It’s mine. It’s mine. It’s mine. That’s what I’ve been telling myself for weeks now. All I’ve been able to think about is having my hand raised and earning what’s owed to me. There has been no other scenario in my head that’s played out. No matter how many times I play it over to myself…I always win. A thousand times I could run it and a thousand times I’ll be the victor. But I’ve got a rather ugly speed bump to get over. Well, not ugly, nobody in their right mind would call you ugly, Dulce. Though I must say, if I have to disfigure you en route to greatness, don’t think for one fucking second that I won’t.
 
You wanna talk childhoods, huh? I’ve got time. You know, we’re a lot more alike than I thought. Just two adventurous little girls who wondered what awaited them beyond their doorstep. Two little girls who grew up into women that made it to the exact place they needed to be. Here’s the difference between us, though: while you were off trying to “find” yourself, doing whatever the fuck it was that you did…backpacking trip, scuba diving, some other hipster shit, I don’t know; while you were doing all that, I was making the world a more volatile place. I was out in the middle of some godforsaken land, killing men, women and children in the name of a cause that I didn’t even understand. I wasted my life doing what I thought was right. Spreading destruction and fear, all for Her Majesty. I began to lose myself, Dulce. Badly. Within a month of returning from service, I was holding a revolver to my head every morning and daring myself to pull the trigger. There was always a round kept in the chamber and I didn’t know how close I was to crossing on over.
 
Until I pulled it.
 
The feeling you get when you pull the trigger on a loaded revolver that’s pressed against your temple isn’t something you can replicated elsewhere. As my skin went cold and my heart rate was going so fast that it could power a city block, I realised that my life goal had been a colossal waste of my time. I’d killed, watched my friends die, been tortured, seen villages burn to the ground…what have I learned from that experience? What have I got to show for it? Some horrific scars and stories that will never pass my lips again. I thought I was so bloody cool, didn’t I? The one member of the family who went out and left their mark on the world. I served my country! I did everyone proud! RIGHT?! Fuck off, did I. I watched my best friend burn to death in a jeep and he was just a number after that. “12 British troops were killed in an ambush today my Taliban insurgents,” that was how the BBC reported it. Nobody even said any of their names. 12. Fucking 12. How long does it take to say 12 names? And before I know what’s happening, they’ve moved on to the weather. Because in the world of news media, the weather ranks only slightly below the loss of human life in terms of importance.
 
I had to get out, I had to find my own way of being remembered. And the OWA gave me that. It gave me more than you can ever imagine. While you sit there and talk about how grateful you are to perform for the fans and get all of praise and adoration…you know what I’m grateful for? I’m grateful that my limbless body isn’t being shipped back to my family, wrapped in a Union Jack while my name won’t even make the news! TyAnna Jupiter fucking up her neck caused more of a stir in popular culture than the still ongoing civil war in Syria is right now. That’s what’s so fucked up about this situation. While I continue to watch my friends go back to the life, continue to put their necks on the line for a government that doesn’t give a shit, I’m living it up in the States. I’m getting paid six figures to have a punch up a couple of times a week. The good life, right? No. I wrestle with a lot more than people, Dulce. I wrestle with my guilt at abandoning those I swore to protect. I wrestle with the never ending conflict that tells me to put myself out of my misery.
 
 
Maybe I’ll save you the trouble of trying to throw me out of the ring on Saturday. How about I throw myself off of this ledge, right now? You’ll have one less thing to worry about. Fuck, we all know I’m the only woman in that match with the stones to win. I’ll be gifting you a path to Final Destination. Would you like that, Dulce? Would you like to see little old Nat take the plunge? Two of my friends have done the same thing. I know two people that have thrown themselves off buildings to take the pain away. And I’d still be another number. A statistic in the alarmingly high rate of suicides these days. And while you’re busy trying to get over the fact that you drove a woman to suicide, I’ll be watching from the afterlife, laughing my arse off at how fragile you are.
 
 
Nah, that ain’t how I wanna go out. Never has been. What a sad way to go. Some poor city worker having to scrape my carcass up off the pavement. Some unlucky coroner who has to work out if I was pushed. What a waste of taxpayer’s money I’d be. Considering the fact that taxpayer’s money provided my living for a while, it’d be kind of ironic, wouldn’t it?
 
Ah, but I have such great things to DO, you see. And it all begins with the woman I simultaneously want to both punch and hug. I don’t give a fuck what the other women have to say because, quite frankly, I’d say that we schooled them all. What else is there to say when we’re both such a cut above the rest? This is about Dulce Torres and Natalie Cage. Two diametrically opposed women who represent both sides of the Odyssey coin. The pretty, athletic overachiever with the world at her feet, and the scruffy, violent outsider with a cult following. Our business may never be done at this rate because chatting with you is just so FUN. Yes, Dulce, I do respect you. And my respect is not something that is given out willy nilly. You’ve got something I never saw in you before: balls. And spare me the bollocks about gender stereotyping and men using their genitalia to assert power. I’ve got bigger balls than any bloke I know and I’m a woman, so it’s obviously not a gender thing, it’s simply a state of mind.
 
And boy, have you got some balls, Dulce. You had the balls to respond to me with some astute points, knowing I’d consider slapping you silly for it. I can appreciate a woman that won’t back down from potential damnation. You’re aware that you’re about to look the Devil in the eye and can’t afford to look away. Because the moment you do, he will rip off your head and use it as a door knocker. You’re right to believe you’re better than me. I can’t respect a woman who doesn’t have the confidence to look at her opponent and think to themselves that they’re superior. It’s the mindset that’s got me where I am today and it’s the mindset that will win me the Clash. You’re a fountain of belief, almost to the point of naivety. You believe you’ve got my number. You believe you’ll be a double champion. All of this belief and yet it’s misplaced. Not because I don’t think you’re good, but because beliefs are nobody’s but yours. Your beliefs are what drive you and mould you, but they will never line up exactly with how someone else sees the world.
 
And what are my beliefs? I have two. And two alone. Belief number one is that you never, ever take shit from anybody. And belief number two is that violence is always the answer. So tell me, miss Torres, what do your beliefs have to say about that? You think I care about giving the world a classic moment? You and I both know that Cages only care about winning. My brother’s not taught me a lot of good things, but some of his lessons have stuck pretty well. I’m marching into Clash not with beliefs, but with clear, laid out plans and goals. I know who’s gunning for me, don’t you worry about that. The thing is, gunning for me is a mistake. The last time anyone saw Roni De Vil, she was being carted off to a hospital because of my actions. Diantha Moreau? She’s been a shell of her former self since I humbled her for the entire world to see at Odyssey XV.
 
Of all the women you’ve faced here, all the so-called top stars who are the building blocks of this brand, who’s the constant? Who’s the woman that didn’t quit and kept clawing her way up the ranks? You beat people and they lose their confidence and fuck off. Some return, some don’t. It’s an endless cycle of you swatting away the unworthy. Me? I saw you for what you truly are. I looked past the love from the fans, I looked past the bright lights, the good looks, the title. I saw that underneath all that, there’s a woman who knows what she wants in life but doesn’t have the same force of will that I do in order to claim it. While you were busy flattening nobodies, I was busy making my name to the point I was headlining shows over BOTH champions. I look around this place and it seems that me and you are the only ones who aren’t quitters. Hell, look at the OWA Women’s World Champions. HENDRIX went AWOL until she realised sucking dick on camera might actually give her an interesting angle for once, Roxy ran away to a dying tag division, and TyAnna will be lucky if she can look behind her while backing out of the driveway again.
 
It would seem that being a champion here is just a meaningless accolade right now. Odyssey’s catalysts for change are at war with each other, and it’s a war I have to win. You can stay in your lane with your little title and do your thing, because I’ve got bigger fish to fry. You think I’m gonna stop once I win the belt? You think I’m gonna do what you’d do and be content for a new challenger to come along once a month? It’s a WORLD title, and I WILL take it around the world. I don’t care what brand, what division, what PROMOTION I carry it into, it will mean more than any belt that has ever or will ever rest on your shoulder. Your will is not fortified by purity, but by hard work and self-belief. I am 100% will. That is my nature and that is my curse. If I’m not making change, then what am I here for? You won’t move any needles because you’re too scared to. That’s why I’m throwing you out of the ring and impaling you on that needle so that the world knows what a true warrior looks like. I would say see you in the final two, but I’m tempted to dump you out before it even gets to that just for the fucking fun of it.
 

Apparently for some reasons, The Management decided to have me as a participant in Class of Titans match. This kind type of match is very new to me. All I have to do is throwing people out from the ring.

But then again, I don't think anyone would be willing to be thrown out so easily, hence why this match is called Class of Titans. Everyone are going to bring everything they have in their arsenal to win this match.

That's what I should do for myself too. I won a Gold Medal with a Broken frickin neck. That goes without saying, I'm capable to win this match too. I can snap everyone's ankles first before throwing them out. I can executed my Olympic Slam first before throwing them out. You name it all and I have a lot of moves under my trick to force these Titans first before throwing them out. Yes sure, Isaac Thornton and Layne Kurobane beat me fair and square before, but I pushed them into their limits before they were able to beat me. I see everyone as equals in this kind of type match. If they stand in my way, then I'm more than willing to fight them off before throwing them out. Redneck Brawlers, Daredevils High-Flyers, Submission-Artists, Technical-Experts, Big Monsters, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, bring them all, I don't care. I'm sure they are more than willing to fight me. I'd like to think that way, because I'll feel more satistified to take them down before eliminating them out. America are well known to have countless Brave Fighters, therefore, I'm looking forward to be the best definition of America when you think about USA.

Oh, It's True! It's Damn True!

Clash of the Titans : The Titan Condemned to Carry the World

(Moongoose McQueen in his suit is sitting in the dark, a single spot light on him in the ring at the United Center of Chicago. He looks upwards towards the Final Destination sign, and poors a drinking into a saki cup and places it before it. McQueen bows and drinks. He starts to talk, almost as if having a casual conversation with it.)

I’m not going to be talking about my opponents. Don’t expect me to start addressing each individual that is going to step in this ring in hopes of winning the Clash of the Titans match. See, doing just that would be no different than talking about the problems and offering no solutions, because in the end, that helps no one. Every single person competing in that match is a problem. Look at the state that OWA has become, when you consider the events of Civil War, who your champions are, and exactly who we allow to join this company. Look at the headlines, and you see Team OWA loses to a died company. You see Phantom Troupe and Wolvesden running amuck and raising hell and yet nothing is actually done to stop them. And you know what? You all allow it because you are desperate, desperate for guidance, direction. Omega Wrestling Alliance has become far too dependent on chaos and confusion in hopes that it distracts from a much bigger issue. The lack of credibility, one that we, including myself are guilty of, and each and every single person here should put their head down in shame, and ask ourselves, “is this the best that we can be?”

“Clash of the Titans?” Titans?! I don’t see that. I see hacks. I see phonies. I see glorified parodies of other assholes that I’ve seen from other companies, and if that statement isn’t clear of who I am referring too, let me just say, I know they miss Aria Jaxon. Granted, I like you better than him, but atleast have some self-respect for yourself to know when you are a parody, calling yourself a gawd, a messiah, and practically almost making every attempt to live word by word off shit you and others have done in the past like you’re copy and pasting.  Honestly, for being hailed as one of the top champions in OWA thus far, you sure are the laziest, unoriginal, and uninspiring ones.  Trust me when I say, I had better things to do on Friday nights than watching some guy try to be something  that someone else already did. It’s no wonder your commentary team mistaken  OWA of some other place. And also, shame on you beating up Nobi, you heartless son of a bitch.

Wow, how I wanted to get that off my chest. After all, I use to be able to do was talk about our world champion, and I’ll get into that in a moment. What can I honestly say, other than I am a man that knows how to hold a grudge. I mean, I understand Clash of the Titans is about each individual trying to stand out, but I much rather address OWA as a whole first. Because you can win, for example, a Pokemon world showdown championship, there is still no damn legitimacy to it, if everything random. It doesn’t mean jack shit. So I’m taking this chance to address a bigger picture. I understand that perhaps some of you want to see CM Nas back in the world title scene. I don’t know how brain dead you gotta be for that. Or maybe you want a rep of the Phantom Troupe to win, like Aria Jaxon, because it’s hilarious to see a group from another company leech off another dying carcass that is OWA. Because maybe, just maybe, the Phantom Troupe will be enough to save OWA, after all, look how well they have done to preserve, protect, the SSW name. Oh wait, They destroyed it. You guys are all idiots.

Each and every single person in this match is out for their own selfish need. Maybe Issac wants to kickstart that Hollywood career he always wanted, hoping to star in “Final Destination.” The movie franchise, not the event. Maybe Militiades wants do Aren proud by winning the whole thing. And quite frankly, I don’t care enough to know why everyone else wants to win this match, in the end, none of that amounts to why I should and will be the one to win the Clash of the Titans. Not a single one of those people are there in the best interest of OWA. It’s the same everywhere you go. I want to be the best. I want to prove something. I want to be respected and admired. But if you are me, Moongoose McQueen, you already know. I am the best, I don’t need to prove that to anyone, and respect and admiration are for those that need to be validated by others, and I learned that at Civil War.
You all wonder, what changed? Why did “the Goose” die in other for this, Moongoose McQueen, to live? And honestly, I just had enough. I had of the voices, the cry for help. Because while the fans are so loud to cheer or boo for the names of the people in this match, I heard that whimper. I heard that cry for help. And it was Omega Wrestling League.

You might have heard this speech from me before. It was 7 years ago, when I stood in the center of the ring of a company that had yet to make a name for itself. I won’t lie, I came to OWA because I wanted to have fun. I wanted to just keep doing what I loved and entertain. But even then, this company made it hard to do that, but back then. I wanted to be the name to help build, not a legacy, but a world. 7 years ago, I did just that, elevated that company, that honestly, if you compared that company to OWA now, then OWA is CM Nas. I mean, “Alphas”, “Goddesses.” See, this company is in shambles, and it saddens me to a point in which I don’t any else can see that or is willing to admit that. As harsh as it sounds, I say it out of love. I say it because I care.

People always makes statements about how I don’t care, or I don’t take it seriously enough, but if you know who I really am and what I’m capable of, you don’t see anyone else wear their brand, their company, on their sleeves. I was hurt. That someone like me who cared so much would not even be chosen to represent OWA at Civil War. After all, it was only fair to allow Olympus to get their fair pick of reps, but at what cost? I know if I was there, we would had won, and it pains me to know that the people in charge simply do not know what is best for this company. It was at that point, I knew, you can’t trust the people in charge. Look around, where is Hades? Where is Judas? They aren’t even in the Clash of the Titans match. This, ladies and gentleman, are the overseers of the company that believed these men to be the future only to disappoint, where I, seeing all the ugliness from the sidelines, remain, because only assholes would leave the sick and dying. This disease that has stricken OWA needs immediate attention, and I, Moongoose McQueen, made the ultimate sacrifice. I gave up who I wanted to be, a free spirit who can do whatever he wants, to become the former man on a mission that needs to do what needs to be done.

With Clash of the Titans, you are going to hear a lot of  “I want,” or “I deserve.” But from me, you will get “OWA needs.” One way or another, whether it’s winning Clash of the Titans or picking a fight with whoever walks out the champion of Layne vs Scott. I’m going to main event Final Destination and usher OWA into a new era. I have answered your call, Omega Wrestling. They all ignored you, put their needs before yours, they try to cover it up, but I will expose it. I will open their eyes and show them all what you can become. My experience speaks for itself. I can do it, and no longer will I wait for my moment, I will simply take it. Don’t tell me that I’m not taking this seriously. Don’t make the mistake that just because I don’t look like it, that I am the one at fault because I can’t “show it.”
But that’s just what people do when they don’t understand that I am simply too far ahead to care about small petty stuff like titles and being the best. They don’t understand that what I do is what is for the benefit of everyone. You won’t like it. You don’t have to like it. But you will just have to accept it, because that’s just how life really works.

