B17: I got a lot of words for you. Be patient Rust, Wrex, Doc, and random rookie number four. I will get to you. But I got a lot to say, so let me dadsplain this to you.
B17: I know I’m not Doom Machine anymore. I know I’m not The Last Action Bingo anymore. Hell, I’m barely The Bingo Bomber.
B17: You get a finite amount of time in this company because, Rust, you’re right, it is a Meat Grinder. I lost years of my career to back surgery, knee surgeries, and multiple eye surgeries. And yet I’m back.
Crowd pops.
B17: I want to point and laugh at the rookies like many of you have made a habit. But I can’t.
B17: I want to not care about Wrex and the CCW title. But I can’t.
B17: I want to look Rust in the eyes and say I’m not ready. But I can’t!
Rusty's music hits
Before Rusty can talk, Wrex's music hits.
Before Wrex can talk, Doc's music hits.
Bingo looks at all of them.
B17: So, what do you want to talk about?
Rust looks around him, a ring filled with history and megastars with intertwined pasts.
Rusty: Bingo, I am glad you're back, and you know I mean that from the bottom of my heart. And I know deep inside, and we all saw it, no amount of surgery will keep you down.
Rust: I made my Summercide challenge knowing damn well it could be my biggest test ever. I've never beaten you because there is something you miss in that story. Matter of fact, you outlasted me in every big matchup we were a part of. I need to correct my mistakes.
He looks at Wrex.
Rusty: And that also goes for you, Ross.
Intense looks are exchanged.
Rust: But that is a story for another day because my good friend right here, and one of my biggest rivals ever, The King of OCW himself, is set for that MONUMENTAL CLASH.
Rust: May the best man win.. And as far as you go, Bingo. I have yet to hear an answer..
Wrex: Sorry, Cohle, might not be much left to answer when I’m done..
Wrex: Bingo, this was supposed to be the one and done, the last time, the last goddamn fight, and yet, here you come running to defend him.
He motions in Doc’s direction.
Wrex: Why is that? Huh? This isn’t your business anymore, but I'll finish the job if you want to get involved.
DOC: Unfortunately for you, Wrex, you’re not the only one here who’s managed to earn the respect of the Bingo Bomber. And in one way or another, in this industry, the odds always find a way of evening themselves out. I didn’t ask B17 to come out when you blindsided me last week, but I think he knows just as well as you and I do that when it comes to THE match on Summercide, these fans aren’t going to accept anything less than us both at 100%.
Wrex, uncertain of who to glare at more, decides that all men deserve a one finger salute as he leaves the ring.
Wrex continues jawing prompting Doc to continue yelling back at Wrex. Doc provides a nod to both men in the ring before he departs.
Rust taps on his wrist to signify time is ticking for Bingo then leaves the ring.
We transition over to an empty pool which appears to be gated off. The COO Drago Cesar is seen wearing just a mint green pair of swim shorts and his aviator shades. He looks down at his phone and makes a call.
Drago: Yeah, I at the pool. We cancel meeting today. Give that Solomon Caine guy fine. Yeah I’m know he turn himself in, rules are rules. See you.
He hangs up and looks down at his watch.
Drago: Almost time….
From afar, he hears a nasal scream.
Kass: NO!
A very grumpy Kassidy Hayes opens the gate. The OCW Champion Sheldon Tremblay, Chris Greene, and Harper LeRoux follow suit. Kass folds his arms.
Kass: I’m not doing this.
Chris pats Kass on the back
Chris: You can do this, Kass.
Kass: I HATE Water. It’s wet, it gets everywhere, and how I was raised it is forbidden.
Drago: I’m told you, you need to show me that you serious about change. Today, we gonna do exercise in the pool. Kass, I’m understand you afraid of water. But you need to face your fear and come out of it better person.
Kass grumbles something to himself while Sheldon looks ecstatic.
Sheldon: I can't wait to go for a swim, it can be quite relaxing.
Drago: Exercise is simple. I gonna be drowning in pool. You save me….
He looks at Kass.
Drago: Or try to. Let’s begin! Kass you go first.
Drago jumps in the pool and starts flailing his arms around like a madman.
Drago: Oh no! I drowning!!!!
