Liberation: Episode Twenty-Eight, April 21st, 2018

BACKSTAGE
Riley Savell walks into the arena, she’s already dressed in her ring gear, no bag in hand, just the Gotham Championship strapped around her waist, as she’s left everything in the car, her earbuds are noticeably missing, her usual pre match ritual and the only thing she carries is her phone, which she’s staring determinedly down at. Every few seconds she types into the phone, all of her attention focused on the conversation she’s having, she’s clearly distracted and paying no attention as she walks straight past Nathan Callaghan’s office, where he is standing in the doorway.

Any other night, Riley would stop to greet Nathan, the two having a regularly noted friendship outside of her employment in the company. But tonight Riley looks to walk straight past him, her eyes still focused on the light glow of her screen, her expression twisted into one of concentration and discontent. Nathan catches up to Riley and cuts her off.

Nathan Callaghan: What? Do I not even get a hello?

Riley looks up from her screen and immediately looks apologetic, offering up a smile.

Riley Savell: Sorry Nath, I guess I’m a little distracted. Hey, how are you, how’re the girls?

She quickly picks her tone up to something more friendly, the smile widening on her face.

Nathan Callaghan: They’re doing just fine but don’t worry about them. I need you to go out to that ring and take care of business like the champion I know you are.

Nathan gives Riley a reassuring nod.

Nathan Callaghan: I know that you have some personal issues you need to deal with and that’s why I moved your match up to the second match of tonight. I had a feeling you’d showed up on time dressed up in your gear, so I’m glad my feeling was right.

She lets out a sigh of relief, nodding her head quickly.

Riley Savell: Thanks Nathan, I… I really appreciate it and I won’t let you down, I promise, as soon as I step out there, my head is in the ring and nowhere else. I’m not going to let some cocky little jumpstart take my championship, despite everything else going on, you’ve always shown faith in me and I owe you my best.

She nods her head again, exhaling slowly.

Riley Savell: I know you didn’t have to do this, I’m thankful you did… I’m sorry, for the outburst on twitter, I know it wasn’t appropriate and it won’t happen again. My personal life won’t affect my career here, I promise you that.

Her tone is a little shakier than usual but she has the same cold determination in her eyes she has every week.

Riley Savell: And the Gotham Championship will stay right where it belongs.

She taps the faceplate of the Championship around her waist.

Nathan Callaghan: Good.

Nathan steps up to Riley and wraps his arms around her, pulling her in for a hug.

Nathan Callaghan: I’m proud of you, kiddo. You’re like the daughter I’ve always wanted. I hope you realize that.

He lets go of her and nods.

Nathan Callaghan: Now go do what you do best.

His words bring a genuine smile to her face and she nods her head more convincingly.

Riley Savell: I won’t let you down, I promise.

She steps up and returns the hug, her tone much lower and her words meant just for him.

Riley Savell: You know I’ve never had a father I could count on, I’m glad I have you now.

She steps back and quickly shakes her head, as if shaking the emotion out so she can turn her focus back to the match.

Riley Savell: So do me a favor and find me a real challenge for the super? I’m getting a little bored beating up nobodies every week.

The smirk that usually takes her face when her persona of the villain is in place crosses her lips now. Nathan grins and nods.

Nathan Callaghan: I’ll make a few calls, see if I can find a name worthy of the fight you bring. But first you gotta defend that belt. Good luck out there.

Nathan turns and walks into his office, leaving Riley to herself. Riley watches him walk away, she looks back down at her phone and shakes her head, locking it with a click she turns and heads towards the locker rooms to try and prepare for her match.

BACKSTAGE
Kross is standing backstage as the camera pans in. He’s sitting in the locker room that was assigned to him his head down. A half crushed bottle of water is situated in his right hand and pours part of it over his head before looking up.

Kendrick: I got myself a little match tonight. Well, I say little. A match for that Gotham Championship. Not bad for a guy who is just three matches in huh?

He chuckles a bit before drinking the rest of the water and running his hand through his hair.

Kendrick: I’m not going to sit back and just look at Riley and act like I’ve got this win. Riley is going to be tough to beat, any Champion is though really.So I can’t just go out there and look at that title and already feel it in my hand. I do that, I lose.

Kendrick: It’s quite simple. There’s no way I am going to win this match if I don’t focus 100% on her and it’s what I am doing tonight. My only worry is Riley. Not the fact it’s for the title. No, I just have to focus on Riley.”

Kendrick raises his head up and looks at the camera before pulling his necklace out..

Kendrick: That title, it’s coming home with me tonight. No ifs, ands or buts about it. That title will be mine and become another to add to my collection. I truthfully want this more than anything. So I am willing to put life and limb out on the line in this match. Hope Riley realizes that. I will go out and fight to the end when my hand is raised and I am officially announced as the new, Gotham Champion.

Kendrick: After tonight there will be no doubt that I belong here in Liberty. After tonight, I will stake my claim as one of the best in Liberty. That’s one thing I will guarantee.

With that Kendrick grabs the cross on his necklace, closes his eyes and takes a deep breath before heading out of the locker room.

BACKSTAGE
We cut to the backstage area where the Anarchy Champion, Cole Gregory is sitting on a metal folding chair and has his eyes focused on the championship belt in his hands in front of him.

Cole Gregory: You know tonight could be the end to my reign as Anarchy Champion. I’m taking on big, big odds with Becky Balfour, Warren Corbett and Gray Malone all as my opponents in this match. Sure it’s listed as a fatal four way but let’s be honest, it’s really a three on one out there. Every single one of them have said that this will end with the Society member as champion.

