(Voice satirizing Nas’ opening of “Not for Radio” is heard in the darkness.)
 
 
(The lights turn onto a cafeteria area where a hooded Maggall is kneeling on top of a table with his eyes closed in prayer as people around him walk around handing out flyers and collecting money offerings in collection plates. Maggall then loudly blurts out.)
 
 
(Maggall is joined by a legion of bad bitches on the table as a ceremony on behalf of the fairer beauties are about to begin, but before he gets fully pumped up he stops, and still eyes closed, turns toward one woman in particular who is holding a microphone.)
 
Maggall: That fishy aroma….the offsetting to the purity of the melanin in the room…..the sense that someone might call security if I don’t get my big black ass off this table…who are you?!
 
OWA interviewer: Mr Maggall, I would like to give you a warm welcoming to the Omega Wrestling Alliance and ask you a few questions to introduce yourself. Though I will warn, this is being taped, so any illicit activity will get to the proper authorities be they OWA staff or otherwise.
 
(The girls make a disgusted look at the OWA personnel and leave as Maggall opens his eyes as if stunned.)
 
Maggall: You’d interrupt a holy ritual passed down by my ancestors for thousands of generations, for something like that? Besides, I believe we of the Phantom Troupe have already given OWA all the introduction it needs.
 
OWA interviewer: Be that as it may, we were hoping to get a more personal insight on the man within the group the least is known. Where is he from? How did he get involved with this nefarious faction? Tell us more about the Phantom Troupe’s very own man of mystery.
 
Maggall: Who needs to know? I got my connections.
 
OWA interviewer: Well you are one of two that weren’t involved with the Strong Style Wrestling promotion, and Nolan we already know was Nas’ former pupil.
 
Maggall: Do I look like someone who likes sushi? I couldn’t stand living in Japan, lest of all travel back and forth from there to America on an almost weekly basis like so many working here, it’s a wonder how so many did it. Nah, I was fine waiting right here, and now that the Phantom Troupe’s in the west it’s time I do my part. See Gronk, he was everything Japan fears, there’s a reason Godzilla came out from the radiation from the bombs the west dropped. Japan is scared shitless of the big white patriotic man from the west, because the thought of America keeps them up at night! Here in the west it’s a bit different, it’s a whole other type of person that got people fear mongering, a whole other beast that causes white flight!
 

(The OWA interviewer obviously becomes uncomfortable as Maggall goes on becoming more serious, he notices and catches himself into giving a more uplifting smile.)

Maggall: But enough about me taking up part of Gronk’s role. I’ve got so much more to me, and it’s Thanksgiving. It’s one of my favorite days of the year, you know why?
 
OWA Interviewer: Uhhh…
 
Maggall: Oh don’t hold back. I bet you’re thinking, it’s because that big boy loves him some turkey! Hahahaha! Well I sure do! More than even that though, I love days where people are meant to be thankful and get in the grateful spirit. Don’t you?
 
OWA Interviewer: Y-Yes.
 
Maggall: See, I’m a very magnanimous man…oh wait give me a second.
 
(Maggall breaks into a pose beckoning the people to bask in his presence.)
 
 
(Maggall goes back to talking normally.)
 
Maggall: Every day is like Christmas to people, they always want and they want, expect gift after gift without ever saying thank you. Me as a giver, always giving back to the people and dishing out what they need, it’s very rare for me to have a day like this where people are truly thankful. The Wrestling Grotto, where I was trained, they weren’t grateful for what I had to offer, they kicked me out because I had the passion to shake things up! I expect OWA to be a bit more appreciative, seeing as I’m going to liven up the place when I light into to some poor shmuck dragged out of the dark corner where all these OWA nobodies reside.
 
OWA Interviewer: With all due respect you’re talking about a champ-
 
Maggall: The only champion I recognize in this company is brother André
 
OWA Interviewer: But Virgo isn’t ev-
 
Maggall: But I’ll abide by OWA’s sensibilities and admit he has a title. I’ll even let it slide that he’s named after an extinct animal, like being wiped out somehow allows you to sound fearsome, that’s how generous I am. In my generosity I acknowledge that I face this Tiny incel champion. Get it? That’s just another way of saying that little twink’s TV championship has a whole new meaning with those two letters without having to even say the v word.
 
OWA Interviewer: Mr Maggall! Show some respect, if not to him, but for the championship. It was defended in multiple classics by Gareth Cason, and Christopher Sabertooth recently beating him for that title only shows how much of a force Sabertooth is to be reckoned with! With all due respect, I don’t think you know what kind of person your dealing with, and what kind of history is behind the concept of a TV Champ---
 
(Maggall places his massive hand over her microphone and then takes it away.)
 
So you want me to be serious, so I shall.
 
I know all about men like Sabertooth. Guys that think they’re special because they know all the right wrestling holds and pride themselves in being “real wrestlers” like he claims to be the only one of. The Grotto was filled with them, I trained with these short-sighted elitists that’ll never bring anything fresh to the business. Little dweebs like Sabertooth that cling to the history of the business like babies still attached to their mother’s umbilical cord, unable to branch out to the new frontier of the sport. Hell spending years with these people made me hear all I could take about TV championships.
 
But that confuses me, in my current billed match.
 
From my understanding, TV Championships traditionally were defined by generally being defended on every televised event, at the very least meant to represent the ideal “fighting champion” that would defend their championship without need of PPV, for the weekly dedicated watchers sitting at home. Suffice to say, if the champ had the time to show up on TV and wrestle, he’d be putting up his title on the line. Yet here I stand set to face Christopher Sabertooth, the so-called TV Champion, one on one, and yet I haven’t heard anything about this being a championship bout. That can only mean one of two things, Christopher Sabertooth is a coward that weaseled his way out of living up to his champion responsibilities or OWA has little to no regard to what it means to have a TV Championship.
 
I’ll say it twice for good measure.
 
Christopher Sabertooth is either a coward or OWA sullies the purpose behind that championship.
 
It wouldn’t be anything new if it was a combination of both. In this age where people can watch just about anything from their phone or computer, it’s not rare for business’ paying lip service to TV ratings to fall out of fashion with the people and start making out of touch blunders. Much like Sabertooth’s tribute to prehistoric wrestling with everything he does in that ring and OWA’s silly pandering to broadcast companies like SBG with their cute championship. It’s a modern miracle someone in OWA had the smarts to get these shows on the OWA network at all, because if Sabertooth’s the champ of TV, I’m the main attraction of the entire network. My sightings are like if the urban legends caught on grainy Youtube videos of people who swear they’ve seen a monster or an unearthly visitor were made real.  My beat downs resemble the beatings you see right before you hear the all too familiar scream of Worldstar! My matches will be what people log into the OWA network for and skip everything else to find after they hear another masterpiece of destruction was displayed magnanimously for their viewing needs that seek to witness the maiming of others. Most of all, this week, I’ll represent what happens when the hospital finally removes the suckling parasite from the parent and what this generation does to these dying cable companies. It’s what Sabertooth fears most of a sport that’s outgrown the womb of standard wrestling and how outdated his sole claim to fame is in that title.
 
This week, I cut the cord on the TV Champion.
 
(Maggall lightly throws the mic behind him and leaves as the scene goes black.)
 
 

The Glass House

"Scotty, are you *really* gonna follow through with this?"

(We hear those words, as we open to the surroundings of Scotty's apartment in Philadelphia. Where he can be seen, sitting at his oak kitchen table; his eyes focused solely on Bianca, who has just posed this question to him. A question, much akin to that asked on social media over the past week, considering what went down on Kingdom. And fair enough, there are those who refuse to believe that somebody like Scott would "stoop" to these levels - even if, as he said last week prior to the match against Jeff X, those who *truly* know him, should have seen this coming.) 

I have no choice, Bianca. You know this. You know that when I want something. When I deem it worthy to ensure the point is made, that I will not relent until I acquire it. Until I make sure that they know just what it is I have for them.

(Bianca glances across the table and the freshly polished; shimmering marble bench where she is preparing steak and vegetables for dinner, making sure to look deep into his eyes. Noticing, the glint within them that she hasn't seen since 'Zion' was allegedly expunged all those months ago.)

"Yes and that is one of your most endearing qualities - but do you really *need* to do it like this? This isn't what you stood for. This isn't what you went to war for in that ring. I know that; deep down, you do as well."

(She's not entirely wrong. As much as Scott is known for being obsessive, he also know when to pick his spots. When, to launch the next strike, yet this. This almost feels like chaos for the sake of chaos. Bitterness, that lays beyond the surface. Especially with how psychotic he has been both inside and outside the ring in recent times. 

Well, the inside of the ring component should be expected. His laser-focus and almost surgical precision between the ropes is well-documented. It's the outside of the ring component that has unsettled Bianca. Especially considering the 'breakdown' he had within their bed last night. One, that caused her to almost call the psych ward and have him committed - or at least just to see if her suspicions were correct.)

No. This is how *he* wants it to be. The moment he went crying back to McAdams, as if he was the lover he craved. The easy win, that he would hang his hat on - he enacted the call for his own terminus. He cried, for the next phase to begin. Notice how *he* was the one who thought he could attack? The one, who let it all get inside of his head?

"Well, you *did* cost him the match with Pendragon at Civil War, so can you *really* blame him?"

(Pondering that question, Scott laughs.)

Bianca, you of all people should know that was secondary. He can moan about how Isaac and I supposedly "screwed" him out of the match. How it was our fault he didn't get the job done against Pendragon all he wants. It just shows how naive he is. How fragile, that pretty little ego is his is, regardless of what he might attempt to convince these fans. Irrespective of how "internally secure" he wishes to portray himself. After all, isn't the old adage "if you allow yourself to be distracted, then the blame can only be placed upon yourself?"

(Bianca slowly nods, realising that there's nothing she can say to counter that. That Scott is right - the blame should fall upon Finn for enabling his own loss; not on those who were merely distractions.)

You remember my match with Kai, right?

"Yes".

Then you remember how it ended.

(Nodding, Bianca and Scotty's minds both flash back to that match. More specifically, the moment Caspian's men, Vinny and Castro came out; "screwed" Scott out of what was about to be another win. Another notch to his name. Much like Isaac and Scott did during Finn's bout.)

"Yeah, I do."

Okay. So, did *I* blame them? Did I try to blame the outcome on them via any means? Remember, the answer to this is actually very important.

(Bianca simply shakes her head. No, he never did blame the loss on them - in fact, he owned the loss. He took it and levied all the blame towards himself, disregarding the external factors. The approach, he has *always* taken.)

Exactly. Because I still had the avenue to finish the job. Just as Finn did - just as he failed to do. Just as I failed to do against Kai. Something, that Finn cannot comprehend. Something that he refuses to comprehend. Then again, I've always known Finn was nothing more than a simple hypocrite. Just like the rest of society.

(Scott simply flashes his traditional half-smirk, as he glances into Bianca's eyes. Noticing, her solemn yet understanding look. She knows that to him, this isn't just about the championship. Or even about how their last match finished - this is about unravelling the foundation that Finn stands on. The "glass house" in which he lives.)

But enough about that. Finn will meet his final fate soon enough. When he does, he will *finally* see it all fade into the ash from whence he came. This week, myself and Isaac set foot in the ring for our "maiden voyage" as a team, when we take on the team of my personal punching bag - er sorry, I mean Kenny Drake and Scott Oasis. 

"I wouldn't use maiden voyage if I were you. Remember the Titanic ---"

(Slightly laughing, Scott glances at Bianca, who wryly smiles at him. She knows that her attempt to lighten the mood. No matter how corny it came across as.)

Unlike the Titanic, Isaac and I actually have a sturdy foundation we are built upon. After all, if they wanna paint us out to be this 'unholy alliance' and Oasis and Kenny as these 'redeeming heroic bedfellows', when we may as well embrace that fact. We may as well be the ones to enact the burning down of the roots on which OWA stands. Bring about, the demise of everything they claimed to stand for.

(Pausing, Scott lets a gentle sigh float from his lips, as the sounds of Bianca sliding the food onto the purple and white plates laid out atop the table.)

Especially as they've made this match a Street fight. A match, that plays right into my hands. They wanna call Kenny and Oasis viscous. Crazy. Psychotic. Barbaric. Well, you're looking into the eyes of someone who defines those four very words. A man, who lives off those words.

(An unhinged look appearing within his eyes, Scott smirks as Bianca places the prepared dinner in front of him, as he slowly places it into his mouth, taking his first bite.)

Thanks Bianca. Anyways, this week is just another example. Another exhibit of what shall follow for the OWA. As Kenny finally reaches the realisation that no matter how much he wishes to believe I'm 'weak'. As much as he tries to keep hammering home his pitiful mind games, he will merely be broken like the rest of them. And Oasis. Well, Oasis will merely be collateral damage in this little game. Isaac can deal with him.

(And with that, we fade to allow Scotty to eat his dinner with Bianca.)

Introductory Promo: (just inserting my character into the universe. This is pure cinematic character development.)


John Sheppard was floating in thousands of different stars. 

Each independent ball of gas seem to not care about his existence either way. 

Fortunes come and go. 

Empires rise and fall.

Phones ring off the hook.

Wait a minute?

Sheppard snapped awake and grabbed his cell phone.

Without thinking he pushed the talk button.

"Sarah I............"

"Calm down Mate....... it's not the freckled Cannuck........"

"Listen Liz you got a lot of nerve to be calling me after over a year. That last match you booked me in ended up in a bar brawl with the show being shut down in it being a one off gig for about three hundred dollars.........."

"This is different John, these guys at Omega know what they're doing. So much so that you're going to make history........ 

Well.........

His Australian agent would pause..

He imagined her fiddling with that bizarre Masonic ring of hers.

She said,

"You'll be going back to where history was made. I think you will find it extremely interesting........ Swanson and Ritter in a week or two... They call it the OWA arena now...... come looking for a fight. Come looking to get extreme!!!!!!!!!"

