Post by Jade Night on Mar 8, 2022 15:25:51 GMT
Liberty Pro Presents...
A Night of Syn (Episode 17 of Freedom)
Live from Hammerstein Ballroom in New York
On Monday, March 7th, 2022
A Night of Syn (Episode 17 of Freedom)
Live from Hammerstein Ballroom in New York
On Monday, March 7th, 2022
OPENING SEGMENT
The scene opens backstage where Junior Hardy is seen leaving his locker room, already in his gear as he smirks at the camera.
Junior Hardy: Tonight the fans of Liberty Pro are in for something special. Tonight they get to bear witness to the debut of Junior Hardy in that ring. A living, breathing legacy in this sport. Yes, I’ve been in a Liberty Pro ring before and I walked out as a champion and brought that title to another company. But tonight? That’s something different to take in.
He smirks, taking a moment to adjust his shirt that reads “Legacy” on it.
Junior Hardy: Tonight, they have me taking on the snooze fest that is Eve O’Donnell. She just looks like she’s not enjoying being her. Calls herself a bitch and that she has a bad attitude? More like boring and bland to me. You were happy with tossing someone over the top rope but still losing the match? That’s super complacent of you but hey, I guess you gotta find the silver lining on the shit that is your career.
He lets out a chuckle.
Junior Hardy: Now I might sound cocky, I might sound arrogant but the fact is that I’m just confident. I’ve spent more time in the ring before I graduated high school than others have in their entire careers. I was raised on this sport and now? Now it’s time to see exactly what I can do.
He smiles again, walking off toward the ring area.
The scene opens backstage where Junior Hardy is seen leaving his locker room, already in his gear as he smirks at the camera.
Junior Hardy: Tonight the fans of Liberty Pro are in for something special. Tonight they get to bear witness to the debut of Junior Hardy in that ring. A living, breathing legacy in this sport. Yes, I’ve been in a Liberty Pro ring before and I walked out as a champion and brought that title to another company. But tonight? That’s something different to take in.
He smirks, taking a moment to adjust his shirt that reads “Legacy” on it.
Junior Hardy: Tonight, they have me taking on the snooze fest that is Eve O’Donnell. She just looks like she’s not enjoying being her. Calls herself a bitch and that she has a bad attitude? More like boring and bland to me. You were happy with tossing someone over the top rope but still losing the match? That’s super complacent of you but hey, I guess you gotta find the silver lining on the shit that is your career.
He lets out a chuckle.
Junior Hardy: Now I might sound cocky, I might sound arrogant but the fact is that I’m just confident. I’ve spent more time in the ring before I graduated high school than others have in their entire careers. I was raised on this sport and now? Now it’s time to see exactly what I can do.
He smiles again, walking off toward the ring area.
MATCH ONE: SINGLES
Junior Hardy vs Eve O’Donnell
Junior Hardy vs Eve O’Donnell
RECAP This may be Junior’s debut, but it’s not his first rodeo in a Liberty ring. He once won the Anarchy Championship during the GEW/Liberty war of 2020! But now, he’s an official roster member. The match between he and Eve started with a tie up. Eve would win that war and she controlled Junior at the beginning by keeping the second generation high flying down with a series of takedowns and submissions. Junior tried to end it by going for something big off the top but Eve countered with a kick to the cut followed by a Stunner! She hit Broken Dreams! But Junior’s momentum carried him to the outside of the ring. The referee counted to 8 and Junior got up and in the ring. Eve grabbed his legs and tried to lock in the Goddess Lock but Junior kicked her off. She tried to kick him in the gut when he got to his feet but Junior caught it and then hit an enziguri. He then hit Jaded (Superkick) and followed it up with Pump the Breaks (STO Backbreaker followed by a faceplant). Junior picked Eve and got the hard fought win! What a debut! Eve is still on a run of bad luck here. When will she recover? WINNER Junior Hardy METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 8:33 FINISHING MOVE Pump the Breaks |
BACKSTAGE
The scene opens with Cassie Mason backstage getting warmed up for her match. After she’s done she turns to the camera. She playfully waves. The crowd cheers.
CASSIE MASON: “Last week was amazing. Made me realize how much I miss being a professional wrestler, ya know?”
Cassie has a smile on her face.
CASSIE MASON: “There is nothing like performing in front of a crowd of rowdy fans. This sport truly is the ultimate party. Fun. Chaotic. Unpredictable. A tried and true adrenaline rush. I am one thousand percent addicted. I can’t wait to get my fix in just a matter of moments.”
Cassie pauses to collect her thoughts.
CASSIE MASON: “Trinity. I doubt that you’re going to be the one to stop the party. I have aspirations. You understand that I can’t slow down. I expect you to try. What fun would it be if you didn’t at least put up a fight. Works for me. I’m a fighter too. Lets see how much of a fight you’ll give me. Cya out there.”
Cassie waves for the camera. She walks off as the scene fades to black.
The scene opens with Cassie Mason backstage getting warmed up for her match. After she’s done she turns to the camera. She playfully waves. The crowd cheers.
CASSIE MASON: “Last week was amazing. Made me realize how much I miss being a professional wrestler, ya know?”
Cassie has a smile on her face.
CASSIE MASON: “There is nothing like performing in front of a crowd of rowdy fans. This sport truly is the ultimate party. Fun. Chaotic. Unpredictable. A tried and true adrenaline rush. I am one thousand percent addicted. I can’t wait to get my fix in just a matter of moments.”
Cassie pauses to collect her thoughts.
CASSIE MASON: “Trinity. I doubt that you’re going to be the one to stop the party. I have aspirations. You understand that I can’t slow down. I expect you to try. What fun would it be if you didn’t at least put up a fight. Works for me. I’m a fighter too. Lets see how much of a fight you’ll give me. Cya out there.”
Cassie waves for the camera. She walks off as the scene fades to black.
MATCH TWO: SINGLES
Trinity vs Cassie Mason
Trinity vs Cassie Mason
RECAP This match saw one half of Life of the Party going up against one half of Team Trillie. Cassie and Trinity Thompson locked up in the middle of the ring and neither wanted to budge. Trillie soon took control with a headlock, followed by a running bulldog! She pinned but Cassie kicked out. Trillie pulled out all the stops to try and get the win, even going for Knee-Jerk (Explosive running knee strike) but Cassie Mason had it scouted and dodged it! When Trinity turned around, Cassie grabbed her and nailed The Mason-DDT [Hammerlock DDT]! She then hit the ropes and BANG! The Party Stopper [Phoenix Splash.]! She pinned and got the three count and the win! A great singles victory but what will happen when these two come face to face in a tag match? One day we will find out! WINNER Cassie Mason METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 6:11 FINISHING MOVE The Party Stopper |
BACKSTAGE
“Alright, fuckos?”
The shot opens with a view of the Hammerstein Ballroom itself, before it moves to the parking lot and is greeted with Scott Dunn walking toward it from his car. He stops, bag dropped off his shoulder.
“After a word, is it? Alright.”
He rolls his neck and then addresses the camera.
“It’s your boy Scotty Dunn, here at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Historic venue, eh? Well it’s not about to be a place where Hilary Levandrier will enjoy looking back at our history, let me tell you.”
His jacket comes off, for some reason.
“Been having me a good week, you see, and tonight I ain’t about to let nobody ruin that. Especially not another noob. At least this one ain’t a former stripper, I don’t think. She’s got some talent, I ain’t gonna deny that. She’s had a bit of on a roll on Freedom shows, as well, but lost when it counted most eh? Maybe she don’t handle the pressure so good?”
He shrugs.
“Couldn’t be me, I love the pressure. I ain’t here to be a background player, I ain’t an also ran. I got my goals in mind and I ain’t about to let my foot off the pedal. I’m gonna be a fucking legend, I’m gonna be a guy that people associate with the name “Libery Wrestling” and if I gotta go through Hilary then that’s what I’m gonna do. Ain’t nothing personal love.”
Jacket retrieved, he takes his bag and wanders on in. We’ll see him again, for better or worse, later on tonight.
“Alright, fuckos?”
The shot opens with a view of the Hammerstein Ballroom itself, before it moves to the parking lot and is greeted with Scott Dunn walking toward it from his car. He stops, bag dropped off his shoulder.
“After a word, is it? Alright.”
He rolls his neck and then addresses the camera.
“It’s your boy Scotty Dunn, here at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Historic venue, eh? Well it’s not about to be a place where Hilary Levandrier will enjoy looking back at our history, let me tell you.”
His jacket comes off, for some reason.
“Been having me a good week, you see, and tonight I ain’t about to let nobody ruin that. Especially not another noob. At least this one ain’t a former stripper, I don’t think. She’s got some talent, I ain’t gonna deny that. She’s had a bit of on a roll on Freedom shows, as well, but lost when it counted most eh? Maybe she don’t handle the pressure so good?”
He shrugs.
“Couldn’t be me, I love the pressure. I ain’t here to be a background player, I ain’t an also ran. I got my goals in mind and I ain’t about to let my foot off the pedal. I’m gonna be a fucking legend, I’m gonna be a guy that people associate with the name “Libery Wrestling” and if I gotta go through Hilary then that’s what I’m gonna do. Ain’t nothing personal love.”
Jacket retrieved, he takes his bag and wanders on in. We’ll see him again, for better or worse, later on tonight.
RINGSIDE
As Elisa’s “Labyrinth” blares out of the loudspeakers the Boston fans stand on their feet ready to give a warm welcome to the former interviewer, Skylar Rayner. In her short time in Liberty, made even shorter by the injury suffered at the hands of Dante Locke, she surely earned a spot in the Liberty fans’ hearts, and their reaction tonight as she’s about to compete in her first Freedom main event seems to be making her emotional.
“Wow… So this is how it feels…” She says after being handed a microphone. The ever-present smile on her face grows even wider as she spots some signs supporting her and her partner for the night, TJ Techniques. But it’s one in particular, a crude representation of Dante Locke being held on a short leash by a Blyss dressed in a dominatrix outfit and The HellBitch written under it that causes the blonde to chuckle.
“Ok… THAT is funny…” Skylar points at the sign, buying herself some time to regain her composure. “I mean, you make a good point when you say that Dante is a bitch -he surely acts like one- but that’s beside the point. I’ve been in Liberty for almost two months, and thanks to him I collected a grand total of…” She starts counting them on her fingers. “Two matches. Kinda impressive, don’t you agree?”
“Two and half, if we count the tag match with Brendan I could never compete in because Dante decided that I was such a big threat that he needed to take me out before it even started.” She rolls her eyes. “He took that from me, he took one month of my career, he took the pleasure of kicking Blyss’ butt last week… I don’t know what you guys think but I’m not a fan of these one-sided relationships. There always needs to be some give-and-take for things to work out properly and I think that the time for me to take it all back has finally come..”
Her words and determination fire up the fans. “Tonight I’m teaming with TJ Techniques, and well, I don’t need to tell you how excited I am to step in the ring with the Freedom Champion, one of the very best in the business today.” Loud and obvious pop for TJ. “I definitely like our chances. Sure, we don’t have the chemistry Blyss and Dante built over the years, this is our first time teaming up, after all. But if I proved one thing in my career, well my career as Celestia at least, is that I can adapt quickly and work well with pretty much anyone.”
“Sure, there’s always the not-so-remote chance that they’ll try something fancy.. After all, that’s what they do, right? Jumping on people, interference, all that kind of stuff they have to pull to be somehow successful and stay relevant. They may think they’re smart because they can get away with that, they may say it’s destiny.” She’s obviously referring to what Blyss said in a recent Twitter exchange. “Truth is, by doing so they’re just stacking up bad karma. And sooner or later, it’ll all come back and bite them in the ass.”
“Is tonight gonna be the night where the universe finally catches up to them? Not fully, but it’ll definitely be the first instalment.” She smirks at the camera. “Because if there’s one thing Dante and I can agree on, is that this is not over yet. Not now, not after TJ and I kick their butts all over the Hammerstein Ballroom.”
As the cheers die down, Skylar has one last message for her opponents, one of them particularly. “You barked up the wrong tree, Hellhound. Tonight, a Night Of Syn, is when you finally start realizing it.”
Handing the mic back to the ringside crew, she walks in the corner, waiting for her partner and her opponents to come out.
As Elisa’s “Labyrinth” blares out of the loudspeakers the Boston fans stand on their feet ready to give a warm welcome to the former interviewer, Skylar Rayner. In her short time in Liberty, made even shorter by the injury suffered at the hands of Dante Locke, she surely earned a spot in the Liberty fans’ hearts, and their reaction tonight as she’s about to compete in her first Freedom main event seems to be making her emotional.
“Wow… So this is how it feels…” She says after being handed a microphone. The ever-present smile on her face grows even wider as she spots some signs supporting her and her partner for the night, TJ Techniques. But it’s one in particular, a crude representation of Dante Locke being held on a short leash by a Blyss dressed in a dominatrix outfit and The HellBitch written under it that causes the blonde to chuckle.
