The Good Shepherd takes a mic and taps it to make sure it is one. He walks around a little looking out to the crowd before speaking.
Shep: Well damn this is kind of awkward. Having to come out here in front of all of you as the hand picked rookie of some people we aren’t going to talk about anymore.
Shep: It’s funny how I’ve been here for almost one year and I thought I had made it. Linking up a crew to shoot me to the moon. But all it got me was sitting here with figurative egg on my face.
Shep toss the mic in the air and catches it behind the back without looking. He smiles and continues.
Shep: Still go it, haha. But here I am back to being the forgotten rookie of the bunch. Been here a little less longer than Wrex but I’m still a rookie. Been here longer than Ricky don’t get any love.
Shep holds his arms out.
Shep: I’m not gonna take up anymore time than I need. You all just need to know that The Good Shepherd is here now and as long as this body can handle it. So Tubs and Salmon Coat, and whoever else pulls the strings. Don’t forget about me.
Shep: Either way I’m going to lead you where I want
Shep hands the mic to the ring announcer as he heads to the back.
***
Jimmy Henry walks through the Turmoil Arena with his gym bag slung over 1 shoulder. Following his defeat to rookie Jack Rogue, he is keen to make a quick exit, so as to avoid bumping into any old familiar faces. As he slips out a fire exit he realises he has wandered into the outdoor waste disposal yard of the arena, which appears entirely caged in. Jimmy spots a door in the cage at the opposite side of the yard, and hastily walks towards it.
As he makes his way across the yard, he trips over a box labelled “UNSELLABLE MERCH - DISPOSE OF”. Jimmy opens the box to find its full of replica yellow builder’s hat with the distinguishable red BD monogram on the side. Jimmy allows himself a moment as a lonely single tear rolls down his left cheek, before he drops the box and it contents, and disappears into the night...
The camera pans to the announce team.
So much going on tonight.
Everyone is trying to make their mark.
As the scene fades in we see Jehst and Barry patiently watching the monitor in the Jehst Cave as “Gregory” follows the ProPharma truck.
Jehst: Can’t be far away now, surely.
Almost on cue the truck pulls into what looks like a laboratory facility; big white painted buildings, bright lights, etc. The truck waits for a large roller door to open before driving inside.
Jehst: This is the place Barry. Write down that address; we’re going to infiltrate this place and shut down whatever it is my mother has cooking in there. People, chemistry, my mother the highly educated biologist…something’s definitely not right here.
Barry: You’re right, Master Jehst, this doesn’t seem right at all. Those people they’ve taken in there need to be rescued. Perhaps we go to the Police to solve this?
Jehst: No, no cops, Barry, they won’t believe us without any evidence. I need to get in there, take some pictures, get something we can work with. The sooner she’s back in a padded cell the better.
Barry: As you wish, Justin. I’ll prepare the necessary gear for the operation.
Jehst: Thanks, Barry.
Justin gets up from his chair and walks away from the monitor to get himself prepared as the camera stays still and slowly zooms in before stopping once the ProPharma logo on the building is full screen. The scene then fades to black.
The camera pans to the announce team.
It don't trust this man.
Neither do I.
Thomas Archer vs CJ O'Donnel
The camera pans to the announce team.
What a contest.
He showed us something tonight.
The air smells of sweat and progress. There is nothing particular about this wrestling gym, except that it has existed for as long as I could remember. The moment I was old enough to run my father had me racing up it’s many flights of stairs to reach its location to train.
It is simply known as “The Tower” by the other students training over the years. Students of different sizes, races, cultures and creeds have ran it’s ropes or bumped on its canvas. Yet none of them call it home, none of them will inherit its legacy. That belongs solely to me, Tekhanu Jr, Son of the Tower...
Tekhanu: Again!
My father shouts as a heavy handed student delivers a stiff knife edge chop to my already heavily welted chest.
Tekhanu: Again!
Another knife edge chop, that would make the count a clean 100.
Tekhanu: Break! Now lockhorns!
I do as my father commands and lock up with the other student who even outweighs me, although I’m at 6’3” and 260 plus pounds. The motion is fluent and effortless, I’ve only been doing this my entire childhood.
Tekhanu: Chain!
I float behind putting the burly student in a hammerlock, he reverses into a side headlock.
Tekhanu: Now push!
I quickly slide out the side headlock and push him into the ropes. Before my father can shout another command I deliver a strong shoulder block to my opponent, he takes the easy bump.
Tekhanu: Very nice son….take five Brick.
Brick nods and exits the ring heading for the antique water cooler. My father puts his arm around me once I reach his corner.
Tekhanu: Remember the basics when you debut.