Kass looks down and turns away. Sheldon puts a hand on his shoulder.
Drago: Will GOOD PERSON come and save me?!?!?!
He starts sinking to the bottom of the pool.
Sheldon: Ehhm Kass please?
Kass: You each do it first, it will be how I learn.
Harper without hesitation jumps into the pool and comes up out of the water with Drago. The hunter leans on the edge of the pool, taking a breath.
Drago: Good…Good….
Drago: Kass. I’m said you go first. What happen?
Kass: I want to learn how to do it first so I’ll let everyone else go before me as I visually learn.
Drago: If you say so. All right, who’s next?
Sheldon: Ich! Let me do it.
Drago pushes off the side and begins to drown again, Sheldon is about to jump in when Kass stops him,
Kass: Let him start to sink, it is more helpful to me, the more dire the situation the more courage isn’t a factor.
Drago begins to sink to the bottom
Kass: Now show him you are a good person.
Sheldon jumps into the pool diving straight to the bottom with ease, grabbing ahold of Drago and bringing him up to the surface. The two make it back to the sidewall and Sheldon pulls himself up.
Drago: Well done job, again.
Somewhere else entirely,
RYU: Emp, pull up Kass' Life Alert 360 location, I have a bad feeling.
Emp: he's at a swimming pool.
before emp can look up Ryu can be seen sprinting to his car,
RYU: I'M COMING KASS!
ROOKIE CHALLENGE CALLOUT
VIKTOR KARMINE
vs. SAMMUEL OMEN
The camera opens into the interview area, where Jim Black is standing with a microphone in hand.
Jim: Ladies and gentlemen, I’m Jim Black an-
He’s suddenly cut off by a short woman entering the frame and shoving him to the side.
Shianne: Shut the f**k up, James! This is my seg. You’re just there. Capische?
Jim nods reluctantly as Shianne lets out an agitated huff.
Shianne: I gots somethin’ to say, y’know? I got lots to say, actually.
She pauses for a moment before getting real close to the camera.
Shianne: And it’s all about that fat f**king whale who calls herself an athlete.
She smirks, continuing
Shianne: Oh yeah, that’s right. I’d say that again too. Actually, I will - she’s a fat ass beached whale. She ain’t no athlete.
Shianne: Would an “athlete” have to ‘beat’ a sl*t by a count out? Nah, a real athlete would punch Barbie in the mouth and make her lights go out.
Shianne begins to pace in front of the camera.
Shianne: But that’s jus’ ‘cause a whale carcass can’t be called an athlete. I mean ‘at too, ‘cause I don’t know if y’all stupids remember, but what happened at three hunnid wasn’t a fluke. That’ll happen every time I step in that ring with that fatty.
She stops for a moment, glancing at her clenched fists.
Shianne: Credit where it belongs, I likes the name “Murder Mittens.” Accurate for what happens to you when you get in the ring with me. Ya get murdered.
She sighs.
Shianne: Summercide lookin’ real fun, y’know? Personally I hope you do squash Legs McGee and Blow-Jo, ‘cause I’ve said it ‘fore and I will say it again. I will be the one to rub that title in your face after I take it from you like candy from a fat kid.
Shianne: We ain’t done, f-
Jim cuts her off quickly: Hey- you probably shouldn’t finish that sentence.
She turns back to Jim, grabbing him by the collar.
Shianne: **** you say to me? You the language police?
Jim: Don’t want us to be taken off air, is all! Can you please let go of me?
Shianne: Do as I told you and pipe the **** down, James.
She lets go of Jim and turns back to the camera.
Shianne: Better watch the rolls on your back, girlie. ‘Cause while I’m runnin’ around helping my boss - my REAL boss - you still in the back of my damn mind. And trust me, I’m gonna be the one to take everything from you. I beat down your wife, showed her what a real woman can do. You’re just next in line.
She steps back away from the camera and rolls her shoulders, smirking.
Shianne: I’m done here now. See ya ‘round, James.
Jim nods as Shianne exits the frame. Moments later she can be heard in the distance.
Shianne: Kameyo, what you doin’ standin’ ‘round for, we gots work to do!
The camera fades to black.
The scene opens up as the sun begins to shine on a beautiful New York morning in August. It is a comfortable seventy degrees with a light breeze.
