LET FREEDOM RING: NIGHT ONE

BACKSTAGE
Back in catering, Aubrey sat at one of the tables, snacking on some carrots and grapes, while sitting across from her was her good friend, Hannah Walters, who came to watch the show.

Aubrey: I really could go for a donut right now...

Aubrey sighs, slightly tossing her carrot back onto her plate.

Hannah: Me and you both. But hey, thanks for the tour, by the way. It's been forever since I've attended a show. Makes me really miss wrestling sometimes, but I'm definitely enjoying just being at home with my husband while we enjoy 'retirement' together.

She laughs and shakes her head.

Aubrey: It's no problem! Thank you so much for coming! I've missed your face. I feel like none of us get to see each other anymore, and right now? I'm currently the only one actually wrestling. Which is weird. I remember the time when you all were wrestling and I was like....trying to figure out my life and who I was.

Hannah: You're definitely in a much better place. I couldn't be more proud of you!

She flashes Aubrey a smile before stealing a grape and popping it into her mouth.

Hannah: I mean, look at you! A mom, a wife, and one half of the Liberty Tag Team Champions. I honestly don't think it could get any better than that.

Aubrey: For sure. I feel like I've earned where I'm at. I know it all seems sudden within this year, so many things have happened. But it all feels right and I'm so happy. I know people think I've probably jumped the gun a little too soon with coming back so quickly, but it just kind of happened, you know? I couldn't say no. Sure, it was a little earlier than planned...but I don't regret it for one second. Melissa is great people, she's a great friend, and an even better competitor. I'm very thankful to have her as my partner and friend for life.


Hannah: I've glad you're able to find someone you can trust in this business, because it's hard to find. You two have been very impressive and tonight will be no different.

Aubrey shrugs.

Aubrey: I want to -- I mean, I do have faith in us. I just.....this match is a little different. Three other teams. Not just me and Mel versus some other team. But three teams. Three!

Hannah: Girl, stop stressing it! You went over a game plan. You talked strategy this past week. You've trained. Letting it get to your head is what will get you.

Aubrey sighed, pushing her plate to the side and propping her elbows on the table as she rest her chin in her hands.

Aubrey: I know, I know. I look for the challenge, don't get me wrong...just doesn't mean I won't stop stressing until the match is over with. There are some tough competitors out there. I'm even facing another friend in Honey! Who, actually, could have been hold my half of the tag team championships, had she not been attacked. She was originally Melissa's partner. So this is definitely her opportunity to bounce back and take what was taken from her.

Hannah: That's not your fault, though. And from my understanding, she was happy for you and Mel regardless. Besides, facing friends can be fun because you'll know that they'll bring you their all.

Aubrey: Yeah, I guess. But then there's Girls of Summer....who are married to Nathan, and well....you already know how that could go. I would hate to even assume such things, but it really wouldn't surprise me if they have something up their sleeves and Nathan I'm pretty sure isn't a huge fan of Melissa, so it's like, we have to make sure we have like our eyes on them at all times.

She rolls her eyes.

Aubrey: Then there's Seth and no one has any idea who his partner is. He was formerly part of The Society and girl.... let me tell you that whole thing was a mess. He may have parted ways for them, but who is to say they didn't patch things up and they reunite? People do swerves all the time. This is probably my biggest match as of right now and I don't want to let Melissa down. At all. Let's not forget that Mel also has a match tomorrow night against Katie and I know she's been waiting for the day to finally put her in her place, so she's got that on her mind.

Hannah places a hand on Aubrey's shoulder and tries to comfort her friend.

Hannah: You just need to take a bunch of deep breaths and relax. I think Melissa would smack you right now if she was around. Don't even second guess that. You know her head is in this match tonight. Listen, regardless of friends, foes, even girls who could use the power of their husband to get whatever they want... you two have the stronger team. I have no doubt that you two are going to go out there and steal the show. You two are bringing those titles back home and we are all going to celebrate after the show!

Aubrey: I guess. You're right. You know how I get. I just really want this win. I want these titles. I want to keep them forever. I've never been a champion before, so it feels great. I feel like people are starting to take notice. Hopefully.

Hannah: I think they are. Now stop. Now, go find Mel. I'm going to go out and find my seat and I'll see you out there, alright? Kick butt.

