Episode 1.0 of Ignition: The Crucible's First Test of Fire

SEGMENT
It was a little earlier in the evening, before she needed to be in the locker room area ready for her match. Already dressed and ready to go in a pair of flared bottom spandex pants that looked practically painted on & a matching top, cut short to show off her body from every angle, her long dark hair tied in a braid down her back. It quickly became apparent she had no idea the camera was there as it panned out and revealed who she was with.

Charli Rozzi stood flush against the wall, one foot propped up on it and a hand on the chest of the man she was talking to. Her head tilted back to keep her gaze locked in on Nathan Callaghan as she spoke.

Charli Rozzi: “Remember what we talked about… They need the real you tonight, the world needs to be reminded of who the fuck you are.”

The hand that was on his chest now gripped his shirt, her smirk was playful but with an intensity behind it that matched the low murmur in her tone.

Charli Rozzi: “And I need you…”

She pulled him closer, pressing her cheek to his to whisper something in his ear that the camera couldn’t pick up.

Nathan's lips curled into a slow, knowing smirk as Charli's words settled in, her intensity infectious. He placed a hand on her waist, his grip firm as he leaned in, his voice low and laced with that familiar edge.

Nathan Callaghan: "Oh, don’t worry, Charli. The ‘real me’ doesn’t need much coaxing… especially when someone like you is doing the asking."

He leaned back just enough to lock eyes with her, his gaze dark and unreadable, though a spark of something dangerous flickered in the depths. His free hand moved to her chin, gently tilting her face up a little more as he studied her with an intensity that matched her own.

Nathan Callaghan: "But you know as well as I do, Charli.. once you let that side out, there's no putting it back in its cage. You sure you and the world are ready for that?"

She hitched a breath, an intentional way to cause her chest to rise and fall dramatically as the smirk on her lips turned into a teasing pout, her bottom lip jutting out.

Charli Rozzi: “You don’t think I can handle it..?”

She leaned her head to the side slightly, head hand that was on his chest trailing down slowly as she let out a long sigh.

Charli Rozzi: “Cause I handled you pretty well the other day when we-“

Just as she’s breathing out those words, she spots the camera and rolls her eyes, her free hand hooking her thumb under Nathan’s chin to turn his head, directing his vision to the camera with a small huff.

Charli Rozzi: “Ugh… Crucible hiring the same cameramen as the Academy or something?”

Nathan chuckled, barely phased as he glanced over at the camera, then back to Charli with a smirk that matched hers.

Nathan Callaghan: "Guess they couldn’t resist catching this little moment, huh? Can’t really blame ‘em."

He tilted his head, letting her thumb linger under his chin for a moment before pulling her hand away with a playful grin.

Nathan Callaghan: "And as for handling me…" He let the words hang, leaning in close, his voice low and laced with that dangerous charm. "Let’s just say, if the real me comes out tonight, handling me might be the least of your worries."

With a final smirk, he gave the camera a pointed look, clearly unbothered by its presence, as if daring it to keep watching. Her mouth twitched from a smirk into a grin as she leaned in to meet him, turning her head away from the camera to utter into his ear.

Charli Rozzi: “Sounds like a party.” Her tone matched his, apart from the defiant playfulness she often used when speaking to him. “I better go get warmed up.”

With that she kissed his cheek and slipped from in front of him, flipping off the camera before turning to head in the direction of the locker rooms.

Nathan watched her go, the smirk on his face lingering as she disappeared down the hall. He shook his head slightly, a quiet chuckle escaping as he glanced back at the camera.

Nathan Callaghan: “That one’s a handful, huh? But that’s why she’s gonna be a star.”

With that, he turned away, his expression settling back into that familiar, stoic look as he headed in the opposite direction, leaving the camera crew with nothing but a glimpse of his back as he walked off, bringing the segment to a close.

SEGMENT
A title placard reading “OCTOBER 2018 - South Boston, MA” appears on the screen.

An old mattress lies atop some leaves scattered across the backyard of a three story walk up. The camera angle is low and tilted upward, the result of an iPhone leaning against a trash barrel as it records. Two ladders stand on opposing sides of the mattress. Perched atop one ladder, a 14 year old Summer O’Reilly, sporting a Boston Celtics, Kyrie Irving jersey. Standing atop the other ladder is her best friend Isabella Ferranti, wearing a Boston Bruins, Patrice Bergeron jersey.

Bella Ferranti: Are you sure about this?

Bella asks Summer while teetering atop the ladder, her arms flapping to maintain balance.

Summer O’Reilly: Bella, don’t look down. Look at me. Focus.

Bella’s dark eyes rise to meet Summer’s and a calm washes over her. A slight smile takes hold as she finds her footing atop the ladder.