The camera pans around the Server Farm on the exterior showing the facility that has been retrofitted out of an old home. The camera then zooms in on the back yard. The backyard has been ripped up into a mess from the training sessions held back there. The camera focuses in on Samsin Simsin who is running wind sprints in his fully adorned Worm gear. The body suit partially covers Samsin’s face as the camera zooms in on his face. It then pans to BASH who directs him to keep going by pointing his fingers while looking down at his phone.
BASH looks up and begins to speak.
BASH: More tweaks to his code are going to be required. Although it is much better than it was when I started. His mental state wasn’t great prior to infection and the initial infection can cause complications that were unforeseen in the simulation phases. The growing pains of being the first of your kind. I have done something no one in the history of science or technology has. Infect the human brain with a piece of malware written by myself.
As BASH finishes speaking his head quickly pops over to the fence from the west side of the house. BASH inspects closely but cannot quite make out who it is. BASH takes a large deep breath and his face begins to turn bright red flushed with anger. BASH then curls his fingers and balls his hand into a fist that is shaking back and forth. He walks over to the wooden fence that stands eight feet tall. BASH then calls for Samsin to join him near the fence. Samsin runs over and then begins to stare at BASH.
Samsin: ..On standby for input.
BASH: I still have work to do to get you to act functionally. Your in-ring ability is at an all time high, but there are still greater heights to achieve. I will worry about that later, for now I have a job for you. Run full force into this portion of the gate. Now!
BASH points over at the gate and signals Samsin to back up so he can get a running start. Samsin then heads to the area BASH pointed to.
He begins running as fast as he can and crashes right through the gate. The wood makes a loud sound; each board splits in the center from the sheer force Samsin produced when colliding with it. Samsin had completely destroyed that portion of the fence. He begins brushing off the wood dust and pieces that were stuck in his still mint gear.
Samsin continues removing a few splinters from his skin. Now Samsin moves his head back and forth as if he is trying to crack or realign his neck.
He turns his gaze back to BASH who has an evil smile on his face.
BASH: Excellent work Samsin, the strength of The Worm grows in you every day. You ran through that like a Brute Force Attack does a weak password hash! Samsin, we must keep developing your code and your body as a means of continuing the ultimate goal. The ultimate goal of infecting all of OCW, then all of the world.
The pile of wood broken from the fence begins to start moving slightly. Some faint groaning can be heard underneath the pile. The movement continues for a few seconds before it and the groaning ceases.
BASH: Samsin, why don’t you move the pile and see what we have underneath there..
Samsin: Understood.
He nods toward BASH and begins throwing the wood plank by plank, only one piece at a time.
He uncovers a clearly injured Jim Black who is grasping at his right wrist, left knee, and general rib cage area. Jim Black appears to be confused, and has multiple wounds that are bleeding from his head, both arms, and left leg areas. Jim Black attempts to stand up but falls back down into the pile of wood each time he tries.
BASH begins laughing at Jim Black and scoffs.
BASH: What are you doing on my fence Black?
Jim Black is finally able to stand and move away from the wood surrounding him. There is a dazed look in his eyes and a concussion would appear to be added to his list of ailments.
Jim Black begins to stagger as if he just drank a pint of vodka. The blood running down his face like he had just been in a car crash.
He lifts his hand and right index finger in the air before he says;
Jim Black: Papa!, I don’t want to go to Afghanistan! Don’t make me go to the military, Papa! Iraq or Iran whichever it is! I am only a young boy, I was wetting my bed up until last year, Papa. Don’t make me go, I am not a man, Papa, Papa! Put down the switch!
Samsin looks to BASH, struggling to process.
Jim Black continues to ramble.
Jim Black: I want my mommy!!!
Jim Black begins crying as if he is a child who has been lost by his parents. He falls back to the ground and the wallowing fills the neighborhood with sounds of distress.
Dogs Start barking in the distance.
BASH now takes a deep breath before turning to Samsin…
BASH:Take out the trash please.
BASH turns back and walks up to Jim Black. His face red as a tomato, he spits on Jim Black and then puts his foot up against Jim’s chest before he delivers a message.
BASH:Jim Black, if I ever see you again on my property, OCW will be the last of your worries.