“Ok… THAT is funny…” Skylar points at the sign, buying herself some time to regain her composure. “I mean, you make a good point when you say that Dante is a bitch -he surely acts like one- but that’s beside the point. I’ve been in Liberty for almost two months, and thanks to him I collected a grand total of…” She starts counting them on her fingers. “Two matches. Kinda impressive, don’t you agree?”
“Two and half, if we count the tag match with Brendan I could never compete in because Dante decided that I was such a big threat that he needed to take me out before it even started.” She rolls her eyes. “He took that from me, he took one month of my career, he took the pleasure of kicking Blyss’ butt last week… I don’t know what you guys think but I’m not a fan of these one-sided relationships. There always needs to be some give-and-take for things to work out properly and I think that the time for me to take it all back has finally come..”
Her words and determination fire up the fans. “Tonight I’m teaming with TJ Techniques, and well, I don’t need to tell you how excited I am to step in the ring with the Freedom Champion, one of the very best in the business today.” Loud and obvious pop for TJ. “I definitely like our chances. Sure, we don’t have the chemistry Blyss and Dante built over the years, this is our first time teaming up, after all. But if I proved one thing in my career, well my career as Celestia at least, is that I can adapt quickly and work well with pretty much anyone.”
“Sure, there’s always the not-so-remote chance that they’ll try something fancy.. After all, that’s what they do, right? Jumping on people, interference, all that kind of stuff they have to pull to be somehow successful and stay relevant. They may think they’re smart because they can get away with that, they may say it’s destiny.” She’s obviously referring to what Blyss said in a recent Twitter exchange. “Truth is, by doing so they’re just stacking up bad karma. And sooner or later, it’ll all come back and bite them in the ass.”
“Is tonight gonna be the night where the universe finally catches up to them? Not fully, but it’ll definitely be the first instalment.” She smirks at the camera. “Because if there’s one thing Dante and I can agree on, is that this is not over yet. Not now, not after TJ and I kick their butts all over the Hammerstein Ballroom.”
As the cheers die down, Skylar has one last message for her opponents, one of them particularly. “You barked up the wrong tree, Hellhound. Tonight, a Night Of Syn, is when you finally start realizing it.”
Handing the mic back to the ringside crew, she walks in the corner, waiting for her partner and her opponents to come out.
MATCH THREE: SINGLES
Scott Dunn vs Hilary Levandrier
Scott Dunn vs Hilary Levandrier
RECAP Both of these two had something to prove. Scott wanted to show that he could get back to his form of last year, when he was High Roller Champion in HRW. Hilary meanwhile was trying to live up to that last name of hers. Hilary tried to end this earlier with her Killshot move but Scott shoved her off of him. He then took control and also went to end it when he went for Dunn and Dusted but Levandrier countered it into a hurricanrana! She took control of the match here and the fans were completely behind her. She soon hit Scott with a bicycle kick and pinned but he kicked out after two. Hilary knew she needed to go for the Killshot again to finish this. She went for it a second time but Scott Dunn caught her in the air. He then put her in position and nailed Over and Dunn (package piledriver)! Scott pinned Hilary and got the three count and the win! Instead of leaving ringside, Scott went to the commentary booth, knowing full well that the next match was a Brendan Samuels one. WINNER Scott Dunn METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 11:33 FINISHING MOVE Over and Dunn |
BACKSTAGE
As the cameras cut to backstage, Brendan Samuels could be seen pacing through the halls. Already attired in his sea green ring gear, the anchors apparent on his boots and trunks, he stared out through his aviator shades. There didn't seem to be a shred of emotion on the iceman's face, and the United States Championship dazzled in the artificial light. The Wrestling had been rather muted this past week since his loss to Jack Graves, and the clear distraction on the outside from an unwanted guest. But nothing else was known of his opinions on his opponent tonight, nor the fact that Syn had been the one to put the show together. And as the camera remained focused on him, it didn't look like any other answer was going to be given. It looked exactly how it was... The Wrestling was going to do the talking.
As the cameras cut to backstage, Brendan Samuels could be seen pacing through the halls. Already attired in his sea green ring gear, the anchors apparent on his boots and trunks, he stared out through his aviator shades. There didn't seem to be a shred of emotion on the iceman's face, and the United States Championship dazzled in the artificial light. The Wrestling had been rather muted this past week since his loss to Jack Graves, and the clear distraction on the outside from an unwanted guest. But nothing else was known of his opinions on his opponent tonight, nor the fact that Syn had been the one to put the show together. And as the camera remained focused on him, it didn't look like any other answer was going to be given. It looked exactly how it was... The Wrestling was going to do the talking.
MATCH FOUR: SINGLES
Arabella Evers vs Brendan Samuels
Arabella Evers vs Brendan Samuels
RECAP Arabella wasn’t thrilled to see Scott out there, as he had just beaten her the week before. As for Brendan, Scott cost him a match last week, so he wasn’t a fan of the situation either. But he was less vocal, instead he wanted to focus on wrestling, which is why he is called The Wrestling. The match was back and forth in the beginning and Arabella knew she had her work cut out for her going up against someone like Brendan but she showed off her technical abilities; taking out Samuels with a headscissors takedown and followed it up with a crossface! She held it on as long as she could but Samuels refused to give up. Scotty called the match boring. Brendan soon broke free of the hold and Evers got up and told Scotty to ‘shut the fuck up!’ from the ring. This was enough for Brendan to catch her off guard and he hit Arabella with Mac Lir - Millennium Suplex (Cross Wing Chickenwing Suplex)! Scott laughed before grabbing a beer from a fan and drinking it as Brendan pinned and picked up the win. WINNER Brendan Samuels METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 9:11 FINISHING MOVE Mac Lir POST MATCH Brendan was announced the winner and as he stood up, Scott slid in the ring with the beer bottle in hand still and WHACK! He broke it right over Brendan’s head! The referee yelled at Scott but he paid him no mind. Scott then grabbed the US Championship in the air and held it over Brendan’s body. If his intentions weren’t clear before? They sure as hell are now. |
BACKSTAGE
A big desk with a lamp, a sofa on the other side of the room and a live feed to the heart of Hammerstein, where all of our action is taking place - this is the room that Freedom owner Lily Callaghan would be using as an office. Except tonight she’s not. Tonight is a night of Syn, and it’s being used by her. Lily is nowhere to be seen.
That hasn’t stopped guests arriving, though. And right now, there is a guest standing in her room, waiting patiently as she holds her coffee cup in one hand and thumbs through her ever-busy smartphone with the other. Even leaving a few voice notes as she’s there. Her voice is incredibly clear, and well-spoken with a slight but noticeable Hispanic twang. But it’s familiar, and ominously so. Maybe not to Liberty. But if you know where to look, you’ve heard it before.
A security guy walks past, noticing the door is wide open. Lets say this security guy’s name is Pete for short-hand sake. And also because it’s his name. He steps in.
Pete: Hey. Hey!
The woman turns around. Brown hair, tanned skin and a power suit. Little bit older-looking than we last saw her, but if you hadn’t been seen in the wrestling business in the last four years, so would you. She smiles warmly as she stops typing.
Amy Taylor: Good evening.
Pete: Owner’s office. Dunno who you are but you can’t be here. Come on.
Amy Taylor: Ah, sorry. I have a pass if you’d like to see it? I called well-ahead.
She hands a small, rather important-looking pass to Pete and a business card. He scans them, and nods. His guard dropping.
Pete: Amy Taylor-Knowles.
Amy Taylor: Yes. The addition to the surname is a bit more recent. I’m still getting used to it!
Pete: “Talent representation”. Over ten years experience, you must be a very good manager.
Amy Taylor: And I’m here on behalf of my client, Emery Layton.
Pete: Emery has a manager? I’ll be damned.
Amy Taylor: When she needs one. I was hoping to speak with someone in charge- you wouldn’t happen to know how long Syn’s going to be would you? I’ve been here quite a while.
Pete: I…I don’t.
Pete lowers his voice.
Pete: Look, a lot of us don’t really agree with Emery being fired last week but Lily Callaghan’s the person you need to speak to.
Amy turns. A throne that Syn took a picture with earlier sits against the wall. She delicately hums in hesitation, her eyes fixed on it.
Amy Taylor: Mm. Maybe I should speak to her.
She wipes her bottom lip.
Amy Taylor: Tell me, are you aware of the laws that Lily has broken simply by releasing Emery Layton in such a public manner?
Pete: I’m not.
Amy Taylor: Well wrestling doesn’t have a governing body, however it’s rules are dictated by athletic commissions, some of whom I know personally from my days at the XWA who I’m sure would be very interested to hear the goings on in this company and Liberty Pro’s position as a publicly-traded corporation means the company is subject to US employment law. Lily Callaghan has recklessly decided to put Syn in charge of a show, in an effort to once again avoid her problems. She can argue this isn’t the case, but logic and history dictate otherwise. This follows a pattern of behaviour she’s shown ever since taking control of Freedom whereby she expects others to take the fall for her decisions, or worse, she tries to directly get rid of the problem without further addressing it. This is greatly unbecoming for not only a leader but also a figure of authority in any workplace, let alone professional wrestling. I won’t further bore you with the details, but what I will say is Lily Callaghan has potentially landed Liberty Pro in a lot of trouble and this is not a problem that will simply “go away”. Unless someone has a conversation with me.
Amy’s phone buzzes away. She checks it briefly and turns, beginning to walk away.
Amy Taylor: I think I’ll come back next week. And then the next. And the next. As long as it takes for Lily Callaghan or someone in this company to speak to me face-to-face.
She takes a sip of her coffee and smiles.
Amy Taylor: And yes. I’m a very good manager.
She picks up her phone and calls someone, leaving the room and walking powerfully down the corridor until she’s gone.
Well, until next week.
A big desk with a lamp, a sofa on the other side of the room and a live feed to the heart of Hammerstein, where all of our action is taking place - this is the room that Freedom owner Lily Callaghan would be using as an office. Except tonight she’s not. Tonight is a night of Syn, and it’s being used by her. Lily is nowhere to be seen.
That hasn’t stopped guests arriving, though. And right now, there is a guest standing in her room, waiting patiently as she holds her coffee cup in one hand and thumbs through her ever-busy smartphone with the other. Even leaving a few voice notes as she’s there. Her voice is incredibly clear, and well-spoken with a slight but noticeable Hispanic twang. But it’s familiar, and ominously so. Maybe not to Liberty. But if you know where to look, you’ve heard it before.
A security guy walks past, noticing the door is wide open. Lets say this security guy’s name is Pete for short-hand sake. And also because it’s his name. He steps in.
Pete: Hey. Hey!
The woman turns around. Brown hair, tanned skin and a power suit. Little bit older-looking than we last saw her, but if you hadn’t been seen in the wrestling business in the last four years, so would you. She smiles warmly as she stops typing.
Amy Taylor: Good evening.
Pete: Owner’s office. Dunno who you are but you can’t be here. Come on.
Amy Taylor: Ah, sorry. I have a pass if you’d like to see it? I called well-ahead.
She hands a small, rather important-looking pass to Pete and a business card. He scans them, and nods. His guard dropping.
Pete: Amy Taylor-Knowles.
Amy Taylor: Yes. The addition to the surname is a bit more recent. I’m still getting used to it!
Pete: “Talent representation”. Over ten years experience, you must be a very good manager.
Amy Taylor: And I’m here on behalf of my client, Emery Layton.
Pete: Emery has a manager? I’ll be damned.
Amy Taylor: When she needs one. I was hoping to speak with someone in charge- you wouldn’t happen to know how long Syn’s going to be would you? I’ve been here quite a while.
Pete: I…I don’t.
Pete lowers his voice.
Pete: Look, a lot of us don’t really agree with Emery being fired last week but Lily Callaghan’s the person you need to speak to.
Amy turns. A throne that Syn took a picture with earlier sits against the wall. She delicately hums in hesitation, her eyes fixed on it.
Amy Taylor: Mm. Maybe I should speak to her.
She wipes her bottom lip.
Amy Taylor: Tell me, are you aware of the laws that Lily has broken simply by releasing Emery Layton in such a public manner?
Pete: I’m not.
Amy Taylor: Well wrestling doesn’t have a governing body, however it’s rules are dictated by athletic commissions, some of whom I know personally from my days at the XWA who I’m sure would be very interested to hear the goings on in this company and Liberty Pro’s position as a publicly-traded corporation means the company is subject to US employment law. Lily Callaghan has recklessly decided to put Syn in charge of a show, in an effort to once again avoid her problems. She can argue this isn’t the case, but logic and history dictate otherwise. This follows a pattern of behaviour she’s shown ever since taking control of Freedom whereby she expects others to take the fall for her decisions, or worse, she tries to directly get rid of the problem without further addressing it. This is greatly unbecoming for not only a leader but also a figure of authority in any workplace, let alone professional wrestling. I won’t further bore you with the details, but what I will say is Lily Callaghan has potentially landed Liberty Pro in a lot of trouble and this is not a problem that will simply “go away”. Unless someone has a conversation with me.
Amy’s phone buzzes away. She checks it briefly and turns, beginning to walk away.
