Liberty Pro Presents... ANNIHILATION!

OPENING SEGMENT
As these scene fades backstage a cameraman is seen running towards a figure trying to catch up with him. As the cameraman gets closer fans could see that it was none other than Felix Vialpando! The crowd begins to boo but Felix didn't seem to really notice as he was flipping through pages of his notebook. Annoyingly, Felix looks over his shoulder to the out of breath cameraman.

Felix Vialpando: Don't breathe on me you insolent rotten tomato. I don't have the time or luxury right now to rid myself of you cooties.

Cameraman: Sorry man I just wanted to see if--

Felix Vialpando: If what? I had any last words before I take a certain stray cat to the vet to be put down?

Vialpando closes the notebook and stops walking. He turns to the cameraman and shrugs.

Felix Vialpando: Perhaps I do. Perhaps I do have something to say. Luckily for you I'm willing to share these things with you right now.

Cameraman: Awesome man. How are you feeling bout facing Sheeva tonight? Are you confident you can keep her from getting her revenge--

Felix scoffs at this.

Felix Vialpando: Revenge? What revenge? Frankly, I don't understand why this feline is even angry at me in the first place. If it wasn't for me we'd both be out of a job in New York. Maybe she'd be off some where meowing away scavenging for free food and milk from these filthy slobs of any other burrow of New York.

Boos.

Felix Vialpando: But me? I don't be able to work in this company anymore. I would have to find myself a new home hoping that one would be willing to take a man of my stature on.

Cameraman: And what stat--

Felix Vialpando: One that is smarter and better than everyone because I have the notes that allow me to be. It doesn't matter! Don't cut me off again. Now where was I? Ah yes. We would be out of a job here in Liberty Pro if it wasn't for me. Sure maybe I did knockout her out during the match while she wsa my very own partner...BUT WHO CARES!? She clearly wasn't getting the job done. She didn't have the tools to ensure we stayed employed here. She lacked every bit of skill to keep our team and LPW careers alive. I had to do something!

He smiles a bit.

Felix Vialpando: You know what she should be doing right now? She should be thanking me. That's right! She should be begging me to pet her behind the ears and scratch her back. She should be worshiping me and my notes right now! It was clear I was the most talented person in that ring and the only way we were going to win, it was gonna be because of me! I couldn't let her jeopardize our futures like that. Do I regret it? Do I feel bad about what I did?

Felix shakes his head.

Felix Vialpando: Not. One. Bit. If I had to do it again, I would. Now I have to go out here and put a poor kitty down because she's too much of a bitch to thank me for saving her miserable ninth life! And then maybe after this...I can get my LPW career back on track y not be scapegoat for anybody else's sake.

He says with a grunt. Felix shakes his head and begins to head down the hallway while picking back up his studying.

BACKSTAGE
The scene cuts to the backstage with the Anarchy Champion, Cole Gregory pacing back and forth outside of the restroom in the locker room. He is already in his ring gear and the Anarchy Championship belt is on the bench near his bags.

Cole Gregory: Okay, don’t throw up…. Don’t throw up…

He starts to go into the restroom but then stop and lets out a sigh.

Cole Gregory: Six other opponents… Gauntlet style, which means I knock one down, another comes out. I either outlast and keep my Anarchy Championship or I go home empty handed. Talk about all or nothing. Oli Van D’zant, Isabella Strickland, Isla Carter, Nami Callaghan, Kendrick Kross and Trey Peterson. Serious firepower that come with those names and if I win this… If I can walk away Champion… I will have proven I deserve that belt.

Gregory leans against the wall and closes his eyes.

Cole Gregory: You got this Cole, you’ve faced big odds before and came out just fine. You just need to get your mind focused on this and forget all the doubters and naysayers. You won this championship on your own and you now get to prove you deserve it.

He pushes himself off the wall and walks over to the Anarchy Championship. He picks up the belt, looks at his reflection in the faceplate and walks out of the locker room.

RINGSIDE
As his music cued up, Felix Graves was walking out to the foyer before the ramp, side by side with his mentor, trainer, and manager Rusty Shackleford. Pausing, the big man suddenly emulated firing a heavy machine gun while pyrotechnics lit up the sides of the ramp, the sound comin’ off just like the thunder of a .50 Caliber machine gun, Rusty removin’ his ballcap and placing it over his heart, with his head bowed briefly as if the “gun fire” was as sacred as the pledge of allegiance. When the “shots” faded and the pyrotechnics faded? Down the stage walked the pair, with Felix making it a point to slap the outstretched hands of the people more than excited for his walk to the ring! Shouts of “U! S! A!” started to erupt through the crowd, especially as he actually circled the ring with his high fiving shenanigans, even though Rusty had already ascended into the squared circle, his aviator sunglasses reflecting the light as he brought the microphone to his lips.

Rusty: Laaaaaaaaaaaaa-dies, Gentlemen! Confused people that I don’t understand! Presenting your FUTURE Liberty Champion! The freedom bringin', whiskey swillin', copenhagen dippin', cigar smokin', freedom fry eatin', liberty burger munchin' Hooah shoutin', chest chopping, American Gangster, FEEEEEE-LIX! GRAAAVES!

As the crowd ripped into roaring applausive, Felix was sliding into the ring, popping up and taking the microphone as it was offered out to him.

Felix: NEW YORK CITY! ARE YOU READY FOR A HOSTILE TAKEOVER?

The crowd immediately shouted “YEAH!”

Felix: ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEW BLOOD TO FLOW INTO THE VEINS OF LIBERTY?!

“YEAH!”

Felix: ARE YOU READY TO SEE ME PUT THE BOOTS TO EACH AND EVERY CANDY ASSED, OVERLY SENSITIVE, WHINING, WANNABE BAD GUY WHO SEEMS TO THINK THEY RUN THIS JOINT!?

“YEAH!”

Felix: DO THEY RUN THIS PLACE?

“NO!”

Felix: SO, IT STANDS TO REASON THAT SOMEONE’S GOT THE JOB OF PUTTIN’ FOOT TO ASS UNTIL THEY GET WITH THE PROGRAM, DOESN’T IT?

“YEAH!”

Felix: AM I THAT PERSON, PEOPLE? DO YOU THINK I GOT THE STONES TO DROP MO-ABS ON EVERY MOTHERLESS ASSHOLE FROM HERE TO WHATEVER HELLHOLE THEY CRAWLED OUT OF?

“YEAH!”

Finally, Felix was lowering his tempo, a broad grin on his bearded face as he looked over to Rusty who just nodded in approval. The big man was lifting the mic back up.

Felix: Good. That’s what I’m here to do. I’m here to deliver liberty, to Liberty. I’m here to shock and awe this place into submission, and tonight? Tonight it starts with my debut in the Gauntlet. Don’t bother going to the concession stands, or you’ll miss the shit hitting the fan when I step into the ring.

Quickly, Rusty was lifting his own microphone then.

Rusty: And when shit hits the fan, someone’s gotta shovel it, and that man is The American Gangster himself! Now, there’s about eight hundred ways we could drone on about how amazing the man is, but I think it’s best if we show an’ don’t tell to let the gravity of this situation hit you beautiful people. So, with that said, let the show go on.

Droppin’ their mics, the two moved to exit the ring with Felix’s music cueing up to usher them out.

BACKSTAGE
In the backstage area we hear a few chants and fist bumps from a select few fraternity guys. What they would usually do for someone doing a keg stand or some outrageous stunt. But this particular one is for something else. As they enjoyed the show thus far, VIP treatment got them backstage.

We see a huge cookie that had been delivered, a tiny pair of hands holding the cookie considering its size as Honey has two boys hold the biscuit up for her.

Honey: Tonight is the night and this time its SUPER AMAZING SO SPECTACULARLY SUPER.

She nods with a wide eyed "this is serious business" expression as she walks to the side to get a chair.

Honey: Me and Lizzy and Neriah, his name sort of sounds like Piranha.

She tilts her head thinking about the near rhyme and then snaps out of her tangent as she holds the chair again.

Honey: And Neriah won't, like, get me to be a sad snowflake with his naught, trickster tricks! And I made sure he didn't hurt Lizzy too by being a brave Super Falcon and getting rid of him on Liberation. But, like, I will be ready as ever for those tricks and the amazing ability of our tip top champion. I faced her once and she was, like, really, Really REALLY good.

Honey: And I faced Neriah too and I won my match!

She nods with a big smile, her shoulders come up as she can hardly contain her excitement. Two frat boys tie a sunshine headband around Honey's head.

Honey: And even though he hurt me with this chair, I'm still here to fight fair!

She then walks towards the side of the cookie.

Honey: Because that's what a good champion does. I got told, like, something too on my social media. And I wanted Lizzy, Neriah, Coda, Ruby, Nathan, Coral, Nami, Brendan, Voidy, Aubrey, Caleb, Harley, Caleb, Ryan

As Honey lists her friends and seems prepared to go through the never ending list, she hears a cough from one of the cookie holders. Honey snaps out and grins with a smile, doing her best efforts to mimic an intimidating Clint Eastwood stare down. She walks behind the cookie as the chanting begins.

