Liberation: Episode Seventy, March 26th, 2022

OPENING SEGMENT
One of Liberty Pro’s newest acquisitions here on Liberation, Chase Romano, stands backstage. We’re in a random hallway, away from all others as Chase paces up and down a small section of said hallway. She’s decked out in her ring gear, telling us that it’s probably coming up on the opening match shortly. Chase speaks out loud to herself.

Chase Romano: Wow, I can’t believe I’m actually backstage at a Liberty Pro show…I can’t believe I have a contract here!

She stops pacing, taking a moment to lean against the wall and shake out her hands for a moment. Getting out any jitters that could be in there. From behind, comes Wade Manson. Some may be familiar with him from Revo Pro when he and RAZE dominated the tag scene there. Now, he’s here with Chase. He grabs her waist, speaking into her.

Wade Manson: Believe it, love. You earned it.

She giggles sheepishly, turning around and giving him a giant hug.

Chase Romano: You’re too kind, Wade. I know that tonight I have to show that I deserve to be here, that they didn’t sign somebody who isn’t going to work for the company. Most of all, I don’t want to be a leech off your name.

Wade Manson: You can leech off me anytime, love.

Wade leans in, smooching her neck on one side and turning to kiss her other side. Chase obliges but rolls her eyes with a smile. She pulls back from him.

Chase Romano: Wade, I’m serious! I really want to do well here. Plus, we’re going up against an established team, and we’ve never really tagged before. You may have shown me a lot, and I still have a lot to learn, but tag teaming isn’t really my forte.

She looks mighty concerned, though Wade doesn’t. In fact, he doesn’t look worried at all, ready to wave off the Wolves of Legion.

Wade Manson: Don’t worry your head, I’m a tag team expert. RAZE and I held those [R]evolution Pro Hurricane Tag Championships with pride. We may not have experience as a team, but we have a romantic bond that is going to see us through this match.

He lays a hand on her shoulder, trying his best to comfort her but not doing the best job. Wade’s personality had always been very dry. He was smart, and could be funny in a deadpan way, but sometimes it was like he lacked emotion, lacked empathy.

Chase Romano: Honestly I just want a good and clean match, and I want to be able to shake their hands at the end. This is my very first match with the company, and I don’t want any issues. I want to go out there and win! But what’s worth more is the respect of my peers, that’s what I’m after. I’m not going to let you down, Wade!

Her smile broadened, as she leaned in and kissed Wade on the cheek. She stretched her arms, before looking off screen and disappearing. Now, as the only person on screen, the camera zooms in on Wade, holding a fist up near his face.

Wade Manson: That’s right…just a good, clean match…

He pops on some brass knuckles, with a sadistic smile on his face, before the blackout.

PARKING LOT
We cut to the parking lot outside Callaghan Warehouse as a dark grey 2022 Ford F-150 Limited comes roaring through the lot. In the driver’s seat is one of Liberty’s new additions, Walker Hill. He tips his white Deadwood Stetson at security and finds himself a spot. He steps out in full cowboy gear, blue and tan boots complete with the fancy design, jeans, classic brown belt and a big gold buckle, a blue paisley pearl snap shirt, and of course the hat. He snags a large brown leather duffle bag out of the back and starts making his way inside, but before he can get there Tim Anderson shows up on the scene with a cameraman in tow.

Tim Anderson: Perfect, an early interview.

Walker Hill: You the fella that does those round these parts? Good to meet ya, I’m Walker.

Walker smiles and sticks out his hand. Tim slightly flinches, but then notices Walker is offering a handshake and he accepts.

Tim Anderson: Yes yes, Walker Hill. From Gun Barrel City, Texas which I still can’t believe is actually a real place. Started in late twenty seventeen, has been on a brief hiatus, making your debut tonight against Dex Morant.

Walker Hill: Well shoot sounds like you did some pretty good research slim. Anything else about me that I should know?

Walker is still smiling as he chuckles a little and gives Tim a pat on the back which slightly startles him, but he continues on.

Tim Anderson: Former minor league baseball player, drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the later rounds, spent the first half of the twenty fourteen season with the Fresno Grizzlies before moving up to the Spokane Indians for the rest of twenty fourteen and the first two months of twenty fifteen season before again being moved up to the Double-A affiliate Hartford Yard Goats where you remained for the rest of twenty fifteen as well as twenty sixteen and seventeen until you left the sport and began your wrestling training.

Walker looks at Tim and blinks a few times, shakes his head, and chuckles again.

Walker Hill: Well dang slim, you really did do your research. All of that is spot on. I loved playing baseball, but this pro wrestling thing always was what I really wanted to do and I gotta say I am excited to be here in Liberty Pro and I am damn excited about my debut tonight.

Tim Anderson: Yes you’re facing Dex Morant. Debuted in twenty nineteen, but has already been a champion here in Liberty and is certainly going to be looking to bounce back after a tough loss on the last episode of Liberation.

Walker Hill: I have no doubt about that. I watched his last match, and that thing was brutal. It was bloody and violent, and it was also a falls count anywhere match, which tonight ain’t. I’ll hand it to the kid, he’s tough, he’s sneaky, he ain’t afraid to take risks, but I’m also tough, I also ain’t afraid to take risks and I’m bigger, stronger, and I am hungry to get this win tonight. I like to say that I’m a simple Texas man, with a simple Texas plan, punch my opponent as hard as I can. Tonight ain’t gonna be any different and we’ll see if Dex Morant can handle this Texas-sized ass whipping I intend on giving him tonight. We good Slim? I’d love to get inside and warm up a little before I get into my gear. Match is pretty early in the show.

