Freedom: Episode Four, July 25th, 2018

BACKSTAGE
Backstage a door swings open & James Remy enters the Matthews Arena with a gym bag swung over his arm. He had only just arrived a few moments ago. Remy was then immediately blindsided by interviewer Tim Anderson with microphone is hand. Tim immediately shoves the microphone into James's face who was not pleased whatsoever with the scrawny man's questioning methods.

JAMES REMY
What the hell do ya want nerd!?

His shouting clearly startled Tim who jumped back up. However he was able to regain his composure & begin his line of questioning.

TIM ANDERSON
Well...well...tonight is your debut in Freedom and...

JAMES REMY
And what? Ya think I don't belong here!? That it? Come on now lil' man, speak up!

James grabbed the front of Tim Anderson's shirt & tugged on it. He nearly lifted him right off the ground, Tim struggled to find the next words to say. He was clearly intimidated by the rather hostile Remy.

JAMES REMY
If I was you I'd pick the next words that come out of your mouth carefully. When you are around me? Your stepping on eggshells. Ya understand that?

He releases Tim who takes the next seconds to regain his composure & Tim proceeds to finish the question he attempted before.

TIM ANDERSON
Tonight...is...is your debut in Freedom & you've seemed rather confident despite it being against Robyn Jones. Should you maybe...perhaps...be more concerned?

JAMES REMY
Concerned about what exactly? Let me put this in perspective for you. This is my job. I hurt people & they pay me a lot of money to do that. It puts a shirt on my back & food at my table. I've been putting in work from sunrise to sunset keeping it that way. I can't risk losing this job, this job is my livelihood.

Remy smirks & brushes some dirt off of Tim Anderson's shirt. The interviewer jumps initially still terrified from James violent outburst from before.

JAMES REMY
Robyn Jones hasn't put in the effort like I have done. She rather spend her hours flaunting herself all over the internet & doing damn near anything else. Just another rockabilly reject. Robyn spends her time looking for photoshoot opportunities while the actual athletes have to carry & keep her relevant. The little success she has achieved was built on the backs of men like me. She has done nothing but prove how soft skinned the business keeps on becoming.

Tim gulps as James looks him over. The soft skinned comment seemed to be directed at individuals like himself. However Anderson gulps & finds the courage to continue on.

TIM ANDERSON
You...you seem to have it out for more than just Robyn Jones?

JAMES REMY
I have it out for just about everyone, that's right. Y'all keep acting like this is a game & you just letting everyone play. It's about damn time we start making cuts around here. That well is gonna dry up & there ain't going to be enough to go around. That threatens my livelihood so everyone here is threatening my livelihood. So what do I do to threats? I stomp them out. Now tell me again, should I be more concerned?

Tim Anderson hesitates initially then attempt to answer but James shoves his hand right into the man's face. Remy stiff arms the interviewer out of his way & knocking him into some equipment that was scattered around backstage. He smirks seeing what he's done & continues on. James Remy then walks away as a few stagehands tries to help Tim back up to his feet.

BACKSTAGE
Carli is spotted backstage, pulling a wagon behind her, it was the exact same one as...nevermind we won’t go there. Anyway, she was pulling it along as she walked down the halls with a little pep in her step and a huge smile across her face. Every now and again, she would peek over her shoulder to make sure that one of the camera guys were following so when she got to her designated area, she could explain what she has. Finally getting to her spot, the camera man moves in front of her as her smile grew.

Carli: Good evening, Boston! It is I, Carli Davis, at your service!

She giggles and shakes her head.

Carli: Now tonight I have my second Hardcore match against Kendrick Kross for the Anarchy Championship. As we all know, these kind of matches aren’t something I’m normally comfortable with. We all saw how that went down with Gray Malone.

She grits her teeth with a yikes expression across her face.

Carli: ANYWHO! Back to tonight. I get sometimes we have to do things we aren’t comfortable with, its part of the business. However, that doesn’t mean I have to like it! But listen...I mean, can’t we all agree that chairs and such are toooootaaallllllllyyyyyy overrated!? Like come on. So I got an even better idea!