Frat Boys: Tough Cookie!....Tough Cookie!....Tough Cookie!....Tough Cookie!....Tough Cookie!....Tough Cookie!....Tough Cookie!....Tough Cookie!....Tough Cookie!....Tough Cookie!....

Honey, behind the cookie feeds on their energy and leans back to headbutt through the giant cookie with a roar to follow.

Honey: I AM A TOUGH COOKIE!!!!!!

She says with a double arm thrust to her waist and then draws the title over her crumb covered belly. As her promise, the frat boys begin to help themselves to the cookie fragments as the scene fades out.

BACKSTAGE
The feed cuts to an over the shoulder shot of a man standing before the mirror. As the camera pulls back into focus, it’s revealed to be Voidstar. Or so it seems. Despite the familiar-looking head and body gear and painted bottom half of the face, there’s just something off about the whole getup. In fact, the wrestler known as Voidstar is one of the most feared in the CWC and now, the GWA.

But this guy here? The one slowly breathing in and out as if trying to psych himself up? Well… he really does look an awfully lot like the monster Voidstar. Yet he behaves so uncharacteristically.

As he carefully looks up at his reflection, he lets out a terrified yelp and covers his face with his hands. Then he peeks between his fingers and lowers his hands slowly, looking like he’s in awe at himself.

“Voidstar“: Ho….ly….shit….

Wait a sec, that doesn’t sound like Voidstar. He pokes his chin with the index finger on one hand and touches the mirror glass with his other. He seems a little taken aback for some reason as he sticks out his tongue and rolls it. His facial expression reverts to neutral state before letting out a loud yell. Ironically, he jumps back in fright. Then continues to stare at his reflection in fascination. He lifts up the head gear a bit, just checking its fit.

“Voidstar”: Man, this some amazing work... I look just like him!

He chuckles, his eyes crinkled in amusement which looks strange especially with the coloured contacts he’s wearing. Before the camera can catch a glimpse of his face, he pulls the head gear back down into place.

“Voidstar”: If you can't beat ‘em, be ‘em!

He shrugs at his reflection.

“Voidstar”: ...Or somethin’ like that. Ehhh, just… just stay alive. Do whatever it takes to keep breathing and survive the match. You can do this. After which, you can get the fuck outta there before he kills you.

He nods and finger-guns at himself with a couple clicks of the back teeth and tongue. Then he makes his exit from the locker room. The Trials championship is nowhere in sight, giving the viewers a clue that this is definitely not Voidstar.

BACKSTAGE
Backstage at the arena, Rylee McKenzi is in the parking lot having a smoke, as she drops the finished cigarette to the floor she steps to extinguish it with her boot, when another does it for her, she looks up to see Colt Brady and smirks.

Rylee McKenzi: You ain’t supposed to be back here you know…

Colt shrugs his shoulders and leans against one of the pillars in the parking lot.

Colt Brady: What? A former Liberty Tag Champ can’t come back and watch a show? Maybe check out some of the talent?

He smiles as he playfully tugs at the hem of her shirt. She smacks his hand away and shakes her head.

Rylee McKenzi: Yeah Right that’s why you’re even here, you’re so full of shit, Brady.

She smirks and rolls her eyes.

Rylee McKenzi:You Just wanna get an up close and personal look at me fucking with Void again, can’t wait to see the big bitch throw a tantrum like a baby when I rip that Championship from his grasp.

He lets out a small chuckle and then sighs.

Colt Brady: I won’t lie, I do get a laugh when you poke the bear there. I don’t think he’s used to people coming at him in that way, which makes it even funnier. Plus, you know I do enjoy my up close and personal looks of you.

She grins and shakes her head again.

Rylee McKenzi: He’s used to Brendan pissing his pants at the sight of him, seriously, this should have been a diaper on a pole match because they both act like giant piss babies, it makes me roll my eyes so hard I almost fall back with my eyeballs I swear to god.

She pulls her cigarettes from her pocket and lights up another with a sigh.

Rylee McKenzi: Everyone is out here acting like they’re gods gift to wrestling and all I wanna do is fuck with the big bad, he had the audacity to tell me that he wouldn’t be called out by me… yet here we are.

He takes the cigarette from her hand and takes a quick drag before handing it back to her.

Colt Brady: You just like doing the shit that people say you can’t or aren’t allowed to do. I might have to remember that when I try to get you to actually eat something that doesn’t come in pizza form or with a side of fries.

She makes a face at him and shakes her head.

Rylee McKenzi: After I make sure bitch boy leaves without his championship, I’m having victory pizza and you can’t fucking stop me!

Colt shrugs and lets a smile come to his face.

Colt Brady: I’ll bring the beers.

BACKSTAGE
A group of staff are walking with Scotty Latimer as he is handed some memorabilia as he stands outside a door. He smiles as he is given some last minute details. Inside the room was a young lady who was suffering from multiple sclerosis who was from Brooklyn and was a huge fan of Liberty Pro and especially the man known as the Future Elite. She was not expecting this at all. Despite him having a huge match at Annihilation tonight against Kristina Spencer...who had made Scotty’s Liberty time recently a living hell...Scotty always had time for his fans. He smiles and takes a deep breath then walks into the room.

The teenage girl's name was Sarah….and her back was turned to the door. Her parents saw Scotty walk in and their eyes lit up. Sarah asked them what was up as Scotty snuck up behind and knelt down to put his arm around her. She looked over and her eyes lit up as she smiled and put her hands over her mouth.

Scotty: Hi Sarah. How are you?

Sarah was speechless as she couldn't talk. Obviously the young lady was very shy as her mom did the talking.

Mom: Oh my you just made her day sir.

Scotty: Call me Scotty. And I'm happy I did. It's so cool to meet you. Are you excited about the show tonight?

Sarah nodded her head...still unable to talk.

Scotty smiles as he pulled her hands gently down.

Scotty: You're way too pretty to keep that smile covered. Here...I have some presents for you.

He hands her the memorabilia that he brought consisting of an Annihilation t-shirt...his own Pop figure recently released...a replica belt of the Liberty Pro title...and tickets to a future Liberty Pro show for her and her family and friends. Sarah just glowed as she touched the belt. She finally spoke but was still nervous

Sarah: Thank you….I….I hope...you win this one day…

Scotty smiles at her.

Scotty: I have to take it one day at a time. Just like you have to. But through hard work and determination….giving it your all….anything is possible. Remember that ok?

Sarah smiled widely as she handed her gifts to her dad.

Dad: We really appreciate this. This means a lot. Thank you so much.

Scotty: It's my pleasure. Wish me luck tonight Sarah?

Sarah before Scotty could react leaned in quickly kissing his cheek.

Scotty: That was the best good luck kisd ever sweetie. Enjoy the show tonight ok?

Scotty gets up and shakes her parents hands and hugs Sarah goodbye. He makes his way out of the room and enters the hallway. He looks into the camera.

Scotty: You always give back to those that support you ya know. But don't let me being nice and giving just know make you think for one second I'm going to be nice out in that ring tonight. Spencer….it's just you and me one on one. No more cheap heart punch shots….no tag partners to get in our ways. But believe me...I'm damn sure in the giving mood. I'm going to give you everything I got just like I do every night in that 20x20 ring….um...that's the dimensions by the way….doubt you knew that.

It's simple Kristina….you want to make an impact here in Liberty and are trying to use me to do that. There's a problem with that….it's not going to happen. Tonight...in my second home of Hammerstein...you go through the Final Wave...and fall to the Future Elite! See you out there sweet lips….

Scotty turns to the right as the scene fades.

BACKSTAGE
Scene shifts to the locker room area where we see Veronica Chandler checking messages on her phone and Kristina Spencer staring off into space as usual

Kristina Spencer: Last week We messed up. We hit that Katie girl and lost the match. We should make it up to her.

Veronica is half paying attention as she continues scrolling through her messages

Veronica Chandler: Whatever you say Kris.

Kristina looks at the BarbWire Bat that is leaning against her locker

Kristina Spencer: We will find that Baumer chick and remove her head from her shoulders and deliver it to Katie on a stick. Would that make her like Us again?

Veronica Chandler: *chuckles* Sure thing Kris. She would love that.

Kristina picks up the BarbWire Bat and with a look of pure evil she starts to head for the door presumably to find Cass Baumer and delivered on her promise. Veronica turns toward her and her eyes get huge as she realizes that Kristina was not kidding but is serious about taking Cass head. Veronica rushes over to the door to try and stop her from leaving and as the door opens we see Tim Anderson preparing to knock on the door

Tim Anderson: Ah just the person i was looking for. So tonight…….

Tim sees the BarbWire Bat and backs away. Kristina looks at him with a tilted head as if she is looking over her prey. Veronica steps in between them seemingly happy that Tim’s appearance has stopped Kristina from leaving to find Cass

Veronica Chandler: Timmy, Timmy riddle me this and riddle me that Who will be getting bludgeoned with the BarbWire Bat?

Tim seems slightly nervous now

Tim Anderson: I um assume you are talking about Kristina’s opponent tonight Scotty Latimer?

