healing crystal hangs from a black string necklace around her neck.
Kenzie: C’mon, Kenzie. You can do this! Carli Davis might wave around her Valiant & APEX Championships like it makes her better than everyone else, but you’ve beaten her before! Then, when she had the chance to challenge you for the Valiant Mayhem Championship number one contendership, she turned it down ‘cause she probably KNEW you would outwrestle her when it was time to fight on the big stage! And as for Ricky Rodriguez? He’s nice and all. I really like him! But his inexperience and his naivety don’t stand a chance against the combined strength and experience of Rayven Hardy and me. I’m sure he’ll do well but not well enough.
The Hopebringer stops herself, noticing the camera. Her cheeks blush faint red before she grabs her small healing crystal at the end of her necklace around her neck. The dark blues and whispy streaks of orange brush against the surface like a beautiful art piece. Still looking at the mirror, she continues.
Kenzie: I’ve gotta get along with Rayven Hardy, too. She hasn’t won a match in nearly a year, but I know I can get her out of that rut. I can be her savior, her guiding beacon, her Luminairy! I can show her what it took me years to figure out in the span of a few weeks. All I have to do is get through this tag team match. It’ll be a learning experience for her, mhm.
The older Rydell sister nods to herself in the mirror with as much self-assured optimism as she can muster.
Kenzie: After all, I’m a good person who should be applauded for her hard work helping the less fortunate needy. I’m a champion of mental health, and I’m not frightened by anyone’s perception of me. Good things are coming down the road. So I’ve gotta keep walking. No matter how many potholes or roadkill get in the way.
She grips the stone again and locks eyes with the camera over her shoulder.
Kenzie: This protection gemstone is called the Tiger’s Eye. It’s the thrill of the fight! In the 16th century, Tiger’s Eye was so rare it was considered an element so precious that it was worth even more than gold. Wow, right?! Supposedly, even the Roman soldiers even put this amulet on their breastplates during heated battles. It helps with inner strength, self-confidence, and is even said to help pull someone out of a slump. There’s tons of other benefits too. Like—
There’s a knock at the bathroom door.
Spencer Walsh: It’s almost time!
Kenzie: Oh, right!
She giggles and finally turns, winking at the camera.
Kenzie: I better get ready. Rayven would be devastated if I wasn’t in her corner tonight!
With that, Kenzie rushes out the door to join her friend and manager.
MATCH FOUR: TAG
Ricky Rodriguez & Carli Davis vs Kenzie Rydell & Rayven Hardy
Ricky Rodriguez & Carli Davis vs Kenzie Rydell & Rayven Hardy
RECAP This tag team match had an awkward situation for both sides of this match. Carli was eyeing Ricky, making sure he wasn’t going to turn on her again. Rayven and Kenzie meanwhile talked about who was going to start the match. Eventually, Kenzie let Rayven start the match for their team as an act of good faith. Carli gave Ricky the go ahead, so we had Rayven and Ricky going at it now. The two showed off their athleticism with several counters back and forth, causing the fans to go nuts. Ricky tried for a hurricanrana but when he hit it, he didn’t get it all the way and Hardy rolled onto her feet. When Ricky got up and turned, he was met by a superkick from Hardy. Ray pinned but Ricky kicked out. Ray took control of the match for a bit but became distracted by her partner, Kenzie, yelling out weird quotes to her. Kenzie: Don't try to be perfect! Just try to be better than you were yesterday! Rayven looked back at Kenzie and rolled her eyes. She then went back to Ricky but he hit her with a pele kick! Ricky then tagged in Carli, the Valiant Champion! Davis was on fire as she took Rayven out with a clothesline and then Kenzie tried to get in on the action but Carli took her out too. Ricky jumped up and down, cheering Carli on. Rayven started to stir but Davis took her out with a slingblade, followed by a frog splash from the top rope. Carli went for the pin but no! Kenzie broke it up! This caused Ricky to get in the ring but the referee stopped him. Carli stirred but with the referee distracted, Kenzie hit Carli in the face with a closed fist punch. She then dragged Rayven to the corner and tagged herself in before saying another quote. Kenzie: Good things take time! Don’t lose hope, Rayven! Kenzie then goes to work on Carli, dropping down and putting her in a sleeper hold. Carli tried to counter but Kenzie countered as she dropped Carli down back first onto the canvas. Kenzie then taunted Ricky. Ricky tried to get in to help but the referee stopped it again. Kenzie used this distraction to start choking Carli with two hands! When the referee turned Kenzie backed off with her hands in the air innocently. Before Kenzie could do anymore, Rayven tagged herself in. Kenzie seemed to not be too pleased at first but she decided to let it go. Rayven picked Carli up and dropped her with a snap suplex. She then followed it up with a standing shooting star press but Carli rolled out of the way. Kenzie hopped into the ring to help but Ricky came charging in as well and the referee lost control here. Carli caught Kenzie with Rest Easy (Air Raid Crash Neckbreaker) and she was out! Ricky hit an unsuspecting Rayven with To The Top (Springboard Cutter) and he went for the pin! The referee didn’t make the same mistake as last week and he didn’t make the count. Carli tried to move Ricky off of the pinfall but he got up and shoved Davis back. He accused her of trying to steal the pin and glory from him. Kenzie shoved Ricky from behind into Carli and Carli assumed it was on purpose that he rammed into her and she had enough. She superkicked Ricky’s head off! Kenzie hit Carli with a spear and Rayven got onto the top ropes and hit her Skittle Star Press right onto Davis. She pinned and got the three count and the win! WINNER Rayven Hardy and Kenzie Rydell METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 16:10 FINISHING MOVE Skittle Star Press POST MATCH Kenzie extended her hand towards Rayven, a show of good faith. Ray looked down at her hand and shook her head. Kenzie told Rayven she just wanted to inspire her and that they should work together. Rayven refused and turned away, ready to leave this entire situation behind but Kenzie grabbed her from behind and hit her with a cutter! Kenzie then took it a step further and hit Rayven with "Blinding Arrow" — running corner front dropkick. Kenzie then told Rayven that she’ll be inspired by her, one way or another. |
BACKSTAGE
The camera cut backstage to Blyss Lockhart who looked to be on her way to her match. Stopped by Tim Anderson, she gave an irritated face.
Tim Anderson: Hey Blyss! Can I get a quick word with you about tonight?
Blyss Lockhart: What is there to say? “Good luck out there, Izzi”? “Let’s put on a great show, Izzi”?
She scoffed, putting her hands on her waist.
Blyss Lockhart: She asked me for this match, saying something about wanting to start off 2022 with a bang by wrestling one of the greats. Me. I know other people like to have these one-offs so willy nilly, like it’s all fun and games. But not me. Especially not to someone like Izzi whom I’ve never even spoken to before. That’s how you protect your legacy. And I take this very seriously. Because what’s in it for me?
She shot Tim a challenging look.
Blyss Lockhart: That’s the exact question I posed to Izzi. What’s in it for Blyss Lockhart? When you get what you want out of me, why should I, one of the greats of wrestling, trade my precious time for someone like Izzi in exchange for a fulfilled dream ticked off some bucket list? Why should I, a wrestler still so much in demand that she was specifically brought back from forced retirement, entertain such requests?
The corner of her lips raised in a smirk.
Blyss Lockhart: It wasn’t just ‘cause of the flattery. While it is true that I’m one of wrestling’s greatest, wrestling Izzi will simply bring more eyes to Freedom. And that sure made Lily happy, didn’t it? More eyes beyond Liberty fans. The eyes of the rest of the world. Oh, I’m aware of what Izzi has accomplished so far. There’s no denying that. Plus, she’s in multiple places currently. More and more eyes!
She briefly pointed at her own eyes. Then her smile grew wider as she pointed to herself.
Blyss Lockhart: On me.
She paused, a light laugh escaped her lips.
Blyss Lockhart: See, talent recognises talent! Real recognises real! And Izzi, you are right to ask me for this match. For so long I have sat on the sidelines, unable to return to the one place I love and where I thrive. The ring. And all I kept hearing was how my career was DEAD!
Suddenly, anger filled her and she started to raise her voice. Tim shrank back a bit, mentally preparing to defend himself if need be.
Blyss Lockhart: Imagine, the greatest wrestler in the world being told that her career was dead and gone?! After everything that she had built. And sacrificed. How much had I been hurting while the rest of the world mocked me and passed by me like it all didn’t matter? Like I didn’t matter! How… Dare…
She paused again, breathing hard.
