Freedom: Episode Three, July 18th, 2018

OPENING SEGMENT
Just as the crowd begins to settle down from the Freedom credits, "Circus" hits the speakers to ignite a second wave of cheers. Ruby Lance comes through the curtain wearing her Freedom Championship around her waist with a huge smile on her face. She pauses at the top of the stage to soak it all in. She skips her way down to the ring and walks up the stairs to slip in under the middle rope, collecting a microphone.

Ruby: Wow! I cannot believe that I am standing here today in front of all of you as the first-ever Liberty Pro FREEDOM CHAMPION!

Her smile spreads from ear to ear as the fans give her another round of applause for her accomplishment.

Ruby: It wasn't easy, but I can definitely say that it was worth everything that I went through. I just wanted to come out here and say a few things because I would not be here without the faith that Liberty Pro had in me. Not only did they give me a job, but they entered me in the Freedom Championship tournament to begin with. It was an honor just be included and I'm glad I didn't let them down. I also need to thank all of you!

Cheap pop~! That's what a babyface champion does. The crowd eats it up because they love feeling like their presence makes a difference. I mean, it does! Ruby wouldn't have a job if they didn't show up.

Ruby: The support I've received throughout my career has been such a blessing and I'm so grateful to have it. I know there are some naysayers out there. Most particularly and vocally would be two men in tonight's main-event. Robb Daniels and Gray Malone. Both men have had their share of comments about my title reign, most notably how short they think that THEY are going to make it. Well… unfortunately for them, there is a man by the name of Zeke Reed who has very clearly had his attention focused on the steps to glory rather than getting ahead of himself. So, I've said enough on my POTENTIAL challengers for now. I will reserve comment until we all see just who it is that earns the opportunity to challenge for this title.

She lays a hand across the golden plate wrapped around her tiny waist.

Ruby: With that said! There is one more person that I need to thank. This person has given me endless support for literally every aspect of my life. He is a man that I could not have done this without, a man that I wouldn't want to do any of this without. He is YOUR first-ever Independence Champion, CASPIAN KACE!

Caspian: Did somebody say… First-Ever!?

Cas’ voice can be heard throughout the arena but there’s no sign of the CAPtain of Hoods And Caps academy. That is, until a pair of fans pop out of their seats and point at the fan, or what looks like a fan right next to them. The “Fan” quickly stands up in a Ruby Lance hoodie and removes the hood, to reveal… a guy with a long fake gray beard? The beard comes off right after, revealing the man behind the disguise to be Independence Champion, prompting the fans to blow up with cheers as Kace zips his hoodie down, showing his newly won title around his waist. Cas then starts to dance around the crowd, taking off his black wool cap and placing it on the head of one of our younger Liberty Pro fans before unbuckling the championship and raising it high up in the air with the fans go wild, slapping at both his title and his chest. He walks on over to the ring, hopping the barricade with his title and microphone occupying his hands before rolling into the ring and resting against the nearby corner.

Caspian: Hold on! Dance break!

Cas starts to girate his hips and shimmy in celebration of his and his wife’s victory at Let Freedom Ring but stops abruptly.

Caspian: No. No. Nooooopey nope nope! I can’t believe I’m saying this, but this is no dancing matter. Even though it kind of is. We actually did it after all! I mean, wow! Can you guys believe it, I sure as heck can’t. Well I can. But I can’t. You get what I mean, right? Right!? Anyway, before I get sidetracked. Even though we both ended up victorious in two Cray-Zee situations, we still have plen-tee of work to do. We still have to prove to everyone in the back, everyone in attendance and everyone watching at home. Hi mom! Guys, this is a special one! My mom said that she’d tune in to this one!

He walked closer to the camera and waved before taking a step back, forming a giant smile.

Caspian: So can you guys do me a big favor? Just one favor, I won’t ask you for another ever again. Pretty please with cherries on top? The super yummy ones that come in that jar. Maraschino, I think they’re called. Ummm, ANYWAYY! Guys! Gals! On threem I want you guys to all say hello to my momma.
One!
Tah-Whoo!!
Tha-REE!!!