(Moongoose McQueen points at the Final Destination sign)

It’s calling my name. Moongoose McQueen!... Moongoose McQueen!.... Moongoose McQueen!! The stars are lining up and it’s my time. Pick your frickin main events. Moongoose McQueen vs Scott Oasis. Moongoose McQueen vs Layne Kurobane. Moongoose McQueen vs Jacob Senn or Chris Sabertooth. One of those is happening, and I’m prepared to do everything within my power, by any means necessary to make it happen. It doesn’t matter how dangerous you are, it doesn’t matter which norse god or figure you pray and worship to, and it sure as hell doesn’t matter what fake ass persona you put up to convince anyone that this is the real you, Carlos Rosso. It won’t matter.
In the end, I will save this company. Moongoose McQueen winning Clash of the Titans is the logical choice. It is the only choice, and anything else would be a god damn waste of time. Fortunately for you all, I have no interest in wasting your time or mine. This moment is crucial. This is the time to attack, and you will all see just how serious I am when I toss each and every single one of their asses out of the ring. I know what OWA needs, and what they need is someone here that will finally take responsibility. To properly represent this company and carry it’s burden upon their shoulders. In this match, I will become the Titan, Atlas.

OWA is in complete disarray because your so called “gods” have made horrible decisions that has only caused this company to spiral downward into it’s inevitable doom. But I will pick it back up. I won’t let get buried, let alone, touch the ground ever again. I will rebuild this world and will make a better one. One that people can be a proud of be a part of, one that people can look at and truly call it the best. Because the current state of OWA now, you shouldn’t be proud, and you shouldn’t call it the best. Blind loyalty and delusional that halt the process to true greatness, and who better to know than one that knows it better than anyone else, me. I’m not here to prove what I can be. I’m here to prove what OWA can become. All you so-called “Titans” only have the strength to carry yourselves, but I will prove how easy it is for me to knock you all down.

At Clash of the Titans, I will accept my place in OWA. I will be the last person standing. I will be the only “titan” in that ring, and I’m going to point at that sign, …. “this is for you …. For all your pain, losses, suffering, I will free from your sins.”…. Why?...... Because I can.

{This first part is a flashback. It’s Monday night, Isaac is in a hallway near the entrance of his office. He’s on the phone with his agent and Isaac doesn’t seem too pleased by what he’s being told. There are a few times where he moves the phone from his ear and acts as if he’s going to throw it out of frustration but he stops himself. He tries to regain his composure but everybody knows he’s a hot head, so he can’t. He puts it on speaker.}

Isaac: “That — that can’t be right. This is some sick joke. Ha, you got me!”

Agent: “It’s not a joke. Finnegan is gone. He has to deal with family matters. He’s vacating the OWA World Championship.”

Isaac: “But I have unfinished business with him, Andrew! Adam? Nah, you're Andrew. I named you that. Look, you don't get it. He embarrassed me, so I must return the favor. An eye for an eye! Look - I NEED THIS! AND I NEED THIS NOW! I NEED TO RIGHT THAT WRONG ASAP! YOU NEED TO FIX THIS! TALK GOD DAMN IT!”

Agent: “And how do you propose I do that? It’s been done. You need to move on.”

Isaac: “I CAN’T!”

Agent: “Look, everything is going to be okay. You’re in the Clash of the Titans match. You’re going to win that and you’ll go on to main event Final Destination and you’re going to forget all about this. We are going to look back at this moment and laugh!” 

Isaac: “Um what?!”

Agent: “What?”

Isaac: “You said the OWA World Championship is vacant.”

Agent: “Which it is. And?”

Issac: “Then surely I’m competing for that world title — my soon to be world title, that is.”

Agent: “I’m afraid not.”

Isaac: “Yeah? YEAH?!? And I’m afraid you’re about to be fired.”

Agent: “Isaac, let’s be rational here.” 

Isaac: “Are you saying I’m not rational?! LOOK AT THE FACTS! I’m the number one contender for the OWA World Championship. VERNON FUCKING SAID THAT JUST MOMENTS BEFORE I GOT SCOTTY SUSPENDED!! I mean — when Vernon got Scotty suspended. So what the fuck gives?”

Agent: “Well—“

Isaac: “What are they even doing with the OWA World Championship at the Clash then?”

Agent: “Now Isaac, let’s all take a deep breath for a second. I don’t make the matches, so don’t shoot the messenger.”

Isaac: “Spill it.”

Agent: “It’s going to be Layne Kurobane versus Scott Oasis.”

Isaac: ...

Agent: “Isaac?”

Isaac: ...

Agent: “Isaac, are you there?”

Isaac: “Yeah, I’m done. Back to Hollywood I go. They fucked up for the last time. Strike fuckin’ three. See ya! Buh bye! Relay this message to Vernon for me, thanks.”

Agent: “Just like that?”

Isaac: “Mhm.”

{Isaac hangs up the phone and kicks the nearby trash can with his very expensive snake shoes, so you know he means business. Rep 1, whose name is Chelsea, hears the commotion and tries to calm Isaac down. If anyone can do it, it’s her, since they are childhood friends after they were casted for the same movie when they were ten.}

Rep 1: “I guess you found out.”

Isaac: “You knew?! Why didn’t you say anything?!”

Rep 1: “Because I was afraid you would throw one of those classic Isaac Thornton tantrums.”

Isaac: “WHEN HAVE I EVER THROWN A TANTRUM?”

Rep 1: “Right now?”

Isaac: “You don't get it.”

Rep 1: “I think I do. You didn’t get what you were promised. Therefore you’re acting out. It’s normal. You have every right to be upset. But quitting isn’t in your DNA. People can say whatever they want about you, but a quitter, you are not. I mean there are a lot of people telling you to give up on your acting career because you’ve hit a bit of a rough patch. But you’re still going. Because you are never satisfied. And I know for a fact that you aren’t satisfied with your run in OWA. So if you leave now — it might feel like you’re making the right decision in the heat of the moment but when you wake up tomorrow, you’ll regret it. And living a life full of regrets is no way to live. So Isaac, look at me. You’re upset, yes. You’re angry, yes. But don’t let that anger poison you. Use it as motivation. Use it to outlast twenty-eight other people in the Clash of the Titans and then guess what? You get to main event the biggest show of the year. You’ll be right where you deserve to be - in the spotlight. So chin up and fuck some people up.”

Isaac: “Hmm? Oh sorry, I had a text to respond to. Look, I can’t talk right now, I have a match to prepare for.”

Rep 1: ...

[Carlos Rosso is shown holding his head, recovering from his defeat to Christopher Sabretooth with a championship opportunity on the line. He is constantly groaning in pain as Mao rushes over with a bag of ice, which he happily accepts and puts on his head and neck. Suddenly, an interviewer rushes up to him, the man still catching his breath.]


Interviewer: Carlos, an unfortunate defeat again as you looked to be well in control of the match and then a combination of your emotions getting the best of you and Nas trying to goad you into a confrontation ultimately was your undoing as Sabretooth picked up the win and moves on to face Jacob Senn.


Carlos: Does anyone in this sport have any integrity left? Any virtue? I have tried to play by the rules week after week after week! I’ve never cheated a day in my life or done anything to take a shortcut or take advantage of a situation!


(The interviewer and Mao exchange confused looks as Carlos continues.)


Carlos: Did you not see what happened when I faced Aria Jaxon? A crooked referee costed me my victory! IT was like my beloved Saints being taken advantage of by referees against the rams, but even worse! Everything about that was blatant!


Interviewer: But your leg was-


Carlos: Even before that, when I wrestled Kenny Drake! Other people kept interfering in that match too! I had Drake beat then and then he gets last moment aid to beat me! And then, this week, Nasir comes out there and starts talking trash to me. Does he not understand who I am? I am one of the greatest legends, stars that ever walked the face of this…..GOD!


(He slams the ice pack down in frustration, glaring at the camera as both Mao and the skinny, confused interviewer look on.)


Carlos: Doesn’t he understand that kids watch this program? All of that horrible swearing and all the rude, horrible things he said to me! I am not that kind of guy! I AM A GOOD GUY! I am a paragon of moral authority! I am the most well-behaved wrestler on the planet! I apologize to all the young children, the cautious parents and our wonderful sponsors here in Omega Wrestling Alliance! By winning the the Clash of the Titans, I will right all the wrongs and triumph over the perversity and evil that has infested this organization...AND THAT MEANS YOU NASIR!


(Mao looks even more confused before picking up the ice pack and offering it to him.)


Mao: I don’t know what your deal is, but let’s get you cleaned up. I found a nice little club for us to grab a drink at before you-


Carlos: No.


Mao: EH!?


Carlos: No. I want to go back to the hotel and rest, then have a nice glass of milk and be in bed before midnight.


(Mao frantically puts her hand to his forehead as if to check his temperature before screaming at the interviewer.)


Mao: Do you have a phone!?


Interviewer: What?


Mao: DO YOU HAVE A PHONE!? THIS MAN, LEGENDARY FOR GOING ON ALCOHOL AND DRUG FUELED BINGES, JUST TURNED DOWN A NIGHT OUT! He’s either concussed or sick, either way call an ambulance.


Interviewer: HUH?


Mao: JUST DO IT!


[Several days pass after Carlos visits the hospital and he’s still acting very strange. Mao notices little things like him signing autographs for fans, avoiding drinks and even engaging in polite political discourse with Donald Trump supporters. She thinks he’s either sick or plotting something, just standing in the background as he tapes a message to spread on social media.]



Friends! Clash of the Titans is here, and the titular match features all of the best and brightest of OWA competing for one dream: to challenge for a World Championship at Final Destination! I will not brag about it, but I have seen this movie before, friends! In the Rose Bowl, not even a year ago, I survived 29 other men, battling for over an hour to become a world champion and secure my legacy as a legend. I have done this before, and now I try to do it again. But...my friends, I need YOUR support to make it happen! I can feel all of your love and support, but in Chicago I will need it more than ever to re-achieve the monumental moment that I had in Pasadena.


The people in this match are strong, all worthy. However, I know that many of them seem to have quite an evil bent to them. I’ve seen the wickedness. The backstabbing, the deceiving, the attempts to injure and maim their opponents! THIS IS UNFORGIVABLE! TOGETHER, WITH YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT AND MY ARM, THE STRONGEST IN THE WORLD, WE WILL TRIUMPH!


There are many who are competing that have a point to prove, but I think that I will prove something: with the love of the people, the ordinary people, and an unbreakable spirit, anything is possible! And while I disagree with the vile tactics being used by the likes of Aria Jaxon, CM Nas, Gareth Cason and others, I will always acknowledge worthy foes who have something special to give. People like Miltiades, who wants to elevate his legacy and secure his legend with a victory, to create a path to greatness that doesn’t begin and end with World Championships. People like Isaac Thornton, who I respect but do not fear. My arguments are not about why I will win, but how I can. Think very carefully. You may see a broken down, defeated man heading for the dimming twilight of his career, but behind the battle-worn, battle-hardened exterior beats the heart of a true champion, the soul of the most powerful wrestler on earth! Everything that you yearn to achieve I already have, so be prepared to face my full might if you wish to be the One standing at the end! I don’t care the opposition, I look at it as my sacred duty to test those who truly feel that they are ready to advance to the next level!


There are so many unknowns to deal with for me. In days gone by, I would look at a battle royal and know what I was walking into. Not so this time, as many many names are unknown. It doesn’t matter. The only rule is the Rule of Victory in the end, and that is the rule by which THIS ARM, FORGED IN MY BEAUTIFUL HOME STATE OF LOUISIANA, SHARPENED THROUGH OVER A DECADE OF COMBAT, WILL BRING DOWN UNDENIABLE WRATH UPON ANYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO STAND IN THE WAY! Even to those that I do know but have not had a chance to fight much, like Jeff X, the legendary amateur Hans Olsen and Ken Maeda, I AM PREPARED FOR WHATEVER YOU BRING!


I know McAdams, I know McQueen. They will be great opposition indeed. Even Reginald Dampshaw, a man that I have soundly defeated in the past, cannot be underestimated. There is one man whose name I have not uttered yet….NATE CAGE! You and I know each other quite well, and even though you feel that this old horse should be put down, I still have one last victory inside of me! I certainly don’t fear you and know that man to man, you can’t back up your profane words on your own. You forget the man who brought all the carnage and fight to you and your band of minions before the numbers finally became too much for me and my partners to overcome. You forget the man who has bested your colleagues before in another land. YOU FORGET THAT CARLOS ROSSO IS THE MOST COMPLETE WRESTLER IN THE WORLD!


I will remind all of you very soon.


With the the pride of a company on the line, it must be the man who embodies the heart and soul, the pioneering spirit of OWA, it’s indomitable spirit, stand as the one headed to Final Destination with a Golden date with Destiny! With the love and support of all my wonderful fans around the world, CARLOS ROSSO, GOD WILLING, WILL BE THAT MAN!


I LOVE YOU ALL, AND GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!



[As Carlos ends the recording, Mao walks up to him again, a worried expression on her face.]


Mao: What are you plotting?


Carlos: What do you mean?


Mao: Carlos, I’ve been your manager for almost ten fucking years, okay? I know Carlos Rosso bullshit when I see it. What are you plotting? What’s your angle here?


Carlos: There is no angle, there’s only Carlos Rosso telling the world that he is the Best Wrestler in the world and in dire need of their support against 29 other men. That’s all. No ulterior motives.


Mao: Please. You didn’t even bother to call anybody a “Nigga”....


Carlos: MAO! LANGUAGE!


Mao: You didn’t call Aria Jaxon a slut or a floozy, you didn’t rip apart Mooongoose or Nate, you didn’t make fun of any of the new guys. You’re up to something, aren’t you?


Carlos: I have no idea what you’re talking about, love. Now I need to go head to another appointment. Some University of Alabama students wanted to meet with me and plan a conference for dialogue between liberal and conservative student groups. And I have a financial planning seminar to head.


(Carlos walks away from her, a young fan running up and asking for an autograph and Carlos immediately obliging, a flashy smile.)


Mao: What the hell is wrong with him?

The scene opens up in a dark room. Suddenly a spotlight falls on what appears to be a stage. Red curtains drawn shut behind it. Christopher Sabertooth walks up to the spotlight wearing a fancy suit and a Cigar in hand and a microphone in another.

“It’s been a while… We were on a long hiatus but I am proud to announce that the Christopher Sabertooth show is back in business. At the last episode, we saw a child turn into the man that we so proudly proclaim as one of if not THE best wrestler in the world. If I remember correctly, it was at the time of Halloween Havoc… The first OWA PPV and I was part of it. A lot has changed since then. I went from being the new guy hungry to make an impact, to a Champion. And now, I thought there cannot be a better time to bring back the Christopher Sabertooth Show!!! With your host, Christopher Sabertooth. That’s me!” Said Sabertooth as the crowd applauds for him.

“We have a lot in store tonight! We finally get to see how Havoc rose in prominence. And more importantly, we see what lies ahead for Christopher Sabertooth heading into his big match at Clash of the Titans. So, without further ado, LET US BEGIN!” Said Sabertooth as steps out of the stage and heads to the back. The curtains slowly undraw itself to reveal the stage. 

-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-

The scene begins at a dark gloomy room. A man is seen sitting on a rocking chair by the fireplace, with his back facing the audience. He stops rocking his chair and finally stands up His long black hair, and a black overcoat jacket now falls into the view of the crowd. He slowly turns out to reveal Christopher Sabertooth now wearing black and white face paint.

