NFW Collision #189!

Immediately after the opening reel and commentary introduction, the cameras find General Manager, Jessica Clarkson-Morian backstage in her office; the woman working feverishly on her computer. While she looks a bit frustrated, a knock on her open door draws her attention and she manages a smile.

Jessica Clarkson-Morian: Hello? Oh. Amanda, what can I do for you?

Interviewer Amanda Thorn steps into the frame, with a small, polite wave to the woman behind the desk. She gives her husband, Nathanael, an equal greeting as the man stands silently further back on watch.

Amanda Thorn: Hi, Jessie. Don’t mean to bother you, but you asked that I remind you about your announcement you mentioned after last week since you seem…heh…busy.

Amanda cheekily motions at the mess of papers across Jessica’s desk to which the blonde makes a sheepish attempt to straighten up a bit before she stands out of her chair.

Jessica Clarkson-Morian: Oh! Goodness, gracious. Yes! I still…I still ain’t got all my ducks in a row on that one, but well I do have a couple, so why don’t we get right to the point so as we ain’t holding up the show too long?

She places her hands together, palms in and exhales, looking to the camera directly.

Jessica Clarkson-Morian: Frankly, last week, the actions of some individuals really got my gears grinding and I feel some responses are in order. First up, between last week and Funeral Derangements II the week before that, the actions of Myriad involving Austin Ramsey are unacceptable and I know Mr. Austin’s itching for a fight, so I’m inclined to give it to him. Therefore, Austin Ramsey and Myriad will go one on one, once again, at Wrestle War XX in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Jessica pauses to let the crowd take the information in before continuing.

Jessica Clarkson-Morian: Then, still on the subject of unacceptable behavior, I’d like to address our Perseverance Champion, Trixie Decker, who had no right to sabotage Ms. Lilith Meadows’ involvement in the World Championship Tournament last week…as downright weird as that was. Regardless, seeing as she didn’t see Ms. Lilith fit to compete for a shot at the World Championship, I’m gonna go ahead and give Ms. Lilith a shot for Ms. Trixie’s championship. She does hold a pinfall victory over her, recently, after all. Now, given the rules of the Perseverance division, it states that all title defenses must have a minimum of three parties involved. So, seeing as this individual scored a pinfall victory over Ms. Lilith recently as well, Ms. Trixie will defend the Perseverance Championship, at Wrestle War XX, against her and one Etsuko Mitzusaka.

Amanda Thorn: Wow. Big news, boss lady!

Jessica smiles warmly and rubs her hands together.

Jessica Clarkson-Morian: I’m glad you agree, Amanda! I hope the fans are just as excited. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got more to work on and we’ve got a show to get underway. Y’all stay blessed and have a nice evening!
She wasted no time dispensing with being cryptic or creepy. No flash photography; and this definitely wasn’t for anyone’s “viewing pleasure”. The camera came to life as she was standing above it while backstage.

“Raseri”: ”Are you watching, Dane? I hope so. You’re going to get a small… visual… of what I have prepared for you.”

She knelt down and picked up the camera.

“Raseri”: ”So pay the fuck attention.”

And as her music started, she dropped the camera and headed out…
Tanja Devereaux rarely took some time on Collision as she had spent her time on Trauma as a member of the blue brand’s roster. She and her spiritual advisor and sometimes manager, Celeste St Laurant, were at a small shrine that Tanja had set up in an area away from the main part of catering. Celeste was in a position behind Tanja as the Cajun was heard chanting as there were some various items on the shrine, including some portraits of several members of the Collision roster on it. Tanja stopped chanting but kept her back to the cameras that caught up with her.

Tanja Devereaux: It is rude to listen in on something one is uninvited to but that is something that we will not argue with. Since you are here, we must share some of our thoughts about why we are here.

The Cajun is heard whispering in another language in prayer again before she returns to speaking in English.

Tanja Devereaux: On Collision, like on Trauma, there are some who are as ignorant and uneducated of our spiritual way of life. It is a shame that is the case and we must change that. If we must pay regular visits to Collision to cleanse the unworthy living of the brand, we will do so.

Tanja placed several Gris Gris on the shrine beside several of the portraits as Celeste prepared a small book of prayers for the Cajun to use.

Tanja Devereaux: There are some members of the Collision brand we have an eye on but we will allow everyone to be on eggshells in our presence. None of them will know who we will go after, when they are going after them or how. Our mind games are known to many and we will not change them now.