Tim Anderson: Uh yea, thanks for the interview.

Walker Hill: Thanks for interviewing me, you’re good people slim. I’m gonna bring you a hat next show.

Walker gives Tim another pat on the back which is a little less startling this time, but he still jumps just a bit. Walker smiles and chuckles, tips his hat to Tim, and heads inside, giving security another tip of the hat as he enters the arena.

BACKSTAGE
We cut backstage to Dex Morant standing with Dante Chapel.

Dante Chapel: Dex, you’re going up against Walker Hill in his debut here tonight. How do you plan on welcoming him to the Liberation brand?

Dex furrowed his brow.

Dex Morant: Now that would be telling, wouldn’t it?

Dex chuckled.

Dex Morant: I can’t give away my game plan but I will say this… Walker is going to see real soon that we’re not in Texas anymore. Nah, he’s out here at Liberation in New York. It’s rough, it’s grimey, it’s dirty as fuck. Can Walker hang with that?

Morant shrugged.

Dex Morant: Only time will tell. All I know is? That I’m going to give this wannabe cowboy a welcoming party that he deserves.

Morant stepped closer to the camera and smirked.

Dex Morant: And that’s a Liberation sized ass whipping. Bet on that.

Dex walked off the screen and it cut away.

BACKSTAGE
Backstage, Atticus Cassian looms over Sunday K. Love and even backstage interviewer Tim Anderson. Cassian radiates energy that makes everyone around him feel balanced on a knife’s edge even if they don’t understand why. Everyone except Sunday Love, who looks comfortable to the point of being bored. Cassian stares down the camera but Sunday sends a sleepy smile in Tim’s direction.

Tim Anderson: Tonight I have with me Atticus Cassian, a new face to Liberty Pro but fans of the indies may recognize The Beast of Athens. Last week saw you taking a loss to Brianna–

Before he can finish his sentence, Sunday has reached up and tugged the microphone out of his hand. She lifts a finger and presses it against Tim’s lips. She’s dressed in a leather jacket with spiked shoulders, blonde hair curling around her face and ripped jeans that droop over her worn Chuck Taylors.

Sunday K. Love: Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. It’s okay. You’re doing great but just… shhhhh.

She flashes the camera a too sweet smile.

Sunday K. Love: My client, Atticus Cassian, was disqualified. A win by disqualification isn’t a loss. It’s crazy that I have to do my job and yours, Tim.

Sunday shakes her head and finally removes her finger from his mouth, booping his nose with a saccharine smirk.

Tim Anderson: Some people would argue that it is a loss and that your client wasn’t fighting fair.

Sunday rolled her eyes.

Sunday K. Love: And some people would argue that I need to get better at my sleight of hand. It’s water under the fridge at this point. Brianna gets her pity win and Atticus moves on to Markus FK and I take a Skillshare class from that one guy who does street magic. And y’know what, Tim? I prefer not to dwell in the past. Unless you want to talk about how my client is fresh in the door and he’s facing champions and former champions. How much longer do you think it’s going to take before Atticus is lugging around my weight in gold? That’s the real question that you should be asking.

Atticus smirked and Sunday turned to him as he signed something rapidly to her.

Sunday K. Love: And Markus FK wants to fix his little Twitter fingers to talk about how my client, Atticus Cassian, is a warm up for him? Wild. Absolutely wild that no one does their research in this business anymore. But that’s fine. We like it when we’re underestimated. While Markus has been looking past Atticus to whatever he thinks is going to be waiting for him on the other side… my client has been looking no further than Markus and this match.

Sunday smirked into the camera while Atticus glowered silently behind her.

Sunday K. Love: Markus is just another over-inflated ego standing in our way. And things that stand in our way don’t stay there for long.

Honey dripped off of her words, so sweet that half the audience was probably leaving with diabetes and a prescription for insulin.

Sunday K. Love: This company? Liberty needs Atticus Cassian. Right now you’re bloated with so-called professionals that treat this place more like their high school homeroom classroom than their career. You’re infected with people who care more about fucking their co-workers than fighting their co-workers. You’re a cesspool of children who wanna whine about their relationships and how someone was mean to them and how they don’t wanna fight their significant others…

She rolled her eyes, feigning a gag.

Sunday K. Love: You know what they used to do when something was infected? They burned it out. With my help, Atticus Cassian is going to burn the infection right out of Liberty… we’re starting with Liberation. We’re starting with Markus FK.

Atticus Cassian bared his teeth and Sunday winked as she tucked the microphone back into Tim Anderson’s hands and booped his nose again.

BACKSTAGE
The scene opens up backstage of the Callaghan Warehouse in Brooklyn, New York. Backstage we see the two people that squared up against each other last week, Antoinette and the number one contender for the Gotham Championship, Markus FK.

Antoinette: “Markus, I know I’ve said it a million times but I am so beyond proud of you! Last Liberation was one of the most difficult matches of my entire career…but at the end of the day I’m so glad it was against you.”

She admits, before nodding her head.

Antoinette: “You were simply the better wrestler that night, and I can admit that.”

She looks up at her fiancé, before her eyes drop a bit down.

Antoinette: “Tonight that title is on the line, but it’s only a matter of time before it’s around your waist I can just feel it! For far too long we’ve been waiting and waiting for our moments. Our time to shine and really live up to our full potential. I really do think this is a turning point for us..”

Markus towers over Antoinette, his usual intense aura surrounding him as he nods his head at her last statement.