Veronica smirks

Veronica Chandler: Exactly!! 2 weeks ago this guy was handed a win by my client and how did he repay us? Instead of either helping out or walking away he became an Interloper and stuck his nose in our business! Last week he participated in a most heinous crime against both my clients cy supporting the actions of Fake News and he paid the price for that as Fake News ran for her life! Now tonight Liberty Pro has seen fit to sign Scotty’s death warrant and Kristina will be your executioner!

Tim Anderson: So i take it you feel that the Falls Count Anywhere rules will favor your Kristina and not Scotty?

Veronica looks at Kristina and then back at Tim

Veronica Chandler: Is that a serious question? Do you really think that Scotty has what it takes to beat this Psycho Blonde? Do you think he will be able to give her enough punishment to beat her before she destroys him? Look in her hands Tim! She was about to leave her with that BarbWire Bat to hunt down Cass Baumer and bring her head to katie Anderson because she felt the need to make up for last week.

Do you really think she will take it easy on Scotty after interfering in her business? HELL NO SHE WON’T!! Tonight will be a great night for me as Kristina will make Scotty her bitch and my other client Katie Anderson and her wife Samantha Tolson will become the tag team champions! Tonight will be all about US!!

Kristina smirks

Kristina Spencer: Scotty Latimer! Cass Baumer! Melissa Reeves! Anybody else that WE find unfit to be in our world will be taken to OUR Bloody Playground and be educated in VIOLENCE and Baptised in BLOOD! Scotty tonight you learn Thou Shalt Not Mess With US!

WE ARE THE WICKED!

WE ARE KRISTINA!!!

The camera zooms in on the BarbWire Bat

BACKSTAGE
The scene opens up backstage, where Avery Smith is parading around with the Anarchy Championship with her manager, Lauren Parker, by her side. The two have a huge smile plastered over their features, as they both are laughing with content.

Avery Smith: I had a lot of fun playing with my friends Helena and Venus, but they didn't play nicely and let me win.

Avery shakes her head in disgust, disappointed in her terrible friends.

Avery Smith: So I decided that I don't want to play any more. I told everyone that I was going to start taking, so why do you seem so surprised?
Smith chuckles, before letting out a tut.

Avery Smith: I told you exactly what I was going to do, and I did it. I took the Anarchy Championship, but it's not my fault. I said exactly what I was going to do. It's not my fault that nobody took the warning. My conscience is clear!

Avery smiles at her reflection as she looks at the title in her hands.

Avery Smith: Maybe if my friends would have just played nicely...

With a shrug, Avery skips away and exits the area - presumably leaving the arena as Lauren follows her closely behind.

BACKSTAGE
When the cameras return backstage, they follow the high heels of a mystery individual. They’re jet black, but the camera does not remain on them too long. They travel up the person’s figure, which is a complex mix of lean and dainty, covered in a beige pantsuit. It isn’t obvious who the person is until it reaches the person’s shoulder, where a leather strap lies on it. The camera peers around to show that it’s the incumbent GWA CanAm Champion, Venus LeCavalier. She stops with an irked expression as she reaches for her cell phone. Tapping a button, her phone lit up and she pulls it to her ear.

Venus LeCavalier: Yes, I’m here safely.

She takes a beat, listening to whoever was talking to her.

Venus LeCavalier: Of course I’m prepared.

Venus rolls her eyes.

Venus LeCavalier: Yes, the match is weird, I get that.

As she speaks, she continues to walk down the aisle. She gets stopped by an official, to which she has a brief moment of words with. Upon understanding, she puts the phone down, regardless of who was on the other line. Venus looks back as a woman comes forward with a long briefcase. Venus puts in a passcode, which brings forth an illuminating golden light. It dies down and she reveals that she keeps her tranquilizer gun in there. She removes it with a hum and twirls it around. As she puts the tranquilizer gun in the official’s hands. She gives him a soft gaze.

Venus LeCavalier: Do be careful to take care of my precious. Hang her up nice and clean, not like some depraved savage, okay?

She cuts her eyes at him.

Venus LeCavalier: No disqualifications and you could be a helpless bystander.

The official pauses, taking a moment to contemplate Venus’ words. A small bead of sweat rolls down his face and he decides to cut his losses and leave. Venus then picks up her phone and excuses her assistant.

Venus LeCavalier: I gave her away. She’s gone. For now.

She keeps on her way.

Venus LeCavalier: Tonight, I beat Helena and then I get her back.

BACKSTAGE
It’s a serious Helena Noir the one walking through the doors of the Madison Square Garden. Walking past a couple of backstage workers, she heads straight to her locker room, ignoring Tim Anderson trying to get her attention and perhaps an interview before her rematch against Venus for the CanAm Championship. Once inside, she locks the door, dropping the gym bag on the floor and sitting on the wood bench, holding her head between her hands.

Helena Noir: A tranquilizer match. I guess it’s true what they say, you learn something new every day…

When she raises her head, there’s an uneasy smile on her face, showing some concern for the unorthodox stipulation.

Helena Noir: I regret the time when you had to outwrestle your opponent, submit or pin him in order to win a match. Today… Everything seems to be about that shock value, about finding the craziest and most dangerous stipulation, with little to none concern for the performers’ health.
I feel like I’m getting too old for this shit.

She exhales a long deep sigh.

Helena Noir: Mind you,this is not me complaining about my match tonight.
It’s not me making up an excuse in case I lose out there.
It’s not me trying to duck it.
And no, I’m not announcing my retirement.either,
All I’m saying is that I miss the point in all this.

Slowly, Helena stands back up on her feet..

Helena Noir: You could have put me and Venus, one on one in a single, one fall match.And we would have still sold tickets, we would have still stolen the show. Too tame for your taste? Make it a Iron Woman, ⅔ falls, submission only.. But let us do what we excel in doing, Wrestle.
Why adding bells and whistles to something that’s already beautiful?

She shakes her head, as she opens the bag and starts to pull out her ring gear. Leather pants, black leather books and a purple tank top.

Helena Noir: Nonetheless, here I am, once again dancing to your tune Callaghan. You’re lucky all these years in the business dimmed my defiant nature, or Becky and her puppets would be the last of your problems.
I see clearly what you did, you knew exactly what to do to make sure I was the one challenging Venus at Annihilation, despite me refusing to make use of the rematch clause.
And I won’t disappoint you. I’ll bring the title back to Liberty.
I guess your plan to become the greatest CanAm champion is coming to a sudden and abrupt end, Venus.
I’m not done making history with that title. I feel sorry that you’re name will only be a footnote, a parenthesis before everything fades,,, To Noir.

And just like he said, the camera fades to black.

BACKSTAGE
In the backstage area of Madison Square Garden, a room with a large wooden desk at the back housed a well-dressed newly crowned Trials Champion Cass Baumer seated in a rather large leather chair colored dodger blue with wheels at its base. On the desk itself laid the Liberty Pro Trials Championship itself, golden in appearance as she thumbed the new name plate slowly. She felt the letters etched into the metal: “Cass Baumer.” She was awestruck at the sight but she made sure to leave a large space on the opposite end of the desk for the Liberty Championship she planned on winning later tonight in the co-main event.

Behind her, a custom gold neon #BaumerReport sign hung on the wall to warmly brighten up the otherwise dark room around her. With a wide devious smile, the CEO glanced to her side to see Josh Kennedy perched on a modest wooden stool beside his girlfriend, looking as scruffy and unkempt as ever in a white t-shirt for the hardcore metal band Full of Hell.

Cass Baumer: So you’re ready for Molly or nah?

The Headliner smirked as she glanced at her boyfriend, arms crossed on the desk like a local broadcaster ready to report the news. Her eyes glanced back down to her championship again. Underneath her open flashy tuxedo jacket with a wide collar and a pocket near her waist was a black t-shirt with the words “I Broke Baumer’s Neck” in centered white grungy letters. The shirt was designed by her opponent of the night, Anastasia Hayden, as per the picture she tweeted out a few days ago.

Josh Kennedy: Ready as I’ll ever be. Seven falls ain’t gonna be easy. Madison Square Garden again too. Been a minute since I’ve been here, ain’t the first time I’ve sold it out, though.

He replies with a wink.

Cass Baumer: Speak for yourself! This is the first time I’ve ever been in a venue this size. Madison Square Garden’s the most famous arena in the entire world, and I’ve got the main event spot? It’s exciting as fuck, don’t get me wrong but at the same time. It’s a little… overwhelming?

Josh Kennedy: April 2016, UWF Shockwave 21… One hell of a lot’s changed since then. It’s a lot, for sure, but I don’t doubt you can handle it. You’re on right after Molly and me, so you’re gonna have to.

The Sensational One let out an audible sigh before smiling slyly.

Cass Baumer: Try not to overshadow us. I know it ain’t gonna be easy and the two of you are gonna put on a show for the ages that people are gonna remember for centuries to come, but we can’t have my boyfriend stealing the spotlight of Liberty Pro’s first soon-to-be double champion, can we?

Josh laughs wryly.

Josh Kennedy: If I don’t overshadow everything else on the show I ain’t done my job very well now, have I?

Cass Baumer: I suppose not.

Cass smiled genuinely in his direction.

Josh Kennedy: Gotta earn that paycheck, right?