Celeste leaned and whispered something in Tanja’s ear and Tanja smiled with a coy smile, liking her suggestion.

Tanja Devereaux: We like that idea Celeste and we need to prepare that for later in the evening.
The scene cuts to a merch table backstage during the event. Fans are lined up to buy various pieces of NFW merchandise and working the table is Caelynna. She's dressed in her normal white attire with her trademark matching long coat decked from top to bottom with pockets, pockets inside of pockets, and on the inside, more pockets! There may even be a Hot Pocket in one of the pockets. The Chaos Goblin smirks while completing transactions for each fan.

Nick Hanson: Caelynna is backstage giving a helping hand to the NFW staff. I'm wondering if this has anything to do with her altercations with NFW on Twixxer this past week.

Olivia Mayfaire: Maybe this is their way of having her pay her dues for taking NFW property.

Jim Reynolds: Look closely at the table though. That's not the usual stuff NFW has at their merch tables.

The camera gets closer to Caelynna picking up her conversation. There's a glimpse of many items on the table from junked pieces of equipment to t-shirts of several different members of the roster, to the now famed three turnbuckle pads. Caelynna gives her sales pitch to all in attendance including the cameraman.

Caelynna: Step up and get some NFW memorabilia like none you can get at any other table! I've got turnbuckle pads from the ring, steel chairs from around the ring...

Nick Hanson: She's got about 8 or 9 chairs there! I know that many people who will be standing the entire rest of the show tonight.

Jim Reynolds: That's not true, they just have to pay a little extra for their seats.

Caelynna: ...we have some pieces of wire from somewhere near the ring, OH! And a ring that's been around the ring because it belongs to one of the ring crew members! Yes, folks, a ring crew ring from around the ring! Just $8,425 tonight! That's one incredible deal! Yuh-yuh!

Olivia Mayfaire: I'm not a jeweler, but I don't think that ring is worth as much as she's selling.

Caelynna: I sure am glad everyone in Ecuador deals in dollars now, but should you need currency exchanges, I've got you covered!

Nick Hanson: Because... Why not?

Caelynna smiles and continues her pitch revealing gold caps on her fangs as she does.

Caelynna: That's right! Whether you have dollars, sucre, pounds, euros, rupies, gold, silver pieces, copper pieces, platinum pieces, or electrum pieces, I got you covered! AND... There's a special exchange discount if you act fast without thinking! Do you happen to have 645 pounds? I'll exchange all of them for one whole pound per! Yes, you heard me correct! 645 pounds, one pound each! Yuh-yuh!

Nick Hanson: That's not a deal at all! That's a total rip-off!

Olivia Mayfaire: Calm down, Mr. Obvious, it's not like she's taking your money.

Jim Reynolds: Not yet, that is.

Some members of the ring crew suddenly come up pushing an equipment cart. They stop short after seeing the large gathering at the merch table.

Crew Member: Hey! That's my ring!!!

Caelynna looks on the table at the ring she pitched earlier and picks it up holding it between the long nails of her thumb and index finger.

Caelynna: Sir, I think you're mistaken, but if you so desire this small treasure, it'll cost you only $8,945!

Fan: Didn't you say earlier it was $8,425!

Caelynna: Correct, my friend, but since this man just admitted to losing the ring, I'm charging him a $520 finder's fee!

Crew Member: What the hell? That's my ring! I'm not paying you anything, so hand it over now!

Caelynna smiles at the man and sets the ring back down on the table. She then puts her other hand up to one of her long ears and wiggles it a little.

Caelynna: What I'm hearing from you right now is that you don't have cash. Not to worry, sir, because just for you, I'm willing to barter!

All of the crew members including the one speaking to Caelynna, four in all, approach the table and paw over the items she's "acquired" from ringside. They start to seize those items, including the three turnbuckle pads, while their equipment cart seemingly rolls away by itself behind them in the background. With their arms full, they look up, but Caelynna is gone from behind the table. They then hear a voice yelling to them from now extremely far off.

Caelynna: It was a pleasure bartering with you! Thank you for your business and I hope to deal with you again soon! Yuh-yuh!
We cut back to the ringside area, where we hear “HYPE ZOMBIES” by PVRIS blare over the speakers in Estadio de Liga Deportiva Universitaria! Out of the curtain comes Jessi Ozborne for the first time in over a month, with the massive ovation by the NFW faithful shows that she has been sorely missed. She makes it to the ring, grabbing a microphone before starting off with the classics.