"You mean the ECW Arena???????????? Liz  what the hell did you do??? " Sheppard would snap at his agent.

Silence.

Civilizations rise and fall.

Phones ring off the hook.

And then they hang up...

 
 
Natalie: I knew I’d find you here.
 
Nice of you to visit the homestead for the first time.
 
Natalie: Are you real?
 
Do I look real?
 
Natalie: I guess it doesn’t matter.
 
I made you a cup of tea. Milk, three sugars, right? Too sweet for my taste, any more than two and you’re just drinking a cup of tea-flavoured sugar.
 
 
Natalie: How did you heat the water up? This place has been abandoned for years.
 
I’ve been paying to keep the gas and power running here for some time now. Waiting for the day mum and dad come back.
 
Natalie: Mum and dad are never coming back. They left us, brother.
 
THEY LEFT YOU!
 
 
They were ashamed! Ashamed that their little girl was a dyke freak! They upped and left because you had to sneak your girlfriend over! And I’ve been fending off the world for you ever since! You only have an upbringing because of me!
 
 
Natalie: No. They left because their son was going crazy. Talking about some “great war” that was coming. Developing an obsession with guns and military leaders. Funny how I’m the one who actually fought for my country, you just set up a militia.
 
You fought for a lie and we both know that.
 
Natalie: So let’s talk about what’s real. You had a busy week.
 
I had a fucking GREAT week. Do you realise I’m the first Alpha to defeat Aria Jax-
 
Natalie: I don’t want to hear it. You’ve got what it takes to be a major star, brother. I can see a future filled with accolades for you. But you never think about the future. You’re obsessed with history. Ten years from now, when Aria Jaxon’s up to her neck in world titles, money, fame, fortune and all that…you’ll be hanging your hat on that one time you beat her on a random episode of Kingdom. You’ll think that makes you on her level. You’ve got to wake the fuck up and smell the coffee, Nate.
 
 
Oh yeah? And what about this?
 
Natalie: What about it?
 
This is a transcript of what Dulce Torres had to say to you this week. What do you have to say to that?
 
Natalie: Is that really any of your business? You’re the one who’s trying to live vicariously through my rise on Odyssey. My second shot at a title. You’ve…you’ve never had a singles match for a title, have you Nate? You scared that you’ll lose like you did at God of War? You’re terrified of losing, just like Dulce. She had some pretty choice words. I think she’s easy to upset. Easy to provoke an emotional response from. That’s not going to work in her benefit. If my therapy sessions are enough to get under her skin, then how will she cope when she’s getting her arse whooped?
 
She can add as many caveats or qualifiers that she wants, she can defend her reign’s legitimacy, it’s all talk. Talk is cheap. Fact: She won that title in a match with three other women beating each other up. Fact: She only beat Roni De Vil because Roni got distracted by my being on commentary. Fact: She only technically won the tag match last week because I decided to let Roxy learn her lesson for being insubordinate. That’s three wins with bells and whistles attached. Saturday is as straight forward as it gets: Two women, one match, nothing for Dulce to run away from, nothing to help her snatch a win. She said something pretty telling, she said that she sneaked into the title picture. Not worked her way there, but sneaked in. She can’t get the job done when the chips are down. She needs something or someone to hold her hand. You can’t sneak away from a Cage. We both know this. When we are faced with a challenge, there is nothing else occupying our mind but victory at any cost. Whether it be our own health or our opponent’s.
 
Dulce wants to remind people there’s good in the world? She doesn’t want to be another TyAnna Jupiter? Isn’t TyAnna’s whole shtick to protect all that is beautiful? Seems pretty noble to me. Dulce doesn’t remind me of the world’s good, she reminds me of its complacency. She reminds me of people who do the bare minimum to scrape through a passing grade. What has she said to me that has any meaning? I remind her of her when she’s had too many coffees? What the fuck does that mean? “Is it wrong to be modest? Is it wrong to be humble?” She’s neither of those things, she’s timid. That’s a big difference. Though she was right about one thing, this is my second chance at a title. If I was so good, wouldn’t I have been successful in my first attempt?
 
It’s a fair point, sister.
 
Natalie: No it’s not. Because it tells me that she hasn’t been paying attention to anything I’ve said. Wolvesden made me weak, that’s the point of all this. The first time I had a shot at a title, it was to serve their means and not my own. We don’t need Wolvesden to survive, they need us. The moment I realised it was all bullshit, I actually got some success of my own, success I can claim. No caveats, no outside help. I’ve wrecked shit and took names. All I wanted to do last week was prove that I could beat her, and she has zero defence for that, all she’s able to do is admit the hard truth. I hit her with the killing blow, it was done, wrapped up. Had Roxy not tagged herself in, it would have been game fucking over. And that’s where it comes back to what I’ve been saying: one-on-one, she cannot win. I had to fight off Odyssey’s two champions solo for the most part and still set myself up for victory. Now I’ve got half the challenge with half the woman. If I were to lose, what a sad indictment that would be. She can delude herself into thinking that she’s a good champion, but she’s done nothing to prove it thus far and she’s had multiple opportunities. Who walked away from her last match proud while she was left laying? That’s the lasting image of the people’s champ right there, somebody lying on the floor wondering what the fuck happened. Terrified that the dream is coming to an end. It’s a reign living on borrowed time. She beat three women who aren’t up to par to win, not three “shining Goddesses.” Jessykah Schwartz is gone, Eris fell by my hand so I could earn this shot, and Natasha Night represents a splintered faction who are desperately clinging onto relevance.
 
Let me ask you this: Can you picture Dulce Torres taking on all comers? Can you see her facing down the challenge of every other Goddess on the roster without issue? That sounds like something a Cage would do. Dulce would crack under the pressure. Her body would break down, her mind would split. I’ve seen so many people who believe they have what it takes to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders and have their back break under it. Pressure can create diamonds, but it can also turn things to ash. Dulce is an unremarkable lump of coal. When it comes to crunch time, her fears and emotions will get the better of her. All it took was a few words from me and she was lashing out with no direction. Upset that I brought her own mental well-being into question. Appalled that I would even suggest she’s a weak champion. What kind of title holder lets someone get to them like that? One who isn’t ready for the big time, that’s who. The world deserves better. The world deserves someone who will represent them with pride, power and energy. Not someone who has deluded themselves into the belief that fighting from underneath grants them the power of victory.
 
And I’ll tell you what grinds me the most: her belief that the system works against her. That she’s not believed in by her employer. What did she do at Civil War? Take part in a title match. What did I do at Civil War? Stand outside the ring to watch whatever stupid beef Kenny Drake and Carlos Rosso were fighting over. She didn’t get a hype package when she arrived on Odyssey? Boo-hoo. Guess what, buttercup? Neither did I. She thinks she’s had a hard go of it to find her place? I’ve had to escape your shadow. I’ve had to deal with the same criticism from everyone, that I am not my brother. That Natalie Cage is mooching off of her family’s success. That is harder to overcome that everything she has. She’s another skinny, pretty athletic girl who gets put into positions she didn’t earn. Wrestling’s got enough of those. I’m gonna give them something they haven’t had yet. I’m gonna give them a woman who understands what the people want. I’m gonna cause pain and upset to the people who deserve it, because such a beautiful championship deserves better than the cookie cutter norm. Girls like Dulce are a dime a dozen. The world’s sick of them. There is only one Natalie Cage, and there can be only one woman that walks out of Odyssey X with championship gold.
 
I guess you’ve got it all figured out, then? Don’t need little old me.
 
Natalie: You made me think that killing Dulce was best for business. You made me hate the sight of her. I don’t want to render Dulce comatose, contrary to popular belief. I want to do what I always do and take the necessary measures to get the job done. I don’t need you in my head anymore. I want you to leave and never come back.
 
 
Done.
 
 
Natalie: A clear head. Just what I needed. I’ve got a title to win.
 

Some Harsh Truths and Finding Direction (Part 2)

[After about a fifteen minute intermission, we have re-opened this setting to the same living room as before. Only this time, Emily is sitting off to our right, atop the caramel coloured one seat sofa that she slid over, so as not to take the attention or focus off Kiara whilst she was talking. After all, her role here is merely to advise; not speak on Kiara's behalf. Just like she always has during her wrestling career, she has to do that part on her own. Clearing her throat, Kiara shoots a smile in our direction, before straightening her body.]

Hey guys, it's Kiara again. I know, you probably think "oh, she's just going to fall flat on her face again" and honestly: I can't blame you. After all, I promised a "new" Kiara against Diantha two weeks ago; only delivered the same old failures that you're used to from me. Watching, as Diantha took away the opportunity that I had clasped in my palms.

[Looking over to Emily, she notices the slightly worried face, though Emily does give her a slight nod as if to say "it's passable" as a starting point.]

I won't make an excuse for that. I'm not going to blame anything else but myself - Yes, I had a knee issue, but that happens in this industry. That doesn't mean that I shouldn't be able to finish the job I had set up.

[Emily slightly places her right hand atop her head, annoyed Kiara fell back into this kind of direction.]

"No, don't mention the knee at all. It's merely an excuse at this point - even if you admit that. Just acknowledge the loss and then turn your attention to what's ahead of you."

Okay, sorry Emily.

[Kiara looks back at the camera, slightly bothered that we did film this part but also realising she never asked for us to pause. "Oh well" she utters.]

Anyway, she made the most of that opportunity and this week - gets the chance to face off against Azumi for the Queen of the Ring crown. Something that would have been really nice on me - but alas, it's not meant to be and I really can't dwell on that any longer. After all, no matter what we try, we cannot change the past.

[Pausing, Kiara takes a deep breath, processing her next words and trying to construct them as best as she can.]

All I can do, is look forward to the future; the shot at 'redeeming myself' that I have been presented, against Eris. Well, it's a triple threat with Amora Ferris as well, but still.

[Shrugging her shoulders, she slightly smiles.]

I haven't forgotten our last match, Eris. I haven't forgotten how I let you slip away. How I let your aura. Your claiming of being the one to cleanse the goddess division get into my head. Cause me to doubt whether or not I was as righteous as I thought. If I was truly, leading the path that I had set myself out to. If I was truly moulding myself into the person I wanted to be. It blinded me. It caused me to go down a path I didn't wish to wander down but it helped teach me a lesson. A lesson, that struck a cord - especially when Emily reinforced it to me just before.

[Kiara sighs, as we pan across to Emily. Showing her briefly to hammer the message home, before panning back to the "Sparkling Flower".]

It is that you cannot allow others to influence what you desire. That you have to block them out, if you wish to achieve anything tangible in this industry. Even if that goes against everything that you had been taught. That you had allowed yourself to believe prior. For this isn't just your traditional "track and field" outing. This isn't just about pleasing the people. This is about winning. About results - and even though I do respect you. Even though I can admire you standing up for your convictions, I know that doesn't faze you. That you only have one thing on your mind. That is: How you are going to hurt Amora and myself; walk out of Odyssey X with the statement made; the victory to your name. 

[Smiling, Kiara feels her breathing steady as she relaxes, sliding her back slightly up the couches cushion.]

You are undefeated since arriving in OWA after all. You've already defeated me once, so you really have nothing to prove by doing it again. To you, I'm just prey. Ripe for the picking; ready to be exposed to the world as the failure I am. As being "no better than anyone else" when it comes to your goals. Your ideals. This time, however - it's not going to end up the way you devised. I'm not just going to allow you to get inside my head. I'm not going to allow your intimidation factor. Your aura to penetrate through me. To guide me down the road to defeat. To affirming your point. 

No. This time, I plan on making sure that I finally finish the job. That I finish off what I started; prove not just to you. Not just to the fans. Not just to Emily. But to myself that I *can* do this. That I finally understand it. That I'm not just another one of those "so close, but so far" people. And it would make me smile brightest if I am the one able to finally pin your shoulders to the mat; prove that no matter the aura - you are simply another person at the end of the day. That your aura, is all in the mind of those you oppose.

[Rubbing the right side of her temple, Kiara allows a slight smile to creep upon her face. The message being that she wasn't just going to lay down and surrender to the mind games. The smoke and mirrors that Eris is known for.]

After all, wrestling is about the mental aspect more so than anything else. Something, that I have neglected. Something, I forgot about, until now. You thrive on that, Eris. You thrive on taking those you deem to be weak and attempting to "cleanse" them. Mould them into your image - yet you don't realise that only works if the other party is unaware. If they are unable to see through you. 

Just as I was unable to the first time around. Now, however, I can. I see right through you and see your flaws. See the fractures inside of you, that you wished to mask. Just like me. On Saturday, I *will* exploit those flaws. I will exploit the fragility. The paper-thin ideals that you hold, as I sparkle in the moonlight.

[Kiara shoots a smile off to Emily, who smiles back. Pleased with how the dialogue is progressing; more importantly, Kiara's approach to this match. The "I wills" instead of the simple "I plan to's" she was known for delivering in the past.]

Don't think I have neglected you though, Amora. Truthfully: I don't know much about you. I've only really seen your tapes from past Odysseys and I see someone who although, like myself, is a little rough around the edges. Trying to get her feel for how the dynamic works here, is still a threat. Somebody, who could take the win at any given moment. I should know. People claimed the same about me when I beat Roni and Belle in the last triple threat I was in - mainly due to the factor of being the 'unknown'. Or the "wildcard" as they called it. The exact same role you're playing in this bout. 

[Thinking back to that match, Kiara lets out a slight laugh. She remembers reading social media and people questioning who she was before and even after the match.]

That won't work, however. As even though I don't know you now - by Saturday, I will. I'm going to study your every move. I'm going to see whether that "Miss Malicious" moniker you hold is truthful, or if it is just like Eris. Another trick, aimed to scare opponents into falling into your trap. Becoming fodder for you to feast upon. Roni held the same thought process in regards to being malicious but when the bell rang, it was me who stood tall. It was me, who had shown just why I am the "Sparkling Flower". And this week, will be no different. This might be another match to you, but to me - it is the chance to make my statement loud and clear. The "New" Kiara is here. And no matter what, I will ensure you don't forget who I am. That this opportunity, doesn't just slip away from me.