Markus FK: “And it’s about time, too. Haven’t we heard it time and time again - we’re just tag team wrestlers, blah blah blah. All this time I’ve let them talk, so let’s see how much they talk when I get that gold around my waist...whether I have to go through BLC again, or Erik.”

The big Swiss’ face shows the slightest hint of a snarl at the mention of Malone, but his demeanour quickly changes as he places a hand on his fiancé’s shoulder.

Markus FK: “As for you...you deserve the world. I’ll be happily by your side when you finally take it.”

Antoinette smiles up at the stronger man, before nodding her head.

Antoinette: “And taking it I will be doing. We aren’t just tag team wrestlers, and we aren’t just flash in the pan performers. We’ve sat back and let all the talking be done, but none of that anymore! We have our work cut out for us tonight, but I have no doubt in the world that after tonight it’s going to be a new era in Liberation…

The smaller woman leans up, kissing her fiance on the lips before pulling away.

Antoinette: Good luck tonight, strong man! Let’s wake these people up!

The number one contender to the Gotham Championship smirks, sliding an arm across Antoinette’s back.

Markus FK: “Yeah, they’ve been asleep WAY too long.”

The scene closes out with the pair smirking, walking off the scene.

BACKSTAGE
The scene opens up once again backstage in the Callaghan Warehouse in Brooklyn, New York. Our scene opens showing an eager Antoinette standing backstage, alone. She’s dressed in her ring gear, finished off with a “Liberty Pro” hoodie on. It is almost time for her second match with Karen Willow, and the look on her face looks determined.

Antoinette: “January 25th, 2022. That was the first time we met Karen and I haven’t forgotten that night. In fact, I’ve been thinking constantly about the matches I’ve had here on Liberation, and to be quite honest with you there’s a lot of wrongs that need to be made right.”

Antoinette looks into the cameras, looking serious.

Antoinette: “It’s safe to say I didn’t get the best start here, but that all is out the window now. For way too long I’ve sat silent and let things go in an unfortunate way for me. People left and right took advantage of my good nature and thought that attacking me was the way to get ahead! Well, I meant every single word I said last Liberation. I didn’t deliver on my promise on becoming your number one contender for the Gotham Championship, but I took the loss from Markus and learned from it. I took the humiliation that NV and Callie put me through, and let it fuel me to work harder. I took time to better myself and really get my head on straight to what really matters here to me in Liberty. I’m not someone you can walk all over anymore or take anything from me again, including any more victories that rightfully should be mine. Next time NV…Callie…anyone on this roster feels the need to step into my business? Stick their nose where it doesn’t belong? I won’t be so nice and let you do those things again!”

Antoinette smirks, hyping herself up as she’s showing a fresh sense of confidence.

Antoinette: “I am a former tag team champion. I come from one of the most well known wrestling families in this business today. I am one of the hardest promoters in this business and I work daily to better myself and my craft. Do you really think someone like me will just take the disrespect and coy away? Not get even and get myself out there? I should be main eventing this show, wrestling blockbuster matches weekly and proving to you just why you don’t have to be rude or subject yourself to pity attacks to get over. Good people like myself are the future of this business, and I’m going to show you all that. My success isn’t just about Antoinette. Rather than it just being about and for myself it’s for every single person out there who gets treated differently because they are a little too happy. It’s for every single person who gets berated and attacked for doing the right thing and having a positive attitude about life. My success is for those who look up to not only myself but every single professional wrestler that puts their body on the line nightly for this business. My success…is for all the awkward, shy wrestlers out there just getting started with dreams bigger than Texas. My success is for all those people screaming and shouting from the rooftops telling people like myself no and that we can’t do it. All of the doubters and non-believers are the fuel that keeps the fire inside people like me burning. My entire career has been based on proving everyone wrong and overcoming odds and my work here in Liberty is no different.”

She says, bouncing up and down on her heels as she keeps herself focused looking into the cameras.

Antoinette: “January 25th, 2022. A wrong that needs to be made right. Let me take you all on a little journey back in time. You see, when I heard I was going to face off against Karen I was thrilled. On paper, this was a match that could have been something bigger than both of us. Like she had said, we both came from our respected wrestling families and even though we chose different paths, we put in the work and got to where we are today. A match that should have been something of honor and been one that could have been talked about for months to come ended up being a joke. Karen did not beat me on her own, and I will never take that statement back. That victory was a fluke and she even knows that. She may not have asked NV to come on down and get involved, but she doesn’t get the satisfaction of thinking she outwrestled me. She didn’t out wrestle me. She won by a mediocre roll up after NV stuck her nose where it didn’t belong. And instead of this being a friendly match like it could have been from the start, it’s personal. For months I’ve had to carry around the embarrassment and be looked at like I’m this weak link when in reality? I’ve been getting the shit end of the stick without anything being done to those who wronged me. Their actions against me essentially became validated and being looked at like it was okay. For months I’ve been on the receiving end of attacks and screw jobs and instead of people being held accountable, I’m left to handle things my own way.”

Antoinette says, glaring into the cameras with the fans echoing cheers in support of this new attitude.

Antoinette: “And in my own way I will handle them. You see, people think you need to be the fiercest and the loudest to be on top, but that isn’t the case. I’m going to show you all that good overcomes evil every time. Karen, I respect you. I always have and I always will. But the last match wasn’t fair to either of us. I know you are better than that pettiness from NV, and you should know by now and my history that what has been happening here to me on Liberation is NOT what Antoinette is about in the slightest. I have a good heart and care about everyone, but I have the fight inside me of a hungry tiger and I don’t settle for anything less than what I deserve and what I know I am capable of handling. This is our do over match from a night we BOTH got screwed over because it was more than just ME who got embarrassed that night. But like I said, this is our second chance and our do over. Only this time? You will not be so lucky.