Jessi Ozborne: Goddamn, if there were ever a better place to do this…Hello, Quito…

Crowd: PAPI’S HOME!!

Jessi Ozborne: Nah, nah, we gon have to do better than that, cause it’s been goddamn ages since I got to say this in front of y’all. I said, HELLO QUITO!!!

Crowd: PAPI’S HOME!!!!

Jessi Ozborne: You’re goddamn right she is, and she’s got a lotta shit to get off her chest, so without further ado…let’s get down to business!

The crowd gives Jessi another massive pop before simmering down again.

Jessi Ozborne: Now this is usually the part where I play around with you guys and run down a few of the things that “business” could be. But the last thing I wanna do is insult everyone’s intelligence. Because I’m sure everyone knows damn well what “business” is. Those of you who don’t watch Trauma, please do, because it’s a phenomenal program. But those of you who do, know that I have some explaining to do.

Jessi pauses for a moment to collect her thoughts before continuing.

Jessi Ozborne: But in order to do that, I have to first explain how I felt at the Vlad Blackheart Memorial Tournament Finals. That night…I thought that night was going to be my night. I thought that night had to be my night. I’ve been with New Frontier Wrestling for nearly two years, and in all that time, I watched as this company has hyped a lot of people up as the potential next top guy. All that time, I had thought to myself, “They would rather have anyone else but you.”

A pause.

Jessi Ozborne: So I branched out beyond NFW. Showed the entire wrestling world what Jessi Ozborne is capable of. Hell, for a time, I was considered an ex-employee around these parts. It led me to success after success around the world, that still follows me to this day. But at the end of the day, this is home. This is the first place that took a chance on me, so while all the success was appreciated, it was never gonna hit quite the same as it would if I made it here. So I came back from my time as an alumni a changed woman, but the vibe around here felt the same: “They would rather have anyone else but you.”

Jessi hangs her head a bit at that statement.

Jessi Ozborne: And I need you all to understand, that’s nothing against management, nor the people who got an opportunity where I haven’t. I get how it goes, I ain’t nothing special, just another spoke on the wheel. But I felt like if I was given one chance, I could prove that they’ve been looking in all the wrong places for that top star. So I kept grinding as the title scene kept passing me by. I kept grinding until you all started chanting my catchphrases, screaming my name, wearing my shirts. I kept grinding until I became undeniable. Then I got my chance…and I blew it.

The crowd attempt to bring their energy up in an attempt to cheer Jessi up.

Jessi Ozborne: So I sat back afterwards thinking about what went wrong. Why couldn’t I get the job done? Maybe it’s because I stretched myself thin, challenging Alastair Frost and Jordan Majors back to back. Maybe it’s because I needed better training. Then I started thinking…maybe Alastair Frost is better than me. Maybe I’m just not cut out to be NFW World Champion.

The crowd boos at the notion that Jessi’s trying to get across, letting out a set of “NO!” chants. Jessi continues to hang her head, before suddenly bringing it back up again!

Jessi Ozborne: YOU’RE GODDAMN RIGHT “NO”!

The crowd is at a fever pitch now as Jessi continues.

Jessi Ozborne: I know damn well that I’m better than Alastair Frost! I know damn well that I’m good enough to become the next NFW World Champion! I know all that because I’m Jessi! Fucking! Ozborne! As long as there’s breath in my lungs and lightning in my veins, I am and always will be the World’s Fucking Finest!

Jessi pauses as she lets the crowd get hyped up!

Crowd: FUCK YES! FUCK YES!
FUCK YES! FUCK YES!
FUCK YES! FUCK YES!
FUCK YES! FUCK YES!

Jessi allows the crowd to simmer down again before continuing.

Jessi Ozborne: But I realized that in order for my story to have a happy ending, I have to go back and fix the beginning. And that beginning for me in Ayu Megumi.

The crowd cheers over the name, with The Amazing Girl also a fan favorite.

Jessi Ozborne: Over a year and half ago, I was dropped onto the Trauma brand with Ayu and from there they labeled us as the future of the business. Ever since then, we had always found ourselves on opposite sides of each other. We must’ve fought each other a dozen times…but not a single one of those times has it ended with my hand being raised. I say it’s time that we rewrite history, what do you think, Quito?

The crowd cheers at Jessi’s words.

Jessi Ozborne: So Ayu, I know you’re watching. I know all the folks in the back who make the decisions around here are watching, too. I’m throwing out the challenge: Jessi Ozborne vs Ayu Megumi. WrestleWar XX. One. Final. Time.