[Allowing herself a breath, Kiara flashes one last smile to us.]

Good luck on Saturday, Eris and Amora. Because I'm about to shine.

[And with that, we fade into nothingness. The point made and the change evident. Let's see if she can get the job done this time.]

Some Harsh Truths and Finding Direction (Part 1) (Character Development)

???: Kiara, you in there?

[Opening to this, we can see the figure of Emily Jacobson, one of Kiara's trainers and somebody who has decided to come over and give her a bit of a "surprise" visit. Well, maybe surprise isn't the best word for it - she had told Kiara that she would be flying in at some point this week. Even if she intentionally left out the particular day that she would be coming, so as to not throw Kiara "off her gameplan" so to speak; to let her focus on what she would normally do throughout the week. Incorporate Emily's visit into that, rather than centralising her structure around the visit. After all, she knows all about the perils of taking that line of thinking, having done so on her own travels, to mixed results. 

Anyway, she knocks on the door to the apartment that Kiara had told her she would be residing in, trying to make sure Kiara hears her - before glancing down at her watch; seeing that the time currently reads 11 am. It is then, that the door slowly creaks open and we see Kiara, wearing a white t-shirt with a loveheart design on the left breast, with a teddy bear holding the same loveheart on the midriff and her hair still a mess. 'Bed hair' if you will.]

Kiara: *sleepily* Hey Emily.

[Emily smiles, whilst Kiara rubs her eyes, obviously having just woken up within the last hour or so. Either way, she opens the door fully, allowing Emily to walk inside and glance around at the artwork that Kiara has framed upon the walls. Some of them reminders of home and her time training, others shots that she has taken during her American escapade/adventure. Smiling, Kiara pivots her hips and body around, leading Emily down the hallway.]

Emily: I see you've taken to decorating the house. 

[Kiara innocently smiles - it's true. She had re-furbished the apartment in her spare hours since she purchased it; made it look dramatically different from the pictures she had sent to Emily through facebook even a month ago. She's always been a decorative sort of person, whether that be in fashion or even in this sort of context with her home.]

Kiara: Well, not too much but come on - you know i can't pass up this sort of opportunity.

[Emily nods.]

Emily: Yeah, I actually like it too. 

[Kiara smiles, as she turns her head back around, pivoting left as she reaches the entrance to the living room, her eyes slightly turning more focused as she remembers that even though she has a lot to catch up and gossip with Emily - that is most definitely not the purpose of her visit. After all, even if it isn't as personal as it is face to face - they could easily just call each other or message one another on facebook to just gossip. 

No, she knows Emily came for more "professionally" oriented reasons as well. More so, to address Kiara's reputation as being the girl to get "so close" to touching the fabled "brass ring" when it comes to wrestling, but never being able to pull it from its hook.]

Kiara: So?

[Emily looks at her, slightly confused.]

Emily: So what?

[Kiara turns; looks at her with a look as if to say "you know" before making her way over to the couch that is positioned about eight feet from the entrance.]

Kiara: Come on Em. As much as we love to gossip, I know that's not why you're here. After all, you would have just called if that was your intention.

[Emily laughs. Not surprised that Kiara did see through her mask of confusion before following Kiara and sitting down next to her, allowing us to see that she is attired in a sky blue top, blue denim jeans and black/neon green Adidas shoes.]

Emily: Well, I did come to see the apartment, but you're right. I'm not just here to gossip and chill out with you - though I'm sure you'll take me on a shopping spree at some point.

[They both share a laugh at this, seeing as Kiara is a noted shopaholic - as evidenced by the array of clothing she owns and even the intricate differences in her ring attire on a week to week basis. Some, more subtle than others. What can we say? She's a fashionista of sorts and likes keeping up with the latest trends. Kisra simply shyly smiles in response.]

Kiara: Maybe.

Emily: But I came over to try and help you break through the glass ceiling. Actually attain a firm grip on the brass ring that seems to just be outside of the reach of your finger tips. Yes, Ricki and I have been keenly watching Odyssey, so we know about your trails and tribulations there.

[Kiara slightly bows her head. It's true - her OWA career hasn't gone the way she would have liked. And whilst sure, her lack of experience in the ring is part of the reasoning behind that - how long can that *really* be an excuse for, before it becomes a "her" issue, more than a simple "learning the ropes" problem? It's the same thing Chelsea has been telling her over the past few weeks during their meetings.]

Kiara: I know - I need to focus more and actually finish the job. Put them away, when they're there to be put away. That I can't just lean on the whole "well, they're more experienced" card for much longer, before it becomes an excuse to mask my own failings.

Emily: It already is an excuse. Yes, you're still a rookie but you should still realise and be able to swoop when the win condition. When the route to your victory is mapped out before your eyes. Like, look at your match against Diantha two weeks ago.

[Wincing, Kiara still feels the scars from that battle. Both the lingering psychical ones and the psychological ones. You know, the ones that remain long after the match is through. Especially with what the stakes were in that match.]

Emily: It honestly should have been *you* preparing for the match against Azumi Goto this week, yet you let that slip away from your grasp. Even more so as you said it would be the advent of a "new" side to you. All I saw, was the same Kiara I had seen back when we were in the training centre. Complete with the same lapses in judgement.

[Kiara sighs, allowing the words to fester in her mind. The truths, to seep deep into her core. There's really nothing she can say to gloss over what Emily is telling her right now, because she's right. For as much as she spoke about this "New" side to her. One that *would* actually capitalise on those opportunities that opened up, she fell flat on her face and let the "old" Kiara seep through. As she added another tale. Another defeat, to her list of failures that is virtually a miniature mountain at this point.]

Kiara: I know. There's not much I can say aside from it was my fault. That I just couldn't bring myself to finish the job.

[Emily looks at Kiara, understanding the battle going on in her mind right now. She's been there before - but at the same time: she knows that Kiara can't afford to fall into the same traps over and over again. Especially as it flies in the face of what they had worked on during Kiara's training.]

Emily: Kiara. You know I love you - you know I think you have something special inside of you, but you're not showing that. You're not showing yourself that you truly want this. That you truly realise what this opportunity truly entails. It's not just about the decorations, or the "Sparkle". At some point, you need to realise that you have to push beyond the barriers you have set up for yourself.

[Emily sighs, as she remembers the time she learnt the lesson she is now imparting upon her top student. That night when she fell milliseconds short from beating Jacinta Ellis for the WCXW women's title in 2013. A night, that drove her to push harder than she ever had prior to that moment.]

Emily: I was in the same position as you. I was inches away from shattering the 'glass ceiling' and rising to the throne that had been set for me - but I still lacked the maturity. No, I don't mean you're immature, but I mean it in the sense of understanding the industry. Realising that I couldn't just take about being cheery and happy go lucky all the time; needed to be gritty. Needed to be tough and realise that sometimes - you have to be a little bit 'on the edge' if you're going to get anywhere in this industry.

[Kiara slightly slumps back, the words hammering themselves into her own mind, causing her to slightly sigh. She knows Emily is right. She knows that she needs to realise that sometimes it's about making sure you get the win, as opposed to looking and doing it in a pretty fashion. But she's always been someone who tries to please people. She's always wanted to see everyone smiling and happy. She's always wanted to make them proud to believe in her. Even if that means she loses.]

Kiara: I know. And I've been trying but it's just not me. I'm not like them. I can't bring myself to bend the rules. I can't go against everything that I have known - even if that would mean more "success". It's just not me.

[Emily nods. Knowing that Kiara is right. Even though it's not the best way to think about it in relation to wrestling, she *is* to an extent asking Kiara to shun everything she had built her foundation on. The morals; the ethics. The nature of working hard, win or lose and bringing smiles to people's faces. Sometimes, that's how it goes though. 

She's sympathetic, but also wants to make sure Kiara understands she needs tough love if she is to progress. To advance to where she should be. Become not just the wrestler, but the *person* she has the potential to become. After all, Emily doesn't just serve as Kiara's coach. She is also her life mentor and somebody Kiara knows she can confide in. Which is what gives this tough love more emotional impact.]

Emily: I was the same way. I didn't want to accept that it *needed* to be done, but it's not about that. It's not about bending your morals to appease a certain portion of the crowd. Of your life. Rather, see it as a means to enable yourself, To focus more on who you are, instead of simply what you want people to view you as. You're a kind, caring person - one of those traits I've always admired about you, but the truth is: 

People in this industry don't care about that. They don't care how 'sweet' or 'nice' you are to them when the curtains are drawn. All they care about is results. Tangible rewards for what they offer in the ring. Look at both your opponents this week - Do you think Eris cares how nice and gentle you are?? How much you respect her? Same with Amora. They don't. All they want, is to win. That is their aim; it should be yours too.

[Kiara nods her head slowly, processing this information.]

Kiara: I know. I - I ...

[Emily interjects, knowing what Kiara is about to say.]

Emily: It's not about trying to make it about "let the best person win". It's about showing them why *you* and not them are the one who is walking out with the name and the point proven.

Kiara: You're right. I need to stop trying to please everyone and start thinking about *me*. About what I want. About what I desire. 

[Emily nods, although Kiara is potentially taking it a little too literally.]

Emily: Yes, but you don't need to do it at the cost of what you have. Just incorporate it more into yourself. Just like you did in track.

[Kiara smiles, remembering her track and field success; especially in her favoured long jump.]

Kiara: *laughing* Yeah. I had forgotten about that - I didn't think the two were comparable, because I know the first thing you told me was that this was a whole new battleground.

Emily: I did *laughing as she places her hand on Kiara's right leg*. But I didn't mean for you to take it this literally. It was more in the sense that wrestling is about more than just athleticism. Not that you needed a different mindset in order to be successful. Winning translates when you have the talent and the work ethic that you do.

[Kiara smiles, understanding exactly what Emily means now.]

Kiara: Ohhh. Yeah. This week is a new avenue for me. I've faced Eris before - back when I was scared. Back when I let her get into my psyche and allowed her aura to blind me from what I needed to do to win. From seeing, the route to my own victory. She frightened me and honestly, still does. 

Emily: I know. She's got that chill factor about her, but I know that if you shunt that aside and focus on you, then it shouldn't really be a factor. Don't worry if she tries to get inside your head - fear is what she wants from you.

[Kiara smiles, as she raises her head. Confidence starting to beam inside of her.]

Kiara: I know. Which is why she won't be getting that fear from me this week. Which is why I don't intend on backing down ...

[Once again, it's Emily with the interjection.]

Emily: There you go again. You keep saying you won't back down - but you still have to *show* them that you won't. You can't keep saying something then not back it up.

[Kiara sighs. She thought she had been in a good rhythm, only for Emily to cut her at her knees right as she was beginning to get into flow.]

Kiara: Alright. So, what should I say then?

[Hearing the somewhat sharp tone in Kiara's voice. One born of frustration, Emily gently brushes her hand down Kiara's thigh, causing a soft; relaxed smile to appear on her face.]

Emily: Instead of just talking about it, try thinking about their weaknesses. About how you can exploit them and about how you won't just not back down but that you *will* beat them. You will prove not just to them or the fans, but yourself that you've finally made that next step. Even that, will need to be proven on Saturday night though. 

[Pausing, an idea pops into Emily's head.]

Emily: Actually, why don't we do a promotional video right now, together? So I can show you how to approach this match.

[Kiara smiles, nodding. It'd not just be a throwback to when they did promo classes back in Saint Kilda, but would give her another set of eyes and ears to hear and see what she is saying. Help her direct it more pointedly at her opponents.]

Kiara: Alright.

[At this point, we fade, to allow ourselves and them, time to set up for the "promotional" portion of their discourse.]
-*-*-*

 
Natalie: I believe he can be a big star, but he’s willing to destroy himself for it. I mean, he DID have a match with Aria Jaxon last week and…I’m sorry, but the music in here is so distracting. Could you please turn it off?
 
Therapist: You don’t like Beethoven?
 
Natalie: I can’t say I’ve been overly fond of him for the last few weeks.
 
[The therapist switches off the background music. It is the same office and apparently the same day we saw Natalie Cage talking through her problems during Nate Cage’s message for Aria Jaxon]
 
Natalie: I just, I really have to talk about my match with you.
 
Therapist: This isn’t a career advice meeting, Natalie.
 
Natalie: I know, but fighting it’s…it’s all I know. I’ve been fighting my entire life. I took lives overseas in service of my country. Doc, I’ve killed people. People with families, hopes, dreams. I took their lives in the name of what? What has the last 30 years of post-Cold War conflict achieved?
 
Therapist: I’m afraid I didn’t major in modern history, Natalie.
 
Natalie: I didn’t major in anything. As soon as I was old enough, I was signing up for the Royal Navy. I saw it as the most exciting career opportunity in the world. Now I look back and my heart aches for the pain I caused. I should be in prison. I’m a murderer. But because the government said I could do it, I got off without so much as a slap on the wrist. It’s fucked up and I can’t sleep at night because of it. You’ll never have to live with that kind of guilt, will you, doc? You’ve never killed anyone.
 
Therapist: Haven’t I? I’m going to tell you something very personal, Natalie. Something I really shouldn’t do. But a young man who was being treated by me took his own life just three months ago. It was my responsibility to help him get better and his sickness ended him. I consider it my greatest failure. I had to explain to his family why he did what he did, and they all wanted my head on a spike for not being able to save their baby boy. Maybe I didn’t kill him, but I didn’t keep him alive, either.
 
Natalie: I…I’m sorry. That must eat away at you. I had a lot of preconceptions about therapists. That comes from Nate. He told me it was a pseudoscience, that you’re all just conning people out of money and telling them that they have an “illness” when in reality, they’re just feeling down.
 