“He… He was weak. He… He could never have done the things I did. He could NEVER be the man he promised to be. So… I did what I had to do. I killed the man. I KILLED HIM. And… I took his place. I gave him the strength that he only dreamt of. WHile I walk down this path of redemption, I realised that I could do much more. I realised that this world needs me… Everybody around me are blinded by light and false sense of hope that everything will be alright! But… It never is. Chris… He was blinded by this light too. SO, I showed him the darkness and everything was right in this world. People love to live in their own bubble, high up in the air, with not a care on what is going in reality. That’s what I do. I bring these people CRASHING into the reality… And then the darkness overwhelms them. But I know the way… I know what the machine wants from these people. They are MISGUIDED…. They live in the delusion that everything… EVERYTHING revolves around them. But, that couldn’t be any further from the truth. Which is why.. I need to set them free. I need people to see what I see. I need them to see the suffering and hatred that this reality brings. People like me, we are forced to face the reality at every step of the way. We are free from the shackles of the system and they do not like that. THEY make us suffer. I have taken it upon myself to help these people and guide them to their own path to redemption. And while I do that, I NEED TO BRING THESE DELUSIONAL SCUM OF THE EARTH BACK TO REALITY. I WILL BURST THEIR BUBBLE AND I WILL MAKE THEM SEE THE SUFFERING THAT I AND COUNTLESS OTHER PEOPLE FACE. AND I WILL MAKE THEM ATONE FOR THEIR SINS.” Screamed Havoc. He walks up closer to the audience.

“To my brothers and sisters… The ones caught in this darkness, thinking to themselves for when this pain and suffering would end. To my people…. You are not alone. Jin me as we head down our path to redemption and free this world of its pain and suffering. JOIN ME... As I will take your hand and guide you through the darkness, for I see everything clear. Let me save you… from yourself. Take my hand and know that You will never walk alone. YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE” said Havoc as the curtains draw ending the scene.

“Havoc believed that he could save this world. Havoc believed that he could end the suffering of the people… And the people noticed… They saw the change that Havoc had brought in himself to succeed despite the system holding him back. The people started to believe in what he said. They believed in Havoc and his ideals. They believed that Havoc would guide them down their own path of redemption. Men, women and children, all alike… They joined hands and BELIEVED IN HAVOC.” Said that Narrator.

The scene opens up once again in the same setting. This time Havoc is seen sitting on his rocking chair but he is not alone. Plenty of men and women are seen sitting around the house. Some doing household chores. Some attending to their children. Everybody dawning his black and white face paint as Havoc himself was the center of attention.

“I… I don’t  know how to thank you. I had given up on everything… Didn’t have a roof over my head… Didn’t have the money to feed my son. You took me in. I… “ Said a woman as Havoc interrupts her.

“You don’t have to thank me. I brought you in because I could see the pain and suffering that you were going through. I brought you in so that I could lead you down to a path of change. Not only you… Everybody around me! Some of them chose to come here by themselves. And I take in everybody with open arms because I know what they have been through. I understand that the system would never want people like us escape their shackles that bound us down and be left at their mercy. Which is why, WE will help each other on our journey. WE will walk down the path of redemption and achieve the glory that we are after. WE will save the world!” Said Havoc as the people around him nod their head in approval. Havoc takes his right hand and places it over his heart as the people copy him.

“Because… YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE.” Said everybody including Havoc.

The curtains draw on the scene.

“Havoc made it his mission to ‘save the world’ with his people. He didn’t see himself as their leader, even if they proclaimed him as one. He was only a person looking to make a change in society. What started off as a way to redeem himself of his loses, both in wrestling and in life, Havoc became somewhat of a cult leader. Havoc was successful as well. He was a champion in his own right and was heading down a path of glory in a title unification matchup against Noah Hanson. Leading up to that match, Havoc felt burdened with everything he had taken upon himself to fix with people questioning him and his leadership. At that point, Havoc knew that he had bitten into more than what he could chew. He had lost his ways and grew hungry in look for power. Seeing all these people calling him their savior, made him want more. Havoc had been corrupted by the system he was going after. After his defeat at the hands of Noah Hanson. He had lost his Horizon Championship. His shot to finally achieve glory was ruined. He could not capture the World Championship that would have guaranteed his name down in the history books as one of the best to ever lace their boot. Blinded by his own hunger for power and validation, he forgot his own ideals. Havoc was done for.” Said the Narrator.

Scene opens up with Havoc in his home once again, but this time there was nobody around him. He is seen staring into the mirror, disappointed by his first loss ever. He had lost everything. His people.. His title… And above all, his chance at glory.

“I have lost… How? How could I lose? I had everything…. My key to Legacy. I lost everything! This is not how it was supposed to be! I am the savior! THIS WAS THE END OF MY PATH TO REDEMPTION. But I screwed it all up. And now there’s nobody left to save… But myself. I was wrong… I was wrong to think that these people would stand by me in victory AND defeat. They just wanted to be winners after being a loser their entire life. I am alone now… But now… I see things even clearer. This is not who I am. NO! I WORKED HARD TO REACH THE LEVEL I HAVE. HAVOC IS MY TRUE IDENTITY. But… Is it? I was doing this to be the best in the world. I don’t think I am ready to take the responsibility of the whole world. NO! NO! NO! PEOPLE WILL COME AND GO. I CANNOT FORGET MY GOALS. I KEPT SEEING YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE.. BUT THIS A JOURNEY FOR ME TO COMPLETE ON MY OWN. I DON’T NEED ANYBODY ELSE. I WILL BE WORLD CHAMPION ON MY OWN. I WILL BE MYSELF AGAIN. I AM CHRISTOPHER MOTHERFUCKING SABERTOOTH!” Screamed Havoc as he tried to wipe the paint away. And as the paint came off, he could see clearly who he was. Sabertooth saw his reflection and he falls down to his knees. He holds on to his head as the curtains draw ending the scene.

“Christopher Sabertooth and Havoc were always one. As Havoc, he never acknowledged the existence of the other. Being undefeated for a year and gaining a mass following had diverted his attention from what he had set out to do in the first place. Sabertooth was lost. He didn’t know if he would ever return back to wrestling. Things for looking bleak but he knew what he had to do. Havoc may have clouded his identity, but his dreams were still the same. For 8 years he has been blaming himself for the death of his best friend. It took him to become Havoc and lose his mind to eventually come to his senses. He was not the reason for his friend’s death. And after a long fought battle, Sabertooth was back. He trained every single day to be physically and mentally ready to return to wrestling. And that he did.” Said the Narrator.

The curtains open up once again as this time Sabertooth is back wearing his suit puffing on his cigar.

“And we are back. That was just a glimpse of the things that I had to go through. Honestly, where is my Emmy? What a performance, won’t you agree?” Asked Sabertooth as the audience applaud.

“February 3rd…. LIVE from the United Center.. OWA will have its biggest event till date. Clash of the Titans! While everybody’s eyes are going to be on the marquee match with 30 men and women competing for a shot at glory heading into Final Destination, I have a chance of making history myself. Once again I stand in front of you with an opportunity to cement my legacy in this business. As Havoc, I failed to capture the big one. I was a champion… But not THE champion. But this coming week, I change that. The Omega Heavyweight Championship will be on the line when I go head to head with The Punisher, Jacob Senn. The man who beat CM Nas to earn the right of being called THE champion. Jacob Senn became the man to beat. And so far, he has not shied away from an opportunity of defending his title. He put it all on the line when he faced Stark at Revelations. That match was ruined by the Phantom Troupe deciding to take matters into their own hands. He then defended his title against the former champion, CM Nas. That too was ruined by a man I beat to earn this opportunity in hand, Carlos Rosso. So, by the looks of it, Senn himself is looking for an opportunity to show the world what he can do as a Champion. This match is as important to him as it is to me.” Said Chris as he takes a puff of his Cigar.

“They say that keeping hold of championship is harder than winning it. I can vouch for that myself as I recently lost my OWA Television Championship to Miltiades. Simply put, he was the better man in the exchange. You have been lucky, Jacob. Coincidentally, the people you have defended the title against have had people who despise them more than they despise you. Instead of costing you the title, you have managed to keep hold of it through Champions advantage. To be fair to you, it hasn’t been your fault. You just happened to be in a favorable situation in both the cases I mentioned earlier. But that’s where the doubt comes in… People begin to make assumptions based on what they say. Let me clear this, these are not MY opinions about you Senn. I am just talking about what the audience think. People are not sure that you can hold onto that title by yourself. I mean, CM Nas did have you beat when Carlos Rosso decided to make a statement. And same goes for Stark. So, in a way, these unforeseen circumstances saved your ass. The reason why you can head into Clash of the Titans, proudly proclaiming to be a champion, as all thanks to Carlos Rosso and the Phantom Troupe. While they may not exactly look eye to eye with you, they certainly did you a huge favor. Once again, that’s not me talking, it’s just the facts.” Said Chris as he lets out a faint smirk.

“And whenever this starts happening, people begin to ask questions. Was it all a coincidence? Or did Jacob Senn plan it out to walk out with the title that had eluded for a long time in his run in the OWA. I hope that the pressure of being the top champion is not getting to you. So, like I said… Clash of the Titans is a huge opportunity for me. But it’s even bigger for you considering that you have failed to defend that title successfully even once. Just imagine the uproar in the community when I beat you for that title at Clash of the Titans. People will talk about how Jacob Senn was not ready to be a champion. They will mention your name in the ‘most forgettable title reigns in history’ list. And that’s not where you want to be is it? But sadly, Jacob. It very well might become your reality. I don’t know if you have been paying attention or not… But I have been waiting on this opportunity for YEARS. I sat on the sidelines for 3 years hoping that I could return to this business only so I could once again climb up the ladder to the top and stay there! I worked my ass off to get here and I doubt the efforts you have put in. But so far your reign as THE champion has been nothing but a disappointment. I know, you’d say it wasn’t your fault. The people don’t care, Jacob. They want to see a fighting champion… They want to see a decisive winner and it has been anything but that. But… One thing I know, is that you would work to give these people just that. And together, we have that opportunity at Clash of the Titans. It doesn’t matter who wins… But the Omega Heavyweight Championship deserves better. These people who paid to see the best wrestlers this company has to offer, deserve to see better. So, I propose that we do just that. I know I am capable of it, and considering the championship you hold, you should be too." Said Chris as he walks around the stage.

“At Clash of the Titans, all the eyes will be on the new champions being crowned. Everybody wants to see who outlasts 29 other people to be crowned the winner of the marquee matchup. But let us take it upon ourselves to put out the best match this people have ever seen. Olympus is the better show and both of us know that. So, we need to reaffirm to everybody that Omega Heavyweight Championship IS the top title this company has to offer. And trust me when I say this… I am going to put in everything I have to walk out of Clash of the Titans as the NEW Champion. And I want to do that against a man worth being called THE champion. Not a phony who cannot defend his title by his own merit. Not a nobody who fluked his way into the title scene. And certainly not a has-been. So, Jacob Senn, you better bring your A Game. Because I am not like the rest of the them. The World Championship has eluded me for a very long time and I will do ANYTHING to change that. I have NOTHING to lose, Senn. I HAVE TO GIVE UP EVERYTHING THAT I LOVED TO MAKE MYSELF BETTER AGAIN. I DID IT FOR MY PASSION. I DID IT FOR THIS FUCKING BUSINESS. NOT BECAUSE I NEEDED MONEY…. I DID IT FOR MYSELF. I DID IT FOR O’SHEA. I DO NOT WANT TO BEAT SOMEBODY UNDESERVING TO FINALLY REACH THE PINNACLE OF THIS BUSINESS. I WANT TO EARN MY VICTORY. SO, YOU BETTER GIVE ME EVERYTHING YOU HAVE GOT. BECAUSE NOBODY… NOBODY IS SAVING YOUR ASS THIS TIME. I AM CHRISTOPHER SABERTOOTH. I AM HAVOC. I AM THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA…. AND JACOB SENN, I WILL KICK YOUR FUCKING HEAD OFF.” Exclaimed Chris, passionately. He takes in deep breaths to calm himself down as the curtains drawn upon him. The audience clap as the curtains are fully drawn. Sabertooth enters through the curtains to the solo spotlight and takes a bow as the scene fades to black.

Chris Van Vliet: I’m here with OWA’s newest signee, “Firestarter” Kevin Maverick! 

Kevin Maverick: Yo.

Chris Van Vliet: I have to be honest - I was ecstatic to hear about your return stateside!

Kevin Maverick: As an American, It’s kind of awkward to say this...but it feels weird not living in Japan. That was my home for the past six years, man. You get used to the way of life after a while. I almost responded to Tarah Nova in Japanese when she greeted me the other day (laughs).

Chris Van Vliet: What was it about OWA that attracted you? Word on the street is that the company has plans for you in regards to their Cruiserweight Division?

Kevin Maverick: Yes, I can safely confirm that being involved with that scene was one of the topics during negotiations. Most wrestlers care about chasing after a world title. I’m a patient man Chris - my shot at the big time is expected. But for now, I want to be known as the undisputed face of the super junior style. I’ve won my fair share of titles and tournaments in Mexico and Japan, but didn’t get to shine as much in The States. Welp - here I am! (laughs)

Chris Van Vliet: We could talk all day about your title reigns in NJW, AMLP, and BRW. But what I want to know - what the wrestling community wants to know is your plans for Omega Wrestling Alliance?

Kevin Maverick: My plans? Same as with my previous promotions - dominate their cruiser/junior division. I am both a wrestler and a showman Chris - I give the people what they want. Super juniors are so diverse nowadays - it’s not just for flyers anymore. I’ve faced off against strikers, grapplers, and even a couple of powerhouses here and there. The competition is always evolving. If I want to be at the top of the food chain, I’m going to have to be ready to take on all comers.

Chris Van Vliet: And what about your opponent Sunday night, Allesandro Devione?

Kevin Maverick: What about him? Just another trust fund baby who feels their influence can shape the world in their favor. This is nothing new to me. Don’t get me wrong - Devione is a fine competitor, but it’s going to take more than just “fine” to match me in the ring. I’m not just a showman - I’m one of the best juniors out there. There’s nobody who can match my speed, Chris. My stamina is impeccable! ‘Dro says he can outsmart me? You can’t touch what you can’t see, Chris.  



I'm here.

That's the first thing that came to mind the moment I set foot in OWA. As I walked into the downtown Philly office, I looked to my left at that mirror and saw a reflection of a man who knows his worth. I saw the image of a man who took the indies by storm - a man who conquered the junior heavyweight division in The Land of the Rising Sun. So there I was, sitting in the office of Bob Taylor himself. Apparently, the man had his eye on me for a while. He’s been watching my work in Neo Japan, my matches in Mexico, my epic matches in England. He’s caught my highlights on TDE’s Twitter, and knows what I can bring to the table. In other words Allesandro, Bob Taylor brought me here for one reason: to be the face of the Cruiserweight division. In due time, The Greatest Showman will be the poster boy for Kingdom - I’m in no rush. I just got here, and my first objective is to secure that cruiserweight title.