Amy Taylor: I think I’ll come back next week. And then the next. And the next. As long as it takes for Lily Callaghan or someone in this company to speak to me face-to-face.
She takes a sip of her coffee and smiles.
Amy Taylor: And yes. I’m a very good manager.
She picks up her phone and calls someone, leaving the room and walking powerfully down the corridor until she’s gone.
Well, until next week.
MATCH FIVE: SINGLES
B² vs The Pride
B² vs The Pride
RECAP The Pride had something to prove, while B² wanted to continue their momentum. The Pride had others plans early on as they used their size and power to dominate the early going. Eventually, their stamina began to wear down and this gave Jessica the chance to get Carli into the match with a hot tag. She came roaring in and she hit the much larger Chase Hunter with a drop kick, then another and another followed by a buzzsaw kick. She pinned but Hunter kicked out at two! Jess cheered her partner on in one corner as JD was rallying Chase. Carli tried to whip Chase but he countered it and Carli hit the ropes. When she did, Jessica tagged herself in. Chase hit a spinebuster on Carli but from behind Jessica rolled him up! One! Two! THREE! B² wins on a roll up and JD tried to break it up but it was too late! The Pride’s frustration finally boiled over and when Jess got to her feet, JD hit her with a superman punch! They both then grabbed Carli and hit her with a double powerbomb, before declaring that this was far from over. WINNER B² METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 7:11 FINISHING MOVE Roll Up |
BACKSTAGE
The shrieking laughter of a woman is heard backstage as the camera makes it way through the hallways, eventually it finds the laughter from Stella Winters, who is talking to Marcus Black.
Stella Winters: I swear to god this shit is too easy. One interaction with me on twitter and the little bitch unfollows. What's he gonna do out there tonight? Run away if I start to speak to him? How do you keep getting weak bitches like him? He didn't even get that I was trolling him the entire fucking time, poking holes in his…
Stella sighs and turns to the camera.
Stella Winters: That shit is fucking creepy, bro. You can't even stealth good, you're carrying a camera with a fucking sound guy next to you I could hear you coming from a mile away. Make it quick, yeah? Marcus and I have more mocking of old mate to do.
Marcus chuckles before turning to the camera himself.
Marcus Black: Yes, for a man that's apparently inside my head it's quite a curious move, Jack. What's the matter, little old Stella hurt your feelings? That's the biggest problem with you Jack, the slightest pressure and you unravel. First you try and be the badass, then the troll with the 5 year old insults, then the "nah just kidding" then around we go again.
Any jovial nature is gone as Marcus leans slightly forward.
Marcus Black: You're not an Outlaw, Jack. You're out of your fucking league, and it'll take more than loud words and popcorn to distract me like it distracted the supposed other Kraken last week. You just dived head first into the depths without bothering to check to see what was in it, and you know what happens to people who do that, Jack? They drown. You no doubt thought that your obnoxious display on twitter gave you the advantage, that you somehow have the edge coming into this match. Let me give you a spoiler: I’m going to hurt you, Jack. Your stupidity offends me and I refuse to tolerate it any longer. You wanted me fired up? Congratulations, you succeeded.
Marcus then turns away from the camera, signaling that he is done. Stella however isn't as she steps towards the camera with a grin.
Stella Winters: Dumb biiiiitch!
Now Stella walks off as the scene fades.
The shrieking laughter of a woman is heard backstage as the camera makes it way through the hallways, eventually it finds the laughter from Stella Winters, who is talking to Marcus Black.
Stella Winters: I swear to god this shit is too easy. One interaction with me on twitter and the little bitch unfollows. What's he gonna do out there tonight? Run away if I start to speak to him? How do you keep getting weak bitches like him? He didn't even get that I was trolling him the entire fucking time, poking holes in his…
Stella sighs and turns to the camera.
Stella Winters: That shit is fucking creepy, bro. You can't even stealth good, you're carrying a camera with a fucking sound guy next to you I could hear you coming from a mile away. Make it quick, yeah? Marcus and I have more mocking of old mate to do.
Marcus chuckles before turning to the camera himself.
Marcus Black: Yes, for a man that's apparently inside my head it's quite a curious move, Jack. What's the matter, little old Stella hurt your feelings? That's the biggest problem with you Jack, the slightest pressure and you unravel. First you try and be the badass, then the troll with the 5 year old insults, then the "nah just kidding" then around we go again.
Any jovial nature is gone as Marcus leans slightly forward.
Marcus Black: You're not an Outlaw, Jack. You're out of your fucking league, and it'll take more than loud words and popcorn to distract me like it distracted the supposed other Kraken last week. You just dived head first into the depths without bothering to check to see what was in it, and you know what happens to people who do that, Jack? They drown. You no doubt thought that your obnoxious display on twitter gave you the advantage, that you somehow have the edge coming into this match. Let me give you a spoiler: I’m going to hurt you, Jack. Your stupidity offends me and I refuse to tolerate it any longer. You wanted me fired up? Congratulations, you succeeded.
Marcus then turns away from the camera, signaling that he is done. Stella however isn't as she steps towards the camera with a grin.
Stella Winters: Dumb biiiiitch!
Now Stella walks off as the scene fades.
MATCH SIX: SINGLES
Jackson vs Scotty Latimer
Jackson vs Scotty Latimer
RECAP Jackson is waiting in the ring but Scotty doesn’t show up. Jackson looks around confused, not sure why Latimer would no show their match. The camera then cuts to the backstage area and we get a view of Kenzie, Marisol, Ricky Rodriguez and Big Ass Bobby all grouped up. Big Ass Bobby noticed the camera first. Big Ass Bobby: Oh shit! Cameras are here! The group known as The Inspired quickly left the area but then lying there on the ground in a pool of blood coming from his head was Scotty Latimer! The Inspired had taken him out! Jackson was left without an opponent now, so in the ring, he was declared the winner. Meanwhile, EMT’s and backstage staff rushed to Scotty’s aid. WINNER Jackson METHOD No Show by Latimer MATCH LENGTH N/A FINISHING MOVE N/A |
BACKSTAGE
Backstage at the Hammerstein, both Sparrow and Caroline Dallins are dressed for compete, though their ring-gear couldn’t be much farther apart from each other in terms of color scheme and choice. Caroline in her usual black wrestling singlet with purple accentuations, the black medium-length boots, and the like. Sparrow in white wrestling long tights with black accentuations at best, black wrestling boots and kickpads. About the only thing their gear has any commonality with is Sparrow’s right kickpad and Caroline’s left knee pad sport the Trinidadian flag, and their other pad sports a bird’s feather silhouette in white.
Both seated on the same bench, close and yet all the same, worlds apart.
Sparrow: Why?
Caroline has been in the middle of lacing her boots this entire time, not really speaking. Just getting ready for her last match before she goes back to being his manager. She doesn’t even answer the question, just lacing.
Sparrow: Why go through all that trouble, all that issue, all this bacchanal, all that refuse, gettin made an example, just for a non-title match and not even...You would just take any match she or Lily would have thrown on my behalf?
She pulls at her laces again just to make sure they’re taut. The older wrestler looks at her taped fists and slowly turns her attention the way of the younger wrestler.
Caroline Dallins: You looked me in the eye and you asked me to be your manager. An actual manager. To advise you, to look out for you, to guide you. Yes. I will put you in the path of tough opponents. Yes. I will make sure you get your ass handed to you from time to time or put you in situations that are uncomfortable. Because that’s what wrestling is. Being put in uncomfortable situations and the worst odds imaginable at times and finding a way to get it done anyway. God help us that some of you have to be handheld to that answer. I wasn’t going to just drop a championship in your lap. Then you wouldn’t learn anything. Plus as I said, I like big fights...Until the woman I’m fighting for is so incompetent she...Well it matters nothing now.
Sparrow: I--
Caroline Dallins: No. I want you to listen. You are my baby brother. To whatever you feel about a terrible family that we have, including the father that birthed us, it’s fine. All of it is fine...Feel whatever you want about him or your mother or whatever. I, though. Me? I will look out for you, how I see fit. I don’t need your approval, I don’t need the approval of your little friends and the bramble. Not any fans certainly, I’m too old and too tired. I just need to make sure you are tougher and successful at the end of it. So with this non-title opportunity, you have on hand? Do something with it. Show the world something. Stop just being happy to be here on Freedom.
Sparrow: ...
Caroline Dallins: Go on. You’ve a match. Go. Shoo. Do something. Beat Cait and take your title back next time. Use this to springboard to The Wrestling and take what he has. Go fight TJ again. DO SOMETHING. Be better than the best they’ve seen out of you. I’ll go contend with what I can best describe as separation counseling in a match.
The West Indian Whirlwind slowly stood up and stared at Caroline in silence, his face completely unreadable. He then turned away and headed down the hallway.
Backstage at the Hammerstein, both Sparrow and Caroline Dallins are dressed for compete, though their ring-gear couldn’t be much farther apart from each other in terms of color scheme and choice. Caroline in her usual black wrestling singlet with purple accentuations, the black medium-length boots, and the like. Sparrow in white wrestling long tights with black accentuations at best, black wrestling boots and kickpads. About the only thing their gear has any commonality with is Sparrow’s right kickpad and Caroline’s left knee pad sport the Trinidadian flag, and their other pad sports a bird’s feather silhouette in white.
Both seated on the same bench, close and yet all the same, worlds apart.
Sparrow: Why?
Caroline has been in the middle of lacing her boots this entire time, not really speaking. Just getting ready for her last match before she goes back to being his manager. She doesn’t even answer the question, just lacing.
Sparrow: Why go through all that trouble, all that issue, all this bacchanal, all that refuse, gettin made an example, just for a non-title match and not even...You would just take any match she or Lily would have thrown on my behalf?
She pulls at her laces again just to make sure they’re taut. The older wrestler looks at her taped fists and slowly turns her attention the way of the younger wrestler.
Caroline Dallins: You looked me in the eye and you asked me to be your manager. An actual manager. To advise you, to look out for you, to guide you. Yes. I will put you in the path of tough opponents. Yes. I will make sure you get your ass handed to you from time to time or put you in situations that are uncomfortable. Because that’s what wrestling is. Being put in uncomfortable situations and the worst odds imaginable at times and finding a way to get it done anyway. God help us that some of you have to be handheld to that answer. I wasn’t going to just drop a championship in your lap. Then you wouldn’t learn anything. Plus as I said, I like big fights...Until the woman I’m fighting for is so incompetent she...Well it matters nothing now.
Sparrow: I--
Caroline Dallins: No. I want you to listen. You are my baby brother. To whatever you feel about a terrible family that we have, including the father that birthed us, it’s fine. All of it is fine...Feel whatever you want about him or your mother or whatever. I, though. Me? I will look out for you, how I see fit. I don’t need your approval, I don’t need the approval of your little friends and the bramble. Not any fans certainly, I’m too old and too tired. I just need to make sure you are tougher and successful at the end of it. So with this non-title opportunity, you have on hand? Do something with it. Show the world something. Stop just being happy to be here on Freedom.
Sparrow: ...
Caroline Dallins: Go on. You’ve a match. Go. Shoo. Do something. Beat Cait and take your title back next time. Use this to springboard to The Wrestling and take what he has. Go fight TJ again. DO SOMETHING. Be better than the best they’ve seen out of you. I’ll go contend with what I can best describe as separation counseling in a match.
The West Indian Whirlwind slowly stood up and stared at Caroline in silence, his face completely unreadable. He then turned away and headed down the hallway.
MATCH SEVEN: SINGLES
Marcus Black vs Jack Graves
Marcus Black vs Jack Graves
RECAP This match started with a bang as the two men laid into each other with heavy shots, the scrappy resilience of Jack against the power of Marcus. Jack stands fearless in the face of the Kraken, but Marcus takes the advantage as Jack charges back in by grabbing him and throwing him over his head with a belly-to-belly throw. Stella is now shouting profound tactical insights such as “fucking kill him!” and “rip his fucking face off” as Marcus goes on the attack, Jack getting buldozed by the constant offense. The tide shifts when Marcus picks up Jack for a spinebuster, but is countered into a DDT, spiking Marcus into the Canvas. He then began working on Marcus’s ribs, laying in shots to weaken the bigger man. Marcus has bursts of offense as he fights back, but each time Jack shuts him down with an attack to those ribs. A stiff right hand to them drops Marcus to a knee, and Jack locks in the Seroquel Pill, that guillotine choke getting put in tight! Jack locks his legs but Marcus powers himself back to his feet, charging into the corner and slamming Jack back first into it, the impact forcing him to release the hold. Marcus staggers back to the ropes as Jack stumbles out of the corner, just long enough to see Marcus come at him full speed and almost taking his head off with his Depth Charge Lariat! Jack goes down and rolls out of the ring to avoid the pin, Marcus rolling out after him. Marcus continues on the attack, bouncing his head off the apron, before irish whipping him into the barricade. He goes to grab Jack but he once again takes control, this time with a thumb to the eye which the fans loudly boo, before slamming Marcus’s face into the barrier and then following up with an irish whip ribs first into the steel steps! Jack smells blood and follows him up, the ref’s count getting to 6. He shows no signs of wanting to get Marcus back in the ring, grabbing him by the throat and lining up the ring steps, going for an assisted Hangman’s Call. He barely gets Marcus’s feet off the ground before he drives his elbow back into the side of his head, pulling Jack’s hand off his throat and slamming his head into the ringsteps. He begins to slam his head again and again and again as you can see the blood on Jack's face from being busted open on those steps as the count finally reaches 10 and the ref calls an end to this match, a fact that both men seem to be deaf to. Jack blocks a slam with his forearm, before slamming an elbow right into Marcus’s throat, the bigger man stepping back as Jack moves towards him as a swarm of security come down the ramp and hold both men back. WINNER No Contest METHOD Double Countout MATCH LENGTH 10:21 FINISHING MOVE N/A |
BACKSTAGE
Chloe Collins: “I need you to keep an eye on the situation.”