Therapist: That’s something a man in denial would say. Nate clearly has underlying psychological issues that were never dealt with. He’s been allowed to have free reign over everywhere he’s been. He doesn’t know how to take “no” for an answer. That’s how I know you’re not like him. You worry about becoming him. You worry about your bloodline being tainted. You are your own person, not even the mighty Nate Cage can take that piece of you away.
 
Natalie: Can…can we talk about my match now?
 
Therapist: I don’t watch wrestling, Nat. I don’t see you as a celebrity, I see you as a human being. But if it helps explain your issues…I suppose it’s fine.
 
Natalie: I’ll give you the cliff notes version. I’m the next in line to challenge for the OWA Goddesses Championship, it’s the title that should be determining the hardest worker in my division, I just don’t think it’s with the right woman.
 
Therapist: This would be one Ms. Dulce Torres?
 
Natalie: Yeah. Dulce, she’s…she’s good. Don’t get me wrong. You’ve gotta be good to hold title gold. Nobody becomes a champion by accident. But she isn’t great. I’m not trying to be rude, I’m not being condescending. I’m calling a spade a spade. She does not impress me. I’ve seen women come and go in this industry and she is a goer. She’s the type of woman that doesn’t stick around. The one thing that’s keeping her around is wrapped around her waist. And without it, I don’t see what she’d do. She can only hang her hat on championship glory for so long. I saw Nate do that. It was all about the title and then it was gone, now he’s lost his fucking mind. Dulce’s rhetoric just bores me to no end. She’s a parrot, spouting the same old shit every week. She says what people want to hear, I’m not convinced. You know what she said about her match with me? That she’s the underdog. Who the hell has such little confidence in themselves? Who self-identifies as an underdog? She’s a champ and she should act like it. A bit of arrogance, a bit of vanity. Not too much, I’m not saying she should be a cunt. But would it kill her to stop groaning on and on about how she just wants a good fight and a hard-fought victory?
 
Therapist: Just sounds like she’s tough to me.
 
Natalie: Because you’re an outsider. Do you have any idea how many people come through and do what she does. “I’m not supposed to be at the top but I am. I’m doing this for everyone that’s ever felt like they weren’t good enough! Yippee!” If you’re not supposed to be at the top, you shouldn’t be. Her assessment of me is correct: I’m bigger, stronger, faster, more skilled. She’s laid it all out. She’s preparing herself for swallowing defeat. She knows that beating me will require a miracle. She knows that with that title, I’d elevate it to heights that she’s too scared to venture to. She’s hit her ceiling via being elevated way above her station. She’s living a lie. False riches adorn her. The Goddesses Title is meaningless as long as she holds it. When I win it, we can just hit a hard reset. Say that this whole Dulce Torres fiasco was an error of judgement. I’ve come too far to stop now. I’ve tasted victory and I’ve tasted defeat, but I’ve never tasted the mat. Every loss I have is due to someone else not doing their job correctly. Dulce Torres will not…cannot be the first to take me down. Why? Because she wouldn’t know what to do with herself if she did. She wouldn’t capitalise on the momentum, she wouldn’t convert it into bolstering her star. She’ll give some teary-eyed speech about overcoming the odds and being doubted. She’d find a way to make her victory into a pity party for herself. Does that sound like compelling television to you, doc?
 
Therapist: I think your dislike of this woman is indicative of a deeper issue: your distrust of people.
 
Natalie (not listening): When I look at that woman, I have this innate desire to pop her head like a grape. Is that so wrong? I used to think TyAnna Jupiter represented everything that’s wrong with women’s wrestling. I was a fool. Because she…she’s genuinely the best and she knows it. She is fully aware of how good she is. Even if Dulce Torres was great, she wouldn’t know it. She’d never admit it. She’d be humble to the point of obnoxiousness, fishing for validation from people who are too polite to tell her to shut the fuck up about where she is. I’ve never seen somebody so blissfully lacking in self-awareness. Who looks at a title they’ve won and isn’t assured that it means they’re better than their peers? I’ll tell you who: someone who isn’t better.
 
This isn’t a title match, it’s a coronation. Listen to the people, they want me as their champion. They want Natalie Cage setting a new standard. They want me to cast out the woman who rejects their adoration. Those people devote themselves to her and she just claps back with how she isn’t worthy of their love and support. Let them love you! SHE should be in this office. SHE’S the one with psychological problems! She is timid, frightened, and delusional. She has no confidence in herself, she has no confidence in her title, and I’m ready to snap her in half to prove a point. Not everybody will like it, and that’s fine. People have settled for the complacency of Dulce Torres because they don’t know any better. It’s time to make a stand. It’s time to create a real Goddess.
 
Therapist: Well…umm, that’s our time, I’m afraid. Same time next week?
 
Natalie: I don’t know. Let’s see how I feel after becoming a champ. Anyway, I’ve got a plane to catch.
 
Therapist: Where are you going?
 
Natalie: Home.
 

Motivations and Reasons

(Scotty sits alone, within the confines of what appears to be a makeshift "studio", though in reality - it is his office at Adams Enterprises HQ in Chicago. The same location he has been, ever since Civil War came to a close.)

So, people want explanations. People want to know - *Why* did I come out and orchestrate the attack on Finn along with Isaac Thornton? Why did I supposedly 'turn my back' on those who respected me? Those who held esteem for me? Or as they put it - Why, Scotty, Why? It's all I've seen. All I've heard and admittedly, it's understandable. I can understand why you would all want me to explain it. 

(He smiles, as he allows the lights to slightly dim, a singular spotlight shining around him.)

To lay it all out there so that you can easily understand it and realise the rationale, yet this is something you should have seen coming. This is something that if you truly know me. If you truly comprehend the sort of person I am, you would have known was about to become. But I will explain it. I will indulge those who may still have the wool over their eyes. Those, who still believe that this is something they "never saw coming". 

(Taking a deep breath, he softly chuckles to himself, in order to give the illusion that this is hard for him to express, even though it really isn't. He's done this rodeo before - too many times to count.) 

The reason is simple: I'm not somebody who sits idly by, whilst others pass me over. Whilst others get their shot, at what should already be mine. Something, that I *never* truly lost my opportunity at. Something, that Finn wishes to deny - you see: To him, surviving is enough. Walking out with his title, was enough for him to shunt me to one side; believe that he had seen the last of me. Believe that I would simply fade back to the "end of the line", just like all the other meek souls who had stood before him in the past. 

(Scotty smirks demonically, as his eyes emit a soft glow, the spotlight flickering before settling on a dull honeycomb luminescence.)

That's *not* how I operate. That's never been who I am - when I want something, I will go to any lengths necessary in order to acquire it. I will not simply relent because the "next flavour" has come along, like most people in this wretched society. I won't step aside, because you've found a new shiny toy to ogle over - or in this case, redecorated an old toy to try and make us believe that it's new and shiny, even when the rust is evident upon the simplest of inspections. 

Especially when we both know the truth: we both know how much it haunts you that it took *me* "passing out" in order for you to walk away with the belt still intact, Finn. That unlike Jon, unlike even Isaac - and I'll address his role in this a little bit later, or maybe even on Kingdom, unlike Keelan --- I didn't surrender. I didn't tap out. And you know that if we were to step into that ring again - you couldn't replicate that. You couldn't bring it to the brink once more, only for it all to vanish. Only for you, to realise that I was right all along. 

(A chilling laugh floats into the air, as holographic imagery of "Vindication" appears behind Scotty, his eyes continuing to "glow" within the light.) 

To you, this is merely another feather in the cap. A means, to 'validate' that you were correct. That the fans, are still loyal to you, but are they really, Finn? Look me dead in the eye and answer that. Are they truly loyal to *you*, or are they loyal to the concept of being their 'toy'? Their little plaything, whose shelf-life is expiring with each passing second? 

A man who is wandering upon their final plain.

You wanna know the thing about being a "hero"? It's that heroes don't truly exist, Finn. Everyone claims they are one. That they do what is righteous, that they are what the fans can truly believe in, yet they are just as poisoned. Just as ignorant to the reality surrounding them, as those they claim to Shepard. Those, that they wish to lead into the path of the "light". It is, in its truest essence, the blind leading the blind. Towing them around, until they run straight into the depths of their own mire. 

(Holograms of people stumbling around blindfolded are shown, as Scott leans forward atop the cold, cinnamon painted steel chair he has been seated atop.) 

As they dive, straight into the flames of their own creation. For this world is not about attempting to hide behind heroism. It is not about trying to appeal to the masses, when even they don't comprehend what they desire. When they don't even truly *know* what it is they want - they'll cry and claim one thing, only to shun it when they eventually get it. Just like they have done to Jeff X - a man who considers himself to be an anarchist. A "rebel" against the system, when he is merely a part. A cog within said machine. All under the guise of being this "rebel". This anarchist who fans can rely on in order to counterbalance the very machine that he is fuelling. 

(Smirking, Scott softly laughs.) 

Don't believe me? Just listen to the words that left his lips about me this week - sound familiar, doesn't it? That's because it's an echo chamber at this point. People believing they know the answer, to a question that was never even implied. See, you believe this was about not being chosen for War Games. Not being selected to be a part of Team OWA, how very cute of you to believe that, Jeff. 

(Smirking, Scott leans forward in the chair, as the spotlight expands, to reveal a mahogany table behind him, with a singular gold copper picture frame is seen, although the picture within isn't able to be revealed just yet.)

Though I'm not surprised - people cannot comprehend more than what appears atop the surface. They refuse to look deeper; figure out the true machinations of what is portrayed in front of them. Don't you think that if this was strictly about War Games, I would have played my hand in costing OWA the match?  

(Pondering this, a hologram of the War Games match appears behind him, before turning into static.) 

It'd make sense, wouldn't it? No, this *wasn't* about not being in War Games - as much as this might be hard for you to understand: War Games was secondary to me. It was *never* my ultimate goal. Maybe it was for Isaac. Maybe that was his motivation for partaking in this. I'll let him reveal that for himself. 

(Sitting back, another hologram appears, this time of Isaac. The same one that we last saw during the Spartan's title four way back at Game Over.) 

This was about something greater than that. Something, that will ultimately lead to me exposing Finnegan for what he truly is. This week though, I shall expose you to the flames. I shall reveal, all that you have wished to hide within the pockets of your mind. For as much as you want to talk about *my* supposed failures. 

My claimed 'betrayal' of OWA, you have your own skeletons in the closet. Your own failures that I know eat away at you. Yet you accept them. You settle, with the belief that "you lose some", when you have the power. You have the ability to pull the wool from your eyes. 

(Sadistically smiling, the lighting turns into a crimson red hue.) 

Come Sunday, it will *all* come to the surface. It will all collapse as your world fades into nothingness.

(Fade)

The Spartan’s title fate lays in my hands once again.  Senor Layne, you have impressed the world with your undeniable talent and fast surge to success in your time here.  You defeated Monolith, a beast of a man who was lucky to defeat me. I was the man who allowed him to reign as much as he did, and in turn gave you the chance to take the title from him.  It doesn’t surprise me that you feel like you’re at the top of the world, but I hate to tell you that this feeling won’t be lasting too long. You’re gonna be in the ring with me, a winner; a champion who can mop the floor with you.  So let me tell you one thing and one thing only: I am gonna leave you in a puddle of blood. If I had to be honest, you’re going to be one of my toughest opponents yet and I’m feeling like taking that title for myself. Your short-term success will make me relish when I finally get the title for myself.  That’s all I’m going to say, so I hope you’re not too disappointed.

 
You know, when I said I wanted to be on talk shows, this wasn’t exactly what I had in mind. But I’m here and I appear to be the host! What a turn of events! So, who should my guest be? Well, the bill’s pretty stacked but…I do believe that I’m available for interview. Yes, what an illustrious guest for the first episode of Tonight with Nate Cage. So, tell me, Nate, how are you today?
 
I’m doing very well, Nate. How are you?
 
Ah well, can’t complain. It’s an honour to have you on as my debut guest.
 
Well, you know me, making firsts is what I do. First tag champ, first-
 
No, not this again.
 
What?
 
You, listing off your accomplishments, living in the past. Who cares? It didn’t win you God of War. It didn’t win you shit. Focus on the task at hand. Focus on that waste of space, Aria Jaxon.
 
Aria? Aria Jaxon? What haven’t I said?
 
It’s not what you haven’t said, Nate. It’s what you did say. Do you think you’re clever? Do you think that you can get under that woman’s skin?
 
Well, I-
 
Shut the fuck up. You heard what she had to say. And she was right. She hit you with a verbal assault that you are scrambling to recover from. What did you say? Talked about her vanity? How false she is? You’re becoming an unoriginal parody of yourself.
 
I don’t think I like where this interview is going.
 
Then look inside of yourself, what can you say about that woman? What can you possibly say to rebut her tirade? She embarrassed you and stated raw facts. If you lose to her, it’s over. Your momentum is dead, you’re a nobody. You’re a fucking loser. But she’s a loser, too. Do you know wh-
 
Okay, now I’m gonna need you to shut the fuck up. Calling me a loser. Calling me this and that. Aria Jaxon’s tough, she doesn’t scare easy. I know this. But the fuck did she have to say? What hollow words did she spout? She’s the odds-on favourite, is she? She’s here to make me irrelevant? Way I see it, she’s already demonstrated her failures. Everybody says that she’s all show and no go, but there wasn't any evidence then. Maybe she should actually look at her situation so that the truth sets in. SSW is dead, it’s buried. Who was the MVP of that company? Who was their inaugural heavyweight champion? Who led Phantom Troupe to victory in War Games?
 
SSW was built around Aria Jaxon. She was the chosen one. She was going to lead that company to heights hitherto unseen. She looked at her position there and figured, “Hey, I can mix it up with the Alphas in OWA.” Where the fuck is SSW now? You’re the host, you have all the answers. Where. Is. SSW?
 