My eyes nearly pop out of my mask. I can feel the proud smile under my father’s legendary mask.
Tekhanu Jr.: Debut!? Really?!
Tekhanu: Yes son, I have gotten you a tentative rookie contract with Online Championship Wrestling.
Butterflies of excitement flutter in my stomach, I’ve dreamed of wrestling for a real promotion everyday for 18 years. Now that dream is finally a reality.
Tekhanu Jr.: I can’t believe it! You know I’m ready, and I will make you proud!
Tekhanu: Of course you will wrestling is in you blood, this is your destiny…
My father embraces me me strongly, the burning welts on my chest are nothing compared to the fire now in my heart.
Tekhanu: Now back to work boy!
As he utters those words Brick returns to the ring, we resume training as if it’s just another day in The Tower.
***
The scene opens to the apartment that Cheryl has been sharing with Danny since he arrived at the OCW. Accompanying the two are Riley and Gene who are not quite understanding what is happening.
As soon as Cheryl finished packing, she decided to reveal the reason she had called the girls there. She stopped, straightened her ponytail as usual and says:
Cheryl: I'm leaving you...
Danny: ...What?! Are you going crazy?
Cheryl: Oh, yeah, I’m sorry... Danny is leaving you too!
Cheryl’s face was lit up with refreshing enthusiasm while Riley and Gene stood there with perplexed faces around her.
Cheryl: But it’s for this week only... Of course. Well, maybe more, I don’t know yet.
Riley and Gene both exhale with sighs of relief….
Gene: This chick…. And what's the reason? Capo is needing me Stixx... Why did you bring us here like it was life and death?
Riley interjects…
Riley: I have an important match today, against your best friend!!... And you decide to take a vacation?
Cheryl: Exactly! And you girls are going to be just fine!! I'm sure...
Cheryl: Anyway, you two must remember that you met me at a time in my life when I was living on champagne surrounded by Las Vegas’ high society.
Riley: I don’t know if I can say that we knew each other at the time, but I do remember you...
Gene: Yes girl, we had so much fun! Good times, I miss Vegas….
Cheryl: Bitch, you miss dem strippers!!
Gene starts to twerk in the direction of Cheryl. The 4 all laugh as Danny starts spanking Gene and throwing pocket change.
Riley: Me too.
Cheryl: Well, what you may not know yet is that one of the reasons I'm here at OCW is because my family has been through some financial difficulties…
Gene: Girl, why didn't you tell me. Capo is strapped!! How much ya need???
Cheryl: Thanks Gene, but I received an extremely generous amount of money last week, due to some contacts and agreements I made in the past.
Cheryl: And that's why I need to be away this week. Danny and I are going to Vegas to solve a lot of my dad's problems with certain people...
Riley: ...And you're never coming back. If you only came here because you were broke, now that you’re rich again, you will go back to old habits. That won’t help you or your family Cheryl.
Cheryl: Riley, my dear, I’ve received a generous amount but I’m still far from taking my family completely out of bankruptcy. These things take time, this is just the kickoff.
Danny: It's also important for you to know that Tixx will not be able to engage in fighting for a week or two, because of som---
Cheryl: ROUTINE PROCEDURES! No big deal Danny! You're such a blabber, girls please, you don’t have to worry about it.
Cheryl: Well girls, I know you guys have a lot to do today so I'm going to let you go.
Cheryl: I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be here for some days, but anything you need just call Danny and he'll help you. I'll probably be too busy.
Gene: Okay, I really need to go now, Capo needs me. But good luck on the trip, Tixx. Take care of her Danny!
Riley: I wonder what these "routine procedures" would be, but I think I'll end up finding out anyway. Well, have a good trip!
Cheryl: Thank you girls, see you later!
Danny: Bye girls, I'll bring you some goodies!
Danny escorts the two women to the door...
Cheryl: You talk too much... I don’t know how you survived so long as a friend of my family, really.
Cheryl spoke in an almost menacing tone as Danny closed the door after the guests had left.
Danny: Sorry, I just got carried away with the revelation moment. It was no big deal Tixx...
Cheryl: I decide what is a big deal or not, let it not be repeated. Now walk, our car shouldn’t be long.
Danny: You're not even going to tell me what's inside the envelope that Troy guy gave you, right?
Cheryl: I already told you, it's money. A lot of it! And I thought I just told you to be more careful with your tongue Danny. And I keep seeing the bags here...
Danny rolled his eyes, sighed, and began to carry the luggage as Cheryl had requested, leaving her alone in the living room.
Cheryl asked herself with a laugh...
Cheryl: Wow...Who would have thought luck would smile at me again so soon …