The head of SABER is, as is typical for her, looking through her notes, scrolling through her tablet. Reaper stands guard over her, listening to her orders.
Reaper: “And should anything happen?”
Chloe sighs.
Chloe Collins: “Leave it alone… for now.”
Reaper raises an eyebrow. Chloe senses his concern, and continues.
Chloe Collins: “It could mean some disaster, but… right now, we don’t have sufficient information to take action. Besides that, I want the both of you focused on your assignments. Mason is working the Callaghan angle. She’s looking into his records, we think we may find something useful there. You’re still on protection duty. That job lets us stay close to the Society. Keep an eye on them, find out what you can.”
She pauses for a moment.
Chloe Collins: “Speaking of, where is she?”
Reaper: “Private box with the group.”
Chloe Collins: “Safe?”
Reaper grunts.
Reaper: “Sure hope so.”
Chloe rubs the bridge of her nose, groaning to herself.
Chloe Collins: “And him?”
She motions vaguely behind her. The camera pans up, looking over her shoulder to the catering table, where Hector picks through various trays with bare, greasy fingers. He seems to be aware that he’s being talked about, because he looks over and, seeing Reaper eyeing him with disdain, gets a wide smile and waves excitedly.
Reaper: “Taught him some simple stuff, now he thinks we’re best pals.”
Chloe Collins: “You seem to make new friends wherever you go.”
A loud clatter makes them both jump, with Reaper instinctively reaching to his hip for a sidearm that, of course, isn’t there. Hector looks sadly at a tray of sandwiches he’s dropped, seeing bits of bread and lettuce scattered across the floor. He quickly scurries to try to pick it up, eating pieces off the floor as he goes. Reaper stares daggers at the poor guy, taking a small step towards him.
Reaper: “I could make it look like an accident…. Nobody would ever know.”
Chloe cracks an amused smile.
Chloe Collins: “Easy there, killer. Focus on the task at hand. I’m headed back to Chicago, there’s something I need to look into with one of our other contracts. Can I trust you to hold things down here?”
Reaper grunts.
Reaper: “Yeah… should have it under control.”
Chloe pats his elbow, the highest point on Reaper that she can reach from her wheelchair. She looks pleased.
Chloe Collins: “Wonderful. Good luck out there.”
She steals a final glance back at Hector, who gives another jolly wave to Reaper.
Chloe Collins: “I suspect you’re going to need it.”
Chloe Collins: “I need you to keep an eye on the situation.”
The head of SABER is, as is typical for her, looking through her notes, scrolling through her tablet. Reaper stands guard over her, listening to her orders.
Reaper: “And should anything happen?”
Chloe sighs.
Chloe Collins: “Leave it alone… for now.”
Reaper raises an eyebrow. Chloe senses his concern, and continues.
Chloe Collins: “It could mean some disaster, but… right now, we don’t have sufficient information to take action. Besides that, I want the both of you focused on your assignments. Mason is working the Callaghan angle. She’s looking into his records, we think we may find something useful there. You’re still on protection duty. That job lets us stay close to the Society. Keep an eye on them, find out what you can.”
She pauses for a moment.
Chloe Collins: “Speaking of, where is she?”
Reaper: “Private box with the group.”
Chloe Collins: “Safe?”
Reaper grunts.
Reaper: “Sure hope so.”
Chloe rubs the bridge of her nose, groaning to herself.
Chloe Collins: “And him?”
She motions vaguely behind her. The camera pans up, looking over her shoulder to the catering table, where Hector picks through various trays with bare, greasy fingers. He seems to be aware that he’s being talked about, because he looks over and, seeing Reaper eyeing him with disdain, gets a wide smile and waves excitedly.
Reaper: “Taught him some simple stuff, now he thinks we’re best pals.”
Chloe Collins: “You seem to make new friends wherever you go.”
A loud clatter makes them both jump, with Reaper instinctively reaching to his hip for a sidearm that, of course, isn’t there. Hector looks sadly at a tray of sandwiches he’s dropped, seeing bits of bread and lettuce scattered across the floor. He quickly scurries to try to pick it up, eating pieces off the floor as he goes. Reaper stares daggers at the poor guy, taking a small step towards him.
Reaper: “I could make it look like an accident…. Nobody would ever know.”
Chloe cracks an amused smile.
Chloe Collins: “Easy there, killer. Focus on the task at hand. I’m headed back to Chicago, there’s something I need to look into with one of our other contracts. Can I trust you to hold things down here?”
Reaper grunts.
Reaper: “Yeah… should have it under control.”
Chloe pats his elbow, the highest point on Reaper that she can reach from her wheelchair. She looks pleased.
Chloe Collins: “Wonderful. Good luck out there.”
She steals a final glance back at Hector, who gives another jolly wave to Reaper.
Chloe Collins: “I suspect you’re going to need it.”
BACKSTAGE
The slam of a locker room door booms through the hallways of the Hammerstein Ballroom like a shot from an 18th century cannon, and Jack Graves is seen pacing back and forth in anger. It’s clear that he's obviously trying to calm himself with breathing exercises after the violent brawl with Marcus Black, which had just occurred moments ago. There also appears to be something deeper to Jack’s rage. There was no way in hell that someone like Graves was this worked up over what he’d been hired here to do. Naw, not at all. It was the fact that his personal life, and his professional life had bled together so much that they were now intertwined and glaring at him right from the fucking television.
Jack had heard enough. He crossed the room quickly, and slammed his elbow into the TV in stride, shattering the screen instantly. That wasn’t enough though. A quick 4-piece combination of stiff punches followed, sending bits of the TV flying, before the hulking hillbilly ripped the mount out of the wall as well to fling what was left across the room to explode into pieces against the furthest wall.
This was what he DIDN’T want to happen. This is the Jack Graves he DIDN’T want to come out. He wanted to be “The Gentleman” so badly when he signed here. He wanted to be the hero, like he’d imagined when he was a little boy. He wanted to make the best of the clean slate…but there was something rotten in his DNA. Something that always brought this volatile side to the surface. He was a bad apple. Just like his Daddy, and HIS daddy before him. A black sheep.
An Outlaw.
Sometimes no matter how hard you ran from the past, it always seemed to catch up to you. At least for folks like him. That’s why he and Rayven were currently in this situation. Because bad always seemed to follow him like a dark storm cloud and everything he touched always turned to shit. He was a corrupter, a sinner, and he was terrified that he was dragging her down with him.
Taking a seat on a nearby bench, Jack holds his still injured ribs, a sharp pain radiating through him as the adrenaline starts to subside. It’s at this time a soft knock on the door is faintly heard and Jack speaks without looking up.
Jack Graves: Go the fuck away. I don’t want to do an interview-
He’s interrupted by Rayven placing her hand on his shoulder, and Jack looks up at her from stuffing his gear in a duffel bag. He somehow manages to force a smile, like usual, putting on a mask to try and feign like he was fine. She knew him well enough to know by now that he wasn’t though, as if the bits of what used to be the TV didn’t give that away already.
Jack Graves: Hey. Sorry. I thought you were someone else. I was going to go throw this in the truck and grab my crowbar in case I need to come out there for your match. I hope I see fuckin’ MARCUS BLACK on the way too because I’ll also split his skull with it too tonight.
Rayven Hardy: You won’t need your crowbar. You need to chill. You didn’t even realize this did you?
Ray trails her hand down his shoulder and to his elbow where a bright red streak of blood was running down his muscular arm. He probably wore it like a badge of honor 99.9 percent of the time, but with Rayven pointing it out, his temper was brought to the forefront of his mind. Ray was already dressed to compete as she slowly slides her golden right elbow pad off her arm. She dabs it against the wound on her friend’s arm with a nurturing sigh.
Rayven Hardy: I appreciate you wanting to be there for me, but look at you. You just got into one of the stiffest brawls I’ve ever seen, clearly broke a TV, and your face is red, your blood pressure is probably sky high. You need to relax. I’ll be fine. I know this is messy, with Edward being out there, but I seriously don’t think he will hurt me. He might be upset with me, he might not care for me, but I’m still the mother of his child. He might be a bit upset, but he’s smart at the end of the day. I’ll be fine. I can handle Caroline.
Ray rubs the elbow pad into Jack’s skin a bit more and pulls it back to see the golden color tinged by the blood.
Rayven Hardy: You might need stitches….
Rayven presses the elbow pad back down and her eyes meet his.
Rayven Hardy: Do you need me to take the night off? I’m not one to forfeit, but this looks pretty bad….
Jack shakes his head, and finally looks down at his elbow to see the slice that the TV had made in his arm. She was right, he’d probably need stitches. He pulled some athletic tape out of his bag, and tore a shirt to make a makeshift bandage to keep her from ruining her elbow pad any worse.
Jack Graves: Naw. You’ve got this. I believe in you. I’ll have EMS stitch me up and I’ll stick around to give you a ride home if you want?
He pauses to reach down into his bag for something, before zipping it shut and slinging it over his shoulder. His eyes lock onto hers and he gives her another smile, this one more genuine than the forced one before . His hand takes hers, and the cold metal of his brass knuckles slide into her palm.
Jack Graves: Go take care of business. Show them that they walked all over the wrong one this time. You’re Rayven fuckin’ Hardy. Send her away from Liberty with a big fat L.
Rayven tightens her palm around the gift from Jack with a smile on her face.
Rayven Hardy: You’re lucky you’re still charming when you’re this angry. We’ll talk about this little incident later…but thank you. For the brass knucks. For everything. Hey? Are you sure you’re good if I go out there and do my thing?
Graves nods and gives her a wink.
Jack Graves: I’m sure. Just make sure she’s the one bleeding because we can’t both be chillin’ up in the EMS tent tonight. Also, you don’t have to thank me. That’s what friends are for. I’ll be here when you come back through those curtains. Go get her.
Jack turns to walk toward the door but he stops suddenly, turning on his heels to cross the locker room again to give her a big hug. There are some inaudible words exchanged by them, and then Jack pulls away to step out of the locker room. Leaving Rayven and the carnage of the mangled TV as the final shot before the scene fades.
The slam of a locker room door booms through the hallways of the Hammerstein Ballroom like a shot from an 18th century cannon, and Jack Graves is seen pacing back and forth in anger. It’s clear that he's obviously trying to calm himself with breathing exercises after the violent brawl with Marcus Black, which had just occurred moments ago. There also appears to be something deeper to Jack’s rage. There was no way in hell that someone like Graves was this worked up over what he’d been hired here to do. Naw, not at all. It was the fact that his personal life, and his professional life had bled together so much that they were now intertwined and glaring at him right from the fucking television.
“And coming up in a bit we have Rayven Hardy and Caroline Dallins going to battle in a No DQ match. Things have been HOT on social media in regards to this match as Rayv–”
Jack had heard enough. He crossed the room quickly, and slammed his elbow into the TV in stride, shattering the screen instantly. That wasn’t enough though. A quick 4-piece combination of stiff punches followed, sending bits of the TV flying, before the hulking hillbilly ripped the mount out of the wall as well to fling what was left across the room to explode into pieces against the furthest wall.
This was what he DIDN’T want to happen. This is the Jack Graves he DIDN’T want to come out. He wanted to be “The Gentleman” so badly when he signed here. He wanted to be the hero, like he’d imagined when he was a little boy. He wanted to make the best of the clean slate…but there was something rotten in his DNA. Something that always brought this volatile side to the surface. He was a bad apple. Just like his Daddy, and HIS daddy before him. A black sheep.
An Outlaw.
Sometimes no matter how hard you ran from the past, it always seemed to catch up to you. At least for folks like him. That’s why he and Rayven were currently in this situation. Because bad always seemed to follow him like a dark storm cloud and everything he touched always turned to shit. He was a corrupter, a sinner, and he was terrified that he was dragging her down with him.
Taking a seat on a nearby bench, Jack holds his still injured ribs, a sharp pain radiating through him as the adrenaline starts to subside. It’s at this time a soft knock on the door is faintly heard and Jack speaks without looking up.