He laughs and shakes his head, eyes still on the title.

Cole Gregory: A real trial by fire moment for me. In the Society’s eyes? This match is as good as theirs, they are already planning the parade of victory tweets and retweets. But I posed the question that NONE of them had the answer to. That NONE of them replied to… What if somehow, someway… I leave this match STILL Anarchy Champion? What if despite the overwhelming odds against me, I persevere? It’s unthinkable and unlikely… But not impossible.

His mood seems to lighten as a smile comes to his face.

Cole Gregory: I am here for reason, I am Anarchy Champion for a reason and I’m going to leave the arena tonight still champion for a reason. What that reason is? I have no damn clue but it’s there and it scares the Society that despite everything in their favor… I can still do this.

He pats the faceplate of the Anarchy Championship before standing up and walking off.

BACKSTAGE
A live scene opens a few blocks down from the Hammerstein Ballroom. Cars frantically pass by much like they always do in New York City as a cab pulls up. The rear passenger door opens up and out steps Scotty Latimer. Inside the ballroom tbe places absolutely explodes for their hometown son. Scotty taking in the familiar sights and sounds from a few blocks away starts walking heading East on W. 34th Street towards towards the hallowed venue.

Scotty: It feels good…..it makes me question why I didn't do this sooner quite honestly. Why…..what took me so long for the kid from Brooklyn to come to Liberty Pro Wrestling. I...I really don't have an answer for that. Could it have been because of my schedule...or something happen in my personal life? Who knows…..but the most important thing is that I am here now….and what a time to be in Liberty Pro.

Scotty is now within four blocks of the venue as he continues walking.

Scotty: It's a whole new beginning….Liberty becoming a part of the GWA brand….and it comes in with in my opinion one of the absolute best talent rosters in this business. You have people like Seth Lawless….Melissa Reeves…..Cass Baumer….Gray Malone….Becky Balfour….and your Tyson Gregory’s of the world. No matter how confident I am in my own abilities….it's going to be a struggle to be mentioned amongst those names in Liberty Pro….and that's not even all of the truly talented people here.

Scotty walks another two blocks quickly stopping to take a quick selfie with a hot dog vendor who was getting that last rush of business before closing his stand for the night.

Scotty: But you see...I'm not afraid of hard work….or failing. I'm not afraid to have to work hard to get even better so I can hang with such a talented roster. I'm just like your typical kid from Brooklyn. I'm the typical New Yorker born and raised. I have never forgotten who I am. And this journey begins tonight. No matter who I face each week Liberty Pro and the crowd are going to get the absolute best of Scotty Latimer. And it all begins tonight in my debut against Felix Vialpando. And I can't wait to come out to that ring…..and win lose or draw give my fellow New Yorkers…..and Liberty Pro my heart and soul...and make my mark.

Scotty arrives to the front of the Hammerstein Ballroom as inside the pop is incredible. He reaches for the front door handle and takes a deep breath and smiled. He thought about his past...his family….and everyone that was so instrumental in making him the man he is today. A #FutureElite chant rings throughout the venue as he looks into the camera.

Scotty: I'm home…..

The crowd pops as Scotty opens the door and walks into the Hammerstein Ballroom.

BACKSTAGE
The feed cuts to backstage with Brendan Callaghan looking all prepared in his ring gear. He gives the camera a confident smile, something that hasn’t been seen on Liberation episodes for a long time. Even the way he walks seems like he’s a brand new person now.

Brendan Callaghan: Tonight, I face Rylee McKenzi! Am I ready? Hell yeah! I’ve been KILLIN’ it at the gym these days and by the time I get home, I’d just pass right out in bed so no more sleep troubles for me! I’m feeling fresh, awesome and AHHHHHHH!!!!!!

Brendan suddenly screams in fright as he throws himself to the side, curling up in a tight ball as if protecting himself from an attack. But as the camera swings around, there’s no such threat to be found and everything seems quiet and normal. The camera turns back to Brendan shivering on the ground as he cautiously lifts his head up and looks around. With wide eyes, he puts a shaky finger to his lips. His confidence from earlier is clearly now gone.

Brendan Callaghan: I-I-Is he here? Fuck! That door moved, right?? Tell me that door moved!! Fuck!! I’m going to the ring from another way! This place isn’t SAFE!!!

And just like that, Brendan zips right out of there.

BACKSTAGE
Rylee McKenzi is walking backstage before her match, upon noticing the camera she turns with a smirk.

Rylee McKenzi: Tonight I face the forgotten Callaghan, the loser brother of an Otherwise, fairly well respected wrestling family… Now, not only is Brendan the son and brother nobody wanted, but he also seems to have gotten himself into a bit of trouble with the ever brooding Voidstar. Personally, I wouldn’t mind having his hands all over me…

She winks to the camera.

Rylee McKenzi: But I digress. Tonight Brendan, you’re gonna get your ass kicked and no beddie bye bye time will save you, you’re a pathetic waste of roster space and I’m here to clean up. Consider yourself on notice… and as for the rest of you? It’s like I keep saying…

She steps up close to the camera and smirks.

Rylee McKenzi: Pay attention.

BACKSTAGE
The scene cuts backstage to Liberty Owner Nathan Callaghan flanked by a couple of yes men who are holding out documents for him to sign. They continue moving down the hallway while Nathan makes each man turn so he can use their back as a writing surface, insuring he roughly punctuates each signature before smirking and capping his pen as the men scurry off to do his bidding. As Nathan turns the corner a young woman falls in step next to him. Dressed in baggy pants, a halter top and a Brooklyn Nets snapback, she acts as if they know each other.