She pulls her wagon into camera view, revealing a bunch of goodies. Goodies by pool floats...the chairs, the ones you can lay flat on and soak up the sun, pool noodles, floaties...you name it, she’s got it! She pulls out a blue noodle and smiles.

Carli: Tada! It would be soo much fun! And safer. I really would not want to die tonight. Not saying I can’t win, but you know! Anyways, pool noodles can surprise you. Believe it or not, they are very effective! Especially when they are wet.

She pauses.

Carli: I should probably find some water...huh..

She shrugs.

Carli: Anyway, I think this would be much safer and I mean, you’re still following the rules of the match. It adds more dynamic! I think that's right. I just don’t see the harm, really. I feel more comfortable using these objects. I even have chairs!

She puts the noodle down and picks up a pool chair float.

Carli: I think I might even talk to Nathan about it. In fact, if I win tonight, I think that’s what I’m going to do! The Anarchy Championship seems to be involved with a lot of stipulations, so if it happens to be something to deal with any sorts of weapons, they should be replaced with all pool objects! It’ll be entertaining for sure.

She laughs, shaking her head again and sighs.

Carli: In all seriousness….I’m as prepared as I can be for this match. I’ve bounced from company to company, trying to find my place. I want to finally feel like I’m home again. I want to be somebody. I understand I have to work my way up and I plan on doing so, but there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun while you do it! I’m totally serious about bringing these out there to the ring tonight. Well, maybe...unless I get told no, but yeah! I really am looking forward to this match. Nervous, but confident. I have to be. I’ll bring you my best, Kendrick. That’s one thing I can promise. See you out there….oh! And I may or may not be bringing water balloons. We’ll seeeeee! Byeeeee.

Grinning, she skips off and once again pulls the wagon behind her.

BACKSTAGE
The scene opens backstage where Brendan Callaghan is pushing a cart of boxes of Liberty Pro merch towards the stand. Like last week at Liberation, he’s helping with selling some merch to excited fans even though there are some jackasses who make fun of him. Yet he’s totally unfazed as he continues to laugh and joke around with them. He seems to be in a great mood, very unlike how he used to be.

He whistles a happy tune as he makes his way down the hall. Up ahead, standing in the open doorway of his office, is his dad and the bossman of the company Nathan. Brendan grins in greeting and raises his hand up as if for a high-five as he approaches Nathan.

Brendan Callaghan: Hey what’s up, Dad?

Nathan raises a curious eyebrow, folding his arms across his chest.

Nathan Callaghan: What the hell are you doing, Brendan?

Brendan stops before his father, looking confused by his tone.

Brendan Callaghan: You mean this? I’m just helping the guys at the merch stand. Got some new shit right here! Fresh out of the oven!

Nathan lets out an irritated sigh as he inspects the boxes and takes out a t-shirt from the top one to check it out. He nods in approval before looking up at his son.

Nathan Callaghan: You can’t be doing that right now. You’ve got a match.

Brendan blinks.

Brendan Callaghan: I do?

Nathan Callaghan: With Kolin!! Remember? I pushed it to tonight? After I tweeted it, I called both of you to confirm it. You even came over later that day and I told you again in person… Ring any bell??

Scratching his head, Brendan narrows his eyes as he struggles to remember. Meanwhile Nathan grows impatient as he quickly runs his hand through his hair.

Nathan Callaghan: ...We talked about it while you ate chocolate pie?

Immediately, Brendan’s face lights up with a dreamy smile.

Brendan Callaghan: Oh yeah… good times…

Nathan then whacks the back of his eldest son’s head with the t-shirt he’s holding. Brendan skittishly sidesteps after, not wanting to get hit again.

Nathan Callaghan: Drop off the stuff then go get ready.

He points a finger at Brendan.

Nathan Callaghan: Do NOT be late. You wanna be the new number one contender? You wanna take things seriously? Start tonight.

Brendan nods vigorously as he raises his hands in surrender.

Brendan Callaghan: Okay, okay! Jeeez!! Don’t worry about it. I got this!

Rolling his eyes, Brendan starts pushing off the cart again to leave. Nathan just shakes his head before returning to his office. The scene fades out as the door closes.

