Riot rolls on and we are “treated” to the entrance of an even-more-smug than usual Cort Marshall! He’s white-guy-dancing to the beat of victory as he jogs to the ring, mic in hand--the crowd loudly boo him, still angry about last week on OCW Live! Mercifully, his Christmas-themed attire is gone, replaced with the usual denim doohickery.
Cort: Please, please. I know you love me. And who wouldn’t? After last week, when I quite frankly demolished the Cobra Kid to become number one contender, anyone with half a brain would be all aboard the American Express. Eh?
He pauses, letting the crowd boo even more.
Cort: I know, I know. You all wanted him to win. Just like many of your children wanted a new Xbox Triple X or whatever it is they play these days, but mommy and daddy didn’t have the money.
More boos shower the ring.
Cort: Isn’t it sad. Truly, truly. Dreams crushed all around. But now I must look ahead. Tre Golden. I know you’re here somewhere--no worries, no need to come out and jawjack with me--I know you’re busy.
Cort: You’ve got a big match to prepare for tonight, with the jolly old soul who turned his brother into a gelatinous puddle of spinal fragments.
Even MORE booing at the mention of the traitorous Doc Green!
Cort: You’re a champion, he’s a former champion, you’re not too bright, he might be clinically insane... big fight. I won’t interrupt you. But I just want you to know…
Cort: I’ve taken down your tag team partner. You’re next on my list, and when I take back the Pride title that once accentuated my denim jacket and striking-but-classic tights, you’ll be coughing up coal for WEEKS!
???: All right, all right, all right, enough Christmas puns! You’re riding it into the ground, much like your career!
Cort whips his head around to see none other than the “Lost Boys” of Kasstianity under B17’s employ: Elliot Parker and TY Sparks!
T.Y.: Don’t think just ‘cause you’re #1 contender you get to ignore us. Remember the last time we met in the ring?
Cort: I got a night off?
T.Y.: Exactly. And if you actually did step in and face us, you woulda been the one taking the Bingo Punch!
Elliot: Or hearing One Thousand Voices!
T.Y.: Matter of fact, me and Elliot have been talking… we didn’t feel like waiting for an official matchup. We wanted to see how many ways your neck can bend… right here, right now!
Cort begins to look around, nervously, as the Lost Boys approach the ring. Suddenly, a fan jumps the barricade and slides into the ring!
Cort whips around, fist cocked to deck the intruder, who throws up his hands as if to say “hold on!” The fan removes his baggy hoodie… revealing the luxurious locks of Justin Jehst!
The crowd pop at the reveal of a true fan-favorite… but whose side is he on!
Jehst: Whoa there, hold on… I’m here to help.
Cort looks as if he’s about to utter a snappy comeback before he shrugs and plasters a smug smirk over his previously-worried face, slick as Paula Deen sliding downhill on a raft of melting butter.
Cort: A surprise, to be sure… but a welcome one! Fancy a go now that the odds are even?
The Lost Boys have stopped their menacing advance, glancing at each other and conferring on the ramp.
T.Y.: You know, I already beat you around the ring, Jehst! And tonight K.D falls like the big log he is! Whatchu got? Really?
TY looks as if he’s ready to head into the ring, but Parker puts a hand on his chest.
Elliot: Discretion is the better part of valour, Sparks. I need to be well-rested and prepared for taking the big man down a peg or two… let’s not waste the time taking on their mega-powered egos.
TY looks at Elliot doubtfully, but nods.
T.Y.: We’ll be back. Anytime. Anywhere! And you won’t see it comin’!
T.Y. waves sarcastically as the two men turn and head back up the ramp, the crowd’s attention turning to the two men in the ring.
Jehst: Cort, I know what you’re thinking. What am I doing here? Why am I helping you?
Cort: You know Justin, that is a great question. First intelligent thing you’ve said in years.
Jehst: Ha ha. We can play the back-and-forth game all night, but in Hollywood we know time is money, so I’ll keep it quick. First of all. I don’t like you. You’re an arrogant, xenophobic, unsposrtsmanlike jackass!
The crowd pops, clearly in agreement with Justin. Cort is unfazed.
Cort: Tell me something I don’t know!
Jehst: But you’re one of the only people taking this whole Kasstianity thing seriously, man! I thought I knew TY.
Jehst: He was a good kid. He had a bright future. And now he’s talking about breaking old bald men’s necks?
Cort snaps back:
Cort: I shave!
Jehst: Much like your merch… nobody’s buying that. POINT IS. We don’t have to get along. But you and I both know we can’t blow the lid on this thing alone… and your spooky friend Leo Grimm isn’t exactly reliable.
Jehst" So let’s make a deal… you don’t backstab me, I don’t backstab you… and we take Kasstianity down. That’s it, that’s all. Once it’s over, you and I can go our merry ways. Whatcha say?
Jehst offers his hand, which Cort looks down at. He hesitates, but extends his own and shakes while staring Jehst in the eyes. Both men seem to have a test of grip strength, and step a little closer, sizing each other up, before Cort smirks and pulls back.
Cort: The enemy of my enemy is my friend, huh?
Jehst: Friend is a strong word.
Cort: Heh.