The crowd continues to cheer, with Jessi dropping her microphone in the center of the ring before exiting.

Nick Hanson: It isn’t everyday that a match between a Collision roster member and a Trauma roster member is sanctioned by NFW management, but it seems as though Jessi Ozborne is dead set on speaking this match into existence!

Olivia Mayfaire: And you can tell by the reaction of the crowd that it’s something the fans are gonna wanna speak into existence as well!

Jessi backs up the ramp, yelling directly into a nearby camera off-mic.

Jessi Ozborne: Aye! Listen to em! They want it! I want it! Let’s run it back! São Paulo! Let’s go!

Jessi disappears into the back as we fade.
After coming back from the commercial break we cut to the backstage area where Devyn Mitchell is waiting with a microphone in her hand.

Devyn Mitchell: Hello everyone and welcome back to Collision! We have plenty more action coming your way with one of the tournament semi-finals to crown a number one contender coming up next, where we have Morgan Payne facing off against Johnny Towers in what should be an absolute brawl.

She gets cut off as Desdemona Shelley and Johnny Towers walk into shot, Shelley staring a hole through Devyn clearly making her a little bit unnerved. Desdemona let out a soft chuckle at the interviewers uneasiness.

Desdemona Shelley: Aww…what's the matter, Devyn? Do we make you nervous?

Shelley laughed again as she took a step closer to Mitchell.

Desdemona Shelley: It's okay sweetheart, we make a lot of people nervous. It's not hard to do when they know they're around someone as dangerous as Johnny can be.

Johnny Towers: Ain’t that the fucking truth, even though some people dont wanna admit it. Now what do you want?

Devyn Mitchell: I wanted to ask about the upcoming match against Morgan Payne. This is someone who has consistently proven themselves to be one of the best in this company…how do you think you are going to fare against her?

Johnny Towers: Jesus Christ, I thought the last guy was bad for fucking stupid questions, but I think you take the cake. How do I think I’m gonna fare? What the fuck sort of question is that? I am going to destroy that mouthy bint is what I'm gonna do; I'm gonna show you all she ain’t all that when it comes to the likes of me.

Desdemona Shelley: Payne has been a champion, yes, but is it so easily forgotten that Johnny has been as well? That he is just as, if not more, destructive on his own?

Desdemona shook her head in disgust the more she thought about the question.

Desdemona Shelley: Payne will be nothing more than a stepping stone for Johnny. All the little sheep that love her so much need to accept that reality. The sooner they do, the better off they'll be with their disappointment later.

Devyn Mitchell: Ok, how about the potential opponents for the finals tonight? Is there a preference for who you would want to face out of Vixsin or Salvatore?

Johnny Towers: I couldn’t give a fuck. Whoever gets through to face me in the main event tonight aint gonna be going any further. I am the one that will be going to the big show to face your world champion, so what do I care about these people who are going to be nothing more than a mear footnote of the night I beat two of the so called best in this company in one fucking night.

Rolling her eyes, Desdemona gave Devyn a look as if to ask if she really asked what she did. She let out an exasperated sigh and shook her head.

Desdemona Shelley: Johnny's already beaten Salvatore when he took down the sham of a former champion in Jonna Austin. If she's the unlucky one to make it to the main event, he'll have no issues putting the bitch down again.

Shelley paused, giving Mitchell the side eye before she continued.

Desdemona Shelley: And if it's VixSin that makes it there? Well…she'll get to learn first hand just what true violence is. That title opportunity will be Johnny's whether people like it or not. Him winning this is simply inevitable.

Johnny Towers: I couldn’t say it any better myself. Now out of our way, you fucking simpleton. I’ve got an over rated ass to kick…oh, and if you’re watching and listening, Frost, let me say this to you. I don’t give a fuck about your military background; you’re swanning around talking about discipline, just wait and see mother fucker. I will make you have to delve down to what you perceive as my level, and let’s just see how high and mighty you are after that.

The pair walk off camera leaving Devyn Mitchell standing there holding the microphone with a stunned look on her face.
Post-match, the view shifts to the backstage area, with Amanda Thorn standing by.

Amanda Thorn: Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming… Zoey Madigan-Star!

The camera pans over a bit and as the Sorceress Supreme comes into view, there’s a potent amount of cheers from the NFW fans. Dressed in artfully-torn jeans, black Nikes with a purple swoosh, and a hand-cut “Show of a Lifetime” shirt, Zoey offers up a smile to Amanda as the interviewer poses a question.