The camera does a pan of the audience as everyone goes wild waving and screaming their hellos to Mama Kace. It's enough to put a giant smile on the face of the Independence Champion, which prompts the same reaction from the Freedom Champion.

Ruby: Cas! Cas! You know what would be even better than everyone here saying hi to your mom? Well, I mean, that is pretty awesome. I'm sure your mom is sitting at home right now in amazement that you got all these people to say hi to her. Buuuuuuut! Imagine the smile on her face when she watches her baby boy win tonight.

Cas gets an amazed look on his face as he considers that. It's a lot like his "I can't believe it's National Fried Chicken Day" face. It's quite adorable, let this Ruby Lance writer assure you!

Ruby: Which, I have total faith in you. Like always. I mean, I totes had a tough time against Felix at Let Freedom Ring. Not even going to pretend like winning this baby against him was easy.

She pats her Freedom Championship again and Cas has an "ooh shiny!" moment as he admires his wife's matching gold. He reaches over to touch it and her mic just barely picks up his "that's nice!" comment.

Ruby: It is, right? But yeah. You and I had that conversation about him and you got this.

Cas gives a slow nod and his eyes get all squinty as he confirms they had a super secret conversation about what he could expect against his opponent tonight.

Ruby: It won't be easy, but you got this. And I'm just glad that tonight I get to go one-on-one with the brand new Anarchy Champion! So many new champions! It's great! But yeah. Kendrick Kross is going to be a great challenge. I didn't come here to Liberty Pro to just win a championship. Although, it's pretty dang awesome. I could get used to this! I'm ready to be challenged and to prove my worth.

Cas: And rest assured, this Independence Champspian Kace is for sure, one hundred percent, without a shadow of a doubt a fighting champion. I fought to get to where I am in this business. I fought for this thing! I didn’t even know that we were fighting for gold at Let Freedom Ring. I thought for sure it would be a gift card to best buy or a food place. I would have preferred the latter, but a best buy card would have been cool too! They have a decent game section. Plus I think we need a new fridge. Maybe solid steel. Or those black ones with the bluetooth installed! Anyway, before I lose my trail of thought. I fought, well I fought for you guys.

Cas sits back and chuckles at his cheap pop, looking over at his wife who just smiles him with her fingers intertwined.

Caspian: And I got one heck of a reward for it.

He raises his Independence championship high up in the air and takes a second to bask in the ten pounds of gold before placing it back on his shoulder.

Caspian: Hmmmm, hey Bean.

Ruby: Yeah Cas?

Caspian: They say, that you’re never really a champion until after a first successful defense.

Ruby: I have heard them say that! They say a lot of things, don't they? I wish I was one of those people who said things and then people went around saying "They say…" about whatever I say. But I don't really know things like that I guess.

She shrugs her shoulders.

Caspian: Well, I think that you know a lot of things. Like the fact that my opponent for tonight, Felix Vialpando is no slouch in the ring. He’s a capable wrestler and it’ll be an honor to defend this thing in front of all of you. Win or lose, I know that it would have all been out there, like it always has been. One hundred percent, all effort. For you guys! It’s going to be one heck of a match and an even better night for you guys! So sit back. No, not that back because then you’ll have to slip over to the edge of your seats. So sit forward? No.. then you guys wouldn’t be comfy enough! I want everyone to sit down, unless you wanna stand! And have a good time!

Ruby smiles and waves out to the fans as Caspian's music hits the speakers. The two champions exit the ring with Cas holding the ropes open for his wife and then hopping out behind her. They head walk up the ramp with their matching gold, matching smiles on their faces, and hand in hand as acknowledge their fans all the way towards the back.

BACKSTAGE

The cameras find Coral and Nami Callaghan in the back, all dressed and ready for their upcoming match against Teddy Warren-Steele and Jaylen Michaels. Coral shakes her head, stomping her feet in her boots, orange and white like a creamsicle to match her gear (which is identical to her sister’s gear) and she throws her hands up in the air.

Coral Callaghan: Ugh well here we are.