Antoinette smiles, nodding her head before she stiffens herself up.

Antoinette: “Good luck tonight, from the bottom of my heart good luck and I hope you plan on bringing your all tonight because I sure am. This is a turning point and I’m owed my rightful revenge. This is the first step to capturing what my destiny has set out for me, and I will not let down my ANTNATION anymore. I’ve brushed up, I’ve studied, I’ve freshened up my bag of in ring tricks for you all and most importantly? This ant has much needed fire.”

Antoinette says with a stern tone as she glares into the cameras, before blowing a kiss.

Antoinette: “See you out there…WATCH ME!”

Antoinette shouts before jumping up and down, skipping off the scene.

BACKSTAGE
The pair push through a small group of techs, gesturing a camera operator forward, and they lean in close to the camera, lights gleaming off their identical shiny gear as they do so.

Nami: AMC?? Ashley Sands???

Coral: We don’t like you. Neither of you. Both of you acting sugar sweet but see, we notice the little bullying bits to Ant, too. Claim it’s not, claim you’re teasing. Claim you’d support her no matter what… but trust us. Support looks a lot different from roasting somebody, got that?

Nami: We have zero desire to face either one of you, because what’s in it for us? Welcome to Liberty? Drown in your own mess? We hope you enjoy your stay? We’re going to wrestle this match the way it deserves to be wrestled, learn everything we need about the pair of you, and after?

Coral: Understand this, win or lose? We’re going to be here. You’re not going to sweep in and run our pockets and scare us off from Liberty. This place, no matter who are the champions, is ours. We’re multi-time tag champions and we will be again, trust the facts.

Nami: It’s still, and always will be, Endless Summer.

With that they clap their hands and wave the camera back, turning to speak in far more happy and animated fashion with some of the workers and techs, cracking a few jokes with the ones that they’ve known for years, before the scene fades out.

BACKSTAGE


The scene cuts backstage where former Anarchy Champion, Dylan Shepherd, is seen picking through a large Lego carrying case that’s the shape of an oversized Lego. He seems to be picking out choice pieces and putting them into a large Crown Royal bag. He notices the camera and gives a sly smile.

Dylan Shepherd: “You know, I got a few peeps I can get to use these fun guys on tonight. So it’s all about picking the best of the best with the pieces. Most likely to inflict the most bang for ya buck.”

He chuckles as he continues to pick through the box.

Dylan Shepherd: “You see this went from a regular ‘hey Dylan lets team you with someone you don’t like’ into a basic free for all. It’s like damn, thanks for that Warren! I’ll tell you I don’t mind putting a tag belt on myself before going and winning back my Anarchy Championship… Cause that’s my baby.”

He shrugs a bit and then starts to tie off the Crown Royal bag.

Dylan Shepherd: “I will say, it’s kinda weird not having Seth saying anything for this except how they can lose those titles. But hey if I was him and bouncing in and out of wrestling where my only shine comes from Becks and the Society, I would be a bit worried about losing any relevancy too.”

He puts his fingers over his mouth in a faux shocked look.

Dylan Shepherd: “I’m just messing with ya, Sethy, ya big bald buddy. It ain’t like Warren and Becks would boot ya out if you lost the belts or anything. Just like Seth and Becks wouldn’t boot out Warren for making the stipulation for this match that lost em the tag belts. Me? I’m sitting pretty with a shit tag partner who I am just as likely to piledrive into the Legos as I would do to Seth or Warren. So for me? I don’t got anything to really lose but some blood and that’s part of the fun.”

He gives a quick wink before flipping off the camera and walking off.

BACKSTAGE
We switch to the back where Ant is sitting in a semi dark room with a light in her face as if Ant was in an interrogation room. On a monitor in front of her is the replay of her match against Markus.

Voice: Tsk Tsk you were so close to being number one contender

AMC walks into frame

AMC: You would be Number One contender right now if I had been her last show because POW I would have taken Markus out with a chair or maybe a pipe.

ANT’s eyes get huge

Antoinette: NO! That is not how we do things!!

AMC laughs

AMC: Really? Ask Sully and she will tell you that this is exactly how we do things around here and i would of done it for you Ant but Sully told me that this Frei Train thing might be a live sex thing with you and Markus and I didn’t want to see that thus why i was not there but I am here now and things in Liberty are about to change starting tonight!

Antoinette laughs, easing up a bit before turning a bright red looking slightly embarrassed.

Antoinette: Frei Train…I should have been better alert! I know Markus better than anyone..but he beat me fair and square. But don’t worry…gold is in my future I just know it! It’s in all of our futures. I’m so glad to have you BOTH here with me, I can’t explain it but..

Antoinette sighs before looking up at her friends.

Antoinette: Things were feeling very lonely and it felt like I was all by myself. I mean, I know I have friends here but nobody really ever looked out for me the way you two have, and vice versa. It just feels right and you’re absolutely right! Things….things are going to start changing on Liberation.

Voice off camera: Did someone say liberation?

From the side walks Ashley Sands carrying a large box. It does not look to be too heavy. With the open top, a stick is coming up with a string tied to the end.

Ashley Sands: There won’t be any liberating going on for Ant’s Choo-Choo Nan once he falls for this trap. As soon as he sees this protein drink under this box propped up he won’t be able to resist.

AMC takes a step back as if she is examining the box.

AMC: I don’t know, Ash. Markus might be too big to fit in there.