Hannah flashes Aubrey a smile and the two share a hug, before standing to their feet and going on their way.

BACKSTAGE

?? : Tonight’s the night…

An accented tone greets the black screen just before Cyrus Riddle steps into focus. Small glints of light accent the bone structure in his face and expose the designs of his tattoos while darkness consumes the rest of his person.

Cyrus Riddle: A vendetta that began due to the abduction of an innocent woman, has now become the rivalry pitting the infinite versus the Voidstar. Tonight, the battle commences in a tables match. Wood will splinter, bodies will collide, lives will change.

Riddle moves his head in a neck stretching fashion, narrowing his eyes into a fierce gaze as the camera maintains its position.

Cyrus Riddle: Voidstar, you speak of hope, luck… these… delusions that average men seek refuge in to fool themselves into optimism. You claim to be forever, yet you have expiration, for I am a man that believes in nothing but the powers of idea and self.

An evil smirk forms.

Cyrus Riddle: In this business, you stand for nothing, and represent even less. You symbolism absence, deprive others of oxygen by your wasted existence, and articulate yourself as an entity… yet, you come across as nothing more than a caricature unable to implement his own words.

Suddenly, short clips of Riddle putting Voidstar through a table and powebombing him off the stage are shown.

Cyrus Riddle: The pain you've disregarded thus far has been given to you by me. I've bested you, I've damaged you, I've set in motion the series of events that culminates in your inevitable downfall. I, Cyrus fucking Riddle, am an idea, a true staple and everlasting blueprint for this industry. You either know me, or you know someone who knows me.

Then, from his right hand, Cyrus lifts up the VPW Gold Rush Championship and places it over his shoulder.

Cyrus Riddle: Within one week, I held another XTV Championship in 4CW, and then swaggered my way into Vengeance to capture this beautiful piece of gold from Melissa Reeves and Gavin Grimes. While you lurk in the shadows, I've maintained my productivity. And, as this night reaches its denouement, the world watching will reflect and collectively applaud that Cyrus Riddle put down the masked twat.

Riddle holds up his index and middle fingers, smiling with evil intent in his eyes, before reaching behind him and revealing a Voidstar mask. With a right pan and zoom of the camera, a wooden coffin is seen on the floor, the light hitting it at just the right angle.

The Englishman tossed it onto the wooden surface, taking the already present hammer and nail, driving the nail through the head of the mask.

Cyrus Riddle: Wood will splinter… and the nail in your coffin… closes the void.

The scene fades out just as Riddle spits on the mask, scoffing at its very sight.

BACKSTAGE
In a dark room, the location undisclosed and impossible to decipher from what it seen, sits a lone light. The bulb dangles from the ceiling, offering only limited illumination. At the very edge of the lighting sits a lone figure. He leans forward and rests his elbows against his knees, now easily recognised as Voidstar thanks to his trademark mask.

Voidstar: Cyrus Riddle. Voidstar. Tables match.

A clear smirk spreads across his face.

Voidstar: Cyrus believes this match to be the end of a story. His revenge for what I did to Scarlett Highland. Cyrus believes himeslf capable of eliminating me. He believes himself capable of surviving me.

He mockingly laughs.

Voidstar: He is a dreamer. He is walking into this match not ready for what is to come. Nobody ever is. And you might think he only need ask Scarlett how easily I dismantle someone to learn, but it appears he'd rather simply wallow in his own ignorance. Or is it denial? Either way, it will not help him.

Voidstar stands and kicks the chair he was sat on backward. It scratches across the floor, before tipping over with a crash.

Voidstar: I am Voidstar. I am the man who was stabbed through the eye and laughed it off. I am the man who takes whatever I want, who destroys whatever I want, who runs rampant everywhere I go. And you, Riddle? You are just a pretender. A pale imitation of me.

He smirks again.

Voidstar: See, unlike me, you have plenty to lose. You have attachments. You have things you care for, people you care about. I do not. I have no such weaknesses. I have nothing that can be exploited. You claim to live in the darkness. I am the very embodiment of darkness. It flows through me as my life's blood. It is both my shield and my sword. And you? You do not understand the depths to which someone like I will go. There are no limits. There is no mercy. I will destroy your hopes and crush your ambitions not because I must....not to elevate myself within the company, not for fame or riches...but simply because I can. Because nobody can stop me.