Summer O’Reilly: That’s my girl. We need to get used to this if we’re going to be the greatest tag team to ever come out of Boston.

Bella Ferranti: Calla-WHO?!

Bella responds with a chuckle.

Summer O’Reilly: Right? They’re a family divided. You and me, we’ll never stray.

Bella Ferranti: Promise?

Summer O’Reilly: Promise.

Bella looks down for a moment before looking back at her friend.

Bella Ferranti: We’re doing this?

Summer O’Reilly: We’re doing this. On three.

Bella nods as Summer grins and goes into her announcer voice.

Summer O’Reilly: Boston’s Finest are perched high above the arena, their opponents lying below. Summer and Bella are moments away from achieving their dream of becoming tag team champions. We’ll see if they have what it takes to win it all in… ONE… TWO…

The girls bend at the knees and shift their bodies.

Summer O’Reilly: THREE!!!

They crash down onto the mattress with what could only be described as ugly flops. Dirt and leaves fly in the air as the musty mattress sags under their weight. They lie still for a moment, both flat on their backs, staring up at the sky.

Summer O’Reilly: You okay?

Bella Ferranti: I think I died.

The girls start giggling but the moment is interrupted when Summer’s father, covered in grease from his job as a mechanic, stumbles onto the scene.

Terry O’Reilly: What the fuck is this?!

Summer and Bella bolt upright, rising into seated positions like Frankenstein’s monster. They blink but don’t respond.

Terry O’Reilly: I’m serious Summer. What did I tell you about this wrestling shit?! It isn’t for you.

Terry runs his hand over his face before motioning towards the girls.

Terry O’Reilly: Both of you, stand up. C’mon, stand up! Stand up and take a look at yourselves.

The girls stand, wobbling due to unsteady footing while standing atop the mattress.

Terry O’Reilly: That’s it. Now the two of you combined weigh what? Maybe a smidge over two hundred if you’ve got rocks in your pockets? You’re not built like wrestlers. You’re built like dancers or gymnasts, but not wrestlers.

Summer raises her chin and responds defiantly.

Summer O’Reilly: There are plenty of women wrestling professionally and they’re holding their own against the men.

Terry laughs.

Terry O’Reilly: Aye, there are. Kelly Fury. Angelica Layne. Joey Reyes. You’re fuckin’ waifs compared to them. Those women would break each of you in half without batting an eyelash. So stop this shit with the mattress and the ladders. You’re gonna get yourselves killed.

The girls hang their heads as Terry turns to walk away but stops.

Terry O’Reilly: And even if it did work out, what then? Look what that sport does to people. Nathan Callaghan? That man is a shadow of what he used to be. He’s angry and alone. Is that how you want to end up? Bent, broken and forgotten? Summer, I bust my ass to send you to that fancy private high school so that you can do better in life… and your parents do the same, Bella. So do better! Is that understood?!

The girls nod in unison, their heads still hung as Terry turns to walk off.

Terry O’Reilly: Clean this shit up. I don’t want to see it again. And give those ladders back to whoever you stole them from.

As Summer and Bella stare down at the ground, the scene slowly fades out.

SEGMENT
There it was a quick barefooted kick into the bag that should’ve made her ankles ache, but instead she shifted and kicked it again, swifter, faster, in succinct motion, before she altered balance and kicked another foot into the bag again. Her punches and kicks, all quite lethal If not being used against the heavy bag at the moment, her hands barely taped much like her feet, but nothing stopping the delicate rhythm that she created.

Kitara Dela Torre, a name many hadn’t become familiar with although they should, Her hair tied back and sweat beginning to form on her forehead, she kept a firm, serious look on her face, up until the workouts end, but unlike most who would throw their hands up to their head and breathe heavily after such intense cardio, she stood there with her hands to her hips and monitored herself with controlled breathing.

There were no words that she was willing to offer just yet, instead just a glimpse into what she’d been doing to prepare and as she turned around to take a sip of her water she finally acknowledged the camera in her presence.

Kitara Dela Torre: “So I guess you’ve come for a few words, perhaps a bit of hype.”

She shook her head. A clear presence of her swedish accent cutting through the words, though her speech was very polished and defined.

Kitara Dela Torre: “Sorry but that isn’t my speed. Kind of reminds me of those Kiss and Tell stories, it kind of ruins the surprise, yeah?”

That was about as friendly as she’d get, shrugging her shoulders to take another sip.

Kitara Dela Torre: “The truth of it is, I wasn’t very excited about this whole team thing. Wrestling is supposed to be about independent glory and instead we’re having to parade around and pretend we’re happy with some leaders choosing. Pick one, Pick two, its all the same really each one of us is defining who we are and what our legacy will be and I don’t take that lightly.”

She pushed a lose strand of hair behind her ear and while she was speaking she never really looked at the camera directly, almost as if making eye contact would mean she cared about the individual listening. It was clear, and impactful.