Nami sighs and nods too, pointing at the camera.

Nami Callaghan: We’ve been very, very, very focused you see. We’ve got a match, a great big huge opportunity for us, to gain the GWA World Tag Team Championships, those titles currently held by Da TrixTeam… and I’m sorry, if Big Daddy hadn’t reminded us this morning that we had a match against Teddy Warsteel-Erren or whatever and Jaylen Mitchell we’d have probably missed it.

Coral laughs and shakes her head.

Coral Callaghan: It’s Teddy Warren-Steele and Jaylen Michaels Nami geez! They can’t help it that they’re uber barneys and I guess we really can’t blame them for wanting to get out and experience new things, right? But frankly all we can ask is that you two please not trip over each other in the ring. You’re not a dedicated tag team, you’re not twins, you’re not…

Nami Callaghan: Well you’re just not.

They nod together and Nami continues.

Nami Callaghan: Teddy you’re not an unknown dude you know. Some of us pay attention to the wider world of wrestling so to speak. Yeah, we know who you are, and who that whatever wife of yours is, all that. But even with knowing how you actually are in the ring? We’re not going to underestimate you, or think we can just blow through you like a used tissue.

Coral Callaghan: Gross.

Nami Callaghan: Yeah I apologize that was kinda nasty. Anyway. We know who you are. And we don’t expect too much, so don’t be mad that this is just going to be whatever it is. This is just a match. A one time thing. And we’ve got way, way bigger fish to fry.

Coral Callaghan: We’ll make it quick.

The Girls high five and head out to the ringside area.

BACKSTAGE
Tim Anderson stands by, next to the ever unusual Robyn Jones, who is already dressed in her ring gear, ready to compete.

Tim Anderson: "I'm here with the newest signee to the Liberty roster, Robyn Jones. Mrs. Jones, welcome."

Robyn nods and gives a small wave to the camera.

Tim Anderson: "It seems that your entry to Liberty caused quite a shakeup. You've been a champion in both Empire and Millennium, but made it very clear you had no interest in returning to either of those territories. Tell me, of all the top-notch GWA promotions available to you, what made you want to come to Liberty?"

She opens her mouth to speak, but closes it with a tiny frown. She shrugs. Tim raises an eyebrow. He stares at her with a quizzical expression but when it becomes clear she isn't answering the question, he moves on.

Tim Anderson: "Well, uh... the last time we saw you, you'd suffered a nasty wrist injury. You returned for one night to fight Becky Balfour, a match many anticipated you'd win. We know how that went... so I guess the question people want to know: How IS that wrist holding up?"

Robyn scoffs at him, but makes no response. Tim narrows his eyes, his frustration growing.

Tim Anderson: "You're not really trying this mute thing again, are you? We heard your lashing out on Empire, we've all heard you speak, we know you can talk."

Robyn looks at him. She smiles.

Robyn Jones: "I know."

Her smiles vanishes.

Robyn Jones: "I just don't like you."

He looks taken aback by that response.

Robyn Jones: "You ask too many questions."

Without another work, Robyn heads off down the hall.

BACKSTAGE
Carli Davis is caught backstage fresh off a victory. A huge smile is across her face as she tosses her hair back into a ponytail, before grabbing a nice bottle of cold water. She takes a seat on a crate and sips on her water, while still going over what happened moments ago. Nodding her head in approval, she looked up at the camera that was obviously wanting her thoughts.

Carli: How crazy was that? Ahhh!

She now grins from ear to ear and arches a brow.

Carli: Bet you guys didn't see that coming did ya!? Who would have thought that Carli Davis would be part of the Freedom roster!? It's pretty sweet if you ask me. It was definitely hard to keep this a secret. Like....I told no one. Nobody! At all. So I'm pretty proud of myself. It was also pretty cool to step into the ring with Avery and totally shock her while surprising all of you! I've been looking forward to tonight ever since I got the offer and I'm still spazzing over it!

She laughs and shakes her head.