It’s…it’s gone.
 
Exactly! The brand that was built around her fucking died. The SSW machine bet all their chips on the Aria Jaxon hype train and it flew off the tracks. The people who run SSW took one look at her and figured she would surely be the best candidate to represent that company. They crashed and burned and now she’s relying on OWA to keep her stock up. To me, that’s embarrassing. Yes, I lost some matches. Yes, I’m not on top of the world like I should be. But that happens. That’s the nature of this fucking business. You win some and you lose some. It’s learning to live with that, that’s what matters. But an entire company that’s built around you failing? That is a bigger loss than any wrestling match. That is a failure of all of your peers, all of your fans. The great Aria Jaxon, unable to carry the torch she thinks she's owed
 
Picture the scene: Aria Jaxon is propelled into the world title picture. She’s selected to be the bastion of OWA. She beats Finnegan Wakefield, Jacob Senn, whoever, it doesn’t fucking matter. She leads the charge, she’s the man. Buyrates start to sag, ratings go down, the Aria Jaxon Show doesn’t draw like it should. Investors get nervous. They get cagey. They wonder if going all in on Aria Jaxon was the right idea.
 
But isn’t she an investor?
 
Isn’t that the great irony? OWA is her baby in so many ways. She put up her own money to start it but knows, deep down, she can never lead it. I don’t fucking like Finnegan Wakefield, I think he’s a scrawny little cunt, but he’s really fucking good, isn’t he?
 
Well, of course…
 
He’s great! He’s a world champion who you want to build a brand around. Now try to picture Aria Jaxon, the woman who killed SSW in his stead. We’d be out of a job pretty sharpish, wouldn’t we?
 
I…
 
See? All of a sudden, my comments aren’t so weightless, are they? “Do you know how many people have said Aria Jaxon is all flash and no substance?” Oh, you mean, “Do you know how many people know the truth?” Aria, call what I say misplaced confidence all you like, SSW sure had a lot of misplaced confidence in you. Looks like confidence is your Achilles Heel. You are not able to be at the top of the heap because you don’t know what to do without guidance. I’ve watched you be fed opponents, I’m not blind. “Ask Jon McAdams, ask Isaac Thornton.” She needs to settle down. Good job, you beat those guys. I’ve beat them too. Way I see it, both those guys are now in the world title picture. The fact you beat them? Meaningless. Same goes for me.
 
Are you saying that your wins don’t matter?
 
You tell me. I’ve never even sniffed the world title picture. Aria Jaxon gets withdrawal symptoms if she isn’t being thrust into it at every waking moment, despite the fact that her last world title reign brought down an entire company.
 
You say that like she was the only person worth mentioning in SSW.
 
She was certainly presented that way. She can pontificate about “Best wrestler” this and “Best wrestler” that all she likes. She wants to talk about me being tired and repetitive? If I had a dollar for everybody who said they were the best wrestler alive, I’d have enough money to bail out SSW. CM Nas was the best and he got punked out by some nobody kid. Finn’s supposed to be the best in the world and he lost to SSW’s last top champ before they went under. Sure, at any given point, those guys could indeed be the best, but it’s all about what happens on the night. Aria Jaxon’s on an impressive win streak in this division, but you can win 10 hands of blackjack in a row, the odds of you winning the next hand remain the same. She looks at me and sees a broken shell of a man. I look at her and see opportunity. I see a woman who has thought beating me is such a foregone conclusion that I don’t think she’s mentally capable of taking a loss.
 
As far as all that “traitor” shit goes? A bounty being on her head? Bless her little cotton socks. She thinks I actually care. Aria, if I’m rewarded for taking you out then whatever, I’ll take it. But I’m not doing this out of pride. I’m not doing this to represent the OWA. You should know better than anyone that I fight for me and me alone. You don’t think I’ve ever faced anyone like you? Pet, I’ve tangled with the OWA World Champion. I’ve fought Scott fucking Oasis. As much as I hate the bastard, he has more notoriety than you as a part-timer than you do full-time. I’d like to see you have the balls to take on Wolvesden solo. You wouldn’t even get to me and Kenny. I’d throw you to JD Damon before giving you the time of day.
 
JD Damon isn’t actually in Wolvesden anymore.
 
Do I look like I fucking care? You know what? You can fuck off. This is my show now.
 
 
Aria. Your words are strong and your mentality fierce. But everything that you touch turns to ashes. That includes SSW and your precious state of California. Stepping into the ring with me is a tune-up for you? Oh, I truly, truly do hope that that’s where your headspace is at when the bell rings. Because if it is, you’re fucked. Underestimating your opponent is the most fatal mistake you can make in war. I feel like I’ve estimated you pretty well. Talented and successful but without the ability to transcend and be truly special. You’re that kid in school who studied extra hard for the test and did well, but there was always some other kid who didn’t try at all and got a higher grade than you. You are not a preternatural megastar, you seem to think that you are and that I’m a nobody. If that’s the case, why the fuck do the OWA brass think we should wrestle? Way I see it, your position in the pecking order is under severe threat and deep down, you want to lose just so you can save yourself the shame of tanking this place, too.
 
 
See you soon.
 
 

It's been far too long, but now, the moment of truth has arrived. Why? Why they ask? What makes him so special? What makes him unique? What makes him deserving of what is to come? So many questions, but only one answer. And brace yourself, because that answer isn't pleasant. The answer isn't for those that try to makes sense of the world, because at the end of it all, nothing has to make sense. Nothing truly needs a purpose. Purpose is the mere justification of one's actions, but I can assure you, there is no need to justify what is to come. 

Mace. It is unfortunately that you happened to be in the wrong place at the right time. The reality of the situation is, you aren't really that special. If you asked me what it is about you that stand out, nothing would come to mind. I saw all the faces in the crowd, and the truth is, it was just a matter of time that I'd pick a fight with just about anyone in the locker room. Whether it happens now or later, it was imminent. There is no reason. There is no equation. There is no greater plan. These things just happened and either you choose to fight it or you choose to let it happen. I hope you make the right decision before I have to make it for you. 

But yes, I suppose all this talk, but you only seek one thing. The answer. Well, you and the rest of the world will find out soon enough. Just be prepared. Be careful what you ask for, You just might get more than you bargain for, but in the heat of it all, you didn't have much of a choice. Don't forget, Mace. This is only happening because I made it happen. I want it to happen. The answer is so simple it's a little embarrassing, ....."because I can." 

Because I can..... because I can. Your torment. Your impending demise. Your legacy, everything in the palm of my hand, and all I gotta do is squeeze, ... lights extinguished..... your life, soul, and essence, a past tense at a snap of a finger.  Don't worry though. If the people didn't care for you then, when I'm done with you, they will now. You'll live on ..... in the memories..... of my legacy. That's just one of the perks of being a rival of Moongoose McQueen. You best make the most of it.

[The following scene starts off with a camera capturing Isaac's arrival to the OWA Arena. He is with his many representatives by his side, as they approach the arena's doors, but between them and the door is a puddle. Spoiler alert, Isaac isn't about to get his expensive snake shoes dirty so he looks at one of his reps and snaps his fingers. The rep puts his coat over the puddle for Isaac to walk on. A time-lapse goes by and Isaac is now sitting across from one of OWA's interviewers. They are about to start but Isaac insists they switch seats to capture his good side and the interviewer complies.]

Interviewer: Hello ladies and gentlemen! At this time, I am pleased to be joined by OWA Alpha, Isaac Thornton!!! Isaac, how are you? 

Isaac (staring at his watch): ...

Interviewer: Okay, so - 

Isaac: GOOD! I am doing good. Thanks for asking! How are you? 

Interviewer: I am doing gr-

Isaac: Okay stop! Stop right there! How do I put this nicely - hmmm,  shut the fuck up, okay?  I didn't ask for your entire life story, so shhhhhh! SHHHHHHHH! Okay, now, what do you want? 

Interviewer: I am here to ask you some questions that many people want to know the answers to. 

Isaac: Okay, then do that already, sheesh. My schedule is booked! I had to squeeze this in last minute! There goes my candlelit dinner with Gal Gadot later today - but oh well. The things I do for this company. 

Interviewer: Okay well, let's just get right into it then. Why did you and Scotty attack Finnegan Wakefield at Civil War? 

Isaac: Here's a better question: Why didn't you? 

Interviewer: Uhhhhh, because I didn't want to? 

Isaac: Okay, and I did. And there you have it. Glad we got to the bottom of this. Thanks for tuning in everybody! See you all at Kingdom!

Interviewer: Isaac, please, the people want to know why you did what you did?

Isaac (sighing): I don't mean to answer your question with a question, but why is this happening right now? I thought I made my intentions perfectly known on the last edition of Kingdom. And yet, you act as if this all came out of left field. Like I just woke up that day and say you know what? That Finnegan Wakefield? He needs to get his ass kicked today. Then again, that should happen every day, but I digress. (Isaac becomes a little frustrated) What do you want from me, huh? The inside scoop? Is that it? Okay, then tell you what - I'll let you in on a little secret, but before I do, you need to pinky swear you won't tell anyone! Come close! Closter! That's good! it's not even just about Finnegan! CRAZY RIGHT? Yeah, I followed that whisper up with a yell because I gotta keep you on your toes!  Where was I again? Oh right, Finnegan being a self-centered prick! He wants it to be all about him, so of course, he doesn't want to hear that because that little delicate princess that we have as OWA World Champ has to be the belle of the ball! Has to be the center of attention at all times, even though he refuses to wrestle on Kingdom 95 percent of the time, proving how much of a bitch he is even though people perceive him as some kind of "fighting champion" when that couldn't be any further from the truth! Let me guess, he doesn' have a match again this week? You don't even have to answer because we all know the answer already. Look, you know what? We didn't even target him. He was just in the wrong place, at the wrong time. That's all! 

Interviewer: With all due respect Isaac, you expect people to believe that?

Isaac: Why wouldn't they? Unless - are you calling me a liar? 

Interviewer (gulps): No! Of course not! So like um uhhhhh, so -

Isaac: My head hurts, My head hurts and it's all your fault! 

Interviewer: What did I do? 

Isaac: I don't know, you're asking all these questions and shit, like stop. 

Interviewer: That is kind of my job-

Isaac: Okay, and you're bad at it. You know what happens to people who are bad at their job? They get fired. So why haven't you been fired yet? Why are you still a thing? Why are you sitting across from me? Why are you even looking into my eyes? Why are you looking down at the ground now? Why are you beginning to sweat? You fear me? You think I am going to attack you!?!?! Haha, no. I am not going to attack you! But do you know who is? Scotty and here's right behind you! SCOTTY FUCK HIM UP!!!!

[The interviewer falls from his chair and takes cover, in hopes of softening any potential blow that comes his way. After ten seconds, nothing happens. The interviewer looks up and sees Scotty is nowhere to be seen as Isaac cackles.]

Isaac: Oh god, this is going to be fun. Not as fun as costing Finnegan his match at Civil War though, but close! Very, verrrrrry close! Okay, get up now. You're embarrassing yourself. But not as embarrassing as Roy and Vernon's picks to represent Team OWA! 

Interviewer: Is that what it boils down to? 

Isaac (who stops for a second so he can get his emotions in check): I'm on to Jon McAdams. 

Interviewer: Isaac, please!  Why did - 

Isaac: I'm on to John McAdams. 

Interviewer: what? 

Isaac: Sigh, nothing. Yeah, I say sigh when I actually sigh, don't judge me. But like I said, I'm on to John McAdams. 

Interviewer: What does that even mean? 

Isaac: Again, sigh. It's a meme. A thing Bill Belichick said to reporters one time. "We're on to Cincinnati." But whatever, you didn't get the reference and you ruined it. 

Interviewer: Okay, so speaking of which, you are facing Jon McAdams this week. Thoughts? 

Isaac: Oh shit? I am? I HAD NO IDEA I WAS FACING JON MCADAMS UNTIL YOU SAID SOMETHING! You ask dumb questions and you should feel bad. Just like your insights aren't insightful at all. But what are my thoughts on Jon McAdams? He's a dangerous man. Oh yeah! Because he clearly doesn't care about vitamin D. Nor does he wear kneepads. He's an absolute madman! He doesn't care about his health or his safety. He has nothing to lose. But I do. I have plenty of people who depend on me. I have plenty of other projects outside of professional wrestling. I even have another career to think about. But he has none of that. He has put all of his eggs into one basket and it has worked out great for him. I mean, not really actually, but whatever. He will face Finnegan for his world title soon and we all know Jon is gonna win that because in case you didn't know, he is undefeated against the man. And if you didn't know, he will be the first one to tell you all about it - and repeat it over and over again. For all I know, it's a huge lie, but I don't care enough to fact check because, at the end of the day, it doesn't change my life in any way, shape or form. But sure, maybe it's a fact. It might even be on a Snapple cap? But long story short, I don't care about Jon McAdams. He hasn't given me a reason to care. And I am willing to bet he never will. He's good, sure. I will give him that. But so is Alex Smith. He's good. He's boring as fuck, but he's good. He's made a Pro Bowl appearance here and there. That's something I guess? Just like Jon McAdams has won some mid-tier championships in his career. That too is something, I guess? But this isn't the first time our paths have crossed. We have faced off once before and it was a clusterfuck. Dustin Duke was a special guest referee because well, he was in a feud with Jon - just let that sink in for a moment. Just a few months ago, the great Jon McAdams was facing off against Dustin Duke, all because he was trying to avenge his loss at the hands of Dustin "Pink Slip" Duke - and now he is challenging for a world title soon. A true rags to riches story. It brings a tear to my eye! 