Kitara Dela Torre: “So when I found we get to go against all of those in our group to determine one’s standings, you couldn’t imagine how happy that makes me. See I know Ozzie was Julian’s first pick and I get it. Family and all of that, if it were me I wouldn’t personally pick family, because family complicates things. That make you question too much, or they try to emulate you and overestimate their power. Ozzie likes to feel as if he’s in control and maybe in some way he is. He has pull, he has strategy, but does he have tenacity. See the reason Julian chose me next is because he knows that despite what many may believe about me, when it comes to what is happening in that ring, I will do whatever it takes to ensure my victory. That includes break arms, ankles, limbs, or going straight for your juggular, if you choose to fight with me its bound to happen.”

She smiled at the thought of that, perhaps the only moment where she’d truly enjoyed this whole thing.

Kitara Dela Torre: “Then we have Rey Veneno, a masked man with a plan. That is if those plans include losing to KDT. See I understand the pride that comes with being a luchador, I respect it to a degree because it’s a commitment like no other. You wear the mask as a sign of honor and prestige towards your family. But there’s that word again. Family, In reality the mask does one thing and that is give you something to hide behind, but it also can do a number of things, impede your vision, get ripped off your head, or worse yet be torn to shreds and then what will you hide behind on your way to the ring. As the saying goes, you better watch your head.”

She smirked then.

Kitara Dela Torre: “As for Sarai Atana, my fellow Asian Queen. The Neon Tigress is a fitting name. We seem to have similar specialties and an affinity for using them. I look forward to seeing who can outlast the other.”

A rather quick sign of respect.

Kitara Dela Torre: “Ideally I don’t predict winnings, because to do so would only give you a probability of being wrong, what I do promise is that you are going to see everything that I’ve been hyping. Whether friend or foe, if you’re in my way I will annihilate you, and that is a promise. So stay tuned, we’re about to ignite.”

With that she nodded and dismissed herself from the cameras view.

THE SOUTHIE SYNDICATE
Kian Laroux vs Charli Rozzi vs Jade Callaghan vs Ruby Callaghan

SEGMENT
The Voice: Hi.

Said the voice. A single light illuminated the back of a young woman’s head, her hair in a short black bob. She extended one hand tipped with immaculate green nails, then began to tie it in neon green-striped wraps, all the while keeping her back to the camera.

Sarai Atana: What’s the worst pain you’ve ever been in?

She savored the words. Then with one hand wrapped, she began on the other, tying it up in the same neon green stripes.

Sarai Atana: The most traumatic moment of your life?

Her hands both wrapped, her fingers closed into a pair of fists.

Sarai Atana: The one thing in the world that you’re most afraid of?

Sarai adjusted her kick pads, in dynamic Division teal, paired with green striped kneepads that matched her hand wraps.

Sarai Atana: Your absolute, utmost, worst nightmare?

Back still to the camera, she interlocked her fingers and stretched. Her fingers unlocked and then met in front of her, her right first stopping just before it smacked into her left palm.

Sarai Atana: What if they all haven’t happened yet?

Her hands seized a robe, the stripes black and neon green, her color scheme of choice glaringly obvious. Sarai slipped the robe over her shoulders.

Sarai Atana: What if they’re all in your very immediate future?

The robe settled in place over Sarai’s frame. Loose sleeves hung past her hands, leaving only her head visible.

Sarai Atana: Wouldn’t that be horrible?

She raised the hood, finally turning to face the camera with a warm smile that did not meet her eyes. Sarai waved.

Sarai Atana: I’m Sarai.

Her hand seized the camera lens, the feed cutting suddenly.

SEGMENT
The scene opens backstage, where Ozzie Savell stands, leaning against a metal crate with his arms crossed. He's dressed in his ring gear, a fur coat draped over his shoulders in a style reminiscent of his older brother Julian. Dark sunglasses shield his eyes, adding an air of mystery and menace to his look as he addresses the camera.]

Ozzie Savell: "Tonight’s a special night, isn’t it? Four of us from The Division stepping into that ring, each of us aiming for the Apex Crown and the Cloak of Genius. Kitara, Rey, Sarai—solid competitors, I’ll give you that. We’ve all been through some sort of training to get here, haven’t we? The question is, who is the most prepared tonight?”

He smirks, adjusting his coat and leaning forward just slightly, his voice a smooth blend of confidence and cold precision.

Ozzie Savell: “But see, there’s one difference between them and me. They might play the game, but I don’t just play it—I own it. This ring, this business? It’s in my blood. And tonight, I’m going to remind everyone that there’s only one Savell who can carry the torch. The others can do their best to follow my lead, but I’ll be showing them how it’s really done.”