He moves closer to the camera.

Voidstar: Because you cannot stop me.

A deep laughter rumbles from within Voidstar. Suddenly the light turns off for a few moments. When it returns, Voidstar is gone.

BACKSTAGE
Coral Callaghan’s voice comes up as the twins move to step in front of a camera they’ve set up in the back. Behind them is a floor to ceiling ‘sheet’ poster that features their husband Nathan Callaghan, and the logo for Let Freedom Ring is added at the top. Nami sighs as she sees how handsome he looks as Coral speaks, letting Nami’s attention go where it would.

Coral Callaghan: Finally.

Delivered in about that same inflection and tone that Star Lord gave in Guardians of the Galaxy when he was recognized by the Kree, but that’s a digression and we’re trying to stay on point, ahem.

Coral Callaghan: Finally… we are almost in reach of our goal, of regaining our Liberty Pro Tag Team Championships. We don’t hold a smidgen of ill will for the current champions, Melissa Reeves and Aubrey Grimes.

Nami turns, smoothing her hands over her cherry red and white colored gear, identical in every way to that of her twin sister’s before she nods firmly.

Nami Callaghan: Anyone was better than the Paris Hilton of the Homeless. Anyone. But for as good a wrestler and as tenacious of a champion as Melissa Reeves is, and no matter how well she works with Aubrey as her partner, they aren’t us. We’ve been working together our entire lives, and we have a level of understanding that no one else in this match can even hope to touch.

Coral Callaghan: Two nights, one of the biggest supershows you could hope to see… and you get to see us night one. T.

Nami Callaghan: L.

Together: C.

They high five and then Coral speaks again.

Coral Callaghan: Helena Noir and Honey? Beat them. As much as we adore Honey for always being herself no matter what, and think she’s great?

Nami Callaghan: Beat them.

Coral Callaghan: Seth Lawless and his Red Right Hand?

Nami gasps and turns to her sister with her eyebrows shot up and Coral shrugs.

Coral Callaghan: That’s a Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds song, you get your mind out of the gutter young lady.

The pair giggle and then Nami rolls her eyes.

Nami Callaghan: Maybe… maybe Seth went and said sorry to Trent Grundy, and got the band back together. We didn’t mind Trent, he wasn’t a total dickhead. Even if he did eat a lot of scrapple.

Coral paces a little bit, and then moves to level a finger at the camera.

Coral Callaghan: But there’s big news too - the cat is out of the bag, we’ve been announced as the next challengers for the GWA World Tag Team Championships held by Mariano Fernandez and Trixie… yep, Da TrixieTeam. We’ll have to do some traveling but we’re used to that, and we intend to fully represent Liberty Pro as we do, and we want to bring those titles back to Liberty Pro!

Nami Callaghan: Hecking yes.

They high five again, and then put on more serious expressions.

Coral Callaghan: But first… we aim to get our titles back. Our titles.

The pair stare at the camera which fades and then cuts elsewhere.

BACKSTAGE
Honey sways her head side to side humming “I’ve got a golden ticket” with a skip in her step as she travels down the hallway, excited about the title match and jumps to stop right at the boss’s office. She takes in a big breath and knocks on it to the rhythm of the song.

Honey: Mr. Callaghan, please may I come in?

Nathan’s rugged voice can be heard from behind the door.

Nathan Callaghan: The door is open.

Honey opens the door and enters the room, before closing it behind her very politely and resting her hands in front of her together, walking up to his desk.

Honey: Hello! I was just wanting to say thank you for, like, giving me and Helena another match up together

Nathan looks up from his paperwork and furrows his brow as he stares at Honey.

Nathan Callaghan:O-kay… Is that it? Because I have some serious business I have to attend to. I’m simply letting you two team because it seemed like it was what you wanted. Also, because you both keep losing on your own, so now you can lose together!

Nathan lets out a laugh and shrugs. Honey laughs politely with him and stands up straighter.

Honey: Um, I don’t think we will keep losing. Helena is, like, very talented and very good and she has a lot of ambition too! But I was wondering, why you made the match a TLC one. I’ve never done one before.

Nathan shrugs his shoulders.

Nathan Callaghan: Maybe because the fans would like to see you in one, finally? I’m not sure if any of you have been in one before, I just know it’s going to be a great match. Why do you have so many questions right now?