Omega Wrestling Alliance is an up and coming promotion - a perfect place for a firestarter to get his momentum going. My opponent is a man who fancies himself as god’s gift to wrestling. He, like many others in this promotion run around and share their stories with anyone who’s willing to lend an ear. Men like Allesandro Devione weave a tale of greatness to cover up any doubt they feel in their heart. You see Devione, when you meet me in that ring Sunday night, you’ll be meeting me on MY terms in MY neck of the woods! You’ll be fighting a man whose been to the dance so many times he’s lost count! I’ve held cruiserweight titles before; I’m not only a student of the game, I have a PhD. in the art itself! I suggest you spend less time whining about not being in the Clash of the Champions and instead worry about your opponent. You’re walking around like you already won this match. It’s quite funny really. Men like you are so full of yourselves - the lot of you, a dime a dozen. That’s right Chuckles - you’re not the first a-hole I had to set straight, and you won’t be the last. I will turn your precious Babylon into the Tower of Babel as I tear down any shred of hope you have in establishing a foundation before The Greatest Showman. I’ve worked hard to make a name of myself, something I’ve done on my own. I didn’t have a parental figure in this business. I don’t come from some kind of family legacy. I’m a self-made man Allesandro, and I’ve built my career brick by brick with my own hands! A feat that brought me back stateside. I’ve done everything I need to do back east. I turn my attention to the future - one that includes me walking out of the United Center your NEW OWA Cruiserweight Champion. Remember Allesandro - I was already booked in this match. You’re the one walking in as Virgo’s understudy. Meanwhile, The Greatest Showman occupies a role made for him: King of the Cruiserweights. A king not created from divine right, but from logical thinking. I am a man of the people, one whose elite talents are recognized on a macro level. You can call me mongrel like a poor man’s Ares Vendetta and declare yourself king…

And I can just pin you like every other man that came before you. You’re nothing special - just a Mary Sue stuck in his own fanfic. A special snowflake who thinks they deserve more just because they ate their bowl of Wheaties in the morning. Hmm...you know what? Snowflake sounds like a good name. Yeah, I dig it.

(grins)

Listen up Snowflake! At Clash of the Champions, The Greatest Showman will play out a three act classic that involves studying his opponent, unveiling his weaknesses, and defeating his foe with style. That’s what the Cruiserweight Division is about, Snowflake. It’s about exceeding one’s expectations. So welcome to the show ‘Dro. Try not to get too mesmerize but my performance…

You just might fall behind.

{Isaac is once again training for his upcoming match at Clash of the Titans. Last week he surrounded himself with people he doesn’t like, the fans, and now this week there are kids playing and screaming in his office as Isaac plugs his ears. They are the representatives’ kids. It’s bring your kid to work day. There are also a bunch of puppies trying to lick Isaac but he doesn’t want any part of that. He gets up and leaves his office to get some fresh air. Fans, children, puppies. Three things he doesn’t like. And this weekend it will only get worse as he surrounds himself with many Alphas he hates in one ring at the Clash. So being near things he doesn’t like is practice to him. Yep, while his opponents are lifting weights and doing cardio, Isaac is doing shit like this. One of the reps notices Isaac exited the building and she runs after him because it’s her time to watch him.}

Rep 1: “Isaac, are you okay?”

Isaac: “Hmmm, let’s see, for one I have dog saliva on my hands and face, two, I had kids coughing and sneezing inches away from me, so what do you think?”

Rep 1: “Well..”

Isaac: “NO! The answer is no. In case you forgot, I have a very important match on the horizon. A match I need to be in tip-top shape for. But now, I’m probably going to be sick all week because you guys decided to bring your little germ machines into work today. So now what? Huh?! (Isaac coughs) SEE? It’s already beginning. WHY ME?! I’m too important to be sick!!! Why can’t someone irrelevant like Ken Maeda get sick instead? Nobody would care then.”

{Isaac fake punches the brick wall near him. Making this whole thing a lot more dramatic than what it needs to be. Acting as if the whole world is out to get him. As if he’s getting set up or sabotaged. Trying to give off the illusion this is rock bottom when it’s far from it. He’s just pretending to be sick so he’ll have an excuse if he loses. He’s pathetic like that. But all of a sudden, Isaac gets a rush of confidence.}

Isaac: “But you know what? I can get through this. Yeah! I’m Isaac Thornton after all! I’ll be fine. I’m a strong boi. When the odds are stacked against me, that’s when I shine brightest. Bright like these chompers. Just look at them. Go on, take a gander. Yeah, I see you ‘mirin. And do you know what else is bright? My future. Yep, number one answer on the board. So what if I’m sick? Being the top tier competitor that I am, I’m not going to let it limit me at the Clash. All I’m going to do is replicate Michael Jordan’s flu game. Yep, two greats that deserve to be mentioned in the same breath: Isaac Thornton and Michael Jordan. There are many comparisons to be discussed and analyzed between the two of us, but there is one major glaring difference. A difference I personally hate and don’t want to shed light on, but I must. Michael Jordan was a champion - I am not. Yeah, sad stuff. How I haven’t won a championship yet, it just isn’t right. It sucks, it’s the worst - a real Aria Jaxon, I know. But I’m man enough to admit that I’ve had my chances. Chances I squandered. Chances I took for granted. Starting with the Spartan Championship. I easily could have won it, even though I didn’t truly desire it. Same going for that God of War tournament. They were just distractions. Distractions when it came to the bigger picture. You see, I SHOOT FOR THE STARRRRRSSS! I’ve always had my dreamy eyes locked on world title gold and that hasn’t changed. But yes, I could have been Spartan Champion. I should have been Spartan Champion. That is until of course my good ol’ ‘friend’, Scotty Adams, literally took it from my grasp in that Ultimate X match. That night, he took an opportunity away from me - fair play. Fair fucking play. Yeah good for him. And I will never forget that moment because like I said last week, I have the mind of an elephant. And maybe that’s why he’s suspended and I’m not? What goes around, comes around? Hmm, something to think about I guess. And sure, I had my chance at world title gold. And without going into much detail, Finnegan retained. But I beat him once before that match. Meaning we are 1-1. Nothing has been settled. And we are left with much doubt. But what I don’t doubt for one second is that if we ever got the trilogy, I’m coming out on top. NO QUESTION ABOUT IT! Now, the reason why I even bothered bringing up my few failures/blemishes in the first place is that my opponents in this Clash of the Titans match will do their best to besmirch my name and try to rip my resume to shreds. Trying to use moments such as those against me. A lazy attempt at mind games and an equally lazy attempt to get under my skin, but it won’t work. It won’t work because I’m sitting pretty. The fact of the matter is, I don’t have to win this match. I really don’t. I know my opponents would like to say the same for themselves, that if they lose this match they won’t let it define them or their career. But I actually have a legit reason. You see, I’m the number one contender for the OWA World Championship. Just ask Vernon. Just ask Scotty. So I’m winning world title gold, with or without winning this match at the Clash. And yet I will win. I will win because I’m in it and let’s just say that taking opportunities away from you sacks of shit is just fun to me. It puts a smile on my face. It gives me an extra pep in my step. It helps me sleep even better at night. I’m just a good person, I know. So long story short, I’m gonna fuck around and be the last man standing in the Clash of the Titans.”

Rep 1: “Yes, yes you will.”

Isaac: “But I know my opponents will disagree with me. Why wouldn’t they? They are going to come out of the woodwork this week and tell you why they think they’ll win and why I won’t. In their feeble minds, they’ll think they are making a good case for themselves. They’ll think their argument is bulletproof. That they are presenting nothing but facts to support their claims when in reality they are just spouting off lies. They just don’t realize it yet. We have people like McAdams, for example, saying their career hangs in the balance when it comes to this match. That he has no other choice but to win the whole thing - but when he doesn’t, his tune will change. He’ll just say oh well, it didn’t matter to him anyway. And that doesn’t just apply to Jon, that applies to the twenty-eight other people in this match. And it humors me how they’ll flip flop their stance on a dime like that. Heading into the match, they’ll act like this match is their everything. And then when they come up short, they pretend it was just another match.”

{Isaac’s smirk is quickly replaced by a look of disgust. He loosens his tie and cracks his neck. His rep looks on concerned.}

Isaac: “You know, I think it’s about time that I break that glass ceiling above my head. Don’t you? Thus far, I’ve shown a lot of promise — a lot of potential and I’m sick of it. I’m sick of being regarded as a prospect. A rookie that needs to wait his turn. ‘He needs to pay his dues!’ Earn a little respect! Fetch the veterans their coffee! Isn’t that right, Nate? But then again, I’m not even sure I’m seen as the future anymore. Maybe when I first started I was. Back when I had hunger. Back when I was more committed to OWA, but since then have struggled to juggle my two professions. I still remember a promise I made back in April or May. It was to Christopher Sabertooth. He was involved in my debut match. In a triple threat match, to be exact. I don’t recall the other guy’s name because he was released a week or two later. But Christopher ended up winning that match after he threw me out of the ring and stole my victory. Just like later on Scotty stole my Spartan Championship. And just like this week, my opponents will steal my valuable time from me. People sure love to steal from me, but I digress. So after Mr. Sabertooth was acting all high and mighty, spitting all of his boastful talk to anyone who’d listen — and would later go on to regurgitate the same shit week after week by dragging my name through the dirt, I told him just wait. That this match doesn’t mean a single thing and that six months from now, my resume will be a lot more impressive than his. And early on, it was. But then, I must admit, he passed me by. He won the Television title and now this week, he has the opportunity to add world title gold to his collection. I hate to admit it — I can feel my teeth grinding and my temple tightening, but, I was wrong. Some might say it was just me being biased or overrating myself when I believe it’s me constantly underestimating this profession. I thought that I would be able to come in here and waltz past the competition and find myself at the top in no time. But I’ve learned the hard way that it isn’t that easy. Being completely new to this profession and sport can be tough at times. Like I’m going into some matches blind, in a sense. Or sometimes, I’m just going through the motions and I get caught off guard by people like you, Nate. Yeah, play the world’s smallest violin for me, please. But I’m not expecting your sympathy because of the things I’ve done and will continue to do, I don’t deserve it."

{The rep puts her hand on Isaac’s shoulder, thinking he’s being too hard on himself. Plus, it’s very uncharacteristic of Isaac to give credit to his opponents/rivals. Admitting that OWA’s competition isn’t easy, but stiff. Is Isaac showing humility? Of course not.}

Isaac: "But what I do deserve — IS THE OWA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! And the reason why I haven’t won it yet is that I’ve been too soft. I’ve been too nice of a guy. Nice guys finish last. Real nice guys, not fake nice guys like Finnegan Wakefield. So I’ve reached the conclusion that I need to ramp it up. I need to take it up a notch. I need that killer’s instinct. I need to win by any means necessary. Whether I have to take more shortcuts or stoop to the lowest of low, I’ll do it. I’ll do it with zero hesitation because this place needs a star. A true star. Finnegan isn’t that guy. He’s - or should I say, was a paper champion who skated by with constant luck on his side. Jacob Senn isn’t that guy. He’s old news. Who the fuck cares about him? Maybe if this was like two years ago then sure. Aria Jaxon isn’t that guy — because well, she isn’t a guy in the first place. I think? Point is, last time she was world champ the company shut down soon after. CM Nas? HA! HAHA! Yeah, nah. I can go down the list some more but I think I’ve made my point. I’m the guy. I’m the guy because I’m fresh. I’m the guy because I’m OWA exclusive. I’m not tainted from another company. Yeah, I don’t have that same foul stench covering every inch of my body like the people I just named. And I’m not a finished project. When it comes to most men and women on the roster, you know what you’re getting. You know what to expect. You’ve seen their best. You’ve seen what they are capable of. They’ve peaked. But for me? I’m just getting started. And that’s a dangerous thought. More like a ‘legit dangerous’ thought, amirite? Nah, fuck you Gareth. Only thing legit about people like you is you’re an overhyped little baby back bitch who has fallen victim to undeserved praise. Do you know who also falls under this category? Oh, I don’t know? Maybe Layne Kurobane who is getting a shot at world title gold for no apparent reason? And the same can be said for Scott Oasis. Can be? No, SHOULD BE! What the fuck is going on in OWA these days? It’s going off the rails. It’s going down the shitter. And at this rate, it’s going to end up like SSW. It’s doomed. But — yes, there is a but, OWA is fortunate enough to have something that SSW didn’t. A key ingredient they were lacking. A pinch of spice that could have saved that heaping pile of blandness. ME! I am your saving grace because with all my might and with every talented fiber of my being, I am going to salvage it. I am going to polish this giant turd known as OWA and make it become a diamond. Just like that OWA World Championship. So long story short, too long didn't listen version: I am winning this shit. It doesn't matter what number I get, it doesn't matter who is out there, yes that includes the many surprise entrants that will turn out to be major letdowns, each and every single one of you will fall. You will fall outside that ring and I am going to main event Final Destination. Set it in stone."

 
 
We’ve finally arrived. It was not an easy road, I’d be lying to myself if I said otherwise. I don’t see myself as a man who is unworthy of chances. What I’ve done in my time here has caught the attention of people…whether they’re the right people is up for debate. Truth is, I’ve run through Kingdom’s division. And if you argue with that, you’re insane. Take a look at my record, it’s there in black and white. Nobody in this match has pinned me. Nobody in this match has submitted me. It’s a who’s who of people I’ve put away. And yet here I am, among the rest of the roster trying to fight for my spot at Final Destination. It’s unfair, sure, but hey, life isn’t fair. The sooner people realise that, the easier their lives will be.
 
But hey, I live in the real world, contrary to popular belief. This isn’t a match that’s about wins and losses, it’s about throwing people out. Something that’s a lot fucking easier than rendering somebody incapable of carrying on. You could lose in two seconds or an hour. This is a match where you have to be smart, pick your shots and fight battles you know you can win. Otherwise, you’ll be embarrassed by letting your guard down against someone who isn’t much of a threat on paper. The whole world will laugh at you as you walk up the ramp with your head in your hands, knowing you’ve let a major opportunity slip through your fingers. That isn’t something I plan on doing. Really, this is a match that’s tailor-made for a man like me. So many variables, so many potential combinations. Confrontations we’ve never seen before, moments that will get the people talking, and an Alpha who will have their name made forever. Even if they fail to capture gold at Final Destination, they’ll always be able to say that they won the first ever Clash of the Titans match. That’s not an accolade to take lightly. This is how we decide the elite performer who is worthy of challenging the top brass on the top show. And you know something? I’m not particularly impressed.
 
RD3, Jon McAdams, Jeff X, Isaac Thornton, Aria Jaxon. These are Kingdom’s so-called best offerings. The top names that are going to do the brand proud. You know what they all have in common? They’ve all lost to me. There are your would-be elite. People who have fallen by my hand. I’m not impressed. I get to trade blows with people I know the weaknesses of, and I will take great pride in showing them up a second time. I’m done cycling through people who have already had their world title shots, who’ve already had their main events. I’m ready to put them behind me and focus on what’s owed to me: the OWA World Championship. It doesn’t matter if it’s Layne Kurobane or Scott Oasis. I have no doubt in my mind that that little Spartan boy would be snapped in two by me. As for Scott? The only time we ever came to blows, it wasn’t my fight. Now? It’s all about me. It’s all about my rightful place as champion. And I will not rest until I have it.
 
Let’s just look at the history involved here. RD3 gave me a bit of a sore leg this week and was still seconds from tapping out to me. I’ve already exposed him as all talk and he’d better thank his lucky stars that Jeff X saved him the embarrassment of a crushing defeat before game day. Speaking of Jeff, you just never learn, do you, boy? When will you get it through your thick skull that you’re not good enough to beat me? You failed against Isaac Thornton and decided to take it out on the man who has your number at every turn. Not very bright. Beating me is something you’re incapable of and rest assured, I’m making it my mission to eliminate you from the Clash and continuing to remind the world that you’ll never be on my level.
 