But yes, Dustin gave me a helping hand in that match of ours, which I did expect. Hence why I told you up front that I would barely exert any energy in the match. To your credit, you didn't give up, yadda yadda, then Aria Jaxon comes out and saves you with a chair shot to my back and you win! That's the detail you always seem to leave out, Jon. I have gone back and listened to your past few speeches. And you can't keep my name out of your mouth. I don't blame you because beating Isaac Thornton is noteworthy. So with that said, on September 9th you said, "You’re not even up to Isaac Thornton’s level and even with you as a guest referee he still got his shit kicked in and you both were left laying there like a couple of bitches I just finished on." Doesn't mention Aria anywhere. Maybe he forgot? Yeah, maybe! On September 15th, "A couple weeks back I took on Isaac Thornton. The young lad just had a world title shot not too long before but when he came up against me, even with the help of special guest referee Dustin Duke at his side he was not only soundly beaten, but embarrassingly crushed by me." Again, no mention of Aria and her chair? Maybe it just slipt past your mind? On October 3rd, "Returning to form, I first took down the former world champion challenger Isaac Thornton in what might as well have been a handicap match. He and Dustin Duke, another former competitor, tried to make quick work of me but I demolished them both." Again, no mention of Aria, who handed you your victory when Chet decided to come out, who wasn't even the official ref of the match. But you demolished me that night? What a fucking liar you are. Sweeping key details under the rug so it can make you look better. Nice! And using my name in an attempt to impress your opponents later on? Pathetic. After all these weeks, still thinking about me? Meanwhile, I haven't given you much thought because to me, you are forgettable. I said it to you last time and I still stand by it. I mean, I was only reminded of your presence when you decided to put your cape on and save the day by rescuing Finn at Civil War. Speaking of which, it had nothing to do with you, but I don't blame you for stealing the spotlight because it tends to ignore you. And I for one cannot wait to get this match over with, as I walk away with a W and go back to ignoring you. And all will be right in the world! 

[Isaac takes his microphone off his shirt and leaves. The end.]

 
 
Voiceover: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to Eye on Chicago, with your host, RICKYYYYY JOOORRRDDDAAANNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
Ricky: Hello, and welcome back to the show! Now, our next guest is really setting the world on fire in the world of women’s wrestling. She’s got a big championship match next week and a major bout tomorrow night on OWA Odyssey, which is filmed right round the corner from where we are at the Aragon Ballroom, and is broadcast live on TNT at 8/9 Central. She used to be vicious, but she’s turning over a new leaf, please help me in welcoming…NATALIE CAGE!
 
 
Natalie: Hey Ricky, thanks for having me!
 
Ricky: So Natalie, you’re a professional wrestler and really one of the main fixtures on the OWA’s all-women’s show, is that fair to say?
 
Natalie: I’d be inclined to agree.
 
Ricky: And there have been some really major developments in your division recently. But before we talk about that, I just have to address something that came out about you this week…
 
 
Ricky: So, that’s you and you’re assaulting a waiter. Kinda crazy, no?
 
Natalie: It is, it is. But you know, I’m doing a lot better I think. I’m seeing a therapist now and I’m striving to put that all behind me. And the support I’ve received from the fans has really set me on the right path.
 
Ricky: That’s a good approach, I think. You’ve developed a real reputation as somewhat of a loose cannon in OWA and I know people are questioning your recent niceties. Does that frustrate you?
 
Natalie: It does but you know what? I’m doing better than I have done in some time. I’m in a championship match, I’m getting main event spots. I feel like I’m being treated like a real star. It’s…it’s nice. I could get used to it.
 
Ricky: So your match tomorrow, big deal, huh?
 
Natalie: I’m not exaggerating when I say it might be the biggest match in the history of Odyssey. Think about it, next week is Odyssey X. It’s gonna be a stacked show and its two real marquee matches are represented here. Next week’s a double main event and you can see it all rolled into one tomorrow. And you talked about recent developments, look at what the women in this match have accomplished. My partner, Sweet Roxy and one of our opponents, TyAnna Jupiter, they’re gonna go to war for the OWA Women’s Championship. Only it won’t be called the OWA Women’s Championship, it’s gonna be the OWA Women’s World Title. It will officially be valued alongside the titles held by Finnegan Wakefield and Jacob Senn. The winner of that match will undisputedly be the best in the world. Isn’t that exciting?
 
Ricky: It is but…where does that leave you? What about your title opportunity? Do you feel like it’s lesser now?
 
Natalie: Absolutely not. No chance. If anything, it’s been bolstered. The world champ serves as the figurehead, but anyone who knows wrestling knows that you need a workhorse. And that’s what the Goddesses Title will be. I want to be the woman who people look at and say, “She busts her arse more than anyone else in her division. She’s the champ who runs shi-", can I swear?
 
Ricky: Ha!
 
 
Ricky: But let’s hear some more about your opponents. Because they’ve had some choice words for you this week.
 
Natalie: They have?
 
Ricky: Well, umm they cut some…promos, is it?
 
Natalie: Haha, yeah the promo, a wrestler’s greatest weapon!
 
Ricky: Don’t you think they came with some deep cuts?
 
Natalie: Not even remotely.
 
 
Natalie: I’m just telling it like it is. I’m not going into this match to make friends, I’m going into it to take names. TyAnna and Dulce are the top of the pile and they’ve earned it. But that means they have to sacrifice hunger. They were hungry once, but their belts have fulfilled and nourished them. What did Dulce Torres really say to me this week? One-dimensional, aimless, directionless spiel with no weight, no meaning. She practically read off my Wikipedia page and repeated some things I said about my career. Then she came out with that underdog crap, about how she shouldn’t be where she is, how she has the world against her.
 
 
Natalie: Dulce, you need to grow up. You’re the champion, act like it. Take some pride in your work. Cut the pity party nonsense that nobody’s buying and talk to me like a woman. You’re supposed to be among the best and you undersell yourself. I think you’re right, I am stronger than you, faster than you, more effective in the ring. Difference is that you won’t find a way to win, this week or next. I’m coming for you, Torres, be ready.
 
Ricky: Strong, strong words there. But Dulce’s not your only problem!
 
Natalie: Oh, you mean TyAnna? Look, we all know I admire her skills. We all know that I respect her. But weren’t you bored to tears by what she had to say? “Oh, I humbled you, Natalie. I’m the best. I’m the meanest. I’m everyone’s favourite.” Same old, same old. We’ve heard this tale before and if she’s not careful, Roxy might be OWA’s first ever Women’s World Champion. Count on that. TyAnna, she’s great but selfish. The idea of another human being existing outside of her bubble? Having their own life? It’s foreign to her. She looks at my attitude change and thinks she played a part. I’m my own woman and I was in a toxic, horrible place. I chose to make a change because I have agency. TyAnna does not speak for all women, as much as she likes to think that she does. So yeah, I like her but that doesn’t mean I have to agree that she’s got the keys to the kingdom and can never lose them.
 
Ricky: You know that if you lose tomorrow night, you’re gonna look kinda foolish, right?
 
Natalie: That’s always a possibility. But I can bounce back from defeat. I don’t know if Dulce and TyAnna can. TyAnna boasts about never being pinned and submitted all the time. You know something? Neither have I. But when I do take that first loss, and that’s when, not if - I'm a realist - I’ll be able to take it. I’ll have prepared myself. TyAnna? I don’t know if I can say the same. Sometimes, I think that woman’s too talented for her own good.
 
Ricky: And your partner, former OWA Women’s Champion Roxy, what did you think of her words?
 
Natalie: Roxy is Roxy. She came out and did her thing. She’s good at being the most irritating woman alive and you know, I’d rather have her on my side. How cool would it be to see us win tomorrow and then both take home title gold next week? This match could define a new era for women’s wrestling, people need to realise that. So I’ll tag with Roxy. I’ll be her partner. For one night only, I’ll even be her friend. That’s what I do, I adapt. I’m walking into this match with everything riding on it. Who’s going to take me seriously as a challenger for the title if I can’t get the W? Nobody, that’s who. But look at the opportunity I’m presented with, if I pin someone in this match, I’ll be pinning a champion. That raises my stock to such a level that I’ll be undeniable as a top name. I’m taking the steps to make myself bigger than I already am, that means I’ll be working harder than the big stars I’m sharing the spotlight with.
 
Ricky: And there you have it, time to open this up to the crowd now, I believe we have a few questions for you to answer. Yes, you sir.
 
Are you going to deliver on what I have asked? Will Dulce Torres suffer?
 
 
You’re not going to slap me again, are you? YouTube is one thing, but this is live TV.
 
Natalie: I’m not going to do anything other than ask you to get out of my life.
 
That’s no way to talk to your big brother. What would mum say?
 
Natalie: She’d say what she said ten years ago, that you’re fucking crazy and need help. Don’t you have your own match to focus on? Bounce back from losing to Bull fucking Connors?
 
Watch your tongue, sis. Just because I love you, doesn’t mean I won’t hurt you. My match is my business, but this match? I want you to do right by our dynasty. After I beat Aria Jaxon, a title shot will surely be on the horizon for me. Once you beat Dulce, we’ll be unstoppable.
 
Natalie: You had a title, Nate. You lost it. You were one match away from a world title shot, you lost that as well. I’m done with Wolvesden and I’m done with you. I’m not winning this belt because of my last name, I’m winning it because I want it.
 
You can’t run from the truth forever, Nat. You’ll always be a Cage and sooner or later, you’ll realise that family is forever.
 
 
Ricky: Natalie? Natalie? Are you still with us?
 
Natalie: I…I’m sorry. I have a lot of stuff I need to work out.
 
Ricky: You wanna sign us off?
 
Natalie: Gladly! Tune into OWA Odyssey tomorrow night, 8/9 Central on TNT! We’ve got a great card that’s headed up by the biggest main event to date! You can’t miss it!
 
Ricky: From all of us here at Eye on Chicago, I’m Ricky Jordan, and we’ll see you so-
 

 
 
Natalie: Is this entirely necessary? I don’t normally go to places like this. I know you’re trying to help me but it all feels a bit much.
 
???: This is why you hired a publicist, isn’t it? You’ve cultivated an incredibly negative image in your time in OWA, Natalie. I’m here to help you redefine who you are without sacrificing your personality. You don’t have to change who you are, but we do need to change how you are perceived. Going to respectable establishments such as this and shedding that “backwoods militia cult” vibe you had going on is an important step.
 
Natalie: I guess you’re right. I mean, you’re the expert. I just…I don’t feel like myself. You saw Odyssey this week. Dulce Torres hasn’t done anything to me. I have no reason to hold hate in my heart for her. But as soon as I saw her, the red mist it just…descended. I wanted to do nothing more than rip her limb from limb. Some sort of primal instinct kicked in and I knew in that moment that all I wanted was to batter her. I’ve got the most important match in my career coming up, there’s a lot riding on this. In a very short space of time, I’ve been thrust into the main event of the Odyssey brand. I keep being given the responsibility of closing the show and sending everybody home happy. Since leaving my old life behind, I’ve become beloved, admired. I’m not used to it. I’ll get off the plane at the airport and little girls will be waiting there for me, wearing my t-shirt and begging for an autograph. I’ve got women posting pictures of themselves on social media dressing up as me for Halloween. I don’t think I was built to handle this. Nate…he was always able to tune it all out. Ignore what people thought of him, good or bad. But I’m not as cruel or detached as him, I want to be something to someone. I want people to believe in me.
 
Publicist: That’s why I’m here. I can help you refine who you are. I can teach you to carry yourself like the star I know you are. To be the hero to the little girls and the grown women. You have a unique appeal, Natalie. TyAnna Jupiter, Dulce Torres, Roxy? They’re all traditionally attractive ladies and that’s fine. Men find them hot and like to placate their disgusting fantasies about them. You? You appeal to a totally different demo. You’re alternative, edgy, you’re good-looking but in an almost threatening way. Those women are who guys will tell their parents they’re taking out on a date when in reality, they’re seeing you.
 
Natalie: You know that I don’t like men, right?
 
Publicist: That’s the appeal! You’re unobtainable! A prize for them to envy!
 
Natalie: I’m not a prize. I’m a person. You keep talking about me like I’m a commodity, something you can package and sell to the masses. Well, I’ll never be that. I’m Natalie Cage and that’s all I can ever be.
 
Publicist: Of course you’re a person! But you’re in showbiz, girl! You’re appearing on TV every week to a worldwide audience! You wanna be an icon? You’ve gotta embrace the stardom like the other women do! Let’s talk about your match this week, you’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the stars! You’re the only woman in that match that hasn’t held gold, but a title is absolutely in your future if you play your cards right.
 
Natalie: My match? This match is huge, truly. The longest-reigning women’s champ on my side and a damn supergroup opposite. Both of Odyssey’s champions as a single tandem. I can’t help but feel like I’m out of place, you know? Those women, they’re stars. And I know I’m getting more and more exposure but I’m not on their level. Look, I don’t like Roxy, pretty sure I hate her, actually. But she’s next level. She got the winning pin in the Brody Sparks Tribute match, a match I wasn’t even in on a card I wasn’t booked for. She was a prolific women’s champion who laid the foundation for our brand. I’m fully prepared to co-exist with her and leave my ego at the door because I’ve put the past behind me, but can she trust me? I mean, why should she? I’ve made a lot of enemies, too many. Stupid habit I picked up from my brother.
 
 
Have you decided on your order, ladies?
 
 
Natalie: I…I…AHHHH
 
 
Natalie: STAY OUT OF MY LIFE! WHY CAN’T YOU LET ME BE HAPPY?!
 
 
Publicist: NATALIE! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?! LEAVE HIM ALONE!
 
 
Manager: Ladies, I’m going to have to ask you to leave and not come back, or I’ll call the police. I’m only allowing you this much leeway as one of you is among our most valued clientele.
 
 
Publicist: WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?! THIS IS THE KIND OF SHIT I’VE TOLD YOU ABOUT! YOU NEED TO CONTROL YOUR ANGER AND NOT ASSAULT MEMEBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC!
 