Jack Graves: Go the fuck away. I don’t want to do an interview-
He’s interrupted by Rayven placing her hand on his shoulder, and Jack looks up at her from stuffing his gear in a duffel bag. He somehow manages to force a smile, like usual, putting on a mask to try and feign like he was fine. She knew him well enough to know by now that he wasn’t though, as if the bits of what used to be the TV didn’t give that away already.
Jack Graves: Hey. Sorry. I thought you were someone else. I was going to go throw this in the truck and grab my crowbar in case I need to come out there for your match. I hope I see fuckin’ MARCUS BLACK on the way too because I’ll also split his skull with it too tonight.
Rayven Hardy: You won’t need your crowbar. You need to chill. You didn’t even realize this did you?
Ray trails her hand down his shoulder and to his elbow where a bright red streak of blood was running down his muscular arm. He probably wore it like a badge of honor 99.9 percent of the time, but with Rayven pointing it out, his temper was brought to the forefront of his mind. Ray was already dressed to compete as she slowly slides her golden right elbow pad off her arm. She dabs it against the wound on her friend’s arm with a nurturing sigh.
Rayven Hardy: I appreciate you wanting to be there for me, but look at you. You just got into one of the stiffest brawls I’ve ever seen, clearly broke a TV, and your face is red, your blood pressure is probably sky high. You need to relax. I’ll be fine. I know this is messy, with Edward being out there, but I seriously don’t think he will hurt me. He might be upset with me, he might not care for me, but I’m still the mother of his child. He might be a bit upset, but he’s smart at the end of the day. I’ll be fine. I can handle Caroline.
Ray rubs the elbow pad into Jack’s skin a bit more and pulls it back to see the golden color tinged by the blood.
Rayven Hardy: You might need stitches….
Rayven presses the elbow pad back down and her eyes meet his.
Rayven Hardy: Do you need me to take the night off? I’m not one to forfeit, but this looks pretty bad….
Jack shakes his head, and finally looks down at his elbow to see the slice that the TV had made in his arm. She was right, he’d probably need stitches. He pulled some athletic tape out of his bag, and tore a shirt to make a makeshift bandage to keep her from ruining her elbow pad any worse.
Jack Graves: Naw. You’ve got this. I believe in you. I’ll have EMS stitch me up and I’ll stick around to give you a ride home if you want?
He pauses to reach down into his bag for something, before zipping it shut and slinging it over his shoulder. His eyes lock onto hers and he gives her another smile, this one more genuine than the forced one before . His hand takes hers, and the cold metal of his brass knuckles slide into her palm.
Jack Graves: Go take care of business. Show them that they walked all over the wrong one this time. You’re Rayven fuckin’ Hardy. Send her away from Liberty with a big fat L.
Rayven tightens her palm around the gift from Jack with a smile on her face.
Rayven Hardy: You’re lucky you’re still charming when you’re this angry. We’ll talk about this little incident later…but thank you. For the brass knucks. For everything. Hey? Are you sure you’re good if I go out there and do my thing?
Graves nods and gives her a wink.
Jack Graves: I’m sure. Just make sure she’s the one bleeding because we can’t both be chillin’ up in the EMS tent tonight. Also, you don’t have to thank me. That’s what friends are for. I’ll be here when you come back through those curtains. Go get her.
Jack turns to walk toward the door but he stops suddenly, turning on his heels to cross the locker room again to give her a big hug. There are some inaudible words exchanged by them, and then Jack pulls away to step out of the locker room. Leaving Rayven and the carnage of the mangled TV as the final shot before the scene fades.
MATCH EIGHT: NON-TITLE
Sparrow vs Cait Flanagan
Sparrow vs Cait Flanagan
RECAP Though this was a non-title match, Sparrow finally had his shot at redemption. He came out on fire here, taking Cait out with a clothesline, followed by a slingblade. He then did an Air Sparrow (Fosbury flop) over the ropes and took out Cait’s boyfriend, Josh Anderson, who always accompanies her ringside. Sparrow slid back into the ring and took Cait out with a german suplex right into the turnbuckle. He pinned but she kicked out. Cait got back in the match when Josh started to get involved and Cait threw dust in Sparrow’s eye, you can always rely on good ol’ pocket sand! She then hit The Long Goodnight (STF) and pinned but Sparrow kicked out right before the three. Cait was livid and she accused the referee of a slow count. She then claimed how she is a double champion and needed to be shown more respect. She turned to pick up Sparrow and she went to kick him, but Sparrow countered it into the Leaf Hurricane (Counter Scorpion Kick followed by a Pele Kick)! He then nailed The Notorious K.I.C.K. - Standing Double Foot Stomp! Sparrow pinned and picked up the three count over the QONY Champion! What a huge win! Sparrow stood up and raised his hand in the air and you could tell there was something different about him tonight. His confidence and demeanor were off the charts, all in a good way. WINNER Sparrow METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 12:54 FINISHING MOVE The Notorious K.I.C.K. |
BACKSTAGE
The camera cuts to a shot outside of the arena where Jack Graves can be seen getting his arm stitched up by EMS in the back of an ambulance after his little TV incident. The sutures glide through his skin, pulling the cut closed as Jack stares off into space, his mind obviously elsewhere. It takes them no time to finish up, and the paramedic puts a bandage over the fresh stitches before handing him something to sign attached to a clipboard.
This snaps Jack out of his trance, and he turns his attention to the clipboard in his hand. At first glance he’s expecting a release form of some sort, but it turns out the EMS guy just wanted an autograph. It’s his own face he’s staring down at. Jack signs it for him with a half-hearted smile, addressing it to his kid per his request, before stepping out of the ambulance to head back inside.
Normally he’d stick around, take some pictures, and make the moment memorable for the hard working paramedic…but tonight was different. He had to get back in there and make sure nothing bad happened to Rayven.
That’s all he cared about.
His boots make three clicks across the pavement before coming to an abrupt halt just feet away from the ambulance.The camera pans up the length of his body to show Jack giving someone or something a death stare in front of him.
Jack Graves: Move. Now.
In front of Jack stood a small army of security officers, NYPD and of course, Syn. The acting GM of Freedom was busy filing her nails, barely taking the time to glance at Graves.
Syn: No can do, compadre. You busted up a TV. Trashed a locker room. I’m concerned for your safety. I believe the buzzwords I used when contacting the authorities were…
Syn gasps and breaks into an overly dramatic voice.
Syn: He’s a danger to himself and others.
She shrugs before going back to her nails.
Syn: So here we are. I’d suggest you go along peacefully. I’ll make sure nothing happens to your precious Ray Ray.
Jack’s lips twist into a smirk. Not like the cocky, charming, happy-go-lucky smirk Syn is used to seeing. This one is different. Cold, calculating, sinister. He doesn’t look at her though. Instead he turns his attention to the closest security officer and arches an eyebrow, popping his knuckles and neck to taunt him.
Jack Graves: I’ve always heard in these situations a human has one of two instincts. Fight or flight. Well, I ain’t got no wings. So if you’re going to take me? You’re going to have a hell of a time doing it.
Syn sighs and pauses her nail filing.
Syn: Oh goodie, redneck rhetoric.
She motions to the surrounding officers.
Syn: Do your job, boys.
They aren’t dumb enough to rush him one at a time. This isn’t some kung-fu action movie where Jack Graves fights off an angry throng one by one. They mob him instantly, a few of them putting themselves between him and Syn right away, not that Syn seems particularly concerned. Graves holds his own for a hot minute. Dropping them with Bullhammer elbows, headbutts, stiff punches, whatever he can to get free and get back inside.
It’s futile though. Because the minute the fists start flying the NYPD are quick to jump in and put Jack into passive mode with 50,000 volts from a taser. Jack’s big, but he’s no match for a stun gun. He hits his knees and is quickly pushed to the pavement to be handcuffed. As he’s laying on his stomach, face down in the parking lot, he turns to look up at Syn and speaks to her for the first time in days.
Jack Graves: Dry snitching? That I can forgive. But putting me back in handcuffs? Congrats, you’re dead to me.
He just laughs as the police bring him back to his feet and he spits at Syn’s feet, his mouth bloody from the scrap with security.
Jack Graves: I treated you like family and you sold me out the first chance you got. I’ve still got secrets I’m keeping for you and yours. But I ain’t like you. Loose lips sink ships and I believe in Omerta. A code of silence. You know what…
Jack starts walking away, turning to look at the cop.
Jack Graves: Man take me to jail so I can bond out. I got enough in my pocket right now to do that and pay for that raggedy ass TV. I’m tired of speaking to ghosts.
As Jack’s hauled away Syn mouths the word, “Omerta” with a confused expression before shrugging and heading back inside.
The camera cuts to a shot outside of the arena where Jack Graves can be seen getting his arm stitched up by EMS in the back of an ambulance after his little TV incident. The sutures glide through his skin, pulling the cut closed as Jack stares off into space, his mind obviously elsewhere. It takes them no time to finish up, and the paramedic puts a bandage over the fresh stitches before handing him something to sign attached to a clipboard.
This snaps Jack out of his trance, and he turns his attention to the clipboard in his hand. At first glance he’s expecting a release form of some sort, but it turns out the EMS guy just wanted an autograph. It’s his own face he’s staring down at. Jack signs it for him with a half-hearted smile, addressing it to his kid per his request, before stepping out of the ambulance to head back inside.
Normally he’d stick around, take some pictures, and make the moment memorable for the hard working paramedic…but tonight was different. He had to get back in there and make sure nothing bad happened to Rayven.
That’s all he cared about.
His boots make three clicks across the pavement before coming to an abrupt halt just feet away from the ambulance.The camera pans up the length of his body to show Jack giving someone or something a death stare in front of him.
Jack Graves: Move. Now.
In front of Jack stood a small army of security officers, NYPD and of course, Syn. The acting GM of Freedom was busy filing her nails, barely taking the time to glance at Graves.
Syn: No can do, compadre. You busted up a TV. Trashed a locker room. I’m concerned for your safety. I believe the buzzwords I used when contacting the authorities were…
Syn gasps and breaks into an overly dramatic voice.
Syn: He’s a danger to himself and others.
She shrugs before going back to her nails.
Syn: So here we are. I’d suggest you go along peacefully. I’ll make sure nothing happens to your precious Ray Ray.
Jack’s lips twist into a smirk. Not like the cocky, charming, happy-go-lucky smirk Syn is used to seeing. This one is different. Cold, calculating, sinister. He doesn’t look at her though. Instead he turns his attention to the closest security officer and arches an eyebrow, popping his knuckles and neck to taunt him.
Jack Graves: I’ve always heard in these situations a human has one of two instincts. Fight or flight. Well, I ain’t got no wings. So if you’re going to take me? You’re going to have a hell of a time doing it.
Syn sighs and pauses her nail filing.
Syn: Oh goodie, redneck rhetoric.
She motions to the surrounding officers.
Syn: Do your job, boys.
They aren’t dumb enough to rush him one at a time. This isn’t some kung-fu action movie where Jack Graves fights off an angry throng one by one. They mob him instantly, a few of them putting themselves between him and Syn right away, not that Syn seems particularly concerned. Graves holds his own for a hot minute. Dropping them with Bullhammer elbows, headbutts, stiff punches, whatever he can to get free and get back inside.
It’s futile though. Because the minute the fists start flying the NYPD are quick to jump in and put Jack into passive mode with 50,000 volts from a taser. Jack’s big, but he’s no match for a stun gun. He hits his knees and is quickly pushed to the pavement to be handcuffed. As he’s laying on his stomach, face down in the parking lot, he turns to look up at Syn and speaks to her for the first time in days.
Jack Graves: Dry snitching? That I can forgive. But putting me back in handcuffs? Congrats, you’re dead to me.
He just laughs as the police bring him back to his feet and he spits at Syn’s feet, his mouth bloody from the scrap with security.
Jack Graves: I treated you like family and you sold me out the first chance you got. I’ve still got secrets I’m keeping for you and yours. But I ain’t like you. Loose lips sink ships and I believe in Omerta. A code of silence. You know what…
Jack starts walking away, turning to look at the cop.
Jack Graves: Man take me to jail so I can bond out. I got enough in my pocket right now to do that and pay for that raggedy ass TV. I’m tired of speaking to ghosts.
As Jack’s hauled away Syn mouths the word, “Omerta” with a confused expression before shrugging and heading back inside.