BASH buries his foot deep into Jim Black’s chest before he releases it and begins to walk back to Samsin. He signals to Samsin it is time, Samsin begins to walk over to Jim Black. Samsin hits his new move The Worm on Jim Black. Jim Black has been knocked out cold by the force of the move Samsin performed. Samsin picks up Jim Black and walks him to the front of the property. Samsin dumps Jim black in the middle of the street and returns to the back yard. BASH is seen on the phone.
BASH:Yes we have a man in the street here who appears to have been in a car accident but no sign of a car.
BASH hangs up the phone and looks over at Samsin again.
BASH:Time for some in-ring training now, Samsin.
Samsin: Affirmative. Host is contained. Vitals returning to normal. Recalculating…
The scene fades as the two begin to walk inside of the Server Farm
The scene opens up in what appears to be a high tech van, the atmosphere hums with excitement as screens flicker with radar images.
Equipment is carefully secured, and weather maps cover every available surface. The low rumble of thunder and occasional flashes of lightning add to the anticipation.
Deaver: The Perfect Storm. Some may call me crazy. Some may call me stupid. The fact of the matter is I am dedicated. "The kick heard around the world" shattered what I thought to be a great friendship, a brotherhood.
Deaver: So, simply put I'm going to do the same. Quartz, you've said it yourself. I'm dedicated, I don't know when to quit. You made the mistake of turning on me. I am going to stop at nothing to tear you down and destroy the Perfect Storm you and your brother made.
Deaver: And Harvey, don't take this personally, at the end of the day this is just business and your brother made a poor decision. I suggest you let me handle my business or Quartz won't be the only one getting some much earned rest.
Deaver hops out of the van slamming the door. He's immediately engulfed by the wild tempest. The wind tugs at his clothes and hair, making every step a battle against its force.
Rain lashes against his skin, and the thunderclaps feel almost tangible. In the intermittent flashes of lightning, he catches glimpses of the surreal landscape - trees bending under the onslaught, the sky a chaotic blend of dark clouds and electric brilliance. It's an exhilarating and humbling experience, standing amidst nature's raw power.
Deaver: The Perfect Storm…
Far away from the bustling city life of Brooklyn, we join the much quieter sounds of Albany, NY. The silence is just a facade as we move inside a decently sized venue hosting GrappleCon, where the world’s best grapplers meet to compete and converse.
Through the sounds of people chatting and slamming, we find Luis Bishop who does anything but fit in as the wide-eyed kid looks around and tries to take in the scenery.
Bishop: Never thought I’d get the chance to actually attend one of these. I always read about it in the newspaper.
Bishop: Do people still read newspape-
Before he can finish, one of the convention-goers approaches him and strikes up a conversation.
Grappler: Woah bud, what’s your weight class? You look really toned, wanna spar?
Bishop: I’m 180 now and uh-
Bishop stops himself as he has to remember the one rule given to him on the way here.
Bishop: I’m not here to compete sorry.
Grappler: Oh well.
The guy walks away, leaving Bishop a bit upset at having to refuse the offer, so much so, that he ignores the compliment on his body.
Bishop moves through the crowd as he approaches one of the many food stands around the convention center.
Bishop takes a look at the options but is completely shocked.
Bishop: What is this?
Bishop: Protein Pancakes? Yogurt Parfait?
Bishop: Where’s the pizza and pretzels at?
Bishop: Keto? Isn’t that what they call those asian beat sticks? Why would anyone order that…well actually
We fast forward as Bishop is sitting in stands facing one of the main competition mats. In his hand is what was advertised to him as “Keto Beef Sticks” but the disappointment and confusion on his face tell a different story.
He peels back the packaging on one of the sticks to reveal the smoked beef snack stick and smells it before taking a bite.
Bishop: I knew 3 for 7.99 was too good to be true. This is just overly processed meat.
Bishop reluctantly takes another bite before stashing the other sticks in his pocket.
Bishop tries to wash the taste out of his mouth with some water.
Bishop: $3.99 Water has never tasted so…sad.
Bishop’s disappointment is interrupted by a whistle blowing as the next round of matches are set to begin.
Bishop will eventually move on from the agonizing snack selection and get lost in what he loves to do best…watching…wrestling.