Amanda Thorn: Zoey, at Collision #188 you were rather rudely called up by one Sofia Hilton and her husband, Brayden, who had some… well… very nasty things to say.

Zoey Madigan-Star: To put it mildly!

Amanda Thorn: That verbal confrontation quickly became physical and both Brayden and Sofia were left laying in the middle of the ring. Care to share your thoughts on what’s going on here?

Folding her arms, Zoey looks thoughtful for a few moments. But then she shrugs, throwing her hands up before letting them drop.

Zoey Madigan-Star: Straight-up arrogance? Self-esteem issues? Maybe she missed the sale at Sephora the day before? Your guess is as good as mine, Amanda!

She makes a little light of it, but that goes away in a hurry.

Zoey Madigan-Star: I think it’s pretty clear what this is about. Sofia is trying to make a name for herself and after hearing all the stories about myself and the other Boardwalk Angels from Crystal, she’s got it into her head that I’m the one to beat because, in her mind, I’m the weak one. She wants a quick rise to the top instead of earning her place. But here’s the thing, Amanda:

Zoey beckons the microphone, then the camera, closer. Amanda holds the stick forward a bit more and Zoey averts her golden eyes towards the screen.

Zoey Madigan-Star: She chose wrong. And if you’re listening, Sofia?

There’s a certain set to her jaw now, and her smile has evaporated.

Zoey Madigan-Star: Take what happened at the last Collision as a learning experience. Turn around and walk away. Because if you ever come at me like that, I’m gonna do more than disrespect you, young lady. I’m gonna pull your bitch card. Understand me?

Amanda Thorn: Strong words, Zoey. But do you really expect Sofia to back off?

Zoey Madigan-Star: No. Because I wouldn’t. Because I know who her mother is. But I’m being fair and giving her a chance anyway.

It is at that moment where the sound of hands clapping can be heard. They come from that of Sofia Hilton who is clad in a pair of tight fitting jeans, sneakers, and a yellow, blue, and red shirt that reads “Proud Colombian.” Sofia yawns as she walks into the shot and is immediately welcomed with an ovation of boos in the background.

Sofia Hilton: What a joke. NFW needs to do better with where they decide to go on an international tour. How dare they go to a country such as Ecuador. Their flag has the right colors but it’s just not Colombian. Yo soy bonita. Soy innegable, imbatible e invicto. In other words just so little Miss Rabbit in the Hat can understand. I am beautiful! I am undeniable, unbeatable, and undefeated! I am better than you Zoey and you got lucky last week. I wasn’t ready. I was distracted by you putting your hands on my soulmate.

Sofia keeps her eyes locked on the Boardwalk Angel as an evil grin escapes her lips.

Sofia Hilton: I don’t NEED you to take it easy on me because I am the daughter in-law of one of your closest friends. The reality is you should want to take it easy because you have no idea how much payback is indeed a bitch. I can strike at any place and at any time. You should watch your back because just like that. I can make you disappear.

Zoey Madigan-Star: So you weren’t ready despite being the one who attacked me first, and now you go and steal my material? You really are a shameless little tart, aren’t you?

Amanda does her best to look invisible as Zoey and Sofia go face-to-face, with Zoey looming a bit over the smaller woman.

Zoey Madigan-Star: The only thing you weren’t ready for was to be dropped on your flat behind in the middle of the ring, Sofia. And the lesson clearly didn’t stick because… here you are!

Zoey spreads her arms wide, making a show of the fact that, yet again, Sofia is in her face.

Zoey Madigan-Star: So what do you want? You want a match? Or do you just want to run your mouth? I’m a busy woman, Sofia, and you’re interrupting my time right now.

Sofia however turns around as she takes the moment to stare at her behind. She smacks it and makes it jiggle a bit as she slowly turns her attention back to Zoey.

Sofia Hilton: Escuchame, chica, first and foremost this ass… mis culo is not flat. You must have confused me with my mother in-law or even the sister in-law but my ass can do tricks. Just like my nickname of the rabbit I can make it wiggle, I can make it bounce among other things. Don’t get upset because I am a perfect ten and you are a zero!

Sofia gets in Zoey’s face as an evil grin escapes her lips.