He pauses, letting his words hang in the air as he adjusts his sunglasses, the reflection catching the light.

Ozzie Savell: “Kitara, Rey, Sarai—you’re all skilled, I’ll give you that. But skill alone doesn’t make you Division. It’s the mindset, the hunger, the willingness to do whatever it takes to get to the top. And that’s exactly what I am. Calculated, ruthless, and unapologetically good.”

A smirk crosses his lips as he tilts his head back, his tone carrying a mocking warmth.

Ozzie Savell: “So when you step into that ring tonight, just know you’re facing something you can’t quite grasp. I’m not here to share the spotlight—I’m here to own it. One of us will walk out with that title shot, and I promise you, it won’t be a hard choice.”

He shrugs, giving a final nod to the camera.

Ozzie Savell: “Tonight, The Division will get a lesson in what true greatness looks like. Watch closely—you might learn something.”

With that, he lowers his sunglasses just enough to give a piercing look before walking off, leaving his words lingering like a promise he fully intends to keep.

SEGMENT
Haven West was absolutely brimming with nervous energy and it was quickly bubbling over to an intense and anxiety that left her feeling a little nauseous. She had already done as much as she possibly could to prep, was dressed and ring ready and still a nervous energy bubbled up making her feel ready to explode.

She pulled out her phone a month ago, if you had told her there would be people she could call to calm her down, she would’ve thought you were crazy. But now she had people to call, people she was slowly learning how to let in. Pulling up her contacts she clicked on the little wolf emoji and hit call, setting it to speaker phone so she could continue to stretch and warm up as they talked.

Seven answered after a couple of rings, his voice calm and almost indifferent, a hint of smoke in his tone.

Seven Wolfe: "You caught me in the middle of a smoke break, West. What's up?"

He paused, taking a slow drag, clearly in no rush to fill the silence.

Seven Wolfe: "Shouldn’t you be focused or something? You’re about to have a match, right? So why are you calling me?"

There was a hint of amusement there, though he kept his tone flat and unbothered, like he had all the time in the world.

Haven West: “Uh rude!”

She scoffed softly and feigned annoyance for all of half a second before her anxiety started to build back up in her chest and the nauseous feeling returned.

Haven West: “You said call if I need anything and I neeeed…”

She dropped the stretch she was holding and sat on the floor, switching into a different position before continuing.

Haven West: “To not throw up before I go out there. Yeah, I’m about to have a match that’s why I’m calling you - how do you stop the whole… so nervous you think you might vomit or faint or something or, or what if I get out there and I just freeze? That happens to some people right? If I do that I don’t think I could cope, what if I mess something up or - worse - someone gets really hurt?”

As she rambled and descended into her anxious panic her voice got louder and the pattern of her speech began to get very fast, the words running together.

Seven took a long, deep drag on his cigarette, letting her words wash over him without interrupting. When she finally paused, he exhaled, his voice coming out in that same steady, almost bored tone.

Seven Wolfe: "Haven, breathe. You’re spiraling."

He flicked the ash, giving her a moment to catch her breath before he continued, his tone calm and unaffected.

Seven Wolfe: "Look, you’re not gonna freeze. You’ve done the work, you know what you’re doing. All this anxiety? It’s just adrenaline, and yeah, it feels like hell right now, but it’s what’s gonna fuel you once you’re out there."

He paused, letting his words sink in before he continued.

Seven Wolfe: "And if you’re that nervous about hurting someone, that just proves you care enough to make sure it doesn’t happen. You’ll be fine. Just… focus on the first step. Get through that, and the rest will follow."

There was a brief silence before he added, almost as an afterthought.

Seven Wolfe: "And Haven? I wouldn’t be wasting my smoke break on you if I didn’t think you could handle this."

After a moment she smiled, letting go of her stretch and closing her eyes, taking a couple of long deep breaths and trying to centre herself before answering him.

Haven West: “Ok. First step and go from there. I can do that…”

She didn’t sound entirely convinced but she was considerably calmer. Another couple of meditative breaths before she continued speaking.

Haven West: “Thanks, I’ll let you enjoy the last of your smoke break now.” She paused for not even a beat before she added. “Even though smoking is actually really bad for you and you shouldn’t!”

She rushed her words again but this time not because of anxiety, because she wanted to get them all out before he could stop her.

Seven let out a low chuckle, shaking his head as he took another drag.

Seven Wolf: “Yeah, yeah, I’ll keep that in mind, West. Maybe one day I’ll listen.”

There was a hint of warmth in his voice, though his tone stayed as dry and stoic as ever. He paused, exhaling slowly.

Seven Wolf: “Now get out there and do what you’re supposed to. You’ve got this.”

Without waiting for a response, he hung up, leaving her with his steady confidence lingering in the silence, the unspoken support clear even after the call ended.