Blyss Lockhart: But that’s gonna change now because… Because that’s in the past and I forgive those who have wronged me. Even though not everyone feels the same way. It’s fine. I have time. I’ll give them time.
It’s as if there’s a switch in her that flipped, anger defused by some sort of change of heart. She breathed in deeply before continuing. Her eyes were now devoid of emotion.
Blyss Lockhart: So Izzi, before we go out there and I do what I do best to you, forgive me. Please.
But as she turned to leave, Tim stopped her again.
Tim Anderson: Wait! One more question, what do you think of what transpired at the end of Liberation last week? Any comments?
Blyss stared at him blankly.
INTERVIEWER: Um… You know that Nathan hired The Society, right? Becky Balfour, Seth Lawless and Warren Corbett, they’re back. They were the group that ran rampant all over Liberty at one point, basically took over everything. Hey, it’s kinda like your group Bad Omens at In Your House—
Blyss all but snapped at thim.
Blyss Lockhart: What do I think of Nathan’s desperate trick, Becky and The Society Dum Dums? Who gives a fuck? Nathan can try and seek out the stars of Liberty’s past but the fact remains that Dante and I are the best to ever walk through these doors because we will be the greatest chapter of Liberty Pro history ever, present and future! And that I am now back to put gold to my name once again and shame every single person in my way who claims to be a wrestler because you have NEVER seen anyone like me! And that Nathan will lose to Lily because if you know anything about me, it’s that I thrive in war and chaos. And at the end of the day when all is said and done, Freedom will be the one left standing. I will be the one left standing.
She smirked with a challenging raise of her chin at Tim. Then she turned to face the camera.
Blyss Lockhart: Just like how it’ll be tonight. Don’t say I never warned ya, Izzi. Skylar Rayner and Brendan Samuels made that mistake one time and now they’re regretting it for the rest of their careers. Because you should never take my words lightly. Ever.
Her smirk faded off as a serious look washed over her face once more. Then she shouldered past Tim without another word. Interview officially over.
The camera cut backstage to Blyss Lockhart who looked to be on her way to her match. Stopped by Tim Anderson, she gave an irritated face.
Tim Anderson: Hey Blyss! Can I get a quick word with you about tonight?
Blyss Lockhart: What is there to say? “Good luck out there, Izzi”? “Let’s put on a great show, Izzi”?
She scoffed, putting her hands on her waist.
Blyss Lockhart: She asked me for this match, saying something about wanting to start off 2022 with a bang by wrestling one of the greats. Me. I know other people like to have these one-offs so willy nilly, like it’s all fun and games. But not me. Especially not to someone like Izzi whom I’ve never even spoken to before. That’s how you protect your legacy. And I take this very seriously. Because what’s in it for me?
She shot Tim a challenging look.
Blyss Lockhart: That’s the exact question I posed to Izzi. What’s in it for Blyss Lockhart? When you get what you want out of me, why should I, one of the greats of wrestling, trade my precious time for someone like Izzi in exchange for a fulfilled dream ticked off some bucket list? Why should I, a wrestler still so much in demand that she was specifically brought back from forced retirement, entertain such requests?
The corner of her lips raised in a smirk.
Blyss Lockhart: It wasn’t just ‘cause of the flattery. While it is true that I’m one of wrestling’s greatest, wrestling Izzi will simply bring more eyes to Freedom. And that sure made Lily happy, didn’t it? More eyes beyond Liberty fans. The eyes of the rest of the world. Oh, I’m aware of what Izzi has accomplished so far. There’s no denying that. Plus, she’s in multiple places currently. More and more eyes!
She briefly pointed at her own eyes. Then her smile grew wider as she pointed to herself.
Blyss Lockhart: On me.
She paused, a light laugh escaped her lips.
Blyss Lockhart: See, talent recognises talent! Real recognises real! And Izzi, you are right to ask me for this match. For so long I have sat on the sidelines, unable to return to the one place I love and where I thrive. The ring. And all I kept hearing was how my career was DEAD!
Suddenly, anger filled her and she started to raise her voice. Tim shrank back a bit, mentally preparing to defend himself if need be.
Blyss Lockhart: Imagine, the greatest wrestler in the world being told that her career was dead and gone?! After everything that she had built. And sacrificed. How much had I been hurting while the rest of the world mocked me and passed by me like it all didn’t matter? Like I didn’t matter! How… Dare…
She paused again, breathing hard.
Blyss Lockhart: But that’s gonna change now because… Because that’s in the past and I forgive those who have wronged me. Even though not everyone feels the same way. It’s fine. I have time. I’ll give them time.
It’s as if there’s a switch in her that flipped, anger defused by some sort of change of heart. She breathed in deeply before continuing. Her eyes were now devoid of emotion.
Blyss Lockhart: So Izzi, before we go out there and I do what I do best to you, forgive me. Please.
But as she turned to leave, Tim stopped her again.
Tim Anderson: Wait! One more question, what do you think of what transpired at the end of Liberation last week? Any comments?
Blyss stared at him blankly.
INTERVIEWER: Um… You know that Nathan hired The Society, right? Becky Balfour, Seth Lawless and Warren Corbett, they’re back. They were the group that ran rampant all over Liberty at one point, basically took over everything. Hey, it’s kinda like your group Bad Omens at In Your House—
Blyss all but snapped at thim.
Blyss Lockhart: What do I think of Nathan’s desperate trick, Becky and The Society Dum Dums? Who gives a fuck? Nathan can try and seek out the stars of Liberty’s past but the fact remains that Dante and I are the best to ever walk through these doors because we will be the greatest chapter of Liberty Pro history ever, present and future! And that I am now back to put gold to my name once again and shame every single person in my way who claims to be a wrestler because you have NEVER seen anyone like me! And that Nathan will lose to Lily because if you know anything about me, it’s that I thrive in war and chaos. And at the end of the day when all is said and done, Freedom will be the one left standing. I will be the one left standing.
She smirked with a challenging raise of her chin at Tim. Then she turned to face the camera.
Blyss Lockhart: Just like how it’ll be tonight. Don’t say I never warned ya, Izzi. Skylar Rayner and Brendan Samuels made that mistake one time and now they’re regretting it for the rest of their careers. Because you should never take my words lightly. Ever.
Her smirk faded off as a serious look washed over her face once more. Then she shouldered past Tim without another word. Interview officially over.
MATCH FIVE: SPECIAL ATTRACTION
Blyss Lockhart vs Izzi Grimes
Blyss Lockhart vs Izzi Grimes
RECAP Izzi and Blyss lock up in the middle of the ring. The self-proclaimed best Grimes is able to put the former IYH Champion in a headlock but Blyss counters and shoves Izzi towards the ropes. Blyss tries to go for a sidekick but Izzi ducks it. Blyss turns around and Grimes takes out Lockhart with a Pele kick. Izzi pins Blyss but Lockhart manages to kick out right as the two count hits. Blyss gets up and tackles Izzi before hitting her with a few forearm shots. Blyss then picks Izzi up and whips her into the corner before charging towards Izzi and hitting her with a body splash into the corner that is followed up by a running bulldog. Blyss hooks the leg and pins Izzi but she’s able to kickout after two! Blyss gets up and screams at the referee, telling him that it was clearly a three count! The distraction gives Izzi time to get to her feet and when Blyss turns around, she’s met by a charging Izzi who takes her out with the Sac-Town Explosion (Running single leg drop kick) but the move sends Blyss out of the ring. Izzi gets out of the ring and retrieves Blyss from the outside before sliding her in. Izzi pins Blyss but too much time has elapsed since the move and Lockhart kicks out after two. Izzi doesn’t let up as she climbs up the top rope, looking to go for something big here. She leaps off, going for Light It Up (Phoenix Splash) but Blyss rolls out of the way. Izzi shows off her athleticism by landing on her feet but before she can do anything, Blyss takes her out with a slingblade. When Izzi gets back up to her feet, Lockhart takes her out with a Bicycle knee strike. The woman formerly known as Banshee pins Grimes but Izzi kicks out after the two count. Blyss looks impressed that Izzi was able to kick out. Blyss stays on top of Izzi as she picks her up and drops her with fisherman DDT. Blyss pins again but Izzi once again kicks out at two and the referee emphatically holds up two fingers to Blyss’s face. Blyss slaps the referee’s hand away and tells him to stay out of her face. Blyss turns to go back to fight Izzi but Izzi rolls her up with the Roll Up of Doom that she learned from her older cousin, Gavin! It looks like it’s about to be a three count but Blyss kicks out just before the three. Lockhart gets up and so does Izzi but before Blyss can do anything, Grimes takes her out with an enziguri. Blyss drops down to her knees and Izzi nails her with a Sac-Town Kick (superkick to kneeling opponent) that is followed up by a hurricanrana driver. Izzi wastes little time and she makes the pin but Blyss kicks out just before the three count. Izzi steps back into the corner and she waits for Blyss to get up, looking as if she’s going for a second Sac-Town Explosion. When Blyss gets to her feet, Izzi charges but when she goes for her finish, Blyss ducks it. Before Izzi knows it, Lockhart is taking her out with another bicycle knee strike. Blyss wastes little time and she scales the top rope! She knows if she hits this, it’s over. She leaps off and BAM! She nails her Blyzzard — Corkscrew shooting star press!! Blyss drops down and makes the cover, picking up the hard fought win. When the match is over, Blyss stands over Izzi and it looks like something bad might happen here. But instead, Lockhart gives the dazed Izzi a nod of respect before exiting the ring. WINNER Blyss Lockhart METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 16:22 FINISHING MOVE Blyzzard |
BACKSTAGE
Sparrow: So you ever wrestle at the Hammerstein?