Sofia Hilton: Trust me though I pay attention to lessons. There is a reason why Brayden and I graduated at the top of our class. When things don’t necessarily work out one makes adjustments and learns from their previous mistakes. You do realize to see that this class is in session. Are you ready for a teachable moment?!

Zoey ain’t triggered by Sofia’s comments, but there’s something to that smile on the Colombian’s face,

Sofia Hilton: This Coneja from out of the hat is a simple illusion and smoke screen for what’s coming. Look behind you…

…and Zoey turns around just in time to duck out of the way of a swinging Brayden! Amanda gets the hell outta Dodge as Zoey starts cracking off forearm shots to the jaw of Brayden! He’s left reeling but, in the process, Zoey leaves her back open to Sofia! Sofia grabs Zoey by the hair and slams her head first into the wall. Sofia smirks as Brayden joins in as he delivers a superkick flush against her face.

Sofia Hilton: You think you are the smart one?! Tonight we are going to celebrate though because it’s a special day and you are going to get your fill. Bring this puta… It’s time to celebrate.

Brayden smirks as he drags Zoey towards catering. Sofia smiles as she grabs a birthday cake and holds it firmly.

Sofia Hilton: November 14th, Today is my 22nd birthday, hell it’s also my little sister in-law’s Aurora Zdunich’s 13th birthday too and you want to know what she wants?! It’s all about family and I am going to make that wish come true! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME, MY WISH IS TO SHOW EVERYBODY THAT YOU ARE A CLOWN WHO ISN’T ON MY LEVEL!

With that Sofia takes the cake and goes to smash the entire thing into Zoey’s face. With most of her head smeared in butter cream, Zoey is shoved to the floor as Brayden takes it a step further, grabbing a full bowl of punch and dumping it on the Magical Maiden!

Brayden Hilton: And now she looks like one! If the magical shows don’t work I am sure the circus is hiring for a clown act!

Left coughing, though at least the fruity drink washed off some of the confections, Zoey gets up to her feet… and lunges at Sofia! Taken aback by the charge, Sofia goes sprawling into a table of chip bowls and more! Brayden grabs Zoey by the hair and pulls her back, but she turns with a snarl and clotheslines him to the floor! Sofia, though, is back on her feet and nails Zoey in the back of the head with a bowl of snack mix! The bowl shatters and Sofia proceeds to grab Zoey and DDT her on the concrete!

Nick Hanson: Good grief! That might have given Zoey a concussion!

Jim Reynolds: Hah! She probably won’t even remember it when she wakes up!

Olivia Mayfaire: It’s nothing to be made fun of, Jim! Someone get some help back there!

Sofia and Brayden both move in to deal more damage, but security arrives on the scene and gets between them and Zoey, who hasn’t moved since that wicked DDT! The married couple tries to go for another assault but security pushes them back. Sofia is all smirks as she grabs her husband by the hand as they back away.

Brayden Hilton: No matter what you try Zoey we will always be two steps ahead. You just can’t handle the both of us!

Sofia Hilton: Let’s go babe, it’s time to celebrate my birthday for real.

With that Brayden smiles as the two of them eventually walk away.
We cut backstage where we hear the familiar giggling of Lilith Meadows echoing in the hallway. The camera follows the sounds as Lil comes running out of a locker room, a massive clear garbage bag in hand that’s full of what looks like…empty peanut butter jars? Lil turns to run as she almost bumps into the camera man, the bag of jars hitting the ground with a loud thud of plastic meeting concrete. She looked at the camera, a devilish grin on her face as she brings a finger up to her mouth.

Lilith Meadows: Shhhhhhhh…

She giggles once again as she finds a spot that’s well hidden and ducks behind it, peeking out as we see Trixie Decker come walking into frame.

The camera man also ducks just in time for Trixie to miss him as she walks into the locker room. There’s a loud crash.

Trixie Decker: WHAT THE FUCK?!

The cameraman hops up and runs to the entrance, seeing Trixie on her ass, having slipped in peanut butter… which is literally everywhere. The camera looks into the room, literally covered from top to bottom in peanut butter and in the background, you hear that familiar, childlike giggle of Lilith Meadows who then runs to the doorway and does her best to hide her laughter.

Lilith Meadows: Are you okay, Trixie? Who did this to you?

Trixie grabs the doorframe and manages to push herself up.

Trixie Decker: Oh, I’m fine. Just a bruised butt. But it could be worse. I could be the person the rest of the roster finds out smeared peanut butter all over the locker room after someone else told the world how to hurt me.

