The camera finds our friends, Ashley Moore and Jasmin Kaffee, each sitting in a chair on either side of Stacy Clark backstage. Everyone seems happy, even Jasmin! The atmosphere is relaxed, and Stacy starts them off with her usual, cheerful tone.
Stacy: Welcome back, everyone, to a special Red Sun Rising edition of the Clark Effect! I’m your host, Stacy Clark, and today I’m joined by two women who we’ve been seeing a lot of on OCW TV lately, Ashley Moore and Jasmin Kaffee. From what I understand, you two ladies are looking to settle your ongoing dispute with one more match, correct?
Ashley: Yes, I am really looking forward to meeting Jasmin in the ring again. Last time it was already a close match and I think that she has improved a lot since then.
Jasmin: I don’t really think it’s much of a dispute anymore.
Stacy: Well, it’s good to know any bad blood between the two of you has dissipated, though I can’t say that surprises me considering what happened on Turmoil. Ashley, what exactly drove you to come to Jasmin’s aid after her match with Marisa Expensive?
Ashley: I couldn’t just stay in the back and watch Marisa’s guileful attack. I had to step in.
Jasmin: I, uh… I appreciate it. Really. I know I’ve been kinda out of it lately, but it’s nice to know there are people in the locker room looking out for me.
Behind Stacy, the set curtain peeks open slightly. The masked individual from a few weeks prior peeks through, but remains mostly in shadow.
Stacy: Well, regardless of the results of this match, I’d say both of you girls are on a strong upward trajectory. What’s next for you two, once we get through Ashley vs. Jasmin 2?
Ashley: There is a huge roster in OCW’s women’s division right now with several possible interesting matches.
Ashley: I am also looking forward to team up with Colin as Hot Storage again. Maybe I can see you there again, Jasmin.
She smirks at Jasmin. Jasmin smiles back, giving her a sly look.
Jasmin: Mayyyyyybe. I got some other business to take care of, but once I beat you in the re-match, we’ll have to even up the score somehow, right?
Jasmin laughs, but there’s clearly no meanness in her statement. The masked figure narrows his gaze.
Stacy: Let’s get to today's event now. Which part of the show are you most excited to see?
Ashley: Definitely the match between Empress and Valkyrie. I had the honor to share the ring with both of them several times and I am sure they will deliver a hell of a match.
Jasmin: Okay, so, this is gonna come off as, like, a huge surprise, but I’m pretty sure I’m the number one Uncrowned fan backstage. I love Tony and Doc so much, they’re just awesome people to be around and learn from, and I’m really excited I got to see them go at it with Aries and Trance!
Stacy looks over her shoulder for a moment, seeming to look past the masked man for a moment, before turning back to the two women.
Stacy: Unfortunately, ladies, that's all the time we have tonight. Stay tuned for the next break in the action!
Ashley and Jasmin both get up to leave, but not before Ashley closes the distance between them and offers Jasmin a handshake. There's not even a moment's hesitation- she takes the offered hand and gives her a firm shake. The two women then part ways amicably, leaving Stacy alone with the now-closed curtain.
Once the other two women have left the set, Stacy lets out a long, weary sigh.
Stacy: Who are you, and what are you doing on my set?
The curtain doesn't answer, and an irate Stacy walks over to it, throwing it open with both hands, revealing... nothing there. Stacy scowls, and walks off the set, motioning to someone off screen.
Stacy: Maggie, get your camera, I’m getting to the bottom of this.
CCW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
NATE ORTIZ vs. INNESS QUARTZ*