Ashley Sands: Eww. That’s what Ant said.

Before Antoinette’s face flushes red with embarrassment as Ashley uses a hand to reach inside and holds up a protein drink in a large cup.

Ashley Sands: This stuff smells ungodly I’ll tell you that. Like whoever drinks this crap must be selling their muscles to the devil or something.

Ashley lets the cup fall back into the box before casually discarding the cardboard to the side.

Ashley Sands: Alright forget Operation Derailment for now then. We got this Liberty pro debut. Telling these Bitches In Heat chicks….

AMC: Girls of Summer, Ash.

Ashley Sands: That's what I said but more accurate and fitting. But right, telling them apart might be a problem so I say we mark one of them with a sharpie to keep track of which one is legal. I hear they’re former tag champs so this is a chance to knock them even further down the ladder and climb right over them. We haven’t even said a word about them and they’re acting like the whole world’s out to get them. And Ant likes basketball now apparently so time to get on the rebound, cailín.

AMC smirks

AMC: Doubt it's the first time they have been gotten on the rebound and unlike Ant last show these girls will have a reason to cry tonight!!

Antoinette smiles and stands up, looking at both of her friends with a confident smile.

Antoinette: Ladies… let’s go kick some ass!

Antoinette jumps up and down giving her pals a slap on the back before the trio heads out of sight.

BACKSTAGE
Backstage, we’re outside of Atticus Cassian’s dressing room. The door is shut and probably locked but the thick wood of the door isn’t enough to muffle Sunday K. Love’s voice. Especially not at that volume.

Sunday K. Love: Seriously?? You’re payin’ me to talk shit. I talked shit. What could you possibly have to bitch about??

There is silence, obviously, as Atticus presumably signed back to her.

Sunday K. Love: Well if you wanted it done a certain way you should have done it yourself. Ope. You can’t. That’s why you hired me. And besides that, you gave me NOOOOO notes to go off of, okay? Do you hear how ridiculous you soun–

A pause.

Sunday K. Love: … okay, wait. No, that came out wrong. But you know you’re being so dumb right now, Cassian. You tracked me down. Presumably not just because you could fuckin’ blackmail me into giving up my career to be a glorified valet but because I’m good at runnin’ my mouth. If you want me to run my mouth then just chill and let me run my mouth.

Another pause, this one longer. You can hear Sunday heave a sigh but she stays silent for several more minutes.

Sunday K. Love: Unbelievable. Unfuckin’believable. Do you really think I would run my mouth about half the roster just to paint a target on your back when inevitably people got butthurt–

Another pause.

Sunday K. Love: Y’know what… actually that’s fair. I wish I had thought to do that. It does check out that that is a thing that I would do. But in this case, I didn’t say it to fuck you over.

Silence and finally, just when the camera is about to pull away, assuming the juicy bits are over, Sunday sighs in exasperation.

Sunday K. Love: Yessss, you big bald dumbass. I hate you for pleeeeeeeeenty of reasons but you are good at this. You’re better than half the roster. Maybe even three quarters of the roster. I’m not stupid. I know what you have on me and even though you don’t have to, you pay me a fuckin’ mint. I’m not going to do any dumb shit to jeapordize either of those things. If what I said paints a bullseye on our backs then fuckin’ good. The sooner you achieve all your dumb dreams and shit the sooner I am free.

There’s another long stretch of silence.

Sunday K. Love: Now, are you ready to go?

The door opens and Sunday comes up short when she finds the camera man lurking outside their door. She arches an eyebrow while Atticus scowls darkly and takes a step towards the camera man who is rapidly pulling back.

Sunday K. Love: Nah, we don’t have time for all that.

She grabs Cassian and steers him in the opposite direction and the waiting crowd.

BACKSTAGE
We open up backstage to find Becky Balfour holding one of the Liberty tag team championships over her shoulders as three Followers were directly in front of her with their backs against the wall. Becky is talking to them when all three men get stiff chested and stare beyond her.

Becky Balfour: What?

None of the men move, instead they stare beyond her still prompting her to finally turn around and see Kendrick Kross. The Followers all three line up directly behind Becky before walking around her and shielding her from her opponent for later in the evening.

Becky Balfour: Stand down. All of you.

Becky physically pushes past two of them and the third steps back as Balfour stalks forward, sneering in Kendrick’s face with her championship proudly on display.

Becky Balfour: If you’re as smart as I think you are, you will turn around and walk away. You have no business here. Are we clear?

Kendrick looks at Becky’s followers with an eyebrow raised before putting his full focus onto her.

Kendrick Kross: I have no business here? Eh. Does it look like that bothers me? I’m not one of your little followers behind you there. I’m not easily scared off. But surely you know that don’t you, Bex.

Kendrick has a smirk on his face glancing down at the tag championship that she had draped over her shoulder.

Kendrick Kross: Shiny. Did you get one of those followers there to wax it for you?

Becky Balfour: If you aren’t careful I’ll wax it on your face, but you know what? I’m feeling generous. Tonight, I’ll make things about you. You came into Liberty as this decorated star, didn’t you? But what happened? You chased and chased after an Anarchy championship when THEY didn’t believe you even deserved that.

Balfour takes a step closer and lightly taps on Kendrick’s temple. Not to mock him, but to prove her point.

Becky Balfour: Think. THEY want you to be angry at the world. They probably even want you to take me out tonight, but ask yourself…what good would that do? What happens next week? You get put in another meaningless match? You have to ask yourself, Kross. What are you fighting for? WHO are you fighting for? And until you can answer those questions? You’ll never get over the hump here like you’ve done elsewhere.