Backstage at the legendary ballroom, The West Indian Whirlwind is checking out his ring gear before his match with Cait later in the evening. Sparrow looks down at his King of NY Championship, even going as far as breathing on the main plate and wiping it with an elbow pad. He continues eyeing his gear in the mirror, seemingly a little uncertain with how it looks. His head tilts to the left and the right, continuing to decide if he’s good with the white and black designs. From off-camera, his manager Caroline responds to him.
Caroline Dallins: Twice actually. The first time I think it was defending a championship. No, no...That was the second time. The first time around I think it was just a regular match, nothing on the line but bragging rights. There’s something about the Hammerstein Ballroom, Baby Bird. Something in the air just hits different.
Sparrow: Yeah well Cait Flanagan is tryna hit me a whole kinda different. Probably tryna add another championship to she collection if--
The KONY Champion turns his attention to his client and...Stares for several moments, completely turning away from the mirror. His eyebrow arches upward and his mouth parts before closing again.
Sparrow: ...
The camera slowly pans from Sparrow to...Caroline Dallins. With her arms crossed, the manager is dressed like she’s ready to compete tonight. Black wrestling singlet with purple feather designs peppering the gear, knee pads and wrestling boots. To top it all off is a zipped hoodie left open. For the longest time the champion just continues to stare.
Caroline Dallins: What?
Sparrow: You...You aren’t about to...
Caroline Dallins: Relax, Baby Bird. I’m still your manager. No, no...Tuning into the last episode of Liberation made me realize that we’re entering an ‘all hands on deck’ situation. I need the practice anyway before I pick your bestie’s or ex’s blonde hairs from my teeth, and what better an opportunity to offer my services to Lily when she might need it.
Sparrow: There’s so much wrong with those words that I ain’t even know where to begin. First, why do you feel the ever-present need to antagonize Sammie...Or Gwen, who...Why? Second, wasn’t the point of this to...Manage me? Whatever purpose that was for? Third...You sure you even have the physical bits down for that?
Caroline had her arms crossed over her chest the entire time, listening intently...As much as she might with her eyes up at the ceiling.
Caroline Dallins: The answer to the first is because I can. The answer to the second? I’m still managing you as I said. I’m...Granting you a bit of a reprieve while I help protect the Freedom brand. I want you to be the face of this brand one day. Doesn’t really mean anything if Nate poisons the shit, now does it Baby Bird? Third...Well you and everyone from Hashtag The Misfit Society can find that out when we get there. Just keep in mind...If Freedom goes down, what happens to you and everyone else. Think about it.
The West Indian Whirlwind looks mildly impressed.
Sparrow: Wow, maybe you really aren’t all that bad. I knew there was decen--
Caroline Dallins: Or maybe I’m just doing this to eventually force your hand into us tagging together in matches. One big elaborate trick for another lesson.
Sparrow: ...
Caroline Dallins: Who knows! C’mon Baby Bird, get your shit ready. You got a match tonight. She may be a self-pleasing greedy whore, but she’s a successful self-pleasing, greedy whore.
Caroline leaves her client standing there, walking off-camera again. He shakes his head and hoists his King of NY championship to his shoulder.
Sparrow: So you ever wrestle at the Hammerstein?
Backstage at the legendary ballroom, The West Indian Whirlwind is checking out his ring gear before his match with Cait later in the evening. Sparrow looks down at his King of NY Championship, even going as far as breathing on the main plate and wiping it with an elbow pad. He continues eyeing his gear in the mirror, seemingly a little uncertain with how it looks. His head tilts to the left and the right, continuing to decide if he’s good with the white and black designs. From off-camera, his manager Caroline responds to him.
Caroline Dallins: Twice actually. The first time I think it was defending a championship. No, no...That was the second time. The first time around I think it was just a regular match, nothing on the line but bragging rights. There’s something about the Hammerstein Ballroom, Baby Bird. Something in the air just hits different.
Sparrow: Yeah well Cait Flanagan is tryna hit me a whole kinda different. Probably tryna add another championship to she collection if--
The KONY Champion turns his attention to his client and...Stares for several moments, completely turning away from the mirror. His eyebrow arches upward and his mouth parts before closing again.
Sparrow: ...
The camera slowly pans from Sparrow to...Caroline Dallins. With her arms crossed, the manager is dressed like she’s ready to compete tonight. Black wrestling singlet with purple feather designs peppering the gear, knee pads and wrestling boots. To top it all off is a zipped hoodie left open. For the longest time the champion just continues to stare.
Caroline Dallins: What?
Sparrow: You...You aren’t about to...
Caroline Dallins: Relax, Baby Bird. I’m still your manager. No, no...Tuning into the last episode of Liberation made me realize that we’re entering an ‘all hands on deck’ situation. I need the practice anyway before I pick your bestie’s or ex’s blonde hairs from my teeth, and what better an opportunity to offer my services to Lily when she might need it.
Sparrow: There’s so much wrong with those words that I ain’t even know where to begin. First, why do you feel the ever-present need to antagonize Sammie...Or Gwen, who...Why? Second, wasn’t the point of this to...Manage me? Whatever purpose that was for? Third...You sure you even have the physical bits down for that?
Caroline had her arms crossed over her chest the entire time, listening intently...As much as she might with her eyes up at the ceiling.
Caroline Dallins: The answer to the first is because I can. The answer to the second? I’m still managing you as I said. I’m...Granting you a bit of a reprieve while I help protect the Freedom brand. I want you to be the face of this brand one day. Doesn’t really mean anything if Nate poisons the shit, now does it Baby Bird? Third...Well you and everyone from Hashtag The Misfit Society can find that out when we get there. Just keep in mind...If Freedom goes down, what happens to you and everyone else. Think about it.
The West Indian Whirlwind looks mildly impressed.
Sparrow: Wow, maybe you really aren’t all that bad. I knew there was decen--
Caroline Dallins: Or maybe I’m just doing this to eventually force your hand into us tagging together in matches. One big elaborate trick for another lesson.
Sparrow: ...
Caroline Dallins: Who knows! C’mon Baby Bird, get your shit ready. You got a match tonight. She may be a self-pleasing greedy whore, but she’s a successful self-pleasing, greedy whore.
Caroline leaves her client standing there, walking off-camera again. He shakes his head and hoists his King of NY championship to his shoulder.
BACKSTAGE
Scotty Latimer is walking down the hallway as he starts slowing down. He finally stops as standing in front of him is Emery Layton, the main eventer for this evening's Freedom. The two stare each other down a few moments until Scotty finally speaks.
Scotty Latimer: Look...yeah, I know we are facing each other tonight, and neither of us will be holding back. But the ultimate goal is to make it to that cage, and I still don't trust that this will be a one on one encounter. So agree that we have eyes in the back of our heads and be alert, right?
Slowly, Em nods, wiping the side of her head as she takes off her beanie.