Carli: On the real though....I seriously hope you guys are happy to have me join and while I've been part of GWA itself before, I never truly got to imprint my name and I hope I get to do that here on Freedom. There's a lot of great talent on here..I'm not gonna lie. I'm definitely nervous and though it didn't show out there, I'm for sure shaking on the inside right now. Whaaaat?

She raises to her feet, holding out her hands and letting the camera show that her hands on shaky.

Carli: This is unreal. I can still feel the adrenaline running through my body. I'm stoked to be stepping into a second company and working twice as hard. I never thought I was able to handle it, but I think I've got it now. I'm ready to prove to the world why I'm ready to be a future big name! Not to sound egotistical or whatever. I just really want to be someone important! Accomplish soooo many things. This is wild. I know people say y'all ain't ready, but I don't think I'm ready truth be told. Just kidding! Carli Davis is ready to slaaaaay!

She grins widely, waving to the camera.


Carli: Now your girl needs to get herself cleaned up. I gotta celebrate now!

She playfully shoos the camera away, before actually turning on her heel herself and skipping off elsewhere.

BACKSTAGE
Backstage at the arena, Kyla Kamden is dressed in her street clothes, a pair of skin tight black jeans and a low cut matching shirt, she holds her phone out extended and pouts at the front facing camera, snapping a selfie before immediately frowning and turning her head to shout at a backstage worker who’s a few steps behind her.

Kyla Kamden: Do you mind?! You’re in my light… MOVE.

She waves the worker off with a scoff, turning her head back to look up into her camera, adjusting her hair as she pulls several poses, trying to catch the perfect selfie. The next person who walks in can be heard coming from down the hall because Neriah Holst is listening to the new Drake song “In My Feelings” as loud as his phone will blare it. Actually, he’s just been listening to the song as loudly as he can since he arrived at the arena. First he walks by Kyla and then circles back around to her, having to yell over his music.

Neriah Holst: AY KYLA!

Neriah shakes her gently on the shoulder.

Neriah Holst: KYLA YOU HEAR ME.

Kyla immediately shrugs him off, looking him over with a curl of her lip she rolls her eyes.

Kyla Kamden: Ew, don’t touch me.

She wipes at her shoulder, locking her phone.

Kyla Kamden: Guess you remembered to show up tonight huh?

Neriah can’t hear her over the music he’s playing.

Neriah Holst: WHAT

She sighs and grabs at his phone switching off the music she shoves the phone back into his chest with another sneer.

Kyla Kamden:I said don’t touch me, wouldn’t wanna break your hand before we get in the ring later or nothing.

Neriah watches his phone drop back into his pocket. He then reaches his palm out.

Neriah Holst: Well can I borrow your phone I need to call my mom. I don’t get free minutes until 9 PM.

She frowns, pulling her phone out.

Kyla Kamden: Ain’t you getting paid here like the rest of us?

Despite her better judgment she offers him her phone.

Kyla Kamden: Better be calling your mama though, I don’t want no random girls getting my number.

Neriah fumbles with the phone for a bit, puts his number in it and then hands it back to her without trying to make a call.

Neriah Holst: Here she didn’t pick up.

She frowns and takes her phone back, wiping the screen off on her hip as she does.

Kyla Kamden: Kinda like how you won’t be kicking out later huh?

She bites at her bottom lip and smirks shaking her head.

Kyla Kamden: You can play all these games you like right now, but I been studying up and I got your number… I ain’t taking another loss, you hear me?

Neriah nods.

Neriah Holst: Yeah, you literally got my number.

He points to the phone, and then he slides his hand around the shoulders of Kyla, he looks up towards the heavens.

Neriah Holst: You know Kayla--Kyla. I been thinking. I think the good LORD himself sent you to Liberty…

Neriah waves his hands like he is trying to paint a picture.

Neriah Holst: Instead of having a match why don’t KYLA AND NERIAH--they even rhyme. Take Liberty by STORM!

He took his arm away from her shoulders.

Neriah Holst: By the way Neriah need a ride home after the show. THANKS KYLA.

She shoved him back with a stamp of her foot.

Kyla Kamden: I SAID DONT TOUCH ME!