THE DIVISION
Kitara dela Torre vs Ozzie Savell vs Rey Veneno vs Sarai Atana

SEGMENT
RECORDED EARLIER THIS WEEK...

It was the day of the first ever Ignition and this episode was coming from the Nightfall gym in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nightfall is where some of the biggest names in the entire wrestling industry learned the ropes, and today was a celebration of the next generation with not only Nightfall students, but multiple other factions as well. In preparation for the event, Maya Hardy was getting a last minute workout in. 

MAYA HARDY: Is this thing on? 

A cell phone was spun and turned around to show a close up of Maya. The camera was facing her so she laughs and makes a funny face before walking over to a stand she set up. She places the phone on the stand and then steps back, looking at her cell phone now as it was recording. 

MAYA HARDY: So today is the day, and I know later things are going to get a lil crazy, so I thought I would share a few things now, clear the chest a lil bit and yeah. 

Maya was visibly nervous, and despite being confident in the ring, it was clear that Crucible was needed for moments like this. Learning the craft in the ring and on a microphone. She would look back at this one day and probably laugh, but for now she was pushing through, pausing to take a deep breath and gather her thoughts. 

MAYA HARDY: First off, fuck Charli, okay? I just wanted to say that and at the same time I wanted to thank McKena for stepping out of her comfort zone tonight and wrestling to defend not only the family name, but also...me. I probably didn't express that well enough before, but I can admit I've already made a few mistakes on social media, but I'd rather make the mistakes there then in the ring, which brings me to tonight. 

I'm sure one day I'll get my hands on Charli, but I hope to do so as a champion. This match is so unique because I'm not facing an enemy, or someone from another faction, tonight I'm facing people that I'm bonding with. Jaime, Eileen, and Leonardo. These are people that I'm not only sharing a ring with daily, but they are people that I'm literally living with right now, so that makes it even crazier that my first match is against the three of them. That's what makes Crucible so crazy, you really never know what they are going to throw at you. You just have to be prepared for everything.

The last week has taught me a lot already. It's taught me to be confident, but remain humble. It's taught me to watch my back because not everyone is going to play by the same ruleset as I play by. It's even taught me to keep my friends close, and the other factions closer. I know my first official match is going to be a learning experience too, and I can't wait, but the rewards? Yooo...they are tempting. Who doesn't want to be the first ever Apex champ? That's what the three of us are fighting for, the chance to compete for the top prize in Crucible. I know all three want it just as bad as I do, so it's going to come down to more than that, it's going to come down to who the best is. 

Maya adjusts her hair, still able to see herself on the front facing cell phone camera, maybe she was a little more conscious of how she looked than she normally would be. She fidgets with her hands and then realizes what she's doing and puts her hands at her sides. 

MAYA HARDY: Jaime, you know you're my boy and we all know you were the first selection by faction Nightfall, but the way I look at it, and probably the way Ei and Leo look at it is now you just have a bigger target on your back. We all want to pin you and prove that we should have been the first pick. And honestly? I feel like I have a true homefield advantage. I've been training in this very gym for awhile now. When I turned 18, Ray and Xavier began to work with me, and while you've been through a little more than me in the business, I feel like this gym, this ring? It's home. 

Tonight we get more than one chance, we get two. If I fail to capture that first fall, then there's still a chance to qualify for the Cloak of Genius championship match. Clearly we're all aiming for the first fall, this is a hell of a consolation prize, and I love the idea behind it. Winning each match as champion with a new move, to show that we're taking our training seriously and adapting our game week after week, match after match. 

Listen, I feel like I'm rambling now and honestly I'm sure I'll get better at this, but I just want to thank the Nightfall team for their hard work preparing all of us for this match tonight. I want to wish Eileen, Leonardo, and Jaime good luck, but I'm keeping it real when I say that if I get the chance? These kicks are coming for all of you. 

Maya leaps up into the air and spins, slicing her foot through the air with a previous of her finishing spin kick. When she lands, she rubs her head a little, maybe still feeling the effects of her altercation with Charli earlier in the week, but she was ready. The moment was huge for every one, and Maya was going to make the most of it. 

She walks over to the cell phone and sticks her tongue out, laughing as she shuts it off, preparing to send the clip off to air on the first episode of Ignition. 

SEGMENT
Eileen Dorne: Maya Hardy believes she's too focused to lose. Leonard Martinez works a job where if you can't be focused and disciplined, you and others could die. Jaime Idol… are we even sure he's in any shape to compete?

Eileen walks into the shot, her expression serene as it often is in photos and other media.

Eileen Dorne: As for me, of course I want to win. I believe I have the focus and the skills to do so, and frankly if I didn't think I could win then why would I even be doing this? Why would I even want to be in competition? That's a question I asked myself early on when I first began training. Did I have it in myself to always pursue the win even if it looked like a complete uphill battle?