Emery Layton: Mm. Yeah alright. TJ’s said he’s gonna call this thing down the middle, and honestly, I trust him. But! Things are getting a bit wild round here at the mo and not in like a fun way. I ain’t too crazy about it.
With two fingers, she gestures to her eyes.
Emery Layton: Eyes wide open, yeah? See ya out there, dude.
Before Emery could walk in the other direction, there’s a commotion on the other end of the backstage hallway! Twelve men and women no older than thirty years old all stand around a literal soapbox where the newly signed Kenzie holds a pink camouflage-colored megaphone to her mouth. Emery begins walking closer to the scene as Scotty eventually followed, looking perplexed.
Kenzie: … And what do we do to negativity energy?!
The small crowd of college students in gray Kenzie t-shirts with weapons in their hands all shout out, “Eliminate! Eliminate! Eliminate!” Emery and Scotty continue to approach.
Kenzie: That’s right! It’s not tolerated! Liberty Pro has given us an influential platform to spread positivity in this time of darkness! It would be irresponsible of us to keep quiet!
Immediately, all of them recite the word together in unison. “Eliminate the hate! Eliminate the hate!” That’s when Kenzie notices Emery and Scotty from her vantage point above the ‘happy’ mob. She lowers her megaphone to get a good look.
Emery and Scotty stand, their arms folded. Their presence causes Kenzie's group to turn their attention to them as Scotty eyes them all up as they hold their weapons. Baseball bats, hockey sticks, and football helmets are among the group of jocks. He leans closer to Emery so only they can hear one another.
Emery Layton: Speaking of wild…
Scotty Latimer: Like I said….eyes in the back of your hheeaadd….
The leader doesn’t hear them talking because of the mob talking amongst themselves.
Kenzie: Emery! Scotty! Good luck in the main event tonight!
Her voice sounds chipper and joyful, though it’s clear it doesn’t come across as genuine as she’d hoped, especially as she’s towering over everyone in the area right now, still standing on her soapbox.
Kenzie: I know things didn’t happen how they were supposed to last week. Rayven went down. Then, you two decided to double pin Rayven to spread the love and become double number one contenders for the Freedom Championship. Off my hard work, no less! I’m proud of the compassion and generosity you two have for one another but the fact that the two of you cheated in pinning Rayven down with your combined bodyweights to make it happen is a bit problematic, don’t you think?
Scotty continues to eye up the people who are holding the weapons. Emery continues to stare Kenzie down.
Scotty Latimer: Great...another "leader that wants to change something not broken." You must know my Uncle. You know that this never works out in the end, right?
Kenzie’s nose scrunches, and her eyebrows furrow.
Kenzie: You only think it’s ‘not broken’ because the status quo benefits you. You would rather have people running around discouraging others and brooding all willy nilly than be a part of the solution. Well, I’m here to change that. I’m not just a leader, I’m The Luminary, and here, I have the Freedom to make things better!
Emery exhales deeply and rolls her eyes. One of these days, she’d keep quiet. Today was no such day. Pushing through the mob, Em makes her way right to the front of the crowd to face Kenzie as she stands on her literal soapbox. Kenzie looks down as if Emery’s metaphorically beneath her, too.
Emery Layton: Scuse me, pardon me, hey nice helmet...okay, so, this? I don’t buy it. None of this ‘positivity’ stuff. I’d heard stuff about you before I came here, Kenzie. Heard a lot. None of it good.
She turns to the young and impressionable mob that stand before her with their gym-class-level weapons before turning back to Kenzie.
Emery Layton: You lot- you wanna live positive lives? Start thinking for yourselves. You know you better than anyone else. Don’t let nobody tell you how to live, yeah? And as for you Kenzie, lemme tell you something. I’ve travelled the world my entire life. Met so many people, embraced different cultures. Maybe have a think about doing the same. Cos it’s a big old world out there, Kenzie. Maybe if you jump down off your soapbox one day and go look at it, you might just see how small you are.
She turns to leave, but then turns back a second later.
Emery Layton: Oh yeah. Sorry. I’m Emery Layton. Nice to meet you.
By this point, Kenzie’s fuming! Bending her knees, she looks like she’s about to leap off of her pedestal when she raises her megaphone to her lips instead!
Kenzie: Negativity, negativity! Get ‘em, get ‘em, get ‘em!!!
Her hazel-colored hues grow crazed while the group surrounds Emery Layton and Scotty Latimer. The two are pushed to the center of the crowd, all within the small confines of the fairly narrow hallway. The gullible college students ready their weapons, prepared to use them on command.
Scotty Latimer: Seriously, before any of you jump...try to think for yourself if it’s really the best thing to do for your health.
First, a thin, gangly man tries to sweep Emery’s legs out from under her with a hockey stick just for the redhead to jump over the equipment and headbutt him immediately. He goes falling back as some other guy with a baseball bat tries to force her way at Em, only for her to grab the bat and use it to ram him up against the very narrow walls of this corridor. Next, a football player with shoulder pads rushes Scotty for a sack, but Latimer jukes that too and hits him with a DDT. Four more of Kenzie’s followers rush in to land a few fairly lucky punches and kicks. Still, as untrained fighters going up against a pair of very experienced fighters, they are also overwhelmed by the professional wrestler’s offense! A pitcher with a mitt throws a baseball at the duo with all his might when Scotty dodges, allowing the projectile to slam across the face of an oncoming track and fielder, knocking him down! Then a basketball player jumps onto the back of his fallen teammate and tries to dunk his orange missile at the redhead. Emery rejects, blocking the ball with a jumping swat that slams into the pitcher! Then she hits the basketball player with her "Eat the Music" busaiku knee attack! Finally, with one college student left standing, Scotty kicks them in the stomach and then lands his Final Wave (blade runner) finisher to put an end to the horde of enemies.
With all of them down on the floor around them, Emery and Scotty both look towards the soapbox to see Kenzie has gotten away during all the action! Scotty picks up one of the attackers and puts him in a chokehold.
Scotty Latimer: So what lesson did we learn today? Here's the last one. Work for what you earn. Don't feel entitled….this happens when you follow the wrong type of person.
Scotty lets him go and looks at Emery.
Emery Layton: Okay, that does it. I need a word with Lily. See ya out there.
Scotty Latimer: See ya in the ring.
And with that, the segment fades as Freedom presses on with the next part of the show.
Scotty Latimer is walking down the hallway as he starts slowing down. He finally stops as standing in front of him is Emery Layton, the main eventer for this evening's Freedom. The two stare each other down a few moments until Scotty finally speaks.
Scotty Latimer: Look...yeah, I know we are facing each other tonight, and neither of us will be holding back. But the ultimate goal is to make it to that cage, and I still don't trust that this will be a one on one encounter. So agree that we have eyes in the back of our heads and be alert, right?
Slowly, Em nods, wiping the side of her head as she takes off her beanie.
Emery Layton: Mm. Yeah alright. TJ’s said he’s gonna call this thing down the middle, and honestly, I trust him. But! Things are getting a bit wild round here at the mo and not in like a fun way. I ain’t too crazy about it.
With two fingers, she gestures to her eyes.
Emery Layton: Eyes wide open, yeah? See ya out there, dude.
Before Emery could walk in the other direction, there’s a commotion on the other end of the backstage hallway! Twelve men and women no older than thirty years old all stand around a literal soapbox where the newly signed Kenzie holds a pink camouflage-colored megaphone to her mouth. Emery begins walking closer to the scene as Scotty eventually followed, looking perplexed.
Kenzie: … And what do we do to negativity energy?!
The small crowd of college students in gray Kenzie t-shirts with weapons in their hands all shout out, “Eliminate! Eliminate! Eliminate!” Emery and Scotty continue to approach.
Kenzie: That’s right! It’s not tolerated! Liberty Pro has given us an influential platform to spread positivity in this time of darkness! It would be irresponsible of us to keep quiet!
Immediately, all of them recite the word together in unison. “Eliminate the hate! Eliminate the hate!” That’s when Kenzie notices Emery and Scotty from her vantage point above the ‘happy’ mob. She lowers her megaphone to get a good look.
Emery and Scotty stand, their arms folded. Their presence causes Kenzie's group to turn their attention to them as Scotty eyes them all up as they hold their weapons. Baseball bats, hockey sticks, and football helmets are among the group of jocks. He leans closer to Emery so only they can hear one another.