Speaking of Isaac, how you been mate? Your job in Hollywood as everyone’s favourite coffee boy going well? Good, I’m glad. What the fuck happened, mate? You were headlining Boiling Point last year. Then you lose to me and it’s allllllllll downhill from there. I wanna say you’ve got alright chances, but the truth is I forgot you were in this match until this week. Feels good beating Jeff, doesn’t it? Nice little tune-up before a real challenge. Shame that challenge is a line-up of people you weren’t able to put away when it mattered. I’ll make you a deal, I’ll mess up your face so badly that you’ll be the most in-demand horror movie extra in California, sound good?
 
Jon McAdams? What haven’t I said about that geezer? He’s simply incapable of winning when it counts. You couldn’t beat Finnegan Wakefield on multiple attempts and he’s not even around anymore for you to get retribution. That’s gotta sting, hasn’t it? Jon boy, last time I saw you in the ring, I made you my bitch and I’ll happily oblige a second time. Because that’s what I do: expose world title contenders for the overrated twats that they are. I can’t help it that I’m just that much better than someone who’s been handed more keys to the kingdom than a castle gatekeeper. And gatekeeper really is the perfect role for you, because at this point, you’re never gonna be a somebody. You’re just the guy people mow through on the way to becoming a somebody.
 
And that brings me to the feather in my cap, Aria Jaxon. Oh boy, everybody loves Aria, don’t they? She can chalk up her loss to me as a mistake all she likes, I was working with a damn-near broken neck and you couldn’t get the job done. I’m bigger, stronger, and better than you. I’ve proved it one-on-one and I’ll prove it in the Clash. You wanna throw hands? I’ll rip out your hair extensions and use them as a catapult to dump your arse on the floor. Call it karma for letting SSW die and thinking you could bring that shit over to OWA. Maybe there can be a spot for you in the Cruiserweight Title scene, it’s already full of bitches, what harm’s another one?
 
Who the fuck’s even left? Hans Olsen? How about you take your gold medal and pawn it to keep a roof over your head, boy. Because man, oh man I can’t wait to make sure you’re never back in the OWA again after Clash. Feel free to try me, I’ll make you famous. Oh yeah, Mongoose McQueen, while you’re busy trying to fuck with a man who has a world title match, I’m busy focusing on working out how little time you’ll actually spend in the Clash. You’re a fucking airhead and if you even go a minute, I’ll be fucking shocked. Try setting your goons on me and see what happens. Never send a pup to fight a wolf. Dumb cunt.
 
But wait, there’s more! Olympus is here to, the brand so good that it didn’t even start airing consistently until this year. What kind of network executive signed off on this shitshow? Oh, but they’ve got the golden boy, haven’t they? CM fucking Nas. The Best Wrestler Alive. You’ve been around the block a few times, but I don’t think we’ve ever even met. How’s life not being champion, Nas? Don’t tell me, I know. While you’re desperately trying to reclaim past glories by winning another title shot, you’ve lost sight of the fact that you’re just not up to snuff anymore. If it takes me humbling you to teach you that lesson, so be it. Because I’m not here to bow down at the altar of revered veterans, I’m here to establish the new guard and take over. Step up to me in the Clash and watch me slap the taste out of your mouth, it’s all you’re good for at this point.

Then we’ve got Carlos Rosso, the man who seems to have made a habit out of fucking up his chances. It wasn’t enough that Wolvesden sent you packing to Olympus, but you had to sabotage your main event shot there as well. You were supposed to be up for the Omega Heavyweight Title this weekend…what the fuck happened? You got punked out by the guy who just lost the TV Title. You’ve been lapped by Christopher Sabertooth, of all people. What an accomplishment. Carlos Rosso, industry veteran, beaten to the punch by a guy who’s been here for a cup of coffee. Between me and Chris, you’ve made a habit of being exposed by young talent. Maybe it’s time to crack out the shuffleboard and retire, old cunt.
 
There’s one name that sticks out to me more than anyone, though. Gareth Cason. Oh Gareth, I knew we were destined to do this dance again someday. I didn’t know when and I didn’t know how, but I knew. I’ll never forget Hardcore Havoc, you carelessly tossed my body into a pile without so much as giving me a second thought. Not long after that, you laid me out on Kingdom after I got disqualified for…creative assistance. And then it was all over. You got shipped off to Olympus and began your ascent, an ascent I watched very closely. We’ve both accomplished a lot. You became the first ever TV Champion, I became the first ever tag champion. You became the most feared man on your brand and I very much did the same over here. Our names are no longer associated with young upstarts, but with dominance and paranoia. When wrestlers see our names next to theirs on the match card, they fucking shit themselves. They don’t know what to do. All they can imagine is how they’ll possibly afford to cover the medical bills that will accompany their battering.
 
But we have unfinished business, Gareth. We never got to see who the better man truly was, and I KNOW that it’s me. You’ve been groomed for greatness over there, I’ve had to fight for it here. You were fed opponents week after week as TV Champ. People you swatted away who were never seen again. You couldn’t even defend against Tarah Nova without a little bit of help from my set. You owe your reputation to others, not your own work. I’m here to reignite that flame that you once had. Where’s the man who made CM Nas submit? Where’s the man who killed everyone that stared across the ring from him? All I see is a man who is coasting on his reputation these days, something that I cannot abide by. You’ve gone soft, Gareth, and it falls to me to remind you who you used to be. I dare you to eliminate me, Cason. I dare you to step up and deny me my place among the pantheon of greats, you mouthy cunt.
 
And there will be more, Lord knows there will be more. I’ve not even scratched the surface. There’s Miltiades, the current TV Champion who ironically hadn’t been seen on TV for months. Then there’s all those juicy unannounced names. The speculation’s running rampant. So many potential surprises and “dream match-ups” to be made. It makes no difference to me. Anybody who walks through that curtain’s another slab of meat and bones that is being served up to me to quench my appetite for elimination. It’s hard to surprise me when I’ve seen all this shit already. Nobody cares about relics of the past coming out for a moment that makes for a nice tweet. All they care about is the bottom line: who’s winning and who they will be facing. Rest assured, when those last two feet touch the floor and I’m raising my hand, you’ll all realise you were idiots for ever speculating in the first place.
 
 
Everything burns.
 

 
 
I’m a woman of simple tastes. Pleasing me really isn’t all that hard. I only ever had three major ambitions in life: join the military, own a bar, and make my mark on the world. Well, I can officially tick number two off the list. I’ve been meaning to get on the property ladder for a while now, it sure beats couch surfing. This place is called The Dump by the locals. It hasn’t operated in over 15 years, but it can’t be torn down because it’s a listed building. I don’t know why, some politician probably got shot here in the 70s or something. That’s beside the point though, the point is it’s mine now. And the first thing I plan on doing is using my Clash of the Goddesses winner’s bonus to spruce the place up a bit.
 
I’ve heard what’s been said, some call it arrogance, misplaced confidence, an inflated ego. I’m not an optimist and nor am I a cynic. On paper, I’m one in twenty. Twenty women who are all one win away from the biggest match of their life. I’ve fought for both of Odyssey’s championships, but never on a stage like Final Destination. And to hear those tens of thousands of fans chanting my name as I walk into the biggest show of the year and pry greatness from the clutches of giants is all I can think about right now.
 
 
I’m everything you shouldn’t want in the face of a brand, I know. But against all odds, here I am. I’ve not been rejected by the people, they’ve embraced me because they understand my cause. I’m not here to shake up the establishment and be some kind of anti-authority loose cannon, I’m here to prove that I can do things my way. TyAnna Jupiter was the safe bet to lead Odyssey and look where she is now. Injured to the point she may never wrestle again. Somebody needs to step up. It really sucks to see TyAnna go, but the vacuum she’s left has created a major opportunity. The winner of the Clash doesn’t just have a shot at the gold, they’ve got a real chance of proclaiming themselves to be the ruler of an entire arm of the OWA. Anyone who knows me knows that that spot is reserved for one woman, and one woman alone.
 
Azumi Goto’s great, and I don’t care who her opponent is at Clash because she’s taking that title. But when push comes to shove, who in the twenty-woman field is a true match for her, I ask? Well, let’s run down the list of names, shall we? I’ve got some time to kill before happy hour.
 
 
Well, let’s start with the woman who many see as my biggest threat, whatever that means. Eris, oh dear. Yeah, she’s sooooo big and bad, right? That’s why, the moment I snapped her little undefeated streak in two, she ran away with her tail between her legs and didn’t show up again until it was convenient. What’s she done since come back? Attack me from behind? Drop blood on me? Oh, I’m so scared. The last thing anyone saw of her on Odyssey last weekend was me cracking a chair round her head and knocking the bitch unconscious. Hell, what’s to stop me from doing that again? The Clash is no disqualification, I might bring some hardware with me just to lay the smack down on anybody dumb enough to stand in front of me. Eris, you’re smoke and mirrors, I’m a woman of action. And if your head’s clear enough to even enter the Clash this weekend, I’ll be sure to ring your bell again.
 
Hmm, let’s see here, Savannah Sunshine.
 
 
Ah, yes, the choke artist, the woman who has fumbled and flopped every single opportunity she’s ever got in the OWA. The first ever Queen of the Ring, who lost it in embarrassing fashion to Azumi Goto. The woman who had a number one contender’s spot handed to her on a silver platter and fucked it up so DiVa got a shot, of all people. The woman who has been on a shameful losing streak since her “triumphant” return to this company. You’ve lost to rookies, you’ve lost to fuckwits like Eris, and you got decked by me and thrown out of the ring the last time we saw each other. Your time is quite simply done, anybody who’s betting on Savannah Sunshine to emerge victorious is kidding themselves. They’re still sold on the delusion that the Princess of Candyland is anything more than the most hyped up yet also least impressive star on Odyssey. I’ve already lapped you when it comes to popularity, Savannah, why don’t I throw your arse out of the ring one more time for good measure?
 
Rochelle, is it? Okay then. Let’s talk about Rochelle. You’ve been here how long? You’ve done…what, exactly? You’ve already tapped out like a bitch to Azumi, you really think you’d stand a chance with a title on the line? I’ll save you the trouble and whip you over the top rope so fast that you’ll at least have the shortest time in the match record to hang your hat on.
 
 
HENDRIX?! She’s still a thing? Fuckin’ hell, have we not cleared out the old remnants of this division yet? You were the first ever women’s champ and you were fucking shit. No minced words, I’m being straight up, you were a fucking embarrassment. If I get to personally end your career in this match, I’ll consider it a personal accomplishment. Watch your fucking back you cum dumpster.
 
Huh, a few newbies. Pandora Barrett and Nikita LaShae. I’ll level with you two, you’re both alright. And I’ll be sure to consider you as challengers once I’ve got the belt. Thing is, you’re living in my era right now. Pandora, you stepped up and I put you away. You ain’t ready. Nikita, we haven’t met, but my God, I hope you’ve done your research because I’m not making concessions for rookies. Don’t be upset when I smash your jaw on the way to dumping you to the floor mate. It’s nothing personal, I just like doing it.
 
And that leaves me with two names. First off, Diantha. It seems we’re destined to this forever, doesn’t it? Not gonna lie, I’ve missed beating the shit out of you. We had a good time last year, didn’t we? I exposed you as a failure. At every single turn, you let me down. Guess what? You’re only gonna continue to let people down. I see that my brother’s disappointed in you, and he should be. He sent you to take me out and you failed. He sent you to claim the Goddesses Title and you failed. And now, Wolvesden’s hopes of winning the Clash are dashed because you’re all alone, little wolfie. No Roni to back you up, just all the women you’ve made enemies of vying for your blood. But at the very top of that list is me. There is nothing, NOTHING I would love more than to snatch any championship dreams you have away. Our business is done when I say it’s done, and we’ll be done when I’m finished pushing you so far down the card that everyone’s forgot who you are…if they haven’t already.
 
 
One name left…Dulce. Dulce, Dulce, Dulce. You earned something recently. You earned my respect. I mean this, all the bullshit aside, I won’t make excuses like you think I will. Sure, the last time we fought, Wolvesden got involved and ended what could have been my big moment. But you know something? You actually had the stones to take advantage of that distraction and win. And I respect that. I’m all about victory by any means, you know that. The fact you turned my own ethos against me, whether you meant to or not, is pretty fucking admirable. You’re in a very interesting position though, aren’t you? A belt over one shoulder and the chance to claim another. You wanna be #Dulce2Belts, you wanna be the champ champ. I’m with you, I’m with you 100%. Why settle? Why be complacent? You’re doing what I wanted you to do way back before we fought for the first time. I accused you of not taking things seriously, of not valuing your position. And you clearly listened. I’m not looking at a woman who is here to doubt her spot, I’m looking at someone who knows they’re really fucking good. I mean that. You’re REALLY fucking good. You’re right as well, you’ve got a title and I haven’t. Regardless of what went down, I failed to get that belt on my first try and you’ve been nothing short of a fighting champion.
 
But respect will only carry you so far. Because Dulce, you may have earned my respect, but you will never earn my complacency. I wouldn’t do that to you. I would never give you Natalie Cage at half-speed. I want the world to see me at my best because they deserve it. I hope you’ll do me the same courtesy. You know what I envision? You know what I want more than anything in the world? I want to create a moment. I want it to be Natalie Cage and Dulce Torres as the final two. Because I believe we’re the elite, we’re the shining stars of the women’s division. TyAnna is gone and she might never come back, you know what that means. It’s on us now. We need to prove to everyone that the hype behind us isn’t misplaced, and we need to give the people something special.
 
I can see it now. Me and you as the last women standing, the crowd losing their fucking minds. A true “moment” that will be replayed and analysed in video packages for years to come. The moment that will set the tone for the Clash moving forward. We’re gonna make history, that is my promise.
 
But there has to be a winner.
 
I am not entering the Clash with the mindset that you’re my equal and the best woman will win. I’m not knocking your abilities, I’m being realistic. If I accept that you’re my equal then I’ve already lost. I’ve got to where I am through the belief that I am a cut above everyone else in this division, and that belief will be what wins me the Clash. Because when the fans are chanting our names and are lost in the magic of the moment, you and I will both know that somebody’s got to stake their claim and move on to Final Destination. If I have to fight dirty, use a weapon, bite your fingers as you clutch the top rope to stay in the match, do not doubt that I will. I will do anything and everything within my power to rid the ring of everybody that isn’t me. You are not taking another moment from me because I have willed it so. I’m not interested in what you have anymore. I want the big belt. I have an opportunity to pip your place in the pecking order and be the king of the women. Not the queen, the king. Why? Because my balls are bigger than any woman or man in this industry. If it were up to me, I’d be in both Clashes and take two world titles in April. Who the fuck would stop me? You? Nah, not happening. When the shit hits the fan, I’ll stand tall as the Alpha Male, and you can go back to defending your paper belt against handpicked competitors to buff your record. Just because I respect you…doesn’t mean that I like you.
 
 
See you on Saturday.
 

(Within a barber shop getting a line up and hair cut, Maggall is seated in his seat.)
 
Maggall: I’ve been thinking.
 
Barber: Oh big brother, that’s the scariest thing I’ve ever heard you say. What do you have on your mind?
 
Maggall: The happenings at the Omega Wrestling Alliance. It’s got me thinking.
 
Thinking about Final Destination. Phantom Troupe’s Final Destination. My Final Destination.
 
We losing to Ken Maeda’s out here. Ken Maeda!
 
I hate to say it, but I can’t ignore the failures. On the path to Final Destination things haven’t been looking good.
 
Barber: What were you even expecting going there anyways? First doing the bidding of the white man, then next doing grunt work for, well sure he was a brother, but a girly boy? That’s what you do off the streets, get scammed instead of doing the scamming?
 