Cass Baumer: Right. And hey, we’ve got more butts in the seats thanks to your match with Molly. You’ve upped the paychecks for all of us tonight. Guess I should be thanking you for that. On behalf of the entire Liberty Pro roster.

Josh laughs again, his eyes lighting up as he grins.

Josh Kennedy: I mean, I’d like to think some people are at least kinda here to see us. You’re welcome, but if you don’t come away with that Liberty Championship too, I’m docking your pay.

Cass Baumer: It’s always nice to have your full support, Josh.

Sarcasm dripped from her lips.

Josh Kennedy: Punishment’s gotta fit the crime, right?

Josh responds, his tone dry and sarcastic. She laughed.

Cass Baumer: You really think I’ve got a chance tonight? I mean, fuck! I trained like I’ve never trained before leading into this match — Nora Foley’s been makin’ sure I’m ready for the biggest match of my life — and I earned the right to be here but… This is Ana fuckin’ Hayden we’re talkin’ about here! I might be the new Trials Champion but Tyson Gregory couldn’t beat her. The Society’s Warren Corbett couldn’t get it done and neither could the nigh-unbeatable behemoth known as Voidstar. So what chance does a former Liberty Pro interviewer got?

Josh Kennedy: You’re sure asking a lot of questions tonight. You sure you ain’t still an interviewer here?

Cass scoffed and rolled her eyes.

Josh Kennedy: See, here’s the thing, Ana’s one of the best in the whole fuckin’ world right now, I can’t front on that. She’s beaten the best, she’s right up there, and she deserves every second of recognition she can get for it. But here’s the other problem: If you go out there thinkin’ that despite everything you’ve done to prepare, everything you’ve achieved to earn this opportunity that you still don’t stand a chance? Well, you won’t. I know all that believe in yourself bullshit is played out, but if you don’t think you can knock it outta the park, you’d best step away from the plate.

The Liberty Pro number one contender nodded, understanding the words he spoke.

Cass Baumer: Suppose there’s a benefit to the whole “I am The Headliner” crap after all, huh?

Josh nods.

Josh Kennedy: If it gets you off your ass to go and give it your all out there, it’s worth it.

Cass paused for a moment before taking his words literally and standing up right in front of him. She smoothed out her jacket and glanced behind her at the large #BaumerReport sign before glancing back at him with a stance that exudes confidence. The more she spoke, the more animated she became as she gestured out the words as she spoke.

Cass Baumer: I created an empire singlehandedly when I came up with the #BaumerReport. I built the strongest brand in the entirety of modern wrestling as a whole, but people like Ana think they can take that away from me with some zero effort jokes on social media? Nah! I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. I’m proud I managed to make myself one of the most recognizable names in the game today. That ain’t just among the people in GWA and CWC either. The name Baumer’s known in the consciousness of almost every single self-respecting wrestling fan familiar with what’s been going on within the past year. No exaggeration. No self-aggrandizing bullshit. That’s the undeniable truth and no one — not even Anastasia Hayden with her bullshit attempts at trying to invalidate everything I’ve done — can ever take that away from me!

Cass’ fists clenched.

Cass Baumer: I’m proud to be the newest Liberty Pro Trials Champ but I’m leaving Madison Square Garden making history on a goddamn colossal level when I’ve got two Liberty Pro championships over both my shoulders!!

She smirked deviously.

Cass Baumer: 4-time champion within just two years and by the end of tonight, I’m gonna be a 5-time champ.

Josh grins.

Josh Kennedy: Alright, you might wanna cool it before you go full Caligula on us. But for real, I’m proud of you, I’ve said it a thousand fuckin’ times, but it’s true. You’ve achieved one hell of a lot, and you’re still only just gettin’ started. Whatever happens out there, tonight ain’t the end. Win or lose.

Cass smirks in response, a genuine smile as she slowly sits back down into her seat again. Utilizing the wheels on the bottom of her office chair, she slowly scoots the chair closer to the stool where her boyfriend sat.

Cass Baumer: I know you’re gonna be fighting in quite possibly the toughest match of your entire career tonight but… You’re gonna still find a way to watch my match too, yeah?

Her eyebrows raised curiously.

Josh Kennedy: By far. Yep, so long as I’m still livin’ and breathin’ by the end of it.

He affirms.

Cass Baumer: All the more reason to. Molly’s one of the best in this sport, maybe even the best but if you just fight like a champion, like you always do, I know without a shadow of a doubt you’ll be coming back the winner.

Josh Kennedy: That’s the plan, but something tells me Molly’s got a similar idea. I wouldn’t want it any other way though, never been one for the easy route.

Cass nods.

Cass Baumer: Guess we both got an uphill battle tonight then, huh?

Josh Kennedy: Naturally. At least we’re kinda in it together. Knowing you’re back here watching is all the motivation I need.

Cass smiles and gently grabs Josh’s hand with a grin. His tattooed hand highlighted with an inked representation of the Ouroboros looked massive compared to her own, but despite the rough calluses coating his palms, Cass’ hand clasped his own just right like the matching piece of a puzzle.

Cass Baumer: Right. Together.

Josh Kennedy: Good, ‘cause you’re stuck with me either way.

BACKSTAGE
Samantha Tolson-Anderson sits on the bench in the locker room she shares with her wife, her gear already on, boots laced tight, and her foot tapping up and down rapidly as she listens to her usual pre-match music on her iPod. Her wife Katie Anderson-Tolson walks into the locker room and smiles, she walks up to her and kneels in front of her and gently kisses her lips.. Samantha looks up and smiles nervously at her wife, pulling her headphones down off her ears and hanging them around the back of her neck.

Samantha Tolson-Anderson: “Hey baby…”

Katie Tolson-Anderson: “Hello love.”

Katie smiles warmly.

Katie Tolson-Anderson: “You ready to go out there and become the new Tag Team Champions? I have no doubt that we will walk outta here tonight with those belts.”

Samantha grins and cocks her neck back and forth, popping it loudly.

Samantha Tolson-Anderson: “Yeah...definitely ready. Ready to put some gold around our waists, ready to show the world what we can do together, ready to put these boots to some asses.”

Samantha takes her wife’s hands, kissing them softly.

Samantha Tolson-Anderson: “I know how bad you want your hands on Mel, baby...but for this to happen, we have to isolate Aubrey and keep her on our half of the ring…”

Katie grins a somewhat evil grin.

Katie Tolson-Anderson: “Well if what I just did works Mel will be off her game big time, and you’re right we should keep Aubrey isolated, not let her tag very much. I love you Sam, but my goal is to get Mel in the ring one on one. My goal is to bring her as much pain as possible.”

She caresses Sam's face lovingly.

Katie Tolson-Anderson: “Taking those belts is just part of it, there is no one else I'd rather be tag champs with.”

Samantha leans her cheek into Katie’s hand, sighing happily.

Samantha Tolson-Anderson: “Same for me...and I’ll be honest, this is, really, the first time I’ve ever gone after a set of tag straps. All the title matches I’ve ever been in have been for a singles championship...and if I’m going tag title hunting, there’s no one I’d rather do it with than the woman I’m going to spend the rest of my life with.”

Samantha looks at Katie with pleading eyes.

Samantha Tolson-Anderson: “And I know how bad you want to hurt Mel...and I get it...but this match, in this moment, the best thing you can do to hurt her is to take something she values about as much as life itself, and that’s a championship. Right here tonight, believe me...that will hurt her worse than anything physically you can do.”

Katie smiles.

Katie Tolson-Anderson: “Don't worry baby, I'm focused on getting those belts. I know Mel isn't the only one who's gonna be across the ring from us. Tonight is gonna be a good night for us, I can feel it”

Katie grabs Sam's hand and kisses it.

Katie Tolson-Anderson: “Tonight we walk out of MSG tag team champions, then we celebrate harder than we've ever celebrated before.”

Samantha grins wickedly, memories flooding her mind.

Samantha Tolson-Anderson: “That’s awfully hard, you know...think this city can take that?

Samantha pulls her “Pretty Little Murder Machine” shirt from her bag, then takes off her headphones before slipping the lavender shirt over her torso. Katie smiles and kisses both of Sam's hands before standing and grabbing her #MannyFernanny t-shirt and putting it on

Katie Tolson-Anderson: “It doesn't matter if it can handle it or not. Tonight we burn this city to the ground. Nothing will stop us, this is our night my love, this is the beginning of a dominant reign as tag champs.”

Samantha giggles as she sees Katie’s shirt.

Samantha Tolson-Anderson: “Manny’s gonna get you for that shirt...but you’re right. This is our night. Our time. Our moment, beloved, to put the world on notice that this is just the start, and that there are no tag titles in the GWA safe from us.”

Samantha grabs Katie’s face softly, then kisses her tenderly.

Samantha Tolson-Anderson: “Let’s go start that fire, shall we?”

Katie smiles as she returns the kiss

Katie Tolson-Anderson: “Manny gave me this shirt, he expects me to wear it.”

Katie chuckles, then gets a serious look as she looks in her wife's eyes.

Katie Tolson-Anderson: “I'm more than ready sweetheart…I’m ready to bring those belts home with us. Let's go shock the world.”

Samantha’s eyes turn cold, even as she takes her wife’s warm hand as they walk to the locker room door.