MATCH NINE: SINGLES
Reaper & Hector w/Syn vs The Inspired (Ricky Rodriguez & Marisol Vilaró w/Kenzie)
Reaper & Hector w/Syn vs The Inspired (Ricky Rodriguez & Marisol Vilaró w/Kenzie)
RECAP This match begins with a rematch from a few weeks ago as Hector starts for his team and Marisol for hers. Vilaró tries to implement the same strategy as before by goading Hector into a jumping jacks contest. She starts snapping off jumping jacks, urging Hector to follow and he’s instantly swept up in her charisma. He watches her for a moment, his head nodding along and he’s about to join in until… he catches the eyes of Reaper who slowly shakes his head no. Hector stops mid attempt, nodding to his partner and getting a determined look in his eyes. Suddenly he charges at Vilaró and belly bumps her, sending her ass over tea kettle. Marisol jumps to her feet in shock! She screams at Hector… Marisol: THAT WAS NOT VERY NICE! But Hector bull rushes her, causing her to leap out of the way, meanwhile Hector goes toppling over the top rope to the outside. In his corner Reaper facepalms and likely quotes Danny Glover. On the outside Kenzie sneaks over and drags Hector to his feet. She’s setting him up for a savate kick but Hector grabs her by her cheeks and pulls her into him before planting a big wet kiss on her lips! Kenzie freaks out, her arms flailing in every direction as she attempts to extricate herself from the kiss. Finally Hector releases and she stumbles backwards, grabbing water from a fan and splashing it all over her face as she desperately tries to rid herself of his slobber. As Kenzie stumbles around ringside looking for a towel, a blow torch or a new face, Hector adjusts the crotch of his singlet and climbs back into the ring. Marisol watches this transpire and shakes her head, HELL NO before tagging Ricky in. Ricky leaps over the top rope and tells Hector to bring it. Hector charges with a lariat attempt but Ricky ducks under and hits a superkick, dropping the mighty Hector flat on his back. Rick celebrates for a moment before hitting a standing moonsault and hooking Hector’s leg. Miraculously Hector gets his shoulder up at a count of two. Ricky can’t believe it. He pulls Hector to his feet and is setting up for a DDT when Hector suddenly snatches him up in a headlock, grinding his armpit into Ricky’s face and mouth! When he releases, Ricky stumbles around, swinging at air and spitting bits of armpit lint onto the canvas. Hector uses this opportunity to tag in Reaper who steps over the top rope and enters the ring. Ricky finally regains his bearings and marches to the center of the ring expecting to find Hector. He raises his finger to lecture his opponent but instead his eyes go wide when he finds himself poking Reaper in the belly button. Ricky immediately throws his hands in the air and begs off but Reaper levels him with a headbutt that sends Ricky flipping backwards into his own corner. Staggering to his feet, Ricky immediately tags Marisol and steps out of the ring. Marisol looks surprised as it wasn’t exactly a willing tag but she enters the ring. She bobs and weaves, hitting Reaper with a series of stinging kicks while trying to keep her distance. Seizing an opportunity Vilaró sprints forward and leaps up, attempting a cross armbreaker! Only Reaper stares at her as she hangs from his arm, then he heaves her into position and absolutely plants her with a variation of his Pale Horse powerbomb. Ricky runs in, coming to Marisol’s aid but he’s met by K.I.A., a running boot to the face that sends him tumbling backwards over the top rope to the outside. Reaper looks down at Marisol and then over at Hector. There is a LOUD pop from the crowd. With a shake of his head Reaper walks over to the corner and tags Hector in before giving him very specific instructions. Hector nods and stands over Marisol. Looking out over the crowd he suddenly pulls down the straps of his singlet, showing a little more upper body fat. Then he runs the ropes as if he were about to hit the People’s Elbow only instead of an elbow he comes thundering down on Marisol’s face with the Sack Attack! He sits there with a HUGE smile on his face as the referee counts to three. WINNER Reaper & Hector METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 8:23 FINISHING MOVE The People’s Sack Attack |
BACKSTAGE
We open up backstage and the fans begin to cheer as they see Rayven Hardy on the big screen. Rayven was normally bubbly, smiling, and gave off an aura of happiness, but tonight seemed different. Gone was that trademark smile, and in it's place was a look of both frustration and anxiousness.
Rayven Hardy: There are so many thoughts running through my head right now. It's hard to even put them all into words, but I guess i'll give it my best shot.
She pauses briefly to collect her thoughts.
Rayven Hardy: This whole thing with Syn has escalated so quickly and it has caught me by surprise. It feels like just a week or two ago, we were friends, or at least I thought we were, but here we are. She is constantly playing mind games, picturing herself as a puppeteer, pulling all of our strings for her own enjoyment. And Syn, I hope you're enjoying it right now. Tonight, what you've caused, and what you anticipate happening out there when that bell rings. It was sneaky enough that you put me in a match against Caroline, knowing that she loves the NO DQ style and knowing that I'm a much more traditional wrestler. No big deal, I can take that....what I can't take is what you did next. SOMEHOW, you managed to reach out to my soon to be ex-husband, the father of my baby boy...and now he's refereeing my match...
Ray presses her lips together and looks away from the camera. Her jawline flexes a bit as she pushes her teeth together, clearly upset at the thought of what could happen between her, Caroline and Edward.
Rayven Hardy: Again, another deck stacked against me, but this one is much more personal. If things go how you want Syn? I'm sure Edward will end up cracking me over the head, pulling off a fast count, something. But you have to realize something, this isn't just a wrestling match or event anymore, this is my real life. You think you're invincible. You run around with Becky Balfour and The Society, you hired Reaper, you named the show after you...that ego is going to cost you. But that's for another time. Tonight, Edward, I'm begging you...whether I win or lose, please don't get involved. Do what you're being paid to do, make the three count and lets work on being the best parents we can be for Phoenix, and Caroline...no hard feelings. I respect you, and I know what you're capable of, especially in a match like this. Good luck out there. But Syn?
Rayven looks directly at the camera now, almost as if she's speaking to Syn directly.
Rayven Hardy: You're going to HAVE to step out from behind Hector, and that 'adorable' little wall you have up and step in the ring with me sooner or later. Remember, this? It's your doing. You've manipulated Hector, you tried to get into Jack's head, and now you're crossing all sorts of boundaries. The next time I hit your face it won't be an accident.
A worked up Rayven Hardy walks off, leaving a tension feel in the air as she heads towards the ringside area.
We open up backstage and the fans begin to cheer as they see Rayven Hardy on the big screen. Rayven was normally bubbly, smiling, and gave off an aura of happiness, but tonight seemed different. Gone was that trademark smile, and in it's place was a look of both frustration and anxiousness.
Rayven Hardy: There are so many thoughts running through my head right now. It's hard to even put them all into words, but I guess i'll give it my best shot.
She pauses briefly to collect her thoughts.
Rayven Hardy: This whole thing with Syn has escalated so quickly and it has caught me by surprise. It feels like just a week or two ago, we were friends, or at least I thought we were, but here we are. She is constantly playing mind games, picturing herself as a puppeteer, pulling all of our strings for her own enjoyment. And Syn, I hope you're enjoying it right now. Tonight, what you've caused, and what you anticipate happening out there when that bell rings. It was sneaky enough that you put me in a match against Caroline, knowing that she loves the NO DQ style and knowing that I'm a much more traditional wrestler. No big deal, I can take that....what I can't take is what you did next. SOMEHOW, you managed to reach out to my soon to be ex-husband, the father of my baby boy...and now he's refereeing my match...
Ray presses her lips together and looks away from the camera. Her jawline flexes a bit as she pushes her teeth together, clearly upset at the thought of what could happen between her, Caroline and Edward.
Rayven Hardy: Again, another deck stacked against me, but this one is much more personal. If things go how you want Syn? I'm sure Edward will end up cracking me over the head, pulling off a fast count, something. But you have to realize something, this isn't just a wrestling match or event anymore, this is my real life. You think you're invincible. You run around with Becky Balfour and The Society, you hired Reaper, you named the show after you...that ego is going to cost you. But that's for another time. Tonight, Edward, I'm begging you...whether I win or lose, please don't get involved. Do what you're being paid to do, make the three count and lets work on being the best parents we can be for Phoenix, and Caroline...no hard feelings. I respect you, and I know what you're capable of, especially in a match like this. Good luck out there. But Syn?
Rayven looks directly at the camera now, almost as if she's speaking to Syn directly.
Rayven Hardy: You're going to HAVE to step out from behind Hector, and that 'adorable' little wall you have up and step in the ring with me sooner or later. Remember, this? It's your doing. You've manipulated Hector, you tried to get into Jack's head, and now you're crossing all sorts of boundaries. The next time I hit your face it won't be an accident.
A worked up Rayven Hardy walks off, leaving a tension feel in the air as she heads towards the ringside area.
BACKSTAGE
Freedom continues as we fade backstage. Leaning up against one of the walls is none other than Freedom Champion, TJ Techniques. TJ has just finished taping his wrist as he's preparing for tonight's main event. The champion currently has the Freedom Championship belt across his shoulder.
TJ Techniques: I don't want my words to be misconstrued. I don't want my words to be to taken out of context. So hear me and hear me good. I do not like y'all. I cannot stand y'all. And by "y'all" I'm talkin' about Blyss Lockhart and her kept man, Dante Locke.
TJ points directly at the camera.
TJ Techniques: It’s like ever since the Re-Re-Return on Liberty Pro, Blyss has kept that schnozz of hers in my business. A match between myself and Derrick La’Bell? A match that pitted the Liberty Champion against the Freedom Champion? Ruined by Blyss Lockhart. Just a couple of weeks ago, the match against myself and Brendan Samuels? A match that pitted the United States Champion against the Freedom Champion? Ruined by Blyss Lockhart. Then last week, after I put Dante down, here comes Blyss to attack me from behind. And to think that a couple of weeks back, you had the nerve to ask me if we were cool. Why would you ever in your life think that me and you would be cool? Why would ever think I would want to be cool with you? Then just last week, you got the nerve to come up here on the socials and ask me why I’m trying to villainize the inevitable. Lady, I don't have to try and villainize you. You do a damn good job of that all on your own. And as far as the "inevitable" part you talked about? The only thing inevitable is the hands you're gonna catch inside that ring tonight!
TJ punches his fist before pushing himself up off the wall. He continues...
TJ Techniques: Speakin' of hands, you don't put your hands on my championship. The Freedom Championship ain't the community championship. This shit don't get passed around the classroom so everybody can have a chance to hold it in their hands. You want this title? You want this? Then how about you go out there and earn in. Yeah, I said earn it. Not ask your homegirl Lily for the hookup. Earn. It.Then, and only then, will you be worthy of actually holdin' this championship in your hands. Until then, the only thing you'll be holdin' is this L that me and Skylar and cooking up for you tonight.
TJ Techniques: It's actually interestin' that I'm teamin with Skylar tonight because for as much as I can't stand y'all, she's probably the one person in Liberty that truly hates y'all two. With good reason, too. I've had my matches ruined. I've been attacked from behind. But it never got to the point where the EMTs had to come down and tend to me. But that's what y'all did. That's what y'all did to her and if you think she still don't want her payback, you got another thing comin'. Y'all can try and belittle herself. Y'all can try and minimize her career. But when I see Skylar, I don't see someone that's a waste. I don't see someone that lacks talent. I see someone that's comin' to the ring to bust that ass!
TJ nods.
TJ Techniques: Me and you, Blyss, we've done this dance before. This ain't the first time we've found ourselves on opposite ends of the ring in a tag match. Last time, I had Brendan in my corner and you had Emery Layton. Shotuout to Emery, but this time, you actually have a partner that you're comfortable. That's no shade to Emery. Anyone in their right mind would love to team with Emery. But with Dante in your corner, you got a partner that you have the utmost trust in. You got a partner that you know will put it all on the line for you and vice versa. Y'all two know each other like the back of your hands. There's no chemistry issues there. On the outside lookin' in, you would think that this would be bad news for me and Skylar. Y'all got the advantage. But if anythin', it's a blessing. It's a blessin' because now, there's no excuses. You don't have the excuse of teamin' with someone you don't like. You don't have the excuse of teamin' up with someone you're unfamiliar with. Havin' Dante on your side means that we're gonna get the best version of you, Blyss. Unfortunately for you, you're gonna find out that you're best... just ain't good enough.
Freedom continues as we fade backstage. Leaning up against one of the walls is none other than Freedom Champion, TJ Techniques. TJ has just finished taping his wrist as he's preparing for tonight's main event. The champion currently has the Freedom Championship belt across his shoulder.
TJ Techniques: I don't want my words to be misconstrued. I don't want my words to be to taken out of context. So hear me and hear me good. I do not like y'all. I cannot stand y'all. And by "y'all" I'm talkin' about Blyss Lockhart and her kept man, Dante Locke.
TJ points directly at the camera.
TJ Techniques: It’s like ever since the Re-Re-Return on Liberty Pro, Blyss has kept that schnozz of hers in my business. A match between myself and Derrick La’Bell? A match that pitted the Liberty Champion against the Freedom Champion? Ruined by Blyss Lockhart. Just a couple of weeks ago, the match against myself and Brendan Samuels? A match that pitted the United States Champion against the Freedom Champion? Ruined by Blyss Lockhart. Then last week, after I put Dante down, here comes Blyss to attack me from behind. And to think that a couple of weeks back, you had the nerve to ask me if we were cool. Why would you ever in your life think that me and you would be cool? Why would ever think I would want to be cool with you? Then just last week, you got the nerve to come up here on the socials and ask me why I’m trying to villainize the inevitable. Lady, I don't have to try and villainize you. You do a damn good job of that all on your own. And as far as the "inevitable" part you talked about? The only thing inevitable is the hands you're gonna catch inside that ring tonight!