Maggall: I was sold on the idea that we would come in like them big boys and be the big bad gang having a party messing around with the OWA roster and just doing what we do. Next thing I know, our members have been dropping like flies, we’re on separated rosters, and some of us just don’t have the energy you’d expect. I won’t say I expect a turn around, in actuality, and you can call me the Holy Phantom prophet for this, I have a feeling it’s about to get a whole lot worse.
 
I was brought to the Omega Wrestling Alliance based on false pretenses.
 
But so was my tag team partner, brought in by that liar CM Nas!
 
Nolan and I, we’re both men who were promised many things in this business that didn’t come to be, but we’re still here and at Clash of Titans we will become the Openweight Tag Team Champions! Because that’s the type of men we are! Magnanimity and justice, these are concepts that throughout history have had to overcome dire times and injustice! Magnanimity and justice, these are ideals Nolan and I carry in spades!
 
We just need to cut away the extra fluff, and shape up here in OWA. Sometimes all you need is a good trim for a fresh look and to become presentable before the masses. A big funky afro can be sweet and fun, but such a thing is far too hard to maintain and without control is nearly impossible to keep away from becoming unruly, much like a faction of far too passionate men. So yes, let these things be cut off snip by snip, by the time it’s over I’ll be able to look myself in the mirror and know that the true Maggall shines through uncovered for all his glory. Nolan and I, we’ll be unrecognizable for all the fools that couldn’t see us beneath the rest of our allies that were put on center stage. You people of the Omega Wrestling Alliance, you don’t know us. You only know two goons trying to make things work for an unstable group that needed tempered pieces. Some random bastard on social media weeks ago made a funny saying we were on Phantom Troupes’ Next Talent, saying I should be more concerned about making it to the end of it rather than the little game I was playing at the time by talking to Scott Oasis, well here we are at the finals with all the Phantom Troupe dropouts out of the way, and the joke will be on OWA! Because we’ve taken our licks, we’ve reached rock bottom, but Nolan and Maggall stand unbroken! If anything, now we’ve got a huge chip on our shoulder, we know what you little scumbags are saying behind our backs, whispering about what you perceive to be the demise of our careers. I feel your disrespect like the wind on the back of a bald scalp, it’s so much more clear now what’s in the air, and so too what needs to be done to change the atmosphere of OWA with all you clowns confusing yourselves for jesters. A jester is the only one capable of informing a king of news too terrible for others to say without losing their heads, through disguised humour and levity while appearing to be a fool. Clowns just put smiles on the faces of children and imbeciles, clowns make jokes, and bring entertainment when through self harm. Self harm, like those who will dare step into the ring with us at Clash of Titans.
 
I say it twice for good measure, you don’t know us. But you will.
 
It doesn’t matter what’s happened in the past. This isn’t redemption for what happened to Stark like last time, Bull. This isn’t me choosing to not play with dolls like when I tried to ignore you as much as possible Roxy, though you self incriminated yourself believing you were a tramp. Not even you Hunter, you who I have destroyed and allowed to come back for another fight like some feisty gimp in need of another beating. This is more of a finality, a time to put an end to chapters and put an exclamation mark on the fact that the time I’m locked in a sentence with you people is over! I’m bigger than this, I was beating guys like the then TV Champion when I debuted, and now he’s main eventing while I deal with distractions. The Cattle. The Catty. The Crippled. All three of you teams are mere tests to my patience and generosity by allowing you to stand before the unsung heroes of the Phantom Troupe. Tag team gold is ours by rights, it was from the very moment Bad News Bart took me off my path of success to elevate this division for him and I magnanimously accepted, all those that deny that will be conquered through conquest and brutality. For Nolan and I, we’re tired of being taken advantage of, and we sure as HELL aren’t about to drown down here being held down by our so called Phantom brothers nor what tedium would be brought if any of you lowly teams became the head of this division to kill it again like Heart and Seoul had done! No, it’s time for our course towards Final Destination to be put on track. And this old man next to me is right, I shouldn’t be thinking about Final Destination. I should be setting it up through action.
 
(Maggall snarls and the camera goes to black.)

 
Ravaged by a wolf. Its mother will be here soon to collect her receipt. A bear hunt is a thrilling thing. A creature of unimaginable size, strength and speed running at you. If you don’t place your shot carefully, your head will be ripped off and your corpse will never be recovered. You’re the property of mama bear now, that’s it. You’re kibble. Not that you’d understand this, Reginald. You don’t seem to understand much. I’ve always considered myself an excellent judge of character but you’re even more deluded than I initially thought. What have you got to say to me, really? What rings true in your words that makes me worry? Is it your creative threats? Everyone’s got those. Is it the fact that you respect me? I doubt it. You see, I’m not really in the mood to care right now. You seem like nothing more than a bitter little cunt to me. The scum on the bottom of my shoe that I’d wipe off without regard before I stepped through the front door. You’re taking potshots and you’ve inadvertently killed the bear cub, and not the big grizzly is coming to lay down the law.
 
What is your goal in this life? To hurt? To maim? How wonderfully one-dimensional. The greatest villains in history didn’t partake in cruelty for the sake of it, they had some sort of tangible reasoning. You? It seems you’re content with random acts of violence in the name of shock. I can’t say I blame you, it’s worked very well for me in the past. But I’m all grown up now. You don’t scare me so much as humour me. Because here’s the reality of your situation: You’ve been paired up with OWA’s most dangerous beast. And if you don’t believe me, there’s a reason why my name is the one on the match card that widens people’s eyes and not yours. I don’t get put into matches with newcomers in the hope of making them shine, I get given big names in the hope that the higher ups can satisfy my thirst for glory. Sadly, it will never be satisfied. I’ve had to step down to fight you because I needed a tune-up match, that’s the truth. You’ve bigged this up in your head as a crescendo of violence and it’s cute. You know what? I’m not in the mood to kill a man. I’ve got more than enough technique and skill to dispose of you in the way I want.
 
But let’s talk about you. You want me to be brought to an end. You want to bring so much harm to my body that the OWA may have to suspend me. Have you seen what I’ve been through here and walked away from? Scott Oasis drove my head into thumbtacks. I was in a CAR ACCIDENT IN A MATCH. My body’s been thrown around and mashed up to the point where it’s a miracle I even have lucidity. I’ve heard your little spiel a million times and nobody’s ever really followed through on it. I’ve been told umpteen times that I’m in for the beating of a lifetime. That the action won’t stop until I no longer breathe. I’ll let you in on a little secret, Reg, extreme violence isn’t a personality trait. It seems to be all you talk about though, so I’ll allow it. What else have you got going for you? You really think you’ll ever have a place in this company beyond being the nutjob? You lack anything resembling an interesting presence. You can’t seem to talk without making some sort of macabre reference. It’s sad. It’s pathetic. I’m offended by the very fact you respect me because aside from hailing from the same shores, we are not alike.
 
You are not a man who has a plan in life. To quote a famous film, you’re a dog chasing cars. You wouldn’t know what to do with one if you caught it. You just do things. Me? I’m not here looking at the short term. My life isn’t “beat this guy, wait for next week’s card.” What a frightfully boring way to live. No, I’m the man who is always concocting his next move, putting things into place to snatch glory from whoever happens to be holding it. You’re not in my plans, I’m afraid, Reg. The only plan I have right now is “remove obstacle, get to the Clash.” Sure, you’re the obstacle, but it might as well be a puddle on the sidewalk for all I care. Doesn’t matter if I jump over, walk around or just step through, as long as it’s behind me soon, that’s all that matters. And that’s all you are to me, Reg. You’re the most violent man, eh? That’s as big a threat to me as the most violent fruit fly. It doesn’t matter how extreme you’re willing to get when you’re ultimately as insignificant as a bug. I mean come on, there’s punching above your weight and then there’s trying a different sport altogether. What can you do to me? Hit me hard? Try to get inside my head? It doesn’t bother me how many times you can crack your head against a wall because last time I checked, walls don’t fight back. If you get up after I hurt you, then I hurt you again. I just repeat my process until you’re immobile. No fancy tricks to it, no special technique. I’m a brass tax kind of guy, I identify my problem and I solve it, and man you’re a simple one.
 
You can talk all you want about Wolvesden being a rudderless ship. Under my guidance, we’ve grown into the most feared and powerful organisation in OWA. But what good is fear and power over a man who cannot be governed? You don’t care about what we can do, which is why this is just Me Vs. You. I don’t need my soldiers and I don’t need the reputation that our name carries. That’s all just window dressing in the grand scheme of things. You’re not fighting Wolvesden so why even bother mentioning it? You’re fighting a man who you think you’ve got figured out but kid, you’ve got no fucking idea. While you’re busy making a point of having to have a handler and not being mentally fit to even program a television, I’m thinking of all the ways I can make you humble. Make you realise the mistake you’re making. You want me to bring out the violent, malicious Nate Cage? You don’t deserve it, simple as that. What you deserve is a slap on the bum and to be sent on your merry way, which is exactly what’s going to happen. I’m not gonna engage you how you want, OWA is my realm, you’re a guest and you’ve misbehaved very badly.
 
When you want to be an adult, get back to me.
 
 
She’s heeeeere.
 

{The scene opens to Isaac - but he’s not in the usual location of his upscale office. Instead, he’s sitting in the back of an SUV with a few of his representatives riding along, with an SUV ahead of him and another one trailing behind him because he’s just that important. So yes, instead of the office, we are joining in on a very exciting field trip. So where are they heading? As of now, not a clue. But something seems off. Isaac isn’t looking like his usual chipper self. He seems worried. Almost on the verge of getting car sick. Looking like a dog who knows he’s being taken to the vet. Isaac rolls his window down to let in the cold Philly air for a moment before rolling it up again. The car stops and you can hear a lot of chatter outside the vehicle.}

Rep 1: Isaac? Are you sure you want to do this? Isaac? Hey, Isaac? Buddy? Are you there? Earth to Isaac? 

{Isaac is in his own little world right now. Thinking about what’s going to happen when he opens that door. Thinking about if he truly wants to go through with this. He’s frozen. Not sure what to do. Or how to respond. He takes his phone out of his pocket to verify the time. They are right on schedule.}

Isaac: Huh? Oh, yeah, I’m sure. This has to be done. There is no backing out now. Or is there? Maybe we can turn around? Go back a few blocks? NO! STOP! I am here. I am doing this. Everything is going to be fine. Yeah! Everything is going to be fine. Everything ... is going to be ... fine! But - in case all hell breaks loose - which I’m sure it won’t, but if worse comes to worst and I don’t make it, please, make sure the Academy Awards has my updated address so they can send my awards there. Thank you. Welp, I wish I could say it’s been a pleasure, gentleman. Well actually - it was a pleasure for you to work for me, yes, but for me? Meh, not so much. Coulda been worse, sure. But coulda been a lot better. And I mean A LOT better! But oh well. Anyway, it’s show time! 

{Isaac opens his door and places his right foot on the concrete. So much commotion is heard outside, that you could go deaf. And all the camera flashes could leave you blind. But Isaac came prepared as he puts his shades on. Isaac fully steps out of the vehicle and closes the door. All three SUV’s leave, like Isaac, previously ordered. Knowing if the SUV was still there, he would be tempted to crawl back in and quickly leave the scene. The camera zooms out so you can see the location - and would you look at that? We are right outside the OWA Arena. With hundreds of fans running towards Isaac. They are there for a meet up that Isaac tweeted about for the day before Kingdom. So yes, this is his doing. The fans surround him, with no security. They are trying to get selfies with the SoCal Stallion. Either that or asking for autographs. Plus, of course, the fans are patting his back and arms because fans are weird like that. They like to touch wrestlers like creeps to make sure they are real. Isaac is totally grossed out, but he’s trying his best to remain calm. He’s handed a microphone.}

Isaac: I’M IN THE THICK OF IT! 

Crowd: WOOOOOOOOOO!!! 

Isaac: Oh, okay. Now you cheer me. Nice, nice - you two-faced fuc- fans! Yep, you two-faced fans! So here I am, in the eye of the storm ... this B.O. shit of a storm. Jesus Christ, deodorant is a thing you know? You know what? I’m not going to let this distract me. Because what we have here today is valuable training. Oh yes! What? Did you think I would just attend some fan meet up from the kindness of my heart? HA! No, don’t be ridic! People, you should know by now that I always have an agenda and on today’s agenda is written in all caps: TRAINING FOR CLASH OF THE TITANS! Oh, yeah I’m in that match by the way. So that’s happening. That’s a thing. And being the student of the game that I am, I’m very familiar with these over the top battle royals! Never been in one personally, but I’ve seen it - with my eyeballs! The both of them! And let me tell you, I got some nice Barbara Walters. Aka 20/20 bitch! I have eyes like a hawk. And what I know is that next week at the Clash, I will be surrounded by people I don’t like. People I don’t respect. So what better way to prepare myself than to surround myself with people I don’t like today! It’s fucking brilliant, I know! 

Crowd: BOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

Isaac: Oh, you cheered me like thirty seconds ago. But you changed your mind. You flip-floppers, man. You're the worst! You all have the minds of a goldfish - so what did I expect?! Meanwhile, I have the memory of an elephant! Yep, sharp as a tack up here. And what I remember is that oh yeah, I’m kind of a big deal around these parts. Actually, I’m a big deal around all parts. But to narrow it down a bit, I’m a big deal here in OWA because I’m the rightful number one contender for the OWA World Championship! Yeah, in case you forgot, that’s kind of the whole reason why I’m still here and why Scotty - well, isn’t. I know you remember Vernon since you’re the one who created that ultimatum in the first place. But I can understand why some of you may be struggling to pull that memory from your pea-sized brains and it’s because Vernon is trying to do his damnedest to sweep all of that under the rug. By even making a champion versus champion match at the Clash! That’s cute. Real cute. But I don’t give a flying fuck. If I’m not involved, then who cares?? That’s right, survey says - NO ONE! But let me just say that If I was a gambling man, which I’m not because I’d like to remain as the perfect role model for today’s youth, but hypothetically, if I were, I wouldn’t exactly bet my money on Finnegan after how he faired the last time he was involved in a champion versus champion match. Remember? Civil War? Against Jaydayne? Oooooops!!!! Did I do that?! You’re god damn right I did, Mr. Winslow. So I guess what I’m trying to get at is this Clash of the Titans match, I’m not sweating it. I don’t feel like my career is hanging in the balance. As if I lose, I’m done for, stick a fork in me. This isn’t make or break. Do or die? Hell nah. I’m just cruising on the freeway to Final Destination, listening to some nice tunes, taking in the scenery, and enjoying the wind in my hair while the majority of my opponents for next week are facing a dead end. You just hate to see it. Actually nah, on second thought? I love it. So what are my intentions for the Clash? Well, I suppose I could put a pin in it and save my answer for next week, but I’m a little too giddy right now, so what the hell? My goal is to - WIN! Crazy concept, I know, but hear me out first! So like, I’m taking the title off Finn in the near future, obvi. Which means that at Final Destination, I’ll be OWA World champ, spoiler alert, I know. What can I say? It’s just me calling a spade a spade. So that means whoever wins at the Clash, could be facing me. Which also means that when I win The Clash, we finally - FINALLY, get our dream match of Isaac Thornton (c) versus wait for it ... wait fooorrr it ... ISAAC THORNTON! OH MY GOD! Wait no - OH MY ISAAC THORNTON! Better. Let's face it, that’s best for business. Having the most anticipated match that people have been clamoring for since April 20th, 2018 (aka the day I signed my contract) at the grandest stage of them all, it couldn’t get any better than that! Unless, you know, we have a special guest referee! CHET KEN- sike. Isaac Thornton. The answer is always Isaac Thornton. Who is going to win the Clash? Isaac Thornton. Who is going to be the next OWA World Champion? Who is, Isaac Thornton? Correct! And oh shit, I got that on a Double Jeopardy too, cool. And who is gonna beat Jeff X tomorrow night on Kingdom? Isaac “Isaac Thornton” Thornton, biiiitch! 