Woman: I’m going to need to know your schedule for the night so we can properly keep an eye on you. I get that you’re high profile…

She air quotes high profile, her tone a bit condescending as if she were talking to a child.

Woman: ...and that you have a job to do but I have a job to do as well and that job is keeping you safe. So just to make sure the rules are clear…you may be in charge of this show but I make the rules when it comes to what you can and and can’t do. So if I say jump, you don’t ask how high… you just fucking jump. So long as you get that it should be smooth sailing from here.

Nathan tilts his head with an amused look on his face.

Nathan Callaghan: Who in the hell are you and who do you think you are? You need to understand, I run shit around here and I sign the checks, so watch your fucking tone.

Woman: My fucking tone?

She laughs and shakes her head before stepping in his path and bringing him to an abrupt halt.

Woman: My name is Tristin Keyes and I was hired by YOUR company to keep your ass safe because as I understand it there was a little Red Wedding action here last weekend. Seems your head of security is concerned there may be a repeat performance and that your current team isn’t up to the task so he brought in professionals.

She shrugs before pushing her gum to the front of her mouth and blowing a bubble in Nathan’s face before letting it pop a fraction of an inch away from his nose.

Tristin Keyes: Attacks on your brides, vigilantes dressed as cats, some sort of cult running around? Sounds to me like he called us just in the nick of time… Nate.

He scoffs and shakes his head.

Nathan Callaghan: Listen here, Kristen, I don’t need your fucking help. I know wrestling, you don’t. So take that pretty face of yours and fuck off.

Her brow knits, her face screwing up as if she just smelled something nasty.

Tristin Keyes: Actually Nate, you’ll address me as Ms. Keyes… as for me and my crew fucking off?

She shrugs and slides her hands into her pockets while taking a couple of steps back.

Tristin Keyes: That’s fine by me. We get paid either way. Contracts signed and all. Should you change your mind later on and decide you need us, we’ll be enjoying that sweet catering spread you put out.

Tristin winks and turns on her heels to head off down that hallway as Nathan rolls his eyes.

Nathan Callaghan: Whoever hired this bitch is fired.

He walks away and the scene cuts out.

BACKSTAGE
The scene cuts backstage to #TheSociety locker room. Exiting it are Becky, Warren and Gray, all ready to head out to the ring for their Anarchy Championship match against Cole Gregory. They walk away and head towards the ring. Moments pass before a forklift appears, being driven by Tyson Gregory, who has a hard hat on his head and a grin on his face. The forklift blocks off the door to the #TheSociety, trapping Seth Lawless and Trent Grundy inside.

BACKSTAGE
Rylee McKenzi is sneaking through the backstage area, as she approaches the boiler room door she looks up and down the hall as though she’s checking to make sure she isn’t being followed, when she notices the camera she startles for a moment before pressing a finger to her lips and making a shh type sound. She then turns back to the boiler room door, as her hand grabs and rattles the handle, she discovers it’s locked, she seems to be breathing a sigh of relief before turning her back to the door with a grin.

Rylee McKenzi: Where oh where oh where is voidstar… where oh where oh where is voidstar… where could voidstar be?

She repeats the catchy little rhyme in a sung sing voice and laughs, shaking her head.

Rylee McKenzi: Seeee voidstar, I knew you liked me! You just couldn’t stay away tonight now could you? You had to come out and get a closer look for yourself… For weeks you’ve been playing hard to get, promising others an end to their misery and all the while refusing me mine, but out there tonight… I saw it, I saw that look in your eyes. And I’m ready void, I’m ready to give in to the abyss. So cut the shit.

She leans in close to the camera with an eerily sweet smile.

Rylee McKenzi: you may have helped me win tonight, but I know what you want. What you crave… I know how desperately you want to feel someone’s will slip, for them to give in to the darkness… Just. Like. You.

She kicks her foot back against the door and lets out a yell.

Rylee McKenzi: SO WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU!?

She takes in a deep breath, shaking her head and puts on a smile.

Rylee McKenzi: Go ahead and have your fun with the loser Callaghan, but when you’re done, just know… I’ll be waiting.

BACKSTAGE
Connor was in front of the camera, holding the bloodied bat of Nathan Callaghan, idly gripping it before releasing it, getting a feel for the weapon he’d just used for maximum effect. When he glanced up to the Camera, he was smiling for once, a wicked grin that seemed to be… off, for him.

Connor: I warned the entire lot of you what’d happen if you tried to invade [R]evo. For most of them, it was enough to simply to bludgeon you, or to let it go. The lot of you came to my home in [R]evolution, and because of that, I followed you to yours. Well, more like I got invited personally by the owner of the house.

Pause. Beat. Connor swung the barbed wire wrapped bat and put it against his shoulder.

Connor: So what that I only got called up to play pest control. Guess Callaghan saw that I was good at it, and that I have a talent for dealing with vermin, and don’t get it twisted, that’s exactly what the society is: vermin. Vermin that needs to be stomped out and removed, cut off at the root and burned. Becky, Seth, Warren, the other guys that no one else remembers, you fucked up when you decided to pick a fight with me, because I see things through, and I don’t let them go.