Emery Layton: Speaking of wild…
Scotty Latimer: Like I said….eyes in the back of your hheeaadd….
The leader doesn’t hear them talking because of the mob talking amongst themselves.
Kenzie: Emery! Scotty! Good luck in the main event tonight!
Her voice sounds chipper and joyful, though it’s clear it doesn’t come across as genuine as she’d hoped, especially as she’s towering over everyone in the area right now, still standing on her soapbox.
Kenzie: I know things didn’t happen how they were supposed to last week. Rayven went down. Then, you two decided to double pin Rayven to spread the love and become double number one contenders for the Freedom Championship. Off my hard work, no less! I’m proud of the compassion and generosity you two have for one another but the fact that the two of you cheated in pinning Rayven down with your combined bodyweights to make it happen is a bit problematic, don’t you think?
Scotty continues to eye up the people who are holding the weapons. Emery continues to stare Kenzie down.
Scotty Latimer: Great...another "leader that wants to change something not broken." You must know my Uncle. You know that this never works out in the end, right?
Kenzie’s nose scrunches, and her eyebrows furrow.
Kenzie: You only think it’s ‘not broken’ because the status quo benefits you. You would rather have people running around discouraging others and brooding all willy nilly than be a part of the solution. Well, I’m here to change that. I’m not just a leader, I’m The Luminary, and here, I have the Freedom to make things better!
Emery exhales deeply and rolls her eyes. One of these days, she’d keep quiet. Today was no such day. Pushing through the mob, Em makes her way right to the front of the crowd to face Kenzie as she stands on her literal soapbox. Kenzie looks down as if Emery’s metaphorically beneath her, too.
Emery Layton: Scuse me, pardon me, hey nice helmet...okay, so, this? I don’t buy it. None of this ‘positivity’ stuff. I’d heard stuff about you before I came here, Kenzie. Heard a lot. None of it good.
She turns to the young and impressionable mob that stand before her with their gym-class-level weapons before turning back to Kenzie.
Emery Layton: You lot- you wanna live positive lives? Start thinking for yourselves. You know you better than anyone else. Don’t let nobody tell you how to live, yeah? And as for you Kenzie, lemme tell you something. I’ve travelled the world my entire life. Met so many people, embraced different cultures. Maybe have a think about doing the same. Cos it’s a big old world out there, Kenzie. Maybe if you jump down off your soapbox one day and go look at it, you might just see how small you are.
She turns to leave, but then turns back a second later.
Emery Layton: Oh yeah. Sorry. I’m Emery Layton. Nice to meet you.
By this point, Kenzie’s fuming! Bending her knees, she looks like she’s about to leap off of her pedestal when she raises her megaphone to her lips instead!
Kenzie: Negativity, negativity! Get ‘em, get ‘em, get ‘em!!!
Her hazel-colored hues grow crazed while the group surrounds Emery Layton and Scotty Latimer. The two are pushed to the center of the crowd, all within the small confines of the fairly narrow hallway. The gullible college students ready their weapons, prepared to use them on command.
Scotty Latimer: Seriously, before any of you jump...try to think for yourself if it’s really the best thing to do for your health.
First, a thin, gangly man tries to sweep Emery’s legs out from under her with a hockey stick just for the redhead to jump over the equipment and headbutt him immediately. He goes falling back as some other guy with a baseball bat tries to force her way at Em, only for her to grab the bat and use it to ram him up against the very narrow walls of this corridor. Next, a football player with shoulder pads rushes Scotty for a sack, but Latimer jukes that too and hits him with a DDT. Four more of Kenzie’s followers rush in to land a few fairly lucky punches and kicks. Still, as untrained fighters going up against a pair of very experienced fighters, they are also overwhelmed by the professional wrestler’s offense! A pitcher with a mitt throws a baseball at the duo with all his might when Scotty dodges, allowing the projectile to slam across the face of an oncoming track and fielder, knocking him down! Then a basketball player jumps onto the back of his fallen teammate and tries to dunk his orange missile at the redhead. Emery rejects, blocking the ball with a jumping swat that slams into the pitcher! Then she hits the basketball player with her "Eat the Music" busaiku knee attack! Finally, with one college student left standing, Scotty kicks them in the stomach and then lands his Final Wave (blade runner) finisher to put an end to the horde of enemies.
With all of them down on the floor around them, Emery and Scotty both look towards the soapbox to see Kenzie has gotten away during all the action! Scotty picks up one of the attackers and puts him in a chokehold.
Scotty Latimer: So what lesson did we learn today? Here's the last one. Work for what you earn. Don't feel entitled….this happens when you follow the wrong type of person.
Scotty lets him go and looks at Emery.
Emery Layton: Okay, that does it. I need a word with Lily. See ya out there.
Scotty Latimer: See ya in the ring.
And with that, the segment fades as Freedom presses on with the next part of the show.
MATCH SIX: SINGLES
Sparrow vs Cait Flanagan
Sparrow vs Cait Flanagan
RECAP Cait was looking for a big win here, especially against the KONY Champion. Sparrow came out super aggressive trying to play to the fact that he was stronger than Flanagan but Cait was taking advantage of his aggressiveness catching him with a rake to the eyes and a drop kick to his knees. She follows up with a shining wizard and attempts a pinfall trying to surprise Sparrow but he easily kicks out. As they got up, Sparrow leg sweeps her and starts manipulating her elbow and shoulder with arm bars as he tries to work her over. Sparrow continued the assault on the right arm. It’s clear Sparrow takes Cait serious and that’s why he’s trying to keep her down in the early goings of this match. Sparrow controlled the first half of the match until Flanagan was able to pull another dirty tactic kicking Sparrow behind the ref's back, right in the balls, but with how in control the King of New York Champion had been, Flanagan had to stop the assault. She dropkicks Sparrow in the chest, sending Sparrow hard into the turnbuckle. She delivers a face wash then follows up with a rodeo rider. She panders to the crowd wasting valuable pinfall attempt time because Sparrow easily kicked out. She continues keeping Sparrow down, now hitting him with several closed fist punches. She then delivers a beautiful springboard bulldog and follows up with a very close near fall. Later Sparrow was able to recover from Cait's offense as he was back to using his strikes to get an advantage. He delivers an impressive snap powerslam and almost catches Flanagan with a pin but he follows the kickout with another armbar! Cait was too close to the ropes and grabbed them right when Sparrow locked it in. Sparrow had to let go. Cait stood up and Sparrow clotheslined her over the ropes. He left the ring to retrieve Cait but the two began to fight as the referee made the count. As soon as it hit eight, Cait rolled into the ring. Sparrow went to slide in but what he and the referee hadn’t noticed was that Josh Anderson made his way under the ring during this time and at the last second, he re-appeared from under it to grab Sparrow’s foot. Caroline showed up to kick Josh away but it’s too late! The ten count hits and Cait Flanagan picks up the win via countout! WINNER Cait Flanagan METHOD Countout MATCH LENGTH 8:10 FINISHING MOVE N/A |
BACKSTAGE
A playback video of what happened during Dante Locke and Blyss Lockhart versus Brendan Samuels and Skylar Rayner took over the air. Mainly the highlights of the violence that Dante and Blyss had put their adversaries through, showing off what they do best in front of the Liberty Pro audience. The editing even emphasizes on some zoomed-in shots of Skylar and Brendan in agony and repeated clips with the shuddering sounds of the chair shots where steel met human flesh.
Then when it all proved to be too much for viewers to stomach, the video cuts away to static before the scene opened to a dark setting that welcomed the intimidating sight of Dante Locke and Blyss Lockhart. Dressed in their matching ring attires, they looked ready for another battle. Blyss smirked at the camera.
Blyss Lockhart: What did we tell you, Brendan? Didn’t we warn you, huh? Skylar? It’s like you two didn’t even listen when we were telling you exactly what we were going to do to you. See? We don’t break our promises.
She laughed mockingly, clearly satisfied at what they had done to their opponents from last week.
Dante Locke: We don’t. One way or another, we will bend and break you until you can’t move anymore. What happened to Sky though? That was just a taste of what we’re capable of. In fact, you can chalk it up as a warning. Put your flag away and stay out of our way. If you choose not to heed our warning? Then maybe what happens to Sky next is even worse. Or maybe something happens to that pretty wife of yours you bring to the show. Who knows? Collateral damage and all that.
Locke let out a light laugh and shrugged while Blyss turned to him with gleeful excitement on her face.