BACKSTAGE
"In life, one door closes and another opens. I've lost my Anarchy Championship and just last week I was pinned by Carli Davis."

Avery Smith appears on the scene, sat comfortably in her locker room.

"Not ideal - but hey, at least I don't have to deal with Kendrick Kross anymore. Instead, I am in the main event - where I belong, by the way - with an opportunity at the Independence Championship."

Avery flicks her hair over her shoulder, a smirk appearing on her lips.

"The way I see it, that's an upgrade. Trade in the Anarchy Championship and being constantly pestered by Kendrick Kross, in return for the Independence Championship? I'll take that deal any day of the week and twice on Sundays!"

Avery sighs.

"As for last week? Carli is my sister's best friend. I wanted to make her feel good about herself. You know, like a welcoming present?"

Avery laughs, very unconvincingly.

"Yeah, a welcoming present. And luck would have it that I'm in such a giving mood again tonight. As a matter of fact, I'm going to give myself the gift of the Independence Championship. Because, after all. I deserve it."

With a sarcastic smile and a wave, Avery departs the scene.

BACKSTAGE
Kendrick Kross, with the LPW Anarchy Championship perched on his shoulder makes his way out of the locker room down the hallway when he is stopped by Tim Anderson.

Tim: Kendrick! Can we get a minute with you?

Kendrick, who normally isn’t the interviewing type reluctantly takes it though.

Tim: Kendrick, you won the Anarchy Championship at Let Freedom Ring but lost last week against Ruby, how are you feeling tonight?

Kendrick: What’s that supposed to mean? How am I feeling?

Tim: Coming off of a loss was just wondering what you thought about tonight's title defense?

Kendrick: I don’t see a problem with winning tonight honestly, Tim. I beat Avery, finally got away from her, and don’t really see anyone that can take this title from me.

Tim: You’ve never faced Carly though, so how exactly would you know?

Kendrick: That is the dumbest question you could ever ask me, Tim.

Kendrick rolls his eyes at Tim.

Tim: But

Before Tim can continue, Kendrick interrupts him and smirks.

Kendrick: Do you see this title, Tim?

Kendrick pats the Anarchy Championship on his right shoulder

Kendrick: This title is mine. I fought for this title, it got stolen from me, but I righted that wrong a few weeks ago.I don’t plan on that changing tonight.

This here, is directed at you, Carly. We’ve never faced against one another, hell, I’ve never heard of you to be honest. Tonight you get a shot to beat one of the best here in Liberty, you get the chance to show what your worth is. It isn’t happening though. This title that rests on my shoulder? It’s staying here. I don’t care what I have to do, this title is remaining in my possession whether you, or anyone else likes it or not.

Tim: How can you be sure about that, Kendrick?

Kendrick: Shut up. Yet another dumb question by you. You’ll see how I’m sure after tonight and any one that doubts how good I am will be proven wrong.

With that Kendrick walks away.

BACKSTAGE
Robyn is seen backstage, stretching out. Her leg is propped up on a production crate and she's bent nearly in half as she touches her toes. Tim Anderson hesitantly approaches, hoping this week may be more successful than last.

Tim Anderson: "Mrs. Jones?"

Robyn says nothing, and doesn't so much as acknowledge his presence.

Tim Anderson: "Mrs. Jones, later tonight you'll be taking on James Remy, who has had no shortage of things to say about you this week. He seems very confident that he'll beat you. Does that bother you going into a match like this?"

Robyn shrugs.

Robyn Jones: "Nah."

Tim seems surprised that he actually got a response. Eager to maintain this momentum, he quickly fires off another question.

Tim Anderson: "How do you prepare for a match like this? Is there a change to your strategy that you employ when facing this type of opponent?"

Robyn glances at him with a confused look. She continues her stretching, not saying a word. Tim frowns.

Tim Anderson: "And what about this upcoming Saturday? We've learned that you'll be in St. Louis as a guest, taking on Nora Foley in Millennium. You and your opponent tonight will both be representing Liberty-"

Robyn sighs, grabbing her duffel bag off the crate and brushing past him, bumping her shoulder against his as she passes.