Her gear, green and gold shimmered as she moved a little back and forth and then looked up at the camera once more.

Eileen Dorne: I thought about it, I gave a lot of thought actually, and my answer was yes. Yes I do have that in me, and all I need is a chance to prove it. I hope that tonight I'll be able to show everyone the strength of my convictions. But if not, if I don't make it through? I'm still not going to give up.

She walks out of the shot without another word, but a smile on her lips.

NIGHTFALL
Competitors: Jaime Idol vs. Maya Hardy vs. Eileen Dorne vs Leonard Martinez

SEGMENT
We cut to the backstage area where we see Legion student, Colt Anderson, is seen already in his ring gear. He paces back and forth a bit before flashing a smile to the camera.

Colt Anderson: You know, if you told me my first match here at The Crucible Academy would be against my own faction? I’m not sure I would have believed it. Don’t get me wrong, I figured eventually I would end up facing someone or everyone from my Faction. But right out the gate? Not exactly.

He shrugs his shoulders a bit.

Colt Anderson: I get why they are running it this way though. Gotta get a student from each faction in both the Apex Crown and the Cloak of Genius Championship matches. Personally, getting into either championship match would be a goal of mine. But let’s be honest, getting that first victory and being able to sit back and watch the other students in your faction battle it out? That’s a prime position, just like getting yourself in the match against what would be the best of the Academy.

Colt then crosses his arms over his chest and gives a smirk.

Colt Anderson: Something though that Legion has as a kind of an advantage in their match. It’s the only one with just three competitors. That means my chances of getting into a championship match is that much better. In reality all I have to do is make sure that I don’t get pinned and I should be in a great spot. So I’ll see you out there… Legion on top.

SEGMENT
Somewhere in the Nightfall Wrestling Facility, The McCarthy Twins (Amalija and Shakura) are off in the corner sitting down on two steel folding chairs. The twin on the right opens her mouth to speak first.

Twin (seated right): “You ready, sis?”

Twin (seated left) : “Born ready.”

Twin (seated right): “I had more fun last night than I imagined. Playtime is over now. Back to work.”

There is a sigh elicited from the sister seated on the left.

Twin (seated left): Yeah, yeah, I know I know. Promised you I would be a good girl. No hangover this time.

Twin (seated right): I appreciate that. Remember, we have a lot to prove. Don’t lose sight we were selected last.


Twin (seated left): Shouldn’t you be more grateful we were selected together? We are in the main event of the very first show. How cool is that?

The twin seated on the right shrugs her shoulders.

Twin (seated right): Strategically it makes sense, sis. We are the only tag team on Nightfall. I just don’t want anyone underestimating us. We didn’t come from a wrestling pedigree. Plus, the stigma of us being dancers will always follow us. I don’t regret our life choices. We have an uphill battle to be taken seriously. Get your head in the game.

The twin on the left places her hands on her sister’s shoulder. She smiles as she says.
Twin (seated left): Have I ever let you down?

In response to this, the twin seated to the right shakes her head.

Twin (seated left): You and me are going to rock. No ins, ands or butts.

The McCarthy twins fist bump as the scene fades to black.

LEGION
Competitors: Haven West vs Zxavier Young vs Colt Anderson

SEGMENT
The scene opens backstage at Crucible Academy's debut show, where Sophie Grimes is eagerly navigating the electric atmosphere in the locker room. Finally, she spots Clarissa LaCroix and Valerie LaCroix—the two are seated on a bench, dressed in matching black and silver gear, hands wrapped and ready for the main event. Sophie approaches them with a warm smile, microphone in hand, ready to dive into the excitement of the night.

Sophie Grimes: Ladies and gentlemen, I'm here backstage with the sisters making their first-ever televised appearance, the duo representing The Division tonight in our highly anticipated main event—a Faction Warfare Tag Team TLC Match for the Faction Warfare Tag Team Championships! Clarissa, Val, thank you for your time. How are you both feeling as we get closer to what will be a historic moment, not just for you, but for Crucible Academy as a whole?

Clarissa, the elder of the two sisters, gives a confident smirk, though her eyes flash with intensity as she glances at Clarissa before answering.

Clarissa LaCroix: First of all, Sophie, I totally dig this outfit you’re in. It like super accentuates your curves.


She gives no time for a response to that.

Clarissa LaCroix: Now as for tonight’s match, there’s a lot riding on it. Like, it’s the main event, which is totally cool, but it’s also a big match with three other teams against us. Historic? Totes. Nobody will forget the first main event.

Her sister Valerie smirks as well, licking her bottom lip at the idea of being unforgettable.

Valerie LaCroix: Exactly right, sis! And there’s nobody else better to end the show with a bang than the LaCroixs! I mean, do you see us right now?