Honey: I want to make sure I can do my most tip top ever! So, like, I try to know everything I can because knowledge is power.

She has a little smile recounting that life lesson.

Nathan leans back in his chair and looks over Honey for a moment before responding.

Nathan Callaghan: Do you want to know how you’re really going to learn and be your most… ‘tip top’ ever?

Honey nods a little frantically with a wondrous smile,eager to learn

Honey: Yes please, Mr. Boss!

Nathan points his finger towards the door.

Nathan Callaghan: You get your ass out there and you fight in that TLC match. You can talk all you want about it, you can even watch videos about it but it’s not going to teach you how to fight in it. The only way you’re truly going to learn is by doing. By getting in that ring and grinding and guess what? That goes for your partnership with Helena Noir as well. You two fell on your ass last week because you’re not on the same page yet but it all takes time to make something work, for something great to happen. So what are you going to do, Honey?

Honey: I’m going to make magic happen!

She says a little more excitable by what she takes as words of encouragement from her boss and gives him an odd curtsy.

Honey: Thank you very much for the opportunity! I’m going to go and find Helena so we can make magic happen just like Melissa and Aubrey did in their tag team title match.

Nathan nods in return.

Nathan Callaghan: Sounds great. Good luck out there and break a leg.

Nathan laughs and shakes his head.

Nathan Callaghan: Not literally, though.

Honey laughs and shakes her head just as Nathan did.

Honey: I wouldn’t want to do that! Thank you Mr. Boss I won’t let you down.

She then gets herself to the door and opens it, giving Nathan a wave goodbye and closes the door behind her. She then goes off to find Helena.

BACKSTAGE
The scene cuts backstage to Seth Lawless standing in front of a camera with a grin on his face.

Seth Lawless: I bet you were all wondering who exactly my partner is, right?

He shrugs.

Seth Lawless: It should’ve been obvious that it’s…

He pauses as Trent Grundy walks into the scene and places a hand on Seth’s shoulder.

Trent Grundy: The real Big Daddy. Seth and I? We’re ready to take back what’s ours, which is those Liberty Tag Team Championships.

Seth nods in agreement.

Seth Lawless: Exactly. We were screwed out of those Liberty Tag Team Championships and Melissa and Aubrey? They don’t deserve them. In fact, none of you do. They belong with us and tonight? Tonight isn’t about #TheSociety or any of that bullshit. It’s about Trent Grundy and..

Trent steps towards the camera.

Trent Grundy: And Seth Lawless taking over your tag division. Deal with it.

The two men walk off towards entrance way, as their match up is next.

PREVIOUSLY RECORDED
We start off in a room. Not just any room. It's one that mirrors something of a doctor's office. No not a doctor like a pediatrician, more like a therapist's office. There's one long burgundy chair and not to far away from it there is a desk with a big fancy chair. One of those expensive office ones that you say you're gonna buy, but then end up opting for the more cost effective brand. Potted plants and hundreds of books perfectly placed onto the two mahogany shelves aside, we start off not knowing whose office this is. That is, until we get a better glimpse at the desk.

A framed picture of Liberty Pro's Caspian Kace smiling next to his wife, Ruby Lance stands proudly amongst other things. Things like a giant piece of old chocolate, a coat rack with nothing but golf caps hung up and a Definitely-Not Caspian Kace mask accidentally left on top of his keyboard placed on the center of his desk. It’s not long before the door to the office creaks open and we’re greeted with the familiar face of Ruby Lance. Ruby steps in and, “Dr.” Caspian Kace walks in right after her, sporting a flannel turtleneck, black golf cap and reading glasses, Cas leads Ruby over to the long burgundy chair.

Ruby: Should I sit or lay down? Or…

She takes a seat on the long chair, puts her legs up, and then promptly takes them back down. Caspian chuckles and pushes his reading glasses up the bridge of his nose before crossing his arms.

Caspian: Mrs… Richards is it? *He tries to fake laugh but it ends up sounding like a wheeze* I beeelieve every single one of my patieeeents have asked the same question. No. Yes. It is whatevah you’d like! This is a safe space. We’re open and honest. Oh, and there will be no judgement! Whatsoever!

Cas fakes a limp and slowly makes his way over to his chair by his desk.