Becky turns back to her Followers and nods her head in the opposite direction and they all scatter, leaving Kendrick and Becky alone.

Becky Balfour: I’m not the enemy here, Kross. I never have been. We both know that.

Kendrick Kross: You better watch that tone there.

Kendrick pushes Becky back a bit away from him still with the same smirk on his face.

Kendrick Kross: I came in here and didn’t just chase the Anarchy Championship. No. I came in here and I held it more than anyone else in this company. I came into Liberty and made my mark. And honestly I’m nowhere near done making it. You ask who I’m fighting for? It’s simple. I’m fighting for me. Nothing else matters. I’m fighting for what I want. You can try to play your little mind games on my Becky but you know just as well as I do they won’t work on me.

Kendrick runs his finger over the tag belt on her shoulder and adjusts it for her as it had started to slide off.

Kendrick Kross: As far as next week you ask? If you haven’t heard I have a match. Not a meaningless one either. Unless you call a Noir Championship match meaningless. Well I could understand why it’s meaningless to you. Because well, I’m not sure you’ll hold it.

Kendrick snickers a bit as he steps forward closing the distance he had made earlier after pushing her, his eyes locked onto hers.

Kendrick Kross: You don’t scare or intimidate me Becky. You never have.

Becky Balfour: That’s where you’re confused. I’m not here to scare you or anyone. I’ve always been about being true to who I am, and who THEIR SOCIETY made me. When I was rejected,
turned away, gave up for adoption and spit on, nobody cared. I grow up, I learn to survive, I get grow into a body men and women love, and now I’m worthy to some, but it isn’t about them. It’s always been about helping people like myself. Like you. I’ve been Liberty champion, and it wasn’t the gold itself that made me happy, it was the platform it gave me. Being THE champion was enough to get eyes on me that would have turned blind previously. But now? These tag championships? They symbolize family. THAT is who I fight for. The Society. So think what you will and do what you must, but if your focused on the NOIR Championship…you just might miss out on what’s standing right in front of your face.

Kendrick Kross: You can try to come at me with all that all you want Becky. But you and I? We’re nothing alike. I’m not you. I don’t care what society has ever thought of me. I don’t care who turns their back on me. But for you it’s different. You want eyes on you. You want everyone to pay attention to you. Me? I don’t care. The reason I’ll get eyes on me is because of what I’ll be doing here in the future. I don’t need a family. I don’t need to follow someone to make me feel worthy or know my own worth. That isn’t me Becky. That never will be me. Winning titles and matches. That’s all I care about. I’ve never had family which means I don’t care to have it. I care about success. That’s it.

Kendrick chuckles a bit as he sighs.

Kendrick Kross: I’m my own person if you need family to make you feel worthy. Make you feel like you belong then you do your thing. It isn’t me.

Becky takes a few steps back and away from Kendrick as she caresses her championship.

Becky Balfour: If all you care about is success, then you’re already beyond my help. Remember, when the Noir championship crumbles around you and you work yourself into a deep, dark state of mind. I’ll be here. WE will be here, but until then? You do things your way and keep reaping the same results.

With that, Balfour turns to walk away, leaving Kendrick to think about everything she said. Would that change how he goes into their big Headline match tonight? Only time will tell!

PREVIOUSLY RECORDED
We open on the shot of a single tree, a weeping willow to be exact. The tree in question is maybe just under 30 feet, and still has much more to grow. The branches and leaves sweep down, carrying us to the trunk of the tree where a plaque sits at the bottom. It reads “#TheSociety: 2017” the year the tree was planted. The weeping willow is one of the fastest growing trees, and yet this one here could still be even taller for being almost five years old. Seth Lawless an Warren Corbett leaned against the trunk itself.

Warren Corbett: Last week was full of buffoonery. #TheSociety should’ve been walking out with the Liberty Championship. Instead, Paz wanted to stick her nose in our business once again. The Girls of Summer wanted to do the same. Yet, neither had the BALLS to face me head on - to face US head on. We may not have possession of the Liberty Championship yet, but you girls aren’t coming close to getting these belts back. These Tag titles have given us a pass from one show to the next. They’ve given us a higher pedestal. They’ve given us even more eyes on us, ears on The Message. With these belts, we’ve proven that you can count people like us out all you want, and we’re still going to rise to the top.

He moved the belt that was latched at his shoulder, tapping it with his left hand and putting it front and center for the view of the camera.

Warren Corbett: You want a shot, girls, all you need to do is ask. Instead, you want your handicap match, and the like. You’re still not getting these belts back. In the meantime, we’ll defend against anyone else. This week is Dylan Shepherd and Nina. An interesting pairing to say the least, but I at least have respect for them…for most in the Anarchy division.

He corrected himself, chuckling a bit. He placed the belt back onto his right shoulder, slapping against his open skin next to the open cut of his black vest.

Warren Corbett: Imagine my glee when Nathan responds on twitter that we’re now to have this defense under ANARCHY rules. I may not be choosing to spend my time in the Anarchy division, but once upon a time I OWNED it. The history books are a little murky right now, but as far as I can tell I’m still the Anarchy Champion with the most successful defenses, whereas someone like Kendrick couldn’t even get halfway to that for all his title reigns. So as far as I can see, I’m still the guy to beat when it comes to ANARCHY rules, no matter who the champion is.

Both hands slid into the pockets of his dark jeans.

Warren Corbett: Tag team rules AND Anarchy rules? The two things that I’m topnotch in. This is my domain, OUR domain..