TJ punches his fist before pushing himself up off the wall. He continues...
TJ Techniques: Speakin' of hands, you don't put your hands on my championship. The Freedom Championship ain't the community championship. This shit don't get passed around the classroom so everybody can have a chance to hold it in their hands. You want this title? You want this? Then how about you go out there and earn in. Yeah, I said earn it. Not ask your homegirl Lily for the hookup. Earn. It.Then, and only then, will you be worthy of actually holdin' this championship in your hands. Until then, the only thing you'll be holdin' is this L that me and Skylar and cooking up for you tonight.
TJ Techniques: It's actually interestin' that I'm teamin with Skylar tonight because for as much as I can't stand y'all, she's probably the one person in Liberty that truly hates y'all two. With good reason, too. I've had my matches ruined. I've been attacked from behind. But it never got to the point where the EMTs had to come down and tend to me. But that's what y'all did. That's what y'all did to her and if you think she still don't want her payback, you got another thing comin'. Y'all can try and belittle herself. Y'all can try and minimize her career. But when I see Skylar, I don't see someone that's a waste. I don't see someone that lacks talent. I see someone that's comin' to the ring to bust that ass!
TJ nods.
TJ Techniques: Me and you, Blyss, we've done this dance before. This ain't the first time we've found ourselves on opposite ends of the ring in a tag match. Last time, I had Brendan in my corner and you had Emery Layton. Shotuout to Emery, but this time, you actually have a partner that you're comfortable. That's no shade to Emery. Anyone in their right mind would love to team with Emery. But with Dante in your corner, you got a partner that you have the utmost trust in. You got a partner that you know will put it all on the line for you and vice versa. Y'all two know each other like the back of your hands. There's no chemistry issues there. On the outside lookin' in, you would think that this would be bad news for me and Skylar. Y'all got the advantage. But if anythin', it's a blessing. It's a blessin' because now, there's no excuses. You don't have the excuse of teamin' with someone you don't like. You don't have the excuse of teamin' up with someone you're unfamiliar with. Havin' Dante on your side means that we're gonna get the best version of you, Blyss. Unfortunately for you, you're gonna find out that you're best... just ain't good enough.
HEADLINE: NO DQ
Rayven Hardy vs Caroline Dallins
Rayven Hardy vs Caroline Dallins
RECAP Both competitors are in the ring, Caroline looks focused and ready for the task at hand, smiling a bit as she winks at Rayven. Ray looks nervous, pacing back and forth, knowing full well that the odds are stacked against her. She glances towards the seat Jack would’ve occupied and it’s empty. She looks over at the referee and sees a relationship that just ended. She looks across at her opponent and sees someone who thrives under this ruleset where Ray herself does not. The bell rings and Rayven moves towards the center of the ring to lock up but Edward immediately calls for a timeout. The combatants are confused, the crowd is confused, the announcers are confused. Edward walks over to Ray and makes her put her hands out so he can search her for foreign objects. Rayven of course protests as this is a No DQ match but Edward insists and starts to count, giving her until ten to comply. Begrudgingly she holds her arms out and Edward conducts a quick search, unearthing the brass knuckles Jack had given her backstage. Edward admonishes Ray and slides them into his own pocket for safe keeping, then he signals for the match to get underway. Just as they’re about to lock up Caroline holds up her finger, telling Ray to wait a moment. She fishes into her tights, pulls out brass knuckles of her own and slides them on. Ray looks over at Edward but he is apparently fine with this. Rayven: Are you serious right now?! Edward: What? It’s a no DQ match! Ray is about to protest more but she has to duck a surprise left from Caroline, the follow through nearly hits Edward but he manages to dodge as well. Rayven takes advantage of her position and immediately hits Caroline with a belly to back suplex, the impact from which sends Caroline’s brass knuckles flying out of the ring. Rayven begins a chain wrestling clinic, barely giving Caroline time to breathe as she transitions from one hold to the next. She finishes with a chain of suplexes before floating over and hooking the leg for the pin. Edward stands there for a moment, in no rush to make the count but Rayven begins slapping her hand against the canvas. Edward scoots into position and begins the count but by the time he does, Caroline's already kicked out. Rayven stands up and complains to Edward but he’s not hearing it. Caroline takes advantage of the distraction and doubles Ray over with a low blow from behind. Edward laughs as Ray crumbles to the canvas and Caroline immediately drags her back to her feet and whips her into the corner. As Ray bounces off the turnbuckles Caroline runs over, using her momentum and the ropes to float across and trap Rayven in a Ropehung Arm-Trap Can Opener. Normally this move would be illegal but in a No DQ match all is fair. Ray screams out in agony as Edward is in perfect position, asking her if she’d like to submit to the punishing hold. Ray shakes her head no and continues to scream, unable to break free due to the ropes. After a few more moments of suffering Caroline releases the hold and Rayven collapses to the ring apron on the outside. Ray’s just starting to get her bearings when Caroline scoops her up and drops her with Murder of Crows a brainbuster right on the ring apron! A, “HOLY SHIT!” chant rings out as Rayven’s limp body slides off the apron and crumbles to the floor below. On the inside of the ring Edward can be seen wincing. That may have been too much even for him. On the outside Caroline begins a vicious series of chair shots to Ray’s back. Over and over again the chair comes thundering down across Rayven’s back and shoulders, flattening her out as she attempts to get up. Finally Caroline tosses the chair aside and drags Ray up by her hair. She signals to the crowd that she’s about to hit the Code of the Streets but before she can a desperate Rayven pokes her dead in the eyes. Caroline stumbles backwards, pawing at her face while Ray rolls back into the ring, hoping for a short respite. On the outside Caroline has regained her sight and she drops down on all fours, fishing around under the ring apron. When she comes up she’s carrying a fire extinguisher. Caroline rolls back into the ring just as Ray’s staggering to her feet. With both hands on the extinguisher Caroline winds up and attempts to drive it into Rayven’s forehead but Rayven ducks and the extinguisher hits Edward flush on the jaw instead! Edward collapses to the canvas and Caroline looks down in shock. While this is happening Rayven hits a beautifully executed enzuigiri to the back of Caroline’s head that leaves her lying flat on her face. Knowing this won’t be enough to finish her, a still groggy Ray crawls over and starts fishing through Edward’s pockets before finding the brass knuckles he took from her earlier. Rayven struggles to her feet, slides on the brass knuckles and hovers over Caroline, waiting for her chance to strike. Caroline stands, seemingly rubber legged but when Ray goes to hit her with the knuckles Caroline catches her with a picture perfect capture suplex. Before Rayven can regain her senses Caroline locks in her finisher, News at 11, a figure four necklock. Caroline’s literally squeezing the life out of Rayven who’s gasping for air and trying to pry herself free. Ray’s beginning to fade and it looks hopeless until she looks down at the brass knuckles on her hand. She begins smashing her fist into Caroline’s knee and thigh, over and over again with those brass knuckles. Caroline’s trying to hang on but the pain finally wins out and she has to release the hold, rolling onto her back and holding her knee in agony while Ray GASPS and tries to regain her wind. It’s a race to get back to their feet and it ends in a virtual tie with Ray lunging forward and cracking Caroline in the jaw with the brass knuckles. All of Ray’s body weight was behind the blow and they both tumble to the canvas. Ray crawls over, lays across Caroline’s chest and hooks her leg for the pin attempt but Edward is still out of it. Ray slaps the mat for a count of three but Edward doesn’t stir. A weary and battered Rayven rises to her feet, grabs the discarded fire extinguisher and stands over Edward. Pointing the nozzle towards him she unleashes the cold mist of the extinguisher’s contents, rousing Edward from his slumber. Ray walks back over and collapses on top of Caroline, yelling for Edward to count the pin. Once he gets his bearings a foam covered Edward makes his way over, drops down and makes the count… ONE… TWO… THRE… Edward doesn’t finish the count, he pops up clutching his shoulder. Must be an old wrestling injury. Ray can’t believe what she’s seeing as Edward paces the ring, trying to shake out his “injured” arm. On the canvas Caroline is beginning to stir and Rayven can see an opportunity slipping away from her. She pounces on Caroline, locks in a body scissors and follows that up with a rear naked choke. It’s cinched in tight and Caroline is still too out of it from the brass knuckle strike to put up much of a fight. She tries, it’s a valiant effort but in the end she’s succumbing to the hold. Edward watches as she fades and knows he has no choice but to call for the bell less Caroline suffer some sort of permanent injury from the hold being left on for too long. The bell rings and Rayven immediately releases the hold, checking on Caroline to make sure she’s okay. After a moment Caroline comes to and Ray embraces her before collapsing back to the canvas exhausted. The crowd gives both competitors a rousing ovation and the cameras even catch Syn standing and applauding the effort. Edward holds Ray’s hand in the air when she’s announced the victor and then he retreats to the back, leaving her alone in the ring to bask in her victory. WINNER Rayven Hardy METHOD Submission MATCH LENGTH 17:20 FINISHING MOVE Reak Naked Choke |
RINGSIDE
When the scene cuts back to the ring, it is decorated with birthday streamers in navy blue and white and black festive balloons saying “Happy Birthday, TJ Techniques!” The well-known colours of the Freedom champion TJ’s wrestling attire. In the middle of it all, there is a huge birthday cake and next to it, neatly packaged in birthday wrapping paper, is a present in the obvious shape of a folded steel chair with a card addressed to TJ on it. There’s also another chair-shaped present but it’s wrapped in sparkly red paper.
And inside the ring are Blyss Lockhart and Dante Locke with mischievous smirks on their faces. The Liberty fans jeer at the two of them, knowing full well that only bad intentions would follow this. Blyss and Dante soak in this moment at first before she raises a microphone to her lips.
Blyss Lockhart: Come on down, TJ the champion! Come on out to the ring! Don’t you want your present? We’ve got it right here. We worked very hard to get it too. We know your birthday was actually last week but we’re making time today to celebrate it with you, champ!
She gestures towards the wrapped chair in her grasp. But with no sign of TJ, she tilts her head to the side in mock concern.
Blyss Lockhart: Oh I’m sorry. It’s no birthday party without a song! Okay, TJ. I got you.
Dante helps out by shushing the crowd before Blyss starts singing.
Blyss Lockhart: Haaaappy birthday, TJ…
It isn’t that she sounds terrible, but that the tune is a little off in a strange, haunting key as she drags her note. In the crowd shots, the cameras manage to catch faces of uneasiness.
Blyss Lockhart: He’s the Freedom chaaampion…
There are murmurs now amongst the crowd.
Blyss Lockhart: But all kings fall one dayyyy…
Some kid in the front row starts crying and she slowly grins.
Blyss Lockhart: And so will TeeeeeeeJayyyyyy!
Blyss finishes her weird song performance with flourish and Dante claps. The crowd starts to boo again. But Blyss isn’t at all fazed.
Blyss Lockhart: Thank you. The real inspiration here is TJ. Although, truth be told, the Freedom brand can easily survive without him. What is he but a kid who got lucky in defeating Derrick La’Bell the Liberty champ, thanks to me? You owe me, whether you asked for it or not. Because I don’t know what kind of competition you had before Dante and I got here but things have escalated to a whole other level since. And you, TJ, are not ready.
Dante nodded his head in agreement.
Dante Locke: No, he’s not. But hey, at least for his birthday, we can teach him a thing or two about actually being great in that ring. We’ve already shown that without us? TJ would’ve made Freedom look weak. Which is why he needs to drop that Freedom Championship. Peep the technique? What technique exactly? Because compared to Blyss and I? You aren’t fundamentally sound whatsoever.
Dante laughed as he paced the ring.
Dante Locke: And honestly? The worst birthday present you’ve ever been given is having that talentless hack, Skylar, chosen as your partner. That dumb bitch should’ve stuck to being an interviewer. But hey, congrats to her for following the path of Cass Baumer, which is the path to trash!
That elicits a laugh from Blyss.
Blyss Lockhart: If Skylar’s own brother in law can’t even save her from us, what makes TJ can? Again and again, Skylar keeps getting back up and even trying to be a smart ass about it. Dumb bitch is definitely an understatement because she knows firsthand what will happen when she runs into us. She clearly has a death wish. But hey, don’t worry, we’ll grant it tonight. Because we also have a present for her.
With a self-pleased smirk, she pulls out the chair-shaped present wrapped in red, Skylar’s colour.
Dante proudly taps the wrapped chair with a grin as Blyss holds it.
Dante Locke: You know, we shouldn’t be in such a giving mood to such ungrateful pieces of shit, but hey, sometimes you have to give to those who are less fortunate and especially less talented. That definitely goes for these two morons we fight in just a few moments. After we destroy them? They should be thanking us for wasting our precious time on them. But hey, gotta give them rub somehow, right? What better way than fighting the premier tag team and couple of Liberty Pro.
Blyss Lockhart: The very same people who will walk out tonight with not just a win but a statement that redefines the future of Freedom. What we’ve done so far? It’s just the tip of the iceberg. It’s just the start. Because believe us when we say that we are not like the others, we are far above them. We’re a whole different breed than what Liberty Pro is used to. And how lucky for each and every one of you to witness what we are about to achieve. Starting with dismantling the Freedom champion.