Connor: You attacked me at [R]evolution? I handled it, I let it go. Becky? I let it go after I handled you. You attacked me after, cheap shotted me, tried to beat my head in with a chair after you were let in? I follow you to your fucking home to finish it. Seth? You only came at me after I put your bitch through a desk, that was your response. I put your wife, well now ex wife through a fucking desk and all you did was attack me at the end of my match with Tillman?

He snorted in derision, shaking his head.

Connor: Won’t touch the other two because I literally only know them as bigger, dumber, Seth and the guy who chose the Society over his own blood.

Shrugging, he lifted the bat off his shoulder and pointed it at the camera.

Connor: If the lot of you don’t like what I fucking said, then you know where to find me.

Just like that, Connor was walking off camera, leaving the scene.

BACKSTAGE
We cut backstage where a large buffet is set up for the roster and staff of Liberty Pro Wrestling. Just then, in his full wrestling gear, Tyson Gregory walks in with a smile on his face as he looks down the buffet spread.

Tyson Gregory: Hey there, I’m Tyson Gregory. You might remember me from such works as The Dropping of Becky Balfour, Ally’s Having My Babies and The Passion Of The Christ. But tonight I’m here to talk about my opportunity to take on Anastasia Hayden for the Liberty Championship… And probably a bunch of other stuff, I have had a ridiculous amount of sugar today so this might be all over the place. Ooh Cheetos!

Tyson reaches down and takes a small handful of Cheetos and munches away. He starts to talk again with them still in his mouth.

Tyson Gregory: Where was I? Oh yeah, the Liberty Championship. Now, I wasn’t planning on going for it so soon since I’m dealing with that Trash Panda named Becky. But I’m not going to question Nathan and his two girl banging ways. I will be honest, I’m more intrigued to see how I match up against Ana, title or no title. It’s more of a respect thing than anything else. She has certain untangnables that I noticed in FSociety and I just want to see how my skills match up with those. So you could say this match really comes down to one thing… Jello!

Tyson reaches down and picks up a parfait glass full of multi-colored jello and whipped cream. He starts to eat the treat and smiles at the camera making content moaning sounds before finishing it off and setting it back on the table.

Tyson Gregory: There’s always room for jello… and respect. Because that’s what this match is to me. I will be Liberty Champion, that’s in my bucket list when I signed here. But tonight is more about showing the world that without a doubt, Anastasia Hayden and Tyson Gregory are top motherfucking names in this industry. Now if you excuse me, my nachos are ready.

Tyson picks up the entire platter of nachos and walks off camera.

BACKSTAGE
There’s sweet sweet laughter as the cameras find Liberty Pro Wrestling’s infamous twins, Coral and Nami Callaghan as they turn to face the camera that’s found them. It bobs and weaves just a little as if the cameraman is nervous, but the twins smile sweetly and put him or her at ease as the shot steadies. Coral has a wet-wipe in her hand and she gently fixes her sister’s makeup with it, and Nami then does the same to her before they pay more attention to the cameras.

Coral Callaghan: You see, some people obviously failed history class and I mean if we asked her I’m sure that she’d spin a lie about dropping out of school when she ran away from home, but just like everything else that comes out of Becky’s mouth it would be a slippery little lie. In fact we’re almost certain that she never did live on the streets or was homeless or even a runaway. She’s like a fake rapper that invents a jail term just to get street cred.

Nami Callaghan: In fact I’d bet if we did some real digging we’d find out she was a straight A student who never said shit if she had a mouth full of it. Then got drunk on Spring Break in Cabo and woooo boy suddenly she’s an emo rebel and got some shitty tattoos and piercings to prove she’s not like everyone else, except of course for everyone else exactly like her.

Nami pauses, licking her lips.

Nami Callaghan: Seth Lawless, Trent Grundy, Grey Malone, Warren Corbett, and Becky Balfour-Lawl… Balfour. You were told, you were told and told and told. You wanted to threaten Coral on Twitter, Becky because you’re not smart enough to outwit her on Social Media. But you went too far, and tried to justify everything you did in a smug smarmy looking down your fucking pelican beak of a nose at us.

Coral Callaghan: Judge, jury, executioner, crying about how Nathan sinned, how we were sacrificial lambs, and acting like you had a damn right to do any of it because you’re so weak that Nathan’s words had you crying in the mop closet while you huffed glue, ate a gallon of Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey and flicked your bean crying about how the universe hates your guts and everyone is against you.

Nami is trying so hard not to snicker, but of course she does.

Coral Callaghan: You made Nathan bleed and you laughed and wrote words in his blood. I love my husband, and so does Nami. We’re not like you, you never loved Seth.

They shook their heads in tandem.

Coral Callaghan: We told you that you’d pay and pay and pay, Becky. Warren? We respected you and you proved to be a snake just like the rest of The Society. So tonight? This was your wake up, bitches.

Nami Callaghan: Welcome to the start of your payback. Cole is still Anarchy Champion, and you deserved everything that Nathan, Tyson, Connor and we gave you tonight. But understand this. This was just a taste.

They giggle, and wave at the camera.

Coral Callaghan: You like to talk about how people have deprived you of things in your life Becky. Well don’t worry. This is a revenge buffet bitch, and you’re going to get to eat your fucking FILL. You don’t fuck with the Callaghan's, Becky.

Nami Callaghan: You just don’t.

BACKSTAGE
Becky, Warren, and Gray all enter the locker room of #TheSociety after their chaotic Anarchy championship match. Warren and Gray each have one of Becky’s arms draped around their necks, holding her up. As they enter the locker room, Seth and Trent immediately put hands up.