Caspian: Sooooo, What is troubling you, Bean! What’s the matter!? Is something wrong!? Who’s bothering you!? WHO DO I HAVE TO TALK TO? OR Fight!? Or talk to! Trying to talk things out is usually the best way to handle things in this situation…. *Realizes that he’s not in character* I mean… Hello, what brings you hear today… Ruby was it?

Ruby covers her mouth as she tries not to break out into a fit of giggles from her husband acting exactly like her husband.

Ruby: Uh… well, Dr. Richards… I'm here because… um… why am I here again?

Caspian: YOU ARE HEEEEERE TWODAY for one thing. To simply talk. About WhAAAT I have no idea. Let’s start at chapter one. DEW you remember the day you were born? Many of my patients cannot. I cannot either. This may be a selfish questiiion but I believe it to be an important one so that we can move further along with the diagNOsis.

Ruby: Well, of course I remember the day I was born!

“Dr.” Kace looks over at Ruby with giant bug eyes, surprised at the answer that she’s given.

Caspian: Really!? Bean! You never told me that! That’s crazy! How was it? Was it just dark and then light? Like ummmm… 4 in the morning!? AHEM, I DEW belieeve that is a most interesting finding. 1 in 68,000 people can remember their birth.

Ruby looks at him confused for a few moments, but as he rambles on it dawns on her exactly where the confusion lies.

Ruby: Ohhhhhhh! You mean do I remember actually being born? No! No no no no! I thought you meant do I remember what day I was born and I was like "of course I remember what day I was born! It's mah birthday!"

She giggles to herself and shakes her head.

Ruby: But no. I don't remember actually being b---

Caspian: AMAZING! I have found someone who remembers the day that they were born. Fantastic! You are special, Ms. Lance. Very very special.

She looks over at him, her eyes becoming a little squinty as she gives a bit of an unsure nod but then shakes her head.

Ruby: No, I don't think you're listen, Cas--er, doc.

We progress forward from here rather quickly as Ruby talks.

Ruby: I guess the first thing I remember is Furby, right?... ...then there was the year that I really wanted The Sims: Hot Date but my parents thought I was too young to date, but it was like a video game! Not dating!... ...Bratz dolls were pretty popular that year… ....That was the year that Stacy Anderson tried to bring back slap bracelets but nobody was having it… ....my brother Nick let me play the Sims but I wasn't allowed to tell my parents… ...I just don't understand what the problem was! Everything was blurred out! But I still got grounded!... ...Then my boyfriend at the time, Kyle, who was actually kind of really dumb looking back. I told him that he couldn't tip a cow!... ...I think that's really when I decided that wrestling was for me!

She sits back in the chair, smiling pleasantly as she looks over at Dr. Caspian who is leaning forward with his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands looking absolutely enthralled with her story. She suddenly sits up in a panic.

Ruby: Oh! But yeah! I don't remember being born. That part is it like not even there at all!

Caspian pops up to his feet and rolls his chair over toward Ruby’s before falling back onto it. He leans up out of it and gets a closer look, poking her on the nose before tapping at his chin.

Caspian: Hmmm, disapooointing but very very interesting but let’s fast forward a bit. So Bean.. AHEM, I mean Mrs. Richards, how do you feel in regards to your opponent tonight? Have you been getting any sleep? Have you been eating? 3 meals a day. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! It’s almost as important as breathing. Well, maybe not that important but it’s still pretty important, shortstuff… I mean, yes. Your opponent tonight. Let me see if I have his name here. FEEL-IX. Vialpantalones? No. That doesn’t seem right! AH! Here it is! Feel-Ix Vialpando. Your opponent for Night One of Let Freedom Ring, Available only on GWA streaming platforms.

Cas looks at the camera and gives a thumbs up.

Caspian: Would you like me to ask the questiion agaiiiiin, Mrs. Richards-Lancelot?

Ruby: Oh. Uh, no. I got it the first time. You know, I have really good hearing. Like, it's one thing that's sort of been said about me. Like, I've been told that I'm a great listener. I mean, I know that's not the same thing as having great hearing, BUT on the subject at my last check-up I was told by the doctor that my ears were really clean and there was no obstruction to the eardrums. So, you know, that's pretty. Oh! Listen to me going on and on about my clean ears. Like you haven't heard this story a hundred times!