The look of mischief on her face has now hardened to a serious one.
Blyss Lockhart: TJ, I hope you and Skylar had a chance to talk before our match tonight. Because you’re gonna need all the notes Sky has of us. It might not help you two beat us, but it could maybe help you survive us. Or at least one of you.
She scoffs.
Dante Locke: But it’s not likely. You’re both fucked. Now come out here and fight.
With that said, they both drop their mics and get ready for their opponents to make their way out to the ring for the main event.
When the scene cuts back to the ring, it is decorated with birthday streamers in navy blue and white and black festive balloons saying “Happy Birthday, TJ Techniques!” The well-known colours of the Freedom champion TJ’s wrestling attire. In the middle of it all, there is a huge birthday cake and next to it, neatly packaged in birthday wrapping paper, is a present in the obvious shape of a folded steel chair with a card addressed to TJ on it. There’s also another chair-shaped present but it’s wrapped in sparkly red paper.
And inside the ring are Blyss Lockhart and Dante Locke with mischievous smirks on their faces. The Liberty fans jeer at the two of them, knowing full well that only bad intentions would follow this. Blyss and Dante soak in this moment at first before she raises a microphone to her lips.
Blyss Lockhart: Come on down, TJ the champion! Come on out to the ring! Don’t you want your present? We’ve got it right here. We worked very hard to get it too. We know your birthday was actually last week but we’re making time today to celebrate it with you, champ!
She gestures towards the wrapped chair in her grasp. But with no sign of TJ, she tilts her head to the side in mock concern.
Blyss Lockhart: Oh I’m sorry. It’s no birthday party without a song! Okay, TJ. I got you.
Dante helps out by shushing the crowd before Blyss starts singing.
Blyss Lockhart: Haaaappy birthday, TJ…
It isn’t that she sounds terrible, but that the tune is a little off in a strange, haunting key as she drags her note. In the crowd shots, the cameras manage to catch faces of uneasiness.
Blyss Lockhart: He’s the Freedom chaaampion…
There are murmurs now amongst the crowd.
Blyss Lockhart: But all kings fall one dayyyy…
Some kid in the front row starts crying and she slowly grins.
Blyss Lockhart: And so will TeeeeeeeJayyyyyy!
Blyss finishes her weird song performance with flourish and Dante claps. The crowd starts to boo again. But Blyss isn’t at all fazed.
Blyss Lockhart: Thank you. The real inspiration here is TJ. Although, truth be told, the Freedom brand can easily survive without him. What is he but a kid who got lucky in defeating Derrick La’Bell the Liberty champ, thanks to me? You owe me, whether you asked for it or not. Because I don’t know what kind of competition you had before Dante and I got here but things have escalated to a whole other level since. And you, TJ, are not ready.
Dante nodded his head in agreement.
Dante Locke: No, he’s not. But hey, at least for his birthday, we can teach him a thing or two about actually being great in that ring. We’ve already shown that without us? TJ would’ve made Freedom look weak. Which is why he needs to drop that Freedom Championship. Peep the technique? What technique exactly? Because compared to Blyss and I? You aren’t fundamentally sound whatsoever.
Dante laughed as he paced the ring.
Dante Locke: And honestly? The worst birthday present you’ve ever been given is having that talentless hack, Skylar, chosen as your partner. That dumb bitch should’ve stuck to being an interviewer. But hey, congrats to her for following the path of Cass Baumer, which is the path to trash!
That elicits a laugh from Blyss.
Blyss Lockhart: If Skylar’s own brother in law can’t even save her from us, what makes TJ can? Again and again, Skylar keeps getting back up and even trying to be a smart ass about it. Dumb bitch is definitely an understatement because she knows firsthand what will happen when she runs into us. She clearly has a death wish. But hey, don’t worry, we’ll grant it tonight. Because we also have a present for her.
With a self-pleased smirk, she pulls out the chair-shaped present wrapped in red, Skylar’s colour.
Dante proudly taps the wrapped chair with a grin as Blyss holds it.
Dante Locke: You know, we shouldn’t be in such a giving mood to such ungrateful pieces of shit, but hey, sometimes you have to give to those who are less fortunate and especially less talented. That definitely goes for these two morons we fight in just a few moments. After we destroy them? They should be thanking us for wasting our precious time on them. But hey, gotta give them rub somehow, right? What better way than fighting the premier tag team and couple of Liberty Pro.
Blyss Lockhart: The very same people who will walk out tonight with not just a win but a statement that redefines the future of Freedom. What we’ve done so far? It’s just the tip of the iceberg. It’s just the start. Because believe us when we say that we are not like the others, we are far above them. We’re a whole different breed than what Liberty Pro is used to. And how lucky for each and every one of you to witness what we are about to achieve. Starting with dismantling the Freedom champion.
The look of mischief on her face has now hardened to a serious one.
Blyss Lockhart: TJ, I hope you and Skylar had a chance to talk before our match tonight. Because you’re gonna need all the notes Sky has of us. It might not help you two beat us, but it could maybe help you survive us. Or at least one of you.
She scoffs.
Dante Locke: But it’s not likely. You’re both fucked. Now come out here and fight.
With that said, they both drop their mics and get ready for their opponents to make their way out to the ring for the main event.
MAIN EVENT: TAG
Blyss Lockhart & Dante Locke vs Skylar Rayner & TJ Techniques
Blyss Lockhart & Dante Locke vs Skylar Rayner & TJ Techniques
RECAP The bell rang and Skylar and Dante started this one off. Dante took the lead, hitting Sky with a forearm before grabbing her and putting her into a headlock. He proceeded to talk shit to Sky but she soon broke herself loose with some forearm shots to Dante’s face. Rayner then hit the ropes and came back and took Dante out with a crossbody. She then waited for him to stir and when he did, she went for a hurricanrana but Dante countered it right into a powerbomb! He pinned her but Skylar kicked out right at two. Dante then dragged her to his corner and tagged Blyss in and they took turns beating her down until the referee finally got Dante outside of the ring. Blyss then worked Skylar over, working on her leg and trying to cripple her. Blyss then tried to go for a suplex but Skylar countered it but the work on her leg made her lose her balance a bit and Blyss took advantage of this and hit Sky with a reverse DDT. She pinned but Rayner kicked out again. Blyss tried to pick her up but Skylar kicked her away. Blyss tried to grab Sky’s foot but once again, she kicked her away. Skylar then dove to her corner and tagged in TJ. The Freedom Champion came in on fire. He took Blyss out with a clothesline and then Dante got into the ring but TJ took him out too! He then hit Blyss with The Wig Splitter (Jay Driller) and pinned her but she kicked out right before the three count. TJ stayed on top of Blyss during this time, keeping her away from her corner and trying to keep her grounded. Blyss tried to get a comeback in but TJ kept her at bay with Let The Rhythm Hit ‘Em (Phenomenal Blitz) he then dropped her and pinned her again but another kick out! Dante then came around the ring and he pulled Skylar off of the apron. He started to fight with her and this distracted the referee! The two fought until they came near the cake that Blyss and Dante had brought out earlier. Skylar grabbed the cake and SHOVED IT IN DANTE’S FACE!!! Dante was blinded by this and the referee kept shouting at the two of them. This also distracted TJ and he had a good laugh at what happened to Dante but he wasn’t going to enjoy what happened next as Blyss hit TJ with a low blow! Techniques dropped like a sack of potatoes and Blyss hit the top rope. She then dove off and nailed Blyzzard (Shooting Star Press) to perfection. A Dante and Skylar kept battling on the outside, the referee turned to the action and dropped down to make the count. One… Two… THREE!!! DING DING DING!!! The bell rang and Blyss and Dante had won, though through nefarious deeds. While Blyss had taken care of TJ in the ring, Dante, now hearing the bell ring, grabbed the ringside bell and clocked Skylar in the head with it! Dante wiped cake off of his face and smirked as Skylar was now knocked out. WINNER Blyss Lockhart and Dante Locke METHOD Pinfall MATCH LENGTH 14:22 FINISHING MOVE Blyzzard POST MATCH ??: This thing on? Behind the curtains, someone is tapping on a microphone. Sparrow silently walks out from the curtain, wearing an Emery Layton ‘I’m Your Da’ tee. Sparrow is dressed still in his ring gear otherwise pacing around at the front, tapping the microphone on his shoulder again. Sparrow: This thing on? Can we...Can we talk? The crowd of the Hammerstein cheers and Sparrow....Snorts. He snorts and he taps the microphone to the side of his head before looking towards the ring. Sparrow: TJ...TJ Techniques is probably one of the most hard-working champions in this godforsaken company, not named Brianna Clark, on this microphone, in that ring, anywhere...And somehow, someway...He has to play second fucking fiddle to...To the inner workings and politics of a what level of fucking failure Lily Callaghan will prove to be this week. He has to play second fiddle to Blyss and her...Honestly brethren I ain’t even know your name, I just refer to you as ‘Blyss’s gimp’ half the time and call it a day. There’s stunned silence and confusion that washes over the usually ornery Hammerstein ballroom before there’s some laughter and heckling. Sparrow: The fact that...Jeez and ages, the fact that Syn in one night could make a half-decent card better than Lily can put together and much less not send another competent star away is a marvel to me. Sparrow paused and waved right at the camera. Sparrow: Hey Da! I’m on TV! Wild ain’t!? Sparrow began to make a slow pace, about two steps forward, and then stopped before looking at the camera. Sparrow: The fact that next week, we’ll be back to same ol’ same ol’ drives me...Mad. Because Lily wit’ she whole bald head is gonna do what? Put another bounty out? Wax she crown? Stop me if I guess it. You...Are... Impotent. You know who I hold responsible for seeing my sister get bloodied? I don’t hold Balfour responsible because she’s an idiot who reacts to pretty things, not unlike an angry cat in heat. I ain’t hold The Society responsible because they exist strictly to make sure Becks don’t get in she feelings. I hold you responsible, Lily. I hold you responsible because you are...A failure in every....Single...Sense of the word. You are a failure as a leader of a brand you are a failure as a wife, you’re a failure as a mother, you’re a failure of gettin’ revenge. The fact that you let Emery...Emery...The fact that you fired Emery out of sheer arrogance because she disagreed with you... World traveled, industry-respected, one of the best to ever This by the way is comin’ from a fuckin’ orphan. There are a few whistles and mutters in the crowd but Sparrow continues speaking, absolutely unphased at the prospect. Sparrow: Y’all think I care about this Night of Syn? I don’t. I ain’t care about that. I care about the Freedom championship. I care about having the Freedom championship. I care about winning the Freedom championship, but I will never...Ever come to win that thing because truth be told? Ain’t no one ever be in charge has ever seen me as a contender. Well, hold on. There’s only one Callaghan in this entire trainwreck, nightmare fetish, madness enthused family I’ve ever had any modicum of respect, and admiration for, and that’s Liam. Because all talk aside brethren, at least Liam had some sense to him, one way or the next. At least when Liam was leading a brand there was less issue, less refuse. Sure we had ROTTEN but hey. I liked ROTTEN! The West Indian Whirlwind closes his eyes as there are a few cheers for ROTTEN of all things. Sparrow: I’m tired if you want me to be honest about it. I am tired of this prospect that I had to just about invent my own championship for me and Don to have some part of eyes on what we do. I’m tired...Exhausted ya know, at the prospect that once Lily has the reigns on this company again it will be more of the same. You think Blyss and she fluffer Dante are better than me? YOU ARE NOT BETTER THAN ME. Flash forward. Take a step. Y’all couldn’t lace my boots together, on your best day. The only person...The only person in this company who can see me, fight me, catch me on any level...Is TJ. Because the only thing Derrick La’Bell is good for is getting mad about nothing and being good for the same. Him? La’Bell? Label? Couldn’t care less. Biggest waste of space not named Michael Marou I’ve ever seen. Because once he’s done punching down on the Winn*Dixie brand Project Mayhem, I can go to Liberty and clap him on his neck too. Because then when I’m done, at least there will be a half-decent top champion on BOTH brands. Sparrow sneered. Sparrow: I am tired of waiting. I’m tired of waiting, tired of bein’ good about it, tired of letting whatever shall be, shall be. Because what? Because we have to stay tuned for the next chapter of ‘As The Dollar Turns’? To see what next chapter of contrite, absolute hornin’ fucknoise comes out of somebody mouth? The Society is a joke. Freedom under Lily’s eye has become a joke. This company is a fuckin’ joke when all that matters is what new extended member of the family comes for a cup of tea and that’s sayin’ something. Truth be told? If you really wanna hear some wildness. Liam once told me that-- Sparrow’s microphone is immediately cut and he taps it on his shoulder. He stares at it for a few moments before holding it up and then throwing it down. He points at his chest before he mouths a few expletives and then points to the ring. The audio cuts out but he mouths something that looks suspiciously like ‘Liberation’ before the whole show goes off the air. |