Blyss Lockhart: Ooh, I wonder if his wife is here tonight! Give her a front-row seat and everything. You’re right, babe, whatever that happens next, it will be worse and it’s only right that she gets the best seat in the house so she doesn’t miss anything! Brendan, you won’t get to do anything about it. Nobody’s gonna help you, just like nobody did last week. I’m sure Skylar’s still hurting from the beating we gave her. Oh, what a moment we gave her!
She gave a dramatic sigh, amused. Dante laughed and nodded.
Dante Locke: It was quite the moment, wasn’t it? You know, I won’t be surprised if she starts wearing that mask again to hide her face after how much we embarrassed her. And now she’s probably not here and Brendan is left all alone to fend for himself. Well, I guess he’s not completely alone. He does have his stupid as fuck flag or whatever. I can’t wait to burn that shit down.
A mischievous look crossed Blyss’ face as she pulled something from behind her. It was a flag, a close enough replica of Brendan’s signature flag.
Blyss Lockhart: Would you like to do the honors, babe?
With her other hand, she pulled out a lighter and extended it to Dante. A big grin was across Dante’s face as he grabbed the lighter.
Dante Locke: Don’t mind if I do!
He flicked the lighter on.
Dante Locke: You always know the key to my heart, don’t you?
He chuckled before he placed the flame to the flag, setting it on fire on one of the corners before it slowly began to engulf the rest of the material of the flag, causing them to drop the flag and let it burn on the floor. The flames caused shadows dancing around the dark room as they stood there, suddenly and seemingly looking even taller and bigger than they actually were.
Blyss Lockhart: Brendan, I hope you’re actually listening this time. Because now it’s just this… But next time, the one that will burn… is you.
Dante nodded in agreement as he pointed at the camera.
Dante Locke: You’ll know longer be able to set sails anymore. Nah, not when we’re through with you. We’re burning it all down and there’s nobody here to save you. The Hellhound is at your door and this hellacious flame? Is one you won’t be able to put out.
The two laughed as the camera tilted down to the floor where the flag was being finished burning up, leaving no contents behind. The scene then cut away.
A playback video of what happened during Dante Locke and Blyss Lockhart versus Brendan Samuels and Skylar Rayner took over the air. Mainly the highlights of the violence that Dante and Blyss had put their adversaries through, showing off what they do best in front of the Liberty Pro audience. The editing even emphasizes on some zoomed-in shots of Skylar and Brendan in agony and repeated clips with the shuddering sounds of the chair shots where steel met human flesh.
Then when it all proved to be too much for viewers to stomach, the video cuts away to static before the scene opened to a dark setting that welcomed the intimidating sight of Dante Locke and Blyss Lockhart. Dressed in their matching ring attires, they looked ready for another battle. Blyss smirked at the camera.
Blyss Lockhart: What did we tell you, Brendan? Didn’t we warn you, huh? Skylar? It’s like you two didn’t even listen when we were telling you exactly what we were going to do to you. See? We don’t break our promises.
She laughed mockingly, clearly satisfied at what they had done to their opponents from last week.
Dante Locke: We don’t. One way or another, we will bend and break you until you can’t move anymore. What happened to Sky though? That was just a taste of what we’re capable of. In fact, you can chalk it up as a warning. Put your flag away and stay out of our way. If you choose not to heed our warning? Then maybe what happens to Sky next is even worse. Or maybe something happens to that pretty wife of yours you bring to the show. Who knows? Collateral damage and all that.
Locke let out a light laugh and shrugged while Blyss turned to him with gleeful excitement on her face.
Blyss Lockhart: Ooh, I wonder if his wife is here tonight! Give her a front-row seat and everything. You’re right, babe, whatever that happens next, it will be worse and it’s only right that she gets the best seat in the house so she doesn’t miss anything! Brendan, you won’t get to do anything about it. Nobody’s gonna help you, just like nobody did last week. I’m sure Skylar’s still hurting from the beating we gave her. Oh, what a moment we gave her!
She gave a dramatic sigh, amused. Dante laughed and nodded.
Dante Locke: It was quite the moment, wasn’t it? You know, I won’t be surprised if she starts wearing that mask again to hide her face after how much we embarrassed her. And now she’s probably not here and Brendan is left all alone to fend for himself. Well, I guess he’s not completely alone. He does have his stupid as fuck flag or whatever. I can’t wait to burn that shit down.
A mischievous look crossed Blyss’ face as she pulled something from behind her. It was a flag, a close enough replica of Brendan’s signature flag.
Blyss Lockhart: Would you like to do the honors, babe?
With her other hand, she pulled out a lighter and extended it to Dante. A big grin was across Dante’s face as he grabbed the lighter.
Dante Locke: Don’t mind if I do!
He flicked the lighter on.
Dante Locke: You always know the key to my heart, don’t you?
He chuckled before he placed the flame to the flag, setting it on fire on one of the corners before it slowly began to engulf the rest of the material of the flag, causing them to drop the flag and let it burn on the floor. The flames caused shadows dancing around the dark room as they stood there, suddenly and seemingly looking even taller and bigger than they actually were.
Blyss Lockhart: Brendan, I hope you’re actually listening this time. Because now it’s just this… But next time, the one that will burn… is you.
Dante nodded in agreement as he pointed at the camera.
Dante Locke: You’ll know longer be able to set sails anymore. Nah, not when we’re through with you. We’re burning it all down and there’s nobody here to save you. The Hellhound is at your door and this hellacious flame? Is one you won’t be able to put out.
The two laughed as the camera tilted down to the floor where the flag was being finished burning up, leaving no contents behind. The scene then cut away.
BACKSTAGE
As the the scene faded away from ringside, it reverted to a recap of one of the biggest talking points from Freedom #12, one that was still very fresh in the memory of all the fans that bore witness, and one that had even been talked about far and beyond the reaches of the newly reformed company. In black and white, highlights played out of the shocking moment when “The Hellhound” himself, Dante Locke, dragged out a battered, bruised and beaten Skylar Rayner from behind the curtain, tossing her to the floor. The next clip, censored for the violence, showed Blyss Lockhart emerging with a steel chair in hand, clocking Brendan Samuels around the back of the head with it as he tried to rescue his sister in law from mortal danger. But as the next few slide shots showed, that was not to be. Brendan was swiftly decimated after the intense chair shot, overwhelmed by both Dante and Blyss, and the newly crowned United States Champion had very little to celebrate after his televised debut in the new era of Freedom.
As the monochrome images faded away, reality soon sat back in. The footage was clearly backstage, Brendan Samuels, the United States Champion and one of the victims of the heinous attack last week, sat there in the locker room. Already attired in his sea blue ring attire, and with the United States Championship belt upon his shoulder, he stared down at his boots. His head was drenched in water, slow drips coming down and dropping to the floor, and The Kraken didn’t flinch at all, taking slow and steady breaths. Anyone awaiting his words on the attack on himself and Skylar, and the morale destroying defeat they had suffered at the hands of Dante and Blyss were in for a shock, as the Irishman didn’t say a single word.
His head suddenly shot up though, those icy cool blues of his glaring into the camera lens. There was a freezing cold intensity about the look he gave, one that seemed so out of place for the popular sailor, a frozen ferocity about that glare he gave that almost made whoever was holding the camera jump. That glare didn’t go anywhere though, as a little disclaimer appeared at the bottom of the screen, announcing that the awaited match between Dante and Brendan was coming up very soon. And despite the lack of words, despite there being no declarations made besides the ones made on social media, that one look from The Wrestling said it all.
Samuels was fired up.
As the the scene faded away from ringside, it reverted to a recap of one of the biggest talking points from Freedom #12, one that was still very fresh in the memory of all the fans that bore witness, and one that had even been talked about far and beyond the reaches of the newly reformed company. In black and white, highlights played out of the shocking moment when “The Hellhound” himself, Dante Locke, dragged out a battered, bruised and beaten Skylar Rayner from behind the curtain, tossing her to the floor. The next clip, censored for the violence, showed Blyss Lockhart emerging with a steel chair in hand, clocking Brendan Samuels around the back of the head with it as he tried to rescue his sister in law from mortal danger. But as the next few slide shots showed, that was not to be. Brendan was swiftly decimated after the intense chair shot, overwhelmed by both Dante and Blyss, and the newly crowned United States Champion had very little to celebrate after his televised debut in the new era of Freedom.