Samantha Tolson-Anderson: “I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do right now.”

Katie kisses her hand one more time.

Katie Tolson-Anderson: “Neither can I.”

Katie holds Sam's hand and they walk out of the locker room.

BACKSTAGE
The scene cuts backstage to Neriah Holst walking through the parking lot and he’s putting on his ring gear as he’s cut off by Tim Anderson.

Tim Anderson: Uh… Neriah, you know your match is up next.

Neriah scoffs and rolls his eyes.

Neriah Holst: What the hell? Neriah KNOWS when his match is, he just likes to show up fashionably late.

Tim looks at his watch and his eyes widen.

Tim Anderson: Well by the looks of it, you have about two minutes before your opponents make their way down to the ring.

Neriah Holst: Oh shit!? Really? Let me check.

Neriah grabs Tim’s watch and looks at it before undoing it from his wrist and taking it.

Neriah Holst: Neriah has to keep track of the time on his way out there, so I’m just gonna borrow this… Maybe forever since you distracted me and took a minute away from me. Now I got like, five minutes.

Tim Anderson: More like one.

Neriah Holst: Shit!

Neriah runs off and the scene cuts away.

BACKSTAGE
Aubrey Williams and Melissa Reeves are backstage prepping for their match tonight against Sam and Katie. Some of their things are scattered around, but their tag team Championships are in view as they rest perfectly on the shelves of their lockers. Aubrey pulls her hair back into a tight pony as she looks over at Melissa in excitement.

Aubrey: Mel, this is all still too crazy. I really can’t believe I’m here....again, with an official signed contract and wrestling alongside one of my true best friends. It’s such an honor, it really is. To have to help me come back and be by my side as my partner as we hold these titles.

She glances over at their titles with a huge smile.

Aubrey: Truly incredible and thankful.

Melissa smiles back and nods.

Melissa: And well deserved, no less. It’s no accident that we won, that we defeated The Society and took these titles. Tonight we have to defend them and that’s fine by me, I’m a fighting champion. But I’m not ready to let these titles, or this feeling...this team go.

She reaches down to tie the laces of her boot.

Melissa: And honestly? I know you aren’t either. I know your drive and determination. It might be a whirlwind story that got you here, it’s definitely an awesome tale, but it’s still all because you put in the hard work.

Aubrey nods.

Aubrey: And I will continue to put in the hard work. I have never had anything like this before, so I really want this as much as you do. From here are on out, I have got your back and I know you have mine. I promise I won’t let you down.

She stretches out her arms.

Aubrey: I know you have dealt with enough when it comes to Katie Anderson...Tolson...whatever it is. And we all know she’s going to be all kinds of extra now that Samantha is here. They’re really wishy washy, and honestly, I don’t trust them tonight. I hate to say this...but I would trust The Society before I trust those two.

She shakes her head and twirls her ponytail with her fingers.

Aubrey: I know they think we aren’t going to take them seriously, but little do they know we are coming at them with full force.

Reeves chuckles.

Melissa: It’s sad that you’re entirely right. Sam keeps saying not to make it personal, entirely ignoring that she’s only getting this match because her trash wife jumped me from behind. I mean, at least The Society will outright tell you that they’ll do whatever they must, Sam pretends like she’s some hero, some noble woman...and it’s all crap.

She shrugs.

Melissa: For me it’s personal, all of it. But that won’t mess up my focus, I’m going out there to win and help you retain this title along with me.

Aubrey: Sam always has to make it about her somehow, some way. She’s one of those people that always finds something to complain about and twists it around until it suits her. It’s ridiculous.

She rolls her eyes.

Aubrey: I’m no stranger to the way things work with her and how she can act. So it won’t fly by with me. As for Katie? Don’t even get me started on her and the way she’s treated you. I really want to let her have it if I manage to get in the ring with her. Revenge is a dish best served cold, after all.

Reeves nods.

Melissa: Yes...yes indeed it is. But that’s just more fuel into the fire, isn’t it? It’s like you said, they think that we believe we’ve got this won...but the truth is that we know what it will take to win and we’re willing to do it. I expect them to try and cheat. I expect them to be desperate, that’s just how they are. But us?

She points between them.

Melissa: We don’t need that, we’re good enough to win on merit and merit alone. Through raw skill, our honed craft and our determination.

Aubrey nodded in agreement.

Aubrey: I couldn’t have said it better myself! I’m sorry, but...I don’t believe that anyone has wanted all of this more than us.

She grabs her half of the tag titles and admires it.

Aubrey: People are going to talk and I’m prepared for that. I’m prepared to have a target on my back. Our backs. Tonight is our chance to show them why we are champions. That our win against The Society wasn’t a fluke. Sam and Katie may be married but I refuse to believe that they’re bond is stronger than our friendship. I’m keeping positive and I’m saying we’ve got this in the bag. Will it be easy? No. But I’m confident in knowing we can put them in their place.

Melissa: I like it…

She smiles wide and stands, ready to go.

Melissa: I like it a lot. You’re damn right we can put them in their place and tonight? Tonight we’ll do just that.

She moves and grabs the titles, handing one over to Aubrey.

Melissa: Together. As a team. As the tag team champions. You used to say I arrive, slay, leave and repeat. Well...tonight that’s us, that’s our motto, that’s our goal. Let’s go.

Together, the champs move toward the exit of their room, off to get into position for their upcoming bout.

RINGSIDE
Confident by Demi Lovato begins to play as Katie Anderson walks down the ramp, she is met with a shower of boos as she enters the ring. Once in the ring she she grabs a mic, she waits for the chorus of boos and chants to die down. She brings the mic to he lips with a smirk on her face.

Katie: Now that you idiots have decided to shut up I have a message for Melissa Reeves...you remember me saying we weren't done playing? And I don't mean just tonight oh no Melly Mel we have a date with destiny!

The crowd boos, Katie laughs

Katie: I'm far from done playing with you Melissa, as a matter of fact I have a surprise for you...take a look.

The video screen comes on, showing an outside view of the home shared by Melissa Reeves and Cade Harrison. Katie speaks

Katie: That's a nice house isn't it? I paid dear sweet Cade a visit early this morning before I flew out here...let's have a look at our encounter shall we?


The camera focusing through the window on Cade standing in the kitchen. Suddenly a figure appears behind him from the hallway, it is obviously Katie Anderson. She stand behind him silently, finally he turns around and looks at her in shock.

Cade: What the…

Before he can finish speaking Katie grabs his shoulders and drives her knee into his groin, causing him to yell out in pain and shock as he falls to his knees.

Katie grabs him by the hair and leans down in his face with a wicked smirk.

Katie: Hello Cade, nice to finally meet you!

She punctuates her greeting with a hard slap across his face. Cade pushes Katie away easily she staggers back into the hallway, she comes back with another hard kick to the groin causing him to fall forward onto his hands.

Katie: This may hurt just a lil bit…

As he tries to push up Katie raises her leg and drives the heel of her cowboy boot into the back of the musician’s right hand, a sickening crack can be heard as he screams out in pain.

Katie: It's nothing against you...but Mel is a bitch, she'll break your heart, kinda like I broke your hand.

Cade rolls onto his back and holds his hand, his eyes are wide with shock and pain. Katie laughs as she disappears back into the hallway.

The video screen flickers off, Katie is leaning against the ropes with a sick grin on her face as she watches her handiwork, the crowd is in a stunned silence.

Katie: Oh no, it looks like the day the music died…

She laughs as the crowd boos her loudly.

Katie:. I told you I was gonna hurt you Melissa...I didn't just mean physically! That's only the start, hell tonight when Sam and I take those belts from you it won't be over. It's not over until you stop ducking me and get in the ring one on one!

The crowd boos louder

Katie: Tonight is gonna be a long hard night for Melissa Reeves, she'll have to go home and tend to her boytoy, and she'll be going home a lil bit lighter without her tag team title!

The camera focuses on Katie's cold emotionless eyes as she speaks.

Katie: I hope you got the message Mel you can't duck me forever!

Katie tosses the mic down and waits for her tag partner and opponents to come down to the ring for the match..

BACKSTAGE
Riley Sweet is walking up and down just outside her locker room, her phone is pressed to her ear and she is obviously having a private conversation.

Riley Sweet: I don’t care what the file says-

Before she can continue she notices the camera and scowls.

Riley Sweet: I’ll call you back.

Slipping her phone into her pocket she turns and shakes her head at the camera.

Riley Sweet: Fuck off.

Cameraman: But were supposed to.

Riley places a hand up in front of the camera and stamps her foot.

Riley Sweet: Did you not hear me?

She tries to push past the camera but fails and then lets out an angry yell.

Riley Sweet: Look, I have nothing to fucking say, Venus fucked me, she talked a big game about having a well fought match and then she went and hooked my tights like a pussy little bitch! Then, Xavier the big bad asshole who called me out, decides to sink into whatever hole he crawled his broke ass out of and pretend like I don’t exist.

She laughs and shakes her head.

Riley Sweet: Fuck them. Fuck you. Fuck all of this shit, tonight I am going out there and I am going to DESTROY Xavier, I am going to tear up and apart everything and anything that stands in my way.