Robyn Jones: "You really need to learn when to stop."

She walks off, leaving Tim looking stunned and annoyed.

BACKSTAGE
The scene opens to Nathan Callaghan walking down the backstage area with an irritated look on his face. He finally makes it to the locker room of Brendan Callaghan and he knocks on the door but there’s no answer.

Nathan Callaghan: Are you fucking kidding me? Brendan! I’m coming in!

Nathan grabs the door handle and opens it up before he walks inside. All along the floor of the locker room are food wrappers that are scrunched up, most likely they were filled were tacos in them at one point. Nathan kicks a few wrappers and rolls his eyes before he looks over and sees Brendan lying down on the bench, snoring. Brendan has one end of a taco in his hand, as the other is still in his mouth.

Nathan Callaghan: You have got to be shitting me.

Nathan walks up to the bench and kicks it, startling Brendan as he jolts awake.

Nathan Callaghan: Wake up you lazy shit!

Brendan looks up, frowning. Not at all aware of why all the ruckus. He yawns and scratches his head, looking around at the place, before settling his sleepy gaze on his father again.

Brendan Callaghan: Whaaa?

Nathan takes a deep breath, trying to calm down as he shakes his head in disappointment.

Nathan Callaghan: You no showed your match, you know, the one I told you about earlier tonight? Do you just not give a shit anymore or are you trying to torture me?

Brendan’s eyes widen as realization dawns on him. He fumbles for his phone in his pants pocket and looks at the time.

Brendan Callaghan: Oh shit… Dad, I am SO sorry! I didn’t realize... I—I lost track of time… I… Okay, I’m ready now!

He groans as he pulls himself up before stopping for a second, holding his stomach. Then he lets out a loud burp and rubs his eyes to shake off the lethargic feeling. He starts jogging on the spot.

Brendan Callaghan: Okay, I’m ready! For real now! Let’s go!

As he begins to make for the door, Nathan stops him.

Nathan Callaghan: It’s done, it’s over. You lost the match by countout and not just that, you almost lost your job. But because you’re my son and I love you… I’m only going to suspend you without pay until you can prove that you’ve gotten your shit together.

Panic quickly sets in.

Brendan Callaghan: Wait what??!! You're suspending me?!!! No no no, Dad, come on! It was an honest mistake! I didn’t mean to miss the match! I just— I just lost track of time. I thought I had more time! Wasn’t it supposed to be in like 5 minutes or something?

Nathan shakes his head and Brendan continues to plead.

Brendan Callaghan: Come on, Dad. You can’t suspend me! What am I gonna do?? Dad!!

Nathan doesn’t hide the disappointment on his face as he shrugs his shoulders.

Nathan Callaghan: I don’t know what you’re going to do? Figure it out. Have your girlfriend Jade take care of you or go find another job. In the meantime, I’m done with this until you can prove you’re ready to take this serious again. So pack your shit and go home.

Brendan Callaghan: Dad, come on! Dad!

But Nathan is already walking out of the locker room, leaving Brendan to yell after him.

Brendan Callaghan: But I AM serious! I wanna wrestle!! Dad! Come on, I’m being serious!! DAD!!!!

But it’s no use as Nathan ignores and leaves the room. Brendan looks around in total despair, still trying to process what he just got himself into. The scene cuts away here.

BACKSTAGE
Backstage we find the Freedom Champion making her way through the halls until she finds her destination: a locker room door with the name "GRAY MALONE" plastered on it. She adjusts her championship belt over her shoulder and takes a deep breath before knocking on the door.

The door opens, and standing before her is the number one contender to her Freedom Championship, Gray Malone. He stares at her for a moment and his gaze shifts slightly to the title hanging over her shoulder. He then smiles slightly.

Gray Malone: Well now, what do I owe the pleasure of this visit by our Freedom Champion? You must be dangerously lost, my dear.

Ruby takes a step back from the door after it opens, clutching onto her title a little tighter as she does. Her body language shows obvious intimidation at the larger opponent, but her expression does its best to contradict that.