Trent Grundy: Hey, we tried coming out there. Our door was barricaded.

Becky pulls away from Warren and Gray and walks to the corner of the room, collapsing to her knees and then turning to sit down, resting her back against the wall as she clutches her ribs, still in pain from the match.

Becky Balfour: It’s fine. They knew what they were doing.

Balfour pauses, sucking in air as best as she can while grimacing.

Becky Balfour: We should have been more prepared. All of us. They caught us slipping, but only this once. It won’t happen again. You know what we have to do, now, right?

Becky massages her stomach tenderly as she struggles to catch her breath. Seth comes over to her and rests a hand on her shoulder, showing concern for her, despite the goings on away from the ring. Gray walks away from Warren and stands in a corner of the room, holding the back of his head. He starts mumbling to himself as he shakes his head very quickly. Warren looks his way.

Warren Corbett: Gray? You okay bro?

He stops shaking. But doesn't take his eyes off the wall.

Gray Malone: Girls of Summer. Tyson Gregory. Nathan Callahan. Girls of Summer. Tyson Gregory.

They all look in his direction. He turns and looks at them.

Gray Malone: That hurt, didn't it Becky? Warren? Is it me, or did it make you both feel alive?

He walks past Seth, who is checking Becky’s head.

Gray Malone: Time to return the favor.

Followers wander into the locker room but Gray snaps at them and in one swift motion, hurries towards the door, causing the men and women to scatter like roaches back out of the locker room. Gray then slams the door shut as Warren lays a hand on his shoulder.

Warren Corbett: We’re going to do more than return the favor…

He lifts his hand off, turning to the rest of the members, as well.

Warren Corbett: Our whole lives have been about fighting, mostly fighting back. Has it not? Our whole lives there have been some person, or some group, trying to take us down. Even here in Liberty, it’s always been that way. But what they have failed to realize is that we always fight back HARDER. We always bring the fight back that much more, and that’s what’s gotten us to where we are today. Not letting anyone get away with something like this.

He shook his head up and down, rubbing his knee a bit from the pain.

Warren Corbett: Nathan thought he was being clever, setting us up like that. We weren’t the ones making that match, we didn’t call for that fatal four way. But Becky’s right, we should have seen it coming. They caught up slipping.

Next, he puts a hand on both the shoulders of Trent and Seth.

Warren Corbett: But the night isn’t over yet, we still have our chance to hit BACK. Seth and Trent still have their match against the Girls of Summer, and even the main event of the night is looking like target practice for us if we make it so. Everyone who was out there tonight, everyone who had a hand in that attack, is going to know exactly what it means to have a family behind you when things get tough!

Taking his hands off of the bald brothers, Warren moved closer to Becky now, who was obviously still sitting down. She’d taken the worst of the attack.

Warren Corbett: This? This isn’t going to happen to any one of us...EVER again.

Becky nods her head as Warren kneels down next to her. Seth steps away, his face red in anger. He shook his head and looked hard into the camera.

Seth Lawless: Girls of Summer I will get to them soon but right now my problem is with Tyson.

He shakes his head and walks over to the wall and hits it hard with his fist.

Seth Lawless: Tyson, and I USED to be friends when I started in FSociety he took me under his wing so to speak. He and I would travel together and we would hang out in the back which was cool as hell. Although, at one point we stopped doing that and maybe it was both of our faults but either way it wasn’t there anymore. I actually thought that I would never see him again until he attacked Becky awhile back and then did what he did tonight.

He shakes his head again.

Seth Lawless: I want revenge and I want to take him out and maybe I made a mistake by saying this was Becky’s fight but now it is all of ours...and as much as it pains me to do this I have to play the game Tyson is playing now.

He nods his head now and smiles.

Seth Lawless: As for the Girls of Summer, Trent and I will take your titles away from you. We deserve to be the tag team champions of Liberty and you won’t stop us. That is unless Nathan sticks his nose into a place it doesn’t belong.

Trent laughs quietly and shakes his head.

Trent Grundy: Unless he wants his head kicked off like that minister, he’ll keep his old ass out of our business for the rest of the night.

Becky finally stands up from her corner and aggressively walks toward the cameraman, growling as she swipes at the camera, knocking it to the ground as the scene cuts to static.

BACKSTAGE
Honey appears backstage with a full week or so time to heal after the troublesome attack she suffered on the last Liberation. She smiles as she meets different people and a big one for Tim Anderson who scarfs his hotdog up in case Honey's friend Wes maybe closeby and steal it from him.

Honey: Neriah Holst,

Honey says in the midst of the taller crowd as she gazes on his name on the board opposite hers. She opens up her strawberry kitkat and begins to munch on a big bite. She mumbles and hums a thought about her opponent before she chases her bite with some cucumber water.

Honey: That's my opponent. He wasn't very nice in, like, his first impression on Liberty but I hope tonight he turns over a new leaf and plays fair in the square with me. Because we're both chasing the US Title, I think. I did quite good against Lizzy before but I can get better and, like, make sure she doesn't have any more attacks and stuff.

She smiles as she takes another bite, talking to Tim about it who still has a mouthful of hotdog he's trying to chew. Honey mumbles and hums another thought with her own mouthful as she has a happy smile on her face

BACKSTAGE
The scene cut backstage to Nathan Callaghan with his barbed wire bat. He swung it around and the camera could see that there was still blood on it from the attack on #TheSociety earlier. Nathan was soon stopped by someone backstage.

Backstage Worker: Nathan! We have a problem! The Followers!!! THEY ARE EVERYWHERE!