She shoves the cameraman back with a growl.

Riley Sweet: Forget legacies, Forget names, tonight the Villain is here to remind every last one of you why I am not to be fucked with. Now get out of my way!

And with that she shoves the cameraman on his ass and storms off down the hall.

BACKSTAGE
Backstage, Cass Baumer sat behind her desk with the gold neon #BaumerReport sign behind her. She admired her newly won Trials Championship, slowly running her fingers over the ridges of the metal with a content look on her face until a knock at her door caught her attention.

Without warning, the door crept open and in walked the dark curly hair of one of the newest, hungriest Baumer Report writers. As further evidenced by his faded salmon shirt under a brown suede jacket, it didn’t take Cass long to realize it was Baldwin Knight, making his first appearance on Liberty Pro television. He reached out his hand offering a shake to his boss and she accepted.

Cass Baumer: Baldwin! Funny meeting you here. So what brings ya around these parts? I saw you tweeting Becky earlier tonight. Are you here to see how she’ll do or did you come to Madison Square Garden for some other reason?

Baldwin Knight: You kidding? You’re in this huge main event, and I just finished up my TV duties last weekend, you think I’d miss this opportunity? I know how much it means to you.

Cassandra smiled wide at what he had to say but let him continue.

Baldwin Knight: Yes, in a way I did come to watch her. I still owe the people an exclusive scoop with Becky, and I always deliver on a promise. Someday. But the primary reason I’m here is to offer you at least some moral support. And, well honestly, I’ve been wanting to check out Liberty Pro’s setup for some time. Figure what better way to do that than to use my press pass, eh?

Cass Baumer: Genius idea, employee!

She thought for a moment before speaking again.

Cass Baumer: Liberty Pro’s a great place. Great roster, good people, and the catering room’s filled with good food you’ll have to check out before the night is over, for sure. And as for Becky and the rest of The Society? Those guys got quite the matchup set up for them after my own. I don’t know how that’s gonna end up but I’m sure it’ll contain something big worth your time to report once it’s over. Don’t ‘cha think?

Baldwin Knight: Wonder if the catering is as good as it was down in Monterrey...man those enchiladas were incredible...

Cass chuckled.

Cass Baumer: On a personal note…

She took a deep breath and looked back at her championship again.

Cass Baumer: Thank you so much for being here. Thank you for helping me grow the #BaumerReport brand further than I thought was even possible back in April of 2017. Between you, Gideon, Scotty and everyone else who’s a part of the company… I was able to focus more on wrestling instead of fully swamping myself with trying to get out all the reports single handedly at the same time for a full twelve months. So I guess… in a way… The Liberty Pro Trials Championship goes to you guys too. You’ve helped the brand mean something. And when the night’s over—

Baldwin placed a hand on her shoulder, interrupting.

Baldwin Knight: No. You earned that championship. Not us. We’ve been beyond happy to help, but, and I can’t speak for the rest of the crew, but I know that I couldn’t even fathom claiming ownership to your Trials Championship. And, when you win tonight and walk out of here as the Liberty Champion, there’s not a single damn way I’m allowing you to put that responsibility on us. That is YOUR accomplishment, and only yours. You should own that because you worked damn hard for it! I will say I appreciate the sentiment. But, that is not mine, or ours.

Cass smiled wide, genuinely happy with everything her employee had said. She wiped her eyes with her sleeve.

Cass Baumer: I knew I made the right choice hiring you.

Baldwin Knight: If it weren’t for you, who knows what I’d be doing. Probably still be blogging on some internet forums for a group of ten or twelve basement dwellers. Hah. You took that chance, and dare I say it’s because of that I have a prominent, recurring role down in Monterrey. So, of course I’m always gonna be here for you.

Cass nodded, agreeing with him with a grin.

Cass Baumer: Can you believe I was essentially doing the same thing just three years ago? That’s how I met Empire Pro’s own Rayven Hardy. Crazy how far all of us have come, huh? And one day, I think #BaumerReport ‘ll become a household name and you’ll be a huge part of that.

Baldwin Knight: I think, we’re already that name. You know? When it comes to sports news, everyone flocks to Baumer Report first, and...nothing, second. Honestly.

Of course, Cass was clearly proud of the accomplishment.

Cass Baumer: Stay safe tonight, okay? You’re smart enough to know certain people in this sport don’t take kindly to members of the press walking around backstage. Maybe check with some of The Followers, see if they can protect you. You’re friends with Becky so it might just work, yeah?

Baldwin Knight: I’m going to be taking a seat in the front row. Gonna watch all of this with a big ol tub of popcorn and a beer. I know all too well about hanging out backstage...ha, especially after what happened at -- well, that’s not important now. Point is, don’t worry about me, I’ll be front and center cheering you on.

Cass’ eyebrows raised at the story Baldwin neglected to tell but she moved on for now.

Cass Baumer: I’ll make sure to give you a show, then.

BACKSTAGE
In the back, we find Anastasia Hayden in front of the camera, sarcastically clapping with the Liberty Championship on her shoulder. Ana keeps the applause going and going until she takes a break to adjust the sunglasses she's wearing in doors and hanging them on the outer pocket of her denim jacket.

Ana: "Bravo, Cass. You did it, I'm so fucking proud of you. Just when I thought you truly were the absolute lowest of the low, you went, and showed not just me, but the entire world that there is someone lower than you...bravo. And now you've made it to the big league, kiddo. Kudos. While you've been calling yourself 'The Headliner', I've been actually waiting for you in the headliners and main events...I've been waiting to welcome you to the show and now you're finally here."

Another round of applause, but much smaller this time; golf claps.

Ana: "Sure hope you're ready. Sure hope you're not going to disappoint me. After all, Cass, you've talked such a big game, it'd be embarrassing if you weren't able to live up to your word. Sure, you got the Gotham Championship now, but let's face it...if it isn't what I'm holding? Who really gives a shit? Because at the end of the day, it's Anastasia Hayden or bust. And bust is exactly what I expect you to do. You thrive off the idea that you'll surprise me and shock the world...but me?"

Ana shrugs, acting oh-so-humble, and smirks.

Ana: "I don't thrive off ideas, Cass. I thrive off reality. I thrive off what I know is going to happen. So I thank you for your blissful ignorance. I thank you for helping fund my career. I thank you for being..well, for being you. And I don't care if everyone else thinks you're worthless, I value you. You're misguided, maybe even a bit slow at times, but that's alright, I've worked with plenty of other wrestlers just like you. I can be patient because I know when that bell rings? I'm eating you alive."

She shrugs once more; no smirk this time as her eyes narrow.

Ana: "You've got your buddies on Twitter to pat you on the back and tell you that you did a great job, but once they see you for the pathetic fucking loser that you are...well, luckily for you, they're about as stupid as you, so they'll stick around! Me? I don't need leeches. I don't need people to prop me up when I'm having a bad run. No, I just buck up, and I do what I'm supposed to do. Being the best. And that's something you'll never have a grasp of."

A scoff accompanies this, already mocking the idea.

Ana: "You can try and try, constantly failing, but even though you're a coward...you're stubborn, so you're not giving up. So I won't weep for you when the day finally comes and you realize that you'll never be able to perform on the level that I'm on. Hell, you won't even reach the subpar levels right below me. Instead, you'll stay where you belong and I'll do the same. You keep running around in circles and I'll keep branching out."

Despite the narrowed, hateful eyes, Ana smiles a bit here.

Ana: "You stay the contender and I'll stay the champion. Because honestly, Cass? That's all you've really got going for you. You'll never beat me for the Liberty Championship. So just like you pretend to be the headliner of Liberty, you can pretend that one day you'll be Liberty Champion too. So the next time you want to get online, call me a cunt a few times because, I dunno, that's the cliched mean girl thing to do on Twitter...just remember one thing, yeah?"

Her smile widens a bit more; practically excited for this.

Ana: "Remember that I own you and I always will. Tonight? No different."

She taps the faceplate of the Liberty Championship before throwing up a shaka brah and rolling out as the camera goes elsewhere.

BACKSTAGE
Ana Valentine walks into the catering area to find Tyson Gregory rapidly eating a rather large plate of nachos, she approaches him with a disapproving look on her face and a small hidden smile. She shakes her head as she drops into the seat opposite him.

Ana Valentine: If you throw up on my shoes out there, I’m going to hand deliver you to Becky with a pretty little bow on your ass.

Tyson Gregory: One, I have a high metabolism and I’m carboloading. Two, they were out of the chicken wings.

He smiles at her before cleaning off his hands with a nearby napkin.

Tyson Gregory: So how's it feel to be back?

She shrugs slightly, running a hand through her hair.

Ana Valentine: As I expected it to feel honestly, I have a little rust to shake, I’m not quite where I want to be, but the only way to get there is to jump in with both feet and hope I don’t drown.

She inclines her head slightly.

Ana Valentine: How are you feeling, what with everything going on in this match for you?

He looks into Ana’s eyes, slightly tilting his head.

Tyson Gregory: You follow my career well enough, when have I ever let feelings affect me once the bell rings?

She sighs and shakes her head.