Seth Lawless stepped up now. He had a pissed off look on his face.

Seth Lawless: I’m not happy.

He scowled a bit as he took a deep breath.

Seth Lawless: I’m sick of going to the hospital, I’m sick of being broke down over and over again because I’m the “easy” target. I get it though because I’m the one in the background for the most part, I don’t speak much and this and that. It’s fine I guess I’ll take it. But damit I’m still a champion. I still have gold around my waist.

He taps the title and looks deep into the camera.

Seth Lawless: I’m not letting this go easily. I promise you that. This is a perfect match for me to get back to where I want to be. To be that ruthless son of a bitch. To be Michigan’s Bastard son. I’ll do whatever it takes. I promise you.

He scowls once more as he goes back to the tree and leans on it.

Warren Corbett: And if Paz, the Girls of Summer, ANYONE, feels they have something to say to us then we’ll be ready for you this time. I dare you!

Cut.

RINGSIDE
“Bad Company” by Five Finger Death Punch blared over the PA system and out walked Nathan Callaghan with a mic in hand.

Nathan Callaghan: First things first, I know some are wondering who else I have in this match for the Noir Championship. The thing is? I’m not giving away my third competitor. Shit, Lily hasn’t even announced one! At least I gave Karen and Kendrick their shots.

He rolled his eyes.

Nathan Callaghan: But whatever. Let’s get to the other reason I’m out here. Originally, this next match was just a tag match and Warren asked for it to have Anarchy Rules. I agreed. But you know what? After last week? I feel like #TheSociety deserves a special treat. The Tag Team Championships are no longer on the line. No, instead? The Anarchy Championship is on the line and whoever gets the pinfall in the match? Is champion. So if Dylan pins Seth or Warren? He’s the new champion.

Nathan laughed and shook his head.

Nathan Callaghan: God, I love me some anarchy. Good luck to all of you.

He dropped the mic and walked off, leaving the crowd a bit surprised at the announcements.

BACKSTAGE
Tonight Brianna Leigh Clark is just blinged out, isn’t she? Nice new gear in a really lovely green, hair up in space buns with green ribbons, the Gotham Championship held proudly over her right shoulder. She’s even got glitter in her lipstick, fancy even though this is a serious predicament she finds herself in. She pops her lips though and smiles at the sound before she glances to the nearby camera and speaks.

Brianna Clark: There’s a really good quote that sort of fits where I find myself tonight. In short? If I have to have a past, then I prefer it to be multiple choice.

She winks, and considering her role on The Batgirl, it’s a cute little tie isn’t it? A deep breath though and she gets a lot more serious.

Brianna Clark: You know, it’s been a rollercoaster for me lately. I’m sure I don’t need to give you all a step by step on that either. But I’m here, I’m your Gotham Champion despite the people that told me I never would be. I feel that I should be facing Markus tonight, being honest with all of you. After all, he’s actually beaten me one on one. This Erik Malone? He might be an understudy tonight, but you know, unlike most people? I’ve actually looked into him, knew the name before he even pulled his little chaos prank in that tag match too.

Brianna gives a firm nod before her gaze goes to the side, and then up as if she’s looking at someone coming down the hall she’s currently occupying a part of to do this, to address Erik and the fans.

Brianna Clark: So it’s fine. You and I both know that nothing is ever as easy as it might seem. I’m not the person that’s going to dig a hole for you and tell you to jump in it. I’ve never been that person, and I hope I never will be. Tonight, I expect you to do whatever you can to make sure I go to the back empty handed. Only the problem is, that in order to face Markus again, with the title shot he won? I need to keep my Gotham Championship.

Her hand slaps the shiny plate of the title belt over her shoulder and she exhales slow, inhales again before she says her parting shot, tone firm.

Brianna Clark: Trust me, Erik. Need trumps want. You’ll see.

BACKSTAGE
Opening on a shot of Melissa Reeves, we find her on her own. She’s sat up in the rafters, apparently holding the camera herself.

Melissa Reeves: “A lot is made of reputation in wrestling. Fame, infamy, both are tools to get your name recognition. For many,myself included, it’s a slow grind to establish yourself. Others rely on friends, family or mentors to help elevate them. That’s the case for my opponent tonight.”

Reeves shrugs.

Melissa Reeves: “Don’t get me wrong, that’s not a knock. We all do what we can to get ourselves seen. Jackal is new to wrestling, despite her age. A rookie, yet not unskilled. Unlike most rookies, she’s mature for one. Mature and pragmatic, perhaps not a surprise given her history. But, see, the wrestling ring isn’t the military. Just like my own sister, she’s having to adapt to an environment that is different to what she’s been used to.”

For a moment she turns the camera down toward the ring. It’s assembled, but empty - perhaps showing she filmed this prior to the show starting.

Melissa Reeves: “Me, though? I’ve been doing this for a long, long time now. My point here is simple. Jackal has talent, she has skills, but she isn’t a bonafide career wrestler like I am. If this were a battle in a warzone, the advantage would be hers. But it isn’t, it’s a wrestling bout and when it comes to those? Well, there’s a reason why I’ve won so many times over the years.”

Standing, Reeves looks down at the ring below again, camera still focusing on her.

Melissa Reeves: “That down there, that is my warzone. This is my world, straight and simple. Last time out I defeated Xavier, the guy who seems so fascinated with my opponent tonight. He so very quickly came out to say she’ll beat me and that’s pretty typical of him. But I’m not here to discuss him trying to get into the pants of yet another woman. Instead my point is this, it seems to me that a lot of people here want to overlook me here. Even in favour of a rookie.”