Lilith smiles and can’t seem to stop her giggling no matter what, seeing the back of Trixie absolutely covered in the peanut butter.

Lilith Meadows: It was so totally worth it to me! This is one of my best pranks yet! And one of the most delicious. It’s just missing some chocolate.

Lilith smiles, reaching into her pocket, pulling out a mini sized piece of chocolate and reaching behind Trixie, using the candy to scoop some of the peanut butter off the back of Trixie before eating it.

Trixie blinks.

Trixie Decker: Did… did you just scoop peanut butter off my ass, Lily? Was this entire prank so you could eat peanut butter off my butt?

Lil can’t help but chuckle at the very thought of that as she shakes her head no.

Lilith Meadows: No! I just happened to remember my emergency chocolate in my pocket!

And the rhyme makes Lilith laugh even more.

Lilith Meadows: And I’m a poet!

As Lilith goes to take another bite of chocolate, Trixie pulls a piece of jerky out of her pocket and slides it into Lil’s mouth just as the pixie bites down.

Trixie Decker: Gotta expand that palette, Tinkersmell.

Lilith’s eyes go wide as she tastes the jerky. She gags and spits it out immediately before she looks at Trixie and gives her a shove right back down into the peanut butter.

Trixie lets out a laugh as she lands on her ass again, then pulls the package of jerky from her hoodie pocket. The camera zooms in on the label: “VEGAN JERKY - MADE FROM JACKFRUIT!”

Trixie Decker: HA! You thought I gave you meat! I wish you coulda seen your face!”

Lil looks down at the package, an idea running through her head as she goes to reach out for the jerky, but as she does, she slips and almost falls right onto Trixie before she catches herself and for a moment seems fine, but as she goes to reach again, this time, she falls, landing right next to Trixie.

Lilith Meadows: That was rude! But now I really, really wanna try it.

Trixie shoves Lil to the side and rubs a piece of the vegan jerk along her butt, covering it in peanut butter, before shoving the food in her mouth.

Trixie Decker: There? How’s it taste with ass spice?

The jerky being shoved into her mouth doesn’t really seem to phase her as she pauses, chewing on the jerky for a minute.

Lilith Meadows: Mmmmm…that’s a weird flavor combination, but it’s not bad! I could do without the booty, but the jerky and peanut butter ain’t bad at.

Trixie nods, then gives Lilith the rest of the package.

Trixie Decker: Eat up, then we clean this up before someone with no sense of humor kills you for it.

Trixie scoots to the doorway and carefully gets to her feet. She walks across the hallways and grabs a mop leaning against the wall. Returning, she stops and thinks, then slams the locker room door shut and slides the mop through the hand so the door can’t be opened.

Lilith tries to get up, but slips just before the door is shut on her, she tries to open it up, but can’t as she bangs on the door screaming out.

Lilith Meadows: Hey, let me outta here! This isn’t funny for a second time, Trixie! Let me go!

Trixie smirks as she steps back.

Trixie Decker: But it’s different this time! You don’t have a match! Have fun, Lili-cakes!

Trixie turns and walks out of view as the banging continues..

Lilith Meadows: Trixie?! Anyone?! Someone let me out!

Lilith continues screaming for help and banging on the door as the scene fades out.
And elsewhere backstage? It’s actually pretty quiet for the most part. Except for over in one side of the locker room, where the Cortez brothers are going at it in an intense game of the new Super Mario Bros. Wonder on the switch. Both Juan and Javier are jabbering in rapid-fire Spanish, leaning in and out of their seats, working their controls over something fierce on their respective Switches. It sounds like they’re gonna come to blows once or twice, but it’s just competitiveness in the end. Both are laughing about it all by the time the game’s done.

But also before the game is done, Carmen makes her entrance. And when she spots what her charges are up to, her reaction is less than pleasant.

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez: Dios Mio…

So she stalks over to the sofa on which Juan and Javier are sitting, arms folded and toes tapping, waiting for them to recognize the danger looming over. Except…

Juan Cortez: Get it! Get after it! Watch where you’re jumpin’!

Javier Cortez: Bro, gimme a damn minute! Fuckin’ fireballs everywhere!

It’s the not noticing that gets her goat even more. Though, eventually… i.e. when the round is finished… they do see. They turn and look up at Carmen, then each other, then back to Carmen.

Juan Cortez: No good word on the meeting?

Javier Cortez: Was it that bad?

Finally, Carmen lets out the breath she was holding and takes a seat on the coffee table in front of the brothers.