Ana Valentine: When it comes to what they did to your wife? I’d say harness those emotions and use them to make sure they pay for every nail, every hammer strike, but that’s just me… I prefer to manipulate emotions into something useful as opposed to burying them.

Tyson can’t help but laugh as he sits back in his chair.

Tyson Gregory: Seth Lawless threatened to end my career and I stabbed him in the face with a fork and almost crippled him in our match. I know perfectly well how to manipulate my emotions… Because it’ll be Gray and Seth who I’m going to bury.

She smiles and nods her head.

Ana Valentine: Good, can’t give them any reason to think they got one over tonight, win or lose, you get your message across,

She rolls her eyes slightly.

Ana Valentine: God knows we're at a disadvantage, I love Nate but he’s not in condition an this security girl is merely looking for some blood lust in her personal vendetta, so it falls to the three of us to make sure this still looks like a wrestling match.

Tyson Gregory: Yeah… I’ve voiced my opinion on this a few times. Ring rust, non wrestlers and half tag teams. But who knows? Maybe Gavin’s wrestling skills are sexually transmitted and security girl can hang.

He smirks at Ana, arching brow. Ana laughs and shakes her head.

Ana Valentine: Well fuck, maybe I needed a training session before this match then…

She holds a hand up before he can reply.

Ana Valentine: Kidding! Don’t start.

She sits back in the chair and sighs.

Ana Valentine: We just need to make sure we’re all on the same page here, whether we like the rest of our team, confident in them, or not. So long as we’re cohesive things will be fine.

He shrugs his shoulders.

Tyson Gregory: We don’t have enough time for me to pleasure you and match plan Ana… Plus Ally isn’t nailed in a coffin any more and I don’t feel like dying. I agree we need to get all of us on the same page before this match and as hard as it can be check all our egos at the door.

He rubs his chin for a moment and smiles.

Tyson Gregory: Ten bucks says Tristin goes for the Roll Up of Doom…

Ana smirks once more and shakes her head.

Ana Valentine: Mmm, well… Just remember that whole ego thing.

With a laugh she stands up and knocks once on the table.

Ana Valentine: Enjoy your… carb loading, and I’ll see you out there!

Without another words she turns and walks back out of catering, disappearing down the hall.

BACKSTAGE
The cameras cut to the locker area, not the usual place to find Liberty’s owner Nathan Callaghan maybe but here he is, back to the camera as he embraces a freshly showered Nami Callaghan who is sniffling piteously as he pats her back. She looks up at him with big tear filled eyes and sighs.

Nami Callaghan: Since… since I couldn’t be in the War Games to help you and Coral, I wanted to win the Anarchy Championship so you’d be proud of me anyway.

Nathan strokes her cheek and winces a little at the scrape there from the volatile earlier match, clear that he hates to see a mark on her. He leans in and kisses her forehead softly.

Nathan Callaghan: You gave ‘em hell honey, why wouldn’t I be proud of you? Go on and get dressed, we are going to need you to be cheering us on and you need a smile on that pretty face.

She sighs but brightens up.

Nami Callaghan: Okay Big Daddy.

Nami sways her towel-wrapped hips and Nathan swats her behind, watching her walk away to change before he turns to Coral.

Nathan Callaghan: Remind me to fuck up the guy that bashed her face.

Coral nods, and moves to check that her boots are tied just right, giving her husband a perfect view of the goods. He chuckles as she stands up and turns around.

Coral Callaghan: I don’t know if he’s going to pull the trigger, but Trent rightfully feels disrespected by what Becky did. I mean… anyone in their right mind would be. What would you have done if someone that was supposed to be family tried to scare and intimidate us?

Nathan Callaghan: Then I wouldn’t hesitate to put them down. It could even be one of my boys and I would drop them for fucking with you or Nami.

Coral looks thoughtful and raises a finger.

Coral Callaghan: Becky is arrogant because she’s come through a lot but she hasn’t been touched, because this bitch doesn’t learn. She fucked up way big though, did you see the Empire show? Me and Nami thought she had something to do with what happened to Robyn, but to actually show… Liz will kill her. Or the cops will arrest and charge her, something. She needs a dose of her own medicine badly.

Nathan nods in agreement.

Nathan Callaghan: And we’re going to give it to her. Tonight isn’t just the end of Becky Balfour, but it’s the end of #TheSociety as everyone knows it. Tonight will be their Annihilation and there’s nothing they can do about it, nothing that bitch can do about it.

Coral relaxes at his words, a big smile coming over her lips as she moves to put her arms around Nathan’s waist.

Coral Callaghan: See? That’s what Becky will never understand. Things change, and if you can’t adapt? You perish.

She goes on her tiptoes and kisses her husband, then pulls back, looking up at him with a wicked smile.

Coral Callaghan: And I’ve never met anyone in my life that needed perished more than Becky Balfour.

Nathan smirks as he peers down into Coral’s eyes.

Nathan Callaghan: You wanting to make Balfour perish is so fucking hot, you know that? I love that bad side of you.

He leans in and steals another kiss before he grins.

Nathan Callaghan: I can’t wait to see you take some heads off out there tonight.

Coral is happy with this, it’s easy to see, and she moves to take Nathan’s hand as she grins up at him.

Coral Callaghan: You make all sides of me shine, you know that? What’s hot is you watching us be bad, and us knowing you love it.

A slight pause, and she smiles again.

Coral Callaghan: They want to shout about how they’re a team and all that, because they want people to think we can’t be. But the facts are, they’ve all done things to us that need paid back and sometimes? That deep a motivation can overcome any fake family. They’ll learn.

He smiles and nods in agreement.

Nathan Callaghan: Exactly. They’ll pay for what they did to us, a real family. They don’t have what it takes to hold together like we do. I can see the cracks within them. Seth and Becky divorcing, Becky roughing around Trent’s girl, Gray’s daughter constantly frowning upon his actions with those idiots… The writing is on the wall. They’ll die tonight.

Coral smiles and tugs on his hand, hearing Nami on her way back.

Coral Callaghan: Just wait until after - we’re going to celebrate so huge.

Nami rejoins them and together they head out to the hallway, Nathan putting his arms around their shoulders and making people get out of the way as they go.

BACKSTAGE
Ana Valentine is walking down the hallway backstage, as she takes a left, she finds herself in a dimly lit hallway. Looking around for a moment, she seems a little perturbed but continues on her way anyway, occasionally glancing around as though she feels like she’s being watched. Just as she’s reaching the end of the hallway, she freezes with a slight start and a gasp as Gray Malone steps out from the shadows, after a moment to gather herself she puts a smile on her face.

Ana Valentine: Gray.

He stands before her.

Gray Malone: Ana. What are you doing in this part of the arena?

He looks behind him to make sure no one else is around.

Gray Malone: Listen. I truly wish you weren't in this battle. It's not right for you to be involved.

She shakes her head slightly and sighs.

Ana Valentine: Gray, I’m in this match because I signed up to be… You keep tweeting about my light and protecting me and…

She seems almost lost for words as she sighs again.

Ana Valentine: You need to treat me just like anyone else in this match, I’m not special. I’m not an angel… you need to stop saying things like that.

He shakes his head.

Gray Malone: Ana you're a mother….no. I can't treat you the same as the others.

He acts as if he wants to reach out to her, but stops himself.

Gray Malone: I can't help it. I wont let you get hurt. I wont let Nathan be the cause of you getting hurt. I...care about you.

She steps half around him and pauses, looking back to him.

Ana Valentine: Do you know what I have done to people like you in the past? People who think they see a good in me, people who believe I am worthy of salvation?

She leans in slightly and smiles.

Ana Valentine: I destroyed them, with a song in my heart. I’m not angel Gray, I have brought men who named themselves gods to their fucking knees because I fancied it… what you think you see in me? You don’t.

He moves closer to her and stares into her eyes.

Gray Malone: I assure you this, Ana. In your entire existence, with everyone you've met and loved and then destroyed. You've never met a being like me. There is nothing you can do to me that I haven't already suffered.

He calmly pleads to her.

Gray Malone: I will not raise a hand to you in this match. Do what you will. Take advantage of it. Whatever your heart desires. Because my heart says otherwise.

He starts to back away looking slightly saddened. She sighs and steps back with a shake of her head.

Ana Valentine: Just stay out of my way tonight and watch out for Tyson, because whilst I may not be interested in beating on a broken man, we both know he’s itching to get his hands on you..

She pauses and shakes her head.

Ana Valentine: And don’t mistake my warning as me caring, I don’t.

He continues to back away slowly.

Gray Malone: I will be ready for him. You just stay on your toes. Don't trust your team. And I tell you that, because I do care. I guess I'll see you out there, Ana.

He turns and walks back into the shadows. Saying one last thing.

Gray Malone: I think you are beautiful.

She hesitates for a moment before turning and hurrying out of the dark hallway, glancing back before turning the corner to a busier part of the arena.

BACKSTAGE
Tyson Gregory: Tonight… Tonight a lot of things come to a head with things in Liberty Pro…

The scene opens to Tyson Gregory sitting in an undisclosed area backstage. He’s already dressed to compete for his War Games match later, but seems to be in focus right now.

