Backstage, Harri Etiquette and Ashley Moore are standing around, waiting to make their entrance.
Ashley: -Anyway, it’s just important we present ourselves well, you know? Make sure we’re on the same page about branding, how we come out to the ring-
Harri is staring straight forward, her eyes glazed over as she quietly starts humming her own entrance theme.
Ashley: Are you listening?
Harr:i Hmm? Yeah! I’ve got it all figured out, easy! We’ve got a great song, it goes like this:
Harri takes a deep breath, but Ashley interjects;
Ashley: You’re gonna sing your own song, aren’t you?
Harri: How did you know?
Ashley smirks.
Ashley: But first we’ve got to focus, Harri, if this match is anything like what happened with Evelyn last show-
Harri: Yeah, yeah, yeah, that beating people up shit’s your thing, you can do whatever. All’s I know is when we come out to that ring, people are gonna be on their fuckin’ feet singing ’Etiquette, Etiquette, Etiquette’.
Ashley does not look impressed. The two exchange a blank stare.
Ashley: Are you sure about that?
Harri: You don’t like my song?
Ashley: I wouldn’t say that I like your song.
Ashley puts a large grin on her face.
Ashley: I freaking love it.
Ashley starts humming Harri’s theme song and quickly after Harri starts singing at the top of her lungs, ready for when they enter the stage singing ”Etiquette, Etiquette, Etiquette”
OWEN stands in the arena backstage area in front of a bland wall. No microphone, and no tag team partners occupying his flanks.
OWEN: Cort Marshall. You took offence to my rescuing you from El Parca. Ok. That's your prerogative. You want to downplay my role in the ascension of SANCTUM becoming Unified OCW World Tag Team Champions. Ok. Again, that's your prerogative. You say that to become OCW's new ring general then I have to go through you...
I accept. That's my prerogative.
OWEN emphasises my with a deeper intonation subtly demonstrating the shift in approach. Before, it was light-hearted and reflective; now, his words sound deliberate and intentional.
OWEN: Tonight I step into the squared circle with K'Dangelo. I have no illusions about the task in front of me. There is a reason why he is a Hall of Famer.
OWEN:
A reason why he challenged Ijitu Quartz for the OCW World Heavyweight Championship in the summer. I am not blind to that.
OWEN: I have one request, Cort. Watch my match tonight. Take special care when you do. I am going to step into this ring, put my best foot forward and show what I can do because I'm not scared of K'Dangelo.
OWEN:
I'm not scared by his reputation and I'm not intimidated by the resiliency he shows in his matches. I don't care how big he is or how imposing or how physically strong... he will feel my powerbomb.
I'll see you around, Cort.
OWEN doesn't even acknowledge the camera as he walks away offscreen and the camera fades to the next segment.
TAG TEAM TURMOIL DEBBIE D. & MINA V.
vs.
MOORE ETIQUETTE
The segment opens with Stacy Clark standing with Colin Locke in the backstage area.
The atmosphere is a bit more relaxed than usual, with background noise in the halls as members of the OCW roster chatter, hang around, and probably try and get free Fanta from the vending machine, excited after the success of the 17th Anniversary show.
The two are mid-conversation, and we join them as Colin finishes a thought.
Colin: -And that's why I prefer to- Oh, hi!
Colin seemingly notices the camera, and the pair look into it, ready to start the segment.
Colin: I didn't see you there, guy with what looks like 20 tonnes of AV equipment. Proper inconspicuous, I tell you.
Stacy gives Colin an aside glance and he shrugs.
Colin: I had a feeling the 'invading cameraman' intro wouldn't work. Anyway, I'll let you do your thing.
Stacy: Thank you, as you can all see, I'm here with Colin Locke, hot off of his huge win against El Primero, El Parca at the OCW's 17th Anniversary! Colin, how are you feeling, do you have anything to share about the match?
Colin takes a moment to collect his thoughts.
Colin: Man, it feels like I should be really hyped, going 'Oh wow, big win, I can't wait to see where my career goes from here', but, truth be told, it doesn't feel like that at all.
Colin:
El Parca is still a serious competitor, I said he wasn't who he used to be, but he's still not to be underestimated, beating him the way I did is definitely huge for me, and it does show that I'm not to be underestimated myself. That said, though, I can't tell you it feels good.
Stacy raises an eyebrow in concern.
Stacy: What do you mean by that?
Colin: I've never called that kid El Primero and I never will, because my friend, El Parca, he's still under that mask somewhere. Beating down a friend never feels good, and while I was doing it, I realised that it wasn't just him, I wasn't the same person I was a year ago.
Colin:
Now, next week, I've got a hell of a match, we've got Colby, and I've seen what he's like first hand, we've got Tobin Frost, and, one of my favourite new guys on the scene, Harris Turner.
Stacy: Harris Turner, who, of course, was defeated by the International Champion, Maxx Edwards, and you know first hand how tough a match that must've been!
Colin: Absolutely. Now, back in my rookie year, Parca taught me a lot, but in that match, I think he still taught me something. If I wanna be winning big matches like that more often, I've got to be better.
Colin:
Maybe more skilful, maybe I've gotta do more for the fans in attendance that scream 'SCOOP!' with me every time I'm in the ring, maybe I've just got to make sure that none of this stuff goes to my head. Either way, Scoop Season has to continue this year.
Colin:
I wanna get to the top, and I want everyone out there with me every step of the way, and I want to do it without any house of straw big-money bullshit, because that's exactly the kind of stuff I need to stand against.
Colin:
Thanks, Stacy, have a great night, and everyone out there, til I see you next week, we'll keep it under Locke & Key. See you all soon!
Colin gestures to the camera, and the two head in separate directions as the scene fades out, ending the segment.
Baxter is seen in the parking lot next to his boatmobile having a bit of rum as Stacy Clark approaches who is still a bit shaken up from earlier.
Stacy:(Asserts herself) Chris Baxter, once again congratulations on being in this years Hall of Fame inductees. Last week, we had a little spat with Hyper Mantis Red. I would like your thoughts on each of them
Baxter laughs
Baxter:Mantis, I'm happy for you. You have found this path and are trying to be ruthless. You put your former mentor through a flaming table ACCENDI. Sorry Matteo, I know that's your shtick but it's just fun to say. ACCENDI!
Baxter laughs and poses
Baxter: He's now back, he may have his eyes on someone else, but Mantis, Matteo aint the only salty dog that knows how to use a table. There's a reason why table matches with me are walk the plank matches. By the way you disrespected me last week, I may dust off the old plank, and put you through her.
Baxter takes a swig of rum
Baxter: And Karmine, thanks for the assist last week, had you not disappeared later in the night, we would of had a drink, I think I saw McCallum drink enough pints to fill a fish tank that night, that man can drink with the best of us. But Karmine, Raises his rum A toast to your career. may it be long and eventful.
Baxter finishes his bottle of rum
Baxter: And about the hall of fame. I must say, I'm honored. I haven't been around for almost 8 years when i returned, and I'm welcomed back with open arms AND put in the Hall of Fame for my troubles. I am truly humbled by the kindness I've received and it bring a tear to me eye.
Baxter wipes his face and lets out a big sniff
Baxter: I'm only crying cause I'm out of rum. Baxter quickly smiles To the fans, management, and everyone who has supported me every step of the way, thank you.
Baxter bangs to the bow of his boatmobile
Baxter: Avast you salty mutts! lower the rope, we have drink to obtain. Stacy as always, it's been fun
A rope lowers as Baxter grabs ahold of it and is hoisted up to his ship. He tips his hat to Stacy as we fade to black