Cort nods at Jehst and hops down out of the ring. He walks to the back with Jehst staring after him, a pensive look on his face.
ELSA HOLMBERG vs. LOTUS FLOJO
The cameras pan to the back as we can see Jim Black walking up to El Parca's locker room door. As Jim knocks on the door it swings open ever so quickly.
El Parca notices Jim and the camera crew and motions them in.
El Parca takes a seat on one of his chairs and, begins to unwind after his match with Damian Bourne.
El Parca: It's a pleasure to see you Jim! El Parca extends his hand to give Jim a handshake.
Jim also extends his hand and both men exchange a handshake.
Jim Black: You've been pretty busy since the last time you and I talked!
Jim Black: So first ya know I gotta know and all of our lovely fans gotta know.. what's next?
El Parca let's out a small sigh before answering..
El Parca: Honestly Jim.. there's a lot of places I can go from here. I can go and compete for the LHW championship, the Pride championship, any number of things honestly..
El Parca: BUT, the main thing that is on my mind right now is a rematch. I want to fight Wrex again. I was so so close to beating him at Anniversary that I can't let it go.
El Parca: Just so close Jim! El Parca puts his thumb and pointer finger together to show how close he almost beat Wrex.
Jim Black: Well with an unforgettable performance at the Pay-Per-View, a dominant showing tonight I'm sure sooner rather than later you will.
Jim Black: Tonight you were originally supposed to face The Last Black Smith and unfortunately he couldn't make it do you know why?
El Parca: Ahh ya know normal things. He got caught up with flights due to weather and all that other not so fun stuff.. It's a sha-
Jim Black cuts off El Parca as he puts his hand on his ear piece..
Jim Blacl: I'm sorry to interrupt Parca but I just got some breaking news! It is no confirmed for Turmoil 240 in the MAIN EVENT! The match that didn't happen here tonight will happen! El Parca vs TLBS!
El Parca: Great! My year ended great, now it started amazing, and it's only going up! First tonight and now I get to compete in my first Main Event! Now I know me and TLBS will both put on a show so I'm looking forward to it.
Jim Black: You seem to have gained the love of the OCW fanbase in such a short time, after putting on great match, after great match I can only tell you I am looking very forward to seeing your future!
El Parca chuckles a little bit..
El Parca: Thank you Jim it means the world to me. My main goal has and always is the same ever since I got here. I came to FIGHT! And that is what I will continue to do my friend.
Jim Black: El Parca it was a pleasure once again speaking with you. Let me get out of your hair so you can relax and truly unwind after your match. Thank you once again it was such a pleasure and good luck next week with TLBS!
El Parca: Jim.. always my friend thank you. It means a lot and I can't wait to keep going out there and putting on fights for all the fans across the world to love and see.
Both men give each other a handshake one more time as El Parca walks Jim and the camerman out of his locker room. As they say their parting words the cameras pan back towards the announcers desk..
ELLIOTT PARKER. /w B17
vs
K'DANGELO
The camera cuts to a familiar door to the OCW faithful. The door that typically held the entrance to the Uncrowned locker room is now devoid of any sign that previously indicated that it did.
The camera moves into the door and reveals Antonio Everrett sat down on the floor leant up against a wall: Doc’s wall.
It’s a strange sight; while Antonio’s side of the locker room is still full with his gear and equipment, Doc’s side is now completely empty.
The left trouser leg on Everrett’s jeans is rolled up. A doctor is by his side inspecting his leg after the altercation previously in the night.
Doctor: You’re lucky your knee hasn’t sustained any further damage, Antonio. Just because we cleared you to compete, that doesn’t mean we recommend you make any reckless decisions that would put you in harm’s way unnecessarily.
Antonio: I wouldn’t say I’m putting myself unnecessarily in danger to be honest with you. I know exactly what I’m getting myself into. I need to see him be held accountable for his actions.
Doctor: And you will eventually, but if you do more stupid things like that and we simply won’t clear you, for your own good.
Antonio: Hey, if you don’t clear me it’s not gonna be for my good, it’ll be for his.
Doctor: Hm, well, we’ll see about that…
Antonio furrows his brow and glares at the doctor. The room falls into an awkward silence as the doctor finalises his inspection on Everrett’s knee.
Doctor: Alright, well, I think you’re good to go… for now. You’re still cleared.. just about. Don’t do anything else stupid please.
Antonio begins getting up and making his way to his feet.
Everrett: Yeah sure no problem, nothing stupid at all-
There’s a sudden knock on the door. Everrett stops moving and stares expectantly at the door, not speaking a word. The door slowly creaks open and an OCW official steps cautiously into the locker room.
OCW Crew: I’ve, um, got a message from the General Manager Tiberius Dupree. Um, I think it’s for you.
The official reveals a rather elaborate looking note and holds it out towards Everrett. Antonio carefully takes the letter and reads it to himself.
Antonio: Still not on speaking terms, huh? Alright, I’ll go home, but you tell Dupree if he doesn’t keep his promise and he doesn’t give me my match, then we’re gonna have an issue, again.
With that, Everrett hands the note back to the official. He gathers up what little he brought with him and heads out of the locker room.