Tyson Gregory: You see like I said earlier, on paper you have a huge mismatch in this battle. You have Becky, Seth, Trent, Warren and Gray. The cohesive team, no family that they are have seen very few if any crack their armor and gain an advantage. I mean, they held the Liberty Championship, Anarchy Championship and the CWC Tag Team Championships all damn near the same time. Granted they don’t have any of those belts now, they are still pretty accredited as far as teams go. And then on the other hand…

Tyson starts to laugh and shakes his head with a small sigh.

Tyson Gregory: We have the owner of Liberty Pro, who is more known for training his litter of kiddos to wrestle rather than wrestling as himself. We have half a tag team, who is also half of Nathan’s wives too. Then we have a private security slash bail bondsman that as far as I know doesn’t know much wrestling. I’m not gonna knock Ana but this is her first match back in a while and it’s a big one. And then you have me… The single greatest wrestler to grace a Liberty Pro ring. Yes, you can say this match really isn’t in our favor despite how amazing I am.

He shrugs his shoulders.

Tyson Gregory: Good thing I don’t even give a shit about the odds huh? Honestly, it’s nice to not be seen as the odds on favorite for once… It’s kind of calming. But we should ask the Society what happens if they don’t win this match? You’ve heard them all this week… They want to survive this match. Fuck that noise! I want to thrive and stride! They can play it safe, I’m going out there to make a point and that’s despite anything in my way… I’m Tyson fucking Gregory.

He starts to laugh before eyeing up the camera.

Tyson Gregory: Oh and Becky… You should always be weary of the guy that’s looking at certain defeat and starts to laugh about it and goes in with a smile on his face. That smile? It’s deadly.

Tyson looks to the camera and smiles a sinister smile before getting up and walking away.

RECORDED EARLIER
Darkness covers the scene as metal upon metal sounds are heard in the area. A light slowly shines overhead, bringing the strong scene to view for all to see. Becky Balfour stands in the center of an area surrounded by a huge steel cage. A shadow slowly walks around her at the steel cage boundary inside with a baseball bat. Every few seconds the man drags the bat against the steel of the cage.

Beside Becky, the form of Warren Corbett emerges. On her other side, Seth Lawless comes into view. Behind the 3 of them, the tall form of Trent Grundy emerges, while the shadow of Gray Malone continues to circle them, smacking the cage with his bat.

Becky Balfour: Annihilation.

The eerie sound of the bat begin dragged along the steel cage continues ringing out in the background.

Becky Balfour: War Games. A fight where only the strongest survive. The Society? We have been survivors our entire lives. We didn’t just assume the role for television. Nathan...you have let your ego run out of control. You thought costing me the Liberty championship would be the end, but it only proved to be the beginning. Now? This is about more than gold. It’s even poetic, in a way. All of the attention usually shifts to the champion, but here we are, THE SOCIETY...headlining a show in the biggest event of the company at the most storied venue in America.

Becky pauses as the other members of the family nod in agreement.

Becky Balfour: Our message, our Followers, our Society continues to grow. New York City has never seen a movement like ours, and you five have never felt pain like you will feel tonight. The Girls of Summer will pay for Nathan’s sins. Tyson Gregory will answer for his own. Ana Valentine steps back into the ring, only to be shredded by this steel that surrounds us. And Tristin? Tonight, payback is a bitch.

Seth, Warren, and Trent all shout out ‘BITCH’ to further prove Becky’s point as Gray continues circling the family, and the cage.

Becky Balfour: For the injustices levied upon us at your hands. For the Follower whose name is unknown to the world, even as his presence is felt, the same Follower that you battered, brutally, in front of me. For those that walk with us, fearing a day when you appear in front of them. They will fear no more after tonight. They will have nothing to fear when you are removed from the equation, by my hands…

Becky lifts her hands up for the camera and stares at them with a sadistic look in her eyes.

Becky Balfour: Five leaders against five men and women, forced together by greed and a united hate for our family. Each of you are out for yourselves, how can a unit that is built upon greed, compete with a FAMILY of leaders? How can five power hungry individuals compete with a FAMILY that has broken down barriers, stole your precious championships coast to coast, and broke the mold for what a wrestling star is supposed to look like? How can five egomaniacs compete a FAMILY of survivors, bonded by loyalty, not blood? They simply...cannot.

The noise of bat on cage stops as Gray continues to circle his family. He jumps at the cage wall, scaring the followers on the outside, before speaking.

Gray Malone: What is Annihilation? I never ask myself that question because, quite frankly, I don't need to. See I've walked many a step in the path that has led to destruction. I alone have shut down a company, by my nature. I buried the owner of said company, 6 feet in cement. And you know what? I was buried with him.

He stops in front of the rest.

Gray Malone: Yet here I stand. With them.

He points to the others, and then points to those viewing this on camera.

Gray Malone: He on the other hand? Who knows? And yet I find myself in the same predicament that I did then. The owner of this company, seems to decide it best to get into my personal space, and introduce his bat to my head. He then decides to take a great match between Tyson Gregory and myself, and make it into a clusterfuck.

He slowly approaches the fence and wraps his fingers around the grips of steel

Gray Malone: And then, Nathan, you allow Ana Valentine to be dragged into this war that YOU started! She doesn't deserve it. She doesn't belong in this Annihilation of you, Tyson, the security bitch and one of the Hoes of Summer. I wont stand for Ana getting hurt. And I will double down on every inch of rage within my black soul, to rip as much skin off of you with the steel of the cage.

He removes his hands.

Gray Malone: Nathan, if I want Liberty to fall, I can do just that. But that is not my goal. My goal is to make you understand that corruption has consequences in my eyes. And your consequence is simply the fact, that with these 2 hands…..YOU LOSE!

The followers around the cage cheer, until Malone yells at them to shut the fuck up. He then circles again, dragging the bat around the cage.

Seth Lawless walks up and puts his hands on the cage. He shakes his head as he has bandages over his body and one around his right arm after the battle he had with Ally Gregory the night before.

Seth Lawless: I’m beaten and bruised and a little pissed off. I should be standing here with one half of the Liberty Pro Tag Team Titles but alas I am not. Because of Nathan, I lost my title, he stacked the odds against Trent and I. Just because he doesn’t like us, because he wants to see us suffer and he wants to try and break us apart. But after last week we are stronger than ever because we are in a cage now and we will see our opponents in front of them and we are going to take them down. We will not lose this match.

He smiles once more as he keeps his hands on the cage.

Seth Lawless: Tonight, we are fighting for our lives tonight we stand next to each other and we will win. It has come down to this and only one group will be around. The other one is going to be annihilated. It will not be us though because we are strong and well we are fighting for the same thing. Justice.

He closes his eyes once more.

Seth Lawless: I still see a damn future and I am not going to let that future slip away, I am a man of few words and a man that likes to fight and that is what I do best. I don’t care who the opponents are it is time for me to make a name of myself. With my family behind me I will do that and no one will know that this Seth Lawless exists until he shows up.

He backs away from the cage as he looks at the followers and nods his head. Warren lunges from his position, punching the cage and grunting.

Warren Corbett: We were told that you own us, told that we’re nothing more than slaves to Nathan, told that we were worse than dirt. Whoever chooses to stand behind this man, truly needs to look inward at themselves. Then to look on at us in shock as we respond? All our lives people have told us how we’re nothing, how they own us. I suppose you expected us to simply roll over and take it, to accept our place within the world that people like you have decided.

He shook his head.

Warren Corbett: But no...hell no! The Society isn’t going to take that sort of treatment anymore, and once we let you know it, is when you turned it up a notch. I just wonder if the people that stand in support of him are just as disgusting, or worse. They know exactly what he’s doing, they watched last week firsthand and still continue to pretend that he’s a good man. You all make me sick, you’re exactly the same kind of people we’ve always fought against, protecting your own and looking down on us for being different.

Warren spit in the corner of the cage, unable to control himself.

Warren Corbett: I guess the real surprising thing for you all, is that we’re protecting our own. We stick together. There’s no way we’re backing down, because we’ve been made to back down our whole lives. But now? Together? We’re much stronger than we are apart. Separate us, throw us into handicap matches, interfere and cost us our championships - but the biggest mistake you made, Nathan, is choosing this War Games match. You want to take us all out in one swoop, but now you’ve got all of us coming at you at once.

Warren took a moment to point to each and every one of #TheSociety members, as the camera pans around in a circle.

Warren Corbett: Can’t you see that this is about more than just us now?

It lands back upon Warren.

Warren Corbett: It’s about everyone that’s ever felt beaten down, controlled, everyone watching who has been pushed down in the mud. This is about those people in the crowd that were told they’re rejects, they don’t belong, that they’re worthless. It’s about us FIGHTING BACK against YOUR society, and winning.

Trent Grundy flexes his biceps as the largest member of #TheSociety steps in front of Warren. A man of few words, he looks directly into the camera.

Trent Grundy: Winning..surviving? The same thing. Each and every member of our family had a valid point, and mine is simple. Tonight, we unleash hell upon Liberty’s owner, and his inner circle. United we stand….

All of the members of #TheSociety step up next to Grundy, as all of them extend a fist towards each other.

Members in Unison: NEVER...will we fall.

Becky then drops down to her knees and shrieks as the camera cuts out immediately.