Ruby: Not lost. I just wanted to come by and say that I understand we have to team together tonight and I'm okay with that; it's business. What I'm not okay with is obvious threats against me when we're supposed to be teammates. So, are you just trying to play tough guy or is that a promise? Because if you want, I can stay back here and let you handle this whole thing yourself.

The smile goes away quickly from Gray’s face.

Malone: By all means stay back here. Keep yourself safe for another week, Ruby. I will go out there and bitch slap the girls of summer, over and over again until they both do the world a favor, and stop moving.

He moves closer to the champion.

Malone: But understand this. I am not making any threats. Everything I say is an absolute promise, I assure you. Whether that makes you nervous or not is not my problem. Simply put, you possess what i want. What has been denied of me for over 2 years. That championship represents Freedom for me. Freedom from the chains of hate that have wrapped themselves around me and scared marks into my flesh.

He bangs on the wall, causing her to jump.

Malone: You just happen to be the one, holding that title. So you happen to be the one whose life I make an absolute hell.

Ruby swallows hard and takes a deep breath as she glances down at her title. After a moment, her eyes return to Malone.

Ruby: You're right. I am the one holding this title. That means you're not the only one who has intentions of taking it from me. You're just the first in a long line of people who think that they're the one. Maybe you are, maybe you aren't. All I know, is that you can promise anything you'd like it doesn't make it a reality.

She steps aside and nods her head down the hall, presumably towards the gorilla position.

Ruby: So you're welcome to go out there and do this all by yourself if you think that you're a one-man wrecking machine. I believe I'd like to see that, to be honest with you.

The smile returns.

Malone: One man wrecking crew you say?

He walks past her carefully and then heads toward the gorilla position. He stops and turns toward her.

Malone: Perhaps you should join me. And see first hand what the plague of Gray Malone can truly do. And don't worry. I won't touch a hair on your innocent little head.

He turns and walks toward the curtains. Ruby sighs and shakes her head before reluctantly following after him.

BACKSTAGE
Coral Callaghan: You’d think we would be oh, I don’t know, excited by the fact we’ve got a match tonight but you’d be wrong. We? Are a dedicated tag team. We’re twin sisters, you’re not going to find a whole lot of teams out there that aren’t also twins who are as good as we are at this whole thing. I know what Nami’s going to do before she does it, and vice versa. We want real teams to face, or at least teams that weren’t thrown together like this.

The cameras pan back to put into focus the twin wives of Nathan Callaghan, Coral and Nami, dressed tonight in lavender and cream matching ring gear and boots. Both are looking very annoyed, faces set and frowns on full lips.

Nami Callaghan: Ruby’s been quiet, past stating that she has some disquiet about this match and you know what Ruby? That’s really, really smart of you. We, my sister and I, have nothing against you at all. You seem like a nice enough person, I mean not as nice as say, Honey? But you do seem nice enough and what we can’t figure out is, what you did to get thrown in with that meth head Gray Malone.

Coral Callaghan: Meth. Not even once.

The twins shake their heads, and continue on.

Coral Callaghan: Really Ruby, just stay out of his way. And yeah I said his way, because that guy has zero concern for your well being as a person and has been involved in heinous acts in the past. He wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice you to whatever half goat half squid god he serves between his smoke sessions.

Nami Callaghan: He rode in here on old reputation and the fire that someone else brought. Didn’t you Gray. You’re not the old saw of old dog new tricks, but your heyday wasn’t yesterday. Add to that a purely delusional mindset… nobody is safe.

The pair sigh, shaking their heads again.

Coral Callaghan: Gray you need some serious help.

Nami Callaghan: A psychiatrist or an old priest and a young priest, we’re not sure.

Coral looks slyly at her twin.

Coral Callaghan: Really there’s nothing wrong with him that a medically induced three year coma wouldn’t fix.

Nami Callaghan: See you out there!

Voices so chipper as they laugh and head towards the ringside area.