As the monochrome images faded away, reality soon sat back in. The footage was clearly backstage, Brendan Samuels, the United States Champion and one of the victims of the heinous attack last week, sat there in the locker room. Already attired in his sea blue ring attire, and with the United States Championship belt upon his shoulder, he stared down at his boots. His head was drenched in water, slow drips coming down and dropping to the floor, and The Kraken didn’t flinch at all, taking slow and steady breaths. Anyone awaiting his words on the attack on himself and Skylar, and the morale destroying defeat they had suffered at the hands of Dante and Blyss were in for a shock, as the Irishman didn’t say a single word.
His head suddenly shot up though, those icy cool blues of his glaring into the camera lens. There was a freezing cold intensity about the look he gave, one that seemed so out of place for the popular sailor, a frozen ferocity about that glare he gave that almost made whoever was holding the camera jump. That glare didn’t go anywhere though, as a little disclaimer appeared at the bottom of the screen, announcing that the awaited match between Dante and Brendan was coming up very soon. And despite the lack of words, despite there being no declarations made besides the ones made on social media, that one look from The Wrestling said it all.
Samuels was fired up.
BACKSTAGE
Backstage! Lily Callaghan’s door is always open. She’s been sure to tell people that since she arrived. And sure enough, it’s the case tonight! And as we join her, we hear a polite little knock. Lily looks up once to see who it belongs to and nods, beckoning them in as she types away at an important email of some sort. The person arriving is Emery Layton. As promised earlier.
Emery Layton: Alright?
Lily Callaghan: Evening, Emery.
Lily hasn’t even looked up. She’s still typing. Well, until the loud thump on the desk. Lily looks down. Staring back up at her are some Necco wafers.
Lily Callaghan: Ah! You remembered! Now, what can I do for you?
Em, with her own snack- today she’s gone with a packet of cheetos - slumps down into the chair on the other side of the desk, draping her legs over the arm-rest as she sits sideways.
Emery Layton: Yeah...I just wanna know what we’re doing here, Lily. Cos I’m not sure this is what I signed up for. Feel like the wheels are already coming off, know what I mean?
Lily Callaghan: No, I don’t know what you mean.
Emery Layton: Well for one, I just had to fight off a load of untrained kids who don’t know their arse from their elbow, let alone how to throw a punch or whatever. Second you’re bringing in Kenzie despite her rep, letting her get away with wrecking the main event last week. And to top it all off, you bring in Blyss Lockhart and Dante Locke. Lily, I was there for the Bad Omens. I lived through that. I was there while that group turned a company into their own little playground. Point is I seen all this before, time and time again. The Survivors, Salvation, The Bad Omens, whichever group it ends up being, turning shows on their head because the people in charge let it happen. I dunno whether it’s ratings or whatever, but you got an entire locker room that’s gonna have to deal with these people you’re bringing in. I dunno what this ‘vision’ you have is but I tell ya now it’s not looking great.
Lily lets out a deep breath, and a nod.
Lily Callaghan: I understand. However, Emery, don’t you think it’s a bit discriminatory to pre-judge Blyss and Kenzie based on past events rather than consider what good they could do for Freedom?
Emery Layton: Well no, cos they’ve both interrupted main events and been a nuisance since they got here.
Lily Callaghan: And people talked about us. Freedom stood victorious in Liberty Pro’s big return due to the dedication to the brand Blyss Lockhart showed. And look at last week- everyone was talking about that main event and Kenzie’s debut. We forced Liberation’s hand and now they’ve had to bring in The Society. I’m prepared to do anything it takes to keep Freedom great and stand over Liberation, Emery. I would’ve hoped you’d think the same.
Emery Layton: So that’s it. How bad is it gonna get for the rest of us? Depends on how bad your husband makes it. You chuck it back and forth at each other till the other ship sinks without giving a toss what it does to your own roster.
Em sits forward, her elbows on her knees as she wipes her face with her hands.
Emery Layton: Y’know what. I just wanted to come here and wrestle. I’m getting too old and too tired to keep fighting off people who wanna run promotions into the ground. But if I have to do that Lily, then I will. Because it’s wrong. And it’s a shame. You’re clearly more interested what your husband’s up to than your own roster. You’re both as bad as each other.
With one quick motion, Em swings around and vacates the seat and heads towards the permanently open door.
Lily Callaghan: At least I know where my husband
Backstage! Lily Callaghan’s door is always open. She’s been sure to tell people that since she arrived. And sure enough, it’s the case tonight! And as we join her, we hear a polite little knock. Lily looks up once to see who it belongs to and nods, beckoning them in as she types away at an important email of some sort. The person arriving is Emery Layton. As promised earlier.
Emery Layton: Alright?
Lily Callaghan: Evening, Emery.
Lily hasn’t even looked up. She’s still typing. Well, until the loud thump on the desk. Lily looks down. Staring back up at her are some Necco wafers.
Lily Callaghan: Ah! You remembered! Now, what can I do for you?
Em, with her own snack- today she’s gone with a packet of cheetos - slumps down into the chair on the other side of the desk, draping her legs over the arm-rest as she sits sideways.
Emery Layton: Yeah...I just wanna know what we’re doing here, Lily. Cos I’m not sure this is what I signed up for. Feel like the wheels are already coming off, know what I mean?
Lily Callaghan: No, I don’t know what you mean.
Emery Layton: Well for one, I just had to fight off a load of untrained kids who don’t know their arse from their elbow, let alone how to throw a punch or whatever. Second you’re bringing in Kenzie despite her rep, letting her get away with wrecking the main event last week. And to top it all off, you bring in Blyss Lockhart and Dante Locke. Lily, I was there for the Bad Omens. I lived through that. I was there while that group turned a company into their own little playground. Point is I seen all this before, time and time again. The Survivors, Salvation, The Bad Omens, whichever group it ends up being, turning shows on their head because the people in charge let it happen. I dunno whether it’s ratings or whatever, but you got an entire locker room that’s gonna have to deal with these people you’re bringing in. I dunno what this ‘vision’ you have is but I tell ya now it’s not looking great.
Lily lets out a deep breath, and a nod.
Lily Callaghan: I understand. However, Emery, don’t you think it’s a bit discriminatory to pre-judge Blyss and Kenzie based on past events rather than consider what good they could do for Freedom?
Emery Layton: Well no, cos they’ve both interrupted main events and been a nuisance since they got here.
Lily Callaghan: And people talked about us. Freedom stood victorious in Liberty Pro’s big return due to the dedication to the brand Blyss Lockhart showed. And look at last week- everyone was talking about that main event and Kenzie’s debut. We forced Liberation’s hand and now they’ve had to bring in The Society. I’m prepared to do anything it takes to keep Freedom great and stand over Liberation, Emery. I would’ve hoped you’d think the same.
Emery Layton: So that’s it. How bad is it gonna get for the rest of us? Depends on how bad your husband makes it. You chuck it back and forth at each other till the other ship sinks without giving a toss what it does to your own roster.
Em sits forward, her elbows on her knees as she wipes her face with her hands.
Emery Layton: Y’know what. I just wanted to come here and wrestle. I’m getting too old and too tired to keep fighting off people who wanna run promotions into the ground. But if I have to do that Lily, then I will. Because it’s wrong. And it’s a shame. You’re clearly more interested what your husband’s up to than your own roster. You’re both as bad as each other.
With one quick motion, Em swings around and vacates the seat and heads towards the permanently open door.
Lily Callaghan: At least I know where my husband
Em stops.
Quiet.
Her head turns slowly, as she looks back over her shoulder.
Emery Layton: …What’d you just say?
Lily Callaghan: I don’t take kindly to threats of any kind. Nor do I go into business with anyone without knowing exactly who they are. That includes you. So I think I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing and making Freedom the best it can be. Thank you for the wafers.
Em’s still there, but Lily doesn’t mind. She goes back to that email. It’s very important, you see. Emery looks down, and it’s not long before the She-King finally leaves the office. There’s a main event to think about.