Nathan scoffed and rolled his eyes.

Nathan Callaghan: Fucking whatever. I’d like to see those group of bums that follow #TheSociety around try to do something. Get the fuck out of here, I need to go out to the ring to make sure the Girls of Summer’s match goes smoothly.

Nathan shoved the man aside and walks away when suddenly, he’s swarmed by countless amount of people.

Nathan Callaghan: What the fuck is this!? Get off me you fucks!

Nathan swings his bat, connecting with a few people but it’s too much and the swarm of Followers take the owner away and attack him down to the ground as Nathan yells for help. The scene then cuts away.

BACKSTAGE
Cass Baumer: Josh! Josh!!

Cass shouted the name as she scurried down the hall sometime after her announcement, excitedly searching for her boyfriend backstage with a wide grin on her face after winning her hard-fought matchup against Isabella Strickland. When she turned the corner, she ran into his towering frame and bounced backwards with a genuine laugh before hugging him tight.

Cass Baumer: Did you see that out there?! Did you hear the match I chose?

Josh chuckled softly as Cass flung herself at him, grinning widely.

Josh Kennedy: Y’know what? As a matter of fact I did. You did amazing out there. Proud of you.

She hugged him a little tighter before releasing the hug, taking a step backwards.

Cass Baumer: Aaaand what did you think about the match I picked, though?

Josh’s trademark crooked grin faded, furrowing his brow slightly.

Josh Kennedy: Well, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned…

Cass’ eyebrows raised.

Cass Baumer: Concerned? Mr. Deathmatch? After all the insane matches you’ve had... I thought you would have been impressed.

Josh Kennedy: Kinda feels different when I’m the one out there doing all the stupid shit.

Cass Baumer: So you think my match type decision was stupid?

Her voice didn’t sound angry as much as it sounded deflated.

Cass Baumer: It’s my first time competing for a top championship in a main event caliber match. What did you expect me to choose? Did you want me to just choose a one-on-one singles match and be done with it or something?

Josh Kennedy: You had to know I was gonna worry no matter what you chose, right? Shoe’s on the other foot for once, I guess.

Cass sighed.

Cass Baumer: I know. Trust me. I get it. It’s just… This is my moment. And I want it to stand apart from the crowd. I want it to be something nobody forgets, whether it be in Liberty Pro, GWA or all of wrestling as a whole… I want this to matter.

Josh nodded somberly.

Josh Kennedy: I understand that. More than anything. I know exactly why you’re doing this, same reason I started doing it. And I’m still proud of you, I don’t want you to lose sight of that. I will be when you have your moment too. But I care about you. Like, kind of a lot. Shocker, I know, but when I hear you’re gonna be throwing yourself against barbed wire versus a talent like Ana motherfuckin’ Hayden of course I’m gonna be concerned.

Cass Baumer: It could be Tyson Gregory, depending on how the main event goes tonight. Not that it would make the match any easier.

She admitted out loud, almost to herself. Josh rolled his eyes slightly.

Josh Kennedy: Yeah, you’re right, it could be. But you’re kinda splitting hairs there, really. The point stands either way.

She reluctantly nodded, eyes lowering to the tiled floor.

Cass Baumer: I… I want to say I’ll be careful but…

Josh chuckled to himself, but the sound was hollow, tinged with a hint of bitterness.

Josh Kennedy: I get it. You won’t. You can’t. And I don’t expect you to be, as much as I wish you could.

Her blue eyes hesitantly traveled up to lock with his own.

Cass Baumer: So this is what it feels like to be you, huh? I used to never really understand the whole deathmatch concept but the more I thought about the match types I could have picked, the more I wanted to make you proud.

Josh Kennedy: You see it, then, right? Just like all the times we’ve had this exact same conversation with the roles reversed? It’s not like I’m just swanning off to get myself killed guilt-free. But there’s just something about it. A pull. A rush. I dunno, something. Whatever it is, I never feel more alive than when I’m out there doing that shit. And once you get a taste, chances are you’ll be hungry for more. Just... know that you don’t have to do this to yourself to make me proud of you.

Cass Baumer: I know… I do want you to be proud, though. I know when it comes to me… There’s not a whole lot for you to be proud of, so.

Josh’s face almost seems angry for a moment at Cass’ implication. He takes her hand in his and stares right into her eyes.

Josh Kennedy: Bull-fuckin’-shit. I never want to hear you say that about yourself again, ok? There’s one hell of a lot for me to be proud of. And maybe not everyone else sees it, but I do, and fuck the rest.

Cass grinned genuinely, thinking back to his comments on those types of matches.

Cass Baumer: When I was fighting in that March Madness tournament… put in the most dangerous matches of the entire tournament by far… I felt the adrenaline rush. Felt like I could do anything, if I could survive all of that shit. Felt almost like… Every other match is too easy in comparison. You get that feeling too?

He nods, total understanding on his face.

Josh Kennedy: Every fuckin’ day.

She thought for a moment before adding one more thing in a serious tone.

Cass Baumer: You know… I think I’m starting to like this whole wrestling gig.

BACKSTAGE
Backstage now and we find Helena Noir and Melissa Reeves preparing for their upcoming tag team bout. Both ladies are in their ring gear and are quietly stretching. A few moments pass, before Melissa stops and looks over to Helena. She stretches her arm once more and then rotates her shoulders.

Melissa: You nervous about tonight?

Helena crack her usual confident smile, shaking her head lightly.