Yeah, that match is happening tomorrow. So mark your calendars and clear your schedules - as if any of you had plans in the first place. And let me tell you, it’s going to be difficult. Very very difficult. And I know that I am going to need all the strength I can possibly muster into this. I mean acting as if Jeff X is a credible threat to me? How do you expect me to do it? Not even my pal Leonardo could nail that role. He would burst into laughter during every take. I’m struggling to keep a straight face myself, but I’m doing it because I’m great at what I do. So Jeff, how are you? Good? Yeah, I don’t actually care. Just give me the standard “good” response so we can move on, thanks. The truth of the matter is, I don’t have any strong feelings or emotions when it comes to you. In fact, I’ve never really paid much attention to you until now. Let’s just say you’re not my cup of tea, to put it nicely. To put it harshly, I think you’re shit. That you’re a waste of my time. And I don’t like to waste my time. I’m a very busy man, Jeff. I have meetings to attend. I have sponsorships to fulfill. I have roles to take on. I have parties to go to. I have Victoria’s Secret models to fuck. But I wouldn’t expect you to understand such commitments because you’re not a star or a global sensation like I am. You’re just Jeff X. And contrary to your mother’s opinion, that isn’t good enough. You’ll never be good enough. You won’t be good enough to defeat me this week. And you certainly aren’t good enough to win the Clash. I would say you’re old news, but you were never news in the first place. You’re just kind of here. Not doing much. Like old furniture, you’re just collecting dust. But I get it, you used to be a big deal, according to yourself at least. And now time has passed you by like Isaac Thornton has passed you by. You’re in your late 30’s now, trying to hang with young guns like myself, but you can’t. I can wrestle circles around you. I’m the better athlete. I’m the better wrestler. I’m the bigger attraction. And I’m of course smarter than you because well, you’re the dumbass that rotted behind bars for over a decade, not me. And you probably think you have a chance, even if it’s a slim chance, of pinning me 123 tomorrow night. And if that’s the case, then HA! Clearly, you still haven’t learned anything and you are in fact still a dumbass. So throw up your stupid X, Jeff, go on, do it, and in return, I’ll be sure to throw a haymaker right at that glass jaw of yours.

---

---

The camera cuts to Cori Simmons standing in front of a locker room. He looks put together and has a smile on his face.

Cori Simmons: Ladies and gentlemen, I am standing in front of the locker room of Reginald Dampshaw III who will be facing "The Righteous" Nate Cage on the next edition of Kingdom. Now, Reginald is not known to be very kind to questioning, but I am hoping to get his thoughts on his match, especially after last week's win against Kevin Maverick.

Cori turns around and knocks on the door. There's no answer. Cori knocks again, this time much louder. After a few seconds of silence, the door opens but it is not Reginald who appears. In his place, an old man of 60 some years, looking both tired and distraught.

Old Man: Please. Now is not the time.

Cori Simmons: Sorry. I was hoping to speak to Reginald. Who are you?

The old man sighs before answering.

Crichton Merriweather: If you must know, young lady, my name is Crichton Merriweather. I have been in the employment of the Dampshaw family since Reginald's grandfather. I take care of his minute to minute operations so he can focus on wrestling. But as of late, I have also been his caretaker. Like I've said. Now is not the time. Master Reginald needs to focus on his match and he needs not to be distracted.

Cori Simmons: Oh..Ok..I understand. Thank you for your ti-wait. What is that noise?

We can hear a muffled, thudding noise. Brian peaks his head into the room and then quickly turns around towards the camera.

Cori Simmons: Jesus Christ! Get the camera in here!

Crichton Merriweather: No! I told you to get out of here!


Cori and the camera crew comes into the room. The camera turns to where we can see Reginald, sitting in a chair, back turned to the camera and facing a wall. Every three seconds, he leans forward and bashes his head into the wall. He does this four times before standing up. He doesn't turn his back away from the wall, but he can be heard breathing heavily.

Crichton Merriweather: Master Reginald...

Reginald slowly turns around, facing Crichton, Cori and the camera crew. His head is busted open and his body begins shaking.

Reginald Dampshaw III: Look at the wall...Look at it. Now look at my head. Most men would have been knocked out from the first blow. The second if they're lucky. If I can do that to myself, choose to put myself through that pain, and be able to stand up and look you in the yes and talk to you, then what the hell could Nate Cage possibly do to me? Bring all of Wolvesden and they still couldn't do a damn thing!

Reginald runs back towards the wall and bashes his head into it one more time, this time much harder than before. He staggers a bit, but is able to still stand. He shoots towards the camera.

Reginald Dampshaw III: Nate Cage is a dead man! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Now get out, you stupid woman!!!

Reginald begins quickly walking towards Cori and the camera crew. Cori takes the hint and they run out of the room. The door is slammed behind them.

Cori Simmons: Umm...uhh..There you have it, ladies and...just cut. Cut the damn camera. Let's get the hell out of here.

Loss after loss after loss after loss after loss AFTER LOSS AFTER LOSS AFTER LOSS!

No. More. No more. I refuse to allow myself to continue on this kind of route. I refuse to allow myself to be looked upon as some kind of non-threatening person. I refuse to allow myself to be looked down upon as if I am the weakest link. I will not allow myself to be consumed with the anger I feel, instead I will unleash that anger and allow myself to grow stronger. Nothing has been more frustrating than giving my all and getting nothing in return. Nothing has been more frustrating than seeing others get opportunities that I should be very well earning myself.

Something has got to give. Something has got to change. Somewhere deep inside, I just have to reach in and pull out what is left inside of me. Somewhere in there, there is way more fight and courage than I have ever had before. Somewhere deep inside, there is a fire that no one has seen from me just yet. But, this? This cannot go on any longer. I refuse to allow this to continue. I refuse to let myself continue to fail everyone who is rooting for me. I refuse to allow myself to fail those who cherish me the most.

This week I face a pretty big challenge. A challenge that I will look right in the eye as I have before and not allow myself to fear anything... anyone... any longer. No longer will I continue to allow myself to be weak. Starting now, I will regain that strength and fire I had before and raise it by tenfold. If I want to be seen as a threat again, I need to start acting like one. I need to start pulling more tricks out of that magic hat of mine and making sure I'm still keeping that part of myself that keeps me human. Eris is no easy challenge, she beat Pandora just two weeks ago and this week? This week I'll be the one to deliver her a fresh loss and stop whatever momentum she believes she will have coming into this match up. She has her own issues to work out with Natalie and that's fine.

But, she's in the wrong place at the wrong time. It's time I stop acting like a petulant child and time I start fighting fire with fire. Eris will be the first person to be introduced to a more determined and fiery side of Savannah Sunshine than anyone has seen before. That momentum she believes she has will be shut down and I will be the one standing tall in the end. It's not to be rude, it's just to tell the truth. So, I expect Eris to throw everything she's got at me just as everyone else has before. But, no matter how many times I get knocked down, I will rise from the ashes like the phoenix. So, good luck Eris... You will most definitely need it.

The scene begins at a Home Theatre. Sabertooth is seen sipping on a drink as he watches, what seems to be a movie. He seems relaxed as he continues to watch something on the large screen TV. Natalie comes into the frame looking a bit overworked by the amount of tasks she was left to finish. 


“Mr. Sabertooth. Did you ask for me?” Said Natalie. You could hear how tired she was through the tone of her voice.


“Ah yes. I wanted a drink refill. But….. That's not it. Look at this match. What do you think of this man?” Said Sabertooth pointing at the TV.


“Carlos Rosso. I hear that he is your opponent this coming week.” Said Natalie.


“Indeed. But it's not just a match. A whole lot depends on it. My position in the OWA… My career. Heck, I am going to this match with a goal that I set 6 months ago when I returned to this business. Do you know what that is?” Asked Sabertooth with a smirk on his face.


“I am not sure…. Was it to become Champion again?” Said Natalie making a logical guess.


“But I have already accomplished that. I have been a champion countless number of times. But you know what sets this one apart from the others? This is for an opportunity at THE championship. This victory will bring me one step closer to achieving what I wanted to achieve. This victory will give me an opportunity to be the BEST in the world. This victory will help get closer to the goal I set for myself as a young man with a lot of dreams. Dreams that seemed unattainable at that time. I have a chance to make it into reality.” Said Chris as he hands his empty glass to Natalie.


“You have dreams to don't you?” Asked Chris and Natalie is taken aback.


“Well… I do. I wanted to join a consulting firm and become a business consultant. But…. I am not sure I can do that now. The money is great, but I feel like it's not my dream anymore. I am not motivated enough to have a go at it again.” Said Natalie with a disappointed look on her face.


“I see. I don't know why you stopped dreaming. Never give up on them…. And they won't give up on you. I have been through what you're talking about. When Having took over me and ruined everything that I cared about. I was ready to give up. I was done…. There was no point for a beaten and bruised up man to strive to be the best at what he does. I had given up on my dreams… I had given up on O'Shea's dreams. But one day I told myself. Do I want to sit on my ass contemplating about things that could have gone differently or do I fight back. It wasn't an easy decision to make but the rest is history. So, I don't know what it still means to you. But maybe you can look at see courses or part-time jobs that'll bring you closer to what you envisioned yourself to be. As for the money… I have plenty to pass around. So, don't worry about that.” Said Chris sitting back upright. 


“Thank you, Mr. Sabertooth.” Said Natalie with a smile on her face. “Oh. Before I forget, Mr. Hollywood said he'll drop by for a chat soon.” Continued Natalie.


“That's great.” Said Chris just as a knock was heard on the door. “Speak of the devil…” Said Chris as Natalie ran to the front door and welcomed Rocky into the house. Sabertooth and Rocky shake hands before sitting back down. Chris signals Natalie to get a drink for the two of them and she obliges to the request.


“Good to see you man. How's it been going? I heard you had a big week on OWA last week.” Said Rocky as he takes the drink being offered to by Natalie.


“Last week was just a teaser to what awaits me come Clash of the Titans. But for that…. I need to beat Carlos Rosso this week. If I do that, I will officially be the number one contender for the Omega Heavyweight Championship! And things will only get harder at that point. But it's a journey I am willing to travel.” Said Sabertooth as he takes the glass off Natalie and sips on his drink.


“Carlos Rosso eh? I heard that he interfered in your match last week against that little girl… what's her name again? “Said Rocky as he tries to recall the name. 


“Tarah Nova. And we don't make fun of her anymore. She has proven to be a great wrestler. At least a resilient one at that. I have seen her fight through blood sweat and tears and still hit harder and faster than most of the locker room. And she did beat me last week. Though Rosso interfered in our match, he still wasn't managed to distract me enough for Tarah to take advantage that. She beat me fair and square later on, even though it was a roll up. She found a way to walk out with her hands raised and you cannot deny that. As for me…. I have learned one thing. Wins and losses should not be the only thing you care about. Sure, they're important. But I am at a better position than I was last week even if I lost to capable competitor. Carlos and I have an opportunity of a lifetime.” Said Chris as he takes a big gulp out if his drink.


“I see. I have seen a change in you ever since you lost your TV title. And so far, I am liking it. You seem a lot more confident in your abilities now while I expected it to be the opposite of that. And as for Carlos Rosso… I have heard he is a mean looking dude. You sure you're up to the challenge? “Enquired Rocky.


“I won't deny it. Carlos Rosso is a tough SOB. And I don't know what I have to do to walk out with the victory. But I know that it's the only shot I have got. After losing my TV title, I didn't expect to walk into an opportunity as big as this. And it would be a shame if I don't make the most of it. Because you never know when this opportunity will come back again. As for Carlos Rosso … He has had a tough few months in the OWA himself. He has a lot to prove to everybody saying he hasn't earned this opportunity, including myself. Ever since he arrived on Friday Nights…. He has been lost in the shuffle. Whether it be leading The Unchained, that didn't go anywhere. Or whether it be standing up to the tyranny of the Wolvesden. He hasn't had a lot of success in the OWA. And it goes without saying that Rosso has had a successful career in this business. But some might say…. I don't want to use that phrase because people throw that around very easily, that he is washed up. He has lost the ability to win the big one. He has lost the motivation that once had to be at the pinnacle of this business. Whereas, I have had a great first free months here in the OWA. From being undefeated, to going on to beat the unstoppable Gareth Cason for the OWA TV Championship. In a few months I have established myself to be one of the top talents this company has to offer. Our goals may be similar but the approach that we took to reach to this point is a lot different. That's what makes Carlos Rosso that more dangerous. He has nothing to lose. People are already telling him that he hasn't earned his way into this opportunity. People love to call him a has-been. That only adds fuel to the fire. And a motivated Carlos Rosso with nothing to lose is a lot tougher to deal with.” Said Chris as he looked a little worried. But that soon turned into a confident smirk.


“So … What do you plan to do?” Asked Rocky, curious about what Chris could do to overcome the odds stacked against him.


“What do I plan to do? It's simple really. I show Carlos Rosso, that even with my back against the wall… Even with all the odds stacked against me. Not to forget the physical advantage that he holds over me. I am not going to give up on my dreams. I have done everything I could have…. I have sacrificed relationship… I have burned down bridges only so I could walk through those curtains with THE belt wrapped around my waist as everybody chants for my name. Tasajt Nova has showed me how a bit of self-sacrifice is not a bad thing. I will put my body on the line… I don't care if I walk out of the match all bruised up…. All I care about is winning this match. I WILL beat Carlos. I WILL become the number one contender heading into Clash of the Titans. And I WILL become the Omega Heavyweight Champion. And NOBODY…. Nobody can stop me from achieving my dreams. Not Jacob Senn…. And definitely not Carlos Rosso.” Said Chris passionately. He gets a little worked up but deep breaths calm him down.


“I am liking the passion and the drive that you have been showing. But don't overwork yourself. You know, I can help you train if you want. I know some top class trainers here in LA and they'll be happy to work with you.” Said Rocky.


“Well, thank you. I was hoping I could work on increasing my stamina. This might be a long Battle that I am getting into. Might as well be fully equipped to handle any circumstance that I might have to face. Sign me up! “ Exclaimed Chris a she gets up.


“You want to head there right now? I can call and let them know that we're coming. I would want to see this …  Let's go!” Said Rocky as he headed towards the door.


“Alright, let me pick up my equipment. Natalie… Could you reschedule the Podcast shooting that I had with Sam Roberts. Yes…. Let him know that I will be free in the evening. You got that? Alright, look after the house.” Said Chris as he headed upstairs. He finally comes back down with a bag in his hand as both Rocky and Chris enter his Limousine. The scene ends with the car zooming past the driveway and on to the roads.

Voice over:

When you are not an athlete, just like me you feel like a normal human in a world of superheroes. I'm basically a muggle.
I'm short but I'm overweight, I'm not a powerhouse. I'm not a high-flyer, i'm not flexible, agile and I have a fear of heights. I do have an orange belt in martial arts, which is just third belt so I mix that with moves that are very painful . Ears, nose, fingers,  throat there all extremely sensitive. I'm not a technical prodigy either, I didn't wrestle in high school or anything, I just love British-European style a lot and even what is seen as what is a rest hold can be very useful. 

It's also really fun because when I have the plantar fascia of my foot into your thoracic vertebrae as I am yanking your arms behind your back by your wrists, or I stomp on your ear  all my flaws and lack of abilities that are just common to every other wrestler doesn't mean I'm not any less dangerous . I'm very much a force to be reckoned.