Natalie: I…I saw him.
 
Publicist: Saw who?!
 
Natalie: My brother. He…he was right there, where the waiter was standing. He was as real as you are right now. He’s following me. If not him, his spectre. He’s like a ghost.
 
Publicist: Natalie, you’re delusional.
 
Natalie: You don’t know him! He’s smart, he’s dangerous. He will mould anybody to his will. He breaks people, takes something from them. Why do you think so many people follow his word? Why do you think Kenny Drake sees so much in him? He’s evil, pure fucking evil.
 
Publicist: Can we please get a cab or something? I am NOT properly equipped for this weather!
 
Natalie: No, not until you hear what I have to say. This Saturday means the world to me, I want you to know that. I’m taking it seriously, I’m not the crazy bitch that the world sees me as. I’ve done horrible things. TyAnna Jupiter is a woman I aspire to be like one day. Maybe not the beauty queen type that she is portrayed as, but an icon. An inspiration. Last time I was in the ring with her, I tried to bite her nose off. I tried to cripple her manager. Not a day goes by when I look at all that needless pain I caused and live in regret. TyAnna is the very best and I know that I have the potential to be on her level. Winning this match is step one, do you understand?
 
Publicist: And with MY guidance…
 
Natalie: NO! You’ve never stepped foot in the ring! You’re very good at spinning things, I get that. You can make me all squeaky clean and pretty for the people, but it’s my responsibility to rack up wins. It’s my responsibility to put away the most threatening duo ever assembled in my division. Two champions, my opponent for next week and an old foe. A woman I’ve written off as a hated enemy by my side. Do you not see that I have the toughest job of anyone in that match? Win or lose, my opponents are still champions. Roxy’s legacy is already secure, she won the title when she was just 18 years old! What about Nat? What about Natalie Cage? The violent, weirdo dyke girl who doesn’t belong. That’s what they think of me. You talk about my niche appeal, you talk about men being frustrated because they can’t fuck me. Do you hear yourself? You don’t even talk like a real person! Bringing you in was a mistake, I just need to be me. I need to fight like I always do.
 
Publicist: No, you need to do what I tell you to do. That’s why you hired me! I’ve booked you for a local talk show before Odyssey airs and I really think you should consider doing it. You can show the world that you’re not a joke!
 
 
Natalie: You mean so I can prove I’m a joke? So they can post the clips of what I just did to YouTube? “OWA’s Natalie Cage goes CRAZY in Restaurant Scuffle!” I’ll be a laughing stock. They’ll make fun of me, “hashtag NatalieTheCrazyBitch,” that’s what’ll be trending tomorrow. Nobody will be talking about me turning over a new leaf. Maybe that’s what I should be. The world clearly wants crazy Natalie. They want the mad lady who slices her own face open when she doesn’t get her way!
 
 
Publicist: Natalie, that wasn’t you. It was never you. That was your brother’s toxic influence. He did this to you. But you can be fixed, I know a great therapis-
 
Natalie: I’m done with you, we’re done. I’m going to show up on Saturday and do my business. I need this win more than all three of those women put together. I need to prove to the world that I am not defined by Wolvesden, by my brother, by any of the attributes that have been assigned to me since I started doing this thing. You don’t know me and you don’t want to. You want to wheel me out to the public and present me like some sort of prized pony. You want me to be in a photoshoot with my opponents, smile at them and be their best friend. You want me to exist for the spirit of competition. Call me selfish, but I just want to earn wins and make something of my life. These women have done that already, they all think I’m less than them. But I’ll prove you and them wrong. I’ll get the win this week, and I’ll win the title next week. And I’ll do it without you. I’ll do it because I set my mind to it, because I made the choice to be a little selfish for once and not bend to the wills of men with an agenda. You haven’t seen the things that I have and you don’t want to. The stories I have would make you bolt and never want to see me again. I guarantee it.
 
 
Natalie: Get her far away from me.
 
 
You know what you have to do. Kill. Kill. KILL!
 
 
Natalie: NO, NOOOOOOO-
 

 
 
I had greatness within my grasp. My hands were clutched around the throat of destiny. I left this place to remove all distractions, to find my inner beast. Yes, I defeated stiff competition, but it doesn’t matter. I lost to Bull Connors. Bull. Fucking. Connors. I don’t know if I can ever live that down. It was my time. I was to be the first God of War. It was tailor made for me and I fucked it all up. Now my own family has abandoned me, and Kenny Drake doubts my leadership skills.
 
 
This bourbon is from 1897. Distilled just five miles down the road from here. It’s part of Kenny’s personal collection. My first night, he saw to it that this bottle was placed in my office. While I don’t participate in the consumption of alcohol, I recognise the prestige of possessing such a valuable item. It’s a sign of power, of wealth.
 
 
This fucking thing.
 
 
Oak? The OWA really spared no expense with their “Best Loser” award. Looks like it’ll be a while before this burns.
 
 
Oh, Bull, aren’t you a special one? He beat me, fair and fucking square. I removed any excuse I could have. I had no distractions, my head was clear. I was of a perfectly balanced body and mind. Simply put, I wasn’t good enough. I let the smoke and mirrors bullshit get to my head. I focused more on flashy outfits and procuring the services of musicians to announce my arrival. Bull came out with nothing and that was all he needed. I’ve played the scenario out in my head a thousand times. I’ve lost sight of the purity of what I do. The old ways have been forgotten. I’ve betrayed myself.
 
No Natalie to talk to. Kenny? I don’t even know what he’s doing anymore. He’s left me to my own devices while he tries to exorcise the demons of his past.
 
 
For you, sis.
 
 
Crazed psychopath recluse who listens to classical music to scare people. I’m such a fucking cliché.
 
 
I assure you, it all has a purpose. Life is all about purpose. If you’re roaming this Earth and don’t have something that you’re dedicating your life to, you might as well be dead. You should be in the cold, hard ground to make room for another human life who could serve some use to humanity. What’s my purpose? It was to be God of War, Bull saw fit to ruin that. Now? Now, I do believe I have a higher calling. That calling has a name: Dulce Torres.
 
Therapist: Not this again, Natalie. We can’t work through your underlying problems by ignoring the obvious.
 
Natalie: The obvious? This is my job, doc. It’s how I make my living. And this woman is the source of my pain. I want to be good, I want to stop the sickness that’s inside of me. But every time I see her…I want to destroy her. I don’t know why, it’s an irrational AHHHHH!!!!!
 
Can you hear me, sister? Can you feel my presence? Dulce Torres is a cancer. A maggot that must be stamped out-
 
…so you earned your Civil War victory, Aria. Well done. I had to sit in the back and watch as the show ended with your fucking infuriating presence being the last thing I saw before the screen faded to black. Aria Jaxon, OWA’s golden goose. You hold all the cards, don’t you Aria? You haven’t lost a match since graduating to the Alpha division.
 
Natalie: I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me…I…I think I saw my brother.
 
Therapist: Nate has no idea where you are, Natalie, he can’t get you here.
 
Natalie: But it felt so real…
 
I mean, you’ve run through everybody, haven’t you? You’re a one-woman army who’s out to claim world title gold and you’re laying waste to everyone with even a sniff of name recognition, aren’t you? And I watched your little promo way back when. You listed off the people you wanted to take out. Your little hitlist. A list that I was on. You dared allow my name to pass your lips. You thought that I’d give a shit that you wanted to face me. Let me guess, you’re a legend and I’m a footnote. You’re going to “raise my stock” and “make me relevant” by my having the honour of sharing the spotlight with you. That’s what Aria Jaxon’s all about. Bright lights, money, power, fame, titles. Materialistic to a fault. And I can relate. Because I want what you have, Aria Jaxon. I want the talk shows, the fortune, the accolades. People who claim they’re in this business to perform and to fight are kidding themselves. If you’re not here to have everyone listen to what you have to say, then you can fuck right off.
 
 
Natalie: How do you know he can’t find me though? You don’t know him like I do. Once he wants something, he will not stop at finding and destroying it. He’s a violent, aggressive man and I helped turn him into one. I enabled his behaviour for so long and I know he’s not going to accept me leaving him. There’s no way on God’s green Earth that he takes this well.
 
Your time’s done, Aria. People fear you because of your reputation, you’re a legend by context at this point. I don’t think of some sort of industry veteran who’s going to give me the ultimate test when I see you. I see someone who simply doesn’t have the balls to step to Nate Cage. You’re less than half my size and double my ego. Oh, but I know, you’ve spent your entire career battling men who are bigger than you, stronger than you, no matter what, you’ve had the last laugh. The thing is, you play the same game I’ve been playing my whole life. We’re in the same racket, Aria, whether you’d like to admit it or not.
 
Your strategy heading into Civil War was most impressive, it certainly worked better than mine did. You played sides against each other, you had everyone questioning your loyalty and before anyone even knew what the fuck happened, you snatched victory away. It’s a good thing I’ve come to realise loyalty is bullshit. Meaningless.
 
Natalie Cage: But he’s by brother! I’m biologically obligated to be loyal to him!
 
Therapist: No, you’re not. He controlled you. He hurt you. He’s a manipulative and ill man. But you’re stronger than him. Because you had the strength to explore the annals of your mind to work out why you are the way you are. He’s never done such a thing.
 
Kingdom, Olympus, OWA, SSW. They’re all different sides of the same coin, aren’t they? “Fight this person, get paid. Travel to this venue, check into the hotel, get some hours in at the gym and go out to perform to the world.” The great pantomime that everyone takes a bit too seriously. I’m done with the pantomime. I’m done with the flash, the grandeur. Right now, my only care in the world is ripping out your hair extensions and throttling you with them. Watching the life fade from your eyes, realising it’s hard to talk shit when you can’t fucking breathe. I need to get back on track and it’s going to be at your expense, Aria. Sure, you’ve got the ability to beat me. Fuck, if BULL CONNORS can beat me, you damn sure can. Because you’ve got more talent in a single false nail than he does in his 266 lb, obese body.
 
You know what though? Everyone’s talented. Everyone’s got one single thing that they’re great at. Hell, the homeless have turned panhandling into a damn artform. You’re great at conning people. You’re great at spinning everything in your favour. You get inside people’s heads. Make them doubt themselves. You’re a master wordsmith with an acid tongue who rules through reputation. I like the hustle, I really do. There’s a version of this world out there where we’re mates, beating the shit out of whatever poor bastard pisses us of. But I live in this world, in reality, Where I doubt anyone’s giving me a chance to put you away. It’s a shame that I don’t concern myself with the opinions of people who are entertained by bright colours and flashy costumes like a fucking baby.
 
Natalie: But he’s literally been there since I was a baby. Our parents were busy people, he practically raised me. He encouraged me to join the Royal Navy. That was the most fulfilling time of my life. I made friends, had comradery. I had…purpose.
 
Therapist: “Had?” Do you not have a purpose? You have a championship opportunity. In fact, aren’t you going to be the first woman to compete for both titles in your division?
 
Natalie: My brother would no doubt boast about how that’s “history.” He’s obsessed with making his mark at the risk of his own wellbeing. I’m scared that he’s pushing himself too far.
 
History. History, Aria. The first person to hand you a loss in OWA’s Alpha division. The fourth mark in my arm will not come at the hands of someone whose key, defining personality trait is that they idolise Beyoncé.
 
Natalie: I guess he does have some connection with the real world. He loves movies. He smiles when he’s watching a good movie. Laughs. He almost seems human. Have you heard of Run the Jewels?
 
Therapist: I can’t say that I have.
 
Natalie: They’re a rap group, he loves them. Some would say he even idolises them. He won’t admit it but he’s fully aware of popular culture and the world around him.
 
You’re a pop culture icon according to some, you’re a fruit fly to me. An irritating little thing that needs to buzz towards those bright lights and be fried to a fucking crisp. I’m the man with the zapper.
 
 
I think I broke my record player.
 
Natalie: I believe he can be a big star, but he’s willing to destroy himself for it. I mean, he DID have a match with Aria Jaxon last week and…I’m sorry, but the music in here is so distracting. Could you please turn it off?
 
Therapist: You don’t like Beethoven?
 

---

Doctor Straffen: Can you tell me your name?
















Doctor Straffen: Reginald, you're telling me they are here with us. I am merely asking you how many of them are here.

---

The Flower Sparkles in front of the Wolf

[Kiara sits alone, within the confines of what appears to be a "locker room" of sorts, although it could also be a study, with what we're calling "lockers" really being filing cabinets. Either way, she is seated atop a metallic blue office chair.] 

I don't know how to express myself right now. I truly don't. If you had told me when I first walked through the doors here, that I would be in line for a shot. A chance to call myself "Queen of the ring" this early into my career, I would have laughed you off; told you to "stop lying to me". 

I know, I know - I call myself the "Sparkling flower" and this is evidence that I am indeed sparkling, but still. *This* quickly? Especially when I can admit, I haven't really "proven" myself in the industry just yet. I haven't really staked the best claim for this position. 

[Bowing her head, her mind still ponders the "big" losses that she has received over the time she's been in the ring. Namely the ones to Sweet Roxy and Eris.] 

Yet at the same time, "It's not always about the result, it's about the fight," as Emily and Rikki remind me. As they hammer it inside of my mind. And regardless of whether I win, or lose - you know that I'm not just going to lay down and die. I'm not a girl who simply allows herself to be daunted. To be intimidated by the occasion that confronts her. That's not how mum and dad raised me. That's not how Miranda taught me. That's not how I moulded myself. 

[Soft breaths leave her lips, as her confidence shines through with every word. A stark contrast from the nervous and shy Kiara that we had seen when we first met her. A sign of her development as she has become more comfortable within a wrestling climate.] 