BACKSTAGE
We catch Caspian Kace sitting at catering alone, something both the Liberty Pro audience and our Independence champion is not used to. The Cap Crusader sits there donning his signature black hoodie but no golf cap, just a blue yo-yo in his hands. He goes on to pop up to his feet, fling the yo-yo back and forth again and again until his eyes meet with the Liberty Pro camera person and their camera, prompting him to drop the child's toy and hop in place. Cas starts to shadow box, throwing light right jabs before coming to a halt. Shrugging his shoulders, he points his finger high up in the air and with a giant smile on his redheaded face.

Caspian: Hmmm, yo-yos. There's a lot of things that I like about yo-yos! They come in all different sizes! Different designs! Ooouu, even different colors. My personal preference are the ones that are some shade of blue. But No! That's not my point. The reason I bring this up is that the Independence Championship is kinda like a yo-yo! No, not because of the color or anything. I haven't thrown my title around or anything. I also don't see it as some sort of children's toy. Although! You could totally sell replicas of this sweet momma.

Cas unzips his hoodie and opens it up to reveal that Independence Championship that he won not so long ago. He looks down at the ten pounds of gold for a second before slapping at the center plate.

Caspian: The Independence Championship is like a yo-yo in the way that management can throw anything at me, my opponents can throw anything at me BUT! And this is a big but! But the title will always come flying back to me and that's because I will do whatever it takes to hold onto this title. I'll face anyone. At any time. Well, besides bedtime! I'm what you call a fighting champion. I know I know. This is a cliche thing. The goodie two shoes over here is a fighting champion but the difference is I mean it. My body. My mind. My soul. All of it goes into my matches. For you guys and now... For this. So how about this, you go and ask my opponents. Whether it's weekly monthly. However many opponents I get, whenever I get them. You guys ask them, what will you put on the line for this. My answer, will forever be yes. Wrestling is my love. Okay, second love. These cheers are what keeps me going. This title is my life now. And I loooooove my life. So Avery, I know you're a great wrestler. I know that you've had success in Liberty Pro. Tag team champion! It's impressive but I gotta tell you, my reign isn't ending here. Be prepared to hit me with your best shot like Pat Benetar because I'll FIRE AWAYYYYYY!

Our Independence Champion walks out of the shot and keeps on singing "Hit me with your best shot" by Pat Benetar. The continuation of the ballad can be heard before we cut over to ringside.

BACKSTAGE
An unnamed Liberty stagehand is seen walking backstage, minding his own business. As he’s walking along, the lights begin to flicker in the hallway as if the power to the building is failing. He looks around suspiciously and the power seems to stabilize. He shakes his head and dismisses the occurrence and continues down the hall, however, the lights once again begin to flicker. An annoyed look crosses his face, he reaches for his walkie talkie, and reports the incident.

Stagehand: Is there an issue with the electricity on your end?

Silence.

Stagehand: Jim, are you there? The powers freaking out on this side of the building. Hello?

Silence once again. The stagehand grumbles to himself and is about to put his device away when it begins to crackle with static.

Stagehand: Jim, is that you?

The white noise continues before it goes away completely. He shrugs and continues with placing his device back on his belt loop. Going back to his meaningless meandering, he’s once again distracted by the flickering of lights--only this time--the hall goes dark save for the emergency backup generator lights.

Stagehand: Great.

He turns around ready to go back the way he came when he comes face to chest with a tall, blond man in a dark suit. The stagehand jumps and screams and backs into another person. Unsure if he should even turn around, the stagehand slowly turns to find himself face to face with a red headed woman dressed in a long black dress. He looks from person to person with confusion before running off in a frightened panic. The lights return to their normal status and the woman and man are left in the hall staring at one another. A mischievous smirk plays upon the woman’s face and she addresses the tall man.

Red Headed Woman: Tink’ he gonna flip when he sees T-Beaux at da udda end?

The tall man laughs.

Tall Man: And me without my camera.

A scream comes from the end of the hall, and the camera feed cuts to the stagehand who fled the scene having stumbled upon what can best be described as a pet alligator, mouth taped, chained to a heavy metal shelf. The stagehand all but trips and falls as he scrambles out of the area. The camera pans to the side where the man and woman are now standing. The woman laughs and bends down to pet the alligator as the camera rises back up to reveal a paper name tag placed on the door next to the metal rack that reads Tai Thibodeau before cutting back to ringside.