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez: Back to the way it was again, looks like. Honestly, what do we have to do? It’s like we don’t even exist!

Very unlike Carmen to lose her cool. The brothers look at one another and decide it’s a good idea to put the Switches away. Juan takes the lead.

Juan Cortez: I get it, sis. I do. We’re lucky to be in the ring once a month. And when we get there-

Javier Cortez: -it gets fuckin’ embarassing. No shade on the Regulators. Lotta talent, lotta success with them two. But… fuck, man. We know you’re doin’ your best, trying to get us in that ring, baby. I know for sure.

Juan Cortez: An’, hey, maybe what we’re doin’ tonight? Maybe it ain’t helpin’. But the last time we stepped out and spoke up, nothin’ happened. At this point…

All three are silent for several moments. The thought hangs there in the air, unspoken. No one seems willing to say it out loud.

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez: This place is still a step up.

Juan Cortez: Money for nothin’ is what it is. And maybe some fuckers out there, maybe they like that. They fly out to Chi-town, get some free food, don’t have to do shit… and then they go home. That ain’t fuckin’ us. It ain’t never been.

Juan is the first to get heated. He kicks the hell out of a locker, so hard that the door bends in and rattles open from the impact. He stares at the rattling metal, fists clenched tightly. Javier, on the other hand, tries to keep his cool.

Javier Cortez: PWA would have us back in a heartbeat. But it’s a step down. There’s nothin’ we could do there that we ain’t already done. And yeah, there’s lots of other companies out there that’d probably take us in, but for what? So we can sit and do nothin’ for them, too? NFW is bigger’n most of ‘em in a lotta ways. We’re where we oughta be-

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez: -with nothing to show for it. Remember the last time we did one of the fan events?

Javier Cortez: Carmen, why’d you bring that up?!

Juan’s body language tightens considerably.

Juan Cortez: They didn’t even know who we were.

Javier Cortez: Not like we’re helpin’ things much. Suppose we could step out in that ring more often, say somethin’, rile some fuckers up, make it so they can’t ignore us. But what the hell for? Most of ‘em are too far up their own asses to give a damn.

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez: To be fair, I could do a better job on X… or Twitter… or whatever the hell it is anymore. But when has that ever worked?

Silence reigns again. Juan finally retakes his seat and Javier puts a hand on his shoulder.

Javier Cortez: It hurts, bro. I get it.

Juan Cortez: Maybe we call it? What’s left on our contract? It’s up at WrestleWar, ain’t it? Bet money we ain’t gonna be on that show, either.

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez: Yeah… night of. No word from the office. Still time to talk to ‘em about signing for a while longer. But-

Juan Cortez: Naw. We don’t decide that shit on a whim. I say we get the fuck out of here, go home, and really think this shit through. Unhappy or not, pissed off or not, this is our lives. We ain’t jumpin’ in or out head-first without really givin’ it the once over.

Javier Cortez: Yeah. I’m fine with that. Carmen?

Carmen Viviana Esquivel Cortez: Our brother’s talking sense. Scary as that is, he’s right. Let’s go. We’ll figure this out.

And just like that, the Cortez Dynasty packs up and ships out, their future on their minds.
Alastair readied himself to go to ringside for the main event so he could take in the finals of the tournament. There were a lot of people that claimed they wanted to face him for the title but he knew that as a champion, it would be a target on his back.

Alastair Frost: The time has come for me to see who wants to fight me more for the World Title. I am a fighting champion and will face anyone and everyone who is placed in front of me.

Alastair motioned to the world title that he was carrying with him while removing the sunglasses he was wearing and wearing all black. He had dealt with issues back on the base and he knew he was needed back in Washington but his wrestling career was just as important. He snarled under his breath when he continued to receive texts from the higher ups on the base about if and when he would be coming back to the base and he continually informed them he was at the arena.

Alastair Frost: I can but dream to see if the one person I want to win this match but he will need to get his head out of his ass to make things work in the bright lights of the main event scene.

He had a lot of options of dealing with who he wanted to face in the ring for the title as a champion but knowing that challengers earned their place like the champions.

Alastair Frost: The master strategist will now take in the landscape and who he will be dealing with in the near future and instead of taking it in via a monitor, he will go to ringside to take it in personally. The possible contenders will be reminded what they will deal with when I am around.

Alastair muted his cell phone before he headed to the gorilla position and head down the the ring for the main event and finals of the tournament.