Take this week for example. I know a few months ago, I would have been afraid. Almost frightened to speak, knowing exactly what Diantha is capable of. Knowing fully, that she could easily break me between those ropes but right now - there's no fear. There's no me being afraid of her. No being scared to look her directly in the eye; tell her that I am going to bring the fight. That as much as she can pride herself on brutality. On violently terrorising those around her, she won't be doing that to me. I can promise that right now. For this is the stage where my flower. My light. My passion, truly shines. Where you all see, just what I am capable of. Where you all find out, just why I plan on grasping this opportunity and making it count most. Just as I did on the track. Just as I did getting into this position. 

[Kiara simply smiles, allowing her eyes to gently glow with passion.] 

You want to try your intimidation games. You want to try and put the fear of Wolvesden into me? I invite you to try - it's not going to work. It's not going to make me afraid. It's not gonna stop me from taking you on head on. No matter what. For the flower is starting to bloom. And soon, they will all, just like you, realise that this isn't the Kiara you thought I was. No, this is the most dangerous Kiara you have ever seen. 

[Cutely smirking, she laughs at her own comment as we fade to nothingness.]

After his defeat against Kenny Drake, Carlos Rosso went into seclusion, trying to figure out answers as to why his plans for Civil War failed. Mao, absolutely horrified that Carlos went somewhere without alerting even her to his whereabouts asks the man that they arranged to have freed from prison to assist Carlos in his plan to overwhelm and conquer all of OWA starting with Olympus: Elijah Stewart. The towering, dark-haired psychopath was able to track down Carlos pretty easily. Sometimes it’s not a matter of knowing where someone wants to go….it’s simply remembering where they have already been.

[Somewhere in Baton Rouge, Louisiana]

In a rundown, abandoned building, Carlos sits alone inside the gym, simply staring off into space. Elijah opens the door and trudges in, taking a look around in an expression that was half confused and half amused. Noticing a row of dented steel chairs, he picks one up and starts to bang on the floor with it, but Carlos doesn’t move at all, still staring ahead. Elijah eventually opens the chair up and sits right in front of Carlos, staring down at the man who helped him regain his freedom.

Elijah: Well, look at you. You don’t do the whole “accept defeat gracefully” well, do ya? 

Carlos:.........

Elijah: That fat boy, the one who bumped into you at Civil War? He’s lucky as fuck that I wasn’t in charge. I would have cut his heart out and eaten it. You have all these people under your command, but they’re not soldiers. They are weak. Pathetic. Worthless. A disgrace to all you stand for. 

Carlos: …………

Elijah: Didn’t your buddy Donovan do this same shite for like half a year? Not talk? 

Carlos:..........

Elijah: Look, It’s not my business if you’re going to try to build yourself a little flock here. I mean, not that long ago you trained me how to be a wrestler. You even were gracious enough to help me get out of prison...again. But, the morale of your little weaklings is low and your little bitch….

[For the first time the entire conversation Carlos actually looks at Elijah, a death glare of a warning for mentioning Mao that way.]

Elijah: Fine, your “manager”, sent me looking for you. So, why back here? 

Carlos: ……...I like to come here to focus. This old dusty, drafty place reminds me of all the struggles that I had to get where I am today...and inspire me to go even further. 
Elijah: You know you have a match scheduled soon, I assume. Something about Judas. I recognize that cunt. 

Carlos: I know. And I don’t care about the opponent. Do you know what I’ve been through the last few months? I have been stonewalled by Wolvesden at every turn. I was removed from the Civil War Wargames match so people like Judas could satisfy their egos. They decided against someone who was experienced and skillful in War Games and reaped what they sewed. Even though I lost to Kenny, I just look at them and feel that even with that minor victory they are as weak as they have ever been. If we move now, we can wipe them all out. BUT….I do recognize what has to be done first. Judas seems to be struggling to find his sense of self. He rightly thinks of himself as a failure, a disgrace, a mistake. 

Elijah: And who are you exactly? I thought you were Carlos Rosso, a tiger, a storm, a hell-raising bastard who let his fists do the talking. 

Carlos: I know who I am. I know what I am. And I know what needs to be done to make the Unchained stronger. But I cannot do this alone. It will require all of us pushing ahead, working towards making My dream wrestling world a reality. Bringing you here didn’t seem to set them straight, so I’m going to have to.

Elijah: You seem more concerned about tending to your little flock of sheep than you are eliminating Judas. 

Carlos:.....I don’t have a one track mind like you, Elijah. I do have the ability to focus on one task at a time. In fact, I want to actually take care of two chores at once. 

Elijah: How so? 

Carlos; We’re going to thin the herd. In more ways than one. 

Elijah: Cryptic statements annoy the fuck outta me. You know that, mate.

Carlos: I don’t care.

[Carlos stands up, walking around the old ring, checking it out to see if it’s still sturdy and functional since the last time he visited.]

Carlos: Elijah, do you know how I got to the top of the wrestling world? I didn’t get too high when I was on top, and I did my best not to get too frustrated when I hit rock bottom. People like Judas, like the Wolves, like Nas and Senn and all the others, they are such megalomaniacs that they aren’t looking at the long term picture. They aren’t looking at what they’re leaving behind. You remember the last organization that you and I were in. You saw how the old men rotted the core out and left no strong seeds left to bear fruit. It was a wasteland almost completely devoid of talent. That’s not happening here. The only way to keep wrestling moving forward is to give it a unified vision, a focus, a channeling of energy. My proteges are ready now. There’s not going to be anymore hand holding from here out...not from me, not from Mao.

Elijah: The little bastards can expect none from me. You already know that.

Carlos: I’ll end Judas. Quickly, mercifully. Not because he deserves a peaceful demise, but he’s not worth the time of getting frustrated over. He knows that Strong style Wrestling managed to pull the wool over OWA’s eyes, something that I would have never allowed had I been able to participate in War Games.

Elijah: There’s one more problem that I think you need to get to grips with. I mean...you saw it yourself at Civil War. I saw it in the back. I know why you’re intent on destroying Wolvesden before you do anything else. You’re just frustrated that they got to her first. You know what I’m talking about too, don’t you?

[Carlos’s blank, emotionless stare turned back to Elijah, who simply stared back with a sadistic smile.]

Carlos: That’s not your fucking concern. I’ll worry about Judas and my team. You just do your job when it’s required of you, or you’ll go back to fighting the Aryan Brotherhood over commissary and who can use the monkey bars during recreation time. Do we understand each other? 

Elijah: Yes. And that’s more like the Carlos Rosso who trained me!

(Camera shows a white room where The Goose is sitting for an interview in a straight jacket)
 
Goose: Hi, I’m Moongoose McQueen. Or as people like to refer to me as “The Goose.” People are probably wondering what I’ve been doing during the week of Civil War. Well, I’ve been hanging out with my kids, my boys, my step brother and twin sister more, and upping my stalking game.
 
“Stalking game?” What is that about? Well, not too long ago, a young straggler, Mace happened to be in the wrong place in the wrong time, and they got my attention. However, despite taking the time of tormenting him on a weekly basis, I still haven’t gotten that feeling of fear that I want from him. I still want the attention you simply can’t get from getting involved in their business every instances you can. Being the loud and flashy man that I am known for, I wanted to learn every trick in the book and resort to stealth and intimidation.
 
Of course, being the public figure that I am, I had to learn how to blend in with my surroundings.. I didn’t want to get recognized or bothered. So I had the boys fashion me a jump suit and a creepy white faceless mask that I want to say is of Jon McAdams, but who knows. But in a week or so, my stalking game was on point. You wouldn’t see me hiding in the bushes, in the shadows, in the closet, etc.
 
Now of course, there were some complications.
 
 
Revy: As twins, we have what people might call a “psychic link.” Now Goose being the dumb ass that he is would try that shit on me, and I gotta say, that mouth breathing hack got shot multiple times.
 
Goose: Yeah, that did happen. She shot me multiple times, but being that it was Revy, I knew to wear the bullet proof vest. In fact, here is a footage of one of our encounters.
 
(Security Cam show The Goose in stalker gear slowly creeping up on Revy from behind, but Revy spins around. Does a karate taunt before delivering a crane kick, sending Goose flying out the window.)
 
 
 Revy: Busta Revy still Bust’n Asses!!
 
Goose: I’m not even mad she shot me multiple times, kicked me out the window, or lit me on fire. I mean, you know the old expression, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” And I feel like I can survive anything now that I’ve actually went toe to toe with someone that might actually want to kill me.
 
Revy: You’re a horrible brother.
 
Goose: Aw, I love you too.
 
Narrator: But that wasn’t all that was too it, as The Goose’s psychiatrist half brother felt the need to step in and get involved.
 
Shimmer: As much as I loved the fact those two have gotten a better relationship, this isn’t healthy. I mean, I’ve essentially grown up with the man, I’ve seen what he is capable of, and when I look into those eyes, you see a monster, and if I had to be honest, as a practitioner in the field of psychology, we really should not allow this man out her with civilian, but he is my brother, so I will make the horrible decision of essentially enabling him.
 
Narrator: You heard that right, Shimmer had to step in when possible when Moongoose took things too far.
 
Boy 1: Yeah, Moongoose took us along for his rides. We would hold cameras from the back seat as he would pick random pedestrians to “up” his stalking game, and Uncle Shimmer had to explain the situation, but when a huge ass guy in black and gold paint comes at you, I guess you can say, he succeeded with going un-noticed, because nobody believed Shimmer and they either tased him, pepper sprayed him, and got kicked in the testicles.
 
Boy 2: What’s crazy is how quickly he got back up from them. But if Shimmer didn’t get involved, who knew what would had happened.
 
Goose: I might had just tickled them, is all. I mean, I know the difference between Mace and innocent civilians, I don’t know why Shimmer felt the need to get involved.
(Camera shows Shimmer and Revy sitting in a chair for the interview)
 
Shimmer: I had Revy on call at all times to snipe him with a tranquilizer if needed.
 
Revy: Yep.
 
Shimmer: The thing about Moongoose is, he is dissociated with right and wrong, and because of that, he is a convicted felon, having assaulted people believing he is right.
 
Revy: Yep
 
Shimmer: He doesn’t seem to understand that stalking people is wrong, even if it’s to improve his craft in the wrestling ring, and that things aren’t like they were back in 1978. You tickle a woman, that’s sexual harassment.
 
Revy: Mhmmm.
 
Shimmer: For his safety, we went ahead and put him in a psych ward to make sure he doesn’t hurt anyone else. I tried to get this one in too, but they wouldn’t take her in.
 
Revy: Yep.
 
Narrator: So Moongoose McQueen was submitted into an insane asylum, however, this did not go without complications as well as The Goose was constantly Loose.
 
Shimmer: He kept escaping, and each time he did, he would celebrated with a sadistic grin on his face.
 
Goose: Funny story. I thought they got me committed because it was kind of a test of sorts to see how resourceful I can become, and I actually believed this was all part of the “training.”
Shimmer: Yeah, yeah. He told me that. And when they evaluated him, Goose didn’t say much, which is a shocker, considering he never really shuts up. It’s scary to know what he might had been plotting.
 
Revy: As a twin, I know what he was thinking. He was wondering if mayonnaise was an instrument.
 
The Goose: It’s not.
 
Narrator: After his release from the psych ward, Moongoose returned to his home to prepare for his return to Kingdom.
 
(Camera shows The Goose on the phone talking to someone)
 
Goose: Hello? Hey, I’m looking for babysitters. … Yeah, I have twins, 2 boys, a grown ass man, and an alcoholic sister that I need someone to watch on Sunday. .. Look, I know that sounds like a lot and it’s a bit ridiculous, but I’ll pay a lot….. I don’t know, $100,000? …… You’ll do it?! .. Great!...... But one more question…. Is she white?
 
(Camera shows Goose, Shimmer, Revy, and the Boys sitting in a chair to an awkward silence)
 
Goose: Revy is…. Kind of racist, so I figured it would be easier.
 
Revy:Yep.
 
(Camera shows The Goose)
 
Narrator: Well, with that said, it looks like The Goose had a busy week away from OWA, but I guess you can say, “OWA had their own Michael Myers.”
 
Goose: Sorry? I’m don’t get that. What does the guy that played Shrek and Austin Powers have to do with this?
 
Narrator: It’s a reference to Civil War this week and the Halloween franchise.
 
Goose: Didn’t see them, I was in the psychward for about a week. And um…. Halloween franchise?
 
Narrator: Ok? Then what is next for the Goose.
 
Goose: I feel better than ever, and. it’s time to get back to work, and really do the things I enjoy doing. Making Mace’s life a living hell, have my career killed and keep coming back and rebooting myself, who knows, maybe I’ll start a cult and completely add more to the mystery and fuckery that is myself. You know? With the Goose, you’re going to get unpredictable. I’m not afraid to try something different, but you know, it might be a good idea to try to go back to a simpler time, where instead of having a reason to do everything, you just go and do it because you can.
 
Narrator: And is that the plan you have going into the Heaven’s Den Ranch Free For All Match for Kingdom?
 
Goose: The what now?
 
(10 mins later, after a quick google search)
 
Goose: I couldn’t find it, but is Mace gonna be there? Please tell me he is gonna be there. Notice me, Mace-senpai! I will kill everyone there just to get to you. I mean, I mean that metaphorically, kind of. You never know in this profession, but just know, I’m still coming for ya. I might have to beat every single person on that roster. I might have to pin CASPIAN to the wall, or strangle Layne to get to you. Hell, even the hosts themselves aren’t safe. Except for Aria. I don’t fuck with Aria. But for everyone else, you do anything to Mace? You take my rival away from me, you best hope your life is worth that measly $100,000. I’m in it because All work and no play makes Goose a very dull boy. Whatever, I’m not crazy. You’re crazy! Red Drum! Red Drum! WHO DO I HAVE TO KILL TO GET BOOKED AROUND HERE?!!
 
(The camera goes to static as the screen bleeds into the text, “The Goose is Loose…..Happy Halloween”)