Helena: I wouòldn’t say nervous… Eager, that’s the word I would use.

She glances at her CanAm Championship, laying on a nearby bench. She picks it up and wraps it around her waist.

Helena: I’ve been mulling over my last match with Avery for the past two weeks… That loss still hurts, and I can’t wait to right that wrong.

Melissa slowly nods.

Melissa: I know exactly how you feel. I suppose it’s a change to right a wrong for both of us...to gain some measure of revenge.

She sighs.

Melissa: Katie seems obsessed with the idea of taking me out and it’s like...I dunno. It’s something I hadn’t thought about much. We split up, we went our own way, you know? And for you, I mean, at least it’s not as personal. At least you know she’s after that title, I guess?

Helena: Yeah, that must be it.

She looks down, patting the central piece of her title.

Helena: I knew they would be coming. From here, from Empire. And I am ready for it. I stated it since day one, I welcome any and every challenge. All you have to do is step up, and I’ll gladly meet you in that ring.

A small pause and a sigh.

Helena: This cheap shots, the blindside attacks.. It’s all unnecessary. Unless they want to make it personal.
And then… Then it’s a whole new game we’re going to play.

There’s now a wicked smile on her face, but it quickly fades as she turns back to her partner.

Helena: You and Katie… What’s the story?

Melissa shrugs.

Melissa: I mean...we dated, we broke up, we kinda drifted apart. I guess I felt awkward being close to her still, she’s a very clingy person and the break up was something I wanted. Sometimes you have to do what’s right for you, right?

She shakes her head.

Melissa: Even then, the Katie we face tonight isn’t the girl I was with. She’s...different. Angrier, more bloodthirsty. I barely recognise her anymore. I never wanted to fight her. Not like this. But she’s done what she’s done and now there’s no way back, not really. So I have to deal with her before I can even think about how to get my title back…

Helena nods lightly.

Helena: I’ve been in the ring with Katie recently, and I can see that vicious side you were talking about.. I imagine that your personal history can only make it worse…

She runs her hand through her long black hair.

Helena: And even though that’s certainly something we should watch out for, at the same time it’s also her biggest limit. That blind rage leaves her open to counterattacks. It’s only a matter of weathering the storm and striking when the chance arises. As far as your title goes…

With a wink, she puts her hand on Mel’s shoulder.

Helena: You’ll get it back champ.

Melissa: All in good time.

She allows a small chuckle.

Melissa: I'm always rushing to my next success but I realise now that I have time, you know? I'll get the gold back, it's only a question of when. And as for Katie...I guess she's just made herself into a stepping stone for me.

She shrugs.

Melissa: Too bad, right?

Helena: We’re responsible for our actions.

She says in a calm tone of voice.

Helena: Something Katie Anderson and Avery Smith will learn tonight.

Melissa: Our actions...and our destinies. Both to be champion. But first? First we show them what a mistake they've made.

Mel smiles and heads towards the exit. She looks back one last time before leaving, ending the segment.

BACKSTAGE
The camera opens up to the back with Anastasia Hayden standing there, the Liberty Championship resting on her shoulder as she's looking up and away from the camera with an almost whimsical expression on her face. She turns her head back down, looking into the camera, and there's a half-smile on her face.

Anastasia Hayden: "Another week, another big match for the lone superstar of Liberty Pro! And boy, what a fucking match it'll be, yeah? Other than when I wrestled my great friend Isabella, that's why she is handling her business tonight because I know what she can do, but besides her, I'm finally facing someone in this company who I can say I respect. Or, at least, get along with. And that's Tyson Gregory. What a guy, eh? My biggest supporter as I dethroned Becky for my Liberty Championship. And what better way to repay him than giving him a shot at the belt? Tyson and myself were a bit of a missed connection in #FSociety. Two of the absolute best who should've faced, but it never happened...until tonight."

Her smile widens a bit here.

Anastasia Hayden: "Now we get to see what all the fucking hype is about. I'm sure Tyson has waited for this day and I'm no different. Now it's here. Now it's time to deliver. And it's time for an actual test, to see if I'm not just completely wasting my time here in Liberty. Because don't get me wrong, I love absolutely destroying each and every single one of you on the microphone and in that ring while getting paid an insane amount of money for it...but I need some competition. I need someone who is actually going to make my time worthwhile in this company."

And with that, her smile fades away as she adopts a more stern approach.

Anastasia Hayden: "And that's gotta be you, Tyson. You've gotta step up to the plate tonight. You had a hand in helping me win this Liberty Championship and now it's up to you to prove to the world that you deserve it. Honestly? I can't fucking wait. And then after I beat you, Tyson, well, I've got this annoying pest known as Cass Baumer to deal with. And boy, she just doesn't know how to shut the fuck up, but hey, if Twitter mattered, she'd be the fucking champion of the world...but it doesn't. And she isn't."

A simple shrug from Ana, glancing at the Liberty Championship in the process.

Anastasia Hayden: "See, I'm starting to realize that some of you just don't realize how big of a fucking star I am compared to you geeks. There's a reason I wrestle for the largest company in the world, there's a reason people across the world know my name, and there's a reason everyone wants me to wrestle for their company. So you can get on Twitter, you can get real mad that I'm not living and breathing social media every waking second of my existence...but the only person you need to be mad at is yourself for the ignorance you carry. Because, let's face it, none of you fucks could last a week with my schedule."

Ana scoffs at this idea and shakes her head.