She gestures for the camera to do a tilt up-down on the two of them to emphasize their looks.

Valerie LaCroix: Already got your attention and we haven’t done anything yet!

Clarissa half turns and wiggles her ass for a moment, smirking. Sophie is…not entirely impressed, but Val makes up for that with her own enthusiasm.

Clarissa LaCroix: RIGHT? Like, oh my god, we look so cute. But we’re not just here to look pretty, we’re here to make sure that The Division walk away as the winners of this match. We said we’d throw the best parties here in Crucible Academy and we totally delivered. We got people from other companies wanting to come along. So when we give our word, guess what? We make it happen! Right, sis?

Val winks with a laugh.

Valerie LaCroix: You know it, sis! We’re about to show everyone that not only are we the life of the party but also the Academy and The Division is number 1 because of us!

She strikes a pose, making sure to pout her lips at the camera. Clarissa joins in, holding a single finger up to reiterate that ‘number one’ claim. Sophie rolls her eyes and segways us into the next scene.

SEGMENT
A title placard reading “MAY 2022 - Boston Latin High School, Boston, MA” appears on the screen.

The gymnasium is filled with people screaming at the tops of their lungs as Summer and Bella, now both 18 years of age, are perched high on ladders, looming over an inflatable wrestling ring that looks more like something you’d find at a carnival than at an actual wrestling event. It’s their Senior talent show and the girls talked a couple of local wrestlers into playing their opponents for the night. Of course this is all fake and needed to be approved by the principal, hence the bouncy house ring, but the crowd is loving it. Dressed in matching track pants and sports bras, the girls leap off the ladders and crash down onto their opponents who sell the bumps like a couple of champs. The girls hook the legs of their opponents and a “referee” counts to three as the place erupts.

Smiles are etched on the girls’ faces as the ring announcer shouts to the masses.

Ring Announcer: The winners of the match… BOSTON’S FINEST!!!!!

The girls exchange a knowing glance as they soak in the adoration. They know this isn’t the end of the road, it’s only the beginning.


==============
A title placard reading “SEPTEMBER 2024 - King’s Wrestling School, Dorchester, MA” appears on the screen.

Now 21 years of age, Summer and Bella stand perched atop two rickety wooden ladders, staring down into a dimly lit ring that has sand bags doubling as bodies on the canvas. The girls look beaten and broken. It hurts to move. It hurts to breathe. From below the gruff voice of RWF legend Shaun King barks at them.

Shaun King: Let’s go ladies! I haven’t got all fucking day. You hesitate, you lose. You think, you lose. It has to be instinct. Muscle memory. Second nature. You climb. You look. You launch.

Summer O’Reilly: We’ve been doing this for an hour.

Summer mumbles from atop her perch.

Shaun King cups his hand to his ear.

Shaun King: I’m sorry O’Reilly, what was that? You’re a fucking quitter? Is that what you said? You don’t have what it takes to push through when times get tough?

Bella Ferranti: We have what it takes!

Bella barks back.

Shaun King: Do you? Cuz you haven’t proven shit. Now LAUNCH!

The girls hit two perfectly executed swantons, landing directly atop their sand bag targets and nearly knocking the wind out of themselves in the process. As they lie there, bent backwards over the bags, Shaun hops into the ring to stare down at them.

Shaun King: Do you know what the knock is going to be on you two? That you’re small. That you’re fragile. That you’re not built for this business. You may be tough mentally…

He crouches down and presses his thumb into Summer’s forehead, causing her to wince.

Shaun King: But physically? Those frames can only take so much. So what to do?

Shaun looms over Bella.

Shaun King: We exercise that mental toughness. We make breaking your bodies the norm. We make pain something you’re used to. You two want to make it in this business? You truly want to be BOSTON’S FINEST?! Then from this point forward you will never have another day where you’re not in pain. Get used to pushing past limits and blowing through caution signs that would break normal people. Because you can’t be normal. You need to be exceptional. You need to be great. Hell, you’ll need to be superhuman.

He exhales before rolling out of the ring and slapping the canvas with both hands.

Shaun King: This is why you bust your asses bartending nights, isn’t it? To pay me to turn you into something special. Now I’ll gladly take your money but I’ll be damned if the two of you are going to walk into a company somewhere down the line, telling them I trained you and then be something less than exceptional. So get the fuck up. Climb back up there and do it again. Because you’re not even close to ready yet.

As the girls lift themselves off the mat, the scene slowly fades out.

SEGMENT

Backstage, Zxavier Young paced back and forth, his hands clenched tightly as frustration radiated off him. His match had slipped through his fingers—not once, but twice. His shot at both the Apex Crown and the Cloak of Genius had vanished, leaving him simmering with disappointment.