HEADLINE: SINGLES
Brendan Samuel vs Dante Locke
Brendan Samuel vs Dante Locke
RECAP The match is quick to develop into a fierce battle of holds in the center of the ring. Dante shows off his agility, surprising Brendan twice with waistlock reversals. But Brendan himself is masterful at keeping Dante grounded with a rolling arm bar. Dante pushes himself up on his feet and Brendan switches up with an arm drag. Both scramble to their feet and Dante charges at Brendan who looks for a clothesline but Dante is quick to duck as he runs the ropes. On the rebound, Dante jumps over Brendan and stops, only to hit a well-timed pele kick to Brendan’s face. Brendan staggers back, shaking off the effects of the strike. Dante picks up speed with a rebounding calf kick that knocks Brendan on the mat. Dante goes for the cover but only gets a one count. Brendan rolls over on all fours and Dante wastes no time to charge at him for his running knee strike signature, Vestibule of Hell. But Brendan moves out of the way in time. Dante zips across the ring to springboard off the middle rope for a diving high knee that sends Brendan crashing back down on the mat. Dante hooks Brendan’s leg for the pin but he kicks out at two. Dante springs to his feet and starts stomping down hard on Brendan repeatedly, earning himself a warning from the referee. Dante steps back for a moment, raising his hands in the air innocently with a smirk across his face. Dante readies for a running boot as Brendan pushes himself up. Brendan ducks Dante’s next kick attempt but gets caught with a faster third one, sending him back down on the mat. Brendan rolls away to the ropes to get some distance. Dante doesn’t waste time to charge at Brendan once more, only to get flipped over hard from a Judo throw. Brendan marches over to pick up Dante and whips across the ring. But on the rebound, Dante swiftly ducks and floats over Brendan to drag him down to the mat, rolling into his kimura lock finisher, Dante’s Inferno. The surprised Brendan frantically looks for an escape, bringing the invested crowd to their feet. Dante torques the arm even more, prompting Brendan to yell out in agony but The Kraken makes his way to the ropes. Will he escape? Blyss Lockhart makes her way down to the ring and she jumps up on the apron right as Samuels grabs the bottom rope! Blyss distracts the referee as Brendan yells out in pain. Finally the referee sees the rope break and makes Dante let go after a four count. While Dante argues with the referee, Blyss trips Brendan, who was getting up to his feet. The referee catches this and yells at Blyss to leave! She’s thrown out! She screams at the referee in anger and Dante starts to argue with the referee as Blyss leaves. This gives Brendan his chance! He grabs Locke and nails him with Immram Buster - Slingshot Brainbuster!!! Brendan isn’t done though and he grabs Dante up and drops him with Mac Lir - Millennium Suplex (Cross Wing Chickenwing Suplex)! He gets the pin and the three count! But before he can fully get up, Blyss slides in the ring with a chair and WHACK! She levels Samuels with it. She checks on Dante before handing him the chair and he uses it on Samuels now too. The two then laugh before they exit the ring, leaving Brendan in considerable pain. WINNER Brendan Samuels METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 14:11 FINISHING MOVE Mac Lir |
BACKSTAGE
We cut backstage to Lily Callaghan on the phone, it’s obvious she is concerned.
Lily Callaghan: Yeah, I still haven’t figured out what happened there in the opening match. The lights went out and then boom, Marou and Jackson were both unconscious. Whatever it was, I need some major security for this main event. This is a preview for our Freedom Championship match and I can’t have this get screwed up.
Lily listened to the voice on the other line and nodded.
Lily Callaghan: Oh yeah? There’s one of them on Liberation, should I look into getting one for Freedom as well? Uh huh… Keep the enemy close and all that? You don’t think it would be a bad idea to have one of them here?
Lily listened again and nodded one more time.
Lily Callaghan: Alright, I’ll look into it. For now, I have to depend on my roster. Besides Blyss and Dante, there’s a few other names I think I can count on. Yeah, I’ll make some quick calls. I’ll talk to you later.
Lily hung up the phone and then noticed the camera watching her.
Lily Callaghan: What the? Get out of here before I fire your ass!
The scene cut away
We cut backstage to Lily Callaghan on the phone, it’s obvious she is concerned.
Lily Callaghan: Yeah, I still haven’t figured out what happened there in the opening match. The lights went out and then boom, Marou and Jackson were both unconscious. Whatever it was, I need some major security for this main event. This is a preview for our Freedom Championship match and I can’t have this get screwed up.
Lily listened to the voice on the other line and nodded.
Lily Callaghan: Oh yeah? There’s one of them on Liberation, should I look into getting one for Freedom as well? Uh huh… Keep the enemy close and all that? You don’t think it would be a bad idea to have one of them here?
Lily listened again and nodded one more time.
Lily Callaghan: Alright, I’ll look into it. For now, I have to depend on my roster. Besides Blyss and Dante, there’s a few other names I think I can count on. Yeah, I’ll make some quick calls. I’ll talk to you later.
Lily hung up the phone and then noticed the camera watching her.
Lily Callaghan: What the? Get out of here before I fire your ass!
The scene cut away
MAIN EVENT: SINGLES
Emery Layton vs Scotty Latimer
With TJ Techniques as special guest referee
Emery Layton vs Scotty Latimer
With TJ Techniques as special guest referee
RECAP This main event match opened up with a bang! Emery ran forward, ducking under an attempt to clothesline her by Scotty, catching his shoulder and countering a hard hitting swinging neckbreaker, taking him to the ground. From the ground, Emery tried to counter the decorated former Gotham Champion’s size by having him on the ground, attempting to work her skills at submission, trying to end the fight early with an arm bar, only to have Scotty power out of it. Transition after transition happened, the younger competitor showcasing her amazing technical abilities while Scotty countered her with his raw strength and ability, using his size advantage and luchador ability to work the transition chains to counter her move for move. Finally, it was Scotty who emerged victorious in the exchange, countering a shining wizard attempt with a hard elbow strike to Emery’s temple, crossing behind her and making the ring shake from the impact of her body as he executed a textbook snapdragon suplex! Still, even with the impact that could have ended the match, Emery wasn’t down and out. She was moving to her feet just like Scotty was, and as the man came for her? She surprised him with a flying arm bar, taking him to the ground as she wretched his arm, struggling to snap on the move, but when she did? Victory was within her grasp, mere inches as she tried to force Latimer to submit only to watch that in grasp victory slip from her palms as he managed to use his strength to crawl to the ropes and grab the bottom one, the ref forcing her to break the hold. Rolling to his back, and getting up, Scotty was refusing to look weak despite the pain going through his arm as he leapt up and moved to try and hammer Emery with a springboard meathook clothesline that she ducked under, grabbing his arm and whipping him towards the corner rope, running after him, but as he hit the turnbuckles, he was stepping onto the second, then the third, building momentum as he back flipped off of it, and behind her, and as the bewildered Emery turned around? SUPERKICK! Visibly stunned, the accomplished Layton was dropping to the ground as Scotty moved in for the pin. TJ Techniques, who had called a clean match the entire night so far, dropped to make the count. 1.. 2.. KICK OUT! She wasn’t done, and to prove it, instead of immediately scrambling up, she went for a Kimura lock to try and work the already injured arm and shoulder of Scotty Latimer, but much to her dismay, he wasn’t having it, refusing to submit when he was just so close to victory, he was trying to out wrestle the pain being caused by the tactician that is Emery Layton. There were a few moments where it looked like he’d tap before the man started to deliver heavy blows to her ribs with his free arm, only to position himself better, pushing up to his knees in that awkward position as he forced the transition, barely any strength left in the arm that Emery had worked on demolishing. It was a slow rise to a crouch as Latimer demonstrated the strength and size disparity between them before… FINAL WAVE! BUT NO! The lights switched off again like earlier in the night. This time, when they turned back on, there were people standing in the middle of the ring! It was #TheSociety! Seth charged at Scotty but TJ caught him with a spear! But when TJ got up, Warren Corbett obliterated him with a superman punch. Emery was still out and all that's left was Scotty. He looked at Warren then at Becky. He charged at the larger man but Becky grabbed him from behind and took him out with Hear Me Out (scream into reverse DDT)! Before they could do more damage, Blyss Lockhart, Dante Locke, Sparrow and Caroline all made their way out to the ring, chairs in hand and Emery started to stir. As they slid into the ring and Emery got to her feet, #TheSociety exited the ring and retreated through the crowd. TJ, Emery, Scotty, Blyss, Dante, Sparrow and Caroline looked out at the #TheSociety, staring them down and letting them know that this is FAR from over. WINNER No Contest METHOD N/A MATCH LENGTH 17:12 FINISHING MOVE N/A |