Anastasia Hayden: "Hell, you wouldn't last a month. It seems like every other week, it's a new opponent spitting the same ol' rhetoric. You all live in this perfect little bubble, protected by all your buddies, and no one is going to hurt you there...until I came in and now I'm here to fuck that all up. This? This is my world now. So keep bitching, crying, and moaning behind my back, but understand that you'll never be as good as me because I've got the balls to call each and every single one of you out...and there's not a fucking thing you can do about it."

One more shrug and an arrogant smirk appears on her face.

Anastasia Hayden: "I work harder than anybody in this company and that's a fucking fact. I travel all around America for 4CW, all along the East coast for Liberty, all over Japan in NJFC and soon KAMIKAZE Pro, to Germany for RINGENHOSTEL, and then I'm helping organize my own fucking show. What the fuck are you doing? So this is an open call to everyone on the roster. Save me the Twitter bullshit and dish it out on this microphone without sounding like some bland, boring robotic piece of garbage. I don't need to cherry pick something off Twitter, make it part of my promo because I don't need any gimmicks to show why I'm untouchable. Prove to me in that ring that you're not just a bunch of pretty boys and girls who like to play pretend wrestler...prove it to the greatest wrestler in Liberty Pro."

She extends her arms a bit, hosting an open invitation for anyone and everyone to prove her wrong, but she closes them soon after.

Anastasia Hayden: "Because none of you ever will. Good luck, Tyson."

With that, she heads off and the camera cuts elsewhere.

BACKSTAGE
Backstage a distraught Nathan Callaghan appears to be looking for someone or something. His clothes are disheveled and torn from his encounter with the Followers and there’s some blood forming at the corner of his mouth. As his eyes scan the backstage area they settle upon Tristin Keyes and her team, they’re sprawled out across some couches watching the action on a large screen TV. None of them pay Callaghan any mind as Tristin sits upright and opens her mouth, expertly snagging a piece of popcorn out of mid air that one of her associates threw her way. She pumps her arms in the air victoriously.

Tristin Keyes: Boom! First try. Told ya I didn’t need a practice run.

Nathan scoffs and shakes his head as he stands in front of Tristin.

Nathan Callaghan: What the fuck are all of you doing? You’re getting paid for tonight but you’re all sitting on your lazy asses. Get up and protect my fucking main event!

Tristin cocks her head to the side and laughs before nodding back towards her team.

Tristin Keyes: One more. Double or nothing.

She opens her mouth, preparing to catch another piece of popcorn from her associate. When he throws it, Nathan snatches the piece of popcorn with his hand and crushes it before sprinkling little popcorn bits along the floor..

Nathan Callaghan: Enough of the games, Keyes. You think you’re tough shit and a professional? Then I want you and your crew to prove it and if you do? I’ll pay double your normal rate; not just tonight, but every Liberation.

Tristin clicks her tongue against the inside of her mouth before turning to face Nathan. Her expression is serious as she looks him over and takes a moment to fix his clothes for him.

Tristin Keyes: There ya go Nate. Now you look respectable.

She sighs as she releases the collar of his jacket.

Tristin Keyes: Protect your main event? The job was to protect you, but we’re flexible. Just understand that we’re not wrestlers therefore we won’t play by house rules. We beat someone down they’re not getting up, or rising from the grave, or summoning superhuman adrenaline. Hopefully it won’t come to that though. You know the old saying, don’t ya Nate? Be nice, until it’s time not to be nice.

She starts to walk away but pauses.

Tristin Keyes: Yeah I just quoted Roadhouse. Hey didn’t there used to be a wrestler named Dalton James. That’s both funny AND sad. Anyways, time to go to work.

Tristin nods towards her team and they stand up to follow her. Nathan laughs and shakes his head.

Nathan Callaghan: Don’t remind me of that tard that used to hit on my daughter. Just do your thing and I’m not going to finish your little Roadhouse line, seeing as you seem to know when that is. Just make sure nobody gets out to that ring.
Tristin is already walking towards the ring but turns, walking backwards so she’s facing Nathan as she rubs her finger along the side of her lips.

Tristin Keyes: You got a little something there. Go get cleaned up Nate, we got this. Trust me.

He snarls and rolls his eyes before turning around and walking away as he wipes his lip.

RINGSIDE
Before the main event of the evening, the vocals of Queens Of The Stone Age burst out of the speakers. The crowd stands to their feet. Obviously, everyone expected Anastasia Hayden or Tyson Gregory to make their way to the ring but it was the New Zealand-born social media mogul who caught everybody’s attention as she slowly struts down to steadily while giving the camera a subtle V-sign with her palm inward. With the dodger blue strobe lights aimed directly at her, The Sensational One was dressed in a dark gray Katie Anderson t-shirt and a pair of ripped blue jeans.

As she approached a steel chair near the announce table, she slapped the seat with the palm of her hand and sat down to the roars of the crowd’s disapproval, wanting to watch the main event up close and personal.

Cass paused and stood back to her feet after being seated for a few seconds. She thought for a moment before pushing the chair to the ground, watching it fold in on herself. The crowd cheered as Cass began walking back up the aisle until a few long moments passed.

Boos rained down on Cass once again as she began pushing a dodger blue comfortable cushioned office chair with wheels and a giant white #BaumerReport logo on the back down the aisle and to ringside right near the chair she pushed down to the ground. Once she put it in place right next to the announce table, the number one contender for the Liberty Championship sat down and propped her feet up on the table as she watched the entranceway along with everybody else. She reached into her pocket and started to unwrap a chocolate bar.