Running his hands over his face, Zxavier muttered under his breath.

Zxavier Young: “I’m just... nothing but an extra in someone else’s story.”

A calm voice cut through his spiral. Aiden Morrow stepped up, his expression understanding but firm.

Aiden Morrow: “Zxavier, I know you’re frustrated, but beating yourself up isn’t going to change what happened out there.”

Zxavier let out a bitter laugh, glancing over at Aiden.

Zxavier Young: “You don’t get it, Aiden. Two chances... two shots, and I couldn’t grab either. I’m always just a step behind. It’s like I’m stuck in my dad’s shadow, no matter how hard I try to break out of it.”

Aiden placed a hand on Zxavier’s shoulder, grounding him.

Aiden morrow: “Trust me, I know how it feels to be in someone’s shadow and feel like you’re never enough. But look, Zxavier, you’ve got something that a lot of people don’t have: drive. You’re relentless. This setback doesn’t mean you’re stuck. It just means you’ve got a few more obstacles to tear down.”

Zxavier looked down, his fists still balled at his sides.

Zxavier Young: “I thought maybe... just maybe... tonight would be my night. A way to finally prove I’m not just Xavier Young’s kid.”

Aiden met his eyes, his voice steady.

Aiden Morrow: “You’re not. You’re Zxavier Young, and you’re carving your own path, piece by piece. Look at how far you’ve come, man. Don’t let this one loss blind you from that. You’re getting there, step by step. Keep fighting, keep pushing, and when you finally break through, no one—not your dad, not your trainers, not even the fans—will be able to say you didn’t earn every inch of it.”

Zxavier took a deep breath, the tension easing just slightly.

Zxavier Young: “Yeah... maybe you’re right.”

Aiden smirked, giving him a reassuring pat on the back.

Aiden Morrow: “I know I’m right. Now shake this off and get back in there. You’ve got a lot of people rooting for you, and I’m one of them.”

With a final nod, Zxavier straightened up, a glimmer of determination returning to his eyes.

FINAL SEGMENT
The scene opens backstage, where the faint hum of the locker room chatter is interrupted as the camera discreetly catches sight of Chris Night marching down a dimly lit hallway. His expression is a storm of anger, his eyes set with a cold determination as he searches for one man—Julian Savell. It doesn’t take long; Julian stands casually against a wall, arms crossed and smirking, as though he knew this moment was inevitable.

Chris Night: "You think I don’t see what you’re doing? You drove La Huracana away. And Jaime—"

Julian cuts Chris off with a mocking tone.

Julian Savell: "Oh, Chris, don’t start with the guilt trip. La Huracana couldn’t handle the heat, so she ran. And as for Jaime? Well, let’s just say the kid had it coming."

Chris’s hands ball into fists, his voice trembling with barely-contained rage as Julian just smirks, clearly enjoying every second of this confrontation.

Chris Night: "I let this go on too long. I tried to ignore it, hoped you’d finally grow up, but here you are, tearing down everyone around you just to feed that ego of yours."

Julian Savell: "You call it ego. I call it vision, Chris. Maybe if you had a bit more of it, your little Nightfall Academy wouldn’t be full of kids who need you to hold their hands."

Julian’s taunting tone is the last straw. Chris lunges forward, grabbing Julian by the collar, pushing him back against the wall. Julian lets out a laugh, unfazed even as Chris’s grip tightens, practically daring him to throw the first punch.

Chris Night: "You’ve hurt my people for the last time, Julian. La Huracana, Jaime—none of them deserved this. But you? You’re going to answer for it."

Before Chris can throw a punch, trainers from both Nightfall and The Division come rushing into the scene, pulling the two apart. Chris struggles against the hands holding him back, his face twisted in fury, while Julian just stands there, laughing—a dark, maniacal sound that echoes through the hallway.

Julian Savell: [calling out as the trainers hold Chris back] "What’s wrong, Chris? Finally feeling the pressure? Maybe it’s about time you learned who’s really in control here!"

Chris glares at Julian, his face a mixture of rage and disgust as he’s pulled further away, his voice low but filled with conviction.

Chris Night: "This ends, Julian. You won’t hurt anyone else—not La Huracana, not Jaime, not anyone. I’m done letting you destroy everything I built."

The Division trainers look on with cautious loyalty to Julian, while Nightfall’s trainers steady Chris, their faces showing both concern and support for their leader. Julian’s mocking laughter fills the hallway, his expression gleeful as he watches Chris’s fury boil over. Chris’s face is a mask of unrelenting resolve, a silent promise that this war is far from over.

As the show fades to black, the final image is of Chris Night, breathing heavily as he’s held back, his eyes never leaving Julian, who stands grinning, triumphant in the moment but unaware of the lengths Chris might go to protect his own.