She laughs and shakes her head, then glances nervously at the camera.

Ruby: I mean, because as a DOCTOR, I'm sure you converse with doctors all over the world about their exceptional patients and being that my hearing is… you know what? You asked a question? Maybe you should repeat it because I forgot it. Wait! No! I remember! My opponent for Night One. Yes. Felix! Vialpando! You know, that always makes me think of panda. And pandas are really cute! Like really really cute! But they're vicious, right? I think I've heard that somewhere. Adorable yet vicious. One of nature's cruel jokes, right?

Caspian: Like hedgehogs! Or uh, Bugles! Bugles aren’t adorable but they are delicious. Also, they’re dangerous to eat. You have to be careful or you’d end up stabbing your mouth!

Ruby: Or sharks! Well, they aren't adorable. They're majestic!

Caspian: Sharks are pretty scary, beanpie.. Erm, Ruby.

Ruby: Kind of like being thrown into a tournament in your first match? Yeah, that's pretty scary.

Her expression suddenly gets a lot more somber as she nods along with her own input.

Caspian: That could be scary! But if you look at the bright side, like um, how you prevailed even though it was a last minute task donned upon you, it could… I dunno, make you realize that it wasn’t all that scary in the first place.

Ruby: Well. I have a really good support system. My husband, I mean. He's fantastic. Do you wanna hear about how great my husband is? I know people think that therapy is where you talk about bad stuff and things that bother you but don't you get tired of hearing all the whiny stuff?

Caspian: I am not inclined to answer that questiiiion, Mrs. Rose Lance Richards.

She gives a thoughtful nod.

Ruby: Right. Well, he's fantastic. Great dancer. He loves flannel and golf caps and he looks absolutely adorable in them! Like, it's major heart eyes. You know, like the emoji? Do doctors use emojis? What am I saying? Everyone uses emojis! Sometimes it's the only way to properly convey how you're feeling. So yeah! He's really great and just the best! Definitely makes me think that I can do anything. Oh! But not in like an unhealthy sort of way. I don't think I can fly or anything crazy like that! At least not without the help of an airplane.

Cas is forced to hide his face in his clipboard, holding in as much laughter as he can before bursting out. He tries to duck out of the shot but ends up just hunching over, letting out the rest of his laughs before tugging on his flannel turtleneck and sitting right back in his seat. She smiles at him and takes a deep breath.

Ruby: I don't know. I just worry either way that people are going to question me. You know, because I didn't start in the tournament. I didn't go through every round like they had to. I missed the first one. But that's not going to stop me from fighting! Heck no. I was given this opportunity and I'm going to meet it to the best of my abilities no matter what anyone has to say. You know my motto in life. You're the only one who truly knows you and the only one who has to be okay with the person looking back in the mirror at you!

Caspian: Did you get that from somewhere? Because it’s great! I mean, WOW, bean! You really killed it!

Cas takes his glasses off and tosses them over toward his desk. She giggles and shakes her head.

Ruby: No. I just came to that realization last year when I was going through some things. It's kind of what I tell myself all the time. It's even pinned on my Twitter!

Caspian: Hm, well would you look at that? It is! Ooouu! Bean, check it out! 5 ways to make sliders!

Ruby: WHAT?!

Ruby jumps up to look at his phone with him as we're apparently out of time for this therapy session and we fade out. Besides! Google your own ways to make sliders!

BACKSTAGE
The scene opens backstage in the Boston Garden where the GWA Global Champion, Tyson Gregory, is seen checking out his reflection in his Championship belt. He then looks up at the camera.

Tyson Gregory: Tonight might be my toughest test as Global Champion yet. Owen Gonsalves has competed all over the planet and has won all over the planet. I won’t lie when I say I’m concerned about this match since Owen’s style? Is unlike anyone else I have faced before. But I’m putting GWA on my back and making the light shine on it.

Tyson drapes his Championship over his shoulder.

Tyson Gregory: I’m not going to get fancy with my words or try to drag Owen because fucking respect the hell out of him and I know tonight isn’t about words… But actions. So tonight, I’m going to let my actions speak for me and they are going to shout to the rooftops at the end of the night, I'll still be the GWA Global Champion!

Tyson gives a smirk before walking off.