With that she turns and storms off down the hall, ranting and raving the whole way about how she needs to take a shower with some Ajax.

BACKSTAGE
The Camera fades in to Kendrick standing backstage, the Anarchy Championship is resting comfortably on his left shoulder he eyes the title and looks back up at the camera with a smirk on his face. He looks dead straight into the lens of the camera.

“Kendrick Kross, Anarchy Champion. That has a ring to it don’t it? It’s what should have been all along. I righted the wrong though, I took what was rightfully mine, and tonight? Tonight I get to show exactly why I’m the top Champion on Freedom.”

Kendrick adjusts the Anarchy Championship and pauses as he gathers his thoughts.

“Yes. Ruby is the Freedom Champion, so if you look at it, she would be considered that, the top champion, the one to represent Freedom, that doesn’t set well with me though. I fought tooth and nail, went through hell to win this Anarchy Championship, she just comes in and joins a tournament and gets the title.”

Kendrick shakes his head as he continues his stare straight into the lense.

“So Champion vs Champion tonight, it’s going to be the match of the night, that’s guaranteed, but the better Champion will win tonight, Ruby. While you may be respected, you won’t get any type of leniency or any holding back. You get the full Kendrick Kross tonight, and you will suffer this loss at the hands of the Anarchy Champion.”

Kendrick slides off his title and switches it to the right as he walks past the camera.

BACKSTAGE
The clip begins rolling, and all we see is darkness. But it isn't any ordinary darkness, it's alive. It has an eerie feeling, it sends chills up your back and makes you wonder... Is there something there? This is the type of darkness that makes children sit up in the middle of the night and turn the lamp on. Is there something there? Well is there?

.... CRACK, A powerful bolt of lighting rattles the surrounding area as we get our first clear shot of where we are. It appears to be an abandoned warehouse with a single blue door. Lightning continues rattling the surrounding plants as the sound of pouring rain continues to add an eerie effect to what's hiding. Because there must be something there right? Why are we here? Who? What?

... Five, Ten, Fifteen Minutes Later? Who's keeping time? The blue door swings open! A man
comes charging out and slams it shut! The camera inches closer... Closer... Closer. We see the man push his head against the wall. CRACK CRACK CRACK. Lightning? Or the sounds of a man's head breaking against a brick wall..... Let's find out?

.... The man turns around to the camera, Azrael? His white face paint is running down his face, but it isn't from the rain, it's from the blood. Blood streaming down his agitated? Frustrated? Depressed face? It's hard to tell. He taps his finger on his teeth.... and stares into the camera.

Azrael: Odin. Odin. Odin. Odin. Odin. Odin. Why? A man that put his hand on my head...

Azrael places his own hand on the back of his head as he continues to talk.

Azrael: AND SAID I WILL CARRY YOU. I WILL ACCEPT THOSE SACRIFICES, AND I WILL UNLEASH YOU.

Azrael slams his head into the wall, all while continuing to speak.

Azrael: Lies, deception, issues, problems. Who fucking cares about that useless ODIN. ODIN. ODIN. A pathetic wasted man, I came here to visit him. I've been here for four months, and HE DOESN'T DESERVE SHIT. He won't leave the abyss, and he won't rejoin me. FUCK... AH. IT does not matter... He still has me, doesn't he? New York, he said. I say why?.... He, don't worry.

Azrael laughs sinisterly as he begins walking away, the camera follows.

Azrael: I SAID DON'T WORRY. New York? NEEEEEEEEEW YORK?? Yes, I'm coming.

Azrael smiles sanely? Joyfully? into the camera

Azrael: Hi, New Yorkers. I've got my passport, and I'm coming to NEWWWW YORK! I'm gonna take a significant ol bit out of the big apple! It could be anywhere? Anyone?

Azrael runs his hands across his face, seeing the blood.

Azrael: Sacrifices. Odin. New York. Right? I'll kill him... No... I mean, he doesn't matter. Right... I'm coming!

Azrael smiles brightly as he runs off camera... The screen goes black, and all that can be heard is the trickling of rain...