I used to be so afraid of getting hit, taking bumps and my style reflected that for a bit, being put through flaming tables at 14 takes the fear out of it in a way. Now I like being hit because even though it still hurts, I can take more pain than most wrestlers. 

Also if you are overweight like me your cardio needs to be very good and I have improved immensely in that.

I'm excited to make my debut and show that at 25 years old with 12 years experience I'm ready to prove why I am the Epic One.

I was right!

I knew Amateur and Pro Wrestling are two different sports. I knew I should be more prepared for the transition I’m making. I suffered a defeat in my Professional Wrestling debut. Isaac Thornton beat me fair and square. He pinned me 1-2-3 in the middle of the ring. I was upset. Everyone hates losing, especially since I’m an Olympic Medalist. But in the end, I think I put a good performances as I’m going to face off againts Layne Kurobane, The OWA Spartan Champion and the no. 1 contender for OWA World Championship. 

Now, Layne Kurobane, I have a lot of respect for you. You learned a lot of wrestling styles before you finally decided to back to your root. You kept trying to find a wrestling company after most of wrestling organizations blacklisted your name and here you are now, standing at the top of mountain as a champion and challenging another champion in order to be a double champion. That’s impressive, Layne, you clearly have the heart, the soul, and the passion for this business. You are a success story not just here, but everywhere else too. You are going to give me a fight for my life as you have countless great move-sets that can only be executes by top class athletes. You have a lot of fans behind your back and that should be clear enough you are one of the center attractions in this Earth. You should be proud of yourself because I see nothing but a determinated kid trying to make some noises for the world. You are the best at what you do and the sky is clearly unlimited for you. THE Spartan Championship is just the beggining for you. You are truly the definition of USA. You might never won a Gold medal with a Broken freakin neck but you are representing what America is all about. That being said, I’m proud of you, Layne.

As for me, I suffered a defeat in my professional wrestling debut, but I’m really looking forward to work with you as I want to prove that I can win some accomplishment in professional wrestling. I want to repeat the success I had in Amateur Wrestling. You and Isaac Thornton are obviously different but you both are great athletes. I failed to beat Isaac and I might fail to beat you, but in the end, I’m more than willing to prove I’m belong in this sport. I won a Gold Medal with a Broken freakin neck and it should be a prove that I have the never say die attitude in my DNA. Everytime I set my mind for something,  I won’t give up and I won’t stop. Sure, a bitter tastes still resides in my heart but it keeps clashing with my constant desire to be the best in this business. I won’t be ashsamed if I suffered another defeat, especially to a top world class athlete like yourself, but I have to do something to make my breakthrough, we never know what the future has for us in future.

All I can do right now is trying as hard as I can to make my dreams come true. I have a dream to repeat my success story in Amateur Wrestling. But I don’t want to wait for it to happen. I want to make it happen. I want to make my own hope. I’m going to honor my Creator, not by passively waiting for Grace to come down from the upon high, but by doing what I can to make Grace right now, right down here on Earth or in our case, in the ring. Not saying I can beat you easily, Layne, hell, I lost in my professional wrestling debut, but I’m going to give you my all in order to score a victory againts one of the best in this sport.

You might need this victory in order to have a momentum for your match againts Finnegan Wakefield, but I’m not going to back down from you. If I have to break your ankle in order to score a victory, I will definitely do so. Please understand this, I have no problem with you at all, but I want to taste my first victory in this sport. You do understand what I’m feeling right now don’t you Layne? You have been there, I’m sure you’ll understand how it feel to be in a bottom of pit. I don’t have a good start but I’m more than willing to turn the table around. The sooner, the better. If I beat you, I might be the next in the line to challenge you for your championship after all. If The Management trusts me enough to face a champion like you right after I lost in my debut, imagine where I’m going if I beat a champion like yourself. Whatever the outcome though, I will always respect you.

Oh, It’s True! It’s Damn True!

 
Nate, umm, sorry…you busy?
 
Not at all, somebody told me that apparently, it’s possible to “fat shame,” way I see it, fat people should be ashamed. Anyway, what have you got?
 
They just announced your match this week for Kingdom.
 
And?
 
You’re against Dampshaw.
 
HA! Dampshaw, eh? What a riot.
 
 
Ahhhh, you’re getting the hang of this, Clinton. That is a good fucking cuppa. I tell you what, you Americans have got us beat when it comes to dairy products. Half and half? The fuck is that? I don’t know but it’s delicious in a brew. I know that.
 
So, we gonna discuss strategy?
 
 
“We” have nothing to discuss, Clinton. I appreciate you keeping things running smooth while I was holed up in the hospital, but I’m at 100% now and am ready to really make somebody squeal. Now, where did I put it…ah! Here we are:
 
“Reginald Dampshaw III, a man of aristocratic background, who has since been plagued with mental illness. A cunning, unhinged and dangerous individual. His unbalanced mental state is matched only by his tenacity in the ring. He has impressive cardio, technical abilities, and toughness. Do not take lightly.”
 
I’ll tell you something, Clinton, I don’t know how many times I’ve written something like that in this file. Everyone seems to be skilled between the ropes, don’t they?
 
Well, the OWA does try to house the most elite talent from all around the world.
 
You don’t think I know that? Seems I’ve wrestled most of these “elite” talents and batted them away. If they want to throw another body at me, so be it. Mr. Dampshaw has forged quite the reputation for himself, though. So, I’m gonna heed my own warning and not take him lightly. That match with Layne Kurobane was pretty special, wasn’t it? But I’m not seeing the Spartan’s Title over his shoulder, so does it even matter? If the world’s talking about some “five-star classic” that you had but you’ve got nothing to show for it, then what was the point? I’m interested in the wins, and RD3 is hungering for one. While he was busy putting away that nobody Kevin Maverick, the media were asking me about my plans for the Clash of the Titans. While he was put into a spot that was just there to pad out the card, I was showcasing Wolvesden for the world. Kenny’s only been gone for a month and I’m already leading us into a new era.
 
Now, RD3 finally has a spot where people might take notice. But you see, I’m not heading into Kingdom to give the world something memorable. Why would I? The Clash is in just over a week, I’ve got better things to do with my time than to waste every ounce of stamina on this man.
 
I mean, you have to try, though.
 
Clinton, do you take me for a fool?
 
Of course not, boss.
 
You sure? Because you’re making an unhealthy habit of talking to me like I’m a fucking idiot. Dampshaw’s a speedbump on the road to glory. I’m not going to give him the satisfaction of earning himself some notoriety. I don’t want a match where the story is he looked great in defeat, I want to wipe him off the bottom of my boot like the piece of shit he is. I don’t want to give the people classics, I don’t want “work rate” to define me. I’m here to win, and win, and keep on winning until the dumb cunts that run this place realise that I was the answer to all their problems. Kingdom needs a new pack leader, and who’s that gonna be? Dampshaw? The man’s a fucking nut. I get labelled insane, but I have full awareness of my actions. I understand consequences. I’m not entirely sure that Reginald is completely lucid. What’s going on in his head when it comes to this match? Does he even realise what awaits him? I think I’m gonna have to assert just a little bit of dominance to make it clear that he stands in the way of progress. I don’t feel any remorse at sending him plummeting back down the card, doomed to wrestle people like Kevin Maverick for the rest of his days. Anyone who tries to stand in the way of progress isn’t needed. And he stands in the way of a man who routinely dismantles the souls of upstarts and veterans alike.
 
It doesn’t matter if they’re a young gun like Jeff X, a grizzled vet like Jon McAdams, or a trendsetter like Aria Jaxon. They can talk about their plans all they like, they all have one thing in common: they fell to me. What kind of a man would I be if I were unable to put away RD3? No man at all, Clinton. But it’s okay, it’s all going to be okay. I do not fear the machinations of the Cracked King. I do not fear the unknown. I haven’t got to where I am through being afraid. I’m not the kind of man who stares into the abyss and blinks. When I’m presented with madness, I prove to the so-called “insane” that they’re just scared little children. The real world was too much for them so they decided to give themselves a convenient excuse. RD3’s convinced himself that because he acts crazy, there’s no consequences to his actions. Problem is, he’s got the biggest consequence of them all to deal with: he pisses me off.
 
I take one look at his act and there’s not a whole lot there. Be crazy and then catch your opponent off guard with your surprising skills between the ropes. I’m wise beyond my years, Clinton. I’ve seen too much of this fucked up world to be shocked by anything anymore. If you told me a man could fly, I’d believe it. If you told me there was nut job in the White House I…well, let’s not even go into that. My point is this, the world doesn’t have surprises anymore. Everything’s a remix of something that could have once been considered shocking. But I’m giving the people those surprises they don’t know they need. And I’m not talking about superficial surprises like strong outings in title matches that I lose, or being able to string a good wrestling match together. As far as I’m concerned, anybody can do that. Hell, I’ve done that and I’ve put it all behind me. I’m about the reality.
 
“Oh, Nate Cage…he’s got a glass ceiling. He’s corny, he’s cheesy, he’ll never be able to beat Jon McAdams!”

Wrong.
 
“Oh, but the young gun Jeff X will put him away!”
 
Wrong.
 
“Oh, but he’ll NEVER defeat our queen, Aria Jaxon!”
 
You noticing a pattern here, Clinton?
 
“But Kenny Drake’s the real star, he’s the leader!”
 
Well, it’s funny how shit changes, ain’t it? I actually defy expectations. And people are now starting to accept the reality that they have so vehemently lived in denial of. We’re not far off the reality I’ve envisioned since the start: world championship gold. If I have to prove my worth by disposing of another meaningless opponent, so be it. I’m not complaining that I get to hurt somebody. I like to hurt people. It’s fun. And when we’re standing across from one another in that ring, and RD3 realises I’m not there to give him a good fight, but that I’m there to cripple him nice and quickly, he’ll very quickly understand the spot of bother that he finds himself in. After that? Well, we wouldn’t want to divulge all our plans now, would we?
 
I suppose not, sir.
 
You’re a good listener, Clinton, about the only one here. Now, I need to go and pay Diantha a visit. Turns out she has a title match to prepare for.
 
 
First, we’re refilling my coffee cup on the way.
 

I believe this is what people call foreshadowing. I believe that is this is a preview to destruction. On Olympus, we have one man standing out against three women, at Clash of Titans you’ll have the Phantom Troupe against your garden variety tag teams you can find at the front door of any wrestling promotion begging for a spot on the show!
 
First, I’ll start with the two skinny tramps who make a mockery of this sport. Two brain dead paperweights getting in the ring with someone far outside their weight class, two dweebs that are better suited doing let’s play videos on the internet than being inside my wrestling ring! They are part of the growing movement of childhood fans raised to believe that they belong in this industry now that they’re adults! When the three of us were children, we witnessed an industry where the women were bombshells and the men were larger than life in character and size, the industry was filled with superstars! Even now, OWA lives off the concept of Alphas and Goddesses! I got into this sport because as a kid standing greater and stronger than my peers, I knew I was fit for to do what the people I watched were accomplishing! These two got into the sport forgetting that their role should be sitting in the crowd watching great rising stars like me bring shock and awe to the masses of people just like them wishing they could be me or be with me!  
 

And then there’s Sweet Roxy. The sport is in her blood. I know all about her and what she’s capable of. When I was training at the Wrestling Grotto, her family’s faces were on the cave walls. They hated that family. The idea that a dynasty in this industry could be created through blood, instead of personal honing of craft and sharing in the spirit of what wrestling is about by paying your dues, it made the Vendetta’s the most hated group our trainers would disparage. It must grate my teachers nerves to see their dishonored student here taking on a Vendetta in place of their favoured proteges, knowing that I don’t give a damn about the Vendettas. However, Roxy better not think I forgot about her costing us the Tag Team Championships and putting a loss on my record, she’s lucky we’re surrounded by people I hold under greater contempt.
 
For it is my purpose to lead a crusade against those who defy the edicts of a much greater book than any wrestling school’s principles.
 
In the book of the Holy Phantom, there are many tales of magnanimity told: Darnell and his mighty serpent helping Tasha on her diet, Big George slapping the slingshot out of Rashawn’s hand to stop the bullying of all the little kids picked on during recess with shot stones, Phantom Troupe’s Sangkat putting the vile gorgon Tarah Nova to death, and most importantly Maggall in his ancient tim boots spreading miracles world wide with the mere passing of his hands. But these miracles only serve those that loyally follow the edicts written in the pages between those fancy tales. The proclamation that all must kneel before the power of the Troupe, the commandment to pray to your Holy Phantom nine times a day, and for all the beautiful ladies to send juicy pictures to their nearest priest…to cleanse them of their wretchedness of course. Of course, hey I’m trying to keep them away from young boys, nothing to do with pranking them! Needless to say, OWA is filled with people I must correct and bring towards the light, as they ask for my wrath to be brought down upon them for their refusal to abide by these tenants I have laid down for them in very basic terms. The Holy Father began with the people believing in him and over time he has been losing followers, but for me it is the opposite, the Holy Phantom began with no believers in the world. It might take many broken bodies, it might not happen overnight, but like my brother Black Manta I have all the time in the world. Unlike with a five course meal, I’ll take my time dismantling this roster, and I’ll savour the pain I inflict on all that oppose me.
 
Besides breaking my edicts, Koji, and this goes double for you Tarah, the company that you keep has marked you as for an ass whooping! See sometimes friendships aren’t worth it, sometimes relationships drag you into problems that aren’t of your own making. See Hunter, he’s starting to piss me off, there’s no reason I should keep witnessing some hobbled little runt keep coming back for more beatings when I’ve already showcased the difference between he and I. You want to enable him, Koji? You want to hype up how much effort he puts in your little team when you and I both know we don’t need injured talent on the job? Then I shall crack down on you more than Duterte does on the crack dealers in his country. And Tarah, I just flat out don’t like Nas. Oh wait, your real partner right now is Connors. Humph, I knew CM Nas wasn’t much of a man, but I didn’t realize it’d be so easy to sway a girl. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that a cow would link up with a bull. Now I don’t know how far you two “go way back” and why you’re his only close friend in the business, I don’t care what the cattle do on the farm, but once you start taking for granted the blessings you are given by magnanimous figures like myself….I start to believe you’re just asking….begging to get hurt. It wouldn’t be a surprise, you’re the crazed little scamp running around trying to get in all the hardcore matches in the world to mask how little worth you are in the industry, rolling in thumbtacks and barbwire, getting in deathmatches, because you know you’ve never been of much use but someone to smack around and throw away. You’re not that great of a wrestler, you aren’t that special on the eyes, nobody listens to Tarah Nova for words of wisdom, and most importantly you certainly can’t bench anything or do something spectacular for your weight class, but all the fans get hyped up when they see little miss Nova explode in that ring and put herself back together to do it again another day!  But how many times do you think you can tear yourself apart and come back together? For these fans? For these men? We were kind to ignore you after Sangkat was done with you, we let you survive even after continuing to stay by the side of that Phantom Troupe reject Nas because we felt bad that he never cared to protect you when he was a member of our faction picking the Troupe over you, yet you dive back into the pit just because Bull asks it of you? It’s beyond words. It’s even beyond parody, and why this big man isn’t laughing or having as much fun as he usually does. There are reasons people are once bitten twice shy Nova! Every time the world sinks its teeth into you, it consumes something you never get back, most people have the defense mechanism in the mind for self preservation. In the streets, its people getting out of the game the first time they get shot. Some empty-headed brothers think it’s a sign of weakness, but they all leave the game one way or another Tarah, some just leave in a casket if people are kind enough to leave the body behind. We’ve let you have your choice in how get out of Phantom Troupe business, but one of these days, it isn’t going to be up to you anymore.
 

And Tarah, you listen up too Koji, that isn’t a belief, that’s a fact.