There’s a drawn out sigh, although she looks a bit more annoyed than upset.

Melissa Reeves: “So tonight, once again, I’m going to demonstrate why looking past me is a mistake. Jackal, you seem like a great chick and I look forward to a good contest. But, as a warrior, I’m sure you’ll understand why I simply need to beat you. Good luck.”

End.

BACKSTAGE
We cut backstage to Nathan Callaghan whistling as he walked up to the door of his office. He unlocked the door and opened it before switching on the light. He was startled for a moment as he jumped back.

Nathan Callaghan: Jesus Christ! Is this why you didn’t go out to the ring for your match with Brianna? What the fuck?

The camera panned over to Nathan’s desk and standing on top of it with Nathan’s bat in hand is Erik Malone.

Erik Malone: Sorry bruv, I already told you what I want.

Nathan rolled his eyes.

Nathan Callaghan: Jesus Christ, I told you to earn it!

The owner of Liberty Pro stepped forward.

Nathan Callaghan: But fine! I’m tired of your creepy ass stalking me and then showing up in places you shouldn’t have access to. How the fuck did you get in here?

Erik looked Nathan in the eye before making a motion in the air with the bat.

Erik Malone: Over the rainbow, bruv.

Nathan sighed, placed his hand on his forehead and shook his head.

Nathan Callaghan: Goddamit… Fine. Whatever. You have your match with Melissa Reeves. Just leave me the fuck alo-...

Nathan looked up and Malone was gone, leaving just the bat on top of Nathan’s desk.

Nathan Callaghan: What kind of Batman shit is this? I’m getting too old for this shit.

The scene cuts away.

BACKSTAGE
The camera panned to Nathan Callaghan’s office with the door half open. The camera man figured, what the heck, it’s kind of open, so let’s check out what’s going on. Behind the door is Nathan on the phone but he soon hung up and looked up at the woman in front of him. It was Balfour.

Nathan Callaghan: I just got off the phone with Paz. She’s taking care of Liam, you know, the one you beat the shit out of.

Nate rolled his eyes.

Nathan Callaghan: Anyway, get out of here and quit your bitchin’. Your match with Kendrick will go smoothly.

Becky Balfour: It better or else there will be hell to pay.

Becky slammed her fist on the table in front of her.

Becky Balfour: Don’t cross us, Nate. You will regret it.

Nathan shrugged innocently.

Nathan Callaghan: I haven’t done anything to cross you so far. So as long as you three keep doing your jobs, then we are great.

Nathan nodded before he waved Becky off. The scene then cut away.

BACKSTAGE

The parking area of the Callaghan Warehouse is where we found 'YOUR Favorite Drug' Xavier Laroux. He sat on the trunk of some random's ride, a lit cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth. Laroux wore that throwback 'YOUR Favorite Drug' black t-shirt with the words cross the chest and arrow pointed down at his crotch.

It looked as if Xavier wasn't alone, however. Joining him would be the hottest, best manager ever, Kassi Taylor. In her usual distracting manner, she stood off to the side in some short ass shorts, doing all manner of deep knee bends and squats and things of the sort.

Taking a moment to enjoy the show, Laroux took a long drag off of that cigarette before laying back against the back glass of whoever's car that was. Blowing the smoke upwards, that oh so arrogant smirk plastered to his face.

Xavier Laroux: Bum. Alcoholic. Washed up. Burn out. Trashy. Deviant. People call me lots of different things. Who am I to say which are true and which aren't?

Kassi Taylor: Most of them are.

Laroux shot her a side eyed look before going back to what he was saying.

Xavier Laroux: As I was saying. It doesn't matter who thinks what of me. That's honestly no sweat off my balls cause let's be honest here, what y'all think of me has never mattered in the fuckin slightest.

Sitting back up, Laroux slid off of that car, landing on his feet with a thud.

Xavier Laroux: Whatever y'all think I am, there's one thing that stands above all the rest: A success.

The arrogance in the face of Xavier only grew as he went on.

Xavier Laroux: Think whatever you wanna think bout me but facts is I've had more success than most of y'all could ever dream of. But there's one championship that's done a pretty damn good job of evadin me. The Liberty Championship. But tonight..that changes.

Kassi finished up with her stretching before walking up to stand at the side of Xavier, nodding in full agreement.

Xavier Laroux: I'll be the first to admit, I'm bout easily distracted.

Not even doing it on purpose, Xavier found himself getting a bit caught up in the rather revealing cleavage of Kassi. Shaking his head, he regained his composure before continuing on.

Xavier Laroux: But when I'm focused..I get what I want. Tonight is no different. Derrick has been a hell of a champion but it's time for me to add the Liberty Championship to my list of accomplishments. Don't get me wrong tho, I'm super lookin forward to this. It's just not your night. I'll see you out there tho, gotta warmup and all that kinda thing.

With the last word leaving Xavier's lips, Kassi moved from his side over to directly in front of Xavier. The scene faded away before the scene could get more graphic.

BACKSTAGE
We cut backstage to Dex Morant in his locker room, staring in the mirror that was above the sink. His hair was wet, as he had just finished taking a shower. He shook his head as he stared at his own reflection.

Dex Morant: Pathetic. Fucking pathetic. I lost to the new guy. Another new low for Morant.

He scoffed as he punched the mirror, causing it to shatter and his hand to bleed.

Dex Morant: I’m done. I’m done failing against people that I’m better than. I’m done looking like a second rate wrestler. I’m simply DONE! And the next person who gets in my way? They’re going to get the shit beat out of them, bet on that.